In 2018, I shared the story of Pfc. Lovell J. Mentzer, a young soldier from Yates Center, Kansas, who lost his life in World War II. His sacrifice, like that of so many others, is a poignant reminder of the cost of war.
For today’s Friday Finds, I’m revisiting Lovell’s story with two significant pieces from my genealogy collection: his funeral card, which commemorates the service held in his honor, and a newspaper clipping from The Manhattan Mercury listing him among the fallen in the European theater.
These artifacts provide a glimpse into how his community remembered him, honoring his bravery and ultimate sacrifice. I hope sharing them here preserves his legacy and connects family members and researchers to this piece of history.
ARMY DEAD—European Regions (as published in 24 May 1945 issue of The Mercury in Manhattan, KS)
- McCrey, Howard A., T5, Topeka.
- Mentzer, Lovell J., Pfc., Yates Center.
- Rankin, Lafe A., Pvt., Kansas City.
- Schuvie, Adolph G., T5, Hays.
- Strickland, Jonas D., S/Sgt., Sawyer.
- Yelley, Richard G., Pvt., El Dorado.
PFC LOVELL J. MENTZER
United States InfantrySon Of
E.E. and Edith M. MentzerBorn January 21, 1926
At Yates Center, KansasEnlisted June 6, 1944
Killed in Action April 19, 1945
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Handwritten Note:
Meet at the Home at 2:00 P.M.
