Harold Duane Busby, son of James Harold and Adella Leatherman Busby, was born May 4, 1927, near New Sharon. He died June 22, 2010 at his home in Pella at the age of eighty-three.

Duane grew up in the Montezuma area and graduated from the Montezuma High School with the class of 1944. After high school and one year of schooling at Central College, Duane enlisted with the 3rd Infantry Division of the Army. He was stationed with the Army of Occupation in Germany.

Duane met Bertha McGriff on a blind date arranged by his cousin. The two were married on January 19, 1947, at the Methodist Church in New Sharon. To this union, two children were born: Harold Duane "Dee" II, and Kim.

Duane worked for 45 years in the construction industry. His love for woodworking continued after his retirement, as he and Bertha operated a craft business. They attended many craft shows together as they sold his handiwork. Duane was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Pella, and personally oversaw the construction of the church. He also faithfully attended a men's Bible study and the Wednesday evening prayer services. Duane was a member of the American Legion Post #89 of Pella.

Duane was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed collecting coins. He also looked forward to meeting with his Army friends in Chelsea, Iowa, at least once a year. Duane will be remembered for his love of his family, as well as his church family.

Those left to cherish Duane's memory are his wife of 63 years, Bertha Busby, of Pella; his daughter, Kim Busby, of New Sharon; his son, Harold Duane "Dee" Busby II, and his wife Sharon, of Mt. Pleasant; his grandchildren Mark Casey, Harold Duane (Jessica) Busby III, and Donald Jon (Nikki) Busby; his great-grandchildren Hannah, Emma, and Isabella Busby; his brothers, Melvin (Rosemary) Busby of California, and Norman (Olwyn) Busby of Florida; and his sister, Jane Audas of Montezuma. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Marilyn Busby, Janice Vander Leest, and Dorothy Potter; and two brothers: Leonard Busby, and Donald Busby.

PASSED AWAY

June 22, 2010
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

8:30 A.M. until the time of the service
Saturday, June 26, 2010
United Methodist Church
Pella, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICES

10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 26, 2010
United Methodist Church
Pella, Iowa

INTERMENT

Union Mills Cemetery
New Sharon, Iowa

FAMILY

Wife: Bertha Busby - Pella, Iowa
Children: Kim Busby - New Sharon, Iowa
Harold Duane "Dee" & Sharon Busby
- Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

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