Robert Dean Harp, 25 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Harp of Coldwater, was killed instantly and Leo Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Patterson of this city, suffered what was thought to be a broken back about 2:30 o'clock Monday morning when the car driven by Patterson went out of control at the junction of Highways 183 and U. S. 54, 22 miles north of Coldwater.The men returning from Dodge City and apparently, unexpectedly, came to the turn leading to Coldwater. The Plymouth sedan driven by Mr. Patterson struck a creosote barrier post and careened into a power transmission line pole, snapping off a cross arm, it is reported.
The auto struck the pole broadside and the body and frame was bent partly around the obstruction. Mr. Harp, who was asleep in the back seat, was struck on his head with such force that his skull was badly crushed.
A continental bus line coach reached the scene of the accident a few minutes later. The driver notified Sheriff Beck at Greensburg, Mr. Patterson was taken to the Greensburg hospital and has since been in considerable pain but his condition is improving.
The funeral service for Mr. Harp was held in the Presbyterian church in Coldwater Wednesday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m. and was in charge of the pastor, Rev. Frank K. McDowell.
Mrs. Frank Weber sang "The Lord's Prayer" and "Londonderry Air," accompanied by Mrs. E. H. Gregg, organist. The pallbearers were David Cary, Lester Lenertz, Fred Anderson, Jerry Guss and Burke Burnette of Coldwater and Ed Farlow of Dodge City. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery near Coldwater with military honors by the Coldwater V. F. W. post.
Obituary. Robert Dean Harp, son of Robert E. and Norma L. Harp of Coldwater, was born in this city March 7, 1925, and departed from this life June 12, 1950, at the age of 25 years, 2 months and 12 days.
He grew to young manhood in Coldwater, attending the Coldwater public schools and graduating with the class of 1943. He was an athletic type of boy and a four letter man in football. He loved sports of all kinds and was one of the first 18 year olds to be inducted into the service during World War II. He served with the 141st Naval Construction Battalion two years, six months and 20 days.
All of this time, except during boot training, was spent in the South Pacific where he made an excellent military record.
Robert Dean had a likeable disposition and made many friends. He spent considerable time since the war working in the oil fields at Great Bend, Kans., Casper, Wyo., and in Texas and was an efficient workman.
He was a member of the Wm. H. Finney V. F. W. Post at Coldwater and had been a member of the American Legion posts at Casper, Wyo., and Coldwater.
He leaves to mourn his passing his father and mother of the home; one sister, Mrs. Howard Meisel, of Haviland, Kans.; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Cora McIntyre of Coldwater; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Eunice Harp, of Mullinville; six uncles on his maternal side, two aunts on his paternal side, and many other relatives and friends.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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