Lenox, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 

Baker, Frank Dennis –

Frank Baker, 85, farmer who lived near Clearfield, died Saturday afternoon at the Creston hospital.  Funeral services were at the Methodist Church in Clearfield.  The Rev Howard Ball, pastor of the church officiated.  Burial was in Clearfield Cemetery.

 

Surviving are his widow Mabel, three daughters, Mrs Bessie Bennett and Mrs Pearl Beck of Lenox and Mrs Fanny Koch of Creston and one son Ernest of Clearfield, 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 18, 1958

 

Baker, Frank Dennis –

Frank Dennis Baker, son of Ransford and Charlotte Baker, was born Jan. 22, 1873 in Taylor County, Iowa, and passed away Sept. 13, 1958 in the Creston Hospital at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 22 days.

 

He grew to manhood on the farm southwest of Clearfield where he was born.

 

Sept 4, 1895 he was married to Mabel Sargent. They moved to a farm in Ringgold county. He spent all his life on the farm which was their present home. Here they raised their family and spent 63 happy years together.

 

To this union were born five children; 4 daughters, Mrs Fannie Koch of Creston, Mrs Bessie Bennett and Mrs Pearl Beck of Lenox, one son Earnest of Clearfield and one daughter Laura who died at the age of 22 years.

 

He united with the Calvary Methodist Church soon after he was married. He was active in the church, serving on the Official Board, as Church School Superintendent and filling in wherever needed. Later when the Calvary Church disbanded he took his membership to the Clearfield Methodist Church, where he attended as long as his

health permitted. He took an active part in community affairs.

 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, 2 sisters and 2 brothers and 1 daughter.  Left to remember him are his widow Mabel, their 4 children 14 grandchildren and 28 great grand-children, one brother Ed, and 2 sisters, Mrs Olive Nelson

and Mrs Anna Groves, all of Clearfield, nieces, nephews and other relatives and a host of friends.

 

He was a kind loving husband and father and a friend to all

who knew him.

 

Funeral services were at the Methodist Church at Clearfield,

Sept. 16, with burial at Clearfield.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday September 25, 1958

 

Becherer, Sarah Ellen Cochran –

Mrs Sarah Becherer, 95, died early Tuesday morning at the Lenox Rest Home.

 

Survivors are one daughters, Mrs Frank Nelson of Creston, two sons, Will of Sharpsburg and Fred of Lenox.

 

Services are being held today, Thursday, at 2 pm at the Bender Funeral Home.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa August 28, 1958

 

Becherer, Sarah Ellen Cochran –

Sarah Ellen Cochran Becherer, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Cochran, was born October 14, 1863 in Chill, Ill. and passed away August 26, 1958 at the age of 96 years, 10 months and 12 days.

 

She came to Grinnell with her parents and brother and sisters in a covered wagon in 1879.  Later they moved to Taylor County in 1882, where she has been a resident most all of her life.

 

On October 21, 1891 she was united in marriage to Charles Becherer of Lenox.  Mr Becherer preceded her in death on August 12, 1920.  To this union two sons and one daughter were born: Fred C Becherer, Lenox, William E. Becherer, Sharpsburg and (Esther) Mrs Frank Nelson, Creston.

 

Surviving are her three children, one sister, Mrs Maggie Richey of Sharpsburg, seven nieces and nephews, six grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.  Also many friends in Lenox and vicinity.  She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

 

Mrs Becherer was the last Civil War widow in Taylor County.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 4, 1958

 

Benson, Bertha G. Haynes –

Mrs Bertha G Benson, 74, died July 31 at Topeka, Kan.  The services were Monday at 3 pm from Bender Funeral Home with burial in Lenox Cemetery.

 

Mrs Benson was the widow of Robert Benson who died in 1951.  She was the sister of the late Clarence Haynes and had lived in Lenox until about a year ago.  Randall Haynes of Lenox is a nephew of Mrs Benson.

 

Other survivors are 2 daughters, Mrs Wilma Gregg, Topeka, Kan. Mrs. Aileen Herman, Dexter, Ia., 2 sons, Bruce Benson of Denver, Colo., Robert Benson of Gilory, Calif. 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 7, 1958

 

Boyer, Chester Arthur –

Chester Arthur Boyer, 75, a retired farmer, died at 3:10 pm Wednesday at the home of his son, Dwain, southwest of Lenox.

 

Survivors are his widow Edith, a daughter Mrs. Lea Crowell, a son, Dwain, four grandchildren, two brothers James of Sharpsburg and Clarence of Ontario, Cal.

 

The body is at Bender Funeral Home but will be taken to the home later.

