King, Robert Dean (1940-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Feb 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1940 Jul 29

text of obituary:

Iowa Youth Killed in Head-On Collision

4 SCHOOLMATES INJURED, TWO CRITICALLY, IN CRASH NEAR PARNELL

Kalona, Iowa. — Robert King, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King of the Parnell community, was instantly killed in a head-on collision Monday evening, Feb. 14, while he and four school mates, all students at Iowa Mennonite School, were returning to their homes.

Critically injured were Mary. Swartzendruber, 16, and her brother, Calvin Marcus, 17, both receiving severe head injuries. Kenneth King, 16, driver of the car and bother of Robert, and Shirley Marner, 14, suffered cuts and bruises.

The accident occurred at Hickory Grove School on the crest of a hill. Riding in the other car were Dervin Schoville, 41, the driver, and Alvin Christner, 30, of Iowa City. Both were hospitalized.

Funeral services for the King youth were held Feb. 17 at the West Union Mennonite church. Classes at I.M.S. were dismissed for the day.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 17 p. 8

text of obituary:

ROBERT DEAN KING

Robert Dean, son of Joseph and Pauline (Iames) King, was born July 29, 1940, at Parnell, Iowa, and passed away Feb. 14, 1955, at the age of 14 years, six months and 15 days. He was enrolled as a freshman at Iowa Mennonite school and was killed instantly with a fractured neck when involved in a car accident while returning home from school.

Besides his parents he is survived by one brother, Kenneth, 16, one sister, Edith, 13, his maternal grandfather, Jess Iames, and a step-grandmother, Lorraine Iames, besides a number of uncles, aunts and cousins.

He accepted Christ as his Saviour at the age of twelve, being baptized Nov. 2, 1952, and becoming a member of the West Union Mennonite church. In his tender youth he followed Jesus, the Shepherd of his soul.

Robert was very cheerful in nature and will be remembered for his ready smile. He was well liked by his companions and in his short experience the Lord seemed to grant him grace to keep the command to "Owe no man anything but to love one another."

With the vacant spot left in the home, church, and school we do no [sic] despair knowing that the promise "For to me is to live Christ, to die is gain" is to Christians of all ages.

Funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Feb. 17, at the West Union Mennonite church, in charge of Paul T. Guengerich and Herman Ropp. Interment was made in the nearby cemetery.