Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
 [McCurdy, Bertha Ann Thomas]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 29, 1940     [p. 1]

Mrs. Harold McCurdy Buried Here Tuesday

Mrs. Harold McCurdy, a former resident of Bedford, but late of Turner, Kans., died in a Kansas City hospital Saturday, Feb. 24, 1940 at the age of 41 years, 4 months and 22 days.

Funeral services were held in Turner Monday forenoon conducted by the pastor of the First Baptist church of that place and the body was brought to Bedford, where services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson.

Bertha [Ann] Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [Winfield] Scott Thomas [Rebecca Ella Hardee], was born Oct. 2, 1898 at Bedford.

On Feb. 25, 1918 she was married to Harold [Cecil] McCurdy of Bedford. To them were born four children: Helen, Gayle, Maxine and Raymond, all of the home.

Surviving with the husband, four children and parents, are also three brothers, Charles Thomas of Blockton, Fred Thomas of Gravity and Ralph Thomas of Bedford.

Mrs. McCurdy was a member of the Turner Baptist church.

[McMillin, Abraham Mott “Abe”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 16, 1908    [p. 1]

Abraham McMillen Dead

Abraham Mott McMillen [McMillin], after years of suffering, died at his home in Bedford Sunday morning, Aug. 12. While he has been suffering for years, he had been confined to his bed for the past month, and from which all felt he would never arise.

There is probably no man in Bedford better known and esteemed. Although an invalid he was ever cheerful and uncomplaining and there was nothing he enjoyed better than in pleasing some child and comforting them. He was certainly the "children's friend," and while all will sorely miss him from his usual haunts none will miss him more than the "children" of Bedford. He has watched the young businessmen of Bedford mature, and he was equally their friend for he won their friendship when they were children.

Abraham Mott McMillen [McMillin] was born in Mercer County, Ohio, March 4, 1851, and died at his late home July 13, 1908, being at time of death 57 years, 4 months and 8 days old. He removed from the place of his birth with his parents to McLean County, Ill., when 12 years old, remaining there two years when at the age of 14 came to Taylor County. With the possible exception of five years or less he has lived in Taylor County, and for 28 years in the town of Bedford.

He was married to Fidelia Dugan in Hopkins, Mo., May 24, 1873. To this union there are no children but 16 years ago they lovingly adopted Minnie, their daughter, who mourns deeply the loss of one who has indeed been a father to her. This to our mind is one of the most tender ministries of life. To care for the orphan is a God ordained duty and one that God richly blesses.

He leaves besides wife and daughter, five brothers, two sisters and a mother to mourn his loss. Some of his brothers are at a distance from him and yet have been to see him and most tenderly cared for him in the last days of his suffering.

Those who have been acquainted with him, know that he has been a great sufferer, [rest of sentence unreadable] time worked hard to support his little family. No one save those who have been most closely related to him can tell how he suffered and when the summons came it was hailed as the tender ministry of God, to call him out of his great bodily affliction.

He was a member since 1883 of the Presbyterian Church in Bedford and when the end came he was anxious and ready to go. His heart longed for the summons to come to take him out of his suffering. May the God of all comfort cause you who are nearest to him to lean implicitly on Him who is full of comfort and possessed of power to save.

The funeral took place from the Presbyterian Church Monday at 2:30 p. m., conducted by Geo. A. Hendrickson of the Christian church and Rev. McMasters of the Baptist church. Interment in Bedford cemetery.

The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all.

[Note: Iowa Deaths and Burial, 1850-1990 gives the death date as July 12, 1908 and the burial date ad July 13, 1908.]

