George Richard Mincks, 1924-2011

The Seymour Herald- 25 August 2011

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  George Richard Mincks, 87, passed away peace-fully to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines following a tractor accident.

  Richard was born in Jerome, Iowa to George and Ida (Morrison) Mincks, April 24, 1924.  In 1943 he graduated from Seymour High School and was united in marriage to Genevieve Catherine Rash. To this union two children were born: Mary Catherine and Steven Richard.

George Richard Mincks

  Richard lived his entire life in the Jerome-Seymour area pursuing his desired profession of farming. He served as a Monroe Township Trustee, a member of the Wayne County Fair Board, and a leader of the Walnut-Monroe Lone Tree 4-H Club. He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church where he held numerous positions and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also enjoyed singing with the Coal Miners Choir.

  He is survived by his daughter Mary Catherine (Gary) Couchman of Bella Vista, Arkansas and son Steven Richard Mincks and Bill Williams of Seymour; grandchildren Duane of Urbandale and Troy (Melanie) of Bella Vista, Arkansas; great-grandson Keith of Bella Vista, Arkansas; brother William (Donna) Mincks of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and sister-in-law Deloris Darrah of Seymour, Iowa. He leaves many loving nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

  His loving wife Genevieve, sister-in-law Rowena Robinson and brothers-in-law Don Robinson and Eugene Darrah, preceded him in death.

  Funeral services were held Monday, August 22 at the Seymour United Methodist Church with Reverend Mike Finn officiating.

  Pianist was Mary Parker and vocalists were the United Methodist Church Choir and Milton Albertson.

  Musical selections were “The Lord’s Prayer,” “My God and I,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Hard to Say Good-Bye.”

  Bearers were Keith Couchman, Josh Wells, Todd Rider, Todd Robinson, Nathan Wells, and Nolan Wells.

  Interment was in Southlawn Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to the Seymour United Methodist Church.

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  Picture of George Richard Mincks is from the Obituaries Section of the Daily Iowegian website posted on 19 August 2011.

Dorothy Nadine Stagner Ervin, 1921-2011

Lange Funeral Homes

Centerville, Iowa

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  Dorothy Ervin, age 90 of Centerville, Iowa died Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center, Centerville, Iowa.

  Dorothy was born July 12, 1921 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Ila (Patterson) Stagner. She grew up in Centerville and attended local schools. Dorothy married Paul Ervin on December 24, 1938 in Bloomfield, Iowa. He preceded her in death in July of 2001.

  She was a post mistress with the Jerome Post Office from 1952-1955. Following her tenure with the post office, Dorothy continued to help support her family’s farm as a farm wife. In 1971, Dorothy and Paul sold the family farm and at that time, she made the medical field her main source of income as a nurse’s aide.

  Dorothy worked as a nurse’s aide for the Golden Age Care Center in Centerville for a short period before beginning her employment with Mercy Medical Center. She was employed with Mercy for thirteen years.

  Following her retirement, Dorothy ran a flea market, along with supporting the family ambulance service.

  She was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville for many years. Furthermore, Dorothy ran the prayer chain for the church for ten years.

  She is survived by her four children, Don (Karen) Ervin of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Max (Mary) Ervin of Centerville, Iowa, Bob (Connie) Ervin of Indianola, Iowa, and Jim (Cheryl) Ervin of Huxley, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and two half brothers, Delbert Davis of Des Moines, Iowa and Don Davis of Arkansas.

  Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Paul Ervin; a brother Keith Stagner; and a half sister Evelyn McKelvogue.

  Graveside funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome with Pastor Carl Heien officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville from 12PM-8 PM, with the family present from 6-8 PM. Memorials have been established to either the Mercy Medical Center Foundation or the Centerville American Legion- Post # 214 and may be left at Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

Dorothy and Paul Ervin's Gravestone

in the Jerome Cemetery
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  The editor appreciates the contribution of the above updated gravestone picture by Jimmy Ervin of Centerville, Iowa.

Ethel Jones Lira, 1927-2011

Lange Funeral Home – Centerville, Iowa

4 August 2011

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  Ethel Lira, age 84 of Numa, Iowa passed away July 31, 2011 at the Centerville Nursing and Rehab Center in Centerville, Iowa.

Ethel was born March 9, 1927 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Bessie (Sage) Jones. She grew up in Numa, Iowa and graduated from Numa High School. Ethel later married Ronnie P. Lira on March 9, 1947 in Numa. He preceded her in death on April 12, 1992.

  She was very active throughout her lifetime, both in social organizations, as well as in numerous fields of employment. Ethel had short tenures of employment with both Centerville National Bank and Swift & Company.

Ethel worked with the Iowa State Employment Service (Iowa Workforce Development) from 1952-1993. In fact, she was the first woman to service five counties on a regular basis: Appanoose, Wayne, Davis, Monroe, and Lucas.

