Merced Sun Star, Merced, CA., May 24, 1947

Gustine Dairyman Is Suicide Victim

GUSTINE - M.A. Fagan, 57, Gustine dairyman, found dead in his automobile near the Merced river bridge late yesterday with a .22 caliber rifle bullet through his head, was declared a suicide by Coroner J. C. Brooks today.

In the note Fagan said he was sick and despondent over financial matters.
He leaves a widow, living in Ross, and an 11 year-old daughter.

The body was taken to the Hal Davis funeral home and is awaiting funeral arrangements.
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The Gustine Standard, Gustine, CA., Thursday, May 29, 1947, page 1.

GUSTINE MAN IS SUICIDE
Marion A. Fagan Dies Of Self-In-Flicted Bullet Wound.

Marion A. Fagan, 57, Gustine cattleman, who resided in this community for the past seven years, died near here last Friday afternoon from a self-inflicted bullet wound, shot from a .22 caliber rifle.

The tragedy was enacted shortly after 3:00 p.m. near Stevinson in the vicinity of the Tony Lema ranch, between the Stevinson cemetery and the old Desmond barn. Fagan had driven to the Stevinson vicinity in his own car.

According to the report of Deputy Coroner Hal Davis, who recovered the dead man's body later that afternoon, the despondent rancher shot himself through the middle of the forehead. He was found dead in his car and was believed to have died instantly.

Ill health and financial worries, which he told of in detail in a series of three letters written the morning before his death, were believed to have to be the key motives which prompted him to take his own life. He had been in failing health for several days.

Funeral services for the deceased were conducted in Santa Paula, in southern California, on Tuesday of this week. The body was shipped to the southern city from here last week.

Fagan, a native of California, is survived by his wife, Pocahontas Fagan, two daughters, Yvonne and Jacqueline, all of Ross; and two brothers and two sisters, Mrs. H. Troth of North Hollywood, Mrs. Merico Cagnacci of Santa Paula, Frank of Turlock and Wallace of Beverly Hills.

Transcribed by Alma