Obituaries from March 2003

DEXTER - Pallbearers for services held Feb. 28, 2003, at the Watkins and Son Funeral Chapel in Dexter for Bill Hardesty, 76, who died Feb. 25, 2003, were: John Stanley West Jr,. Raymond Dickerson, Carl Gene Keasler, Ivan Pulling, Ted Morgan and Jerry Shaw...

HARDIN, Ky. - John Waldron, 72, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Feb. 28, 2003, at Murray Calloway County Medical Center in Murray. Born March 2, 1930, in Pocahontas, Ark., son of the late Marvin and Tula Waldron, he was the owner and operator of Waldron Roofing before retiring. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of the Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114 and the Murray Lane Baptist Church of Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Mildred Logan Robinson, 92, died at 6:05 a.m. March 1, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

POPLAR BLUFF - Violet Treadway, 92, formerly of Dexter, died Feb. 28, 2003, at the Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CLARKTON - Jeff McDavid, 35, formerly of Portageville, died Feb. 28, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

BERNIE - Warren G. Beacham, 82, died Feb. 27, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Oct. 30, 1920, at Kennett, son of the late John Wesley and Ida Francis Snider Beacham, he was a farmer. On June 29, 1940, at Senath, he married Wilma Pascal Moore who survives of the home...

MATTHEWS - Dora Marie Lee Hill, 91, died Feb. 27, 2003, at her son's home in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Born Jan. 11, 1912, in Portageville, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Ruth Stewart Lee Sr. Survivors include: one son, Gus Richards of Hot Springs Village; three grandchildren, Dan Richards of Georgetown, Texas, Angela Schleicher of Plano, Texas, and Alisa Macora of Rogers, Ark.; and nine great-grandchildren...

BLOOMFIELD - Nina M. Pennington, 78, died Feb. 27, 2003, at her home. Born March 18, 1924, at New Madrid, daughter of the late Homer and Leona Widows Henson, she was of the Baptist belief and a resident of Bloomfield where she formerly worked as an employee of Elder Manufacturing...

SIKESTON - Nola E. Tidwell, 82, died at 9:52 p.m. Feb. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 26, 1920, in Marietta, Ga., daughter of the late John and Lucy Groover Tucker, she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Sikeston...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Willis A. Downs, 83, formerly of Charleston, died at 8:50 p.m. Feb. 28, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born March 19, 1919, in Charleston, son of the late Jesse E. and Bette Rogers Downs, he lived most of his life in Charleston and was a graduate of Charleston High School and a member of the United Methodist Church in Charleston. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Clifton Lee West, 60, died Feb. 28, 2003, at his home. Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Wednesday at DeLisle Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Portageville. Burial will be in the Catron Cemetery with DeLisle Funeral Home in charge of arrangements...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Nola Tidwell, 82, who died Feb. 27, 2003, were: Todd Kennard, Wesley Stutts, Donnie Brown, C.A. Carter, Robert Brown and Roger Beck.

DELTA - John Mark Sanders, 40, died March 2, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 22, 1962, in Chaffee, son of Faye Huey Sanders of Delta and the late Earl John Huey Jr., he was an electrical technician for Fru-Con in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Mildred Logan Robinson was born Feb. 4, 1911, in Meadowview, Va., the fourth child of Solomon Lee Logan and Victoria Davenport Logan and passed away on March 1, 2003. She was a graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Medical Technology and worked for the University of Tennessee School of Medicine Pathology Department for four years...

WAPPAPELLO - Violet Treadway, 92, formerly of Dexter, died Feb. 28, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born March 24, 1910, in Evansville, Ind., daughter of the late William Aaron and Charlotte Korb Long, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter...

ST. PETERS - Alfred A. Telker, 71, died Feb. 28, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Peters. Born Aug. 9, 1931, in Charleston, son of the late William Raymond and Margaret Telker, he was an aerospace mechanic for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis for 35 years before retiring. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-57 and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 837D...

CLARKTON - Jeffery Wayne McDavid, 35, died Feb. 28, 2003, in Clarkton. Born April 14, 1967, in Paris, Tenn., son of Donald Richard and Patricia Crowe McDavid of Portageville, he had been employed by Plastene Supply in Portageville. On May 26, 2000, in Piggott, Ark., he married Dawn "Shelly" Simpson who survives of the home...

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at the Parma Church of Christ for Vonnie Woodard, 92, who died Feb. 25, 2003, were: John Woodard Jr., Kevin Woodard, Gerard Tessens, Gary Woodard, Rodger Weems and Donald Moore. Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Parma was in charge of arrangements...

HARDIN, Ky. - John Waldron Sr., 72, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Feb. 28, 2003, at Murray Calloway County Medical Center in Murray. Born March 2, 1930, in Pocahontas, Ark., son of the late Marvin and Tula Caldwell Waldron, he was the owner and operator of Waldron Roofing before retiring. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114 and Murray Lane Baptist Church of Sikeston...

HIGH RIDGE - Marcus Aron Slinkard, 25, died March 1, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 20, 1977, in St. Louis, son of Louis and Sharon Turman Slinkard, he was an equipment manager for Washington Inventory Service. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one son, Elias Sintakas; two brothers, Brad Slinkard of Fenton and Todd Slinkard of West Hollywood, Calif.; his grandparents, Hattie Slinkard of Benton and Pauline Turman of Bernie; and a special friend, Sandra Sintakas...

BLOOMFIELD - Stella M. Pikey, 88, died March 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 13, 1914, in Portageville, daughter of the late Tom and Laucinda Hawkins White, she was a farmer and a member of the Church of God in the Jay-Y Community...

BELL CITY -- Jesse Michael Barnes, 62, died March 2, 2003, at his home near Bell City. Born July 30, 1940, in Jackson, Tenn., son of the late Jesse and Inez Holloway Barnes, he taught school at Bell City for 14 years and was principal at Bell City High School for three years. ...

