Charles Crowl (1931)

CROWL, COMPTON, CLARK

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/2/2011 at 07:55:52

Dexter Library Obituary Collection
Dexter, Iowa

Chas. Crowl, 22 Is Called Home

Earlham Boy Passed Away Thursday Night at Oakdale Sanitarium. Last Rites Sunday Close Life of Unusual Promise; Had Attended Local Schools, Graduating in 1926.

Tenderly borne by six classmates, the mortal remains of Chas. H. Crowl were gently laid to rest in Bear Creek cemetery Sunday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted from the Earlham Friends Church by the Rev. Mrs. Riddle assisted by the Rev. Mr. Hester. The church auditorium was filled to capacity with sorrowing friends who remembered Charles as a healthy, carefree schoolboy of only a few short years ago.

Charles passed away last Thursday evening at Oakdale Sanitarium following an illness of more than two years. His mother was at his bedside. The following life biography is only a slight tribute to the fine qualities for which Charles was known.

The true eulogy will never be written, but will be carried in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him.

OBITUARY

Charles, youngest son of Charles and Emma Crowl, was born September 28, 1909, at Earlham, Iowa. He passed to reward June 18, 1931, aged 22 years, eight months and 18 days. Besides the sorrowing mother, he is survived by one brother, Chester, of Redfield, Iowa, a half-brother, Clarence, of Redfield, one maternal grandmother, Anna J. Compton of Bear Creek, one paternal aunt, Mrs. Alta Clark, of Redfield, and a host of other relatives. A sister, Lucile, preceded him in death in 1904, and the father passed away in 1910, a year after Charles’ birth.

With the exception of two years spent in a rural school near Bear Creek, Charles received all of his school training at Earlham. Previous to his graduation in 1926, he took an active part in debating and other school work, forming associations which will always be treasured by those fortunate enough to be included in his constantly widening circle of friends.

A month after completing the high school course, Charles with his mother removed to Oskaloosa where for three years he made preliminary study of pharmacy, his chosen life work. He gained experience in two of the leading drug stores in Oskaloosa, meanwhile continuing to form acquaintances which were to be a constant source of pleasure in the dark years of suffering that so soon lay claim on his youth. Charles’ high moral purpose and fine ambitions were greatly strengthened in this environment, the new surroundings seeming to disclose his many abilities to their greatest usefulness.

Symptoms of the disease which caused Charles’ death were first manifest in 1929, probably induced or aggravated by a severe illness with influenza. He returned to Earlham, renewing for a brief space the fellowship which his old friends so highly valued. A few weeks later, near the middle of July, acting on the advice of his physician, Charles entered the University Hospital at Iowa City. After submitting to several operations in attempts to stay advance of the disease, he was removed several months later to Oakdale Sanitarium.

During the nearly two years that Charles was under treatment, most of it marked by intense suffering, no word of complaint passed his lips. Surrounded by his radio and other possessions which helped to occupy the hours, he patiently awaited return of normal health—a change he felt would surely come. When this hope seemed dissipated, Charles still uttered no protest. And the faithful mother, sacrificing every other interest, was a constant companion, sharing the hours of hopefulness of despair, and of resignation. When the curtain of death was gently drawn, mercifully to release her loved one, it found her still steadfast and true.

From the seat of infinite understanding, Christ stoops lightly to touch His chosen few. Perhaps He selects those purified through suffering—those to whom has been given a larger vision. Though brief has been the span of years covered by the life just taken, into them were crowded a measure of suffering, a capacity for tolerant understanding, seldom attained. Charles used his talents wisely, and in departing this earthly dwelling had nothing to regret. His preparation for the heavenly life was even more studied than had been his preparation for the earthly life.

The character of this boy was remarkable. With indomitable purpose, he was known for driving straight toward his objectives, accomplishing through sheer will power what lesser individuals would have considered impossible. He did not choose the easier paths. When disease attacked his body and the battle against it grew fearfully intense, Charles did not shirk the struggle. When his physical responses became exhausted, his spirit fought cheerfully on. He set an example of courageous manhood which long will be remembered by his nurses and attendants at Oakdale, to whom he was endeared.

Charles did not fear life, nor did death make him falter. Leaving precious memories, he has bravely left us a little while and now pictures that blue depth of eternity whence presently we shall journey to join him. In our earthly sojourn God has not promised joy without sorrow, peace without pain, but He has given us the infallible promise of light for our pathway.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen