Innis, Tilford Jr. 1934-2013

INNIS, KOGER, BAKER, LUPEE, WILLIAMS, CRAWFORD, BURR

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 2/16/2014 at 13:53:15

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Oct. 21, 2013

TILFORD INNIS JR.

Tilford Innis Jr., 79, of Grinnell, died on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Military rites will be provided by the Grinnell Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service.

Memorials may be designated in his name to Grinnell Regional Hospice and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memorials and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smithfh.com.

Tilford Bell Innis, Jr. was born on Aug. 25, 1934, in Grinnell to Tilford Bell Innis and Mary Elizabeth Koger Innis. He was raised and educated in Grinnell.

Following his education, he began a lifelong career in the construction business. He built many buildings over the years, including several area churches and schools in the Midwest and as far away as California. He honorably served in the United States Army between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War periods.

Tilford was united in marriage with Norma Joyce Baker at the United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, Mo., on Oct. 21, 1962. They had four sons and raised their family in Grinnell. His enjoyments were hunting rabbits, watching Western movies, and traveling, especially to the Ozarks in Missouri.

Tilford is survived by his wife of 50 years, Norma J. Innis of Grinnell; his sons Wendell Innis of Ben Lomond, Calif., and Russell Innis and James Innis, both of Grinnell; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and his siblings Mary Lupee of Altoona, Bernice Williams of Montezuma , and Rachel Crawford of Grinnell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Bruce Innis; and his siblings Ruth Burr, Harold Innis, Russell Innis, Charles Innis, and Hazel Innis.