Funeral services for Adeline Campbell, age 92 of Bedford, who
died Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Bedford Nursing &
Rehab Center were held Monday, October 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial was held in the
Hopkins Cemetery in Hopkins, Missouri. Memorials can be
given in Adeline's name. Memories can be shared with the
family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under
Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral
Home of Bedford.

[104]Campbell, William "Ernie" - Funeral services for Ernie Campbell, age 87, of Lenox, who died Friday, December 30, 2005, at the Lenox Care Center were held Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox with Reverend Tim Maxa officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 were held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Ernie’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

William "Ernie" Campbell, Jr., was born April 16, 1918, in Bedford, Iowa, the son of William Ernest
Campbell and Anna Bessie (Gullett) Campbell. He grew up attending school in Bedford, graduating
with the Class of 1937. In July of 1941 Ernie was drafted into the United States Army where he
honorably served his country during World War II in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged
in 1945 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ernie earned the Good Conduct Medal, the American
Defense Service Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star. After returning to Bedford, Ernie was united in marriage to Helene Vincent on August 9, 1946, in Lenox, Iowa. To this loving union the couple was blessed with the birth of two children, Susan and Bill.

Ernie worked at the First National Bank in Bedford, the Bedford Times-Press, Cudahays, Prugh
Hardware and also served as the Assistant County Assessor for Taylor County. In August of 1959
Ernie and Helene purchased the Gamble’s Store in Lenox from Jay and Bessie Henderson. For twenty-
one years they worked side-by-side building the hardware business now known as Bunch Hardware,
selling to Dennis and Judy Bunch in 1980. Ernie was an active businessman in Taylor County serving on the Lenox Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox were he served as an Elder for many years and was also a lifetime member of the VFW. During his life time, Ernie made many friends and helped many people. He was even known to drive to the farm fields to install batteries in his friend’s tractors. Ernie and Helene were blessed when in October of 1979 a granddaughter Erin was born.

Left to cherish Ernie's memory are his loving wife Helene of 59 years; a daughter Susan Fuhrmeister
of Coralville, Iowa; a son, Bill Campbell of Lenox; a granddaughter Erin Campbell of Osceola; a
nephew Beau Lower and family of Seattle, Washington, and a whole community of friends.

Preceding Ernie in death were his parents William and Anna; two sisters Pearl Lower and Jean Stone;
and two brothers, "Cap" Campbell and Jack Campbell.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Ernie's passing.

[107]Casey, Jillene Morris - Memorial services for Jillene (Morris) Casey, age
63 formerly of Bedford who died Tuesday,
November 7, 2006 at Capital Regional Hospital in
Jefferson City, Missouri were held Sunday,
November 12, 2006 at the Thomas Lange Funeral
Home in Centerville, Iowa. Interment of the
cremated remains will be buried at a later date at
the Stringtown Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials
can be directed to the Mercy Medical Center,
Oncology Department.

Jillene "Babe" (Morris) Casey was born August
29, 1943 in Blockton, Iowa the daughter of Vilas
Morris and Ruth (Salen) Morris. She graduated
from the Bedford High School and the American
Beauty School in Des Moines. Jillene was united
in marriage to Larry Casey on May 7, 1966 in
Lenox, Iowa. She owned `Babe's Beauty Salon' at
her home for thirty-three years and was in the
business for forty years. Jillene also owned and
worked at the Green Circle for four years. She
was a member of the Quarter Horse Association
and the Appaloosa Horse Association.

Left to cherish Jillene's memory are her husband
Larry Casey; two children, Larry Casey Jr., and
wife Alison of Altoona, Iowa; Kim Thamke and
husband David of Urbandale, Iowa; four
grandchildren, Jack, Julia, Amanda and Peyton; a
brother Sid Morris and wife Alvira of Cedar Falls,
Iowa; and Joanne Scroggie and husband Gary of
Bedford.

Preceding Jillene in death are her parents, Vilas
and Ruth Morris; three brothers, John Morris, Jack
Morris and Jim Morris; and a sister Judy Cox.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who
mourn Jillene's passing.

