Obituaries from February 2003

STURDIVANT -- David B. Stephens, 56, died Jan. 31, 2003, from injuries sustained during a fire in his home. Born Jan. 30, 1947, at Brownwood, he was a pipe fitter and had spent most of his life in the Advance community. In 1991, he married Jannett Sneed who survives of the home...

SIKESTON -- Marcella B. Layton, 83, died at 4:10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2003, at the Lutheran Home. Born May 26, 1919, in Morrisonville, Ill., daughter of the late Herman Elmer and Mary Brockamp Todt, she lived in Sikeston most of her life. She had been a saleslady for Norton Shoe, J.C. ...

CHARLESTON - Adam Eugene Wright, 46, died at 6:30 a.m. Jan. 31, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Born Sept. 17, 1955, in Wardell, son of the late James Thomas and Mary Jones Wright, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life, where he was a truck driver until ill health forced his retirement...

CHAFFEE -- Edward "Cotton" Sadler, 75, died at 6 p.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 5, 1927, in Chaffee, son of the late Monroe Cecil and Ada Belle Roberts Sadler, he served as a cook 1st class on a ship with the U.S. Navy during World War II...

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Edna Betty Hill, 68, who died Jan. 29, 2003, were: Rick Williams, Roy Lynn Williams, Harold G. Hill, Rick Watkins, Steve Watkins and Mike Watkins.

SCOTT CITY - John Thomas Cotner, 44, died Feb. 2, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SCOTT CITY - Lucille Clementine Enderle, 87, died at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 29, 1916, in New Hamburg, daughter of the late Celestine and Emilia Bollinger Hahn, she was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and Ladies Sodality in Kelso...

EAST PRAIRIE - Eurie "Butch" Kestner, 76, died at 7:20 p.m. Feb. 2, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

JEFFERSON CITY - Cathleen D. Gipson, 99, formerly of Sikeston, died Feb. 1, 2003, at the Capital Healthcare Center. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Friend Cemetery in Oran with Dr. Rick Ramsey, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sikeston, officiating...

HAYWARD - George Swift Sr., 88, died Feb. 2, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Visitation begins after 5 p.m. Tuesday at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville, where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Mark Inman will officiate...

SIKESTON - Jim D. Baker, 71, died Feb. 2, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 11, 1931, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Bennie and Della Duncan Baker, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for which he was a past district commander and was currently serving as quartermaster. ...

CHARLESTON - Addie Geneva Higgins, 91, formerly of East Prairie, died at 10:55 p.m. Feb. 1, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 10, 1911, near East Prairie, daughter of the late Alexander and Queen Victoria Chance Lynch, she was a resident of the Charleston Manor Nursing Center. She and her husband farmed in the Sugartree Ridge Community for many years before his death. She was then employed by the Budget Laundry Cleaners in East Prairie until her retirement...

DEXTER - Steve Whitsel, 50, died Jan. 30, 2003, at the Three Rivers Healthcare South Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born June 9, 1952, in Sikeston, son of Wanda Jean Gunter Trout of Puxico and the late Marion Maurice Whitsel, he graduated from Puxico High School and served with the U.S. Air Force for 24 years...

FISK - Mary Lou Merideth 71, died Feb. 1, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Dec. 27, 1931, in Fisk, daughter of the late Robert and Audra Parks Bostic, she lived in Illinois for 42 years before returning to Fisk in 1994, where she was a member of the first Church of God...

DEXTER - The Rev. Dr. Melvin Gainer Jr., 82, died Feb. 1, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Born March 2, 1920, in Richwood, W.Va., son of the late Melvin and Ethel Mae Jones Gainer Sr., he was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Clifford L.B. Mathis, 87, died at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 8, 1915, in Corinth, Miss., son of the late John N. and Louella Russell Mathis, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life where he was a land owner and farmer. A member of the First Church of God of East Prairie, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

DEXTER - Ethel Melvina Fyffe, 76, died Feb. 3, 2003, at her home in rural Dexter. Born March 7, 1926, in Bernie, daughter of the late Charles and Melvina Nelson Clark, she was a private duty nurse before retiring and a member of the Bernie Christian Church...

DEXTER - Lester C. Shell, 82, died Feb. 3, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Born Aug. 25, 1920, at McGee, son of the late Noah Winchester and Martha Whitener Shell, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. He served with the U.S. Navy in World War II and retired as a cable repairman for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Shell was a member of the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 and had been involved with the Boy Scouts of America...

HAYWARD - George Eugene "Jake" Swift, 88, died Feb. 2, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 26, 1914, in Portageville, he was the son of the late George Eugene "Jake" and Nora Magers Swift. On Jan. 25, 1935, in Hayti, he married Mary Mildred "Babb" Swift who survives of the home...

PORTAGEVILLE - Thomas M. Minnis, 86, died Jan. 30, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Aug. 9, 1916, in Nettleton, Miss., son of the late Lewis and Carrie Minnis, he worked for Federal Compress for 44 years before retiring. On Sept. 16, 1950, in Portageville, he married Georgia Mae Steele who preceded him in death on Feb. 16, 1977...

SCOTT CITY - John Thomas "T.C." Cotner, 44, died Feb. 2, 2003, at his home in Scott City, where he has lived for the past eight years. Born Feb. 2, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, son of Chester Cotner of Troy, Mo., and Hannah Rumfelt Cotner of Cape Girardeau, he was a member of St. ...

JEFFERSON CITY - Cathleen D. Gipson, 99, formerly of Sikeston, died Feb. 1, 2003, at the Capital Healthcare Center. Born June 8, 1903, in Lake County, Tenn., daughter of the late Clay and Rose Brown Driskill, she attended school in Helena, Ark., and graduated from the Ensley (Ala.) High School. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Agnes Wilburn died Feb. 4, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE - Eurie "Butch" Kestner, 76, died at 7:20 p.m. Feb. 2, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Aug. 12, 1926, in Marston, son of the late Ean A. and Lillian Bonta Kestner, he lived in East Prairie most of his life and was of the Pentecostal belief. He retired from Brown Shoe Company in Charleston...

