Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 

[Ballard, Georgia Alice Handford]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     March 9, 1988    p. 6

Georgia Alice Ballard

Services for Georgia Alice Ballard, 94, were held March 3 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Ia. Mrs. Ballard died Feb. 29, 1988 in Mt. Ayr, Ia.

Georgia Alice Handford, daughter of James Handford and Georgia [Lee] Nelson Handford, was born near Eldridge, Mo., Oct. 19, 1893. She grew to maturity in the community where she was born where she attended the public school.

On February 3, 1910 she was united in marriage to William McClane [McClaine] Ballard at Eldridge, Mo. and they resided in that area until in the 1920s they moved to Fremont County, Ia., and in 1943 they moved to a farm in Taylor County, Iowa, where they resided as long as health permitted.

To this union six children were born: Ruby, Ralph, Georgia, June, Beulah and William Ballard, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband who died September 4, 1981; a son Ralph; five brothers and three sisters and six grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Georgia Cannon and husband Malcolm of Mt. Vernon, Mo., June Thiesen of Houston, Tx.; Beulah Higgins and her husband Frank of Creston, Ia.; and William Ballard, Jr. of Onawa, Ia.; 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

She loved the out of doors and enjoyed working in her garden and watching the results of her labor; she enjoyed handwork and quilting but was most happy when surrounded by her family. The good life she lived will be a cherished memory by her loved ones and all those who knew and loved her.

[Ballard, William McClaine “Mac”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      September 17, 1981      p. 4

Final Rites Held September 6 For William Ballard

Funeral services for William McClaine Ballard, 95, of Blockton, Iowa, held September 6 in the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Minister Bill Worthington. Mr. Ballard died September 4, 1981 in Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

William McClaine Ballard, son of John K. Ballard and Emma L.  [ouisa] (Taylor) Ballard, was born March 1, 1886 in Corkery, Missouri. He lived on a farm near Corkery and grew to maturity in the same area where he attended the public school and local country church.

On February 3, 1910 he was united in marriage to Georgia Alice Hardford [Handford] in Eldridge, Missouri and they lived in Missouri and Iowa.

To this union six children were born: Mrs. Alfred (Ruby) Seymour, Ralph (deceased), Mrs. Malcolm (Georgia) Cannon, Mrs. Jim (June) Thessen, Mrs. Frank (Beulah) Higgins and William, Jr.

He was engaged in farming.

Mr. Ballard was preceded in death by his son, Ralph, five sisters, three brothers and six grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Alice; five children; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one brother, E. K. Ballard, Bastrop, La.

Mr.   Ballard   was   a   kind and   considerate, hardworking man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Bell, Ora Alice Zollman]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 3, 1983

Ora Bell, 66 Last Rites Held In Blockton

Funeral services for Mrs. William (Ora) Bell, of Blockton, held January 20 in the Blockton Christian Church, were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Samuel J. Smith. Mrs. Bell died in her Blockton home January 17, 1983. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton.

Mrs. William (Ora) Bell died at her home in Blockton on January 17 at the age of 66 years after a long illness.

Ora Alice Zollman, second daughter of Frank A. [lexander] and Mabel [Clair] Severns Zollman, was born on October 27, 1916 at Logansport, Indiana. While Ora was very young the family moved to Iowa where they farmed until 1929 when they moved to Henry, Nebr. They moved back to Iowa in 1933.

When a young girl, Ora joined the Christian Church in Blockton where she remained an active member and taught a Sunday school class for many years and was active in Ladies Aide for as long as her health permitted.

She was graduated from Blockton High School in 1934 and attended teachers college in Maryville, Mo. She taught country schools in the area for four and one-half years.

She was united in marriage to William E. Bell on May 22, 1940 at Pickering, Mo. The couple made their home on a farm near Grant City, Mo. for seven years then moved to their farm near Blockton.

To this union were born three children: Maureen, (Scripter), of North Platte, Nebr., David of Lenox, Ia. and Mary Kay (Loutzenhiser) of Blockton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Clifford.

She is survived by her husband, William; three children; two sons-in-law; four grandchildren: Susan, Jane, Steve Scripter and Theresa Bell; two brothers, Albert of Alpine, Calif, and William of Perry; two sisters: Mildred Howell of Scottsbluff, Ne., Lenore King of Blockton and mother-in-law Mabel Bell of Grant City, Mo.