SAN ANTONIO, Texas- Elizabeth "Betty" Lake, 72, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died March 1, 2003, in Texas. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

CHAFFEE -- George Dewey "Dude" Horman, 79, died March 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 12, 1923, in Blomeyer, son of the late Fred and Mayme Griffin Horman, he entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 25, 1944, during World War II and was honorably discharged on Aug. ...

SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Elizabeth Jeanne "Betty" Stout Lake, our mother, went to her heavenly home on March 1, 2003. Elizabeth Jeanne was born Nov. 26, 1930, in Portageville, Mo., to John L. and Georgia Ann Girvin. Born during the depression as the sixth child, she grew to be strong and independent. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Nola Tidwell, 82, who died Feb. 27, 2003, were: Todd Kennard, Wesley Stutts, Donnie Brown, C.A. Carter, Robert Brown and Roger Beck.

DELTA - John Mark Sanders, 40, died March 2, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 22, 1962, in Chaffee, son of Faye Huey Sanders of Delta and the late Earl John Sanders Jr., he was an electrical technician for Fru-Con in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Paul G. Fisher Jr., 81, died March 4, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 7, 1921, in Sullivan, son of the late Paul G. and Alice L. Fisher Sr., he graduated from Westminster College with a degree in economics...

CLARKSBURG - Eugene Monroe Ellison, 83, died March 3, 2003, at the Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City. Born April 9, 1919, in Bunceton, son of the late William and Frances Lee "Fanny" Callihan Ellison, he was a self-employed convenience store operator, an electrician and retired as a heavy equipment operator for Cooper County. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he had attended school in Bunceton and was of the Methodist belief...

SIKESTON - Geraldine Watkins, 92, died March 4, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Oct. 21, 1910, in Grant City, daughter of the late Samuel and Viola Lawrence Pratt, she was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Bell City. She retired as a cook for Bell City Schools...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Clifton Lee West, 60, died Feb. 28, 2003, at his home. Born July 22, 1942, in Catron, he was the son of the late R.D. and Lucille Lee West. Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Regionald and Brenda West of Portageville; two daughters and one son-in-law, Patricia Hampton and Kimberly and Clyde Nolen of Portageville; five sisters, Erma Borders and Josephine Sanders of St. ...

SAN ANTONIO - Cricket Young, 74, died March 2, 2003, following an extended illness. Born June 17, 1928, in New Madrid, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Georgia Cline. Her husband, Joe Young, survives of the home. Other survivors include: one daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and John Thompson of Bulverde; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary and Homer Trigg Sr. ...

SIKESTON - Marie Scott, 56, died Feb. 28, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 29, 1946, in Catron, daughter of the late Marshall and Abbie McIntosh Gibbs, she was a lifelong resident of Missouri and member of Smith Chapel Methodist Church...

SIKESTON - Paul G. Fisher Jr., 81, died March 4, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 7, 1921, in Sullivan, son of the late Paul G. and Alice L. Fisher Sr., he graduated from Westminster College with a degree in economics...

BELL CITY - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Southern Baptist Church in Bell City for Geraldine Watkins, 92, of Sikeston, who died March 4, 2003, will be: Brandon Hoosier, Harold Hart, Josh Stovall, Steven Stovall, Donald Stovall and Winford "Butch" Watkins...

MARSTON - Lawson Redden, 77, died March 5, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born July 5, 1926, in Sardis, Tenn., son of the late Charles and Sarah Lou Hunt Redden, he retired from the E.B. Gee Co. and was a member of the Free Trinity Pentecost Church in Marston...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. - Martha M. Coker, 70, died March 4, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Born Aug. 14, 1932, in Wyatt, Mo., daughter of the late Walter and Mamie Housman, she was a member and Sunday school teacher at Trinity Assembly of God Church in Olive Branch...

CHAFFEE - Anna Francis Maples, 94, formerly of Puxico, died March 4, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born March 17, 1908, in Wayne County, daughter of the late William N. and Zora Kay Wilfong Westbrook, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church...

SPRINGFIELD - LaKeisha L. Shannon, 25, died March 1, 2003, at Doctor's Park Hospital in Springfield. Born Jan. 3, 1978, in Hayti, daughter of Cora Dority of Cape Girardeau and Sylvester Williams of Long Oak, Ark., she attended Lilbourn Elementary School and Sikeston Public Schools. A member of New Life, New Beginning Outreach Center, she was also a member of Kid's Beat...

SIKESTON - George Thurman Propst, 85, formerly of Marble Hill, died March 5, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Feb. 22, 1918, in Sabula, son of the late Charles E. and Grace Pannebecker Propst, he graduated from high school in Vanduser and attended Southeast Missouri Teachers College in Cape Girardeau and was a school teacher and principal in Bollinger County before retiring. ...

BLOOMFIELD - Halcyon Sanders died March 5, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield.

SPRINGFIELD - Zykei McBride, daughter of Leroy McBride of Springfield and LaKeisha L. Shannon, who died March 1, 2003, died at birth Feb. 25, 2003, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Survivors in addition to her father include: her grandmothers, Cora Dority of Cape Girardeau and Patricia McBride of Malden; her grandfathers, Sylvester Williams of Long Oak, Ark., and Leroy James of Alton, Ill.; and great-grandmother, Mae Cooley of Malden...

SCOTT CITY - Carol Jean Wilburn, 50, died March 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

BRIGHTON, Tenn. - Cathern Ballard Earnheart, 79, died March 4, 2003, at her home. Born Sept. 22, 1923, in Parma, Mo., daughter of the late John William and Lydia Grace Hughes Seets, she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Malden, Mo...

ELLSINORE - Russell D. "Rusty" Adams, 46, of Ellsinore and formerly of Sikeston, was found dead March 6, 2003, near Van Buren. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

CARROLTON, Texas - Carolyn Blissett Hunt, 44, died March 4, 2003, in Carrolton. The daughter of Frances Blissett of Columbus, Ohio, and the late Elder E.L. Blissett, she was born in Columbus. She married Solomon Hunt who survives of the home. Other survivors include: two daughters, Kristen Bech of Columbus and Brittany Bobo of Carrolton; 13 sisters, Rosie Lovett of Milwaukee, Wisc., Annie Rushton of Youngstown, Ohio, Ethel Alexander and Dorothy Watson of Peoria, Ill., Hattie Blissett, Deborah Arnold and Sandra Blissett of St. ...

