Owensville Newspaper, February 1946

DEATHS

PORTER F. SHORT (Feb. 28, 1880--Feb. 25, 1946)

The death of Porter F. Short brought grief to the town of Owensville and community. He passed away aat his home at 12:30 o'clock Monday morning, following three years of illness, the last year being very severe. He made a brave fight for life, here in his home and away in hospitals. He was 65 years of age, the son of John L. and Sally Short, born in Owensville and had spent his entire life here.

His father was an undertaker and dealer in furniture, and at his death in 1901 Porter took charge of the business and carried it on successfully for 45 years. About a year ago Paul Holder, who had been with Mr. Short for some time, bought an interest in the business and has been manager during Mr. Short's illness.

During these 45 years he conducted probably 2000 funerals, most of the homes of this part of the county having had his services at funerals. He had the reputation of being one of the most careful and efficient directors in the state,.

Mr. Short had been a member of the General Baptist church in Owensville for many years, and superintendent of the Sunday school a number of years. He was an active deacon in the church, and had held other responsible offices. He was also a member of the Owensville Masonic lodge.

The deceased is survived by the wife, Rose B. Short; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bernadine Short; one grand-son, Darwin Short; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie McGregor of Pierre, S. D., Mrs. Grace Ponzer of Norfolk, Va., and two brothers, Paul L. Short of Mt. Vernon and Roy D. Short of Mt. Carmel. A son, Darwin M. Short, died in 1941.

Funeral services were held in the home at 2:30 P. M. Wednesday, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The profuse floral offering was silent evidence of the love and high esteem in which the deceased was held. The services were impressive. Mrs. O. G. Chapman sang, "Lead, Kindly Light". Rev. Jack Stewart read the 23rd Psalm. Rev. O. G. Chagman offered prayer. Dr. Rodney Holder of Boonville delivered a brief but impressive sermon, the deceased having requested this some weeks ago. The text the minister used was, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

"Bro. Short preached his own funeral sermon--in his home, in his business, in his community," concluded the minister.

Interment was made in the Owensville cemetery.