Nightengale, Henry John (1895-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 27 p. 9

Birth date: 1895 Jul 24

text of obituary:

HENRY JOHN NIGHTENGALE

Henry John Nightengale, son of John T. and Anna (nee Boehs) Nightengale, was born on July 24, 1895, at Elyria, Kansas. He was permitted to enter into the blessed presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on July 30, 1953, at 4:15 p.m. at the Wesley hospital, Oklahoma City. He reached the age of 58 years and six days.

In his early youth he came with his parents to Major county, Okla., where he resided the remainder of his life.

On April 30, 1919, he joined hands in holy wedlock with Miss Josie Zimmerman, at Enid, Okla. To this union were born five daughters, Lorene, now Mrs. Russell Mosser of Lawrence, Kansas; Sylvia, now Mrs. Ralph Abercrombie of Tulsa, Okla.; Vada, now Mrs. Bobby Bierig of Lindsay, Okla.; Zella, now Mrs. Clifford Newberry of San Fernando, Calif.; and Ginger of the home.

As a young man he served as a sergeant in the army during World War I. He saw overseas service. After his honorable discharge he followed the occupation of farming. However he also was employed as mail carrier for 33 consecutive years. He was very active in the civic affairs of his community. He was a member of the R.E.A. board at the time of its establishment, and served as its president for 16 years.

While on the battle field in France he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. However, he found it hard to resist the force of temptation, being out of fellowship with the Lord for a number of years. When his health seemingly began to ebb away, he renewed his vows with the Lord and after calling upon him for forgiveness of his sins, the joy of his salvation was fully restored to him. After this wonderful experience he was a happy Christian. He especially loved the Bible that was given to him by the children a few days before his passing. He often requested someone to read to him from the Bible.

To his loved ones his wonderful passing will long be remembered. With uplifted hands he feebly uttered these last words. "I'll soon be there. I'll soon be there." We deeply feel the pain of his early departure, but are thankful for his deliverance from intense pain and misery.

He was a dear husband to his wife, and a loving father to his children. He has always been a quiet man with a kind disposition.

He leaves to mourn his early departure his wife, five daughters, four sons-in-law, nine grandchildren, six sisters, Nettie Schmidt of Goltry, Okla., Lena Kahn, Susie Johnson, Katie, Mrs. Dan Smith, and Eva, Mrs. J. H. Smith, all of Fairview, Okla., Anna, Mrs. Ervin Johnson of Halstead, Kansas: three brothers, Tobe Nightengale of Homestead, Okla., Frank Nightengale of Fairview, Okla., John Nightengale of Isabella, nephews, nieces, and a host of friends.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Ps. 116:15.