BLOOMFIELD - Halcyon Sanders, 87, died March 5, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born July 1, 1915, in Bernie to the late James W. and Alma Virginia Hobgood Hollis, she had spent most of her life in the Bloomfield community. A member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield, she had retired from Elder Manufacturing in Bloomfield in April 1978 after more than 30 years of service...

MARSTON - Lawson Redden, 76, died March 5, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born July 5, 1926, in Sardis, Tenn., son of the late Charles and Sarah Lou Hunt Redden, he retired from the E.B. Gee Co. and was a member of the Free Trinity Pentecost Church in Marston...

SCOTT CITY -- Carol Jean Wilburn, 50, died at 10:39 a.m. March 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 14, 1952, in St. Louis, daughter of Eugene Colvin of Ocala, Fla., and the late Ruth Gale Heaver, she was a member of Father's Arms Fellowship in Scott City...

ELLSINORE - Russell D. "Rusty" Adams, 46, formerly of Sikeston, was pronounced at 5:45 p.m. March 6, 2003, near Ellsinore. Born May 10, 1956, in Dexter, son of the late Eula Smiley Rainey, he was the adopted son of Hershel and Euna Hampton Adams of Camden, Tenn. He had been a self-employed farmer and was of the Pentecostal belief. A musician, Adams had played guitar with several bands in the Southeast Missouri area...

CARROLLTON, Texas - Carolyn Blissett Hunt, 44, died March 4, 2003, in Carrollton. Born Nov. 28, 1958, she was the daughter of Frances Blissett of Columbus, Ohio, and the late Elder E.L. Blissett. She married Solomon Hunt who survives of the home. Other survivors include: two daughters, Kristen Bech of Columbus and Brittany Bobo of Carrollton; 13 sisters, Rosie Lovett of Milwaukee, Wis., Annie Rushton of Youngstown, Ohio, Ethel Alexander and Dorothy Watson of Peoria, Ill., Hattie Blissett, Deborah Arnold and Sandra Blissett of St. ...

SIKESTON - Theon John Compas, 85, died at 6:05 p.m. March 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 3, 1917, in Kelso, son of the late Joseph and Anna Bollinger Compas, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He owned and operated Compas Alignment in Sikeston for 45 years before retiring in 1993 and was a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church and Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston...

CHAFFEE - Colleen Gibbons, 78, died at 12:55 p.m. March 7, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Feb. 11, 1925, in Kennett, daughter of the late Wilburn and Lottie Mae Johnson Fish, she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau...

DEXTER -- Francis Ilene Kembrel, 78, died March 7, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 15, 1924, in Essex, daughter of the late William and Marguerite Howell Kimbrel, she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dexter...

WYATT - Willie Jackson, 88, died March 5, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 15, 1914, in Round Pond, Ark., son of the late Wills and Hattie Jackson, he lived in Missouri since 1945. He was a self-employed carpenter and member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Wyatt...

DEXTER -- Chris Cloninger, 24, died March 8, 2003, at Dexter. Born Aug. 16, 1978, he was the son of Roy Cloninger of Dexter and the late Lena Lewis Cloninger. In addition to his father, survivors include: two brothers, Jerry Simpson of Bernie and Danny Simpson of Cape Girardeau; and one sister, Charlotte Bohnenstiehl of Alton, Ill...

SIKESTON -- Dorothy Oneal Harrison, 80, died at 1:30 a.m. March 10, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 25, 1923, in Cooter, daughter of the late Willie T. and Lillie Mae Dean Oakley, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston and had been a bookkeeper for Steward Steel Supply Co. for 25 years...

PIEDMONT -- James E. Rudd, 83, died March 9, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Nov. 20, 1919, at Bogota, Tenn., son of the late William A. and Lessie Bell Chappell Rudd, he was a former employee of Brown Shoe Company at Piedmont. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in World War II...

DEXTER - Esther Elizabeth Rice, 83, died March 9, 2003, at Missouri Southern Health Care in Dexter. Born Jan. 29, 1920, at Plymouth, Neb., to the late Carnelius and Anna Ensz Jantzen, she had been a resident of Plymouth until 1961 when she moved to Pacific, where she lived until 1990 when she moved to Dexter. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter...

ROLLA - Emma Lee Moore, 90, formerly of Canalou, died March 7, 2003, at the Rolla Manor Care Center. Born Nov. 14, 1912, in the state of Texas, to the late Joseph and Mary Hosek Suska, she and her husband owned and operated Moore's Grocery for many years. In June 1982, she moved to Rolla where she was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, VFW Auxiliary Post 2025, American Legion Auxiliary Post 270 and served as a senior companion...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Wilma L. Gregory, 67, died March 10, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Born May 19, 1935, in Clarksville, Ark., daughter of the late Delmar Burton and Floy Pearson Russell, she was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. She owned and operated Roberts Express Truck Line for 12 years and was a former member of the Morley Baptist Church...

RISCO - Sarah Ann McCarthy, 34, died March 9, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born July 2, 1968, in Galveston, Texas, daughter of James Cordell and Elizabeth Mae Siemons Morgan of Malden, she graduated from Bernie High School and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Malden. She was a student at the Bootheel Education Center in Malden...

CAIRO, Ill. - Ruby G. Laird, 94, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 12:48 a.m. March 11, 2003, at her daughter's home near Cairo. Born May 5, 1908, in Benton, Ky., daughter of the late John L. and Mallie Barnett Gaither, she and her husband owned an operated a confectionery story in St. Louis for 25 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Cairo...