[109]Clark, Ruth Hanshaw - Funeral Services for Ruth Clark, age 81 of Bedford who
died Sunday, November 19, 2006 at the Clarinda Regional
Health Center were held Friday, November 24, 2006 at
10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford.
Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.
Memorials can be directed to the First Baptist Church, the
Taylor County Museum or the Bedford Library Elevator
Fund. Memories can be shared with the family on our web
site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home
of Bedford.

Naomi Ruth Hanshaw Clark was born in Bedford, Iowa on
June 7, 1925, the daughter of Catherine Rebecca Walker
Hanshaw and Carr Clifton Hanshaw. She died in Clarinda,
Iowa on November 19, 2006.

Her family lived on West Main Street from where she
walked to school in Bedford, and graduated from high
school there in 1943. Her school days were during the
Depression of the `30s and the World War II years of the
`40s. Her class had no yearbook because of the paper
shortage, no class trip due to fuel and tire shortages, and
Bedford's first black-out, part of an air raid drill, occurred
during their commencement. In high school Ruth, who was
a life-long pianist, was also active in glee club, band and
orchestra. In 1944 she was the Taylor County War Bond
Queen, for which the prize was a lavish week-end trip to
Des Moines with other County Queens. During those war
years a trip to Des Moines was an unusual treat.

On March 6, 1945 Ruth was married to Howard Reed Clark
(Shorty) in Wathena, Kansas. Three children were born to
the couple: Cathy Lou, November 27, 1948; Brent D.,
November 1, 1951; Patricia Lynn, June 14, 1954. Shorty
died suddenly on December 22, 1983.

After high school Ruth worked at Lucille Livingston's
Coffee Shop, the Ben Franklin Store, Rexall Drug where
she stirred up great chocolate sodas, the OPA (Office of
Price Administration designed to control wartime
inflation), and in the office of Cudahy's. Later she was
Shorty's secretary at Farmer's Mutual Insurance and the
bookkeeper at Clark Lumber Company. After Shorty's
untimely death she rose to the occasion and became the
sole proprietor of the Lumber Company for nearly eleven
years. There were only two years of Ruth's life that she did
not live in Bedford. This is when she and Shorty owned and
operated the Country Boys Lumber Yard in Grant City,
before returning to Bedford and establishing Clark Lumber
Company.

Ruth was an enthusiastic promoter and worker in the
Bedford Community; a long-time member of the Rebekah
Lodge, Lioness, and the Chamber of Commerce. After
retirement she volunteered as a guide at the Taylor County
Museum. She sold tickets at the gate of the Taylor County
Fair for many years.

The Bedford Baptist Church was always her church home;
she attended services there from the time she was a child.
Ruth asked Jesus to be her Savior at the age of twelve,
becoming a member of the church almost 70 years ago.
When she was in high school she began playing the piano
at church, which she continued throughout her life. When
the organ became a part of the church's music she became
a self-taught organist as well. She was very proud that six
generations of her family, beginning with her grandparents,
attended the Bedford Baptist Church regularly.

Ruth's faith carried her through many difficult times. A
clinging cross, given to her by a dear friend, brought her
much comfort during her final illness. It was always in her
hand for every doctor's appointment and treatment as a
reminder of God's love and care.

Ruth was a grandmother extraordinaire. She had a
remarkable sense of how she could be of help and
encouragement to her eight grandchildren, their spouses
and her twelve great grandchildren. She sent cards, made
phone calls, sent little packages, was readily available for
visits, ran errands, helped baby-sit, and always claimed her
grandmother's rights for holding and cuddling a new baby.
Every child should have a grandmother as loving as Ruth.

In addition to her joy of being with her immediate family,
she treasured visits from her two nieces who live away,
Judy and Merle Engleka, and Kaye and Len Ware. She
was grateful that Carole (a special cousin) and Vic Noer
lived close-by, which made possible many happy times
together.

Ruth is survived by two daughters and a son: Cathy and
Don Cochran, Spring Hill, KS; Brent and Debbie Clark,
Glenwood, IA; Patricia and David Dukes, Bedford, IA.,
and grandchildren: Brandi and Kevin Chambers, Tera and
Matt Schlotfelt, Alison Clark and Dan Porter, James Clark,
Megan Clark, Elaina and James Johnson, Troy and Erin
Dukes, Katy and Dustin Longfellow. Great grandchildren
are Katelynn, Taylor and Sarah Chambers; Banner
Schlotfelt; Preston and Logen Clark; Zachary, Alexander
and Bradley Johnson; Mason and Quinton Dukes; and
Ruthie Grace Longfellow.

