moved to Oklahoma City in 1932 where he graduated from Capital Hill High School in 1945. He then attended the University of Oklahoma. In 1948, he moved back to Sedalia and on September 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, Mary “Lucy” Higgins. While in Sedalia he worked as an announcer for the local radio station and was also a car salesman for a local car dealership. Later he and his wife owned and operated Dixie Cream Donut Shop. In 1959, he went to work for the American Beauty Macaroni Company and was transferred to West Des Moines, Iowa in 1961. In 1972, he went to work for United Guaranty Mortgage Company where he retired in 1988. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and served as the Scout Master for Troop 202 in West Des Moines for many years. He helped to shape the lives of many young boys, some who still stopped by to visit and considered him a second father. He was a Mason and member of the Gnemeth Lodge #577 in West Des Moines for many years and also a member of West Des Moines Christian Church. He loved his Oklahoma Sooners football, fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends, socializing with other couples, and their lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks. Although, his greatest joys came from his time with family and watching his grandchildren grow, with pride. He was so excited when he became a great grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Turner. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Lucy, his sons; Keith and Mark, daughters; Cheryl (Maurie) Bolt of Janesville, IA and Sara Bierbaum. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Benjamin and Evan (Mileah Mesch) Bolt, Molly (Justin) Assink, Andrew, Nick and Emily Bierbaum and great granddaughter Cora Assink along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 20 at 11:00 a.m. with an hour viewing prior at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. Burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may go to the Boys Scouts of America.
