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

[Spencer, Clark Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 11, 1970    p. 7

Last Rites Held June 4 For Clark Spencer

Funeral services for Clark Roy Spencer, 70, of Bedford, well-known retired farmer and lifelong resident of Taylor County, held June 4 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. John D. Kerr.  Mr. Spencer died June 1 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery.

Clark Roy Spencer, son of Lewis and Alice Spencer, was born June 9, 1899 south of Bedford.

On January 5, 1921, he was united in marriage to Mildred Amanda Keith and to this union was born a son, George.

He was preceded in death by his parents and only brother, Troy, of Loveland, Colorado.

Clark attended Bedford schools and was a lifelong resident of Taylor County.  Born on a farm three miles south of Bedford, Clark continued to make this his home until retirement in 1967 where he then moved to Bedford.

At an early age Clark became a member of the Berea Church, later transferring his membership to the Christian Church in Bedford where he was a very devoted and active member.

He was also a member of the Taylor Masonic Lodge 156 A. F. and A. M. for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred, son, George, and his wife Wilma; two grandchildren, Dennis and his wife, Helen; Janice and her husband, Jim Wilson; one sister-in-law, Ethel, of Loveland, Colo., many other relatives and innumerable close friends.

Clark lived his life, day by day, to its fullest measure.  He was as close to his family and friends as is earthly possible, a loving and beloved husband, father, and friend.

[Spencer, Doug Alan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 26, 1978    p. 9

Doug Alan Spencer Dies In Omaha

Funeral services for Doug Alan Spencer, 11, of Farragut, Iowa, were held January 2 in the United Methodist Church in Farragut with the Revs. Thomas Woodin and Jay Wheeler officiating.  Doug died December 29, 1977 in St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha.  Interment was at the Farragut Cemetery.

Doug Alan Spencer, son of Robert and Shirley Spencer, was born on July 31, 1966 in Shenandoah.

Doug lived in Shenandoah for the first nine months of his life, and then moved to Farragut where he lived until the time of his death.  He was a student at the Farragut Community School for three years and attended the Iowa State School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs for the past two years.

Doug was baptized at infancy in the Summit United Methodist Church.  He was a part of the Cub Scout Troop at the Iowa State School for the Deaf.  His greatest love was baseball.  Doug always wanted to play the game.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother and his great grandparents.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Spencer of Farragut; his sister, Terri and his brother, Troy, both of Farragut; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wasson of Conway, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. Norvin Spencer of Quenemo, Kansas; many aunts and uncles, numerous other relatives and friends.

[Spencer, Donald Galen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 24, 1960    p. 4

Donald Spencer Rites Here Sunday

Donald G. Spencer, a former resident of Bedford, died in a Des Moines hospital, Wednesday, March 16, after a short illness.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Bedford Sunday afternoon, conducted by the pastor of the church, Rev. Colvin Caughey.  Rev. Walter S. Cox of Hopkins assisted.  Burial in the Hopkins cemetery.

Donald Galen Spencer, son of John Howard and Helen Elizabeth Spencer, was born March 13, 1938, near Bedford and died at the age of 22 years and three days.  He attended the Bedford schools, graduating from high school with the class of Õ56.  After high school he attended college at Maryville one year.

In August 1957 he was married to Connie Lee Newbury and to them was born a son, Jody Wayne.

He is survived by his wife and son.  Also by his mother, Mrs. Helen Spencer of Bedford; five brothers and two sisters, Howard Spencer, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Rose Salen of Bedford, Ivan Spencer of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Raymond Spencer of Joliet, Ill., Clyde Spencer, Roy Spencer and Evelyn Spencer of Bedford.  And by a number of nieces and nephews.

Donald was a member of the Baptist church at Hopkins.  The family had lived in Des Moines the past year, where he was employed in the ticket office of the Ozark Air Lines at the Municipal Airport.

