Thursday night of last week, May 28, the people of the county were shocked when word was passed around that little Martin Leroy Schenk, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. August Schenk, had been drowned in a tank at the home. The tank was used for storing water for garden irrigation.

The children were in the habit of going swimming in the tank. Thursday afternoon the little boy had gone to the tank by himself. Later, when he was missed by his parents and a search was made, the body was found at the bottom of the tank. Dr. Shelley and other help were called, and every possible effort was made to resuscitate the child, but in vain.

At the time of death he was six years, seven months and nine days of age. He was born and had lived his entire life at the home 12 miles east of Coldwater.

Leroy leaves to mourn his going, his parents; two brothers, Willis and Clarence; one sister, Anna Marie; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schenk; his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Schultz, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of friends.

Leroy was a great blessing to his home and the community. He always had a smile for those he met, and his sunny disposition made him a favorite with everyone who knew him. He added much life and joy to the New Eden school last year, where he was in the first grade. He was a good student and was ever ready to do his share in work or play. He attended Sunday school at Bethel.

Funeral services were held in the Coldwater Methodist church Monday afternoon. Rev. R. F. White, pastor of the Bethel and other charges, brought the message and Rev. M. W. Parker, the local pastor, assisted in the service. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery. The pall bearers were Joseph, Virgil, Vernon and Eldon Schultz, cousins of the deceased.

The bereaved have the deepest sympathy of all.

"Now like a dewdrop shrined
Within a crystal stone,
Thou'rt safe in Heaven, my dove,
Safe with the source of love,
The Everlasting One.

And when the hour arrives
From flesh that sets me free,
Thy spirit may await,
The first at heaven's gate
To meet and welcome me."
-Mrs. Southey.

---

Fred J. Schenk, Sr., grandfather of Martin Leroy Schenk.

Catherine (Ballinger) Schenk, great grandmother of Martin Leroy Schenk.

---

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

This website is being created by Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book. This page was created 02 Dec 2005 and was last updated 19 July 2008.