Corning
Melvin Reed "Blackie" "Doc" Beemer, age 91, of Corning died of cardiac arrest on Monday, April 5, 2010, at the Creighton University Medical Center.
He was born November 10, 1918, to George E. and Jessie (Whipple) Beemer on the family farm near Gravity. He attended the Gravel Point Country School and graduated from Gravity High School in 1935. He enrolled at Iowa State College in the fall of 1936 and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Melvin graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1941.
He purchased the Adams County veterinary practice of Dr. J. R. Hogan in December of 1941. "Doc" Beemer conducted his veterinary practice in Adams and Taylor Counties for 45 years retiring January 1, 1986. He married ISU graduate, Marney Scott, of Longview, WA on July 30, 1942.
Doc was a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, and was a charter member of the Corning Rotary Club. He enjoyed the hard work of a large animal veterinarian and treasured the many special friendships with the farm families in the rural community. All of his life, Doc enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling the world visiting his wayward children.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Marney, and his children: Barbara Moritz of Lightning Ridge, Australia; Lynne Halterlein (husband PJ) of Santa Barbara, CA; Gayle Ludtke-Beemer (Detlev) of Wachbach, Germany; Scott Beemer (Jan) of Colorado Springs, CO.; and Polly Wellman (Bob) of Denver, CO. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Justin and Scott Halterlein; Laura and Allen Ludtke; Scotty Beemer; Ella, Mary Margaret, and Jay Wellman and one great grandchild, Ella Joyce Halterlein. Surviving him are many relatives and friends. Doc was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jessie Beemer, and his sister, Dorothy Jean Rainforth.
A celebration of Doc's life will be held Saturday, June 26, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Corning. All of his family, friends and acquaintances are invited. Please bring your favorite story to share.
Memorials may be made in Doc's honor to the United Methodist Church in Corning or the Corning Public Library.
HAROLD E. BROKAW 
West Des Moines
Harold Brokaw, age 79, died Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. He was born October 10, 1930 in the southwestern community of Lenox to Charles and Annetta Mae (Jones) Brokaw and attended school in Lenox, where he was active in sports and graduated with the Class of 1949. He was a member of Lenox Methodist Church. After high school, Harold attended Simpson College in Indianola, which was interrupted by his military service with the US Army from 1952-1954. While on active duty, he was stationed in Japan with the 1st Cavalry MP Company. After his discharge, Harold returned to Simpson College, graduating with a BA in Business Administration.
In 1969, Harold married Connie (Stone) Mihall in Des Moines and they divorced in 1978. Harold worked many years with the US Small Business Administration in Des Moines, retiring in 1995. He always wanted everyone to be successful. After retirement, he kept busy working several part-time jobs until ill health caused him to quit last fall. Harold loved to laugh and socialize with old and new friends. He had a passion for fishing, Drake Bulldog basketball, Florida Gators football, and his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Charles, Walter, and Frank Brokaw; and his sister, Lucille Roe. Harold is survived by his son, Kevin Brokaw of Newton; step-son, John Mihall of Texas; step-daughter, Deborah Mihall of Florida; daughter-in-law Krista Brokaw of Urbandale; grandchildren, Brock, Kynlee, Marlee, Kylika, and Maison; sisters, Lois (Alvin) Brown of Lenox, Catherine Gavend of Colorado; brothers, Glen (Elizabeth) Brokaw, and Paul (Marilyn) Brokaw, both of Lenox; sisters-in-law, Susy Brokaw and Kate Brokaw; brother- in-law, Dean Roe; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, followed by a time of gathering and fellowship. Interment will follow in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, IA.
Memorials may be made for his grandchildren’s education fund in care of Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to caldwellraddatz.com.
RALPH E. COULTHARD
Grimes
Ralph Elmer Coulthard, 82, passed from this life on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Monday, August 9, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes, where the family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service Monday. Interment will take place at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes.
