Maude (Curran) Holcomb
The Western Star, May 30, 1963.
Death Claims A Pioneer Mother
Mrs. Maude Holcomb, one of Coldwater's most beloved pioneer women, passed away Wednesday morning, May 22, at the home of her son, Dr. Donald Holcomb, in Liberal, Kans., following a heart attack.
Mrs. Holcomb became ill last February and after several weeks in the Comanche County Hospital, was taken to Epworth Hospital in Liberal, where she underwent surgery. She lately appeared to be improving in health and was removed to the home of her son, Donald where death occurred unexpectedly.
Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church in Coldwater at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 1963, and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Finis G. Hodges. The church was filled with friends who came to pay final tribute to this pioneer mother, who was a friend to all. Myrel Rich, organist, played favorite hymns during most of the service.
Chapter EG of the Coldwater P. E. O. was in charge of the final services at the church.
The active pallbearers were Harold McKinney, Clair Parcel, Bob Gilchrist, Douglas Dale, Jack Vance and Ernest Parker and the honorary pallbearers were Horace Rich, Victor Allderdice, Otha Landes, Walter Ferrin, Victor Burton, James Allderdice, Dr. Ronald McCoy and Raymond Parcel. Interment was in Crown Hill cemetery by the side of her husband.
Obituary Maude Holcomb, daughter of Thomas J. Curran and Ada Curran, was born in Summersville, W. Va., January 22, 1878, and passed away in Liberal, Kans., May 22, 1963, at the age of 85 years and four months.
Her father came to Comanche county, settling on a homestead in 1886, and the following year was joined by his wife and children, George, Maud and Anna.
Mrs. Holcomb received her principal education in the Coldwater schools and taught school first in the Fairview district and later in the Darroch and other districts in this county.
On September 20, 1903, she was united in marriage with Dr. Fred L. Holcomb, who came to Coldwater in 1901 from Zenda, Kans., to establish a practice as physician and surgeon. To this union were born two sons: Tom Curran Holcomb of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Dr. Donald Gilbert Holcomb of Liberal, Kans.
She is survived also by her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Anna C. Lonker, of Ashland, Kans., and numerous other relatives, besides a host of friends.
Dr. Holcomb died in an automobile accident in southern Comanche county January 31, 1937. One brother, George, and a sister, Mrs. Idress Gilchrist, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Holcomb was a lifetime member of the Coldwater Presbyterian church and took a great interest in its welfare. She was a devout Christian and patterned her life after her Master.
She was a charter member of Chapter EG, P. E. O., and of the Kensington and J. U. S. Clubs. She was also an active member of the Research club and for 53 years was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a past Worthy Matron. In her later years she was a member of the Women's Auxillary of the Iroquois Medical Society. Throughout her life she took an active part in community affairs.
She was a devoted wife and mother and never tired of ministering to others. Her many acts of kindness and words of encouragement will never be forgotten.
Dr. Fred L. Holcomb, husband of Maude (Curran) Holcomb.
Thomas J. Curran, father of Maude (Curran) Holcomb.
Ada (Macomb) Curran, mother of Maude (Curran) Holcomb.
George Curran, brother of Maude (Curran) Holcomb.
Idress (Curran) Gilchrist, sister of Maude (Curran) Holcomb.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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