Saturday, November 14, 2009

Gail W. Felkner, 1896-1980

Daily Iowegian - 3 December 1980
-------------------------
  Gail W. Felkner, 84, of 827 South 12th Street, Centerville, died Tuesday, December 2, 1980, in St. Joseph Hospital, Centerville.
  Born October 11, 1896, in Appanoose County, he was the son of Gillman and Martha Wyatt Felkner. He was married to Mabel Ruth Barton in Albia April 19, 1916, and she preceded him in death March 19, 1964. He was married to Cecyle Katherine Warnick in Lancaster, Mo., October 12, 1966, and she preceded him in death December 12, 1969.
  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, a retired farmer, and had served on the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors from January, 1963, until February, 1969.
  Survivors include three children, Robert Dale Felkner, East Moline, Ill.; Gail W. Felkner, Jr., St. Louis, Mo.; and Betty Cary, Knoxville; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two brothers, Donald Felkner of rural Centerville and Wayne Felkner of California.
  In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Richard and Winfred, and one sister.
  Services will be Thursday, December 4, at 1:30 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Schweizer officiating. Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
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Census and Other Records
--Register of Marriage Licenses Issued in Schuyler County, Missouri, October 1966.  [Ancestry.com. Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1925 Iowa State Census
--1930 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Bellair, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: 641; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 3; Image: 73.0.  [Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

Friday, November 13, 2009

Charles Lovell McGavran, 1883-1957

Daily Iowegian - 25 November 1957
----------------------------
McGavran Rites To Be Sunday
  Funeral services for Charles L. McGavran, 73, will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Jerome Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Seymour Cemetery.
  Mr. McGavran, who lived on a farm one mile west and one mile north of Jerome, died at the St. Joseph Hospital Thursday. He had been a patient there for a week.
  McGavran was first married to Bertha Close, who died several years ago. His second wife, Mrs. Ida Mincks, survives, as do two sons, Keith of Ames and Kenneth of Des Moines, and several grandchildren.
  The body is at the Liggett Funeral Home in Seymour.

Minnie Barton Butler, 1870-1945

Seymour Herald - 8 February 1945
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Final Rites For Mrs. Minnie Butler
  Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Butler were conducted by the Rev. W. M. Cleeton from the Seymour Church of Christ on Friday afternoon, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m.
  Music was furnished by Mrs. John Darrah, Mrs. Cora Osborn, Ph H. Jarman and Pearl Hart accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Gertie Smith. Selections were: "Rock of Ages", "No Night There" and "Abide With Me."
  Pallbearers were: Joe Sidles, James Mickey, Lafe Butler, Gale Felkner, Roy Darrah and Rev. Cleeton. 
  Interment was made in Jerome cemetery.
Obituary
  Mrs. Minnie Butler, daughter of James Z. and Sarah Jane Barton was born September 7, 1870 in Putnam county, Mo., and departed this life in her home in Seymour on January 31, 1945 at the age of 74 years, 4 months and 24 days. She moved to Blakesburg with her family at the age of 16 years, and lived there one year when she then moved to Jerome where she lived until 1901. On January 30, 1901 she was united in marriage to E. E. Butler. They moved to their farm 1 1/2 miles east of Seymour where they made their home until 1915 when they moved to Seymour where they made their home. Her husband passed away September 9th, 1941. Since that time she still maintained her home until her Heavenly Father called her to her reward. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the Christian church and remained a faithful member until her death. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. She was a kind companion and a loving and helpful neighbor. Her friends were numbered by her acquaintances. She leaves to mourn her passing three sisters and one brother, Mrs. Anna Wilson, Seymour; Mrs. Emma McCulloch of Centerville; Mrs. Estella Brattain of Corydon; and Joe Barton, of Ventura, California. Nine nephews and five nieces, other relatives and many friends.
Card of Thanks
  We wish to thank the many friends for all kindnesses shown us during the illness and death of our sister, Mrs. Butler.
  Mrs. Anna Wilson, Mrs. Emma McCulloch, Joe Barton and families, Mr. and Mrs. Harl Brattain

