Popular Olney Youth Killed on Oil Derrick

Funeral services for Bernie Lee Fitzgerald, 17, who was killed last Friday evening, November 3, 1944, were held Wednesday afternoon from the Olney Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Zetsche in charge. Burial was in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Bernie, who had been working temporarily on an oil rig west of Noble, was planning to return to school shortly and continue his studies.

Reports given state that he was riding the elevator to the top of the rig and that the elevator did not stop until it crushed him into the planking on the catwalk, knocking him to the ground. He was rushed to the Olney Sanitarium, but pronounced dead upon arrival. A coroner’s jury later returned a verdict of accidental death.

Bernie was an outstanding athlete, both in grade school and in high school. He was looking forward to another successful season on the local basketball team, on which he starred last season.

Pall bearers were chosen from among his team mates on the high school athletic teams. Other team members were honorary pall bearers.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alta Fitzgerald, two sisters, Mary and Mrs. Bernice Cartwell, who lives at Sausalito, Calif; his maternal grandfather, William Gray of Clay City and his paternal grandmother, Mary L. Miller of Clay City.

Published in Olney Advocate (IL) –  Thursday, November 9, 1944