Ralph was born on October 16, 1927, in Taylor County, IA, to Lewis Robert and Josephine Margaret (Kuefner) Coulthard. He was an army veteran of the Korean Conflict serving as corporal in France until he was honorably discharged. On August 6, 1955, Ralph married Dorothy Blake in Clearfield, IA until their divorce in 1970. Shortly after their marriage he adopted her daughter, Judith. He farmed and lived in Taylor County until 1959, when he moved to Grimes. For 27 years Ralph was employed in the Production Research Department with Pioneer Seed Company, retiring on September 1, 1986. In his earlier years, Ralph was a talented roller skater and bowler. In his retirement he enjoyed woodworking.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Judith (Evan) Bartelt of Waukee; three grandchildren, Joy (Shawn) Watson of Westminster, CO, and Kara (Michael Chung) Bartelt and Brian (Marta Costello) Bartelt both of Los Angeles, CA; one great-granddaughter, Audrey Bartelt Chung and several cousins. In 1975 he met his dearest friend, Nadine Britson of Dallas Center and was very close to her children, Dennis Britson of Des Moines and Diane Britson of Killeen, TX. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Dietrich Coulthard; and one great-grandson, Riley Sterling Watson.
The family has respectfully requested that any memorials be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes, of which he was a member.
RALPH WELLER
Bedford
Ralph Edwin Weller passed quietly and bravely from this life September 2, 2010 surrounded by family at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA. He will be remembered for his strength, dignity, grace and courage.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Bedford United Methodist Church, Bedford, IA.
Ralph was born December 17, 1916 to Charles and Fannie Weller at the family farm home in Taylor County, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Ruth Elma Greenwood. To this union two children were born; Cathryn and Charles.
To say that he enjoyed farming is an understatement. He loved horses and was the last person in the neighborhood to quit working horses. He also enjoyed gardening, walnut woodworking, and reading TIME magazine. Ralph possessed a love of knowledge and passed this desire on to his children and grandchildren. He loved a good conversation. He had a warm smile, a gentle nature and a dry sense of humor. Ralph will be greatly missed by the many whose lives he touched; especially his family.
Ralph was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife, Ruth and two sisters Harriett Barchus and Ruby Woodyard. Left to honor and cherish his memory is his younger sister, Laura Plambeck, daughter, Cathryn Weller of Des Moines, son Charles (Louise) Weller of Bedford, Iowa. Daniel Weller, grandson, Laura (Nathan) Kooyman, granddaughter and many other family and friends.
Ralph’s family would like to acknowledge and send a special thank you to Dr. Mirsky, Dr. Archer and the entire staff of the Taylor House Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ralph to the Bedford Methodist Church, Taylor House Hospice or to the American Red Cross.
Sun City West, AZ
Robert Dean Liles of Sun City West, Arizona, a son of Jay and Opal F. (Hazen) Liles was born July 22, 1932, in Thayer, Iowa. He departed this life on March 4, 2011, in Surprise, Arizona.
On July 22, 1955, he married Anne Louise Jackson in Bedford, Iowa. To this union, were born two children, Catherine Ann San Pablo of Overland Park, Kansas, and Curtis Dean Liles of Champaign, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter, Catherine and husband, William; son, Curtis and wife, Paula; six grandchildren, Stephen, Michelle, Benjamin, Sara, Timothy, and Caitlyn; brother, Ronald Jay Liles of Des Moines, Iowa; three sisters, Lorraine Reasoner of Mount Ayr, Iowa, June Rinehart of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Iola Wernli of Perry, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Shirley Liles of Norwalk, Iowa. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Myrtelle; and brothers, Hazen and George Liles.
He was a US army veteran of the Korean War and was active in Veteran Organizations and Freemasonry. He was a Past Commander of McLean County Chapter No. 60 Disabled American Veterans and a member of American legion Post 56 and Am Vets Post 270; all of Bloomington, Illinois.
Masonic affiliations were: Past Master of Arts and Crafts Lodge No. 1017, A.F. and A.M. of Illinois, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Bloomington, Past High Priest of Bloomington Chapter no. 26, R.A.M., Past Illustrious master Bloomington Council No. 43, C.M., Past Commander of DeMolay Commandery No. 24, K.T., all of Bloomington, Illinois, Illinois Past Commanders Association, Central Illinois York Rite College No. 42., The Philaethes Society, Illinois lodge of Research, Mohammed Temple A.A.O.N.N.S. of Peoria, Illinois, McLean County Shrine Club, Bloomington, Illinois, Earl of Torell Council No. 24, Knight masons of the USA, Springfield, Illinois and Felicity Chapter No. 387, O.E.S. of Normal, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospitals. Services are entrusted to Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary. Online condolences may be made to www.sunlandmemorial.com
Johnston
Lena, 93, passed on December 21, 2011 at Taylor House in Des Moines. She was born June 27, 1918 in Taylor County, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob and Cora Jackson.
