[Cox, Roy Lewis “Louie”]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday       March 18, 1998

Roy Lewis Cox

Roy Lewis Cox, first-born child of John E. [dward] and Millie J. Brown, was born October 11, 1917 at their farm home in Ringgold County, south of Blockton, Iowa and passed away Friday, March 13, 1998 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. The family of seven kids were all born on this place known as Poverty Ridge. In 1935 they moved to a rented farm southeast of Bedford. Lewis graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1936. Lewis, Jim, Chub, and R. J. Nash ice skated to school the winter of 1936.

One day when Jim and Chub were chasing him, he climbed onto the barn and fell through the roof, seriously injuring his right arm. During the war he stayed home to help his parents on the farm. Lewis was a hard worker and spent most of his time working out for others, following the grain harvest from Kansas to Montana, working in a saw mill in Oregon and putting in poles and line for the REA in Mt. Ayr. He was a part-time school bus driver, bulk feed deliverer for Dougherty Elevator and then drove an 18-wheeler for the John Houston Company of Hopkins until his retirement. There was not a highway in the Midwest that he had not traveled. He prided himself by telling you the number of the highway and all the towns along it.

Lewis was known as "Louie" to all his friends and affectionately as "Uncle Bus" to his nieces and nephews. He always had a jar of candy available for Kayla whenever she stopped to visit.

His greatest pastime was socializing with  his  friends and fellow truckers whenever he not on the road.

Louie is survived by brother, Vernon (Cork) and wife Norma of Bedford; brother, Clifford (Joe) and wife Delores of Lincoln, Nebraska. Sisters in law, Coryl Cox of Bedford and Norma Cox of Wheatland, Wyoming along with several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He is preceded death by his parents, John and Millie; two brothers Elvin (Jim) Cox and Edward R. (Chub) Cox; sister, Lorene Beck and her husband Donald and a sister Phyliss [Phyllis] who died in infancy.

Lewis was a plain, fun-loving, hard working man liking the simple things of life. His retirement years were spent reading western magazines, books by Lewis L’Amour and watching and rewatching old western movies on TV.

"We will miss you Lewis."

Funeral services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home on Monday, March 16, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in the Rosehill Cemetery.

[Dillon, Roy Samuel]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      July 25, 1990

ROY SAMUEL DILLON

Services for Roy Samuel Dillon, 93, Blockton, were held at the Blockton Christian Church July 3 officiated by Rev. Scott Marcum. Military honors were conducted by Blockton American Legion Post 443. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa. Mr. Dillon died June 29, 1990.

Roy Samuel Dillon was born February 28, 1897 in Vesper, Kan. to Isaiah Lincoln Dillon and Christina Cecila Anderson. He was a son of the prairie, having been born in a sod house and at age three traveling from Kansas to Hopkins, Mo. in a covered wagon. The family stayed in Missouri only nine months and then returned to Kansas in their covered wagon.

Roy was inducted into the Armed Forces during World War I, serving in the Medical Corp. While in the army he became ill with influenza and thought he would die, as many of his buddies did. By the time he recovered, the war had ended. After his release from the service he was asked to teach in the country school, teaching grades one through sight. He taught school for several years before he started farming near Sylvan Grove, Kan.

During a visit to a Hopkins, Mo. cousin, Olin Pistole and his wife, Floy, Roy saw a picture of Susie Elizabeth Melvin and said he wanted to marry her. Susie was a cousin of Floy Pistole, who played the matchmaker. Introductions were made and they were married May 20, 1923 in Bedford, Iowa. They started married life on a farm near Sylvan Grove, Kan. Here they were blessed with three children, Kenneth Wilbur who died at birth, Leo Lincoln of Blockton, Iowa and Melva Marie Vollerson of Saratoga, Calif.

After the years of the depression and dust storms, they picked up their belongings and left Kansas. Leaving many friends and relatives behind they moved to a farm near Blockton, Iowa in 1940. Shortly after arriving a windstorm blew all the windows out of the house. Susie was ready to return to Kansas, but Roy said, 'Didn't you see me stop and burn all the bridges as we came!" So they stayed in Iowa, where Dale Dee of Blockton, joined the family. They lived near Blockton until March of 1989, when Roy suffered a stroke and they moved to Bedford Manor, residing there until his death on June 29, 1990.

