KERKOVE, Raymond Forrest, 1910-1928

KERKOVE, KOCH, HALL, BAIR

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 11/1/2012 at 17:04:47

RAYMOND FOREST KERKOVE

Raymond Forrest Kerkove was born October 18, 1910 and died August 21, 1928, 4:35 a.m. at the immature age of 17 years, 10 months and 3 days. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kerkove of What Cheer, Iowa. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Milton where he spent the remaining days of his life. He leaves to mourn his untimely death, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kerkove, two sisters,Cora Koch of Garner, Iowa; Grace Hall, of Milton, Iowa; one brother, Ernest, at home and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dove Bair of South English, Iowa: besides many other relatives and friends.
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Away

“I cannot say and I will not say
That he is dead---he is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand
He has wondered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since he lingers there,
And you---O you, who the wildest years
For the old-time step and the glad return,
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here.

Mild and gentle as he was brave---
When the sweetest love of his life he gave
To simple things: where the violets grew
Blue as the eyes they were likened to,
The touches of his hands have strayed
As reverently as his lips have prayed;
When the little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was as dear to him as the mocking bird;
And the pitied as much as a man in pain
A writhing honey-bee wet with rain.
Think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead---he is just away!”

The bereaved wish to express their sincere thanks for the beautiful floral offerings and kindness extended toward Raymond during his sickness and death. It will never be forgotten.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Korkove
and family

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book A-2, page 238, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA