George Holdefer

HOLDEFER

Posted By: Volunteer: B. Evans
Date: 2/28/2014 at 16:35:16

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obit Book C, page 258, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Funeral Services For Milton Fire Victim

MILTON. – Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Methodist church in Milton for George Holdefer who was fatally burned Thursday in a fire which destroyed the warehouse of the Holdefer Oil Co.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Robert, who is serving overseas in the aircorps, and Don, at home.

Holdefer had his independent oil service in Milton since 1926. Prior to that he had been a depot agent at Pulaski, Cantril and other points in Iowa and northern Missouri.

It is thought that perhaps a spark from the electric motor used to fill the truck tank ignited gasoline vapors. Conscious until the time of his death he said he saw the blast and knew nothing more until he came to outside the building. Those living near the warehouse said they heard a blast and saw him come from the building in flames from head to foot. He was rushed to the Ottumwa hospital in the Burnett ambulance and died there at 1:15 p.m.

Burial was at Donnellson, his former home.

Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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