John Curtis Oxley (1866-1945)

OXLEY, HILTON, CARR, MEDD, MEAD, BEAL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/31/2022 at 20:47:02

From Nevada Evening Journal May 31, 1945 (page 6)

Last Rites For J. C. Oxley at Peoria Church

John Curtis Oxley, who passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 22 at his home southeast of Maxwell was born in Morgan County, Ill., June 26, 1866. His parents, who were John and Eliza Oxley, came with their family to Iowa when he was but 4 month old, and settled 1/2 mile east of Peoria, and it was in this neighborhood that he lived the remainder of his life.

Of this family only one remains, a sister, Mrs. Sarah Hilton of Maxwell. On June 6 1888, John Curtis was married to Clara Wyanette Carr and the entire 57 years of married life were spent in the home in which he died. To this union four children were born Clyde Morgan, who lives near the home; Susan Eliza, who died Nov. 7, 1913, at the age of 21, Goldie May, Mrs. Charles Medd of Des Moines, and Florence Ann, Mrs. Fred Mead of Collins.

On July 8, 1939 he suffered a stroke from which he never recovered, but in spite of his affliction he retained his jovial spirit and mental faculties and always enjoyed to the fullest extent the frequent visits of his children, grandchildren and his many, many friends.

Twice during these years of invalidism he was grief-stricken by the loss of a beloved grandchild when on July 14, 1941, Robert Morgan Oxley met his death at the age of 35 by drowning, and on Feb. 1, 1945, Mary Helen Beal, dying at the age of 21. It was since then that his gradually failing health became more noticeable and on Tuesday, May 22, 1945 he suddenly passed away following a heart attack.

During these years he was constantly cared for by his wife with an untiring devotion and due to the suddenness of the attack she witnessed alone his passing.

His life was ever devoted to his family and it can truly be said that he was the kind of a husband and father that a father ought to be.

He leaves besides his wife, children and sister named, five grandchildren, namely William Curtis and John Ransom Oxley of Des Moines, Corrine Mae Oxley of Oakland, Calif.; Maxine Ruth and Alyce Jean Oxley of Maxwell and many nieces and nephews.

He was interested in church and community affairs taking an active part in the Peoria Community Club, and was always interested in all public work.

He was a member of Social Lodge No. 463 Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Maxwell, having belonged for 46 years and during all that time until his health failed, he was a faithful attendant at its meetings. He was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Maxwell.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Peoria Church, conducted by Rev. C. E. Lookingbill, of Nevada, a longtime friend.

A male quartette, composed of C. R. Green, O. J. Woodman, Willis Kirkman and Harper White sand "Have Thine Own Way," "In That Beautiful Land" and "In the City Foursquare." They were accompanied by Mrs. Basil Caple at the piano.

Usher were Basil Caple and Richard Green. Honorary pallbearers were L. R. Shepherd of Los Angeles, Calif., Virgil Swarm, C. B. French, and A. E. Harris.

Active pallbearers were W. E. Van Hook, C. E. Pierce, Sam Backous, L. E. McQuiston, R. L. Dustin and R. Z. Brown. All were members of the Odd Fellows and the burial staff of that lodge, assisted by the Rebekahs performed the impressive ritualistic service at the grave, thus besstowing upon their brother the full honors of the order.

Floral tributes were many and beautiful and were arranged and cared for by Marie Hill, N. G., and Dorothy Holsinger, V. G., of Geptha Rebekah Lodge No. 187 of Maxwell.

Relatives and friends were present from Des Moines, Bagley, Churdan, Mitchellville, Marshalltown, Baxter, Bondurant, Elkhart, Collins, Colo and Nevada.