Karl Elmer

Kansan, Monday, August 19, 1946

Karl Elmer son of Fannie and John T. Elmer, was born February 21, 1888 in Hutchinson, Kansas. At the age of six his parents moved to Newton, where Karl attended the Mckinley school for about four years when his father was transferred to Kansas City, Mo., and Karl completed his education in the Irving school and Manual Training high school of Kansas City. After graduating Karl worked in the neighborhood drug store and grocery store and later as window decorator for the Montgomery Ward store there, but like his father, railroading was to be his life's work. he was employed first with the Union Pacific railroad as time keeper for one year and later he was promoted to traveling time inspector. Due to being away from home all the time he gave up railroading and went to work in the grocery business with his father-in-law but only stayed a few months in business when he came to Newton as time inspector for the Santa Fe railroad and later transferred into the signal department and remained in that department for a number of years until he became chief file clerk, the position he held until his untimely passing Wednesday evening, August 14, 1946.

On January 21, 1918 he was married to Mae Elizabeth Henry of Kansas City, Mo., and together they have had the happiest union of marriage a man could want. Karl's home was a real home where love and happiness always aided. His love for children was outstanding as every child in the neighborhood brought toys for Karl to mend ans many he sent away smiling and happy. If any family was in need. Karl could always be depended on to give help. For twelve years he was U. S. as well as state game warden in this vicinity, a job he resigned eight years ago. He called this his missionary work as he gave the time of his own free will.