Obituaries from October 2002

SIKESTON - Jesse Whittley Jr., 52, died at 2:25 a.m. Sept. 30, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, of injuries sustained in a traffic/train accident. Born Feb. 7, 1950, in Sikeston, son of Glenda Kirby Whittley of Sikeston and the late Jesse Whittley Sr., he owned and operated the J.R. Whittley Trucking Company. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER - Philip D. Montgomery, 60, died Sept. 29, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Dexter. Born Oct. 4, 1941, in Gideon, son of the late Garfield and Francis Reed Montgomery, he was a lifelong resident of Dexter. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was employed by the Purolator Company in Dexter before retiring and attended the Assembly of God Church in Bernie...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Florence Vashti Fitts, 91, died Sept. 28, 2002, at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Born May 15, 1911, in Hardin County, daughter of the late James Bobe and Florence K. Alexander Fitts, she was a teacher for Hardin County Schools for two years and worked in the Regional Post Office Department in Washington, D.C., and Memphis before retiring. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Savannah...

SIKESTON - Theon F. Grojean, 78, died at 2:30 a.m. Oct. 1, 2002, at his home, following an extended illness. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston for Willie Morrow Fletcher, 87, of Bertrand, who died Sept. 30, 2002, will be: Fray Morrow, Steve Morrow, Matthew Morrow, David Kellett, Grover Morrow and Ottis Morrow...

SIKESTON - Janet Fountain, 43, died Sept. 28, 2002, at St. Louis University Hospital. Born Jan. 2, 1959, in Hayti, daughter of Dorothy Fountain Brewer of Portageville and Sammie Campbell of Chicago, Ill., she was a member of the New Life, New Beginnings World Outreach Center in Lilbourn, where she served as a missionary...

POPLAR BLUFF - Lowell Russell Tanner, 78, died Sept. 30, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Dec. 25, 1923, at Calm, son of the late Robert Esco and Etta Miller Tanner, he graduated from Couch High School. He also graduated from Arkansas State University, where he played for the Arkansas Greyhounds Independent team. ...

ESSEX - Michael Kildow, 50, died Oct. 1, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 26, 1952, in Malden, son of the late Neil and Melba Smith Kildow, he was a set-up person at Arvin-Meritor Automotive in Dexter, where he worked for the past 27 years...

LILBOURN - Melvin K. "Grasshopper" Johnson, 42, died Oct. 1, 2002, at the Beverly Healthcare Center in New Madrid. Born July 5, 1960, in Piggott, Ark., he was the son of the late Melvin and Ann Simmons Johnson and was employed as a roofer. His wife, Tammy Sweat Johnson, survives of the home...

PORTAGEVILLE - Brendralyn Smith, 41, died Sept. 27, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 11, 1961, in Hernando, Miss., she was the daughter of Pauline Moore Williams of Portageville and the late Roosevelt Williams. On April 28, 2001, in Portageville, she married Terry Smith who survives of the home...

CHARLESTON - Annie Lee Taylor, 74, died Sept. 27, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 6, 1927, in Iuka, Miss., daughter of the late Charles and Climmie Aushbrooks Johnson Sr., she lived in Chicago Heights, Ill., where she was employed as a housekeeper until retiring and returned to Charleston in 2001. She was a member of the Union Evangelistic Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, where she served on the Usher Board...

SIKESTON - Theon Francis Grojean, 78, died at 2:30 a.m. Oct. 1, 2002, at his home. Born March 27, 1924, in New Hamburg, son of the late Theon Charles and Ida Menz Grojean, he was a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. A 1949 graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, he was a registered professional engineer and registered professional architect. ...

LILBOURN - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn for Melvin K. "Grasshopper" Johnson, 42, who died Oct. 1, 2002, will be: Kenny Johnson, Gary Ash, Eric Roberts, James Weaver, Steve Buchanan and Tracey Hill. The Rev. Gloria Capshaw, pastor of the Kingdom Living Church of Charleston, will officiate...

BERNIE - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Elbert Leander Sadler, 81, who died Sept. 29, 2002, were: Floyd Masterson, Fred Masterson, Terry Dollins, Bobbie Joe Duncan, Eric Hendrix and Gabriel Sweeney.

DEXTER - Roy Lee Stickles, 66, died Oct. 2, 2002, in Dexter. Born Sept. 8, 1936, in Dexter, son of Sylvia Pullum Stickles of Dexter and the late Virgil Stickles, he was a lifelong resident of Dexter. He was employed by Morgan Furniture in Dexter for many years before becoming a route man for the Daily Statesman...

BRIDGETON - Rose Hendrix, 92, formerly of Malden, died Oct. 1, 2002, at the Mark Twain Manor in Bridgeton. Born Sept. 14, 1910, near Kennett, daughter of the late Oliver and Elizabeth Crites Barks, she was a homemaker and member of the Spoonerville Baptist Church...

MARYLAND HEIGHTS - Bessie Genevieve Sneed, 89, formerly of Chaffee and Scott City, died Oct. 1, 2002, at the Broadview Nursing Home in Maryland Heights. Born Jan. 27, 1913, in Charleston, daughter of the late Samuel Benjamin and Mary Magdalene Brown Thompson, she owned and operated Paladora and Sneed's Drive-In before retiring. ...

BUENA VISTA, Colo. - Tommy Gaylan "Bud" Stobaugh, 63, died July 19, 2002, at St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver. Born Feb. 22, 1939, in Matthews, Mo., son of the late Olen and Addie Throop Stobaugh, he was a U.S. Navy radio mechanic on the USS Lexington from 1957-62. He was an aerospace electrician for nearly 30 years for TRW Systems in Redondo Beach, Calif...

FESTUS - Maegerie Kathryn Ballinger, 90, formerly of Charleston, died at 9:15 a.m. Oct. 2, 2002, in the Arbor Place Nursing Center in Festus. Born March 3, 1912, near Charleston, daughter of the late Able and Ora E. Baker, she lived in Charleston most of her life. She had been a teacher with Charleston Public Schools and also taught in the small country schools in Mississippi County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Charleston...

SIKESTON - Jesse Whittley Jr., 52, died at 2:25 a.m. Sept. 30, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, of injuries sustained in a traffic/train accident. Born Feb. 7, 1950, in Sikeston, son of Glenda Kirby Whittley of Sikeston and the late Jesse Whittley Sr., he owned and operated the J.R. Whittley Trucking Company. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was of the Baptist belief...

