James Vern Sell

Memorials may be made to the Tabor Fire and Rescue.

INTERMENT: Tobor Cemetery, Tabor, Iowa

James Vern Sell, 87, of Tabor, Iowa, passed away quietly from this life Wednesday July 14, 2010 surrounded by his proud family.

Vern was a life long resident of Mills County. He was born to Lowell I. & Ruth Sell on Nov. 2, 1922 and was one of 8 children. He graduated from Glenwood High School and served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

After returning home from the military he met Helen Rasmussen. They were married on Dec. 10, 1947 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born, Kathy Mayes (Henry) of Austin, TX; Karen LaBrayere of Cozad, NE; Keila Dremstedt (AL) of Colorado Springs, CO. Vern and Helen are the grandparents of 9 grandchildren; Kim Mayes McKay of McAllen, TX; Kristin Mayes Burke of Austin, TX; Jeffrey Sell Mayes of Traer, IA; Jessica Mayes Goodall of Austin, TX; Anne LaBrayere Graves of Indianapolis, IN; Jaime LaBrayere Jarrell of Kaipuhu, HI; Jill LaBrayere Hergenrader of Cozad, NE; Zachary LaBrayere of Lincoln, NE; and Kaylee Garnhart of Denver, CO and 15 grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Helen of Tabor, Iowa, his three daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one sister, Geneva Phelps of AZ; brother, Gail Edwin & wife Betty Sell of Malvern, IA: Floyd Dean “Corky” & wife Mary Sell of Omaha, NE; Vern is also survived by a wealth of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Ercell & wife Deltha, Dale & wife Delores, Duane & wife Ruth, Maxine & husband Bernard Roenfeldt and brother-in-law, Walter Phelps.

Vern and Helen moved to Tabor in 1953. They purchased the Lon Kempton farm in 1970. He was a proud farmer and loved life to the fullest.

Most of Vern’s life revolved around a career in agriculture. As a leader of the Mills County Prize Winners 4-H Club, he shared his knowledge and passion for agriculture with many young men and women, always serving as a mentor to other young farmers throughout the community.

His favorite moments were spent outdoors. He loved sunrises and sunsets; made sure his daughters understood the moon cycles, the constellations and the wonder of nature. Rainy days found him puttering in his shop, going to the races or playing cards with friends.

He was chairman of the Mills County Agriculture and Stabilization Committee (ASC) for 8 years and a member of the Tabor Feed and Grain Corporation, serving as president for 2 years.

As a member of the Mills Fremont Rural Fire Protective Assoc., he received honors for twenty years of service as president. He participated in fundraising activities for the Tabor Ambulance fund and the Tabor Gun Club. He was Grand Marshall of the 67th Farmer and Merchant Picnic in Tabor and Honorary Homecoming King of Fremont Mills High School.

Vern was a member of the Tabor United Methodist Church where he served as Trustee. He was also a Farm Manager. He was a member of the American Legion Post 242 for 53 years, servings as a past commander.

Vern was a friendly face in the community. His kindness, generosity and sense of humor were evident by all who knew him.

Visitation:Friday, July 16, 2010
6:00 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:30 AM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534