Obituaries from December 2002

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Nov. 29 at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Oleta Miller, 90, who died Nov. 28, 2002, were: Leroy Burns, Troy Lynn Burns, Clinton Kelly, Farrell Kelly, Reed Jones and David Dutton.

DEXTER - Eleanor Morman, 82, died Nov. 28, 2002, at Cypress Point Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Ronnie McDowell, 49, died Nov. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 31, 1953, in Sikeston, son of Walter "Geno" McDowell of Wappapello and the late Vivian "Tincy" Taylor McDowell, he was employed by the Richard Hampton Construction Company and was of the Baptist belief...

CHARLESTON - Jimmie J. Chandler, 64, died at 8:05 p.m. Dec. 1, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born April 30, 1938, at Caraway, Ark., son of Ernestine House Chandler of Bertrand and the late Joel C. Chandler, he lived in Charleston most of his life. He was a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in the Charleston Post Office for 15 years before retiring in 1996. Chandler also retired from the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War. He was of the Baptist belief...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Tessie Delores Freeman, 76, died Nov. 28, 2002, in Sacramento, following an extended illness. Born Jan. 30, 1926, in Sikeston, Mo., daughter of the late Prather and Laura Ingram, she was a 1944 graduate of Sikeston High School and attended Trevacca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tenn. She was a member of the Northside Nazarene Church in Sikeston and was an executive for the Lambert Marketing import-export company for more than 25 years before retiring...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Oleta Miller, 90, who died Nov. 28, 2002, were: Audrey Fralick, Matt Miller, Danny Miller, Jason Miller, Carl Davis and Pete Atherton.

SIKESTON - Joyce J. Ernst, 81, died Dec. 2, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

PUXICO - Helen Hobbs, 82, died Nov. 30, 2002, at her home. Born Aug. 30, 1920, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Harry and Ruth Coleman Trent, she lived in California before moving to Puxico nine years ago. She attended Hobbs Chapel Church near Puxico...

DEXTER - Eleanor L. Morman, 82, died Nov. 28, 2002, at Cypress Point Healthcare. Born June 14, 1920, at Piedmont, daughter of the late Harry W. and Ruby Duffield Harvey, she was treasurer for the city of Dexter for 10 years and was of the Methodist belief...

SCOTT CITY - Homer McKinley, 84, died Dec. 2, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Helen Hobbs, 82, who died Nov. 30, 2002, were: Sam Phillips, Ron Faries, Bill Faries, Roger Landon, Jim Moore and Bub Yates.

CAVE SPRING, Ga. - Timothy Lynn "Bo" Bates, 41, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Nov. 30, 2002. Born April 1, 1961, in Waterveliot, Mich., son of Charles and Iona Dowdy Bates Sr., he lived in Portageville for 15 years, where he was a member of the Portageville Jaycees, served on the Portageville Park Board committee, was a member of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and was the Portageville baseball junior and senior league commissioner for many years. ...

SIKESTON - Joyce Joan Ernst, 81, died at 7:25 a.m. Dec. 2, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born June 26, 1921, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Felix A. and Zita M. Farrar Schindler, she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Legion of Mary...

CHAFFEE - Veda Boley, 78, died at 10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 26, 1924, in Powe, daughter of the late Walter Cleveland and Clara Mae Myers Jackson, she owned and operated Veda's Quick Lunch restaurant in St. Louis before retiring. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and VFW Post 3127 Ladies Auxiliary in Chaffee...

CHAFFEE - Mary Marcella Elledge, 72, died at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2002, at her home. Born June 2, 1930, in St. Louis, daughter of the late James and Minnie Ditterline Simmons, she had worked as a machine operator for Carr Textiles in Chaffee, had been a clerk for Dollar General in Chaffee and retired as a machine operator from Columbia Sportswear in Chaffee. She was of the Baptist belief...

JACKSON - Elaine L. McBride, 78, died Dec. 2, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 23, 1923, in Jackson, daughter of the late Clarence and Agnes Dale Lett Reitzel, she graduated in 1941 from Jackson High School. She worked at Thorngate in Cape Girardeau and Litz Poultry in Jackson before retiring and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jackson...

SIKESTON - James E. "Eddie" Brewer Sr., 64, died Dec. 3, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE - Mildred Hill, 59, died Dec. 3, 2002, at the Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

SCOTT CITY - Homer King McKinley, 84, died Dec. 2, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 1, 1918, in Cookville, Tenn., son of the late Homer Lee and Daisy Jared McKinley, he retired as a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of the Illmo Baptist Church and VFW Post 6407 in Scott City. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Eula Bell, 64, formerly of St. Louis, died Nov. 28, 2002, at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Born Feb. 2, 1935, in Falcon, Miss., daughter of the late London and Alberta Cox Richardson Sykes, she moved to Portageville in 1972 and was a member of Zion Rock Missionary Baptist Church. She was a teacher for Head Start for three years and was a cook in various area restaurants for more than 20 years before retiring...

DEXTER - Frank Daun, 68, died Dec. 2, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born June 6, 1934, at Reil, Germany, son of the late Martin and Barbara Briesch Daun, he was a riverboat deckhand for Inland Tugs and was of the Catholic belief. His wife, Mary Lou Daun, survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Wilma Oliver, 79, died Dec. 4, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home of Sikeston.

LITHONIA, Ga. - Leler Clark, 86, formerly of Charleston, Mo., and Cairo, Ill., died Nov. 29, 2002, at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Born April 9, 1916, in Blytheville, Ark., to the late Rev. George and Mandy Orange Mains, she moved in the early 1940s to Charleston where he became a member of the Mercy Seat Baptist Church. He moved in Cairo in 1959...

WYATT - Soloman Robinson, 85, died Dec. 2, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 16, 1916, in West Helena, Ark., son of the late Soloman and Estelle Walker Robinson, he retired as a self-employed plumber. Survivors include: two sisters, Bedella Smith of Wyatt and Ozella Baker of Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews...

PORTAGEVILLE - Phyllis Jean "Jeannie" Howell, 48, formerly of Portageville, died Dec. 3, 2002, at her home. Born Sept. 8, 1954, in LaForge, she was the daughter of Virginia Jones Howell of New Madrid and the late Ted Howell. Survivors in addition to her mother include: one son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Kakie Cobb of Portageville; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Sherry Howell of New Madrid; four sisters and three brothers-in-law, Lynda Faye and Terry Allen of Oran, Doris Ann and Kelley Starlin, Sandra and Verlin McKinney and Tammy Elizabeth Powell of New Madrid; and two grandchildren, Deven Cobb and Caleb Cobb of Portageville.. ...

