- Injuries sustained in an accident at Pensacola, Fla., was fatal to Robert Brainerd, jr., seaman first class of the U. S. Navy, of Rock Falls, who passed away at 8:05 p.m. Friday in the hospital at the naval bas in Pensacola.
The young man’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brainerd, Sr., were notified Thursday morning by the naval base that he had suffered multiple fractures in an accident and that his condition was critical. No details of the accident were stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd and daughters, Joanne and Barbara, and Bob’s grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Brainerd left immediately for Pensacola upon receipt of the message Thursday morning. They arrived at his bedside before he passed away.
Entered Navy in 1945
The community is shocked by the death of one of its prominent and well liked young men. Bob was graduated from the elementary schools and from Rock Falls Township high school in 1945. He entered the service of the U. S, Navy in June 1945, and was stationed at Saufley field at Pensacola.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been learned, however the body will probably be forwarded to Rock Falls from Florida.
26 April 1947 newspaper unknown
2nd Obituary: The body of Robert S. Brainerd, jr, 19 who died at Pensacola, Fla., Friday night from injuries sustained in an accident will arrive at 7:45 p.m. today, accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Robert Brainerd and his grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Brainerd. From the Wheelock-Allen funeral home the body will be taken to the family home at 306 West Second street, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Robert was riding a motorcycle and crashed into the rear end of a truck at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in Pensacola, Fla., suffering serious injuries and multiple fractures. The accident occurred near the naval bas, Saupley Field, where the young man was stationed as a seaman first class in the U. S. navy. It was reported that the truck had no tail lights and he did not see it. The family was notified of the accident Thursday morning, and Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd and daughters, Joanne and Barbara and Mrs. Lulu Brainerd, left immediately. They arrived before Bob passed away at 8:05 p.m. Friday. He never regained consciousness after the accident, but doctors were hopeful of his recovery until his condition took a turn for he worse Friday evening. Mr. Brainerd and daughters returned to Rock Falls by car Sunday night.
Robert S Brainerd was born September 28, 1927, in Rock Falls, the only son, of Robert and Vera Brainerd. He received his education in Rock falls elementary schools and had graduated from Rock Falls Township high school in 1945.
Bob entered the service of the U. S. navy in 1945, and after completing boot training at Great Lakes was sent to Pensacola, Fla.
Surviving are his parents, two sisters, Joanne and Barbara Brainerd and his grandmother, Lulu Brainerd, all in the family home.
The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the family
April 28, 1947 -- Funeral Rites for Robert Brainerd on Wednesday Are Largely Attended
Obsequies for Robert S. Brainerd, Jr, held in the Rock Falls Methodist church Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. were the second largest attended of any funeral held in the church it was noted.
In addition to the family and many friends there was a large number from the Rock Falls high school which recessed for the funeral in order that former schoolmates might attend.
Rev. Wayne Leighty officiated and preached a most meaningful sermon from the Twenty-third Psalm of David.
There were six honorary and six active casket attendants. The honorary were Lyle Bogott, Royce Strayer, Calvin Howe, Richard Livingston, Marvin Smith, and Marvin Beck. The active attendants were William Wescott, Eddie McDaniel, Kenneth Onken, Robert Pense, Douglas Unger, and Donald Harrington.
The funeral hymns sung by Mrs. Raymond White, jr, accompanied by Mrs. Wayne Larson were “In the Garden” and “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” The flowers were in charge of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Mrs. L. C. Pfulb played the organ.
Preparation for Eternality
Mr. Leighty’s sermon was a discretion one the problem of youth preparing for eternity. He showed how the trend in ( s/b Robert ? David’s) life was shown in his love of nature, his temptations, his adventures and his love of home. There were all woven into a thread which led to his faith in God and helped him to compose and sing his psalm of comfort.
This is applicable to everyone’s home life. Life is not measured by years, but by the amount of service to God. This pattern will help everyone to be able to sing that “The Lord ism y shepherd.” Mr. Leighty said that youth now is really preparing for eternity. A challenge is presented to parents to assist their children in preparing for the great adventure.
After the funeral service the cortege moved to Tampico Memorial cemetery. The floral tributes were many, filling a large truck which took them from the church to the cemetery.
May 1, 1947
Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers
