Cleo Lucille McKim, 99, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield.
Cleo was born November 30, 1925 in Fertile, Iowa. She was the daughter of Paul James and Verna Lucille (Brown) Humphrey. She attended school in Fertile and graduated as the Valedictorian of the Fertile High School Class of 1943. She then attended the former Midland Radio School in Kansas City, MO.
Cleo worked as a radio operator for American Airlines at LaGuardia Field in New York City. A longtime gifted pianist, Cleo played the piano for young female singer named Jean McKim, who happened to be the sister of a US Navy Sailor from Iowa. A courtship between Cleo and the young sailor ensued. On March 15, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, IA, Cleo was united in marriage to Robert William “Bob” McKim.
The couple settled in Mt. Pleasant where Cleo worked for a time at the Shafer Pen Company. Cleo continued with her piano and music skills. At age 50, Cleo began instruction in playing the pipe organ. She studied organ under Carl Moehlman, Associate Professor of Music and College Organist of Iowa Wesleyan College. She first became the Assistant Organist at First United Methodist Church, playing for the 8 AM worship service. Cleo then became the Organist for the church. She also accompanied the Chancel Choir, and played for many weddings and funerals. For a time, Cleo also played in the church’s Bell Choir. At age 85, Cleo retired as organist of the church.
Cleo was a member of First United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Chapter Original A. Cleo loved to play Bridge. She had belonged to several bridge clubs and was often called to fill in for other bridge players. Cleo was also a published poet & author for Our Iowa magazine & Lyrical Iowa. She was also a champion speller, winning every spelling bee at Old Threshers that she entered.
Those thankful for sharing in Cleo’s life include her 3 children – Ted W. McKim and his wife Ginger of Clermont, Fl, Dennis R. McKim of Blue Ridge, VA and Sue Lowe and her husband Joe of Mt. Ida, AR; 3 sisters in law – Karen Humphrey of Clear Lake, Gladys Humphrey of Lake Mills, Sally McKim of Ames and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her father (Nov 1977), her mother (May 1972), her beloved husband of 57 years, Bob (Dec. 4, 2004), and 4 brothers – Robert, Leighton, Earl and Wayne Humphrey.
Cleo donated her body to the Deeded Body Program of the University of Iowa Medical School. A memorial funeral service for Cleo will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, April 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend Court M. Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
Friends and family are invited to join in a luncheon beginning at 12 Noon on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall of the church. The family will then receive friends from 1-2 PM at the church.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Cleo and her family.