DEXTER - Robert Vernon "Coop" Cooper, 74, died Dec. 3, 2002, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born June 29, 1928, in Jefferson City, son of the late Charles and Verna Mae Trial Cooper, he lived in St. Louis for many years, where he was a self-employed musician, and also lived in Springfield for three years...

SIKESTON - Edith Lorene Couch, 80, died at 11:05 p.m. Dec. 4, 2002, at Hunter Acres Caring Center. Born Dec. 29, 1921, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Ross and Mary Walker Milburn, she was a secretary and bookkeeper for Home Oil Company in Sikeston and attended Murray Lane Baptist Church...

NEW MADRID - Nancy Leona Hunter Kaiser, 72, died Dec. 3, 2002, at the Beverly Healthcare Center in New Madrid. Born June 9, 1930, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Thomas F. and Mary Catherine Gallivan Hunter, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Madrid. She was a teacher in Patton and for the New Madrid County R-1 School District before retiring...

EAST PRAIRIE - Mildred Louise Hill, 59, died at 3:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Sept. 4, 1943, in Hayti, daughter of the late Charlie and Zella Bruce Wilson, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life, where she owned and operated Mildred Beauty Shop for 23 years. She was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Matthews...

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Jerry Hallett Galeener, 85, died Dec. 3, 2002, at the Round Rock Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Mo.

SIKESTON - Wilma Oliver, 79, died Dec. 4, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 3, 1923, in Columbus, Ky., daughter of the late W.D. and Mamie Coker Moore, she was a member of a Baptist church in Memphis, Tenn., and was a child care provider for many years before retiring...

BENTON -- James E. "Eddie" Brewer Sr., 64, died Dec. 3, 2002, at his home, following an extended illness. Born Oct. 2, 1938, in Mathews, son of Viola Mae Ditto Brewer of Sikeston and the late James Osby Brewer, he was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton. He was a lifelong farmer in the Sikeston and Benton areas, where he raised crops, cattle and horses. Brewer was an award-winning calf team roper and member of the Scott County Sheriff's Posse and Sikeston Eagles Aerie 3319...

SCOTT CITY - Ossie Marie Snider, 84, died Dec. 5, 2002, at Parkland Hospital in Farmington. Born April 23, 1918, at Stuttgart, Ark., daughter of the late James Henry and Minnie Lee Norman Montgomery, she was a member of the Illmo Baptist Church for 58 years...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Edith Lorene Couch, 80, who died Dec. 4, 2002, were: Mike Couch, Mark Couch, Christopher Couch, Brad Couch, Blake Couch and David Couch.

ZALMA - Billy Jean Carver, 42, died Dec. 3, 2002, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born April 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, Calif., daughter of Elra Rauls Hammonds of Zalma and the late Frankie Carver, she attended Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Dongola. She was a student at Three Rivers Community College at Poplar Bluff...

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Jerry Hallett Galeener, 85, died Dec. 3, 2002, at the Round Rock Medical Center. Born Aug. 4, 1917, in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late John Halbert and Lena Aspisa Marshall Galeener, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. He moved to Houston in 1931 where he graduated from Sam Houston High School and, in 1936, he relocated to Austin...

DEXTER -- Edith Mae Davis, 85, died Dec. 6, 2002, at the Cypress Point Healthcare Center in Dexter. Born May 11, 1917, in Malden, daughter of the late Claude and Iva Harvey Medlin Sr., she had lived in Bell City and Campbell before moving to Dexter in 1965. She was a homemaker and a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter...

SIKESTON -- Rickey Lee Johnson, 49, died at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 2002, at his mother's residence. Born Aug. 18, 1953, in Sikeston, son of Mary L. McGee Johnson of Sikeston and the late Hilliard Johnson, he was a waiter and bartender. In addition to his mother, survivors include: one brother, Ronald Dale Johnson of Sikeston; one niece, Tiffany Johnson of Sikeston; one nephew, Casey Johnson of Sikeston; and one great-nephew, Malik Barnett of Sikeston...

CHARLESTON -- Mae R. Levill, 75, died at 5:50 p.m. Dec. 6, 2002, at her residence. Born May 30, 1927, in East Prairie, daughter of the late Ewing G. and Bertha Elder Showmaker, she moved to Charleston in 1990, having lived in Cairo most of her life, where she worked as a clerk for the Cairo Police Department and owned and operated Levill Pest Control until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Cairo, the Cairo Ladies Auxiliary and Beta Sigma Phi...

SIKESTON -- Sarah E. Chesmore, 61, died at 4:40 a.m. Dec. 7, 2002, at MDMC. Services are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON - Melba Marie Irwin, 71, died at 1 p.m. Dec. 8, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 12, 1931, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Edward Carl and Edna Junge Kuhlmann, she had been a baker for Jay's Fried Chicken and was a waitress at the Holiday Inn, Kellets, Gaslight Square and IGA before retiring. She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston...

DEXTER - Chessie Radke, 96, died Dec. 8, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CHAFFEE - Charles Judson Varble, 83, died at 5:10 a.m. Dec. 7, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born May 26, 1919, in Chaffee, son of the late Alfred Poe and Fannie Bell Jones Varble, he retired as a clerk for General Services Administration in St. Louis. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the First Baptist Church and VFW Post 3127 in Chaffee...

CALVERT CITY, Ky. - Norma Ivadell Northcutt, 92, formerly of the Big Opening community near Matthews, Mo., died Dec. 9, 2002, at the Calvert City Convalescent Center. Born Aug. 5, 1910, in Cerro Gordo, Tenn., daughter of the late Chesley and Laura Owen Alexander, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Calvert City...

COMMERCE - Alma "Tommie" Pollock, 92, died Dec. 7, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 1, 1910, in Obion, Tenn., daughter of the late Charles William and Elizabeth Tyler Upchurch, she was a member of the Commerce Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Addie Mae Jones, 91, died at 3:20 p.m. Dec. 7, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 28, 1911, in Barlow, Ky., daughter of the late George Washington and Mary Edna Blanks Jones, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - John Dwight Uptain, 80, formerly of Oran, died Dec. 7, 2002, at the Lutheran Home. Born Feb. 22, 1922, in Clarksville, Ark., son of the late John Wesley and Martha Isabell Boen Uptain, he was a sergeant with the U.S. Army during World War II. ...

