Van Egdom, LeRoy 1944-1964

VANEGDOM

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Hawarden Independent (10-29-1964)

Born: February 22, 1944
Died: 1964

SERVICES TODAY FOR VICTIM OF ONE CAR ACCIDENT

Full Military rites and funeral services for LeRoy Van Egdom, 20, Hudson youth home on furlough from the Air Force who was killed in a one car automobile accident early Sunday morning, will be held at 2:30 this afternoon (Thursday) at the Congregational Church in Hudson. Reverend David Graham officiating. Burial will be in Grace Hill Cemetery at Hawarden under the direction of the Vandemor Funeral Home.

LeRoy, youngest son of Mrs. Nellie Van Egdom, driving out of the Jones farm road onto Highway 46 spur north of Hawarden, failed to negotiate the turn onto the highway when the power brakes prevented the steering wheel from turning, was killed when the car struck the embankment opposite the driveway. He was jammed against the steering wheel, crushing his chest. He died of a broken neck, according to South Dakota state patrolman Lloyd Zellhoefer.

Listed in "serious condition" at the Hudson Hospital was Tom Dawson, 23, of Hudson who was among the five passengers riding with Van Egdom. His head went through the windshield and was severely lacerated. He also suffered internal injuries. Also hospitalized was his brother, Quinton Dawson, 17, who was suffering from shock and cuts and bruises.

Other passengers were John Scott of Hudson who sustained a leg injury, "Butch" Groeth, also of Hudson, and an Aldrum youth from Fairview.

Young Van Egdom was an airman second class, having served with the Air Force in Guam the past 18 months. He was scheduled to leave Sunday to report to an Air Force Base near Pensacola, Florida. He had enlisted upon graduation from Hudson High School.

LeRoy was born in Hudson on February 22, 1944. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Van Egdom, and a sister, Joan, who was also a victim of a car accident at the age of 14 in 1948.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Nellie Van Egdom of Hudson; four brothers, Herbert (Pete), Jake and John, all of Hudson and Jim in the Army at Fort Hood, Texas; four sisters, Mrs. Elwin (Janet) Woodley of Mont Clair, California, Mrs, Donald (Betty) Anderson of La Mesa, Texas, Mrs. Cliff (Henrietta) Jonnes of Beresford and Mrs. Frank (Josephine) King of Upland, California and 13 nephews and nieces.

Casket bearers will be Richard Mangelsen, Robert Fitch, Tom Jones, Winston Wagner, Murlyn Wendblom and Charles Havelaar.