Representative Raymond B. Eckles View All Years

HONORABLE RAYMOND B. ECKLES

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare suitable resolutions in commemoration of the life, character and services of the Hon. Raymond B. Eckles, beg leave to submit the following report:

Raymond Bruce Eckles was born August 6, 1876, on a farm in Marshall county, and died at his home in Aplington, Iowa, early Sunday morning, January 8, 1933. He was educated in the rural schools and graduated from the Iowa State College in 1896. Four years later, in 1900, he married Ena M. Burnham, of Aplington. For over two years he was professor of Agriculture and Dairying in a farm school for Jewish boys, at Doylestown, Pa. Making his home in Butler county, Iowa, he made a mark in the community life. For twenty years he was a member of the Aplington consolidated school board, and for a number of years, until his death, was president of the board. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1924 by the people of Butler county, he served during the Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-second extra, and Forty-third sessions. At the time of his death he was secretary of the Farmer’s Elevator, vice president of the County Farm Bureau, superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school (an office held for many years), and a member of the Church Session. For years he served as a justice of the peace, and there were committee responsibilities given to him as a trust for his neighbors and friends.

Mr. Eckles was apparently in his usual health on the day he was stricken, Saturday, January 7th, and was engaged in sawing wood at the tenant house when he suffered a stroke about 4:00 in the afternoon. Calling his son, Gordon Bruce, to assist him, he was immediately taken home and Dr. Rolfs summoned. Quietness and rest were prescribed to aid the treatment and it was hoped that the illness would not be serious. Developments later in the day indicated a grave condition and another physician was called in for consultation. Suffering much pain he passed into a state of coma about 10:00 p. m. from which he did not recover, and death occurred at 3:30 Sunday morning.

To mourn his going there remain his widow, his eldest son, Lester, wife and three grandchildren, Robert Louis, Oliver Burnham, Nancy Ann; his son, Gordon Bruce, his wife and latest grandchild, Doreen Elizabeth, a few days old; his only daughter, Dotha, who is a student at Iowa State College, Ames; and Mrs. Burnham, mother of Mrs. R. B. Eckles, who is 87 years old.

The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church at Aplington on Tuesday, January 10th, at 2:00 and the body laid to rest in the Aplington cemetery.

The news of the sudden death of R. B. Eckles shocked not only his home community but his many friends throughout the state, and the sense of desolation and loss the news of his passing brought has been manifestly evident. Highly esteemed as a man of honorable life, with a friendly, cordial interest in his fellow men, he has been honored with high office by his fellow citizens of the county and community. In church matters earnest, devout and zealous. In educational matters of the town and district he was enthusiastic, and a leader. In progressive, scientific farming he was successful and influential. His legislative record of honest and conscientious service was one of which any legislator might be proud. There is scarcely any activity that had to do with the well-being of one and all that did not share in his helpful interest. His place will be most difficult to fill.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Forty-fifth General Assembly, That in the passing of the Hon. Raymond Bruce Eckles, the state has lost an honored and valuable citizen, a man of high ideals in Christian living and useful citizenship.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the relatives of the deceased.

E. O. ELLSWORTH,

ADA GARNER,

E. M. LICHTY,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 11, 1933.