The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., April 14, 1955, page 1
RIVER CLAIMS LIFE OF WHITE SALMON MAN
Divers Saturday afternoon recovered the body of George
F. Funderburk, at 21, White Salmon, from 40 feet of water in the Columbia
River near Oak Point, Wash.
The young man, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Funderburk of
White Salmon, disappeared Thursday while en route to Ocean Park, Wash. The
car he was driving was discovered by fishermen who noted an oil slick in
the river just a few feet from the Washington shore line.
George Funderburk had returned to White Salmon only Wednesday
from northern California and southern Oregon where he had been working. In
addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers, Ernest and Tom
of White Salmon, and Roy, with the Navy near Formosa, and two sisters, Marie
and Willia, both of White Salmon.
The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., April 21, 1955, page 6
GEORGE ALBERT FUNDERBURK
George Albert Funderburk born October 6, 1933 in Merlin,
Oregon passed away as a result of an automobile accident 11 Miles West of
Longview, Washington on April 7th. Mr. Funderburk was the son of Okla D.
Funderburk of White Salmon and had recently been released from active military
service with the U.S. Navy. He is also survived by a brother, Roy, presently
serving in the Formosa area with the Navy. To sisters: Lorrie and Wile Funderburk
of White Salmon; a half brother, Tom and step brother, Ernest Funderburk,
and his step-mother, Mrs. Mary Funderburk of White Salmon.
Military graveside services will be conducted by the
VFW and Legion posts following funeral services at Gardner's Funeral Home.
Efforts are being made to reach his brother, Roy, in the hopes that he may
be able to be present for services, which have not been scheduled at the
present time.
The Mt. Adams Sun, April 14, 1955, page 4
Includes portrait
NAVYMAN DIES WHEN CAR DIVES INTO COLUMBIA
Death by drowning ended the life of George Albert Funderburk,
21, W.S., when he drove his car into the Columbia river, 11 miles west of
Longview, about noon Thursday, April 7. He apparently fell asleep at the
wheel.
According to the state police, young Funderburk arrived
at the home of his father, Okla D. Funderburk, about 5 a.m., Tuesday morning.
At 7 a.m. the father and his two sons, George and Ernest set out in separate
cars for Ocean Park with a father owns some cabins.
George was following his father. When he failed to arrive
at the beach, his father retraced the route. Finding no trace of George or
his car, the father notified authorities. All Thursday and Friday morning,
the State Patrol and sheriff's deputies from Cowlitz, Wahkiacum and Pacific
counties searched the river edge from Longview to the ocean for signs of
the missing vehicle.
Noticing an oil slick, two Longview fisherman located
the car submerged in about 55 feet of water. Skin divers were called but
failed to bring up the body which was retrieved by a deep-sea diver on Saturday.
On Easter Sunday, Gardner's funeral service brought the
victim to White Salmon. He was born Oct. 6, 1933 in Merlin, Oregon.
Funeral arrangements await Red Cross efforts to locate
and bring home George's brother Roy, serving aboard the USS Essex at Formosa.
George had been working in northern California and Oregon
since discharge from the Navy about six months ago.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Mr. and
Mrs. O.D. Funderburk of W.S.; mother, Leona Bandon; step-brother Ernest;
brother, Roy; half brother Tom; and half sisters, Lorrie F. and Willie.
The VFW and Legion will hold a combined graveside rituals.
A Baptist minister from The Dalles will officiate. Burial will be in the
local IOOF cemetery.
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer