Obituaries from July 2002

ORAN -- Anna Mae Pobst, 78, died at 9:50 a.m. June 29, 2002, at her home. Born Jan. 16, 1924, at Oran, daughter of the late Robert Patrick and Ada Jane Welsh Harris, she was a cake decorator at Schnuck's bakery in Kirkwood until retiring in 1989 and was a member of the Oran First Baptist Church...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- June Aleta Moore, 87, died June 30, 2002, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday.

SIKESTON - Johanna Hopper, 82, died at 10:30 p.m. June 21, 2002, at Miner Nursing Center. Born April 5, 1920, at Ihlauszen, Germany, daughter of the late August John and Roschen Melvien Sudeu, she was a riverboat cook. On Jan. 28, 1954, at Frankfurt, Germany, she married Haden Calvin Hopper who preceded her in death on Aug. 25, 1971...

PORTAGEVILLE - Ernest Lewis, 52, died July 1, 2002. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON -- Phillip Crider, 49, died June 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 18, 1953, at Poplar Bluff, son of the late Lynn B. and Judith Ann Bryan Crider Sr., he had worked for the Sikeston Community Sheltered Workshop. Survivors include: two brothers, Lynn B. Crider of Stockbridge, Ga., and Steve Crider of East Prairie; and one sister, Sherry Wilder of Sikeston...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Virginia Louise Babb, 67, formerly of Charleston, died at 12:20 p.m. June 29, 2002, at the Lutheran Home. Born Oct. 6, 1934, at Charleston, daughter of Dorothy L. Blackburn Deck of Glenn Allen and the late William Andrew Weakley, she had lived in Mississippi County most of her life where she attended the General Baptist Church in Bertrand. She was employed as an LPN at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston for 25 years before retiring in 2001...

LAGRANGE, Ky. -- Stella Elizabeth Ruffin, 88, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died June 30, 2002, at her home. The former Stella Elizabeth Cates and a native of Formosa, Ark., she attended the Taylorsville Road Church of Christ and was a retired homemaker...

SIKESTON -- James E. Clark, 75, died at 3 a.m. June 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 5, 1926, at McKenzie, Tenn., son of the late Joe Kelly and Lois Inez Parker Clark, he was a member of the Smith Avenue Church of God. He worked for Mt. ...

CHAFFEE - Donald Chester Miller, 91, died June 30, 2002, in Glen Allen. Born Aug. 24, 1910, in Anna, Ill., son of the late Tony and Lillian Sprague Miller, he retired in 1973 as a locomotive engineer for the Frisco Railroad Company in Chaffee. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Chaffee and a member of the Chaffee Masonic Lodge 615...

SIKESTON -- Jonathan Kyle Spence, 16, died June 29, 2002, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born March 12, 1986, at Sikeston, son of Brenda Spence of Sikeston, he was a member of Miner Baptist Church. A junior at Sikeston Public Schools, he was a member of the varsity golf team, the wrestling team his freshman year, the math club and Student Council. He also served as treasurer of the Spanish club...

DEXTER -- Mary Jo Smith, 67, died June 28, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born May 6, 1935, in Gray Ridge, daughter of the late Manual and Daisy Rusche Welch, she was a member of the Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church in Dexter and also attended the Word of God Church in Dexter. She retired as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell...

CHARLESTON - Richard Thompson "Dick" Reed, 78, died at 11:40 a.m. June 29, 2002. Born Nov. 10, 1923, at Poplar Bluff, son of the late Buel and Rose Birkhead Reed, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life where he was president and C.E.O. of the First Bank of East Prairie for 30 years. ...

POPLAR BLUFF -- Gary Adamson, 51, died June 30, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare Facility. Born Dec. 18, 1950, in Chicago, son of the late Floyd and Dorothy Lee Lambert Adamson, he lived in Chicago for many years and in Dexter for the past 10 years, working as a mechanic...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Ernest Gaines Lewis, 52, died July 1, 2002. Born Nov. 6, 1949, at Morrilton, Ark., son of William L. Lewis of Gideon and the late Vivian Faye Bizzell Lewis, he was employed by Noranda Aluminum and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam War...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - June Aleta Moore, 87, died June 30, 2002, at the Ratliff Care Center. Born Dec. 24, 1914, at Kime, daughter of the late Matthew Forrest and Dora Bell Berry Rhodes, she was a waitress at Wimpy's Drive-In and at the Cape Airport and was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church and Whitewater Eastern Star Chapter 174...

CHAFFEE -- Charlotte S. Wessel, 82, died July 1, 2002, at her home after a four-year battle with cancer. Born Jan. 18, 1920, at Gordonville, daughter of the late William and Emma Hager Gross, she was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville. She attended Cape Girardeau Schools and graduated from the Cape Girardeau School of Beauty Culture. She was employed at Altha Beauty School in Bonne Terre until her marriage...

SCOTT CITY -- Daisy Ethyl Holder, 86, died at 12:20 p.m. July 1, 2002, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born May 12, 1916, at Bell City, daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Jones Dodson, she was a homemaker. On Dec. 10, 1932, she married David Everett Holder who preceded her in death on Sept. 26, 1985...

MATTHEWS - William E. "Bill" Tarrants, 88, died July 2, 2002, at Sells Nursing Home. Born April 12, 1914, at Canalou, son of the late John L. and Linnie Bruce Tarrants, he had lived in Raymondville for the past 10 years and had spent most of his life in the communities of Canalou, Matthews of Morehouse. ...

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Nellie Crain Williams, 89, formerly of Bernie, Mo., died June 27, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie. Burial will follow in the Bernie Cemetery...

