From the Files of 1957:
Second Blast Victim Dies
Edwin Earl Howard, 16, the second victim of the explosion here on June 16, which had already claimed the life of Mrs. Martha Samples, 34, died in the University Hospital, on June 21.
Funeral services were held at Center Hill Church, east of Hanceville, at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Moss Service, of Hanceville, directed interment in the Center Hill Cemetery.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Howard, of Hanceville, four brothers, J.J., of Louisiana, Elmer, of Germany and Billy and Frankie, both of Hanceville, four sisters, Mrs. Jeanette McKenzie, Mrs. Crunto O’Neal, Mrs. Gladys Walker and Miss Bobby Howard and one half-brother, Harry Monroe, of Florida.
Edwin Earl and his sister, Bobbie were guests in the Samples home at the time of the explosion, which completely demolished the house. Bobbie was able to be released from the Cullman Hospital last week.
Remaining critically ill in University Hospital is Jimmy Hicks, son of Mrs. Samples, the fourth person injured in the explosion.
Glenda Plunkett, Hanceville, has been granted a Sears-Roebuck Foundation Scholarship for 1957, for freshman entering the School of Home Economics, at Alabama Polytechnic Institute. While in high school, Glenda maintained an “A” average. She was an active member of Future Homemakers of America, 4-H Club, Beta Club and Student Council. Glenda attended Camp Dunroamin in Fayetteville, Tennessee, where she received awards in 1953, 1954 and 1955 for arts and crafts. She is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Plunkett.
Hanceville Happenings
Mr. and Mrs. Thelbert Bland and Kenneth, are spending this week vacationing in Florida.
Mr. and Mrs. Longshore had as their Sunday dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Pepper and children, of Athens, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Brigham and children and Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Creel.
Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Formby were Mr. and Mrs. John V. Tillman, of Simcoe and Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Upton, of Gadsden.
Mrs. James B. Kelly, of Decatur, spent several days last week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Caudell. Mrs. Caudell remains ill at her home.
Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Quattlebaum attended the Winn family reunion held at Guntersville Lake on Saturday and Sunday.
Glen and Carol Pender spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Smith and family in Fultondale.
Jo Ann and Wanda Meadows were the weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Meadows and family in Center Point.
Reverend and Mrs. H.A. Harris and Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Harris, Junior, were the Thursday evening guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vest and children in Gadsden.
Jackie Quick, of Gardendale, is visiting his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Quick.
Mrs. Alex Bland and Jimmy Hicks spent several days last week in Decatur, visiting Mr. and Mrs. George Murphree and children.
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