 

Services will be Saturday at 2 pm at the Christian Church, Rev. Duckett officiating.  Burial will be at Lenox.  The body will be in state from 1 to 2 pm at the Church and the casket will not be opened at the services.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday, October 15, 1958

 

Boyer, Chester Arthur –

Chester Arthur Boyer, son of George W and Harriet Kern Boyer was born Nov 30, 1882 on a farm near Sharpsburg, Iowa and departed this life Oct 15, 1958 at the home of his son at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 15 days.

 

On Jan 27, 1909 he was united in marriage with Edith Preston of Lenox and they established their home on the Boyer farm homestead near Sharpsburg.  A daughter Leta and a son, Dwain were born to this union.

 

Chester confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and placed his membership with the Blue Grove Christian Church.  He transferred his membership to the Lenox Christian Church in 1919 when they moved to a farm 3 miles southwest of Lenox, which was their home for 31 years.

 

He was a long time cattle feeder and for many years showed cattle at the International show in Chicago.  Chester has served in almost every capacity.  He served the sacraments around the Lord’s table for the last 45 years and held these positions chairman of the Deacons, Treasurer of the Church, Treasurer of the Sunday school, usher and for the past 4 years custodian.

 

In 1950 Mr Boyer and wife retired to their present home in Lenox.  But these past 8 years have not been idle years with much activity and interest in his farming operations and home cares, church duties and an active part in the Masonic Order of which he was a long standing member.

 

Last Monday was a day to Chester’s liking.  It was his son’s birthday.  After setting his home and church to order in the morning, he spent the afternoon at his old farm home watching the bountiful corn harvest.  As the day’s work was finished and they were preparing for a new day Chester was taken suddenly ill.

 

He was cared for in his son’s home under the competent care of his much loved daughter-in-law, Selma, and with his loved ones standing by to assist her.  On Wednesday at 3:10 pm he passed away.  He leaves his wife, Edith, his daughter and son-in-law Leta and Lea Crowell, his son and daughter-in-law Dwain and Selma Boyer.  His adored and loving grandchildren Linda and Danny Crowell, Nancy and Ray Boyer will ever cherish his memory.  Two brothers survive him, James of Sharpsburg and Clarence of Ontario, Calif.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Otis and four sisters, Clara Bolinghouse, Myrtle Coulter, Iva Dutton and Effie Boyer.

 

The funeral services were held at the Lenox Christian Church Saturday with Rev  Robert Duckett officiating.  Masonic rites were conducted at the graveside and burial was made in the Lenox Cemetery.  The music was furnished by Mrs. Ruth Boltinghouse organist, and Leo Caskey, vocalist.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa October 23, 1958

 

Bruington, Blanche Ethel Tedford

Blanche Bruington was born Nov. 21, 1886 , the only child of Joseph of Emma J. Tedford.

 

At and early age, while Rev. Murch was pastor, she became a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

 

She graduated from Lenox high school with the Class of 1906 and taught for one year at the Edmunds school.

 

On Dec. 25, 1907 Blanche and Harry N. Bruington were united in marriage.  They made their home on a farm east of Lenox for several years and later moved to Blanche’s girlhood home.  To this union were born three children, Tedford, Grace Bruington Morris and Ray.

 

Left to mourn are two sons, Tedford of Kansas City and Ray of Downers Grove, Ill. seven grandchildren, Marjory Morris Boyce, Margaret Morris Boyce, Skippy, Wayne Dale, Gloria Jean, Linda and Paul Bruington and one great granddaughter, Grace Ethel Boyce, two daughters-in-law, Gertrude and Jo Bruington and two grandsons-in-law, Maurice and Boyce Cummins.

 

Her husband Harry, daughter Grace and her parents preceded her in death.

 

One aunt, Mrs Louella Duncan and many cousins have fond memories of her.  Blanche was like a sister to one cousin, Hazel who grew up on an adjoining farm.

 

Many loyal friends have given her pleasure and comfort during her illness.

 

Mrs Bruington entered the Green Nursing Home at Creston Feb. 20 and remained there until she passed away July 22, 1958.  She was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery July 24.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday July 31, 1958

 

Chandler, Thomas Jefferson –

Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon at the Christian Church for T J Chandler, 83, who died Saturday Oct. 18.  The minister of the church, Robert Duckett, officiated at the service.  Burial was in Lenox Cemetery.

 

Thomas Jefferson Chandler, son of Lydia Ann Played and John Chandler was born June 2, 1875 in Washington County, Ark.  He departed this life at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford Oct. 18, 1958 at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 16 days.

 

He was united in marriage to Mary Cordelia Brown in Fayetteville, Ark on April 16, 1894.  They moved to Illinois in 1903 and then to Iowa in 1916 where he spent the rest of his life except for a few years in Colorado.  Mr Chandler was engaged in farming until he retired.

 

He became a member of the Lenox Christian Church in April of 1930 and attended when his health permitted.  He was preceded in death by his wife on Jan 2, 1930 and two children, Myrtle died in infancy and Fielden passed away April 9, 1949.

 

Mr Chandler was the father of 10 children, 8 of whom survive.  Clarence of Vermont, Ill. Thomas of Clearfield; Lloyd of Sharpsburg, Mrs. Cordelia Fine of Diagonal, Mrs Charlotte Wortman of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Leslie Barker, Central City, Colo. Mrs Belle Honeycutt, Hamilton, Mont. One daughter-in-law Pearl Chandler of Clearfield, one sister, Mrs Serena Phelps of Fayetteville, Ark.

 

He leaves twenty-two grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, a host of nieces and nephews.  He was a kind and loving father and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa October 25, 1958

 

Cooper, Edwin –

Funeral services for Edwin Cooper of Lenox were held Sunday afternoon Aug. 10 from the Bender Funeral Home, conducted by Rev John Lippincott, pastor of the Mount Ayr Methodist Church.  Burial was in Conway Cemetery.

 

Mr Cooper died Thursday afternoon in the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Melvin Wurster of Mt Ayr at the age of 69 years.

 

He was engaged in farming in the Lenox vicinity for a number of years.  After retiring from farming he and Mrs Cooper made their home in Lenox until the time of her death a few months ago.  Since that time he was made his home with the Wursters.

 

He was a veteran of World War I and a member of the Parkinson Post 250 American Legion of Lenox.

 

Survivors include the daughter, three sons, Donald of Bingham Lake, Minn. Daryl of Dunlap and Dale of Conway and eleven grandchildren.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 21, 1958

 

Coulson, Mrs. E J.

Mrs. W J Kopp went by plane to Ft. Madison Saturday evening to be with her mother Mrs. E J Coulson who suffered a stroke about noon that day.  Mrs Coulson died Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock.

 

Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon.  Dr. Kopp went to Ft. Madison Monday to be with the Kopp daughters.  Mrs Kopp’s father survives and the family thought she would stay with him for a few days before returning home.

 

On the trip to Ft. Madison Saturday evening, Mrs. Kopp was taken in a plane owned by Erk Blair  and Doc Bubb.  Mr and Mrs Blair took her from the Lenox airport to Burlington where she was met by relatives.  The same plan left here about 4:40 and was back about 8:10.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday July 31, 1958

 

Crowell, Inice Mae Firkins -

Inice Crowell, 75, died Tuesday morning at the home of Mrs

Carrie Dahlberg where she had been staying.

 

Funeral services are being held today, Thursday, at the Methodist church, the Rev Burton Collier officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Rose cemetery south of Corning.

 

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs Kenneth Barker of Lenox,

Mrs J O Mclnstry of Keokuk, and one son, Lea, of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 11, 1958

 

Crowell, Inice Mae Firkins -

Inice Mae Firkins Crowell, the daughter of Alonzo and Mary Jane Mayo Firkins was born near Iveyville in Taylor County on March 21, 1883.

 

After graduating from Shenandoah Normal School, she taught in the schools of Taylor County for seven terms.

 

On Feb. 28, 1908, she was united in marriage to Harry Josiah

Crowell. They made their home on a farm in Holt Township in

Taylor County until 1938, when they moved to a farm near Lenox.

 

Mrs Crowell was an active member of the Iveyville Methodist

Church in her childhood and youth. After her marriage she became a member of the Oak Hill Church near Gravity where she served faithfully in many offices. In later years, for as long as she was able, she was active in the Lenox Methodist Church.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband in January, 1945 and by a sister, Mary Jane Huss, in 1958.

 

She leaves to mourn her passing her three children: Doris Mae (Mrs Kenneth Barker) of Lenox, Lea J of Lenox and Jaunlta Margaret (Mrs James McKinstry) of Keokuk; ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; one brother, Clifton Firkins of Corning: four sisters; Myrtle Richards and Nellie Van Alstine of Corning, Rose Rogers of Des Moines, and Winifred Shipley of Villisca; also many nieces, nephews and friends.

 

Death came at the home of Mrs Carrie Dahlberg in Lenox at 3:20 Monday morning, Sept. 9, 1958, at the age of 75 years, months, and 18 days. Her life of service and concern for others was an inspiration

to all of her family and friends.

