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

Beck, James Francis -

James Francis Beck, the only son of Adolph and Sylvia Short Beck, was born January 9, 1936 on the family farm in Taylor County, Iowa four miles east of Lenox. He died Tuesday, April 14, 1987 at Dr. Keigh Howland's office of a massive heart attack at the age of 51 years, 3 months and 5 days.

He attended the rural one room country school through eighth grade and graduated from Lenox High School with the class of 1954.

Jim was united in marriage with Marilyn Vogel September 11, 1955 at the Lenox Methodist Church. Their first year and a half of marriage together was in Lenox where their son Darwin James was born. In February of 1957, upon the retirement of his parents, Jim and Marilyn moved to the Beck family farm four miles east of Lenox. Two daughters, Linda Sue and Dianne Renae were born in 1968 and 1974 respectively, on the family farm. He was a dedicated grain and hog farmer who loved his vocation of working the soil and the smell of spring time.

For Jim, good stewardship of the land was a life long commitment. He kept himself educated and well-informed with new farming practices and products that would improve yield and productivity. He prided himself on his ingenuity and creativity to build farm implements and small items that simplified his farming operation. In addition, Jim was the epitomy of a good neighbor.

Family was a priority with Jim. He attended and was involved in his children's school, 4-H and church activities. Jim was a loving,

affectionate and considerate husband who encouraged and supported Marilyn's interests and community involvement. He encouraged his

children in their music and was a strong active helper in the Lenox Music Boosters, always helping with the Music Boosters annual carnival.

In a word, Jim always put his family above all else. His granddaughters delighted in visiting their Grandpa Jim, who loved having them come to visit.

He was a life long and faithful member of the United Methodist Church, past board chairperson, and was currently serving on the finance committee. One way Jim's love for God found expression was through his 35 years membership in the adult choir. For ten years, he served as a 4-H leader of the Grove Mustangs 4-H Club. He was a longtime promoter and teacher for the 4-H Tractor Safety Course. As a lifelong resident of the Lenox community he believed in his community and had a great interest in making it a better place to live, therefore he and Marilyn invested in and became members of the Lenox Development Corporation. He was actively involved and was serving on two committees. In 1984 he received the Lenox Rotary Club Rural-Urban Good Citizen Award.

He was one of the founders of the Lenox Fuel Grains alcohol plant and was a board member. He worked many hours trying to help this

business succeed.

At the time of death, Jim was the local Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed salesman. He was serving on the Farmers Mutual Insurance Association Board, on the Extension Council, was a member of the Pork Producers, a Platte Township Trustee and a member of the 4-H 400 Foundation. He served on the Taylor County Fair Board.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn, his son Darwin and his wife Kelly of Lenox, and two daughters, Linda and Dianne, who reside at home; two granddaughters Kyrstine and Kady, his mother Sylvia Beck of Lenox; three sisters, Floy Davenport and her husband Russell of Diagonal, Gladys Huber of Lenox, and Velda Epps of Minneapolis, Mn.; and his wife's parents, Glen and Lola Vogel of Lenox and a multitude of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adolph, who died in June of 1975 and a brother-in-law, Darrell Huber who died in July of 1982.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 17, 1987, 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Lenox. Rev. Paul Grandon and Rev. Don

Fisher officiated. Interment was at North Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, Ia.  Coen-Beaty Funeral Home, Lenox, was in charge of arrangements.

Diane Maharry and Norma Paymal provided music. Casket bearers were Lonnie Barker, Clyde Belding, Jack Jones, Jim Wurster, Paul Brokaw, and Marvin Reed. Flower committee were Billie Jean Barker, Helen Belding, Jerry Jones, Judy Wurster, Helen Brokaw, and Norma Reed.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 22, 1987

 

Davis, Gene -

Word has been received by friends here of the passing of Gene Davis, a former Lenox resident.

Gene graduated from Lenox High with the class of 1940. Most of his life has been spent in the Phoenix, Az. area where he was a manager for Safeway Stores, Inc. for many years.

He was the son of O.L. and Pearl Davis, who were owner-operators of the Red and White Grocery Store in Lenox during the 1930's

and early 40's.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 8, 1987

 

Deweese, Cora Effie Crouch -

Services for Cora Deweese, 92, were held April 12 at First Christian Church in Clearfield officiated by Shirley Lockard. Burial was at

Benton Cemetery, Benton, Ia. Mrs. Deweese died April 10, 1987 at Lenox Care Center.