EAST PRAIRIE - Agnes Sumner Wilburn died at 8:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born in Cadiz, Ky., daughter of the late Durwood Floyd and Lillie Jane Thomas Sumner, she was a teacher in East Prairie for 32 years before retiring. ...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mary Lou Merideth, 71, who died Feb. 1, 2003, were: Philip E. Chronister, John Chronister, Steve Bieber, Terry Moore, Jim Hazel and Skeets Satterfield.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today at the Friend Cemetery in Oran for Cathleen D. Gipson, 99, of Jefferson City and formerly of Sikeston, who died Feb. 1, 2003, will be: Jim Barber, Charles Chaney, Tom Brack and Jim Leigh...

POPLAR BLUFF - Ralph E. Byrum, 93, died Feb. 4, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 25, 1910, in Jenny Lind, Ark., son of the late Jim and Lucy Mahoney Byrum, he lived in St. Louis for 56 years before moving to Poplar Bluff in 1982. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he retired from General Motors and attended Temple Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

PORTAGEVILLE - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at DeLisle Funeral Home for George Eugene "Jake" Swift, 88, who died Feb. 2, 2003, were: Fred Nabors, Jon Swift, George Swift, Jay Swift, Don Underwood and Gary Baker.

WYATT - Ulyes C. Brumley, 79, died at 3:02 a.m. Feb. 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 16, 1923, in Mississippi County, son of the late Grover C. and Della D. Miller Brumley, he was a lifelong resident of Wyatt where he was a member of the Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a retired construction worker...

GRAYRIDGE - Melba Harlan, 61, died Feb. 6, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

POPLAR BLUFF - Ralph David Berry, 83, formerly of Gideon, died Feb. 4, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus. Born June 19, 1919, in Gideon, son of the late David Walter and Belle Coveatt Berry, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and member of the Assembly of God Church in Poplar Bluff...

DEXTER - Brenda Link, 55, died Feb. 5, 2003, at her home near Dexter. Born March 28, 1947, in Dexter, daughter of the late Arthur and Ruby Maze Vaughn, she was a lifelong resident of Dexter and member of Lick Creek Church near Bloomfield. On Dec. 31, 1971, in Troy, Mo., she married Joe Link who survives of the home...

PORTAGEVILLE - Thomas M. Minnis, 86, died Jan. 30, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Aug. 9, 1916, in Nettleton, Miss., son of the late Lewis and Carrie Minnis, he worked for Federal Compress for 44 years before retiring. On Sept. 16, 1950, in Portageville, he married Georgia Mae Steele who preceded him in death on Feb. 16, 1977...

BERTRAND - Cyara Breann Lizenbee, 5-day-old daughter of Jason Ray Lizenbee and Christy Dawn McWhirter, died Feb. 5, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Survivors in addition to her parents include: her paternal grandparents, Ray Lizenbee of East Prairie and Naomi Lizenbee of Bernie; maternal grandparents, Arnold McWhirter of Sikeston and Debra Hardin of Converse, La.; paternal great-grandmothers, Nona Jones of Campbell and Dorothy Lizenbee of Advance; and her maternal great-grandmother, Nola McWhirter of Bertrand.. ...

NEW MADRID - Thomas J. Taylor, 79, died Feb. 5, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home.

PORTAGEVILLE - Ernest R. "Sonny" Moylan Jr., 69, died Feb. 5, 2003, at the Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born Dec. 30, 1933, in Portageville, son of the late Ernest R. and Stella Marie Hoggard Moylan Sr., he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Portageville. ...

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Justin R. DeLisle, 48, died Feb. 4, 2003, in Pensacola. Born June 29, 1954, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., son of the late J. Byron and Madelon DeLisle, he lived in the Pensacola area for the past 13 years. Survivors include: one daughter, Ashley DeLisle of Grand Prairie, Texas; four brothers, Jon Gregory DeLisle and Rouget DeLisle of New Madrid, Mo., Jerome DeLisle of Pensacola and Jacques DeLisle of Sikeston, Mo.; two sisters, Yvonne Patterson of Cape Girardeau and Michelle Mooneyham of Pensacola; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, JoAnne Matikonis of Delaware.. ...

SIKESTON - Clarence Preston "Junior" Black, 82, died at 6:10 p.m. Feb. 6, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born April 17, 1920, in Wyatt, son of the late Clarence Preston and Dollie Mae Graham Black, he was a car salesman in Sikeston and Charleston and had worked for the Sikeston Motor Company for 20 years before retiring. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston...

AQUILLA - Rick Bostic, 43, died Feb. 6, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield.

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Ralph E. Byrum, 93, who died Feb. 4, 2003, were: Don Selvidge, Marcus Selvidge, Richard Selvidge, Greg Pulley, Rodney Reagan and Lonnie Hickman.

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at McMikle Funeral Home for Ulyes C. Brumley, 79, of Wyatt, who died Feb. 6, 2003, will be: Rich Williams, Mitch Pullen, Marty Pullen, Randy Pullen, Bill Harris and Charles Baugh. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home...

GRAYRIDGE - Melba Harlan, 61, died Feb. 6, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Born April 21, 1941, in Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late Paul and Alma Sutton Ritch, she lived in Grayridge most of her life. She had been a nurse practitioner at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary in Poplar Bluff...

LILBOURN - Thomas J. Taylor, 79, died Feb. 5, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. He was born May 3, 1923, and was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. No visitation is scheduled. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid. The American Legion Post 595 Honor Guard will conduct graveside military rites...

CHARLESTON - Lanie G. "Leather" Black, 84, died at 8:20 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born July 9, 1918, in Naylor, son of the late Lanie G. and Sara Oliver Black Sr., he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He was engaged in farming and cotton ginning until retiring in 1978. ...

