Halford Smith "Hal" SWEENEY

SMITH, SWEENEY, LEHMKUHL, JONES, ROUTH, HEFFERNAN, ROUTH UITERMARKT, BEENER, CARROLL, MARTIN, KIRSCHNER

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/10/2009 at 01:23:26

OBITUARY - HALFORD SMITH "HAL" SWEENEY

PLEASANT HILL, IOWA -- Halford Smith SWEENEY was born to Earl and Mildred (SMITH) SWEENEY on August 15th, 1926 in Des Moines, Iowa. His sister, Libby, said he was her “special” birthday present, as he was born the day after her birthday. He had four brothers and three sisters.

The family lived on the Sweeney farm near Rising Sun until Hal was eight years old. They moved to a ranch in Texas near Gainsville and moved back to the farm in Iowa when Hal began high school. While at East High, Hal was on the football team and swim team.

With Hal’s father’s illness, he assumed the responsibility of the farming operation, upon his graduation from East High School in 1944. Hal farmed and raised cattle for fifty years. He was an avid believer of soil conservation practices and received awards from Polk County, Madison County, and the state of Iowa. He and his brother Jim, who farmed together, were the first to plant birdsfoot trefoil in Polk County. Hal was also the first to plant switchgrass in Madison County.

Hal was a member of the Altoona Christian Church, charter member of the Altoona Lions Club, past trustee for Ohio Township in Madison County and a past member of the Truro School Board. He also was a member of the “100 Point” Ducks Unlimited Chapter in Mount Ayr.

Hal was united in marriage to Shirley LEHMKUHL on June 12, 1948. To this union three children were born; Becky, Brad, and Julie. In 1957, they purchased a farm near Truro where they raised their family until 1999 when they sold their farm and moved to Mount Ayr.

After retiring, he enjoyed planting a large garden, always sharing the produce with family and friends. He was often referred to as “The Truro Tomato King”. He was very proud of his three restored John Deere tractors which he had used when he farmed. He also enjoyed fishing for “The One” that got away.

Family meant a lot to Hal. He always enjoyed family reunions and visits. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities, and just being “Grandpa”. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed visiting with people of all ages. Hal spent the last two years of his life at Cleaview Home where he passed away March 14, 2008. He greatly enjoyed the staff and appreciated the good care they gave him. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Hal is survived by his wife Shirley of Mount Ayr and their three children, Becky JONES of Truro, Brad Sweeney and wife Quendy of Truro, and Julie ROUTH and husband Joe of Mount Ayr; seven grandchildren, Gretchen JONES HEFFERNAN and husband Mike, Shannon SWEENEY, Kelli SWEENEY, Nathan SWEENEY, Katie ROUTH, Tricia ROUTH UITERMARKT and husband Jeff, and Matthew ROUTH and wife Katie; also five great-grandchildren, Eddie HEFFERNAN, Devon BEENER, Blake BEENER, Tannah SWEENEY and Kayla SWEENEY; brother Jim SWEENEY and wife Marilyn; sister Elizabeth CARROLL and sister-in-law, Betty Jo SWEENEY; brother-in-law Bill LEHMKUHL and wife Priscilla; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Mildred SWEENEY; brothers, Herb, Dan and Dave and sisters, Dorothy MARTIN and Jean KIRSCHNER; brothers-in-law, Al MARTIN, Kenneth CARROLL, and Hans KIRSCHNER; sisters-in-law, Emma SWEENEY and Jewell SWEENEY; and parents-in-law, Charles and Blanche LEHMKUHL.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008