Monday evening the entire community was shocked by the news that spread over the streets that master Harold Tinkler, the eleven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Tinkler of this place, had died at the Tinkler home at about nine o'clock that evening.His death was, in a way, unexpected. But still those who were in immediate touch with the family had realized for a day or two that his condition was critical.
Last spring and early summer Harold suffered a severe attack of typhoid fever and then a relapse with pneumonia fever. At last when he rallied the fever and pneumonia left his heart in a poor and weakened condition and all the long months since he had recovered from his illness his father and mother watched the little fellow anxiously and nursed him so carefully, hoping to restore him to health and get the heart into normal condition again. But loving care and skilled physicians were in vain. For several weeks, or since he and his mother returned from a trip to Oklahoma City, taken in hope of interesting Harold and helping to restore his lost health, he had been failing. In fact, on the trip he became ill and Mrs. Tinkler hurried home with him but after arrival at home he seemed to become much better, but Sunday a turn for the worse was taken and he gradually sunk away to sleep in the arms of the great father who said "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, for of them is the kingdom of Heaven."
Harold had been for the months past a patient sufferer. No complaints had passed his lips and anxious moments had the father and mother spent in suspense hoping for the great gift of life and health for their boy, but in the hearts fighting off the despair as at times the realization of the futility of hope overwhelmed them.
The funeral was held at the residence in Protection on Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Maudsley, pastor of the Methodist church and was attended by a large concourse of friends. Wednesday morning the boy's cousin, Walter Tinkler, accompanied the body to the old home of the Tinklers at Gypsum City, Kansas where interment will be made. Mr. and Mrs. Tinkler and son Vyrle made the trip to Gypsum City in their car.
OBITUARY
Harold Buford Tinkler, youngest son of W. F. Tinkler and wife, was born near Salina, Kansas, December 12, 1905, and died at Protection, Kansas, October 29, 1917, being at the time of his death, 11 years, 10 months and 17 days of age. The cause of his death was heart and liver trouble as the after effects of an attack of typhoid and pneumonia fever which he suffered last summer.
Brief funeral services were held at the family residence at five o'clock p.m. Tuesday, October 30th. Wednesday morning the body was taken to Gypsum City for burial where the regular funeral services were held in the old family church among the old friends and relatives Thursday at ten o'clock a.m.
He leaves to mourn his death, father, mother, and one brother. A sister precedes him to the great Beyond by some thirteen years and is buried in the cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
Harold was a brave and uncomplaining sufferer and bore his affliction with a fortitude worthy one many years older than he.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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