SIKESTON - Dorothy Williams, 65, died March 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER - Richard George Bath died March 7, 2003, in Milledgeville, Ga. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas - Shirley Stigall Guiling, 67, died March 11, 2003, in San Antonio. Born Sept. 27, 1935, in Oran, Mo., daughter of Lucille Stigall of Universal City and the late E.M. "Bud" Stigall, she was employed by Bri-Lane of San Antonio and was of the Baptist belief...

CHAFFEE - Frances Saline Heisserer, 81, died at 3 a.m. March 13, 2003, at her home. Born May 25, 1921, in Trimble, Tenn., daughter of the late Ben and Zoe Medlin, she retired as president of Heisserer Oil Company in Chaffee. A member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Daughters of St. Ambrose, she was also a member of American Legion Post 389 Ladies Auxiliary and helped St. Ambrose School for many years...

SIKESTON - Bernice Hoppe, 83, died March 13, 2003, at her home in Sikeston. Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

DEXTER - Richard George Bath, 65, died March 8, 2003, of injuries sustained in a plane crash in Milledgeville, Ga. Born April 2, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Herman George and Margaret Marie Ritz Bath, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter and U.S. ...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Miles Howlett Thompson, 91, died March 11, 2003. Born Aug. 22, 1911, in Charleston, son of the late Frank M. and Rubye H. Thompson, he graduated in 1935 from the University of Missouri. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. ...

MONTROSE, Mich. - William J. "Bill" Bechel, 66, died March 7, 2003, at the McLaren Regional Medical Center. Born Jan. 29, 1937, in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late William and Martha Hall Bechel, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired in 1986 from AC Spark Plug after 30 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 651...

McGEE - Nadine A. Carver, 68, died March 12, 2003, at her home. Born Aug. 31, 1934, in McGee, daughter of the late Fred A. and Fay Hogue Hefner, she lived in the McGee and Puxico areas all her life. A former member of the Powell Missionary Baptist Church, she attended Corinth General Baptist Church and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Wappapello...

NEW MADRID - Dorothy M. "Dotta" Jones, 70, died March 12, 2003, at her home. Born May 19, 1932, in New Madrid County, she was the daughter of the late O.H. Cobb and Thelma Klimer Cobb. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in New Madrid, where she was a Sunday school teacher, elder and member of the Women of the Church...

BLOOMFIELD - Harold M. Pritchett, 65, died March 12, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Russell D. "Rusty" Adams, 46, of Ellsinore, who died March 6, 2003, were: Paul Pierce, Joey Pierce, Ricky French, Ronald Sanders, Donald Sanders and Joe Lowe. Burial followed in the Hagy Cemetery at Dexter...

BLOOMFIELD - Lola Henson, 67, died March 12, 2003, at her home. Born April 8, 1935, in Advance, daughter of the late Homer and Irene Shepard Lewis, she was a lifelong resident of Bloomfield and attended the Pentecostal Church. On Dec. 20, 1950, in Bloomfield, she married Pete Henson, who preceded her on July 20, 1983...

DEXTER - Willis Edward Middleton, 86, died March 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 18, 1916, in Dexter, son of the late James Henry and Eva Sanders Middleton, he was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Dexter. He was retired from the State Highway Department and a former member of the Liberty Township Board...

SIKESTON - Dorothy Winona "Dottie" Williams, 65, died at 2:45 a.m. March 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 30, 1937, in Bragg City, daughter of the late Riley and Ethel Arnold Withers, she was a lifelong resident of Sikeston...

BLOOMFIELD - Harold M. Pritchett, 65, died March 12, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 5, 1938, in Grayridge, he was the son of the late Guy and Elsie Capps Pritchett. Three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death. Survivors include: one sister, Marjorie Julius of Caseyville, Ill.; two brothers-in-law, Edgar Kinser of Dexter and David Julius of Caseyville; and five nieces and six nephews...

CHAFFEE - Edna Alice Murphy, 86, died at 5:15 p.m. March 13, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 13, 1916, in DeSoto, daughter of the late James Settle and Nancy Charlotte Welker Barron, she retired as bookkeeper for the Chaffee Lumber Company. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee where she was organist for many years...

CROWDER - Charles Everett Masters Sr., 86, died March 14, 2003, at his home. Born March 19, 1916, in Vanduser, son of the late Lee A. and Tora Sheer Masters, he was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sikeston. He was service department manager for Aufdenberg John Deere and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

SIKESTON - Bernice Hoppe, 83, died March 13, 2003, at her home. Born Jan. 11, 1920, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Franklin and Beulah Burton Armstrong, she was a member of the United Church of God in Cape Girardeau. A licensed practical nurse, she was employed by the Sikeston Regional Center before retiring and served as a volunteer at Missouri Delta Medical Center for 12 years...

CHAFFEE - Frances Saline Heisserer, 81, died at 3 a.m. March 13, 2003, at her home. Born May 25, 1921, in Finley, Tenn., daughter of the late Ben and Zodie Griffin Medlin, she retired as president of Heisserer Oil Company in Chaffee. A member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Daughters of St. Ambrose, she was also a member of American Legion Post 389 Ladies Auxiliary, a Girl Scout leader in Chaffee and helped St. Ambrose School for many years...

SIKESTON - Dorothy Winona "Dottie" Williams, 65, died at 2:45 a.m. March 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 30, 1937, in Bragg City, daughter of the late Riley and Ethel Arnold Whithers, she was a lifelong resident of Sikeston...

HAZELWOOD -- Walter W. "Jerry" Lane, 61, formerly of Essex, died March 14, 2003, at his residence in Hazelwood. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

MIDDLE BROOK -- Bulah Barnett Fitzgerald, 82, formerly of Morehouse and Sikeston, died March 13, 2003, at her home. Born April 7, 1920, in Parma, daughter of the late Claude and Lucy Woods Little, she was retired from Vickers Electric in St. Louis and was a member of the Morehouse Assembly of God Church. She had lived in the Morehouse and Sikeston areas before moving to Middle Brook in 1993...

