Don McCormick

Don Andrew McCormick, the son of Michael and Mattie (Andrews) McCormick, was born on October 9, 1921 in a farm house four miles west of Churdan, Iowa (just North of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church). Don departed this life February 1, 2017 at Lakeside Village in Panora, Iowa. He lived his life to the age of 95 years, 3 months and 22 days.

Don was raised in the Churdan area mostly on a farm 2 ¼ miles SE of Churdan with his parents, two brothers and three sisters. Don attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Churdan High School in 1939. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and spent six months at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago and three years as a Machinist Mate 1st Class aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Quick. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean 36 times from Brooklyn, N.Y. or Boston Navy Yards.

Father John Hausman, priest at Churdan Catholic Church (and Sylvia’s uncle), introduced Don to Sylvia Ann Hausman. On August 6, 1943, they were united in marriage at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. where Don was stationed while in the Navy.

Don was honorably discharged from the Navy on October 7, 1945. He and Sylvia lived and farmed on Don’s parents’ farm near Churdan where they raised their seven children. In 1972, they bought Harry Richard’s farm and then in 1975, after his parents were deceased, they bought the “home” farm. In the fall of 1995 they moved off the farm to Churdan. Sylvia preceded Don in death on December 28, 2011 after 68 years of marriage. Don resided in Churdan until January 2013 when he became a resident at the Gardens Assisted Living in Jefferson for 3 ½ years.  In August 2016, he moved to Panora.

Don was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan where he served as a Trustee for several years. He was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. He also worked several years at the Greene County ASC Office.

Sylvia and Don spent 22 years wintering in McAllen, Texas where they enjoyed playing cards, dancing and playing bingo. Don also enjoyed golfing and wood working.

Don is survived by his seven children: Don (Carol) of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Pat Thomas of Omaha, Neb., Gary (Mary) of Churdan, Rich (Carolyn) of Winterset, Dave (Candy) of Omaha, Kathy Welch (Alan) of Iowa City and Melinda Pick (Mike) of Ankeny; 24 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two brothers, Ivan and Rex; three sisters, Zola, Darlene and Shirley; and son-in-law, Jack.

A visitation was held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 4 p.m. with the Rosary at 6:15 p.m. followed by the Vigil at St. Columbkille Church in Churdan. Mass of the Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 4 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Musical selections at the service were rendered by Greg Carey and the church choir and accompanied by organist Lois Last. Burial was at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Churdan American Legion. Serving as casket bearers were his grandsons: Martin McCormick, Brad Thomas, Jason Thomas, Todd Thomas, John McCormick, Mike McCormick, Ryan McCormick, Matt Welch and Rob Pick.

Brown Funeral Home.