SIKESTON - Sarah E. Chesmore, 61, died at 4:40 a.m. Dec. 7, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 29, 1940, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late John and Helen Davis Britt, she had been a food service worker for Sikeston Public Schools and attended Beulah Land Fellowship Church in Sikeston...

SPRINGFIELD - Walter Kinnard "Kin" Dillon, 82, formerly of Morehouse and Cape Girardeau, died Dec. 4, 2002, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Born Aug. 17, 1920, in Morehouse, son of William H. and Melissa B. Kinnard Dillon, he attended Morehouse Grade School, Sikeston High School, Southeast Missouri State University and Parks Air College. ...

CHAFFEE - Richard Wayne Cobb, 42, died unexpectedly Dec. 9, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

DEXTER - Stephen E. Miller Jr., 81, died Dec. 9, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Edith Mae Davis, 85, who died Dec. 6, 2002, were: Melvin Davis, Quinton Davis, Ted Davis, Jeff Davis, Tim Mason and Chris Mason.

DEXTER - Darrell Hodges, 55, died Dec. 10, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

COLONY, Texas - Phillip Michael Davis, 52, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Oct. 20, 2002, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Born July 6, 1950, in Sikeston, he was the son of Otto and Lily Cagle Davis of Sikeston. On April 4, 1972, in Sikeston, he married Mary Mack who survives of the home...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Grace Lee Bingham Frey, 76, formerly of Dexter, Kennett and Sikeston, died Dec. 9, 2002, at her son's home in Republic. Born May 28, 1926, at Piggott, Ark., daughter of the late Virgil and Nina Day Russell, she had been employed as a retail sales clerk and was of the Protestant belief...

DEXTER - Chessie Radke, 96, died Dec. 8, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Dec. 14, 1905, at Higginsville, daughter of the late Ed and Anna Gibson Rogers, she retired from General Motors and was of the Baptist belief. On July 31, 1932, at Kansas City, she married Victor William Radke who preceded her in death on March 18, 1941...

MINER - Carl Thomas "Tom" Crisel, 63, died at 5:33 p.m. Dec. 9, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 18, 1939, in East Prairie, son of the late William H. and Enna Drewery Crisel, he was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County and he and his wife, Sally Crisel, moved to the Miner Nursing Center in 1996. He worked for CGB Barge Company before retiring due to poor health and was of the Pentecostal belief...

DEXTER - The Rev. Stephen E. Miller Jr., 81, died Dec. 9, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Oct. 7, 1921, in Dexter, son of the late Stephen E. and Maugreete Ruth Williams Miller Sr., he was a member of the First General Baptist Church and was a retired Baptist minister. He had been a clerk at Ringer Hardware in Dexter and was a member of the General Baptist Association...

DEXTER - Darrell Hodges, 57, died Dec. 10, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Aug. 14, 1947, in Sikeston, son of Paul and Nana Lou Jones Hodges of Dexter, he was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Dexter. Survivors in addition to his parents include: two brothers, Doyal Hodges of St. Louis and Patrick Hodges of Overland Park, Kan.; two sisters, Paula Ulmer of Treadwell, N.Y., and Katrina Hatfield of Fenton; and several nieces and nephews...

CHAFFEE - Richard Wayne Cobb, 42, died at 3:09 p.m. Dec. 9, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 10, 1960, in Chaffee, son of Judy Ann Bond Cobb of Chaffee and the late Lester Ray Cobb, he was a construction worker for Huffman Construction Company in Poplar Bluff and was a member of Chaffee Masonic Lodge 615...

CHARLESTON - Everett Wayne Bone Jr., 67, died at 8:15 p.m. Dec. 10, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Aug. 29, 1935, in Wolf Island, son of Patti Mae Glass Bone of Charleston and the late Everett Bone Sr., he lived in Charleston his entire life, where he was a self-employed farmer and cattleman. ...

BERTRAND - Eva "LaDonna" Fletcher, 78, died Dec. 11, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Paul "Chukum" Coleman, 69, died Dec. 8, 2002, at his home. Born April 16, 1933, in Mounds, Ill., son of the late Helen Coleman, he was a military police officer with the U.S. Army in Korea. Survivors include: one sister, Juanita Roberts of Decatur, Ill.; one nephew, the Rev. L.L. Williams of Sikeston; five nieces, Wilma Smart of New Madrid and Barbara Patterson, Pauletta Hill, Linda Neal and Edna Williams of Decatur; and several great-nieces and great-nephews...

CHAFFEE - Otto Celestine Brucker, 86, died Dec. 10, 2002, at his home. Born March 17, 1916, in Oran, son of the late Michael and Emma Scheeter Brucker, he had been a machine operator for the Florsheim Shoe Company and was engaged in farming. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, he was of the Catholic belief...

SIKESTON - Magdaline V. "Madge" Irelander, 79, died Dec. 11, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born March 8, 1923, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Laura Irelander, she attended the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. She is survived by many friends...

NEW MADRID - Manora Nelson, 37, died Dec. 9, 2002, in St. Louis. Born Jan. 17, 1965, in New Madrid, daughter of Littie Nelson of New Madrid and the late Walter Aubry, she served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was office manager for the Mid South Service Group Home Healthcare...

ESSEX - Freda Miller, 84, died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Billie Ira Wallace, 81, formerly of Oran, died Dec. 12, 2002, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.

DEXTER - Mildred Gibson, 91, died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

MALDEN - Arcel E. Knuckles, 63, died Dec. 10, 2002, at his home. Born May 28, 1939, in Canalou, son of Stella Downs Knuckles of Sikeston and the late Herschel Knuckles, he retired as a maintenance mechanic for the Sikeston Power Plant and was a veteran of the National Guard. He was a member of the First Pentecostal Church of Malden...

SCOTT CITY - Ada Florence Choate, 98, died at 8:07 p.m. Dec. 11, 2002, at the Bertrand Retirement Home. Born March 26, 1904, in Allenville, daughter of the late William Nelson and Flora Jane Smith Daniels, she had lived in Fairview Heights, Ill., for many years...

MALDEN - Lennie Mae Northcutt, 92, died Dec. 11, 2002, at the Malden Nursing Care Center. Born Sept. 22, 1910, in Sugar Tree, Tenn., daughter of the late Francis Marion and Bertha Dora Mills Faulkner, she was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and the Prayer Warriors...

