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

[Douglas, Archie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 22, 1968    p. 5

Archie Douglas Dies In Hampton

Funeral services for Archie Douglas, 58, of Hampton, Ia., formerly of Bedford, were held Tues., Feb 20 in Hampton, Ia.  Mr Douglas died February 17 at his home there. Interment was at a Hampton cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Buchanan; a daughter, Marilyn [Susan], Mrs. Charles Sheldon, of Indianapolis, Indiana and her husband; a son, Mark, sophomore at University of Iowa, Iowa City; four grandchildren.

Among his brothers and sisters are: Don Douglas and Mrs. Archie (Marguerite) Davison of Bedford; Mrs. Jack (Pearl) Ailshie of Clarinda.

[Douglas, Clarence Charles]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 8, 1948    [p. 1]

Clarence C. Douglas Succumbed Friday

C. C. Douglas, a life-long resident of this community, died at his home in Bedford, Friday, January 2.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Eugene B. Nyman. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

Clarence Charles Douglas was born in Taylor County, Iowa, June 2, 1869 being aged 78 years, and 7 months at the time of his death.

He was married in 1890 to Cora Maxfield and to them was born one daughter, Mrs. Elisha Wheeler of Alvada, Colorado. His wife preceded him in death.

He was married to Minnie Belle Douglas in 1897 and to them were born ten children: Mrs. Elmer Cahill [Florence] of Clarinda, Mrs. Rennie Goforth [Bessie Opal] of Fairfax, Mo., Don Douglas of Bedford, Mrs. H. [arry] E. Ailshie [Pearl] of Bedford, Mrs. Robert Getz [Dorothy] of Bolckow, Mo., Archie Douglas of Hampton, Iowa, Mrs. Archie Davison [Marguerite] of Gravity, Mrs. Kermit Stephens [Jean] of Wendell, Idaho, Mrs. Loren Rock [Fern] of St. Joseph, and Helen [Bell] Douglas, who preceded her father in death in 1931.

There were also three stepchildren: Mrs. Maude Traster of Hopkins, Mo.; Walter [Henry] Douglas of Denver, Colorado; Alice Keith who preceded him in death. His wife, Minnie Belle Douglas preceded him in death in 1940.

These children, 49 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren survive.

[Douglas, Clayton Otis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 22, 1965     p. 4

Clayton Douglas, 64, Taken In Death

Funeral services for Clayton Otis Douglass, 64, were held April 16 at the Buntz-Trawzer Funeral Home with Rev. G. M. Rosenberger officiating.  Mr. Douglass died April 13 at the Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah.

Mr. Douglass attended Simpson College and Iowa State College where he received a degree in electrical engineering.  He was employed by the Iowa-Nebraska Light and Power Co. for several years before going into business for himself as contractor of electrical and commercial refrigeration.

He married Violet Belle Clark in 1924 and they moved to the present home in Shenandoah the following year.

Surviving are his wife, Violet, one son, a daughter, two brothers, two sisters and eight grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Clark of Bedford attended the services.

[Douglas, David Gilbert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 16, 1963    p. 2

DEATH TAKES GILBERT DOUGLAS

Funeral services for [David] Gilbert Douglas, 81, retired Lenox farmer, held May 2 at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church, were conducted by Rev. James Eddy. Mr. Douglas died Tuesday at the Greater Community hospital in Creston. Interment was in the Lenox cemetery.

Mr. Douglas is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Donald Tully [Minerva], Mrs. Delman Brown [Bernice], Mrs. Harold Beck [DeLoris], all of Lenox; two sons, Glen and Donald of Lenox; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

[Douglas, Donald David "Don"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 18, 1974    p. 9

Don Douglas, 72, Last Rites Held Here July 14

Funeral services for Donald David Douglas, 72, a native of Bedford, were held July 14 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Carl Cummings and Rev. Ray McCain officiating. Mr. Douglas died in his home in Bedford July 10, 1974. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Donald David Douglas, son of Clarence [Charles] and Minnie Mae [Minnie Alice] Bell Douglas, was born in Bedford, June 27, 1902.