Out-of-town friends and relatives attending the services for Donald G. [alen] Spencer in Bedford Sunday included the following:  Rev. and Mrs. Walter Cox, Mack Jackson, Mrs. Lee Donahue, Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Jackson and Robt. Dean, Mrs. Lloyd Thompson, Mrs. George Lock, Mrs. Delia Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Shell, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Truax, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wood and Sandra, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Olmsted, Mrs. Paul Brummet, Mrs. O. L. Fine and Dwight, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Florea and Marvin, Carol Lou Reents, Jim Harshberger, Mrs. Raymond Corwin, Mrs. Floyd Traster, Mrs. Sarah King, Mr. and Mrs. Loyd Batton, Harold Dorr, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Newbury and family, Hopkins.

Bill Spencer, Don Vaughn, Bill Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Garry Hall, Darrold Sieck, Paul D. Danclovic, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gilbert, Miss Jackie Irwin, Miss Barbara Reed, William Ruark and Donald Strickler, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Valentine, Gravity; Fannie Terry and Mrs. Pearl Garrett, Lenox; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Lantz and Ila, Redding.

Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Cornilious, St. Joseph; Richard Jones, Iowa City; Howard Putnam, Marvin Longfellow, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Dean Spencer, Rockford, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Jakie Green, Blockton; Mrs. Alice Tibbett and Janet, Pickering; Bill Burns from Galt, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Spencer and family, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Baker and Jeffrey from Idaho; Mr. and Mrs. Galen Smith, Baltimore, Md.; Raymond Spencer, Joliet, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Kingery, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Reams, Indianola; Mr. and Mrs. Don Wyckoff and Richard of Des Moines.

[

[Polton, Maude Adelia Cole]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 24, 1947    [p. 1]

Mrs. Polton Dies After Short Illness

Mrs. W. [ilburn] A. Polton died at her home in Bedford Sunday morning, after having been seriously ill for several weeks.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Maude Adelia, daughter of Will [liam] H. and Vanila [Venila] R. [Newkirk] Cole, was born in Bedford, Iowa, October 28, 1877, being aged 69 years, 5 months and 22 days at the time of her death.

She attended the Bedford Schools, graduating from High School with the class of 1897.  On October 26, 1892 she became a member of the Bedford Christian church, where she was a consistent member for 55 years.

October 19, 1898 she was married to William [Wilburn] Polton.  To them three children were born, Ida, Russell and W. Dean.

She was truly a mother of the home, possessing a quiet disposition, and always ready to give her best to her church.

Those left to mourn are her husband; daughter, Mrs. Ida Gilstrap of Boulder, Colo.; Russell C. [ole] of Tabor, Iowa and W. Dean of Seattle, Washington; two brothers:  J. C. Cole of St. Joseph and William Cole of Bedford; four grandchildren:  Julia, Reed and Jack Polton of Tabor, and Don Richard Gilstrap of Boulder.

[Polton, Russell Cole]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 23, 1975    p. 10

Last Rites Held In Colorado For Russell C. Polton

Memorial services for Russell C. [ole] Polton, 67, of Arvada, Colo., a native of Bedford, were held January 14 at Olinger Mortuary in Arvada.  Mr. Polton died January 10 at Rose Memorial Hospital in Denver.  Interment was at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver.

Son of William [Wilburn Augustus] and Maude Cole Polton, Russell C.[ole] Polton was born in March, 1907 [March 26, 1906] in Bedford.

A 1925 Bedford High School graduate, he was graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (Cedar Falls) and did graduate work at [the] University of Iowa (Iowa City) and University of Columbia, New York City.

He was married to Nelle [Jeanette] Hensley October 19, 1928, in Bedford.

After teaching Taylor County schools for two years, Polton taught the next 11 years in Farragut (Ia) where he served as teacher, principal and superintendent, followed by 15 years at Tabor (Ia) as superintendent.  He moved to Cherry Creek School District in Colorado in 1954 and was assistant superintendent there for 18 years.  He retired August, 1972 with an enviable contribution to education.

A new elementary school building in the Cherry Creek District was named for him.  After retirement he formed the Rocky Mountain Education Consultant Service.

