Amos, Harold "Malcolm" - 1922-2011

AMOS, HAGEN, MOON, NIELSEN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 10/24/2024 at 17:12:59

Harold "Malcolm" Amos, 89, was born Feb. 18, 1922 in DeNova, Colo. to Rex and Iva (Moon) Amos, He passed away Oct. 5, 2011 in Des Moines. He graduated from Afton High School in 1939 and enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed in the Philippines during WWII and was captured by the Japanese on April of 1942. He endured the Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell and later was transferred to Cabanatuan. After being a prisoner for nearly three years he was rescued on Jan. 30, 1945.
On Oct. 22, 1945 Malcolm married Loraine Nielsen in San Francisco. They returned to Iowa and opened Amos Grocery, where they worked together till they retired in 1977. They were blessed with seven children. Malcolm stayed busy with many positions and projects. He served as fire chief, city council, mayor, school board member, veterans affairs board, Union County Supervisor, and many other positions. Afton's growth was important and he liked to see it prosper. He worked on the committees to see the completion of 3 Mile Lake, Afton Golf Course, and the housing projects, just to name a few. Some of his memberships included: Afton Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, F.O.E. Eagles Lodge, and Disabled American Veterans. He served as State Commander of American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. His free time was filled with traveling to many states and countries, first with his wife and later with his children. During warm weather one could find him on the bench uptown watching the day go by and later with dog walks with Henry around town on his scooter. The coffee club was a favorite activity. Ready to play the game!
Survivors include his wife of 66 years Loraine of Afton; children: Mark (wife Lee) of Fairfield, Calif., Blythe (husband John) of Lafayette, Ind., Cindy (husband Mark) of Afton, Mick of Afton, Shelley (husband Michael) of Shenandoah, Jane of Afton, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; Henry his dog, and many friends.
Malcolm was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Iva; daughter Lanae Hagen and Michelle Diane, a granddaughter. He will be greatly missed by all.
Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2011 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Afton, Iowa.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, October 9, 2011, page 9B