Alan Willier 1951-1968

WILLIER, WAIDELICH

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 9/17/2021 at 07:07:51

29 February 1968 - The Tipton Conservative

Alan E. Willier, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Willier of rural West Liberty, a West Branch high school student, was killed in a car-train accident in West Branch Feb. 23.

His death was the result of what was described as a "bizarre game of chicken" by Richard Barden, Cedar county sheriff.

Barden said after investigating the accident, that Willier was driving a car about 8 p.m. with 3 15-year old friends. They arrived at the College street crossing of the Rock Island railroad and saw a freight train coming.

Apparently Willier decided to "play chicken" with the train as officers described the accident. He stopped the car on the tracks to "see how close the train would come."

The 15-year olds jumped from the car, running toward the train. Willier tried to restart the car and then he too jumped as the train approached. The train struck the car, which hit Willier, who was running in the same direction as the train.

Barden said that the car was knocked 36 feet, rolling on its top. Willier was thrown 86 feet into a creek bed.

The boys who escaped were Brian Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Johnson, West Branch; Dean Howard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Howard, rural West Branch and Robert Arn Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arn of rural West Branch.

The accident occured during a basketball game in West Branch between West Branch and Durant.

Willier was a sophomore at the West Branch school and was active in football and track. He was a member of the Varsity club.

Funeral services were Monday at the West Branch Methodist church.

He was born Nov. 12, 1951, in Iowa City, the son of Lester and Geraldine Waidelich Willier. He is survived by his parents, a brother and sister, Charles and Leslie, at home and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gurney Willier, Centerville and Mr. and Mrs. George Waidelich, Brooklyn, Ill.