NEW MADRID - Joshua Cody "Josh" Jimerson, 24, died Feb. 7, 2003, in New Madrid. Born Sept. 28, 1978, in Hayti, son of Ronnie and Loretta Beaher Jimerson of New Madrid, he graduated in 1996 from New Madrid County Central High School, where he participated in football and baseball. He was a construction worker and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, New Madrid Eagles Aerie 4206 and Iron Workers Local 469 of Jackson, Miss...

SIKESTON - Roxie M. Stone, 60, died at 7:14 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

BLUE SPRINGS - Robert J. Nolen, 72, died Jan. 30, 2003, at his home in Blue Springs. Born May 29, 1930, in Lepanto, Ark., son of the late John S. and Evelyn Miller Nolen Sr., he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired from Western Union and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For many years, he was an advocate for the disabled and served as a member of the Jackson County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled...

BLOOMFIELD - Rick L. Bostic, 43, died Feb. 6, 2003, at his home in rural Bloomfield. Born Feb. 9, 1959, in Bloomfield, son of the late Leonard and Juanita Holford Baker, he was a lifelong resident of the Bloomfield area. He was a truck driver and attended the Walker General Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Margaret Ellen Alexander, 82, died at 2:28 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau . Born June 11, 1920, in Gideon, daughter of the late Robert Franklin and Susan Frances Heath McGill, she was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sikeston. She owned and operated Margaret's Beauty Shop in Sikeston for many years...

PORTAGEVILLE - Dewitt Mickles, 83, died Feb. 5, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 6, 1920, in Hugh, Ark., son of the late John and Corene Mickles, he was a deacon at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Portageville. On June 24, 1943, he married Katie Williams who survives of the home...

KELSO - Kerry B. Croxton, 43, formerly of Burns, Tenn., died at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 7, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 17, 1959, in Carthage, Ill., son of Frank E. and Geraldine A. McKee Croxton Jr. of Kelso, he had been a diesel mechanic for Sam Tanksley Trucking and was an electrician for Croxton Enterprise. He was a member of the North Cape Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Brenda Link, 55, who died Feb. 5, 2003, were: David Vaughn, Jeff Vaughn, T.J. Vaughn, Jim Vaughn, Jim Williamson and Dean Holt.

SIKESTON - Jeanette Ramsey, 63, died at 9:42 p.m. Feb. 7, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 3, 1939, in Itta-Bena, Miss., daughter of Naomi Holmes Moore Manning of Pocahontas, Ark., and the late Fontell Moore, she had been employed by the Presbyterian Daycare Center in Sikeston. A member of Laureate Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, she was also a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Clarence Preston "Junior" Black Jr., 82, who died Feb. 6, 2003, will be: Charles Campbell, Dan Armour, J.R. Hei, Marvin Arsta, Al Moore and Sam Harbin.

NEW MADRID - Lewis Cameron Riley, 85, died Feb. 8, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Oct. 11, 1917, in New Madrid, son of the late Howard and Lottie Lewis Riley, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus and was a local farmer and landowner...

SIKESTON -- Stellene V. Carroll, 83, died at 6:50 p.m. Feb. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, where services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

PADUCAH, Ky. - Violet Stone, 80, died Feb. 8, 2003, at Lourdes Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

SIKESTON -- Garry Edwin Davis, 68, died at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 9, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 21, 1934, in Bucklin, son of the late Curtis A. and Norma Herriman Davis, he had lived in the area for 21 years after moving from California and St. Louis. He had been an investigator in law enforcement in California and St. Louis...

MATTHEWS -- Charles A. Daniels, 79, died Feb. 9, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 25, 1923, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., son of the late Jess and Maude Newton Daniels, he was a farmer in the Matthews area for approximately 50 years before retiring...

BLOOMFIELD -- Willa Dean Link, 80, died Feb. 8, 2003, at her residence near Bloomfield. Born Feb. 14, 1922, at Bloomfield, daughter of the late Robert and Mary Henson McDowell, she was a homemaker. Survivors include: one son, Marvin Link of Advance; one brother, Paul McDowell of Galion, Ohio; two sisters, Delphia Ivy of Mt. Vernon, Ill., and Clorine Glass of Dexter; and one granddaughter, Robbin Nesler of Advance...

CHARLESTON -- Pauline McClean Hess, 85, died at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 9, 1917, at Cadogap, Ark., daughter of the late Will and Cumi Bell McClean, she had lived most of her life in Mississippi County where she was a member of the Wyatt United Methodist Church...

SIKESTON - Roxie M. Emerson Stone, 60, died at 7:14 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born July 8, 1942, in Morley to the late John Mac and Ossie May Pratt Emerson, she had been a waitress at the Ramada Inn in Sikeston and was a member of the Murray Lane Baptist Church in Sikeston. She enjoyed conversation and cooking for family and friends...

WYATT -- John L. "Johnny" Wicker, 58, died at 3:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2003, at his home in Wyatt. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

CHARLESTON -- Lanie G. "Leather" Black, 84, died at 8:20 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born July 9, 1918, in Naylor, son of the late Lanie G. and Sara Oliver Black Sr., he had lived most of his life in Mississippi County where he was engaged in farming and cotton ginning until his retirement in 1978. ...

SCOTT CITY -- Keith Thomas Anderson, 23, died Feb. 9, 2003, in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 29, 1979, in Cape Girardeau, son of Tommy Gene and Donna Lee Gosche Anderson of Scott City, he was employed by the Charleston School District as a teacher/coach in physical education for grades kindergarten through 12 and as elementary in-school suspension director. ...

BENTON - Mary Ellen Shuffit, 81, died at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 20, 1921, in Morley, daughter of the late George and Birdie O'Neal Miles, she was a clerk for 41 years with the Scott County Health Department. She was a member of the Benton United Methodist Church and VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Morley...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Jeanette Ramsey, 63, who died Feb. 7, 2003, were Karen Segraves, Gabriel Segraves, Larry Segraves, Larry Mount, Jason Mount and Jim Tilley.

CHARLESTON - Helen Young Fowlkes, 76, died at 5:50 p.m. Feb. 8, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Jan. 31, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Irving Axtell and Mildred Louisa Young, she had lived most of her adult life in Charleston, where she was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Chancel Choir. She was a former member of the Katherine Boone Music Club and served as an election judge in local elections...

