William P. Mitchell d. 1 November 1956

Optical Firm Owner Dies

William P. Mitchell Was Civic Leader

William P. Mitchell, 59, one of the leading business and civic leaders of Waynesvville, died in Fort Wood Hospital at 3:30 a.m. today. He was owner of the Waynesville Optical Company, with far-reaching trade in lenses for shooting glasses.

One of the civilian leaders in the successful effort to obtain Ft. Wood as a permanent Army installation, Mr. Mitchell was widely known over the Ozarks. He moved to Waynesville in 1947 and established his company, first known as the Mitchell Optical Company.

Mr. Mitchell was born in Tennessee and had been in the optical business more than 40 years. He started in Kansas City in 1914 with the Columbia Optical Company. IN 1923 he studied optometry at the Needles Institute of Optometry in Kansas City and established a branch office of the Columbia firm in Oklahoma City. He later served as special representative in the middle west with Bausch and Lomb for 18 years.

During World War II he manufactured optical elements for the armed forces in St. Louis. He turned his attention to shooting glasses and moved to Waynesville. In recent years he also has manufactured driving glasses, designed to reduce glare and increase visibility at night.

Survivors include his wife, Jean and a son, William P., Jr., of Grapevine, Tex., and daughter, Mrs. Nancy Christy, Waynesville.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete pending word from distant relatives. They will be under direction of Hedges. The request has been made that instead of flowers donations be made toward a municipal swimming pool for Waynesville.

Springfield Leader and Press

Springfield, Missouri

1 November 1956

Page 33

Jerry Dale Kierl Woodward d. 23 November 1956

Woodward, Jerry Dale Kierl- Age 20, passed away suddenly November 23 1956. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 25 at 2 p.m. at the Waynesville Baptist Church. Rev. B.R. Tatom officiating. Burial in Waynesville Memorial Cemetery.

Hedges Service
Waynesville, Mo.

The Sunday News and Tribune
Jefferson City, Missouri
25 November 1956
Page 32

Newton Thomas Churchill d. 30 October 1956

Newton Thomas Churchill, 66, died Tuesday in Waynesville General Hospital where he had been a patient 8 days. He was a former groceryman. He was born in Kansas City and had lived in Waynesville 13 years.

Funeral services will be THursday at 2 p.,. in Waynesville Baptist Church. The Rev. Rollo Schrimscher will officiate. Burial will be in Waynesville Memorial Cemetery under direction of Hedges.

Survivors are his wife, Roberta May; a son, Robert N., Waynesville and 3 grandchildren.

Springfield Leader and Press
Springfield, Missouri
31 October 1956
page 31

George Washington Lane, Senior 1873-1956

PROMINENT CIVIC, BUSINESS LEADER

Prominent Pulaski County Resident Had Been In Failing Health For Several Years. Was Former Publisher of Pulaski County Democrat

George Washington Lane, Senior, prominent Pulaski County pioneer, passed away here Friday, January 13 at 1:30 a.m., following a heart attack a few hours previously. He had been in failing health for a number of years.

Mr. Lane had been an active in civil, educational, and political affairs of Pulaski County for 65 years. At one time he dealt extensively in real estate and was considered an authority on tracts of land. He knew the histories of the old families of Pulaski County and could trace them back several generations. He had a keen memory as to names, dates, and places, and was a gifted and interesting conversationalist. He was a militant and outspoken Democrat and stayed faithful to the party to the last.

He was able to be out and about town until he suffered an acute pain in the chest the evening before he passed away the following morning.

He was born in Phelps County, Missouri, September 20, 1873. He died at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 24 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah Ewing Lane and Mary A. (nee Page), one daughter , Hazel Lane Adams, one step-daughter Alleyene Duncan, four sisters, and one brother.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cora A., one daughter, Mrs. Bertie Shultz of Kansas City, one son, George Junior, of the home, one sister, Mrs. Minnie Gray of St. Louis.

He was united in marriage to Cora A. Miller Duncan April 26, 1905.

He graduated from the Waynesville and Dixon schools and later took a course at State Teachers College in Springfield and began teaching at the age of 17, continuing in the profession 12 years.

He was active in Democratic circles for 60 years and was first elected Surveyor of Pulaski County in 1900.

In 1904 he was elected Collector of the Revenue and served two terms. He was also owner and publisher of the Pulaski County Democrat between 1912-1914.

He served as postmaster at Waynesville during the Presidency of Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Lane was Chairman of Democratic Central Committee, member of Congressional and Senatorial Committees, member of the Waynesville School Board, and served as mayor.

