Evan Call Family

Historical Context

This humble letter, written by Evan's younger brother, Gerald Papworth Call, provides a glimpse into his life.

Gerald was three years younger than Evan. Within two years from the date of this letter, Gerald would marry Wanda Haderlie, and fifteen months later would pass away from a burst appendix--just three days short of his twentieth birthday. See the obituary below.

Nov. 4, 1931.

Dear Brother,

I am surely glad that you wrote because I surely enjoyed reading your letter, even though I am a little late in answering it.

How is everything with you by now? I really don’t hear much about you, just what Marius tells me. I have enjoyed school this year very much so far. I think the school has more life as a whole than it had last year.

Speaking of religion, I do not like to boast but I am trying much harder than ever before to live mine. I think there is a great deal of satisfaction

for one to at least know that he is at least trying hard to live his religion.

I wish you would write and tell me of some of your experiences. Just because I haven’t ever wrote to you is no reason why I haven’t thought of you a lot. I suppose you are kept quite busy writing letters anyway and mine is one of the less important.

Always wishing you success. I remain:

A True Friend
Gerald

PALL OF SADNESS CAST OVER VALLEY BY

THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF GERALD CALL

South Warl [sic] Chapel Filled To Capacity To Pay

Last Respects To Young Man Who Passed

Away Leaving Young Widow And Child

Gerald P. Call, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. J. Call, of Afton, passed away late last Thursday night from poisoning due to a ruptured appendix.

He was stricken ill the Saturday previous, and an operation was performed at once.

He was very bad Sunday night but during the next four days he seemed to be improving, but Thursday evening he started to get worse, and died about 11:00 p. m ..

Gerald would have been 20 years old last Sunday. He was married to Wanda Halerlie [sic] of Thayne a year ago last June, and to this union a baby girl was born several months ago. The wife and baby, his parents and several brothers and sisters survive him.

Funeral services were held last Saturday at 2:00 p. m. in the South ward chapel. The building was filled to over flowing with friends.

The opening song, "Though Deep'ning Trials," was rendered by the choir.

The opening prayer was offered by George F. Burton.

The choir then sang "Sometime We'll Understand."

The first speaker was President Clarence Gardner, who paid high tribute to the pure life that had been followed by both Gerald and his wife.

He also mentioned some of the trials other families had passed through.

A beautiful duet was rendered by Miss Martha VanNoy and Mrs. Iona Nelson.

The next speaker was Bishop Roy Dana of Thayne . He spoke of the high esteem in which he held the deceased and also his wife who is left behind. He spoke words of consolation and said it is not for mortals to choose who shall be taken and who shall be left. He felt that Gerald had been taken to perform a more important work on the other side.

Arch Gardner then sang a beautiful solo, "Your Voice."

The next speaker was Bishop Franklin R. Gardner. He said he had been very closely associated with Gerald, and bore testimony of his life and works were about as near perfect as it is possible for mortal man to be.

Mondell White read a short tribute from the elders quorum.

Bishop E. N. Allred spoke a few words of consolation and praise.

Benediction was pronounced by David Bennion.

A profusion of flowers carried by the children of Gerald's Sunday school class, adorned the casket, and were mute evidence of the high respect in which Gerald was held.

Three Haderlies, brothers of Mrs. Call, and three brothers of Gerald, acted as pall bearers.

After the services interment was made in the Afton cemetery.

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