Jerome Sanford Golightly (1955)

GOLIGHTLY, MEYER, STANLEY, GROTH, RIEGLE

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 7/16/2007 at 11:27:31

Winterset Madisonian-Winterset, Iowa
March 16, 1955; p.1

JEROME GOLIGHTLY TAKES OWN LIFE

Prominent Farmer Is Found Dead at His Jefferson Township Home

Jerome S. Golightly, a prominent resident of Jefferson township for many years, was found dead Sunday evening at his farm home south of Van Meter. He was 55 years of age.

Mr. Golightly was at home alone when the death occurred. His wife had left about 2 p.m. and returned about 5 p.m. She missed him around the house, but did not start to look for him until an hour later. She found him in a shed adjoining the house, a shotgun by his side.

County Coroner Paul Eggleston and Sheriff Rex Rouse were called to the scene. After an investigation they reported the death a suicide, with no inquest necessary.

Mr. Golightly had been in ill health, and had been mentally depressed recently, according to statements made to officers by members of his family.

Immediate survivors of the deceased include his wife, and a son, Dale Golightly, who had arrived back in the United States Thursday after a tour of duty with the U. S. army in Europe. He arrived home here this Monday.

He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Earl Meyer of Van Meter and Mrs. Irma Stanley of Greeley, Colo.; and three brothers, John and Lloyd Golightly of Van Meter and Albert Golightly of Earlham.

Mr. Golightly was born in Union township of this county on Dec. 30, 1899, the son of Sanford and Minnie (Groth) Golightly. He was married to Ethel Riegle on Feb. 4, 1925.

Mr. Golightly lived in Madison county all his life, and took an active part in local and county activities. He was a member of the Jefferson township United Brethren church.

Funeral services were held this Wednesday afternoon, Mar. 16, from the Jefferson church with the Rev. A. Beuerman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. (Jefferson-Goar cemetery)