He was united in marriage to Lena [May] Stewart and they lived in Bedford with the exception of a few years spent in Arkansas.

Don followed the trade of a painter. He took pride in his work and was pleased to see the beauty of his workmanship.

He was preceded in death by his wife who died November 26, 1972; his parents, one half brother, Walter, and two half sisters, Grace and Alice, a brother, Archie Douglas, and two sisters, Helen [Bell] Douglas and Marguerite Davison.

Left to cherish his memory are six sisters, Florence Cahill, Bessie [Opal] Goforth, Dorothy Johnson, Pearl [Louise] Ailshie, Jean Stephens and Fern Rock; other relatives and many friends.

 [Douglas, Eara]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 30, 1942    p. 3

LENOX

E. C. DOUGLAS SUCCUMBS

Death Occurs Following Heart Attack—Burial in Nebraska

E. [ara] A. Douglas, 52, farmer living one-fourth mile north of Lenox, died at his home Saturday morning following a heart attack. He had been in poor health for several weeks.

He is survived by his wife and two brothers, [David] Gilbert Douglas of Lenox and Merrill Douglas of Liberty, Nebraska.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at the U. P. church conducted by Rev. W. Thompson, a former pastor of the church. The body was taken to Liberty, Nebr., where a short service was held Monday afternoon. Burial was made at that place, their former home.

[Douglas, Earl Melvern]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 19, 1962    p. 2

Douglas Obituary

Earl Melvern Douglas, second son of [David] Gilbert and Mildred Hunt Douglas was January 11, 1910, near Liberty Nebraska, and passed away at his home 4 1/2  miles west of Lenox June 23, 1962, at the age of 52 years 5 months and 12 days.

He attended public schools in the vicinity of Liberty and joined the United Presbyterian Church at Mission Creek at an early age later transferring his membership to the Lenox U. P. church.

In March 1924 he moved with his family to a ranch near Atkinson, Nebraska, where he furthered his education and enjoyed life with his love for family and friends. Earl was a great lover of the outdoors and ranch life.

In 1931 he moved with his family to Lenox, Iowa.

On March 27, 1938, he was united in marriage to Alberta Jean Saunders and their home since has been in the vicinity of Lenox.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother in 1945, an infant sister, Beulah Arlene, in 1930 and a nephew, Lee Clair Douglas in 1934.

Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Jean, his father, Gilbert Douglas, two brothers, Glen of Lenox and Donald of Prescott, three sisters, Mrs. Donald (Minerva) Tully, Mrs. Harold (DeLoris) Beck and Mrs. Delman (Bernice) Brown, all of Lenox.  Also several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved, besides many other relatives and a multitude of friends.

Earl took an active part in anything for the betterment of his fellow man.  He served as a trustee on the U. P. church board and at the time of his death was President of the Lenox Stock and Saddle club and a member of the Taylor County Sheriff Posse.

Earl loved life and lived by the golden rule.  He was a faithful husband and a loving son, a buddy to his brothers, a pal to his sisters, a precious uncle and a sincere friend. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

[Douglas, Geraldine Crosson Tarpley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 29, 1982     p. 6

Jerry Douglas, 72, Last Rites Were Held July 27

Funeral services for Mrs. John (Geraldine Crosson) Douglas, 72, of Bedford, held July 27 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mrs. Douglas died July 24, 1982 in Bedford Manor. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Geraldine Crosson [Tarpley] Douglas, daughter of Lola and Guy Crosson, was born in Bedford, Iowa September 29, 1909.

She lived in Colorado for a time but returned to Bedford where she attended the public school and the United Methodist Church.

In the late 1930's she was united in marriage to John [Oliver] Douglas and with the exception of a few years when they lived in Arkansas they lived in the Bedford area.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Douglas, who died February 18, 1977.

