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
Wanda Blair
05/16/2017
Cathy and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Jacks passing. I loved seeing him in morning coming to work at the hospital. We talked about life , our little dogs, and the Southside of dsm, etc. He was a very compassionate, kind soul. He was so sweet and caring for his wife Cathy, whom I got to know also. My thoughts and prayers to you and your families.
Angie & Shealee Balmer
05/16/2017
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My daughter just asked me a couple weeks ago if he was still working at Methodist. We both enjoyed his
Infectious smile & the way he could make your day brighter just by saying hello. We always made a point to tell him hello & ask how his day was, which was always a positive answer! He could make your day better just seeing him. He will be missed by many!
Amanda Gladson
05/16/2017
For the past 15 years of working at Blank, Jack was my daily work greeting. He always had a smile on his face and I looked forward to our interaction. His smile and positive attitude was such a bright spot in the day of so many of us. He was warm and kind to EVERY patient, employee, and guest that walked through those doors. He would always say to me "Now how many kids do you have" and would I would reply 8, he would always smile and say "Oh Bless you" I am deeply sorry for your loss and I will pray for your family during this time.
Jean Jantz
05/16/2017
My condolences to you and your family. Jack was a great man of God and I will miss him greatly. He always had just the right words and prayers. He is rejoicing with Jesus and I look forward to seeing him again.
Larry Johnson
05/16/2017
My sympathy to you and your family. I always made it a point to stop and visit a short while with Jack when delivering mail at the hospital. I always looked forward to seeing him and his cheerful disposition. A true man of God !
Sue Lorenzen
05/16/2017
Our deepest sympathy to Cathy and family. Was so sorry to read of Jack's passing. Jack was a very outgoing person who always seemed to have a smile and warm greeting for everyone. I especially remember him picking Cathy up from work on warm sunny days in his "baby" car. May he continue to have warm, sunny days!
Julie Anderson-Suddarth
05/16/2017
Jack was always a bright spot in my day walking into the hospital. He greeted me with a smile & always made everyone feel welcomed. May your memories comfort you.
Donna Graham
05/16/2017
Jack was always an uplifting personality. His smile was contagious. Jack shared his joy with everyone he came in contact with. He will be greatly missed by his earthly family and friends. I have many memories of Jack and Cathy that give me a comforting smile.
Carolyn Butler Pritchard
05/16/2017
A man after God's own heart so I'm sure he and David have much to talk about.
Mr. Jack Comer was my Sunday School teacher at Galilee Baptist 60+ years ago. He is memorable one because of his kindness.
He came to our home when my mother was ill and he was a faithful minister of God's love.
Mr. Comer knew his purpose in life and together with Cathy, he finished his work here and has been promoted to be in the presence of God.
Some People extract love from your heart supernaturally. He did that to those who met him.
Cathy, my love and respect to you and Jack. Thank you. I know God will keep you in His peace as you miss your love here until you meet him again.
Chris Garland
05/16/2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He always had a smile for everyone that came into the medical center. He is truly missed.
Marni Rice
05/16/2017
Jack was definitely a bright light. Always waved and gave me a big joyous smile on my way into work! Jack is already missed!!
Judy Payne Miller
05/15/2017
Cathy, John and Suzi,
I'm sorry for your loss. Dad got to go to the Taylor House and visit with him a few days ago. We know he is with the Lord now, maybe even talking to my Mom! God Bless.
Ciera Swackhamer
05/15/2017
Being the oldest great-granddaughter I feel privileged to have known and been loved by this man for 20 years. He will be sincerely missed, but he's finally with His Lord, Our God, and In peace. I love you Grandpa. RIP.
Andrea Fetters
05/15/2017
I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. I would stop most mornings and visit with him on my way into the office. His kind words were inspiring and uplifting. He had a way of knowing when you needed him most.....
Welcome Home Jack!
May the dear Lord hold you tight.
Sandy Viers
05/15/2017
There are NOT enough words to express my sincere pleasure to have known this great man. Daily I would stop and talk about the day and the joy to be alive. He contributed sooooo much to the families we served and to employees who worked here. He made it a challenge every day to make eye contact and acknowledge he had seen you even when busy directing other patients. It has been an honor to work with him and we truly miss him. The dear Lord has truly gotten himself a special angel. It will not be long til the bell tolls and he has his wings.