THOMAS, Henry Edwin 1873 - 1945

THOMAS, QUICK, HOWARD, SCHERF, NELSON, GRELL, MCINTOSH

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 7/27/2014 at 13:49:32

HENRY THOMAS DIES IN VENTURA
EMPLOYED 50 YEARS BY WOODFORD-WHEELER

CLEAR LAKE – Henry Thomas, 71, died at his home in Ventura Wednesday evening following an illness of 2 weeks. He had worked in the elevator and lumber yard of the Woodford Wheeler Company ever since the town of Ventura was started and had been manager of the lumber yard there more than 50 years, retiring last June because of failing health.

Mr. Thomas was born Nov. 9, 1873, at Merrimac, Wis., the son of Chancey and Ella Thomas. When 5 years old he moved with the family to the vicinity of Clear Lake where he spent the rest of his life.

In June, 1900, he was married to Miss Jennie Quick, Clear Lake, who survives. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

Besides his wife, Mr. Thomas is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Robert Howard, who lives near Ventura, 5 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; 4 sisters, Mmes. Will Scherf, Sever Nelson, and John C. Grell, Clear Lake, and Mrs. Charles F. McIntosh, Cedar Rapids, and a number of nephews and nieces. A brother, Roy Thomas, died at Ventura a few years ago.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. The body is at Ward’s Funeral Home.

HENRY EDWIN THOMAS PIONEER RESIDENT SERVICES.

Funeral services for Henry E. Thomas, who died Wednesday evening, January 10, following an illness of two weeks, were held on Sunday afternoon, January 14 at 2:30 at U. B. church, Ventura. Rev. E. M. Miller, officiating, and burial was made in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Mrs. L. D. Jones and Mrs. Floyd Piper sang “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” “Ivory Palaces” and “Going Down the Valley.” They were accompanied by Mrs. E. M. Miller.

Henry Edwin Thomas, son of Chancy and Ella M. Thomas, was born in Merrimac, Wis., November 9, 1873, and passed away at his home in Ventura Wednesday evening, January 10, 1945, at the age of 71 years, 2 months and 1 day.

When about 5 years of age, he came with his parents to Iowa, settling first in the vicinity of Clear Lake. His father in about 1890 moved to a new farm home on northwest shore of Clear Lake and purchased the land that is partly the site of the town of Ventura.

He was a charter member of United Brethren church of Ventura. Before the church was built, he with his parents and neighbors, feeling the need of religious services in the community helped organize a class which met in a store building in Ventura. About two years later they built the church and dedicated it United Brethren. He served in various offices of the church having been a trustee from the time of its organization until about 4 years ago. He also kept the fires burning and the bell ringing for about 14 years until about 4 years ago.

On June 26, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie L. Quick at the W. W. Winnie home in Clear Lake by U. B. minister of Ventura, Rev. E. Harper. He then moved to a new home which he had built in Ventura. To this union one child came to brighten their home, Esther I. Thomas. They raised one foster-daughter, Ella Mae Thomas, who preceded him in death on September 7, in 1943.

He worked for the Woodford-Wheeler company of Ventura about 3 years. He was then employed by the Way, Johnson and Lee Company of Ventura. About 40 years ago he became manager of Woodford-Wheeler Lumber Co. of Ventura, and remained until his resignation last June because of failing health.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Jennie L. and daughter, Esther J. Howard, and 5 grandchildren, one great grandchild, 4 sisters, Mrs. Wm. Scherf, Mrs. Sever Nelson, Mrs. John C. Grell all of Clear Lake and Mrs. C. F. McIntosh of Cedar Rapids and many other relatives and friends, who will miss this pioneer on the streets of Ventura.

One brother, Roy, preceded him in death a few years ago.

Mrs. Walter Leonard and Mrs. Bert Auchampach were in charge of the flowers.

The Pallbearers were E. A. Musgjerd, C. O. Lomen, and F. L. Minette of Clear Lake and Lloyd Lau, Bert Auchampach and Vern Bowen of Ventura