A memorial service will be held at a later date in Glenwood, Iowa.
Walter Edward Phelps, 93, was born to George and Hattie Jones Phelps on a farm near Glenwood, Iowa, January 1, 1914. After a long and lingering illness he passed away December 11, 2007 at the Samaritan Village in Prescott, AZ.
Walter attended Little Brick Country School through the 8th grade and graduated in 1931 from Glenwood High School.
Being a lifelong farmer, he married Ruth Geneva Sell in 1935. The couple continued farming SE of Glenwood until they retired and moved to Prescott, AZ in 1979. The couple celebrated 72 years of marriage on February 20, 2007.
While living in Glenwood, he was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir. After moving to AZ, he joined the United Methodist Church in Prescott. While in Glenwood he served on the Glen Haven Nursing Home board and was actively involved with the District School Board for the country school system. He was later involved when the districts consolidated. Walter was a member of the Farm Bureau board and also served on the Mills County ASCS board.
Walter loved flying and obtained his private pilots license in 1964 at 50 years of age. He owned his own plane and flew many trips, some with the “Flying Farmers” organization as well as many private trips over much of the United States, Mexico and Canada. Walter loved to travel and explore new areas. He truly enjoyed his retirement years in Arizona.
He was an active member of the Barbershop Chorus in Prescott and belonged to a quartet that sang for different functions. Walter had strong baritone voice and also sang with the church group “The Joyful Noise”.
He is survived by his wife Geneva; 2 daughters, Judy DeLashmutt and husband Tom of Glenwood, IA; Jane DeLashmutt of Prescott, AZ; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Visitation:Saturday, December 20, 2008
7:00 PM
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Service:Saturday, December 20, 2008
7:00 PM
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