ESSEX -- Pat Dodson, 55, died Feb. 9, 2003, at her residence. Born March 20, 1947, at Catron, daughter of Lena Stroud of Essex and the late Edward Stroud, she was the secretary for the Jay Yorke Law Firm in Dexter. On Feb. 22, 1968, at Parma, she married Lonnie R. Dodson who survives of the home...

DEXTER -- Bessie A. Parris, 80, died Feb. 10, 2003, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare Facility in Dexter. Born June 7, 1922, in Lepanto, Ark., daughter of the late William Christopher and Annie Elizabeth Hibbs Henson, she had lived in Dexter most of her life and was retired from the Brown Shoe Co. in Bernie. She was a member of the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Dexter...

PUXICO -- Helen Blackburn, 78, died Feb. 10, 2003, at the Three Rivers Healthcare-North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 15, 1924, in Clarkton, daughter of the late Huston and Lena Waltrip Champ, she had lived in the Puxico area most of her life and was a retired cook who had worked at restaurants in the Puxico area. She was a member of the Stanfield Baptist Church in Clarkton...

DEXTER - Otto Enax, 61, died Feb. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

BEVIER - Jeffery V. "Jeff" Parker, 40, died Jan. 31, 2003, at the Hannibal Regional Hospital. Born Dec. 18, 1962, in Sikeston, to Ralph V. Parker of Bevier and Evelyn Huff McLaughlin of St. Clair, he was a member of the Callao Christian Church and was ordained into the Christian Church ministry in the past year. He was a long-time employee of the Norfolk and Western Railroad...

SMITHVILLE -- Virginia A. Keeney, 94, formerly of St. Joseph, died Feb. 5, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 1, 1908, in Houston, daughter of the late Charles Robert and Effie Mae West Gibson, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Smithville where she taught Sunday school for many years and was a member and past worthy matron of the Garland Chapter 287 Order of the Eastern Star in Smithville. ...

WYATT - John L. "Johnny" Wicker, 58, died at 3:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2003, at his home in Wyatt. Born Oct. 8, 1944, at Cairo, Ill., to the late Robert B. and Edna Mae McCubbins Wicker Sr., he had lived his entire life in Wyatt where he was a member of the New Covenant Pentecostal Holiness Church and was employed as a tankerman with the Cairo Marine Service at Cairo, Ill., until ill-health forced his retirement...

SIKESTON -- Stellene V. Carroll, 83, died at 6:50 p.m. Feb. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 18, 1919, in Essex, daughter of the late James Edward and Gertie Holt Babb, she had been a waitress and cook at the Ramada Inn in Sikeston and was of the Church of God belief...

PADUCAH, Ky. -- Violet Louise Stone, 80, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., and Bertrand, Mo., died at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8, 2003, in the Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Born May 25, 1922, in Medina, Tenn., daughter of the late Hugh and Elizabeth Todd Shands, she had lived in Paducah for the past seven years after moving from Mississippi County in Missouri...

SIKESTON - Dorothy H. Brewer, 89, died Feb. 11, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

SCOTT CITY - James H. Bollinger, 72, died Feb. 11, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

EAST PRAIRIE - William Franklin "Frankie" Mitchell, 72, died Feb. 11, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 14, 1931, in Wolf Island, son of the late James and Robbie Jackson Mitchell, he was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County and member of the Wolf Island Baptist Church. He served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War...

DEXTER - Otto Enax, 61, died Feb. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 13, 1941, in Norfolk, Va., son of the late Richard and Lillie Enax, he was a member of the Puxico Baptist Church. He was a truck driver for Gilster-Mary Lee and veteran of the U.S. Army Missouri National Guard...

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. - Elva F. Carrington, 83, died Feb. 11, 2003, at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Born Oct. 9, 1919, in Paragould, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Claude and Maud Agee. Her husband, Therman Lloyd Carrington, preceded her in death...

SIKESTON - James Eugene "Jimmie" Emerson, 63, died Feb. 11, 2003, at his home, following a brief battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was born Dec. 16, 1939, in Morley, son of Ava Evans Emerson of Morley and the late Jim Mac Emerson, he was known and respected by many of his fellow C.B. ...

LILBOURN - James Norton, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 12, 2003. Born Feb. 3, 1921, in Caruthersville, he was the first of seven children born to the late Irvin and Sally Neal Norton. James started farming about the time he started walking. ...

NEW MADRID - Jacob Hill, 48, died Feb. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 2, 1954, in LaForge, son of Rosie Lee Wilderness Hill of New Madrid and the late Eugene Hill, he was employed by Plastene Supply Company in Portageville...

SIKESTON - Dorothy H. Brewer, 89, died Feb. 12, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born June 9, 1913, in St. Louis, daughter of the late William and Bright Jones Calhoun, she was a member of the East Side Church of the Nazarene. She had been employed by the International Shoe Company, Prairie Manufacturing and Catfish Haven before retiring...

SCOTT CITY - James Harley Bollinger, 72, died Feb. 11, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 6, 1931, at Perkins, son of the late Lemuel Staley and Eloise Harley Bollinger, he was a retired mechanic of A.B.F. Trucking. A member of St. ...

MALDEN - Arnold Franklin Matthews, 79, died Feb. 11, 2003, at his home. Born July 14, 1923, in Enola, Ark., son of the late William Franklin and Lela Cardin Matthews, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and member of the Church of Christ in Malden. He was a farmer and land grader in Southeast Missouri...

BRIDGETON -- Charlotte Violet Watters, 77, died Feb. 11, 2003, at All Saints Special Care Hospital in Bridgeton. Born Sept. 7, 1925, at Chicago, Ill., daughter of the late Charles and Josephine Kum Radosevich, she was a bookkeeper for the Chicago Stock Exchange for many years...

