Alexander Funkhouser

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ALEXANDER FUNKHOUSER DIED AFTER SHORT ILLNESS

Was stricken Tuesday Evening and Died Thursday Afternoon at O'Clock

It was with great surprise the public learned of the sudden serious illness and subsequent death of Alexander Funkhouse on last Thursday evening. While he had complained of not feeling well for a month or more, no alarm was felt as he kept continually at his work and bravely kept up his jovial spirit, notwithstanding the fact he felt very badly. On Tuesday afternoon he was up town. He went into a soda fountain and drank a cold drink. Returning to a bench on the sidewalk he sat down and at once collapsed. He was taken to his home and all that physicians and loving hands could do was employed, but to no avail. The cause of his death was (intussusception) commonly known as intestinal obstruction.

The funeral services were held from the Christian church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. J. Montgomery. The Treasury Lodge I.O.O.F., The Rebekahs, the local K. of P. Lodge and Urbana I.O.O.F. lodge were out in a body to pay their last respects to a departed brother who had been faithful to his trust.

It was one of the largest funerals held in the city. The church was filled to overflowing and a large crowd were unable to get into the church after the curch services three cars on the interurban were provided to convey the people to the Maplewood Cemetery, where the services of the orders were rendered at the grave.

Six sons of the deceased acted as active pall bearers.

Alexander Funkhouser was born near Greenburg, Ind., November 7, 1848. He came to Champaign county 57 years ago. He was married to Miss Addie James in 1875, who survives and to this union ten children were born, seven sons and three daughters all of whom survive, namely: Homer of Gerald; Otis of near Gifford; Edsel of near Urbana; Isaac, Clinton, Fred and Earl of Rantoul. Daughters: Mrs. Emergy Wright of Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. Louis Ledderboge of Bloomington and Mrs. Claud Sigler of Rantoul. One sister, Mrs. Sarah E. Lewis of Dawson, Iowa, and fifteen grandchildren.

Mr. Funkhouser was well known throughout the county. He had served his township as highway commissioner and held other positions of trust which he always filled with honor to himself and the people. He was a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father, and to his friends the soul of fellowship. But the greatest of all he was a man. He believed that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellow man, who *** into the dark places of life the *** the of human sympathy and human unhappiness is following the footsteps of his Master.

Submitted by Cathy Herpich