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Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley

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Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley

Birth	:	14 Oct 1915 LaMoille, Marshall County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	17 Oct 2007 Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Enfield Street Cemetery, Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.9844017, -72.5916977
Description	:	* IN LOVING MEMORY OF * Vernon Leroy "Red" Wansley was born on Thursday; October 14, 1915 in LaMoille; Marshall County, Iowa in a rural home. As a farm boy, who rode his pony to school, the outdoors became his second home. He relished the sunrise, hunting, trapping, fishing, snow skiing, canoe trips on the Iowa River, swimming in Linn Creek, bowling, Bobcat football teams and running the yardage marker for a number of years. He was a respected golfer in spite of playing left-handed and he had a grand passion for the game, yet the relationship of... Read More	* IN LOVING MEMORY OF * Vernon Leroy "Red" Wansley was born on Thursday; October 14, 1915 in LaMoille; Marshall County, Iowa in a rural home. As a farm boy, who rode his pony to school, the outdoors became his second home. He relished the sunrise, hunting, trapping, fishing, snow skiing, canoe trips on the Iowa River, swimming in Linn Creek, bowling, Bobcat football teams and running the yardage marker for a number of years. He was a respected golfer in spite of playing left-handed and he had a grand passion for the game, yet the relationship of his companions was pinnacle. His first job was watering the greens at night astride his pony and was frowned upon by the golf club pro. He never saw a horse he couldn't ride or a dog he didn't like. He attended Linn Creek School (a one room schoolhouse), then Marshalltown Junior High. Football honors came early as he played on the high school varsity team while in ninth grade. Upon graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1937, he began work at Fisher Controls to care for and support his widowed mother her entire life. His life was marked by the joy and love of his faith in the Lord, his friends, his country and his town. He played Henry Anson in the first Riverside Cemetery tour. What a dapper fella. He joined the Army Air Corp serving as a crew chief in C-47s, C-54, B-24s, etc. The 316th troop carrier group received battle honors for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on June 5, 6 and 7, 1944. Two thousand aircraft flying in unarmed and unarmored aircraft at minimum altitudes and air speeds, in unfavorable weather conditions, over water at night and into the face of strong enemy defenses. Unloading paratroopers at 600 feet, resupply missions, towing gliders and returning casualties to England. His campaigns took place in Northern Africa, Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, Normandy-Northern France and Rhineland-Central Europe. All this gave him an appetite for flying that continued into his late 80s — flying with friends in J-3 Cessnas, even 747s. His medals include Eastern service medal with six bronze stars, three overseas service good conduct medals, World War II button and the French Liberation. On Tuesday; October 23, 2001, Red was one of the many Iowans to receive "Diplomas of Gratitude" from the French Foreign Ministry. In Brookings; Brookings County, South Dakota while in administration school, he was recruited into the Army Air Corps team the "Kerns Eagles" at Berstrom Field in Austin; Travis County, Texas. Because of the war, most pro-ball players were in the service. Red said he warmed the bench; but, when his name was called on the speaker, "Red Wansley from Iowa, replacing Cooper for the Chicago Bears" — he said he ran so fast he almost missed the huddle. He told it with his special sound effects. Proud to have served his country, he returned to Fisher Controls on Governor Road completing 44 years before retirement. His last position was with the manufacturing engineering staff. Football honors were many, he played guard and halfback, was elected to "All State First Team" and "All Conference" for two consecutive years. He received the "Abel & Abel Sportsmanship Trophy" and was elected by the readers of the Times-Republican to the "All-Time Bobcat Football Squad." Red's memberships include the Country Club at Eldora; Hardin County, Iowa. Diehards Club Ducks Unlimited, the Quarterback Club, Elmwood Golf & Country Club, the Izaak Walton League, Community Concerts, Burly Bobcats, a life member of the Elks, VFW, American Legion and NRA and the Fisher 25-Year Club. His hobbies and interests included gardening, beekeeping, lecturing elementary students, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, civic organizations and science classes. He used a 35mm slide show to stress the importance of getting permission from the land owners to hunt or trap. Red raised two batches of quail from eggs to flight and two litters of mink, one which he kept for 10 years. He saved three baby owls when their mother was killed and taught them to eat muskrat legs and June bugs. Traveling was at the bottom of his list. Home was always best and where his heart was. Vernon Leroy "Red" Wansley, age 92, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, at the Iowa Veterans Home. Suffering several years of failing health, death claimed him on Wednesday at 12:50 p.m. His devoted wife upholding him in death as she had for their 53 years of marriage. His life was complete with the marriage on Monday; October 11, 1954, to Artis Elaine Martin. She became his everything. She survives to honor his memory. Having no children of their own, they borrowed and cherished children of all ages. Red was the kind of guy one could write a book about. A one of a kind, a people person, quick wit and a fantastic storyteller. There's a song he liked, "Old bones inside an old raincoat, old bones inside old shoes, I loved my life, oh yeah, I'd like to do it again." A free spirit, loyal friend, gifted athlete, competitive in sports and in life. If ever there was a man filled with a joyful spirit of life it was Red. Old age came as a shock to him. He resented every aspect of it. In eternal life, Red is reunited with his parents: Janies Augustus Wansley of Fort Worth; Tarrant County, Texas and Parlee Sarelda "Pearl" Gile Wansley. His grandparents: A.A. Gile and Margaret Viola Murphy Gile from Ireland. Also a three-and-one-half-year-old sister. Red's father died at age 27 — only 10 days after the death of his daughter. His grief-stricken mother returned to her parents' rural home southwest of Elmwood Country Club with her 15-month-old son. They remained there until both of her parents passed away. May they rest in peace. With deep affection and recollections, a visitation to celebrate his memory will be from: 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday; October 21, 2007 at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at: 10:30 a.m. on Monday; October 22, 2007 at First United Methodist Church where Red was a member, was baptized and married. Burial with full military honors will follow services at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Our epitaph will read "By God's grace; we had a wonderful time." Memorials may be made to Iowa River Hospice and Riverside Cemetery. For condolences, please visit the funeral home's website. PURSEL~DAVIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is caring for the family and the arrangements. SITE OF VOGEL FAMILY OF FUNERAL HOMES. 405 West Main Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 USA PHONE: (641) 753-5511 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.purseldavis.com/

