Homewood, Russell died 1943

HOMEWOOD, RADERS, GUNDACKER

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 10/14/2010 at 10:52:16

source: newspaper clipping dated July 18, 1943 (probably the Monona, Iowa newspaper but not certain)
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Body Recovered In 15 Feet of Water

Strawberry Point, Ia. - Special: Russell Homewood, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Homewood of Strawberry Point, drowned in the Maquoketa River at Forestville in Backbone State Park near here late Sunday afternoon while learning to swim.

The body was recovered in 15 feet of water about an hour after the tragedy occurred, but resuscitation attempts proved futile.

The victim, in company with two other Strawberry Point youths, --Leon Raders, 17, and George Gundacker, 15,-- was learning to swim while hanging to the side of a boat. The youth suddenly lost his grip and sank, and his two companions were unable to reach him. Two men from Manchester, summoned by the Delaware County Sheriff's office, recovered the body.

The tragedy took place about 5 p.m. The drowning occurred on the beach in front of the cottages at the resort.

The victim was an honor student at Strawberry Point High School, from which he was graduated last Spring.

Surviving are his parents; one brother, Kenneth, who is in the service and is stationed at Oklahoma A & M College; and one sister, Marjorie at home. Funeral arrangements were incomplete pending word from the brother.