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Nellie Crain Williams, 89, formerly of Bernie, Mo., died June 27, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Hospital. Born Nov. 22, 1912, at Bernie, daughter of the late Samuel Marshall Crain and Sarah Elizabeth Hayes, she was a resident of San Jose and a 30-year member of the Grace Baptist Church of San Jose. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Garry L. Loflin, 59, died at 4:30 a.m. July 2, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 25, 1943, in Missouri, son of the late Jewell and Ada Langley Loflin, he had lived in East Prairie for the past 11 years, moving from Virginia, where he was a hairdresser. He was of the Baptist belief...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Betty Powell, 85, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 3:15 a.m. July 3, 2002, at Methodist Hospital North. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Claral Ervin, 86, died July 2, 2002, at her home. Born Feb. 11, 1916, in Waverly, Tenn., daughter of the late Grady and Clara Bell Adams Mayberry, she was a member of the Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church of Mound City, Ill. Also preceeding her in death were: two husbands, Jim Thomas Dickson and James Ervin; one daughter, Jimmie Lee Dickson; two brothers, James Mayberry and Grady Mayberry; and one sister, Catherine Moore...

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Horace Ray Jones, 70, died July 2, 2002, in Longview after a long illness. Born Aug. 14, 1931, in Clarendon, Ark., son of Alma Jones Kline of Atkins, Ark., he lived in Brownsville before recently moving to Longview where he had previously lived 23 years earlier. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War...

SCOTT CITY - Carl James Raines, 60, died at 12:18 a.m. July 3, 2002, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Crystal City. Born April 15, 1942, in Ancell, son of the late Jessie Joseph and Hattie Belle Cook Raines, he worked 35 years as a dredge equipment operator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers...

HOWARDSVILLE - George Thurman, 76, died June 27, 2002, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 14, 1925, in Caruthersville, son of the late George and Millie Harris Thurman Sr., he was a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Survivors include: two daughters, Alice Clark of Chicago and Joyce Howard of Blytheville, Ark.; one son, Curtis Thurman of Chicago; three stepdaughters, Ada Payton of Chicago, Delores Robertson of Benton Harbor, Mich., and Ora Lee Johnson of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one sister, Aline Brimlett of Blytheville; two special friends, Cora Warren of Blytheville and Effie Pollard of Howardsville; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.. ...

DEXTER -- Arthur L. Bernard, 90, died July 4, 2002, at Cypress Point Healthcare in Dexter. Born May 16, 1912, in St. Charles County, son of the late Frank C. and Anna Guthrie Bernard, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. A former mayor of Benton, he was also a conservation agent in Stoddard and Scott counties...

SIKESTON -- William K. "Bill" Parker, 84, died at 3:10 a.m. July 5, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 22, 1917, in Sikeston, son of the late John U. and Cora Mae Baker Parker, he was the owner and operator of Parker's Garage for 48 years. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II...

NEW MADRID -- Nettie Patterson, 64, died July 2, 2002, at the Beverly Healthcare facility in New Madrid. Born April 2, 1938, in Dundee, Miss., daughter of the late Wilson and Olivia Cook Valentine, she was a member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of New Madrid and was a license practical nurse for over 20 years having been employed with several healthcare facilities in the area...

MOREHOUSE -- Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Morehouse for William "Bill" Tarrants, 88, who died July 2, 2002, were: Roland Appleton, Ronnie Appleton, Leon Appleton, Harold Tarrants Jr., Harold Tarrants III and Frankie Tarrants...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers for services scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for William K. "Bill Parker," 84, who died July 5, 2002, will be: Wade Parker, Wayne Parker, Steve Parker, Ricky Parker, Ryan Parker, and Chadd Parker. Honorary pallbearer will be Danny Parker...

FAIRDEALING - Charles "Bural" Samons, 82, formerly of Mississippi County, died at 4 a.m. July 8, 2002, at Three Rivers Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

PORTAGEVILLE - Theresa "Marie" Briggs, 88, died July 6, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Home. Born Dec. 29, 1913, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of the late Arthur and Ethel Cravens LeSieur, she was a member of St. Eustachius Catholic Church. Survivors include: one son, Charles L. "Yogi" Briggs of Portageville; and one sister, Kathleen Robbs of West Palm Beach, Fla...

ST. PETERS - Thelma Sue Haynes, 60, formerly of Sikeston and Glenn Allen, died July 5, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Dec. 8, 1941, at Glen Allen, she was the daughter of Thelma Jane Deck Underwood of O'Fallon and the late Charlie Floyd Sr...

MEMPHIS - Winnie Greer, 88, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died July 8, 2002, at the St. Francis Nursing Home in Memphis. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

EAST PRAIRIE - C.F. Henry, 87, died July 8, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. rrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SCOTT CITY - Mary Alice Walter, 78, died July 6, 2002. Born Jan. 10, 1924, at Kelso, daughter of the late Joseph and C. Alvina Lux Ressel, she had held the positions of postmaster, officer in charge and window clerk at the Cape Girardeau Post Office during her 36 years of employment with the U.S. Postal Service before retiring. A member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and St. Ann's Sodality in Kelso, she was also a member of VFW Post 6407 Ladies Auxiliary in Scott City...

WICKLIFFE, Ky. - Mable Delores Redfering Curtis, 48, died at 5:30 a.m. July 3, 2002, at her home, following an extended illness. Born Sept. 5, 1953, daughter of the late Cyrus and Louise Manning Redfering, she was a member of Calvary Christian Fellowship...

VIENNA, Ill. - William A. "Bill" Abate Jr., 32, died at 4:25 p.m. July 6, 2002, at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis. Born May 13, 1970, in Chicago, son of Donna Stone Abate of Irving, Texas, and the late William A. Abate Sr., he was a student at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. ...

MEMPHIS - Winnie Virginia McCoy Greer, 88, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died July 8, 2002, at St. Francis Nursing Home in Memphis. Born June 13, 1914, in Elbridge, Tenn., daughter of the late Willy West and Mary Clara Storey McCoy, she graduated in 1934 from Ridgely High School...

