Verden Cemetery, Grady County, Oklahoma

© The Verden News
Verden, Oklahoma
June 23, 1916

Irvin William Cruger
May 14, 1890 ~ June 14, 1916

Irvin William Cruger was born in Topeka, Kansas, March 28, 1890. His father died when he was 5 years of age. Two years later his mother married Mr. A. A. Hiatt, and for a while the parental home was in Nebraska.

In 1902 the family moved to this vicinity, and it was here the subject of this narrative grew to manhood. After completing the public school course, he attended the Chickasha Business College, taking a commercial course. After he left college he edited the Cyril Express and upon retiring from the newspaper work he accepted a position with the Pioneer Telephone Co., at Oklahoma City. It was while he was thus employed that he enlisted in Company E, 105 C. A. U. S. A., and for three years was stationed [in] Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands.

After his discharge at San Francisco, in December 1914, he returned home, and with the money he had saved, went into business here, which business he conducted until a short time ago, he became satisfied that indoor work was disagreeable with his health and went to Hartwell, Mo., to accept a position on a ranch. It was here while performing his duty as a farm hand, he was kicked by a horse Tuesday morning, June 13, from the effects of which he died Wednesday at 1 o'clock p. m.

So unexpected was the news of his death received that it was almost beyond belief that such a thing was possible. His brother, Raymond, immediately went after the body returning Saturday morning. A large concourse of friends assembled at the station to await the arrival of the body of one of our most respected and beloved young men, an the realization that he was gone from us forever, cast a gloom over our little city as probably never before.

In the death of Irvin Cruger, we fully realize our loss. He was a true friend, and his devotion to those he loved would indeed make a bright chapter in any life. Nothing but the thought of the loving hand that has removed him from us can reconcile us to his absence. While he has gone from the scenes and conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, he will still live in the hearts of those who knew him best.

His retiring nature led him to hide his best qualities from public gaze but they were revealed to those who enjoyed his acquaintance, yet it was in the home that his true worth was most conspicious. He was a kind and loving son and his devotion to the family circle had no limit. His future was full of promise, taken from us in his prime we know not why, unless, as flowers are picked before the frost finds them that we may not witness their decay. It is sad indeed to see one so well equipped for life taken so unexpectedly, yet for him there was no standing on the border land, gazing into the unknown, for death came as the sunset dies along the hill when the day is over. A life that imparts such lessons is wellworth living.

"He fought the fight, he kept the faith,
His fame shines bright and clear,
And his memory lives in all our hearts
Which will hold it ever dear."

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, Rev. Waldrep officiating. The casket was covered with the most beautiful floral offerings, representing the emblematic colors of the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A., of which he was a member and officer. These orders had charge of the funeral arrangements and the service they rendered was very beautiful and impressive. An unusually long procession followed the funeral car to the silent city on the hill where mother earth received back the dust she formerly gave.

CARDS OF THANKS

To the friends who came to us in our hour of trouble, and contributed all that human kindness could suggest to help and comfort, we return our heartfelt thanks and although such devoted friendship cannot remove sad memories that linger around our vacant chair, it brings into view the brightest side of humanity, and throws the pure light of an unselfish friendship into a darkened home.

May the day be far distant when those friends who gathered around us will need similar attention, but when the time comes may they receive the same full measure of generous aid and tender sympathy they brought to our home when death was an inmate there.

Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Hiatt and Family

RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE

Adopted by Cottonwood Grove Camp No. 11436 Modern Woodman of America, at their meeting Tuesday evening, on the death of their Neighbor and departed brother, Irvin W. Cruger, who departed this life June 14, 1916.

Whereas it has pleased the Devine Providence in His infinite wisdom to remove from our midst our beloved Neighbor, Irvin W. Cruger, and Whereas we are mindful of our obligation to the "loved ones whom we cherish" and to the members of Urich, Missouri, Camp for their beautiful expressions of kindness to our departed Neighbor, therefore be it Resolved, That while we bow in submission to the Devine Will, we express our heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family of our deceased Neighbor in this their sad hour of trial.

Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the Foresters of Urich Camp for their many acts of kindness and respect to those who manifested their kindness by floral contributions. Resolved that our charter be draped in mourning for a period of thirty day and be it further Resolved that these resolutions be spread upon the records of our Camp, a copy be given the famiy of the deceased, a copy be sent to Urich Camp, and that they be published in the Verden News.

W. H. Helm, E. J. Manning, Geo. Reid, Committee

Verden Cemetery

Verden, Oklahoma

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This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2024 Oklahoma Cemeteries