Galen Monroe Miles

Galen Monroe Miles, age 89, of Tipton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, under the compassionate care of United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa.

Galen was born on March 23, 1936, in Shelbyville, Missouri, the son of Alma Lillian (Painter) Miles and Charles Cyrus Miles. He grew up on the family farm in Missouri, surrounded by a large and lively family that included sisters Helen, Sharon, Betty, Doris, and Evelyn Joyce, and brothers Earl Dwayne, Larry, and Lyndel. Galen spent his youth outdoors—working hard and playing harder. He graduated from Leonard High School in 1955, where he proudly excelled in basketball.

On May 24, 1958, Galen married Thelma Irene Lay at the Church of the Brethren in Leonard, Missouri. They shared 52 years of marriage, a testament to enduring love and partnership, until Thelma’s passing in 2010. Together, they raised six children: Ronnie, Mike, Roger, Deborah, Donnie, and Teresa.

In 1963, Galen and Thelma moved to Tipton, Iowa, where Galen worked as a hired hand on the farm of Lon and Emma LaRue. He later spent many years in the maintenance department at Louis Rich, where he eventually retired. Over the years, Galen also lived in Kirksville, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; and Texas, where he briefly served in mission work—famously holding up two rattlesnakes with fearless pride.

Galen was a proud member of Brethren Service and the Easy Wheelers Camping Club. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, boating, and camping with family at places like Horseshoe Lake, Lake Wapello, and countless other favorite spots. He was known for his ornery charm, stubborn streak, and jokester spirit. Whether TP-ing a friend’s house, banging pots and pans outside someone’s door, ditching even his own children to avoid getting caught, Galen brought laughter wherever he went. Halloween was one of his favorite times to stir up mischief and joy.

Before marriage, Galen rode a black-and-white 1944 Harley Davidson across the country, including a memorable trip to California. He later traded it for a 1952 Ford truck when he settled down. He met Thelma on a blind date—and the rest, as they say, was history. Together, they traveled extensively across the United States, camping with kids, grandkids, and extended family.

Galen had a deep love for nature, people-watching, and seafood—especially Red Lobster, where he’d happily devour two lobster tails if given the chance. He adored vanilla ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, and shrimp boils with family in Boca Chica. He also cherished Jumers’s bottomless lobster feasts, which became a favorite tradition.

Above all, Galen lived by the Golden Rule. He was always ready to lend a hand—whether to family, friends, or strangers. His pranks were his way of welcoming people into his circle, and his generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Galen will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the joy of sharing in his laughter and love.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Tipton Masonic Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home for friends and family to gather and share memories of Galen.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alma Miles; his beloved wife, Thelma Miles; siblings Betty Spurgeon, Doris Mason, Evelyn Joyce Grosvenor, Lyndel Miles, and infant brother “Baby Miles.” He is survived by his children: Ronnie Miles of Colfax, Mike (Cindy) Miles of Iowa City, Roger (Brenda) Miles of Brighton, Deborah (Raymond) Hanson of Hills, Donnie (Michelle) Miles of Tipton, and Teresa Miles of Washington; sisters Helen (Carlos) Claudia and Sharon Miles; brothers Earl Dwayne Miles and Larry Miles; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.