Strong, John Ray 1897-1918

STRONG

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer
Date: 11/15/2017 at 09:34:12

The Pocahontas Record, Pocahontas, Pocahontas, Iowa Thursday, October 3, 1918 Page 4

John Ray Strong was born May 2, 1897 and died Sept. 24, 1918 , at the Naval Hospital , Great Lakes, 1llinois . John was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. U. Strong . He leaves his father, mother, two brothers, Dassie and Fred, and two sisters, Mabel and Alberta, besides grand parents and many other relatives, and a host of friends to mourn his loss.

The funeral was conducted at his home by his pastor, the Rev. P. E, Leazer. Many friends came to pay the last tribute of respect to the boy who had given himself to his country. John had heard the call of his country and as many of our noble boys have done, he answered the call and enlisted in the navy. He was sent to the Great Lakes, 111., where he was placed in the Naval Training Station. Here he began his training with very bright prospects for the future. He was in favor with the officers, stood well with the boys and was doing his best to be of the best worth to his country and the best for his home folks.

It seems that a new foreign enemy has arrived in this country in the form of what is known as "Spanish Influenza" terminating in pneumonia and in a great many cases causing death. John was one of the unfortunates and succumbed to the grip of this most dreaded disease.

This boy was one of our true Americans, of which we have many. He gave himself to his country. He was ready to go anywhere, on the high seas or in the front trenches. He died as much a hero as he would if he had fallen in a front trench or had been blown up by a submarine on the high seas. Yes, he is one of our heroes.

Business places in Pocahontas closed during the hour of burial. This was a very impressive funeral occa­sion. The procession was more than a mile long. The Pocahontas band led the procession from the entrance of the cemetery to the grave playing very beautifully and impressively a funeral dirge. After the grave service by the pastor the boys again played "Nearer My God to Thee " and some other selections which made the occasion one to be long remembered.