James Lee Creason, 87, of Iola passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, at his home.
He was born on the family farm Aug. 16, 1925, the third son of William C. and Glessie M. (Turner) Creason. He attended North Maple Grove Grade School and Iola High School.
He was in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. He married Glenda June Wynn Oct. 27, 1946. They resided in Iola until moving to California in 1952. He worked at the Alameda Naval Air Station as an electrician. Later he worked for Otis Elevator in San Francisco, Calif. In 1963, they moved to Kansas City, Kan., to be closer to family. He was able to transfer from San Francisco to Dover Elevator in Kansas City.
In 1969 they purchased a peach orchard in Kansas City, which they ran for 20 years. He worked for Government Services Administration as an elevator mechanic and inspector until he retired in 1987. In 1992 they moved to Tightwad, Mo., where they spent a lot of time fishing. They eventually returned to their hometown of Iola in 1995.
He spent a lot of time at the senior center playing his favorite card game of pitch. He and his brother Clifford cut a lot of wood for their fireplaces.
His wife survives, as do two sons, Jim and his wife, Melissa, of Iola, and a granddaughter, Ashley Wood, of Overland Park, and Bill and his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Max, of Overland Park; two stepchildren, Michael Williams, Olathe, and Whitney Williams of Denver, Colo. Also surviving are a sister, Beverly Hefner, of Mt. Grove, Mo., and a brother, Bob, and his wife, Jill, of Paola; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Three sisters, Erma Saling, Wilma Gregg and Reba Wilkins, and two brothers, Clifford and Raymond Creason, preceded him in death.
Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Iola.
Burial is in Highland Cemetery, Iola.
Memorials may be left to Allen County Hospice or Iola Senior Meal Center.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
James Creason
