Last Monday the entire community was shocked to learn of the death of Hico Fonken. It had been known that Mr. Fonken was sick at his father's home for some time with a fever, but his friends thought that he would soon recover. Sunday a turn for the worse took place, and on Monday he peacefully passed away. Everything that loving hands and skilled physicians could do was done, but it was of no avail. The dreaded fangs of the fever had fixed itself so fiendishly on him that the death angel came and called him to his heavenly home.

Thirty-two years ago, September 13, 1877, Hico was born on a farm in Carroll County near the Crawford County line. On moving to Manning with his parents he worked for a time for Jay & Grelck in the clothing store. Afterwards he worked in a store at Dunlap. Coming back to Manning he worked for a time in Henry Hoffmann's store. All those who hired him speak highly of him as an industrious, honest and accommodating salesman. Later he bought an interest in the Grelck & Fonken store.

On April 19, 1903, he was married to Miss Lena Greves (Graves?). She and a daughter, Viola, still survive him. Also surviving him are his aged father and mother, and sisters and brothers, who keenly feel his untimely death. His brothers are Albert Fonken, of Happy, Texas; John Fonken, of South Dakota, and George, Dick and Herman Fonken, who live here: His sisters are Mrs. Grace Martens and Mrs. Anna Flenker, both of this place.

Mr. Hico Fonken was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and that lodge took an active interest in laying to rest one of their beloved members. He was also a member of the Schuetzen Verein and will be greatly missed by the members of that organization. The Schuetzen Verein marched in a body to do honor to the departed one. The funeral sermon was preached Thursday morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Fonken by Rev. Faut, of Westside, assisted by Rev. Harvey of this place, and the body was carried to the Manning Cemetery, followed by a large body of sorrowing relatives and friends.

Thus in the strength of young manhood he was struck down. He was spoken highly of by all who knew him and he will be sadly missed. The bereaved relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of a host of sorrowing friends.

December 30, 1909
Card of Thanks.
For the kindness and favors shown my daughter, Viola, and myself at the death of our father and husband, I wish to thank the neighbors, friends and relatives. It is indeed comforting to ever remember the kind offerings of the M.W.A. (Modern Woodmen of America) Lodge, The Manning Firemen and the Schuetzen Verein.
Mrs. H.J. Fonken and daughter.

Note: the tombstone records show Heyko Fonken born September 13, 1873 but death date can't be read because the bottom of the stone is in the ground.
The city records show Heyko Fonken born in 1877 to 1909.