Ansell Lee White-1909-1986

HUDNET, STARK, WHITE, SHEWMAN, SHELL, COLTON, DAUGHTON, SHIELDS, NIEMAN

Posted By: Connie
Date: 8/28/2010 at 12:30:38

Creston News Advertiser, Creston, Iowa
July 1986

Ansell Lee White, son of James Herman and Flossie Hudnet Stark, was born October 28, 1909, at Boone, Iowa. He passed away Thursday, July 24, 1986, at the Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Iowa, at the age of 76 years, 8 months and 26 days. At the age of four years he was welcomed into the home of Arthur L. and Flora Shewman White at Brooks, Iowa, where he was raised as their own son.
In 1919, the family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he attended school, graduating in the class of 1931. In 1932, the family returned to Brooks where Ansell became a member of the Methodist Church.
He married Goldie Lorene Shell on October 6, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri. To this union were born 5 children; Gordon Lee, Phillip Leon, Connie Elaine, Karen Jo, and Kaira Kay. Ansell operated a Skelly Service Station in Villisca, Iowa, for a short time and returned to Brooks, Iowa, in 1937, where he and his father were painting contractors. In 1941, Ansell began employment with Burlington Truck Lines and the family moved o Corning, Iowa. In 1949, the truck terminal was moved to Creston and in August of that year Creston became the new home of the White family.
Ansell was elected chief of the Creston Volunteer Fire Department when it was organized in the early 1950's and was always active in the organization and it's projects. He served as a Creston City Councilman representing the 4th ward for one term. In 1971, he retired after 30 years of service with Burlington Truck Lines. His retirement enabled him to pursue his interests in gardening, roses, travel and camping. He was active in the office he held and always looked forward to each club meeting and state and national campvention where he made many friends. At the time of his death Ansell and Goldie were serving as district directors for Southwest Iowa National Campers and Hikers Association. He cherished the award he and Goldie received for outstanding service from the NCHA at the national campvention in 1985, held in Grand Island, Nebraska. One of Ansell's camping goals was to see a nationnal campvention held in the state of Iowa. After 2 years on the steering committee the announcement was made that Iowa would host the 1987 National Campers and Hikers Campvention to be held at Ottumwa, Iowa, in July 1987.
Ansell was a family man and his greatest joy was when he was with his children and grandchildren. On October 6, 1984, Goldie and Ansell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife, Goldie; two sons, Gordon of Des Moines, Iowa and Phillip and wife, Pat of Mesa, Arizona; three daughters, Connie of Creston, Iowa, Karen and husband, Doral Colton of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Kaira and husband, Stephen Daughton of Onalaska, Wisconsin and a daughter-in-law, Donna White of Des Moines, Iowa. Also eight grandchildren, Debra, Jim and Kris White of Des Moines, Iowa; Stacey Shields and husband, Rod of Mt. Ayr, Iowa; Diane Nieman and husband, Brian of Phoenix, Arizona; Lisa White of Galveston, Texas; Michael and Brian Colton of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Also four great-grandchildren, Andy, Aleha and Aaron Shields and Tenton Nieman. He is also survived by two brothers, Charles and Frank and two sisters, Ima Jeanne and Nina. Ansell was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Clark and one sister, Zelma.
Funeral services were held Tuesday,July 29, 1986, 2:00 p.m. at the Coen-Beaty Funeral Home with Joe Cook and Rev. George Campbell officiating. Music was "Because He Lives" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord" provided by Eldon Sellers, soloist and Glenda Sellers, organist. Pallbearers were Jim Hamilton, Dale Keating, Drexel Schrodt, Delbert Adams, Leroy and Darwin West. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery.