Charles Lorne McGahuey August 10, 1916 – June 25, 1941

  Charles Lorne McGahuey, son of Mahlon and Florence (Rauch) McGahuey, was born August 20, 1916 in Decatur county, Iowa.

On June 25, 1941, Charles was united in marriage to Helen M. Holtzman in Albany, Missouri. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, returning as a highly decorated war veteran.

Following his discharge, Charles returned to live his life in Mount Ayr, Iowa. He last worked in the lumber supply business at Hawkeye Lumber and later Southwest Builder Supply. Charles enjoyed being outside. He liked to fish and make a good garden. Charles enjoyed his cat, Suzy, and he played the guitar and sang. Charles passed away on March 5, 2010 in Mount Ayr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Karl, Vernon, Clarence and Kenneth McGahuey; one sister, Louise Baker, and his son-in-law, Robert Sterling.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 69 years, Helen McGahuey of Mount Ayr, Iowa; his children, Judith Ann Sterling of Dallas, Texas and Barry L. McGahuey and wife Gretchen of Wesley, Iowa; grandchildren, Ian McGahuey and wife Angelina of Twentynine Palms, California and Megan Parker and husband second lieutenant Tommy of Okinawa, Japan; great-grandchildren, Tyler McGahuey and Wyatt and Olivia Parker; stepgreat-grandchildren, Marcus and Reece; sisters-in-law, Lois Johnson of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Bernice McCoy of Des Moines, Iowa, Nina Powell of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Linda Sickels of Lenox, Iowa, Wanda McGahuey of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Elladeen McGahuey of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Ruby McGahuey of Denver, Colorado, and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial fund has been established to Hospice of Central Iowa.

Services were conducted at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Sunday, March 7, 2010, with Rev. Edward Shields officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett and Judy Cunning.

Casket bearers included members of Ringgold Post #172, American Legion.

Honorary pallbearers were David Bolles, Joe Murphy, Rick Fox, Roland Jackson, John Ford and Daryl Holden.

Military rites were conducted by Ringgold Post #172 and Army National Guard Honor Squad.

Charles was laid at rest in the Elk Chapel Cemetery, Decatur county, Iowa.