Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com

[Simmons, Lloyd Morrison]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 1, 1949    [p. 1]

Simmons Killed By Overturned Tractor

Lloyd Simmons, 27, was instantly killed Friday afternoon about 2 oÕclock when a tractor overturned, crushing him beneath a wheel as he was pulling hedge brush to a ditch on the Stephens land northeast of Bedford.

It is believed the dirt on a 20-foot high ditch bank gave away beneath the weight of the tractor he was operating, causing the machine to tip over.  George Stephens, on whose land the hedge was being pushed and hauled discovered the accident and called for help.  A wrecking machine was rushed to the scene from Bedford to raise the tractor.  Young Simmons was crushed to death by the weight of the overturned tractor, which struck him on his head and chest.

Marion Dougherty was operating the bulldozer, which was pushing the hedge.

Lloyd Morrison Simmons, son of Elbert C. [lifton] and Myrta J. [acquetta Killam] Simmons, was born near Pickering, Mo., March 16, 1922, being aged 27 years, 5 months and 10 days at the time of his death.

Most of his early life was spent in Northwest Missouri.

He graduated from the Grant City, Mo. High School with the class of 1940.

On October 23, 1943, he was married to Norma Jean Cobb.  To them four children were born:  Donald Dean, who died in infancy; Allan Lloyd, aged 4; Larry David, 13 months old; and Joan Ruth, 2 months.

Surviving with his wife and three children are his father and mother; three brothers and three sisters:  Clement Simmons of Manhattan, Mont., Mrs. Mildred Smail of Barnard, Mo., Mrs. Ilda Barber of Maitland, Mo., Wilbur Simmons, Lynn Simmons and Mrs. Doris Miller of Bedford.  Also 9 nephews and 7 nieces.

He was a kind and loving husband, devoted to his home and family.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Brother C. E. Andrews of Ottawa, Kansas.  Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Simmons, Marjorie Maurine Lawler]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 28, 1957    [p.1]

Mrs. Wilbur Simmons Rites Were Saturday

Mrs. Wilbur Simmons of Bedford died at Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Thursday, February 21 after a long illness.

Funeral services were held at the Bedford Methodist Church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Carl Stiefel.  Burial in Lexington Cemetery.

Marjorie Maurine Lawler was born to Maurice and Blanche [Mason] Lawler, March 4, 1913, near Sheridan, Mo., and lacked only eleven days of reaching her 44th birthday.

Her childhood and early womanhood were spent in her home community, where she attended elementary school and was graduated from Gaynor High School.

On January 21, 1932, Marjorie and Wilbur C. [lifton] Simmons were married.  To them was born one son, Duane.

Marjorie accepted the Lord as her Saviour at the Conway Methodist Church.  Later, her church membership was transferred to the Bedford Methodist Church.

Preceding her in death were an infant brother and sister and her father.

Surviving with the husband and son are her mother, Mrs. Blanche Lawler of Maryville, Mo.; a brother, Vern Lawler of Kansas City; one grandson.

[Lawler, Morris Alfred]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 16, 1936    p. 3

Morris Lawler, 47, Dies At Sheridan

Morris [Alfred] Lawler, 47, a life long resident of the Sheridan community, died at the St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Thursday, July 9, following a weekÕs illness.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Gaynor City Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. C. Pritchard of Sheridan.  Burial was in the New Hope cemetery.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Simmons; one son, Vern Lawler, at home; one grandson; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Lawler; one brother and three sisters:  Herman Lawler of Omaha, Mrs. Stella Hart of Parnell, Mrs. Roxie Engle of Washington, and Mrs. Lola McCoppin of St. Joseph.

Two children preceded their father in death.

[Lawler, Blanche Bertha Mason]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   July 14, 1983    p. 4

Funeral Services Held July 11 For Blanche Lawler, 92

Funeral services for Mrs. Maurice (Blanche Bertha) Lawler, 92, of Bedford, held July 10 in   Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were conducted by Rev. Gary Schneider.  Mrs. Lawler died July 7, 1983 in Bedford Manor Nursing Home.  Interment was at New Hope Cemetery, Nodaway Township, Missouri.

Blanche Bertha Mason Lawler, daughter of John and Ruth [Stewart] Mason, was born at Bedford, Iowa November 9, 1890.

She lived in the Gaynor area where she grew to maturity and attended the public school and Methodist Church.  She also attended Northwest Missouri State TeacherÕs College at Maryville, Missouri and taught in the rural schools for five years before her marriage.

In March 1913 she was united in marriage to Maurice [Morris] Lawler and they lived in the Gaynor area where they were engaged in farming.

To this union four children were born:  Marjorie Maureen, Gwendolyn, who died in infancy, Galen who died at the age of one year and Vern of Kansas City, Missouri.

