Pace, Donald, 1922-1937

PACE, HUNT

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/18/2012 at 07:19:12

DONALD PACE DIES SUDDENLY
Former Hawarden Boy Passed Away Feb. 22nd at West Union, Iowa

Hawarden friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pace, former Hawarden residents, will learn with regret of the death of their 14-year-old son, Donald, which occurred at West Union, Iowa, on Monday, Feb. 22nd. The Pace family lived in Hawarden for about three years during which time Mr. Pace operated the Tivoli Theatre. Mr. Pace disposed of his theatre interests here about five years ago and located at Audubon, Iowa, going from there to West Union. Donald attended school here and his former classmates will be grieved at news of his death.

A West Union newspaper carried the following account of his death: "Donald Pace, 14, died at 5:15 p.m. Monday at the West Union Community hospital, where he had been taken about noon Sunday, suffering from an infection in his head. He was found to be alarmingly ill the day after the family returned from a visit in California. Donald, an eighth grade pupil and the son of Harry Pace, proprietor of the Princess theatre, was a friendly and popular lad, and his sudden tragic death brought deep sadness to the community.

"Mr. and Mrs. Pace and their son had returned Friday forenoon from a trip to visit their daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Johnston, Long Beach, Calif. Donald had complained of a pain above his right eye while on the return trip, and went to bed upon arriving home. A physician was called Saturday when the swelling of the head became noticeable. The purpose was entertained of taking the boy to Iowa City, but the storm prevented, and he was taken Sunday forenoon to the West Union hospital for x-ray examination. A specialist summoned from Oelwein spent five hours and three-quarters in the cab of a snow plow battling his way for twenty-six miles to the boy's bedside, arriving at 8:45 p.m. Donald became unconscious Sunday night, and remained so to the end. His suffering was not intense at any time, he describing it as a dull ache, and complained little.

"Donald was born Dec. 2, 1922, at Pocahontas, Iowa, and came to West Union with his parents from Audubon, Iowa, about a year and a half ago. Besides his parents he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lloyd Johnston, Long Beach, Calif. Mrs. Johnston is on her way here, expected to arrive tomorrow morning.

"G. A. Hunt, Pocahontas, and Mrs. and Mrs. W. C. Hunt, Mallard, arrived Monday night, crossing the state on highway No. 20, which was the only highway cleared across the state. They had none of the snow at their home, but found it at Webster City. G. A. Hunt and W. C. Hunt are brothers of Mrs. Pace. They returned home Tuesday, expecting to return for the funeral. Mrs. Hunt remained here.

"The funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday from the Burnham funeral home by the Rev. George DeF. Fisher. Only adults will be permitted to attend."

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 4, 1937.