Byron F. Kimble

Byron F Kimble, 93, of Richland, IA passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at his home in Richland, surrounded by loved ones.

Byron was born on November 21st, 1927 to James Wayne and Emilia (Millie) Kimble in Creighton, NE. He was the youngest of seven children. Byron served the United States Navy in World War II on the USS Stephen Potter from 1945-1946. He was a long-time member and past Commander of the VFW Post 2271 in Fairfield and was involved in numerous Veterans affairs.

Byron was a committed man to his community over the years. He managed Gambles Hardware stores in several Southeast Iowa towns, finally owning his own store in Fairfield. After numerous years in the retail business, Byron sold his store and began a long and illustrious career with the Fairfield Daily Ledger newspaper, retiring as the newspapers Publisher. Still not satisfied with retirement, he then sold Real Estate until age 80. He also was a city servant of Richland, serving as its Mayor for eight years. Besides serving as Mayor, Byron was also involved with numerous organizations, including being the Chairman of the Board of the Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

Byron was also a devoted football fan of his beloved Nebraska Huskers Football team, as he grew up in Nebraska as a young man and enjoyed numerous wins over the last 50 year plus years, as Iowa's number one Nebraska fan.

Byron was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, serving in many lay positions plus being a member of the church choir for over 35 years.

He was a loyal member of the beloved coffee group, the Howard Johnson Coffee Club with many of his closest friends for years.

Byron was married to Margery Ridgway in 1947 in Creighton, NE.  They later divorced.  He then married and is survived by his wife of 36 years, Colleen Ulin Kimble, his son, Tyon (Lynn) Kimble of Cedar Falls, IA, twin daughters, Shawna (Bradney) Higginbotham of Grand Junction, CO, Sheena (Larry) Duwa of Wellington, CO, Stepsons, Brian (Susan) Ulin, Rubio, IA, Bruce (Renee) Ulin, Fairfield, IA, Bryce (Catherine) Ulin, Des Moines, IA and Chuck (Heidi) Ulin, Savage, MN.

He also loved spending time with his 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six sisters, Luceil, Goldia, Jean, Lavina and infant twin girls.

Memorials can be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, IA and the First Responders of Richland, IA.  Cards and memorials may be mailed to Colleen Kimble, 407 North Washington, Richland, Iowa 52585.

Open visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2020, at Behner Funeral Home.  Family will not be present for the visitation.

Byron's immediate family and close friends will hold a graveside service with Military Honors at Richland Friends Cemetery on Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Al Coffin officiating.  Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield will provide the services for the family. Tributes can be directed to their website behnerfh.com to share a thought, memory or condolences.

Please honor the family's request to wear a mask at the visitation and graveside services.