LAFORGE -- Rudolph Hayes died Oct. 2, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

SIKESTON -- Wallace Reed Howard, 81, died at 2 a.m. Oct. 4, 2002, at the Bertrand Retirement Facility. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Michael Kildow, 50, who died Oct. 1, 2002, were: David Sielert, Ernie Wiley, Mix Nolan, Rick King, Randy Smith and Danny Williams.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at graveside services conducted Thursday at the Chalk Bluff Cemetery for Lowell Russell Tanner, 78, who died September 30, 2002, were: John L. Christian, Owen Flowers, Tyler Scott, John Daniels, Gabe Smith and Tim Flowers.

SIKESTON -- Billie Burch, 88, died Oct. 4, 2002, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

KANSAS CITY - Juanita Helen Holz, 80, died at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 3, 2002, at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

DEMOPOLIS, Ala. - Mary B. Hawkins, 80, died Oct. 2, 2002, at the Woodhaven Manor Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ditman Hawkins. Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Tom Chesshir of Nashville, Ark., and Linda H. ...

ORAN - Nelda Maxine Hanks, 74, died Oct. 3, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 26, 1928, in Gideon, daughter of the late James Harrison and Hattie Irene Ray Shaffer, she had been a nurse for the Chaffee General Hospital and retired last year from the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the Morley Baptist Church...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Frances Baker Lawver, 93, died March 30, 2002 at the Meadowbrook Terrace in Winston-Salem. Born Sept. 27, 1908, in Sikeston, daughter of the late James Washington and Essie Wallman Baker Jr., she graduated with a registered nursing degree in 1928 from the American Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Ill. ...

DEXTER -- Pallbearers for services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel for Philip Montgomery, 60, who died Sept. 29, 2002, were: Mark Nea, Tim Warren, Carol Montgomery, Bill Mason, Brent Montgomery and Daric Montgomery.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Navy Rear Admiral (Retired) H. Spencer Matthews Jr., 81, died Sept. 24, 2002. He was the first Naval Aviation Pilot to be promoted to flag rank in the Navy. Born May 5, 1921, in Clarksville, Ark., following two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps, he enlisted in the Navy on April 16, 1940. After boot camp training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois, he was transferred to the Navy's fighter training Squadron Five at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Fla...

DEXTER -- Majorie Pruitt, 84, died Oct. 5, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Oct. 9, 1917, in Hunterville, daughter of the late Thomas and Lillie Davenport Bascom, she was a graduate of Dexter High School and lived in Dexter until 1940 when she moved to Poplar Bluff. She and her husband owned and operated Pruitt Glass and Paint Co. in Poplar Bluff for many years. For the past seven years she had lived in Dexter and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

SCOTT CITY -- Bill F. Asbridge, 77, died Oct. 4, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 3, 1925, at Dyersburg, Tenn., son of the late William and Beatrice Blackwell Asbridge, he was a maintenance engineer for General Equipment Co. in St. Louis and moved from Collinsville, Ill., to Scott City in 1989. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was a member of Scott City First Baptist Church...

KELSO -- Vernita Marie Bles, 81, died at 8 p.m. Oct. 3, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 20, 1921, at Kelso, daughter of the late John William and Clara Mary Seyer Compass, she was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, St. Ann's Sodality and the Quilting Circle at St. Augustine...

ANNISTON -- Marguerite Barnhill Thurman, 93, died at 8:40 p.m. Oct. 4, 2002, at Jackson Manor Nursing Center following an extended illness. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

SIKESTON -- Billie M. "Nana" Burch, 88, died Oct. 4, 2002, at her residence. Born Oct. 8, 1913, in Lanty, Ark., daughter of the late William Usher and Lillie Etta Hall Montgomery, she was active in the family business, Burch Brothers Garage in Matthews and later for Burch Food Service until her retirement. ...

SIKESTON -- P.J. Schlosser, 87, died at 1:10 p.m. Oct. 4, 2002, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 27, 1915, at Kelso, son of the late John and Mary Burger Schlosser, he owned and operated P.J.'s Auto and Home Supply Co. in Sikeston from 1937 until his retirement in 1982. ...

ADVANCE -- Roma Lee Cato, 79, died Oct. 3, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 23, 1923, at Swinton, daughter of the late Presley and Anna Warren Delay, she was a 1940 graduate of Advance High School and attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. A member of Bethel General Baptist Church near Advance, she was a school teacher with the Zalma School District for over 20 years...

ORAN - Nelda Maxine Hanks, 74, died Oct. 3, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 26, 1928, in Gideon, daughter of the late James Harrison and Hattie Irene Ray Shaffer, she had been a nurse for the Chaffee General Hospital and retired last year from the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the Morley Baptist Church...

NEW MADRID - Charles Rudolph Hayes, 72, died Oct. 1, 2002, at his home. Born Jan. 20, 1930, in Kewanee, son of the late Mitchell R. and Lela Gentry Hayes, he was a river boat captain for many years. In July 1955, in Tunica, Miss., he married Iris Chanbliss and she preceded him in death...

CROWDER -- Wallace Reed Howard, 81, died at 2 a.m. Oct. 4, 2002, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Sept. 19, 1921, in Crowder, son of the late John Thomas and Mollie May Howard, he had been a butcher at Bob Taylor Grocery and served in the U.S. Air Force...

SIKESTON - Pearl Hazel Jeffries Tadlock, 95, died at 3:20 a.m. Oct. 7, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 17, 1907, in Blodgett, daughter of the late James William and Martha Ann Hodges Burns, she was a member of Tanner Street Church of God...

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - John T. Goetz, 61, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Oct. 6, 2002, in Jeffersonville. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Roy Lee Stickles, 66, who died Oct. 2, 2002, were: Terry Stickles, Jesse Ramey, Vallie Griffin, Sonny Mayes, Freddie Politte and Willie Penrose.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Rose Hendrix, 92, who died Oct. 1, 2002, were: Leland Mallett, Tommy Mallett, Kevin Mallett, Larry Landers, Danny Barks and Kenneth Barks.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for P.J. Schlosser, 87, who died Oct. 4, 2002, will be: Jim Lee, Scott Schlosser, Kyle Schlosser, Joe Kloppenberg, Nick Kloppenberg and Tom Conner...

PARMA - Artlee Waters, 74, died Oct. 3, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 16, 1928, in Texarkana, Ark., son of the late Fred Waters and Lillie Leona Michaels Bass, he was a bus driver for the Head Start program for 10 years and had also worked in the farming industry before retiring...

