HARKER, Ira J. 1897-1918

HARKER

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 5/30/2010 at 21:40:18

Waterloo Evening Courier
Waterloo, Iowa
29 Jan 1918
Page 6

Ira J. Harker was born in Douglas township, near Frederika, on June 22, 1897, and died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., on the 21st day of Jan., 1918, at the age of 20 years, 7 months and 29 days. Ira Harker answered his country's call to service on Dec. 23, 1917, by enlisting in the quartermaster's corps of the U. S. army. Altho he was not of the draft age he said, "It is my patriotic duty to my country in this time of need. Let those remain at home who have families to support, my country calls me, I must respond."

Ira's character was beyond reproach. He was loved by all who knew him, and had scores of friends who will miss him. Ira united with the First Baptist church at Waterloo in 1917. Later when he went to Cedar Falls to work he transferred his membership to the First Baptist church of that place. His entire life was spent in the vicinity of Frederika, Ia., with the exception of six months spent in the Business college at New Hampton and one year in the Waterloo Business college where he graduated with the class of 1917. He leaves to mourn his death his father, J. S. Harker, his stepmother, Mrs. Lesta Harker, one sister, Miss Hazel Marie Harker, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Harker, all of this place, his grandmother, Mrs. Mary Weeks of New Hampton. Ira's mother, Mrs. Sylvia Harker, preceded him on Feb. 18, 1901, also his infant sister on July 10, 1901. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clark Crowell, assisted by Rev. Morgan of Cedar Falls, and the body was laid to rest by the side of his mother in the Alcock cemetery.