Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Christie, Will Perry June 2, 1896
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Ionia Sentinel-Thurs. June 4, 1896

Death of Will Christie.
It is with deep pain and regret that we announce the death of one of Ionia's
brightest, most promising young men, Will Christie. After a long, painful illness, he passed away
peacefully at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning.

Will P. Christie was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jan. 16, 1876. He came to Ionia
nine years ago, entering the schools here, where he endeared himself to teachers and classmates
by his honest perseverance. Since leaving school he has been in the employ of N.
Silver, and his bright cheery ways are recalled by all with whom he dealt.

In November his disease took an alarming turn, and for long weary months he has lain
waiting for the summons; no one during that time has ever heard a complaining word
or seen a frown; it is a matter of wonder to all how pain could be endured with such
fortitude.

It is a severe shock to lose one of such sterling qualities at a time when life was
apparently blossoming before him, and the heartfelt sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved
family.

To enable our feet in the next day's march, To climb up that golden ridge; We must
all lie down for one night's rest, Inside of the covered bridge.

The funeral will probably be held Thursday.

Ionia Sentinel Thurs. June 11, 1896

The Last Sad Rites for Will P. Christie Largely Attended.
One of the saddest funeral held in Ionia in a long time took place at 2:30 o'clock
Thursday afternoon from the Church of Christ, when one of Ionia's favorite young men, Will
Perry Christie was laid in the grave. The death of Will, as he was always called, caused
sadness to overshadow the hearts of many loving friends, and the large attendance at the
services was a farewell testimonial of the high esteem in which he was held during his
lifetime.

Rev. W. H. Scott spoke feelingly and eloquently of deceased, using for his theme,
"My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." The patience of the boy
during sickness, the final reconciliation to the parting from  friends that he knew must
come, and his warm greeting, to them, were  pictured as only a few of the noble traits of a
kind and generous heart and spirit.

The remains rested in a slate colored casket, which was covered with floral tributes
from loving friends, there being white rose in profusion. At the head of the casket stood
a life sized portrait of deceased.

The remains were carried to the grave by six former class mates; Clinton Beals, Bert
York, Frank Carpenter, Eugene Kerstetter, Chas. Webber, and Earle Phelps. The class of '96
attended the funeral in a body, and there were a large number at the church. Many
also going to the cemetery, Highland Park, Misses Eva Nichols and Edna Pullman, and
Messrs. Thane Benedict and Clarence Daniels, accompanied by Prof. Eugene Smith, rendered
sweet music, among the favorite selections of deceased, sung, being "Safe in the Arms of
Jesus," and "Sometime We'll Understand," and "Some Day the Silver Chord will Break."

Will makes the seventh member of the grammar school class of 27, of four years ago,
that has passed over the river.

Mrs. Clair Allen ofJackson, and Wm. K. Christie and family of Muskegon, attended the
funeral.


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