a Miami County Newspaper
June
1923
Orville Judson Laudenslayer
On December 28, 1894 a tiny babe was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Laudenslayer who lived in Miami County, about three miles west of Pleasant Hill, Ohio. The proud grandmother gave the little babe the name of Todd, but he was later named Orville Judson Laudenslayer. This innocent babe was a delight to the hearts of his parents and brought joy to the lives of the neighbors who lavished their blessings upon him.
In this Christian home, under the influence and benediction of his consecrated parents he grew to manhood. His only brother was Frank, who was his chum and companion in childhood days. They spent many happy days together, filled with a common purpose. His young life was freighted with the spirit of unselfishness and high ideals. The home life was enriched by his presence, by the purity of his life, the nobility of his purposes, the beauty and purity of his character, and the sweetness of his disposition . With eagerness of mind, with willingness of heart, and anxiety of soul, he shared the joys and sorrows, the comforts and disappointments of his congenial home.
Having been taught the principle of the Christian faith, and having learned of the love of Jesus and the power of His salvation, he united with the Pleasant Hill Christian church Feb 21, 1911. He offered himself for membership in the church at the time this church was being erected. And the service in which he was accorded the fellowship and full privileges of the Christian church was conducted in the Methodist church while the new Christian church was in construction. Rev. Alva M. Kerr received him into the church and helped in developing his faith. The lessons he learned in his home and the instructions he received from his pastor inspired in him an abiding love for and a deep devotion to his church, and accepted with job and delight its teachings and inspiration. He believed in his church and loved it with an undaunted love.
When he reached the borderland of manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Roxella Zimmerman, Nov 1, 1916. This was a happy union-a case where two lives were being spent each for the other. To this union was born one son, Joseph William (affectionately known as Billy), who is now in his fifth year.
As a boy the deceased was always regarded as a quiet, modest fellow; as a young man he was unassuming and thoughtful of those about him; as a son he was obedient and dutiful; as a husband he was kind and considerate; as a father he was careful and loving; as a brother he was congenial and whole-hearted; as a citizen he was upright and dependable; as a Christian he was devout, earnest and consecrated; and as a church member he was loyal and faithful.
He was subject to much suffering having been ill more than a year. His suffering was borne with complete resignation, hope and patience. He never worried or complained about his condition. A little more than a week ago the writer of these lines saw him and asked his condition. He said, "I cannot complain so long as I am up." He seemed to be very anxious to recover. And the expression of hope and courage which characterized his life were symbolic of his optimistic mind. His anxiety to get well was shown by the brave, unrelenting battle that he fought against overwhelming odds. Five times he went to Rochester, Minn., for treatment under the Mayo Brothers, making two of these trips alone. He continued his treatments under the Mayo Brothers at Cincinnati, making three trips to that point. But the disease which preyed upon his body was too much for his strength and in the early morning of June 17, 1923 his gentle spirit peacefully took its flight, "To a land where beauty cannot fade, Nor sorrow dim the eye; Where true love shall droop nor be dismayed And none shall ever die."
Truly it can be said of him, "A Prince has fallen." It was a matter of common knowledge that he was a consecrated Christian gentleman, a considerate, kind and affectionate father, a true loving and faithful husband, a congenial brother, and a worthy son. His life was a model example of manhood and Christian virtue and his influence was a constant inspiration to those who knew him. His faith in God was unshaken and his devotion to truth and righteousness was beautiful. The sweetness of his disposition, the sterling qualities of his manhood, and the virtues of his Godly life will ever live in the memory of his relatives and friends, ever blessing and inspiring them as they wend their way to that "country from whose born no traveler returns."
The nobility of his life, his worthy purposes and splendid ideals merited the high esteem of his neighbors and friends. This esteem was shown by the manner in which his neighbors helped him in his farm and in his home. They seemed to look out for the little things that need attention and did many kind acts throughout the long months of his illness. These generous acts gave expression to their big-heartedness and their thoughtfulness of his need. For the many deeds of kindness and the unselfish service rendered by his friends during his illness, his relatives wish to express their profoundest gratitude.
They also wish to thank the singers and funeral directors for the service also the ministers for their consoling words and the beautiful floral offerings.
While our departed loved one and friend was cut down in the bloom of life, and at a time when he was most needed by his dear companion and little son, it should be a consolation to them to know that he was prepared to meet his God. He served his relatives and friends well; he has now entered into the fuller life where there will be no stubborn disease to prey upon his body, and where there will be nothing to mar his happiness and peace.
As we think of him this afternoon in the light of the life he lived, we say in the language of the poet:
"O ye whose cheek the tear of sorrow stains.
Draw near with pious reverence and attend.
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains,
The tender father and generous friend.
The pitying heart that felt on human woe,
The dauntless heart that felt no human pride;
The friend of men-to vice alone a foe
For even his failures leaned to virtues side."
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