Obituary – Alan Kurt Force

Alan Kurt Force was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa on March 3, 1957, to Clifford and Cleta Force. He passed on at age 69 on June 8, 2026, in Mount Ayr.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Cleta; his sister Sharon Hembry Kennedy and her husband’s Larry Hembry and Roy Kennedy; and brother-in-law John Essex.
He is survived by his sister Glenys Essex; nieces Sherri Hembry Wheeler of Mayflower AR and Sara Essex of Independence, MO; nephews L J Hembry of Bentonville, AR and Barry Hembry of Kamiah, ID; and several great nieces and nephews.
Alan lived at home with his parents until the Ringgold County Group Home began in 1987. He was always ready to go back to “his” home after spending a weekend with dad and mom.
Alan was fortunate to be taught with others for some time by Becky Caldwell and Velda Routh in a local church basement, and later able to attend a special education class at Mount Ayr School.
Alan participated in Special Olympics, enjoyed trips to the State Fair, threshers reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Union Mill Opry, and trips taken with his parents to visit loved relatives.
Alan enjoyed time with his family and friends throughout the community, especially those at the group home and supportive services. He had so much fun participating in the RCSS plays entertaining the audience. And then, of course, there are sports with a particular love of football. Alan was a Dallas Cowboys fan until his sister married a KC Chiefs follower, who took on the mission of swaying his thoughts on that subject. Alan became an avid loyal Chiefs fan, watching and rooting for them each televised game. And he enjoyed being taken to local Mount Ayr sports events.
Alan was a special person with character to family and friends. His family has been so appreciative and thankful for all the community and close support and love exhibited toward him.
A memorial fund is available for the Ringgold County Group Home and for the Ringgold County Supportive Services. Alan will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr close to his parents.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.