Lena is survived by her daughter, Alice (Wes) Thompson of Adel; grandchildren: Kurtis (Deb) Thompson and Kristine (Steve) Christenson; and her great-grandchildren: Bethany and Leigha Christenson.
No services are planned at this time.
17 November 1964
EMMA PERKINS
Funeral services for Emma Perkins, 89, of 12 S. Orange St., who died Sunday, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Perl Funeral Home. The Rev. D. E. Millard, pastor of the New Age Church at Eagle Point, will officiate. Interment will be in Siskiyou Memorial Park.
Mrs. Perkins was born Feb. 28, 1875, near Bedford, in Taylor County, Iowa. She was the daughter of John W. and Sarah Dunlap.
She had lived in Medford for the past 40 years, and was a member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. She was married to James Perkins in Wallace, Kans.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edna Chappell, Rio Vista, Calif., three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Donald Straight, 70, of 2011 W 3rd Street Extension in Boone, [Iowa] passed away at his home on Tuesday afternoon, September 18, 2012.
He was born on June 18, 1942, in Bedford, Iowa the son of Vernon and Jessie (Nickle) Straight.
Don graduated from Clearfield High School in 1960. Following his education, Don served his country in the United States Army, part of which he spent in Vietnam. After returning home from the service, Don went to work for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, now known as the Union Pacific Railroad, as a brakeman and later as a conductor.
On June 12, 1987, he married Marilyn Gregory Johnson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone.
Don enjoyed working in the yard on their acreage and watching the deer come through the yard as well as feeding and watching the birds.
He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing cards, going to the Boone Speedway every Saturday night, watching the NASCAR races and the Chicago Cubs, along with eating ice cream. Don loved playing checkers with Jake and Taylon and spent time reading books to Ashley and Kelby when they were little.
He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, United Transportation Union, the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees (NARVRE) and the VFW in Boone.
His parents; Marilyn's parents; a sister-in-law, Linda Allen; and his niece, Beverly Mintken preceded him in death.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Marilyn; sister Patricia Straight of Holmen, Wisconsin; nephew David Otradovec and wife Robin of Denver, Colorado; niece Terry Hanson and husband Steve of Bangor, Wisconsin; three step-children Brad Johnson and wife Sharron of Galena, Missouri, Laurie Engleen and husband Troy of Ogden, Iowa, and Kerry Weeces and husband Justin of Ames, Iowa; four step-grandchildren Ashley Johnson, Kelby and Taylon Engleen and Jacob Weeces; two step-great-grandchildren Ian and Kyler Dreeszen; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Services will be held on Saturday morning, September 22nd at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone with Pastor Lindsay Watkins officiating.
Following the service, his body will be cremated.
Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. with the family present during that time to greet friends, and again Saturday morning at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the family
Online condolences may be made to www.starkwelin.com
Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements.
Andrews, Harvey Emmett
Published November 29, 1961
The Mail Tribune
Medford, Jackson County, Oregon
HARVEY E. ANDREWS
Funeral services for Harvey Emmett Andrews, 83, of 891 Marshall Ave., who died Tuesday, will be held at Conger-Morris downtown chapel Thursday at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Roland Stewart of the Free Methodist church will officiate. Committal will be in Siskiyou Memorial park.
Mr. Andrews was born June 29, 1878, in New Market, Iowa, and had lived in southern Oregon for the past 32 years. He was married Oct. 15, 1899 in Sioux City, Iowa to Ada E. Burgin, who survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Raymond W. Andrews, Stevensville, Mont.; and Emmett H. Andrews, Medford; two daughters, Mrs. Gilbert Johnson and Miss Grace E. Andrews, both of Medford; a sister, Mrs. Theodore Dale, Washougal, Wash.; and three grandchildren.
Pallbearers will include Clarence Arnold, Floyd Shroyer, Ralph Harger, Everett Malott, Eivind Nelson, and Roy Kyle.
[Note from Linda - daughter, Grace (b. 1907), never married and died here in 1981. Her brother, Emmett (b. 1911) also died here in 1994.
