Vinson, Lewis 'Vince' Clayton

Lewis “Vince” Clayton Vinson, 75, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at his home following a yearlong courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Sunday at Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids by Chaplain Joseph Kane. Inurnment: Palo Cemetery, Palo, at a later date. Friends may visit after noon Sunday at the funeral home.

Vince is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; son, Daniel (Marsha) of Palo; grandchildren, Brandon Vinson, Alicia Hayes-Kerr, Brandi (Brian) Vercande and Garyn Claypool; great-granddaughter, Peityn Jean; brother, Edward Eugene (Norma) Vinson of Louisville, Ky.; sister-in-law, Jean Bjornson of North Liberty; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lyle Weston of Central City, Wayne Clark of Garrison, Ky., and his Army buddy, Darrell Fratzke.

Vince was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ernest “Smit” Lee Vinson.

Lewis Clayton Vinson was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of John Edward and Elizabeth Anne (Meyer) Vinson. He married Carolyn Joyce Martin on June 30, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Tipton. Vince was a veteran of the Korean conflict and proudly served in the Army. He was a Teamster and worked at Gateway Trucking for 24 ½ years, UTA in Iowa City for five years, and the United States Postal Service for 13 years, retiring in 1999.

Vince was a caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His son and grandchildren were the light of his life.

He enjoyed camping, boating, and working outdoors. Vince spent countless hours volunteering for the city of Hiawatha and was instrumental in starting Hiawatha Little League.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ghosh and his staff and Hospice of Mercy for their care and compassion throughout Vince's treatment.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

Memorials may be directed to the family.