Centerville Daily Iowegian And Citizen
Centerville, Iowa
March 18, 1954


Charles Reuben Phares, the son of Jennie and Alfred J. Phares was born August 26, 1880 in Centerville, Iowa. He departed this life to be with Christ (which is far better) on Feb. 27, 1954 at a hospital in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 73 years, 6 months and 1 day. he had been in failing health for some time and seriously ill for about three weeks. He was being cared for by his wife Mabel, until he was taken to the hospital in Rochester on February 17, 1954, by his sons, George and James Phares.

Mr. Phares lived all his life in Centerville and worked in the coal mines in and near Centerville for a number of years. he was united in marriage with Mable Clay on Feb 1, 1903. To this union nine children were born, all of whom are living. he was dearly loved by his family, as well as neighbors, friends and other relatives who will all miss him greatly. Mr. Phares was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, one daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife Mable, six sons and three daughters; James, George and Arthur all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Gerald of Kansas City, Mo; Rex of Indianola, Iowa; Robert of Pomona, Calif.; Mrs. Blanche Osterfinke of Davenport, Iowa; Mrs. Jean Spurgeon of Seymour, Iowa and Mrs. Velma Clausen of Corning, Iowa, a brother, Wright Phares of Centerville; two sisters, Mrs. Ivy Benge and Mrs. Gertie Fletcher of Alhambra, Calif.; and 14 grandchildren as well as other relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning March 2, 1954, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Centerville at 11:00 A. M. conducted by David Lawrence of Centerville Gospel Chapel. Katherine and Ann Chapman sang "Sometime We'll Understand" and "Fade-Fade Each Earthly Joy with Mrs. Clara Swab as organist. Interment was in Dale cemetery near Centerville.

Those attending from a distance were all the children with their wives and husband with the exception of Robert Phares of California whose wife was ill at the time; five of the grandchildren, Richard Clausen, of Davenport, Mrs. Beverly Caviness, of Greenfield, Miss Geraldine Phares of Kansas City, Missouri, Roger Phares of Oklahoma, City and Judy Phares of Indiaola; also 5 patrolman from District 1 of Des Moines, which included George Choccholk, Richard Brown and Andy Carstansen of Des Moines, Max McClure of Knoxville and Dale Goodwin of Indianola; and Ludwig Claussen from Davenport, Iowa.