She also is survived by three sisters-in-law; Ethel Hanshaw,
Maxine Wallace and Phyllis Clark, and brother-in-law,
Dean Clark and wife Sally. She also leaves many nieces,
nephews and friends who will miss her generous, loving
and caring ways.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,
Howard Reed Clark; brothers, Forrest Hanshaw and Clif
Hanshaw; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Hanshaw and Kay
Hanshaw; and nephews, Jim Hanshaw and Paul Hanshaw .

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn
Ruth's passing.

[114]Cook, Leah Jean Canney - Funeral services for Leah Cook, age 64, of Lenox who died Thursday
June 2, 2005 at her home were held Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stringtown Church. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials can be given in Leah's name. Please leave a
message of tribute to the cook family on our web page, www.ritchiefunralhome.com under obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Leah Jean (Canney) Cook was born August 12, 1940 to Donald and Corda (Carson) Canney, in Osceola, Iowa and died June 2, 2005, at home in Lenox, Iowa.

Leah attended country school in Clarke County through the 8th grade and graduated high school in Osceola. She worked a short time for the telephone company. Being a real country girl at heart she did not enjoy this, and decided to stay at home, and helped her mom and dad on the farm until meeting Roy Cook.

At this meeting a great love developed. They were united in marriage December 31, 1961 at Bethel Chapel Church in Clarke County. To this union 5 children were born: Jeffery of Ankeny; Lynne Hites and husband
Andy of Pleasant Hill; Corey of Altoona; James of Corning; Allen of Red Oak; and many other children that called Leah Mom. She had 5 adopted children, 4 grandchildren; Brandon and Lindsey Cook, Meagan
and Ashley Hites.

Leah and Roy for several years worked with the foster children program. They had somewhere around 30 children that passed through their home that called Leah Mom and still do today. Many told her she was the only mom that they had ever known. She loved working with and teasing people for good fun. Her love was not things but people, thinking of others before herself. She lived her life by the golden rule; she taught this value to her children with love and forgiveness, while touching an even greater number.

Leah always tried to serve the Lord in whatever way that she could. She enjoyed people, her family, rodeos, flowers, and animals.

In the 1980's she and Roy moved to Des Moines to be in the Active Ministry. While there they served as Co-Pastors of different churches and volunteered to help others. They spent a year in Southern Missouri,
working for Lord and had hoped some day to return there to retire.

In 1993 they moved to Lenox to pastor at Stringtown Community Church and enjoyed this challenge. During this time they and Peggy Brown made three missionary trips to Southeast Kentucky, which Leah
had enjoyed beyond words, and the people that she met there. She had hoped to go again.

Leah enjoyed traveling, sewing and her church work. She couldn't understand why people didn't enjoy being in God's House and doing his work.

Leah is at home with the Lord today and you can bet she is putting in a good word for each of you.

Preceding Leah in death are her grandparents and parents. May God grant comfort and strengthen to those who mourn Leah's passing.

[116]Cordell, Nettie, age 91, passed away January 16, 2006 at Greater Regional Medical Center, in Creston, Iowa. Nettie, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Evans and Sarah Ann Briggs was born October 3, 1914,
Washington Township, Taylor county, Iowa, and on May 25, 1933 married Carl Henry Cordell in Maryville, Missouri.

To this union four children were born: Son: LaVerne (Faith) Cordell, Phoenix, AZ; Larry (Gail) Cordell,
Lenox, IA; Daughters: Peggy Brown, Lenox, IA, and Donna Smithson, Lenox, IA; Preceded in death by: Parents; Husband, Carl in 1989; Son, John Cordell; Grandson, Dennis Duane Cordell; Daughter-in-law, Joan Cordell; Sons-in-law, Doyle Gilbert, Harlan Brown; Sisters, Pearle Bugg, Myrtle Fancher, Sylvia Peterman, Grace Gibson, Hazel Lister, Dimple Salter, Crystal Matheny, Darlene Jay; Brothers, Dewey Evans, Cash Evans. Thirteen grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Services were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Coen-Beaty Pearson Family Funeral Service,
Lenox, Iowa. With burial at West Fairview, Cemetery, Lenox, Iowa. Memorials may be given to Lenox Stock & Saddle Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Sharpsburg Methodist Church, or Lenox Community Trust.