PUXICO - Alma Deloma Helton, 87, died July 8, 2002, at the Puxico Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

EAST PRAIRIE - C.F. "PeeWee" Henry, 87, died at 8:40 a.m. July 8, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 23, 1915, in Parma, son of the late Marcus and Myrtle Hicks Henry, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life where he was a member of the First Church of God. He was a retired truck driver and World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army...

FAIRDEALING - Charles "Bural" Samons, 82, formerly of Mississippi County, died at 4:10 a.m. July 8, 2002, at Three Rivers Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 16, 1920, in Supply, Ark., son of the late James and Lola Hayes Samons, he was a member of Bridges United Methodist Church. He was employed with Drake Farms in Mississippi County for 38 years before retiring...

SIKESTON - R.P. "Doc" Schuchart Jr., 83, of Sikeston Route 4, died at 3:15 p.m. July 8, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

ST. LOUIS - David F. Markel, 61, died July 8, 2002, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis. Born Aug. 8, 1940, in St. Louis, son of the late Daniel F. and Cora L. Kinkel Markel, he was a member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. He was also a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church and served on the Raintree P.O.A. Board of Directors...

SIKESTON - R.P. "Doc" Schuchart Jr., 83, of Sikeston Route 4, died at 3:15 p.m. July 8, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 17, 1919, at Union, son of the late Rudolph Peter and Minnie Catherine Hanneken Schuchart Sr., he was a sergeant in the U.S. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Lila Beeson, 77, died July 10, 2002, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

PUXICO - Alma Deloma Helton, 87, died July 8, 2002, at the Puxico Nursing Center. Born Dec. 14, 1914, in Puxico, daughter of the late Walter and Lula Fann Casey, she was a member of the Puxico United Methodist Church and VFW Post 7822 Ladies Auxiliary in Puxico...

SIKESTON - Eleanor McClure Story died early July 10, 2002, at her home in Sikeston. McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

SIKESTON - Geneva L. Burgess, 71, died July 9, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

KENNETT - Malcolm Oscar Gramling, 74, died July 7, 2002, at the Heritage Nursing Home in Kennett. Born Dec. 16, 1927, in Walcott, Ark., son of the late Estes G. and Cordie May Gramling, he had been an auto mechanic instructor at Cape Girardeau Vo-Tech School and had also been employed by Tanksley Trucking and Nation Brothers. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Lila Mae Beeson, 77, died July 10, 2002. Born Aug. 13, 1924, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Clarence Cecil and Lorene Grace Reed Sutton, she was a member of Barnes Ridge Baptist Church. She was a licensed practical nurse at Missouri Delta Medical Center, retiring in 1986...

SIKESTON - Geneva L. Burgess, 71, died July 9, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Nov. 21, 1930, in Crowder, daughter of the late Ed and Bertha Jones McCormick, she was of the Baptist belief. Her husband, Abraham Lincoln Burgess Sr., preceded her in death in March 1977...

SIKESTON - Hazel Lorene Winton Thornton, 91, died July 9, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Oct. 20, 1910, in Piggott, Ark., daughter of the late Minnie Bell Hardin Winton and Orlum Russell Winton, she was raised in Piggott, Ark., with her four brothers and one sister, Ray, Garland, Orlum, Paul Sims and Neva. ...

FREDERICKTOWN - Dale Aldin Raymer Sr., 69, died July 4, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 11, 1932, in Elsinore, son of the late Denver and Willie Raymer, he was a combat veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Marcus Lodge 110 AF&AM and McDonald Chapter 128 Order of the Eastern Star...

PUXICO - Donald Wayne Donner, 58, died at 9 p.m. July 10, 2002, at St. Louis University Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Eleanor McClure Story, 75, died at 12:02 a.m. July 10, 2002, at her home. Born Aug. 29, 1927, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Dr. Thomas C. and Virginia Hetherington McClure, she lived in Sikeston most of her life and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Charleston...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - William Edward Crawford, 5-month-old son of Chris E. and Debbie Crawford, died July 8, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Born Jan. 14, 2002, in Cape Girardeau, he is also survived by one brother, Charles William Copen III of Cape Girardeau; maternal grandparents, Kathy D. ...

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Elizabeth "Betty" Powell, 85, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 3:15 a.m. July 3, 2002, at the Methodist Hospital in North Memphis. Born July 9, 1916, in Columbia, daughter of the late Frank and Ora May Smith Sapp, she graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelors degree in education and a masters degree in library science. ...

SCOTT CITY - John David Mayabb, 48, died July 10, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SIKESTON - Arlene McGill, 62, died July 12, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

BENTON - Frances Mae Emerson, 80, formerly of Morley, died at 10:37 p.m. July 11, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 12, 1922, in Bertrand, daughter of the late Arthur and Jessie Houston Stone, she was owner and manager of Cato's Clothing Store from 1970 until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morley and of the Benton Senior Citizens Group...

PUXICO - Don Wayne Donner, 58, died at 9 p.m. July 10, 2002, at St. Louis University Hospital. Born Jan. 17, 1944, at Manila, Ark., son of the late Joseph A. and Dorothy Hatcher Donner, he was a farmer and member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston and Knights of Columbus...

GRAYRIDGE - John J. Harrell, 79, died July 11, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 27, 1923, in Suffolk, Va., son of the late Nathaniel and Ruby Leigh Powell Harrell, he had lived in Maryland, France, Fort Knox, Ky., and Virginia before moving to Grayridge in 1986. ...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Takisha Lynette Lambert, 26, died July 9, 2002, at Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis. Born July 6, 1976, in Sikeston, daughter of Albert Holmes Jr. of St. Louis and Marilyn K. Lambert of Marianna, Ark., she graduated in 1994 from Lee Senior High School in Marianna and was a member of the U.S. ...