In early manhood he was also engaged in the Drug business in Waynesville and throughout his life active in civic and educational affairs.

In 1933 he was appointed, by Gov. Guy B. Park, Assistant Secretary, and later Secretary and Cashier of the Department of Penal Institutions in Jefferson City where he and his family lived ten years.

He was elected Representative of Pulaski County in 1944 and agin in 1946 and served on the following committees: Agriculture, Criminal Justice and Costs, Mines and Mining, and Social Security.

Mr. Lane was a member of the Royal Arch Masons, Chapter 32 at Rolla, the Masonic and I.O.O.F. Orders of Waynesville.

He was truly a man of action and interest in the welfare of his town and county.

He was a devoted husband, a kind and loving father, a faithful friend, and will be missed by his family and host of friends.

His favorite poem, by Tennyson, follows:

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Last rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville by the Pastor B.R. Tatom assisted by Rev. John L. Hicks and burial was in the Waynesville Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Waynesville Lodge No. 375, of which Mr. Lane was a member, conducted last rites at the graveside. Pall bearers were Leslie A. Smith, Sterling Rollins, Ewell Johnson, LeClair Long, Byron Eldredge, and Kenneth Mitchell.

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Floyd H. Black 1880-1956

Floyd H. Black, son of James W. and Louisa Black, was born November 15, 1880 in Coolville, Ohio, and departed this life in Burge Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, February 8, 1956 at the age of 75 years, two months and 24 days.

He came to Missouri with his parents at the age of four years, first settling in Laclede County, near Winnipeg, later moving to Richland, where he attended school.

When about 11 years of age the family moved to the Jackson farm on the Gasconade River near Brownfield, Missouri, where he continued to live until the Lord called him to his eternal home in Heaven.

April 13, 1902 Floyd was united in marriage to Nellie Barlow. To this union two daughters were born, Ruth, who survives, and Ruby who passed on at the age of 19 months.

When 26 years of age he was converted and united with the Prospect Church. Brother Black retained membership with this church until it ceased to function. He then transferred to the Idumea Baptist Church and remained a member there until the year of 1950 when he transferred to the Berean Baptist Church of which he was an active member at the time of his death.

November 30, 1908, his wife Nellie, was called away by death. The death of daughter Ruby also followed January 19, 1909.

On July 19, 1910 he was united in marriage to Ida Elizabeth Sanders and to this union nine children were born, all of whom survive.

Brother Black was an active, useful citizen, a successful, prosperous framer and stock raiser. He was not only interested in his own personal interests, but also in religious, civic, and political affairs.

He served many years as a member of the school board. Also served as Judge of Pulaski County, and at time of death active as a deacon of his church. He served as board member of the Pulaski County Baptist Mission Board. In all of these various places he served not only conscientiously, but also efficiently.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of the home; ten children-four sons and six daughters, James R. of Richland, Missouri, George W. of Edgar Springs, Missouri, Thomas H. of Richland, Missouri, and Verlan E. of Ukiah, California.. The daughters are Mrs. Ruth Harrison of Dixon, Missouri, Mrs. Helen Anderson of Richland, Missouri, Mrs, Watye Nicks of Laquey, Missouri, Mrs. Della Howlett of Laquey, Missouri, Mrs. Mary Lou Southard of Richland, Missouri, and Mrs. Loraine Meilahn of Bellerive, Nebraska. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, one niece, Vera Reed of St. Louis, Missouri, one nephew, Heber Rhoades of California.

Brother Black will not only be sadly missed by the loved ones, but also by the church and in all various activities through out the community.

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 12, 1956 at 2:00 p.m. at the Richland Baptist Church with Rev. Virgil Manes officiating assisted by Rev. J.O Brown and interment was made in the Idumea Cemetery near Laquey, Missouri. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home Of Richland.

The pallbearers were grandsons Robert Howlett, Jerry ray Black and William B. Harrison and son-in-laws Rollins Howlett, Jack Southard, and Clarence Harrison.

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Julius Aaron Edwards 1876-1956

Julius Aaron Edwards, son of Silas and Jodie Edwards was born in Gracen County, Kentucky on November 9, 1876 and departed this life at his home at 4368 Hunt Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, May 18, 1956 at 8:35 p.m. after an illness of over four months.

On August 30, 1899 he was united in marriage to Sylvia R. Parsons and to this union four sons were born. They have been making their home in St. Louis for the past 32 years. He was employed by the Independent Packing Company until his retirement in 1946.