  She spent many years writing a weekly column and special interest events for the Centerville Daily Iowegian.

Ethel also owned and operated a bookkeeping business from her home from 1955- 2005.

  She was very active in the community throughout her life. Ethel was a member of DAR-Daughters of the American Revolution, the Appanoose County Historical Society, and the Appanoose County Genealogy Society. She was also a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville.

  Ethel is survived by her two grandchildren, Lee Lira of Dallas Center Grimes, Iowa and Amber (Raymond) Houser of Elkhart, Iowa; a brother Carl L. Jones of Bettendorf, Iowa; and two great grandchildren, Bryce Michael Houser and Kaitlyn Joy Houser both of Elkhart, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ronnie P. Lira; a son Ron Lira; a sister Janice Kay Grenko; a stillborn baby John Phillip Lira in 1948; and many friends.

  Funeral services will be held 10 AM, Friday, August 5, 2011 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Father Dennis Schaab officiating. Burial will follow in the Numa Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday at Lange Funeral Home from 3-7 PM, with the family present from 5-7 PM. Memorials have been established to the Appanoose County Historical Society and may be left at or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.langefh.com.

Skylar McElvain Honored

The Seymour Herald – 28 July 2011

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  Skylar McElvain, a SCHS graduate and freshman in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at Iowa State University, was selected to receive the Wessman Scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year. The Wessman Scholarship was established through the estate of John and Helen Wessman. Mr. Wessman was a 1941 Agricultural Engineering graduate of Iowa State. The scholarship is based on scholastic accomplishments and aptitude.

  McElvain will be recognized at the department’s Parent/Student Banquet in April 2012. The Iowa State University Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department, which was the first Ag Engineering Department in the nation, celebrated their 100^th anniversary in 2005 and offers degrees in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Systems Technology, and Industrial Technology. To learn more, visit www.abe.iastate.edu.

  He is the son of James and Melinda McElvain.

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HeartlandConnection.com

Posted 17 April 2009

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Scholar of the Week: Skylar McElvain

  SEYMOUR, IOWA -- Skylar McElvain of Seymour High School has an interest in agriculture, theatre, and even baseball. And he is actively involved in his community.

  "Well I like being in a small school because you...know everybody and I think you get a better education because you can work with the teachers better," said Skylar.

  He received top honors at state level for an expository address, and he has also performed on his high school stage.

  "The one was about a kidnapping," said Skylar, "where the child they kidnap for ransom, the kidnappers actually get driven crazy and actually pay to get rid of her!"    

  His post-graduation life is set...and awaiting him.

  "Yeah, I'm planning to go to Indian Hills, enrolled in the Arts & Sciences program and then I plan to transfer to Iowa State, and get a degree in Agricultural Engineering," said Skylar.

  "Skylar is an excellent student," said Agriculture Science Teacher, Stephanie Lukavsky. "He's very self-driven, always wants to do a good job. But when he needs help, then he will ask for it, so that's always good in a student."

  Skylar also has advice for those students working to achieve academic and personal success.

  "Pay attention in class...and do the work, and that’s all you really need to do. And then the rest will just come to you," said Skylar.

  "I could definitely see him pursuing something with the Ag business side of things because he is really good in school and with numbers...I think he will be very successful," added Lukavsky.

Seymour's Old Settlers Celebration

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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Excerpts from Keepin' In Touch by Vickie

  Our weekend weather for Old Settlers couldn't have been much better. With a bit of a breeze, the warm temperature didn't seem so bad, especially if you could stay in the shade.

  Our annual celebration is a very good example of donation of time and talent by many volunteers. If it weren't for the work of so many people, the entire event just couldn't happen. There are just so many people involved, it would be nearly impossible to name them all. People observing our community just can't say enough good comments about how well Seymour does at putting our celebration together. So "Job Well Done" to ALL involved!

  2012 will be our 3rd effort of an All School Reunion for Old Settlers to be the second Saturday of July which will be July 14th weekend. The Harl Reunion now coordinates with Old Settlers each year, so members of that family can enjoy several attractions while in the area.

  Plans are already in the works for next year's celebration. Mark your calendars for July 13-15, 2012 Old Settler's/All School Reunion and suggestions, ideas and volunteers WELCOME!

  I think the McElvain family coordinates their reunion with Old Settlers, so several of that family (Harold's kids and families) gathered at the local cabins and enjoyed the weekend together.

  Somehow Seymour people always enjoy out of town guest who like our town. College friend of Caleb Housh says Old Settlers is his favorite weekend of the year. Simple pleasures of life are some of the most enjoyed.

  Olivia Power told her grandmother, Jill Housh, that Old Settler's is her "FAVORITE holiday of the year!"

