George Dennis Cantrell, 77, of Bloomfield, died at 1:23 a.m. July 20, 2024 at home, surrounded with family.
He was born June 26, 1947 in Ottumwa to Virgil Merle and Beulah Virginia Canny Cantrell. He married Karen Ann Lunsford June 7, 1970.
A 1967 graduate of Davis County High School, George had worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works and operated Cantrell’s Sharpening Shop for over 35 years.
George was a member of the Iowa Black Powder Federation and the Orleans Church of Christ near Moulton.
George became interested in early American History at a young age. This led to participating in the Mountain Man Rendezvous and Reenactments. He also enjoyed attending trade shows of that era. He shared this interest by working with Boy Scouts and hosting the 4th grade spring class trip. Showing his teepee, explaining the life of the Mountain Man and American Indian was his way to educate students.
He enjoyed knife making, camping, reading history books, watching westerns, woodworking and, in his retirement, enjoyed sitting on the deck and gazing out onto the prairie. Most importantly, he took pride in his family and was always supportive. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was his greatest joy.
Surviving is his wife, Karen; three children, David (Angela) Cantrell of Homestead, Angela (Matt) Fielding of Cedar Rapids, Lynna Cantrell of St. Paul Park, MN; two grandchildren, Dawson and Dakota Cantrell; a sister, Wanda Long of Keosauqua; sisters-in-law, Esther Cantrell and Deanna McFarland; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Pam Runyon and her husband, Ronnie; a brother, Michael Cantrell; three nephews, Craig Pilcher, Jeff Long and Lance Cantrell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald and Flola Lunsford; a brother-in-law, Randy McFarland.
Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Monday, July 22nd, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23rd at Reece Funeral Home with Jeff Dalrymple officiating. Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Bloomfield. Buckskinner friends will honor him with a Volley and Pipe Ceremony conducted following the committal service.
Memorials may be made to Orleans Church of Christ or Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties.
