source: Oelwein Daily Register, December 2, 1918, pg. 1

MEMORIAL FOR FLOYD McDUFFEE

Memorial services for Sergt. Floyd McDuffee who died in the service of his country in France were held on Sunday afternoon in the Christian church.  The discourse was delivered by Rev. R.W. Leisher.  There was special music and the floral offerings were beautiful.

Floyd McDuffee was born in this county July 22, 1894, and died in France October 19, 1918.

Sergt. Floyd L. McDuffee, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. McDuffee, was born in Fayette county on a farm near Oelwein, July 22, 1894, and departed this life October 19th, 1918, somewhere in France of pneumonia.

When a small boy he moved with his parents to Oelwein where he grew to manhood.  Always a kind and obedient child, he attended the public schools and later took a course in the Oelwein Business College.  He then went to Waterloo where he worked for the street car company as bookkeeper for two years.  He then returned to Oelwein where he worked for Mr. Feltus in the hardware store until the spring of 1915 when he went to Anamosa where he worked for a hardware store until he was called to the colors.  While there he made many friends.

He enlisted in the U.S. army early last spring and was called to Camp Dodge in June, where he remained until August, when he was sent overseas to somewhere in France.  In his last letter to home folks he stated that he had been in a couple of days with La Grippe, but was feeling quite himself again; thought he would be out in a day or so; and then came the sad news of his death.

He leaves to mourn his departure his father, J.R. McDuffee, the mother preceding him in death ten years ago, one brother Lyle, many other relatives and a host of friends.

His friends were numbered by his acquaintances, for all that knew him liked him and he was greatly loved by the family circle.  His life was one of self-sacrifice, always happiest when he could be doing good deeds for others.  He lived his life an open book, and at last gave his life for you.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, where a large circle of relatives and fiends gathered to pay tribute to another loyal son who gave his life for his country.  The floral offerings were many and beautiful.