Cora Effie Crouch Deweese, daughter of John Harris Crouch and Amelia B. Groves Crouch, was born near Durham, Ia. on February 16,

1895.

She was united in marriage to Archie A. Deweese on December 17, 1918 at Benton, Ia.  After their marriage they farmed northwest of

Benton and later farmed in the Clearfield area.

Cora was a member of the First Christian Church of Clearfield for many years and taught Sunday school there for over 40 years. She

also worked many years as librarian in the Clearfield Library.

Her hobby was crocheting and sewing for her many friends.

Cora was preceded in death by her husband Archie, her parents and a brother, Thomas Carl Crouch.

She leaves to cherish her memory a sister-in-law, Emma Crouch of Milwaukee, Wise., nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 22, 1987

 

Harvey, Vera Rush -

Vera Rush Harvey was born January 12, 1890 near Clearfield, Ia. and passed away at her home in Spring Hill, Florida at the age of 97

years, three months and 26 days.

At the age of 11, she became a member of the Christian Church at Clearfield and presently was a member of the First United

Methodist Church of Spring Hill.

On September 8, 1910 she was united in marriage to Robert I. Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey started their married life on a homestead

near Ft. Morgan, Colo., where they lived several years before returning to Arkansas then back to Iowa.

To this union four daughters were born: Mrs. L I. Helm of Clearwater, Fla.; Thelma and Jean Harvey, Spring Hill, Fla., and Mrs. Robert

Barber of Hattiesburg, Miss.

She is survived by her four daughters, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and two grandsons.

Vera was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and counted her grandchildren and great grandchildren

among her richest blessings.

Services were held at Turners Florida Hills Chapel at Spring Hill, Fla. on May 11 with visitation at Coen Beatty Funeral Home in Lenox,

Ia. on May 13 followed by graveside services and interment at the Clearfield Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 20, 1987

 

Henry, David Allen -

Two Blockton men - James R. Owings and David Allen Henry - were killed Thursday evening when the motorcycle they were riding

slammed into a pickup truck. The accident occurred at the junction of J-55 and P-14 near Blockton.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Owings, age 32 of Rt. 2 Blockton, was driving a 1975 Honda motorcycle. Henry, age 37 of Blockton,

was a passenger. The motorcycle driven by Owings was northbound on Route P-14 when an eastbound 1967 Ford pickup driven by Barbara Miller, 45, of Blockton, pulled onto P-14 after stopping at a stop sign on Redding Street (J-55).

The motorcycle struck the truck on the right side. Owings was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and Henry died a short

time later, according to the Iowa State Patrol report. Barbara Miller was treated and released from the hospital.

State Patrol officials did not indicate whether or not any citations were issued but did indicate the accident was still under investigation.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 13, 1987

 

Keller, James S -

Dr. James S. Keller, 76, of 3460 Willow Road, who was a retired osteopathic physician, died Sunday morning at Memorial Hospital,

York. He was the husband of Lois M. (Clayton) Keller, a 1939 graduate of Lenox High School. Mrs. Keller's parents were Harry and May Clayton. Her aunt was Elsie Holben, and Betty Holben is the wife of her late cousin Gene Holben.

The service was 2 p.m. Wednesday at the L.E. Diehl Funeral Home Inc., 87 S. Main St., Mount Wolf. Burial was in Cassel's

Cemetery, Newberry Township.

Dr. Keller was born in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Charles and Alice (Shumaker) Keller.

He had retired after 33 years with his York Haven family practice. He was a staff member 32 years at Memorial Hospital prior to

his retirement.

Dr. Keller received his undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. He graduated from Des Moines

Still College of Osteopathy and underwent his internship at Des Moines General Hospital.

He had served two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as a pharmacist's mate. A member of Mount Washington

United Brethren Church in Christ, he also belonged to Iota Tau Sigma Fraternity, Des Moines, to Downtown lions Club of York, and was a

board member of York Haven Library.

He was a life member of both American and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Associations and belonged to York County Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Keller also is survived by two daughters, Marcia K. Herman, Newark, Del., and Beth A. Beaverson, Dover; four grandchildren

and nieces and nephews.

Officiating at the service was his former pastor, the Rev. Arthur F. Edmunds, and his current pastor, the Rev. C. David Shisler.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 27, 1987

 

Lillie, Harold D -

Funeral services were held February 28 for Harold D. Lillie of Fremont, Neb. Mr. Lillie was born February 9, 1913 at Harrison County,

Mo. and passed away February 9, 1987 in Fremont.