ST. LOUIS - Randall Curtis Hunsperger, 36, died at 11:12 p.m. Dec. 10, 2002, at his home. Born April 29, 1966, in St. Louis, son of Mabel Givens Hunsperger of Charleston and the late Curtis Hunsperger, he was a graduate of East Prairie High School. He completed vocational welding certification and moved to St. Louis, where he was employed by the Mart Corporation...

CHAFFEE -- Mabel Belle Thompson, 100, died at 2:10 a.m. Dec. 11, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 29, 1902, at Leachville, Ark., daughter of the late John Lumpkins, she was a cook and waitress at Mable's Cafe and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee...

BERTRAND - Eva LaDonna Fletcher, 78, died Dec. 11, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 4, 1924, in Eudora, Ark., daughter of the late Joe and Jewell McClain LaeDicker, she was a lifelong resident of her family's farm in Mississippi County. She worked for the Sears Catalog Store in Sikeston for 30 years before retiring and was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - Mary Jackson, 82, died Dec. 11, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Born May 8, 1920, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Phillip and Caroline Strack, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. She had worked as a waitress for Lambert's Cafe and the El Capri Motel before retiring...

DEXTER - Earl Eugene Christian, 80, died Dec. 12, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

ST. LOUIS - William Alonzo Dixon Sr., 85, formerly of Charleston and Cape Girardeau, died Dec. 10, 2002, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis. Born March 29, 1917, son of the late Ozark and Essie Martin Dixon, he was educated in the Thompson Bend and Charleston School Districts. He served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 5, 1943, until Feb. 6, 1946, and retired as a carpenter with Penzel Construction in Jackson...

DESOTO - Samuel Lee "Sam" Wyman, 55, formerly of Parma, died Dec. 10, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, following an lengthy battle with cancer. Born April 12, 1947, at Parma, son of Walter S. Wyman of Essex and the late Henrietta L. Wyman, he was a retired guidance counselor at DeSoto High School. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was a member of Elks Lodge 689 and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in DeSoto...

NEW MADRID - Anaise Green, 61, died Dec. 5, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 26, 1941, in Greenwood, Miss., son of the late Anaise Green Sr. and Nettie Anothy, he was a farmer. Survivors include: two sons, Edward Green and Tommy Green of Baltimore, Md.; three daughters, Betty Jean Hardy, Betty Ann Green and Marilyn Richerson of Baltimore; three brothers, Willie "Eddie" Green and Joe Lewis Green of Okeechobee, Fla., and Robert Jefferson Green of Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Chaney Hoskins and Sammie Robinson of New Madrid; and eight grandchildren.. ...

DEXTER - Mildred Mae Gibson, 91, died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born April 17, 1911, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late James and Mary Nola McDaniel Davenport, she was a member of the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter. On July 5, 1930, at Dexter, she married Grover Wilson Gibson who preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 1994...

PUXICO - Martin John Reiter, 90, died Dec. 12, 2002, at Three Rivers Heathcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born May 6, 1912, in Puxico, son of the late John Adam and Emma Ida Meyer Reiter, he was a lifelong resident of the Puxico area and member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. A retired farmer and electrician, he had served as assessor and collector for the New Libson Township...

EAST PRAIRIE - Lily Christine Summerfield, 84, died at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 18, 1918, in Sheffield, Ala., daughter of the late Thomas Lenon and Lily Pearl King Hale, she was a lifelong resident of East Prairie where she was a member of the First Church of God...

WAPPAPELLO - Horace Abner Stinson, 83, died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Three Rivers Healthcare South Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Dec. 16, 1918, at Bullicktown, Ind., son of the late Lee and Mary Arterberry Stinson, he had been a farmer and served with the U.S. Army in World War II...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 11 a.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for Magdaline V. "Madge" Irelander, 79, who died Dec. 11, 2002, were: David Couch, Gerald Griffin, Glen Peal, Gary McWaters and Roy Davis.

DYERSBURG, Tenn. - Richard Spencer Fulkerson, 97, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Methodist Hospital in Dyersburg. Born Jan. 29, 1905, at Anniston, son of the late William and Mattie Gee Fulkerson, he was a painter for the St. Louis (Mo.) Car Company for 44 years before retiring and was of the Methodist belief...

ESSEX - Freda Miller, 84, died Dec. 12, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Nov. 8, 1918, at Ashdown, Ark., daughter of the late Thomas and Carrie Clark Mason, she was of the Baptist belief. On Oct. 23, 1938, at Dexter, she married Charles Edward Miller who preceded her in death on Feb. 21, 1983...

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Millie Avanell Dye, 87, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 3 a.m. Dec. 12, 2002, at St. Mary's Medical Center. Born Oct. 16, 1915, in Clarkton, daughter of the late Charles C. and Kallie Eden Edmundson, she owned and operated restaurants in Sikeston for 25 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarkton...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Billie Ira Wallace, 82, formerly of Oran, died Dec. 12, 2002, at his home. Born Feb. 3, 1920, in Vanduser, son of the late W.G. and Jennie Yokley Wallace, he owned and operated Wallace IGA in Oran for 28 years before retiring. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston and former member and past president of the Oran School Board...

DEXTER - Earl Eugene Christian Sr., 80, died Dec. 12, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Feb. 2, 1922, in Dexter, daughter of the late Winford Dudley and Maude Ann Menley Christian, he was a farmer and of the Baptist belief. On May 15, 1952, he married Margaret Strickland who preceded him in death on Dec. 13, 1993...

BENTON - Glenn Bollinger, 85, died at 5 p.m. Dec. 12, 2002, at his home. Born Oct. 23, 1917, at Scopus, son of the late Bernie E. and Elsie Crader Bollinger, he was a farmer. On Jan. 10, 1938, he married Alma Hooker who preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 1979...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home for Eva LaDonna Fletcher, 78, of Bertrand, who died Dec. 11, 2002, will be: Phil Raffety, Larry McClain, Tony Parker, Mack McClain, Herbert McClain and Joseph Crenshaw...

DOVER, Ark. - James Marshall Boze, 73, died Dec. 11, 2002, in Little Rock. Born April 20, 1929, in Dover, son of the late Alvie Lee and Bessie Inez Cowel Boze, he was of the Pentecostal belief. His wife, Peggy Lee Boze, preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were one son, Donald Ray Boze; and one sister, Lula Bell Boze...

MOREHOUSE - Howard L. Adams, 78, died Dec. 13, 2002, at his home. Born March 10, 1924, at Morehouse, son of the late Joseph Clarence and Ethyl O'Brian Adams, he was employed as a cut-off lumberman at Rowe Furniture for 38 years. He was a member of the First Oneness Pentecostal Church in Morehouse...

