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DUANE "DOC" JOHNSON
Duane "Doc" Johnson was born in Salem, Athens township on February 9,1909, to Edward and Effie Johnson. He died on February 22, 2001, at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa, at the age of 92 years and 13 days.
Doc was raised in Ringgold county and farmed most of his life. As a young man he worked herding sheep in the mountains of Idaho.
Doc joined the Army in August of 1942 and received his basic training at Fort Douglas, Utah. He served his country during World War II fighting in France and Germany. He served with the 319th Infantry as Staff Sergeant and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
During his combat duty he was wounded three times: once in Tincry, France and again in Douripat, France. He was also wounded during a combat mission in Luxembourg.
He received one service stripe, two overseas service bars from the American Campaign and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. He received three Bronze Battle Stars, a World War II Victory Medal Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters. He returned to the family farm when the war was over.
Doc was married to Doris Autumn (Pettis) O'Grady on August 18, 1965 at the Christian Church in Kellerton. To this union was born one son, Dennis. Through his marriage to Doris he gained three daughters, Ann, Pat and Fran.
He farmed in the Salem area until his retirement in 1989. He moved to Kellerton where he resided until his death.
Doc served in several civic, fraternal and veteran organizations including the Kellerton American Legion, Post #676 and the Ringgold County Commission of Veterans Affairs. He served on the Election Board for several years and as a trustee of Athens township. Doc was also a member of IOOF lodge.
Doc enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with his seven brothers and sisters, his children, grandchildren and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed driving up until his hospitalization and ventured to town every day for coffee with his friends.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Effie; three brothers, Orlo, Neil, and his twin brother Wayne; three sisters, Mae Morrow, Alta Arrington, and Lois Epps.
He is survived by his wife Doris of Kellerton; one son, Dennis of Des Moines, Iowa; three stepdaughters, Fran and Pat O'Grady of Des Moines and Ann McClish and her husband Mac of Swan, Iowa; two grandchildren, Cheryl Kern and Shawn Rainey of Des Moines; three great-grandchildren, Mark and John Rouse and David Kern of Des Moines.
He is also survived by his brother Bill of Wilder, Idaho, and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by a host of friends and all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held February 26, 2001 from the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa conducted by Reverend Merlin Wilkins. Casket bearers were Glen Johnson, Carroll Johnson, Lloyd Johnson, Theron Johnson, Virgil Epps and Charles Childers.
Honorary pallbearers were Perry Johnson, Charles Miller, Cecil Johnson, Bob Erickson, John Worthington, Bob Childers, Jerry Worthington, Ron Loomis, Bill Rusk and Keith Lininger.
Doc was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery , Kellerton.
Military Graveside rites were given by American Legion Post #676, Kellerton.
TERRY ALAN BOLINGER
Terry Alan Bolinger was born on May 7, 1953, and departed this life on March 1, 2001.
He was a semi truck driver most of his working years. He liked the road and traveled many of them. He had a great sense of humor and could always come back with a joke.
He accepted the Lord God as his savior in 1998 and believed he'd have a home in Heaven.
He is joining his father Clarence Bolinger; his grandparents Fred and Ethel Woollums and John and Susie Bolinger.
He is survived by his mother June Saville and his stepfather John Saville, one sister Joy Saville and brother-in-law Carl Saville, all of Des Moines, Iowa; two stepsisters, Tammy Downing of Grant City, Missouri and Debbie Chambers of Waukee, Iowa; a very special fiancee Annette Maycock of Davenport, Iowa; one daughter Clarrissa Bolinger of Des Moines; and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 6, 2001, at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home, Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. A eulogy was given by Joy Saville. Tammy Downing was a soloist. Casket bearers were Bruce Downing, Patrick Saville, Marvin Woollums, Ben Chambers, Jeffery Cannon and Mike Overton. Honorary pallbearer was Arvid Woollums.
Terry was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr.
RICHARD "DICK" STEPHENS
Richard "Dick" Forest Stephens, age 80 of Mercer, Missouri, son of Earl and May (Brannan) Stephens, was born April 21, 1920 in Taylor County, Iowa and left this life on February 27, 2001 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa.
Dick proudly served his country for three and one-half years during World War II. He was in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theater. Dick was a member of the Duncan-Smith American Legion Post #506 of Lineville, Iowa.
In his earlier years, Dick worked at Red Jacket Pump Company in Moline, Illinois.
