Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 

 

[BLAKE, JOHN MILTON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 20, 1930, p. 5
Relatives in Bedford received word the first of the week of the death of John Blake, who passed away at the State Penitentiary at Fort Madison. The body will not be sent to Bedford but will be interred at that place.

[BRADLEY, HUBERT HARRY, SR.]
Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa), Saturday, April 17, 1993, p. 29
Hubert H. Bradley Sr., 76, of Kent died of a heart attack Thursday at Greater Community Hospital in Creston. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox, of which he was a member. Burial will be in North Fairview Cemetery there.

Mr. Bradley was born in Creston and farmed in the Creston and Kent areas.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadine; six sons, Thomas of Pensacola, Fla., Harry of Buffalo, Donald of Topeka, Kan., Patrick of Charleston, Ill., and Hubert Jr. and Michael, both of Creston; four daughters, Theresa Luce of Oakley, Kan., Anita Longfellow of Lenox, Linda Beaman of Des Moines and Rose Roewert of Blair, Neb.; a brother, Lyman of Kent; 32 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. today at Coen-Beaty Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will continue from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. vigil service and 4 p.m. wake service.



[CASON, CHARLES CORNELIUS]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 21, 1961, p. 4
Charles Cason, 48, Of Conway Dies
Charles Cason, 48, of Conway, died Saturday at a hospital in Omaha.

Funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Tuesday in the Christian church at Clearfield with Rev. Paul Beemer of Michigan officiating. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Letha, and seven children. Also surviving is his mother in Arkansas and several brothers and sisters.

[CASON, CHARLES CORNELIUS]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 5, 1961, p. 8
Final Rites Held For Chas. Cason
The last rites were held for Charles Cason at the Clearfield Christian church, Tues., at 2 p. m. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

Charles Cornealous Cason, the son of John William Cason was born on November 5, 1912, near Leola, Arkansas, and passed from this life in the St. Joseph Memorial hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 16, 1961.

His boyhood days were spent on a farm in Arkansas.

In 1932 Charles confessed his faith in Christ as his Savior and united with the Manning Baptist Church. He demonstrated and testified of his faith in Christ until the very last.

On March 8, he was united in marriage to Letha May Safley, in Princeton, Arkansas. To this union were born the following children: Charles jr., who passed away in 1956; John Oliver of Cedarville, Michigan; Irma Marie, Dwayne Andrew, James William, Nancy Ellen, Christine Elaine and Frank Allen who are at home. A daughter-in-law, Judy and a granddaughter Joy of Cedarville, Michigan.

His mother, Luna Cason of Camden, Arkansas; three sisters, Virginia Hudson of Camden, Arkansas, Mildred Gurnsey of Hampton, Arkansas; Ernestine Monken of St. Joseph, Missouri; two brothers, John Clifford of Camden, Arkansas and George Gilbert of Sheridan, Arkansas. The above with his wife survive him with the exception of the son, Charles jr.

Those near to him who have preceded him in death are his son Charles jr. in 1956; his father in 1950; a sister Christine in 1933; and a sister Everlean Anders who was buried just three weeks prior to Charles' death.

Besides these names he leaves many other relatives and surely a host of very dear friends.

The family moved to the present home near Conway in Taylor County, Iowa, February 17, 1949, where he became a real part of the community; many of those who have been his neighbors tell of the many, many fine things of his life and it is with aching hearts that they think of his passing from their midst. He always had the time to listen to his many small friends when they came to him with their problems.

He was a member and a member of the board of the Clearfield Christian church, on which he spent many hours when they were building the new building. He was also a booster for many other worthwhile things of the community in which he lived.

Charles Cason will truly be remembered as a loving husband and father, a kind and gracious friend and neighbor

Relatives attending from a distance were Mrs. Kenneth I. Mullen of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. John O. Cason and Joy, of Cedarville, Mich.; Mrs. Luna Cason, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Cason, Miss Bertha Anders, Mrs. Virginia Hudson of Camden, Ark.; Mrs. Mildred Gurnsey of Hampton, Ark.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Monken and sons of St. Joseph, Mo.

[CASON, CHARLES CORNELIUS, JR.]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 30, 1956, [p. 1]
Conway Youth Drowned Sunday
Charles Cason, 16, Dies In Father's Pond
Charles Cason, jr., 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cason of Conway, drowned about noon Sunday, August 26, in the pond on his father's farm.

Cason was swimming with his brothers and had swum across the pond once and had started back when he went down.

His body was found in about 3 feet of water.

Young Cason was a grandson of Oliver Safley, Conway, and would have been a Junior in the Clearfield high school.

He is survived by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

The body was taken to the Wetmore Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Clearfield, Tuesday afternoon, August 28, conducted by Rev. Howard Ball. Music was furnished by the Clearfield high school quartet and school friends acted as pall bearers. Burial was in Conway cemetery.

[CASON, CHARLES CORNELIUS, JR.]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 13, 1956, p. 6
Obituary – Charles Cason, jr.
Charles Cornelius Cason, jr., son of Charles C. and Letha Safley Cason, was born about seven miles east of Bedford on June 1, 1939. He lost his life in a drowning accident at the home of his parents near Conway on August 26, at the age of 17 years, two months, 26 days.

He entered the Willow Street school east of Bedford and attended there until the family moved to a larger farm east of Conway in the spring of 1949. He completed his elementary education at Grant No. 4 school, graduating on the Honor Roll. Charles entered the Clearfield Independent Schools and would have been a junior this fall.

Charles had been a member of the Calvary Go-Getters 4-H club five years and was a member of Clearfield Future Farmers of America chapter. He greatly enjoyed the work of both organizations. He was an obedient and loving son with a great interest in sports, fishing and hunting.

Charles is deeply mourned by his father and mother; two sisters, Irma Marie and Nancy Ellen; three brothers, John Oliver, Dwayne Andrew, James William. He will also be greatly missed by two grandmothers, a grandfather, five aunts, two uncles, cousins and friends.





 

 



[GEAGLEY, WILLETTA KATHERINE KELLEY]
Willetta Katherine Geagley, 97, of Maryville, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at the Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville, MO.
Born in Pickering, MO on September 7, 1920, she had lived in the area most all her life.

She graduated from the Horace Mann High School, Maryville, and worked as a bookkeeper for J.C. Penney's.

She had married Ed Stephens, and they later divorced.  She later married William "Bill" Geagley and he preceded her in death.  She was also preceded by her parents, her brother, Clayton Kelley, and sister, Ruth White.

She is survived by her 3 children, Larry Stephens, Leavenworth, KS, Kelley (Janice) Stephens, Kansas City, MO, and Randy Geagley, Maryville; her sister, Virginia Lett, Maryville; 5 grandchildren, Renee (Matt) Gray, Laramie, WY, Jill (Tim) Aldridge, Laramie, Jessica Geagley, Fisher, OK, Dylan Wallace, Estes Park, CO, and Makaya Geagley, Hopkins, MO; 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Willetta has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Memorial graveside services are at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, IA.  No formal visitation is planned.

Memorials are suggested to the New Nodaway Humane Society, Maryville, MO.
[Online obituary courtesy of Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri]






 

[KLECKNER, LETHA MAY SAFLEY]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 24, 1984
Letha Klechner, 63, Final Rites Were Held May 19
Funeral services for Mrs. Bill (Letha May) Klechner [Kleckner], of Concordia, Kansas, held May 19 in First Christian Church in Clearfield, were officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Klechner [Kleckner] died May 17, 1984 in University of Missouri Medical Center in Columbia, Mo. Interment was at Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa.

Letha May Safley, daughter of Oliver Safley and Irma Jarvis Safley, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, January 16, 1921. She grew to maturity in the area where she was born where she attended the public school and the Christian Church.

On March 8, 1938 she was united in marriage to Charles Cornelius Cason. To this union were born: Charles Cornelius Junior; John Oliver, Irma Marie, Dwayne Andrew, James William, Nancy Ellen, Christine Elaine and Frank Allen.

Her husband, Charles Cason, Sr. died in September 1961.

On October 4, 1963 she was united in marriage to Bill Klechner [Kleckner]. To this union were born: Linda Sue and Steven Douglas.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Oliver and Irma Safley; a brother, Delbert Safely; her husband Charles Cason Sr. and son Charles Cason Jr.  and infant daughter Linda Sue.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: John, Irma, Dwayne, Jim, Nancy, Christine, Frank and Steven; a sister, Lois Mullin [Mullen], of Anaheim, California; 17 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; one great grandson; other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Klechner [Kleckner] kept Cradle Roll and taught Sunday School in the Bedford Christian Church and helped with 4-H and FFA for several years. She and Charles were members of the Clearfield Christian Church when it was being built and Mrs. Klechner [Kleckner] shared in conducting worship service when the church was without a minister.

During her lifetime she lived in Iowa, Arkansas, Texas and was living in Concordia, Missouri at the time of her death. She will be missed by her family and friends.