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services conducted at 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Arlene Yvonne McGill, 62, who died July 12, 2002, were: Danny Wilder, Rick Huffman, Wade Huffman, Eli Jackson, Lontas McClinton and Kevin Alexander.

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services conducted today at St. Francis Xavier Church for Don Wayne Donner, 58, who died July 10, 2002, were: Robert Leible, Michael Bollinger, Jason Watkins, Ishmail Payne, Stephen Payne and Arles McIntyre. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements...

KELSO - Raymond William Ressel, 70, died July 13, 2002, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born April 25, 1932, at Cape Girardeau, son of the late Werner Lawrence and Thelma Corvick Ressel, he was a self-employed carpenter and a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 6407 in Scott City...

ORAN - Pauline A. Amrhein, 90, died July 12, 2002. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank "Bud" Amrhein. Survivors include: a daughter, Pat (Jim) Scherer; a son, Randy (Jenny) Amrhein; grandchildren, Cindy Scherer, Steve Scherer, John (Gwen) Scherer, Lori (Alan) Clark, Laura Willis; great-grandchildren, Carter Clark, Zach Clark, Tyler Willis and Caleb Willis...

ORAN - Clara Lucina Halter, 101, died July 13, 2002, at Delmar Garden West in Chesterfield. Born June 2, 1901, at St. Louis, daughter of the late Charles and Katie Mary Hahn Lux, she was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran and the Ladies Sodality of the church...

BERNIE -- Wendell Warren Mills, 80, died July 12, 2002, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Born Aug. 5, 1921, at Bernie, son of the late Marion and Florence Cross Mills, he was a former social worker for the State Department of Mental Health in Missouri. A navy veteran of World War II, he attended the Bethany General Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Arlene Yvonne McGill, 62, died at 1:35 a.m. July 12, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 31, 1940, in Maryville, Tenn., daughter of Maggie Taylor Long Skinner of Sikeston and the late Paul Long, she was a member of Powerhouse of God Church...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Margaret E. Letcher, 84, died July 10, 2002. Born Dec. 15, 1917, in New Market, daughter of the late Dr. Wade Hampton and Ethel Mae Green Esslinger, she was a longtime resident of Birmingham, where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church for many years. She retired from Terminix International Incorporated and was an auxiliary volunteer at St. Vincent's Hospital...

BERNIE - Wendell Mills, 80, died July 12, 2002, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Sylvia A. McFerron, 92, died July 11, 2002, at Chateau Girardeau. Born May 30, 1910, at Laflin, daughter of the late Perry A. and Martha C. Snider Crawford, she lived in Cape Girardeau most of her life and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church...

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. - A gracious lady, Lucille Moll Dowdy, 83, died July 12, 2002, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She died surrounded by the love of those she cherished at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Janie and William Barnette. Additional survivors include her grandson Joel and his wife, Elizabeth Barnette and great-granddaughter, Natalie Anne of Blacksburg; grandson Jeff and wife Colleen Barnette and great-grandson, Sean Kirk of Ashburn; and her granddaughter Sheri Anne Barnette of Fairfax.. ...

SCOTT CITY - John David Mayabb, 48, died at 8:12 p.m. July 10, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 29, 1953, in Carbondale, Ill., son of the late Clifford Lewis and Edna Virginia Keppner Mayabb, he was a carpenter with Laborers Union Local 773 in Cairo, Ill. He was a member of the Lutesville General Baptist Church...

FLOWOOD, Miss. - William Dale Williford, 61, formerly of Charleston and Wyatt, Mo., died June 21, 2002, at Jackson. Born July 3, 1940, in Mississippi County, son of Claireece Rife of Mocksville, N.C., and the late Vernon Williford, he was a construction and wood worker and member of the Song Writer's Guild...

CHARLESTON - Curley Jimmie Lee Foster, 88, died July 12, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Dec. 2, 1913, in Helena, Ark., son of the late John and Katie Foster, he lived in Missouri since 1928. He owned and operated Foster's Cab for many years and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Foster was a member of Mercy Seat Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board...

EAST PRAIRIE - Jacob Carl "Jake" Ishmael, 80, died July 12, 2002, at his home. Born Sept. 30, 1921, in East Prairie, son of the late Harry O. and Chessie B. Zook Ishmael, he lived in East Prairie all his life where he was a retired truck driver. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was of the Protestant belief...

BERNIE - James A. Lovins, 85, died July 15, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

MORLEY - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at the Morley Baptist Church for Frances Mae Emerson, 80, who died July 11, 2002, were: Jeff Emerson, Bruce MacDonald, Robert McKim Jr., Randy McKim, Dustin Snider and Mark Freed. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel of Sikeston was in charge of arrangements...

PARMA - L.D. Goodman, 60, died July 15, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 6, 1942, in Joiner, Ark., son of Jackie Marie Parsons Goodman of Norman, Ark., and the late Amos Lee Goodman, he lived in Arkansas before moving to Parma 34 years ago. He was a retired farmer...

NEW MADRID - Tanaia Lashawn Daniels, 10-month-old daughter of Chanica Word and Rodney Daniels of New Madrid, died July 11, 2002, at Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis. She was born Sept. 9, 2001, in St. Louis and other survivors include: her grandparents, Celestine Robinson, Channie Green, Rodney Daniels Sr. and Ronnie Ross of New Madrid; her great-grandmother, Dorothy Ross of New Madrid; and her great-great-grandmother, Renet Williams of New Madrid...

SIKESTON - Charles "Davy" Pruitt, 36, died July 14, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 16, 1965, in St. Louis, son of Nancy Ann Gilliland Pruitt of Morley and the late David Levi Pruitt, he was a drafting designer. He worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation in Sikeston for 10 years and was employed by Bowen Engineering Survey in Cape Girardeau...

