Joseph Handley Ankeny,March 27

HANDLEY, KILLAM, SOMMERS AND DOUD

Posted By: Mary Giles (email)
Date: 3/26/2005 at 14:52:28

Joseph Charles Handley, 86, of Ankeny died in his home on Thursday, March 27,2003.
Joe was born the son of Clarence and Gladys Handley on Oct.4,1916, in Menlo. Following his father's death, Joe spent his early years with his grandparents, working with his grandfather and uncle at the Handley Food Market in Greenfield. He later worked at the Greenfield Cremery and Locker Plant until he was called to active duty in the Army during World War 2. He served in Cannon Company 1st Infantry during the Luzon and New Guinea campaigns in the Pacific Theatre, reciving 2 Bronze Stars.
On Nov.14,1946, Joe married Viola Ruth Killam of Greenfield. To this union 4 children were born; Gary, Larry, Terry, and Sherri. The couple farmed near Greenfield and Zion.
They returned to Greenfield where they managed the locker plant for 3 years. In 1964 the family moved to Ankeny. Joe worked as a meat cutter for Safeway Foods before joining the Iowa Department of Transportation. He was employed in the road maintenance division and as a state bridge inspector until his retirement in 1981.
Joe enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and woodworking. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. As a husband, father and grandfather he was faithful and devoted, always providing a warm and comfortable home for family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Viola; son Gary and wife Nancy; son Larry and wife Diane; Son Terry and wife Nancy; Daughter Sherri and husband Brad Sommers; 9 grandchildren Heather Cherry and husband Scott, Chris, Hayley, and Chelsea Handley, Mallory and Ben Sommers, Joseph, Erin and Jonathan Handley; brother Robert Doud; several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday March 29, at Saints John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona.
Interment was in the Greenfield Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #265