The Mena weekly star., 1921-05-19
LAID ID REST IN
 CITY HE LOVED BEST
E. r. Roach, Long Prominent in Mena and Polk County, Honored by Scores of Loving. Loyal Friends-Beauti-
 full Tribute of Flowers.

All that was mortal of E. T. Roach was tenderly laid to rest in beauti- ful spot in Odd Fellows cemetery Monday afternoon, while scores of Mena's best manhood and womanhood stood by with bowed heads and hearts touched with memories of the man that was, and with sympathy for the devoted wife, son and daughter, and other relatives.
 And all this was as the man had wished. 1t was the coming home" that Mir. Roach had long foreseen, and for which he, seeking to regain his health in far-away places, had provided. And certain it is that if his soul was how ering near, it rejoiced in again being with his friends, tho perhaps sad dened by the grief of those he most loved
 When the remains reached Mena early Monday morning, accompanied by Mrs Roach, Frank and Nellamena, they were met at the train by num- Der of old-time friends and commit tee from the Elks. The casket was taken to the Home and there lay in state during the morning, many brother Elks calling to look upon the face of their friend and associate. Soon the casket was surrounded by beautiful floral designs, the gifts of friends, that of the lodge being espec- ially beautiful.
 Just before 2 o'clock the easket was placed in the funeral car and, escorted by a large delegation of Elks, was taken to the Presbyterian church, where a large number of friends awaited. The choir rendered appro- priate songs, the Rev. T. A. Park of fering prayer, giving reading from the scriptures and making touching eulogy to the life of the departed and asking the blessings of the Creator upon the sorrowing family and friends.
 The remains were followed to the cemetery by large number of cars filled with friends, and there the beau tiful burial ceremonies of the Elks were conducted, Dr. H. C. Rushing acting as exalted ruler; Dudley Lauck, leading knight; R. A. Burtch, loyal knight; c. B. Wilson, featuring knight, the Rev. T. A. Park, chaplain. At the close each Elk dropped a sprig of evergreen upon the casket, the last act of homage to a loved brother.
 The pallbearers were R. A. Tom linson, k. R. St. John, Minor Pipkin, w ]. Gallagher, M. A. Stratton, all with the deceased charter members of the EIks lodge, and Stanley Woodruff, a close friend of many years,
 E. T. Roach was born April IS, 1862, at Steubenville, O., and died May 10. 1921, at Petersburg, Fla. He was mar ried February 25, 1885, to Nellie Teeter, from which union two chil- dren, Frank K and NeIamena. were born. all of whom survive.
 The family came to Mena in 1896. and soon Mir. Roach entered business his first venture being the selling of grain, q business in which he was well known in Kansas. He also ac qulred considerable property, both city and country For d number of years he conducted the Roach Whole sale Grocery Company, and in this was very successful up to the time he was forced to retire because his old enemy, rheumatism, which first caused him to come here. again had gripped him.
 Since closing this last business he has spent the greater part of his time seeking relief from his sufferinps, which was very severe, and has gone to many places and noted health in- stltutlons. He spent many months on the Isle of Pines, South of Cuba. and there acquired property, much of winch was finally lost in a terrible troplc storm He then went to Peters burg, on the west coast of Florida where he felt he could best live.
 During these later years he. always with his family. made several visite to Mena, but found the cool niobts ana moisture to his disadvantage. and when ne last left it was with a heavy heart, because he felt he could not again return, except as has occurred when hls sutferings was over.
 Mr. Roach was a man of execution. ally strong character, making and holding the strongest friendships and also quick to detect and openlv de' nounee man or thing he thought was not right.
 No man was more loyal than he to ms family ties and to his friends. and the affection with which he was hold m Mena was best indicated bv the at- M tendance and the tributes to his mem. cry on the occasion of his funeral Monday afternoon. '''
 Following the services Prof. T " Roach, brother. Mrs. Roach. and S T, r. Mlles, nephew, left at once for fhe latter to Kansas City. Kas
 The widow and son and daughtau plan to leave Thursday, Mrs. Roach and Nellamena going to Saline. where tfe latter graduates in a few weeks rom the Kansas Wesleyan University frank returns to Clearwater. FIa ness.