JEFFERSON CITY - Samantha A. Johnson, 63, formerly of New Madrid, died Dec. 11, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. Born Oct. 8, 1938, in Braggadocio, she was the daughter of the late Herman Boykin and Rosie Bass Boykin. Her husband, Robert Lee Johnson Sr., preceded her in death in 1996...

MARSTON - John Robbins died Dec. 13, 2002. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

DEXTER - Robie Glen Bledsoe, 74, died Dec. 14, 2002, at his home. Born Aug. 18, 1928, in Bernie, son of the late Hugh and Addie Clayton Bledsoe, he was a member of the Freedom Worship Center in Dexter and had been a painter for many years. On Dec. 28, 1982, at New Madrid, he married Janie Moore who preceded him in death on Nov. 3, 1996...

MARSTON - John Henry Robbins, 53, died Dec. 13, 2002, at his home. Born Feb. 25, 1949, in Marston, son of the late Willie and Katie Wylie Robbins, he was a member of the Trinity Pentecostal Church of Marston. On Nov. 28, 1986, in Lilbourn, he married Lisa Ward who survives of the home...

SCOTT CITY - James William Curran, 69, died at 5 a.m. Dec. 15, 2002, at the Jackson Manor. Born July 10, 1923, in St. Louis, son of the late Francis and Matilda Dempsey Curran, he was a steelworker before retiring and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member and past commander of VFW Post 6407 in Scott City...

BEDIAS, Texas - Carl Condict, 79, formerly of Carmi, Ill., and Southeast Missouri, died at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14, 2002, in Galveston. Arrangements are incomplete at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home for Mary Jackson, 82, who died Dec. 11, 2002, were: Keith Jackson, Brian Young, Scott Young, Jeff Thompson, Kurt Smith and Steve Hafner.

DEXTER - Bonnie Sue Cobb, 61, died Dec. 15, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Howard L. Adams, 78, of Morehouse, who died Dec. 13, 2002, will be: Edward Moore, Michael Moore, Robert Moore, Jonathan Tucker, Donald R. Tucker, Brian Vinson, Shawn Vinson and Jimmy Harris...

DELTA - Lloyd "Curt" McDaniel, 51, died at 4:10 a.m. Dec. 15, 2002, at his home. Born Aug. 21, 1951, in Bell City, son of Thelma "Cricket" Simmons McDaniel of Delta and the late Harold Lloyd McDaniel, he was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and St. Ambrose Men's Club in Chaffee and Leopold Knights of Columbus Council 5898. He was an operator for the Spartech Corporation in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home for Eva LaDonna Fletcher, 78, who died Dec. 11, 2002, were: Phil Raffety, Carl McClain, Joseph Crenshaw, Tony Parker, Mack McClain and Herbert McClain.

ZALMA - Wendell I. Shirrell, 41, died Dec. 14, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 30, 1961, in Advance, son of Karen Stotts Shirrell of Zalma and the late Ivan Shirrell, he was a graduate of Zalma High School and member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Dongola...

DEXTER - Wayne D. Heath, 57, died Dec. 16, 2002, at Missouri Southern Heathcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

ESSEX - Bonnie Sue Cobb, 61, died Dec. 15, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 8, 1941, in Stoddard County, daughter of the late Wilburn Leroy "Dutch" and Maude Lenderman Cobb, she lived in the Grayridge and Essex communities all her life and was of the Protestant belief...

CHAFFEE - Ann E. Groseclose, 78, died Dec. 16, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Earl Eugene Christian Sr., 80, who died Dec. 12, 2002, were: Randy Orton, Vernon Christian, Carl Christian, Alan Bell, David Griffee and Bill Griffee.

BEDIAS, Texas - Carl Condict, 79, formerly of Carmi, Ill., died at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14, 2002, in Galveston. Born Jan. 13, 1923, in Essex, Mo., son of the late Gilbert Earl and Allie Lucinda Davis Condict, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a butcher and plastics molder before retiring...

NEW MADRID - Larry R. Frala, 59, died Dec. 16, 2002, at his home. Born April 6, 1943, in Bell City, he was the son of Anna Lucille Roe Frala of Lilbourn and the late Russell Edward "Fat" Frala. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Lilbourn and was a meat cutter at Baker's Big Star in Portageville...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Wendell I. Shirrell, 41, who died Dec. 14, 2002, were: Glen Rogers, Rodney Stotts, Carl James, Brad Younger, Jeff Rogers and Bruce Shirrell.

DEXTER - Leo Gray, 86, died Dec. 18, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Dale Griffy, 69, died Dec. 18, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

LILBOURN - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn for Larry R. Frala, 59, of New Madrid, who died Dec. 16, 2002, will be: Robert Taylor, Kenny Reeves, Matthew Cook, Greg Holler, E.B. Gee III and Jon Stahl...

CHAFFEE - Ann Groseclose, 78, died at 8:55 p.m. Dec. 16, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 9, 1924, in Mansfield, daughter of the late Ira and Lola Pope Brazeal, she was a member of the First Baptist Church and VFW Post 3127 Ladies Auxiliary in Chaffee...

BLOOMFIELD - Wayne D. Health, 57, died Dec. 16, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Dec. 27, 1944, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to the late Edgar and Nadine Barnett Health, he was raised by his grandparents, the late Charles and Myrtle McLean Fields. A certified public accountant for more than 30 years in the area, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge in Dexter, the Shriners in St. Louis and the Dexter Eagles Lodge...

SIKESTON - Lincoln Avery, 71, died Dec. 16, 2002, at Hunter Acres Caring Center. Born Aug. 15, 1931, in Trenton, Tenn., son of Nannie Caldwell of Flint, Mich., and the late R.B. Avery, he was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. He was employed by the City of Sikeston for many years...

DEXTER - Dale Ray Griffy, 69, died Dec. 18, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born April 26, 1933, at Puxico, son of the late Ralph and Dixie Siler Griffy, he was a member of the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter, where he as a former deacon and was currently serving as a trustee. He worked in the engineering department of Southwestern Bell for 33 years, served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War and was a member of the Stoddard County Gospel Mission...

DEXTER -- Charles Fate Cantrell, 61, died Dec. 17, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 30, 1941, in New Madrid County, son of the late James Newt and Mattie Semino Cantrell, he had lived in Arkansas before moving to Dexter in 1988 and had worked as a farm laborer for Bush's Canning in Blytheville, Ark...

