The citizens of Comanche county were shocked to learn on Thursday of this week that Scott McCormick, a prominent Protection retired grain dealer and farmer, had ended his life with a shotgun. He sent his wife to a doctor's office and while she was gone Mr. McCormick went into the back yard and a self-inflicted wound in the head proved fatal.When his wife returned home about 11:30 a.m. she found him and notified the authorities.
On Wednesday of last week Mr. McCormick returned home from a Wichita hospital where he had undergone a major operation. He left a note which indicated that the prospects of continued ill health promoted the act. Mr. McCormick was one of Comanche county's most prominent citizens.
An account of his life will be published in the Star next week. At the time the Star goes to press no funeral arrangements have been made.
The Western Star, March 14, 1947. McCormick Funeral Held Last Saturday
Funeral services for Scott McCormick, who passed away Thursday of last week, were held in the Protection Methodist church last Saturday morning at 11 o'clock and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Robert Haines. A mixed quartet composed of Gene and Doris Shoemaker, Rev. Haines and Mrs. Cliff Sibbitt sang "Abide With Me" and "In the Garden," accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Lewis Hopkins.
The pall bearers were Howard Shrauner, Harry Large, Melvin Thornhill, Claude Rowland, A. L. Christopher and W. W. Riner. The body was taken to Mount Hope, Kans., for burial.
Mr. McCormick was one of Comanche county's prominent citizens, a public spirited man who gave freely of his time for the betterment of society.
He was fair in his judgment, considerate of others and an upright citizen who had the respect of his fellow men. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The sorrowing relatives have the sincere sympathy of all.
Obituary. Scott McCormick was born at McLean, Ill., March 21, 1874. He departed this life at his home in Protection, Kans., Thursday, March 6, 1947, at the age of 72 years, 11 months and 13 days.
He was united in marriage to Clara T. Bell at Hutchinson, Kans., on July 6, 1896. They made their home at Mt. Hope, Kans., for several years following their marriage. To this union four children were born, two sons and one daughter dying in infancy.
In the spring of 1921 they moved to Protection and Mr. McCormick has made his home there since then except for brief intervals when he managed elevators in Coldwater and several other nearby towns. He was also engaged in the elevator business in Protection for some time.
Mrs. McCormick passed away on June 20, 1928, at the hospital in Ashland.
He was a member of the group which first administered the relief program in Comanche county in the early 1930's before an organized program had been set up. Later he became a member of the original draft board which served the county preceding and during the war years.
On August 12, 1937, he was married to Mrs. Ona Caley at Wellington, Kans.
Interment was made in Mount Hope, Kans., in the family lot.
He is survived by his widow, a daughter, Mrs. F. C. Beelman, two grandchildren, Nancy Ann and Scott, of Topeka, Kans., and other relatives and a host of friends.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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