Rhys T. Rhys (1887-1944)

RHYS, LLEWELYN, TRENEMAN, MILLER, CLANCY

Posted By: John Davis (email)
Date: 3/28/2020 at 20:36:14

Obit posted in Ottumwa Courier September 7, 1944
Photo posted with obit R.T. Rhys, Veteran Mine Inspector, Dies
Rhys T. Rhys of Ottumwa, 77, who was dean of all Iowa state employees when he retired as district mine inspector in June of 1943, died early today the University hospital in Iowa City. He had gone to Iowa City a week ago and underwent an operation last Saturday, from which he was recovering. He suffered a heart attack yesterday, and another this morning which was fatal. Mr. Rhys, who home was at 204 West Woodland avenue, was a native of Wales who came to the United States at the age of 18. He served 38 years in the mine inspecting post, being first appointed November 20, 1903, by the late Gov. A.D. Cummins. In all, he served under 12 governors. At the time the Ottumwan retired, the state historian reported that he was the oldest state office holder in point of service. During those 38 years he had witnessed firsthand the far-reaching progress in coal mine safety. Gov. B.B. Hickenlooper commended him highly for his faithful service. Mr. Rhys was a charter member of the Mine Inspectors Institute of the United States and had been made a life member of the organization. He was born July 22, 1887, at Gwaun-Cae Gruven in Glamorganshire, South Wales, the son of Thomas and Ann Rhys, He finished schooling in Ohio and was married December 24, 1898, to Ann Llewelyn at Oskaloosa. Surviving are his widow, one son, Glyndwr, who is a labor relations manager for the American Viscose Co.: three daughters, Mrs. W.J. Treneman of Ottumwa, Mrs. Fred Miller of Washington, Iowa and Mrs. John Clancy of Seneca, Illinois, seven grandchildren, a brother, Will and a sister, Ann of Cwmgorse, Wales. He was preceded in death by brothers John and Thomas and sisters Margaret and Gwen. The body was brought to the Lester Jay funeral home pending completion of funeral arrangements.
Funeral services for Rhys T. Rhys, 77, retired Iowa State mine inspector who died Thursday morning at the University hospital in Iowa City, of a heart ailment, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Lester Jay funeral home. The Rev. Theodore H. Leonard, pastor of the First Methodist church, will be in charge. Burial will be in Memorial lawn cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be John Jeffries of Des Moines, E.A. Farnsworth of Centerville, William Lodwick of Centerville, and Emmett Work, P.R. Holloway and G.R. Haddon of Ottumwa. Active pallbearers will be G.L. Baker, Dave Weeks, Ellwood Johnson, Dr. Idris Lodwick, William C. Brunk and William Cunningham.