The community was greatly shocked Monday evening when the report became current of the sudden death of R. T. Alkire, of this place, who dropped dead at Kentland, Ind., where he had driven in the morning on business. When Mr. Alkire left home he was not feeling very well, complaining of an uncomfortable feeling through the chest, and said he would not go very far away, so that he could return home if he became worse. He had transacted business enroute and arrived at Kentland late in the afternoon, and went into the hotel to stay that night. He stepped up to the counter to register when he fell over dead, probably from neuralgia of the heart. The family was promptly notified by telephone and Undertaker Burson went over and brought the remains home late that evening. The funeral is being held this (Thursday) afternoon at the Christian Church, with burial at the cemetery east of town. The services are being conducted by the Rev. D. I. Dunkleberger. Rasmus Thomas Alkire was the son of Harness and Rhoda Alkire and was born in White County, Indiana, Jan. 12, 1854. A brother, John Alkire, who was quite well known here, died some years ago, and he had a sister, Mrs. Mary McCabe, living in New Ross, Ind. Two step-brothers and two step-sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Alkire married Rachael Ramey Sept. 15th, 1875, who survives him, and to this union five children were born, to-wit: Ross Alkire of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Ethel Anderson, now deceased; Clair Alkire of Lacrosse, Ind.; John Alkire and Mrs. Mabel Burget, both of this place. Also eighteen grandchildren. He moved to Francesville in the year 1900 and engaged in the retail meat business, which he conducted for several years, and after retiring from this accepted employment as a buyer for Blumberg & Hershfield of Goshen, Ind., with whom he was engaged when he died. He became a member of the Christian Church at Spring Creek some forty years ago and was a devoted Christian character through-out his life, greatly revered by all who knew him. He had served as elder of his church for many years. His loss to the community will be keenly felt on account of his many excellent qualities, his high ideals in life and his exemplary Christian character.
Francesville Tribune 2 Nov 1922