Mossman, Keith

Keith Mossman died Thursday morning, June 9, 2011, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton following an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 29, 1921, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Hugh Mossman and Loretta Burns Mossman. He married his college sweetheart, Rebecca Vaughan, in St. Louis, Mo., on March 21, 1942, and four sons were born of this marriage.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Becky; brother, Robert Mossman; son, Robert Burns Mossman; and two grandsons, Benjamin Mossman and Burns Mossman.

He is survived by sons: Hugh Mossman (Barb), Boise, Idaho; Mark Mossman (Kathy), Vinton, Iowa; Mike Mossman (Kathy), Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Nancy Mossman, Des Moines, Iowa; four grandchildren, Ann Petersen, John Mossman, Taylor Mossman and Kristin Mossman; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe Mossman and Sophie Mossman.

Keith graduated from Vinton High School in 1938 and from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1948. He served as a pilot in the United States Navy Air Corps in World War II from July 1942 through November 1945 and was a member of George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 in Vinton.

In 1948, he joined his father, Hugh, in the practice of law in Vinton in what would become a four-generation firm spanning more than 100 years with son, Mark, and grandson, John. He served as Benton County Attorney from 1951-1968, was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Vinton Lions Club “Past President,” chairman of the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation, and member of Vinton Lodge No. 62 AF&AM, Cedar Rapids Consistory and Cedar Rapids York Rite, El Kahir Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Vinton Country Club, ACT I Community Theatre, Master Emeritus of Dean Mason Ladd Inn of Court, Benton County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, American Bar Association and Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. He served as president of the Iowa County Attorneys Association, 1958; president of the National District of Attorneys Association, 1963; chairman of the Criminal Justice section of the American Bar Association, 1973; member of House of Delegates of the American Bar Association, 1974 and 1975; and member of American Bar Association, Federal Judiciary Committee, 1981-1984. He was a fellow of the Iowa State Bar Association and also a fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

During his extensive service to the legal profession, he lectured in 25 states on the Standards of Criminal Justice and served on several committees drafting and revising the Standards.

He took great pride and enjoyment in his family and especially relished the annual trip to St. George, Utah, with his sons and grandson for a week of golf, scotch and cigars. Throughout his years in Vinton he was fortunate to have many fine golfing, bowling and card playing friends, most of who have gone before and welcome him now.

A gifted orator and storyteller, he was a favored speaker at ceremonies, memorials and graduations, and, of course, around the family table. He thoroughly enjoyed the legal profession and his association with other lawyers and judges, although on rare occasions he was heard to remark that “the practice of law takes the sting out of death.”

He gave of himself freely, led by quiet example and earned honor through strength and integrity. His family could not be more proud of his legacy and grateful for the lessons he taught.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, June 13, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, with Pastor Kären Larson presiding. Burial will follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton, with military rites performed by George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Iowa City. Friends are invited for visitation at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. and for one hour before services on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Vinton's Virginia Gay Hospital or Wesley United Methodist Church.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Keith and his family.

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