Howard Wayne Nixon

The Messenger Drummond, Garfield Co., OK

August 15, 1918 Page 1, column 2

Submitted by: Emily Jordan

© Glenn

Killed by Explosion

Howard W. Nixon Meets Death While at Work for Oil Company

Sunday evening word was received from Dilworth that Howard Nixon was severely burned. Dr. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Nixon and Miss Grace left immediately for Blackwell, where he had been removed to the hospital. Death occurred before they arrived.

He was performing his evening duty, inspecting the gasoline and oil tanks. He dipped out some gasoline from the large tank possibly containing several hundred gallons, and replaced the cap. The extreme heat of friction caused the bucketful he had dipped out to explode, however the large tank did not explode. His clothing caught fire immediately and while attempting to escape the flames, his clothes were caught on the ladder on which he was standing and was unable to release himself until his clothes were burned, letting him fall to the ground. Mrs. Nixon was on her way with lunch for her husband when the accident occurred and he was immediately hurried to the hospital at Blackwell. He regained consciousness and inquired concerning the baby while at the hospital. Death relieved him of his sufferings about 11 o'clock.

The body was brought here Tuesday afternoon and funeral services were held at the home of the parents at 4 o'clock the same day. The 39th Psalm was read and prayer by Rev. J.W. Foster of the Congregational Church. Discourse by Elder R.B. Shannon of the Advent Christian Church. Interment at Del Norte Cemetery.

The tragic death of the popular beloved young man came as a gloom over this entire community. He leaves a wife and small son, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Nixon, three sisters, Mrs. Sadie Carey, Misses Grace and Gladys Nixon, two brothers, Glen and Ernest.

Howard W. Nixon, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Nixon, was born in Stockville, Nebr., October 14, 1894. He came with his parents to Oklahoma and grew to young manhood in Drummond. September 27, 1915, he was married to Miss Josie Carr and to this union was born one son.

Howard Wayne Nixon

The Messenger Drummond, Garfield Co., OK

August 15, 1918 Page 4, column 1 & 2

Submitted by: Emily Jordan

Mr. and Mrs. Capps and children of Hennessey were here Tuesday to attend the funeral of their nephew and cousin Howard Nixon.

Mr. and Mrs. Will Carey and daughters of Dilworth came to attend the funeral Tuesday of their brother, Howard Nixon.

Fred Stewart and family of Billings and A.V. Stewart of Enid were called here Tuesday because of the death of Howard Nixon.