After the death of her husband, she served as a dorm mother to both girls and boys for over 20 years at Northwest Missouri State, moving to Bedford for retirement in 1960.  Blanche enjoyed the young people and was a real encouragement to them, and they in turn loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Maurice, in 1936, and her daughter Marjorie, Mrs. Wilbur Simmons of Bedford, in 1957; a sister, Cordice Nixon and her brother, Walter Mason.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted sister, Mrs. Bernice Hunter of Bedford, son, Vern, and grandson, Marc Lawler, of Kansas City, Mo., son-in-law, Wilbur Simmons, her great grandchildren, Randal, Donald and Gregory Simmons and Cheri Simmons Dirkson; five great great grandchildren, one niece and nephew.

[Mason, John]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 28, 1944    p. 5

John Mason Dies

John Mason died Monday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ralph Hunter [Bernice].  The funeral services were held Wednesday at the Methodist Church.  Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

[Mason, John]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 4, 1945    p. 2

John Mason

John Mason, son of Frank [Francis] and Harriet [Rogers] Mason, was born in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, July 24, 1857, and died Dec. 25, 1944 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ralph Hunter [Bernice] in Conway at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 1 day.

When he was aged six years, his parents moved to Springfield, Ill.  He resided there until a young man.  Coming to Taylor County, he united in marriage in 1887 to Ruth Stewart.  To them were born six children.  Four survive, Walter Mason of Clearfield, Mrs. Blanche Lawler of Maryville, Mrs. Ralph Hunter [Bernice] of Conway, Mrs. George Nixon [Cordice] of Leon.

Funeral services were held in the Conway Methodist church Wednesday, Dec. 27, conducted by Rev. J. D. Stevens.  Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

 [Payton, William Howard, 1865-1957]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 28, 1957    [p. 1]

W. H. Payton Dies In Colorado

W. H. Payton of Fort Morgan, Colo., for many years a resident of the Bedford community, died at his home February 22.  Funeral services were held in Fort Morgan Saturday afternoon and the body was brought to Bedford, where short services were held at Fairview cemetery at three oÕclock Monday afternoon, February 25.  Rev. Carl Stiefel officiated at the Bedford service.  The body was placed in the mausoleum.

William Howard Payton was born in Woodhull, Ill., Feb. 27, 1865 and died at the age of 91 years, 11 months, 22 days.  His parents were early settlers in Taylor County, Iowa, where they moved when he was 10 years of age.  He was educated in Iowa rural schools.

In 1887 he was married to Jennie Hunter, who died in 1923.  In 1925 he was married to Mrs. Margaret Hunter who died in 1932.

His early life was spent farming near Bedford.  In 1912 he moved to Lincoln, Nebr., where he assisted in experimental cattle feeding at Nebraska State Agriculture College and in 1923 he moved to Fort Morgan, Colo., where he farmed northeast of town until his retirement a few years ago.

He was a life-long member of the Methodist Church.

Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Edith Brourink of Fort Morgan and Mrs. Edna Barton of Pawnee City, Nebr., three grandchildren, Louise Lovington of Flagler, Colo., Mary Humphrey of Omaha, Jack Brourink of Phoenix, Ariz.; six great grandchildren.

[Griffith, Elvin Harold]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1968    p. 3

Attend Services For Elvin Griffith Here

Out-of-town relatives attending memorial services for Elvin H. [arold] Griffith Jan. 23 were Mr. and Mrs. James. H. Cox, Madrid, Ia.; George Haller, Denver, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Gillette, Davenport, Ia.; Mrs. Darlene Taylor, Muscatine, Ia.; Mrs. Halleen Gillette, Clarinda, Ia.; Bernard Gillette, Lincoln, Nebr.

Clifford Frantz, St. Joseph, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Everett Agler, Maryville, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Duane Gillette, Council Bluffs, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. David Cook, Council Bluffs, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Vere Acker, Greenfield, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Matheny, Lenox; Mr. and Mrs. George Gillette, Sharpsburg, Miss Georgia Glassman, Clarinda; Mr. and Mrs. Antone Glassman, Creston.

[Simpson, John Elmer]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1968    p. 3

John Elmer Simpson Rites in Sheridan

John Elmer Simpson, 87, Sheridan, died Jan. 25 at St. Francis Hospital where he had been a patient several years.

He was born Sept. 8, 1880, in Worth County, and was the son of the late Henry and Susan Wayman Simpson.  He was a retired farmer.

Funeral services were held Jan. 28 at the Sheridan Methodist Church with the Rev. Cleo Colville officiating.  Burial was at the Mt. Vernon cemetery, southwest of Grant City.

He is survived by his wife Mrs. Ella Simpson of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Virginia Wilson, Sheridan; a son, Robert Simpson, Springfield; a sister, Mrs. Della Elliott, Sheridan; and two grandchildren.

