SLUTTS, Theodore Monroe: 1936-1947

SLUTTS, MECK, MOORE, LYON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 11/14/2013 at 08:21:03

Drowned In Creek Friday

Theodore M. Slutts, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Slutts of Douds, drowned in Lick Creek about 11 o'clock Friday August 1st. This was the first death by drowning reported in Van Buren County this summer.

The boy had gone to the home of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Meck who live west of Birmingham. The next day, the boy left for Lick Creek accompanied by his sister 8, and the 9 year-old Meck boy.

Theodore could not swim, and while playing in the water told his companions, that he would "show them how to dive." He jumped into the creek which was about 6 feet deep and was unable to get out. He did not know how to swim.

The Meck boy knew how to swim and made an effort to get the drowning boy out of the water. He became afraid that the drowning boy would pull him under, so he gave up, and went for help.

First he sought help at the Ed Leyden home, but found no one at home. He traveled back past the creek where the accident had occurred and got help at the Harley Hootman home.

By that time too much time had elapsed to recover the body and use effective artificial respiration.

Funeral services were held at the Leando Church Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. L. M. Kirby of Libertyville in charge. Music was given by Mary Ann Slutts, soloist, with Mrs. Harold Harryman as pianist.

Burial was in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Pallbearers were Billy Fellows, John Nutt, Clarence Trout, Darell Parker, Veryle Parker, and Robert Pedrick.
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Theodore M. Slutts

Theodore M. Slutts, son of Margaret Moore Slutts and Theodore R. Slutts was born at Leando, Iowa, September 15, 1936 and departed this life August 1, 1947, at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 15 days.

He leaves to mourn his passing his parents, one brother, Anthony Lee and three sisters, Mary Ann, Nancy Jane and Carol Joyce; two grandmothers, Mrs. Martha Slutts of Douds and Mrs. Mary Moore of Washington, Iowa; also a great grandmother, Mrs. Mary Lyon of Stockport and many friends and relatives.
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Drowning Victim
{Headline below picture of T. M. Slutts}

Funeral services for Teddy Slutts, 10, (above), who was drowned Friday afternoon in Lick creek, will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Leando church, in charge of the Rev. Harold M. Kirby of Libertyville. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah cemetery north of Douds. The drowning occurred shortly after noon when the Slutts boy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Slutts of Leando, dove into a six-foot hole in the creek while his sister, Nancy, and a cousin Donald Meck, watched. Besides his parents, he is suvived by three sisters, Mary Ann, Nancy and Carol; a brother, Tony, and two grandmothers, Mrs. Martha Slutts of Douds and Mrs. Moore of Washington, Iowa. (August 1, 1947)

**My father is Donald Lee MECK (1938-1993) listed above.**

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 339, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosaqua, IA

Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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