IOWA PARK, Texas - Winfield Scott Featherston Jr., 89, died Dec. 17, 2002, in Wichita Falls. Born March 28, 1913, in Peacock, son of the late Winfield Scott and Etta Sarah Boyd Featherston Sr., he was affiliated with the First Baptist Church in Iowa Park and had been self-employed in farming and real estate...

MARION, Ill. -- William Eugene "Didge" Foster, 84, died Dec. 18, 2002, at his home. Born Nov. 18, 1918, in Murphysboro, son of the late Edward and Alice Wyatt Foster, he worked in several coal mines in the Southern Illinois area before retiring from Freeman No. ...

DEXTER - Leo Uil Gray, 86, died Dec. 18, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Feb. 1, 1916, at St. James, son of the late John Albert and Ora Ethel Beckham Gray, he had been a gas station attendant. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER - J.T. Irvin, 77, died Dec. 18, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Visitation is from 10 a.m. Friday until service time at 11:30 a.m. at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Bonnie Sue Cobb, 61, who died Dec. 15, 2002, were: Al Alfred II, Stacy Alfred, Cindy Rutledge, Sharon Kelley, Janice Cobb, Brandy Dautel, Brittnay Dautel and Josh Rutledge...

SPRINGFIELD - Nadine Kemp, 81, formerly of East Prairie, died at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 18, 2002, at the Christian Health Care East Nursing Facility in Springfield. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

DEXTER - Carl Rose, 88, died Dec. 17, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born March 3, 1914, in Marmaduke, Ark., son of the late William and Lura Kimmitt Rose, he had been a press operator and inspector for Elders Manufacturing before retiring in 1976, after 43 years of service. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Dexter for the past 60 years...

ORAN - Virginia Ann Hodges, 66, died Dec. 18, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by her family and friends. Born Oct. 3, 1936, in Fornfelt-Ansell, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Rose Mae Wright Abernathy. For 13 years she was employed by Thorngate Ltd. ...

NEW MADRID - Sylvia Middleton, 56, died Dec. 18, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born April 3, 1946, at New Madrid, daughter of the late Hazel and Ethel Potter. On Sept. 7, 1960, she married Johnie Middleton, who survives of the home...

SPRINGFIELD - Nadine Kemp, 81, formerly of East Prairie, died at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 18, 2002, at the Christian Health Care East Nursing Facility. Born Feb. 4, 1921, at East Prairie, daughter of the late John Shelby and Lillian Thrasher Kemp, she had lived in Springfield since 1978 where she was a member of St. ...

DEXTER - J.T. Irvin, 77, died Dec. 18, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Nov. 3, 1925, at Kennett, son of the late Frank and Hallie Harris Irvin, he was a retired farmer and member of Liberty Hill General Baptist Church at Aid. His wife, Betty Irvin, survives of the home...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Wayne D. Heath, 57, who died Dec. 16, 2002, were: Mike Hall, Danny Dowdy, Kenny Waggoner, Tommy Cooper, Marion Tibbs and Charlie Frank.

SIKESTON - Evelyn Taylor, 82, died Dec. 20, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 20, 1920, in Charleston, daughter of the late Luther Roy and Alpha Elizabeth Baker, she was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. On May 4, 1938, she married Clay Taylor who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Curtis Henry Cline, 91, died Dec. 21, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. He was born on a dairy farm near Morehouse on May 14, 1911, son of William Henry Cline, a native of Hickman County, Ky., and Nannie Lena Kline of New Madrid County...

LILBOURN - Ila Gail Presnell, 68, died Dec. 21, 2002, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. today and services will be conducted Monday.

FRESNO, Calif. - Gladys Bridger, 88, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 21, 2002, in Fresno. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Carl Rose, 88, who died Dec. 17, 2002, were: Gary McFarlen, Larry McFarlen, Mark Delay, Dallas Berry, Dennis "Speedy" Young and Louis Carter.

SIKESTON - Lloyd Wilburn, 98, died at 7:43 a.m. Dec. 23, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

LILBOURN - Ila Gail Presnell, 65, died Dec. 21, 2002, at her home. Born Nov. 7, 1937, in Lepanto, Ark., daughter of Mamie Joyce Holt Carter of Lilbourn and the late Milton Carter, she was a member of the Church of God and had worked at Stover Furniture and Clothing in New Madrid...

ST. LOUIS - Opal Marion, formerly of Portageville, died Dec. 22, 2002, in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Charles Fate Cantrell, 61, who died Dec. 17, 2002, were: James Cantrell, Wayne Cantrell, Bobby Cantrell, Charles E. Cantrell, Jasper Cantrell and Brandon Cantrell...

SIKESTON - Jewell Alfreda Watson, 90, died at 4:10 a.m. Dec. 22, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born May 20, 1912, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Adam and Molly Fowler Ferguson, she had been employed by the International Shoe Company in Sikeston. A member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for many years, she was also a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Evelyn Taylor, 82, died Dec. 20, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 22, 1920, in Charleston, daughter of the late Luther Roy and Alpha Elizabeth Baker, she was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. On May 4, 1938, she married Clay Taylor who survives of the home...

CHAFFEE - Loretta Harrell, 87, died at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 2002, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Oct. 16, 1915, in Painton, daughter of the late Joseph and Philomine Glastetter Brucker, she was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Daughters of St. Ambrose in Chaffee...

EAST PRAIRIE - Margaret Jo Barnes, 69, died at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 22, 2002, at her home. Born Jan. 24, 1933, in East Prairie, daughter of the late Luther and Edith Tanner Bailey, she lived in East Prairie most of her life, where she was a member of the First Church of God. She had been employed by the Manufacturing Company for many years and was currently working in the East Prairie High School cafeteria...

NAYLOR - Ruby Lancaster, 89, died Dec. 21, 2002, at the Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Nov. 9, 1913, in Alcorn County, Miss., daughter of the late Claude A. and Mary Alice Wingo Downs, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn...

SIKESTON - Henry King Jr., 75, died Dec. 19, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born May 19, 1927, in Grenada, Miss., son of the late Henry and Hazel Smith King Sr., he attended Portageville High School and mechanic school in Dallas, Texas. He was a head mechanic for the JC Penney Auto Center for seven years, worked on the railroad for many years and was a school bus driver for the Sikeston R-6 School District for 20 years before retiring. ...

