Rev. Robert Henry Tanksley passed away from his earthly labors and physical pain this morning at 1:15 o'clock at his home, 109 North Morley street.Since Thanksgiving evening Rev. Tanksley had been in a serious condition and not all that love, good wishes and medical skill could do availed to spare his life to his family and to the community in which he had been a valuable member.
Rev. Tanksley passed his forty seventh birthday June 29th last. He leaves his family, his wife, two sons, Roscoe of Eldorado Springs, Kansas, Homer of Sedalia; three daughters, Misses Mabel, Naomi and Geneva. Other surviving relatives are a brother W. T. Tanksley and a sister, Miss Kate Tanksley.
He was a member of the Christian ministry for twenty five years and also held ministry with the Old Fellows.
Last June he assumed his duties as pastor of the First Christian church, and during these short months of his service with this congregation gave indubitably whereunto he had been called. He was greatly liked, his teaching hewed to the Gospel message a successful evangelistic meeting was held all the business of the church was in good condition and harmonious relations prevailed in the congregation. Thus, it was his privilege to close his earthly work in the Master's vineyard, in the midst of pleasant environments and with a good fruitage for his efforts.
The funeral services will be held in the First Christian church tomorrow at 2:30 o'clock.
The services will be held in charge of Rev. B. L. Smith, assisted by the other ministers of the city. The funeral address will be delivered by Rev. T. W. Pinkerton, of Belton, who is a close personal friend of the deceased and his family.
The active pall bearers will be officers of the church and the ministers will act as honorary pall bearers - Moberly, Mo. Evening Democrat.
Rev. Tanksley was formerly pastor of the Christian church here and news of his death will be received with regret by his many friends.
Among the sudden and sad deaths which have occurred recently, is that of Rev. Robert Henry Tanksley, pastor of the First Christian church of this city, at an early hour yesterday morning. While there had been anxiously concerning the termination of his illness, the news of his passing from earth nevertheless partook strongly of shock, and all of us again were keenly reminded of how uncertain is life - even in our primes - as this Christian minister was just passing the meridian of life. The scriptural score and ten years still was behind the western horizon, and life was yet full to himself and his loved ones.
Only a few short weeks ago, we heard Rev. Tanksley preach at Tannehill Park in union services on "A Labor of Love," and now that the speaker of that morning has passed into the Great Beyond, the sermon which he delivered in the open air, every word of which rang out clear, takes on a slightly impressive meaning.
Rev. Tanksley's life as is the life of all true ministers of Christ, was devoted - dedicated - to one of service for the promotion of the cause of Christianity and the righteousness and the repression of sin and worldliness.
Great geniuses as we are, none has yet perfected as intstrument by which the service performed by the preacher, teacher or writer, may be determined with any degree of accuracy. They must have faith, work by it and trust to it for their reward.
Such a service has been rendered mankind by Rev. Tanksley during the past quarter of a century will continue to bear fruits throughout eternity - ages after the material laborer has spended his hire. - Moberly Mo Index.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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