Willis Gregory Smith 1878-1923

SMITH

Posted By: Julie L. McCartney (email)
Date: 1/16/2003 at 20:16:29

Red Oak Express, October 22, 1923

Willis Smith Body Returned to This City

Found Dead in Railroad car at Wheatland, Wyo., Tuesday Where Man had Been Killed When Steel Frames Crushed His Body

The body of Willis G. Smith, who was found dead at Wheatland, Wyo. October 16, was returned to Red Oak Saturday and was buried Sunday afternoon.

Smith was killed in a railraod car when heavy steel frames rolled over his body, crushing him. His lifeless body was found by railroad men at Wheatland.

Fred Smith, brother of the deseased, went to Wheatland Thursday, identified the body and accompanied it to Red Oak.

Funeral services were held at the George Smith home, 606 Second Avenue, Sunday afternoon. Rev. Richmond Smith officiated. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Mr. Smith was born in Brownsville, Ky., March 20, 1878. He came to this city with his parents when he was five years old and had resided here since, with the exception of the past four years spent in Omaha. He was married to Mrs. Ollie (Allie) Hoagland who survives together with one step-son, Albert Hoagland.

Besides his parents, Mr. & Mrs. George Smith, he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Fred Harlow, Mrs. Clara H. Henderson and Milton Smith of Los Angeles; Mrs. J. C. Booth of Alberta, Canada, Mrs. George Virgo of Ruyox, B. C., and Fred, Joe, Mark, and Mrs. Harry Ferguson of Red Oak.

Mr. Smith had served five years in the army. He was a member of Company C, Thirteenth Infantry which served in the Phillippine islands.