Bernard "Pete" Debok Obituary

 

Bernard Doyle “Pete” DeBok, age 84, of Laurie, MO passed away Friday, November 7, 2025, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. He was born November 16, 1940, in Chariton, Iowa, son of the late Carroll Roy and Phyllis Irene (Ford) DeBok.

Pete grew up in Russell, IA and graduated from Russell High School as Senior Class President in 1959. He was a starting guard on the basketball team, reaching the state semifinals in back-to-back years. On November 18, 1962, he married the late Diane (Baughman) DeBok and they made a home in Russell, IA where they raised their sons, Brad and Darrin. His career path led him to be a bridge inspector for the Iowa Department of Transportation, working 34 years until his retirement in 1998. He took great pride in his work and was proudly awarded a plaque in recognition of the high-quality construction performed on a paving project, which was rated the best paving project completed in the state of Iowa in 1994. In 2007, Pete moved to the Lake of the Ozarks residing in Laurie, MO to be closer to his family and it was there he met his partner, Mary Ann Carter. Mary Ann has been a constant source of companionship and support. Their time together brought many years of happiness to his life.

Pete had a passion for the Iowa Hawkeye sports teams, proudly wearing his Hawkeye jacket sparking conversations with Iowans everywhere he went. He also enjoyed woodworking, especially scroll sawing, creating many beautiful keepsakes for family and friends. He loved spending time at Vinny’s Restaurant where his friends became like family.

Pete will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his craftsmanship, willingness to help others and assisting with their building projects, as well as his stubbornness and the many laughs it brought to those around him.

He is survived by his sons, Brad DeBok and wife Shari of O’Fallon, MO and Darrin DeBok of Olathe, KS; five grandchildren, Taylor, Ally, Hannah, Ava and Dominic; his partner, Mary Ann Carter; his sister, Carolyn Pierce of Killeen, TX and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15th, at Little Vinny’s Café and Lounge. A private family graveside service and interment will be held at Garber Memorial Estates in Laurie.

Tom Chenoweth Obituary

Tommy Joe Chenoweth, 80, of Ottumwa, died November 2, 2025 at Serenity House Hospice in Oskaloosa.

He was born November 16, 1944 in Lancaster, MO to Charles and Esther E. Saulsbury Chenoweth. Tom married Janice Marie Green on June 3, 1978 and she preceded him in death on April 10, 2024.

A graduate of Davis County High School in 1962, Tom earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in teaching from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. He later earned a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology.

Tom started his teaching career in Fremont, moving to Clear Creek Amana and later Russell. Moving to Ottumwa where he taught the majority of his career, he taught a short time at Washington Junior High, Walsh where he coached girls basketball. The majority of his career he taught at Evans and Ottumwa High School, teaching Industrial Tech and Drivers Education. Tom was named in the Who’s Who of teaching and retired in 2006 after 40 years.

Tom had been a member of First United Methodist Church and was a certified lay speaker.

He was an avid woodworker, was an exhibitor at the Wood Expo held at the Ottumwa Colosseum and also cut and sold firewood. In his youth, Tom raced amateur motorcycles. Tom enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball teams and coaching his son’s baseball team. He enjoyed attending motorcycle races with his son and also enjoyed fishing as well as hunting.

Surviving are his children, Allison (Mike) Chenoweth McGurn of Cedar Rapids and Alex Chenoweth of Ottumwa; and a sister-in-law, Deborah Thatcher of Poplar Bluff, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Karen Cassill.

Visitation is open at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 4th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 5th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Reeves officiating

Burial will be in the Corydon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice House or to the family.