Person Page 4,135

Obituary (per Findagrave.com):

Obituary of Merle D. Gwin, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Gwin was born at Washington, Kansas, on March 17, 1888 and died in the St. Elizabeth's hospital at Lincoln, Nebraska, July 6, 1922 at the age of 24 years, three months, and 19 days. His entire life was spent in Washington county, Kansas, except the last four months, when he resided at Crete, Nebraska. Until recently, he was engaged in farming near Morrowville, having held a sale this spring and went to Crete, where he was imployed in a creamery and where he met his death. Afther leaving the common schools, he spent one year at the Washington Academy and two years at the State Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kansas. He joined the Methodist church in early childhood and is still a member of the Morrowville charge, being an active worker in the Suday school and church until the time of his death. He was united in marriage June 18, 1911 to Carrie E. Osterhout of Morrowville, Kansas and leaves his widow and four children, Elmer, age nine; Homer, age five; Marjorie, age three; and Boyd, age four weeks. In addition to these he leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Gwin of Morrowville, Kansas; two brothers, Roy E. of Columbus, Kansas, and Paul B. of Council Grove, Kansas and five sisters, Edith, Eva, Bertha, Clara and Lois Gwin of Morrowville, Kansas and a host of relatives and friends. His friends are legion for his was a personality which made and held friends. In his community he was highly respected by all because of his integrity, courtesy and willingness to help. In his home he was all that a husband and father could be, kind, considerate, and loving. While his untimely death was a shock to all who knew him, his life was such that he will not be forgotten. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church in Washington at 1:30 o'clock conducted by the Rev. John Endacott assisted by the Methodist choir. The church was crowded with sympathizing frielnds. The body was laid to rest in the Washington City cemetery.

Newspaper article (via Findagrave.com):

Death of Merle Gwin Creamerymen Meet Fearful Death In Big Plant At Crete

EXPLOSION AND ESCAPING STEAM KILL TWO MEN HIGH PRESSURE BLOWS OFF ELBOW OF MAIN PIPE IN CRETE CREAMERY THREE OTHERS SERIOUSLY SCALDED

Injured at 7 A. M. Thursday-Taken to Lincoln Hospital--Pass Away at Noon

Lincoln, July 6, (by the Associated Press,)--- Louis Smerz, 25, died todnight at the hospital here, making the third fatality in the explosion. Others in a serious condition are Joseph Raze and Wolford Madere. The latter may recover but not much hope is held for Raizek.

While donning the work clothes preparatory for beginning the work of the day at the Fairmont Creamery company in Crete at 7 A. M. Thursday, the elbow of a steam pipe blew off a main, fatally scalding three others, and injuring one to a lesser extent. Steve Plouzek, 24, and Merle Gwinn, 35, died at St. Elizabeths' hospital at `2 noon and 1 P. M. respectively where they had been taken in an ambulance immediately following the accident. Louis Smez, Wilfred Madore and Joe Ralsek are suffering from burns on their entire bodies, at the same hospital where they were taken on the train. They are not out of danger yet. Joe Maryska was slightly scaded on his arm, but did not have to go to the hospital.

EXIT CLOSED

The closing of the steam pipe by water that had collected in a sag appears to have been the cause of the explosion. The high pressure of the boilers was to much for the elbow joint. Gwinn was but two feet from the joint when the fitting was blown off striking him in the abdominal region knocking him to the floor. Efforts were made by the others to drag him out of the room but the superheated steam drove them away, causing them to seek escape to the open air where help might be secured. Being unable to find the door, they tried to get out of the windows but were prevented from so duing by heavy wire mesh on the frame. Someone on the outside opened the door and released them. Gwinn was on the outside when the last man reached there, evidently having been dragged by one of the imprisoned men though it is not known which one it was. First aid was given and arrangements made to take them to the hospital at once.

Physicians believe that Madore has a fair chance for recovery.

Drs J. Hartman of Crete, David Hilton, E. R. Myerson, Rusell zJohnson and Edward Zimmer, of Lincoln attended the men.

All of the men who are believed to be fatally injured are married and have families with minor children. Gwin has four minor children. He was a brother-in-law of M. D. Osterhout, manager of the creamery. Ralsek's wife was at his bedside continually.

Obituary (Findagrave.com):

Stan Boyd, 81, of Canal Fulton, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2016. He was born in Akron, Ohio on April 2, 1935 to the late Stacy and Angie Boyd. Stan graduated from Kenmore High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Akron. He taught school for many years and continued his love for children and teaching upon retirement when he became a Driver’s Education Instructor.

Stan was preceded in death by his sister, Oma Louise Clark. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; children, Greg (Marty) Boyd, Miriam (Jeff) Bail, Stephen Boyd, Carrie (Greg) Thompson and Stacy (Courtney) Boyd; grandchildren, Nate (Laura) Bail, Justin (Dana) Bail, Danielle Bail, Lindsay (Justin) Raper, Mark Boyd, Logan, Tyler and Alex Thompson and Eason, Emerson and Emilia Boyd; and many great grandchildren.