Van Dorin Wailes' Obituary
Van Dorin Wailes, age 97, of Centerville, Iowa, died Friday, November 17, 2006, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa. Dorin was born the son of James and Flora (VanDorin) Wailes on December 8, 1908 in Moravia, Iowa. He received his education through Appanoose County Rural Schools in Moravia, Iowa.On June 22, 1927, Dorin was united in marriage to Vera Ethel Hiatt in Mystic, Iowa. Dorin was self-employed as an independent oil jobber. Dorin was an active member of his church, the Drake Avenue Christian Church. He was a former member of the Centerville City Council and flipped pancakes for many years at Pancake Day. He was a member of the Elks Club, 18-80 Club, and former manager of the church's softball team. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage. Dorin was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife of 77 years, Vera Wailes on April 12, 2004; two sisters, Clella Free and Leda Sincox; and a son-in-law, Ivan Wright.He is survived by: his daughter, Elahvonne Wright of Centerville, Iowa; his sister, Frona Neff, of Rockford Illinois; two grandchildren: Vaughn Wright, and his wife Nancy of Dexter, Missouri; and Marla Swesey, and her husband, Mike of Iowa City, Iowa; and four great-grandchildren: Shawn Wright, Shannon Wright, Micah Swesey-Caruth, and Marin Swesey.Funeral services will be on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at the Drake Avenue Christian Church at 10:30 AM with Rev. Vaughn Wright officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Monday, November, 20, 2006 from 1:00 to 8:00 PM at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.Memorials can be made to the Drake Avenue Christian Church, 18-80 Club, or Mercy Hospice and can be left at or mailed to To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Van Dorin Wailes please visit our Sympathy Store.
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