KANSAS CITY - Juanita Helen Holz, 80, formerly of Sikeston and Mississippi County, died at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 3, 2002, at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City. Born Aug. 19, 1922, in East Prairie, daughter of the late Roy and Renee Fenema Carter, she lived in Sikeston for many years and retired from the Mississippi County Division of Family Services...

NEW MADRID - Charles Rudolph Hayes, 72, died Oct. 2, 2002, at his home. Born Jan. 20, 1930, in Kewanee, son of the late Mitchell R. and Lela Gentry Hayes, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and past post commander of New Madrid American Legion Post 595 and Lilbourn VFW Post 7183...

DEXTER -- Marjorie Pruitt, 84, died Oct. 5, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Oct. 9, 1917, in Hunterville, daughter of the late Thomas and Lillie Davenport Bascom, she was a graduate of Dexter High School and lived in Dexter until 1940 when she moved to Poplar Bluff. She and her husband owned and operated Pruitt Glass and Paint Co. in Poplar Bluff for many years. For the past seven years she had lived in Dexter and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

ANNISTON - Marguerite Barnhill Thurman, 93, died at 8:40 p.m. Oct. 4, 2002, at the Jackson Manor Nursing Center. Born Aug. 9, 1909, at Kewanee, daughter of the late Luke Winslow and Wilma Leonore Adkins Barnhill, she lived in Anniston most of her life and was a member of the Anniston Christian Church. She retired as a supervisor with the Division of Family Services office in Sikeston...

DEXTER - Miza Eisenhart, 90, died Oct. 8, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SCOTT CITY - Virginia Ann Vincent, 80, died at 1:30 a.m. Oct. 8, 2002, at Heartland Care and Rehab in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 26, 1922, in Benton, daughter of the late August and Pauline Glastetter Glueck, she worked as a seamstress for the Lowenbaum Dress Factory and also in the housekeeping department at the Ramada Inn before retiring. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and St. Ann Ladies Sodality in Kelso...

SIKESTON - Pearl Hazel Jeffries Tadlock, 95, died at 3:20 a.m. Oct. 7, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 17, 1907, in Blodgett, daughter of the late James William and Martha Ann Hodges Burns, she was a member of Tanner Street Church of God...

SIKESTON - Michael Kirchofer, 37, died Oct. 8, 2002, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Bernie. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Jim Turner, 79, died at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 9, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

PORTAGEVILLE - Dr. L.R. Painter Jr., 81, died Oct. 8, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

NEW MADRID - James Barton Bradley II, 31, died Oct. 8, 2002, at his home. Born May 23, 1971, in Sikeston, he was the son of James Barton Bradley of New Madrid and Martha Broughton Farrenburg of LaForge. Other survivors include: one brother, Patrick Bradley of New Madrid; one sister, Hallie Bradley of New Madrid; and one niece and three nephews...

DEXTER - Miza Eisenhart, 90, died Oct. 8, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Jan. 20, 1912, at Bloomfield, daughter of the late Harvey D. and Nellie Keating Stroup, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter. She had been an accountant with the A.C.L. Haase Packing Company in St. Louis...

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. - John Thomas Goetz - what a great, great loss to this world and a great gain for eternity. If you did not know John Thomas Goetz, you have another opportunity to hear friends, family, ministers of the gospel and singers of the "Kingdom Message" sharing a small portion of their awesome relationships with this awe-inspiring man of God as he walked and talked on this Earth...

NAPLES, FLA. - John Howlett "Jack" Carson, 79, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 10 p.m. Oct. 9, 2002, at the Encore Senior Village in Naples. Born March 10, 1923, in Charleston, son of the late Ralph and Geraldine Howlett Carson, he lived in the Charleston area most of his life. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Dr. L.B. Painter Jr., 81, died Oct. 8, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 30, 1921, in Knoxville, Tenn., son of the late Lattie B. and Florence Beach Painter Sr., he graduated in 1939 from high school in Knoxville. ...

SIKESTON - Michael J. Kirchhofer, 37, died Oct. 8, 2002, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Bernie. Born Dec. 18, 1964, in St. Louis, son of James Kirchhofer of Atlanta, Ga., and Martha Johnson Kirchhofer of Sikeston, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked in the construction business...

NEW MADRID - James Barton Bradley II, 31, died Oct. 7, 2002, at his home. Born May 23, 1971, in Sikeston, he was the son of James Barton Bradley of New Madrid and Martha Broughton Farrenburg of LaForge. Other survivors include: one brother, Patrick Bradley of New Madrid; one sister, Hallie Bradley of New Madrid; and one niece and three nephews...

FLORISSANT - Elsie Marie Warner, 88, died Oct. 9, 2002, at Manor Health Care Services. Born May 5, 1914, in Randles, daughter of the late Tony and Mary Patterson Menz, she was employed by Bussman Fuse Company before retiring and was a member of the Hazelwood Baptist Church...

MATTHEWS -- Nelson Raymond Gruen, 88, died at 10:55 p.m. Oct. 9, 2002, at Sells Rest Home. Born Jan. 18, 1914, in Madison County, Ill., son of the late Charles and Amelia Louise Friedhoff Gruen, he was a farmer and of the Methodist belief. On June 2, 1946, in Barlow, Ky., he married Mattie Shepard who preceded him in death on March 31, 2001...

SIKESTON - A local memorial service has been scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church for U.S. Navy Rear Admiral (Retired) H. Spencer Matthews Jr., 81, who died Sept. 24, 2002.

COLUMBIA - R.J. "Jerry" Duncan, 80, died Oct. 9, 2002, at Columbia Regional Hospital. Born Sept. 9, 1922, in Conway, Ark., son of the late John A. and Lilli Rosalie Mahan Duncan, he had worked for McKay Chevrolet, Tiger Motor Company, Rupp Automotive and Columbia Auto Parts before retiring. ...

SIKESTON - James Bryan Turner, 79, died at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 9, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born June 5, 1923, in Sikeston, son of the late Claude B. and Bess Darrell Turner, he was a graduate of Sikeston High School and attended Central College at Fayette and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. ...

MORLEY - Lucille Emerson, 79, died at 1 p.m. Oct. 10, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran, where visitation begins at 5 p.m. Sunday. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Morley...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ian Michael Cutlip, infant son of Tommy and Lesley Nichols, died Oct. 10, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

PORTAGEVILLE - Pallbearers at services conducted at 11 a.m. today at the First Baptist Church of Portageville for Dr. L.B. Painter Jr., 81, who died Oct. 8, 2002, were: Mike Rone, Ronnie Kimes, Stephen Kimes, Andy Ashford, Jonathan Ashford and Jake Rone...

