Henry Brown Reber, son of the late Harry and Ella (Brown) Reber, was born August 23, 1893 at Anthony, Kansas, and passed away quite suddenly following a heart attack on January 19, 1948 at the age of 54 years, 4 months, and 26 days. While still a small child his parents moved to Sedgwick county where they resided a number of years, later moving to Harvey county where he lived the remainder of his life.
He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Phillips in Newton, October 22, 1919 and to this union two sons were born, Lawrence E. Reber and James Harry Reber.
Mr. Reber was a prominent farmer in the McLain community. He served on the school board for the past 15 years and has served his township in many ways. He was a loving husband and father and counsellor always striving by example for the better things of life. He was a kind neighbor always willing to lend a helping hand.
As a young man he became a member of the United Presbyterian Church and after his marriage he and his wife became members of the First Methodist Church where they took an active part in the affairs of the Church. He served his country in World War I and was an active member of the Wayne G. Austin Post No. 2, the American Legion.
He leaves his wife, two sons Lawrence E. of Newton, and James Harry, of the family home, Route 5, Newton; one grandchild Larry Lee Reber and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Ward (Mary) Spangler, Route 5, Newton; Gilbert Reber, Route 1, Sedgwick; Mrs. Dick (Olive) Rose, Hesston; Earl Reber, St. Louis, Mo., and Walter Reber, El Dorado, Ks., and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone as he was a friend to all who knew him.
Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m., with his Pastor, Rev. Forrest E. Rohl officiating. A quartette composed of Homer Watkins, Gerald Wilkins, Milford Dreier, and Dr. S.S. Klassen sang, "Resting Now," and "That Beautiful Land," accompanied at the organ by Mrs. S.S. Klassen. Casket bearers were Gilbert Reber, Earl Reber, Walter Reber, Richard Rose, Ward Spangler, and Gilbert Phillips. Interment was made in the family lot in Greenwood Cemetery with representatives of the Wayne G. Austin Post, American Legion acting as color guard. Following the services at the grave, Taps was sounded. Rex M. Moody of the Moody's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