 

Funeral services were Sept. 11 at the Methodist Church, the

Rev. B.C. Collier officiating. Burial was in Prairie Rose Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 25, 1958

 

Gibson, Harry G -

Harry G. Gibson was born January 27, 1878 at Lenox, a son of James and Martha Ann Gibson.  He grew to manhood in Lenox and graduated from high school here. He attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, HI. While pursuing his studies there he assumed some work for the Congregational Bd. of Churches.  This involved organizing new churches in Big Horn County, Montana. Then he returned to Moody Bible Institute where he graduated. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister and served several churches in Illinois and Iowa. He spent his retiring years in Indianola and Des

Moines, serving the church in various capacities as long as his

health permitted. His interest in Biblical history was intense,

and his concern for the welfare of the church and Christianity was uppermost in his mind.

 

He had been a. patient at Stewart Nursing Home in Des Moines for 3 years. He passed away at Broadlawns General Hospital Sunday, June 15, 1958.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Mrs Bertha Lyddon, Indianola, Mrs Effie Wilmarth, Corning, and Mrs Maude Wilson, Massena. He is survived by a sister, Dollie Mitchell Haddon of Inglewood, Cal., two nieces, Mrs Harold Spencer of Oakland, la., and Mrs Martha Prall of Omaha,  and 3 nephews, Walter Wilson,

Lakewood, Cal., Harry Wilmarth of Cedar Rapids and A J Mitchell

of New York City.

 

Mr and Mrs Harold Spencer and Mrs Prall were present for the services. Burial was at Lenox June 18.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday June 26, 1958

 

Hays, Argyl E. Jr. -

Mr and Mrs Argyl Hays of Afton, formerly of Lenox and Tingley received word Saturday of the death of their son, Chief Warrant Officer Argyl E. Hays Jr., of Ft. Riley, Kan.

 

Officer Hays was in an H21 Helicopter on a routine night

proficiency training flight when a crash occurred, taking all five

of the crew to their deaths. The accident could have been caused

by an electrical storm, then in progress.

 

Last November Hays received the Air Medal for a daring rescue

night which he performed earlier in the year in Korea near

Seoul. He made four trips to a sand bar in the Hon River to

pick up survivors, landing in 30 inches of water with no illumination. He was commended for "unhesitating courageous action in the face of danger."

 

He leaves a wife and two small sons, his parents, 4 brothers

and one sister. His grandparents are Mr and Mrs Will Hays of Bedford, formerly of Lenox. He is a nephew of Mrs Verla Ecklin of Lenox, Mrs Herman Wurster of Clearfield, Mrs Nelson Ledgerwood of Bedford and Virgil Hays of Diagonal.

 

Funeral services are to be Friday at Belmont, Iowa, the home of the widow’s family.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday June 26, 1958

 

Henderson, Ernest Lee –

Ernest Lee Henderson, 65, of North Hollywood, Calif. died in a veterans hospital there Sept. 10.  He was a brother of Mrs Ben Walter of Lenox.

 

Mr Henderson had been a leader in Veteran affairs and retired last February as contact representative of the Veterans Administration in his home district.

 

During service in World War I he lost a leg in action at St. Etienne in October, 1918.  He was decorated for heroism as a Navy corpman attached to the 5th Regiment of Marines, part of the brigade which served with the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.  He had previously won the Silver Star for gallantry.

 

Mr Henderson was a past commander of the Legion’s Army-Navy club post and of Los Angeles Chapter 2 of the Army and Navy Legion of Valor.

 

Funeral services were Sept. 15 at the Veterna’s Administration Cemetery Chapel, conducted by Col W E Patrick, DSC, a retired Episcopalian minister who was an Army Chaplain with the 2nd Division during World War I.

 

Survivors include his widow, Mabel and a sister, Mrs. Walter of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday, September 18, 1958

 

Hillers, Anna Margaret Heitmann

Anna Margaret Heitmann was born in Bremen Germany December 31, 1876 and died July 26, 1958 at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 26 days.  Her early years were spent in Germany.  She came to America with an older brother in 1900 and started farming south of Blockton.

 

She was united in marriage to Karl Herman Hillers in 1904.  He preceded her in death in 1920.  To this union were born four children, George Hillers of Blockton, Katie Kemery of Lenox, Mary Jennings of West Branch and Christie Hillers of Blockton.

 

Most of her life was spent on the farm where she provided a Christian home along with higher education for her children.  During World War II she moved to Blockton where she lived until an injury in February 1957.

 

She leaves to mourn her passing. her children, 7 grandchildren, one great grandchild, other relatives and a host of friends.

 

She became united to the Lutheran Church while a small girl in Germany and attended whenever possible.  Her belief in God led her to any church that was convenient.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 14, 1958

 

Hufnagel, Simon F. –

Simon F Hufnagel, 85, retired business man was found dead at his home in Lenox at 10:30 am Monday [August 18].  His brother-in-law, Ben Walter found him dead in his chair.  A Lenox physician stated that he had died early Monday morning, apparently of a heart attack.  His wife and one son preceded him in death.