On December 29, 1966, Dick married Jackie Elaine Fuller in Princeton, Missouri. To this union one daughter, Crystal, was born. Jackie's children, Frances, lvar, and Jesse, were part of Dick's family, too. Dick had been a good neighbor to Jackie and her children for years.
Dick was a farmer for many years. His farm was between Lineville and Leon, Iowa. Since 1995 Dick and Jackie had made their home in Mercer, Missouri.
Dick was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, trap, and fish.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother; grandson James Foreman; son Ivar Phelps; and son-in-law Jack Foreman.
Dick is survived by his wife Jackie Stephens of Mercer; children: Crystal Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri, Frances Foreman of Mercer, and Jesse Phelps and wife Clairee of Lineville; four grandchildren: Cassandra Fawne Stephens of Kansas City, Eugenia Whitwell of Maryville, Missouri, Jay Phelps and wife Julie of Lineville, and Kendra Phelps of Lineville; two great-grandchildren, Jessica and Cody Phelps of Lineville; brother Jesse Stephens and wife Doris of Clarinda, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., March 2, 2001, at Elm Cemetery , east of Pleasanton in Decatur County, Iowa with Rev. Max Carmichael officiating. Military honors were given by American Legion Posts Duncan-Smith #506 of Lineville, and Ragan-Hickman #477 of Mercer, Missouri.
GERTRUDE MARGARET BAKER
Gertrude Margaret Baker, age 77, of Grand River, Iowa, daughter of James Edwin and Etta Catherine (Lucas) Mahan, was born August 21, 1923 in McKinney, Texas and died March 9, 2001 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
When Gert was five years old, she moved with her family from Texas to Mount Ayr, Iowa. She graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1941. Gert worked as a Bell telephone operator in Mount Ayr before her marriage.
Gert married Keith Charles Baker of Grand River on May 5, 1946. To this union three children were born: Monte Keith, Deanna Kay and Barry Charles. The family made their home on a farm near Grand River. Gert and Keith lived on the same farm since the year after they married.
After Barry started school, Gert began sewing for the newly-opened O'Bryan Brothers, Inc. at the Decatur County Fairgrounds in Leon. Gert continued working for 22 years, retiring as inspector.
Gert was a member of the Grand River United Methodist Church since the 1960's and was a member of the Maple Grove Friendship Club. Gert was very active in the Charles Ladd American Legion Post #215 Auxiliary of Grand River and was currently serving as president.
Gert enjoyed flowers, gardening and sewing and was an excellent cook. Gert made her grandchildren heritage jean quilts for their high school graduations, with pieces from all the family members' old jeans. She was an avid Hawkeye fan and loved the Iowa State Fair. Every year Gert and Keith camped at the fair for two weeks.
When they were raising their children, Gert and Keith, along with a group of other Grand River families, traveled to
Minnesota each year for tenting and camping.
Described by her family as "none better" in a mom, Gert was a loving caretaker of her husband, children and grandchildren. Her unconditional love and support were always felt, and she was a good person. Always smiling and being helpful, she knew everyone and was well-loved by her family, friends and community.
Gert was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law Sherman and Gerna Baker; and sister-in-law Betty Jean Mahan.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Keith Baker of Grand River; her children: Monte Baker and wife Mary Jo of Creston, Iowa, Deanna Renshaw and husband Vern of Minburn, Iowa and Barry Baker of Grand River; her grandchildren: Brandon Renshaw and wife Carolyn, Jamie Renshaw, Bret Renshaw, Kelly Renshaw, Toshia See and husband Eddie, Tonya Gonseth and husband Dustin, Clint Brown, Travis Eggman and Jordan Eggman; sisters, Dorothy "Dot" Caskey and husband Wendell of Hallsville, Missouri and Betty Catherine Coates and husband Jack of Allen, Texas; brother Jim Mahan and wife Marilyn of Leon; brother-in-law Eugene Baker and wife Mary of Mount Ayr; sister-in-law Pauline Andrew and husband Giffin of Grand River; and other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at the Grand River United Methodist Church in Grand River with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery , east of Grand River.
Services were conducted through Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home of Leon.
A memorial fund has been established by the family.
CARROL PERRY MATTHEWS
Carrol Perry Matthews was the middle child of Robert Lloyd Matthews and Maye Ellen Bender Matthews.
He was born September 3, 1921 at their home south of Clearfield, Iowa. His family included one brother Kenneth Eugene and one sister Roberta Maye.
