W.O.LEWIS, engine collector and retired electrical engineer,
passed away July 22, 1994 while preparing for an upcoming engine
show. He will be remembered as a man who knew the world around him,
from the birds in the trees and the animals in the pasture to the
crops in the fields and the machinery to bring them in.
A drive through the country was a never-ending education about
such things as the kudzu on the side of the road, or the path and
capacity of the electrical lines overhead. Engine collecting with
the associated tinkering and talking became a pleasant way to spend
time with good people.
W.O.’s sons and grandchildren will run his rig at the
upcoming Lincolnland engine show in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in his
honor.
Submitted by Michael Lewis, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson,
New York 72504.
ROBERT H. (BOB) BARTLEY, 72, of Gordonville, Tennessee, passed
away at his home June 30, 1994.
Bob was a collector of gasoline engines, antique tractors and
Model A Ford cars. He was a member of the Tennessee Valley Pioneer
Power Association, Middle Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractor
Association, and Chapter #9 Tennessee IH Collectors.
Bob had been a licensed pilot, licensed A & E mechanic,
heavy equipment operator and mechanic, technical representative for
Chicago Pneumatic, trucker, and antique engine mechanic. Since he
was a life long mechanic, he loved to see and work on any type
engine from a Tom Thumb to a helicopter engine.
Aside from collecting engines and tractors, Bob got enjoyment
from seeing young people taking a keen interest in the hobby of
collecting antique engines and tractors. Many times he would stop
working on one of his own projects and go help another collector
who was having problems.
Bob is survived by a daughter, Evelyn Stockett, and a son, David
Bartley, both of Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
He will be sadly missed by his family and all those who knew him
as a friend.
Submitted by Joe F. Carpenter, Hick’ man, Tennessee, and
John E. Ford Jr., Gallatin, Tennessee.
I would like to remember my brother, FREDRICK M. WOMACK, who was
born October 23, 1930 and passed from this life on May 24, 1994 at
Collinsville, Alabama.
Although ‘Freddy,’ as we called him, never owned a
‘Hit & Miss’ engine, he was very interested in them. I,
as a young boy, remember him talking about a ‘Hit &
Miss’ engine that a blacksmith had in his shop not far from our
home. He said it would pop, blow smoke rings, pause and pop
again.
One day, our grandfather carried him to see the blacksmith and
his engine. He was so thrilled over getting to see it, that it
prompted the blacksmith to say, ‘That boy sho do like that
engine!’
I filed this story in the back of my mind for years, until about
1986 or 1987, when we heard about an engine show in Guntersville,
Alabama.
I took my brother to the show, and from that point on, I became
very interested in old engines, and Freddy’s interest was also
revived. He thought they had all been scrapped years ago. When we
discovered Gas Engine Magazine, he promptly subscribed and
hasn’t missed one since.
Our goal was to find a small hit & miss engine to restore. I
plan to carry out our dream, and when it is accomplished, I will
dedicate it to his memory. He is greatly missed by his family and
friends. His passing leaves a void in all our lives.
Submitted by David L. Womack, (brother), 1001 South
10thSt.,Gadsden, Alabama 35901.
CHARLES E. THAXTON, age 71, of rural Greenfield, Illinois,
passed away at his residence on January 13, 1994.
He was born August 16, 1922, the son of Emily and Thomas
Thaxton. He married Betty Burton August 22, 1942. She survives.
He was a member of Charity Southern Baptist Church of
Greenfield. He was an ordained Deacon, a church trustee, and had
taught Sunday School for more than 40 years.
Charlie was a retired grain and livestock farmer and was well
known in the area for his collection of antique farm machinery. He
was always very active in planning and participating in the various
old tractor and equipment shows in the area. He was a charter
member of both the Tri-County Antique Club and the Greene County
Classic Iron Club.
Charlie enjoyed seeing younger generations take an interest in
collecting old farm equipment and participating in grain binding
and threshing demonstrations. He felt that knowledge of our
heritage is important and worth preserving.
Charlie was always a source of knowledge and encouragement. He
touched the lives of everyone he met with kindness and love. He
will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Submitted by John Ford, RR 3, Box 3525, Ottawa, Illinois
61350.
