The focus early Sunday afternoon was on the lives to two young men who died in service to their country during World War II --- just over 80 years ago: Roy Ellis, crew member of a B-24 bomber shot down by Japanese forces over the Aleutian Islands on June 11, 1942, and Lyle H. Morris, killed on Oct. 26, 1942, during an attack by Japanese forces on the U.S.S. Enterprise.
These are the men, both age 22, after whom Chariton's twin lakes --- formerly the source of our city's water supply --- are named. The occasion was dedication of new "story-telling" signage at the lakes, intended to ensure that the details of their lives and deaths are not forgotten. The lakes were named in their honor during 1943.
Lyle's nephew, Don Evans (above) of Colonia, Yap --- and Humeston --- provided a moving account of his mother's lifelong reluctance to talk about her baby brother (she was 9 when he was born) and the circumstances of his death. Flora Morris Evans died at the age of 92 during 2006, but it was not until the closing years of her life that Don learned that there was a lake in Lucas County named in Lyle's honor.
City Manager Laura Liegois arranged and coordinated the program, which began at 1 p.m. at Lake Morris and then continued at Lake Ellis. Trumpeters Brett Morgan and Jacob Kraber performed the National Anthem as the program opened and Brett closed it with "Taps" about 45 minutes later. I was able to provide a few historic notes.
Sheila Laing, of the Chariton City Lakes Advisory Commission, also provided an update on the lakes during the program. City water now is provided by the Rathbun Regional Water Association, but the lakes remain as a rich recreational and natural resource. The commission now is in the study phase of a long-term development plan, but improvements are being made --- including the installation next spring of a new dock at Lake Morris.
Although there are no amenities at the lakes, they are open to visitors; the fishing's fine; and there's an interesting walking trail along the west shore of Lake Ellis --- providing you can find the trailhead which is fairly obscure. So stop out and take a look at the new signs and explore the lakes.
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