Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
RUBY O'NEAL
Ruby Eunice O'Neal, daughter of Edward and Ida Dale Davenport, was born April 26, 1910 near Creston, Iowa. She died August 3, 1999 at home near Tingley, Iowa.
When she was a small child, her parents moved the family to a farm near Avalon, Missouri, where she attended elementary and high school.
She married Leonard O'Neal on December 13, 1926. To this union was born six children: Helen, Marian, twins Alan and Anne, Jon, and one infant daughter who died at birth.
Leonard and Ruby farmed in Missouri and Kansas before moving to a farm near Arispe, Iowa in 1934. The farm house had been built by Ruby's father. In 1938 Leonard and Ruby relocated to a farm in the Tingley com-munity and moved again in 1943 to their farm east of Tingley.
In addition to being a homemaker, Ruby worked side by side with her husband Leonard tending their livestock and crops. Their career in farming profited well for them, providing the family with a good home, enabling them to help their children to become established in their own careers, and providing Leonard and Ruby the means by which to enjoy their retirement years.
Ruby was baptized in the Christian Church as a child and joined the Tingley Christian Church after moving to Tingley where she remained a member until her death.
Survivors include her husband, Leonard O'Neal of Tingley; three daughters, Helen (husband Donald) Weeda of Tingley, Marian O'Neal of Denver, Colorado, and Anne (husband John) Holland of Seguin, Texas; a son, Alan (wife Juliann) of Redfield, Iowa; a brother Curtis Davenport of Chillicothe, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers and four sisters; an infant daughter; a son, Jon Leonard; two grandsons and one great-grandson.
Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, we give thanks for the life she shared with us, and for her gift of unfailing love.
Services were held at the Christian Church in Tingley on Saturday, August 7, 1999 with Reverend Eydie Stephens and Reverend Merlin Wilkins officiating. Eloise Brown, Margaret Wilkins and Marcy Wilkins provided music. Casketbearers were Patrick Weeda, Scott O'Neal, Tom Holland, David Bliss, Larry Hunt and Craig Griffis.
Interment was in the Tingley Cemetery, Tingley.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
BERNARD DUFTY
Bernard I. Dufty, son of Murland and Anna Drake Dufty, was born on December 12, 1914, in Ringgold County, Iowa and passed away at the family home September 4, 1999 in Rye, Colorado.
On September 13, 1935, he was united in marriage to Marguerite Vance. To this union five children were born: Peggy (Richard) Walter of Indianola, Iowa, Alan Dufty of Rye, Colorado, Nancy (Morgan) Mitchell of Del Norte, Colorado, Linda (Richard) Clennin of Beulah, Colorado and Sherry (Bill) Bell of Canon City, Colorado.
Survivors include wife Marguerite, five children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one sister Verba (Robert) Beck of Kellerton, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Lyndon and Leland.
Bernard and Marguerite moved to Rye, Colorado in 1967 after living on a farm in Ringgold county for 32 years. He was a member of the Rye Home Methodist Church and a retired farmer and carpenter. The center of his life was always his family and garden.
Funeral services were on Wednesday, September 8 at the Rye Home Methodist Church. Private graveside services followed at the Brookside Cemetery in Rye.
Memorials may be made to Rye Home Methodist Church or Sangre de Cristo Hospice.
LYLE DEAN LEONARD
Lyle Dean Leonard was born on August 15, 1953, at Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Iowa, to Donovan and Rose Mary Higday Leonard of Clearfield, Iowa. Lyle was welcomed home by two sisters, Julaine and Jennie Jeanne, and one brother Linden, and was later joined by three more brothers; Larry, Ricky and Ronny.
Lyle grew up and attended school in Clearfield where he graduated with the class of 1971. After graduation, Lyle was engaged in farming, an occupation which he continued and enjoyed throughout his lifetime. Other work included employment with Heimke Construction, Wick Buildings and Jimmy Dean Packing.
Lyle met Vicky Fox of Mount Ayr and on November 18, 1977 they were married in Clearfield. To this union was born three sons; Lance of Clearfield, Chris whom attends Iowa State University and Daniel of the home.
Lyle and Vicky purchased the Broadway Bar and Grill in Clearfield in 1995. That same year, they purchased his parents' farm which was a third generation family farm.
Lyle hardly knew a stranger and was known by friends for miles around. He was a person of remarkable generosity and loved family gatherings and good times with friends.
