The Life of ALFRED LAVAUGHN STRAW
Alfred "Jim" LaVaughn Straw, age 86, of Des Moines, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2013, at his home with family surrounding him. Graveside services will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at 2 p.m., with Reverend Wava Guin officiating.
Jim was born September 14, 1926, in Peru, Nebraska, to Albert Straw and Gertie Mae (Curtis) Straw.
At the age of 16, Jim married Fern Kennedy and to this union three children were born, Wava, Jimmie, and Lorna Mae. After Fern''s death he married Martha Ann "Marty" Kline, and they had three children, Jimmy Lee, Penny Sue, and Krista Kae.
Jim was an over the road truck driver for 40+plus years. He drove border to border and coast to coast. At the age of 62 he had to retire from the road because of his health. He could not sit still so he went to work for Auto Rama and worked for eight years until his health forced him to retire.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; both his wives; infant son, Jimmy Lee; infant daughter, Penny Sue; granddaughter, Erin; grandson, Michael; and one brother, Irvin.
He is survived by long-time friend and companion, as well as care giver, Ruby Motes of the home; three daughters, Wava Guin of Oklahoma, Lorna Giest and husband Brian of Oklahoma, and Krista Kae Moritz and husband Dave of Florida; son, Jimmie LaVaughn Straw and wife Barbara of Oklahoma; two brothers, Gerald Straw and wife Nell of Holland and Bill Straw and wife Judy of Nebraska; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves many friends and neighbors to mourn his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Diabetic Association of Des Moines, Iowa, in Jim’s name.