Des Moines, Iowa
Published Feb 10 2013
Des Moines
Jeffrey S. Hixson, 55, died February 7, 2013 at Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwalk.
Jeffrey was born July 30, 1957 in Bedford, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Flora Hixson. He lived in Des Moines most of his life. Jeffrey worked as a Language Analyst for Quester for 15 years. Jeffrey suffered a massive stroke in 2009.
No services will be held. Private burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.
Des Miones
Erma Wilson, 93, passed away Saturday May 25, 2013, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines. She was born December 30, 1919 to Grover and Cordie Mohler in Bedford, IA.
Erma was a 40 year member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and has been attending church services at Scottish Rite for the past several years. She enjoyed going to the theater, traveling, singing, dancing, and the Christmas season.
Erma is survived by her son, Terry (Carolyn) Wilson; grandchildren, Scott Wilson, Brent Wilson, Todd Wilson, and Andrew Wilson; great-grandchildren, Cosette, Sophie, Caleb, and Elijah; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Wilson; son, Rod Wilson; one brother; and five sisters.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Animal Rescue League.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Laura attended Iowa State Teachers College and taught in the Prescott and Gravity schools. In 1941, Laura married her high school sweetheart, Corwyn Hicks. After Corwyn's service in the war, they moved to Indianola and opened Sunset Florists in 1948. A daughter, Linda Kay, joined the family the following year.
During her lifetime, Laura was active in her community. She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star, First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Business and Professional Women, Lioness Club, Federated Women's Club, Daughters of the Nile , Kiwanis, Friends Night Out and Indianola Chamber of Commerce. Laura volunteered for the Warren County Cancer Society, Hospice, National Balloon Museum, Indianola Concert Association, and SCORE. She delighted in being Indianola's Mrs. Santa Claus for a number of years and participating in local Carousal Theater productions.
Laura earned the Simpson College Achievement Award for Distinguished Service, Outstanding Unit Volunteer Award from the Iowa Cancer Society, and Woman of the Year by the Indianola Business and Professional Women's Club.
Laura is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years Corwyn Hicks, daughter, Linda Kay, husband of 9 years, Herb Plambeck, her parents, two sisters, Harriett Barchus and Ruby Woodyard, brother, Ralph Weller, and niece Eleanor Barnes. She is survived by her step-daughter, Mary Munger (Stan) of Sioux City, and nieces and nephews: Dennis Hicks (Louella), Neenah WI, Dwight Hicks (Pat), Indianola IA, Arlan Hicks, Gravity, IA, Cathy Weller, Des Moines IA, Charles Weller (Louise), Bedford IA, Dottie Freeland, Cedar Falls, IA and Eileen Mutch (Jim) Grundy Center IA.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Indianola with a visitation from 9:00 until service time at the church. Burial will be in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be given to Indianola First United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made to www.petersonfuneralservice.com
Charles Crawford was born on September 29, 1949 in Clarinda, Iowa to Dale and Mable Crawford. He died surrounded by his family on February 13, 2014 of complications from leukemia. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, at Heartland Presbyterian Church, 14300 Hickman Road in Clive.
Tom is survived by his wife Jane of Adel; sons, Tom of Coshocton, OH and David (Haley) of Grimes, IA; daughter, Sonya (Jeff) Ferguson of Adel, IA; brother, Mike of New Market, IA and sister, Katherine (Richard) Cahill of Bentonville, AR. He had five beautiful granddaughters, Kelsy, Kendra, Mikayla, Camryn and Khole.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Cecil. Tom grew up in Siam, IA and attended North Star Country School. He graduated from New Market Community High School in 1967 and married Jane the same year. Tom and Jane moved to Grimes in 1990 and then to Adel in 2003, where he resided at the time of his death. In 2012, Tom retired from the Bemis Company after 32 years of service but continued to spend time with his many friends from his former workplace.Tom loved spending time with his grandkids, whether it was attending sporting events or taking them on four-wheeler rides. He loved fantasy baseball, the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeye football, hunting and playing cards with his extended family. He enjoyed traveling with special friends, Fred and Connie Crawford, a favorite destination being the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18 at Iles Westover Chapel.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Central Iowa Shelter and Services or the Variety Club of Iowa. Online condolences may be shared at www.IlesCares.com.