Elmer Ellsworth Butler, 1866-1941

Seymour Herald - 11 September 1941
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Elmer E. Butler Taken Suddenly
  This community was deeply saddened Tuesday morning when it was learned that Elmer E. Butler had passed away suddenly at his home about four a.m. Two severe heart attacks, which came within two hours of each other, were attributed to the cause of his death.
  The passing of Mr. Butler removes from this vicinity another member of a pioneer family. He had been on the streets a number of times Monday talking and joking with many friends. 
  Funeral services will be held from the Christian church in Seymour, Thursday afternoon, Sept. 11, at 2:00 o'clock.
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Seymour Herald - 14 September 1941
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Obituary
  Elmer E. Butler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paschal Thomas and Jane Butler, was born Nov. 2, 1866, in Appanoose county, Iowa and departed this life at his home in Seymour, Iowa, Sept. 9, 1941 at the age of 74 years, 10 months and seven days.
  On January 20, 1901, he was united in marriage to Minnie Barton and has lived his entire life in Appanoose and Wayne counties. He came to Seymour 26 years ago where he made his home until his passing.
  He was an energetic and honest man in his dealings with his fellow men. During his long life he won to himself a host of friends. He was always interested in everything that had to do with the upbuilding and betterment of his community.
  In March, 1922, he was elected member of the Seymour school board and remained a member for 17 years. In 1925 he was elected president and served in that capacity until his retirement in March, 1939.
  He was a loving husband, a good neighbor and true friend. He was loved, honored, and respected by his neighbors and friends.
  He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving companion, three brothers, Jesse Butler of Des Moines; Lafayette and Asa R. Butler of Seymour; three sisters, Mrs. Belinda Willis of Seymour; Mrs. Emma Hiatt of Centerville and Mrs. Verna Johnson of Silvis, Ill., other relatives and a host of friends.
-----------------------------
  Shall claim of death cause us to grieve.
  And make our courage faint or fall?
  Nay, let us faith and hope receive
  The rose still grows beyond the wall.
-----------------------------
Card of Thanks
  I wish to express my sincere thanks to neighbors and friends who were so kind and helpful to me during my recent bereavement. The many beautiful floral offerings and funeral services were all so much appreciated.
  Mrs. Elmer E. Butler

Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick, 1844-1935

Daily Iowegian - 16 July 1934
------------------------
B. F. Sedgwick At 90 Retains His Activity
Daughter Pays Tribute in Verse 
to Father of Well Known Family as He Reaches 90
  B. F. Sedgwick of Jerome was 90 years old Friday, July 13, 1934. The Sedgwick family of seven children are living, some in Appanoose county, and some elsewhere. While they attempted no regular family reunion for his 90th anniversary, some of them visited him and found him full of life and in excellent health and spirits. He has lived a temperate life, eaten regularly and not to heavily, and always has had his exercise. Since he has not been engaged in active farming he gets it by walking and by exercising about the home. He walks every day. If he cannot get outside he does it in the house. He walks, swings his arms and breathes deeply and always goes to the table with a good appetite.
  Born at Rice's Landing in Pennsylvania, July 13, 1844, he came to Appanoose county when abot 25 years of age and within a year was married to Catherine Thomas of the Concord church vicinity in the northwest part of the county. They lived there until the early eighties when they moved to the Jerome vicinity.
  Eight children were born to them, the oldest, Joseph, dying in infancy. The others are: Tom R. of St. Louis, Mo.; Anna, wife of C. C. Bollman of Jerome; Owen, living on the home place, a half mile west of Jerome where the father now resides; William of Des Moines, Iowa; Vera, wife of Sam J. Owen, living west of Jerome; B. F., grocer on West Van Buren street, Centerville; Theodore M. of Jerome. The wife died April 17, 1924. 
  As Mr. Sedgwick enters on the last decade toward his hundred years he shows every indication of being in condition to complete the century. He keeps himself interested in current events, can read the newspapers without glasses, and is alert to what is going on about him. His many friends congratulate him on his long and useful life and on the cheerful attitude he has carried into old age.
  The occasion of his 90th anniversary were celebrated by some verses written by his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bollman, which are very apt and contain both sentiment and history. They relate incidents in his eventful life and pay tribute to his character, as follows:


Ninety years old today, today,
Ninety years since your first birthday;
Why father dear, it seems strange to say
That you are ninety years old today.
Your step so firm, you eye so bright,
Your form not bent, your hair not white.
But thick and glossy and silvery gray,
And yet you are ninety years old today.


