SAMUEL GEORGE KOONCE DROWNED IN INDIAN CREEK
Samuel George Koonce, citizen of this community for only past months, committed suicide by drowning in Indian Creek, only a short distance from his home Sunday morning. Mr. Koonce had for long-term of years been an honored citizen of Bloodland, serving as postmaster and was a citizen who stood high in that community. With the passing of Bloodland into the Fort Leonard Wood Area, Mr. Koonce came to Houston and purchased of Jess Hilterbrand his desirable farm home two miles south of Houston on Indian Creek. During recent weeks he had been gloomy and worried. Early last Sunday morning he slipped out of the house, went to a bluff of rocks on Indian Creek where there was a considerable pool of water; there he hung his coat on a bush, fastened a large stone onto his body and jumped in the creek. Search was soon made but as the water was muddy the body was not at first found, but aided by the family dog, the search was soon rewarded by finding and recovering the body from the water.
Officers were called and Coroner Hubbard determined that no inquest was necessary.
Samuel George Koonce came from Bloodland, where he had long resided, only five or six months ago. He was the son of George and Emma Koonce, born in Chicago, Illinois, and was 66 years, 4 months and 1 day of age.
Funeral services were conducted at the Elliott Funeral Home here Tuesday at 2pm. Rev. J.R. Halbrook conducted the funeral service and the remains were conveyed to Bloodland cemetery under auspices of Elliott Funeral Home.
Obituary
Samuel George Koonce was born in Chicago, Illinois, June 4, 1875, and departed this life October 5, 1941, at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 1 day. He came with his parents to Pulaski County, Mo., in 1889, located near Bloodland, Mo., which place was his home until a few months ago, when he bought and moved to the Hilterbrand farm near Houston, Mo.
Mr. Koonce had been in failing health since having to give up his old home, which was taken over by the government and became a part of Fort Leonard Wood camp area. He worried a great deal about the change he had made and the strain and worry was more than he could bear.
He had many close friends in an around Bloodland, as he was man highly respected by all who knew him; his counsel was sought by many and his assistance freely given. He served as postmaster at Bloodland for 23 years. Friends bear out the reputation that Mr. Koonce was a good man and a good citizen.
He was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Deaton at Bloodland, MO., December 3, 1902, and to this union six children were born: Lois Kinnaird, of Roby, Mo.; Vance Koonce, of DEnver, Colorado; Dorothy York, of Hughson, California; Lena Maude Koonce, of Hughson, California’ Edyth McAtee, of Carthage, Mo.; Rosemary Smith of Houston, Mo.
Mr. Koonce professed faith in Christ early in life and for a time was affiliated with the Methodist denomination and was quite active in religious service. He read his Bible and lived a consistent Christian life.
Those who survive him are the wife, the children above mentioned and ten grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Koonce, of Eagle, Colorado, many distant relatives and a host of friends. Obituary contributed.
The Houston Herald
Houston, Missouri
9 October 1941
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