Fred Neff 1912-1920

NEFF

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/25/2017 at 09:41:05

8 January 1920 - The West Branch Times

Fred Gilbert Neff, youngest son of Harry and Ella Neff, was born at West Branch, Iowa, September 12, 1912, and passed from this life at 7:30 p.m., January 2, 1920, aged 7 years, 3 months and 21 days. The funeral services were held at the home at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 4th, and the body was laid away in the West Branch cemetery.

The father, mother and two brothers, Paul and Edward, aged 14 and 10 years, and many friends are left to mourn the loss.

His span of life was short, but his loving ways had won the hearts of those that knew him. We never knew how large a space in our lives his little life had filled until we were called upon to give him up, and then we knew 'twas he that had woven the most beautiful designs into the fabric of our lives. His life filled us with the greatest joy and happiness, his death with the deepest grief and sorrow, but joy must ever furnish the background of sorrow.

'Tho his life here on earth was short, yet it left its deep impress on our souls and when we review the pictures that hang in the halls of our memory, one of the most beautiful pictures will be the life of this dear boy, whose soul was unmarred by selfishness or sin. The many beautiful, fragrant flowers, tokens of his friends, fitly expressed his life.

And we will ever see that innocent face and hear that boyish laugh and feel the press of those chubby hands against our heart, and this we know, that those whom he loved will feel less afraid to take that step into the Great Beyond, for will he not be there to take us by the hand and show us the way, and God will never close the gates of Heaven against a little child, no matter whom he wishes to lead within.

"Ere sin could slight or sorrow fade,
Death came with friendly care.
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed,
And bade it blossom there."