WYATT - John L. "Johnny" Wicker, 58, died at 3:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2003, at his home in Wyatt. Born Oct. 8, 1944, at Cairo, Ill., son of the late Robert B. and Edna Mae McCubbins Wicker Sr., he had lived his entire life in Wyatt where he was a member of the New Covenant Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was employed as a tankerman with the Cairo Marine Service at Cairo, Ill., until ill health forced his retirement...

SIKESTON - James Eugene "Jimmie" Emerson, 63, died Feb. 11, 2003, at his home, following a brief battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was born Dec. 16, 1939, in Morley, son of Ava Evans Emerson of Morley and the late Jim Mac Emerson, he was known and respected by many of his fellow C.B. ...

WYATT - John Francis Rolwing, 76, died at 8:10 p.m. Feb. 13, 2003, at his home. Born Dec. 19, 1926, in Mississippi County, son of the late Otto J. and Ethel Newcum Rolwing, he was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County, where he was a farmer and landowner. A member of St. Henry Catholic Church, he served as director of the Texas Bend Cemetery Association for many years and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

SIKESTON - Nellie Mae Caldwell, 83, died at 6:37 p.m. Feb. 13, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 23, 1919, in Crowder, daughter of the late Henry Jackson and Annie Mae Tippy Kindred, she was a vamper for the International Shoe Factory and member of the Church of God...

COLUMBIA - Emma Hayes, 73, formerly of Sikeston, died Feb. 14, 2003, at her home. Born June 28, 1929, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Elisha and Fern Bennett Moore, she was a caregiver for Kelly Assisted Living in Columbia before retiring. Survivors include: two daughters, Linda Robert and Brenda Blevins of Columbia; one brother, Marshall Moore of Sikeston; two grandchildren, Jason Robert of Cape Girardeau and Shaun Blevins of Columbia; and four great-grandchildren...

SCOTT CITY - Ilene Weymouth, 73, formerly of Granite City, Ill., died Feb. 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 12, 1929, in Granite City, daughter of the late Rhesa and Ruth Burns Dick, she lived in Granite City most of her life before moving to Scott City four years ago, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church...

LILBOURN - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn for James Norton, 82, who died Feb. 12, 2003, will be: Jim Lovett, Dickie Weeks, Bill Jones, Joe Edward Albright, Frank Hadder and Scott Riley...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Helen Blackburn who died Feb. 10, 2003, were: Leonard Wilson, John Harmon, Clyde Doublin, Randy Martin, Bryan Franklin and Pete Jackson.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Bessie Parris, who died Feb. 10, 2003, were: Aaron Parris, Tim Evans, Chris Swallows, Stephen Swallows, Joe Parris and Ben Swallows.

EAST PRAIRIE - Mona Nadine Andrews, 75, died at 3 p.m. Feb. 13, 2003, at her home. Born Aug. 30, 1927, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Claude Thornbrough and Mona Carter Thornbrough Traylor, she lived in East Prairie since 1974, where she was a retired florist and member of the First Assembly of God Church. She was a former resident of Citrus Heights, Calif., and Paris, Tenn...

SIKESTON - Elameda Napier, 65, died Feb. 13, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are pending at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, where visitation is from 10 a.m. Monday until service time at 1 p.m.

MANSFIELD, Texas - Ernest William "Bill" Cook, 76, formerly of Puxico, Mo., died Feb. 12, 2003, at the Arlington Hospital in Arlington. Born April 22, 1926, in Puxico, son of the late Ernest A. and Mattie Burge Cook, he was a graduate of Puxico High School, an electrical trade school in St. ...

COLUMBIA - Emma June Hayes, 73, formerly of Sikeston, died Feb. 14, 2003, at her home. Born June 28, 1929, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Elisha and Fern Bennett Moore, she was a caregiver for Kelly Assisted Living in Columbia before retiring. Survivors include: two daughters, Linda Robert and Brenda Blevins of Columbia; one brother, Marshall Moore of Sikeston; two grandchildren, Jason Robert of Cape Girardeau and Shaun Blevins of Columbia; and four great-grandchildren...

SIKESTON - Elameda Napier, 65, died at 8:05 a.m. Feb. 13, 2003, at her home. Born March 24, 1937, in Netherlands, Mo., daughter of Sarah G. Hobbs Wade of Chaffee and the late James G. Wade, she was of the Protestant belief. She had lived in Sikeston for 27 years before moving to Illinois in 1986 and returned to Sikeston in May 1998...

SCOTT CITY - Larry J. Forhan, 57, died Feb. 14, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

CHAFFEE -- Mildred J. White, 83, died at 7:40 a.m. Feb. 16, 2003, at her home. Born March 16, 1919, in Advance, daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin and Lina Carolina Cato Brown, she retired as a laser for Sports Specialty Shoe Factory in Chaffee and was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Chaffee...

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ernest William "Bill" Cook, 76, formerly of Puxico, Mo., died Feb. 12, 2003, at the Arlington Hospital in Arlington. Born April 22, 1926, at Puxico to the late Ernest A. and Mattie Burge Cook, he had lived in Texas for many years and was a member of the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Mansfield. ...

DEXTER - Duane E. Edwards, 23, died Feb. 16, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SCOTT CITY - Larry James Forhan, 57, died Feb. 14, 2003, at his residence in Scott City. Born Dec. 16, 1945, in Blytheville, Ark., to Bonnie Beatrice Hudson Kamler of Scott City and the late Carl Emmitt Forhan, he was self-employed as a computer consultant. From 1992 through 1996 he served as the mayor of Scott City...

BENTON -- Dennis "Dink" Wilkerson, 58, died Feb. 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston after complications from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident Aug. 20, 2001. Born May 5, 1944, in Fisk, son of the late Orville and Margie Wilkerson, he was formerly employed with Fru-Con Construction and Engineering. A member of the Morley Lodge 184 AM&FM, he was of the Pentecostal belief...

JACKSON - Leona May Greenlee, 90, formerly of Sikeston, died at 5:40 a.m. Feb. 16, 2003, at Jackson Manor. Born May 6, 1912, in Canalou, daughter of the late George and Jessie Newton Dismuke, she was a homemaker and a resident of Jackson for the past 28 years...

