Obituaries : Donald (“Don”) Everett Beatty

Donald ("Don") Everett Beatty, 85, was called home during the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 after living a full and blessed life. He had been receiving care at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, Iowa when he passed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Shellsburg, 300 Main Street East in Shellsburg, Iowa, with Pastor Brian Reeves officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Phillips Funeral Home, 212 East Sixth Street in Vinton, Iowa.

Don was born on December 30, 1936, to Joseph Charles and Minnie (Weis) Beatty in Shellsburg, Iowa, a twin and the fifth of their seven children. He grew up in Shellsburg where he inherited his parents' love of agriculture, common sense, work ethic and values. He graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1954. A few years later he met Sharon ("Sherri") Schoff at a dance hall. They began a truly remarkable journey together when they were married on March 22, 1959, in Lowden, Iowa.

Don would be quick to say that Sherri was the one true love of his life, and "what a good pair" they were. With that unwavering love as a foundation, together they created a successful farm located near Shellsburg, Iowa. As their farming operation grew, so did their family of three active and often spirited sons.

When he wasn't hard at work, Don was a respected and much-valued church member throughout his life. He was known for having a good singing voice, and over the decades, he brought innumerable smiles to the congregation when he would let loose and belt out a chorus! Some of the other ways he left his mark on his church-home included being a member and leader of the Men's Group and serving multiple terms on the session. He also contributed to the broader community as a president and member of the Lion's Club, and to the local school district by serving as a school board member and hosting an annual farm field trip for elementary school children for many years.

Don went to great lengths to be a good steward of his land and to take care of his animals. While he was rooted in tradition, he was also future-minded enough to be one of the first farmers in the area to modernize his dairy parlor. To this day, his sons will jokingly tell you there were times when his animals had better lodging than they did given the creaks and drafts that give century farmhouses their charm and character! On any given day, whether it was around the kitchen table, or in the barn, Don could be found listening to the radio. He enjoyed silly songs from the Leo Greco Show era, and even came up with his own parodies from time to time. But most of all, he loved his family, and the laughter that came from spending time together.

Don is survived by his dear sisters and in-laws, Mae (Beatty) and Raymond Buelow, Sharon (Kahler) Beatty, Mary (Beatty) and Charles Koopman, and Cheryl (Hite) Beatty; his esteemed brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Judy Schoff; his three beloved sons, Mark (Jenny) Beatty, Dale (Karen) Beatty, and Brad (Bethany) Beatty; his treasured grandchildren, Brittany (Mike) Hunt, Courtney (Mitchell) Hendryx, Wesley (Ashley) Beatty, Kelsey (Paul) Walker, Brody Beatty, Cory (Jenna) Beatty, Taylor (Brett) Bovee, Paige Beatty and Quinn Beatty; many cherished great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews-all of whom he adored.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Walter Beatty, Keith Beatty, Charles Beatty, and Ron Beatty, as well as sisters in-law Marcella Beatty and Suzanne Beatty, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to their many friends and extended family, as well as to the members of the First Presbyterian Church for the support and kindness they've shown since 2020 when Don lost his wife of 61 years, Sherri. He was surrounded by love at the time of his passing, and his legacy will be long-lived in many happy memories.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com