[Bell, William E., Jr.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       October 11, 1984

Services held for William E. Bell, Jr.

Services for William E. Bell, Jr., 67, Blockton, were held October 6 at the Blockton Christian Church conducted by Rev. Mel Smith and Rev. Carl Cummings. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Mr. Bell died October 2, 1984.

Jr. Bell, the oldest son of Robert and Mabel Cupitt Bell, was born November 28, 1917 in Worth County, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Ora Zollman on May 22, 1940 at Pickering, Mo. The couple made their home on a farm near Grant City, Mo. for seven years and then moved to their farm near Blockton, Iowa. To this union were born three, children---Maureen (Scripter) of Lexington, Nebraska, David of Lenox and Mary Kay Loutzenhiser of Blockton.

He is survived by his three children, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, Susan, Jane and Steve Scripter, and Theresa Bell. Also one brother, Jack, of Trenton, Mo.; four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife Ora, parents Robert and Mabel Bell.

He was an active member of the Blockton Christian Church as long as his health would permit. All who knew him will miss this good and faithful friend and Dad.

[Brice, Lois Marie]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      October 4, 1995     p. 5

Lois Marie Brice

Lois Marie Brice was born October 31, 1913 in Blockton, Iowa and departed this life September 26, 1995 in Omaha, Ne.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth.

Lois retired from Northwestern Bell in Omaha in 1974.

She is survived by many friends and cousins.

Services were held Thursday, September 28, 1995 at the Crosby-Swanson funeral Home, Omaha, Ne. Graveside services were held Friday, September 29, 1995 at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa.

[Brown, Betty Lou]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 13, 1946     p. 4

BLOCKTON

Brown Infant Dies

Betty Lou, infant daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brown Wednesday, May 29 at the Greater Community Hospital in Creston died the following day.

Short graveside services were held at Blockton cemetery Friday forenoon.

Surviving with the parents are two little sisters, Phyllis Ann and Bonita of the home; the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wyman of Maloy; the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Allie Brown of Blockton.

[Brown, Homer L. “Doc”]

Funeral services for Homer (DOC) Brown, age 88 of Bedford, who died Saturday, August 10, 2002 were held Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Ted DeHass officiating. Interment was held in the Prairie Rose [Rose Hill] Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in Doc's name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Homer L. (DOC) Brown was born April 12, 1914 in Civil Bend, Missouri the son of Charles Calvin Brown and Debby Ora Palmer Brown. He grew up attending rural schools and in 1929 his family moved to Randolph, Iowa for a year before moving to a farm south of Blockton.

He met Vera Hibbs and they were united in marriage on February 9, 1932 in Maryville, Missouri. To this loving union four children were born.

Farming was Doc's life and he embraced the hard work it involved. He could always be found in the companionship of a Rat Terrier dog, with "Jack" being his favorite; Doc was a quiet man who enjoyed his family and all of their activities. He went to Sheridan on Wednesday and Saturday nights, shooting a game of pool and being with his friends. Vera passed away in March of 1989 and Doc continued to live on the farm until ill health forced him to move to Bedford in 1999.

Doc is survived by three children, Billy Dale Brown and wife Donna of Clarinda Patsy Ruth Rowe and husband Wilber of Bedford and Donald Lee Brown and wife Patty of Clarinda a sister, Bessie Stitts of Jameson, Missouri a brother, Harry Dean Brown of Gravity twelve grandchildren thirty great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Doc in death are his parents Charles and Debby his wife Vera in 1989 a daughter Phyliss Jean, at infancy a brother Harold Brown and two sisters, Jesse Peterson and Cuma Combs.

[Brown, Kenneth Truman]

Kenneth Truman Brown, 90, Grant City, passed away Friday, April 20, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Mo.

Kenneth was born Nov. 2, 1916, the son of Allie and Hazel Brown at Blockton, Iowa. He was married to Virginia Lee Wyman Feb. 5, 1938 at Troy, Kan. She preceded him in death Oct. 28, 1996.

Kenneth and Virginia resided on a farm east of Bedford, Iowa until moving to Grant City in 1953. Kenneth was employed by Dalbey Lumber Company, State Highway Department, and later by Firestone Tire Company, Topeka, Ks., retiring in 1981. He had resided at Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center since October 2006.

