Darwin McElderry

Darwin (Darb) Chester McElderry, age 88, of Exline, Iowa passed away Thursday February 12, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, Centerville. Darb was born December 1, 1920, the son of Wilford and Addie (McWilliams) McElderry in Exline, Iowa. He married Ozetta Mathes on January 21, 1946 in Centerville, Iowa. Darb was raised in Exline and attended Exline School. In his early adult life, he enlisted in the Army and was a veteran of World War II. At the conclusion of his military career in 1945, Darb worked in logging, as well as truck driving in the Appanoose County area. He later worked for Ideal Ready Mix Company in Centerville for 16 years. After his retirement, Darb was self employed for many years. In his free time Darb enjoyed spending time with his family. People could often see him driving around in his old, red truck. Darb is survived by his wife, Ozetta of Exline, Iowa; son, Roger (Linda) McElderry of Exline, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Pam Mathes of Exline, Iowa, Betty Hendrix of Washburn, Missouri, Mike Mathes (Chey) of Washburn, Missouri, Robyn (Brian) Hamilton of Knoxville, Iowa, Michelle (Shayne) Kaster of Knoxville, Iowa, Brandon McElderry of Moulton, Iowa, ...[more]

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Kem (Ron) Dixon of Albia, Iowa; eighteen great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Marie Ellis of Kansas and Eleanor Moore of Centerville, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Floyd Mathes, Larry McElderry and Dale McElderry; two sisters, Jean Shinn and Eveylon "Bud" Hall; a grandson, Chad McElderry; granddaughter, Lorainn Mathes; and a great-great granddaughter, Jayci Shrum. Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Lange Funeral Home with Pastor Gerald Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at the Exline Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday at Lange Funeral Home with the family present from 6-8 PM. A memorial has been established to the family 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.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.