Left to cherish her memory are nephews and nieces, a sister-in-law, Edna Luther and her husband, Marion; Donald and Mary Kemple and Mrs. Robert Castillo and family; other relatives and friends.

She will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful person; one who was able to bear her [burdens] with patience and she will be [remembered] by those who knew and loved her.

[Douglas, Helen Bell]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 24, 1931     p. 7

Helen Bell Douglas

Helen Bell Douglas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Douglas of Bedford, was born December 24 1911, and departed this life Sept. 18, 1931, at her home in Bedford, aged 20 years, 9 months and 24 days. Helen graduated from the Bedford high school in the class of 1929. She was one of the basketball players in the classes of 1927 and 1928. She united with the Baptist Church of Bedford in the year 1926. Beside her father and mother she, leaves to mourn her departure three brothers, Walter of Greeley, Colo., and Don and Archie of Bedford, and nine sisters, Maud, Grace, Florence, Bessie, Pearley, Dorothy, Marguerite, Fern and Jean. One sister preceded her in death about 17 years ago.

The funeral services were held at the Christian Church, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. Q. Harris. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Douglas, Helen Buchanan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 5, 1969    [p. 1]

Mrs. Archie Douglas Dies In Hampton

Mrs. Archie (Helen) Douglas died in a Hampton, Iowa hospital Tuesday.  Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh M. Buchanan, she was reared in Taylor County.

Among her survivors are a daughter and a son; also, in Bedford, Mrs. C. [ecil] C. [laire] Carlton [Edith Buchanan], an aunt; Donald [David] Douglas, brother-in-law; and Mrs. Archie Davison [Marguerite Douglas], sister-in-law.

Services will be June 6 at the Hampton Methodist Church at 10 a. m., with burial in Hampton.

[Douglas, Hulda Lee Fitch]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 7, 1938     p. 8

Mrs. Will Douglas, 76, Dies Here Wednesday

Mrs. William Douglas [Hulda Lee Fitch], 76, died at her home in Bedford at 10 o'clock Wednesday night, July 6, after a lingering illness.

The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, July 8, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial will be in the Bedford cemetery.

Mrs. Douglas is survived by her seven children. They are Mrs. T. [homas] E. [lza] Owings [Myrtle], Mrs. Ida [Belle] Kemple, Miss Bernice [Marie] Douglas, Oscar [Elsworth] Douglas, John [Oliver] Douglas and [William] Orville Douglas of Bedford and Melvin [Clifford] Douglas of Lenox. Mr. Douglas died several years ago.

[Douglas, Jesse B.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    July 14, 1898     p. 5

Passed Away.

Died, at his home in this city, Sunday morning, July 9, Jesse B. Douglas, aged 22 years, 11 months and 10 days, after an illness of several months with consumption. Funeral services conducted at the residence on Monday afternoon by Rev. Griffith. Interment in Bedford cemetery. Deceased leaves a wife and three children.

[Douglas, John Floyd]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 27, 1956    p. 7

HOPKINS

John Douglas Dies

John [Floyd] Douglas, 69, a native son of Hopkins, died at his home in Pasadena, Calif. Thursday, Dec. 14. His death was due to a heart attack. Funeral services were held in Pasadena.

They had but recently moved to Pasadena from Topeka, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife, Edna [Lyons], a sister, Mrs. Ed Freeman (Gertrude) of Pasadena and one niece and several nephews.

[Douglas, John Oliver]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 24, 1977    p. 7

Last Rites Held February 21 for John Douglas

Funeral services for John Oliver Douglas, 83, a native of Bedford, were held February 21 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Douglas died in Saint Francis Hospital, Maryville, Mo. February 18, 1977. Bedford American Legion Post conducted the presentation of the flag at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

John Oliver Douglas, son of William [Henry] and Hulda Fitch Douglas, was born at Bedford, Iowa, September 6, 1893.

He grew to maturity in the Bedford community where he attended the public school and was a part of the many community activities.