He is survived by his wife, Nelle, daughter, Julia Grissinger and her husband, John, Overland Park, Kans., two sons, Reid, Oakland, Calif., and Jack, and wife, Chris, Denver; four grandchildren; brother, Dean Polton, Arvada and sister, Ida Gilstrap, Boulder, Colo.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wintermute, Dewey Hensley and Mrs. Jim Cox of Bedford attended the services.

[Boyer, Sarah Jeannette Mechem]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933    p. 2

Mrs. Sarah Boyer

Sarah Jeannette Mechem was born near Belmont, Ohio, February 25, 1845, the daughter of Lewis and Bathsheba Mechem, and died in Bedford, Iowa, February 18, 1933, aged 87 years, 11 months and 24 days.

She was united with the Christian church at the age of seventeen and was baptized by her brother, Rev. William D. Mechem.

September 15, 1865 she was married to Spencer S. [mith] Boyer, who departed this life July 3, 1908, and to this union was born seven children:  William S.[pencer] Boyer, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada; Lewis G. [ilbert] Boyer, Battle Creek, Michigan; Mrs. Eugene Buswell [Eva May], Cedar Falls, Iowa; Mrs. Hugh Kent [Myrtle Jeanette], Kansas City, Kans.; Mrs. Harry Houk [Lois Edith], Bedford, Iowa, and Mrs. Bruce Williamson [Lillian Edna], of New Market, Iowa.

An infant son, Frances Oscar, died July 21, 1881.

There are also 19 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Christian church in Bedford, conducted by Rev. J. C. Harris.

Interment in Gravity cemetery.

[Boyer, Sarah Jeannette Mechem]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933   p. 4

Mrs. Eugene Buswell [Eva May Boyer] of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who has been spending the last few weeks in the home of her sister, Mrs. Harry Houk [Lois Edith Boyer], helping care for her mother [Sarah Jeannette Mechem Boyer] who passed away Saturday, February 18, left today for her home.

 [Boyer, Sarah Jeannette Mechem]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933   p. 4

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Andrews, Mrs. W. A. Safley and Myrven Safley, all of Hopkins, Mo., attended the funeral of Mrs. [Sarah Jeannette Mechem] Boyer here Saturday.

[Boyer, Sarah Jeannette Mechem]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday     February 23, 1933     p. 6

Mrs. Sarah Boyer Dies Here Saturday

Mrs. Sarah Boyer, 88, died at the home of her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Houck, in Bedford, Saturday, Feb. 18.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church Monday at 2:00 p. m., conducted by Rev. J. C. Harris and burial made in the Gravity cemetery.

Obituary will be found on another page.

[Scott, Lydia Jane Cronk]

[SCOTT, LYDIA JANE CRONK]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 2, 1933
Obituary – Lydia Jane Cronk was born in Clark county, Indiana, April 5, 1849, and passed away at her home in Athelstan, Iowa, Feb. 12, 1933, aged 83 years, 10 months and 7 days.
She was united in marriage to James Scott in 1871. To this union 9 children were born: Mrs. Lillie Shaw, of Wakrousa, Kansas; Mrs. Nettie Nye, deceased; Edward Scott, of Sheridan, Mo.; J. H. Scott of Athelstan; Mrs. Ada Raper, of Bloomington, Neb.; Fred Scott, of Whitesville, Mo.; Mrs. June McDonald, of Pocahontas, Iowa. She also leaves to mourn her departure, one brother, I. N. Cronk; 23 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors.
She united with the church in Tennessee at the age of 9 years. She was a faithful companion, kind loving mother, very industrious, and a good neighbor. They will miss her greatest who loved her best and unto whom she ministered most.
Her companion preceded her in death in 1920.
Funeral services were held at the Athelstan Baptist church Feb. 15, conducted by Challie E. Graham and the remains laid to rest beside her companion in the Athelstan cemetery. The pall bearers were M. F. Older, L. P. Jenkins, Frank Merriman, C. M. King, Joe Hays and F. O. Wilson.

[Scott, Lydia Jane Cronk]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 16, 1933    p. 3

ATHELSTAN

Mrs. L. [ydia] J. [ane Cronk] Scott passed away at her home here Sunday evening. Mrs. Scott was 83 years old.

[Scott, Lydia Jane Cronk]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933

ATHELSTAN

Those attending the Mrs. L. [ydia] J. [ane Cronk] Scott funeral from a distance were Harry Shaw and wife of Wakarusa, Kans., Ed and Winnie Scott and families of Sheridan, Wyo., Mr. and Mrs. Cleve Bunker and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Nye of Diagonal.

[Scott, Lydia Jane Cronk]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933    p. 3

SHERIDAN

Ed Scott and Mr. and Mrs. Win Scott attended the funeral of their mother [Lydia Jane Cronk Scott] at Athelstan Wednesday.

 

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933    p. 2

Mrs. James Scott

Lydia Jane Cronk was born in Clark County, Indiana, April 5th, 1849, and passed away at her home in Athelstan, Iowa, February 12, 1933, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 1 day.

She was united in marriage to James [D.] Scott in 1871.  To this union nine children were born:  Mrs. Lillie Shaw, Wakarusa, Kans.; Mrs. Nettie Nye of Benton, Iowa, deceased; Edward Scott, Sheridan, Mo.; Miss Rosa Scott, Athelstan, Ia.; J.[oseph] W. [infield] Scott, Sheridan, Mo.; J. [ames] H. [erbert] Scott, Athelstan, Ia.; Mrs. Ada Raper, Bloomington, Neb.; Fred [Herman] Scott, Whitesville, Mo.; Mrs. June McDonald, Pocahontas, Ia.

She also leaves to mourn her departure one brother, I. N. Cronk, 23 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, besides a host of friends and neighbors.

She joined church in Tennessee at the age of 9 years.

Farewell, dear mother, your

work is oÕer,

Your willing hands shall toil

no more;

On earth, thereÕs grief, in

Heaven, rest;

They missed you most who

loved you best.

 

 

[Stephens, Elizabeth Jane Hight]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    February 23, 1933    p. 2

Elizabeth Stephens

Elizabeth Jane Hight, daughter of David Green and Sarah Ann Hight, was born in Sugar Valley, Lycoming County, Pa., June 17, 1845.  She was one of six children, two of whom died in infancy and the other died many years ago.  When about five years of age she came with her family to Geneva, Kane County, Ill., traveling over the old Erie Canal route, where she lived until her marriage on March 29, 1861, to Ezra Stephens.  They went at once to a farm in Kane County and continued to live on the farm for several years.  After quitting the farm Mr. Stephens was engaged in business in Geneva and Elgin, Ill.

She came to Bedford in the spring of 1870, coming by train to Corning, the closest railroad point, and by stage to Bedford where she joined her husband, who had driven overland the preceding year.  Bedford has been their home since that time.  She and her husband raised two girls until they were grown.

Her husband died in the fall of 1903, and she and her only child, Kenneth, have lived together in the old home until her death February 18, 1933, at 10 p. m.  She and her husband joined the Presbyterian Church in Bedford about 45 years ago, and she has remained a faithful member until her death.

Mrs. Stephens was a woman who was loved by all who knew her and will be sadly missed both by relatives and friends.

[Stephens, Kenneth Ezra]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 4, 1945    [p.1]

K. E. Stephens, 68, Succumbs Jan. 2nd

Kenneth [Ezra] Stephens, 68, a resident of Bedford and Taylor County all of his life, died at his home in north Bedford Tuesday morning, January 2, after an illness of several years.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church this Thursday p. m., conducted by Rev. Archie A. Ross of Kansas City, a former Bedford minister.  The body was placed in the Mausoleum in the Fairview Cemetery.

[Stephens, Harold George]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 13, 1985    p. 6

Harold Stephens Services Held

Harold G. [eorge] Stephens, 72, of Boulder, Co., died May 13, 1985 at the Beverly Manor nursing home.  He was born at Villisca, Ia., on Oct. 22, 1912, the son of John W.[illiam] and Laura A. [nn] Workman Stephens.  He married Anna E. Hickman on May 23, 1937, at Bedford, Ia.

