Ediger, Thomas David (1943-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Apr 3 p. 3

Birth date: 1943 Jan 2

text of obituary:

THOMAS DAVID EDIGER

Thomas David Ediger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe S. Ediger, Wasco, Calif., was welcomed into this family on January 2, 1943, in Wasco, California. Tommy brought much joy and pride to his two sisters as well as to his parents. Although he looked strong and healthy, his constitution was delicate, being very susceptable [sic] to colds and other prevalent diseases, so that he caused constant concern over his wellbeing. He also developed a skin ailment which frequently caused him much discomfort.

But in spite of all, Tommy was a very active child, exerting boundless energy. He missed playmates. Every morning, regretfully, he would see his sisters off for school, and with great eagerness he awaited and watched for the bus to bring them home again, almost demanding their attention with the plea, "Come play with me."

He enjoyed going out to the field with his daddy. hours on end, Tommy would follow his daddy around, help irrigate in his own way. He took a great deal of interest and personal pride in all matters pertaining to the ranch, such as machinery, trucks, cattle, crops, etc. The last two days, Tommy had been with his daddy and grandpa on the field, eating lunch with them there, and enjoying it to the utmost — days that will never be forgotten.

From his earliest days, Tommy was sensitive to good music, singing or instrumental. Often when good music was on the radio, he would drop his playing and curl up on the chair to listen intently. Especially did he enjoy male chorus and male quartet numbers. The Emmanuel male quartet on the Dinuba Youth For Christ program and the music on the Fuller Hour always held his individual attention. He was greatly impressed by Otto Richert's singing.

It was a joy to hear Tommy sing, for he had true pitch sense, volume and good tone quality. One instance which showed his love for good music occurred at the General Conference in Dinuba in 1945. Preceding an afternoon's business session, the Emmanuel male quartet sang, "Behold I Show You a Mystery". Deeply impressed by the beautiful rendition, Tommy broke the awed silence by shouting, "More" so loudly that it could be heard over the whole audience.

On Saturday evening, February 22 around 4:30 p. m., while playing on the yard of our home, he received a head injury. he was rushed to the Bakersfield hospital where he passed away a few hours later. he was fully conscious to the last. The last song he requested we sing on the way to the hospital was, "Praise Him, Praise Him All Ye Little children."

He reached the age of four years, one month and 20 days. Very short was his stay with us; yet we praise God that he permitted us to have our dear Tommy with us that long.

He leaves to mourn his early departure his parents; two sisters, Jeannette and Evelyn; four grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Ediger of Buhler, Kansas, and Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Gloeckler of Shafter, Calif.; 10 aunts; seven uncles; 13 cousins and a host of friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held February 26, 1947, at the mennonite Brethren church, Shafter, Calif., with J. J. Wiebe officiating, assisted by Rev. H. R. Wiens of Reedley and Rev. B. J. Braun of Dinuba.

We can truly say, "Thank you Lord for happy memories." We grieve, but not without hope, for now there is a great anticipation of meeting again at the feet of Jesus. Humbly and submissively we say with Job o fold, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." — The parents and sisters.