Paul Umbenhower

Paul was born in Lucas County on December 25, 1933 to Arthur and Nellie Umbenhower. He was the youngest of four children; Helen Besco, John Umbenhower, and Keith Umbenhower. Paul went to country school through 8th grade and graduated from Chariton High School in the class of 1952. He was born and raised on a farm and started raising cattle at an early age and enlisted in the National Guard serving 8 years. Paul was united in marriage on November 27, 1955 to Betty Ruth Gookin. To this union two children were born; Curtis Alan and Lisa Renee. In 1950 Paul started working part-time at the Dannen Mills Elevator while in high school until 1955. In 1961 Paul became manager of the Dannen Mills Elevator. In 1963 Dannen Mills of St. Joe Missouri sold out to Farmers Union CMA of Kansas City. They informed the managers to try and organize a local cooperative in their area. Paul was successful in organizing the Farmers' Cooperative Association of Chariton, opening the business on March 1, 1964 and managing it until 1968. He then worked at the Hy-Vee maintenance shop before purchasing the Eikenberry Elevator and starting Chariton Feed & Grain Inc. in January of 1969. In 1985 he added the Sears Catalog Agency. Paul and Betty were honored with several award trips from Purina Mills and were an ACCO Seed Key dealer. Paul loved his second job of farming which consisted of a cow-calf operation. He also served on several boards throughout the years including the Chariton School Board, Lucas County Compensation Board, Lucas County Township Trustee, local church boards, 4-H Achievement Board, and enjoyed announcing the 4-H swine show for several years. In 2003 Paul was honored with the Farm Bureau Hall of Fame Business Person Award, along with the Lucas County Cattlemen's Hall of Fame Award in 2004. In 2012 Paul and Betty were awarded the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Award at the Iowa State Fair. In February 1991, Paul and Betty sold the elevator to Farmers Cooperative Association and moved their Purina Feed business across the street to the Stone Cordage building, which they already owned. Dad always said that in 50 years he had never been able to get away from the intersection of 11th and Auburn. Neither rain, snow, sleet nor blizzard would keep dad from getting to the office and opening up for business. Paul loved visiting with the customers and will be remembered by many for keeping the counter polished. Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, son Alan (Lisa) Umbenhower, daughter Lisa (Dennis) Smith, grandchildren; Brad (Kelsey) Smith, Chad (Mandy) Smith, Troy (Christina) Umbenhower, Jonathan (Lindsey) Weber, Kevin Weber, Dana Weber (fiancé Robby Clark), great grandchildren; Ledger Smith, McKabe Smith, Weston Umbenhower, Alena Umbenhower, and Ruger Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Funeral service will be Monday, March 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Interment will immediately follow at the Chariton Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Chariton or Legacy Lodge and condolences may be shared at www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com. Cemetery Details Chariton Cemetery HWY 14 and HWY 34
Chariton, IA 50049

Visitation

MAR 18. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com

Service

MAR 19. 10:30 AM (CDT)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com