Belmer F. Banks

Belmer Francis Banks, 98, passed peacefully away on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2008, at his lifetime home in rural Westfield, Iowa following a brief illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Pastor Steven Jewett officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery.

Belmer was the seventh of fourteen children born to Joseph F. and Florence O. (nee Ross) Banks. At the time of his birth, October 13, 1909, his parents farmed properties in both Woodbury and Plymouth counties. Belmer was born and lived in Woodbury County until about the age of 8 when his parents sold their Morningside property and returned to their Broken Kettle Valley farm, where he lived the rest of his life. Belmer attended Happy Hollow School and graduated from Sunnyside High School.

He was blessed with a long and healthy life. He was a farmer who witnessed major changes in agriculture. In the 1950s when his last work horse died he reluctantly began using a tractor. He didnt like change or fast pace. Scoop shovel, axe, spade, pitch, potato forks, and his own strong back were his customary tools of trade. He spent many solitary hours working against the backdrop of the beautiful Loess hills. Loyalty and tenacity were two of his greatest virtues. Although he was often opinionated and contrary, he could be compliant and courteous too.

He liked Hereford cattle, family gatherings, tending large gardens, and sharing their bountiful produce. He liked his independence. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed the role of family historian, and his membership at the Plymouth County Museum. He liked attending the Plymouth County Fair, and he served on two school boards, first Happy Hollow, and later, Westfield Community Schools.

Belmer never married. He will be remembered by three generations of nieces and nephews. He is survived by one sister, Marion Postelwait of Akron, Iowa, and one brother, Thomas (Arden) of Westfield. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, uncle, and siblings Vera, Homer, Alvord, Howell, Orel, Wurth, Emmet, Merrit, Lloyd, and Joseph.