MCWILLIAMS, Dr. Edgar W

MCWILLIAMS, BARR, DAVIS

Posted By: Patricia Baker (email)
Date: 9/25/2012 at 15:45:37

Dr. McWilliams Takes Life at Columbus Jct.

COLUMBUS JUNCTION - Dr. Edgar W. McWilliams, 70, a practicing osteopath at Columbus Junction for more than 45 years, was found hanged in his home at 5 p.m. Sunday. The Louisa County coroner ruled the death was a suicide. Dr. McWilliams had been in ill health for some time.

He was born at Columbus Junction in February 1889, a son of Chester A. and Kate Barr McWilliams. His early life was spent in Columbus Junction and Washington. He graduated from Washington High School and the Still College of Osteopathy in Des Moines and returned to Columbus Junction where he established his practice in 1914. He had been there continuously since that time except for five months in military service in 1918.

He was married to Cora Davis in 1918.

Dr. McWilliams was very active in community and church affairs. He had served as mayor of Columbus Junction and as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He also was active in the masonic Lodge and was serving his 26th year as worthy patron of the OES chapter. He also had served on the school board.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Dr. Thomas P. McWilliams of Bayard, Iowa; four grandchildren; two brothers; Charles of Hartford, Conn., and Vern of Bloomfield.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Columbus Junction United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Melvin Meineke in charge. Burial will be in the Columbus City Cemetery. The Stephens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial fund has been started by Dr. McWilliams' family.

Handwritten date on newspaper clipping is 27 Sep. No publication information.