John "Jack" Richard Comer, Sr.
May 14, 2017
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Service Details
John Comer, Sr. was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, Sunday, May 14, 2017.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, IA. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2017, at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th Street, Des Moines, IA. Private interment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Jack was born on November 10, 1928, in Des Moines, IA to James Howard Comer and Dorothy Mae (Myers) Comer. He resided in McAllen, TX from 1938-1941, then spent the remainder of his life in Des Moines, IA. He lived in the same house and built a home with his wife Cathy from 1948 to present.
Jack attended Lincoln High School, then served in the U.S. Navy as a 3rd class ship fitter from 1945-1947. He was united in marriage to C. Catherine “Cathy” Comer on June 20, 1948, in Des Moines, IA. They were blessed with nearly 69 years of marriage.
In 1947, he began work at the Rock Island Railroad, then the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring 40 years as a car repairman. After retirement, he worked at Iowa Methodist Medical Center at the reception desk for over 20 years.
He was a faithful servant and leader in ministry, teaching others how to grow in their Christian faith through Bible study and life experiences. He served at a number of churches including Galilee Baptist Church for 30 years (1953-1982), Van Meter Baptist Church for 10 years (1982-1992), and Grace Church from 2001 to present.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, James Howard Comer and Dorothy Mae (Myers) Comer; sister, Alice Mae Comer; and grandson, Danny Paul Selsor.
Jack leaves behind his wife, Cathy; son, John (Janice) Comer of Des Moines, IA; daughter, Cathy (Dan) Selsor of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Joshua (Allison) Swackhamer, Shawna Comer (Bill Kraber), Nathan Comer (Amy McCoy), Joe (Sarah) Swackhamer, and Lindsay (Justin) Hunerdosse all of Des Moines, IA; great-grandchildren, Chase Swackhamer, Ciera Swackhamer, Jimmy McCoy, Salena Comer, Caleb McCoy, Katelyn Comer, Elaine Swackhamer, Cayden Jacobs, Josiah Swackhamer, Ethan Swackhamer, Luke Hunerdosse, and Jace Hunerdosse all of Des Moines, IA; and his sister, Doris Louise (Ray) Reierson of Des Moines, IA.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Blank Children’s Hospital, 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Pat Weaver Voll
06/06/2017
Just heard of Jack's passing. His smile will greatly be missed. I am so glad I was able to see both of you at your retirement along with the Kids. I will remember that day until we see him again. Pat and family
Sheila Schneckloth
05/27/2017
I was so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I passed his station at the Hospital every week and he always had a kind word for me. My sincere condolences.
Todd kranpitz
05/18/2017
His cheerful greeting always brightened my day. He always made me smile when he referred to the "beautiful girl", his lovely wife. He will be missed but fondly remembered.
Mark
05/18/2017
My sympathies to Cathy and family.
I always loved hearing his greetings as I walked through the atrium to work, "Marvelous Monday's, Terrific Tuesday's, and Wonderful Wednesday's."!
Cristal Chapman
05/18/2017
Cathy I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Jack was amazing soul, He will be dearly missed.
Tina (Dacken) Beerbower
05/17/2017
Cathy I'm truly sorry to hear of Jacks passing. We know he is in Heaven probably giving the new people who have died he's welcoming them up. Cathy I use to go to church with you at Gallilee Babtist church. I always wondered if you still lived there in Norwoodville?
Cathy I would love to talk to you some time when you ready 229-
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Maggie and Dave Harmon
05/17/2017
We wish to express our sadness about Jack's passing. But we know he is home with the Lord. He had a large heart, beautiful smile, and a wonderful voice. He and Cathy welcome us many a time into their home. love and best wishes
Christy
05/17/2017
I first met Jack and Cathy at Weight Watchers. Then I would see him at the hospital. A few years ago I even had the privilege of helping with a wedding where Jack officiated. Jack was such a special person. He welcomed everyone who walked through the door at Methodist with smile and a good morning or a good afternoon. He genuinely cared about everyone. He was the perfect person to work at the desk. He spoke to everyone who walked by. He brightened your day. He would put a smile on your face. I haven't walked past that desk once without thinking about him and it just isn't the same. I have missed him being there. Hundreds of people were touched by Jack. We are better people for having known him. My sympathies for your loss.
Wendy
05/17/2017
Jack will be greatly missed. My mom and I had many a little chat with him at the reception desk at Methodist. He always had a smile and a cheery hello for all who passed. My sympathies for your loss.
Tonya Godby
05/17/2017
I met Jack and Cathy when I worked at Methodist hospital. Jack was an amazing kind gentle soul. I moved back home to Denver but never ever forgot Jack and Cathy. Jack you will be missed my friend. Love and prayers to you Cathy.
Rachel Reed
05/17/2017
My deepest sympathies to Cathy and the family. Every morning on my way to work, I looked forward to seeing that smile. I enjoyed all our talks as he was always lifting your spirits up. Jack was a great man and will be missed.
Ed Brown
05/17/2017
For most of my professional career as CEO of The Iowa Clinic I was greeted by Jack throughout my day. We have laughed, celebrated, had thoughtful conversations, cried and prayed together. Even at my lowest points Jack was there to lift me up and give me inspiration. I will miss him but I am comforted knowing that he was met by the The Lord who said to him "well done dear and faithful servant"!! God Bless you Jack cause certainly bless the lives of many!
Diana & Rick Emerson
05/17/2017
So sad to learn of Pastor Jack's passing! I had the honor of meeting him when he was pastor in Van Meter. He was pastor at my parents church! He looked after them like sheep in his flock!! What a man! Never heard a negative word come from his mouth! Always positive & a smile AND a prayer! We all know there is a big crown waiting for him in heaven! Cathy, I'm so sorry for your loss but I know you are feeling the comfort that Jack will continue to have his hand in yours. We are certainly thinking of you & hope that you soon find peace!
Linda K Carter
05/16/2017
I'm so sorry...
I looked forward to Jack's welcome greeting and smile the mornings he was working and I was walking thru the atrium to my work.
Stephanie LeClair Johnson
05/16/2017
My deepest sympathies to Cathy and the family. I had the honor & privilege to have known Jack (& Cathy) since I was a little girl. I believe we met and became friends while attending Galilee and then when he pastored at Van Meter Baptist church. What a beautiful soul and a blessing to all who knew him! RIP my friend, your presence on earth will truly be missed! Much love.