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

Anderson, Lou B -

L B Anderson, 81, died early Tuesday morning [8-28-62] at Rosary hospital at Corning.  He was born in LeRoy, Ill and came to Iowa at an early age.

He had been a farmer and a well known auctioneer.  They moved from a farm to town in 1924, and in recent years lived on Main Street.

Survivors include 2 sons, Ernest of Whittier, Cal. and Wayne of Spokane, Wash, 1 daughter, Mrs. Gladys Noble, Panarama City, Cal, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral is Thursday, 2 pm at the Methodist church.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 30, 1962

 

Barker, Elmer -

Elmer Barker, 48, of Oregon City, died there Aug. 5 at a.m. He formerly lived here.

The services will be at the Bender Funeral Home Friday at 2 p. m., with burial in the Lenox cemetery. The Legion post will have charge of the military service.

Survivors include his widow, Lela; one daughter, Sharon Barker of Macedonia; three brothers, Jessie of Lenox, Luell of Sharpsburg and Ellis of Greeley,  Colo., and one sister, Mrs Carl Spring of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 9, 1962

 

Barker, Elmer -

Elmer, son of James and Sarah Barker, was born near Downing, Mo., July 19, 1914, and passed away at the Portland Osteopathic Hospital in Portland, Ore., Aug. 5, 1962, at the age of. 48 years and seventeen days.

He served his country in the World War II in the European Theatre.

He was married to Leneva Houchin and one daughter, Sharon, was born to this union. On Jan. 31, 1953, he was married to Lela Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to mourn his wife, Lela of Oregon City, Ore., a daughter, Sharon, one sister, Ethel Spring, three brothers, Ellis of Greeley, Colo., Jesse of Conway, Luell of Sharpsburg, his father and mother-in-lav, Mr and Mrs Leeman Nelson, several brother and sisters-in-law, several uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Elmer was always laughing and enjoying life and he always made friends wherever he was. He was known as Sam to all who knew him.

Final rites were at the Bender Funeral Home in Lenox, Aug. 10, with burial in Lenox cemetery.

Full military services were held. Short services were held at the Holman - Hankin - Reliance Funeral Home in Oregon City, Ore., Aug. 8, 1962, before returning to Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 16, 1962

 

Barnhill, Otis -

Otis Barnhill, 82, died Thursday at Clearview, the Clearfield Rest Home. The funeral was Saturday at the Lenox Christian church with the Rev Bruce Henderson officiating, assisted by Rev David Shaeffer.

Mr Barnhill was a retired farmer and had lived in Lenox a number of years, until last spring when he and his wife were unable to maintain their home.

Survivors include his widow, Amy; 3 sons, Joe of St Louis, Mo; Glen of Afton; and Lloyd of Barnstrom, Neb.; also one daughter, Mrs Gene (Hazel) Morey of Clearfield, and several grandchildren.  One daughter is deceased.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 23, 1962

 

Bestelmeyer, Margaret Dooley -

Word has been received here by Mrs Anna Froelich of the death of her sister Mrs Margaret Dooley Bestelmeyer, 70, of Gardena, Calif., on Sept 4. Burial was in Provo City, Utah.

Mrs Bestelmeyer was born and raised at Creston.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 13, 1962

 

Boyer, Zelma -

Mrs Zelma Boyer, 65, died Sunday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs Carmen Alexander of Lenox. Her husband, Dewey, died in August, 1961 at their home in Lincoln, Neb. Mrs Boyer had lived with her sister here since then.

Other survivors: one brother, Ray Miller, of California; 2 sisters, Mrs Iva Greenlee of Vandalia, Mo., and Mrs Eva Frieze of Council Bluffs.

The body was brought to the Bender Funeral Home and later taken to Burlington Junction, Mo.

Funeral services were Tuesday at the Christian church in Burlington Junction, Mo., with burial there.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 20, 1962

 

Butler, Thomas Edwin -

Edwin Butler of Corning, formerly a farmer in this community, died Wednesday, Aug 15. Services were Saturday at the Roland Funeral home in Corning, with burial at the Stringtown cemetery.

Thomas Edwin Butler, the youngest of 3 children of Walter and Nellie Butler, was born Sept 9, 1901 in Platte township, Union county and passed away Wednesday, Aug 15, 1962 at the age of 60 years, 11 months and 6 days.

