Burton E. Snook, 95, a life-long resident of Newton and former owner of Snook Inn Restaurant, passed away on New Year’s Eve at MercyOne Hospice House in Johnston. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2020, at Newton Union Cemetery. The graveside service will also be livestreamed on the Wallace Family Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials to MercyOne Hospice House or the Elks Lodge #1270 may be left at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.
Burt was born at home in Newton to Bert and Henrietta (Jess) Snook on November 29,1925. Burt attended Newton High School where he was senior class treasurer and Homecoming King. He was an accomplished athlete and was awarded six varsity letters, two in each sport; football, basketball and track. Burt left high school before official graduation to join the Navy at age 17 in 1943. He was awarded his diploma in 1944 while serving in World War II. Burt was a gunner in the Navy Armed Guard, traveling the Atlantic and Pacific on many different ships to deliver critical supplies to US troops.
After the war, Burt returned home to Newton to marry his high school sweetheart, Willadean “Billie” Lewellen, and to take over his father’s business, Snook Inn, formerly on main street in Newton. Burt was an ardent Newton Cardinal and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. After Billie passed away in 1981, he married Darlyne (McCabe) Ver Heul in 1983. When he retired from Snook Inn at age 62, he drove a food truck part time for Newton Public schools for 7 years. Burt and Darlyne traveled the world and the United States together. Burt was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, VFW, American Legion and Izaak Walton League. He also enjoyed boating, golfing and fishing. Burt contributed to many charities to help the underprivileged. He had a teasing, infectious sense of humor and a kind and generous heart. Burt was beloved by his family and his many friends of all ages.
Burt is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Darlyne Snook, of Newton; children, Terry (John) Shaw and Rob (Debi) Snook; grandchildren, Emilie Simons, Alexandra (Eric) Lindholm, Jamie (Andrea) Snook, Susan (Jeff) Snook, Kelly (Brent) Skelley, and TJ (Kelsey) Snook; eight great-grandchildren; step- children, Jeff (Ann) Ver Heul, Luke Ver Heul, and Sue Wheeler and their families; and his siblings, Dorothy Van Horn and Robert Snook. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Billie Snook; and siblings Helen Van Maaren and Wanda Gearhart.
The family extends sincere gratitude to Burt’s personal caregivers while he was at home and at MercyOne Hospice.
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