The Lawton News
Lawton, OK
16 Jan 1919, Thursday, page 6

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Obituary——Robert Penland.    Robert L. Penland was born August 25, 1894, at Era, Texas, and died January 11, 1919, after a week of severe suffering with influenza at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Penland, near Geronimo, Okla., aged 24 years, four months and seventeen days. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. L. Leake of Lawton, who spoke highly of the character of the deceased and that he was prepared to go when the summons came to depart. On account of the nature of the disease the services were held in the open air, both at the home and at the Allendale cemetery where interment was made.
   The floral offerings from the relatives, from the Sabbath school, the Ladies' Missionary Society, his Sunday School teacher and his employers, Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair all attest the loving remembrance in which he was held. They covered the beautiful white casket in which the body reposed.
   Robert was converted and joined the Missionary Baptist church at the age of 15, and was a faithful member to the time of his death and a regular attendant at the Sabbath school until a short time ago, when he went to Lawton to assist at the St. Clair undertaking parlors.
   He was a most devoted son to his parents and ever kind and loving to his brothers and sisters. The home circle is sadly bereaved in the loss of their loved one, but the words of our Saviour come in a comforting manner when He said, "He is not dead but sleepeth." The portals of Heaven have opened for Robert and he is now with the redeemed.
   He leaves to mourn his death, a father and mother, seven brothers and six sisters, all of whom were with him at the time of his death, except three brothers, John of Fort Towson, Okla., Willie and Oscar, now some where in France; Mrs. R. L. Benson of Kingston, Okla., and Mrs. Sim Brown of Davis, Okla.
   The sympathy of the entire community goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Penland and other relatives in their sorrow.