[MARTIN, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN "FRANK"]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Saturday, February 9, 1952, [p. 1]
B. F. Martin, 68, Dies Last Night
Benjamin F. Martin, 68, died at his home at 504 east Howard street, in Creston, at 10:15 p. m. Friday. He had been ill for six years. Mr. Martin had been employed for many years by the Burlington railroad, retiring in 1949.

Funeral services will be held at McGregor Brothers and Coens funeral home at 10 a. m. Monday. Dr. A. P. Keast, pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be at Conway, Ia.

Benjamin Franklin Martin was born at Petersburg, Ill., May 22, 1883. He was the son of Mortimer and Mary Zook Martin. He was married at Bedford, Ia., Feb. 24, 1924, to Irene Tame, who survives him.

Mr. Martin came to Creston, July 6, 1923.

Surviving in addition to the widow are two stepsons, Rex and Claude Tame of Creston.

[MARTIN, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN "FRANK"]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Monday, February 11, 1952, [p. 1]
Benjamin F. Martin Rites Held Today
Benjamin F. Martin Rites Held Today
Funeral services for Benjamin Franklin Martin were held at 11 a. m. today at McGregor Brothers and Coens chapel. Dr. A. P. Keast, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiated. Burial was in Graceland cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Bentley, Henry Johnson, Theodore Hillman, Fred Hayworth, Herbert Huntley and Major Andrews. Mr. Martin, 68, died at his home here Friday noon.

[MARTIN, RUBY IRENE "RENA" CHURCHILL TAME]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), November 18, 1970, p. 22
Irene Martin Dies Here at 94
Mrs. B. F. Martin (Irene) Martin, 94, of Creston, died at the Crest Haven nursing home here at 7 p. m. Tuesday after a long illness. She had lived in Creston since 1924. Her home was at 504 east Howard street.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Thursday at Coens Home for Funerals. Rev. Lyle s. Dunham, associate pastor of the First United Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland cemetery. Her family will be at the funeral home from 7:30 to 8:30 p. m. tonight.

Irene Churchill was born at Galesburg, Ill., in 1876. She was the daughter of Henry and Marion Williamson Churchill. She was married at Bedford, Feb. 24, 1924, to B. [enjamin] F. [ranklin] Martin, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Martin is survived by a son, Claude Tame of Creston. She was a member of the United Methodist church.

[MARTIN, RUBY IRENE "RENA" CHURCHILL TAME]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Friday, November 20, 1970, p. 8
Irene Martin's Rites Thursday
Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Martin, 94, were held at 11 a. m. Thursday at Coens Home for Funerals. Rev. Lyle s. Dunham, associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, officiated. Casket bearers were Marion Thomas, Don Pettinger, Vaughn Heimke, Paul Reynolds, John Goodlaxson and Rex Harmon. Burial was in Graceland cemetery.

Mrs. Martin died at the Crest Haven nursing home Tuesday evening. She had lived in Creston since 1924.



[REYNOLDS, BESSIE COX]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Wednesday, November 23, 1988, p. 5
Bessie Reynolds – Services for Bessie Reynolds, 88, Bedford, were held with Rev. Paul Shultz officiating. Mrs. Reynolds died November 5, 1988 at Bedford Manor, Bedford, Ia.

Bessie Cox Reynolds, daughter of Maud Henderson and George Robert Cox, was born at Broken Bow, Custer County, Neb. October 2, 1900. Many of her early years were spent in Shenandoah then Clearfield, Iowa where she attended a country school south of Clearfield.

She married Myron T. Reynolds on March 17, 1920. Ten days later on March 17, they traveled to Pella, Canada to homestead some land and set up house in an old granary. Several years later they returned to Bedford where they worked and raised their family. Bessie worked at a bakery, a dress shop and at Brown's Flower Shop.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Roy Cox.

Left to cherish her memory are two sisters, Blanch Abbott from Washington state and Esther Robinson from Elmcreek, Neb.; her three children and their spouses, Jane and Ronald Davison, John and Grace Reynolds and Marilyn and Don Newkirk; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, Nickie and Bill Henderson and their children Clay, Grant and Paige, Diane Lubuke, Debra Newkirk, Dennis and Suzanne Newkirk and their children Malory and Madison, Vickie and Rock Bahl and Sherry and Ron Lannin and their daughter Ashley Ann, Terrie and Don Gentrud and their sons Donald and Josh.

Bessie was a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star, the Rainbow Advisory Board for many years and the WWI Veterans group.

She received all persons who came to her with understanding and concern and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.





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