PEKIN, Ill. -- Opal L. Coombes, 92, formerly of Scott City, Mo., died at 2:58 p.m. March 13, 2003, at the Pekin Hospital. Born Nov. 30, 1910, in Obion, Tenn., daughter of the late Jones C. and Mattie Baker Allen, she was a department manager of Stix, Baer and Fuller in St. Louis for 35 years, retiring in 1987...

PUXICO -- Pallbearers for the funeral service held Friday at the Parma Church of Christ in Puxico, under the direction of Watkins and Sons Funeral Service of Puxico, for Nadine Carver, 68, who died March 12, 2003, were: Lee Wilfong, Kent Carver, Ronnie Carver, Billy Beck, Randy Wilfong and Mike McDaniels...

BLOOMFIELD - Mildred Bennett died March 16, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare in Poplar Bluff. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home.

HAZELWOOD - Walter William "Jerry" Lane, 61, formerly of Essex, died March 14, 2003, at his home. Born Feb. 17, 1942, in Essex, son of the late J.B. and Ruble Snider Lane, he was of the Baptist belief. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood and served with the National Guard...

BLOOMFIELD - Lola Edna Henson, 67, died March 12, 2003, at her home. Born April 8, 1935, in Advance, daughter of the late Homer and Irene Rector Lewis, she was a lifelong resident of Bloomfield and attended the Pentecostal Church. On Dec. 20, 1950, in Bloomfield, she married Pete Henson who preceded her on July 20, 1983...

EAST PRAIRIE - Kirk Douglas Riggins, 23, died March 15, 2003. Born Sept. 9, 1979, in Chaffee, son of Tony Gene and Alice Faye Henry Riggins Sr. of East Prairie, he was a lifelong resident of East Prairie and was of the Baptist belief. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one brother, Tony Gene Riggins Jr. ...

CHARLESTON -- Lenora Irene Bailey, 70, died at 1:30 a.m. March 16, 2003, at her residence. Born Dec. 30, 1932, in Charleston, daughter of the late Paul A. and Evelyn Barnhill Millner, she had lived most of her life in Charleston where she had worked with Brown Shoe Company and Flag Stop Gas Station and co-owned Bailey's Package in Wyatt until her retirement. She was a member of the Wyatt Baptist Church...

BELL CITY - Charles "Melvin" Cureton, 69, died March 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 12, 1933, in Bessville, son of the late Charlie and Dessie Skaggs Cureton, he was a farmer. On June 22, 1968, at Holcomb, he married Wanda Hamm who survives of the home...

CATRON - Ruby Goforth, 90, died March 16, 2003, at the Sikeston Health Care Center. Born Feb. 25, 1913, in Lepanto, Ark., daughter of the late Charlie and Irene Staples Woodruff, she was a teacher for the Kewanee and Parma public schools. A member of the First Baptist Church in Parma, she was also a member of the Extension Club, Parma Senior Citizens and an Ombudsman...

BERNIE - Alpha Dowdy, 102, died March 17, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home by the Rev. Gary Myers of Sikeston for Bulah Barnett Fitzgerald, 82, who died March 13, 2003, were: Tom Fitzgerald, Bob Fitzgerald, Mike Fitzgerald, Don Hankins, Ron Hankins and Jeff Hankins...

EAST PRAIRIE - Mable Marie Caldwell, 87, died at 9:48 p.m. March 17, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Dec. 10, 1915, in Green County, Ark., she was the daughter of the late John W. and Maggie Marrow Hedges. On Feb. 14, 1928, she married Amos Ray Douglas, who preceded her in death on Oct. 28, 1954. On Feb. 12, 1960, she married Theodore R. Caldwell who preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 2000...

CHAFFEE - Marjorie Ann Jobe, 75, died at 12:30 p.m. March 17, 2003, at her home. Born May 13, 1927, in Sikeston, daughter of the late William Henry and Virgin Minnie Slinkard White, she was a retired nurse aide and member of the General Baptist Church in Chaffee...

BLOOMFIELD - Mildred Bennett, 83, died March 16, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare in Poplar Bluff. Born Oct. 1, 1919, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late Edward and Martha Christian Whitledge, she was a lifelong resident of the Bloomfield community. She retired as a cook from Bloomfield Public Schools and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield...

ANNISTON - Mabel L. Tatum, 82, died March 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Parma for Ruby Goforth, 90, who died March 16, 2003, were: Dale Hardin, David Bell, Mike McMurry, Todd Rendleman, Danny Pippenger and Charles Goforth.

MOREHOUSE - Evelyn Louise Parmley Price, 95, died at 9:45 a.m. March 18, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born March 18, 1908, in Morehouse, daughter of the late Joseph Ephrim and Bessie Middleton Parmley Jr., she was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sikeston. She was a secretary and clerk for the New Madrid County Assessor's office for 31 years before retiring...

BERNIE - Alpha C. Dowdy, 102, died March 17, 2003, at her home. Born June 24, 1900, at Keo, Ark., daughter of the late George Franklin and Pruda Ann Gidcom Moring, she was a member of the Bernie General Baptist Church. In December 1945, at Piggott, Ark., she married Melvin Dixie Dowdy who preceded her in death on July 20, 1992...

PORTAGEVILLE - Garnett J. Dial, 84, died March 20, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville are incomplete at this time.

EAST PRAIRIE - Opal Myers died at 7 a.m. May 20, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Nina Arnold, 87, died March 19, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

NAPTUNE, N.J. - Trentice "T-Bird" Burt, 69, died March 9, 2003, at the Jersey Shore Medical Center. Born Sept. 16, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo., son of Florence Chadwell Walker of Wall and the late William E. Burt, he owned and operated a leather shop in Wall. He was a member of the Jersey Shore Points Motorcycle Club...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Evelyn Parmley Price, 95, of Morehouse, who died March 18, 2003, will be: Bill Merick, Herbert Rowell, Fred Payne, Gary Boyer, Janes Boyer and Jonathan Boyer. John E. Howells, pastor of the Seven Day Adventist Church of Sikeston, will officiate...

