Charles M. Akes, son of S.R. and S.A. Akes, was born in Henry county, Iowa,
April 27, 1865, and departed this life in Leon, Iowa, August 10, 1923, being
aged 58 years, three months and 14 days. He came to Decatur county when a
little boy and practically the whole of his life had been spent in and about
Leon. The activities of Mr. Akes life have been diversified and intense. For
more than thirty-five years he was the most aggressive buyer and seller of live
stock in this part of the state. For a similar period of time he had been
actively identified with the political and civic life of the state and
community, being found always on the side of progressive measures and programs.
Probably in the history of Leon there is no figure that stands out more
prominent than Charles Akes. He had continually led the battle for a better
town and community. He was identified with the movements that brought
waterworks, sewer, paving, schools, electric light and good roads. His latest
activities had been the promotion of the county fair and the Jefferson Highway.
He was united in marriage to Leola Warner January 13, 1887, and to this
union four children were born, two sons having preceded him in death. He
leaves to mourn his departure his devoted wife, two sons, Robert of Leon, and
Earl of Oroville, California, two brothers, Ben of San Francisco, Cal., and
John of Des Moines, one sister, Oma Kohal of California, and three half sisters
and one half brother as follows: Mrs. Brown, of Decatur, Iowa; Mrs. Bain of
Bedford, Iowa; Mrs. Warren, of Bedford, Iowa; and W.P. Akes, of Decatur, Iowa,
besides a host of other relatives and friends. Mr. Akes united with the
Methodist church in 1900. He was a member of the local orders I.O.O.F. and
K.P. and of the Creston Lodge B.P.O.E.
The passing of Charley Akes brings a definite bitterness of sorrow. We will
miss his hearty greeting, his unselfish friendship, his dynamic personality.
This community has been definitely impoverished in the untimely death of a man
who gave so largely of himself to make this the best community in the state.
The funeral service was held at the Methodist church in Leon Sunday
afternoon, in charge of the pastor Rev. J.E. Habliston, the address being given
by E.A. Place and it was one of great confort to the friends being in the
nature of one friend speaking of another, and a tribute to business activities
of the deceased. The church was crowded to capacity more than an hour before
the time set for the services, and hundreds of people stood outside the church,
many friends having driven long distances to attend the funeral, which was by
far the largest funeral ever held in Leon. In addition to the frinds, both the
Odd Fellows and Knights of Phthias attended, the pall bearers being selected
from these orders. The floral tributes were many and elaborate, the rostrum of
the church being literally banked with flowers. On account of Mr. Akes' son
Earl, sho lives in Oroville, California, not having arrived, having started
after arrangements were make for the funeral Sunday, interment will be make in
the Leon cemetery after his arrival (can't read) on Wednesday.
Source on the obituary is Iowa Dept. of History and Archives in Des Moines,Iowa. Leon Reporter, Thursday, Aug. 16, 1923.