HANKINS, Lex - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

July 4, 1950 -- Lex Hankins, 24 of near Yeddo became the first drowning casualty in this area over the 4th of July holiday when he drowned in Brockaway Pond near Lodi Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Hankins was one of a party of 5 who had gone to the pond to go swimming. He had been in the water only a short time when he shouted fo rhelp. After a 15-minute struggle, he was pulled out of th epond. A pulmotor failed to revive him. Other members of the swimming party were his wife, Mildred Louise, his brother, George; his brother-in-law, Hansel Hutts and an unidentified man. Mrs. Edna Branson, wiofe of B. H. Branson, Parke Co. coroner said that it is not known exactly what happened to Hankins, but that he apparently had just eaten a heavy dinner. Also investigating the case were Sheriff Fred Botts and Deputy Earl Dowd of Parke County. Mr. Hankins was born in Veedersburg Oct 24, 1925 (sic) the son of George and Goldie Hankins. He was a member of the Cates Nazarene Church and was employed at the Veedersburg Clay company. Surviving include the widow; a daughter, Shirley Ann; the parents, 3 brothers, Goerge, Horace and Wayne and a sister, Cuba. A brother, Bernard and a sister, Thelma preceded him in death. The body is at the Woodrow Funeral Home in Kingman but funeral arrangements have not yet been completed. --I think this was from Betty D. - she's awesome