Kenneth was preceded in death by parents; his wife of 58 years; two children in infancy, Donald Lee and Betty Lou; sister, Mildred Norris, brother Elton Brown, and great-great-granddaughter, Hailey Grace Rowan.

Survivors include daughter, Phyllis and Gary Nally, Maryville, Mo. and Bonita and Bill Farrell, Smithville, Mo.; six grandchildren, Lisa and Mark Dalton, Bedford, Chris and Amy Nally, Maryville, Kelly and Jennifer Farrell, St. Peters, Mo., Julia and Scott Bargman, Jodi and Charlie Green, and Troy and Shellie Farrell, Smithville; 14 great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Maona Stermole, Mt. Ayr, Iowa, brothers, Laverne and Annabel Brown, Bedford and Rex and Bernice Brown, Blockton; and sister-in-law, Jodene Brown, Clearfield.

Services were held Monday, April 23 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Burial was in rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SSM Hospice/Mount Ayr, in care of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, 200 South Front St., Grant City, Mo. 64468.
[On-line obituary courtesy of Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, Iowa]

[Brown, Rex Eugene        Brown, Steven Ray]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      December 9, 1976      [p. 1]

Steven and Rex Brown Found Dead Friday

Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Taylor County Sheriff’s Department are continuing their investigation of the deaths of Steven Ray Brown, 18, and his brother, Rex Eugene Brown, 19, both of Bedford. They were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were in Arizona at the time.

According to authorities, Steven and Rex were last seen alive Wed., Dec. 1, at a rural Bedford home. Around 5:50 a. m. Thursday, the Sheriff’s office received a call from a New Market farmer, who reported someone on the road with no clothes on.

Sheriff Marven Weed responded to the call, but could not locate the person seen by the farmer. He did, however, locate Steven Brown’s car about eight miles west of Bedford on Highway 2 near the Verne Timberlake farm. The car had a flat tire and a broken A-frame, however there was apparently no one with or near the car.

After the Brown car had been towed into town Thursday morning, the Sheriff’s office was notified that one of the Browns had missed a date with a local girl Wednesday evening. Sheriff Weed and Deputy Gene Holben spent most of their time Thursday attempting to locate Steven and Rex, but were unable to do so. Area hospitals were also contacted in the search.

About 11:30 a. m. on Friday, Steven’s body was found on the Timberlake farm. After an aerial search by Orville Woods of New Market, Rex’s body was found in a cornfield on the Dale Ingram farm about ¾ miles from Steven’s about 1:30 p. m.

Both were clad only in jeans; neither man had on a coat, shirt or shoes. Two coats and one shirt were found later in the area. According to Sheriff Weed, there were no apparent signs of injury to either body except for slight scratches, possibly from brush or wire.

The bodies were taken to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines where autopsies were conducted Saturday. Preliminary reports on the autopsies released by Dr. Joseph Song, head of pathology at Mercy showed no evidence of foul play. Dr. Song stated that no tissue changes were found to indicate the cause of death.

Further tests are being conducted by the BCI laboratories. At press time, however, there has been no final report on the autopsies, according to Sheriff Weed.

Funeral services for Rex Eugene Brown, 19, and Steven Ray Brown, 18, of Bedford were held Dec. 7 in the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. Glenn Mitchell and George W. Swan officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

[Brown, Rex Eugene        Brown, Steven Ray]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      December 16, 1976    p. 7

Last Rites Held December 7 for Brown Brothers

Funeral services for Rex Eugene Brown, 19, and Steven Ray Brown, 18, of Bedford were held December 7 in the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. George W. Swan and Pastor Glenn Mitchell officiating. Rex and Steven died December 2, 1976 in Taylor County, Iowa. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Sons of Rex and Bernice Brown, Rex Eugene Brown was born February 23, 1957 in Ringgold County Hospital, Mount Ayr, and Steven Ray Brown was born April 22, 1958 in Ringgold County Hospital, Mount Ayr.

The brothers lived most of their lives on a farm three miles north of Blockton, Iowa, where they attended the Bedford Community School and the Blockton Christian Church. Rex was employed by the O. E. Moody Construction Company of Hamburg, Iowa, and Steve was employed by the Central Construction Company.

The two boys were interested in sports, hunting, playing pool and foot ball.

They were preceded in death by their grandparents, Clark and Ruby Smith and Allie and Hazel Brown; and an aunt, Mildred Norris.

Their survivors include:  their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Brown; two brothers, Richard and Donald Brown, Blockton, Iowa; two sisters, Patricia Clark of Conway, Ia. and Shirley Williams, Grant City, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Joyce and Janet and two brothers-in-law, Robert Clark and John Williams; two nieces, Alisha and Carrie Brown, three nephews, Lee Brown, Robbie and Troy Clark; a great number of aunts, uncles, relatives and a host of friends.

They will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved them.

[Buckley, Charles Eugene]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      April 27, 1950     p. 2

BLOCKTON

Dr. C. E. Buckley Dies

Dr. C. [harles] E. [ugene] Buckley, Blockton physician, died Saturday at his home after a long illness.

Masonic funeral services were held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon.

[Buckley, Charles Eugene]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 4, 1950     p. 2

Obituary – Dr. C. E. Buckley

Charles Eugene Buckley was born at Wyoming, Iowa, July 25, 1876 and died at his home in Blockton April 22, 1950. He was the son of John and Florence Buckley. He had one brother, Clyde, who with his parents preceded him in death.

When a small boy the family moved to Chicago, where he received his education and his M. D. Degree in 1907.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 1902 he was married to Amy Euretta Cantin. To them was born one son, Raymond Pierce.

Dr. Buckley practiced his profession for three years in Chicago, going to Kansas in 1910. In 1937 the family moved to Iowa and for the last 11 years he lived in Blockton. He was a past master of the Masonic Order and for many years was a member of the Knight Templers at Topeka. He was a member of the county and state Medical Societies, Bethany Lodge 320, A. F., A. M. and Order of the Eastern Star.

He is survived by his wife, Amy; one son Raymond; daughter-in-law Corinne; two granddaughters, Charlene Buckley and Mrs. Walter O. Ford, Jr., all of Fort Worth, Texas.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church, conducted by Floyd and Linda Tolbey, and assisted by Rev. R. C. Yadon. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery with the Masonic service given by Bethany Lodge.

[Burgher, Lloyd Dean]

Lloyd Dean Burgher, 60, of Maryville, passed from this life on, Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born on January 29, 1944 in Creston, Iowa he was the son of the late Lyle S. & Edna Coulson Burgher.

He was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church, Joplin, Missouri.

He was a retired self-employed truck driver.

He is survived by his wife, Sally I. (Morton) Burgher, whom he married on January 29, 1986, a son, Dean Burgher and wife, Shelly of Maryville, a daughter, Ticia McDonald, Clearfield, Iowa, three brothers, Gary D. Burgher, Ellston, Iowa, Dale Burgher, Saline, Michigan and Ronald Burgher, Oceanside, CA, four grandchildren, Hannah & Alex Burgher, Tay & James McDonald.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, September 18, 2004 at the Danfelt Funeral Home, 951 S. Main Street, Maryville, MO 64468. There will be no viewing or visitation. Final services will be private. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Shirley I. Burgher.

Arrangements entrusted to Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.
[Online obituary courtesy of Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri]

[Campbell, Jack Robert “Judge”]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      November 9, 1988

Services held for ‘irreplaceable’ Jack Campbell

A man who will surely remain a legend in Taylor County for decades to come died Friday at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines Tuesday. A heart attack and lung problems were responsible for the death of former Taylor County Magistrate Judge Jack Campbell.

Services for the man many called "Judge” were held Tuesday at Shum-Novinger   Funeral Home. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can go to Blockton ambulance and fire department.

Jack R. [obert] Campbell has had a life full of a wide variety of interests. Many of the family memories of him have to do with sports activities as well as the times together that his two sons and daughter, grandchildren and wife, Edith, enjoyed.

Education was high in his priorities, as he wanted all youth to make the best possible persons of themselves and he felt that education was a necessary tool. His impact has been felt in the home community of Blockton; in Bedford and Taylor County; southwest Iowa and the whole state.

He not only liked other youths, but valued very highly his own sons, J. R. and wife Ann of Topeka, Ks., and Allen and wife Sandy of Arvada, Co., and daughter Lisa of Des Moines and his four grandchildren - Tracy and Jody Campbell of Topeka, and Teresa and Curt Campbell, of Arvada, all of whom survive. He is also survived by his wife Edith. Also surviving are sisters Betty Austin and husband Ernest (Scrooge); and Helen Dewell and husband Kenneth Ukiah, Ca.

