West Union Argo-Gazette

West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa

Sept. 07, 1921

DR. W. H. FOX'S BURIAL

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Waucoma Medical Officer Who Died

in Serbia Has Great Military Funeral on Sunday

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Waucoma, Sept. 5 - The arrival of the body of Capt. (Dr.) Walter Henry Fox from Serbia on Friday was followed on Sunday afternoon by a military funeral and interment in Waucoma cemetery.  With reverence an immense crowd gathered Friday in the final wait, as they were wont to do in life, for the arrival of their beloved physician and friend, who had never turned from their afflictions, smiles, and tears.  A friend to humanity, alert, skillful, and wise, he proudly responded to his country's call, where his worth was quickly recognized.  Only a brief time was spent in the camps here, then he sailed for France and was stationed near Paris.  Here he studied diligently along surgical lines, always desirous to be more adept, for to Dr. Fox the privilege of service was a delight.  Then the city of Belgrade, Serbia, was visited with the dreadful epidemic of typhus, and there on Feb. 22, 1919, his soul surrendered to its Maker, that right, honor, and justice might prevail.  Upon arrival here the casket was borne to the Red Cross rooms to lie in state amid the national colors and beautiful floral offerings, silent tributes of love and sympathy.  Thence to our beautiful cemetery in charge of Belding-Fox-Slagle post.  Medical corps captains of Fayette county, who had so often heeded the wise counsel of the departed, were the bearers -- Captains F. P. Leehey of Oelwein, C. D. Mercer and T. A. King of West Union, Rich of Fredericksburg, T. N. Walsh of Hawkeye, and J. M. Smittle of Waucoma.  "Will There be Any Stars in  My Crown?" and "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" were sung by the double quartet and words of comfort were spoken by Rev. W. H. Gifford.  Three thousand people listened to words of praise deservedly spoken.  Taps were sounded, and an inspiring memory remains of Walter Henry Fox.  A like ceremony was performed one month ago for Laverne Belding.  One victim of the world's carnage still lies beneath the poppies of France, Lester Slagle.