[MCMILLIN, ABRAHAM MOTT "ABE"]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 16, 1908
His Suffering Ended
Abraham Mott McMillen was born in Mercer county, Ohio, March 4, 1851 and died at his late home in Bedford, Iowa, July 12, 1908. He removed from the place of birth with his parents when 12 years old to McLean county, Ill., remaining there for two years, when he came to Iowa and settled in Taylor county. For about 28 years he had been a resident of Bedford and excepting about five years all told, has lived in Taylor county since he was 14 years old.
He was united in marriage to Fidelia Dugan in Hopkins, Mo., May 24, 1873. There were no children born to them, but they lovingly adopted the daughter Minnie, who mourns the loss of one who was indeed a father to her. There is no more tender ministry than that. To care for the orphan is a God ordained work and one upon which the smiles of God will rest.
He leaves a wife, daughter, five brothers, two sisters and a stepmother to mourn his loss. The brothers, a part, live at a distance, but some have been here all the time since his last sickness began, and all save one have been with him at one time or another.
Mr. McMillen united with the Presbyterian church in 1882 and died in the triumphs of faith. His past days were given constantly to preparation for the change for which he longed and prayed. He has been an industrious, hardworking citizen and only three weeks before his death he did a hard day's work papering a house. No one except those who knew him most intimately can appreciate what this means. Death came as it always comes to those who are ready for it, as a sweet relief from the ills and sorrows of life. May the God of all comfort sustain in this hour of bereavement.
The funeral took place from the Presbyterian church Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. Geo. A. Hendrickson of the Christian church and Rev. McMasters of the Baptist church, after which the body was laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery.

[McMillin, Dorinda Burks]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      November 2, 1911     p. 4

Obituary.

Mrs. Dorinda D. [Burks] McMillen [McMillin] was born in Green County, Kentucky, Nov. 3, 1843. She with her parents came to Iowa when a child making their home at Winterset. In the year 1861 she moved to Bedford where she has made her home until recently when she removed to Ross Township, making her home with her son John. Her husband departed this life 31 years ago and a daughter about a year ago.

She leaves to mourn her loss one daughter, Mrs. Viola Willoughby, of Rochester, Mo., and two sons, John E. [dward] and Wm., both of near Bedford, besides other relatives and friends. She was converted when young and united with the Baptist church of which she was a member until her death, which occurred Sunday, Oct. 29th, 1911.

Funeral services were held from the Baptist church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Dr. J. W. Neyman.

[McMillin, Dorinda Burks]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      November 2, 1911      p. 8

Mrs. D. D. McMillan

Mrs. D. [orinda] D. [Burks] McMillan [McMillin] died at the home of her son, John [Edward] McMillan [McMillin], in Ross Township, at the age of 66 years. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the First Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. J. W. Neyman. Interment was in Bedford cemetery.

Mrs. McMillan [McMillin] had been a resident of Bedford for many years. Her husband died several years ago. She had been failing physically for a couple of years, and a short time ago went to the home of her son, where she passed away.

[McMillin, Elza A.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 24, 1977     p. 7

Final Rites Held February 19 for Elza McMillin

Funeral services for Elza A. McMillin, 69, a native of Bedford, held February 19 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Service, were conducted by Carl Cummings and Rev. Carter Smith. Mr. McMillin died in Saint Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo. February 16, 1977. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were all present and former postal employees. Presentation of the flag was conducted by the Bedford American Legion Post at Fairview Cemetery.

Elza A. McMillin, son of John E. [dward] and Mary C. [atherine] Downing McMillin, was born at Bedford, Iowa, March 4, 1907.

He grew to maturity in Bedford where he attended the Baptist Church and the Bedford Public School, graduating in the Class of 1926. He attended the 50th Anniversary of his class last year and enjoyed the reunion with class members.

He engaged in general trucking and freight business for about 10 years and in 1932 he was employed under Civil Service as a City Mail Carrier. Ill health caused his retirement in 1959.

During World War II he served his country from April 27, 1944 until October 15,1945, with the Postal Department and he was stationed in New York City during the duration of the war.

On October 8, 1931, he was united in marriage to Phyllis A. [lverda] Rankin and to them were born three children: Kathleen, Francis and Frank.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Frank, better known as "Doc," two brothers, Gene [Edward] and Percy who died in infancy.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Phyllis of the home; a daughter, Kathleen and her husband, Howard McCollaugh, a son, Francis and his wife, Evelyn, of Bedford; grandchildren, David, Roger and Debbie McCollaugh; Mr. and Mrs. Denny (Diane) Mullen, Mr. and Mrs. Gene (Sandi) Oxley, Mr. and Mrs. Steve (Judy) McMillin and Don McMillin; two great granddaughters: Brandi and Kristi McMillin; two sisters: Mrs. Flo Thompson of Bedford and Mrs. Bennie (Eva) Walters and her husband, Bennie of Kansas City, Mo.; mother-in-law, Mrs. Grace Smith of Bedford; nieces; nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, devoted and considerate husband, father, friend and neighbor, and he will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

[McMillin, Fidelia “Delia” Dugan]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 13, 1930    [p. 1]

Mrs. Delia McMillin

Mrs. Delia [Fidelia] McMillin of Hutchinson, Kans., passed away this (Thursday) morning after a lingering illness. The body is being sent to Bedford and is expected to arrive here on the noon train Saturday. Short services will be held at the grave in the Bedford cemetery. Friends of the family are invited to attend.