BERNIE - James Alex Lovins, 85, died July 15, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Dec. 19, 1916, in Wayne County, son of the late James Henry and Margrit Scritchfields Lovins, he was a retired farmer and member of the Powe Baptist Church...

WILSON CITY - Catherine Coopwood, 73, died July 12, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 7, 1929, in Lenox, Ky., daughter of the late John and Willie Perry, she lived in Missouri since the early 1950s. She was a member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wyatt, where she was a member of the choir and Mother's Board...

SCOTT CITY - Marshall Pobst, 79, died July 17, 2002, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 13, 1923, at Lusk Chapel, son of the late Lawrence and Effie Knight Pobst Sr., he was a farmer and member of the Broadway Methodist Church in Scott City...

SIKESTON - Donna Mae Hasty, 53, died July 18, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 23, 1948, in Sikeston, daughter of Helen Mae Ziegenhorn Daniel of Sikeston and the late Heartsill Daniel, she was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sikeston. She was a presser and seamstress for King's Laundry for 20 years and an Avon representative for 35 years...

ST. LOUIS - Viola Regina Dannenmueller, 87, died at 3:25 p.m. July 16, 2002, at the Green Park Nursing Home. Born Nov. 18, 1914, in Oran, daughter of the late Frank and Sophie Goetz Heisserer, she was a member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in St. Louis...

CLARKSTON, Mich. - James Chester Jennings Sr., 86, died July 14, 2002, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. Born Dec. 5, 1915, at Dexter, Mo., son of the late Carrie Jennings Chase and stepson of the late Sylvester Chase, he was a member of the Waterford Community Church in Waterford. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II and member of the Masonic Lodge, he was a tool and die maker for General Motors before retiring...

DELTA - Carol Leon Crowden, 69, died at 1:30 a.m. July 17, 2002, at his home. Born March 15, 1933, in LaMar, Ark., son of the late Mary Crowden Ferguson, he retired as a self-employed farmer and as an inseam trimmer for Florsheim Shoe Company in Chaffee. He was a member of the Little Ole Opry in Burfordville...

DEXTER - Holland A. Niederstadt, 79, died July 16, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Nov. 2, 1922, in Fifty Six, Ark., son of the late Arthur and Laura Peters Niederstadt, he was a lifelong resident of Dexter and retired as a heavy equipment operator...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - W. Maxine Ancell, 77, died at 7 a.m. July 17, 2002, at the Lutheran Home. Born Feb. 18, 1925, in Chaffee, daughter of the late Edward Franklin and Audra Leota Patterson Alsobrook, she retired as an insurance clerk for the Cape Girardeau Surgical Clinic and was a member of the First Christian Church in Chaffee...

PORTAGEVILLE - Annie Lee Garrett, 87, died July 17, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born June 29, 1915, daughter of the late John Arthur and Martha Jane Smith Weed, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Portageville. On Oct. 12, 1931, she married Thomas Arvin Garrett who preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 1980...

CHAFFEE - Leonard Lawrence Scheffer, 59, died at 10:44 a.m. July 18, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 11, 1943, in Charleston, son of the late Lawrence Edward and Adella Marie Heisserer, he had been a bricklayer for Ervin Eichhorn and later worked as a clerk for Rhodes 101 Stop in Chaffee. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, St. Ambrose Men's Club in Chaffee and Knights of Columbus Council 4311 in Oran...

CHARLESTON - Dorothy E. Smith, 83, died July 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 16, 1918, in Thompson Bend, daughter of the late Ozark and Essie Martin Dixon, she attended public schools in Cairo, Ill., and was a member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston...

CHARLESTON - Stanley "Pete" Harris, 66, died July 16, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Oct. 25, 1935, in Portageville, son of the late Jessie and Ophelia Reams Harris, he was a member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson City. Survivors include: three sisters, Dorothy Foster of Detroit, Mich., and John Ella Johnson and Fannie Fost of Kansas City; his stepmother, Pernella Williams of Wilson City; and several nieces and nephews...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home for Donna Mae Hasty, 53, who died July 18, 2002, will be: Winford "Butch" Watkins, Doug Tropf, Ben Easter, Jamie Easter, Lonnie Hasty, Eric Hasty and Dennis Hasty...

HELENA, Mont. - Dirk Wellington Adams, 30, died July 2, 2002, of injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Born Sept. 24, 1971, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Peggy Hammond Adams of Phoenix, Ariz., and Blakney Adams of Seattle, Wash., he attended New Madrid (Mo.) Elementary School and graduated in 1989 from Cahokia (Ill.) High School. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard for seven years and owned and operated a long-haul trucking company...

SIKESTON - Stephen Bernard White Jr., 22, died July 16, 2002, at his home. Born May 9, 1980, in Sikeston, son of Ruby Jones of Clarksdale, Miss., and Stephen Bernard White Sr. of Sikeston, he attended Sikeston High School. Survivors in addition to his parents include: two sons, Stephen Bernard White III and Stephon LaPrince White of Sikeston; one brother, Carlos S. ...

PUXICO - Wesley O. Proffer, 86, died July 19, 2002, at his home. Born Nov. 22, 1915, in Crump, son of the late Jason E. and Anna Mae Slinkard Proffer, he taught at several Southeast Missouri schools for many years as a vocational ag teacher before retiring. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he lived in Puxico for the past 20 years and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Whitewater Mason Lodge, where he was a 50-year member...

CHARLESTON -- William H. "Bill" Tinnell, 97, died at 7:55 a.m. July 20, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Visitation is at noon Monday until service time at 2 p.m. at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery.

