Claybrook, Wendell James 1919-2010

CLAYBROOK, MCILRATH, ONTHANK, OSBORN, AHRENS, FARRINGTON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 12/20/2013 at 08:46:05

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
July 26, 2010

WENDELL J. CLAYBROOK

Wendell James "Buck" Claybrook, 90, of Searsboro died Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center under the care of Grinnell Regional Hospice.

A funeral service was held Saturday, July 24, at Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Susan Sanning officiating. Organist was William Tinker. Casket bearers were Randy Ahrens, Jeff Claybrook, Jason Claybrook, Joel Claybrook, Mike Hamor, Bob Hunter, Ray Hunter and Leon Osborn. Honorary bearers were Jim Denny, Al Farrington, Mark Hinsch, Christopher Frowiss, Mike Sisk and Jeff Tremmel. Interment was in Hazelwood Cemetery. A luncheon at his home in Searsboro followed the committal service.

Memorials may be made to PALS.

He was born Oct. 6, 1919, at his family's home north of Grinnell to Ralph and Emma McIlrath Claybrook. He was united in marriage with Mildred Onthank on Feb. 28, 1942, in Lancaster, Mo. A farmer and rancher, his special interest was in being a rodeo producer and security and livestock-control person at the Iowa state Fair for over 55 years. He bussed persons with disabilities from Poweshiek County to Marshalltown and also worked for Cargill Seed Corn Company for several years. He owned and operated the Grinnell Livestock exchange and the Oskaloosa Sale Barn.

He and his wife also operated restaurants in New Sharon, Oskaloosa and Grinnell.

He is survived by his sisters, Evelyn Osborn of Grinnell and Freda Ahrens of Marshalltown; his brother Duane Claybrook of Omaha, Texas; and his caregiver, Norma Farrington of Montezuma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 1995, and an infant son, Lonnie.