Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Amiel Winkler, 1921
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

 ************************************************
 Copyright. All rights reserved.
 http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm
 ************************************************

WINKLER, AMIEL
(14 Jul 1921, Elk City News Democrat, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
ANOTHER EX-SOLDIER PASSES AWAY
The firing squad of the Elk City American Legion was called to Canute
(Washita County) Tuesday to conduct the funeral of Amiel Winkler, an
ex-soldier, who died at the home of his mother Sunday morning after a
lingering illness of nearly a year.  He was gassed during one of the
battles of the world war, but felt no ill effect of it at the time of his
discharge, nor until about a year ago when he developed tuberculosis, but
since then he has been confined to his home the greater part of the time.
He enlisted in the army October 5th, 1917, and was sent to Camp Travis
where he trained until he was sent overseas.  During that time he was a
"buddy" of Neal O'Brien of Elk City and a close friend of Walter Filbin of
Thomas, who was sent to France on the same boat with Amiel and was with
him constantly "over there."  He was also at his bedside when he died.
These boys who were so closely associated with him in the Camp, say he was
one of the best soldiers in his company, always happy in the performance
of his duties, speaking cheerful words to his comrades and always making
it pleasant for his associates.
While overseas he won his third service stripe for an act of bravery in
one of the big battles and at one time he was interpreter for the town
mayor of Coblets.
A short funeral service was held at the home, after which many friends and
neighbors followed the body to its last resting place near his father, two
brothers and a sister in the Scheidel Cemetery (St. Francis).
Father Patrick of Sacred Heart Convent, who was Chaplain in the army,
spoke of the life of the deceased, and the part he had in the late war,
paying a tribute to the boys who were called upon to endure the hardships
overseas.
The pall bearers were composed of six ex-soldiers in uniform:  Frank
Kamphous, Geo. Mason, Carl Greuter, Joe Greuter, Jo Stroebel and John
Flies, all of whom were friends and neighbors.
After the ritualistic service by the American Legion, a salute was fired
and as the casket, draped in a beautiful American flag, was lowered into
the grave, taps was played by the bugler, Father Patrick.
The deceased leaves a wife of only a year, mother, three brothers, Will,
Henry and Andrew and two sisters, Mary Winker and Mrs. Bessie Duerr, all
of Canute vicinity.
The News-Democrat extends deepest sympathy to the bereaved relatives and
friends.

---------------------------------------------------------
Return to Beckham County Archives:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/beckham/beckham.htm