Posar, James H. (1892-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Feb 4 p. 8

Birth date: 1892 Apr 12

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Feb 25 p. 11

text of obituary:

JAMES H. POSAR, SR.

James H. Posar, Sr., 78, of Norman, Okla. was born in Cook County, Illinois on April 12, 1892, the son of John and Barbara (Tyche) Posar.

As a young man, Mr. Posar accepted Christ as his Saviour at the Mennonite Home Mission in Chicago. Having Catholic parents, he endured ridicule and scorn, so he lived in foster Mennonite homes in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Some years later he returned to Chicago and was employed at the Packard Motor Car Corp.

He med Ida Yoder, then a worker at the Mennonite Mission, and they were married at Flanagan, Ill. They established their home on the south side of Chicago. One son, James Posar, Jr., was born to this union.

The family resided in Chicago until the son completed grade school, moving to Hesston, Kan. in 1947. Mr. Posar was employed at Hesston Manufacturing Co. until his retirement. After retirement he spent his time gardening and helping others. He also served as janitor at the Hesston Mennonite Church, of which he was a member.

Mother passed away on Nov. 22, 1965, at Hesston. Father broke up housekeeping four years later and took up residence in the home of his son and family at Norman, Okla. in April 1969. He enjoyed gardening in the fertile soil of Oklahoma and playing with his grandchildren. He was in relatively good health until May 1970.

While living in Oklahoma he became an associate member of the Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church of rural Normal. He enjoyed the Christian life and fellowship of believers.

He suffered a light stroke which left his mind confused and brought on a combination of disorders. He entered the Norman Hospital on Jan. 21, 1971 and passed away on Jan. 28.

Preceding him in death was one bother, Joe Posar of Steubenville, Ohio.

Survivors include his son James Posar, Jr., of Norman, Okla.; one sister, Mrs. Dan W. (Posar) Mumaw, of Orrville, Ohio; one brother John Posar of Chilliwack, B. C.; two grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Louis Wickman, pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the Zimmerdale Cemetery near Hesston, Kan. with Rev. Wickman and Rev. Peter Wiebe of Hesston officiating.