Henry Alvin Follett
  • Born on: March 14, 1930
  • Departed on: May 4, 2018
  • Resided in: Clermont, IA

Henry Alvin Follett

Henry Alvin Follett, 88, of Clermont, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, at Maple Crest Manor Nursing and Care Center in Fayette.

He was born on the family farm near Clermont on March 14, 1930, to Walter and Sophie (Anderson) Follett. Henry had two older sisters, Lorraine and Betty, and two younger sisters, Marilyn and Carolyn. His education began at a nearby rural school. When that school closed, Henry Follett he attended Larrabee School in Clermont. Graduating from Clermont High School in 1947, he moved on to Upper Iowa University. After one year he came home to the farm to earn money and continue his education.

In 1951 Henry entered the U.S. Army. After school in Aberdeen, Md., he became a battlefield intelligence specialist. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Ordinance School in Germany, where he taught U.S. Army and NATO students. Following his military discharge in late 1953, he returned from Germany to the farm. For many years he attended night classes at Upper Iowa University.

Henry married Beverly Gates on Aug. 4, 1957. On Feb. 12, 1959, Beverly passed away. On July 3, 1961, he married Karen Wilcox. They were blessed with a daughter and two sons, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Henry became a private pilot, making his first solo flight on his 16th birthday and earning his private license on his 17th birthday. He logged more than 1000 hours as a pilot. At age 21 Henry joined the Masonic fraternity, which he enjoyed for a lifetime. Upon returning from the Army, he became a member of the American Legion and served in many capacities in promoting Americanism and support for veterans and their families.

Henry farmed until 1970, when the family farm was sold. At that time the family moved to Clermont. For six years, he was part owner of Clermont Implement Company. In 1967, Henry helped the Larrabee family with arrangements to open Montauk to the public. Later he became site manager, a job he truly loved up until his retirement in 1993. He gave many programs about the Larrabees, as well as historical portrayals of Governor Larrabee and David B. Henderson, Speaker of the House. In his retirement Henry wrote many books about Clermont, Native American history and the Civil War. He became known as the town historian.

Henry is survived by Karen, his wife of 56 years; children Laurie (Douglas) Roach, Steve (Mary) Follett and Dan (Andrea) Follett; grandchildren Jayme Blais, Michael Roach, Jonathan (Lisa) Roach, Lucas Follett, Ariel (Kevin) Roepke, Nicholas and Claire Follett; and great-grandchildren Eli and Leon Roach. Other survivors include his sisters, Marilyn Waters and Carolyn Schatz; brothers-in-law Ed Waters, Larry Schatz and Dennis Wilcox; sister-in-law Marianne Wilcox; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Follett and Sophie (Follett) Green; two sisters, Lorraine Kruger and Betty Andres; two brothers-in-law, Kenton Kruger and Bill Andres; son-in-law Ed Blais; and his fi rst wife, Beverly.

Funeral services with military rites will be held on Sunday, May 20, at Union Sunday School in Clermont. A Masonic Service followed by a Celebration of Life Eulogy will begin at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to services on Sunday at Union Sunday School. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Allen Johnson Masonic Scholarship Fund and the Clermont Depot Restoration Fund.
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