Harry Phelps

Harry Phelps, 91, of Lisbon, died Friday, November 22, 2019, at the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon. Funeral Service: 2 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial: Lisbon Cemetery. Survivors include his children, Carol Starr of Manchester, Linda (Doug) Berry of Cedar Rapids, and Sherry (Doug) Shepard of Cedar Rapids; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Ortman of Lisbon, and Carolyn Phelps of Lisbon; and several nieces and nephews. Harry Ellsworth Phelps was born August 3, 1928, to Sailor and Gladys (Bushnell) Phelps, in rural Linn County. He attended Lisbon schools, and later joined the Army. He married Helen Fortner Willett on April 27, 1963, in Marion. Harry was a lifelong resident of Lisbon, and a well-known staple in the community. He was proud to have called Lisbon his home for over 90 years, only being away during his deployments. Harry was a proud organic farmer, and kept himself and his family busy by working on the farm in the northeast corner of Johnson County. When he wasn't farming, Harry could be found supporting Lisbon Schools, sharing his opinions by writing a Letter to the Editor of the Sun, enjoying live music at Sutliff, or attending one of the activities of the many organizations he belonged to. He was a former member of DAV, Lisbon Legion Club, and National Farmer's Organization. Harry was a lifetime member of FFA and Farm Bureau, and among his many community activities, participated in the renovation of the Stagecoach House. Harry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; children, Joyce Jellison, James 'JP' Willett, and Jack Willett; and sister, Marjorie Kinkead. Harry's family would like to thank the staff of Cherry Ridge, Lisbon Rehab, and Hospice of Mercy for the tremendously generous care given to Harry over the past few years.