Fay, Rev. Stephen Walton 1865-1927

FAY, BILBA, CLARKSON, HOWE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 9/17/2014 at 09:40:19

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Friday, March 11, 1927

DEATH SUMMONS
REV. S. WALTON FAY

Former Grinnell Pastor Is Buried In
Montezuma Tuesday.
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The funeral of the Rev. S. Walton Fay was held from the Christian church in Montezuma and was conducted by the pastor, the Rev. W.P. Honn. Interment was in the local cemetery, beside a son, Will. Mr. Fay for the past year or so, has been in charge of a church near Letts, but for the last month had been conducting revival services in Missouri. They were successful. He contracted pneumonia and after four days of extreme illness, passed away Saturday evening. He was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, Aug. 2, 1865.

Stephen Walton Fay came to this country from England in 1911 and settled in Valley Junction. He served several churches throughout the state and was widely known in his denomination. Mr. Fay was born in Ireland, later moving to London, England. When the Boer war broke out, he joined the cavalry and saw much active service in Africa. During one of the encounters he lost an arm. On his return from the army he was instructor in one of the camps and during instruction a horse fell on him permanently injuring a leg.

In 1888 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bilba and to this union four children were born, 2 sons and 2 daughters. One son, Will, died August 10th, 1920. The other son, Alfred, resides in England. He was a member of the British army and was held for months a captive by the Germans. It will be remembered that for many years, Mr. and Mrs. Fay thought their son was dead. The news came of his return to England several years after the war. Another daughter, Mrs. T. Clarkson, is still in England. Mrs. Arthur Howe is well known here. She makes her home in Des Moines.

The active pall bearers at the funeral were Geo. Rempp, Roy Rempp, Paul Rempp, Dwight Conner, John Groenenboom and A.H. Klinker.

Honorary pall bearers were C.R. Neel, state evangelist; Rex Kinsell, Valley Junction; Eugene Curliiss of Deep River; A.B. Cornell, New Sharon; W.F. Vanderlip and A.H. Barker of Montezuma.

Mr. Fay was a likeable man, a good speaker, every ready to help in the time of need and was a strong worker for the soldier boys, due to his own trusty service and that of his two sons. He leaves many friends over the state who regret his passing. The community extends sympathy to Mrs. Fay.--Montezuma Republican.