ROBERT ‘BOB’ McCLURE, 58, of Bloomington, Illinois
passed away January 17, 1993 after a six month bout with bone and
lung cancer. He was brave to the very end trying to protect and
comfort his wife, Delores, of nearly 40 years. He leaves two sons,
Steve and Randy, and a daughter, Sherry, five granddaughters and a
grandson.
Bob was a self-employed heavy equipment operator. He owned and
operated his own Case backhoe for over 25 years. He was a member of
International Union of Operating Engineers #649 at Peoria,
Illinois, and a former member of River Valley Antique
Association.
Bob was a friend to all, and always ready to give advice or lend
a helping hand, not only to the gas engine show participants, but
in everyday life. If a friend or neighbor needed help with a
digging job, he was always ready, and never accepted payment.
He loved all kinds of antiques, including a very rare Wilson Des
Moines gas engine which he sold after he found out about his health
problems. Another pride-and-joy was his 1947 Indian motorcycle with
side car for ‘Mamma.’ She was always ready to jump in the
side car or on the back of his 1986 Harley Davidson to take a spin
or vacation as they did nearly every summer. Other interests
included antique autos and all kinds of farm equipment, as well as
miniature gas engines.
Bob was definitely one-of-a-kind. He will be sadly missed by
everyone who knew him.
Submitted by his wife, Delores McClure, 1412 W. Olive St.,
Bloomington, Illinois 61701.
JAMES C. CLUM of Lafayette, Ohio, died November 14, 1992, in
Lima, Ohio. James was born in Hardin County. He was an avid
genealogist, a retired electrician from the Ford Motor Company, in
Lima. He was also a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local #
l219, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union
Local #32. He was a member of the Sager Masonic Lodge in Lafayette,
and a former director on the board for Hog Creek Conservation
Club.
Jim grew up in the early days of gas and steam. He recited many
a story of threshing with the grand old Rumelys. He had seen the
big Caterpillars turning mud stone and pike roads into asphalt
roads. As electricity took over the farms, Jim collected many gas
engines. He taught all five of his sons the mechanics of engines
with these grand old machines. Jim was one of the finest citizens
America had to offer, I’m sure.
On the 15th of November, 1992, Jim’s grand daughter’s
life was also taken in an automobile accident, KELLY RAE CLUM, 21.
She also was an avid gas and tractor restorer, and she helped
organize the first antique tractor pull at the Allen County
Fairgrounds in Lima.
She was engaged to be married. A senior at the Ohio State
University, Lima Campus, studying elementary education, she was a
volleyball coach and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church,
Lafayette, Ohio.
I’m sure these two will be sadly missed by many friends and
correspondents. Through Jim and Kelly there will be many Clums with
the inspiration to carry on the teachings of the old days of
machinery and farming.
Submitted by Paul Clum, 115 E. Main St., Lafayette,
Ohio45854.
LYNN MIX, 83, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away March 3,1993.
He was a journeyman electrician for over 30 years for a local auto
parts supplier. He owned three steam traction engines in his
lifetime and always kept them in top shape. He will be remembered
for his shingle mill that he and his son operated at several shows
and events. But we think he will be best remembered as being an
extremely hard worker and a fair and honest man. He was gifted with
many talents.
Lynn was a long time member of the Michigan Steam Engine and
Threshers Club, The Kalamazoo Antique Machinery Club, Charlton Park
Steam and Gas Engine Club and several other antique machinery
clubs. He loved to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles, and had owned
and operated his own dealership for some years. He will be sadly
missed by all who knew him.
Submitted by his son, Larry Mix, P.O. Box 89, Freeport,
Michigan 49325 and a close friend, David Wachter, Holt,
Michigan.
We have just learned of the recent death of EARLENE RITZMAN,
widow of Reverend Elmer Ritzman, founder of Stemgas Publishing
Company.
Mrs. Ritzman is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Marsha Wingard, 13
Laurel Dr., Enola, Pennsylvania 17025.
JAMES F. ‘JIM’ DELAHUNTY, 79, of Ogallala, Nebraska,
died suddenly on March 25, 1993. He was a long-time engine
collector who began collecting when he was a plumber in El Monte,
California. During the past 12 years, he appeared at shows in
Nebraska, northern Kansas, and eastern Wyoming. He was often seen
with his ‘slow-speed’ 6 HP Witte and his l HP Sattley on a
can crusher that he had built.
Born on March 27, 1913, at Lexington, Nebraska, the son of John
and Julia Knudsen Delahunty, he grew up and attended schools in
Lexington. He married Margaret Saulsbury in 1938, and the couple
resided in Lexington until 1952 when they moved to El Monte,
California. During World War II, Jim served with the U. S. Army
Engineers. He retired in 1981 after working as a construction
plumber for 35 years and the couple moved to Ogallala to make their
home.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret, son Jim, and three
sisters, and two grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and
many friends in Nebraska and California.
Submitted by Dennis Shimmin, P. O. Box A, Lewellen, Nebraska
69147-0400.
