Wilson, Felix A. (Dick) 1878-1959

WILSON, BOLLANDER, ANDERSON, DAVIS, MCGINNIS, BROWN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 11/5/2016 at 07:44:39

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Jan. 29, 1959

HIT BY TRAIN
FELIX WILSON
DIES MONDAY

Last Pedestrian Death
In City In 1947; Last
Traffic Death In 1952

Felix A. (Dick) Wilson, 80, died Monday afternoon at a local hospital of injuries sustained Jan. 24th when he was struck by a Rock Island passenger train at the Pearl Street crossing and thus became Grinnell's first pedestrian fatality in nearly 12 years.

LAST IN 1947

Prior to the death of Wilson, the last pedestrian fatality in Grinnell occurred on April 11th, 1947, when Homer Dawkins, 58, Grinnell, died of injuries received when he was struck by a car while crossing the street at the corner of 6th Avenue and Summer Street. Mr. Dawkins was struck on April 3rd, 1947, and was hospitalized until his death.

Police Chief Earl Brown said that while there have been several other pedestrian accidents during the intervening period, no fatalities had occurred.

On June 12th, 1952, 79-year-old Edward Wehrli of Taintor was killed at the Penrose Street crossing of the Rock Island railroad when his auto was struck by a passenger train. Wehrli was rushed to a local hospital but died a few minutes later. That accident occurred just inside the city limits.

Wilson was struck shortly before noon last Saturday as he was returning to his home after a trip to a grocery store. Although there were no eye witnesses to the accident, investigating officers learned he was hard of hearing and believed he failed to hear the approaching train.

Hospital authorities reported Monday morning that Wilson's condition remained critical. He reportedly was suffering from a broken hip and leg, possible skull fracture, concussion, and numerous head lacerations. He succumbed that afternoon.

Funeral services for Felix A. Wilson were held this (Thursday) afternoon at 1:30 from the Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. C.E. Kingsley of the First Baptist Church officiating.

Burial was in Hazelwood cemetery with Bill Ahrens, Fred Grandstaff, Bill Honn, Bill Osborn, Russ Otcheck and Dave Springer acting as pallbearers. Music was provided b Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bohstedt. Mrs. Glen Riddle and Mrs. Donald J. Turner served as flower bearers.

He was born the son of Leander and Elizabeth Bollander Wilson on July 23, 1878 in Chariton county, Missouri. He worked there as a coal miner and married Daisey Arminta Anderson on Oct. 29, 1899.

To this union were born six children: Perry and Harold Wilson of Grinnell; Mrs. Paul (Marie) Davis and Mrs. Clarence (Violet) McGinnis of Unionville, Mo.; and Acie Wilson of Winterset. Another son died in infancy.

After moving to Grinnell 32 years ago from Unionville, Mo., Wilson worded for the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad and the City of Grinnell.

Besides his wife and five children, 17 grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. H.C. Brown of Newton survive.