Beckham County, OK - Obits: Thomas Preston Sketchley, 1920 Saturday, 15 November 2008 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ************************************************ SKETCHLEY, THOMAS PRESTON (16 Sep 1920, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): OBITUARY Thomas Preston Sketchley, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Sketchley and nephew of the late Mrs. VanAuken, was born Sept. 17, 1894, and died at the home of his aunt, Mrs. J. G. Jones, in Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 7, 1920, at the age of 24 (sic) years, 11 months and 23 days. He had been in ill health nearly all of his life, developing tubercular trouble at the age of six months. Three months ago his parents, who live near Hammon, Okla., sent him to Arizona thinking the change of climate might benefit him, and he wrote home that he was feeling so much better, but a few weeks ago he developed a severe cold from which he never recovered. He seemed to have so much confidence in his father and when he became so ill said "If Papa would come, I know I would get well." so the father left immediately arriving there the day before his death; but nothing could save him from the ravages of the dread disease. Funeral services were held at the undertaking chapel at Phoenix, Ariz., after which the body was sent to Elk City, where services were held at Fairlawn cemetery by Rev. O. E. Palmer and the remains in charge of Grubitz & Son were laid to rest. A father, an invalid mother, six sisters and two brothers are left to mourn the loss of a dear one who, through his illness, has become even nearer and dearer to the family. A number of neighbors and friends from near Hammon and Elk City followed the remains to the last resting place, showing their love and respect for the deceased. (17 Sep 1920, Elk City Press, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): Thomas P. Sketchley died at Phoenix, Arizona, September 9 (sic), 1920. He is the son of J. T. Sketchley of Hammon and had been a sufferer of tuberculosis for some time. Funeral services were held in Phoenix and his body was shipped here for burial, which was held September 14, 1920. Rev. A. O. Palmer, officiating. --------------------------------------------------- Return to Beckham County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/beckham/beckham.html