As a young man, he worked on his familyÕs farm.  Later, he was a carpenter, a millwright and a private businessman.  He moved to Boulder in 1946 from Iowa.  He was a member of the Colorado Consistory, 32nd degree Mason, Masonic Lodge, Columbia Lodge 14, and the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of Boulder; two daughters, Elizabeth A. Stephens of Denver and Marilyn J. Winder of Larkspur, Co.; three brothers, Wilson L. Stephens of Clearfield, James W. [ilbur] Stephens of Clarinda and his twin, John H. [oward] Stephens of Boulder; and a sister, Mary L. Brooke of Northglenn, Co.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Cecil Stephens, of Bedford.

[Stephens, Carl Orville]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    August 20, 1986    p. 6

Carl Stephens

Funeral services were held Friday, August 15, for Carl Stephens at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home.  Marcia Smith Wood and Carl Cummings officiated, with interment in Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Carl Orville Stephens was born June 20, 1908, in Clayton Township, Taylor County, the third child of George W. [ashington] and Annie [Anna] Lou Bartley Stephens.  He died at the age of 78, August 11, 1986, while hospitalized in Omaha, Ne.

While growing up, Carl attended the Bedford schools and farmed with his father and brother, Harley.  On February 20, 1932, he married Laura Esther Houck, and they moved to Polk Township where they farmed for 40 years.  Two children were born, Jean Ellen and David Allan.

Although farming and his family commanded the majority of CarlÕs time prior to his retirement in 1971, he did become involved in a number of organizations such as the Farm Bureau and served on their boards of directors.  From 1963 through 1969, he was a member of the Bedford Community SchoolÕs Board of Education.  He was a member of the Building Committee for the educational wing of the Bedford Baptist Church.

Following retirement, his community activities grew, and in 1979 he won the Lion of the Year Service Award presented by the Bedford Lions Club.  Carl was also a donor to the Lions Club eye bank.

Carl was one of the founders of the Taylor County Historical Society and worked tirelessly to promote the Taylor County Museum.  From 1980 he served as the Taylor County Mental Health Advocate.

A Master Mason, he was a member of the Taylor Lodge No. 156, Bedford, and the Triangle Chapter No. 68, Royal Arch Masons, Bedford.  Carl was a 50-year member of the Bedford Baptist Church but in later years affiliated with the United Christian-Presbyterian Church.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents.  Surviving are his wife, Esther; daughter, Jean and her husband Russell Snodgrass, Red Oak, Ia.; son, David and wife, Sharon, Omaha, Ne.; grandchildren, Michael Fine and his wife, Monica; Christy Fine and Kathryn Fine, Red Oak, Ia.; brother, Harley; sisters, Ruby Park, Myrtle Akers, and Hazel Thompson, Bedford.

In remembering Carl, one quickly recalls the ready smile, the easy laugh, and the unquestionable genuineness that was so much a part of his nature.  He loved his family and was devoted to its well-being.  However, he also held an unfaltering faith in his community and believed there was always one more project to complete; another cause to support; or one more person to help.

CarlÕs life is perhaps best exemplified by the words honesty, integrity, and loyalty more than any others, and he will be tremendously missed by those whose lives he touched.

[Hall, Permelia Criss Mathews]

Taylor County Democrat

Thursday    January 24, 1895    [p. 1]

Conway Briefs

Mrs. N. [athan Parnik] Hall [Permelia Criss Mathews], mother of C. [harles] O.[scar] Hall, who for many years was a resident of Conway, died at her home in Plainview, Neb., Monday, January 14th, of heart failure.  The remains were brought back here on Friday of last week for interment.

[Hall, Charles Chester]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 17, 1946    p. 2

Charles Chester Hall

Charles Chester Hall, F1c, fourth child of Charles and Dora L. [odeama Hays] Hall, was born September 1, 1922 at Platteville, in Taylor County, Iowa, and was reported missing on the USS Albacore somewhere in the Pacific in December 1944.  His death has been legally set as December 13, 1945.

