Two Keosauqua Men Killed In Lee County Car - Train Wreck

LAZENBY, CAUDILL, COVE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/10/2014 at 06:34:31

Two Keosauqua Men Killed In Lee County Car - Train Wreck

Charles Lazenby and Frank Caudill, both of Keosauqua, were killed instantly about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning when their car was struck by a train near Ft. Madison. Mr. Lazenby was owner of the Lazenby Motor Company of Keosauqua and Mr. Caudill was employed by him as a salesman.

The two men left Keosauqua about 7:00 a.m. Tuesday to make a business trip to Lee county. A farmer living near the scene of the crash was doing his chores and saw the accident. His report was that at the time the sun was shining directly in the face of the car occupants and in his opinion they did not see the train, as they were going east. The train hit the Lazenby car on the front and side, crushing the mechanism into the front seat, pushed the car part way around to the shoulder of the highway but did not upset. The rear trunk was sprung open and the spare tire had rolled down the bank. Mr. Caudill was driving and was still at the wheel, Mr. Lazenby had suffered a broken arm and other injuries, but was still in the front seat although he had partly fallen out when the door came open. The train was stopped within a short distance and the crew investigated but the men were beyond help.

Sheriff Vance was informed of the accident by Ft. Madison authorities and reported to the families of the men.

Mr. Lazenby was 40 years old and Mr. Caudill 45. Mr. Lazenby was a very active business man and had built up a thriving automobile business in Keosauqua. He is survived by his wife, Opal Gove Lazenby, and one son. Mr. Caudill is survivied by his wife and six children.

The accident took place at the crossing of highway number two with the K.C. railway about midway between Donnellson and Ft. Madison. The car was struck by the west bound gas-electric train which was due in Farmington about 9:00 a.m.

Funeral service for Mr. Lazenby will be held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Keosauqua Methodist church. Interment in Fellows cemetery.

Mr. Caudill's funeral will be held at the Burnett funeral home Friday afternoon with interment in Bonaparte cemetery.

Rev. C.H. Orf of Keosauqua Methodist church will officiate for both services.

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