Percy Walley
Percy M. Walley, Jr., was born in 1925, in Bloomington, Illinois, the fourth of five sons of Percy M. Walley, Sr. and Lulu Harlan Walley. He grew up alongside his brothers John H., Don U., Edward V., and Paul D. When Perc was a small child, the family moved to Wapello County, Iowa. He attended Stuart Elementary School and graduated from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1943.
Following graduation, Perc served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II as a Signalman in the Pacific Theater, participating in several invasions as a member of a beach party aboard the USS Wayne (APA-54). After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Iowa Success Business College in Ottumwa for one year before enrolling at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He began his career as a vocal music instructor at the Community High School in Sioux Center, Iowa. He then attended Berkeley Baptist Divinity School in Berkeley, California, earning his Master of Divinity degree in 1957. While studying, Percy spent his summers serving in various roles at youth camps. After graduation, Perc became Minister of Christian Education at Bethany Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. While serving there, he met and married Lillian Hilton, the mother of two daughters–Joan (Ed) Shepard and Jean (Warn) Courtney.
In his first pastorate at the First Baptist Church in Plainfield, Iowa, Percy was ordained into the Christian ministry in 1962. He served there for seven years before accepting the position of Director/Manager of Dayton Oaks Camp and Conference Center near Dayton, Iowa, where he served for 5½ years. From 1973 until his retirement in 1990, Percy pastored the American Baptist congregations of Burnside and Fort Dodge, Iowa–both nationally recognized for their ministries.
Percy also served on various association, state, and regional committees of the American Baptist Churches in Iowa and Minnesota. In 1981, he was recognized by the denomination for his outstanding leadership in country ministry. He was a member of the American Baptist Ministers’ Council and helped organize the Webster County Habitat for Humanity affiliate. In retirement, he traveled extensively with Habitat, helping to build homes for families in need of decent, affordable shelter both across the nation and internationally. He was also active in various peace efforts over the years.
After Lillian’s passing in 1990, Percy continued his ministry of service, dedicating himself to volunteer work and community engagement. In 2010, he moved from his home in Harcourt, Iowa, to Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. It was there that he met his Maker in a face-to-face relationship on August 12, 2025.
Perc was a profoundly thoughtful, kind, and peaceful man of faith. He was a friend to all he met. He found the good in all, and is especially missed by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. All those who had the privilege of knowing and loving Percy in this life are truly blessed.
Honoring his wishes, Perc’s body was donated to Des Moines University for educational purposes. At the conclusion of their program, the University will hold a remembrance ceremony to honor those who donated. His remains will then be laid to rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. A time of remembrance for Percy will be held Tuesday, August 26, at 2:00 PM in the Tompkins Celebration Center of Friendship Haven, Fort Dodge.