Flaming, Peter P. (1880-1939)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1939 May 16 p. 14

Birth date: 1880 Feb. 22

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Apr 19 p. 2

text of obituary:

Peter P. Flaming

Reedley, Calif., April 6. — A gathering of nearly 1000 persons, representing nearly every nationality and every religious creed in this district, indicative of the high esteem to which the man was held, paid their last respects to Peter P. Flaming at funeral services in the First Mennonite church, Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Flaming, Reedley furniture dealer for the past twelve years, and a partner of P. C. Eitzen, died Sunday evening at the local hospital following an illness of about three months.

He was 59 years of age, and had suffered little illness in his lifetime. He had continued his business affiliation at his store until about three months ago when he was taken ill. Specialists were called and his son, Wilbur, took him to San Francisco, in an effort to aid his recovery, but medical science was unable to remedy his condition.

Wilbur brought his father to his home here three weeks ago, and lat week took him to the local hospital where he passed away at about 8:20 Sunday evening.

Mr. Flaming was born near Inman, Kansas, February 22, 1880, where he lived until he was 17 years old. From Inman he journeyed to Oklahoma, where he wed Miss Agnes Wiens. Their home was established and to them were born two daughters, both of whom died in infancy, and a son Wilbur, who survives his father.

In 1920 the Flamings came to Reedley to establish their home. Mr. Flaming was employed for a time at the former L. L. Brown Hardware Company, and in 1927 e purchased the interest of John L. Just in the Cash Furniture Company. Since that time he has continued as a partner of P. C. Eitzen.

Just a few weeks prior to his death he closed his estate through the sale of his furniture store interests to his partner.

During his long residence in Reedley he has been prominent in affairs of the First Mennonite church, which he joined in 1924. He was a member of the men's chorus, and was a member of the church directing board.

The Rev. J. H. Langenwalter officiated at the services at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, and also at graveside services at the Reedley cemetery. Arrangements and burial were directed by the Cairns Funeral Home.

After the first prayer by the Rev. Langenwalter, the men's chorus, of which Mr. Flaming was an active member, sand, "Lead Kindly Light". Mr. Flaming's chair was left vacant by his fellow members of the singing group.

Following the funeral sermon, Miss Emma Ruth played Handel's "Largo" on the organ.

While the large crowd filed by the casket to view Mr. Flaming for the last time, Miss Ruth played a series of improvised pieces on the organ.

Pall bearers were long-time friends of the deceased including: Herman Dalke, Herman Neufeld, Ed Dettweiler, Earl I. Eymann, C. F. Mueller and Reinold Ewy. They are all members of the men's chorus.

Surviving Mr. Flaming are his widow, Mrs. Agnes Flaming; his son, Wilbur, and daughter-in-law, Katherine; his parents, the Rev. and Mrs. peter Flaming of Buhler, Kansas, and three sisters and three brothers living in the east. — Reedley Exponent.

The Mennonite obituary: 1939 Apr 18 p. 14