On your natal day you were far from here;
On Monongahala's banks so dear
Nestled, the home where you saw the light,
And your spirit awoke to life's delight.
On its banks did you play, on its stream did you lave,
And the mountains and hills o'er-shadowed its waves.
The old Alleghanies and Blue Ridge too,
You knew from childhood, and loved them too.


Of brothers and sisters, a merry thong,
Four older and four younger, no day was long;
With tasks and playtime and school and books,
And mountain and stream and shady nooks,
The child to youth, then to manhood grew,
'Twas then as now, Youth longed for the new.
So westward he turned in the prairies great,
And journeyed to this beloved State.


In six short months he had won him a bride,
Dearer than all in the East beside;
And mountain and stream and hill and dell,
Had lost their charm, for he loved her well.
More than fifty years they journeyed together,
In sunshine and shade, and stormy weather.


They welcomed their first born, a little son,
This sweet flower was plucked ere life had begun;
Nine short months and the gift was taken
Back to the Giver, but he shall awaken.
Five stalmant sons and daughters two,
Went from this home, to build anew.
'Tis a tale oft repeated, they have not won fame,
But when life called to battle, they answered their name.


At eighty thou wast left alone,
They mate was flown, they helpmate gone;
Ten long years hath the marble pressed
The grave of her you loved the best.
Thou are nearing the shore of an unknown sea,
To launch thy bark for eternity.
But we may be nearer, 'tis hid from our sight,
"My spirit may slip from its moorings tonight."


The life of man, how brief the span!
Swift as weaver's shuttle ran.
The fleeting years have winged feet,
They bear us on till death, we meet.
'Tis not a hopeless sorrow, no!
Christ the first fruits, a vanquished foe.
And all them that in Jesus sleep,
Shall wake in peace, no more to weep.
------------------------
Daily Iowegian - 26 February 1935
------------------------
B. F. Sedgwick, 90, Dies of Pneumonia; Funeral Thursday
Retired Appanoose County Farmer 
Ill Since Feb. 1 at Home West of Jerome
  Pneumonia, contracted Feb. 1, proved fatal to Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick, 90-year old Appanoose county farmer, who died at 8 p.m. Monday at his home west of Jerome, where he had lived 53 years. He resided with his son, Owen S., and family at his death.
  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the home, with burial in Jerome cemetery beside Mrs. Sedgwick, who died 11 years ago.
Born in Pennsylvania
  Mr. Sedgwick was born July 13, 1844, at Rices Landing, Pa. When 25 years old, he came west and settled on a farm northeast of Plano, and a year later married Catherine Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick moved to the present Sedgwick farm west of Jerome in 1882.
  Mr. Sedgwick had been in good health until the last year. He exercised by walking about the house, was keenly interested in current events and read daily without glasses.
Daughter Wrote Poetry
 The Iowegian published poetry written by his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bollman of Jerome, and dedicated to him on his 90th birthday.
  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Bollman and Mrs. Vera Owen, of Jerome; five sons, Thomas R. of St. Louis, Mo., William of Des Moines, Benjamin F. Jr. of Centerville, and Owen S. and Theodore M. of Jerome; brother, Dr. Theodore of McKeesport, Pa.; half-sister, Mrs. Emma McGregor of Ohio; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Early Grooms Marriages 
in Appanoose County, Iowa, 1846-1900
[Appanoose County IA Genealogy Society, 1986]
Sedgwick, Benjn. 21 to Catherine Thomas 16 
June 8, 1871 - Book 5, Page 285
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Note: Catherine Thomas who married Benjamin Sedgewick was a sister of Ellen Thomas who married George Sidles. Both families lived near Jerome. Catherine and Ellen were daughters of Asbury Thomas and Mary Bowers.
-----------------------
Family Tree on Ancestry.com Posted by Carri5893
Father: Joseph Sedgwick, born 5 Oct 1811, Greene Co., PA; died 3 Mar 1882
Mother: Priscilla Rice, born abt 1815, Greene Co., PA; died bef 1850
Child: Thomas Sedgwick, born abt 1836, Greene Co., PA
Child: Samuel Sedgwick, born abt 1838, Greene Co., PA
Child: Sarah Sedgwick, born 1840, Greene Co., PA
Child: Elizabeth Sedgwick, born abt 1842, Greene Co., PA
Child: Benjamin Sedgwick, born abt 1844, Green Co., PA
Note: This Family Tree provides some ancestral information for Priscilla Rice.
-----------------------
Census Records for Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick
and Catherine Thomas
--1850 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Jefferson, Greene, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_783; Page: 126; Image: 246.  [Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1856 Iowa State Census, Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA_48; Family Number: 60. [Asbery Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1860 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Jefferson, Greene, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1114; Page: 506; Image: 275. [Ancestry.com. 1860 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1860 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: M653_311; Page: 97; Image: 98. [Asberry Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. 1860 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1870 U.S. Federal Census, Place, Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: M593_375; Page: 443; Image: 187. [Asbury Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census, (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1885 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1885_144; Family Number: 7.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1895 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1885_287; Family Number: 92.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1900 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T623_416; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 16.  [Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1905 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA_75.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1910 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T624_390; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 21; Image: 1428. [Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1915 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1915_25; Image: 690 - Katharine Sedgwick; Image: 687 - B. F. Sedgwick; Image: 692 - T. M. Sedgwick.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1920 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T625_477; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 24; Image: 344.  [Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1925 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1925_1952; Line: 22; Images: 10, 11 and 12.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1930 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: 641; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 17; Image: 333.0. [Ancestry.com.  1930 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

Cpl. Vance William Ponsetto, 1946-1967

Daily Iowegian - 27 December 1966
----------------------------
What's a Lifetime of Fighting?
Corporal Vance Ponsetto Found Out In 12 Months
By Charles B. De Puy
  Centerville is like Heaven must be, to Vance Ponsetto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leroy Ponsetto, of 1227 West Van Buren.  It would be to anyone who had spent 12 months "out in the field" near Da Nang in Vietnam.
  Just warm food, a clean bed, freedom from constant fear and alert. These things alone make it seem pretty wonderful.
  Corporal Ponsetto has slept on the ground. There was no special time for sleeping. For instance you might have to catch a few winks in the daytime because you were maneuvering during the night. Then again the action would be in the daytime and you could catch a few winks at night. You were never free from alertness and fear. The enemy was anywhere and everywhere. You never could tell for sure. You ate C-rations. You didn't bother with any cooking and it wasn't safe anyhow. You just get hungry enough to make even C-rations taste good. Then there were the days when you got "pinned down" and didn't even have a chance to raise your head or hand. There were booby traps everywhere you went and if that wasn't bad enough there were deadly poisonous snakes to share the land with. And one day there was contact with the VC and a hand grenade exploded too close and you got injuries to hands, ears and face and a purple heart out of that.
  Vance was a sniper and was also in reconnaissance, and intelligence action. Nothing could have had more hazards.
  The professional Viet Cong fighters, though small, are tough and they're good soldiers. That didn't make Vance's duties any easier.
  A guy comes home aftr 12 months of that and 12 months can seem like a long lifetime under those conditions.
  You feel like walking up to him, sticking out your hand and thanking her for going thru all that so that you could stay safely at home, eat warm meals, have a good bed and not have to listen and look for death 24 hours a day.
  That's about it. Cpl. Vance Ponsetto is home. The life that he knew starts all over again. He had forgotten what it was like. He's assigned now to Charleston, S.C., which is a Naval weapon station. He'll study there and what assignments lie ahead only time will tell, but this man has already served a lifetime. That should be enough.
 To the folks at home he brought a big gift ... continuing liberty.
----------------------------
Daily Iowegian - 6 February 1967
----------------------------
Escapes Death In Vietnam
Cpl. Vance Ponsetto Killed in Carolina
----------------------------
  A soldier who twice escaped death in Vietnam was killed in a truck accident while on duty at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, South Carolina, Friday night, February 3, 1967. He was Cpl. Vance William Ponsetto, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joeseph LeRoy Ponsetto of this city.
  Cpl. Ponsetto was saved from death at one time by a small Bible which his mother had sent him. He had placed the Bible in a shirt pocket, and this deflected an enemy bullet, which otherwise probably would have inflicted a fatal wound. He later was wounded in action, and was awarded the Purple Heart.
  He returned to the United States December 16, 1966, and at that time was the subject of a feature article in the Iowegian. He had been stationed at the South Carolina base since his return.
  According to report, Cpl. Ponsetto was on duty at the time of the fatal accident. He was a passenger in a pickup truck which missed a curve and crashed. He died a few hours after the accident.
  Cpl. Ponsetto was born in Centerville October 12, 1946, and was 20 years, three months and 21 days of age. He was a graduate of the Centerville schools, a member of the First Lutheran Church, and had been in service since June, 1965. He spent 13 months in Vietnam.
  Surviving are his parents, Joseph LeRoy and Betty Ponsetto, of 1227 West Van Buren, Centerville; one sister, Jackie McNeff of Muscatine, Ia.; three brothers, Danny and Joey, both of Davenport, and Johnny of Newton; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Louie Valentine of Mystic, Ia., and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ponsetto, of Jerome; four nephews and two nieces.
  The body will be returned to the Johnson Funeral Home here for burial.  Funeral plans will be announced later when it is known when the body will arrive. 
-----------------------------------
Daily Iowegian - 7 February 1967
-----------------------------------
Cpl. Ponsetto Rites Planned
-----------------------------------
  Funeral services for Cpl. Vance William Ponsetto, United States Marine Corps, will be held Wednesday, February 8, 1967, 2:00 p.m., fromj the First Lutheran Church with Rev. M. H. Suhr officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery with Military Rites.
  Friends may call at the Johnson Funeral Home Tuesday evening, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.  The casket will be closed at the beginning of the service.
  Cpl. Ponsetto was killed in a truck accident while on duty at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, South Carolina, Friday night, February 3, 1967.

Bertha Etta Close McGavran, 1884-1946

Seymour Herald - 2 May 1946
------------------------
Final Rites For Mrs. Chas. McGavran
  Funeral services for Mrs. Chas. L. [Charles Lovell] McGavran were held at the Christian Church Friday afternoon at 2:30. The Rev. Clifford Carter, pastor of the United Brethern Church officiated.
  Music was furnished by Miss Isal Miller and Mrs. Verda Morrow, accompanied by Mrs. Gertie Smith. Selections were: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", "Under His Wing" and "Good Night and Good Morning."
  Those in charge of the flowers were: Flossie Davison, Maud Hickerson, Pearl Miller, Leta Allee, Ethel Bennett and Cleo Handlin.
  Pall bearers were: Jay Kincade, Warren Young, Vernon Cain, Bob Henderson, John Evans and Frank Miskimins.
  The Rebekah Lodge also conducted a short service.
  Interment was in Southlawn cemetery.
  Bertha Etta Close, daughter of P. [Pembroke] B. and Adaline Close, was born August the 28th, 1884 in [Johns Township] Appanoose county, Iowa, and departed this life April 24, 1946 in the hospital at Ottumwa, Iowa, where she had gone for treatment.
  At the time of her passing, she was 61 years, 7 months and 26 days onld.
  She was united in marriage to Charles L. [Lovell] McGavran, October 2, 1904. To this union, two children were born; Kenneth [Wayne] of near Sewal and Keith [C.] of Ames.
  She was preceded in death by her father and mother, one brother and one sister.
  Early in her married life, she united with the Christian Church in Seymour, and remained a faithful member until the end. She was president of the Missionary Society for the past five years, also a member of the Rebekah Lodge of Seymour.
  She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, a good neighbor and will be greatly missed in the home and community.
  She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, two sons, Kenneth and Keith; two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren, four sisters, Mrs. Ira Garretson, of Seymour, Mrs. Della Liley and Mrs. Belle Vaughn of Corydon, and Mrs. Charles Holton of Russell, and one brother, Howard E. Close of San Diego, Calif., and a host of relatives and friends.
  She spent her entire life in Appanoose and Wayne counties; the last nine years of her life was spent in Seymour.


  She is not dead,  our precious one,
  She is only sweetly sleeping,
  She will live again, in the great beyond
  Where there shall be no weeping.
  So do not grieve for her dear ones,
  Although, your hearts are broken,
  For Jesus waits, on that Golden shore,
  To take her home to Heaven.


