Obituary of Leslie Lavern Yancey

Funeral services for Leslie L. Yancey, 89, is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 a.m. Saturday, until services time, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, memorials in Leslie's name are being designated to: Hospice of Jasper County or Jasper County Animal Rescue League. Leslie LaVern Yancey, 89, the son of John C. and Gertrude (Beukema) Yancey, was born July 13, 1921 in Newton, Iowa. A longtime resident of Newton, he attended school in Newton and a short time in Kearney, Nebraska. Leslie had served his country with the US Army, during World War II. On June 22, 1946, Leslie was united in marriage with Betty M. Holloway in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union two girls were given, Kathy and Melissa. Leslie was the owner and operator of Sidles Mr. Automotive and Yancey's Auto Paint and Supply, retiring in 1987. He devoted his life to his family and friends, and was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #59 AF & AM; Newton V.F.W. Post #1655, Newton American Legion Post #111 and a past member of the Elks. He enjoyed camping, woodworking, poker and his dog, Sam. Leslie died on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2010, in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty; a grandson Terry Alan and his sister Virginia McDermott. Those left to honor Leslie's memory include his daughters: Kathy (Robert) Jandrew of Shenandoah, IA and Melissa (Tim) Hartgers of Newton; seven grandchildren: Chris (Melissa) Reed, Justin Reed and his partner Brian Livermore, Amy Jo Reed and her fianc Charlie Liles, Holly (Anthony) Alameda, Joshua Jandrew, Ryan Hartgers and Cory Hartgers; his three great-grandchildren: Issaih, Lydia and Gage; his nephews and nieces; and many friends. Calling hours will be Saturday, After 9:30 a.m., One hour prior to services at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton, IA. The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Ellcey, officiating. Burial will be in Palo Alto Cemetery, rural Newton on Saturday.