JOHN JAMES BIDDLE

    John James Biddle, son of Grant and Vinnie (Clark) Biddle, was born April 12, 1926 in Dallas, Iowa. John graduated from Lacona High School in 1944.
    John answered the call from God to preach and was a minister of the gospel for the rest of his life. Beginning in Lucas, Iowa in 1947, John pastored Assembly of God Churches in Lucas, IA, Knox City, MO, Cedar Grove-near Brimson, MO, Missouri City, MO, LaPlata, MO, Shelbina, MO, Grant City, MO, Cainsville, MO, Aledo, IL, Cresco, IA. After leaving Cresco, John moved to Mount Ayr in 1985 and pastored for nine years before retiring due to strokes. On September 6, 1947, he married Bessie L. Tackitt in Koshkonong, MO. Together they witnessed of their faith through music and preaching.
    Rev. John J. Biddle went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 18, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ivan, Thelma, Wilfred, and David.
    Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bessie, of Mount Ayr; four sons Darell and wife Brenda of Greenfield, IA, Roger of Lenox, IA, Gary of Corning, IA, and Keith and wife Chris of New Windsor, IL; eight grandchildren Dale Biddle, Brian Biddle, Josh Biddle, Melissa Biddle, Cheryl Biddle, Michelle Carle, Sara Gillmore, and Jessica Biddle; three step-grandchildren Stephanie, Eric, and Noah; ten great-grandchildren; brother Walter Biddle of Berwick, IA; sisters-in-law Alice (Wilfred) and Roberta (David); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
    Services were held Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Rev Harold Tackitt, Pastor Bart Shields and Rev. Terry Roberts officiating.
    Casketbearers were Dale Biddle, Brian Biddle, Josh Biddle, Rod Smith, Derald Noble and Lyle Andresen.
    Honorary pallbearers were Melissa Biddle, Cheryl Biddle, Michelle Carle, Sara Gillmore and Jessica Biddle.
    Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.    
    A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later.