Gordon W. Fisher
July 23, 1897-Feb. 22, 1936*
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, February 22, 1936, Page 1, col. 8, cont. page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
TAKES OWN LIFE BY INHALING GAS
GORDON W. FISHER LEAVES WIDOW WITH 4 SMALL CHILDREN
Family Quarantined for Scarlet Fever; Takes Life in Gas Company Shop
Leaving his wife and four children under quarantine for scarlet fever at the home at 1420 North Eleventh street, Gordon W. Fisher, 38, who was employed for six years as meter [Illegible] for the Michigan Gas and Electric company, committed suicide early this morning at the company's meter house, Front and Howard streets.
His body, a light coat over the head and a small rubber tube connected to an open gas line, lying against his mouth, was found shortly after 7 o'clock when Floyd Joslin and Homer Frame, company employes, reported at the building.
Police who investigated said Fisher had apparently lain face down on the floor after opening the gas line. He had then placed the tube in his mouth and pulled the coat over his head.
No Inquest
The body was still worm when discovered. Dr. Robert Henderson, summoned by the officers, placed th time of death at approximately 7 o'clock.
Coroner Louis Kerlikowske, in a telephone conversation from St. Joseph, told city police he would not conduct an inquest.
Fisher had not been at work the last two days and had been [illegible] by fellow employes and other acquaintances Friday. He had been rooming at at Sycamore street address since his family was placed under quarantine.
Investigators said that had been informed his [illegible] periodic and occasionally brought searches for him.
Gave No Hint
Fisher, officer said, left no note and had given neither his wife, who was prostrated when informed of his action, nor fellow workers even a veiled hint of his intention.
Search of his room revealed a letter from his sister, and another he had written to a brother. Neither contained a line which might supply a motive, it was said.
Mr. Fisher is survived by the widow, Nora; four children, Joseph, Alma, Margaret, and Gordon, Jr.; a brother, William R. Fisher, Verona, Pa. And a sister, Mrs. J.R. Flint, Oakmont, Pa.
The body was taken to the Turner and Pifer mortuary, where friends may call.
Funeral arrangements are being postponed pending receipt of word from the sister.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 24, 1936, Page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
Fisher Funeral Rites Held Today
Funeral services for Gordon W. Fisher, whose lifeless body was discovered Saturday morning at the meter house of the Michigan Gas and Electric company, were conducted this morning at 10:30 o'clock in the Turner-Pifer Funeral Home. The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson officiated and burial was in Silverbrook.
Relatives of Mr. Fisher arrived in Niles by automobile this morning, coming from their homes in Pennsylvania. They included five sisters and one brother, Mrs. Calvin Wilhelm, Mrs. Fillmore Simpson, Mrs. Stephen Whitmore and Mrs. Walter Closson, all of Verona, Pa., Mrs. Harry Brooks, Oakmont, Pa., and William Fisher, Verona. Mrs. Wilhelm and Mrs. Simpson were accompanied by their husbands.
Private services will be held in the family home, 1420 North Eleventh street, Tuesday morning.
Note: DOB from Michigan Death Record