Extracted from The Caldwell Watchman (Columbia, LA)
Friday, October 4, 1946

FORMER CLARKS RESIDENT ACCIDENTLY IS SHOT BY NEGRO

W. A. Rongey, about 64 years of age, was instantly killed last Sunday when hit by a stray bullet while standing out in front of his son-in-law's picture show at Cheneyville. Mr. Rongey, a resident of Lecompte, where [he] was section foreman for the Texas and Pacific railroad, was a former resident of Clarks where he was steel gang foreman for a number of years. He was a brother-in-law of Deputy Creston Dunn, having married the former Callie Dunn, who preceded him in death some time ago.

His death came almost instantly, while standing out in front of the theatre. A Negro had gone into the balcony of the show looking for his wife, and found her with another Negro. He said a fuss in the show and had been ejected from the building by the manager. The Negro proceded to wait on the outside and in front of the show hall, and when his wife and her escort came out, he began shooting. One of the bullets from his gun killed the Negro man, and another one struck Rongey.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday with Rev. L. C. Crain in charge of the services. Interment was made in the Old Union cemetery with the Masonic order in charge at the grave.

The deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clarence Martin and Mrs. Dorothy Duhorn.