Voran, Rex Keith (1934-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 25 p. 1

Birth date: 1934 Jul 31

text of obituary:

Services At Kingman For Accident Victims

TWO BETHEL COLLEGE YOUTHS KILLED SUNDAY IN CAR-TRAIN CRASH

Separate funeral services were held at the Bethany Mennonite church near Kingman, Kans. Wednesday for Rex Kieth [sic Keith] Voran, 18, and Billy Dean Albrecht, 17, Bethel College freshmen who lost their lives Sunday in a railroad crossing accident west of Burrton.

Services for the Voran youth were held in the forenoon, and for the Albrecht youth in the afternoon. Ministers in charge of both services were Rev. P. P. Tschetter, pastor of the church. Dr. D. C. Wedel and Dr. Erland Waltner of Bethel College.

The two young men, enroute to their homes for the Christmas vacation period, left Route 50-S west of Burrton and were traveling south on a country road when their car was struck by an east-bound Santa Fe passenger train. The accident occurred at 9:45 a.m. in a thick fog.

The Albrecht youth was instantly killed, and Rex Voran passed away at 5:30 p.m. in the Halstead hospital. The car was completely demolished.

Surviving members of the Voran family are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Voran, a brother Max, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Voran and Mrs. J. J. Kaufman. Billy Albrecht is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Albrecht.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jan 15 p. 9

text of obituary:

A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF REX KEITH VORAN

Genuine sorrow and regret comes to a community when a man so young as Rex Keith Voran is called by death. Sunday afternoon, December 21, when his life slipped away in the Halstead hospital, he had reached the age of 18 years. Throughout the morning and up to the time of his death, everything humanly possible was done to save his life. His parents were by his bedside, prayerfully, hopefully and yet resignedly watching for the brief changes for the better which seemed to give encouragement, but death finally came at 6:00 p.m. to the one who had waged such a valiant and powerful fight to live.

Rex was born in Kingman on July 31, 1934, and lived there his entire life. His parents, who survive him, are William C. and Gertrude Kaufman Voran. A younger brother, Max, also survives him, as do his grandparents, Mrs. J. J. Kaufman and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Voran, all of Cleveland. Uncles, aunts and many relatives also mourn his death.

He was graduated from the Kingman high school with the class of 1952 and had been a student at Bethel college, North Newton, since September. Kindly, generous and friendly, he met ever qualification of becoming one of Kingman county’s useful and progressive citizens. As a student, he exemplified the best. His life was clean and he helped to represent his school in all major sports. He was admired by his many friends and respected by all for his abilities and the splendid qualities of good sportmanship [sic].

Rex was a member of the Bethany Mennonite church, taking active part in the church’s program. While in Newton as a student he was vitally concerned as to the best use of his student life. Just before his death as part of an assignment on “How My Concept of Jesus Has Grown,” he wrote “He is my Savior. That was and still is my most important belief in Jesus.” And again, “The establishment of the fact that Jesus’ prime mission in the world was to save the world, added strength to my belief.” So, throughout the discourse, he expressed a richness of growth and an abiding faith in God’s goodness.

To his parents, comments by the college instructors have been a constant source of consolation. They will remember the close association and relationship that existed between them and Rex Keith. There was a sharing of confidence that rarely exists between son and parents in this present age and day. For his many relatives and friends, it will always be a pleasant memory to recall their associations with him.

Memorial services for Rex Keith were conducted from the Bethany Mennonite church the day before Christmas, Dec. 24, 1952, at 10:00 o’clock. His pastor, Rev. P. P. Tschetter was in charge of the services, assisted by Dr. D. C. Wedel and Dr. Erland Waltner, both of Bethel College. A quartet composed of Ted Voran, Lelo Albrecht, Bud Voran and Marvin Graber sang “The Lord Knows Why” in the home, and at the church they sang “Going Home” and “Till The Morning.” At the graveside services they sang “Bloom Brightly Sweet Roses.” Mrs. Melvin Flickinger, the pianist, played a selection of favorite church hymns and also “The Christian's Goodnight,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and “Beyond The Sunset.”

Casket bearers were Omer Voran, Jay Saner, Darrell Stucky, Don Schrag, Kenneth Wedel and Clarence Buller. The directors of the Kaufman funeral home of Halstead were in charge of funeral arrangements and he was tenderly laid to rest in the Bethany church cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1953 Feb 24 p. 127