Also three nephews, Eddie Austin of Ukiah, Ca., K. C. Dewell of Rohnert Park, Ca., and Roger Peart of Frisco, Co.; three nieces, Linda Dewell of Redding, Ca., Cathy Graham of Ukiah, Ca. and Barbara Lawson of Durango, Co.

In athletic circles he was known as "super fan" and as an official. Jack knew that some youth could be winners, some achievers and those who were not, deserved his admiration for having tried.

As an official he might be identified as an inspector on the south end of Drake University (Des Moines) track at the Drake Relays or a state high school track meet.

Not only did he see that the rules were obeyed but he probably visited and made friends the participants as well. He had a particular affection for girls softball when it came Iowa in 1955. He umpired and worked every sectional and most district competition until his retirement in 1980. In 1985 he was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Coaches Association "Umpires Softball Hall of Fame".

When he retired from officiating it didn't mean that he retired as a fan. He always has and continued to travel great distances to get in on the athletic spectating treats that, high school athletes particularly, had to offer.

The story goes that one time when in Hawaii, being treated for gun wounds, incurred in World War II, while he was serving as an Army Infantryman in the South Pacific, he couldn't be content to just watch a ballgame and ended up umpiring from his wheelchair.

He was in service for two and one-half years before injuries sent him home to the only place he ever lived - Blockton, Iowa.

He was born March 20, 1921, the son of Harlan and Vera Amick Campbell, at Blockton. He died of a cardiac arrest at 4:55 p.m. Friday, November 4, 1988 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 67. He had been hospitalized six days, first at Greater Community Hospital in Creston, before being transferred to Iowa Methodist.

He was educated in the Blockton schools and was a graduate of Blockton High School. He and "hometown girl" Edith E. Stephens were married January 28, 1941. They were the parents of two sons and a daughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin brother, Mack, who was killed during service in World War II when he was in the United States Navy.

Jack liked his home community where he was a part-time farmer; had been Blockton postmaster; was a member of the fire department, and if needed, he could drive the Blockton ambulance, a service which he helped acquire. He was a member of the Blockton American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. In his spare time in the 1940's he played drums in a dance band, the Rhythm Makers.

Not only did he work for community improvements in Blockton, but his influence was felt in nearby Bedford, Taylor County and yet a wider area-Green Valley Area Education Agency which headquarters in Creston.

In Taylor County, when the system went from Justice of the Peace to Judicial Magistrate in 1973, Campbell was to begin work as magistrate. He continued this for 14 years. He retired in 1987 and his wife retired from work at the assessor’s office at the same time.

Many of his cases involved traffic violations, liquor consumptions and some domestic assaults. He took time to work with parents, arresting officers and youth toward a good solution to the problem and often would counsel along the way.

At Bedford he worked for the construction of what was then Colonial Manor, a nursing home. It later was sold and now is known as the Bedford Manor. He was also a member of the Taylor County Board of Education until 1959, when the Green Valley Area Education Association was formed.

He has been on the AEA Board since its origin in October 1974 and at the time of his death was the only charter member still serving. New legislation several years ago charged AEA with assisting in updating a plan for excellence in education by 1990. Jack was a part of this.

Fact is, he told the hospital staff that he had to get out of the hospital by Nov. 4 because he had an important AEA meeting. He didn't make it. But, this board and the many, many other places where his influence, enthusiasm and unique personality were a part, may honor his memory by carrying on the ideals he held and the work he started.

A number of visitors from outside Taylor County were expected to attend Tuesday's funeral service. Among the visitors expecting to attend were E. Wayne Cooley, executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, and other representatives from the IGHSA.

"Friend of Iowa Athletics"

"Jack was a unique person...a real friend of Iowa athletics," said Bob Smiley of the IGHSA. Girls softball was close to Campbell's heart, and those with the girls athletic union knew it.

"When our softball program began, he was a real pioneer," Smiley said. "He was also one of the best umpires. He was a person we leaned on even after his umpiring days." Smiley added that Campbell was an umpire in Iowa girls softball since the high school softball program was started in 1956.

And it wasn't just umpiring that Jack loved about softball.

"Wherever there was a tournament or a good game, Jack was there," Smiley remembers. "In his younger days he used to travel on a motorcycle. One year our fall tournament was in Hubbard. He drove to Hubbard on a motorcycle. He wasn’t umping. He was just there to watch. It started snowing right after the game, and he drove back to Des Moines in the snow on his motorcycle."

