GD. Ledge Looses Good Citizen

Untimely Death of Howard S. Thompson Casts Gloom Over City

During the six years that Howard S. Thompson was a resident of this city, he made hundreds of firm friends, who mourned with the family, when it was announced that he had passed away.

Howard Stephen Thompson was born August 15, 1876. He was a graduate of the Newaygo high school, later entering the employ of the Webber & Hatch bank in that city, where he was employed in responsible positions for nearly fourteen years. He was with the Corn Exchange bank at Chicago for about one year, and came to Grand Ledge six years ago to take the position of cashier of the Grand Ledge State Bank, which position he filled to the satisfaction of the directors, who looked upon him not only as a capable and upright official, but as a friend.

Mr. Thompson held the position of township treasurer at Newaygo, and also held other positions of trust in his home town. Early in life he became a member of the Masonic lodge at Newaygo, and before coming to Grand Ledge was past-master of Lodge No. 131, F. & A. M. D

uring his residence here he took an active part in Episcopal church work, and was a member of the choir of that church. He was a great lover of the outdoors, and took every opportunity to gratify his desires in this direction.

On New Years day he went to Grand Rapids, and while there was stricken with pneumonia. He was brought home at once and was given every attention, but could not withstand the attack, and passed away on the morning of Friday, January 7.

Rev. L. R. Vercoe, former rector of Trinity church, came down from Grand Rapids on Saturday, and after a short service at the home on Taylorst., accompanied the remains, with the family, to Newaygo, where funeral services were held and the body laid in its last resting place.

The pall bearers here were: Messrs Simons, Shane, Stark, Dunkin, Marratt. Campbell, while the honorary bearers were past masters of Grand Ledge Lodge, F. & A. M. and Board of Directors of the Grand Ledge State Bank.

An escort of honor, composed of W. G. Shane, Hayes Wells, Dr. Mack and L. Dunkin from the Masonic lodge, and A. R. Gillies from the bank, accompanied the remains to Newaygo.

Mr. Thompson leaves a widow and two children, Stephen and Helen; also two brothers, living in Newaygo, and a sister living in Michigan City,