70th Annual John & Christina Rigler Harl Reunion

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  Descendants of John T. and Christina Rigler Harl met at the Seymour Community Center Sunday, July 10, for the 70th annual Harl Reunion.

  Arthur Bryant asked the blessing on the potluck dinner. Following the dinner, President Lynn Holdeman conducted the business meeting. Reports were given by family members and for family members who could not be present. Family photos and memorabilia were shared and displayed.

  New officers elected to serve for the 2012 Harl reunion are Ray Cook, president; Don Bryant, vice president; and Elaina Tuttle, secretary-treasurer. Tentative date for the 2012 reunion is Sunday of the Seymour Old Settlers celebration.

  Twenty eight persons registered for the day. They were Don and Millie Kerr of Bella Vista, Ark., Don and Sue Bryant of Jackson, Tn., Dr. Neil and Darlene Harl of Ames and their guests, Dick and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak, Arthur and Mary Jane Bryant of Indianola, Dennis and Elaina Tuttle and Sherry and Randy Middlebrook of Corydon, Brian and Lynn Holdeman of Madrid, Carolyn Wickam, Ray and Shirley Cook, Henry, Barbara and Ruth Adams, Devon, Heather, Ashlynn and Landen Sharp, and Wendy and Rich Choponis of Seymour.

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 36th Iowa Infantry

Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 

Company A, 36th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

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  These letters are part of a collection written by Newton Robert Scott, Private, Company A, of the 36th Infantry, Iowa Volunteers. Most of the letters were written to Scott's neighborhood friend Hannah Cone, in their home town of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, over the three year period that he served as Company A's clerk. The final letter, describing the long-awaited mustering out in August of 1865, was written to his parents.

  Scott's letters to Hannah are filled with rich details of the war and the living conditions in the Union camps in Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. He tells of the terrible diseases that took a heavier toll than Confederate bullets, and the soldiers' frustration and impatience with the politicians in Washington.

 

  Newton Robert Scott

  Not only do we get a clerk's detailed account of the activities of Company A and the "boys of Monroe County," we also get a glimpse into the emotions of a 21-year-old farm boy uprooted from his family, friends, and sweetheart. In spite of his obvious education and proper upbringing, his polite prose sometimes gives way to impatience and sarcasm as he acknowledges Hannah's accounts of the many fairs, socials, and weddings taking place at home. Indeed he must endure the most embittering news of all when he is told that his sweetheart, "darling Hattie" has forsaken him to marry another. 

  Even though Scott & his comrades prayed for a Confederate surrender before their three year enlistment was completed, they were to serve the full term and were sent home five months after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

  The story does not end here. A year after returning home Scott married Hannah, his faithful correspondent, with whom he raised nine children. Newton and Hannah lived long, productive lives. Hannah raised her family and died of heart failure at 69. Newton was a mail clerk for the railroad for 41 years. He died a peaceful death at 83.

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  Above text and picture from the website of Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War written by Linda Proudfoot.  The website was developed by Bill Proudfoot, a librarian at West Valley College in Saratoga, California.

Forty-Plus Descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain Gathered for Weekend Reunion

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  The descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain gathered for a weekend reunion. There were forty three for dinner Sunday at Walden Park Clubhouse in Corydon.

  Attending were Paul and Helen McElvain, Terry and Janice McElvain of Centerville, Chris and Kaley McElvain and Adalynn of Homestead, Ia., Bonnie and Hugo Keyner of Tuscon, Az., John and Marcella McElvain of Council Bluffs, James and Melinda McElvain and Skylar and Austin of Corydon, Dave and Shelly and Savannah McElvain Seymour, Brady McElvain of Cedar Falls, Chase and Tia McElvain of Corydon, James and Virginia Berner of Waukee, Steve and Jodie Welsh and Branden and Taylor of West Des Moines, Kenny and Pam McElvain of Liberal, Ks., Brad and Stacey McElvain and Elliott and Alex of Holt, Mo., John and Christie Nowak of Topeka, Ks., MJ and Jeanie McElvain of Ames, Heather Spangler and Annabelle of Cedar Rapids, Melissa and Adam Blank of DeWitt, Ia., and Cindy Inman of St. Louis, Mo.

Franklin Baptist Church Open House Well Attended

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  A large number of persons attended the open house at the Franklin Baptist Church of Livingston in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, IA, Sunday afternoon, July 10.

  The church has recently been renovated and restored using as much of the original church as was possible with era specific renovation where needed.

  During removal of the old floor covering, the original baptistery was discovered and was opened for display during the open house. The bell, which is housed in the bell tower, was rung at the beginning of the event. The pews used in the building were gifts from the Numa Christian Church when it closed several years ago. Gifts of a 1913 era pump reed organ and a communion table which were used in the 1860s Heartland Church from north of Ottumwa were given by Richard and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak. The Mullenixes were present at the open house. Mrs. Mullenix played hymns on the organ during the afternoon and at times accomanied her husband and Don and Art Bryant as they sang.

