Vearl George Rowe, well known Wright County educator and genealogist, departed from this life on April 9, 1005, at the Manor at Elfindale in Springfield, Mo. He was 98 years, 10 months and eight days of age. Vearl was born on May 19, 1906, the son of Ira and Louada (Todd) Rowe. He was a member of the Manes Baptist Church. After completing the eighth grade and other required classes, Vearl started teaching in 1923, at the age of 17. The first 21 years, he taught in one room rural schools. During the summer months, Vearl continued his own education, eventually receiving his undergraduate degree at Southwest Missouri Teachers College, and later a Master's Degree from the University of Missouri. In 1944, Vearl moved to Mansfield to teach and be school Principal. He went to Mountain Grove in 1953, to help reorganize the rural schools. In 1958, he became the Principal at Hartville Elementary School. After 51 years of teaching in Wright County, Vearl retired in June, 1974. After retirement, he kept very active with his interest in genealogy. Vearl wrote several books, recording the history of Wright County, its towns, schools, churches and post offices. Vearl said on several occasions, "I don't know if I ever made a teacher or not, but I kept that name for a long time and I'm proud of it. I think I have helped many students in more ways than one." He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Opal, in 1973; his second wife, Cassie (Holland) in 1986; an infant son, Ollis; a daughter, Dotty Jean Radford and her husband, Wade; two sisters, Lavell Curtis and Ivy Wood of Hartville; a brother, Oval Rowe of Miller, Mo.; a newphew, Joe Wood of Springfield, and a granddaughter-in-law, Carole Bradley. Survivors are a daughter, Iris Bradley and her husband, Orville; five granchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rachel Rowe of Mount Vernon; a a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held in Mountain Grove, in the Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Funeral Home Chapel, April 12, 2005 at 2 p.m. with R. E. Helsley officiating. A bried visitation will be held one hour before the funeral. A specail thanks to the carefivers of the Manor of Elfindale and Community Hospice of Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wright County Historical Society. ___________ The address is: P. O. Box 66, Hartville MO 65667 ___________________ Plans had already been made to dedicate our "Tales II" book to Vearl. We had hoped to have it completed before his work on Earth was done. The book will still be dedicated to him....but the time has now come to say: "Farewell, my friend. It was a privilege to know you." Phyllis Rippee