Jonathan E. Hosley

Jonathan Edward Hosley died October 23, 2009, at Allen County Hospital in Iola, Kansas. He was 98 years old. Jonathan, the youngest son, was the last remaining member of his family, his parents and all nine of his brothers and sisters having pre-deceased him. Jonathan was born on a farm in Allen County, March 5, 1911, to Edward and Hattie (Van deVeer) Hosley. The family moved to Hillsdale farm when Johnnie (as he was known) was a young boy. He spent his youth and adulthood on the farm, growing field crops as well as melons. Never married, he was the caretaker for his stepmother, Edith Hosley, until her death. He continued to farm, contributing pecans and black walnuts from the land to a world hunger charity. He was a kind, generous, and trusting neighbor--always willing to help in any way he could. He was enjoyed growing exotic and experimental varieties of watermelon, occasionally entering them in the county fair and winning several ribbons. He was also proud of his daylilies. Johnnie is survived by a number of nieces and nephews: Edward Hosley of Athol, ID; Marilyn Trumbo of Hamilton, MT; Joanne Ashmore of San Ramon, CA; Robert Gould of Roseburg, OR; Margaret Saadoon of Chico, CA; Anne Rady of Maadi, Egypt; Saundra Sheffer of San Dimas, CA; Karen Barrett of Littleton, CO; James Hosley of Grande Ronde, OR; David Hosley of Lincoln City, OR; and Donald Hosley of Grande Ronde, OR. Services are pending, cremation has taken place.