JOHNSON, SHIRLEY
Johnson Child Killed When Struck By Car
Dated Thursday, November 12, 1953 Died November 9, 1953
Huntertown – Shirley Johnson, 10-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Johnson, R. 2, Churubusco, was killed instantly at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday when struck by a passing automobile on highway 3, directly in front of the Huntertown School.
The child was walking across the street, eastward, hand-in-hand with Judy Sible. The Sible child was not injured. The children had left the car of Mrs. Clarence Sible, Judy’s mother and were on their way to a basketball game at the Huntertown School gymnasium.
The driver of the northbound automobile which struck the child was Henry J. Eagle, R. 1, Rome City. He estimated his spped at 28 to 30 miles an hour and stated that he did not see the children on the dark street until the right front fender of his car struck the Johnson child. She was tossed under a parked car on the east side of the street. Deputy Sheriff Robert Bender and Indiana State Trooper Robert Endres investigated the accident.
The Johnson child was rushed to the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fort Wayne but was dead on arrival. She suffered a skull fracture, cerebral concussion and fractures of the right thigh and lower right leg.
Officials stated that the accident report would be referred to Dr. H. Paul Miller, Allen County Coroner, for further investigation.
Surviving relatives in addition to the parents are:
4 brothers
Lee of Swan Township
Paul and Keith, both of Fort Wayne
Phillip, Churubusco
3 sisters:
Mary, Janette and Janice, all at home
Paternal grandmother, Mrs. W. A. Johnson, R. 2, Churubusco.
The body was taken to the Sonday Funeral Home in Churubusco where friends may call until noon Friday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Wesley Chapel, the Rev. Ernest Minegan officiating. Burial will be in the Eel River Cemetery.