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley's memorial?
Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley's memorial is located at: Enfield Street Cemetery, Enfield, Hartford County, USA.
When did Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley death?
Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley death on 17 Oct 2007 in Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Vernon Leroy “Red” Wansley's memorial?
Latitude: 41.9844017
Longitude: -72.5916977

Family Members:

Parent

James Wansley

(1888 - 1917)

Pearl S. Gile Wansley

(1887 - 1982)

Spouse

Artis Elaine “Arti” Martin Wansley

(1931 - 2020)

Siblings

Viola Gertrude Wansley

(1914 - 1917)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Enfield Street Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9844017, -72.5916977

2. Saint Adalbert Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0026207, -72.5878754

3. Holy Cross Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0035362, -72.5912170

4. Thompsonville Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0054893, -72.6010895

5. Old Saint Patricks Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0052528, -72.6022186

6. Austin Cemetery
Suffield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0075333, -72.6083833

7. New Saint Patricks Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9558100, -72.6030700

8. Woodlawn Cemetery
Suffield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9771996, -72.6311035

9. New Hazardville Cemetery
Hazardville, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9883804, -72.5450592

10. Old Hazardville Cemetery
Hazardville, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9867897, -72.5409393

11. Islamic Center Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9968109, -72.5389862

12. Old Center Cemetery
Suffield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9828186, -72.6527100

13. Sikes Cemetery
Suffield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0268010, -72.6153050

14. King Street Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9389000, -72.6055984

15. Saint Bernard's Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9930992, -72.5274963

16. North End Cemetery
East Windsor, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9331017, -72.6177979

17. Lindy Farms Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9589427, -72.5195122

18. James Smyth Gravesite
Windsor Locks, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9305229, -72.6296616

19. Saint Josephs Cemetery
Suffield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9947014, -72.6750031

20. Shaker Cemetery
Enfield, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0141400, -72.5161600

21. Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Agawam, Hampden County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0461884, -72.6164169

22. Longmeadow Cemetery
Longmeadow, Hampden County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0495262, -72.5791397

23. Grove Cemetery
Windsor Locks, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9225006, -72.6283035

24. Melrose Cemetery
East Windsor, Hartford County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9372711, -72.5246735