When nineteen months old he moved with his parents near Platteville to the farm where his parents now reside.

He attended College Hill school No. 8, in Gay Township for his eight years of rural schooling.  His four years of high school were spent at Blockton, and he graduated with the class of 1939 at the age of sixteen, majoring in Normal Training.

In October 1939 he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps at Red Oak and was honorably discharged from there in March 1941.

He then worked on farms for a short time and in August 1941 went to Philadelphia to visit his sister and while there was offered the opportunity to qualify for Fireman on the Pennsylvania railroad.  He began work in Bainbridge, Maryland in October 1941 and continued in that capacity for one year, or until he was called to the service of his country, and asked to serve in the Navy, entering in November, 1942.  His next period of training was at Norfolk, Virginia.  He then volunteered for submarine duty and attended training school at New London, Connecticut.

He married Miss Betty Jane Ray of Bedford in New London October 22, 1943.

One brother, Henry Seigel, preceded him in death July 9, 1933.  Besides his wife, he leaves his parents, one sister, Mrs. [Alice] Evelyn Marr of Philadelphia; three brothers, Cpl. Clarence B. [eryl] Hall, Schick General Hospital, Clinton, Walter W. [ayland] Hall, recently discharged, and John Phillip Hall of the home; and his aged grandmother, Mrs. F. [ranklin] S. [eigel] Hall [Sabina Lomax].

His last furlough home was in June 1943.  He left the States in January 1944.

Chester was dearly loved by his family and his place can never be filled.  He readily made friends with all he came in contact with, especially children.  He was ever ready to help those who needed help.

[Hall, Dora Lodeama Hays]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 14, 1971    p. 7

Last Rites Held Jan. 8 For Mrs. Chas. Hall

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles (Dora) Hall, 77, life-long resident of the Blockton community, were held at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City January 8 with Rev. G. W. Swan officiating.  Mrs. Hall died January 5 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Ia.  Interment was at the Blockton Cemetery.

Dora Lodeama Hays, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hays, was born February 14, 1893 on a farm near Platteville, Iowa.

She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband; three sons; two daughters-in-law; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

April 1, 1914, she was united in marriage to Charles Hall at Bedford.  To this union were born six children, Alice Evelyn, Henry Seigel and Charles Chester, who preceded her in death, Clarence Beryl, Walter Wayland and John Phillip, who, with her husband, survive.

She joined the Christian Church at Isadora, Missouri, later transferring her membership to Blockton.

She spent her entire life in the Blockton vicinity.

[Anderson, John Emil]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 26, 1968    p. 5

John Anderson Rites Dec. 22

Funeral services for John Emil Anderson, 42, former Bedford resident, were held at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford December 22, conducted by Rev. John D. Kerr.  Mr. Anderson was killed in an automobile accident December 18, 1968, near Ashland, Nebr.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.  Bedford American Legion Post No. 164 presented the flag.

John Emil Anderson, son of August A. [ndrew] and Alta May Cannon Anderson, was born May 18, 1926 in rural Bedford.  He spent his childhood in Bedford and attended the Bedford schools.

He accepted Christ and was baptized in the Bedford Christian Church at an early age.

He joined the Armed Forces June 22, 1944 and served until June 9, 1946.

After his discharge he spent some time in Bedford, then he went to Independence, Mo.

He was married to Virginia Ross and to this union eight children were born:  Helga Ruth, Sharon, Billy, John Herbert, Peggy, August, Eric and Bobby who are with their mother.

Besides his children he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Alta Anderson of Bedford; four brothers, Carl, of Winterset, Ia., David of Lees Summit, Mo.; Ted of Corning, Ia., and Alfred of San Antonio, Tex.; four sisters, Mrs. William Burk (Hilma) of Leavenworth, Kans., Mrs. James Widener (Helga), Carthage, Mo., Mrs. Matt Bounema (Agnes) of Chicago, Illinois and Mrs. Don Pace (Signe) of Bedford; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, August, and an infant sister.

He was a kind and loving son, brother and father who was liked and respected by all who knew him.