William R, "Sparky" Hime

HIME, MCGREEVY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/12/2007 at 23:20:16

William R. “Sparky” Hime

William R. “Sparky” Hime was a Monona County native who lived his entire life in the Blencoe, Turin, and Onawa area. The son of Wilbur and Bertha Hime, he was born on September 23, 1906. He attended school in Blencoe and went to business college in Omaha, Nebraska. In his youth he was known as an outstanding basketball player and played semi-professional baseball. Following college he returned to Blencoe and worked for the McElwain Brothers and the Blencoe Farmers Elevator Company as a bookkeeper.
In 1937 he became manager of the Turin Farmers Elevator Company and moved his family there. He helped established the Turin Telephone Company, setting up telephone poles and wiring homes for people within the community and outlying areas. He earned a pilot’s license and served in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. His flying ability enabled him to survey flood damage as park of his role as chairman of the Monona County Red Cross Disaster Committee, a position he held for many years. He also served on the school board of the Turin Independent School District.
He continued to manage the elevator and to be a member of the Turin business community after moving to Onawa in 1953. In addition to managing the grain elevator, “Sparky” also prepared income tax returns for many residents and farmers in the area.
“Sparky” was married to Edith McGreevy on June 14, 1932. To this union six children were born, five sons and one daughter. One son died in infancy. Edith Hime died in 1962. On June 26, 1976, he married Florence Duffy Comfort.
Baseball, hunting and fishing were lifelong interests for “Sparky”. He also was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Onawa and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He maintained membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles for many years.
Always conscientious of his commitment to his work, “Sparky” continued working six days a week at the Turin Elevator until his death on June 12, 1980.
“Sparky” Hime was known throughout Monona County as a man of integrity. He was respected for business acumen and his willingness to serve his community. He is another example of the outstanding citizens who contributed to the growth and development of the county.
Source: History of Monona County, Iowa 1982
Taylor Pub. Co.