Robert Safley, 92, of Jefferson, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center, Jefferson, Iowa.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Sheldon Henderson officiating. Honorary bearers were Sarah Borgeson, Elizabeth Pierce, Mary Hinton, Jeff Safley, Mark Safley, Andrea Kemble, Matt Safley and Erin Drew. Casket bearers were Alan Borgeson, Stanton Safley, Jacob Safley, Mike Safley, Bill Frederick, John Freeman and Lindsey Larson. “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by Gary Haupert accompanied by Deb Hoskins on the piano. “All Good Gifts,” recorded music by Peg Raney, was also played. Interment was in Franklin Township Cemetery, Greene County, Iowa.
Bob was born November 26, 1924 on a farm south of Jefferson, Iowa to Floyd and Clara (Kinyon) Safley. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1942.
Bob was united in marriage to Frances Schilling on September 8, 1946. They became the parents of Bobby, Bill, Tom and Ann. Bob, Fran and the children lived and worked on their farm southeast of Cooper, Iowa. They planted row crops and raised livestock. Bob so enjoyed his lifelong career of farming in Greene County. In 1976, Bob and Fran moved into Jefferson and Bob continued to work on the farm for many years to come.
He enjoyed his family and friends and doing activities like bowling, playing cards, playing pool and watching football on television. He was an avid golfer and had the good luck of getting a hole-in-one on the Jefferson golf course. Through the years, Bob and Fran danced to the Big Band sounds of many fine orchestras. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. He belonged to B.P.O E. Lodge #2306.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters: twins, Myron and Byron, Duane, Florence, Irene, Ethelmae and Velma.
He survived by his wife, Frances Safley of Jefferson; three sons: Bob (Connie) Safley of Linden, Bill (Holli) Safley of Peterson, Iowa and Tom (Lorna) Safley of Jefferson; a daughter, Ann (Alan) Frederick of Jefferson; 12 grandchildren: Mike Safley, Jeff Safley, Mark Safley, Andrea Kemble, Matt Safley, Erin Drew, Jacob Safley, Stanton Safley, Sarah Borgeson, Liz Pierce, Mary Hinton and Bill Frederick; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to Greene County 4-H.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.sliningerschroeder.com.