Ivan Wesley North, 87, Adrian, MO, died Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Adrian Manor in Adrian. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 at the First Baptist Church in Macks Creek, MO with visitation at 1:00 at the church. Burial will be in Macks Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, Attn: Christiana Mustion, 11300 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044.

Ivan was born December 7, 1921 in Sleeper, MO, the son of Arley Harrison and Eleanor Elizabeth (Walker) North. Ivan, one of seven children, grew up in the Missouri Ozarks, attending Alexander School in Eldridge MO and Chapel Bluff School in Tunnel Dam MO until graduation from the eighth grade.

After Ivan was out of school he worked on the family farm until he entered the U.S. Army in 1942 during World War II. During his military service he was awarded five bronze stars and the good conduct medal. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945. On December 1, 1946, Ivan was joined in marriage to Marjorie May Eldred of Macks Creek, MO. In their 62 years of marriage, they raised one daughter, Naomi Joyce.

Ivan worked as the manager of the MFA Grocery and Feed Store in Macks Creek, MO for 17 years followed by working at Blair's Cedar Novelties in Camdenton MO until his retirement. In 1990, Ivan and Marjorie moved to Adrian, MO to be closer to Naomi, her husband, Carl Selle and grandsons, Vic and Brad.

Ivan was a very dedicated family man and greatly enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other extended family members. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and raising cattle throughout his many years. Ivan served many years as a Sunday school teacher and deacon at the First Baptist Church of Macks Creek. He touched many lives, both through his words and by the exemplary Christian life that he lived.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Herman North, an infant son, Don North and one grandson, Steven Selle. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Adrian, MO; one daughter, Naomi Selle and husband, Carl of Adrian, MO; two grandsons, Vic Selle of Butler, MO and Brad Selle and wife, Becky of Nixa, MO; two great-grandchildren, Ashton and Alexis of Nixa, MO; two brothers, Eldon North of Halfway, MO and Arthur North of Independence, MO; three sisters, Pauline Willey of Raytown, MO, Marjorie Andrews of Macks Creek, MO and Eva Creach of Macks Creek, MO; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.