During World War I he served his country, returning to his home town of Bedford where he was employed by the Bedford Oil Company for many years and in this employment he made and retained friendships with a large number of people; many of them today recall memory of him as their oil man when they were small children as he was a kind and courteous friend to everyone.

On February 8, 1937, he was united in marriage to Geraldine Crosson Tarpley and they were privileged to observe their 40th wedding anniversary the 8th of this month. They lived on farms until ill health caused them to move to Bedford. He had resided in nursing homes the past several years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Oscar [Elsworth], [William] Orville, and Melvin [Clifford], and three sisters, Myrtle Owings, Bernice [Marie] Travis and lda [Bell] Kemple.

Surviving him are his wife Geraldine, and a nephew, Donald [Glen] Kemple, and his wife, Mary [Loretta Cannon], other relatives and many friends.

He was a member of the Methodist Church and the American Legion and he was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge.

He will be remembered as a kind husband, a true friend, one who was giving of his time in helping others as long as health permitted. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Douglas, Lena May Stewart]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 30, 1972    [p. 1]

Hold Last Rites November 27 for Mrs. Don Douglas

Funeral services for Mrs. Don (Lena) Douglas, 64, long time Taylor County resident, were held November 27 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings and Rev. Ray McCain officiating. Mrs. Douglas died November 24 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

[Douglas, Melvin Clifford]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 28, 1965    p. 6

Funeral services for Melvin C. [lifford] Douglas, 62, lifelong Bedford resident, held Jan. 25 at Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Mr. Carl Cummings. Mr. Douglas died Jan. 23 at the Veterans Hospital in Omaha. Military honors were conducted at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Melvin Clifford Douglas, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Douglas [Hulda Lee Fitch], was born Dec. 25, 1902, in Bedford.

His father, mother, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Surviving are two brothers and two sisters: John [Oliver] of Bedford, [William] Orville of Creston, Ia., Ida [Belle] Kemple of Bedford and Bernice [Marie] Travis of Clarinda, Ia.; one nephew, Donald [Glen] Kemple of Bedford; and one niece, Connie Moore of Bedford.

He was graduated from Bedford High School in 1923 and was a member of the Christian Church in Bedford.

He served in the Army for two years in World War II.

Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

 [Douglas, Minnie Alice Bell Douglas]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 6, 1940    p. 5

Mrs. C. C. Douglas, 67, Succumbs May 31

Mrs. C. [larence] C. [harles] Douglas, a resident of Taylor county her entire life, died suddenly at her home in south Bedford Friday evening, May 31 at the age of 67 years, 1 month and 28 days.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

Minnie Alice Bell was born in Taylor county April 3, 1873. She was married to Jesse Douglas in 1890 and to them were born three children, Mrs. Fred Traster [Maude] of Hopkins, Walter [Henry] Douglas, of Denver, Colo., and Alice Douglas Keith, who preceded her in death.

Following the death of her husband she was again married in 1897 to Clarence C. [harles] Douglas. To them were born ten children; Mrs. Elmer Cahill [Florence] of Clarinda, Mrs. Robert Getz [Dorothy] of Savannah, Mo., Mrs. Archie Davison [Marguerite] of Hopkins, Mrs. Kermit Stephens [Jean] of Omaha; Mrs. Rennie Goforth [Bessie Opal], Don Douglas, Mrs. Harry Ailshie [Pearl], Archie Douglas and Mrs. Loren Rock of Bedford and Helen [Bell] Douglas, who died in 1931.

Surviving with the husband and twelve children are 39 grand children and four great grandchildren.

[Douglas, Walter Henry]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 10, 1956    [p. 1]

walter douglas, 64, died in california

Walter [Henry] Douglas, 64, former resident of Bedford, died at his home in Santa Barbara, Calif., Thursday, April 26, following a heart attack.

Surviving are his wife and their two children, Bonnie and Jerry, of his immediate family and two brothers and nine sisters. They are Don Douglas of Bedford, Archie Douglas of Hampton, Iowa; Mrs. Jack [Harry Elvin] Ailshie [Pearl] and Mrs. Florence Cahill, Clarinda; Mrs. Archie Davison [Marguerite], Bedford; Mrs. Loran Rock [Fern], Hamburg; Mrs. Kermit Stephens [Jean], Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Ernie Goforth, San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. Maude Traster, Hopkins; Mrs. Lock Wheeler, Denver, Colo.; and Mrs. Ivan Bowman, Bolckow, Mo. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Douglas and two sisters, Alice and Helen, preceded him in death.

Mr. Douglas was operating a chicken ranch at the time of his death. They had resided at Santa Barbara for the past five years. It had been 16 years since they left Iowa to make their home in the West.

[Douglas, William Orville]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 8, 1971    p. 4

Orville Douglas Rites July 3

Funeral services for William Orville Douglas, 76, of Creston were held at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here July 3 conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Douglas died July 1, 1971 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston.

The Bedford American Legion held military rites at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

William Orville Douglas, son of Mr and Mrs W [illiam] H [enry] Douglas [Hulda Lee Fitch], was born in Bedford December 9, 1895.

He was united in marriage to Rosa Reed November 11, 1947.

He was employed at the Ford garage as a mechanic in Bedford for many years. He was also a member of the fire department in Bedford. Douglas served in the Army in World War I. He later moved to Creston and was employed as a mechanic in garages there for several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa; his father and mother; one sister, Mrs Myrtle Owings; and two brothers Oscar [Elsworth] and Melvin [Clifford].

Among survivors are: a brother, John [Oliver], of Creston; two sisters Ida [Belle] Kemple of Bedford and Mrs. Bernice [Marie] Travis of Clarinda.

[Douglass, Mina Belle Carpenter]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 12, 1929    [p. 1]

Passed Away At Fort Morgan, Colo

Mrs. Chas. O. Douglas, Formerly of Bedford, Answers Call

Word has been received by relatives in Bedford of the death of Mrs. Chas. O. [rbin] Douglas, which occurred at her home in Ft. Morgan, Colo., Wednesday of last week. Mrs. Douglas was a daughter-in-law of Mrs. J. D. Douglas of this city, who went to Fort Morgan last week, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Waterman. Mr. and Mrs. Chas Douglas lived on the home farm east of Bedford for a short time a few years ago.

[Douglass, Mina Belle Carpenter]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 26, 1929    p. 3

Mina Belle Douglass

The following obituary, taken from the Ft. Morgan, Colo., Times, will be of interest to many of our readers:

Mrs Mina Belle Douglass, 44 years old, wife of C. [harles] O. [rbin] Douglass died at 8:30 Wednesday afternoon at the family home, two and a half miles southeast of Fort Morgan. Mrs. Douglass had been ill since June 6 and most of the time had been confined to her bed.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Acre-Robinson Memorial chapel with Rev. A. C. Ramsay in charge of the rites. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.

Mrs. Douglass was born at Garden City, Kans., Feb. 1, 1885. In early girlhood she lived in Denver and when she was about 12 years old she went to Greeley with her family. In 1901 they moved to Fort Collins where she was married, to Charles O. [rbin] Douglass, Nov. 16, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass lived at Fort Collins until 1913 when they moved to Bedford, Iowa, where they lived for a year and a half. In August 1915, they moved to Fort Morgan where they have lived since. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass were active in Farm Union circles and were well known in the life of the community. Mrs. Douglass was a woman of exceptionally noble character and one whose charm of personality and disposition won for her the admiration of a wide and rapidly growing circle of friends. She is survived by her husband and five children. The children are Harold S., 24, W. Howard, 20, C. Delbert, 17, Doris, 14, and Helen, 7. A twin sister of Mrs. Douglass, Mrs. Minnie Markle, died recently at Billings, Mont. W. H. Carpenter, who lives at Pomona, Calif., is the foster father of Mrs. Douglass. Mrs. Douglass was a member of the Women of Woodcraft here. She became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Collins in 1903 and was active in the work of that denomination in Fort Morgan.