Source: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/sabine/obits/b/b4000065.txt

Extracted from The Sabine Index (Many, LA)
Thursday, October 6, 1977

Erby Lee Bly

A Many couple drowned in a mill pond in Hemphill, Tex., on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., according to the Sabine County Sheriff's Office in Hemphill.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Rose Etta Bly, 22, and her husband, Erby Lee Bly, 21, both of Many, were riding in a small boat on the pond, with a 12 year old child, when the boat apparently turned over. The child, who is unidentified, was able to swim to shore, but the Blys both drowned.

Dragging operations for the bodies began promptly, with the young woman's body discovered early Monday morning, and her husband's body discovered Monday at noon. Heading the rescue team at the pond was Bob Rawls, a Sabine County Game Warden. He was assisted by deputies from the Sabine County Sheriff's Dept., and Lee Isgitt of the Louisiana State Police Water Patrol.

Joint funeral services for the couple were held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m., in the Beulah Baptist Church. The Rev. Hall officiated at the services. Burial was in the Beulah Cemetery, under the direction of the Warren Meadows Funeral Home.

Survivors of Mrs. Rose Etta Bly include her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hippler of Many; two brothers, Gerald Hippler of Pelican, and Danny Hippler of Blanchard; a sister, Mrs. Barbara Beaumont of Glenpool, Okla.; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hippler of Many; her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Annie B. Pledger of Vidor, Tex.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Erby Lee Bly is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Prentice Beason of Many; three stepsisters, Glenda Dockens of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Debra Livingston, and Janet Beason, both of Many; two stepbrothers, Eddie Herpin, and Richard Beason, both of Many; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claud Free of Buna, Tex.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Bly were Jerry Rains, Otis Hillard, Franklin Ott. Cecil Bunch, Steve Hippler, and Graylon Hippler.

Pallbearers for Bly were Jackie Livingston, Eddie Herpin, Joe Harrington, Billy Free, Delmar Lewing, Larry Goodman, and honorary pallbearer, Richard Beason.