[Fitch, Flora Belle Putnam]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 16, 1958    p. 11

Attend Fitch Rites

 Among relatives from a distance attending the funeral service of Mrs. Flora Fitch were Rev. and Mrs. I. E. Putnam of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Putnam, Peoria, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Putnam, Chillicothe, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Putnam, Siam; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Putnam, Creston; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Clayton, Callender, Iowa; Harold P. Fitch and Clyde Stephens, Cedar Rapids; Merle Groves, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Woods and Mrs. Don Brahm, Cumberland, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wilmarth, Morning.

[Waterman, Joseph Manley]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    May 31, 1906    p. 6

Obituary

Joseph Manley Waterman, whose death we chronicled last week was born at Hanover, Vt., September 16, 1844, and died at his home in Gay Township, May 22, 1906.

On August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 35th Ia. Infantry and served throughout the war with that company.  His record as a soldier is one of which his family may take just pride.  And as he was a true and loyal man in time of war so he has since been in time of peace.

He was married in Scott County, Iowa, to Miss Maggie [Margaret Ann] Van Reenen and to this union seven children were born, all of whom are living.  They are Sarah E. [lizabeth], John M. [erenus], Wm. S. [Joseph], Mary A. [nn], Franklin M.[anley], Clifford C. [linton], and Clarence A.[lfred], all of Gay Township and Mrs. C. [harles] W.[illiam] Fluharty, of Oklahoma.

They moved to Taylor County the same year of their marriage and for thirty years have occupied the same farm where he died.  He was a kind and affectionate husband and father and a staunch friend and true neighbor.  The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.

The funeral occurred at the home Friday forenoon at 11 oÕclock, conducted by Revs. Thompson and Jones and interment was had at Fairview cemetery.

[Ailshie, John David]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 27, 1941    p. 5

Obituary - J. D. Ailshie

John David Ailshie of Malvern died Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Jennie Edmondson Hospital in Council Bluffs.  He was taken suddenly ill and taken to the hospital Feb. 3.  Since 1921 Mr. Ailshie had been employed by T. M. Davis near Malvern.  He was a faithful worker, dependable and steady.

J. D. Ailshie was born Feb. 25, 1878 at Athelstan, Iowa and would have been sixty-three the 25th of this month.  He was the son of John M. and Martha [Sleeth] Ailshie.  His father came to Iowa from Tennessee and his mother from Indiana.  When a youth Mr. Ailshie united with the Baptist church at Athelstan.  He lived most of his life in and around his native village.  One brother and seven sisters mourn his death.  They are Frank Ailshie of Blockton, Mrs. Nellie Townsend of Bedford, Mrs. Effie Walston of Thurman, Iowa, Mrs. Susie Sickels of Payette, Idaho, Mrs. Lena Turner of Afton, Okla., Mrs. Alice Kinser of Topeka, Kans., Mrs. Mary Barber of Wamego, Kans., Mrs. Dorothy Bowman of Perry, Kans.

For a number of years, Mr. Ailshie taught in the rural schools of Taylor County.  He was a rural mail carrier for several years at Athelstan, at Farley and in 1918 a substitute carrier at Randolph.  The more recent years of his life had been spent in farming.

He and Viola Cordell of Athelstan were married July 19, 1911.  Three daughters were born to them, Mrs. Rachel Windom of Malvern, Mrs. Cordice Dooley and Miss Bernice Ailshie of Plattsmouth, Nebr.  Seven grandchildren share their sorrow.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, 1941 at the Mansfield Funeral Home in Malvern, conducted by Rev. Peter Jacobs, pastor of the Congregational church at Tabor.  Burial was in the Malvern cemetery.

[Ailshie, James Frank]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 21, 1944    [p. 1]

Obituary - J. F. Ailshie

J. F. Ailshie, who had been ill at his home east of Bedford for several months, died Friday, Sept. 15.

The funeral services were held at the Community Church in Athelstan Sunday afternoon, conducted by Challie Graham.  Burial was in the Athelstan cemetery.

James Frank Ailshie was born in Kansas December 1, 1870, being aged 73 years, 9 months and 14 days at the time of his death.  He was the son of John and Martha [Sleeth] Ailshie, one of ten children, of whom five survive.

He was married to Miss Minnie Meddles and to them two children were born, a daughter who died in infancy, and a son, Harry Ailshie.

He is survived by his wife, son Harry and wife, and one granddaughter, Evelyn Ailshie, all of Bedford.  Also by five sisters, Mrs. Nellie Townsend of Bedford, Mrs. Dora Bowman of Perry, Kansas; Mrs. Susie Sickles of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Lena Turner of Afton, Okla., Mrs. Mary Barber of Wamega, Kansas.

He spent most of his life in the vicinity of Athelstan.  He was a loyal companion, a kind father and an excellent neighbor.  He was a member of the Mount Zion Baptist church.