Lyle was a member of the United Methodist Church where he was baptised and also a member of the Clearfield Business Club.
After being missing since July 27, 1999, Lyle's body was found on August 30, 1999. He was preceded in death by his father Donovan.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Vicky; his sons, Lance, Christopher and Daniel; his mother Rose Mary; his sisters, Julaine Compton and husband Dan, Jennie Jeanne Stephens and husband Dick; his brothers, Linden and wife Cindy, Larry and wife Heather, Ricky and wife Bess and Ronny and wife Jari; a sister-in-law Martha Petersohn and husband Randy; a brother-in-law Rick Fox and wife Jody; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield on Friday, September 3, 1999, with Reverend Alan Rusk officiating. Maralene Longfellow and Kathy Nelson provided music. Casketbearers were Al Brammer, Bob Bailey, Gary Swank, Jerry Ewalt, Darwin Eggert and Gerald England. Honorary pallbearers were Scott Mitchell, Wendell Sollars, Dwight Matheny, Jim Parmenter, Maurice Hanson, Wayne Crittenden, Jeff Wood, Greg Powell, Cecil Smith, Max Higday, Alan Larsen, Bob McMath, Gary Smith, Larry Bowen, Brent Sobotka, Kenny Hinshaw and Marvin Shrimpton.
Interment was in the Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
DAWN A. SCHWANDT
Dawn A. Schwandt was the second of three children born to Georgene (Nelson) Richardson and Robert Richardson of Duncombe, Iowa. She was born January 11, 1961 and passed away August 28, 1999.
Dawn was married on September 15, 1979 to Douglas L. Schwandt. A few months later, on December 24, 1979, they became the proud parents of twins, Heath Allen and Tiffany Lynne. On February 10, 1981, the fifth member of the family arrived, Jarrod Ryan.
Throughout her short life Dawn helped a lot of people and touched many lives. She worked as a home health aide in Boone, Iowa; then in 1991 she began work at Clearview Nursing Home of Mount Ayr, Iowa, her most recent work place, as a cook. She was a cook for about six years. She then deciced to pursue one of her dreams--to be in the field of nursing. Soon after that she became a certified nurse aide. She really enjoyed her work and liked the people she worked with.
One of her many joys in life was her pets, especially her cat, Maggie, not to mention her three dogs, Samantha Jo, Shelby Lynn and Austin Michael.
Dawn will be remembered most for the following three things: her love of the Chicago Bulls, her teddy bear collection and bargain hunting (a.k.a. garage saleing). One could tell when the Bulls were playing because you could hear her cheering them on. Anyone who came to the home could tell right away who decorated most of the house (another one of her joys in life) because of all the teddy bears around the house. Almost every weekend she could be found around town at garage sales, practically buying everything "good."
Although she loved the forementioned items, the things she loved the most were the people closest to her. Whenever someone was in a jam and needed help, she'd do everything she could.
Dawn was preceded in death by a son Heath and her grandparents.
She leaves behind her husband Douglas, daughter Tiffany and son Jarrod. Also surviving her are her parents, Robert and Georgene Richardson of Duncombe; brothers, Dwayne (Tammy) Richardson and Doyle (Lori) Richardson, both of Webster City, Iowa; and her parents-in-law, Jean Schwandt of Webster City and Dick (Margie) Schwandt of Texas. She was a wonderful person and friend. She is greatly missed and will always be loved.
Services were at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr on Wednesday, September 1, 1999 with Reverend Charles Hawkins officiating. Musical selections were "To Be Loved By You" by Wynonna Judd, and "She's All I Ever Had" by Ricky Martin. Casketbearers were Dwayne Richardson, Doyle Richardson, Adam Richardson, Kent Lowman, Doug Hymbaugh and Kevin Shelman.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
PAT CARR
Patrick F. Carr was born January 13, 1917 on a farm near Beaconsfield, Iowa. He was the son of Patrick Carr, Sr. and Katherine Ward Carr. The family moved to Maloy, Iowa in 1926. Pat graduated from Maloy High School in 1934, having participated in basketball and baseball.
After graduation Pat worked for his brother E. E. Carr in the Chevrolet garage in Mount Ayr, Iowa. In 1939 he went to Bedford, Iowa with his brother Edward to operate the Chevrolet agency there in partnership with E. E. Carr.
Pat was inducted into the Army in 1942. He served 39 months, being assigned to the 11th Armored Division of General Patton's 3rd Army. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe and Ardennes. Pat reached the rank of sergeant before being discharged January 5, 1946.
