Arthur E. Beals

Arthur E. Beals, 86, formerly of Colfax, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial with military rites will be at McKeever Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Howard Street Christian Church and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Arthur Eugene Beals was born Sept. 11, 1929, the third child of Jay R. and Lula (Kern) Beals, in Ira. Arthur attended country schools, Liberty #7, graduating eighth grade in 1946. He then graduated from Colfax High School on May 17, 1950. Following graduation he farmed with his father until he was drafted into the United Sates Marines during the Korean War. After his military service, he returned to farming. After his father passed away in 1960, he farmed for a short time and then moved to Colfax, and worked for the IDOT for 28 years. On Oct. 3, 1987, he was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Stodden. Arthur was very active in the American Legion and held many offices with this organization. He had recently received his 60 year membership recognition. Arthur and Gloria made their home in Grand River for a short time then returned to live in Mingo. After Gloria passed away he moved back to Grand River, until his final move to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

He is survived by three stepchildren, Robert Nichols, Christian Walker and Amy Conn; several step-grandchildren; his sister, Virginia Hunter; several nieces and nephews; and his very dear friends and sister and brother-in-law, Ron and Diana Jackson and their family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; parents; grandparents; and two brothers, Richard and Junior.