Robert & Lillian McCord have long been residents of Franklin and Hardin County engaged in farming north of Iowa Falls. Bob was born in Franklin County on January 12, 1922 to Everett and Mable McCord. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1940 and attended Iowa State College before going into the service in World War II. Bob entered the United States Army on August 13, 1943. Following basic training he arrived at Anzio, Italy on February 6, 1944. Five days later in combat against German forces, he was hit by shrapnel in the right knee and was evacuated to Naples, Italy, for hospitalization where he received the Purple Heart. Following extensive rehabilitation, Bob was discharged from the Army on September 9, 1944. Lillian Donlea McCord was born in Rowley, Iowa to Vernon and Neva Donlea. She graduated from Rowley High School in 1939 and attended Iowa State Teachers College. She taught second grade for five years, two of which were in Iowa Falls. Bob and Lillian were united in marriage on October 20, 1946 at Rowley. They have two daughters, Cynthia, who lives in Columbia, Missouri and Patricia McCord-Brader, who lives in Titusville, Florida. Both attended Ellsworth Community College. They retired from farming in 1981. Bob and Lillian were active in their community and church. Bob served on the Lee Township School Board for 11 years, until that school district became part of the Iowa Falls Community School District. He then served on the Iowa Falls School Board for 10 and a half years. During his tenure on that board, Ellsworth became part of Area Six, now the Iowa Valley Community College District. Bob also served as a member of the Ellsworth College Board of Trustees from 1981-97. During this time he served on the Agriculture and Calkins Nature Area committees and remains active in support of that facility. Bob is also a member of the Iowa Falls Lions Club. Bob and Lillian donated funds to build a gazebo at the Nature Area which Bob designed and participated in constructing. Further demonstration of the McCord’s support of the college was evidenced during the 1994-1995 academic year when they contracted with the Iowa Valley Community College District to build their new home in Iowa Falls. This beautiful home on Cedar Street was constructed by that year’s Ellsworth Community College Carpentry class. Bob and Lillian were members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Iowa Falls, where Lillian was active as a member of the visitation committee, which calls on members who are homebound. She also taught in the Community Nursery School and served as a mentor for local school children. They also supported Ellsworth Community College athletes as members of the “E” Club. Lillian passed away January 8, 2009 and Bob passed away on July 29, 2010.