Harms, Keith Ray (1952-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Dec 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1952 Dec 17

text of obituary:

SERVICES HELD FOR YEAR-OLD CHILD, VICTIM OF ACCIDENT

Corn, Okla. — Funeral services for Kieth [sic Keith] Ray Harms, year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Harms who was killed in an auto accident in California Dec. 11, were held at the Mennonite Brethren church here. Rev. J. P. Kliewer officiated.

The fatal accident occurred near Madera, Calif, when the Harms’ pickup truck sideswiped a slow moving locomotive. Mrs. Harms and infant son were thrown out, and the child was apparently run over by the truck’s rear wheel. Mrs. Harms suffered only minor injuries.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jan 14 p. 9

text of obituary:

KEITH RAY HARMS

Keith Ray Harms, son of Leo and Verna Schmidt Harms, was born Dec. 17, 1952. Little Keith was always the sunshine of the home. Whenever we were discouraged his sweet disposition and loving personality would comfort our heart. He was God’s cheer and kindness in our home. The last two weeks he expressed his love to us; in many ways, was so passionate, always desiring our presence. How he would hug his daddy and mother.

About a month ago we agreed to spend part of the winter in California. After detailed arrangements were completed of coming home, we planned to visit Keith Ray’s uncle and aunt in San Francisco. En route to our planned destination Dec. 11, 1953, we encountered a train accident where Keith was fatally injured. Before we arrived at the hospital our precious darling had gone to his better home.

Keith reached the age of 11 months and 25 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved parents, his older brother David, the grandparents from both sides, his great grandparents, J. L. Martins, his uncles and aunts, and his little friends with whom he loved to associate. We mourn deeply but we know God is gathering buds for His garden so fair and we desire to find our transplanted bloom with the Master.—The bereaved parents and David.