Roy was a successful father, farmer and teacher. He was   active   in   the Blockton Christian Church, the local and county schools, politics, the Blockton Watershed and the1 American Legion. During the depression he helped promote the idea of helping young men start farming and this effort has developed into the present FFA. Roy had a special art of telling stories and would tell of his childhood adventures of riding horses, killing rattlesnakes and threshing wheat. He would tell everyone who would listen his story about meeting Jesus on a road in Kansas as a young boy and he lived his life as a faithful servant of the Lord. He was Sunday school teacher of the men's class at Blockton Christian Church for more than 25 years and could tell most of the stories in the Bible from memory.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, Kenneth Wilbur; his parents Christina Cecila and Isaiah Lincoln; his brother, Carl; and his sisters Minnie Johansen, Mary Hannaman and Laura Wirth Good.

Roy and Susie celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1973 and lived past their 67th anniversary.

He is survived by his wife; Susie; his sons, Leo and Dale of Blockton, Iowa; his daughter, Melva Vollerson of Saratoga, Calif; son-in-law, Carl Vollerson; daughter-in-law, Loretta Dillon; grandson Larry Dillon of Blockton, Iowa; five granddaughters, Lora Wall of Blockton, Iowa, Lisa Ogle of Hopkins, Mo., Andrea, Lynn Dee and Kristian Vollerson of Saratoga, Calif.; two great grandsons, Lincoln Wall of Blockton and Joshua Ogle of Hopkins; and two great granddaughters, Lindsey Wall of Blockton and Katie Ogle of Hopkins.

[Dillon, Susie Elizabeth Melvin]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      December 25, 1996

Susie Elizabeth Dillon

Susie Elizabeth Dillon was the third child of James E. [dwin] Melvin and Sarah Elizabeth Martin Melvin, born near Siam, Iowa on November 24, 1902. She was the descendant of Joseph Walker, the first white settler in Northwest Missouri. Her father, James came to Bedford, Iowa as a child in 1877. The family came from Illinois by wagon and crossed the frozen Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. Susie departed this life on December 14, 1996 at Clearview Manor in Clearfield, Iowa at the age of 96 years.  

Susie lived near Siam, growing up on the farm, and attended Valley Country School, graduating from Eighth Grade there. Even in recent years, Susie could recite from memory her 8th grade graduation piece.

On May 20, 1923 Susie was united in marriage to Roy S. [amuel] Dillon at Bedford, Iowa and moved to Lincoln County, Kansas, near Vesper, to live with his parents. Roy's mother decided the new bride should know how to kill a chicken so she took Susie and showed her how to cut off the chicken's head. She then told Susie to "throw it". Susie did not understand her Danish accent and thought she said, "Let it go", so she did. The chicken flopped right under her mother-in-law's long skirts and kept flopping there until dead. Susie did finally convince her mother-in-law she could kill a chicken without help. They lived in Kansas until 1940 when they moved back to Taylor County, Iowa to a farm near Blockton.

To their union, four children were born: Kenneth Wilbur, who died birth, Leo Lincoln, Melva Marie and Dale Dee.

Susie's hobby was cooking and she was always ready to set another place at the table. Friends and neighbors knew the best time to stop by was at dinnertime. Susie was prepared with the cookie tin full and a pie or an angel food cake in the freezer. Roy said he asked Susie to marry him after she baked the best rhubarb pie he ever ate. Even more than 65 years later he claimed that that first rhubarb pie was the best. Susie was a member of the Sunshine Sisters Club and transferred her membership to Blockton Christian Church on April 10,1949.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sarah; her husband Roy; her sons Dale and Kenneth Wilbur; her brothers Vern, Brice, John and Jimmy Melvin; and her sister Mary Johnson.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Leo of Blockton, Iowa and Melva Vollersen of Saratoga, California; her six grandchildren; Lora Wall, Lisa Ogle, Larry Dillon, Andrea Vollersen, Lindy Mobley and Kristen Vollersen; her six great-grandchildren: Lindsey Wall, Lincoln Wall, Katie Ogle, Joshua Ogle, Karie Ogle and Jade Ogle; and many nieces and nephews.

Susie saw the best in other people. Her warm smile brought cheer to many. If she could speak a farewell to her family and friends today, it would be the familiar words, "God Bless You".

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 17 at the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Interment in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Arrangements by Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home of Bedford.

[Drake, Bert Elmer]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      January 14, 1998

Bert Elmer Drake

Bert Elmer Drake was born April 11, 1919 to Elbert Wade and Georgia Allen Stephenson Drake and passed away at the Mt. Ayr Health Care Center on January 6, 1998. Bert was the fourth generation to have lived on his farm, which had been recognized as a Century Farm in 1977. Farming was his life except for the years spent for service in WWII. He enjoyed working with his cattle and horses. Rodeos were a favorite pastime of Bert’s. 

