Leon B. Fikes

L. B. FIKES IS BURIED NORTH ELM CEMETERY L. B. Fikes, for ten years county treasurer of Milam county, died at the home of his brother, Raymond Fikes, at 11:45 on Friday night May 25, 1934 after a two day illness. A failing heart was responsible for his untimely death. He was 50 years of age. Mr. Fikes had announced his candidacy for re-election. Due to illness he could not appear as a speaker at Davilla on the night of May 25th. He had been troubled with a weak heart for a number of years and was subject to frequent spells. His condition became critical around noon Friday and in the early evening hope had been abandoned for his recovery. Death came to him just before midnight as the family and close friends gathered around him. Mr. Fikes left his office in the court house on Thursday afternoon feeling ill. he went to bed and never rose again. He was 50 years of age and was one of the 23 children born to his aged father, M. L. Fikes. He was born and reared in Milam county. At the age of 18 he suffered an attack of rheumatism which left him a cripple. He made his way about by crutches but his spirit overcame those handicaps. He asked for nothing except opportunity. He lived on his farm and worked. He did much of it from a buggy to which was hitched his trained horse. On a slide he helped to gather the harvest. By reason of his strong will, he had endeared himself to many. He made friends and ten years ago he was elected county treasurer. He had served well and the people have lost a faithful and efficient servant. He had never married. At the time of his death he was living in the home of his brother. He was member of the Baptist church but due to his physical handicap did not take active part in civic affairs. Funeral services were held at the North Elm Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, with Rev. N. D. Timmerman of the First Baptist Church, Cameron, officiating. Interment was made in North Elm Cemetery with Leland Green Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The funeral was attended by hundreds from all sections of the country. Pallbearers were: Roy Law, W. A. Bonds, Penn Wolf, L. L. Blaylock, Homer Nabours, and H. B. McClellen. The Cameron Herald 31 May 1934