ST. CHARLES - Opal Marion, 91, died Dec. 22, 2002, at the Blanchett Place in St. Charles. Born Oct. 18, 1911, in Portageville, daughter of the late Olive E. and Etta Boatwright LaFont, she was a member of the All Saints Church in St. Peters. She had been a nurse and was active in the 4-H Sewing Project in the New Madrid County region...

CHAFFEE - Grace Catherine Myer, 86, died at 3:05 a.m. Dec. 23, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 30, 1916, in Bloomington, Ill., daughter of the late Rilley and Etta Cohern Herrell, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church at Whitewater...

DALLAS, Texas - Louisa Wood, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Dec. 23, 2002, at Baylor University Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at the Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Lloyd Wilburn, 98, died at 7:43 a.m. Dec. 23, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Feb. 28, 1904, at East Prairie, son of the late Louis W. and Nora Hinton Wilburn, he was a self-employed farmer and a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Lloyd L. Neeley, 65, died Dec. 23, 2022, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born April 24, 1937, at Reno, Ark., son of the late Thomas and Sylvia Laws Neeley, he was a farm laborer and had worked for Asplundh Tree Service. He enjoyed playing pool and checkers...

EAST PRAIRIE - James E. "Junior" Johnson, 74, died Dec. 26, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Loyd L. Neeley, 65, died Dec. 23, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born April 24, 1937, at Reno, Ark., son of the late Thomas and Sylvia Laws Neeley, he was a farm laborer and had worked for Asplundh Tree Service. He was also preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters...

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. - Virginia Lee Knupp, 83, formerly of Anniston, Mo., and Charleston, Mo., died at 5 a.m. Dec. 26, 2002, at the Regency Place Extended Care Nursing Facility in Greenfield. Born Nov. 15, 1919, in the Crosno community of Mississippi County, daughter of the late James and Birdie Griffith Null, she had lived in Charleston most her life until moving to Knightstown in 2001. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Knightstown...

SIKESTON - Jessie F. Cox Jr., 89, died Dec. 25, 2002, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Jan. 30, 1913, at Sikeston, son of the late J.F. and Julia Tommey Cox Sr., he was president of Home Oil Company from 1933 until retiring in 1965, had been a founding partner in Homestead Distributing Company, president of the Mississippi County Oil an Gas Company and past president of the Sikeston Jaycees...

HOLCOMB -- Delbert Gill, 66, died Dec. 24, 2002, at his home. Born Oct. 4, 1936, in Morehouse, son of the late James Harrison and Dolly Childers Gill, he retired from the military and was a member of the American Legion Post 293 at Malden. His first wife, Lillie Gill, preceded him in death in 1989...

EAST PRAIRIE - Paul Daryle Summerfield, 48, died at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 14, 1954, at St. Louis, son of the late Paul Charles and Lily Christine Hale Summerfield, he had lived most of his life in East Prairie where he attended the First Church of God...

PORTAGEVILLE - James Crawford, 66, died Dec. 24, 2002, at Evansville, Ind. He was born Aug. 1, 1936, at Sardis, Tenn., to the late L.L. and Ida Mae Renfro Crawford. In Hernando, Miss., he was married to Jeannene Riddle, who survives of the home. Other survivors are one son, Jimmy Crawford of Portageville; one daughter, Cindy Richardson of Portageville; three brothers, Roy Crawford of Denbigh, Va., Tom Crawford of Rock Hill, S.C., and Jerry Crawford of Portageville; three sisters, Lorraine Kimes of Mountain View, Calif., Jean Bodine of Sikeston and Ann Jewell of Little Rock, Ark.; and five grandchildren.. ...

HAYWOOD CITY - Morean Weakly-Hamilton, 85, died Dec. 21, 2002. Born June 3, 1917, to Silas and Everleana Weakly, she was a member of the New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where she was secretary for many years. Also she was a member of the University Extension Club and a 4-H leader during her early adult life...

SIKESTON -- Curtis Henry Cline, 91, died Dec. 21, 2002, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born May 14, 1911, on a dairy farm near Morehouse, he was the son of the late William Henry Cline, a native of Hickman County, Ky., and Nannie Lena Cline of New Madrid County...

BRIDGETON -- Frannie Davis, 86, formerly of Charleston, died Dec. 21, 2002, at the DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton. Born May 3, 1916, at Olmsted, Ill., she was the daughter of the late William and Ida Mae Williams Barnett. In 1932, at Olmsted, she married John Davis who preceded her in death...

DALLAS -- Louisa N. Wood, 92, died Dec. 24, 2002, at the Baylor Irving Medical Center in Irving. Born Sept. 19, 1910, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., daughter of the late Elmer and Daisy Deers Nickens, she was of the Methodist belief. On June 24, 1934, she married Kermit E. Wood who preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 2000...

LILBOURN -- Rueben Archie Marsh Jr., 32, formerly of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Dec. 24, 2002, at Three Rivers Health Care North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Dec. 12, 1970, at Lilbourn, son of Rueben Archie and Margaret Johnson Marsh of Lilbourn, he was a graduate of New Madrid County Central High School, where he participated in basketball. He was employed by the J.B. Hunt Trucking Company as a professional truck driver and was a member of Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ in Fort Wayne...

SIKESTON - Allen Dorris Jr., 33, formerly of East Prairie, died Dec. 26, 2002, at his home. Born March 8, 1969, in Granite City, Ill., son of Allen and Sharon Pemberton Dorris Sr. of Diehlstadt, he lived in East Prairie most of his life and was of the General Baptist belief. He was a floor manager at the Sikeston Wal-Mart Supercenter...

PIEDMONT - Jodie McAllister, 67, died unexpectedly Dec. 26, 2002, at her home near Piedmont. Born June 23, 1935, at Lilbourn, she had lived in Sikeston for many years, where she was employed by the Gold Bond Company and was a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church...

SCOTT CITY -- Viola Hannah Kern, 84, died at 8:10 a.m. Dec. 28, 2002, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 21, 1918, at Ancell, daughter of the late Frank Arnold and Rosalie Pfefferkorn, she had been a sales clerk at Amrhein Drug Store in Illmo and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Adelaide Page, 80, died Dec. 26, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Visitation is after 5 p.m. Monday at the Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo, where services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Kelly Cox will officiate...

