Gerald W. Mullins (1984)

MULLINS, SMITHSON, SLAVENS, SWITZER, COLLIER

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 11/5/2006 at 13:48:58

Winterset Madisonian
June 27, 1984

Gerald W. Mullins, Earlham

Services for Gerald W. Mullins, 86, Earlham, who died of a stroke Wednesday, June 20, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center, were held Saturday, June 23, at Penn Center Methodist Church in rural Earlham with the Rev. Robert Farr officiating. Burial was at the Penn Center Cemetery.

Born March 16, 1898 at Waukee, he was the son of Delbert and Susie Smithson Mullins. He lived in the Van Meter and DeSoto areas during his youth and graduated from the DeSoto school, then attended Iowa State in Ames. He was a World War I veteran and was married to Hazel Slavens of Earlham. They farmed in the Winterset area for many years and raised registered Angus cattle. Mr. Mullins was president of the Madison County Angus Association, the American Legion and the National Farmers Organization.

Survivors include a daughter, Marvyl of Des Moines; a son, Lisle of Lorimor; a brother, Russell of Los Angeles, Calif.; sisters Mabel Mullins of Adel, Garnet Switzer of Van Meter and Hazel Collier of Des Moines; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and two sisters.
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Earlham Echo – June 28, 1984
Earlham, Iowa

Gerald M. Mullins, son of Delbert and Susie Smithson Mullins, was born at Waukee, Iowa on March 16, 1898. He passed away at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, June 20, 1984. Services were held at the Penn Center Church in rural Earlham at 10:00 a.m. June 23, 1984. Services were conducted by Rev. Robert Farr. Burial was at the Penn Center cemetery. Pallbearers were Darrell Adams, Verne Crabbs, Laree Imboden, Beryl Kenworthy, Bob Slavens and Ernest Stowell. Honorary pallbearers were Don Bolton, Dr. Keith Chapler, Russel Comp, William A. Duncan, Gene Haggen, Ralph Hunter, Don Ross, Dr. Rustico Santos and Leon Wetrich. Organist was Mrs. LaVere McCleary.

Surviving children are Lisle R. Mullins of Paris, Texas and Mrs. Marvyl Sheriff of Des Moines, Iowa. Grandchildren are Jo Ann Route and daughter, Heather and son, Chance of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Charlotte and Troyse Ward and son, Mace of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Geane and Ken Townsend and son, Tanner, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Curtis and Coleen (Sheriff), daughter, Angelina and son, Dustin of Des Moines, Iowa, Crystal and Mike Lister and daughters Monica and Renee of Earlham, Iowa, Lisa and John Crockett and daughter, Misty and son, Chase, of Henderson, Texas and Jeff and Michelle Mullins living at home.

The surviving brother and sisters are Russell Mullins of Los Angeles, California, Mabel Mullins of Adel, Garnet Switzer of Van Meter and Hazel Collier of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel, in 1961, brothers Earl and Dale Mullins, sisters, Myrtle Dalton and Ethyl Hester.

Gerald lived in the Van Meter and DeSoto areas during his youth and graduated from the DeSoto School, then attended college in Ames, Iowa. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War I. In August of 1920 he was united in marriage to Hazel Slavens of Earlham, Iowa. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska for a time, where he attended barber school. Deciding to return to Iowa to farm, they lived in the Earlham community for a time, then moved to the Winterset area where he farmed for many years, and started with McCall and Huntoon in raising registered Angus cattle. In 1948 they purchased a farm in the Penn Center community and built their own registered Angus herd. His cattle were sold to many breeders in Iowa and out-of-state. He also helped start many young men in the Angus business.

Mullins was president of the Madison County Angus Association, a member of the American Legion, and also traveled in many states in the beginning of the National Farmers Organization.

He retired from farming by selling his machinery, and in later years, the cattle and farms. He purchased a home in Paris, Texas where he spent the winter months. Mullins owned a home at Diamond Head, located near Dexter, where many family reunions were held.

One of the things he enjoyed was fishing, at home and traveling as far as Canada and Mexico to enjoy the sport.

He enjoyed his children and grandchildren and was happy when they were all together. There was fun, laughter, good food and good times. His humorous ways rubbed off on his children and grandchildren. They will remember him proudly.

He was fortunate to have Bertha Opperman as a companion during his last years. They shared many enjoyable years with each and with many friends. He will be remembered by a host of relatives, friends and neighbors.

Gravestone Photo
 

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