Miller, Willard (1950-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jan 11 p. 1

Birth date: 1950

text of obituary:

Two Children Die of Burns at Arthur, III.

TRAGIC HOME ACCIDENT WHEN GASOLINE IS MISTAKEN FOR KEROSENE

Arthur, Ill. — Sudden tragedy struck the Andrew J. Miller home here Dec. 22 when a gasoline explosion in the kitchen claimed the lives of two of their children, Viola, age 10, and Willard, 10 months. The funeral services were widely attended.

Both children suffered second and third degree burns when the daughter attempted to start fire in the kitchen range and unknowingly used gasoline Instead of kerosene, it was reported. She ran to her parents, who were in the barn milking, her clothing on fire. They rushed to the house to find the baby’s clothes on fire also.

It was some time before they could be admitted to the hospital due to the lack of phone service and the poor condition of the roads, and both passed away some time after being admitted

The survivors include the parents, three brothers, and the grandparents, the Simon Brennemans.