NEW MADRID -- Opal "Brown" Stanford, formerly of Jaywye, died July 19, 2002, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Daughter of the late Francis Marion and Mattie Ezell Brown, she was a member of the Point Pleasant Baptist Church and past member of the Eastern Star...

SIKESTON -- Elmer E. Lee, 87, died at 3:55 a.m. July 20, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 6, 1915, at Kewanee, son of the late Ernest and Ella Boyette Lee, he had worked for Cotton Oil Mill for 16 years before serving as a custodian for the Diagnostic Regional Center for 12 years until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the North Acres General Baptist Church. On Nov. 20, 1937, at New Madrid, he married Lena I. Beaman who survives of the home...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Holland Niederstadt, 86, who died July 16, 2002, were: Richard Cullum, Robert Cullum, Brad Dodd, Shawn Larimore, John Larimore and Curtis Henderson.

PACIFIC -- Lawrence Mathenia, 61, formerly of Portageville, died July 19, 2002, at his mother's home in Hayward. Born July 22, 1940, in Pemiscot county, son of the late Earl Thomas Mathenia Sr. and Ida Honeysuckle Mathenia who survives of the home...

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for L.D. Goodman, 60, who died July 15, 2002, were: Clyde Foster, Larry Foster, Jerry Foster, Scott Foster, Justin Kinsey, Michael Shannon and Travis Abernathy.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Thelma Joyce Wallace, 70, died July 19, 2002, at the Lutheran Home. Born Oct. 21, 1931, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Charlie Bass and Lucy Mae Ward Harmon, she was a nurse aide at Bonne Terre Nursing Home. A member of the Third Street United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, Salvation Army and Ladies Circle of United Methodist Women, she was a past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Bonne Terre...

HOUSTON, Texas - Ned W. Tanner Jr., 49, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 10:15 p.m. July 20, 2002, in Cherokee Village, Ark. Born Nov. 13, 1952, son of Ned W. and Janice Gregg Tanner Sr., he graduated in 1971 from Sikeston High School. His wife, Sharon Hartwick Tanner, survives of the home...

BLODGETT - Betty Lou Sexton, 52, died July 19, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Wesley O. Proffer, 86, who died July 19, 2002, were: Kenny Moore, Leo Lowery, Clyde Doblin, Troy Barnfield, Ronnie Peters and James Jackson.

SIKESTON -- Mahala Bea Buras Helms, 90, died July 22, 2002, at Clearview Nursing Center. Born June 24, 1912, in Coleman County, Texas, daughter of the late Elijah John and Jane Needham Sanders, she was a member of the Baptist Church. She was married to Leslie Earl Helms who preceded her in death...

CHARLESTON - William "Bill" Tinnell, 97, died at 7:55 a.m. July 20, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Jan. 31, 1905, in Mississippi County, son of the late J.D. and Mary Elizabeth Moore Tinnell, he was raised in Charleston and began his career as a bus driver with Scofield Bus Lines in 1926. ...

LILBOURN - Ernest Abbot, 77, died July 21, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

HOLTS SUMMIT - Brandy Dawn Keller, 25, died July 19, 2002, at her home. Born June 1, 1977, in Chaffee, daughter of Jimmy Keller of Chaffee and Theresa Powell of New Bloomfield, she had attended State Fair College in Jefferson City. Survivors in addition to her parents include: one son, Christopher Keller of the home; one daughter, Acayshia Keller of the home; her stepmother, Judy Keller of Chaffee; stepfather, Michael Powell of New Bloomfield; one half brother, J.R. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Leda May Daugherty, 92, formerly of Morley and Sikeston, Mo., died July 13, 2002, in Phoenix. Born Jan. 9, 1910, near Morley, she was the daughter of the late William Ward and Maud Estelle May Daugherty. Many people who called her "Miss Leda" were her students during the 31 years she taught school in Morley and Sikeston. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Maxine Kitchen, 85, died at 8:10 a.m. July 23, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SCOTT CITY - Trenton Dee Pinkston, son of Corey Michael Pinkston and Deja Renee Craver, died at birth July 20, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Other survivors include: one brother, Dillon Kane Pinkston of Scott City; paternal grandparents, Benny Pinkston of St. ...

BLODGETT - Betty Lou Sexton, 52, died July 19, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, following a brief illness. Born Jan. 27, 1950, in Mattoon, Ill., daughter of the late Charles and Leola Spurling Bosley Sr., she was a member of Living Grace Fellowship Church in Miner where she served as a Sunday school teacher and was secretary/treasurer...

STAUNTON, Ill. - Donald Raymond Austin, 61, died at 10:25 a.m. July 22, 2002, at Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton. Born March 14, 1941, in Vanduser, Mo., son of Wilma Delores Brown Austin of Sikeston, Mo., and the late Freeman Walter Austin, he was a truck driver for the Interstate Distributor Company in Tacoma, Wash., for more than 40 years...

WYATT - George Hunter Raffety, 88, died at 1:40 p.m. July 21, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 21, 1913, at Bird's Mill near Wyatt, son of the late Ulysses G. and Julia T. Norris Raffety, he lived in Wyatt most of his life. ...

MATTHEWS - Jeanetta "Nettie" King, 97, died July 21, 2002, at Sells Rest Home. Born June 12, 1905, in Huntsville, Ark., daughter of the late John and Martha Cowan Walker, she had lived in the Morehouse and Grayridge areas and was a member of the Morehouse Oneness Pentecostal Church...

EAST PRAIRIE - Sarah Maxine Ashlock Kitchen, 85, died at 8:10 a.m. July 23, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 18, 1916, near East Prairie, daughter of the late Jack H. and Odie Barker Ashlock, she was a lifelong member of the First Church of God in East Prairie...

