Extracted from The News-Star (Monroe, LA)
INQUIRY ENDS
Gathel J. Arender Drowns In Canal; Victim's Death Termed Accidental
TALLULAH, Nov. 20. --(Special)-- Dr. E. Otis Edgerton, Madison parish coroner, termed “accidental” today the death of Gathel J. Arender, 37-year-old Tallulah photographer, whose body was discovered in a water-filled canal near the Chicago Mill and Lumber Company Tuesday night.
Dr. Edgerton said he had found no evidence of foul play and had dispensed with an inquest.
Arender, reported missing since Tuesday morning, was found in the canal by his wife and 16-year-old son, John, about 10:30 o'clock Tuesday night. The canal, which intersects with U. S. 80, is about a mile and a half from the Arender home.
Dr. Edgerton said he was told by Mrs. Arender that her husband had left home about 9:30 a. m., presumably bound for his studio, but was unable to determine whether or not he had ever arrived there.
According to a young acquaintance of the drowned man, the coroner said, Arender frequently stopped by the canal on his way to and from town. One set of footsteps was discovered leading from the bank to the water, the coroner said.
Dr. Edgerton said he ruled out a suicide motive completely because, as far as he knew, Arender was not involved in any family troubles or personal difficulties.
Services will be held at Merchants Cemetery in Smith county, Miss., at 2 p. m. Thursday with the Rev. D. W. Molder of Tallulah, officiating.
A resident of Tallulah for the past year and a half, Arender is also survived by another son, Billy, two young daughters, Jo Ann and Elaine, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Arender of Tinsley, Miss., and several brothers and sisters.
Thursday, November 20, 1947