DROPS DEAD IN FIELD

Harrison County Times Bethany Mo. Thu June 24 1937 page 1

J.E. (Ed) Shirley, Near Melbourne, Died Suddenly of Brain Hemorrhage Last Monday

J.E. (Ed) Shirley, 64, farmer in Fox Creek township, fell dead Monday afternoon as he plowed corn in a field near his home, seven miles north of Melbourne. His death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.

He was plowing in the field, a few rows from the road and apparently died suddenly. No one saw him fall. About 6:30 Jack Little, a neighbor, was walking on the road and discovered the body. He told the family and Coroner Joe E. Wheeler at Bethany was notified.

Wheeler drove immediately to the home and examined the body, left lying in the field, a half-mile from the house. He set the time of death at about 5:00 o'clock.

Shirley had been under the care of a physician for two years, his wife said, but lately had been feeling better. He ate a large dinner Monday noon. He is survived by his widow and by several step-children and children by a former marriage.

Services were held yesterday afternoon at the Cat Creek church and burial in the Cat Creek cemetery.

A son, Emery, died from a brain concussion last winter resulting from an accident while sliding.