Koehn, Waldon Gail (1938-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 12 p. 7

Birth date: 1938 Feb 23

text of obituary:

Oklahoma Youth Killed, Two Companions Injured

HIGHWAY CRASH IN NEW MEXICO CLAIMS LIFE OF WALDON KOEHN

Hillsboro, Kansas. — A highway crash near Las Vegas, New Mexico on Feb. 26 resulted in instant death for an Oklahoma youth and serious injuries for his two companions from Hesston and Hillsboro, Kan., all members of the I-W unit at Tucumcari, N. M.

Dead is Waldon Koehn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Koehn of Fairview, Okla. Receiving serious head injuries were Ordo Holdeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Holdeman of Hesston, and Abe Larry Ensz, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. K. Ensz of hillsboro. both were returned to their homes last week and are recovering.

The three young men, members of the Christian Public Service Unit of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, had helped a Spanish family move their furniture from Tucumcari to Chacon, near Las Vegas. En route back to Tucumcari, their pick-up truck ran into a log truck which had been parked on the highway, reportedly without lights or flares. The top of the pick-up's cab was torn off, and it overturned in a ditch.

Funeral services for Waldon Koehn were held March 2 at the Fairview Mennonite Church, Rev. Dan Smith and Rev. Rueben [sic Reuben] Koehn in charge. Members of the Tucumcari unit attended the services in a body.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 19 p. 8

text of obituary:

WALDON GAIL KOEHN

Waldon Gail Koehn, son of Arthur and Lena Koehn, was born on Feb. 23, 1938, in McPherson County, Kansas. At the age of four years he moved with his parents to Fairview, Okla. where he grew to manhood and received his education.

He was the oldest of our four sons. His presence in our family circle brought much joy to us for he was kind and obedient. He won many friends wherever he went. Being a lover of song, he did much singing.

In his early youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and was added to the church in which he remained faithful to the end. With much joy and freedom of spirit he followed in the steps of his Saviour. He enjoyed taking part in Sunday school and church activities.

Last November he went to Tucumcari, New Mexico to begin his two years of I-W service under Selective Service.

He met sudden death in a highway accident near Las Vegas, N. M. on Feb. 26 at the age of 21 years and three days. Although it is hard to part, we know Waldon's life has been a real example to all of us and we have the blessed assurance that he is safe with his Lord.

He leaves to mourn his departure his parents; three brothers and three sisters, Edrie, Mrs. Waldo Unruh of Scott City, Kansas, Myron, Arlin, Ervin, Glenda, and Annora of the home; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Koehn of Wauseon, Ohio and Minister and Mrs. Fred Penner of Isabella, Okla.; one brother-in-law, one niece, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. — The Family.