Galen Myers Bristow

Galen Myers Bristow, age 94, of Ottawa, Kansas, died on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, while surrounded by family at his home in Ottawa. He was born in Lebo, Kansas, December 18, 1921, the son of James Harrison Bristow and Pearl Ethelda (Myers) Bristow. Galen was a near lifelong Ottawa, Kansas resident and attended Ottawa High School with the class of 1939. Galen was inducted into the United States Army on December 21, 1942. He served his country bravely as member of the 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Company A. Galen saw combat in Northern France, Rhineland Ardennes, and Central Europe. He fought bravely at the Battle of St. Vith and the Battle of the Bulge. He earned the European Theatre Ribbon, four Bronze Service Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was Honorably Discharged on December 10, 1945 attaining the rank of Sergeant. Before and after his service, Galen was a self-employed milk hauler for the Dairy cooperative, Mid-American Dairymen. His Company of Galen Bristow Trucking was run by Galen from 1940 until his retirement in 1985, when his sons took over. He was a very active member of the North Baptist Church of Ottawa. He was the Patriarch of the church, at the time of his death he was the oldest living member of the church. He served the church and his Lord as Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Member. On June 29, 1941, Galen was united in marriage with Wilma May Hough at Fort Scott, KS. They enjoyed 46 years together until her death on October 11, 1987. He is also preceded in death by his second wife Lavera (Hiles) Bristow in 1993; his third wife Dorrene (Meneffee) Bristow in 2011; and siblings, Leo James Bristow, Norma Williams, Leota Gould. Galen is survived by daughter, Linda Sue Elder and her husband, Willie, of Ottawa; son, John Michael Bristow and his wife, Lynda of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter-in-law Nancy Bristow of Ottawa; sixteen grandchildren, Jennifer, Kevin, Jason, Robin, Benjamin, James, Aaron, Galen, Sarah, Melissa, Nicholas, Spencer, Gage, Alexandra, Alanie, Olivia; and thirteen great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Ottawa, Kansas. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The family suggests memorials to North Baptist Church, Ottawa. Memorials may be sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, Kansas. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Galen Myers Bristow please visit our Sympathy Store.

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