Mr. JB French

1933 - 2009

Funeral services for JB French, age 76 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska were held Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.

Visitation was Friday with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. The family requests memorials be directed to the Ambulance Fund. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

JB French was born January 19, 1933, in Taylor County, Iowa the son of Harvey French and Louise (Shaffer) French.

He grew up attending rural schools, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1951. In 1953, JB was drafted into the United States Army where he faithfully served his country during the Korean Conflict. After he was honorably discharged he returned to Taylor County where he began farming. JB continued farming until his retirement in 1995.

In April of 1956, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Elnora Goff. Five children were born to bless their lives, Jack, David, Debbie, Kevin and Sharyl.

After JB's retirement from farming he went to work in Clarinda for the Crawford Auction Company. He was a member of the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 where he was currently serving as Commander. He was also a member of the Taylor Masonic Lodge No. 156 A.F. & A.M., where he was serving as the Secretary/Treasurer. JB served on the Bedford Community School Board for nine years and he was also currently serving on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors.

JB's true passions in life were farming, friends and especially his family. Although he could occasionally be found on a pond bank with a fishing pole in his hands . . . . or roasting a hot dog and drinking coffee by the campfire!

Left to cherish the memories of JB are his loving wife of 53 years, Elnora French of Bedford; his five children, Jack French and wife Rhonda; David French; Debbie (French) Slough and husband Mark; Kevin French and wife Lisa; and Sharyl (French) Reeve and husband Steve; nine grandchildren, Daniel French and wife Monique; Tammy (French) Kehrberg and husband Frank; Erica (French) Hughs and husband Shawn; Kaitlyn and Skylar French; Tyler and Korey Slough; and Maren and Maura French; four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Geri Marie, Evan and Trevor; three brothers, Ed French and wife Bethel; Roy French and wife Joyce; and Paul (Butch) French; two sisters, LaVonne Weller and husband Howard; and JoAnne Perdew and husband Bob; along with many other family members and a community of friends.

Preceding JB in death were his parents Harvey and Louise French; his in-laws Francis and Rosa Goff; a daughter-in-law, Kathy French; one granddaughter, Marilyn Meyers; a brother, Bill French; and two sisters-in-law, Fern French and Nadine French.

JB was a devoted husband, father, steward of the land and community servant. His enthusiasm, humor and insight will be missed by everyone.