He attended his first year of school in Lenox. The following year the family moved to the farm east of Lenox where he continued his education. In 1910 the family moved to the farm where the cottonwood tree was planted as the corner stone of Union, Taylor, Adams and Ringgold counties and where he spent all his active years as a farmer and feeder. He loved his outdoor life and livestock and was successful at his work.

Two years, 1954 to 1956, were spent on a farm 1 mile north of Humbolt and he loved his new location and work there but it was in the latter part of '55 sickness developed to the extent he had to give up work.

After some months in the hospitals he returned to the Union County homestead and remained until August of 1958 when they moved to Corning, where he resided until his death.

On Nov 30, 1922, he was united in marriage to Hazel Reese and to this union 1 son, Jack R Butler, was born. At the age of 11 years Pearle Hooten joined the family circle as a foster daughter to brighten the home.

At an early age he united with the Methodist church of Lenox and joined the Boy Scout Troup with his most loved pastor, Rev Walter Morgan as the scout leader. Later he joined  the Prairie Star Presbyterian church near the farm where he spent his active years. When he moved to Corning he became a member of the Corning Methodist church and has been a member in good standing since.

Edwin, as he was better known, was the cleanest of a man in his habits, believed in the higher morals of life and lived that life. He was a most loving and gentle husband and father, always willing to give a helping hand to the needy.

For 12 years he fought a brave fight against Parkinson disease always hopeful that a new drug would be brought to light to aid him and others. He was the bravest of a soldier in his fight, always gentle and patient and few could have fought harder and been so good a sufferer. Pneumonia  presently developed to relieve him of his suffering.

He leaves to mourn his death has wife Hazel of Corning; his son Jack R Butler and wife of Lenox; his foster daughter (Pearl)  Mrs Richard Lenon and her husband of Converse, Ind., also 3 grandchildren, 3 foster grandchildren, a sister, Helen, Mrs Claude Morris; and husband of Lenox. Also a number of relatives and friends.

A sister, Bernice, Mrs Laverne Bush, preceded him in death in 1925.

He was a member of Tremont Masonic Lodge at Lenox and of the Shrine Za Ga Zig lodge of Des Moines, la.

"And ever near us, though unseen, The dear immortal spirits

tread; For all the boundless universe Is Life - there are no dead!" --John L McCreery

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 23, 1962

 

Cordell, Dennis Duane -

Graveside services for Dennis Duane Cordell, still born son of Mr and Mrs Laverne Cordell were held Wednesday afternoon at the Fairview cemetery in Lenox with Rev James Eddy officiating. The baby is survived by his parents, 2 sisters,

Kathleen Marie and Patricia Anne and grandparents, Mr and Mrs Carl Cordell and Mr and Mrs O E Fitzgerald.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 20, 1962

 

Eckler, Charles -

Charles Eckler, 80, well known carpenter, died Wednesday evening while visiting at the home of his nephew, Bill Eckler, near Lenox.

Survivors include his widow, Bessie; 2 daughters, Mrs Mildred Edgar of Atlantic; Mrs Dorothy Stream, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; also 1 sister, Mrs Flora Donaldson. A son, Willard died in 1946.

Mr Eckler served for a number of years on the Lenox Board of Education.

Funeral services were Saturday at the Christian church with Rev David Shaeffer officiating. Burial was in Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday October 4, 1962

 

Eyre, Craig Alan -

Mr and Mrs Bill Eberle and Mrs Bing Miller attended services for their cousin and nephew, Craig Alan Eyre at Council Bluffs. Craig, 13, was the son of Mr and Mrs Ralph Eyre. Ralph grew up in the Sharpsburg community.

Craig was a Nonpareil carrier salesman and was delivering papers when he was struck by a car and carried 64 feet. He was to enter 8th grade at Eastside Jr. High School this fall.

He attended Bethany United Presbyterian Church, was a member of the family YMCA, and was treasurer of Junior Lodge 15, 100F.

The boy was very active in dramatics and talented in the field of art, having won several honors for his paintings.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 6, 1962

 

Gill, Dave Wayne -

Dave Wayne Gill, son of Donald and Jeanie Evans Gill, was born March 19, 1959 at Burbank, Calif., and drowned in a neighbor's pond in Pacolma, Calif., Sept 4, 1962 at the age of 9 years, 5 months and 16 days.

