EDWIN GILBERT STILL

Edwin Gilbert Still passed away peacefully in his home on December 22, 2017. Those who loved him and will cherish his memory forever surrounded him in his final moments.
Edwin, or Ed as he was known to most, was born on September 15, 1937 at his family farm just north of Mount Ayr, Iowa. His parents Leonard Still and Mary Ellen Parker-Still brought ten children into the world with Ed being number nine. When he wasn’t working alongside his father and siblings on the farm Ed was attending the Caledonia Country School. He later continued his education at Mount Ayr Community High School where he graduated in 1957.
One year after graduation his flirtatious ways and signature grin won over the heart of Kathryn Lavon Holmes. The two were wed on July 27, 1958 and welcomed three sons into the world: Douglas Edwin, Ronche Ray, and Gregory Leroy. Ed and Kathryn also helped to raise her two younger brothers, Kurt and Rod. Ed’s life was always full between farming, working at the Lamoni Sale Barn, and keeping track of his ornery boys. In 1975 the couple added to the mix and purchased a farmstead of their own. This was also the year that Ed began his long career at the Mount Ayr Community High School.
Every student and staff member who walked the halls of MACHS between the years of 1975 and 2010 had the pleasure of seeing Ed’s familiar face. As the head custodian he had the opportunity to impact the lives of hundreds of young adults. Even if you were not a student you could still count on seeing him at every home football game working the ‘chain gang’. Ed loved his Raider football and the students loved him right back. In 1984, he was selected by the senior class football players to be the Grand Marshal in the homecoming parade.
His job duties didn’t stop there, but instead continued to grow as he took on a position as a bus driver. He was well known by his riders for playing classic country radio and going just a bit too fast. That speedy driving earned him a ticket one night taking the football team to their game. The boys were so worked up that after winning the game they all chipped in to pay for his ticket.
This story and the many more like it, proves how much love Ed received and gave throughout his life. In the year 2000, he gained a little more love when he met Glennda Lee Klommhaus. They truly cared for each other and spent every day enjoying the little things; whether it was going for a drive, having coffee in the den, or running errands for Doug and Gina at the restaurant. Together, with his three boys and her three girls they were the new Brady Bunch.
Fewer things in life meant more to Ed than family, faith, farming, and John Deere. On September 29, 2013 at Sun Valley Lake Ed took a big step in his journey with God. He was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior. In the end he knew what was truly important in life and in turn taught us all lessons to live by.
Ed knew that family was more than just blood; it was welcoming those in need with open arms, never knowing a stranger, and always taking time to stop and make someone’s day. We will all remember and miss that big smile accompanied by a hand on your shoulder and words, “Hey kid! Well gotta go! Come back now!”.
Ed is preceded in passing by his parents: Leonard and Mary. His siblings: Emma, Guy, George, Ethel, Lee, Leucena, Raymond, and Eldon.
Ed is survived by his love Glennda Klommhaus; children Doug (Gina) Still, Ronche (Katie) Still, Greg (Crystal) Still; grandchildren Calob Still (Heather Buckner), Luke Still (Johnnie Veach), Jordan Still, Taylor (Bo) Greene, Hallie Still, Cassie Still, Jessie Still, Jacob Still (Amanda Jackson), Bryce Still, Austin Still, Alexis Still, and Logan Still; great grandchildren Alexis Still, Chase Still, Zander Still, Jaxtyn Still, Kara Paxson, Ray Still, and Pyke Greene; Tamera (John) Stone, Terrinda (Jerry) McIntire, Tenise (Doug) Riesberg, TaReva Stone, Mac Stone, Wylie (Stephanie) McIntire, Kaylor McIntire, Korden McIntire, Dallie Rae McIntire, Dallen McIntire, Garrett Peterson, Grayden Vanderflught (Jaycee Waugh), Kemper and Stella Vanderflught, and Hadlie Sickles; one sister, Joyce Johnson; friend and mother of his sons Kathryn Still; close friend Larry (Beth) Doolittle; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
His services was Wednesday, December 27,2017 at 2:30 p.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Pastor Barton Shields and Rev. Charles Weiman officiated.
Songs played were “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”, “Wings of a Dove”, and “She Thinks My Tractor is Sexy”.
Casket bearers were Calob Still, Lucas Still, Jordan Still, Jesse Still, Jacob Still, Bryce Still, Austin Still. Honorary pallbearers were Donald “Jake” Dailey, Larry Doolittle, Dick Still, Max Buckner, Phil Burmeister, Wayne Perkins, and Joel VandenHout.
He was laid to rest at Benton Cemetery, Benton, Iowa.
Memorials will be left in his name to be decided later.