Hunter, William "Billy" 1932-1944

HUNTER, CLEMENSEN, PETERS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2014 at 16:31:37

Note: His birth mother's maiden name was Clemensen and his step-mother's maiden name was Peters.

Recover Body Of Drowned Youth Near Riverside

Father And Son Perish When Boat Is Upset

The body of William (Billy) Hunter, 12, who with his father, Vance Hunter, was drowned the evening of May 6 in the Big Sioux River near the Hunter home in Sioux township, was found Monday afternoon around a bend in the Big Sioux river, about three blocks south of the Sioux river bridge in Sioux City, on the South Dakota side of the river.

Union county, South Dakota authorities were notified of the finding of the body. Coroner L. W. Anterson of Elk Point said the body was sighted by a soldier, Pvt. James Wood, of the Sioux City air base, and later by George Robinson, a railroad employee, on his way home from work. Pvt. Wood was fishing near the Big Sioux tourist camp when the body floated into view. Robinson followed along the shore unti the body came near the South Dakota side where it was pulled ashore. Indentification was made possible by a red checkered shirt and a finger ring.

The father and son lost their lives when their boat overturned near their home and the body of Vance Hunter was recovered the day following the accident.

William Hunter was born May 10, 1932. He was a pupil in the Hunter rural school. He leaves to mourn his death his step-mother, Mrs. Vance Hunter, his grandfather, Dale Hunter, and his grandmother, Mrs. A. Clemensen.

Funeral services for the father and a memorial service for the son were held May 9 in Sioux City. Graveside services were held Tuesday for the son at the Hunter family plot in Logan Park cemetery, Rev. Edward Lilley of the First Presbyterian church officiating.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, May 19, 1944
Le Mars, Iowa