ROY E. TRIBBEY of Arcadia, Florida passed away July 21, 1985. He
was 87 years old at time of death.
Roy spent many years in the Xenia, Ohio area and was well-known
and loved by his many friends.
He and his wife, Margaret, showed their Case steam engine at
many of the early shows.
He resided in Florida many years since retirement but returned
nearly every year to Darke Co. Steam Show and others in the
area.
Roy had a beautiful collection of model steam engines, toys and
memorabilia of the steam era.
Submitted by a friend, Milton Deets, 1583 Red Oak Rd.,
Dayton, Ohio 45432.
On August 22, 1985, CASPER J. CARLSON of Rugby, North Dakota
passed away.
He was a collector of John Deere tractors and a member of the
John Deere 2 Cylinder Club. He could tell you anything you wanted
to know about John Deere tractors.
He will be sadly missed by his many friends.
Submitted by ]oe Geisinger, 124 N.E. 3, Rugby, North Dakota
58368.
JAMES MARCUS FRANKS, 75, died September 9 in Birmingham, AL,
after a brief illness. He was the owner of Franks Museum in
Boone-ville, MS, which contained many antiques; vehicles and
engines.
He will be missed by the many people who knew him and read of
his quiet wit and knowledge of the mechanical engine.
A member of many organizations concerned with the restoration
and preservation of antiquities, he will also be remembered for his
roles in the movie versions of William Faulkner’s ‘Barn
Burning’ and ‘Tomorrow.’
In addition to his wife, he leaves two brothers, two sons, a
daughter, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Submitted by his son, James A. Franks, 802 Speedway Avenue,
Winona, Mississippi 38967.
A founder and charter member of the Rusty Wheels Old Engine Club
of Arkansas, J. G. ‘JAKE WILLETT, age 68, passed away August 20
in Texarkana, Texas.
In addition to collecting antique engines, automobiles and
related machinery, Jake was also an accomplished machinist who
enjoyed restoring and modifying old machine shop equipment for use
in his clutch and driveshaft business.
He was actively engaged in helping the club build their first
museum which houses an 85 HP Bessemer oil engine.
As a key member he will be greatly missed by his family, his
club, and many friends across the country.
Submitted by Don Shilling, Pres., Rusty Wheels Old Engine
Club of Arkansas.
‘Junky Jake’
The old engines of Heaven creaked and stopped one August
day.
The engines of rain making, snow-flakes, and frost for cool
Autumn days.
There were machinist in Heaven and thro’ them God searched
for the right soul to tinker and make those things work.
As He cast His eyes downward ‘ore green valleys and blue
lakes,
His gaze fell so gently on one suffering of late.
Thro’ the years they’d grown separate and back together
again;
He knew at long last he’d found an old engine
friend.
One who would oil and perfect them with patience and love Giving
morning grass it’s pearly dew from engines up above. Keeping
Mother Earth brightly shining rising early staying late Thro’
clouds of pure white cotton with hands on hips strides Junky
Jake.
With love, Your little red-headed girl
Linda C. Willett