Following his military service, Pat returned to Maloy to help his brother Frank in his grocery store and dance hall. In 1951 Pat was appointed rural carrier for the Postal Service in Maloy. In his 29 years of mail service he served Maloy, Blockton and Athelstan.
February 6, 1954, Pat married Gladys Clark Steele. Along with Gladys' son Dan, they moved into a home in Maloy. Following his retirement from the Postal Service they moved to Mount Ayr.
Pat's nieces and nephews never tired of hearing his stories of the past. His stepson Dan wrote about Pat shortly before his own death in 1997, "He is the kindest, most thoughtful, loving man I have ever known. I always felt I could come to him with my problems, even as an adult. He is the best example of what the word 'Dad' means."
He will be greatly missed by his wife Gladys; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Steele; grandchildren, Sandra, Paul, Pam and Tony; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Pat died Monday, August 16, 1999 at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. Father Thomas Dooley officiated at his funeral at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mount Ayr. The funeral was at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 1999. Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery in Maloy. Nieces Kathleen Taylor and Martha Hove provided the music. Nieces Jane Conway and Karen Lorence did the readings. Pallbearers were nephews, Pat, Joe, Tom and Dan Carr, James Haley and Gary Laughlin; and grandsons, Paul and Tony Steele.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Eugene, Frank, Maurice, Edward and James; four sisters, Marie Laughlin, Kathleen, Margaret Haley and Helen; and stepson, Dan Steele.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
JENNIE MARIE CHAPMAN
Jennie Marie (Garity) Chapman was born December 27, 1923 near Benton, Rice Township, Ringgold County, Iowa. She was the daughter of John H. and Katie Waugh Garity. Marie passed away August 8, 1999 after a long illness at the Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah, Iowa.
Marie grew up in Ringgold County and she graduated from Delphos High School in 1941. She later attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.
Marie was the high school secretary at North Fayette Community Schools in West Union for 32 years. She enjoyed the students and was loyal to them, the school and everyone associated. After retiring in 1991, she moved to Decorah, Iowa.
Marie was a member of the Iowa Educational Secretaries and the Minnesota Group of International Secretaries.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved grandson Kamon Shane Chapman in 1993 and a sister Kathryn Morris.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Myron (Bud) Chapman and his wife Barbara of Waterloo, Iowa, Judy Chapman of Gig Harbor, Washington and Brad Chapman; her three grandchildren who were so dear to her, Shawn King of Denver, Colorado, Tiffany Owens of Monterey, California and Jaime Chapman of Mayfield, Kentucky; one great-grandson Zachery Gillfillan of Littleton, Colorado; one great-granddaughter Emily Beaubien of Mayfield, Kentucky; a brother John Garity of Kansas City, Missouri; three sisters Sadie Rice and her husband Paul of Corvallis, Oregon, Ellen Huggins and her husband Walt of Kansas City, Missouri and Patricia Meeks and her husband Larry of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother-in-law Walt Morris of Volga, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery at Mount Ayr, Iowa on Friday, August 13, 1999 with Rev. Peter Brantner officiating.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
FAITH ELIZABETH EWING
Faith Elizabeth Ewing passed away Saturday, August 14, 1999 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. She was born to her parents, Dean and Mary Ewing, of Redding, on August 14, 1999. She weighed one pound and 14 oz. She lived for about 45 minutes before dying in her mother's arms.
Faith is survived by her parents, brothers Benjamin, Caleb, and Jacob Ewing, all of Redding. Surviving grandparents are Stanley and Janita Ewing of Platteville, Wisconsin and Myron and Ardys Shervheim of Des Moines, Iowa. Surviving great-grandparents are Virgil and Katherine Ewing of Richland Center, Wisconsin.
Burial will be in the Middlefork Cemetery. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.
MILLICENT ANN KNIGHT
Millicent Knight, Millie, was born Millicent Ann Wells on December 1, 1933 to Vivian and Ida Mae Sharp Wells in rural Ringgold County, near Kellerton, Iowa.
She was the oldest of six children. Millie learned to cook and work hard early in life and that continued throughout.
Millicent spent her entire life in Ringgold County, graduating from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1952. After high school she worked in town as a dental assistant, in the United Grocery Store and for 23 years as bookkeeper and buyer for Dean Jacobs' fur, wool and hide business. She took pleasure in being around the public and visiting, enjoying friendships with many people. Millie also worked side by side with her husband Ed, managing their livestock operation.
