grave import

Obituary

Hugh Charles McLaury, 89, of Burlington, died at 11:15 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2009, at the Blair House in Burlington. Born April 12, 1920, in Burlington, he was the son of Charles Washburn McLaury and Bertha Leonia Mattey, and his stepmother, Madge Curtis McLaury. On March 21, 1943, he married Verna Walter in Burlington. She died in 1962. His companion, Ann Harrison, died in 2005. Mr. McLaury formerly worked with the Burlington Area Development Corp. In 1946, he established the Regional Veterans Administration office in Burlington, and for several years was the contact officer. He became personnel director of Burlington Instrument Co. before entering the life insurance business in 1953. He also owned a fire and casualty company in Burlington. He served in the Navy Air Corps during World War II. He attended Burlington Junior College and the University of Maryland. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, having served on the consistory. He was active in community affairs, having twice been the chairman of the Des Moines County Red Cross, a Burlington school board member, a Rotarian, Exalted Ruler of BPOE No. 84, president of Southeast Iowa Life Underwriters, a member of the Davenport Club, Plaza Club and the Old Pueblo Club. He was twice the president of Iowa Professional Developers, director of Great Lakes Area Development Council, director of Mid-America Economic Development Council and director for the American Economic Development Council. Survivors include one son, Robert John McLaury of Reston, VA; three daughters, Beth McLaury Smith of Atlanta, GA, Jane McLaury Biggs of Burlington, and Lynn McLaury of Tucson, AZ; six grandsons; and five great-grandchildren. Besides his wife and companion, he was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, and one son. A memorial for Mr. McLaury will be at a later date; burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Prugh Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.