Wilbur Dean Sleep
Wilbur Dean Sleep
Wilbur Dean Sleep
1932-2015
Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Wilbur Sleep, age 82, of Bedford, Iowa, who passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Wilbur’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Wilbur Dean Sleep was born October 1, 1932, in Taylor County, Iowa one of 11 children born to Dale Henry Sleep and Vera Blanche (Murray) Sleep. He grew up west of Bedford attending Morning Star Country School through the eighth grade and then graduating from Bedford High School with the Class of 1950. During his high school years he enjoyed playing football. He then attended Commercial Extension Business School, graduating in 1952, and went on to attend Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College (NWMSU) where he played Bearcat Football playing Full Back for two years. In March of 1954, he entered the United States Army where he served until being honorably discharged in March of 1956. On May 5, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joyce Elaine Jones in Maryville, Missouri. Four children were born to bless their lives, Kenneth Dean, David Loren, Diane Louise and Douglas Dale.
Wilbur was a devoted family man who enjoyed sharing his life with his friends and family, he certainly never knew a stranger! He was passionate about farming and had a great love for the land. Because he was such a great steward of the land, Wilbur and Joyce started Sleep’s Tile Yard. This allowed him to continue his love for conservation while feeding the passion to visit with his customers. Wilbur was a hard working man who looked forward to family functions with his extended large family. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting with his hunting dogs and buddies and metal detecting. Wilbur was a National Champion Trap Shooter and a life-time member of the John F. Hardin American Legion.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend is his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Sleep of Maryville, Missouri; his four children, Kenny Sleep and wife Joyce of Bedford, Iowa; Dave Sleep and wife Sara of Omaha, Nebraska; Diane Runde and husband Rod of Parnell, Missouri; and Doug Sleep and wife Cindy of Bedford, Iowa; six grandchildren, Bryce Sleep and wife Alli of Bedford, Iowa; Brandon Sleep of Bedford, Iowa; Justin Sleep and Michaela Sleep, brother and sister, both of Omaha, Nebraska; Heather Runde of Barnard, Missouri and Jackie Runde of Maryville, Missouri; two step-grandchildren, Lisa Lee and Leslie Lee; five step-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nathan, Eli, Julian and Jaxon; two brothers, Bob Sleep and wife Mary Jo of Bedford, Iowa; and John Sleep of Gravity, Iowa; two sisters, Betty Miller and husband John of Maryville, Missouri; and Karen Tisue of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sleep of Bedford, Iowa; and Barbara Sleep of Corning, Iowa; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding Wilbur in death are his parents, Dale and Vera Sleep; four brothers, Gerald, Eldon, Marvin and Ronnie Sleep; two sisters, Darlene Claybaker and Marvis Ballard; a sister-in-law, Sandra Sleep; and a brother-in-law, Darrell Tisue.
Wilbur was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and steward of the land.
His enthusiasm, humor, insight and kindness will be missed by everyone.
May he be at peace in God’s loving care.
