News : Vinton loses legend: Keith Mossman dies at age 90

Keith Mossman

One of the first people I met in Vinton was Keith Mossman. Not long after I arrived in Vinton, Keith had the opportunity to see something that most men just dream of: Having his grandson join him in his work.

I wrote a story about Keith, Mark and John Mossman when John returned to Vinton to join the Mossman law firm. I learned a lot that day about Keith's long history as a lawyer and county attorney.

Mark told me that while growing up watching his dad at work and in the community, he realized that Keith had earned the respect of Vinton residents, and decided he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, both in law, and in Vinton. Two of Keith's other three sons, Hugh and Burns, also became lawyers in other cities.

It is possible, Keith told me in April of 2003, that the Mossman law firm is the only one in Iowa that has a fourth generation lawyer.

Joining dad at work

Like Keith did with his father, Hugh, in 1948, Mark went to work at the Mossman law firm with Keith in 1973. The law firm celebrated its 100th year in 2008, five years after John Mossman joined his grandfather's practice. The beautiful building on the corner of 4th Street and Second Avenue, across the street from the courthouse where Keith worked for nearly two decades, is a lasting tribute to Keith and his family's impact on Vinton.

The past few years have been tough on Keith. In addition to his health problems, he buried a wife, a son and a grandson. But when I last saw him, at the Christmas party at Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing and Rehab, he was still enjoying life, thinking of others and getting hugs from his great-granddaughter.

Keith lived 90 years, and he made the most of them. During the recent Vinton Unlimited Mini-Masters golf tournament, the Mossman course included as an obstacle the gavel that Keith had used as chairman of the National Association of District Attorneys (NADA). Keith loved the law, and he was thrilled to see his son and grandson, as well as a brother, share his passion for their career.

As an 18-year Benton County Attorney and a leader of the NADA, Keith did more than chair meetings. He was instrumental in contributing to the growing understanding of American law as society change. He wrote articles for national publications, including a 1975 article in the American Bar Association Journal entitled "A New Dimension of Privacy."

It's also fitting, I think, that Keith spent his final months at the Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing and Rehab Service.You will hear in the next few days how Keith gave so much time and support to the hospital over a span of a half century.

Even though his health limited his ability to help, the work Keith did in bringing Vinton together to make life better for us all will continue for years to come.

Keith's obituary can be viewed here