Wayne County Press,
April 25, 1957,
p1, c8:

Ira Otis Book, 88, well-known resident here, died at 6:15 Wednesday evening
at Memorial Hospital.

He was the father of Bob Book, a bulk oil dealer here, and uncle of I. B. "Boss" Book, of this city.

Mr. Book died from a complication of diseases, including a circulatory thrombosis in his leg a week ago, from a kidney ailment and diabetis.  He had maintained fairly good health for his advancing age up until three years ago.

Funeral services will be held from the First Baptist church at two o'clock Saturday afternoon, with Rev. Delbert Goff and Rev. James Merriman officiating.  Burial will be in Union Cemetery.  The body will be at the Dixon and Crippen Funeral Home until the funeral hour.

Mr. Book served as postmaster and general store operator at Barnhill for 20 years, after earlier engaging in farming and saw-mill operation.  Following retirement, he had made his home in Fairfield for the past 11 years.

Ira Otis, son of Michael and Elizabeth Book, was born in Big Mound township near Boyleston December 8th, 1868.  He spent practically his entire life in Big Mound, Barnhill and Leech townships.

He was married to Miss Jane Book in October, 1898, and six children were born to this union.  A son, Jim, died four years ago at Denver, Colo.; a daughter, Mrs. Virgil Etheridge, died last November, and three children died in infancy.

In December, 1945, he was married to Laura Alice Brock, a life-long family friend.  They resided at her farm home for two years before moving to Fairfield.

Mr. Book was baptised at an early age and was a member of the Union C. P. church.  Later he transferred his membership to the New Hope General Baptist church.
 
Surviving are his wife, a son, Robert E. "Bob" Book, of this city; four grandchildren, Jimmy D. Book,across the sea; Kenneth and Harold Etheridge and Mrs. Phyllis Vaughn, all of Fairfield, and a great grandson, Philip Etheridge, of Fairfield.