Lee Lykins Kills at RR Crossing
Shiloh, Ohio on March 24, 1954
Funeral services were held at 2:30pm Friday at the McQuate Funeral home here for Lee Robert Lykens, 48, prominate area farmer who was killed instantly at about 8:15 Wednesday evening when his Dodge sedan was struck at the Main Street crossing here by the Big Four’s crack passenger train, Southwestern Limited.
Lykens, according to witness reports, was traveling about 15 miles per hour when he drove onto the track despite warning flashers at the crossing. The train, according to conductor J.J. Carney of Cincinnati was traveling about 75 miles an hour headed north from Indianapolis to Cleveland.
The impact completely demolished the car and hurled it approximately 200 feet up the track, where it landed on the west side of Stock Street almost in front of Mr. Lykens’ brother Isaac’s house. The gas tank exploded spraying flaming gasoline upon Main Street and along the railroad right of the way. Lykens’ body was thrown clear of the flaming wreckage and landed on the east side of the tracks approximately 125 feet north of the crossing. Lowell Fletcher, who lives near the tracks, is reported to beat out the fire in Lykens’ clothing with his bare hands.
Sheriff’s Deputies were on the scene shortly after that accident happened and the Shiloh Fire Department was on hand to quench the flames.
Dr. C.L. Hannum of Plymouth summoned to the scene, pronounced the man dead upon arrival, and the Coroner D.C. Lavender ruled the death was due to skull and multiple body fractures.
Mr. Lykins is the second of his family to meet his death at the Main Street Crossing. His father Monroe (Doc) Lykens was killed slightly less than seven years ago when he was struck by train while crossing afoot.
Surviving are his wife Bernice; three daughters, Mrs. Lawrence Wallen, Shelby R.D., 1: Mrs. George Enos, Columbus; Miss Madge Lykens at home and one son, Dwight Lee, of Shelby, two brothers, Isaac of Shiloh rural; Ben of Shiloh rural; and three sisters; Mrs. Roscoe Rudd of Shelby; Mrs. Garrett Frisby of Shiloh rural; and Mrs. Edna Oney of Columbus; also four grandchildren.
Rev R.L. Lubold, pastor of the Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, officiated at the services and burial was at the New Haven Cemetery.
Pictured: Left Peter “Doc” Monroe and Right Ina, Nellie and Edna
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