11/22/2006
Lionel Lee Bybee was born on June 26, 1915, to E.A. and Ruby (Rees) Bybee on a farm
south of Knoxville.
Lionel grew up around Knoxville. He attended Willow Grove Country School and graduated
from Knoxville High School in 1932. He helped his family on the farm, raising cattle
and horses. He married Betty Jane Carpenter on July 16, 1939.
In 1943, Lionel was inducted into the United States Navy where he served for two
years during World War II. He was an electrician aboard the U.S.S. Hendry, a ship
responsible for transporting troops to Iwo Jima. After his honorable discharge from
the Navy, Lionel and his father built their current house in Swan, where Betty and
Lionel have lived ever since.
He had worked at a variety of jobs during his life, including driving a gas truck;
retail work at Gambles Hardware in Des Moines; hanging awnings for C.W. Humphrey
Window Company in Des Moines; farming; building houses with Rex Shoop and Hoot Richards
around Pleasantville; and for over 35 years he was a lab technician at General Pictures,
Bonine Inc. and University Photo where he processed film and developed still pictures.
Lionel was also a member of the Pleasantville School Board for 13 years, a 50-year
member of the Legion Auxiliary, a 25-year member of the Pleasantville Lions Club
and a member of the Pleasantville Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of St. Paul's
United Methodist Church.
Lionel died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, at the Pleasant Care Living Center in Pleasantville
at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathryn King.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Betty; children, Larry Bybee (Barb)
of Pleasantville, Rosemary Marsh (Bob) of Manchester and Kim Bybee of Swan; five
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville, Monday, Nov.
27, 2006 with Pastor Jeff Flagg officiating.
Interment was in Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. For those desiring, memorial contributions
may be made to the family.