Those that are left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, Sylvia, of the home, four sons, Carl R. and Martin A. of St. Louis, Lloyd P. of Granite City, Illinois, and James B. of Bourbon, Missouri, one brother, John W. of Waynesville, Missouri. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He has been preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

When a young man he was converted and united with Idumea Baptist Church and later when he moved from here to St. Louis to make his home he transferred his membership to the Tower Grove Baptist Church, in St. Louis.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, very devoted to his wife and family and loved by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Funeral services were held last Monday, May 21, 1956 at 2:00 p.m. at the Idumea Baptist Church with Rev. J.O Brown officiating and interment was made in the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Richland.

Pallbearers were Leonard, Robert, Harry, and James Edwards, LeRoy Lashlee and Tom Barrow.

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Nancy Adeline (York) Edward 1879-1956

Nancy Adeline (York) Edward, daughter of William W. York and Margaret York was born October 5, 1879 in Pulaski County at Cookville, Missouri and departed this life at Waynesville General Hospital February 5, 1956 at the age of 77 years and four months.

Aunt Nancy as she was lovingly called by all of her many friends, and loved ones, had been ill for many months and became critical within the past few weeks. Her suffering has been an inspiration to all of us as her life has been.

Her first marriage in December 1896 to Jesse Christeson, was ended by his death. To this union two children were born, Walter F. and Jessie M.

She was again married to John William Edwards, April 7, 1907, and to this union six children were born, five boys, and one girl.

At an early age she converted and placed her membership in the Friendship Baptist Church. Later moved her membership to the Buckhorn Baptist Church, where she was an active member until ill health prevented from attending services.

Down through the years…
Very life was devoted to her husband, her children and numerable friends, she will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband John W…
Walter F. of California..
…mond L and Roy H of Crocker, Silas C. of Peoria, Johnny A. of Phillipsburg, Omar H. of California…
Two girls Jessie M. Gan..
Houston, and Monta M.
Of Springfield, three brothers
Lee Jake, Pete and N___
One sister Saminthis Rob___
Twenty six grandchildren
Fourteen great grandchildren
And many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and three sisters.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have ever-lasting life.” John 3:16

Funeral services were at Buckhorn Baptist Church, Wednesday, February 8, 1956, Rev. Raymond McClary officiating. Interment was at the Crocker Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Hedges Funeral Home, Waynesville, Missouri.

Pallbearers were Tom York, Ray York, Fred York, Ha__ York, James York, and __rence York.

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Nancy Leola (Logan) Long 1866-1956

Nancy Leola (Logan) Long, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Logan, was born May 14, 1866 in Pulaski County and passed away July 25, 1956 at her home in Waynesville, Missouri. Her entire life being spent in Pulaski County, except 2 years spent in the adjoining Phelps County.

She was married to Francis Marion Long December 28, 188_, who preceded her in death, February 18, 1926. To this union 12 children were born, 3 having preceded her in death. Estella and Nettie 2 daughters who died in infancy and 1 son, Charles E. Long of Modesto, California who passed away August 24, 1949.

At the age of 14 she was converted and united with the old Friendship Baptist Church, later moving her membership to the Waynesville Baptist Church where she remained a member until the time of her passing, being faithful in attendance, until failing health prevented. Those surviving her are 7 sons, James A. Long of Ferguson, Missouri, Fred Long of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Glen Long of Montreal, Missouri, Walter Long of Laquey, Missouri, Frank M. Long of Waynesville, Missouri, and Henry and Lyman of the home. Also 2 daughters, Mrs. H. Gann of Kirkwood, Missouri, and Mrs. William V. Hensley of Waynesville and Cora Ousley of Caseyville, Illinois, also a host of other relatives and neighbors.

Funeral services were held July 29, 1956 at the Waynesville Baptist Church with the Rev. B.R. Tatom officiating. Burial was in the Bradford Cemetery under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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John Capris Rollins 1869-1956

John C. Rollins, Pioneer Citizen, Businessman, Died Monday Morning
Funeral Services Held Yesterday

An overflowing crowd was present yesterday afternoon at the Waynesville Baptist Church to pay last respects to one of Pulaski County’s leading citizens. John C. Rollins, who passed away at the Waynesville General Hospital early Monday morning.

Mr. Rollins, who was nearly 87 years of age, had suffered a heart attack on Friday of last week and was taken to the hospital here.

John C. Rollins, who was a member of a Pulaski County family, was born on a farm about twelve miles west of this city, in the Bellefonte neighborhood. In 1916 Mr. Rollins moved to Waynesville and purchased the Hardware store from Mr. Christeson. He operated the store for thirty years.

Mr. Rollins, who had long been active in the Baptist Church, was a senior deacon in the church here at the time of his death. Only last week this newspaper published an article written by Mr. Rollins about the Baptist Church History in this area.

Mr. Rollins was a familiar figure in this city, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. When he and his family moved to Waynesville, they moved to the home in the northeast corner of the square and on pleasant evenings Mr. Rollins could be sitting out in his yard visiting with his many friends who stopped to chat a while with this beloved gentleman.

The Democrat joins with a host of other friends in expressing our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.

Following is the obituary for Mr. Rollins:

John C. Rollins, son of James M. and Sarah J. Rollins was born at Bellefonte, Missouri, November 24, 1869 and passed away at the Waynesville General Hospital on September 3, 1956 at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 10 days.

On November 24,1889 he was united in marriage to William Ann Johnson and to this union seven children were born. At the age of 15 years he professed his faith in Christ and in 1916 transferred his membership to the Waynesville Baptist Church.

Mrs. Rollins passed away January 2, 1953.

He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters, Stella Pearson and Eula Burchard of Waynesville and Grace Howlett of Laquey, Missouri. Four sons, James D. of Laquey, Thomas B. of Gary, Indiana, John W. of Springfield, Missouri, and Sterling J. of Waynesville, also 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 5, 1956 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Baptist Church with the Reverend B.R. Tatum officiating.

Interment was in the Waynesville Memorial Cemetery under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Emmett Ray Gaddy 1919-1956

Funeral Services for Former Waynesville Resident

Funeral services for the late Emmett Ray Gaddy, 36, of Mehlville, St. Louis County, were conducted on Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock, February 3, 2956, at the Lindenwood Baptist Church on Landsdowne Ave in St. Louis. Burial was in Hiram Park, a Masonic burial ground in St. Louis County. A Masonic service was conducted on Thursday night at eight o’clock by members of Clifton Heights Lodge Number 520 of which Mr. Gaddy was a member and at which time the large chapel in the Kriegshauser Funeral Home was filled to capacity and many sorrowing friends were forced to stand through the services.

During his early teens Mr. Gaddy was converted in a revival at the Waynesville Baptist Church. On his nineteenth birthday he was baptized into the fellowship of Lindenwood Baptist Church where services were conducted by his personal friend the Pastor.

The esteem in which he was held among his friends and fellow employees was expressed by the fifty-two floral pieces that were sent to the funeral home. Many of the flowers were given to hospitals in the city while others were used in the City-wide Baptist Girl’s Auxiliary Coronation of which his daughter is a member.

Mr. Gaddy’s death occurred Monday night January 30 and followed bullet wounds which he received at a recreational establishment convenient for bus drivers who are waiting to change shifts. The operator of the establishment is charged with the shooting and according to metropolitan newspapers has a long criminal record involving a previous shooting.

Mr. Gaddy is survived by his wife Christina, four children, Sylvia 14, Emmett Junior 11, Warren 8, and Mary Elizabeth 3; his father J.W. Gaddy, a brother Warren of Dixon, two sisters Mary Effie Turner of St. Louis and Mrs. Sylvia Bell of Waynesville, Missouri.

Emmett’s friendly disposition and pleasing personality had endeared him to all who…

Crowds of sorrowing relatives, friends, employers, fellow-employees, and a host of daily bus passengers who had through the years become friends with him.

Also many aged people were among those coming to show their love and respect.

This great tragedy has come as a severe shock to relatives and friends as only…

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John William Edwards 1872-1956

John William Edwards, son of Silas and Johna Edwards, was born in Grayson County, Kentucky on May 5, 1872 and passed away at the Waynesville General Hospital on October 13, 1956 at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 8 days.

In 1897 he was united in marriage to Cora Nina Peterson who passed away February 14, 1905. To this union four children were born, one son having died at the age of 16 years.

On April 7, 1907 he was united in marriage to Nancy A. York who passed away February 5, 1956 and to this union six children were born.

Early in life he was converted and united with the Baptist Church and at the time of his passing was a member of the Buckhorn Baptist Church.