PARMA - The Rev. Perry Lynn Clark, 64, died March 17, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born May 2, 1938, in Steele, son of the late Perry Earl and Irene Adams Clark, he was a Southern Baptist minister since 1973 and was pastor of the Hooe Baptist Church in Gideon...

ANNISTON - Mabel L. Tatum, 82, died at 9:45 p.m. March 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 28, 1921, in Anniston, daughter of the late Phil and Ethel Krauss Tatum Sr., she lived in St. Louis for many years where she was employed by the Bemis Bag Company. After returning to Anniston, she worked for the Anniston Water Works Department...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Evelyn Katherine Rowland, 85, formerly of Ironton, died March 18, 2003, in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 25, 1917, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Albert and Flora Ritterbush Mall, she was a beautician for Famous-Barr before retiring. She was a member of the Mehlville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Arcadia Valley United Methodist Church...

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. - M. Marie Jordan, 92, died March 19, 2003, at the Rosewood Care Center in Swansea. Born Feb. 26, 1911, in Sikeston, daughter of the late William Oscar and Anna F. Cobb Ellis, she was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Senior Citizens, and VFW Post 8677 Ladies Auxiliary in Fairview Heights, AARP and Occidental Chapter 185 Order of the Eastern Star...

PORTAGEVILLE - Garnett J. Dial, 84, died March 19, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born July 28, 1918, in Tiptonville, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late William Wright and Addie E. Nobles Dial. She is survived by one brother, Harold Douglas Dial of Portageville...

DEXTER - Calob Wright, son of William Dale and Laura Michelle Comstock Wright, died shortly after birth March 19, 2003, at Three Rivers Heathcare in Poplar Bluff. Other survivors include: one brother, Johnathan Tyler Wright of Dexter; one sister, Brianna Wright of Dexter; his maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Charissa Comstock of Dexter; paternal grandparents, Janet Barrick Knight of Bloomfield and Tommy and Lori Wright of Dexter; maternal great-grandparents, Kenneth and Carolyn Standridge of Wappapello and Earnest Kennedy of Desloge; and his paternal great-grandparents, Jewell Barrick of Vanduser, M.L. ...

PUXICO - Albert Isaac, 73, died March 20, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born July 31, 1929, in Kinder, son of the late Ernie and Nora Stroup Isaac, he lived in the Kinder and Puxico areas all his life. A member of the Kinder General Baptist Church, he had been a timber worker with the Arthur James Company and was a custodian for Puxico Schools before retiring...

EAST PRAIRIE - Opal A. Myers, 88, died at 7 a.m. March 20, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 12, 1914, in New Madrid County, daughter of the late Louis and Nora Hinton Wilburn Sr., she lived in New Madrid and Mississippi counties all her life. She was a landowner in East Prairie where she owned and operated Opal's Beauty Shop and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church...

MANSFIELD, Texas - Kathryn Marie "Kay" Cook, 72, formerly of Puxico, Mo., died March 19, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 21, 1930, in Puxico, daughter of the late George Wesley and Georgianna Clark Harbin, she lived in Texas since 1955. She was a member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield and Order of the Eastern Star Lodge 433 in Puxico...

HICKMAN, Ky. - Hugh Leonard Lattus, 78, died March 20, 2003, at Parkway Regional Hospital in Fulton, following a lengthy illness. Born Nov. 16, 1924, in Fulton County, son of the late Jacob Andrew and Sarah Hogg Lattus, he was a farmer in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri and owned and operated Lattus and Son Farms. ...

DEXTER - Nina Arnold, 87, died March 19, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Born Nov. 19, 1915, at Aid, daughter of the late Albert Andrew and Nettie Blagg Anderson, she was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter. ...

WAPPAPELLO - Robert Lee Campbell, 78, formerly of Caruthersville, died March 18, 2003, in Wappapello. Born Aug. 7, 1924, in Arbyrd, son of the late Harvey Franklin and Pearl Mae Jenkins Campbell, he attended school in Canalou and was a retired janitor. He was of the Assemblies of God belief and was a veteran of the U.S. Army...

BENTON - Charles Stevens Woolf, 88, died at 10 p.m. March 19, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born April 30, 1914, in Tolu, Ky., son of the late John Thomas and Myra Tom Stevens Woolf, he was a retired farmer. He retired in 1984 from Edwards Fertilizer in Cerro Gordo, Ill...

SIKESTON - Carl A. Rayburn, 37, died March 20, 2003. He was born Oct. 7, 1965, son of David E. Rayburn of Fenton and the late Wilma Payne Rayburn. Survivors in addition to his father include: one son, Carl David Rayburn Jr., three stepdaughters, Amy Groves, Liz Groves and Ashley Groves; two brothers, Harold Rayburn of Valley Park and Charles Rayburn; one sister, Shirley Powers of Florissant; and a special friend, Marjane Groves of Sikeston...

DEXTER - Barbara Rose, 62, died March 20, 2003, in the emergency room of Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

QULIN - Gaylord Leon Marcus, 54, died March 21, 2003, at the Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born April 7, 1948, at Chicago, Ill., son of Leon and Ruth Marcus of Qulin, he was affiliated with the Baptist church, a former employee of Monsanto Chemical Co. in St. Louis and a member of the Wappapello Eagles Club...

RAYMORE - Claude Tubbs, 92, formerly of East Prairie, died at 2:17 a.m. March 22, 2003, at his granddaughter's home in Raymore. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie.

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Albert Isaac, 73, who died March 20, 2003, were: David Hayes, Adam Hawkins, Tony Brown, Andy Bond, Jason Isaac and Jody Morse.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Janice Jane Finley, 80, died at 6:36 p.m. March 23, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center. Born Sept. 29, 1922, in Kansas City, Kan., daughter of the late Melvin Alvel and Clara May Davidson McMillen, she was a member of PEO Sisterhood in Cape Girardeau and of several Cape Girardeau area bridge clubs...

ADVANCE - Emory U. McGee, 77, died March 21, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Aug. 5, 1925, in McGee, son of the late Hugh and Lucy Briscoe McGee, he was a 1945 graduate of Advance High School where he played varsity basketball from 1942 to 1945. He owned the Advance Body Shop for 30 years and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

ADVANCE - Arnold "Odell" Long, 75, died March 21, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 20, 1928, at Scopus, son of the late Marshall and Hester Limbaugh Long, he was a retired farmer. On Oct. 14, 1949, in Advance, he married Louise McIntosh who survives of the home...

DEXTER - Barbara June Rose, 62, died March 20, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born March 23, 1940, in Westville, Ind., daughter of the late Howard Berlin and Catherine Schmittel Williams, she was a member of New Beginnings Pentecostal Church in Dexter. She was a driver for Renzenberger Transportation and former deputy sheriff for McHenry County, Ill...

DEXTER - Ronnie Gregory, 60, died March 24, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CARUTHERSVILLE - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at the H.S. Smith Funeral Home for Robert Lee Campbell, 78, of Wappapello and formerly of Caruthersville, who died March 18, 2003, were: David Worley, Chris Polley, Stephen Polley, Kevin L. Hensley, Mark Kneezle and Larry Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were: Bob Smith and Lee Joe Campbell...

SIKESTON - Z.T. Jackson, 88, died March 23, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Nov. 26, 1914, in Charleston, son of the late W.E. and Mary Jackson, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. He was a retired self-employed carpenter and U.S. Navy veteran of World War II...

BELL CITY - Burnadetta M. McIntyre, 82, died March 21, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Nov. 4, 1920, at Polo, Ill., daughter of the late Paul and Elsie Pulver Easterbrook, she had been an inspector for Ralph Edwards Sportswear in Cape Girardeau and was a member of the New Life Tabernacle Church in Bell City for 51 years...

BLOOMFIELD - Gean Atteberry, 94, died March 22, 2003, in Bloomfield. Born June 28, 1908, in Alabama, he retired in 1963 from the General Motors Company in Michigan and lived in Bloomfield for the past eight years. On April 27, 1927, he married Hattie Hawn who preceded him in death on March 21, 2000...

RAYMORE -- The Rev. Claude Colin Tubbs, 92, entered his heavenly home on March 22, 2003, while resting in the home of his granddaughter, Terri Clark, of Raymore. Born Nov. 5, 1910, in Flemmings, Ala., son of the late Henry and Isabelle Tubbs, he was a retired pastor and dutifully served the Lord as pastor of several churches in the Southeast Missouri area...

DEXTER - Ronnie Gene Gregory, 60, died March 24, 2003, near Dexter. Born July 19, 1942, near Bernie, son of the late Howard and Venita Tucker Gregory, he was a member of the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter. He had been a lift truck driver for Purolator Filter Company in Dexter...

OSCEOLA, Ark. - Nettie Schreick, 80, died March 23, 2003, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville. Born Sept. 1, 1922, in Wilson, daughter of the late Coleman and Mamie Lunnum, she had been an insurance agent and was a member of the Osceola First Baptist Church...

SCOTT CITY - Eugene Swinford, 72, died March 25, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SIKESTON - Richard Loren Crider, 53, died at 5:55 p.m. March 22, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 1, 1949, in Crawfordsville, Ind, son of Clifford Crider of Covington, Ind., and the late Anna Lou Newman Crider, he graduated from Fountain Central High School and Purdue University. He was employed by the John Deere Company for 28 years...

SIKESTON - Emory Sharron Pharris, 92, died at 3:58 p.m. March 24, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 25, 1911, in Sikeston, son of the late Oscar S. and Lyda Johnson Pharris, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. On Feb. 3, 1930, in Sikeston, he married Frances M. Cotner who survives of the home...

DEXTER - Judy Ward-Blackler, 50, died March 24, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Sept. 18, 1952, in Dexter, daughter of Reba Brazel Ward of Dexter and the late James "Jack" Ward, she graduated from Dexter High School. She lived in St. Charles for many years before returning to Dexter in 1996, where she was a travel agent for VIP Travels and was a member of the United Methodist Church...

CINCINNATI - Malinda Lucille Hahs Smith, 84, died March 6, 2003, in Cincinnati. She was married to John Sherwood Smith of Benton, Mo., for 57 years before his death on Nov. 16, 1998, at age 79. Born May 5, 1918, in Dexter, Mo., Mrs. Smith was the firstborn child of the late J. ...

SCOTT CITY - Terry Stephen Ledure, 49, died March 25, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

GRAYRIDGE - Gale "Big" Orr, 75, died March 25, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

CATRON - Ernest Tubbs, 56, died March 25, 2003, at his home. Born July 17, 1946, in Avery, Texas, he was the son of the late Dorothy Robert and Mattie Olds Tubbs. On Oct. 11, 1968, in Delka, Texas, he married Barbara Tubbs who survives of the home. Other survivors include: two sons, Ernest A. ...

SCOTT CITY - Eugene Swinford, 72, died at 4:55 a.m. March 25, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 7, 1930, in Bell City, son of the late Luther and Gertrude Bass Swinford, he retired as a machinist for Braswell in Cape Girardeau and was of the Baptist belief. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War...

ORAN - Coletta Ann Eftink, 72, died at 7:30 p.m. March 25, 2003, at her home. Born Nov. 12, 1930, in Oran, daughter of the late Henry and Caroline Arnzen Jansen, she was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church and St. Ann Sodality in Oran and VFW Post 5368 Ladies Auxiliary in Morley...

BERNIE - Lura Mills, 81, died March 26, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

SIKESTON - Coy McDowell, 76, died March 27, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

GRAYRIDGE - Gale "Big" Orr, 75, died March 25, 2003, at his home. Born March 31, 1927, in Clarkton, son of the late Thomas B. and Etta King Orr, he was a retired farmer and member of the Essex Lions Club. He was a member of the Grayridge General Baptist Church and veteran of the U.S. Army...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Homer H. Spradling, 83, died March 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 26, 1919, in Heber Springs, Ark., son of the late Jan and Letha Haney Gay Spradling, he was an independent insurance claims adjuster and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps...

