Uncle Fred With His Parents: One Of My Favorite Photos

 “Tell the story of a favorite photo: Who is in it, when and where it was taken, and why it was taken. (That last part is often left out!) ” Amy Johnson Crow

This is a photo of my material grandparents Leo and Mary with their son First Class Private Frederick William Lankford. The photo was taken in the family home on Locust Street in St. Joseph, Missouri. I’m assuming the year was in 1951. (The elderly man in the background photo is unknown.)


Indeed, each photo has a story behind it. I don’t know the story behind this photo. But, I believe that this snapshot was during the time the Lankford family had a get together. It appears that Fred came home to visit while he was serving in the military of the United States.

Frederick enlisted into the army on April 26, 1951. His basic training was at Camp Roberts in California. He was a member of the battery A 17th Field Artillery Battalion IX Crops. He had been overseas since October 10, 1951.

What makes this photo one of my favorites?
This snapshot brings the family history alive. Also a photo can help piece together some of our stories that we share. We can see how our relatives lived and the styles of their time.

I noticed that Grandma Mary was wearing her polka dot dress in another photo with six of her seven daughters. I think that this photo was taken on the same day. I think that polka dots must have been in style back in the days. Even Grandpa Leo was wearing his polka dot tie.

I noticed that Uncle Fred was wearing his military uniform in another photo sitting by a man. I was told the man was my Uncle Willie. In that photo, Uncle Willie’s face was partial cut off. I believe that that photo was taken on the same day as this one.

Sadly to say, Fred was reported as missing in action. He drowned on July 19, 1952 while serving in the Korean War. Fred’s body was recovered….and had a military escort back to St. Joseph where he was laid to rest. He was due home from the serve in August of 1952.

His father Leo passed in September of 1954. And Mary passed in November of 1975. Mary was laid to rest between her son, Fred and her husband, Leo.

May we search other sources so that we can bring our family photos to life. Old newspapers are a good source to learn more about our relatives. I’m thankful that I’ve made more discoveries about Grandpa Leo and Uncle Fred through the news papers. It’s amazing!

Thanks for reading.
Uncle Fred With His Parents: One Of My Favorite Photo.

What makes this photo one of my favorite?
I do remember this photo from my childhood. There’s something about this photo that brings a smile. Just think, when the time comes, we shall have our family get together with the whole family.

R.I.P. Grandma Mary, Grandpa Leo and Uncle Fred.

Blessings
S.A. Blakey

Family Connections: In Remembrance:
DADE 

BARTLETT Family 

Blakey Blakley WHITE 

This blog was posted on January 17, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley.
The in remembrance were added to this blog. 

Week 3 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2024
The theme for Week 3 is “Favorite Photo.” This is one of my favorite prompts. Yes, I’ve used it in previous years, but it’s too good to not use again! Tell the story of a favorite photo: Who is in it, when and where it was taken, and why it was taken. (That last part is often left out!)