[McMillin, Fidelia “Delia” Dugan]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 20, 1930     p. 4

Delia McMillin

Delia McMillin, the youngest daughter of Thomas and Maryette [Marietta Charlotte Aldrich] Dugan, was born in Stark County, Ill., Sept. 19, 1853, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Cooper [Minnie] in Hutchinson, Kans., March 13, 1930. She spent her childhood at the place of her birth, coming to Taylor County in early womanhood, where she was united in marriage to Abe McMillin in 1872. They made their home in Bedford, Iowa, until his death in 1908. She then went to Hutchinson, Kansas, where she has since resided. She leaves several nieces and many old friends in this vicinity, where she resided so long.

A short funeral service was held at the Bedford cemetery, where interment was made, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. F. McMican of the Presbyterian Church.

[Note:  Correct marriage date is May 24, 1873. Source: Missouri State marriage certificate.]

[McMillin, Flo Marie]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday        April 8, 1992      p. 6

FLO MARIE McMillin

Funeral services for Flo Marie McMillin were conducted March 31, 1992 at 11:00 a. m. from the Boyd E. Braman Mortuary in Omaha, Neb. with graveside services at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating with burial in Bedford Cemetery.

Flo Marie McMillin, daughter of Gene [Edward] and Alma [Beatrice] Lee McMillin was born at Bedford, Iowa July 30, 1938 and departed this life in Omaha, Neb. March 29, 1992 following a long illness.

She grew to maturity in the Bedford community where she attended the Bedford Public School and the Baptist Church.

She had resided in Omaha, Neb. where she was employed as long as health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gene McMillin, a sister Joanne, and a brother Marvin.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Alma and her husband Alfred Northover of Bedford; sisters: Helen Coleman of Gravity, Iowa, Wilma McGraw of Essex, Mary Million of Essex, Linda Anderson of Essex, and brothers: Norman [Dean] McMillin of Bedford, Paul McMillin of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Ronald [Ray] McMillin of Bedford, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Flo was a friend to all who knew her and she will be sadly missed by loved ones and friends.

[McMillin, Gene Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      December 15, 1966     p. 6

Final Rites Held For Gene McMillin

Funeral services for Gene Edward McMillin, 57, of Bedford were held December 13 at the State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Ollie Odle officiating. Mr. McMillin died December 10, 1966 at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Interment was at the Bedford cemetery, Bedford.

Gene Edward McMillin, son of John [Edward] and Mary [Catherine Downing]McMillin, was born on a farm in Taylor County, July 15, 1909.

On August 4, 1927 he was united in marriage to Alma [Beatrice] Lee and to this union ten children were born. He was preceded in death by his father, one brother, one daughter and one granddaughter.

He spent his entire life in Taylor County, except for two years he lived in Parnell, Missouri. He was employed by Taylor County and did roadwork until his illness forced him to retire in 1957.

He is survived by his wife, Alma, four sons, Norman [Dean], Paul, Ronald [Ray] of Bedford and Marvin of Conway; five daughters, Mrs. Sherman Coleman, Gravity; Mrs. Roy McGraw, Essex, Iowa; Mrs. John Million, Essex, Ia.; Miss Flo [Marie] McMillin, Omaha, Nebr.; and Mrs. Linda Sparks, Bedford; his mother, Mrs. Mary [Catherine Downing] McMillin, Bedford, two sisters, Mrs. Flo Thompson, Omaha, Nebr. and Miss Eva [Viola] McMillin, Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, Elza McMillin, Bedford; 16 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a kindly, friendly person and deeply loved and enjoyed the company of his family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

[McMillin, John Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 16, 1950    [p. 1]

John McMillin Dies

John McMillin, 75, died Wednesday night after having been in failing health for several years.

The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

[McMillin, John Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 23, 1950    p. 6

John Edward McMillin

John Edward McMillin, son of Edward and Durinda [Dorinda] Ellen [Burks] McMillin, was born in Taylor County, March 18, 1875, and died in Bedford, Nov. 16, 1950, at the age of 75 years, seven months and 28 days.

