Charles Robert Mings 1926 - 2005

MINGS, BAUCOM, GILGEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/7/2014 at 20:13:29

Onawa Sentinel
12 May 2005

Charles "Joe" Mings, 79, Johnston, Iowa formerly of Onawa, Iowa died Monday, May 2, 2005 at Johnston, Iowa.

Charles Robert Mings, was born February 23, 1926 at Randolph, Iowa the son of Francis and Julia (Baucom) Mings. He was raised in Randolph, Iowa until the family moved to Castana, Iowa where he graduated from Castana High School. He joined the United States Navy June 29, 1944 and served on the USS LCI where he was a ship's gunner in the Philippines, during WW II, until his discharge June, 1946.

He married Julia Gilgen December 26, 1948 and they made their home in Onawa. Joe was employed with Orland Ferris Construction before being foreman for the Monona County Road Department for 13 years. He and his brother Larry custom combined, following seasonal harvesting. The couple moved to Colorado and he worked for Rio Grand Railroad for 9 years before returning to Onawa.

Julia passed away April 10, 1994 in Onawa. The past 9 years Joe has resided in Rapid City, SD and Johnston with his daughter and son-in-law Joan and Bruce Long.

He was a member of First Christian Church, Onawa, a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and found great joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Joan and her husband Bruce Long of Johnston, IA and Kathy Ware of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren, Robert "Rob" and his wife Michelle, Melissa "Missy" Ware, Jennifer and her husband Tim Boes and Brittany Long; four great grandchildren, Julia Ware, Caleb Strong and Madison and Mallory Boes; three brothers, Ed and his wife June of Hendersonville, NC, Kenneth and his wife Irene of Onawa and Larry of Fayetteville, TX; a sister, Betty Vredenburgh of Lakewood, CO; two sisters-in-law, Marcella Mings of North Sioux City, SD and Ruth Mings of San Diego, CA; three aunts, Thelma, Ann and Juanita of Shenandoah, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was, preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brett Long and three brothers, James, Jack and William.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2005 at First Christian Church, Onawa with Rev. Dennis Olsen, officiating. Music selections were "Wings. Of A Dove" and "Angel". Burial was in Onawa Cemetery. Military Honors were conducted by the United States Navy and Monona County VFW Post #2694. Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Rush Family Care Service, Onawa.

Casket bearers were Dave Cummins, Dick Bellis, Roger Meadows, Chuck Ferris, Richard Ingram and Richard Merritt.