The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1932-12-06

tefnoon al the First Methodist
church by Hon. William H. Ma
lone:
Exalted Ruler, Brother Elks,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Humanity, mortality. In these
two words we visualize all the
mysteries of life from the cradle
to the grave. The happiness and
misery; aspirations and despon-
denotes; ambitions and discourage
ments; wealth and poverty; sick
ness and health; youth and age.
All are embraced in the two simple
words.
The Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks is a fraternity whose
principles are devoted to the hap
piness of humanity. Nevertheless,
it pauses in its work of humanity
to reflect upon the mortality of
man. Its teachings to its MEM
bers are that life must be 50 lived.
and the relationship among each
other, and among people, not only
among those numbered on its
roster, viii be such, that when
mortality is ended, we can join
the great beyond, without regret
and with conscience free from re-
proach.
The grim reaper has been very
severe with Key West Lodge SOL
this year. Four Of our believed
and honored members have been
taken. Men whose lives were not
only bright spots in the history of
our fraternity, but who have lived
and served this community, and
this state, so that it will be almost
impossible to fill their places, or to
adequately recount their services.
On March 10th, the members of
our lodge, the citizens Of Monroe
county, and the citizens of Collier
county, our neighbor, were shock
ed to learn of the passing of our
brother and sincere friend, Eugene
w. Russell. May ] pause at this
time to say that ] esteem this mo-.
ment a particular honor to me,
that / may speak a personal word
of appreciation of the life and
character of my friend. Eugene.
For / indeed esteemed him as one
Of my warmest personal friends.
Our associations in public. private
and social life were such that 4
cherish it IN my memory as one
Of its brightest spots.
He was kind and indulgent
father, loving and devoted hus-
band, true and sincere friend, He
came from one of the oldest FAM
lies Of this community. The coun-
TVS development was partially due
to his efforts. In public and priv
ate enterprises he was foremost.
Few have been called upon to serve
the country in more different ca
pacities. 1t has been said that he
was one of the most efficient
Clerks Of the Circuit Court that
ever served in that capacity in this
state. He served for twelve years
in Monroe county, and eight years
in Collier county, a period of
twenty years, and the records Of
these two counties stand as q
monument TO his efficiency and his
devotion to duty. He served as a
representative Of the people in the
Legislative halls of this state. His
service was characterized by con-
servaism, craftsmanship and pur-
ity of motives. His colleagues
throughout this state, even to this
day, remember him and speak
praisingly Of his service and abili-I
ty. Prior to assuming the office
of the Clerk of the Circuit Court
Of Collier county, he served as
Justice of the Peace in Monroe
county, thus rendering service to
the state In the three great depart
ments of government, executive,
Legislative and judicial. He was
a Past Exalted Ruler of our lodge
and a past grand representative to-
the Grand Lodge. The members
of the Elks fraternity appreciate
his service and join with his family
and friends in mourning his loss.
Eugene passed in the prime of
life, in the fifty-seventh year of
his age. He was at heart re-
ligious man, although no great out
ward show of religion was made
by hiln. His conduct in life was
such that he was ready to leave
when the summons came. Life was
a preparation for the more perm
anent life beyond.
His favoxite lines were as fol-
lows;
"A house not built by mortals,
In the summer days is mine;
Wide open stand its portals,
All sweet with flower and vine.
Many leafy pennant
Above my slumber streams;
] am Gods happy tenant
In this dear house of dreams.
Frank Dempster sherman.
Ware Berry. another member Of
our lodge, a comparative stranger
among Us. nevertheless = man who
loved US and beloved by Us. He
was a true friend. He was indus
trious and devoted to the principles
OF Elkdom. While stranger in
Key West. he was q eatsvas 10.