The following article from an unknown source dated Apr. 12, 1951, can be found in the Local History Files at Lowell Public Library (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 2, page 63):
The community was grieved this morning to learn of the death of Virgil R. Scritchfield, 51. He passed away at 4:30 a.m. in Gary Mercy Hospital where he was taken early Wednesday morning after suffering a stroke. Mr. Scritchfield, registered pharmacist at Gullstrom's Drug Store, had resigned his position on Mar. 24 and sold his home on Kankakee Ave., as he and Mrs. Scritchfield planned to go to a warmer climate seeking to improve his health. He was a member of the Lowell Masonic Lodge, Lowell Methodist Church, Shriners of Hammond, Legion Post 101 and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enlisted in the Marines during World War I and served one year. Following his discharge he enrolled at Purdue University and was graduated from the School of Pharmacy. He served apprenticeship in the store of his uncle, Logan J. Scritchfield, now owned by Frank Gullstrom, after which he was with the government revenue department for 12 years. He traveled for the Lillie and Squibb Drug Companies and after his marriage Dec. 29, 1927, to Miss Mary G. Kureth of Canton, Ohio, a registered nurse, he was associated with the Walgreen Drug Co. in Chicago, returning to Lowell 12 years ago. Virgil was born June 18, 1899, in the farm home near Lowell built by his great grandfather, Garrison, father of his Grandmother Scritchfield and one of Lake County's first settlers. Survivors include his wife, Mary, his mother, Mrs. Robert (Clara Nichols) Scritchfield, grandfather Marshall Nichols. who is 96 years old, all of Lowell; one sister, Mrs. Floyd Holmes of RFD Valparaiso, four nephews and one niece, besides a host of other relatives and friends. Rev. Paul A. Reisen of First Methodist Chuirch and Rev. E.M. Boney of St. Edwards will officiate at services which will be held in the Sheets Funeral Home at two o'clock, Saturday afternoon.
This May 17, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found page 1, column 3:
Lowell Veteran Rests in Arlington Cemetery
At Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 9th, Virgil Ray Scritchfield, U.S. Marine during World War I, was buried. The Chaplain, Reverend Glennon, assisted by an Honor Guard of Marines and representatives of allied services, conducted brief but deeply impressive military services.
The late Virgil R. Scritchfield's remains were escorted via train from Canton, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., by Mrs. Virgil R. Scritchfield, accompanied by her brother, Edward J. Kureth.
This June 28, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found page 1, column 1:
MRS. R. SCRITCHFIELD IS RECIPIENT OF ARLINGTON MAP
Mrs. Robert Scritchfield is the recipient of a map of Arlington National cemetery from the executive office at Fort Myer, Va., marked with the location of the grave of her son, Virgil, marine veteran of World War I who was laid to rest there on May 9th, 1951. With the map came the assurance that although circumstances prevented her attendance, his burial was made with the same reverence and careful attention to every detail as though she had been present.
Virgil's grave is number 4861 in section 12 near the section where the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located.