MOREHOUSE - Bertha E. Roberts, 88, died Oct. 10, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 12, 1913, in Essex, daughter of the late James Wesley and Hydra Greer Darby, she had lived in Palmyra, Ill., before moving to Southeast Missouri. She was also a former resident of Essex and Bernie...

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Richard M. "Dick" Smith, 85, former longtime resident of Sikeston, Mo., passed away peacefully Oct. 5, 2002, in Boca Raton, with his immediate family at his side. Born in 1917, at St. Joseph, he was a graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mo., where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ian Michael Cutlip, infant son of Thomas Michael Cutlip Jr. and Lesley Ann Nichols of East Prairie, died Oct. 10, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. He was born Aug. 23, 2002, in Sikeston. Other survivors include: two brothers, Cody Everett Kemp and Christopher Allen Cutlip of the home; paternal grandparents, Terri and Chuck Davis of East Prairie and Thomas Michael Cutlip Sr. ...

DEXTER -- Hallie C. Dye, 95, formerly of Crowder, died at 5 a.m. Oct. 12, 2002, at the Cypress Point Nursing Home in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

MORLEY - Lucille Emerson, 79, died at 1 p.m. Oct. 10, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Nov. 7, 1922, in Corning, Ark., daughter of the late William and Liza Tyree Isaacs, she retired as a machine operator for the International Hat Factory in Oran. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morley. On June 14, 1941, she married Raymond Emerson Jr. who preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 1996...

DENVER, Colo. -- Henry Leon Groves Jr., 62, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Oct. 5, 2002. Born Sept. 30, 1940, son of the late H. Leon and Louise Stubblefield Groves, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with a degree in geology and did his graduate work at the University of Colorado. He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey Department in Denver until his retirement...

MATTHEWS -- Pallbearers at services for Nelson Raymond Gruen, 88, who died Oct. 9, 2002, were: Mike Geske, Tim Geske, Tim Koch, Steven Koch, Jonathan Maloyed and Jim Wilkening. Services were conducted Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Brad Dush, pastor of the Rauch-Spence Memorial United Methodist Church in Morehouse, officiated. Burial followed in Garden of Memories Cemetery...

PORTAGEVILLE - Orlando J. Kershaw Sr., 39, died Oct. 12, 2002, at Marston. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Della Speakman, 90, died Oct. 13, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Bertha E. Roberts, 88, who died Oct. 10, 2002, were: Bob Fralick, Jerry Ellis, Grant Hargrove, Tony Roberts, Tom Fralick and Carl Farber.

PORTAGEVILLE - Gilbert Tribble, 88, died Oct. 13, 2002, at his home. Born July 24, 1914, in Long Tree, son of the late Dewitt Tribble and Louise Tribble Berry, he was a mechanic and member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Portageville. On May 30, 1936, in Missouri, he married Marie Black who survives of the home...

MARSTON - Opal White, 80, died Oct. 12, 2002, at her home. Born Oct. 23, 1922, in Dallas, Texas, daughter of the late Jasper and Mamie Martin Kirby, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Conran. On Oct. 31, 1946, she married Claude White who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Agnes Jeanette Dyer Lambert, 89, died Oct. 12, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. She was born Oct. 1, 1913. Her husband, Earl Lambert, preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 1976. Mrs. Lambert was a key figure in establishing Lambert's Cafe. She and her husband started Lambert's in 1942. In 1976, she and her son, Norman, and his wife, Patti, went into a partnership. Mrs. Lambert made the first batch of the famous "Throwed Rolls."...

CROWDER - Hallie Claire Dye, 95, died at 5 a.m. Oct. 12, 2002, at the Cypress Point Nursing Home in Dexter. Born July 24, 1907, in Crowder, where she lived for most of her life, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Rachel Cunningham Smith. She graduated from Vanduser High School and began her teaching career in the elementary school at Crowder in the fall of the same year. ...

CHARLESTON - Geneva Faye Webb, 67, died at 8:22 a.m. Oct. 12, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 4, 1935, in Datto, Ark., daughter of the late Elbert and Laura Belcher Pemberton, she lived in Charleston most of her life, where she retired in 1991 from the Brown Shoe Company. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bertrand...

CHARLESTON - Grace Townsend, 96, died at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON -- Henry Elderbrook, 76, died Oct. 13, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 31, 1926, in Matthews, son of the late William "Willie" and Delpha Pierce Elderbrook, he was of the Baptist belief and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as a plumber for the Veterans Administration Hospital before retiring...

CHARLESTON - Grace P. Townsend, 98, died at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Sept. 16, 1904, in Orange County, Ind., daughter of the late Louie Edwin and Emma Jane Pruitt Prosser, she lived in Mississippi County since 1911. She was a member of the Charleston United Methodist Church, member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. ...

DEXTER - William Aslin, 80, died Oct. 14, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Hallie Claire Dye, 95, of Crowder, who died Oct. 12, 2002, will be: Windle Dye, Nick Lanpher, Leroy Holman, Rick Holman, Dan Holman and Fred H. Thornton III. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery...

CHAFFEE - Alva Rea Boyts, 76, died Oct. 13, 2002, at her home. Born Sept. 30, 1926, at Ponder, daughter of the late Mark Lafatte and Ola Velma Corlee Holland, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee. On Oct. 13, 1948, she married Stirling Harbin Boyts who survives of the home...

JACKSON - Rosamond "Billie" Spurrier Sander, 86, formerly of Sikeston, died Oct. 13, 2002, at her home. Born Jan. 5, 1916, in Jackson, daughter of the late Emanuel and Lillian Armstrong Milde, she was a 1933 graduate of Jackson High School. A 1935 graduate of Lindenwood College in St. ...

SIKESTON - Martha E. Driskill, 90, died Oct. 15, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

PORTAGEVILLE - Gilbert Tribble, 88, died Oct. 13, 2002, at his home. Born July 24, 1914, in Harviell, son of the late Dewitt Tribble and Louise Pearce Tribble Berry, he grew up in Lone Hill. He was a mechanic and member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Portageville...

PORTAGEVILLE - Sgt. Orlando Jerome "Billy" Kershaw Sr., 39, died Oct. 12, 2002, in Marston. Born March 14, 1963, in Portageville, son of S.T. Meeks of Grenada, Miss., and the late Eugene Kershaw Jr., he was a member of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Portageville. ...

DEXTER - Bill Aslin, 80, died Oct. 14, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born June 16, 1922, in rural Dexter, son of the late Dave and Minnie Harper Aslin, he was a line worker for Ozark Dairy in Dexter before retiring and was of the Baptist belief...

MOREHOUSE - Olive King, 84, died at 12:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday...

SIKESTON - Martha E. Driskill, 90, died Oct. 15, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 11, 1911, in Caruthersville, daughter of the late Harry and Grace Lyles Friend, she was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church. She retired in 1977 as a dietitian for Missouri Delta Medical Center...

SIKESTON - Della E. Speakman, 90, died Oct. 13, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Oct. 26, 1911, in Double Springs, Ala., daughter of the late John T. and Mary Anne Mote Waddell, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. On Nov. 10, 1929, she married Henry Speakman who preceded her in death on March 26, 1991...

DEXTER - Ruth Sprinkle, 89, died Oct. 15, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Aug. 29, 1913, at Fayette, Ala., daughter of the late Noah and Maude Whitley Parris, she had been employed by the Brown Shoe Company in Bernie and Swift and Company in Dexter before retiring. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Church in Dexter...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ron Payne, 61, died Oct. 15, 2002, at his home. Born July 1, 1941, in Wyatt, son of the late Percy W. and Isadora Gregory Payne, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He retired as a maintenance technician for the Gates Rubber Company in Charleston and was a member of the Full Gospel Church in East Prairie...

DEXTER - Robert Homer Abernathy, 94, died Oct. 16, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Harley E. Vails Sr., 87, died Oct. 17, 2002, at Cypress Point Health Care in Dexter. Born May 7, 1915, in Holcomb, son of the late William E. and Virgie A. Mounce Vails, he lived in Essex for many years, where he was engaged in farming, and moved to Dexter 16 years ago. He attended the Vinson General Baptist Church near Essex...

MOREHOUSE - Olive A. King, 84, died at 12:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born March 8, 1918, in Miner, daughter of the late Charles and Nettie Fisher Turner, she was a housewife and member of Rauch-Spence Memorial United Methodist Church in Morehouse...

SIKESTON - Johnnie Lee Reddiex, 81, died Oct. 14, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born in Mississippi, he was the son of the late Tommy and Rose Anderson Reddiex and lived in Missouri for more than 50 years. Survivors include: one daughter, Lucyann Reddiex of Carpentersville, Ill.; two sons, Johnnie Lee Reddiex Jr. of the state of Washington and Steve Brandy of Ohio; one brother, Jim Reddiex of Sikeston; one sister, Lucy Lawrence of Sikeston; and five grandchildren...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ron Payne, 61, died Oct. 15, 2002, at his home. Born July 1, 1941, in Wyatt, son of the late Percy W. and Isadora Gregory Payne, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He retired as a maintenance technician for the Gates Rubber Company in Charleston and was a member of the Full Gospel Church in East Prairie...

CHAFFEE - Marjory Lucille Dame, 82, died Oct. 16, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Nov. 26, 1919, daughter of the late Clarence and Martha Clark Boardman, she was a member of the First Baptist Church and Chapter CX of PEO Sisterhood in Chaffee and Chapter 342 Order of the Eastern Star in Morley...

SIKESTON - Mitchell McLard, 56, died Oct. 15, 2002, at his home. Born Sept. 11, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Franklin Earl and Rubie Lucille Tankersley McLard, he lived in Bennington, Neb., for 16 years before moving to Sikeston last April. He retired as a railroad mileage date engineer...

PUXICO - Gary Tennyson, 38, died Oct. 15, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born April 14, 1964, in Santa Rosa, Calif., son of Jayan Van Bergen of St. Louis and William Tennyson of Petaluma, Calif., he lived in California for many years before moving to Puxico nine years ago. He was employed by the Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop in Dexter...

SIKESTON - Richard VanDuson, 79, died at 6:05 a.m. Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, where visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Friday. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home...

SIKESTON - Evelyn M. Huls, 78, died Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

BERNIE - Calvin Cullum, 77, died Oct. 17, 2002, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, where visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Olive King, 84, of Morehouse, who died Oct. 15, 2002, were: Charles Allen King II, Dustin Driskel, Sam Driskel, Don Culbertson, Dale Orr Jr. and Robert Davis.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Ponder Funeral Home for Della Speakman, 90, who died Oct. 13, 2002, were: Byron Still, Dewayne Heaton, Kenneth Heaton, David Enderle, Pat McCann and Ray Enderle.

DEXTER - Jerry Dale Cooper, 58, died Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Dec. 19, 1943, in Tiptonville, Ky., son of the late Dub and Mary Cooper, he lived in Dexter for the past 25 years where he attended the Ark of Hope Church. He was a minister and had worked as a dispatcher, safety man and broker for truck lines before retiring...

CHAFFEE - Marjory Lucille Dame, 82, died Oct. 16, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Nov. 26, 1919, daughter of the late Clarence and Martha Clark Boardman, she was a member of the First Baptist Church and Chapter CX of PEO Sisterhood in Chaffee and Chapter 342 Order of the Eastern Star in Morley...

MATTHEWS - Evelyn Mae Huls, 78, died Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 9, 1924, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Leland Stanford and Geneva Alma Drury Stucker Sr., she was a member of Tanner Street Church of God. She was associated with Rex Lambert Fabrics in Cape Girardeau and owned and operated Evelyn's Drapes for 40 years...

DEXTER - Homer Abernathy, 94, died Oct. 16, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Nov. 4, 1907, in Athens, Ala., son of the late Andrew Jackson and Mary Nolan Abernathy, he owned Abernathy Welding in Dexter before retiring and was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - Richard VanDuson, 79, died at 6:05 a.m. Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements have been delayed at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston due to a family illness and will be announced later.

BETHALTO, Ill. - Frances Baugh Duff, 80, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 5:14 p.m. Oct. 18, 2002, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton. Born Oct. 14, 1922, at Charleston, daughter of the late Alfred and Berneta Elizabeth Telker Carlisle, she had lived in Charleston her entire life and moved recently to Bethalto to be near her family. She had been employed with Knights Department Store in Charleston for several years until retiring in 1982. She was a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church...

BERNIE - Calvin "Cude" Cullum, 77, died Oct. 17, 2002, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Hospital in Poplar Bluff. Born Dec. 1, 1924, at Greenway, Ark., son of the late Henry McKinley and Lucinda Jane Carmichael Cullum, he was a farmer and a member of the Bernie General Baptist Church. He was a veteran if World War II...

PARMA - John Junior Gee, 79, died Oct. 18, 2002, at his home. Born Oct. 7, 1923 at Parma, son of the late Lum and Eva Jenkins Gee, he graduated from Parma High School and lived in Parma until 1941, when he entered the Navy and served during World War II. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Mary A. Nelson, 84, died Oct. 18, 2002, at the Veterans Home. She is survived by two sons, Stan Thompson of Jackson and Steve Thompson of Huntsville, Texas; and one daughter, Mary Hunt of Liper Fork, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid...

CHAFFEE - Lorene Louise Glueck, 90, died at 5:14 a.m. Oct. 19, 2002, at her home. Born Nov. 4, 1911, at Kelso, daughter of the late Charles B. and Pauline Bisher Scheeter, she was a member of the St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chaffee and the Daughters of St. Ambrose...

DEXTER - Alvis Haynes, 85, died Oct. 18, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born July 14, 1917, at Double Springs, Ala., son of the late William and Alma Tidwell Haynes, he was a retired farmer and of the Baptist belief. On Feb. 1, 1939, at Lynn, Ala., he married Esther Lou Winters who survives of the home...

AQUILLA - Tony Ray Varble, 67, died Oct. 18, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 23, 1935, in Malden, son of the late Ralph and Annetta Williams Varble, he was a 1953 graduate of Bloomfield High School and retired from Arvin Automotive in Dexter...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mitchell McLard, 56, who died Oct. 15, 2002, were: Jeff McLard, Chris Hensley, Kevin Hensley, Roydean Burns, Jimmy Worley and Mike Hopkins. Honorary pallbearers were: Brad Clenney, Troy Burns, Floyd Aters Jr., Nate Aters and Jerry Wilson...

MATTHEWS - Ruby Loutene Brothers, 72, died at 3:45 p.m. Oct. 20, 2002, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born July 22, 1930, in Vernon, Ala., daughter of the late William S. and Lunie G. Woods White, she was of the Pentecostal belief. On Nov. 11, 1961, in Charleston, she married Cletus R. Brothers who preceded her in death on March 17, 1995...

HAYWARD - Mary E. "Peggy" Ward died Oct. 21, 2002, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

TROY, Mo. - David Robert Ward, son of Kendall and Jennifer Ward, died at birth Oct. 20, 2002, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Gary Tennyson, 38, who died Oct. 15, 2002, were: Rodger Landon, Don VanBerger, Chase Slavens, Jim Moore, Sam Phillips and Bud Yates. Honorary pallbearers were: Bill Nash and Jerry McGowen...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Harly Vails Sr., 87, who died Oct. 17, 2002, were: Brent Burleson, Walter Strickland, Luther George, Chester Hill, Glen Hueckel and Randy Manes.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Mary A. Blankenship Nelson, 84, died Oct. 8, 2002, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 28, 1917, on an island in the Ohio River in Livingston County, Ky., she was the daughter of the late James Allen and Lura Marie Walton Blankenship. ...

SIKESTON - Debbie Kay Cook, 45, died Oct. 20, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 26, 1957, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Opal Carter Collier. On July 5, 1974, in Parma, she married James Henry Cook who survives of the home...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Willard Middleton, 92, died Oct. 21, 2002, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

NEW MADRID - Wesley Jackson "Bub" Higgerson, 76, died Oct. 21, 2002, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born March 24, 1926, in New Madrid, son of the late Andrew Jackson and Lena Wright Keene Higgerson, he was a carpenter. On Jan. 14, 1950, at LaForge, he married Lorene McRoy who survives of the home...

TROY -- David Robert Ward, son of Kindel and Jennifer Candice "Candy" Ward, died at birth Oct. 20, 2002, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include: one brother, Andrew Ward of the home; one sister, Grace Ward of the home; maternal grandparents, Don and Marilyn Barnes and Don and Connie Reimann of Sikeston; paternal grandparents, Lindel and Janice Ward of Zalma; maternal great-grandparents, Billy and Jerry Lewis of Sikeston, Bernice Barnes of Canalou and Walter and Mary Reimann of McClure, Ill.; and his paternal great-grandmother, Jewell French of Poplar Bluff.. ...

PUXICO -- Marvin O. McClure, 83, died Oct. 21, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 20, 1919, son of the late Bryan O. and Dorothy Murdoch McClure, he was a 1937 graduate of Puxico High School and lived in California for 50 years before returning to Puxico in 1992. The retired as a real estate broker in Yucca Valley, Calif., where he owned and operated McClure Loan and Investments Co...

MATTHEWS - Ruby Loutene Brothers, 72, died at 3:45 p.m. Oct. 20, 2002, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born July 22, 1930, in Vernon, Ala., daughter of the late William S. and Lunie G. Woods White, she was of the Pentecostal belief. On Nov. 11, 1961, in Charleston, she married Cletus R. Brothers who preceded her in death on March 17, 1995...

SIKESTON - Joyce Imogene "Jean" Whitson, 68, died at 2:45 a.m. Oct. 22, 2002, at her home. Born Dec. 18, 1933, in New Madrid County, daughter of the late James W. and Violet May Rhodes Lomax, she was a special education teacher with Sikeston Public Schools before retiring. She was a member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and the Ladies Golf Association...

HAYWARD -- Mary E. "Peggy" Ward, 84, died at 5:45 a.m. Oct. 21, 2002, at her home. Born April 2, 1918, in Portageville, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Cora Swift Hall. On Jan. 15, 1938, in Portageville, she married Robert "June" Ward who preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 1991...

SIKESTON - Richard Van Duson, 79, died at 6:05 a.m. Oct. 17, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 15, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Richard and Lucille Malesky Van Duson, he lived in Marietta, Ohio, most of his life, where he was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. He attended Marietta College and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity...

DEXTER - Herrell "Harold" Pullum, 78, died Oct. 22, 2002, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 10, 1924, in Dexter, son of the late John Benjamin and Phebia Herrell Pullum, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and owned and operated the Pullum Transfer and Moving Company for 34 years...