Smiley may have parroted the feelings of many in all walks of life when he said, "We'll certainly miss a person like Jack .. he will be irreplaceable."

[Campbell, Mack Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 10, 1943     [p. 1]

Campbell Twin Is Reported As Dead

Mr. and Mrs. H. [arlan] S. [ylvester] Campbell of Blockton were notified by the Navy Department recently that their son Mack, had been killed when his ship, the U. S. S. Chicago was attacked in January near the Solomon Islands. He had been reported, “missing in action” previously.

Mack Edward Campbell, son of Harlan and Vera Amick Campbell, was born in Blockton March 20, 1921, and his death occurred January 29, 1943.

His entire life before entering the Navy was spent in Blockton. He was very active in music and athletics while in school. He was graduated from high school in 1938 and enlisted in the U. S. Navy September 4, 1940. After completing his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station, he was assigned to the U. S. S. Chicago and on it saw service in all the major battles of the Southwest Pacific. His last furlough was in November and he visited in Blockton at that time.

Mack is survived by his parents, his twin brother, Jack, who is now an Expert Rifleman with an Engineer Corps at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; two sisters, Mrs. Betty Austin of Ukiah, California, and Miss Helen Campbell, at home. Also by his grandmother, Mrs. Ida Campbell, and grandfather, E. F. Amick, both of Blockton.

Memorial services for Mack Campbell and Robert Harvey were held Sunday morning, May 30, as a part of the Memorial Day service at the Community Hall. The Legion and Auxiliary sponsored the service, which included group singing, prayers by M. J. Votruba and Rev. E. D. Stewart and an address by Rev. R. C. Yadon.
[Note:  His military marker gives his death date as Aug. 29, 1943.]

[Clayton, Emma Johanna Larsen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 28, 1967     p. 2

Final Rites For Mrs. Clayton Are In Blockton

Funeral services for Mrs. Aldred B. (Emma) Clayton, 72, of Blockton, held September 20 at the Blockton Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. Clarence Landis, assisted by Rev. George Swan. Mrs. Clayton died at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebr., following a long illness. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

Mrs. Emma J. [ohanna] Clayton was born in Plainview, Nebr. to Louis and Anna Larsen on Dec. 23, 1894. She graduated from Creighton High School in 1914 and taught country school for one year.

She was united in marriage to Aldred B. [ert] Clayton, June 28, 1915. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary June 28, 1965.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.

Surviving Mrs. Clayton are her husband, Aldred: two children, Louis of Blockton and France[s] Gorton of Papillion, Nebr., four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Fred Wulff of Creighton, Nebr.; many other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Clayton joined the Methodist church at an early age. Since moving to Blockton in 1947 she has been an active and faithful member of the church and W. S. C. S. She had received her Special Membership Pin from the W. S. C. S.

Relatives from out-of-town attending services for Mrs. Aldred Clayton were: Katie Stoner, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mroz, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Crouch, Seymour, Iowa.

From Nebraska: Mrs. Rosa Rowlett, Palmer; Mrs. Lillian Osburn, Valentine; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gorton, Lincoln; Jack Gorton, Plattsmouth; Mr. and Mrs. George Wulff, Creighton; George Clayton, Grand Island; Mr. and Mrs. Don Gorton, Papillion; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Gorton, Plattsmouth.

Also attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cochran, Des Moines, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. E. Floyd Grimm, Grand River, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Woodbury, Boulder, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Don Woodbury, Gunnison, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Keith Bucher, Ames, Ia.; and Edgar Ray, Sutherland, Ia.

[Elliott, Mearle I. Beadel]

Clearfield Chronicle

Wednesday     September 16, 1998     p. 3

Mearle I. Elliott was born September 24, 1913 in Taylor County, Iowa. She was one of three daughters of Earle P. [ercival] and Vesta (Gould) Beadel. She attended and graduated from Lenox High School.

Mearle was united in marriage in 1937 [1936] to Henry Lynn Elliott in Kennett, Missouri. To their union was born a son Dennis Lynn.

Mearle was a homemaker and also worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office for a while. Except for a brief time, she was a lifelong resident of Taylor County.

Mearle died September 5, 1998, at the Lenox Care Center at the age of 84 years, 11 months, 19 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a twin sister, Pearle Byers.

