Fast, Gary Alan (1955-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 May 3 p. 7

Birth date: 1955 Apr 24

text of obituary:

SERVICES HELD FOR YEAR-OLD BOY

Inman, Kan. — Funeral services were held at the Zoar K. M. B. church near here April 26 for Gary Alan Fast, one-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fast. the little boy died April24 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Hutchinson after a five-week illness.

Surviving in addition to the parents are two sisters, Judith and Nancy, both of the home.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 May 10 p. 8

text of obituary:

GARY ALAN FAST

Gary Alan Fast, son of Sam and Ruth Fast, was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on Sunday, April 24, 1955, and passed away on his first birthday, April 24, 1956, at 7:15 a. m.

As far as we could see, he was a completely healthy baby. When he was two weeks old we noticed he was sick. We rushed him to the doctor, who called it bronchitis and Gary entered the hospital for a week. he then was dismissed for one day. The following day he again became ill and the doctor advised that he be taken to a baby specialist, who found pneumonia in his left lung. He was returned to the hospital and his physical conditioned [sic] improved but his lung never cleared. Everything possible was done to restore him to health.

After consulting several other doctors, our doctor advised us to take him to Kansas City to the K. U. Medical Center. We took him on July 20 when he was almost three months old. They gave him more thorough examinations and found that surgery would be necessary in order to save his life. the lower lobe of his left lung was removed. he was a very good baby, in all his suffering he did very little complaining.

The doctors were surprised how quickly he recovered from the operation. he was brought home for two weeks but had to return for more treatment. Altogether he spent five months in the hospital. When he was taken for his last check-up they told us and our family doctor that Gary was completely well and had a very good chance of living a completely normal life. From that time on we observed week by week how quickly he developed and learned to do new things.

He was a happy and contented baby. Upon awakening in the morning he would greet us with a sweet smile. We really loved and enjoyed him and he showed his love, especially to his sisters, in return. It is so empty without him!

He enjoyed good health until March 17 when we noticed a fever and in a few days he broke out with the measles. After a few days he seemed to be improving, but complications set in and he became critically ill with spinal meningitis and pneumonia. he was taken to the hospital where everything possible was done for him. Many prayers were also offered in his behalf.

After two seeks of suffering his soul departed to be with the Lord. He leaves to mourn his too early departure his parents; two sisters, Judy and Nancy; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Fast and Mr. and Mrs. John E. Peters; relatives and many friends. — The Family.