  Among the many relatives from out-of-town were Mr. and Mrs. Elvin McCavran and daughter Mary Jean of Powersville, Mo, Dorothy McGavran of Denver, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ball, Mr. and Mrs. Emory Lister, and Ell Hixenbaugh of Plano, Harold Lister of Mystic, Mrs. Olive Buck, Centerville, Mrs. Edith Stansbury of Oakdale, Mrs. Clyde Whitforth of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Mrs. Charles Wilson of Lansing, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Ray Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Taylor of Grinnell, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Potter and Mrs. J. R. Anderson and son Kenneth of Boone, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Lemley of Mystic, Paul Burr of East Moline, Mrs. L. E. Cotter and son Larry, Mrs. Edyth Burr of Sioux City.
  Mrs. Bell Vaughn and son Richard, Mrs. Della Liley, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Vaughn, Mrs. Glen McCough, all of Corydon, Mrs. Blanche Jones of Leon, Rev. and Mrs,. Charles Holton of Russell.
Card of Thanks
 We wish to express our most sincere thanks and appreciation to our friends for the kindness shown us during our recent bereavement, also for the lovely floral tribute and cards. We wish especially to thank the Alpha Class and the Rebekah Lodge for their service.
  Charles L. McGavran
  Kenneth McGavran and family
  Keith McGavran and family 

Guy Streepy, 1882-1968

Daily Iowegian - 7 May 1968
-------------------------
Guy Streepy Died Monday
  Guy Streepy, 86, retired farmer and resident of 215 S. 15th Street, Centerville, for the past eight years, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital Monday, May 6, at 2:20 p.m.
  He had been in ill health for the past two months, a hospital patient for one day.
  Born Feb. 15, 1882, in Appanoose County, he was the son of Edward and Amanda Young Streepy. On Oct. 17, 1929, he married Maurine Sidles in Jerome, Iowa, who survives his passing.
  Mr. and Mrs. Streepy had farmed near Udell for many years. He was a member of the Christian Church of Udell.
  Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother, Clyde, four sisters, Lora Stuckey, Cleffie McConnell, Nellie Caylor and Anna Streepy.
  Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. from Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home, Rev. Paul Lobb will officiate and interment will be in Eaton Cemetery, west of Unionville, Iowa. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Essie May Fry Loofbourrow, 1885-1975

Daily Iowegian - 7 February 1975
-----------------------
  Mrs. Essie May Loofbourrow, 89, a lifelong resident of Appanoose County, who had resided at 619 West State Street, Centerville, the past 10 years, died in Wayne County Hospital in Corydon Thursday, March 6, 1975.  She had suffered ill health one year, and had been hospitalized three days.
  Born November 19, 1885, West of Centerville, she was the daughter of Isaac and Tabitha Brannon Fry. She was married to Robert Hileman in 1903, and he died January 16, 1912. On March 17, 1917, she was married to David Loofbourrow in Wayne County, and he preceded her in death June 3, 1942.
  Mrs. Loofbourrow, a longtime resident of Jerome, was a member of Jerome Methodist Church. Her parents, an infant sister Chloe, and two brothers, Vernie and Earl Fry, preceded her in death.
  Survivors include two sons, James Hileman and Merle Loofbourrow, both of Centerville Route 3, three grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Arthur (Jessie) Bear, Panarama, Calif.; and Mrs. Robert (Helen) Bear, Centerville.
  Services will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home, with the Rev. Glen Lochhead officiating. Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral home Friday from 7 to 8 p.m.

Walter Rupalo, 1924-2009

The Seymour Herald - 5 November 2009
---------------------------
  Wilbur Rupalo, 85 of Centerville passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Corydon Nursing & Rehab. 