[117]Cowen, Alice Blaylock - Alice Blaylock Cowen, of Bedford, passed away on June 28, 2005. She was born in Parsons, Kansas, on January 28, 1919, the daughter of Frank and Ester Agee Blaylock.

Alice attended grade school in Worth, Missouri and graduated from Sheridan High School. She began her working career in the Stingley grocery store in Sheridan.

On August 10, 1938, Alice was united in marriage to Russell Cowen. The couple made their home in Sheridan. While her husband was stationed overseas during World War ll, Alice worked at the Pratt and Whitney Defense Plant in Kansas City, Missouri. She was later employed at the Farmer's Bank of Sheridan and served many years as secretary to the local School Board of Education. After the Cowens moved to Bedford, Alice worked at the State Savings Bank and then at the Farm Bureau Office.

Alice was a member of the Twentieth Century Club of Sheridan and later enjoyed the fellowship of her Friendship Club in Bedford. Her hobbies included crocheting, quilting, and other handcrafts. Alice was an active member of the Methodist Church for many years.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Agee Blaylock. She is survived by her husband, sister-in-law Velma Blaylock, and Phyllis Murphy, and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Eickemeyer's Funeral Chapel in Bedford, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 1, with burial in the Fairview Cemetery. No formal visitation was held. Memorials may be made to Alegent Health of Corning.

[119] Cox, Dorothy Ann Griffith, died March 22, 2005 at union Park Health Care Center in Des Moines. Dorothy was born July 28, 1927 in Bedford, IA, to Elvin and Gladys Griffith. She was the oldest of
two daughters. Dorothy graduated from Bedford High School after which she taught country school in Taylor County.

She married James Howard Cox on May 22, 1949.

She worked in the food service department for the Madrid Community School and Des Moines Public School System until her retirement. Dorothy was a member of the Garden Prairie United Church of Christ, Polk City Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #361, Senior Citizens of Madrid, Anna Dalander Questers, Iowa Kate-Shelly Doll Club and Madrid action Committee where she received the MAC volunteer of the year award. She was a past member of Madrid Campfire and served as the candy chairperson for several years. Dorothy enjoyed gardening, sewing, collecting dolls and teddy bears, cooking and bird watching. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda and son-in-law Charles Decker of Leon and a step-granddaughter Mindi Decker of West Des Moines; her son, Larry and daughter-in-law Linda Cox of Des Moines and their children, Ulrike and husband James Grimaldi of Heidelberg, Germany and their children Roman,
Evalina, and Nadia, and a granddaughter Lisa Cox of Des Moines; and son, David and daughter-in-law Kim Cox of Madrid and their children Casey Cox of West Des Moines and Cody Cox and friend Alissa Wood both of Austin, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Doris Mullen and step-grandson, Chad Decker.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Garden Prairie United Church of Christ.
Funeral Services were held Saturday March, 26, 2005 at Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, with Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Madrid, Iowa.

[120] Cox, Max - Funeral services for Max Cox, age 90 of Bedford, who died 

Sunday, August 6, 2006 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab 

Center were held Friday, August 11, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at 

the Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Jamie Mogler 

officiating.  Interment with military rites accorded by the 

John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in 

the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.  Memorials can be 

given in his name.  Please leave a message of tribute to the 

Cox family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com 

under Obituaries.  Arrangements were entrusted to the 

Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Cecil Max Cox was born October 11, 1915, in rural Page 

County, Iowa.  He was one of ten children born to William 

A. Cox and Effie (Downey) Cox.  Max and a brother 

farmed for a few years.  He then drove a truck for Cudahy 

Packing Company in Bedford on a country cream and egg 

route.  On October 2, 1940, he was united in marriage to 

Verna M. Lewis, daughter of Fred H. and Lula Lewis.  

They spent their entire married life in Bedford and in 1952, 

they built their home on Court Street.  After 62 years of 

marriage, Verna preceded him in death in November of 

2002.

Max answered the call to serve his country in October of 

1942.  He was in the service for three years, serving 30 

months of that time in the South Pacific.  He was awarded 

the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and several other medals.

