The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Wednesday, August 25, 1965 Homer French Man Dies In Tractor Accident Homer Eugene French, 54, Shiloh township farmer and Mt. Vernon tavern operator was crushed to death Tuesday afternoon when a tractor he was driving flipped over. The tragic accident occurred on French's farm near Drivers, about four and one-half miles northwest of Mt. Vernon, while he was checking on his bean field. County officers said Mr. French was driving his big tractor across a ditch when the accident occurred. He was climbing a steep five foot bank of the ditch when the tractor flipped backwards, pinning him underneath. He was instantly killed. Mr. French, who resided on Route 1. Woodlawn, owned and operated French's Tavern at 415 Main street. Funeral services will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Myers Chapel. The Rev. John Curtis of Lebanon, Ill., will officiate and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. The body will lie in state at Myers Chapel, where friends may call after 4:00 p. m. Thursday. Mr. French was born December 29, 1910 in Jackcon (sic.) county, Ill., the son of Oscar and Ethel (Johnson) French. He was married to Betty Osborne who survives. Mr. French, a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II, was a member of the Amvets. Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Ethel Toler of Anna, Ill.; two sons, Jack E. French of Metamora, Ill. and Frank L. French of Tulsa, Okla.; two daughters, Mrs. Alice Verely of Lebanon, Ill., and Barbara Kay French of Mt. Vernon; two stepsons, Ernest and Robert Belt, at home; Three step-daughters, Cheryl, Bonnie and Carol Belt, at home; one brother, Paul French of Dieterich, Ill.; and one sister, Mrs. Berdine Elmore of Dieterich, Ill.