The funeral of George S. Morris, an aviator in the 21st Area Squad of the United States Army, who was killed in an auto accident in Mineola, Long Island, on October 11, 1917, was held in the Methodist church here Saturday afternoon. The body arrived on the morning train and was taken in charge by the local undertaker. The services were conducted by Rev. J. W. Carter. The pall bearers were chosen from among the boys who were called in the draft. The soldiers of '61 acted as honorary pall bearers. The casket was draped with a large American flag, presented by his fellow soldiers in camp, and a bank of beautiful flowers which was very imposing. A large pillow of flowers bearing the initials of his rank and position in a blue on a field of white carnations was a gift from his associates and accompanied the body from Mineola. The music was furnished by a selected quartet.The impressive services and large attendance was expressive of the grief mingled with pride an honor to one whose life had been freely offered in the service of his country.
George S. Morris was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Morris, was born in Marshall, Oklahoma on Feb. 14, 1917, (sic) died in Mineola Long Island, October 1st, 1917, aged 22 years, 7 months and 17 days. His death was due to injuries received in an automobile accident. The driver of the car lost control of it and ran over Morris who was sitting in the front of his tent. He leaves a father, mother, seven sisters and one brother. He was the first to be called from his family circle.
Those here from a distance to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. A. Morris, Misses Susie and Ruth Morris and Armond Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Jordon of Beaver county, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Gilmore of Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Tipton of Muskogee, Mrs. Frank Stevens of Beaver, and Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Decker and Mr. and Mrs. A. Cantrell of Protection, Kansas. Mr. Decker is a dray man and George was working for him at the time of his enlistment.
That he was held in high esteem by his officers and associates is evidence by the letters received from them by C. C. Williams of Route No. 2. --- The Hydro Review, Hydro, Oklahoma.
Also see:
Complete List of Comanche County's "Boys of 1917". -- The Western Star, June 15, 1917. George S. Morris is listed in Protection Township.
Complete list of Comanche County boys who are subject to draft. -- The Western Star, July 13, 1917. The draft number for George S. Morris was 341.
The Great Army Draft Has Been Made.
Comanche County's Honor Roll -- The Western Star, July 27, 1917.PROTECTION'S HONOR ROLL, The Protection Post, March 27, 1919.
A list of men who served in World War I from Protection, Kansas.
Died in Action: Edward L. Burghardt, Jr. and Frank Taves.
Died in Training: Archie L. Cantrell; Ira M. Edwards; Harold Hinds; Arlo Moore; George S. Morris and David Taves.
Some of these men are not listed on the Soldiers Memorial or Heritage Park Memorial.World War I Casualties from Comanche County, Kansas
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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