Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1916 — Funeral of B. D. Comer. [ARTICLE]

Funeral of B. D. Comer.

The funeral of B. D. Comer of Union tp., who died Tuesday afternoon, was held Thursday at 2 p. m. at the Rosebud church, conducted by Rev. Conn of Marion. The burial was in charge of Undertakers Calkins & Worland, and interment made in Weston cemetery. Obituary. Barney DeWitt Comer was born in Jasper county, Ind., on the 12th of July, I 860; passed away May 23, 1916, aged 55 years, 10 months and 11 days. He was the youngest child of William and Phaobe Comer, and one of a family, of 12 children. There are left of this family td mourn their brother, three brothers, Malachi, stephen and James, and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Boston, the latter residing in California. Mr. Comer was born on the old Comer homestead which is now a part of his farm. He was married July 13, 1890, to Miss Addie Bruce. Three children ware born to them, Ernest, Georgia and Marie. Little Georgia

died in infancy. There are left of his immediate family his devoted wife, a son and daughter, his daugh-ter-in-law and two grandchildren. Air. Comer was the typical selfmademan. Born at a time when the northern part O 1 j as p er county was little better than a swamp, it seemed to offer little encourageinent in the way of success. Yet, when a mere boy, Barney determined to overcome obstacles and to become a man of means and of influence in his community. That he was successful we all know. His parents were poor in worldly possessions, but rich in the things that are worth while. Honest, industrious and Godfearing they instilled in their son these qualities. His education was that of the common schools, and by his own efforts he attended college at Valparaiso after he was' a mature man. For a number of years he taught school. In that capacity and later as township trustee he was an earnest worker for the cause of education.

He was. a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Rensselaer and a disciple of Friendship, Love and Truth as laid down in that order. A year before his marriage lie was converted and joined the Rosebud church, and for many years had remained a loyal and active member. He was a great believer in Sunday school work and was always in his place. For, many years lie was chairman of the local Sunday school convention work,

Activity Was the keynote of his life.. Whatever he did he did with a purpose and an intensity that carried the work to completion and success. He was one cd’ the men who do things. Whether as trustee of his township, as an advocate for good roads, teacher in ' the public -choo),at the head of an anti-sa-loon movement or chairman ol Sunda) school organization, he' A waS a persistent and tireless worker. Although lie spent most of his life within sight of his birthplace, he had the vision and broad mindedness of a man who has traveled much. He was interested in the affairs of his country, was an ardent newspaper rea’der and a lover of ■good books, lie was publicispirited, broad minded, generous hearted, a true friend, a loving husband and kind father. No worthy person ever appealed to Mr. Comer in vain. His name was on the list for every good movement and at the head of every subscription for help to those needing it. His strong personality was felt in every public gathering. In the future where men meet at public sales, political meetings, conventions and church gatherings, this helpful man’s presence will be greatly missed. Mis place will not soon be filled and his memory will not be , forgotten.

The last few weeks of his life he had been crippled by an accident and, although he had to go on crutches, he was out working hard for the proposed new stone road system through Union township. For the last two weeks his life had been filled with pain and suffering. His desire to get well was great, as he felt he had much to accomplish and many things that had been pushed aside in the stress of business, he felt he wanted time to do. However, he expressed himself many times as to his faith in Christ as his Savior, and his readiness to go. Throughout his life he had a great reverence for the memory of his sainted mother. His friends have often heard him express his belief that he should see her as he passed to the Great Beyond. Less than an hour before he passed away he looked upward and said, “Mother, Mother.’’ These were his last audible words. Thus has passed away one of Jasper county’s good men and “After life’s fitful fever he sleepeth well.’’ xx