Dennis E. Lovan died helping to save Lisa M. and Mary C. Ponder from drowning, Branson, Missouri, August 1, 1974. While wading on a submerged gravel bar in Lake Taneycomo, Lisa, 6, was swept into deep water; and when her sister, Mary, 15, went to her aid, both were submerged. Lovan, 45, highway department inspector, ran onto the gravel bar, entered the deep water, which was cold, and lifted Lisa to the surface. Mary then surfaced and took hold of Lovan., who tried to tow the two girls to the bar but could not do so because of the swift current. While Mary then attempted in vain to swim to the bar alone, Lovan sank and drowned, leaving Lisa floating at the surface. A man arrived in a boat and took Lisa and Mary to shore. They recovered fully. 54087-6127
54087 – 6127
54087-6127