----Source: The Stark Family Scrapbook.

HEART ATTACK FATAL TO BILLY DEVINE

Billy, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James DeVine, Withee, was the victim of a drowning accident occurring in back of his farm home in Black River, Tuesday afternoon. Aug. 7.

The youth had left the farm during the afternoon with a small calibre rifle and started off toward the river to do some target shooting. Concern as to his whereabouts was evident when he failed to show up at home early that evening. Neighboring farmers searched the area in back of the home and long the river bank. Early the next morning the search was continued. Tom Kowiak and Everett Eppers located the youth drowned in water about knee deep. It is believed that he had suffered from a heart attack and drowned when he fell in the water.

Billy was 19 years of age, being born in Owen on March 25, 1927. He attended the Owen and Withee School systems, and during his high school days in Owen was an outstanding football player. A powerful chap, Bill ranked as one of the best line plunging backfield men to represent the Owen School, and an expert passer. This summer he had pursued his athletic likes by participating in both baseball and softball as a pitcher. He was a member of the mouna staff of the Withee Bluebirds and of the Owen Nighthawks.

His untimely passing is mourned by his parents, nine brothers. Bobby, Pete, Bert, Tommie, Teddy, David, Danny, Lee and Pat, and four sisters, Theresa, Janice, Marilyn and Kathleen, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Devine, Sr., and other relatives, , and a wide association of young people.

Funeral services were held this Friday morning, August 9, 1946 at the Holy Rosary Church, Owen, WI. Rev. Brockman officiated and burial was made in the Riverside Cemetery. The Pallbearers were: Henry Mauel Jr., James Riley, Florian Tomkowiak, Galen Parkinson, Dale Kennow and Glen Haas.

* * *

William was taken from another obituary entry.