He is survived by a daughter Vada of Fremont; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren; a sister, Thelma Donaldson of Corning, and a brother, Earle Lillie of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 11, 1987

 

Miller, Edmund C -

The Rev. Edmund C. Miller, 84, former pastor of area Christian churches died March 4, 1987, in a nursing home in Newton, Ks., where

he lived.

Mr. Miller had been pastor of the First Christian Church of Lenox, Ia.; the First Christian Church of Richmond; the First Christian Church of Independence; and the Hamilton Avenue Christian Church and the Memorial Boulevard Christian Church, both in St. Louis. He retired from the Memorial Boulevard Church in 1970.

Mr. Miller received a bachelor's degree in sacred literature from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1924. He received an honorary

doctorate degree in divinity from Culver-Stockson College, Canton, Mo., and was an honorary trustee emeritus of the school.

He and his wife, Evelyn Young Miller, were co-administrators of the Lenoir Memorial Home in Columbia for 12 years. He was a former

member and past president of the Kansas City Ministerial Alliance, past president of the Church, Federation of St. Louis and a former

trustee of the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Mr. Miller was a member of the Rose Hill Masonic Lodge, St. Louis and the Odd Fellows Lodge and Rebekah Lodge in Independence. He

was past Missouri grand chaplain of the Odd Fellows. He was past president of both the Ray County Red Cross and the Richmond

Kiwanis Club. He was a former member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, St. Louis. He was a member of the Woods Memorial Christian Church, Excelsior Springs. He was born in Excelsior Springs and had lived in Newton since 1978.

Survivors include his wife of Newton; a daughter, Shirley Ann Blumenfeld, Akron, Ohio; a foster daughter, Gladys Sidey, Oklahoma

City; a brother, Ray Miller, Excelsior Springs; and two grandchildren.

Services were Saturday at the Woods Memorial Christian Church, Excelsior Springs with burial in the Excelsior Springs Masonic Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 18, 1987

 

Newburn, Joseph Clyde -

Joseph Clyde Newburn, son of Lora Mae Matthews Newburn and Charles A. Newburn was born July 19, 1916 on a farm near Maloy, Ia.

Joe, as he was known, passed away May 13, 1987 at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 24 days at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in

Des Moines, Ia.

He was raised on a farm and attended school there and graduated from Maloy High School in the class of 1936.

Joe was a resident of the Maloy and Clearfield communities all his life.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Muir December 30, 1939. To this union two children were born, Marcia Kay Ray of Newton, Ia. and

Alan Dean Newburn, Great Falls, Mt.

Preceding Joe in death was his father, Charles Newburn in 1963. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ruth, daughter Marcia

and husband, Larry Ray and a son, Allan; three grandchildren, Lori, Craig and Rodney Ray and wife, Jodie all of Newton, his mother,

Lora Newburn of the Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield and a sister, Mildred Webb and husband, Weldon of Creston; a number of

nieces and nephews.

He was a past Master of the Mason Noble Lodge #458 A.F.&A.M. in 1950, member of the United Methodist Church in Clearfield and a very active member of the Clearfield lions Club.

He spent his life farming and doing work associated with the farm and farmers which was a great joy to him as were his grandchildren,

whom he loved dearly.

Joe was always ready to help out those who were in need as long as his health permitted. He was known for his wit and humor.

Last rites were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, Ia. May 16, 1987 with Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Duane

Ferguson officiating. Burial was in the Clearfield Cemetery. Wilson-Watson Funeral service was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 20, 1987

 

Owings, James R -

Two Blockton men - James R. Owings and David Allen Henry - were killed Thursday evening when the motorcycle they were riding

slammed into a pickup truck. The accident occurred at the junction of J-55 and P-14 near Blockton.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Owings, age 32 of Rt. 2 Blockton, was driving a 1975 Honda motorcycle. Henry, age 37 of Blockton,

was a passenger. The motorcycle driven by Owings was northbound on Route P-14 when an eastbound 1967 Ford pickup driven by Barbara Miller, 45, of Blockton, pulled onto P-14 after stopping at a stop sign on Redding Street (J-55).

The motorcycle struck the truck on the right side. Owings was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and Henry died a short

time later, according to the Iowa State Patrol report. Barbara Miller was treated and released from the hospital.

State Patrol officials did not indicate whether or not any citations were issued but did indicate the accident was still under investigation.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 13, 1987

 

Pennebaker, Samuel Harry -

Services for S.H. Pennebaker, 94, were held February 15 at the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church with Rev. Don Fisher and Rev. Mark Imel officiating. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Mr. Pennebaker died February 12, 1987 at Lenox Care Center in Lenox, Ia.

Samuel Harry Pennebaker, son of D.S. and Lida Souders Pennebaker was born in Eden, Illinois on June 20, 1892. He moved to Page County near Yorktown, Iowa in 1894 with his family and at the age of seven years, moved with his family to the Sharpsburg, Iowa area.

On February 11, 1917 he was united in marriage to Ferne Hildred Deaver at Lenox, Ia.

Three daughters were born, Adabelle, Mildred and Marilyn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, grandson Jack Cribbs, his parents and five brothers.

Harry was a member of the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Adabell Cribbs and husband John of Peel, Ar.; Mildred Petersen and husband Tony of Tillimook, Or.; and Marilyn Imel and husband Clarence of Sharpsburg; one sister, Faye Heller of Lenox; and one brother, Everett Pennebaker, Lenox; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

He was a kind and considerate husband and brother and will be missed by all who knew him.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 4, 1987

 

Rogers, Gerald Harley -

Gerald Harley Rogers was born September 28, 1912 in Mount Etna., Adams County, Iowa, the son of Harry K. and Dora (Hickman)

Rogers, and passed away at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines March 6, 1987, at the age of 74 years, 5 months and 6 days.

He was married March 29, 1933, to Genevieve Riley at the Riley homestead near Mercer Center in Adams County. He lived his youth in

Mount Etna and graduated from Simpson College in 1940 and Garrett Evangelical in 1964.

Reverend Rogers was called to the ministry by the Mount Etna Church of the Brethren and served the Council Bluffs Church of the

Brethren, and various United Methodist churches in south and western Iowa until his retirement in June 1977.

He and his wife moved to Lenox where they were asked to serve the Stringtown Community Church until he resigned due to ill health in April of 1986.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister and two brothers.

Survivors are his wife, Genevieve of Lenox; a daughter, Marilyn and husband Sam Kielty of Marion; two sons, Ronald and wife Janice of rural Corning and Franklin and wife Carol of Lenox; five sisters, Mrs. Mildred Johannes of Creston, Mrs. Don (Inez) Forrest of Lampana, Fla., Mrs. Ruth Wane of Adair, Mrs. Harry (Enid) Grundman of Corning, and Mrs. Rex (Anita) Coatney of Glenwood; two brothers, Leslie Rogers of Corning, and Louis Rogers of Wichita, Kans.; seven grandchildren, David Bruce and wife Kim, Germany; Donald Bruce and wife

Mollie, Mesa, Az.; Brian Rogers and Rochelle Rogers, rural Corning; Dee Ann Rogers, Amber Rogers, and Jody Rogers, Lenox; one great

grandchild, Alex Bruce, Germany; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Lenox March 10 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Grandon officiating. Burial was in the North Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, Ia.

Music was provided by LeAnn Morris and Debra Blume, vocalists and Kathlyn Wilson, organist.

Pallbearers were Mike and Matthew Grundman, Kevin Rippey and Kendall Rogers, nephews, and Brian Rogers and Donald Bruce, grandsons.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 18, 1987

 

Round, Donald Clarence -

Donald Clarence Round, Clearfield, was born March 12, 1922 at Conway, Iowa to Ralph and Eva (Winemiller) Round and departed

this life March 24, 1987 at his home in Clearfield, Iowa at the age of 65 years.

Don was born in Conway and grew to maturity in Clearfield. He attended the public school and the United Methodist Church in Clearfield.

On November 20, 1947 he was united in marriage to Maxine (England) Round at Mt Ayr, Iowa. Don and Maxine lived their 39 years

of marriage in the Clearfield community. To this union they adopted two daughters, Lisa Round Wilson and Gina Round.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eva, one sister Helen Round McClintock. Left to cherish his memory are his wife,

Maxine Round of Clearfield, his daughters, Gina Round, of Diagonal, Lisa Round Wilson and husband, Fred Wilson, two grandchildren

Bradley and Debra; one sister Jeane England of Corning; mother-in-law, Leona Huffman. Don also leaves to mourn his memory, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Irene (England) Pankau, and husband Max of Maryville, Mo.; Paul England and Mary of Clearfield; Fern (England) Pettengill and husband John, of Magalia, Ca.; Bert Haglan of Des Moines; Wilma Plants and husband Dean of Denver, Ia.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He spent three years in the United States Navy. He was a member of the American Legion.