Mearle will always be cherished by her son Dennis Elliott and his wife Gwen of Topeka, Kansas and granddaughters: Katie and Kristine Elliott; a sister Marjorie Williamson and husband Curly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, a niece Sandra Smith and her husband Leonard of Blockton and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held Monday, September 7 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton with Rev. Scott Marcum of the Blockton Christian Church officiating. Visitation was held at Coen-Beaty Funeral Home in Lenox prior to departing in procession to the cemetery.

Those serving as pallbearers included Dennis Elliott, Leonard Smith, Rick Smith, Reldon Key, Veryl Wynn and Vance Nelson.

Memorials may be directed to Taylor Ridge Estates or Lenox Care Center Activity Department.

Coen-Beaty Funeral Home of Lenox was in charge of funeral arrangements.

[Faubion, Amy Euretta Cantin Buckley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 31, 1956     p. 9

Amy Buckley Faubion Dies

Amy Euretta Contin [Cantin] died May 24, 1956 at Blockton. She was the daughter of Joseph and Cornelia Contin and was born at La Salle, Ill. She was preceded in death by a sister, two brothers and her parents.

When a small child, the family moved to Chicago, Ill. On Nov. 27, 1902, Thanksgiving Day, she was married to Charles Eugene Buckley. To this union one son, Raymond Pierce, was born. In 1910 the family moved to Kansas City. In 1939 they moved to Blockton.

Dr. Buckley died in 1950 and on Feb. 28, 1954, she was married to A. [llie] Ray [Roy] Faubion and they made their home on his farm near Blockton.

She was a member of the Methodist Church, the W. S. C. S., Klatter Club and a charter member of the O. E. S. in Manchester, Kans. where she served as a district instructor in 1924-25.

She is survived by her husband, her son Raymond and wife, two granddaughters and five great grandchildren.

[Freemyer, Harriett Ann Older]

Knoxville Journal Express (Knoxville, Iowa)

Friday      April 29, 2005

Harriett Ann Freemyer was born on Sept. 9, 1936, in Kent to Guy Older and Anna Osmond Older.

She graduated from Deep River High School and married Ronald Emal in Deep River. On May 31, 1968, she was married to Harold Freemyer.

Freemyer passed away on April 18 at the Pella Regional Health Center. She was 68.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jeffrey, and a grandson.

Freemyer is survived by her husband; her children: Randy and Denise Emal of Knoxville and Lisa and John Millison of Swan; 14 grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services were held April 22 in Pleasantville with Pastor Don Hill officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa.

[McCalla, Nola Grace]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      September 18, 1975

Nola McCalla, 70 Last Rites Held In Blockton

Funeral services for Mrs. W. D. (Nola Grace) McCalla, 70, of Blockton were held September 7 in the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. G. W. Swan officiating. Mrs. McCalla died in St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo., following a major operation, treatment and an extended illness. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Nola Grace, daughter of Albert and Dora [Frances Swett] Older, was born at Athelstan, Iowa November 5, 1904.

Nola attended the Athelstan and Blockton schools, graduating from Blockton High School. She was united in marriage to W. [illis] D. [avid] McCalla at Clarinda, Ia., June 28, 1922. To this union two sons and two daughters were born. She, with her husband, became members of the Blockton Christian Church, in early life. With her husband and family she lived for many years on a farm south of Blockton.

She was a lover of flowers and worked in both the garden and yard growing beautiful flowers. She was a woman of strength, loved her children, loyal to her husband, and friend to all in the community with whom she became acquainted. Hospitality was a virtue to all who visited this home.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, brother, Roy, and sister, Roxie Nail.

Those surviving this loss are her husband, W. [illis] D. [avid], of the home; son, Eugene, of Wichita, Kans., daughter, Donna Addington, Shawnee Mission, Kansas City, Kansas, daughter, Joan Streebin of Norman, Okla., and son, David, of Wichita, Kans.; 12 grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends and neighbors.

[McCalla, Willis David “Bus”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 11, 1985

Willis McCalla services in Blockton     

Funeral service for Willis D. (Bus) McCalla, 83, were held at the Christian Church in Blockton, Iowa April 2, 1985 conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Scott Marcum. Masonic Honors by Taylor Lodge #156 A.F. & A.M. and Blockton Post of the American Legion. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Willis David McCalla was born to Samuel A. McCalla and Mary Alice Hagans October 15, 1901. At a very young age he became a member of the Blockton Christian Church, the church of which his parents were charter members. He remained an active member of his church all his life, serving as a deacon for many years.

