Franklin Wayne Lillibridge (1930)

LILLIBRIDGE

Posted By: Linda Brittain (email)
Date: 1/20/2007 at 19:47:34

Earlham Library Collection
February 1930

OBITUARY

Wayne Lillibridge the only son or rather the only child of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Lillibridge was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa, December 17th, 1904, and passed away Thursday February 6th, 1930 at 12:10 a. m. in the city of Flint, Michigan, at the youthful age of 25 years, 1 month and 19 days. He was born in the same house and in the same room in which his father was born thirty years before. At the age of 13 months he came with his parents to Earlham, Iowa, where he grew to manhood.

He was a bright happy boy and young man. He always ranked high in scholarship. In 1921 he was one of a team of three young men who won the Championship of the Southwestern Debate District, missing by only a small margin the State Title which is the highest award given for debate in Iowa. In 1922 he was advanced to the higher position of the Third Round (Sub, District) debate.

When Wayne was but a small boy, he was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Louis Watson. He was very loyal to the Sunday School and Epworth League during his boyhood and youth. He attended Camp Foster at Lake Okoboji, for two summers. He received the Triangle Monogram, the highest award given for attainment in that work. This is given each year to the ten boys out of about 3000, attaining the highest rank in those activities.

One of the outstanding characteristics of Wayne was his very earnest and devoted friendship for those with whom he was associated. It could be said of him as it was of another “None knew him but to love him none named him but to praise.” His close chums knew him as a great friend. He was so gentle and the elements so mixed in him, that nature could stand up and say to all the world, there was a man. Not only was he a good student and a good friend, but he was ambitious to succeed in life.

After he finished his high school work, he worked in Omaha, Nebr. for a year and a half then went to Flint, Michigan, to work where he has been employed since.

He leaves to mourn his early departure, his sorrowing father and mother, relatives and a host of friends.