Preceding him in death was his grandfather, Johnnie Evans who passed away in 1956. He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents; 1 brother Robert; his grandparents, Harold and Doris Gill of Lenox; and Edna Evans of Long Beach, Calif.; 5 aunts, 6 uncles, 7 cousins.

He was a very sweet boy and a joy to everyone who knew him.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept 8 at Corning, with Joe Cook officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs Doyle Tranbarger, Mrs Bert Peckham and Mrs Joe Cook. Pall bearers were Glen Williams, Melvin Williams, Harold Welch and Don Wilson. Interment was in the Prairie Rose cemetery.

Relatives who attended were Mr and Mrs John Good, Mrs Edna Evans of Long Beach, Calif.; Mr and Mrs Mark Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mr and Mrs Stanley Prey and children of Denver; Mr C H Gray of Galesburg, Ill., Mr and Mrs Frey left for their home Tuesday and Mrs Gray left Sunday after spending several days at the Gill home.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 27, 1962

 

Hogue, Kamby Lewis -

Word has been received by relatives here that a son, Kamby Lewis, weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces, was born Sept 17 to Mr and Mrs Lewis Hogue of National City, Cal. The baby died at Sharp Memorial hospital Sept. 18.  He is survived by his parents, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs W. W. Shepherd, and Mr. and Mrs Hubbard Hogue.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday October 4, 1962

 

Hughes, Lucille Stone -

Mrs Lucille Stone Hughes passed away at her home in Glendale, Calif., Sept 2 at 6:00 p. m. She was the sister-in-law of Jay E. Hughes of Lenox.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, T Vaughn Hughes, two married daughters and a son, Vaughn Hughes Jr., five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services pending.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 6, 1962

 

Key, Goldie -

Mrs Goldie Key, 85, former resident of Sharpsburg died Friday at Bedford. Services were Monday at 2 p. m. at the Shum Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial was in Lenox cemetery.

Survivors: 1 son, Howard Key, Mound City, Mo.; 1 daughter, Mrs Glen Cree, Colorado; a number of grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Mrs Bill Terry and Mrs Mary Cook of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 20, 1962

 

Knox, Howard Leonard -

Howard Knox, a resident of Lenox the last 4 years, died Monday morning at the Clearfield Nursing home. He entered the nursing home last Wednesday. Previous to that he had been in the hospital at Corning for 2 weeks following surgery.

He leaves two daughters, Winifred at home and Evelyn Stephens of Clearfield. There are two grandchildren, Ivan and Enid Stephens.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 13, 1962

 

Knox, Howard Leonard -

Howard Leonard Knox, son of John and Etta Knox, was born Sept 25, 1873 near Clearfield and passed away at the Clearview Home in Clearfield Sept 10, 1962 at the age of 88 years, 11 months, 15 days.

He was united in marriage to Mary Calkin of Conway Dec 13, 1899. To this union 4 children were born, Raub who died in infancy, Clifford at the age of 18 years.

His wife Mary died Jan 25,1959. Surviving are two daughters, Evelyn Stephens of Clearfield and Winifred Knox of Lenox; 2 grandchildren, Ivan Stephens of Clearfield and Enid Stephens who is a student of Iowa State University at Ames; 2 sisters and 1 brother, Clara Knox, Blanche Bruner and John Knox, all of Clearfield with many other relatives and friends. One brother, Bert and 2 sisters, Nellie Owens and Dora Harvey preceded him in death. Also a great granddaughter, Shanda Sue Stephens.

Howard was a life time resident of Taylor county and until his retirement to Lenox four years ago had always lived on the farm west of Clearfield.

During his boyhood he joined Greenwood Methodist church.

He held his membership there until the church was discontinued, then transferred to Clearfield.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Sept 13 at Clearfield with burial there.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 27, 1962

 

Lawrence, Ray Vernon -

Mr and Mrs Charles Bogue received word Wednesday, Aug. 8, that her brother, Ray Lawrence had passed away at his home in Markham, Ill.

Mr Lawrence farmed in Taylor county for several years and was also in the restaurant business in Lenox for a while. He later moved to Markham where he had lived the last 4 years.