TROY -- David Robert Ward, son of Kindel and Jennifer Candice "Candy" Ward, died at birth Oct. 20, 2002, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include: one brother, Andrew Ward of the home; one sister, Grace Ward of the home; maternal grandparents, Don and Marilyn Barnes and Don and Connie Reimann of Sikeston; paternal grandparents, Lindel and Janice Ward of Zalma; maternal great-grandparents, Billy and Jerry Lewis of Sikeston, Bernice Barnes of Canalou and Walter and Mary Reimann of McClure, Ill.; and his paternal great-grandmother, Jewell French of Poplar Bluff.. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for Joyce Imogene "Jean" Whitson, 68, who died Oct. 22, 2002, will be: Alan Whitson, Cliff Lankheit, Randall Shrull, Wayne Angle, Anthony Angle and Harold Allred...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Willard Middleton, 92, died Oct. 21, 2002, at the Missouri Veterans Home. Born July 2, 1910, in Gideon, son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth Launius Middleton, he lived in East St. Louis, Ill., for many years before moving to Southeast Missouri 21 years ago and retired from Cerro Brass and Copper. He served with the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II and was the recipient of two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, a Purple Heart and a Good Conduct Medal...

SIKESTON - Eloise Richardson, 49, died Oct. 20, 2002, at the Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born Jan. 16, 1953, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Cenia and Glen Richardson, she was a graduate of Matthews High School. She owned and operated Richardson's Daycare Center in Sikeston. A member of Greer Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, she was also a member of Princess Oziel Chapter 101 Order of the Eastern Star in Cape Girardeau...

DEXTER - Margariette Ellen Persfull, 66, died Oct. 22, 2002, at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Oct. 22, 1936, in Jonesboro, daughter of the late Joe A. and Johnnie A. Davidson Stewart, she lived in Dexter since 1962. She retired as an elementary teacher for Richland Public Schools after 32 years of service. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter and Order of the Eastern Star in Bloomfield...

NEW MADRID - Kyle Wayne Jones, 16, died Oct. 22, 2002, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born May 22, 1986, in Sikeston, son of Eddie and Christy Householder Jones of New Madrid, he was a junior at New Madrid County Central High School and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a huge Braves fan and loved to play baseball...

POPLAR BLUFF - William H. Carman, 83, died Oct. 23, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, following a brief illness. Born May 29, 1919, in Briar, he was the son of the late William and Ella Vandover Carman. He served in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division, 18th Infantry and fought in the Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland campaigns of World War II. ...

SIKESTON - Audrey Mae Baker McCullough, 89, formerly of Charleston, died at 5:30 a.m. Oct. 25, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born March 1, 1913, in Charleston, daughter of the late Eliza and Maggie Golightly Baker, she lived in Charleston most of her life before moving to Sikeston nine years ago. She had been employed by Brown Shoe Company in Charleston and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene...

DEXTER - Icie Mae Price, 90, formerly of Sikeston and Neelyville, died Oct. 24, 2002, at the Cypress Point Nursing Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Willard Middleton, 92, who died Oct. 21, 2002, were: Connie Mac Sells, Stephen Bishop, Robert Plummer, Harold Lindsay, Brian Stacy and Steve Felker.

DEXTER - Nelda Shaw, 76, died Oct. 24, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Justin Larkins, 15, died Oct. 24, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

DEXTER - Nelda Lee Shaw, 76, died Oct. 24, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 12, 1926, at Bernie, daughter of the late Ralph Winslow and Ruby Kitchens Crain, she was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ. On Dec. 28, 1943, at Piggott, Ark., she married Bob Shaw who survives of the home...

CHICAGO - Irene Victoria Hawes "Miss Vicky" Eddings, 63, died Oct. 23, 2002. Born Jan. 29, 1939, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Pershing and Willie Mae Hawes, she graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Hayti, Mo. She was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and was employed with the Cook County Circuit Court for more than 24 years...

EAST PRAIRIE - Justen Kemp Larkins, 15, died Oct. 24, 2002, at his home. Born July 16, 1987, in Cape Girardeau, son of Melinda Carol Kemp Larkins of East Prairie and the late Kenneth Bruce Larkins, he was a sophomore at East Prairie High School and a member of New Life Ministries Church in New Madrid...

DEXTER - Icie Mae Price, 90, formerly of Sikeston and Neelyville, died at 5:42 p.m. Oct. 24, 2002, at the Cypress Point Nursing Center. Born June 18, 1912, in Winston County, Ala., daughter of the late Lee and Amanda Dodd Estes, she was a member of the Church of Christ...

SCOTT CITY - Robert Teddy Smith, 71, died Oct. 27, 2002, at his home. Born March 13, 1931, in Birch Tree, son of the late Robert Oslo and Edith Howard Smith, he was an over-the-road truck driver for Elfrink Lines of Cape Girardeau before retiring. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, member of Teamsters Union Local 574 in Cape Girardeau and was of the Church of Christ belief...

EAST PRAIRIE - The Rev. Billy A. Hunt, 65, died at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 27, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Margariette Ellen Persfull, 66, who died Oct. 22, 2002, were: Norman McRoberts, Carrol Duckworth, James Tucker, Lester Barnett, Jason Josupaip and Ryan Lee.

ORAN - Cecil Myra Halford, 84, died Oct. 26, 2002, at her home. Born Feb. 15, 1918, at Commerce, daughter of the late Robert and Viola Mansker Brotherton, she was a member of the Bell City United Methodist Church. On Dec. 4, 1936, in New Madrid County, she married Waymon Halford who preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 1996...

PORTAGEVILLE - Joe A. Moore, 89, died Oct. 26, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 31, 1913, in Tiptonville, Tenn., son of the late Joe and Effie Robinson Moore, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Portageville. He was chief of police at Portageville from 1945 until retiring in 1989 after serving in that position for 44 years. ...

DEXTER - Wava L. Roper, 87, died Oct. 27, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born March 3, 1915, near Bloomfield, daughter of the late Marshal Joseph and Margaret Pope Cox, she was a graduate of Dexter High School. She retired as a store clerk for Hurlus Cox Grocery and was a member of the Second General Baptist Church...

SCOTT CITY - Steve Wayne Speakman, 43, died at 12:20 p.m. Oct. 26, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 24, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, son of the late William Lonnie and Ruby Lucille McKinney Speakman II, he graduated from Stage One Hair School and had been employed as a hair stylist...

DEXTER - Gertrude Elledge Metz, 71, died Oct. 26, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 15, 1931, in Dexter, daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ada Meek McDaniel, she lived in Dexter most of her life where she retired from Elder Manufacturing and was a member of the Second General Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - J.D. Baker died Oct. 28, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Gertrude Marie Elledge Metz, 71, who died Oct. 26, 2002, were: Danny Leathers, Robert Metz, Cyril Marchant, Norman Stause, Jerry Josett and Al Banken.

ADVANCE - Dennis A. Martin, 37, died Oct. 27, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born April 1, 1965, in Bloomfield, son of William and Betty Dalton Martin of Dexter, he was a service technician with Sears in Cape Girardeau for 10 years and was a member of the Christian Life Church in Advance...

EAST PRAIRIE - The Rev. Billy A. Hunt, 65, died at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 27, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 7, 1937, in Lee County, Miss., son of the late Carroll and Mamie May Hunt, he lived in East Prairie since 1986 and was assistant pastor at the First Baptist Church in Charleston before retiring...

LILBOURN - William Mudd "Bill" Robbins, 53, died at 7:20 p.m. Oct. 27, 2002, at his home. Born June 9, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Felix Monroe and Blanche Mudd Robbins Jr., he was a truck driver or MCT Transport. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and American Legion Post 595 in New Madrid...

SIKESTON - James D. Baker, 74, died Oct. 28, 2002, at his home. Born May 10, 1928, in Clines Island, son of the late George R. and Inez Hicks Baker, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was of the Baptist belief. He was a self-employed mechanic and was a teacher at the Sikeston Vocational Center before retiring...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Dickie Joe Keene, 54, died Oct. 26, 2002, at his home. Born July 20, 1948, in Benton, son of Mary D. Gunter Keene McFarland of Marble Hill and the late Lloyd Keene, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. A 1966 graduate of Puxico High School, he attended Southeast Missouri State University and was manager of Cape Tractor Trailer Supply for 22 years. He was a 25-year member of Elks Lodge 639 in Cape Girardeau and Masonic Lodge 590 in Advance...

DEXTER - Jake Freeman Hamby, 76, died Oct. 29, 2002, at Cypress Point Healthcare in Dexter. Born April 27, 1926, in Bloomfield, son of the late Jesse Cobert and Geneva Fitzpatrick Hamby, he lived in the Bloomfield area most of his life and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

PORTAGEVILLE - Effie L. Frazier, 81, died Oct. 29, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Charles McKinney, 64, died Oct. 24, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 26, 1937, in Vardaman, Miss., son of the late Felix and Ida Thornton McKinney, he lived in Missouri for more than 37 years. He retired from Lewis Bakery and was of the Baptist belief...

EAST PRAIRIE - Bobbie L. Walker, 66, died Oct. 29, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE - Eunice Marie Blagg Norville, 62, died Oct. 29, 2002, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

BERTRAND - Charles McConkey, 67, died at 3:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

SIKESTON - Hazel Parthenia Royal, 87, died Oct. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.

MOREHOUSE - Robert A. Isnor, 62, died Oct. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

EAST PRAIRIE - Eunice Marie Norville, 62, died at 3 a.m. Oct. 29, 2002, at her home. Born June 16, 1940, in Charleston, daughter of the late Richard and Mary Ann Terrell Blagg, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in East Prairie and had been employed by Brown Shoe Company in Charleston...

ESSEX -- Elmo Jones, 80, died Oct. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 22, 1922, at Graham, Texas, son of the late Stanley G. and Veda Gluber Jones, he was a boiler technician at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff before retiring. He served with the U.S. Navy in World War II and the Korean War...

SCOTT CITY -- John Albert Odom, 82, died at 8:06 a.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Heartland Care and Rehab in Cape Girardeau. Born April 28, 1920, at Fornfelt, son of the late Jesse Allen and Amanda Meinz Odom, he was employed by the Corps of Engineers, working in the engine room on dredge. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

FISK - William "Bill" Mannon, 51, formerly of East Prairie, died at 7:35 p.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

PORTAGEVILLE - Effie L. Frazier, 81, died Oct. 29, 2002, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Feb. 2, 1921, in Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Marian and Mamie Faye Qualls Williams. Her husband, Dewey Franklin Frazier, preceded her in death on March 21, 1998...

PUXICO -- Tincy Cookson, 84, died Oct. 31, 2002, at the Puxico Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

MOREHOUSE -- Robert A. "Bob" Isnor, 62, died at 2:22 a.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 21, 1940, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, son of the late Robert Gerald and Annie Spriggs Isnor, he attended college in Halifax and later in Boston, Mass., where he obtained a bachelor's degree. He was a licensed pilot in the Canadian Army and had been employed as a lab technician in Missouri and Georgia before ill health forced his retirement in 1994...

SIKESTON - Hazel Parthenia Royal, 87, died at 6:18 p.m. Oct. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 27, 1915, in Stoddard County, daughter of the late Wiley G. and Clara S. Stafford Stewart, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church at Tallapoosa...

BERTRAND - Charles McConkey Jr., 67, died at 3:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 9, 1934, in Paris, Ill., son of the late Charles R. and Bertha Moss McConkey Sr., he lived in Bertrand most of his life. He was a self-employed ceramic tile layer for 50 years before retiring in 2000 and was a member of the Charleston Church of Christ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Bob L. Walker, 66, died Oct. 29, 2002, at his home. Born Feb. 17, 1936, in East Prairie, son of the late Willie C. "Jake" and Lela Mae Furlong Walker, he lived near East Prairie most of his life and retired as a processor for the Bunge Corporation. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force...

HAYWOOD CITY - Charity M. Ward, 82, died Oct. 29, 2002, at her son's home in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 2, 1920, in Pickens, Miss., she was the daughter of the late Rev. Milton and Elizabeth Young Chappell. On Dec. 6, 1941, she married Robert Ward who survives of the home...

DEXTER - Wanda Lee Stephens, 80, died Oct. 29, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 5, 1922, in Puxico, daughter of the late Charles and Lora Lee Venable Dailey, she lived in Puxico and Malden before moving to Dexter five years ago, where she was a member of the First General Baptist Church...

Winter Haven, Fla. - Pauline McIntosh, 80, died Oct. 28, 2002, at the Life Care Center of Winter Haven. Born Oct. 1, 1922, in Portageville, Mo., daughter of the late Rev. Daniel Marion Tidwell Smith and Ollie Beatrice McMillen Smith, she attended Wayne State University and Walsh Institute of Accounting in Detroit, Mich. A former member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood and Redemption Lutheran Church in Detroit, she was currently a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven...

MALDEN -- Grace Shaw, 91, died Oct. 30, 2002, at the Malden Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Parma.