Michael J. Fahey obituary
The Daily Gate City and Constitution-Democrat, Keokuk, Iowa, Friday, March 15, 1918, page 2:

Solder Loses
Race With Death

Richard Fahey of Fort Madison Is Called Home by Critical Illness of His Father

Died Before He Came

Sergeant Fahey Was Former Telegraph Editor of the Fort Madison Democrat When He Enlisted

Keokuk people who know Richard Fahey, now Sergeant Fahey of the U.S. regulars, formerly telegraph editor of the Fort Madison Democrat will regret to learn of the death of his father which occurred in Fort Madison yesterday. The Democrat says:

Sergeant Richard Fahey, well known local young man and former telegraph editor of The Evening Democrat, lost a race with death in a trip between Jefferson (barracks, near St. Louis, to this city during the night, after receiving word that his father, Michael Fahey, a well known and highly respected resident of this city, was in a critical condition at the Santa Fe hospital.

When he arrived about 4:00 o'clock this morning over the Burlington he called up the hospital to determine the condition of his father. He was told that he was dead.

The aged man passed away at the hospital during the night after a lingering illness of several years. His condition has not been regarded as dangerous, however, up until Wednesday when he suddenly relapsed and it was thought best to advise the son of his condition.

In the death of the man, Fort Madison loses probably its oldest resident. He has resided in this city since his birth, seventy-three years ago.

The deceased was born In Fort Madison and his father held the contract to build the first walls of the state prison here. He was in business here many years and for the past fifteen years has been an employee of the Santa Fe in the tinners' department at the local shops.

Obituary.

Michael J. Fahey, aged 73 years, passed away at the Santa Fe hospital at 12:10 a.m., March 14, 1918.

The deceased was born in this city and resided here all of his life. He was widely known for his industry and straightforward and honest character. He could probably claim more close friends than any man in the city, despite the fact that he was of a retiring disposition.

On August 17 he was afflicted with a stroke of paralysis which robbed him partially of his faculties. He was unable to speak and his left side was useless. He lingered on, however, until Thursday when he suffered a relapse.

He was a member of St. Joseph's church, being a devout Catholic and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his son. Sergeant Richard Fahey, stationed at Jefferson barracks, as secretary to the commandant there, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Kate Lowery of Chicago.

The funeral will be held from St. Joseph's church at 9 o'clock Saturday morning. Interment will be made at the city cemetery where the remains will rest beside those of his father, who was the eighth citizen to be buried in that cemetery. Rev. A.J. Zalser will officiate.