Max was the first school bus driver for the Bedford 

Community School District.  He later worked as a 

custodian in the school for 30 years.  He loved working 

with the children.  He was an active member of the First 

Baptist Church in Bedford, serving in several capacities 

throughout the years.  He also served the community in 

numerous ways, including participation on the Library 

Board and helping with the Taylor County Museum.  He 

was Commander of the Bedford V.F.W. for two years and 

belonged to the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 

164.  Max loved to be outdoors, hunting and fishing 

whenever he could.  Being a 'staunch supporter' of the 

Bedford Bulldogs, Max enjoyed watching all kinds of 

athletic events throughout the years.

Left to cherish Max's memory is a brother-in-law, Duane 

Lewis; numerous nieces and nephews and their extended 

families and many dear friends throughout the community 

and especially the Godfather's Coffee Crew.

Preceding Max in death were his parents; his loving wife 

Verna in 2002; four brothers, Clifford, Ober, Kenneth, and 

John Howard; five sisters, Mimalee, Audrey, Luna, Grace 

and Dorothy.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his 

passing.

[121]Croat, Helen Louise, 80, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at Silver Crest at the Woodlands in Clive [Iowa]. Private funeral services will be held on Friday, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Rest haven Cemetery [Des Moines, Iowa].

Helen was born in Bedford, IA, on August 23, 1925 and lived in Des Moines most of her life. She married Louis J. Croat in November 1947, and started Louie’s Floor Covering in 1963. She was the longtime bookkeeper. Her memberships include St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Homebuilders Women’s Auxiliary
and the Polk County Women’s Republican Party.

Her survivors include her son, Randy (Karen) Coat of Clive, daughter, Becky Davis of DeSoto; one sister, Martha Wilson of Des Moines; 3 grandchildren, Jeff, Beth Croat, and Conor Davis; and one niece, Tracy (Scott) Johnston and their children Kyle and Kallie.

Visitation was Thursday eve from 5-7 p.m. at Westover Funeral Home, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St, Jude’s Children’s Hospital or St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

Thurman L. Curphey 90 died in Maryville, MO,
January 4, 2007. He was born April 15, 1917, on a farm
near Sargent NE, where his grandfather, John Thomas
Curphey had homesteaded. His parents were Ross Edward
Curphey and Effie Elizabeth Cowan Curphey.
He moved to Lenox, IA in 1920. He attended Lenox
Schools, loved playing football, and graduated in 1936.
After working as a surveyor for the CCC, he married
Anabel Pennebaker and started farming near Sharpsburg,
IA. He often said he farmed because that was what he
enjoyed doing most.

[125] Calvin, James "Speck"

Funeral services for James "Speck" Calvin, age 83 of
Lenox, Iowa, who died Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at
Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa were held Saturday,
December 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church,
Lenox, Iowa with Pastor Gerry Kahler officiating.
Visitation with the family was held Friday, December 28,
2007 at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox, Iowa. Burial
with military rites were in the North Fairview Cemetery,
Lenox, Iowa. Memorials in his honor may be directed to
James "Speck" Calvin memorial fund. Memories and
Condolences may be shared with the family on our web
page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home
of Lenox.

[126] Combs, Farylan E. "Penny" White

Services for Farylan E. “Penny” (White) Combs was held May 1, 2008 at Wilson- Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, with burial at Redding Cemetery in Redding, Iowa.

Farylan E. “Penny” White Combs was born on January 30, 1933, the oldest of seven children born to Fred Ellsworh & Hazel Lee Van Winkle White, in Conway, IA. She graduated from Conway High School with the class of 1951. She clerked in Leland Jones Grocery Store in Conway before her marriage on July 31, 1954. Penny was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Gaylan L.Combs, at Upland, CA. She lived in riverside, CA until 1966 when they moved back to Mt Ayr, IA. To this union four children were born; Linda, Richard, Michael, and Mark. Penny joined the Methodist Church at Conway, IA , as a teenager and had her membership changed to the United Methodist Church in Mt Ayr. Penny belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and the United Methodist Women’s Afternoon circle. She retired in May 1995 from Mt Ayr Community School where she worked as a cook for 22 years. After retirement, she enjoyed playing scrabble with long time friend Lu Schofield and designing all occasion cards and talking on her cell phone.

