Largely attended funeral services were held Friday for the late George Allender, who passed away at the home of his son, Lawrence, north of Lockridge, on November 13.
At ten-thirty a short service was held at the house. Pastor Frank Weston of the First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant, read the scriptures and spoke from Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Pastor J. A. Cochrane of the Lockridge Baptist Church made a prayer.
Then the mourning company went to White Oak where many old friends and neighbors had gathered. Pastor Weston was in charge, and preached the sermon from John 3:16. Mrs. Velma Kinney, Mrs. Mary Hoover, Mr. Wade McBeth and Mr. Jona Egli, with Mrs. Minnie White as organist sang “Asleep in Jesus,” “Rock of Ages,’ and “Going Down the Valley.” Old friends carried the remains to their last resting place in the cemetery adjoining the church.
George Allender, son of Benjamin and Mary (Guyton) Allender, was born in the Richwoods neighborhood, Henry County, Iowa, January 27, 1854. His life was spent for the most part in this part of Iowa. In 1876 he and Miss Jane Messer were united in marriage. Five children came to their home, Lawrence is the only one surviving. With him and his family, the father made his home after the death of Mrs. Allender, which occurred March 5, 1922.
Those passing on before were Stella, Rebecca, Lincoln and John Elvin. Four grandchildren, Vela, George, Clarence and Lynzell; three great grandchildren, Everett, Willis and Inez; two brothers, Wilson Allender, Genoa, Nebr., and Frank Allender, Essex, Iowa; one half sister, Mrs. Menno Beight,; and many other relatives and friends remain to mourn the loss of the good man. Seven brothers and sisters are deceased. They were John Wesley, Asbury and Murray Allender, Mrs. Naomi Harper, Mary Robinson, Mrs. Rebecca Morrow and Mrs. Martha Kinney.
George Allender was a well-known man throughout all this section of Iowa. He had the warm friendship of all who knew him. He was fond of little children. They affectionately called him “Grandpa” Allender. He was ill for many weary weeks but bore his pains without murmuring. He left behind his testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His body lies sleeping among those of his dear friends and relatives waiting the resurrection morning.
Mt. Pleasant, The News, November 18, 1929
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman