Richard (Dick) Arthur Eveleth, 93, of Des Moines, IA, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Glen Oaks in Urbandale. A celebration of his life is being planned for a later date at a location in Des Moines for family, friends, former colleagues and students. Dick’s final resting place is at Resthaven Mausoleum in Des Moines. Online condolences may be sent here to www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com
Dick Eveleth, son of Leo and Hilda Eveleth, was born on August 6, 1924, in Owasso, Michigan. Dick graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. He met his wife, Mary Joan (Jody) Collins at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, and they married on May 26, 1948. Dick and Jody were blessed with two sons, Daniel and David.
With a Master Degree in Fine Arts, Dick graduated from Drake University. He put that degree to use by being a devoted art teacher at Weeks Middle School for 32 years. He had a passion for education. He enjoyed teaching students to appreciate art and how to make pottery using a potter’s wheel. He treasured the opportunity of working with different children. Dick proudly worked to help his fellow teachers as president of the Iowa Federation of Teachers where he appreciated working with colleagues and educational leaders.
Dick loved being of service. He was a Boy Scout leader, was a candidate for the Iowa Legislature, and twice headed a work crew for Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican Republic and in Hawaii. Dick was a proud Navy veteran who served during WWII in the Philippines and in Guam. When he wasn’t wearing a cowboy hat, he would likely be wearing his favorite Navy cap. He was always quick to help others in need. Even in his last years, he would be seen helping clean up the kitchen at Wesley Acres, and at Glen Oaks, he was still helpful and kind to other residents.
Traveling around the world twice, Dick and his wife, Jody, appreciated different cultures and people. He enjoyed everything in nature, loved music and was always singing, and was a gifted craftsman. He could build or fix anything, which included their house in Burnet, Texas, and their summer home which is on Lake Vermilion in Tower, Minnesota. He and Jody spent happy days on the sailboat he had salvaged and repaired in the family backyard.
Dick had a love for all people, especially his family. He would often say that if Jody was happy, then he was happy. Whenever she had a project for him, or a trip she wanted to take, he was ready to help make it happen. He is loved and missed. Dick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jody, and his two sons, Daniel (Cherilyn) and David (Bobby). Dick was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.
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