She was preceded in death by her parents: her parents-in-law Lewis and Cuma Brown Combs; her daughter Linda Raymie in 1999; a stillborn son Mark in 1973; a brother Danny White; sister Margie Martin; Baby brother Richard David in 1943; and one brother-in-law Dennis Vanosdall.

She leaves to mourn her husband Gaylan of 53 years; two sons Rich and friend Lori Harris of Exira, IA; Mike and wife Beth of Marion, IA; four grandchildren Dillon Combs Des Moines, Stacey Raymie of Marion, IA; and Dalton and Micaela Combs of Marion, IA; two brothers Al White of Council Bluffs and Ivan White of Lenox; one sister Vicki Vanosdall of Galesburg, IL; one sister-in-law Becky White of Fallon, NE; one brother-in-law Donnie Martin of Creston; one sister and brother-in-law Janis and Danny Hamrick of Shelby, NC; many nieces, nephews, church family and friend.

Cunning, Ivan F. "Doc" - Ivan F. "Doc" Cunning, 76, founder and owner of Water Doctor Inc. of St Joseph, Mo died unexpectedly Friday morning, December 26, 1997 at a private residence in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Mr Cunning founded the Water Doctor, Inc. of St Joseph and Warrensburg, Missouri in 1966. The company, now a third generation St Joseph family business provides soft water, water filtration and purification systems in Northwest Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Mr Cunning was also the Jewel Tea Company district manager in the late 1940's and early 1950's.

Born on July 26, 1921 in New Market, Iowa he had resided in St Joseph since 1966.

Mr Cunning was a graduate of Conway High School, Conway, Iowa, was a member of St Joseph and National Chambers of Commerce. He was an original founding member and past president of Missouri Water Quality Association and served on numerous boards and committees within the organization. He was a member of Water Quality Association International and received a Level Five certification in water treatment, the highest level attainable. He was nationally recognized within the water quality field for his research and development of water treatment systems. Mr Cunning, a Christian, was also a member of the Missouri Restaurant Association and was a past member of the Elks and Moose Lodges of St Joseph.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Cunning in June 1941; a son, Jerry Cunning in July 1942; his parents, Irvin S. and Carrie E. Raynor Cunning; two brothers, Melvin and Frank Cunning and two sisters, Mildred Houston and Atha Akers.

On June 1, 1940 he married the former, Velma B. Younkin in Bedford, Iowa. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors: seven daughters, Joyce A. Greathouse of Sugar Creek, Mo, Lynda S. Skaggs of Warrensburg, Mo, Vickie L. Cooper of Del City, Oklahoma, Lunetta J. Luneeford [sic] of Cosby, Mo, Sandra K. Jackson and Nina R. Keller both of St Joseph and Tena L. Pool of Warrenton, Mo; three sons, Ivan D. Cunning of North Kansas City, Mo, Tommy R. Cunning of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Larry W. Cunning of St Joseph; 37 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 10 step grandchildren.

Services were held at 12:00 noon Tuesday at Meierhoffer-Fleeman Funeral Home in St Joseph with interment at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Jan 7, 1998

Cunning, Velma B. Younkin - Velma B. Cunning, 82, St Joseph, Missouri, died Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at her home.

Born September 24, 1922 in Blockton, Iowa, she lived most of her life in St Joseph, Missouri.

In June 1940, she married Ivan F. "Doc" Cunning, who preceded her in death on Dec 26, 1997.

She was the President and co-founder with her husband of Water Doctor, Inc., a water treatment and filtration company, in St Joseph and Warrensburg, Missouri. She was also a housewife, and loved fishing and gardening.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Lee and Pearle Faye (Higgins) Younkin; one daughter, Peggy Cunning; a son, Jerry Cunning; two brothers, John A. Younkin and Dale H. Younkin; and one sister, Deva Stein.

(Survivors) three sons, Ivan D. Cunning, Tommy R. Cunning, Larry W. Cunning; seven daughters, Joyce A. Greathouse, Lynda S. Skaggs, Vickie L. Cooper, Sandra K. Jackson, Lunetta J. Lunceford, Nina R. Keller, and Tena L. Pool; twenty-seven grandchildren, twenty-eight great grand-children, five great great grandchildren and ten step-grandchildren.

Services were 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St Joseph, Missouri. Interment Memory cemetery, New Market, Iowa.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Dec 8, 2004