William Short Jr.

William “Bill” Franklin Short Jr., son of William Franklin Short Sr. and Sue J. (Brown) Short, was born Sept. 8, 1931, in the family home near Redfield, and passed from this life Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola at 87 years of age.

Bill attended Adel and Redfield High School and graduated in 1950. He began college at Iowa State University, and after completing a quarter, enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for four years during the Korean War. He was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the Naval Air Station, working in the control tower directing the take off and landing of Navy planes. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Iowa State University and finished his degree in animal science in 1958, where he was a member of the AGR Fraternity. After graduation, he began working for the Iowa State University Extension Service in Newton where he remained until 1965, when he moved to Osceola and continued to work for the extension service until his retirement in 1986.

Bill was united in marriage to Janet Kathleen Woody on Feb. 9, 1963, in Newton, and five children blessed this union. Following their move to Osceola, Bill was very active in his community. He was a 4-H leader for his children, a member of Osceola Lions Club, an Osceola Parks and Rec Board member, Country Club Board member and Clarke Community School Board member, and served as the election board foreman for many years. He was a member of Osceola United Methodist Church, serving on various committees. After retirement, Bill continued his service by volunteering countless hours as Cross Ministries.

Bill enjoyed playing golf, bowling, playing bridge, refinishing furniture and taking his annual fishing trip with the guys to Canada. He enjoyed all sports and he especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids compete. He was a huge Cyclone fan. Bill enjoyed yard work and planting flowers around the yard. Bill received the 4-H Hall of Fame award and was recognized as a 10-gallon blood donor.

Relatives who preceded Bill in death were his parents and brother-in-law Herman Myers.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 56 years, Jan Short of Osceola; daughter Lori (Barry) Henrichs of New Virginia; son David (Lisa) Short of Ankeny; daughter Deanne “Dede” (Michael) McCullough of O’Fallon, Missouri; son Doug (Shelly) Short of Johnston; daughter Lynne Short (Sheila) of LaGrange, Georgia; grandchildren, Kurt and Lance Henrichs, Tucker and Billy Short, Josh (Anna), Nick and Emily McCullough, Darian (fiancée Sean Healy), Kailey and Keira Short; sister Norma Myers of Ruston, Louisiana; sister Shirley (Stuart) Woolley of Middleton, Wisconsin; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, at Kale Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., in Osceola with Rev. Cliff Haider officiating. Visitation was Sunday, April 21, at Kale Funeral Home, where the family greeted friends from 5 to 7 p.m., as well as Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Clover Woods 4-H Camp and Retreat Center, Osceola United Methodist Church or Clarke County Hospital. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com.