Obituary of J.P.A. Whatley, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana Copied and Submitted by :Kathy LeMay Kelly, P.O. Box 219, Trout, La. 71371 From The Jena Times - Olla Tullos Signal; Jena, LaSalle Parish, La. Clippings at the LaSalle Parish Library, Located in Jena, LaSalle Parish, La. Thursday, Dec. 1, 1932 & Thursday, Feb. 2, 1933 Many Thanks to The Times - Signal and to the LaSalle Parish Library for allowing the following to be added to the Archives. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Dec. 1, 1932 J.P.A. Whatley Is Laid to Rest at Eden on Friday, Nov. 25 J.P.A. Whatley, 81 years of age, died suddenly at the home of his son, U.V. Whatley, at Zenoria last Thursday, November 24, at 12 o'clock. He had been a resident of Zenoria for about six years. Funeral services were conducted at Eden Methodist church with Rev. Lee Brooks, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist church, officiating. Mr. Whatley had long been a member of the Methodist church. Interment was in Eden cemetery. The deceased is survived by five children; Mrs. Lou Halle, Searcy; Mrs. Leola Thomas, Searcy; Hildon Whatley, Arizona; U.V. Whatley, Zenoria and Rollin Whatley, Zenoria. CARD OF THANKS We wish to thank all of our friends, and especially Mr. J.A. Miles, for their kindness and sympathy at the death of our father and kinsman. Mr. J.P. A. Whatley. To all who gave such sympathetic aid and to all who sent floral offerings we expres our sincere gratitude. Signed --- U.V. Whatley & Family Mrs. F.B. Whatley & Family Mrs. T.B. Thomas & Family Mrs. H.M. Hall & Family H.R. Whatley. ****************************************************************************** Feb. 2, 1933 Henry Hardtner Pay Tribute to Memory Of One of LaSalle's Most Beloved Citizens (Editors Note: The Jena Timesis priviliedged to print this week a tribute from the pen of Hon. Henry E. Hardtner who pays his respects to the memory of one of this sections most beloved and appreciated citizens, J.P.A. Whatley. Like Mr. Hardtner, we were proun number Mr. Whatley among our friends and we feel that in his passing, LaSalle parish lost a man whose place will be hard to fill. A TRIBUTE (by Henry E. Hardtner, Urania, La.) Born 1851, died 1932, aged 81 years. He was seated at the table for a Thanksgiving dinner at the home of his son, U.V. Whatley, when the summons came and he passed quietly away. He leaves six children, U.V. Whatley, Mrs. Sim B. Thomas, Mrs. Louise Halle, Rawlings and Fielding Whatley and _2 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The funeral ceremonies were conducted by an old friend, Rev. Lee Brooks and were very impressive and touching. His words sunk deeply into the hearts of the hearers. My acquaintance with the Whatley family commenced many years ago, in early childhood and has continued fraternally to the present day. There are many of them all God fearing men and women, a credit to out great country. I am happy to say that they are all my good-friends. J.P.A. Whatley was superintendent of schools of Catahoula parish years ago and was one of our great and fearless leaders in the Parish Division fight which resulted in the creation of LaSalle Parish. It is said that one night in a village where there were no lamps, a gentleman met a blind man with a lantern in his hand. Happening to know him, he asked the man why he being blind carried a lantern. "To keep the others from stumbling over me," he replied. This illustration is applicable to the christian. If for no other reason in the world, he should let his light shine to keep the world from stumblin over him into perdition. J.P.A. Whatley kept his lamp trimmed and burning at all times to light the footsteps of the last world to Christ. His light shone so brightly that no sinner could stumble over him into an endless hell. Jesus Christ, who was "the light of the world," and in his glow of whose lamp we become illuminated emphasized this duty to his desciples who in turn handed it down to us said, " Ye are the light of the world." A city that is set upon a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. "Let your light shine so before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." J.P.A. Whatley followed meekly the teachings of our Master and the light of his good works will continue to shine and be remembered for ages to come. The Whatley family came to America and first settled in the Carolinas when our country was yet young. They wanted freedom from religious and political persecutions and in turn were willing to give the best in them for the upbuilding of this new country. They from time to time migrated westward through the hill countries of the north until more than a hundred years ago they found their Eden in the hills of Catahoula - pure clear water - "white water" and in natures vast pine forest catherdral they communed with God - the angels - mankind. The soughing of the majestic pines was as a gentle lullaby inducing sweet repore. J.P.A. Whatley was my friend and brother, on more than one occasion warning me of approaching danger and in turn I have encouraged and befriended him when his heart was heavy and the world seemed dark and gloomy. "An honest man in the noblest work of God," and so J.P.A. was truly great - for he was honest. In a few weeks I shall depart on a trip to Egypt and the Holy land, that in my declining years I may hope to acquire wisdom and understanding not only for my own good, but that I may pass it on to others ans as I stand in the presence of the Cross and view the scene of Our Saviors pilgrimage my thoughts and prayer will be with "J.P.A." my friend and companion who will stand by my side in spirit and with loved ones long since departed we will sing - "Just as I am, without one plea, But, that thy blood was shed for me And that thou biddest me come to thee. Oh! Lamb of God I come. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind, Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea', all I need in thee to find, O' Lamb of God I come. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, Will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because thy promise I believe, O' Lamb of God I come." HENRY E. HARDTNER