 

[Nixon, Cordice Mae Mason]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   September 19, 1974    p. 6

Cordice Nixon, 76, Rites Held Sept. 14 In Tarkio, Mo.

Funeral services for Mrs. George L. (Cordice Mae) Nixon, 76, of Tarkio, were held in Davis Funeral Home in Tarkio, Mo., conducted by Rev. Roger V. Wreath.  Mrs. Nixon died at Community Hospital at Fairfax, Mo.  September 11, 1974.  Interment was at Conway Cemetery, Conway, Ia.

Cordice Mae Nixon was born at Maloy, Ia., September 6, 1898, the daughter of John and Ruth (Stewart) Mason.  As a child, she attended the Gaynor Public Schools.

On June 22, 1915 she was united in marriage at Bedford, Ia., to George L. Nixon who preceded her in death in 1962.  She lived most of her married life around Leon, having moved to Tarkio in 1962.

She was a member of the Tarkio United Methodist Church and had received a life membership in the United Methodist Women.  She was also active in the Young At Hearts Club and the Spruce Street Club.  In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, her flowers, but most of all her family.

Surviving are three sons, George D. Nixon of Fresno, Calif., Ted Nixon and Jack Nixon, both of Tarkio; a daughter, Mrs. James (Phyllis) Reeder of Decatur, Ala.; two sisters, Mrs. Blanche Lawler and Mrs. Bernice Hunter, both of Bedford; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

[Hunter, Ralph Herman]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 26, 1970    p. 5

Rites Today For Ralph Hunter

Funeral services for Ralph [Herman] Hunter of Conway will be held today Thurs., March 26, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford.  Mr. Hunter died at his home Monday.  Interment will be in the Conway Cemetery.

His survivors include his wife, son [Walter] Dean, two granddaughters and a sister, Mrs. Lena Hewitt, Conway.

[Hunter, Ralph Herman]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 2, 1970    p. 2

Ralph Hunter, 71, Rites Mar. 26

Funeral services for Ralph Herman Hunter, 71, of Conway, held March 26 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. E. S. Taschetter.  Mr. Hunter died at his home March 23, 1970.  Interment was at Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa.

Ralph Herman Hunter, son of William H. and Lucy [Breckenridge] Hunter, was born Oct. 18, 1898 in Taylor County, Ia.

Ralph was united in marriage to Bernice Mason, Dec. 23, 1920.  To this union were born two children, Homer J., who died in infancy, and Walter Dean.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice, of Conway, one son, Walter Dean and daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, Christine; a grandson, Timothy, all of Chariton, Iowa; one sister, Lena Hewitt of Conway; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother; six brothers, William, Allen, Fred, Homer, Preston, and Lester; three sisters, one died in infancy, Inez and Bettie.

Ralph spent most of his life in and near Conway.  After having partially retired in 1940 he moved from the farm into the town of Conway, but was active and interested in farming until his death.

Ralph was a loving husband and father and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends.  He was interested in the community and one of the things he was the most remembered for was his love and concern for the children and young people with whom he communicated.

[Haun, Charles Owen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 14, 1944    p. 2

Obituary - C. O. Haun

Charley O. [wen] Haun, son of Calvin and Susan [Kemery] Haun, was born Sept. 15, 1870 in Jackson Township, Taylor County, Iowa, and died Thursday, August 31, 1944 at his home in Sheridan, at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 16 days.  He resided the past 39 years in Sheridan.

He was married to Anne D. [orothea Wilhelmina] Peck in October 1898.  To them three children were born, Helen Maloney, Sgt. Cleo Haun, and Dorothy Cossins, all of Sheridan.

He is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren, Mary Maloney, Calvin, Annetta and Ora Cossins.  Mr. Haun was a faithful husband, a loving father and a good citizen.

The funeral services were held Sept. 2 at the Methodist Church, conducted by Challie E. Graham and burial was in the Sheridan cemetery.

[Longfellow, Alta Nash]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 24, 1974    p. 4

Final Rites Held Wednesday For Alta Longfellow

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry (Alta) Longfellow, 84, of Clearfield, long time Bedford resident, were held at Verner Funeral Home in Clearfield, Oct. 23, at 1:30 p.m. conducted by Carl Cummings.  Mrs. Longfellow died October 20, 1974 in Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Mrs. Longfellow was born in Taylor County December 16, 1889.

She and her husband moved to Clearfield in 1963.  Mr. Longfellow died in 1964.

Her survivors include:  one daughter, Mrs. Mary Hunter, Omaha; two sons, Wilson Longfellow of Lenox and Ivan Longfellow of Clearfield; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; two brothers, Brooks Nash of Bedford and John Nash, Murray, Ia.; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Mason, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Mrs. Cordia Marples, Berkeley, Calif.