__An Heroic Life Comes to a Close__

--Last Sad Rites for W. H. Yancey, a Former Postmaster and Mayor, held Tuesday, September 20.--

"Out of the darkness and into the light" went the soul of William Yancey near the midnight hour of last Sunday, September 18, 1938, thus went one of our best known, useful and respected citizens. For two years Mr. Yancey fought a duel with a grim disease that held him as with the tentacles of an octopus. The specter won the big, fine body, but the faith and courage of the splendid mind never yielded an inch. The same peace, truth, fortitude and patience that guided all his life, held his soul secure until the Master whispered, "this enough, come up higher," and the last human act was taken fearlessly.

William H. Yancey, eldest son of James B and Maria Sanford Yancey, was born in Newark, Missouri. He received his education in the public school of what that then flourishing town and at the private school of Professor Rickards. He was early fascinated with his father's business – blacksmithing. At an early age he left school to learn the business and later became a partner, working together harmoniously ‘till the death of the father, when William took over the work.

On December 22, 1886, he was married to Elizabeth Wilson, who made him a splendid wife and companion. To them came four children, fine specimens of childhood – Bertha and Romney, taken away in their youth; Nora, wife of Dr. Paul Cole, of Springfield, and Lyman, a businessman, with his wife and daughter live in Quincy.

In 1886, the Yancey firm came to LaBelle and they built a large business house, such as their expanding business needed. Each partner built a good home and they were soon closely identified with church, school, social and civic interests of the town.

Will Yancey took his share of civic duties in shaping the conduct and finances of the place by serving as mayor, and several terms as alderman. For nine years he was the efficient postmaster. He acted as presidential elector in 1904 and again in 1924. He was loyal to the principles of his political party, though never radical; conservative, working in harmony, as for as possible, with his convictions, which were not easily shaken. His church membership was with the Presbyterians. He was essentially a man's man, as was evidenced by the great number of men at his funeral. All men recognized his integrity, his genuineness, his rhythm of purpose. He had a great love for little children. On the street no boy ever passed Mr. Yancey without a greeting and receiving a courteous one in reply. Between him and his young granddaughter, Elizabeth Jean Yancey, there was a great bond of affection and admiration. In his home life love and generous care were given bountifully. The friendliest relations existed between him and his sisters – Miss Zella, of LaBelle; Mrs. Minnie Cadogan, of Burlington, and Mrs. Zora Knight, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and his brothers – Thomas, of LaBelle, and Homer, of Jefferson City. Their's is a clannish family. Their reunions were times of pleasantness.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the Presbyterian church with the pastor, Rev. J. R. Benika, in charge and Mrs. Bagby in charge of the music with Mrs. Carrie Zimmerman, Mrs. Mary Gregory Walter Smith and Arthur Redding singing. The altar was banked high with lovely autumn flowers and the auditorium was crowded with friends, attesting the esteem in which Mr. Yancey was held and showing sympathy with the sorrowing ones. Interment was in LaBelle cemetery.

"Here is the heroic life complete, in which nothing has been shirked and nothing denied. He has had what existence has to offer; all that is real, everything of experience, of love, of friendship, of honor and of influence. Everything is his that remains when illusion falls away and leaves neither fear nor disappointment in its wake."

The Labelle Star, LaBelle, Missouri, September, 1938