Bert served in World War II in the battles and campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received a service stripe, two overseas bars, American campaign medal, European-African-Middle Eastern ribbon with three bronze battle stars, good conduct medal, WWII victory medal and distinguished unit badge. Bert was united in marriage to Gwendolyn [Bertha] Kabel on January 5, 1943 and she died on August 21, 1975. To this union two sons were, born: Don [Elbert] and Earl.

Bert was united in marriage to Kathleen Faubion Henson on August 28, 1978.

Bert was a 50-year member of the American Legion Post #443 in Blockton, the VFW in Creston and was a member of the Blockton Saddle Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gwendolyn, two brothers in law, Joe Lines and Clyde Kemery.

Surviving Bert is his wife; Kathleen of the home, two sons, Don and Earl and wife Connie; two step sons, Robert and wife Linda and Terry and friend Donna; four grandchildren, Todd and wife Kristi, Brenda and fiancé Robert Ferris, Nathan and Clinton; seven step grandchildren, Jason, Carolyn, Annie, Laura, Tyler, Levi and Marshall; one great grandson, Colten Drake; sisters, LaVonna Lines and Leah Clayton and husband Louis; sister in law, Maurine Sherer, three nephews, one niece and many friends,

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Graveside services were conducted January 11, 1998 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton by Wilson Watson and Armstrong with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Military rites by Blockton Post #443 American Legion

[Drake, Gwendolyn Kabel]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       August 28, 1975     p. 4

Last Rites Held August 23 For Mrs. Bert Drake

Funeral services for Mrs. Bert (Gwendolyn) Drake, 52, of Blockton were held August 23 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan. Mrs. Drake died in Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebr. following an extended illness. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

She grew up in the Martinsville community, and Harrison County, Mo. and attended the elementary schools. She was a believer in the Christian church.

On January 5, 1943 she was united in marriage to Bert Drake at Maryville, Mo., and following Bert’s four years in military service, and since 1947 they have lived in the Blockton Community. To this union two sons were born, Don and Earl.

She is preceded in death by her father and two brothers.

Gwendolyn was a friend to all, a tireless worker, and always willing to help others. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary where she helped many years. A devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a neighbor to all. She desired to live and fought a gallant fight, submitted her will in the will of God her Father.

Those left to cherish this memory are: her husband, Bert; son, Earl, of the home; son Don, and wife Karen; grandson, Kenneth Todd, who was her pride and joy; mother, Avis; sister, Emily Thomas of St. Joseph, Mo.; brothers, James Kabel and Garland Kabel of Tonganoxie, Kansas; four nephews; three nieces; a host of other relatives and friends.

Mother Drake, mother-in-law and sisters-in-law Lelah Kemery and Livonia Lyons, we thank for their kindness to the Drake family during this illness.

[Finn, Edwin I.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       October 25, 1962      p. 8

Obituary – Edwin I. Finn

Edwin Irving Finn was born Oct. 26, 1886 at Letts, Ia., the son of Katie Verink and Seneca Finn, and passed away at his home north of Yates Center, Oct. 12, 1962, at the age of 75 years, 11 months and 16 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Maynard, and two sisters, Mrs. Alice Albaugh and Mrs. Florence Abbott.

He was a veteran of World War I, and a member of the American Legion. He lived most of his life in Iowa, coming to Yates Center in 1952. He worked hard on his farm until the time of his passing.

He leaves to mourn his passing three brothers, Myrel, with whom he made his home, Walter of Independence, Mo., and Wilbur of Oskaloosa, Kans., six nieces, five nephews and many neighbors and friends.

[Finn, Harold]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       March 17, 1960     p. 4

Graveside Service For Harold Finn

Harold Finn, 66, former resident of the Blockton community, died at Yates Center, Kansas, last week and the body was brought to Bedford. Graveside services were held in Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton, Monday, March 14. Rev. L. G. Wilkins officiated.

[Florea, Elsie Marie Winemiller]

Maryville Daily forum

Thursday     August 24, 1978

Mrs. Elsie Florea, Sheridan native, dies

Mrs. Elsie [Marie Winemiller] Florea, 88, formerly of Sheridan, who had been living with a daughter, Mrs. Mary [Frances] McShane, Springville, Iowa, died Wednesday at a hospital at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A native of Sheridan, she had lived in the Grant City and Blockton, Iowa, communities most of her life.