 

Surviving are one sister Mrs Ben Spoonemore, and a number of nieces and nephews.

 

Rosary was Tuesday at 8 am at the Bender Funeral Home with services Wednesday at 9 am at St Patrick’s Church, the Rev. Bonaventure of Corning officiating.  Burial was in Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 21, 1958

 

Leedom, Edith E. Wells -

Mrs Roy Leedom, 46, of Lenox died at a hospital in Maryville,

Mo., Tuesday morning, a few hours after having suffered a

heart attack.

 

Funeral services are to be Friday at the Price Funeral home in Maryville. Burial will be at Guilford, Mo.

 

She is survived by her husband.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 11, 1958

 

Leedom, Edith E. Wells -

Mrs. Roy Leedom, the daughter of Noah and Anna May Halfhill Wells, was born at Caywood, Mo. Dec. 20, 1911.  She died Tuesday Sept 9, 1958 at a Maryville, Mo hospital at the age of 46 years.  She suffered a heart attack at her home here Monday evening and never regained consciousness.

 

June 1, 1942 she was married at Maryville, Mo to Roy E Leedom who survives.  Others left to mourn include her father, Noah Wells, Maryville, Mo, a sister Mrs James Linville, Barnard, Mo, three brothers Paul Wells, Riverton, Wyo., Russell Wells, St. Joseph, Mo. and Wallace Wells, Casper, Wyo.

 

Services were at the Price Funeral Home at Maryville Friday Sept. 12 with burial at Guildford, Mo.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 25, 1958

 

Murchy, Ethel R Key –

Ethel K Murshy (Mrs W J) 69, of Fort Morgan, Colo died at a Denver hospital Sept 27, 1958 after suffering from surgical mumps and infection.  She was born in Taylor County and lived in this vicinity until 1916 when she and her husband moved to Colorado.

 

Her chief interests were her home, her church and her family.  She loved flowers and was active in both church and club work.

 

Surviving are her husband, W G (known as John) 2 daughters, Mrs Andrew Tinn of Denver, Colo., Mrs R Lee Burkett of Quebec, Canada, 2 brothers, Roy Key of Lenox, Russell Key of Topeka, Kans and 5 grandchildren.  Her parents Mr and Mrs S J Key and 2-year old sister, Gracie, preceded her in death.

 

Funeral services were Sept 30 at Fort Morgan, Colo.  Jerry Carlson sang Hold Thou My Hand and The Lord’s Prayer with Mrs Etta Douglas as organist.  Burial was at Ft. Morgan.

 

Mr and Mrs Roy Key attended the services.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday, October 16, 1958

 

Nelson, Cora Belle Wilson –

Mrs Cora Wilson, 86, suffered a severe heart attack Sunday morning and died at 8:30 am at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Paul Notz of near Lenox.  She had fallen and broken her collar bone on April 22 and had lived with her daughter most of the time since then.  Besides her one daughter, 1 brother, Clarence Wilson of Griswold and 1 sister, Mrs Winifred Gentle of Corning survive.

 

Her husband, Ed, preceded her in death.

 

Services were Tuesday afternoon at the Bender Funeral Home with Rev. James Eddy officiating.  Burial was in the Lenox Cemetery.

OBITUARY

Cora Belle Nelson, daughter of Corwin and Mary Wilson passed away at the home of her daughter, Emily July 20, 1958.  She was born February 28, 1872 near Wenona, Ill.  At the age of 3, she moved with her parents to a farm 7 miles south of Corning, Iowa.  She lived in this vicinity until she married at Brooks, Iowa Oct. 26, 1904 to James Edwin Nelson.  To this union 2 daughters were born, Emily Anna Notz of Lenox, and a deceased infant daughter.  She was preceded in death by her husband.

 

Surviving are her daughter Emily and son-in-law, Paul Notz, a sister Mrs Winifred Gentle of Corning, a brother Clarence Wilson of Griswold, Iowa, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Maud Wilson and Nellie Wilson, of Lenox and a host of nieces and nephews.

 

Mrs Nelson was a member of the Lenox Fortnightly Club for over 50 years, and member of the United Presbyterian Church and social union.  She loved her home, enjoyed her flowers and always saw the happy side of life.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday, July 24, 1958

 

Nixon, John Robert –

John R Nixon, 80, died at 10:30 pm Thursday at the Lenox Rest Home after an extended illness.  He was a retired farmer.

 

Funeral services were Sunday at the Bender Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Nixon of Atlantic officiating, assisted by Rev LeRoy Pullman of Bussey.  Both are nephews of Mr. Nixon.  Burial was in the Lenox cemetery.

 

Mr. Nixon is survived by a son William of Shannon City, two daughters Mrs Edith Miller of Des Moines and Mrs Minnie Stultz of Maryville, Mo., nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, three brothers William and Henry of Lenox and Tom of Dallas, S D and five sisters, Mrs. Ruth Boltinghouse, Emma Nixon, Isabel Nixon and Mrs Amelia James all of Lenox and Mrs Lillian Pullman of Osceola.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday August 21, 1958

 

Nixon, John Robert –

John Robert Nixon, son of Mary and Hugh Nixon was born on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa October 19, 1877 and passed away at Lenox, Iowa August 14, 1958 at the age of 80 years, 9 months and 26 days, having spent his entire life in Taylor and Adams county.

 

He was married April 16, 1902 to Cora Etta Atkin who departed this life January 11, 1921.  To this union was born three children, Minnie Stultz of Maryville, Mo., William J of Shannon City, and Edith Miller of Des Moines.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, five sisters and three brothers, Lille Pullman, Osceola, Tom Nixon of Colome, S Dak., Amelia James, Ruth Boltinghouse, Emma, Isabel, Henry and William B Nixon all of Lenox and a host of relatives and friends.

 

He became a member of the Prairie Star Presbyterian Church when he and his family lived in that community.  He was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father, two sisters, Jane Nixon and Lizzie Fleming and one brother, Martin.

 

Services were Sunday, August 17 at the Bender Funeral Home with two nephews Rev Ray Nixon of Atlantic and Rev Leroy Pullman of Bussey officiating.  Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa August 28, 1958

 

Owen, Mrs. Ray -

Mrs Ray Owen, 72, of Kingston, Wash, died Tuesday at her home there. Funeral services and burial were Monday at Carson, N. Dak. Surviving are her husband, a son, Roy Martin of Lenox; also another son and six daughters; 19 grandchildren several great grand-children; one brother, Will of California and a sister, Mrs Mary Hughes of Tacoma, Wash.

 

Mr and Mrs Roy Martin and Dennis attended the funeral.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday June 26, 1958

 

Reynolds, James Ralph –

Ralph Reynolds, 64, of Greenfield died Sunday at the hospital there.  He had been custodian at the Greenfield schools the past 12 years and at one time was employed by the Lenox school.

 

Funeral services were Tuesday at Greenfield, with burial in Fairview Cemetery at Lenox.  His wife preceded him in death.  Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Cleo Sturm of Clearfield, Mrs. Bill King of Rockford, Ill., 1 son, Robert of Kansas City, Mo., also 10 grandchildren and a brother, Charles M Reynolds of Prescott, 5 sisters in other states.  Mrs Reldon Ambrose, Lenox.

 

Mr Reynolds moved from Lenox to Greenfield 14 years ago.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday June 14, 1958

 

Reynolds, James Ralph –

James Ralph Reynolds, son of Robert Reynolds and Eunice Kealy, was born January 26, 1894 at Lewisville, Texas and departed this life at the Adair County Hospital in Greenfield, Iowa, Sunday, afternoon June 15, 1958 at the age of 64 years, 4 months and 20 days.

 

He was united in marriage May 24, 1914 to Amanda Mayfield.  To this union three children were born: Robert M Reynolds of Kansas City, Mo, Mrs. Cleo Sturm of Clearfield, and Mrs. William King of Rockford, Illinois.

 

Ralph and family came to Iowa in December of 1925, and lived in and around Lenox.  He lost his wife September 26, 1941.

 

He moved to Greenfield in July 1945 and was janitor of the school.  He worked long and hard to make the school an attractive place for the children.  He loved his work and the contacts with the teachers, pupils and their parents.

 

On March 26, 1948, he was united in marriage to Luva Wood.  She preceded him in death September 10, 1954.

 

He was a member of the Greenfield Methodist Church.

 

He is survived by his 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 2 stepsons, Clifford Wood of Creston and Dale Wood of Greenfield, 3 step-

grandchildren, 1 brother, Charles of Prescott, Iowa and 5 sisters, all living at a distance.

 

Funeral services were Thursday at Greenfield with burial at Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday June 26, 1958

 

Robinson, Blaine -

Blaine Robinson of Bedford died there Friday. He had formerly

lived near Ciearfieid and was a brother-in-law of Frank Carruthers: His widow, 3 sons and 2 daughters survive.

 

Services were Monday at Bedford, conducted by Fr Reisz, with burial in Lenox cemetery.

 

Relatives who attended from here were Frank and Gerald

Carruthers, Mr and Mrs Glen Williams and Mr and Mrs Wyatt Grimm.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 11, 1958

 

Stoner, Theodore Dale -

Dale Stoner, 58, of Des Moines died Friday night at his home.