SCOTT CITY - Elva Frances Habum, 93, died at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 18, 1910, in Graysboro, to the late George William Keesee and Ambie Salena Bennett, she was a homemaker and a member of the Assembly of God Church in Scott City...

SIKESTON - Kathryne Lucille Knox Conrad, 78, died Feb. 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born June 8, 1924, in Longtown, daughter of the late Bert and Clara Tacke Knox, she was a member of Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church. She worked for DeWitt's Nursery before retiring in June 2002...

DOGWOOD -- Charles E. Johnson, 65, died at 7:35 a.m. Feb. 16, 2003, at his residence. Born March 10, 1937, in Wyatt, son of the late Ben Edward and Bonnie Pearl Barber Johnson, he lived his entire life in Mississippi County where he retired from the MFA Oil Co...

EAST PRAIRIE - Carma Celeste Wicker True, 41, died Feb. 18, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home.

DEXTER -- Duane Edwards, 23, died Feb. 16, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 14, 1980, at Dexter, son of Kathy Rowe Cato of Dexter and Thomas Edwards of Ripley, Tenn., he was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter and a veteran of the U.S. Army...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel for Leona May Greenlee, 90, of Jackson and formerly of Sikeston, who died Feb. 16, 2003, will be: Kenny Greenlee, Henry Spears, Michael Hodkiss, Gary Hodkiss Jr., Ryan Duran, Brett Compton and Chadd Compton...

DEXTER - Frosty Santos, 20, died Feb. 16, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near New Madrid. Born Jan. 21, 1983, in Dexter, daughter of Raymon Loya of Sunnybrook, Calif., and the late Cindy Blackwell, she lived in Dexter most of her life...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Emma June Hayes, 73, of Columbia, who died Feb. 14, 2003, were: Jason Robert, Mike Kohlfield, Shaun Blevins, David Moore, David Yant and Jim Terrell.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Ponder Funeral Home for Kathryne Lucille Knox Conrad, 78, who died Feb. 17, 2003, will be: Keith Chapman, Glenn Barks, Larry DeWitt, Allan Davidson, Don Davidson and Lee Matthews. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home...

EAST PRAIRIE - Carma Celeste Wicker True, 41, died at 4 a.m. Feb. 18, 2003, at her home. Born July 16, 1961, in Granite City, Ill., daughter of Delois Pemberton Wicker of Charleston and the late Robert B. Wicker Jr., she lived in Charleston and East Prairie most of her life and was a member of the Southside Baptist Church in Charleston...

ST. LOUIS - Harold J. Hasty, 61, died Feb. 9, 2003, at St. Louis University Hospital. Born Jan. 15, 1942, son of the late Herman Elzie and Fannie Hasty, he was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired Teamster. His wife, Janet Shreve Hasty, survives of the home...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Charles R. Bethune Jr., 69, died Feb. 1, 2003, in Jacksonville. Born June 12, 1933, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Hazel Bethune of Charleston and the late Charles R. Bethune Sr., he attended schools in Sikeston and graduated from Sikeston High School. ...

BERNIE - Fredia Irene Lasater Blevins, 95, died Feb. 17, 2003, in Little Rock, Ark. Born Feb. 6, 1908, in Beaver Creek Township, Ill., she was a lifelong resident of Bernie and member of the White Oak General Baptist Church in rural Bernie. On Nov. 25, 1926, in Liberty Township, she married Wilbur J. Blevins who preceded her in death...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Frosty Santos, 20, who died Feb. 16, 2003, were: Terry Duncan, Johnny Horn, Chris Brown, Antonio Rizo, Alex Oliva and Bill Sanders.

FESTUS - Charles W. Billington, 79, formerly of Lilbourn, died Feb. 18, 2003, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Crystal City. Born Dec. 29, 1923, in Lilbourn, son of the late Samuel Elmer and Edna Mae Sheridan Billington, he was a watch repairman before retiring. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II...

GREENBRIER - Nellie Marie Conrad, 93, died Feb. 18, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Oct. 21, 1909, in Greenbrier, daughter of the late Charles and Ella Sullivan Storz, she was a member of the Greenbrier Assembly of God Church. On Feb. 8, 1928, she married Columbus Conrad who preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 1988...

PORTAGEVILLE - Lorene H. Noffel, 90, died Feb. 19, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 2, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Lamia and John Hamra. She was united in marriage on Aug. 16, 1931, to Shawie Noffel in Caruthersville. ...

BORGER, Texas - Lois Marie Haas Harvey, 82, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Feb. 18, 2003, in Amarillo. Born July 1, 1920, in Sikeston, daughter of the late J. Otto and Lena Smith Hass, she lived in Borger since 1978. She had taught school at Hugoton, Kan.; Dumas, Texas; and Beaver, Okla., before retiring and was a member of Chapter CS of PEO Sisterhood and the First United Methodist Church...

DEXTER - Harrison Manley, 73, formerly of Sikeston and Cape Girardeau, died Feb. 19, 2003, in the St. Joe Manor at Bonne Terre. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Louise Boston, 93, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19, 2003, at the Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. Born Aug. 22, 1909, in Murray, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Herman and Zadie Wells Bridges. She was co-owner and operator of Boston's Grocery and Boston's Dairy Cream in Sikeston, where she was also a member of Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church...

BERRYVILLE, Ark. - J.C. Henderson, 75, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 5:20 a.m. Feb. 21, 2003, at the Beverly Healthcare Facility in Malden, Mo. Born June 29, 1927, in Marston, Mo., son of the late Eli and Dora Stephens Henderson, he lived many years in Charleston where he was employed by the Enterprise Courier until retiring. Following his retirement he moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he was a member of the First Baptist Church...

MATTHEWS - Hilyard Winters Sr., 72, died Feb. 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 23, 1930, in Tallahatchie County, Miss., son of the late Bozie and Georgia Henry Winters, he retired from farming in 1995 and was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church of Tippo, Miss...

