Bart French

Bart French, 92, of Wapello passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Sunrise Terrace Care Center.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello.  A time of remembrance with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. following visitation.    Private family burial will be in Mallory Cemetery at a later date.  A memorial has been established for the Wapello Fire Department new building in Bart’s name.      Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.    

Barton Donald French was born on September 18, 1932 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Donald and Nellie (Fischer) French.  Bart was a 1951 graduate of Osceola High School.  Following graduation, he worked for the Iowa Department of Public Safety in the driver’s license department.  Bart proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  On  April 14, 1956, Bart was united in marriage to Patricia Callahan in Oceanside, California.   Returning to Iowa, Bart graduated from Iowa Teachers College receiving his teaching degree.  He began his teaching degree in Mount Ayr, where he taught freshman science.  While in Mount Ayr, Bart became a certified scuba diver and taught scuba at nearby Graceland College.  Bart continued his teaching as he and Pat moved to Wapello in 1976, where he continued his teaching until his retirement from teaching in 1997.  Bart always had a sideline business, Midwest Breathing Air, LLC, which he continued until 2010 when he sold to his son, Barry and daughter-in-law, Mindy. 

Outside of work Bart found time for his other passion the Wapello Volunteer Fire Department, where he served more than 40 years.  He also was a member of the American Legion.  While teaching he was the freshmen class sponsor and also took many high school kids on school trips.  Bart will always be remembered for his witty knowledge with his weekly contribution to the Letter to the Editor of the Wapello Republican. 

Bart will be deeply missed by his children, Cindy Matthews, Scott French, Barry (Mindy) French, Todd (Wendy) French and Amy (Reggie) Burke; grandchildren, Alex, Lindsey, Jacob, Emily, Colton, Abbey, Dylan, Bari, Marina, Shea, Dru, Hogan, Sadie, Jason, Jerrod and Justin; 27 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Bart was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat on September 29, 2020; his brother, Barry J. French; his niece, Jodi French and nephew, Jayson Henkel.          

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