Millie liked being outside and had a green thumb for growing flowers and houseplants. She had hobbies such as fishing, skating, crocheting and sometimes even hunting with her brothers. She also enjoyed shopping, collecting, eating out, cooking, visiting on the phone, watching funny movies, hearing and telling jokes and having slumber parties with her sisters.
Millie married Edward Knight on April 27, 1964 and had one daughter, Lynnette. She thought the world of both of them and they were the center of her life.
Millie was baptized June 17, 1974 and had a quiet faith in God that she relied on up to her death. Preceding her in death were her parents and a sister Jeanne Lynn Wells.
Those who mourn Millie's passing on August 13, 1999 include her husband Edward; daughter Lynnette and husband George Hunt of Mount Ayr; brothers, J. R. Wells and wife Virgie of Gladstone, Missouri and Gary Wells and wife Karen of Henderson, Nevada; sisters, Janet Fox and husband Carl of Indianola, Iowa and Pat Baker and husband Ken of Osceola, Iowa; two aunts, Marie Piatt of Lamoni, Iowa and Edith James of Mesquite, Texas; two sisters-in-law, AnnaBelle Knight and Luceal Knight of Mount Ayr; 13 nieces and nephews; many cousins, and many, many friends.
Services were held at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Monday, August 16, 1999 with Rev. Peter Brantner, Rev. Diana Holland and Rev. Ralph Johnson officiating. Music was provided by Nancy Sackett and Betsy Keenan. Casketbearers were Dale Bickel, Ted Still, Josh Shields, Hank Smith, Steve Trullinger and Barton Shields. Honorary pallbearers were Darlene Irving, Dorothy Hughes, Jean Willey, Lorraine Link, Georgia Brand, Janice Lindeman and Helen Luchsinger.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
Wilson -Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
MARY HELEN LONG
Mary Helen Long, daughter of William Gilmore and Mabel Irene Brown Barbour was born February 26, 1909 at Garden Grove, Iowa and died August 12, 1999 at Paris, Texas at the age of 90 years, five months and 16 days. She was a graduate of Beaconsfield High School and a member of the Beaconsfield United Methodist Church.
Helen was married July 9, 1926 to Leonard Bear. To this union was born a son, William Forrest Bear.
On February 25, 1931 she was united in marriage to Homer T. Long. To this union was born a daughter, Barbara Ann.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Barbara Walters and her husband Lyle of Bayfield, Colorado; a daughter-in-law, Maxine Bear of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren: Steven Walters and wife Beverly and Richard Walters of Paris, Texas; Jeanne Sleeper of Laguana Beach, California; Andy Bear and wife Barbara of Roberts, Wisconsin; Mike Bear of River Falls, Wisconsin; Martha Dallis and husband David of Douglastown, New York and Mary Dukes and husband Clarence of Minneapolis, Minnesota; twelve great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Oleta Moon and husband Normand of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law Ann Barbour of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Alice Barbour of Ottumwa, Iowa as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, her son Forrest, a great-granddaughter Alise and brothers Gilmore, Edwin and Russell Barbour.
A skilled seamstress, Helen began a sewing career at 10 years of age that spanned nearly eight decades. She operated an upholstery business for several years and instructed classes on upholstering at Southwest Community College. She was also an artisan at a variety of handcrafts and needlework.
In addition to an ever present needlework project, Helen also enjoyed reading, puzzles and in recent years had become an avid Texas Rangers fan.
Helen was proud of her Scots-Irish heritage and it endowed her with a fierce determination to remain independent as she dealt with her failing health.
She will be especially remembered for her steadfast faith, her love and pride for her family and her willingness to generously share her time and talents and lend a hand to family and community projects. Her quiet, gentle nature will provide a comforting memory for all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 14 at the United Methodist Church in Beaconsfield, Iowa with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. Mary Ann Smith and Rosalie McAlexander provided the music. Casketbearers were Andy Bear, Steve Walters, Jim Smith, Mike Bear, Rick Walters and Rex Walters.
She was laid to rest in the Oliver Cemetery near Kellerton, Iowa.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
REX LINDEN FOLTZ
Rex Linden Foltz was born March 28, 1914 in Middle Fork township, Ringgold county, Iowa, the son of Mike J. and Clara Ferber Foltz. Rex passed away on September 17, 1999 at the Gentry County Memorial Hospital in Albany, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
Rex grew up and attended rural schools in Ringgold county.
