John L. "Jack" Voyles, 83, of New London, IA, died on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, IA, surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Elliot Chapel in New London, IA. A Celebration of Life will follow, beginning at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Henry County Honor Guard.
According to his wishes, his body will be cremated following the services and inurnment will take place at a later date.
Mr. Voyles was born June 21, 1935, in Hillsboro, to Reynolds Roosevelt and Lillian Rosalie (Donaldson) Voyles. He married Glenna J. Hess on March 8, 1957, in Holly Springs, MS, and she survives.
Three days after graduating from Hillsboro High School, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1953. He served during the Korean War era, and served as an interior communication electrician aboard the submarine rescue ship, USS Sunbird ASR-15.
Mr. Voyles went on to work as a network supervisor for the local telephone companies, retiring from GTE in 1993.
He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Organization, New London Fire Department and the Protestant faith. He coached little league, served as a scout leader and volunteered at Midwest Old Threshers and Dover Museum.
Mr. Voyles enjoyed woodworking, mushroom hunting, and especially going to Geode camping, hiking and picnicking with his family. He loved gardening, attending his grandchildren's sporting and music events and making ball bats, drumsticks and rocking horses for his grandchildren.
He was a fan of the Bears and the Hawkeyes and was involved in men's and youth bowling leagues. Additionally, he helped his wife repair dolls and made all the frames for her artwork.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Voyles is survived by his children, Cindy (Curt) Watson, Sharon (Scott) Barron, Karen (Tim) Conrad and Denise (Russ) Wolfe, all of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Steve Voyles of Burlington, IA, and John (Heather) Voyles of Blakesburg, IA; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, William "Bill" (Joann) Voyles of Butler and David Voyles of Lincoln; a sister, Betty Brown of Hillsboro; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Voyles of Hillsboro; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Reynolds Jr., Richard and Jim; and one grandson, Ethan Conrad.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
