Deaver, Leonard Serle

Leonard Serle Deaver was born Sept. 29, 1938, in Ocheyedan, Iowa, to Leonard Everett Deaver (1916-1999) and Joycelyn Brody Deaver (1919-2009). Serle died Aug. 29, 2013, at home in Chariton.

Serle graduated from Roosevelt High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1957 and from Westmar College, Le Mars, Iowa, in 1961, with a major in biology and minor in physical education. Serle was a member of the Iowa National Guard beginning in 1957 until his discharge in June 1964.

Serle served the Cedar Rapids YMCA, first at the Ellis Park Y and then as director at the Marion Branch beginning in February 1962. The Y in Marion at the time was in a downtown church building. The campaign for the new building was completed and Serle helped plan and was there during the building of new facility.

Serle's father was pastor of Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church in downtown Cedar Rapids from 1953 to 1963. The entire Deaver family was active in school, church and community activities.

On Nov. 29, 1969, Serle married Sharon Cline Deaver at First Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa. Serle and Sharon have one son, Leonard Thomas “Tom” Deaver of Springfield, Mo. The couple lived and worked out of the State of Iowa for 39 years. In 2010, they returned to their home state.

Serle is survived by his wife; son; sister, Kaye Deaver Winter of Altoona; and brothers, Keith (Jan) Deaver of Anamosa, Gery (Connie) Deaver of Cedar Falls and David (Jan) Deaver of Cedar Falls.

A private burial was held Sept. 4 at Glasgow Cemetery, Lockridge, Iowa (near Fairfield). The service was conducted by the Rev. Kevin Dice of Round Prairie Baptist Church. A celebration of Serle's life service, conducted by Pastor Dennis St. Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Grace Baptist Church, 703 S. First St., Chariton (just off Hwy. 34 North). The family will be in the conference room on main floor of the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. before the service.

Memorials may be made to the Marion YMCA or to a Gideon's International Camp in your local community (please have them notify us so we may thank you). Or, you may send your memorial to Dr. Larry Hirschy, treasurer, Chariton Camp, Gideons International, 801 Linden Ave., Chariton, IA 50049.

Fielding Funeral Home of Chariton in charge of arrangements.

www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.

Published Sept. 15, 2013 in The Gazette