Rex was united in marriage to Florence Drake on June 13, 1936 in Winterset, Iowa by Rev. Talley. They lived in Oregon for 17 years where Rex worked as a painter, nine years in Arizona where Rex worked on the Tom Chauncey Ranch in the hay cultivation and then moved to the Tingley, Iowa area where Rex worked for Harrison Link. Florence passed away on May 27, 1981.
Rex married Cleora Armstrong Olney on February 23, 1982 in Mound City, Missouri and they have made Albany, Missouri their home after he retired in 1984. Rex liked to be busy and he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and working in his yard. He was a good neighbor and was outgoing and friendly. Most importantly, Rex was a wonderful caregiver to his parents when he was younger and to Florence and Cleora in later years. Cleora passed away on September 17, 1998.
Rex was baptized in the Tingley Methodist Church and was a member of the Albany Christian Church. He enjoyed attending the Dorsey Christian Church in Albany.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wives, Florence and Cleora; two brothers and their wives, Ray and Pearl and Roy and Jennie; and Roy and Jennie's children, Betty Beach and Glee Foltz.
Left to cherish his memory are his stepchildren, Norma Beauchamp and husband, Shelby and Beverly McCord and her husband Vernon, all of Albany, Missouri and Norman M. Olney and his wife Sharon of Springfield, Missouri; eight stepgrandchildren and 12 stepgreat-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Richard Drake and his wife Judy of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Glen Drake of Clovis, California; sisters-in-law Rose Findley and her husband Robert H. of Grant City, Missouri and Helen Young of Philomath, Oregon; nieces and nephews Ella Marie Trask, Mike Beach and Gary Foltz of Oregon and Fred Foltz of Idaho, as well as a host of good friends.
Graveside services were held on Monday, September 20, 1999 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa with Pastor George Morey officiating. The euology was given by Robert H. Findley.
Casketbearers were Richard Drake, Ron Beauchamp, Rick Sprague, Brian Holland, Rob Beattie, Rick McCord, Keith Lawrence and Perry Shipman.
Memorials can be made to the Dorsey Christian Church in Albany, Missouri.
Funeral arrangements were made by Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr.
ARNOLD DEAN FUGATE
Arnold Dean Fugate, the eldest child of Nellie and Ora, was born November 15, 1929 in the family home at Ellston, Iowa. He passed away September 18, 1999 at home after a year-long battle with cancer.
When Dean was a small boy, the family moved to Kellerton, Iowa where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from the Kellerton High School in 1948 and then served three years in the Reserves and the United States Air Force.
Throughout high school and after graduation, Dean worked with his father at their business, the Kellerton Oil Company. He also raised registered Polled Herford cattle for many years, which he enjoyed as well as the land he lived on. Dean's last job was as janitor at the Grand Valley grade school. He always liked the small children at the school who called him Mr. Fugate.
Dean married Rose Marie Motsinger in 1952. Together they were blessed with four children, Vickie, Tamara, Micheal and Rob. Many happy hours were spent together as a family boating and picnicking at Sun Valley Lake in Ellston, Iowa. Dean was a loving grandfather, who delighted in watching and playing with his five grandchildren. He always enjoyed his family and holiday gatherings. When asked to make a Christmas list, Dean always said all he wanted was for everyone to come home.
Dean was involved in community activities throughout his life. He was a member of the Kellerton Christian Church serving as an elder at the time of his death. He was an active member of the Kellerton American Legion Post and was county commander, as well as local commander. Dean belonged to the Masonic Lodge and was a past master. In his younger years, he was a member of the Kellerton Volunteer Fire Department and emergency squad. He also enjoyed music and collecting antique tools.
Dean is survived by his wife Rose; four children and their families: Vickie, Robert and Brian Lewis of Marshalltown; Scott Lewis and family of Ackworth, Georgia; Jeremy Lewis of Union; Tamara Fugate of Katy, Texas; Micheal, Cindy, Mackenzie and Tyler Fugate of Des Moines; and Rob Fugate of West Des Moines; his sister Judith Ann and Larry Kaestner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his mother Nellie Fugate of Mount Ayr; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, Ora Fugate.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday, September 21, 1999 at the Christian Church in Kellerton with Rev. Terry Roberts officiating. Marie Murphy provided the music.
Casketbearers were Kenneth Mickael, Chester Munyon, Sam Merrill, Steve Norris, Myron Ingram and Clarence Greimann.