HILLSBORO - Harrison Manley, 73, formerly of Dexter, died Feb. 19, 2003, at the St. Joe Manor in Bonne Terre. Born July 19, 1929, in Sikeston, son of the late Audie Lee and Bernice Mott Manley, he was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Potosi where he worked for the International Shoe Factory before retiring...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Louise Boston, 93, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19, 2003, at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. Born Aug. 22, 1909, in Murray, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Herman and Zadie Wells Bridges. She was co-owner and operator of Boston's Grocery and Boston's Dairy Cream in Sikeston, where she was also a member of Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church...

BORGER, Texas - Lois Marie Hahs Harvey, 82, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Feb. 18, 2003, in Amarillo. Born July 1, 1920, in Sikeston, daughter of the late J. Otto and Lena Smith Hahs, she lived in Borger since 1978. She had taught school at Hugoton, Kan.; Dumas, Texas; and Beaver, Okla., before retiring and was a member of Chapter CS of PEO Sisterhood and the First United Methodist Church...

MALDEN - Aaron Ray Brannon Sr., 91, died Feb. 20, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Feb. 19, 1912, in Point Pleasant, son of the late Henry and Alice Trout Brannon, he was a past member of the Parma School Board and was of the Protestant belief...

CHARLESTON - Evelyn Marie Black, 83, of Barnhart died Feb. 21, 2003, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Sharron and Wayne Black of Charleston. The body is being returned to Kutis South County Chapel in St. Louis where arrangements are incomplete...

SIKESTON - Jacob Thomas "Jake" Beck, 19, died at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2003, as the result of an injury while working in Poplar Bluff. Born Sept. 4, 1983, in Cape Girardeau to the late Joe E. Beck Jr. and Lee Ann Napier Beck of Sikeston, he was a 2002 graduate of Sikeston High School and had attended Southeast Missouri State University. He was employed at Backyard Buildings and was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church...

ESSEX -- Lillian C. Guiling, 81, died Feb. 22, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 5, 1921, in Wayne County, Tenn., daughter of the late William P. and Lealer Ann Wood Fowler, she had been a resident of Essex until 1971 when she moved to Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the General Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Grace Mae Hill, 86, died at 7:10 a.m. Feb. 24, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 1, 1917, in Mississippi County to the late John and Mable Hyde Woods, she had lived in Mississippi and Scott counties her entire life. She was employed at the Knights Department Store in Charleston until retiring in 1958 and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston...

SIKESTON -- Otha Murdock, 81, died at 1 a.m. Feb. 24, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

ARNOLD - John Ezell Jr., 76, died Feb. 22, 2003, at his home in Arnold. Born May 27, 1926, in Galesburg, Ill., to the late John Delbert Sr. and Nellie June Kutchin, he moved to Dexter in 1940 and in 1950 moved to St. Louis, where he retired from the American Can Co. as a machinist. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion...

CHARLESTON - Bessie Buttry, 81, died at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 22, 2003, at her residence in Charleston. Born Sept. 15, 1921, at Conway, Ark., to the late Charles Edward and Lola Bell Wyatt, she had lived in Charleston most of her life and was a member of the First General Baptist Church...

CHARLESTON - Johnny Simpkins, 71, died at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 2003, at his residence in Charleston. Born Nov. 23, 1931, in Holcomb to the late Ben H. and Mary Jane Owens Simpkins, he had lived in Charleston most of his life. Employed with the Charleston R-1 School District as custodian for the high school and for Hearnes Elementary for many years until his retirement, he was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Bertrand...

SIKESTON - John Peter Jacob, 76, died Feb. 22, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 17, 1927, in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late John and Anna Zimmerman Jacob, he had been a barber in the Chicago area and owned and operated John's Barber Shop in Sikeston...

BARNHART - Evelyn Marie Black, 83, died at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2003, at the home of her daughter in Charleston. Born Dec. 30, 1919, at Harlan, Iowa, to the late Lars C. and Dorthea Nielsen Gravesen, she had lived in the Barnhart area most of her life...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Jacob Thomas "Jake" Beck, 19, of Sikeston, who died Feb. 21, 2003, were: Austin Marshall, Scott Ralph, John Allen, Ben McMullin, John Launius and Tanner Fritz. Honorary pallbearers were: Nick Beck, Nathan Beck, Daniel Beck, John Fuchs, Brandon DeWitt, Adam Hahs, Taylor Killion, Cooper Lape, Stephen Pobst, Nathan Bell and Matt Bain...

BERTRAND - Oline Stopher Laughlin, 85, died at 10 a.m. Feb. 22, 2003, at The Veranda in Humbree Pointe at Roswell, Ga. Born Feb. 27, 1915, in Mississippi County to the late James and Hazel Lane Cogdill, she had lived in Mississippi County most of her life. She was employed with Brown Shoe Co. until her retirement in 1980 and was a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston...

BERNIE - James "Whitey" White, 66, died Feb. 22, 2003, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 18, 1936, at Winfield, Ala., to the late James Alvin White and Carrie Bell Fowler White, he was a member of the Bernie Assembly of God Church and a retired farmer...

CHAFFEE - Earl "Kayo" Dooley, 79, died at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 12, 1923, in Micola, son of the late Roy C. and Lucy Madge Holdman Dooley, he was a retired self-employed farmer and member of Chaffee VFW Post 3127. He served with the U.S. Army in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. He also served in the Korean War...

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. - Zella Lois Story, 84, formerly of Chaffee and St. Louis, Mo., died Feb. 24, 2003, at her home. Born in Blodgett, Mo., daughter of the late Oda and Zora Wagoner Felty, she lived her early years in Chaffee and Oran, Mo., before moving to St. Louis, where she worked as a shoemaker most of her life. She returned to Chaffee in 1996 and later moved to Warner Robins, where she was a member of the International City Church of God...

SIKESTON -- Solomon "Moon" Ferguson, 65, died Feb. 21, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 15, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Soloman Ferguson Sr. and Arliler Yarber Ferguson, he was a self-employed painter...