On June 28, 1922 he was united in marriage to Nola Grace Older. To this union was born two sons, Eugene McCalla and David McCalla both of Wichita, Kansas and two daughters, Donna Addington of Overland Park, Kansas and Joan Streebin of Norman, Oklahoma.

During World War I he served his country in the United States Army and has been an active member of the American Legion Post of Blockton since it was founded. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Blockton and the Moila Shrine of St. Joseph, Mo.

Willis, or Bus as he was known by all of his friends, was an active member of his beloved home community, serving in any capacity he was called upon to serve, not only in his church, but in his school district, where he was school board president for many years and judge on the general election board. He was one of the first farmers to participate in the soil conservation program for his farm. He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born, southwest of Blockton.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Henry and Charles and his wife of fifty-three years, Nola, the mother of his four children.

He was united in marriage September 1976 to Gladys [Cleora] Matthews who has been his devoted companion these past eight years.

He leaves to mourn his passing not only his wife, Gladys and her family, but also his children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a life-long friend, George Clark, who was a part of the Sam McCalla family for many years.

Husband, Dad, Grandpa, friend---you leave this life and we who have known and loved you will mourn your passing, but you leave us with many happy memories. You never met a stranger and your hunting and fishing buddies down through the years are many. Your family will miss you, but our lives are enriched by your memory.

[Morris, James Richard]

James Richard Morris, age 68, of Shenandoah, Iowa, formerly of Bedford, Iowa, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Westridge Care and Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa.  Funeral services were held 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Walker-Merrick.  Visitation with the family was 7-8 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2003, at the funeral home.   Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.  A memorial will be established.  Walker-Merrick was in charge of arrangements.

 James Richard Morris was born December 28, 1934, in Gay Township of Taylor County, Iowa, to Vilas Lester Morris and Ella Ruth (Salen) MorrisJim was a 1953 graduate of Blockton High School.  He was united in marriage November 25, 1987, at Bedford, Iowa, to Kathy Sickels who survives.  Jim farmed in the Athelstan/Blockton area until the 1980's.  He was a hard working man and loved working with his tractors and his cattle.  He worked Saturdays at the Bedford Sale Barn.  He also worked for Dalton Land and Livestock until 1993.  Another thing Jim enjoyed was taking care of lawns and mowing.  He was greens keeper for the Bedford Country Club for several years and later on he kept busy in the summer by mowing lawns.  He was also a school bus driver for 20 years for the Bedford Schools.  Jim had a natural talent for handling the students and developed many lifelong friendships with them.  He enjoyed watching his sons and nephews wrestle in high school and college.  In later years, he became a big fan of Nascar racing and watched races at the local tracks and T.V.  He loved cooking and shopping for groceries, playing with the cats at home, listening to country and western music, and vacationing in Colorado.  He loved being with his family and having his grandchildren with him.  Jim always had a joke to tell, laughed easily and had a smile for everyone.  He loved doing things for people and was a good friend.

Mr. Morris was preceded in death by were his parents; siblings, Judy Cox, Jack Morris and John D. Morris.

Survivors include his wife Kathy of Shenandoah; children, Stacy Lynnt and Larry Gebhard of Newton, IA; James Richard Morris Jr. of Osceola, IA; Teresa Rene and Ron Thompson of Hopkins, MO; Villas Lester Jr. and Alvira Morris of Cedar Falls, IA; Joanne and Gary Scroggie of Bedford, IA; Jillene (Babe) and Larry Casey of Centerville, IA.
[Note: Online obituary courtesy of Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, Iowa]

[Older, Anna Mary Osmond]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday     September 6, 1973    [p. 1]

Anna Older, Clearfield, dies

Mrs. Guy (Anna) Older, 64, of Clearfield passed away at her home here Sunday morning.

Mrs. Older had lived in Clearfield for the past 6 years. She had previously lived in the Blockton community. She was employed as a telephone operator at the Mt. Ayr Exchange for several years.

She is survived by her husband, Guy and one daughter, Mrs. Harold (Harriet) Freemyer of Knoxville, Iowa. Three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

Final rites were conducted from the Varner Funeral Home in Clearfield on Tuesday at 2:00 PM with Rev. Ward Campbell officiating.

Burial in the Blockton cemetery.