Holcomb, William G. and Darin Lee

HOLCOMB

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/1/2011 at 10:24:33

The Grinnell Herald-Register; June 1976

GRINNELL MAN, SON KILLED AS TRUCK BURNS IN CRASH

A Grinnell man and his young son burned to death early Saturday following a head-on crash near the Missouri community of Willow Springs.

Dead are William George Holcomb, 30, and his son, Darin Lee Holcomb, who would have been two years old on July 3. Holcomb's wife Betty, who was driving the family's pickup truck at the time of the accident, was listed in good condition Saturday at a West Plaines, Mo., hospital. She reportedly suffered cuts and abrasions when she was thrown from the vehicle.

Authorities said the Holcomb vehicle was struck head-on by a car which was traveling in the opposite direction at a high rate of speed. The crash reportedly, occurred in the Holcombs' lane of the highway. A 27-year-old West Plaines woman, who was a passenger in the car, also died in the crash.

The Holcomb pickup burst into flames upon impact, and Holcomb and his son were trapped inside.

The family left Grinnell Friday after Holcomb finished his shift at Miracle Recreation Equipment Co. here. The Holcombs were en route to Quitman, Ark., to pick up their daughter Corinna, 9, and son Steven, 7, who had been visiting their maternal grandparents in Quitman.

SURVIVORS

Survivors include Mrs. Holcomb; the two children; Mr. Holcomb's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Holcomb of Grinnell; two brothers, including Grinnell Police Sergeant Jerry Holcomb; and two sisters.

Funeral services are pending, and friends may call the Smith Funeral Home for additional information.