Surviving are his widow, Merriel; three daughters and one son

Surviving sisters and brother in this vicinity are Mrs Clarence Butler of Lenox, Mrs Alf Francis and T C Stoner of Creston.

 

The deceased was born in Lenox and lived here before moving to Des Moines.  Funeral services and burial were Monday at Des Moines.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday July 3, 1958

 

Stoner, Theodore Dale -

Theodore Dale Stoner, youngest son of Henry and Jane Stoner was born near Lenox May 18, 1900 and passed away June 27, 1958 at Broadlawns General Hospital after a months illness with a heart ailment.  He spent his young life near and in Lenox moving in 1932 to Des Moines where he had been and garage mechanic.

 

He is survived by his wife, Merriel and 3 daughters, Betty Robertson of Des Moines, Lois Rudert of Popular Bluff, Mo. Patsy Stoner of Des Moines, and one son, Kenneth, a master sergeant stationed with the army in Holland, also 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, 4 brothers and 3 sisters, Mrs A R Francis, Creston, Mrs Cara Butler, Lenox; Mrs Bess Wells, Arcadia, Cal; Harry of Des Moines, Clyde of Mason City, Pete of Afton and Less of El Cerrito, Cali.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday July 17, 1958

 

Thompson, George A –

George Thompson, 57, was killed in a head-on collision near Boise, Idaho Monday night.  His son, Vernal received a telephone call about 3 a.m. Tuesday, telling the tragic news.

 

An inquest was held at Boise, Wednesday after which the body will be placed upon a train to be returned to Lenox.  The Bender Funeral Home will be in charge of services which the family believed would be Saturday or Sunday.

 

A son, Roger, who is in the Army stationed at Camp Carson, Colo. went by plane to Boise Wednesday and will accompany the body home.

 

Riding with Mr. Thompson at the time of the accident were three members of his family.  All were taken to a Boise hospital.  His wife, Pearl, was suffering with face lacerations, a severe cut over her right eye and shock.  The daughter, Loretta, suffered bruises and shock.  Mrs Thompson’s mother, Mrs. Katie Sawvell received broken ribs and bruises.  The ladies were expected to be able to come home by plane today, Thursday.

 

Mr. Thompson was a bus driver for the school and custodian of the gymnasium.  He was a member of the Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge.  Survivors include his widow, four children, Vernal of Lenox, Dennis of St. Joseph, Roger in the service and Loretta, a student at Maryville, Mo., and four grandchildren.

 

The Thompsons and Mrs. Sawvell had been gone six weeks.  They had been in California and along the coast to Portland, Oregon, where they had visited George’s brother, A M Thompson.  Monday morning they left there and drove to Boise, where they had supper with Mrs Sawvell’s nephew, the Dick Jange family.  They were not tired and decided to drive farther that night.  Mrs. Vernal Thompson said.  They started from Boise when the fatal accident occurred.  Few details about the accident are known by the family here, except that it was a head-on collision.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday July 24, 1958

 

Thompson, George A –

Additional details of the accident which took the life of George Thompson have been supplied by the family since they returned home from Boise, Idaho where the event happened.

 

Mr and Mrs Thompson, their daughter, Loretta and Mrs Thompson’s mother, Mrs. Kate Sawvell were driving near the city limits of Boise about 1 a.m. Tuesday, July 22.  They saw an oncoming car swerving across the road.  As it came near it was out of control and swung in front of them.  There was a guard rail at the right side of the road so it was impossible to avoid the car.

 

The Thompson car was hit on the left front fender and the other car in front of the right front door.  An Air Force man, 26 years of age, was alone in the car, and presumably under the influence of liquor.

 

Mrs Thompson suffered 7 broken ribs, besides facial injuries but she and Loretta came by plane to Omaha Friday evening.  Mrs. Sawvell had 3 broken ribs.  She came to Omaha Saturday evening and is now home.

 

Mr Thompson’s body was kept at Boise until an inquest was finished Wednesday and arrived in Creston Friday.  The funeral was at the Lenox Christian Church Saturday afternoon, with the minister Rev. Robert Duckett officiating.  The obituary is in this paper.

OBITUARY

George A Thompson, the son of Joseph A and Viola Thompson was born Aug 22, 1900 in St. Joseph, Ky.  and departed this life July 22, 1958.  He left home at the age of 17 and worked near Ft. Pierre, SD as a rancher, and later on the railroad bridge gang near Wall Lake,

S. D.

 

He was united in marriage to Pearl Mae Sawvell June 27, 1927 at Rapid City, S D and after his marriage he farmed near Wall until he moved to Lenox in December 1941.  He operated a portable hammermill until August 1955.  From that time until his death he worked for the school, driving and servicing the school buses.  The last year he was also custodian of the school gymnasium.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.  Those surviving are his wife Pearl, 3 sons, Vernal of Lenox, Dennis of St. Joseph, Mo., Roger in the service at Fort Carson, Colo and one daughter, Loretta, at home; four grandchildren, Richard, Cheryl, Steven and Terry and two daughters-in-law, Joan and Clevane.

