BILYEU, John O. (1916-1988)

BILYEU, HANNA, MARKWORTH, SLATTENOW, HAGER, HARMS

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 4/11/2025 at 16:12:10

John O. Bilyeu
1916-1988

Services for John O. Bilyeu, 72, Harlingen, TX, who died February 11, 1988 in Valley Baptist Medical Center, were held Thursday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt with Rev. James Albertson officiating.

Music was provided by organist, LeAnn Buns.

Burial was at the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with Ewing Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

John O. Bilyeu, the son of Josiah and Karen Hanna Bilyeu, was born January 9, 1916 at Woden. He attended the Woden schools and also attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University.

On August 3, 1945, he married Kathryn Markworth at Clinton.

He was a Civil Engineer with the Air Force and had worked in several states. During World War II he served as a Commando in North Africa, was captured by Gen. Rommel and was a prisoner in Germany for two and a half years. Upon his retirement in 1979, he raised roses as a hobby and won many trophies plus 11 awards at the Rose Shows in Omaha, NE in 1986.

He enjoyed traveling. From 1970 to 1983, he and Kathryn traveled to Europe three times, to Hong Kong and the Philippines twice, to Australia, New Zealand and Alaska. It had been his plan to see Ireland and Scotland in the summer of 1988.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Ex-POWs, Eagles Club and several square dance clubs.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Archie Bilyeu; two sisters, Edith Slattenow and Geneva Hager.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Bilyeu of San Benito, TX; a son, John Mark Bilyeu of Omaha, NE; one sister, Mrs. Harvey (Elna) Harms of Forest City; three brothers, Merle of Woden, Julius of Paullina and Rob of Mason City and also several nieces and nephews.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 24 Feb 1988, page 3, column 1