He is survived by six sons:
Raymond L. and Roy H. of Crocker, Missouri, Silas of Peoria, Illinois, Johnny A. of Phillipsburg, Missouri, Omar of Modesto, California, and Wayne of Anapolis, Missouri, three daughters: Monta Allen of Springfield, Missouri, Wilma Brandon of Waynesville, Missouri, and Evelyn Melby of Webster Groves, Missouri, 33 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Buckhorn Baptist Church on Tuesday, october 16, 1956 with Rev. Ernest Cox offciating. Interment was in the Crocker cemetery with funeral arrangements under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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Mrs. Nell E. (Erickson) Long 1901-1956

Mrs. Nell E. Long, 55 years old, the wife of LeClair Long of Waynesville, who for the past three years had been suffering from a heart ailment, passed away at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis Friday, December 7, where she had been undergoing treatment.

Mrs. Long, whose pleasant and cheerful disposition, won a host of friends, not only in this city but throughout the county as well, was very active in church and civic affairs until her illness. She was a past Matron of Hansen Chapter, Order of Easter Star.

Your editor feels a distinct loss in the passing of such a friend and we remember that when we first moved to Waynesville Mrs. Long aided us in numerous ways in our efforts to publish a newspaper- we have never met a sweeter disposition lady as was Mrs. Long and we join with her hosts of friends in extending our deepest sympathy to "Soupie", Bill and Joe Mart, and to her other relatives and loved ones. Our lives have been enriched in knowing Nell Long.

Following is the obituary:

Nellie Elizabeth (Erickson) Long, daughter of John Alfred Erickson and Anna Olivia Sundquist, was born near Waynesville, Missouri on April 18, 1901 and departed this life December 7, 1956 at the Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 55 years, 7 months, and 17 days.

She was educated in the Waynesville public schools and Springfield Teachers College. She was a member of the Hansen Chapter No. 22 of the Eastern Star since 1922.

She united with the First Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful

She was united in marriage to LeClair Long of Waynesville on November 26, 1920 and to this union two sons were born: Wm. Clair and Joe Mart. She was a very patient and loving mother and wife and was always careful to be grateful to all. She was pleasant and kind in spite of her physical difficulties. She is survived by her husband of the home, by the sons, Wm. C. of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Joe Mart, a student at Missouri University, by one grandchild, Michael Clair of Wichita Falls, Texas, by two brothers. John Alfred Erickson of Quincy, Kansas, and Ted of Neal, Kansas, three sisters, Mrs. Edith DeGrafenreid of Neal, Kansas, Mrs. Clara Shelton of Rolla, Missouri, Mrs. Ann Adams of St. Clair, Missouri, one aunt, Mrs. Marie Bastwick of Indianapolis, indiana, two uncles, John Sundquist and Harry Sundquist. Also surviving are a number of other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held last Sunday, November 9, 1956 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Baptist Church with rev. B.R. Tatom officiating. Burial was in the Waynesville Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Pall bearers were Dru Pippin, Claude Rigsby, Clyde Colley, Wm. Hensley, Nelson Royalty, and Gene Farnham.

The Hansen chapter of the Eastern star of Waynesville had their service at the

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John W. Ichord 1882-1956

John Wesley Ichord, 74 years old, farmer and stockman, who lived just west of this city, passed away at the Waynesville General Hospital last Friday. Funeral services were held last Tuesday, October 30, 1956 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Baptist Church with Rev. B.R. Tatom and Rev. J.L. Hicks officiating. Interment was made in the Waynesville Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Pall bearers were Ovid Harman, James Laughlin, Richard Ichord, Jack Garzelli, Claude Laughlin.

John Wesley Ichord, son of William DeWitt and Mary Ellen Ichord, was born March 29, 1882 at Big Piney, Missouri; and departed this life on October 26, 1956 at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 27 days.

He was united in marriage to Lola M. Laughlin on June 18, 1905 and to this union was born three children. William Oscar of waynesville, John Jr. of the home and Mary Estella Willits of Kirksville, Missouri. Also surviving is his very devoted wife, Lola, who has been a loving and faithful companion; a foster daughter, Mrs. Eula Mae Sneed of Modesto, California, one brother, Frank Ichord of Modesto, California; one grandson, William Francis Ichord , a foster sister, Mrs. Ruth Rowden of Waynesville. He leaves many nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. He has been preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

When he was a young man he was converted at Big Piney, Missouri, and later he became a member of the Waynesville Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until the time of his passing.

He was a honest, upright citizen, a good husband and father, and will be sadly missed by his loved ones and friends. We should not mourn his passing for we are sure he is at rest with his Savior Jesus Christ.

He was a successful farmer, stockman and taught school for many years. With his passing we have lost another good friend and citizen.

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