 

Also surviving are seven brothers, Dr. William A of Sublett, Kan., Melvin T of Wall, SD, Jerome A of St. Joseph, Ky, Joseph C of Mission Ridge, SD, Anthony M of Portland, Ore., Fernard L of Rudd, Ia., James R of Mountain View, Ga., and 3 sister, Mrs. George Peters and Mrs. Agnes Ballard of St. Joseph, Ky. and Mrs. Clara Marimee of Louisville, Ky.

 

George was an outstanding man in this community.  He was active in the Masonic Lodge and the Christian Church in Lenox.  His fine Christian life guided his children, his wife and the community in which he lived.  A Christian soul such as this will be greatly missed.

 

Services were July 26 at the Christian Church.  The Rev. Robert Duckett officiating, with burial in Lenox Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday July 31, 1958

 

Turner, William Oliver –

William Oliver Turner, 73, died at his home near Corning Friday afternoon.  He was born in Adams County near here, graduated from Lenox high school and lived in this vicinity until 14 years ago when he moved near Corning.

 

Mr Turner served in the Iowa senate in the 49th and 50th sessions and was the Adams County representative in the 55th session.

 

Funeral services were Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church in Corning, the Rev. W H Sinning officiating.  Burial was in Lenox Cemetery.

 

William Oliver Turner was born on a farm in Adams County July 12, 1885, the son of Archie and Mary Oliver Turner.  He attended rural schools and Lenox High School and studied at Tarkio College one year.

 

He was married Oct 12, 1911 to Jeanette Murchy.  Surviving are his widow, a daughter Mrs Earl Hall of Montrose, Colo. and two sisters, Anna Turner of Lenox and Mrs Albert Frehse of Salina, Kan.

 

Mr Turner was a farmer and breeder of purebred cattle and hogs.  He was a charter member and past president of the Adams County Farm Bureau, had served as secretary and treasurer of the Adams County corn sealing board, had been a member of the Farm Debt board and of the Farmers Home Administration board and had served on the PTA township board.

 

He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Corning.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday September 18, 1958

 

Ward, Matilda Stanger –

Mrs Matilda Ward, 52, died Saturday at 3:10 pm at the Rosary Hospital in Corning, after a brief illness.  She was born near Lenox and had lived in this vicinity all her life.  She was an active member of the Christian Church.

 

Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon at the Bender Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Duckett officiating.  Burial was in the Blue Grove Cemetery.

 

Matilda Stanger Ward, daughter of Katharina and Daniel Stanger, was born on a farm southwest of Lenox August 12, 1906.  After a brief illness, she departed this life at the Rosary hospital in Corning, Iowa on Oct. 11, 1958 at the age of 52 years, 1 month and 29 days.

 

She was a lifelong resident of Taylor County, Iowa.  At an early age she became a member of the Blue Grove Christian Church and later transferred her membership to the Christian Church in Lenox.

 

She was united in marriage to Oscar T Ward in Des Moines on Oct 18, 1928.  To this union three children were born, Norma Charlene, Margery Irene and Edward Daniel.  Matilda was the second youngest of a family of six children, being preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Carl.  She is survived by her husband, Oscar, two daughters Mrs Bill Flynn (Norma) of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs Gerald Carruthers (Margery) of Lenox, Iowa, a son, Edward Ward of Seattle, Wash. a daughter-in-law Dorothy Ward, two sons-in-law Bill Flynn and Gerald Carruthers, four grandchildren, Nancy, Barbara, Daniel Carruthers and David Flynn.  Three sisters Mrs. Florence Brumbaugh and Mrs Amelia Clapper of Shelton, Wash., Mrs Alma Fleming of Lenox, Iowa, two brothers, Paul Stanger of Elizabeth, Ill. Frank Stanger of Sharpsburg and many other relatives and friends.

 

She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, always willing to help those in need.  Her main interests were he family, her grandchildren, church work and sharing with others the beauty she created with her flower garden.

 

The memorial services were held at the Bender Funeral Home in Lenox Oct. 14, at 2:00 pm.  The music was furnished by Mrs Ruth Boltinghouse, organist and Rolland Buxton, vocalist.  Pall bearers were Orson Cochran, Will Becherer, Homer Teatsworth, Joe Trost, Henry Beck and George Trost.  Rev. Duckett officiatied at the services and the interment was at the Blue Grove Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday October 16, 1958