Arthur E. Kerley, son of Dr. A. D. and Amanda Madora (McKee)
Kerley was born near Simpson, Illinois on February 29, 1884 and
earth’s dusty garb was quickly and quietly laid aside for
ythe robes of eternity at a hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where
he was employed, on January 25, 1953 at the age of 68 years, 10
months and 26 days.
Arthur grew to manhood in the McKee Community. He attended Mckee
School_ shared in the joys and burdens with his loved ones in
their pioneer home_ and reaped an understanding of the many problems
of travel on the highway of life.
On June 19, 1910 he was united in marriage to Lucy Morse of Glendale,
Illinois. To this union two children were born: Rue V. Kerley
of Portland, Oregon and Gladys Irene, who died in infancy.
Arthur professed faith in Christ and was baptized as a member
of Simpson Baptist church by Rev. Ottie Barnwell in 1916. He remained
a member until death_ ever remembering without Divine Guidance
nothing could be achieved.
Love for his fellowman is exemplified by his active membership
in fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Lovelace Camp
3845, M. W. A. of Simpson; Gurley Lodge 778, A. F. & A. M.
of Simpson and also a member of Royal Arch of metropolis, Ill.
He was deeply interested in these organizations, his town, his
community, athletics and all activities that tend to make life
better and more worthwhile.
For a career, he was a rural mail carrier out of Simpson, Ill.,
for thirty years. Day after day he braved the roads and weather
in the old-fashioned way of travel. "The mail must go through"
was ever his watchword. All his patrons could honestly say, "No
man could have done a better job." His job was in his heart
and he made sacrifices to favor his patrons with their mail. He
retired on March 1, 1946 from a job "well done."
He was later united in marriage to Capitola Rodgers of Paducah,
Ky., on February 7, 1942. Most of their remaining years were spent
in their home in Simpson. The sunshine of his heart was his home,
his companion, his two dear grandchildren, two step-children and
his many friends along the highway of life.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his companion, one son and daughter-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. Rue V. Kerley of Portland, Ore; two grandchildren,
Virgil and Virginia; one sister, Mrs. Bertie Anderson of Vienna,
Ill.; three brothers, T. T. Kerley of Simpson, C. X. Kerley of
Marion and C.V. Kerley of Simpson; two step-children, Helen
Allen and Mary Lane; three step-children, Donald Ray Lane, Joyce
Allen and Jimmie Russell; with a host of other relatives and friends.