Honorary pallbearers were Bob Roe, Randy Johnson, Tom Giles, Russell Norris, Rod Smith, Howard Brown and Bill Fifer.
Dean was laid to rest in Maple Row Cemetery at Kellerton, Iowa. Military graveside rites were performed by the Kellerton Post #676 American Legion.
Funeral arrangements were made by Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.
REV. PHILIP LEE KINTON
Phil Kinton was born at the home of his parents, Russell John and Esther Ruth (Gibbs) Kinton, May 2, 1933, in Brunswick, Ohio. He died Friday, September 10, 1999 at 10 a.m. at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa.
Phil attended Brunswick Community Schools. It was here he acquired his love of music, which continued throughout his life. He was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in which his great-grandfather Gibbs was a pioneer preacher. He was active in 4-H and scouting. His love of camping began at scout camp, at 4-H camp and, above all, Camp Christian, where he dedicated his life to the ministry.
He attended Hiram College and received a degree in music education. It was there in a freshman English class that he met his future wife, Doris. They modeled a new style of ministry even then as "a clergy couple" when they served the Congregational Church in Mecca, Ohio. Following graduation, they married on August 28, 1955, and came to Drake University to attend seminary. They served the Deep River Christian Church while in seminary.
Other pastorates included: Pierson and Cleghorn Christian Church, Zearing Christian Church and then a "joint call" to the Mount Ayr First Christian Church, Mount Ayr, IA in 1976. Five years ago Phil developed a heart problem. Doris continued serving the parish until retirement in 1997.
Phil's was a teaching ministry--he counseled or directed Chi Rho Camp over 80 some weeks (with the weeks that others in the family shared, the Kinton family counseled 122 weeks of Church camping) either at the State Parks or at the Christian Conference Center at Newton. He taught Church School Class, was a member of the choir, led the children's bell choir, inventing a color note method for young children who could not read music. An elected Elder at Mount Ayr, he loved to work on the property of the church and felt blessed to lead the congregation to build a new house of worship after two fires.
His love of cooking helped the congregation to raise a large sum of money to help pay for the new building by cooking meals at the State Fair for the 4-H exhibitors, FFA and State Fair Singers for several years.
He was a member of the Ringgold County Ministerial Association, serving as president and later secretary. He headed up the Potato Project which brought tons of potatoes to dispense to families in a six county area in southern Iowa and northern Missouri.
Phil was a Scout Master or Cub Scout Leader in several communities in which he lived. He was the leader of the Owl Patrol of the Order of the Arrow. He was also a member of the Lions Club, serving as president. He was a Master Gardener and designed the Chalice Garden at the regional office of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest.
Phil will be remembered for his love of nature, his kind spirit, willingness to treat all people with love and respect, and his sharing of a new experience with someone. He was open to new ideas, loved to attend sporting events, loved to travel, whether through the back roads of Ringgold county, or Nova Scotia, Paris, or most recently, (a retirement gift), a trip to the Holy Land.
He is survived by his wife Doris; son Tom and his wife Vanessa of Columbia, SC; daughter Lorinda, her husband Jim Parker of Blue Springs, MO; daughter Karla of Urbandale, IA; three grandchildren, Issac and Tommy Kinton of Columbia, SC, McKenna Parker of Blue Springs, MO; a sister, Carolyn and family of Detroit, MI; and several aunts and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents and a younger brother Edward, all of Ohio.
It is hard to sum up his life in these few memories. May your own memories of Phil be a blessing to you, as he was to us, his family.
"Dearest family and friends, we love you all and thank you for so much love towards us through many years. P and D."
Memorial services were held Thursday, September 16, 1999 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr. Reverends John and Ainslee Brillo, Dr. Donald McCord and Dr. Richard Guentert officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Steve Trullinger and the First Christian Church Choir. Congregational hymns "Holy Ground," " In This Very Room," "Here I Am, Lord" and "That Cause Can Never Be Lost or Strayed" were sung.
Casketbearers were Jim Parker, Pat McNulty, Robert Price, Jerry Crenshaw, Jack Burright and Fred Gee. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Sparrow, Dean McWilliams, Jarred Trullinger, John Galvin, Jim Smith, Richard Gibbs, Carl Gordon, Jim Bruce, Clinton Wolf, John and Carmen Zeitler and the staff of the Christian Church Upper Midwest.
Funeral arrangements were made by Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home.