POPLAR BLUFF - Ellen Kelley, 43, formerly of Sikeston, died July 22, 2002, at Lucy Lee Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

MATTHEWS - Irbie A. Burch, 87, died at 7:10 a.m. July 25, 2002, at Sells Rest Home. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

LILBOURN - Ernest Lee Abbott, 76, died July 21, 2002, at his home. Born Nov. 5, 1925, son of the late William "Bill" and Gertie Abbott, he was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a steelworker for Continental Steel in Kokomo, Ind., before retiring...

SIKESTON - Nancy Jane "Janie" Carter, 78, died at 4:56 p.m. July 24, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 14, 1923, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Albert and Bertha Brown Hutcheson. On Jan. 13, 1945, in Sikeston, she married William Cecil Carter who preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 1998...

POPLAR BLUFF - Ellen F. Kelley, 43, formerly of Sikeston, died July 22, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus. Born Feb. 1, 1959, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of Helen Shoumake Wells of Poplar Bluff and the late Willie Jones, she was a member of Highland Drive Church of Christ in Poplar Bluff and had been employed as a registered dietitian...

PUXICO - Vesta Sommers, 93, died July 24, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born July 6, 1909, in Laurie, Ark., daughter of the late William and Jane Burr Macom, she lived in the Puxico area for 51 years and was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Dexter...

BLODGETT - Betty Lou Sexton, 52, died July 19, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, following a brief illness. Born Jan. 27, 1950, in Mattoon, Ill., daughter of the late Charles and Leola Spurling Bosley Sr., she was a member of Living Grace Fellowship Church in Miner where she served as a Sunday school teacher and was secretary/treasurer...

SIKESTON - Norma Gene St. Sauver Phillips, 63, formerly of St. Louis, died at 9:15 a.m. July 25, 2002, at her daughters' home, following an extended illness. Born March 11, 1939, in Curry County, N.M., daughter of the late Harvey B. and Geneva P. Lilly Seaton, she graduated in 1991 from Forest Park Community College in St. ...

HAYWARD - Robert H. DeRousse, 77, died July 25, 2002, at his home. Born Oct. 10, 1925, in Barnes Ridge, son of the late Adolph and Mary Moon DeRousse, he was a member and former deacon at the First Baptist Church and served with the U.S. Army in World War II...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for Ellen Kelley, 43, of Poplar Bluff, who died July 22, 2002, were: Dustin Kelley, Greg Foote, Ryan Shirkey, Mike DeLaughter, Trey White and John Tyler Myrick.

MATTHEWS - Irbie Arrie Burch, 87, died at 7:10 a.m. July 25, 2002, at Sells Rest Home, following an extended illness. Born April 22, 1915, in Matthews, son of the late Hiram Turner and Willie Frances Morgan Burch, he lived in Matthews most of his life. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for Betty Lou Sexton, 52, of Blodgett, who died July 19, 2002, will be: Chuck Chesmore, Krystal Chesmore, Tawnya Stanley, Micah Byrnes, Tim Matthews and Jason Young...

DEXTER - Bob G. Maddox, 68, died July 24, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Feb. 11, 1934, in Choctaw, Ark., son of the late George Landy and Sallie Jewell Robison, he lived in St. Charles, Ill., for many years before moving to Dexter in 1992. He was a retired carpenter and member of Carpenter's Local 1345 in Geneva, Ill., and of Essex First Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Opal C. Puckett Blackman, 81, died at 6 a.m. July 26, 2002, at her home, following an extended illness. Born Jan. 13, 1921, in Sikeston, son of the late Andrew Johnson and Matilda Taylor Crutchfield, she graduated in 1939 from Sikeston High School. ...

NEW MADRID - Joseph Martin Broyles, 59, died at 10:03 a.m. July 25, 2002, at his home. Born Jan. 25, 1943, in Marston, son of Bronie Broyles and the late Louis Raymond Broyles, he attended the Lilbourn General Baptist Church and was a member of the singing group "The Foundations" for many years...

KNOXVILLE, Ark. - Dannie Lee Davis, 55, died July 20, 2002, at the Johnson Regional Medical Center in Russellville. Born in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late George Cecil and Ocie Marie Holt Davis, he graduated from Sikeston High School and was a member of Knoxville Masonic Lodge 370, the London Masonic Lodge and Knoxville First Baptist Church. ...

CHARLESTON - Barbara Bailey Stone, 82, of Pasadena, Texas, and formerly of Wyatt, died at 4:55 p.m. July 26, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born June 15, 1920, in Mississippi County, son of the late Roy L. and Callie Beaven Gist, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life before moving to Pasadena in 2000. She was a member of the Wyatt Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Opal C. Puckett Blackman, 81, who died July 26, 2002, will be: Rich Guess, Steve Guess, Billy Puckett, James Puckett, Harry Crutchfield and Cecil Warren Crutchfield...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Vesta Sommers, 93, who died July 24, 2002, were: Daniel Greer, Darrell Burris, Bob Smith, Jim Cates, Bill Greer and Jeremiah Sommers.

SIKESTON - Dursilla Mhoon died July 26, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Correan Dockery Hufstedler, 85, died at 12:05 a.m. July 26, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 23, 1916, in Conran, daughter of the late George Ebbin and Myrtle C. Thompson Dockery, she was a member of the Sikeston Community Church. She owned and operated the C&H Service Station in Sikeston and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society office in Sikeston for 17 years...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Charles Chamberlain, 73, died July 28, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

SIKESTON - Robert H. Mather, 68, died at 7:15 a.m. July 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services conducted today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Correan Dockery Hufstedler, 85, who died July 26, 2002, were: Ben F. Marshall, Eric Johnson, Scotty Young, John Venable, Ray Averitt and Barry Grissom.

