Rice, Herbert Warren – 1886-1916

GUNSAULIS, RICE

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/7/2009 at 13:19:08

Herbert Warren Rice, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Rice, was born Sept. 16, 1886 and died of peritonitis at the Mercy hospital in Oskaloosa, Aug. 31, 1916, at 9:00 p.m., aged 29 years, 11 months and 14 days. Herbert grew to manhood on his father’s farm, near Wright. His entire life, with the exception of less than two years spent in South Dakota, has been in Mahaska county and in his quiet way he made many true friends. On Feb. 27, 1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Gunsaulis. To this union were born two children, William Dale and Thelma Irene. In June 1915, Herbert accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the United Presbyterian church at Wright. Since that time he has earnestly endeavored not only to live a Christian life, himself, but to help his family to know and to love their Saviour and loyally took his stand as a citizen of God’s kingdom, but in his young manhood has been called to cease his labors here. During the pain of the last few days he expressed to his wife that he was ready for whatever change he was to meet and was prepared for either life or death. We believe the hope of his life could be expressed in the following words:
“By the light of this faith am I taught
That my labor is only begun;
In the strength of this hope have I struggled and fought
With the legions of wrong, until my armor has caught
The gleam of eternity’s sun.”
Seven years ago he became a member of the Golden Links Bible class of the Union Sunday school at Wright and remained an active member until his death. Two weeks ago he held his place and took part in the discussions of the class. Today the chain is broken, one link is gone and the silent boatman has carried the spirit of this classmate to the shore beyond. He will be missed in the ranks of the Christian Endeavor, in which society he was a faithful and active member.
He leaves to mourn their loss, a loving wife, who for more than seven years has so faithfully shared his joys and sorrows and who during the last week of intense pain and suffering sought incessantly to bring relief; one son, Dale, aged 4; one daughter, Thelma, 2 years old; a father and mother, four brothers and two sisters, besides many friends who share in the grief of the stricken family.
Funeral was held at the Union church at Wright at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 3. The casket was covered with flowers and a large number of people assembled to pay their last respects to the departed. The four brothers and two cousins acted as pallbearers. Interment in White Oak cemetery.
Source: Oskaloosa (IA) Saturday Globe; September 1916