Published in the Des Moines Register, Feb 15 2014
Garland Buxton
Lenox, Iowa
Garland J. Buxton, age 86, of Lenox passed away on February 10, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Garland was born on August 12, 1927, to Rolland and Ruth (Edwards) Buxton in Lenox. He attended Lenox Schools, graduation in 1945. After graduation he served two years, 1945-1947, in the United States Army, serving in World War II while being stationed in Anchorage, Alaska and Sandusky, Ohio.
Following his honorable discharge from the service he enrolled in college at Simpson College. While at Simpson he was a member of the ATO fraternity. He received his BA in education from Simpson. Garland continued his higher education at Drake University in Des Moines. While at Drake he earned his Masters in Education and also a Specialist degree. Garland spent most of his teaching career in Des Moines, teaching English at Brody and Goodrell Schools.
Garland is survived by his sister Katherine Ann (Cleatie) Devine, of Des Moines, Iowa; nephews Michael B. Devine LLM of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England and The Reverend Timothy P. Devine of Seattle, Washington. Many Buxton cousins and their families also survive.
Garland is preceded in death by his parents and great niece Lauren Devine. May God Bless all that knew and loved Garland. He will be greatly missed.
Services for Mr. Buxton were held Friday, February 14 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox, Iowa. Interment was held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.
Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox was intrusted with the arrangements for Garland Buxton
Lisle V. Young, long-time resident of Medford, Ore. passed away May 21, 2014 in Nampa, Idaho at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born July 9, 2014 at home near New Market, Iowa to Rev. E.D and Della Young. On June 2, 1938 he married Clarice A. Brown at her parent's home in Shambaugh, Iowa.
Before retirement, Lisle was a counselor for the State of Oregon Employment Office. He enjoyed reading, music, and for several years, walking 7 miles a day. He was a member of Medford First Church of the Nazarene and even helped build the present facility.
Lisle is survived by siblings, Nellie Noggles, Alta Sumida, and Paul Young; children, Harold (Linda) Young, Evelyn (Hugh) Friberg, Doris (Daniel) Berg, and Lee Lais; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. and Mrs. E.D. Young; his wife of 52 years, Clarice; and nephew, Gerald Sumida.
The family lived in Grinnell, IA for fifteen years. While in Grinnell, Maxine worked for the Swift Dairy and Poultry Plant and at Gross-Galesburg Glove Factory during WWII. In 1951, the family moved to Chariton, Iowa where Maxine worked at the J.C. Penny store for five years.
Maxine was very active in sports and loved basketball; a game she excelled in. During her senior year in high school she was a forward on the basketball team and played in the State Tournament. At the tournament that year she won the State Free Throw Championship, Making twenty out of twenty-five free throw shots. She was awarded the Henry HasBrouck Trophy for this victory. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and never missed a game on t.v. Everyone knew not to call her while the game was on as she would not be interrupted by the phone. Maxine also enjoyed dancing, country music, gardening, playing cards, and reading. After the children were all gone from home she took up golf and excelled at that game also. She carded a "hole-in-one" in 1987, won the ladies Senior Tournament in 1986 and she was a medalist in accomplishments in tournaments through the years.
Maxine loved family get togethers with all of her children and grandchildren. In later years, Maxine's vision diminished but she still maintained her own home and raised many beautiful flowers each year. In 2011, it became too difficult for her to live alone and safely continue to function trying to do all the things she still wanted to do and maintain. She moved to Westview Care Center in Indianola February of that year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edith Robinson, her husband, Glen; and two brothers, Hal and Doyle Robinson.
Maxine is survived by her six children, Glen H. (Betty) Allbee of Des Moines, Iowa, Barbara Jean Atha of Venice, Florida, Peggy Ann (Chuck) Hyde of Adel, Iowa, D. Marlene (Nile) Hall of State Center, Iowa, David Clark (Kathy) Allbee of Redfield, Iowa, and Carol Lynn (John) Clark of Johnston, Iowa. Also, her sister, Barbara Lou Colter of Ankeny, Iowa and one sister-in-lwa, Marie Allbee of Grinnell, Iowa, plus fourteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6-8p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the Fielding Funeral Home located in Chariton, IA. Funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Chariton Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chariton Senior Center or the Chariton Presbyterian Church.
