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Obituaries
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submitted by: Julia Johnson - juliajoh@usc.edu
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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. 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 49th
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. 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. 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." 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. 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.
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