SHERIDAN, Ark. -- Lois Mitchell, 77, died Dec. 27, 2002, at the Sheridan Nursing Home at Sheridan. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Meta W. "Dean" Overbey, 81, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 28, 2002, at her home. Born Sept. 12, 1921, at Ethel, Miss., daughter of the late John Edward and Lillie Mae Ward Crow, she was was director of the nursery at the First Baptist Church in Sikeston for 25 years, where she was a former member and worked for J.C. ...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. - Ronnie Vinson, 49, died Dec. 26, 2002, at his home. Born May 12, 1953, in Charleston, Mo., son of Elmer Vinson of Charleston and Martha Housman Coker of Olive Branch, he was a truck driver. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one son, Ronnie Vinson of Sikeston, Mo.; one daughter, Joni Vinson of Sikeston; two sisters, Bonnie Cole of Kevil, Ky., and Sandra Berry of Charleston; three grandchildren; and his stepfather, James Coker of Olive Branch...

PIEDMONT - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Morrison-Worley Funeral Home for Jodie McAllister, 67, who died Dec. 26, 2002, were: Danny Robbins, Andy McCoy, Carl McCoy, Larry Mc Coy, Bryan Hampton and Randy White. The daughter of the late Melton and Lillian Roberts McCoy was also preceded in death by three brothers, Richard McCoy, Grady McCoy and Carl McCoy; and two sisters, Hazel McCoy and Joyce McCoy...

EAST PRAIRIE - Frances Calhoun Houser, 76, died at 5:23 a.m. Dec. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

BENTON - Mildred C. Felter, 81, died Dec. 30, 2002, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

TROY - Alvin Franklin Adams Sr., 88, died Dec. 28, 2002, at the Lincoln County Memorial Hospital. McCoy -Blossom Funeral Home in Troy is in charge of funeral arrangements which are incomplete.

MATTHEWS - Othel V. Porter, 83, died Dec. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

BERNIE - Marcille Jones, 84, died Dec. 27, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 23, 1918, in Bernie, daughter of the late George and Minnie Fonville Jones, she worked for the Malden Grain Company for many years before retiring and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bernie...

SIKESTON - Dorothy N. Cauthorn, 81, died Dec. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 10, 1921, in Buffington, daughter of the late George W. and Bertha N. Gurley Cartwright, she was a sales clerk for J.C. Penney before retiring. On July 1, 1939, she married Robert E. Cauthorn who preceded her in death on Aug. 24, 1991...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Adelaide Page, 80, died Dec. 26, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Born June 14, 1922, in Olmsted, daughter of the late Dr. Oscar and Bertha Albright Caraker, she was a lifelong resident of the Olmsted and Cairo communities. ...

CHAFFEE - Mary Bernice Wood, 72, died at 9:45 p.m. Dec. 27, 2002, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Feb. 28, 1930, in Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late Albert Gustess Jackson and Pearlie May Thrasher Miller, she retired as a machine operator from the Florsheim Shoe Factory in Cape Girardeau...

ADVANCE - Amelia Jean "Amy" Rhodes Winchester, 43, died Dec. 27, 2002, in Fayetteville, Ark., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Dec. 18, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Bill E. and Jean F. Rhodes, she was the Middle School counselor at Woodland R-4 School District in Marble Hill for the past year and a half. ...

SHERIDAN, Ark. - Lois Imogene Mitchell, 77, died Dec. 27, 2002, at the Sheridan Nursing Home. Born April 19, 1925, at Dexter, Mo., daughter of the late Elvis Reynolds and Gladys Irby Mitchell, she was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan...

DEXTER - Phyllis Rehm, 63, died Dec. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 11, 1939, in Dexter, daughter of the late Clinton C. and Eva Vaughn Shell, she was office manager for Bud Shell Ford in Dexter. Survivors include: two sons, Chuck Poeppelmeyer of Bloomfield and Michael Larry Rehm of Dexter; one daughter, Lisa Rehm of Dexter; one brother, Clifford Bud Shell of Dexter; two sisters, Sue Morlan of West Plains and Patricia Taylor of Clemson, S.C.; and two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.. ...

SIKESTON - Doris Arlene Hitchings, 92, formerly of Belleview, died Dec. 28, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 25, 1910, in Shelby County, Ill., daughter of the late John and Effie Jenkins Engle, she was a columnist, staff writer and photographer for the St. ...

BENTON - Mildred Colletta Felter, 81, died at 2:25 a.m. Dec. 30, 2002, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 12, 1921, at Randles, daughter of the late Leo and Clara Essner Schlitt, she was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton...

TROY, Mo. - Alvin Franklin Adams Sr., 88, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 28, 2002, at Lincoln County Memorial Hospital. Born Nov. 30, 1914, in Eureka, he was the son of the late Willie F. and Sophie Ida Leder Adams. Alvin grew up on a farm where he learned the importance of hard work and experienced the pleasures of country life. His family had moved several times, which hampered formal education, and he dropped out of school after his junior year at Normandy High school in St. Louis...

CHARLESTON - Christine Englis Farmer, 78, formerly of the Charleston area, died at 8:54 p.m. Dec. 30, 2002, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston until time of services at 11 a.m...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Ponder Funeral Home for Dorothy Cauthorn, 81, who died Dec. 29, were: Larry Lambert, Rikki Lambert, Terry Lambert, Robbie Lambert, Kevin Kirkpatrick and Freddie Cauthorn.

MOREHOUSE - Donald "Mickey" Hoots, 57, died Dec. 29, 2002, at his home. Born Sept. 19, 1945, in Bell City, son of the late William and Effie Burkhart Hoots, he had lived in the Bell City and Morehouse areas most of his life. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was an over-the-road truck driver and member of the First General Baptist Church in Morehouse, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles...

EAST PRAIRIE - Frances Calhoun Houser, 76, formerly of Anniston, died at 5:23 a.m. Dec. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born April 4, 1926, in Anniston, daughter of the late Charles Andy and Hattie Mae Thurman Calhoun, she was a nurse at Missouri Delta Medical Center and area nursing homes before retiring. She was a member of the Full Gospel Church in East Prairie...

SIKESTON - Othel V. Porter, 83, died Dec. 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 5, 1919, in Doublesprings, Ala., daughter of the late Chester and Lecie Baldy Seymour, she was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Matthews...

ST. LOUIS - Barbara Ann Doolittle, 63, formerly of Charleston, died Dec. 30, 2002, at St. Alexius Hospital in St. Louis. Born Oct. 25, 1939, in Charleston, daughter of the late Cletus and Anna Doolittle Sr., she was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Church and Secular Franciscan of St. Anthony of Padua fraternity...