The death of Edward John Engel occurred Friday morning, May 27th, 1938 at the home of his son, George D. Engel at 33 South Fairview in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Engel had been in failing health for some time and bed-fast for about four years. He was 83 years of age.
Mr. Engel was born November 29, 1854 in Auburn, Cayuga County, New York to John B. and Jacobine (Hauter) Engel.
Moving to Covington, Kentucky at an early age, his family finally settled in Wyanet, Bureau County, Illinois around 1858. He attended public school there and married Sarah Ellyn “Sadie” Nichols on August 17, 1876 in Wyanet, Illinois.
He entered the railroad service as a switch tender and brakeman for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy railroad in Wyanet, Illinois from 1872 to 1875; operator for the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific from 1875 to 1878; joint agent at the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific-Chicago Burlington & Quincy junction at Wyanet, Illinois from 1878 to 1881; operator, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, Halstead, Kansas from 1881 to 1882; agent, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, Emporia, Kansas from 1882-1883; operator, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, Argentine, Kansas from 1883-1890; ticket agent same road, 1890-1920 and assistant ticket agent for the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad from 1920 until his retirement on September 16, 1928.
Two children were born to Edward and Sadie, David John who died at childbirth on June 26th, 1883 in Argentine, Kansas and George David, born June 27th, 1890, also in Argentine.
Mr. Engel was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal church, Ben Hur Masonic Lodge No. 322 and the Royal Arch Masons, all in Argentine, Kansas.
Mr. Engel possessed of a sunny and friendly spirit which endeared him to all who knew him. His patient acceptance of his years of invalidism was very beautiful. Simple funeral services of quiet dignity for Mr. Engel were conducted by the rector of the Episcopal Church in Excelsior Springs, Missouri at 2pm, Saturday afternoon, at the Hessel-Carder chapel in Liberty, Missouri. Many friends from Argentine and numerous railroad people attended the services.
Mr. Engel’s body was taken to Wyanet, Illinois for burial where brief services were held at the grave Sunday afternoon. He will be laid to rest with his wife Sadie, who died in 1928. Mr. Engel’s only son George, his wife Dorothy (Lange) Engel and Granddaughter, Ruth Engel accompanied his body to Wyanet.