Services will be conducted at 3 p. m. Friday at the Prugh-Dunfee Chapel, Grant City. Delbert Biehle will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

[Florea, Ennis Ethel Davidson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 16, 1974       p. 6

Last Rites Held May 3 For Ennis E. Florea

Memorial services for Mrs. Walter G. (Ennis E.) Florea, 89, long time resident of Blockton vicinity, were held May 3 at Tent Chapel Church of Christ at Blockton with Gil Peters and Rev. George Swan officiating. Mrs. Florea died April 30, 1974 at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Ia. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton.

Ennis Ethel Davidson, daughter of Lewis C. and Martha Wellar Davidson, was born July 18, 1884 at Sheridan, Missouri.

She was united in marriage to Walter G. [uy] Florea on February 22, 1905 at her parent’s farm home at Sheridan, Mo. She and Walter celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary in 1955. With the exception of 3 years spent in Arkansas, their entire married life was spent in the Blockton vicinity. He preceded her in death in 1960.

She was a member of the Tent Chapel Church of Christ and was a faithful member as long as her health permitted.

She was active in community affairs, having served for several years as Secretary to the School Board of the Blockton Public School and bookkeeper for the Blockton Creamery. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Blockton American Legion Auxiliary.

She was the remaining member of her family, having been preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by several nieces; nephews; great-nieces; and great-nephews; and friends.

She will be greatly missed by those who loved and respected her.

[Florea, Walter Guy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 14, 1960      p. 4

Walter G. Florea Of Blockton Dies

W. G. Florea, well-known business leader in Blockton and Taylor County, died January 2, 1960 after an illness of several years.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Blockton, Monday afternoon, January 4, with Rev. V. M. Gilbert officiating. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton.

Walter G. [uy] Florea, son of Joshua and Mary S. [usan Peterson] Florea, was born in Worth County, Missouri, south of Blockton, on February 23, 1879, and died at the age of 80 years. He grew to manhood at the place of his birth, attending the public school at Pleasant Valley, Mo. and the Normal School at Stanberry, after which time he taught school for a short time.

On February 22, 1905, he was united in marriage to Ennis E. [thel] Davidson of Sheridan, Mo., He engaged in farming in the Blockton community all of his life with the exception of two years spent in Arkansas. After moving to Blockton in 1927, he also had a real estate and insurance business. He was always active in community affairs, and during his lifetime had served as a member of the school board and the draft board, as mayor, and in various other local offices.

On September 20, 1893, he obeyed the gospel and was baptized by J. A. Shepherd of Cincinnati, Iowa. He was a member of the Tent Chapel Church of Christ and rendered faithful and useful service. For many years he served as deacon.

Mr. and Mrs. Florea observed their Golden Wedding anniversary February 22, 1955. Shortly after their 51^st anniversary, he became ill and has been lovingly cared for by his wife, Ennis, who survives him.

Walter was of a family consisting of ten children, six boys and four girls, only two of whom survive. They are his brothers, Frank L. [loyd] Florea of Grant City and Joe N. Florea of Alton, Missouri.

[Freeman, Doris Martha Jeanes]

Maryville Daily Forum

Wednesday      August 15, 1979   

Doris Martha Freeman

Doris Martha Freeman, 67, Maryville, died Monday night at St. Francis Hospital.

A former employee of Watkins Hardware, she was born March 16, 1912, in Ringgold County, Iowa, the daughter of the late J.E. and Etta Bye Jeanes. She was married to Harland [Dean] Freeman, who survives. A former resident of Blockton, Iowa, she had lived in Maryville the past 10 years.

Besides her husband of the home, she is survived by one daughter, Barbara McAlister, Council Bluffs, Iowa; two sons, Buddy Freeman, of the home, and Billie Freeman, Blockton; one brother, Robert Jeanes, Lamoni, Iowa; four sisters, Merle Greeley, New Market, Iowa; Louise Jones, Clearfield, Iowa; Margaret Mathews, Mount Ayr, Iowa; and Evelyn Reynolds, Hollywood, Calif.; and four grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Andrews Funeral Home, Grant City. Burial will be in the Blockton Cemetery. The Rev. Albert Bullock and the Rev. Dennis Brossman will officiate.

[Freeman, Doris Martha Jeanes]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 23, 1974

Final Rites Held August 16 for Doris Freeman, 67

Funeral services for Mrs. Harland (Doris Martha) Freeman, 67, of Maryville, Mo., formerly of Bedford, were held August 16 in Andrews Funeral Home in Grant City, Mo. officiated by the Rev. Dennis Brossman. Mrs. Freeman died August 13, 1979 in St. Francis Hospital, Maryville. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Doris Martha Jeanes Freeman, daughter of J.[ames] E. [dgar] "Billie" and [Mary] Etta [Bye] Jeanes, was born in Ringgold County, Iowa March 16, 1912.