Henry Fred Wilkie (1927)

WILKIE

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 1/10/2009 at 16:33:33

Earlham Library Collection
Earlham Echo

A large and sorrowful crowd gathered at the Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon to perform the last service possible for their beloved friend Henry Wilkie. Snatched from life and youth, Henry leaves a record written large on the hearts of his companions in school and those still nearer to him. It will be long before the memory will fail to evoke a tear for the merry, even-tempered lad who has left us awhile.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Bock, and interment was in Earlham Cemetery. Eight classmates, Walter McCorkle, Elmer Mapes, Donald Nellis, Willard Payton, Russell Secrest, Wayne Stanley, Guy Slavens and James Phillips served as pallbearers. The following obituary tells the life story of our friend.

Henry Fred Wilkie, the second son of Fred and Anna Marie Wilkie was born May 14, 1912, on the home place in Dallas County northeast of Earlham, where he spent all of his life. His sunny disposition won him many friends, and he was very popular among his schoolmates. He was always thoughtful of his parents, and especially fond of his younger brother. During his last painful illness, he was ever considering the welfare of his nurses who cared for him so tenderly and faithfully. While he was suffering intense pain he often remarked about his teachers and classmates. Henry was greatly interested in his school work, and was planning to enter high school with his class in the fall. He celebrated his 15th birthday last Saturday. He entered into this occasion with all the joy and cheer that a boy of his years possesses. It meant so much to him. His cup of joy was still overflowing on last Sabbath day. Little did anyone have reason to suspect that his end was so near. Only on last Monday did he first complain that he was not feeling well.

His disease made rapid progress, defying the skill of the physician and the watchful attention of the nurses. The angel of death relieved him of his suffering May 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Henry’s religious training was not neglected; but like little Samuel of old, in the days of Eli, he became acquainted with his God early in life, by remembering his Creator in the days of his youth before the evil days came. Something, because of its great importance, that every young person should do. So he confessed Christ publicly as his Saviour on Feb. 3, 1924, and united with the Presbyterian faith.

He leaves to mourn his untimely departure, his parents, two brothers George J. and James V. and grandparents with numerous other relatives and a host of warm friends.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, May 19, 1927

Death Calls School Boy

The news came as a shock alike to the community and the school population and faculty this evening that Henry Wilkie, fifteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wilkie was dead. Stricken with appendicitis Sunday and the subject of an operation Tuesday, the seriousness of his condition was suspected only by those close to him. It seemed impossible that this big, strong boy of the eighth grade could die, but a gangrenous condition had already involved the intestines when the appendix was removed and it was beyond the power of nature to repair the damage. Convulsions set in this morning and the boy sank rapidly, passing finally into a coma induced by the poison flooding his system. He passed away at about eight o’clock.

The boy first became ill Sunday improved somewhat the next day and on Monday night developed the alarming symptoms which gave the first clue to the trouble. A consultation was held Tuesday morning and the decision made to operate at the home as soon as possible. Drs. Soper and Brady, of Adel, operated at about eight o’clock and found the appendix greatly enlarged and at this time, 33 hours after the first seizure, already involved by gangrene. The patient showed some improvement Wednesday, and it was hoped his youth and vitality would stem the tide, but this was not to be.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church conducted by Rev. Bock.

Gravestone Photo
 

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