Mr. & Mrs. Ray CUNNINGHAM

CUNNINGHAM

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/20/2008 at 10:34:31

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1931

SHANNON CITY COUPLE DIES FROM BURNS

Mr. and Mrs. Ray CUNNINGHAM died Monday at the Greater Community hospital in Creston from burns sustained in a kerosene explosion at their home south of Shannon City early that morning. Their four-year-old son, Lyle, was severely burned, but has a chance for recovery.

The following account of the tragedy was printed in the Creston News Advertiser Monday:

"Mr. and Mrs. CUNNINGHAM, their son and their baby were in the kitchen of their home near Shannon City this morning when Mr. CUNNINGHAM was starting a fire, using kerosene from a five-gallon can. The kerosene exploded, enveloping the four in a searing blanket of flame. Mrs. CUNNINGHAM threw the baby out a window and the infant was only slightly singed about the head.

"A brother of Mr. CUNNINGHAM, who had just gotten up, rushed into the kitchen and found his brother burned to a crips, his clothes almost entirely burned off. He hurried the three injured persons into his car and started to Creston. Half way to Creston the car stalled. After a frantic, tragic wait, with his brother and wife dying before his eyes, the child crying out in agony, another car finally came along the road and brought them to Creston.

"Neighbors rallied to the rescue of the Cunningham home, which was only partially destroyed."

Funeral services were held yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at two o'clock at the Methodist church in Diagonal, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. E. MATHENY, and burial was in the Diagonal cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008