Wayne Richard Haworth, 96, of rural Searsboro passed away Saturday evening, June 3, 2023, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at the New Sharon United Methodist Church. Burial will be held in the Stewart Cemetery near Taintor. Visitation begins at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon.  The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayne Haworth Memorial Fund and be used for a scholarship for a graduating senior that is a member of the North Mahaska FFA or the Stewart Cemetery.

On January 3, 1927, Wayne was born to Leander and Edith (Hewlett) Haworth, in Granby, Missouri.  He attended school at Granby High School before volunteering to serve in the Merchant Marines. He served his country for almost four years during and after World War II. He traveled the world.

On March 9, 1948, Wayne was united in marriage to Louise Mitchell.  They only knew each other for six weeks.  They had three children, Sharon, Gary, and Steven Wayne (deceased).  Following his honorable discharge, Wayne was employeed by Sears in Kansas City, however, his burning  desire to farm drew him to "greener pastures".

In 1953, a local pharmacist in Neosha, Missouri, presented Wayne and Louise with a farming opportunity in Iowa.  Through this connection, they first rented a farm near Pella.  Subsequently, they rented a farm west of Lacey, and finally rented a farm north of New Sharon.  In 1960, Wayne and Louise purchased a 405 acre farm southwest of Searsboro.  Over the years, Wayne, along with son Gary, raised thousands of hogs and purchased more ground.  Later, Clint, Wayne's grandson (Gary's son), joined the family farming operation.  Wayne, Gary, and Clint farmed together for over twenty years.

When he was younger, Wayne enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, setting diddy poles, and hand fishing. As his life progressed, Wayne focused on farming but he still enjoyed watching western movies, gathering and harvesting black walnuts and playing cards (preferably Poker and Black Jack).  Wayne and Louise went to Las Vegas several times a year to gamble and socialize.  Wayne always loved telling stories and talking farming and politics.   Most importantly, Wayne treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His legacy will be honored by his wife of 75 years, Louise Haworth; his children, Sharon (Tom) McMeekin of Montezuma, Gary (Terri) Haworth of rural Searsboro, seven grandchildren, Stephanie (Jimmy) Crawford, Jill (Matthew) Moore, Clint (Jentri) Haworth, Amber Hall (Shane Hansen), Katie (Darin) Ferguson, Amanda (Stephan) Bennett and Kim (Mark) Hasley, 21 great grandchildren, his sister, Margaret Carter, of Everton, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Steven Wayne Haworth, in infancy and six siblings, Loren Haworth, Doris Patton, Floy Haworth, Bernice Brown, Lowell Haworth, and Lois Carter.

We would like to thank the Newton Health Care Center for his excellent care over the past four months.  While there, he made many friends with whom he was able to share many of his great stories.