This information is offered FREE and taken from http://www.okgenweb.net/~okcaddo/ If you have arrived here using a pay site please know that this information has been donated by volunteers in a joint effort to provide FREE genealogy material online. ================================================== Caddo County Oklahoma - WW I submitted by C.C.G.S. volunteer email ccgs73005@yahoo.com *************************************************** The Anadarko Tribune November 28, 1918 Sickles News Another Patriot Soldier Dies Over There Word was received this week by Mr. and Mrs. Gatlin of the death of their soldier son, Earl, 'over there'. Oh! the pity of it when we think of young Earl Gatlin lying 'somewhere in France', under foreign soil, no friend to pause by his grave, to shed a tear or breathe a prayer, and yet he had died, as he would want to, for the honor and glory of his country. I think everyone who knew Earl liked him. Whole souled, generous, likable in every way, he had a host of friends in this community. He was a favorite with the girls of his set, but his affection settled on no special one, his whole heart being given, unreservedly, to his mother, to whom he was all in all. Did you ever read anything more beautiful than his 'mother's letter?' Did penned words ever breathe such beautiful tenderness, such utter love, such infinite appreciation of what she meant to him? it was almost desecration to let the world into the inner circle of understanding between his parents and himself, for it uncovered his heart, and no man wants that done; but it carries its own lesson. It is all over now, all as if it had never been. His parents sit alone in their grief; mere words cannot help them just now, and he lies still and cold 'In Flanders Field, where the poppies grow.' May the heavens be your bed, dear boy, and though your brilliant career has been cut short so cruelly, in the heart of your friends you will always live as you have done, honest, earnest and loyal to parents, friends and country. I write these few lines - not of condolence, for who would dare to pity you? - but of deepest sympathy to you and yours as you stand in the shadow - grieving for your son's life that has just passed. He is gone, but not forgotten, Never shall his memory fade; And sweetest thoughts shall linger Around the grave where he is laid. ------------ The Anadarko Tribune December 5, 1918 MEMORIAL SERVICES In Honor of Earl S. Gatlin - Obituary Memorial services were conducted at Sickles Sunday by Rev. Beel and Sgt. Martin, in honor of Earl S. Gatlin. Music was given by the Lookeba orchestra and the beautiful floral offering was contributed by the Sickles Red Cross. Earl S. Gatlin was born near Corsicana, Texas, Feb. 1, 1895. At the outbreak of war Earl was a resident of Sickles, Okla., living with his parents on the farm. He was called into the service Feb. 7, 1918, going to Camp Travis, Tex., for training. After about three months' service, he was called for overseas duty about May 1. During the month of June his parents received a number of field service cards stating he was in good health and getting along finely. The drive in which "out lost one" took part was on or about July 14. That has necessitated this solemn occasion, as his parents were notified shortly after July 14 of his being among the missing, and later on his death was announced. The deceased was a resident of this district a little over four years. He leaves to mourn his absence father, mother, four sisters and two brothers, and a host of friends. The loss of our beloved hero will be deeply felt by all who knew him, yet, we shall all look with pride, honor and admiration at the gold star in our service flag, for it was put there with pride because of the supreme sacrifice of our hero's life; for he, as many others, died for the sake of liberty, justice and humanity.