William Asper was born in Summit Co., Ohio, 22 Sep 1850, and died 30 Oct 1916, 66 years, 1 month, 8 days {stroke}. He grew to young manhood in Ohio, coming to Kansas in the spring of 1874. he purchased a farm north of Downs, the place having been homesteaded by an early settler. Mr. Asper was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Elizabeth DECK, at the home of the later's parents, just northwest of the present site of Downs, on 23 Dec 1875. Seven children were born to this union, six of whom are still living. One son {David Dwight, inf.} passed on to the Great Beyond in early youth. The living children are; Mrs. {Walter L.} Henrietta Baker, Mrs. Mabel Headley {Ira W.}, Miss Metta Asper, Clarence, Vern and Aaron J. Asper, all of Downs, who with their mother survive him. Besides these Mr. Asper leaves 3 sisters and 3 brothers to mourn his death. They are Mrs. Sarah Ackley, {Solomon Judson}, Marble Rock, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Palmatier, {Horace Hudson} of Osakis, Wis; Herman Asper, Marble Rock, Iowa; Henry J. Asper, Rudolph R. Asper and Mrs. Jennie Enola Cox,{Charles Martin Cox}, all of Downs, Ks.

Mr. Asper and family continued to reside on his farm north of Downs until about two years ago, when Mr. Asper erected a handsome modern residence in Downs, where the family has since resided.

Mr. Asper was a splendid citizen and a man highly respected by all who knew him. He was always genial and companionable and as a result he had many friends. Since he has resided in town, it was his custom to come to town every afternoon and on these occasions he never failed to meet up with many friends with whom he enjoyed a pleasant chat. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father and a neighbor who was much esteemed by all. His death is a distinct loss, not only to his family, but to the entire community as well. He came to Kansas in the early days and has seen this section develop from a dreary waste of undulating prairie to its present prosperous and happy condition. His influence was always to be found on the right side of every moral question, and when such men go they leave a aching void behind them.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at the Congregational Church at 11 o'clock. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Chs. M. Good, assisted by Rev. C.E. Hanes of the Baptist Church. Deceased was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and Downs Camp No. 1323 will attend the services in a body and take charge after the funeral sermon and give their ritualistic service. The pall bearers who have been selected are members of that order and are as follows: A.W. Hefley, S.D. Wagner, W.A. Johnson, D.H. Lockridge, J.F. Enterline and George Oldson. Interment will be made in the Oakdale Cemetery northeast of Downs.

Herman Asper and Mrs. Sarah Ackely of Marble Rock, Ia., brother and sister of the deceased, were expected to arrive this morning to attend the funeral. It is also expected that Mr. and Mrs. Al Dougherty of Logan, Ks, Mr. and Mrs. Allen May and Wm. Deck of Kansas City will be here to attend the service.

Obit of William M. Asper, Downs, Ks. paper
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Received from: William's great-grandson,
Dr. Marvin D. Headley

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Sept 10, 2013 -
a small tornado hit the cemetery about 3 years ago and hit 3 tombstones, Charlie Headley, large Asper stone and the large Deck stone.
Per Dr. Marvin D. Headley
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