Everyone who knew Don could appreciate all of the long hours he spent farming and doing carpentry work.

Don was a kind and considerate husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services were held at the Clearfield United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26. The Rev. Duane Ferguson officiated and burial was in the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield, Ia.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 1, 1987

 

Travis, Helen Fern Annetta Houchin Hayes -

Services for Helen Fern Annetta Travis, Creston, formerly of Corning, were held Monday, March 16, 1987, 1:30 p.m. at Goodwin-Lindsay

Funeral Home, Corning, officiated by Rev. Jack Cutbirth. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Quincy, Ia. Mrs. Travis died March 14, 1987 at Greater Community Hospital, Creston.

Helen Fern Annetta Travis was born March 16, 1910 near Grant, Iowa to William Houchin and Mary Ellen Ellis. She was a graduate of

Corning High School and lived most of her life in Taylor and Adams counties until moving to Creston in September 1986 due to ill health. She married Harold L Hayes February 2, 1930 in Massena, Ia. He died May 7, 1970. On January 9, 1971 she married Gilbert W. Travis in

Corning, Ia.

She was employed at NFO in Corning for several years. She was a member of the Christian Church, Coming; Rose Anns of Corning;

Creston D.A.R.; Adams County; Historical Society. She was chairperson of the 1986 Corning Homecoming and chairperson of the Adams  

County History Book.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, three sisters; and three brothers.

Those left to cherish her memory are one daughter, Mrs. Pauline Ruth Jackson, Creston; two sons, Edward  L. Hayes and wife Joan, Springfield, Ne.; Fred Hayes and wife, Shirley, Council Bluffs, Ia.; two stepsons, Marland Travis and wife Cora, Corning; LaVern Travis and wife Martha, Cedar Rapids; one step daughter, Mary Keesler, Corning; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; four sisters: Dora Reichardt, Midway City, Ca.; Jane Doggett, Tulsa, Ok.; Rena Webb, Clarinda; Agnes Porter and husband, Harley, Lenox; one brother, Frank Houchin, Midway City, Ca.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 25, 1987

 

Wilson, John Randall -

Services for John Randall Wilson, 74, Clearfield, were held Tuesday, April 21, 1987, 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church,

Clearfield, Ia.

Rev. Duane Ferguson officiated. Interment was at Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield, Ia.

John Randall Wilson Sr. was born February 9, 1913 near Lenox, Iowa to Harvy and Mabel (Butler) Wilson, and departed this life

April 19, 1987 at his home near Clearfield, Ia. at the age of 74 years, two months and 10 days.

Randall lived most of his life in the Lenox Community. He graduated from Lenox High School. He was a member of the Clearfield

United Methodist Church. He moved to his present home January of 1971.

On August 25, 1938 he was united in marriage to Vida (Leonard) Wilson. They have lived their 48 years of marriage in the Lenox and

Clearfield communities. To this union were born nine children.

Randall was preceded in death by his parents, Harve and Mabel and an infant son, Richard Lee.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vida, his daughter Gayle Rhea (Wilson) Hawley, husband Marlyn and children Annette of Marshall and Doug Hawley of Independence, Mo., his daughter Claire Louise Wilson Ellis, husband David and children Diana and Susan of Fairfield, Doyle Edward, wife Linda and children Leslie and Katherine of Ames, John Randall Jr., wife Pat and children Janie and Joni of Clearfield, Wayne Leonard, wife Carolyn and children, Jody of Independence, Mo., Bobbi of Iowa City, Kristi of Clearfield and

Ashley of Mt. Ayr, Haldean Byerly, wife Cheryl and children Tanya and Brent of Carlisle, Lyle Frederick, wife Lisa and children Bradley and Debra of Lenox, and James Roger Wilson of Lenox; one brother Wendell Wilson of Lakewood, Co. and one sister, Mrs. Berneeta Austin of Mt. Ayr; many nieces and nephews.

Randall spent his entire life farming. He was a kind husband, father and grandfather. He was proud of his family and enjoyed his

grandchildren very much. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 29, 1987