Norman Eugene "Doc" Waples 1909 - 2001

WAPLES HOADLEY BAKER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/24/2014 at 23:45:56

Onawa Sentinel
8 March 2001

Norman Eugene "Doc" Waples was born January 9, 1909 in Castana, Iowa. He was the son of Preston Thomas Waples and Josephine Hoadley Waples. Norman graduated from Carroll High School in 1928. During high school, Norman worked for Dr. E. W. Martin, optometrist, of Carroll. This part-time job led to his future career in optometry.

After graduating from Northern Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Waples established his practice in Jefferson in 1933.

On November, 10, 1935, Norman married Lorraine Baker at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

They became the parents of two children.

In December 1942 Dr. Waples entered the United States Army and served in the Rainbow Division in the European Theatre during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Jefferson.

Dr. Waples was an active member and long-time officer of Morning Star Lodge #159 A.F.&A.M. and Emmaus Commandry. He was also a member of Evening Star Chapter #107 O.E.S. and Za Ga Zig Shrine.

Dr. Waples belonged to First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. He was an active member of the Jefferson Lions Club, B.P.O.E. Elks #2306, and the Green County Genealogical and Historical Societies. He belonged to the Floyd Brown Post #11 of the American Legion in Jefferson and professionally, he was a member of the American Optometric Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed boating, fishing, and woodworking.

After his retirement in 1973, he and Lorraine remained active in the community and enjoyed traveling to Rainbow Division reunions around the United States.

On March 1, 2001, Dr. Waples died at the Greene County Medical Center. He was 92 years of age.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Ivan.

Surviving is his wife, Lorraine Waples of Jefferson, IA; a daughter, Elaine Waples of Highland, IN; a son, Alan Waples and his wife, Susan of Burlington, IA; a brother, Darrell Waples of Maple Valley, WA; three grandchildren, two great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, Iowa with Rev. William Daylong, officiating. Musical selections included "On Eagle's Wings" and "It Is Well With My Soul".

Casket bearers were Dr. Terry Brown, Arlon Yepsen, Ken Molle, Janet Hendricks, Dick Davis and Gary McDonald.