[Marjorie Mae Mullen Wheeler]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday January 1, 2003    p. 3

Funeral services for Marjorie Wheeler, age 83 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, at Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center were held Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Father Tom Coenen officiating.  Interment was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.  Memorials can be given in Marjorie's name to the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center or to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bedford.

Marjorie Mae (Mullen) Wheeler was born February 17, 1919, near Kellerton, Iowa, one of seven children born to Al and Clara [Goltry] Mullen.  When Marjorie was young, the family moved to rural Bedford where she attended rural country school, graduating in 1937 from Bedford Community School.  After taking normal training she taught country school for two years.

On September 21, 1940 Marjorie was united in marriage to Orvis Wheeler in Maryville, Mo., at which time they started farming west of Bedford.  Two sons were born to this union, both dying shortly after birth.  Orvis joined the Navy in 1942, serving his country during World War II at which time Marjorie moved to California to be with Orvis when he came ashore.  While living in California, a daughter, Barbara, was born.  In 1945, when the war was over, the family returned to Iowa, purchasing a farm south of Bedford.  Two more children, Carolyn and Eldon, were born to complete their family.

Marjorie was very active as a 4-H leader and member of a Neighborhood Club.  She was also very involved in the Methodist Church and American Legion Auxiliary.  Both Marjorie and Orvis enjoyed traveling around the United States and overseas.   The couple retired from farming by moving to Bedford where they became members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Marjorie enjoyed sewing, especially making school clothes for the children, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo and going to the casino.

Marjorie's husband and family were a very important part of her life.  She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In recent years, Orvis was able to care for Marjorie until her health continued to fail, making it necessary for her to become a resident of the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center in January 2002.

Marjorie is survived by her loving husband, Orvis, of Bedford; daughters, Barbara and husband Gene Gaddis of Des Moines, Carolyn Brown and husband Leo of Bedford; a son Eldon of Cottonwood, Ariz.; grandchildren, Michael Gaddis and wife Trish of Des Moines, Lori and husband Tim Anderson of Des Moines, Brenda and husband Garvin McMillin of Bedford, Randy Brown and Todd Brown of Bedford, Jeremy Wheeler and Linda of Gravity; great grandchildren, Aaron and Cody Anderson of Des Moines, Kerri and Kaitlyn McMillin of Bedford, Tiana, Kelsey, Audrey and Devon Wheeler of Gravity; step great grandchildren Nichole and Benjamin Helmts of Des Moines, and Josh McMillin of Bedford; brother Kenneth Mullen of San Clemente, Calif.  And a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.

Preceding Marjorie in death were her parents, Al and Clara Mullen; two infant sons; sisters, Doris Rhue and Jean McQuaid; brothers Merton, Dean and Robert.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

[J. T. Weir]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   September 29, 1999    p. 5

J. T. Weir

Funeral services for J. T. Weir, age 79, of Bedford, who died Monday at his home, were held Wednesday, September 22, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. at the Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield with Pastor Phillip Henderson officiating.  Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.  Memorials can be directed to the Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield.  Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

J. T. Weir was born January 4, 1920 in Taylor County near Bedford, the son of Samuel Weir and Olive (Martin) Weir.  J. T. lived in the Jackson Township area, attending school in Bedford, graduating in 1939.

During World War II, J. T. served in the United States Air Force with the Second Air Force.  He was a member of the 49^th Bomb Squadron of B17's.  J. T. was a Tech Sergeant where he spent time overseas.  After World War II was over J. T. and Shirley [Pickering] were married in Bedford on December 24, 1946.  They are the parents of two children, a daughter, Patricia, and a son, Milton.

J. T. worked for Vane Lucas at Lucas Products Company in Bedford for nine years.  He was then employed as a welder and maintenance man at Tote's in Lenox for eighteen years.  J. T. and Shirley have lived in Bedford all of their married life except for seven years when they lived on the Pickering farm south of Bedford.  J. T. has been in woodworking for over forty years; another of his hobbies was making World War II airplane models.   He was a member of the Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield.

J. T. is survived by his wife Shirley of Bedford, a daughter, Patricia Dyer and husband Robert of Omaha; a son, Milton Weir; a brother Guy Weir and wife Louise of Bedford; a sister Alice Colyn and husband John of Sabetha, Kansas; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Olive, and a sister, Irene Henry.

[Orvis Wilbur Wheeler]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday November 24, 2004    p. 8

Orvis Wheeler

Memorial services for Orvis Wheeler, age 88 of Bedford, who died Sunday, November 14, 2004 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Father Tom Coenen officiating. Interment of cremated remains was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No 164. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa or to the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Orvis Wilbur Wheeler was born October 16, 1916, in Maloy, Iowa the son of Wesley Glen Wheeler and Inez Leona Johnson Wheeler. He grew up in Taylor County where he attended school at Gay Center and Mount Pleasant Country Schools. He then attended the Blockton High School where he graduated with the Class of 1935. Orvis was 11 years old when his father died, and being the only male in the family, this left him with "adult responsibilities" at a very young age. After graduating from high school, he drove a truck and worked for the CCC on various projects in southwest Iowa. On September 21, 1940, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Mullen in Maryville, Missouri. Two sons were born to this union, both dying shortly after birth. Orvis joined the United States Navy in 1942, serving his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. During this time, Marjorie moved to California to be with Orvis when he came ashore. While living in California, a daughter Barbara was born. After his discharge in 1945, the family returned to Iowa, purchasing a farm south of Bedford. Two more children, Carolyn and Eldon were born to complete their family. Orvis also worked for Cudahy's Packing in the late 1940's and early 1950's.

Orvis was passionate about farming. He enjoyed tilling the soil and tending to livestock. Becoming a man at such a young age, and his military service, made Orvis a "no nonsense man" when it came to discipline and commitment. He was very patriotic and proud of his military service. In later years, he became reacquainted with his shipmates, attending his Ship Reunions around the United States. He and Marjorie enjoyed traveling, taking vacations around the United States as well as trips to Hawaii, Ireland and Europe. His family was most important to him and he was active in supporting them and their activities. His pride and joy were his grandkids and great-grandkids. When the couple retired from farming in 1975 moving to Bedford, they became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Orvis was also an active and lifetime member of the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164, the VFW, a past Chairman of the Taylor County ASCS, and a past President of the School Board for Ross Center Country School. As his health started to decline, Orvis entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center where he resided at the time of his death.

Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Barbara Gaddis and husband Gene of Des Moines; Carolyn Brown and husband Leo of Bedford; and Eldon Wheeler of San Antonio, Texas; twin sisters, Irma Hill of Naples, Florida; and Iva Henning of Fremont, Nebraska; grandchildren Michael Gaddis and wife Trish of Des Moines; Lori Anderson and husband Tim of Des Moines; Brenda McMillin and husband Garvin of Bedford; Randy Brown and Todd Brown, both of Bedford and Todd's fianc', Jennifer Busch, of Toledo; Jeremy Wheeler and wife Linda of Gravity; great-grandchildren Aron and Cody Anderson of Des Moines; Kerri and Kaitlyn McMillin of Bedford; Tiana, Kelsey, Audrey and Devon Wheeler of Gravity; step-great-grandchildren Nicole and Benjamin Helmts of Des Moines and Josh McMillin of Clarinda; a brother-in-law Kenneth Mullen of San Clemente, California; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Orvis in death were his parents Wesley and Inez; his stepfather, Phil Delles; his loving wife Marjorie on December 24, 2002; two sons at infancy; and a sister, Gwelda Cooper.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.

[Dorothy Henry John]

Bedford Times-Press

August 22, 1990    p. 5

Dorothy Henry John

Graveside services for Dorothy Henry John were held 10:30 a.m. August 13, 1990 at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa.  She died August 7, 1990 in Daly City, Calif.  Arrangements were from Shum-Novinger Funeral Home.

Dorothy John, daughter of Robert L. [etcher] and Alice M. [arie Webb] Henry, was born August 24, 1909 on the Henry farm eight and one-half miles south and east of Bedford.  Here she grew up and attended Bedford High School, graduating in 1927.  She taught school for three years; on May 24, 1930 she was united in marriage to Leland Harold John.  She taught another two years in South Dakota before the couple moved to Auburn, Neb. in 1934.  Then after World War II they moved to San Francisco, Calif.

Dorothy was a member of the Presbyterian Church and active in many other organizations including the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, White Shrine, Rebecca Order, and Oriental Shrine.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers: Beryl Webb, 1952, Elvon Robert, 1902, Carol Lee, 1966; and one sister, Lola Virginia, 1976.

Surviving members of her family include two brothers, Hubert and Doyle, both of Bedford, Iowa; one sister, Mary Arlene Tyner of Salt Lake City, Utah; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Dorothy's family and friends will remember her vivacious personality and thoughtful warm-hearted nature.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Included in the service, conducted by the Rev. Marcia Smith Wood, was this poem, which Dorothy Henry John had requested to be read:

For Those I Love

When I am gone release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me

With tears,

Be happy that we had so many

Years.

I gave you my love, you can

Only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories that lie within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me I'll be near,

And if you listen with your heart you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear,

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say,

"Welcome Home."

[John Earl Martin]

Times Herald, Carroll, Iowa

Wednesday    January 17, 1990    p. 2

Dr. John E. Martin

Dr. John E. [arl] Martin, 72, of Weslaco, Texas, and formerly of Carroll, died

Sunday, Jan. 14, 1990, at his home in Weslaco, following a long illness.

Dr. Martin was a longtime optometrist in Carroll before retiring in 1985.  He was active in many community and civic affairs.

Funeral services will be l: 30 Friday, Jan. 19, at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home In Carroll.  The Rev. Lanny Tuttle of the United Methodist Church will officiate.  Ellen Severin will be organist, and Skip Raridon will be soloist.

Burial will be at the Carroll City Cemetery with military honors by the Maurice Dunn Post of the American Legion.

Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll.

An Eastern Star memorial service will be Thursday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a Masonic Lodge memorial service at 7:30 p.m.

Casket bearers will be Art Neu, John Beyerink Jr., Tom Rogers, Glenn Lockhart, Dr. Frank Greteman, and Larry Cruchelow.

Dr. Martin was born Sept. 12, 1917, in Carroll, a son of E. [arl] W. [aite] and Lenna (Harris) Martin.

He was a graduate of Carroll High School, and the Illinois School of Optometry in 1939.  He held licenses to practice in Iowa for 50 years as well as Texas and New Mexico.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served as first lieutenant in the U. S. Navy.

He married [Alberta] Bobbi Crook on Oct. 29, 1944, at Grace Methodist Church in Des Moines.  They lived in Carroll for many years and at Lake View where they have a summer home.

He was a longtime member of the Methodist Church in Carroll and sang in the choir.  He served on many church committees and was a member of United Methodist Men.

He was also active in the Elks Club, and was a charter member of the Elks Chorus.

He was a member of the Carroll Rotary Club of which he was past president from 1952-53.  He served as Foundation Chairman of the Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow.  He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Signet Masonic Lodge No. 264, and A. F. & A. M.  He had been DeMolay Dad for 14 years.  He was awarded the Legion of Honor and the Cross of Honor by the DeMolays.  He and his wife served on the Rainbow Board for many years and he was awarded the Grand Cross of Colors from the Rainbow.

He belonged to the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Foundation of which he was a past national president.  He was a member of he Better Vision Institute, and the International Association of Boards of Examiners of which he was past president.

He was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa fraternity, and a member of the Iowa Optometric Association, which he served as president from 1951-52.  He was also a member of the Texas Optometric Association and New Mexico Optometric Association.

He was a member of Southwest Iowa Study Group of which he was past chairman.  He was a member of Omega Delta fraternity from which he received a meritorious award in 1939.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbi, of Weslaco; two daughters, Ruth Gearhart of Phoenix, Ariz., and Lois and her husband, Gary Targoff, of Lincoln, Neb.; two grandchildren, Erika Gearhart and Ryan Targoff; sisters: Margaret and her husband, Bill Koch, of Sunland, Calif.; and Dorothy Stokhe of Aptos, Calif., and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene and Mildred Crook of Atascadero, Calif.

[Emmett Lloyd Osburn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 12, 1981

Final Rites Held In Bedford For Emmett Osburn, 95

Funeral services for Emmett Lloyd Osburn, 95, of Bedford, Ia., well-known retired farmer and purebred livestock breeder, held November 8 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings.  Mr. Osburn died November 5, 1981, in Bedford Manor.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Emmett Lloyd Osburn, son of Wm. and [Anna Linard] Linnie Miles Osburn, was born May 3, 1886, in Calhoun County, Iowa.  In 1895 at the age of nine, Emmett came to Taylor County with his parents.

On December 25, 1913, he was united in marriage with Opal M. [arie] Hunter.  They spent their entire married life on farms in Clayton Township, the last 56 years of their married life maintaining their home on the same farm.  Five children came to bless their home and share their love:  Paul, Anita, Louise, Lloyd and Horace, who died in infancy.  After the death of his wife in 1976, Emmett became a resident of Bedford Manor, where he resided until his death.

Emmett's interests were always in connection with farming.  He loved the land, and used every possible practice to preserve this precious commodity.  He saw many changes in the methods of farming in his lifetime; also, he remembered visits from the Indians, mud roads, the first cars and man walking on the moon.  He was well known as a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and registered Angus cattle, attending many local, state and national shows.  During his active years, he served his community in many capacities:  township trustee, school director, 4-H leader, Co. fair board, rural telephone director, director of Taylor Co. Mutual Ins. Co., Farmer's Union, Woodmen of the World, and many more.

Emmett attended the Gilead Church, northwest of Bedford, later joining the Bedford Baptist Church.  He told of helping cut and haul timbers for the Church in Bedford.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two sisters, four brothers, an infant son, two grandsons and a great grandson.

Those surviving to honor his memory are the four children: Paul and his wife, Esther, Clinton, Ia.; Anita and her husband, H.K. Russell; Louise and her husband Guy Weir; Lloyd and his wife, Joanne, all of Bedford; 12 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mildred Osburn, Bedford, Ia.; nieces; nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was a loving husband and companion, father and grandfather and was always interested in the activities of his family and friends.

My father was a quiet man, beloved by one and all.  Everyone who knew my Dad, fond memories can recall.  He lived a very humble life, content with what he had; I never heard him once complain, this man who was my Dad.  He farmed the land most of his life, and planted seeds in season; the seed he sowed the deepest, grows in my heart and reason.  He taught me right from infant up, and in his gentle way, he really drove the lesson home by living it each day.  He gave me many gifts in life that money cannot buy, the gifts of honesty and truth I treasure very high.  He taught me to be thankful for whatever things we had; but most of all, I'm thankful that I had him for my Dad.