In 1930, Carrol's family moved to a farm two miles north of Clearfield. He attended country school and graduated from Clearfield high school in 1939.
On March 17, 1941 he was united in marriage to Juanita Marie Morrow of Diagonal, Iowa in Gallatin, Missouri. To this union a son Robert Edward and one daughter Janis Elaine were born. They have three grandchildren: Julie Ann Matthews McKay, John Edward Matthews and Christopher Patrick Ambrose. They have one great-granddaughter Jodi McKay.
On January 21, 1943 Carrol was inducted into the Army where he served in the European Theater until returning home with an honorary discharge in December 14, 1945.
Carrol and his family moved to his grandparent's farm near Maloy, Iowa after the war where he farmed for three years. In 1949 he bought a farm on the west edge of Diagonal. They built a house and surrounding buildings where they have resided for 52 years. They were privileged to raise their family in a caring community.
Carrol farmed and raised purebred Angus cattle and spent 26 years as a postal clerk at the Diagonal Post Office where he enjoyed working with the public. He also spent nearly one year as Postmaster before retiring in October of 1981.
After Carrol retired he continued to raise cattle and work on his farm. He enjoyed gardening and keeping his farm looking nice and really enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Carrol also enjoyed visiting with people in the Diagonal and Clearfield communities.
He was a former member of the Clearfield Presbyterian Church, American Legion Morris-Herrold Post #395 and VFW Post #1797 in Creston.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Maye Matthews; one brother Kenneth Matthews; one brother-in-law George Cook; one granddaughter Dusty Nicole Dodson; and one great-grandson Joshua McKay.
Survivors include wife Juanita Matthews of Diagonal; son Robert Matthews of Diagonal; daughter Janis Imhoff (husband Robert) of Atlantic, Iowa; sister Roberta Cook of Clearfield; sister-in-law Mildred Matthews of Clearfield; nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Julie McKay of Seymour, Iowa, John Matthews (wife Sandra) of Smithville, Missouri, Chris Ambrose (wife Tina) of Diagonal; and one great-granddaughter Jodi McKay.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 8, 2001 at United Church of Diagonal, Diagonal, with Reverends Pam Farren and Eydie Stephens officiating. Musicians were Judy Newton and Sherry Wiley. Casket bearers were Lonnie Votava, Robert Lininger, Steve Newton, Mark Schlapia, Bob Bailey and Travis Anderson.
Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Morrow, Bernard Sobotka, Bob Andrews, Dick Yashack, Lawrence Rychnovsky, Bill Andrews, Dean Cobb, Richard Hammond and Dean Goodman.
Carrol was laid to rest in the Diagonal Cemetery , Diagonal.
Military graveside rites were given by Morris-Herrold Post #395, American Legion.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
F. WAYNE MCFEE
Funeral services for F. Wayne McFee, age 83, of Lenox, Iowa, who died Thursday, March 8, 2001 were held Monday, March 12, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox with Pastor Tim Maxa officiating.
Interment was held in the North Fairview Cemetery.
F. Wayne was born January 20, 1918 on a farmstead northwest of Lenox, the son of Lewis Wellington McFee and Bertha Isabelle Jones. He spent all of his life in the Lenox area, except two years when he served in the Army Medics. He attended country school, then entering and graduating from Lenox high school in 1936. Wayne had many happy memories of growing up on the farm, having to do chores and farming with horses.
F. Wayne and Rexine Dale Brammer were united in marriage on January 20, 1939. They began their married life together living on the Jones homestead where Wayne's mother was born. He served in the U. S. Army from 1944 to 1946. In 1948 the couple adopted Rexine's nephew.
Wayne and his brother Kenneth built the McFee Bros. Bowl and opened it in 1959, where it is still open today. Some of the people who bowl today started there when they opened in 1959. The bowling alley was a great passion of Wayne and Rexine's.
Wayne was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, American Legion Post #250, Lenox Stock and Saddle Club, Taylor County Cattle Association and Iowa Soybean Association.
He is survived by his son Rex (wife Peggy) McFee of Creston, Iowa; a brother Kenneth (wife Mary) McFee of Lenox; a sister Bonita Mohler of Ellston, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife Rexine in 1988; loving companion Mary Rink; and a brother-in-law Arthur Mohler.
Memorials can be directed to American Legion Post #250 or the United Presbyterian Church.
Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
