Gilley, Lonnie Dale (1943-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 oct 16 p. 5, 9

Birth date: 1943 Aug 12

text of obituary:

LONNIE DALE GILLEY

Lonnie Dale Gilley was born to O'Dell and Marie Gilley on August 12, 1943, as the second child. He grew and developed much like other children. After some years it was noticed that he soon tired and lacked vigor and strength. The physician found through much diagnosing that the condition of his blood was the cause of his sickness.

At the age of seven after being in school a year and a half he was taken to a specialist in Kansas City, who removed his greatly enlarged spleen. His Aunt Sarah stayed with him and cared for him there in the hospital. After nearly five weeks he was permitted to leave the hospital.

For a time he did well and it seemed he would completely overcome his ailment, but after approximately one year it was again observed that he grew paler and needed more blood transfusions. His condition continued to vary, benefiting greatly from the blood transfusions, but only for a limited time.

On June 10 he was taken to the Bethel hospital, Newton, for more thorough examination and care. He remained there all summer till on August 30 he was permitted to again leave the hospital. The first week was spent with his grandparents in South Hutchinson and the rest of the time with his Aunt Sarah and Uncle Simon Wiens in Inman.

Lonnie loved very much to go to Sunday School and at the age of six he realized his need and accepted Christ in faith as his personal Saviour. One of his favorite songs was the chorus, "I Will Make you Fishers of Men." In how far the Lord succeeded in making him a fisher of men only eternity will reveal. He prayed frequently and earnestly for the salvation of his loved ones and playmates.

He showed much patience and submission in his sickness. Always upon an inquiry of how he was, he would answer, "all right." During his stay of almost three months in the hospital he did much reading and found much joy also in the many greeting cards and gifts he received. He looked forward to the time when he would be permitted to go home and back to school. this wish to go back to school was not granted, but he enjoyed immensely the last two weeks out of the hospital and in his prayers would say, "I thank thee Lord for letting me out of the hospital." He also enjoyed filling out the workbook which he received from his mother's Sunday School class. Lonnie attended the Lord's House for the last time on September 7.

An internal hemorrhage caused Lonnie's death in the early morning hour of September 16 at 2:35 when his soul went to be with his Saviour. He reached the age of nine years, one month, and four days.

Lonnie's departure will leave the home incomplete. There will always be his empty chair. His cheerfulness and readiness to show his affection will be greatly missed.

Those left to mourn his early departure are his father and mother, a sister Joyce, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Neufeld of Inman, and Mr. and Mrs. Otis M. Gilley, South Hutchinson, besides a number of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

I Thessalonians 4:13 and 14, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope,

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him — O'Dell & Marie Gilley and Joyce.