Ankeny
Rex McMahill passed away on March 23 at the age of 91. He was born to Earl and Nella McMahill on April 30, 1923 in Bedford, Iowa. He graduated from Gravity High School and joined the U.S. Navy right after the start of W.W. II and spent 5 years on various ships in the Pacific theater. He married his high school sweetheart Marton Hayes in 1945. They had one son, Randy Rex.
In the early '50's he purchased the Chevrolet and Buick Dealership in Gladbrook, Ia. He later was appointed State Car Dispatcher and also Superintendent of Capitol Buildings and Grounds by then Governor Norman Erbie. Of the positions Rex held, the one he enjoyed most was his post-retirement decade as a Teacher's Associate at Ankeny High School. He took pride in helping Special Needs students with local work experience.
Rex is survived by his wife Marton, son Randy (Jan), granddaughters Lindsay (Josh) Zamzow, Margo (Geoff) Marler and great granddaughter Raiella Marler. He is survived by two younger brothers, a sister, relatives and friends. Two things special to Rex were spending time with his granddaughters as they were growing up and the game of golf. On May 31st, Rex and Marton would have celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
A private family memorial service will be held with burial of cremains at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Van Meter.
Published in the Des Moines Register, Mar 27 2015
Des Moines
Gary L. Clark, 76, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
Gary was born February 14, 1939 in Maryville, Missouri to Merine Marshall Clark. He grew up in Bedford, Iowa and graduated from Bedford High School. Gary received his Associates Degree in Criminology from DMACC. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was a retired sergeant with the Des Moines Police Department. Gary was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop #214. He was the head of security at Sec Taylor Stadium for the Iowa Cubs for many years. Gary was the co-founder of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Iowa III, where he held several offices, MWRC, also holding numerous offices. Along with his wife, he owned and operated Lasting Impressions T-Shirts Plus for 25 years, traveling throughout the United States. Gary was a member of the American Legion Post #0164 in Bedford, Iowa. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons.
Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie; children, Randy Clark, Nancy (Ralph) Ortiz and Dan Clark; grandchildren, Jennifer (Martin) Pierson, Kim (T.J.) Koep, Trever Clark, Crystal Ortiz, Sarah Ortiz and L.T. Clark; great-grandchildren, Hope and Julie Requeno and Benjamin Koep; sister, Kay (Jim) Bates; sister in-law, Beverly Swanson; and a host of extended family and friends.
Per his request, private family services will be held at a later date.
Keosauqua - Mary Hamblin Ovrom, 91, died at the Keosauqua Health Care Center June 20, 2018, from congestive heart failure.
Mary was born March 9, 1927, in Bedford, Iowa to Allen W. and Grace Sailor Hamblin. She married Arthur Paul Ovrom December 12, 1951 in Naples, Italy, where Art was serving in the U.S. Navy.
Mary graduated from Coe College in 1949, where she was co-editor of the college newspaper and president of Tri Delta sorority. She earned a Master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa in 1950. She worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer for several newspapers in Southeast Iowa, developing her own photos and hammering out multiple copies of stories on a manual typewriter. She also wrote a weekly newspaper column, "Around the Bend," for many years. Mary was president of the Iowa Press Women and won many awards for her writing, including one national award for her column.
Mary was a member of the Keosauqua Bridge Club and Chapter I P.E.O., moderator of the Keosauqua Congregational Church, and served on the Van Buren Hospital Board of Directors for 38 years. She did publicity for a number of community organizations, including the Van Buren Players and the Bentonsport Improvement Association.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Art, sister, Dora Jane "Dodie" Hamblin, brother Henry "Hank" Hamblin, granddaughter, Mary Ferretti, brothers-in-law Dick Perkins and John Manning, and sister-in-law Evelyn "Trink" Manning.
She is survived by her children Liza Ovrom and husband Mark Schuling of Des Moines, Fred Ovrom and wife Maureen Connolly of Iowa City, Jennie Ovrom Ferretti and husband David of Charleston, West Virginia, Dorothy "Dodie" Ovrom Jabour and husband John of Clive, and A. Paul Ovrom, Jr. and wife Stephenie of Des Moines; thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday June 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Keosauqua Congregational Church, with a memorial service at the church at 11:00 a.m. Pedrick Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Keosauqua Congregational Church, Van Buren County Hospital, or charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Dodie Jabour, 10571 Greenbelt Drive, Clive, Ia 50325.