BLOOMFIELD - Iva I. Liggett, 92, died Feb. 24, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 17, 1910, in Ardeola, daughter of the late Charlie and Lillian Clary Workman, she was a member of the Bell City Assembly of God Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher and song leader for many years. She was employed as a cook for Bell City School before retiring...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Lillian C. Guiling, 81, who died Feb. 22, 2003, were: James Taylor, Bill Taylor, Harlan Duncan, Jerry Hayes, Kenny Fowler and Doyne Guiling.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for John Ezell Jr., 76, who died Feb. 22, 2003, were: Kevin Cole, Keith Cole, Travis Cole, Raymond Cole, John Sifford and Ray Ezell.

SIKESTON - Irene Bruner, 89, died at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON - Otha Lee Murdock, 81, formerly of Crowder, died at 1 a.m. Feb. 24, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born March 27, 1921, in Maynard, Ark., son of the late Gussie and Lillie Graham Murdock, he was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ. He was a self-employed window installer and U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

PARMA - Vonnie Woodard, 92, died Feb. 25, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

DES PERES - Marada Jenkins, 100, died Feb. 24, 2003, at the Des Peres Nursing Home. Born Feb. 1, 1903, in Stoddard County, daughter of the late John Berry and Martha Price Allen, she was a teacher in the Walnut Grove School District and was of the Protestant belief...

SIKESTON - Tammy Angeline DeWitt Parker, 40, died at 9:55 a.m. Feb. 26, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Aug. 18, 1962, in Charleston, daughter of Lonnie and Shirley Ann Long DeWitt of Sikeston, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee. She was office manager for Monty's Mobile Homes in Cape Girardeau...

NEW MADRID - Mary Joanne Hunter, 80, died Feb. 27, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home.

GODFREY, Ill. - Nell M. Nunn, 69, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born Jan. 9, 1934, in East Prairie, Mo., daughter of the late Jasper Lee and Lunar Irene Narris Tinnon, she was a member of the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey...

PARMA - Vonnie Woodard, 92, died Feb. 25, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 8, 1911, in Yuma, Tenn., daughter of the late Robert and Mary Iva Bradfield, she lived in the Parma area most of her life, where she was a member of the Church of Christ...

KELSO -- Lillian Anna Reynolds, 82, died at 2:15 a.m. Feb. 26, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born March 5, 1920, in Kelso, daughter of the late Edward J. and Alma L. Heuring Seyer, she was a seamstress at the Ely Walker Factory in Scott City for 21 years and in housekeeping at Southeast Missouri Hospital for six years. ...

LaMIRADE, Calif. - Agnes Wilson Dunivan, 94, died Feb. 17, 2003, in the Sunbridge Care Center at LaMirade. Born Dec. 30, 1908, daughter of the late William J. and Docia Cline Wilson, she was a 75-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving are one daughter, Barbara Milton of LaMirade; and one grandchild and three great-grandchildren...

CHAFFEE - Lorene Bell, 70, died at 12:40 p.m. Feb. 26, 2003, at her home. Born March 28, 1932, in Chaffee, daughter of the late B. and Laura Ross Walton, she retired as a machine operator for Thorngate Ltd. in Chaffee and Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the Northside Gospel Assembly Church in Cape Girardeau...

GIPSY - Larry "Dean" Lemons, 43, died Feb. 25, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 25, 1959, in Gipsy, son of Ethel Porter Lemons of Gipsy and the late William "Willie" Lemons, he was employed by VIP in Cape Girardeau for 20 years and was a member of the Berrong General Baptist Church...

PARMA - Bill Hardesty, 76, died Feb. 25, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born July 18, 1926, in Charleston, son of the late Harry and Mary F. Farmer Hardesty, he lived in Parma all his life. He was a retired truck driver, veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of Grace Lutheran Church in Malden and the Veterans of Foreign Wars...

MATTHEWS - Irene Bruner, 89, died at 4:26 p.m. Feb. 25, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 14, 1914, in Center Ridge, Ark., daughter of the late Alvin and May Oliger Polk, she was a member of the Church of Christ in Matthews. In 1930, she married James Thomas Jordan who preceded her in death in 1951. She married Frankie Lathum in 1954, and he died in 1966. She and Charles Bruner were married March 9, 1972, in New Madrid, and he died on July 29, 1990...

BERNIE - Warren Beacham, 82, died Feb. 27, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

BLOOMFIELD - Nina M. Pennington, 78, died Feb. 27, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

MATTHEWS - Dora Hill died Feb. 27, 2003, in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Irene Bruner, 89, who died Feb. 25, 2003, were: Rick Whiffen, Brad Whiffen, Denver Wolford, Phillip Jordan, Justin Harris and Clay Harris. Burial followed in Mounds Park Cemetery near Lilbourn...

DEXTER - Mary Helen Swinger, 77, died Feb. 28, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Jan. 6, 1926, at Charter Oak, daughter of the late Arzie and Bertie Baldwin, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter and 53-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star...

FREMONT, Calif. - Donna Lynn Robinson-Campbell, died Feb. 5, 2003. Born June 7, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., daughter of the late Gerald and Ruth Robinson, she was a draft person for Pacific Gas and Electric Company for 27 years. She was a member of IFPTE Local 20...

CHARLESTON, Miss. - Anna Bonee Sills, 58, died Feb. 26, 2003, in Charleston, Miss. Born June 20, 1944, in Tennessee, she was the daughter of Gilbert Bonee of Portageville, Mo., and Ethel Carroll Bonee, who preceded her in death on May 21, 2002. Other survivors include: one son, Earl Sills of Grenada; three brothers, J.C. ...

NEW MADRID - Mary Joanne Hunter, 80, died Feb. 26, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Feb. 6, 1923, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Tom Furg and Mary Catherine "May" Gallivan Hunter, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She owned and operated a store in New Madrid before retiring...

SIKESTON - Nola E. Tidwell, 82, died at 9:52 p.m. Feb. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Visitation is from 10 a.m. Monday until service time at 11 a.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.