CLARK, Donald (1912-1931) and Raymond (1914-1931), brothers

CLARK, RHODES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 2/2/2006 at 14:10:41

"The Fairfield Daily Ledger"
Friday, January 2, 1931
Page 1, Column 4

STEARING (sic) GEAR FAILS; TWO ARE DEAD IN CRASH

Donald and Raymond CLARK, Victims of New Year's Wreck

Donald CLARK, 18, and Raymond CLARK, 16, both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Charles CLARK of County Line are dead as a result of an auto mishap yesterday afternoon about two miles south of Batavia, near the Bertha Miller home on the road from Batavia to County Line. Donald was instantly killed when the steering mechanism of the small, stripped racing car, in which the two lads were riding refused to function properly, causing the maching to go in the ditch and overturn.

Raymond died late yesterday afternoon in an Ottumwa hospital from internal injuries received in the crash. The wreck happened about 2:15 o'clock at a time when the road was clear of other autos.

The failure of the steering gear caused the car to ditch and upset, pinning Donald underneath. Raymond was thrown about ten feet, say those who witnessed the accident, and was conscious when picked up. He was taken to the hospital by M. A. Davidson of Batavia.

The funeral services for the two will be held tomorrow afternoon from the Primitive Baptist church, northeast of Eldon, in charge of Rev. W. A. Holmes of Newton. Interment will be in a nearby cemetery.

The two brothers are survived by their parents, a brother Elmer, four sisters, Mildred, Helen, Velma and Noma (sic - Norma), all who live at the parental home.

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"Fairfield Iowa Daily Ledger"
Monday, Jan. 12, 1931
Page 4, Column 3

OBITUARY

DONALD AND RAYMOND CLARK

Donald and Raymond CLARK, oldest sons of Mr. and Mrs. Charles CLARK of Batavia, suddenly left this life to enter the Beautiful Beyond on New Year's Day.

They met death by an auto accident which occurred only a short distance from their home. Donald, the older of the two, never regained consciousness; but Raymond did and was rushed to the Ottumwa hospital only to follow his brother a short time later.

Both boks (sic - boys) were just entering young manhood and were at the age when life is at its best. Donald being 18 years, 5 months and 14 days old; Raymond, 16 years, 11 months and 25 days old.

They were the Light and sunshine of their home besides being honored, respected and loved by a host of friends, neighbors and relatives. They were at all times willing and glad to help those who needed them. They were true comrades and a great bond of brotherly love was theirs.

Great is our grip in parting with them, yet we feel that our Lord needed them in His glorious mansion of love, and we have a contented feeling that they are well taken care of. They go to join a sister, Ethel June, and a brother Wayne Melvin, who have "gone ahead to prepare a place for them".

They leave to mourn their passing, both father and mother; one brother, Elmer; and four sisters, Mildred, Helen, Velma and Norma, besides an unnumerable (sic) bounty of friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church of Batavia, Sunday Jan. 4, in charge of Rev. Holmes of Newton. Interment was made in the cemetery adjoining the Primitive Baptist church south of Batavia, where Donald Arthur and Raymond Olin attended church and Sunday School.

The pallbearers were young friends of the brothers who were associated with them during their school and community life.

*Transcribed for genealogical purposes; I have no relation to the person(s).

Note: Buried in Wapello County, in the Des Moines River Cemetery, most likely without headstones as they were not listed in our original cemetery transcription. Donald has a death record in Jefferson County with burial in the Des Moines River Cemetery according to it, but we have no information for Raymond as he died in Ottumwa (Wapello County).