Joseph Kersey Funk attempted to save Billie Dee May from burning, Lake Arthur, New Mexico, December 30, 1940. While Billie, 11 months old, was in a 12-foot-square bedroom on the ground floor of a frame house, fire developed in the room. Billie’s mother attempted to reach him but sustained serious burns and left the house. Funk, 39, farmer, pushed open an outside door to the room; and closing his eyes and holding his breath, he walked six feet into the room amid flames. Taking a breath, Funk became dazed; and he walked toward the doorway, colliding with the door. Opening his eyes, he went outside. His clothing, which was burning, was torn and cut from him. Ten minutes later the walls of the house caved in. Billie died in the fire. Funk sustained serious burns on his legs, arms, hands, head, and back and was confined to hospitals more than seven months. 38974-3246
38974 – 3246
38974-3246