Franics Drake Shelden

Francis Drake, son of Charles and Minnie Shelden, was born near Diagonal, Iowa, April 27, 1889 and departed this life April 13, 1943 at his home in Diagonal, at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 14 days. He had been in failing health for the past two years.

On January 12, 1910, he was united in marriage to Edith Woods, also a resident of this community. To this union was born one daughter, Mrs. Clifford King of Diagonal.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and was always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone. Frank was always a great lover of children and in his passing the community loses one of its best neighbors and friends.

When a young man he confessed his faith in Christ, uniting with the M.E. Church in Clearfield. later, with his wife he united the Methodist Church at Grant Center.

Those who are left to mourn his seemingly untimely death, besides his wife and daughter, are his father, C. W. Shelden of Diagonal; two brothers, Roy of Des Moines and Orville of Mount Ayr and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held in the Diagonal Methodist Church Thursday afternoon, the Rev. J. Milton Kinney in charge. Interment was in the Diagonal Cemetery.