MOREHOUSE -- Esther Jewell Adkins, 80, died July 28, 2002, at her home. Born May 12, 1922, at Curtis, Ark., daughter of the late George Thomas and Pearl Anna Gentles McGuirt, Esther had resided in Arkansas until 1939 and has lived in the Essex and Morehouse area since. She attended the Baptist Church...

SIKESTON -- Duresilla Anderson Mhoon, 79, died July 26, 2002, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 23, 1923, in Clarksdale, Ark., daughter of the late Asberry and Sallie Anderson, she had lived in Missouri over 50 years and was of the Baptist belief...

FLORISSANT - Thomas Gilbert Lee, 98, formerly of Dudley, died July 27, 2002. Born May 31, 1904, at Pyletown, son of the late Marshal Eugene and Nancy Elizabeth Giles Lee, he had lived most of his life in Dudley before moving to St. Charles in 1999. He was a retired farmer and attended the Church of Christ while living in Dudley...

SIKESTON -- Cleophous "Cle" Baker, 69, died July 24, 2002, at his home. Born Nov. 28, 1932, in Caruthersville, son of the late Clifton and Jessie Mae Carter Baker, he graduated from Lincoln High School in Sikeston and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was of the Baptist belief...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Irene M. Laughlin, 92, died at 12:50 p.m. July 28, 2002, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at funeral services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Bob Maddox, 68, who died July 24, 2002, were: Larry Maddox, Kenny Maddox, Bill Maddox, Rodger Maddox, Bill Throckmorton and Scottie Buie.

BERNIE - Jewell Mae Tate, 87, died July 27, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Nov. 13, 1914, in Pershing, Ill., daughter of the late Willie Alfonzo and Grace Stroble McCain, she was a former owner and operator of restaurants in Malden and Bloomfield and employed as a babysitter, she was a member of the Bernie Assembly of God Church...

SIKESTON - James Lee "Bo" Brown, 45, died at 1:10 p.m. July 27, 2002, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 5, 1956, in Wyatt, son of Riley and Ruth Ketchum Brown of Charleston, he had lived in Charleston and Sikeston most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army and was of the Protestant faith...

HOUSTON, Texas - Memorial services for Ned W. Tanner Jr., 49, formerly of Sikeston, who died July 20, 2002, in Cherokee Village, Ark., are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at Forest Park the Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 South, Conroe, Texas...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Charles Chamberlain, 73, died July 28, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 13, 1928, in Qulin, son of the late Fred and Edna Weedman Chamberlain, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Portageville. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was a truck driver for the Gremore Lime Company for many years before retiring...

SIKESTON -- Robert Hansberry Mather, 68, died at 7:15 a.m. July 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 8, 1933, in Norfolk, Va., son of the late Paul Lukor and Mary Hansberry Mather, he had been a resident of Sikeston since 1971 and retired as a purchasing manager for Noranda Aluminum. A graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., he served as a U.S. Army corporal in the Korean War and was a member of the Catholic Church...

EAST PRAIRIE - Dovie Bennett, 91, died at 4 a.m. July 30, 2002, at her daughter's home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Thomas Gilbert Lee, 98, who died July 27, 2002, were: Marshal Lee, Vance Lee, Wendell Lee, Gary Lee, Don Firle, Steve Lee and Randy Lee.

EAST PRAIRIE - Nellie Pearl Brooks Sloan, 88, died at 7:30 a.m. July 30, 2002, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston. Survivors include a niece, Stella "Kitty" Presson of Charleston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston...

NEW MADRID - Thomas Lee "Tom" Staffey Sr., 64, died July 29, 2002, at his home. Born June 9, 1938, in New Madrid, son of the late William and Luven Woods Staffey Sr., he was a riverboat tanker man and was of the Baptist belief. In 1959 he married Velma Bizzell who survives of the home...

EAST PRAIRIE - Irene M. Laughlin, 92, died at 12:50 p.m. July 28, 2002, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Feb. 5, 1910, near East Prairie, daughter of the late George Andrew and Ella Manda Gore Morgan, she was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County. She was a member of the First Christian Church in East Prairie...

CHARLESTON - Roy Lee Gillespie, 42, died July 28, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 18, 1960, in Charleston, son of Perry and Esther B. Fisher Gillespie of Charleston, he lived in Missouri all his life and graduated in 1978 from Charleston High School. He was employed by the Bunge Corporation in Cairo, Ill., and member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Henson, where he served as treasurer for the Charleston and Wyatt branches...

EAST PRAIRIE - Dovie Bennett, 90, died at 4 a.m. July 30, 2002, at her daughter's home. Born Aug. 31, 1911, in Harrisburg, Ill., daughter of the late George and Rose Allen Lucas, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life and was of the Baptist belief...

MOREHOUSE - James W. "Cotton" Griffin, 72, died July 29, 2002, at his home. Born Oct. 29, 1929, in Morehouse, son of the late Alvia Griffin, he was a lifelong resident of Morehouse and retired from Associated Natural Gas Company. Survivors include: one son, James David Griffin of Morehouse; one daughter, Donna Kaye Sladek of Ballwin; two sisters, Anna Anderson of New Madrid and Betty Sue Tooley of Chicago, Ill.; five grandchildren, Terri Duncan and David L. ...

MOREHOUSE - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Big Ridge Baptist Church near Morehouse for Esther Jewell Adkins, 80, who died July 28, 2002, were: Wayne McGuirt, Danny McGuirt, Bobby Cooper, Bob Cooper, Larry Frazier, Mike Brashears and Jeff Bryant...

EAST PRAIRIE - Nettie Pearl Sloan, 88, died at 7:30 a.m. July 30, 2002, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 17, 1913, in Elvins, daughter of the late Elijah and Stella Lewis Brooks, she retired in 1978 from the Prince Gardner Billfold Factory in St. Louis. She moved to East Prairie in 1988 and was of the Protestant belief...