Keiffer Garton Jr.

Keiffer George Garton, Jr., age 91, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 5th, 2017, at 12:34 a.m. after being transported to Washington County Hospital.

He was born January 10, 1926, to Keiffer George Garton, Sr. and Madge W. Dunn at the farm house in Humeston, Iowa, underneath the telephone in the dining room. Keiffer joined the Army in World War II, fighting under General Patton in the 13th Armored Division, seeing combat in the Rhineland and Central Europe. Keiffer went to college under the GI Bill at Iowa State. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in Farm Operations.

On June 6, 1954, Keiffer George Garton, Jr. married Lela Mae Huckins in the Alice Evangelical United Brethren church, after which they lived in Mechanicsville, Tipton, and Washington, Iowa.

Keiffer started working at Doane Agricultural Service in March 1951. In addition, after the passing of his father, he owned the Humeston farm along with his brother Howard, and a farm in Hamilton County. He was a firm believer in conservation and a longtime member of the Audubon Society.

He was active with the Boy Scouts and 4H with his children and traveled extensively.

Keiffer loved trout fishing, even if his motive wasn?t really catching them. He said, ?I like trout fishing because trout live in the loveliest places.?

Keiffer was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Lela, who passed away on January 25, 2017.

He is survived by his four children: Raymond Keiffer Garton, Philip Allen Garton (Kimberley), Wayne George Garton, Mary Kay Garton (William Johnson), and eight grandchildren. The grandchildren are Sarah Jane Garton, Keiffer George Garton III, Rachel Marie Garton, Amanda Elizabeth Garton, Natalie Faye Garton, Tidwell Preston Garton, William Keiffer Johnson and George Garton Johnson. His brother, Howard Franklin Garton, lives in West Bend, Iowa.

A private family ceremony will be held June 17th at the Humeston Cemetery, Humeston, Iowa for both Keiffer and Lela Garton. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Audubon Society.