On October 29, 1900, he was united in marriage to Mary [Catherine] Downing, and to this union five children were born.

He is survived by Elza and Gene [Edward] McMillin of Bedford, Mrs. Flo Thompson of Bedford, and Miss Eva [Viola] McMillin of St. Joseph, Mo., and 14 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, a son and three grandchildren.

Mr. McMillin was born and raised in Taylor county and spent his entire life here.

[McMillin, Marvin Dale]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      March 19, 1981     p. 4

Final Rites Held March 14 For Marvin McMillin

Funeral services for Marvin Dale McMillin, 46, of Conway, held March 14 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Mark Imel. Mr. McMillin died March 11, 1981 at Gravity, Iowa. Interment was at the Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa.

Marvin Dale McMillin, son of Gene [Edward] McMillin and Alma [Beatrice] Lee McMillin, was born at Bedford, Iowa. September 19, 1934. He grew to maturity in the Bedford Community where he attended the public school and the Baptist Church.

On September 16, 1960 he was united in marriage to Kathryn Wasson at Shenandoah, Iowa, and they lived in Conway, Iowa.

To this union five children were born: Karen Kay, Bonnie Lou, Lorrie Lynn, Scott Alan and T. J.

He was employed by Taylor County Road Maintenance Department.

He served his country during the Korean conflict and he was a member of the Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, a daughter, Bonnie Lou, and a sister, Joane.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathryn of the home; three daughters; Karen Kay Wallace and her husband, Richard of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Lorrie Lynn and T.J. and a son, Scott Alan of the home; his mother, Mrs. Alma Northover of Bedford, Iowa; five sisters: Mrs. Bill (Helen Jean) Coleman of Gravity, Iowa; Mrs. Roy (Wilma Lee) McGraw of Essex, Iowa; Mrs. John Million (Mary Catherine) of Essex, Iowa; Mrs. Tom (Linda Kay) Anderson of Essex, Iowa; Flo Marie McMillin of Omaha, Nebraska; three brothers: Norman McMillin of Bedford, Paul Edward McMillin of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Ronald Ray McMillin of Kansas City, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

He will be remembered as a kind and considerate husband, father, son and brother and he will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

[McMillin, Mary Catherine Downing]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 23, 1967      [p. 1]

Mrs. McMillin Rites Today

Funeral services for Mrs. John Edward (Mary) McMillin, 87, of Bedford will be held Thurs., Feb. 23, at Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Mrs. McMillin died Tuesday at Pearl Terrace Manor here. Interment will be at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

[McMillin, Mary Catherine Downing]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       March 2, 1967      p. 3

Final Rites Held Here For Mrs. McMillin

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Catherine McMillin, 87, lifetime Taylor County resident, held February 23 at Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney. Mrs. McMillin died February 21, 1967 at Pearl Terrace Manor here. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Mary Catherine McMillin daughter of [Christopher] Columbus and [Rebecca] Ellen [McNair] Downing, was born on a farm near Athelstan, Iowa. She lived all of her life in Taylor County and in Bedford since 1912.

She received her education in the public schools of Taylor County and through self-help.

She and John Edward McMillin were united in marriage in Taylor County, and lived their entire life together in the Bedford area. They moved to Bedford in 1912.

To this union five children were born: three sons, Percy, Elza, and Gene [Edward]; two daughters, Flo and Eva [Viola].

Mary loved her Bible. She read it through several times. She loved other people. She made things and gave them to others, and she was ever encouraging and helping those in trouble and in need. She loved her flowers. Her home was filled with them; and her garden bloomed with them.

"We can say that she loved life, loved people, and people loved her. She was among the last of her generation in the community and her passing will leave a vacant spot in our life and in our community."

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, one brother, two sons, three grandsons, and one granddaughter.

She is survived by one son, Elza, Bedford; two daughters, Flo Thompson, Omaha, Nebr., Eva [Viola] McMillin, Kansas City, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Maggie Kendall, Pandora, Colo.; one brother, Allen Maxwell, Clarinda, Ia.; several nephews and nieces, and many friends.

[McMillin, Percy]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 28, 1901      p. 4

Only a Few Short Weeks

After two months and twenty-two days of joy and comfort in the presence of their little boy Percy, Mr. and Mrs. John [Edward] McMillen [McMillin] were called upon to lay their little treasure in the silent tomb. The little fellow had been sick only a few days, and in vain did human skill try to stay its life. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith.