A telegram was received here on Thursday of this week that the body of Eugene M. Wares, who died in France nearly two years ago, had arrived in Hoboken, N. J., and was forwarded on December 29 to Coldwater. It is expected that the body will arrive here on Saturday afternoon, and that the funeral exercises will be held on Sunday afternoon. The American Legion will have entire charge, and it is expected that every ex service man in the county who can possibly do so will be present in uniform. The funeral services will probably be conducted from the Presbyterian church.Eugene Wares is a son of Joseph B. Wares, who lives in the Lookout neighborhood. He went to France in July, 1918 as a corporal in the 11th Field Signal Battalion, Supply Company, of the 36th Division, and saw active service with the Fourth French Army in the Meuse-Argonne defensive, or Champagne Front. His duties were principally those of Chauffeur in a supply train. His record as a soldier was one of the best in his division. His death occurred in a hospital in Tonerre in the state of Yonne in France, some time in February, 1919, and was the result of an attack of the flu. The body was buried in France.
The Western Star, January 7, 1920. A MILITARY FUNERAL
The body of Eugene Wares arrived in this city on last Saturday afternoon from France, and burial was made on Sunday in the Coldwater cemetery following interesting funeral services at 3 p.m., which were held in the Presbyterian church. The local post of the American Legion had charge of the entire services and the beautiful burial service of that organization was carried out. A large crowd was in attendance, the church being filed. The order of ritualistic services was followed, both at the church and at the cemetery. At the church, Rev. Johnson, post chaplain, offered prayer, Rev. Abernethy read the Scripture lesson and Rev. Wheeler preached the sermon. The Male Quartet sang. The service was a very impressive one. Rev. Wheeler read the following obituary of the deceased:
Obituary. Eugene Melvin Wares was born on December 30, 1898 at Fulton, Borbon-co., Kans. He passed away February 25, 1919 at Tinerre in the state of Yonne, France at the age of 21 years, two months and five days. He enlisted and went to the Mexican border in August 1917 and went over seas in July 1918. He was a Corporal in the 111th Field Signal Battalion Supply Co. of the 36th Division. He saw one month of active service at the very front during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign in October, 1918. He was a good soldier and was liked by all who knew him. He is survived by his father, Jos. B. Wares of the Lookout neighborhood. His mother passed away in April 1915. He is also survived by four brothers, J. L., R. E., D. A. and H. A. Wares and by three half brothers and one half sister.
Rev. Wheeler's sermon was based on the text, "A good soldier," and was in part as follows:
Rev Wheeler's Address.
"Text: II Timothy 2:4, A Good Soldier."
We are gathered here at this hour to pay our respects to a hero of the flag and bury him beneath American sod in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Nothing that we can say or do can bring any change for our comrade and friend as we have known him in service and life. There is nothing that I might say that would be of any benefit to our soldier boy, therefore our remarks must be to the living. And will you think with us as we look upon the expression "A good soldier" taken from Holy Writ, penned by a man who well knew the disappointments and sorrows of life. There are soldiers of the governments of earth and there are soldiers of the cause of Christ. In the files of the War Department at Washington, D. C. after the name and station or rank of our comrade will be found, "A Good Soldier."
In the curriculum of military life what is a good soldier? It surely consists of one who obeys all commands and orders, one who is no coward, and makes the best of the hardships that come to the life of a soldier and the merit marks, whatever they may be, are surely worthy. May we in turn raise the same question, what is a good soldier of Christ? And the answer is largely summed up in the same way, one who obeys orders and instructions of the superior officer, the Lord Jesus Christ, for in Holy Writ He is styled the "captain of our salvation." With the governments of earth there are at least two ways of securing soldiers - the Volunteer service and the Selective Draft. In the Lord's army it is just volunteer service - "Whosoever will." There is a certain equipment for Uncle Sam's men, generally known to all of us today. There is an equipment for the soldiers of Christ, consisting of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Hope, Spirit and His Word.
The soldiers of Uncle Sam fight under a great and glorious standard - the Stars and Stripes. Our soldier boy who lies here fought under the grandest flag of earth, and under a standard that has NEVER known defeat. He fought for a just cause and it won, therefore it makes his merit marks shine the brighter.
The soldiers of Christ are fighting for a just cause and it is sure to win. In the files of heaven their names are recorded in "The Lamb's Book of Life."
Paul, in summing up his own life as a good soldier, said "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them that loved his appearing."
In this wonderful summary is included all good soldiers of Christ down through the ages. "Not to us only, but unto all that love his appearing."
And when the rewards for service are given, may the relatives of our comrade, and these neighbors and friends who have fought the good fight of faith that they shall be able to hear from their Commanding Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ, "well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of the Lord."
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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