Posted on August 19, 2019 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
Charles and Marletta Warren have volunteered many years together; serving as 4-H leaders, evaluating record books, and being on various committees in Decatur County. 
Charles and Marletta farmed over 35 years before they retired and moved to Leon. Charles, now age 89 lives at Terrace Park Assistant Living, and Marletta, age 87, lives next door at West View Care Center in Leon. They have three adult children that are married. Chuck, (wife, Marilyn), Mike (wife, Jeanette) and Charletta (husband Mike). 9 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. All three children were long time 4-H members.
Charles joined 4-H in 1940 at 10 years old with his brother Chester in Decatur County. He belonged to the Van Wert 4-H club and continued in 4-H for 11 years. He showed baby beef cattle and purebred Duroc hogs at county level and when he got older showed at the Iowa State Fair and Kansas City American Royal. Charles was involved in educational presentations at the county and state levels and won numerous awards. He was instrumental in helping the Extension Service spending many hours cleaning grounds of dead trees, planting new trees, and repairing old buildings to improve the fairgrounds. Charles and Marletta were also responsible for getting a new dining hall at the fairgrounds. Later, Charles helped build a chain fence around the fairgrounds which also benefited the Leon Rodeo. One of Charles’ highlights of his 4-H career was when he won a bus trip around the State of Iowa which totaled close to 900 miles.
Marletta volunteered many years managing the 4-H food stand at the Decatur County Fair, along with being leader of the LeRoy Merry Makers Girls' 4-H club. She spent many hours working with girls on their projects and exhibits, as well as helping them with their demonstrations.
Both Charles and Marletta are long time Farm Bureau members. FB sponsored many 4-H events. Charles served his country in the Korean War for over two years while Marletta was home raising their son.
Before retiring, you would always see Charles and Marletta helping with fair exhibits. Even now at the age of 89, Charles continues to coordinate the Old Tractor and Antique Car shows at the local county fair; having at least 5 entries of his own tractors and antique cars. Annually, with the help of his sons, Charles always takes his Model A to the Iowa State Fair to display. He is pleased when Central Decatur School District calls on Charles to borrow one of his convertibles for the homecoming parade.
Both Charles and Marletta are members of Leon Bible Church and were very active before they retired. They taught Sunday School and helped with youth group and were on numerous church boards. The local 4-H program helped Charles and Marletta to be leaders in their community and church.
Categories: Decatur
