Richard Uriah Comfort 1897 - 1932

COMFORT, BOYD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/19/2016 at 23:24:39

Onawa Sentinel
8 December 1932

WORD WAR VETERAN SUCCUMBS SUDDENLY

Richard U. Comfort, Franklin Twp. Farmer, Drops Dead While Unloading Corn, Funeral Services Held Sunday

Richard U. Comfort, farmer and World war veteran, died suddenly Friday night at 5 o'clock while unloading corn at the Chas. Hoar farm in Franklin Township. Mr. Comfort had just backed up his wagon and was kicking the corn into the elevator hopper when he suddenly fell over. Dr. Fairbanks was summoned by Mr. Hoar. After examination the physician stated that death had occurred instantly.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Congregational church in Blencoe in charge of Rev W. E. Dudley assisted by Rev. M. P. Jones. Pallbearers selected from World war veterans and close friend of the deceased were Leslie McElwain, Forest Sanders, Everett Johnson, Roy Carlson, Lawrence Hogue and Arthur Heisler. The funeral service was perhaps the largest ever held in Blencoe, hundreds of friends coming to pay their respects. The floral tributes were numerous the floral decorations being handled by Mr. and Mrs. Dall Mobley and Mrs. M. R. Vredenburgh. The services at the grave were in charge of David McNeill Post No 129 of the American Legion. The firing squad was in charge of Elbert Prichard.

Burial was made in the family lot in Graceland cemetery. The following is the obituary read by Rev. Dudley.

We are gathered here today for a few moments to briefly pay tribute to Richard Uriah Comfort. Many of you knew him from the cradle up, when he was born on April 28, 1897, the second son of John and Lettie Comfort. As he passed through boy hood many of you here were his companions in school. As boyhood turned into youth those friendships became dearer and then as youth was budding into manhood the call to arms came in 1918 and our friend Dick was ready. He entered the service on Sept. 4, 1918, a few months after he had joined in holy wedlock Etta Boyd whom he had wooed and won on April 30, 1918. When the war ended and he, like many of you here today, were told that you could return to your peace time occupation he hurried back home to the bride that he had left taking up his chosen vocation of farming and with the ideals of having a home for himself he commenced the struggle.

About 12 years ago, the first little son, Merle was born, then came Donald a year later, and then Kenneth and John Neal and finally little Phyllis came to make that family circle complete about three years ago. Those who also survive and mourn are his good mother, his two brothers, Burr and John and his sister Mrs. Dorothy Jacobson, his aged grandmother Mrs. Phinetta Davis, his uncle, Will F. Davis and other relatives.

Happily surrounded by the little brood, Dick Comfort took his place in the world. Noted for his sincerity and his kindness to his neighbors it seems puzzling to think that when the end came so suddenly on Friday evening that this power above which we know so little of should strike and take from the midst of a little flock the breadwinner. Dick Comfort's life bears silent testimony here today to the ideals of good Americanism. He answered his country's call when the safety of the nation was in danger. No law compelled him to leave his bride of a few months but that inner feeling of patriotism spurred him on to take his place in the great conflict. In peace time often he exemplified those fine traits of character that goes to make up a good life. He left an indelible impression on the sands of time to know that the world was better that Dick Comfort had lived and gone out at the half way point of the allotted span. He had only reached the age of 35 years, 7 months and 4 days.

To say that his work was finished would be a false promise but to record that his task was well done stands as a monument to him. To the grieving wife and the family circle our hearts go out today but we still wonder "by what human decree we must mourn." While this slender thread has been cut we still recall the words of the Master, "by their works ye shall know them." In Dick Comfort's less than two score years he crowded in so much good, so much human kindness that he has left a heritage for his children. He never had an enemy. He was fair in his dealings. He was kind to his fellowmen and as we leave this assemblage today, all of us can learn to follow many of the precepts laid down by our friend.