  Plans are for the building to be used for church activities and other events in the future.

Jerome UMC Bluegrass Music/Barbeque

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  There will be bluegrass, gospel music and a barbeque Sunday, July 17. A free will donation will be taken.

  On the menu will be pulled pork and beef, potato salad, baked beans, chips, salad, cookies, melon and drink.

  The music will be bluegrass gospel music by the Exline family, Jerry Vinden and family, Tasha Irving and Fine Line Bluegrass.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 20, Lot 12 -- Clarence Ridgeway & Mae Bell (Brinkley) Porter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 30, Lot 12, Row 4

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  Clarence Ridgeway Porter was born 31 August 1888 in Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Charles E. Porter and Louise Addie Ridgeway, died 26 June, 1974, in Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa, and was buried 29 June 1974 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  He married 15 March 1911 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Mae Bell Brinkley who was born 17 May 1889 in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of Charles Brinkley and Laura Mae Farmer, died 10 June 1966 at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 12 June 1966 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  Three children were born to this marriage: Velma Marie Porter, Charles W. Porter and Joe C. Porter.

 Gravestone of Clarence R. & Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Back of Gravestone of

Clarence R. and Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Children of Clarence R. Porter & Mae Bell Brinkley

Benton Courier - Arkansas - 19 March 2007

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Velma Marie Porter Shook Panyk, 1912-2007

  Velma Marie Panyk, 94, of Benton died Saturday, March 17, 2007. She was born May 15, 1912, in Centerville, Iowa to Clarence and Maebelle Porter.

  Mrs. Panyk was a medical aide and a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 25 years.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

  Survivors include two sons, George Phillips of Benton and Robert Phillips and wife, Jane, of West Point, Calif.; two daughters, Imajean Ruth Welch and husband, Don, of Washington and Marietta Perman of Kenosha, Wis.; and 11 grandchildren.

  Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ashby Funeral Home of Benton.

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Ad-Express/Iowegian - May 1992

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Charles W. Porter, 1914-1992

  Charles W. Porter, 77, of Rockford, formerly of this area, died at his home Sunday, May 24, 1992.

  He was born Aug. 19, 1914, in Exline, to Clarence and Mae Brinkley Porter. He married Eunice E. Geringer in Des Moines Dec. 26, 1934. She survives.

  Also surviving are nine sons, Jimmie (Mary) of Rockford, Clarence (Julie) of Littleton, Colo., Charles L. of Marengo, Ill., Harold (Bonita) of Rockford, Clyde (Judy) of Rockford, Michael (Sharon) of Rockford, Richard of N. Little Rock, Ark., Steve (Cathy) and Jeffery, both of Rockford; two daughters, Barbara (Jim) Shelton of Rockford and Kathy (Robin) Cleayssen of Machesney Park, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joe; a sister, Velma of Arkansas.

  He was preceded in death by a son, Raymond LeRoy.

  He was a Rockford resident since 1939 moving from Mystic. He was a machinist and welder at George D. Roper for 22 years. He had also worked at Greenlee Tool, retiring in 1977.

  Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 1992, at New Milford Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until 1 p.m. at the Fred C. Olson Mortuary.

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Daily Iowegian - 11 July 1996

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Joe C. Porter, 1916-1996

  Joe C. Porter, son of Clarence and Mae Belle (Brinkley) Porter, was born October 5, 1916 in Exline, Iowa. He passed away Sunday, July 7, 1996 at the Marion Health Center in Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 2 days.

  He was married to Lois Marshall on February 14, 1939 in Unionville, Mo., and to this union two children were born, Tommy Lee and JoEllen.

  Joe was employed in trucking and farming in the Udell and Iowa Falls area. He and his wife have traveled extensively since retiring in 1989. He attended the First Baptist Church when he was younger.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and a son, Tommy Lee Porter.

  Survivors include his wife, Lois of Yuma, Az.; his daughter, JoEllen Porter of Caroline, Wis.; a sister, Velma Panyk of Benton, Ark.; plus numerous coursins and other relatives.

  Funeral services were held Friday, July 12, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Mystic with Rev. Carl Heien officiating. The hymns "Whispering Hope" and "In The Garden" were sung by Sharon Heien, accompanied by Clara Swab, pianist.

  Pallbearers were Kermit Brinkley, Garner Cleaver, Erman Long, Sr., Joe Maddaleno, Milo Snider and Larry Spurgeon. Interment was in the Highland Cemetery in Mystic.

  A memorial was established to the cemetery in his memory. Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour was in charge of arrangements.

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  The editor is sincerely appreciative of the contribution of the above obituaries to The Jerome Journal by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.