Fast, Henry D. (1894-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Dec 26 p. 11

Birth date: 1894 Aug 25

text of obituary:

HENRY D. FAST

Henry D. Fast was born to Bernhard D. and Anna F. Oberman Fast on Aug. 25, 1894 at Marion, Kan.

In 1900 the family moved to a farm near Medford, Okla. Henry received his education in Medford. he was baptized in 1913 by Rev. H. J. Gaede and became a member of the Medford Mennonite Church.

In 1920 the family moved to the Reedley, Calif. community and Henry joined the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. he then took up the trade of barbering and followed that vocation in Sacramento for 35 years.

In 1957 he bought a home and had his barber shop there. He worked there until 1968, and his sister, Mrs. Elsie Sellman took care of the house.

Due to failing eyesight he lived with his brother Reuben in Orosi from 1968 to 1970. In 1971 he went to live with his sister at Pismo Beach, Calif. Failing health kept him close to home. He died rather suddenly on Oct. 25, 1974 at the age of 80.

Three brothers and one sister, Reuben, Mary, Bernhard and William, preceded him in death. Survivors include one brother, Albert, of Sacramento; and four sisters, Katherine Fast of Pismo Beach, Elizabeth Neufeld of Newton, Kan., Anna Gaede of Fresno, and Elsie Sellman of Sacramento.

A memorial has been established at the First mennonite Church of Reedley.