The body was taken to Ridgeway, Mo., where funeral services were held Aug. 11 at the First Christian church and he was laid to rest in the Rose Hill cemetery there.

Mr and Mrs Bogue spent from Thursday through Saturday at Ridge way. Others attending from here were Mr and Mrs Cleo Stoaks, Mr and Mrs Howard Stoaks, Mr and Mrs Charles Wiand, Mrs Raymond Dill of Lenox, Mr and Mrs Clyde Miller and Roland of Kent, Mr and Mrs Darrell Akers, Mr and Mrs Thomas Maher and family of Gravity, Mr and Mrs Lester McKay of Sharpsburg and Mrs Catherine Wynn of Des Moines.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 16, 1962

 

Lawrence, Ray Vernon -

Ray Vernon Lawrence, son of William and lca D. Johnson Lawrence, was born Oct. 19, 1912, on a farm near Ridgeway Mo., and passed away Aug 8, 1962 at his home in Markham, Ill., at the age of 49 years, 9 mo. and 20 days.

Feb. 25, 1935, he was united to marriage to Geneva Ann Carnagey.

When he was just a youngster he was united with the First Christian Church at Rldgeway, where his membership remains.

He was preceded in death by this father, one brother Willis and one sister, Lola Todd. He is survived by his widow, Geneva, his daughter, Beverly, son-in-law, Howard Oliver, 2 granddaughters, Cynthia and Charlotte, his mother, of Ridgeway 2 brothers, Otha of Joliet, Ill., Earl E. of Bethany, Mo., 1 sister Lecta Bogue of Lenox, 2 nieces and their families and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ray engaged in farming in Page, Taylor and Union counties until an accident left him with a foot injury. He operated a restaurant in Lenox for a short time and then was a salesman. They lived in Iowa and the Chicago area. He was working as a machine operator when an operation was necessary. He was in and out of the hospital since February.

Final rites were held from the Christian Church in Ridgeway, Aug. 11, 1902, by the minister, Noel T. Adams. Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 27, 1962

 

Lillie, Charles Yale -

Yale Lillie, 48, of Clearfield died at the Greater Community hospital in Creston Saturday night. [Aug 18]

The funeral was Tuesday afternoon at the Clearfield Methodist church, the Rev Herbert Phillips officiating. Burial was also at Clearfield.

Mr Lillie owned and operated a hardware store. He had been in failing health for several months but had been able to continue work until a week ago when he entered the hospital.

He is survived by his widow, Dorothy, a son Allen of Clearfield, his father John Lillie of Brooks. He was a son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Joe Trost.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 23, 1962

 

Lillie, Charles Yale -

Clarence Yale Lillie son of John and Ruth Lillie, was born Oct. 11, 1914 at Shenandoah and passed away at the Greater Community Hospital in Creston on Aug. 18, 1962 at the age of 47 years, 10 months and 7 days.

He grew up in the Lenox community and graduated from high school there in 1931.  For about a year he lived in Central America with an uncle and worked there.

On Aug. 4, 1938 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Trost. To this union two sons were born, Richard and Allen J.

Since 1943 he has lived in and around the Clearfield community and operated the Clearfield Hardware Store since 1946.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one son, Richard.

Those surviving are his wife, Dorothy, a son Allen J., father John and step mother Olive of Brooks, 3 step brothers Bill Pegg of Washington, Tom Pegg of Corning and Bill of Brooks, a step sister Annis Wilkinson of Hawaii, his father and mother-in-law Mr and Mrs Joe Trost from Lenox, 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Yale was a member of the Business Mens Club and Lions Club. He was very active in the community summer baseball program for the past 6 summers, and showed a real interest in youth even when his health was failing.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 30, 1962

 

McCreight, Clarence -

Clarence McCreight, 80, of Sterling, Kan., a former resident of Lenox, died, Friday evening, Aug. 3, at a nursing home at Chanute, Kan,  after a lingering illness.

He is survived by a son, Dwight of Chanute, a daughter, Leola (Mrs Vernon Groth) of Bushton, Kan., a son-in-law and daughter -in-law, three grandchildren two brothers, Lloyd of Pasadena, Cal., and Orville of Clarinda, a sister-in-law, Mrs Bessie McCreight of Clearfield, and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Nannie Henery of this community, also one brother, Elmer of Clearfield, who died last December.

Funeral services and burial were at Sterling, Kan.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 9, 1962

 

Nelson, Nellie Ethel Connor -

Mrs Nellie Nelson, 79, was found dead at her home Sunday. Her son and his wife, Mr and Mrs Wendell Nelson of Winterset came to see her Sunday afternoon and found her body on the floor in her bedroom. She had planned to help with the dinner at St. Patrick's church Sunday.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at St Patrick's Church, the Rev Fr Stephen Kane officiating. Burial was in St Patrick's cemetery. Rosary was said at the Bender funeral home Monday evening.

One son, Wendell, survives , also two grandchildren. We hope to have an obituary next week.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 27, 1962

 

Nelson, Nellie Ethel Connor -

Nellie Ethel Connor, daughter of Michael and Delia Connor, was born August 28, 1883, in the vicinity of Lenox and remained a life long resident of Lenox.

She passed away at her home Sunday, Sept. 23, 1962, at the age of 79 years.

On Sept. 21, 1909, she was united in marriage to Roy Nelson of Lenox, where they lived the 45 years of their happy wedded life. To this union one son was born to bless their home. She is survived by her son, Wendel, daughter-in-law, Ruby of Winterset, grandson, Dr. Richard Nelson and wife Myrna of Kansas City, Mo., and granddaughter, Connie and her husband, John Kline of Lincoln, Nebr., and two great grandsons, Steven Nelson and Bradley Kline; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Edna Stevens, also several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, her parents, four brothers and two sisters. She was the last member of her immediate family.

She was happy in any help she could be to her church, her family and friends. The love and devotion of her children and grandchildren were her greatest source of happiness.

She was a life time member of the Catholic Church, also a member of the Altar Society and was always happy to assist in church activities. She was one of the nine members of the Altar Society honored recently for the work they have done in past years.

Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1962, at St. Patrick's Church in Lenox, Father Stephen Kane officiating. Burial was in St Patricks cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday October 4, 1962

 

Pennebaker, J C -

Dr. J. C. Pennebaker, 62, of Corning died Aug 7 in an Omaha hospital. He had located in Corning just after completing his course in chiropractic practice in 1923.

The doctor was a brother of Dr. E. R. Pennebaker of Lenox, A. L. of Clearfield, Harry of Sharpsburg, Charles of Ottawa, Ill., Ray of Kansas and Mrs Faye Heller.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 23, 1962

 

Plowman, Claude Winfield -

Services were at Bedford Sunday, Sept, 2, for Claude Plowman, with Carl Cummings officiating. Mrs Dalphon Bashor was soloist, accompanied by Mrs Mildred Stacy. Burial was in Memory cemetery near New Market.

Mr Plowman was a farmer near Sharpsburg for a number of years.

Obituary

Claude Winfield Plowman, son of Emmaline and George Plowman, was born near Villisca, May 4, 1879, and departed this life near Sharpsburg at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 24 days.

He was one from a family of four children, Cora, who died in infancy, Lloyd, who passed away in 1948, and Mrs Chester Ashbaugh of Pomona, Cal.

August 11, 1906, he was united in marriage to Grace Savage and they were happily married 53 years. Grace died October 22, 1959. Three children were born to this union: Bernard of Sharpsburg, Helen (Mrs Lee Lucas) of Sewal, Maxine (Mrs Eugene McAlpin) of New Market.

When a young man, Claude became a member of the Christian Church at New Market.  He spent most of his life in Taylor County where he was engaged in farming with his son. After the death of his wife, he moved to Excelsior Springs, Mo. He was married to Adeline Walker Aug 7, 1961.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Adeline, son, Bernard, two daughters, Helen and Maxine, one sister, Anna, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, besides a host of neighbors and friends.

Pallbearers were the grandsons, David Kent, Ivan Johnson, Richard Cobb, Harry Lucas, Donald Lucas and Richard Lucas. Flower bearers were granddaughters, Shirley Cobb, Dona Kent, Janet Lucas and Darla Johnson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday September 6, 1962

 

Webb, Audrey -

Graveside services were held Monday morning at Corydon for Andrea Webb, infant daughter of Mr and Mrs Vern Webb. The baby was born at the Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Friday and died Saturday night. She is survived, by her parents, three brothers: and a sister.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 30, 1962