  Wilbur was born in Diamond, Iowa on January 10, 1924 to Charles & Maggie (Gorman) Rupalo. He married Fern Cecil Dixon on March 18, 1967. Wilbur worked for REC Electric for a short time. He spent the majority of his life as a farmer. Wilbur enjoyed farming, attending auctions and time spent with his family.
  Wilbur is survived by two children, Randy Rupalo (Karla) of Centerville, Michelle Brooke (Richard) of Numa, five grandchildren, Maranda, Marissa, Malinda, Marriah Rupalo and Abbie Pangburn, four sisters, Wanda McFarland (Cecil) of Longmont, Colorado, Louise Newby of Donaldson, Iowa, Carolyn Inman, of Seymour, Eleanor Ferren of Austin, Texas, sister-in-law, Donna Rupalo of Seymour, sister-in-law, Lenora Couchman of Corydon and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Fern Rupalo on April 12, 1997 and a brother Walter Rupalo. 

  Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2009 at Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Matheney officiating. Interment will be in Sharon Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be all day Thursday with the family present from 6-8 p.m.. Memorials may be given to the Sharon Chapel Cemetery Association which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home -- 23548 Hwy 5 -- PO Box 125 -- Centerville, Iowa 52544. 

Camille JoAnn Burley Davison, 1927-2009

Daily Iowegian - 12 May 2009
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  Camille J. Davison, 82, of Centerville passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009 at Golden Age Nursing Home in Centerville.
  A memorial service will be held today at 11:30 a.m. at Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m.
  Burial will take place at the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome.
  Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.
  Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton is in charge of arrangements.

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Daily Iowegian - 29 May 2009
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  Camille JoAnn Davison was born Feb. 25, 1927 in Humeston to Ernest and Ruth Bessie (Day) Burley. She passed away May 10, 2009 at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Centerville at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 15 days.
  Camille was united in marriage to Richard Faye Davison in Humeston at great-grandma’s house July 14, 1945. To this union three children were born: Victoria, Edward and Janice.
  Camille’s adult life was lived in Centerville as a homemaker. She loved her position as homemaker and her goal was to be the best homemaker possible. She loved to cross-stitch but what she loved the most was her children, grandchildren and everyone she would meet. Camille had a special gift to be able to show love to everyone one she would meet. She always had a smile on her face and could always find the positive in a person and make the person she was meeting smile. One place you could find her every year without fail was at the Centerville’s Pancake Day. It did not matter what the weather was she would not miss the special day. She was a lifetime member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville.
  Camille was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 1992 and her parents, Ernest and Ruth Burley.
  She is survived by her three children: Victoria Ryals and her husband Ron of Unionville, Mo., Edward Davison and his wife Joyce of Red Oak and Janice Curtis and her husband Ron of Orlando, Fla.; three sisters-in-law: Evelyn Davison of Centerville, Bethel Ballanger of Coatsville, Mo. and Esther Davison; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; one aunt, Mary Barr of Princeton, Mo. and many many friends.
  Services were held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13 at the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville with Pastor Ken Mehrhoff officiating. Serving as bearers were: Scott Dover, Bryan Ryals, Lynn Gray, Nathaniel Curtis, Joe Sivetts, Todd Vandemark, John Harrell and Jacob Curtis. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service. Camille will be cremated and will be buried at the Jerome Cemetery at a later time. Memorials may be made in honor of Camille to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Fielding Funeral Home of Chariton was in charge of the arrangements.

Lois "Nevella" Bear Shepard, 1917-2009

Daily Iowegian - 28 October 2009
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  Lois "Nevella" Shepard, 92, of Centerville died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. She was born the daughter of Robert and Helen (Fry) Bear on March 3, 1917 near Mystic. Lois attended the Plano Community Schools.
  On Feb. 3, 1935 she was united in marriage to Lowell Shepard. She was a homemaker and a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville where she was the church secretary for many years. She was also a part of the North Bend Ladies Aid, and Order of Eastern Star where she was a Past Worthy Matron.
  Nevella was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Lowell Shepard on June 17, 2002; brother, Robert Bear; and a grandson, Dustin Shepard on May 5, 2006.
  She is survived by; sons, Dean and his wife, Marilyn Shepard of Centerville and Wendell and his wife, Mary Louise Shepard of Springfield, Mo.; daughter Karen and her husband, LaVern Shondel of Centerville, sister: Deloris Bohm of Centerville; seven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandson.
  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the Rev. Carl Heien officiating. Burial will follow at the Concord Cemetery near Plano. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 3-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
  Memorials can be made to the Concord Cemetery and left at the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Centerville is caring for Nevella and her family at this time and condolences can be sent to: schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com.