SCOTT CITY -- Terry Stephen Ledure, 49, died at 6 p.m. March 25, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 19, 1953, in Cape Girardeau, son of Shirley E. Blattel Ledure of Scott City and the late Elmer Theon Ledure, he was a self-employed carpenter and custom cabinet maker. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso and Knights of Columbus Council 6420 in Scott City...

SIKESTON - Mildred Bernice Johnson, 83, died at 1:15 a.m. March 28, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born July 4, 1919, in Hornbeak, Tenn., daughter of the late Samuel Calvin and Lottie Kimbell Weaks, she was a member of the Vanduser Baptist Church...

MOREHOUSE - Mary Elizabeth Hays, 76, died March 28, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

DEXTER - Nova Jean Jones, 78, died March 28, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care in Dexter. Born Sept. 20, 1924, in Republic, daughter of the late Enoch and Lena Shaw Pedigo, she was a lifelong resident of Dexter, where she was a charter member of the Faith Fellowship Church. She worked for the Dexter Hospital for many years and also for the Dexter Police Department before retiring...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Lura Lee Cook Mills, 81, died March 26, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 26, 1921, at Bernie, daughter of the late Jess Lee and Annie Neeley Cook, she was a retired school teacher and had taught at St. Louis Public Schools and Bernie Public Schools. A member of the Bethany General Baptist Church of Campbell, she was also a founder of the Three Rivers Community College Library in Poplar, where she had worked until her retirement...

SIKESTON -- Coy G. McDowell, 76, died March 27, 2003, at his residence. Born May 11, 1926, in Morehouse, son of the late Walter and Ruby Burns McDowell, he was a self-employed painter and drywall hanger. He served in the U.S. Army 24th Infantry during World War II and was of the Pentecostal belief...

MATTHEWS - Julia G. "Judy" Bledsoe, 64, died at 5 p.m. March 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 5, 1938, in Matthews, daughter of the late Clyde Aaron and Helen Lee Ida Pobst Osteen, she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was a bus driver for the New Madrid County R-1 School District for 30 years and was also a floral designer for Helen's Florist for 30 years...

POPLAR BLUFF - Janet Maria Thies, 60, formerly of Charleston, died March 20, 2003, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, following an extended illness. Born Jan. 30, 1943, in Charleston, daughter of Sylvia Caraker Seib of Poplar Bluff and the late Austin Seib, she was a poster child for the March of Dimes in Minnesota. ...

MOREHOUSE - Mary Elizabeth Hays, 76, died March 28, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Sept. 16, 1926, in Clifton, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Jim and Delphie Flippo. Her husband, James David Hays, preceded her in death in 1973. Survivors include: two sons, Jackie Hays of Morehouse and Danny Greeson of Eldon; two daughters, Ethyl Faye Hays of Morehouse and Patsy Barnett of Canalou; two brothers, W.I. ...

PAINTON - Elizabeth Wondel, 88, died March 27, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 29, 1914, at Delta, daughter of the late Charles and Rosie Welker Surface, she was a member of the Arbor General Baptist Church. On Nov. 2, 1932, at Benton, she married Emory Wondel who preceded her in death on April 16, 1987...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Coy G. McDowell, 76, who died March 27, 2003, were: Eddie McDowell, Scott McDowell, Eric McDowell, Rodney Comstock, Andy Comstock and Scott Henderson. Honorary pallbearers were: L.V. "Beatle" Bailey and Justin Hawkins...

KELSO - Loretta Gertrude Dannenmueller, 87, died at 3:50 p.m. March 27, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born April 5, 1915, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Rose Halter, she was a seamstress for the Eli Walker Company in Scott City before retiring. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality in Kelso...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Mildred Bernice Johnson, 83, who died March 28, 2003, will be: Steve Johnson, Andy Johnson, Kent Bernhard, Kurt Bernhard, Colie "Trey" Taylor III and Aaron Shoaf. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens near Morley...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Gale "Big" Orr, 75, who died March 25, 2003, were: Harold Tucker Jr., Stan Tucker, Mike McCoy, Russell Orr, Rylee Orr and James King.

WYATT -- Jamie Dale Wilkerson III, son of Jamie Dale and Jessica Lorraine Campbell Wilkerson, died at birth at 4:40 a.m. March 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. In addition to his parents, survivors include: one brother, Clayton Campbell of Wyatt; his paternal grandparents, Jamie Dale Wilkerson of Harrah, Okla., and Evelyn Driver of Diehlstadt; maternal grandparents, Jerry V. ...

SIKESTON -- Raynett Moll, 82, died March 30, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON -- Clay Taylor died March 30, 2003, at his home in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SEARCY, Ark. -- Kenneth Frank, 78, died March 30, 2003, at the White County Medical Center in Searcy. Born May 24, 1924, in Dexter, Mo., son of the late James Walter and Lulu Maupin Frank, he was a retired minister and was a member of the Westside Church of Christ in Searcy. He was a veteran, a member of the Kiwanis Club in Searcy and a White County Medical Center Auxiliary volunteer...

PADUCAH, Ky. -- Joshua Daniel Gross, son of Clinton and Tammy Poe Gross, died at birth March 28, 2003, at the University of Louisville Medical Center. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one brother, Levi Gross of Paducah; one sister, Lexy Gross of Paducah; and grandparents, Charles and Dessie Gross of Anniston, Mo., and Jack and Jane Hargraves of Chaffee, Mo...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Clara Mae Toler, 61, died at 12:35 a.m. March 28, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 8, 1941, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Jack and Estell Stewart Pigg, she was of the Baptist belief. She worked at Rosie's Diner in New Madrid for 10 years and retired in 2002 after 12 years of service as a nurse aide at Southeast Missouri Hospital...

SIKESTON -- Ruth Parker, 90, died March 30, 2003, at Clearview Nursing Center. Born Oct. 30, 1912, in New Madrid County, daughter of the late James and Cornelie Wilburn, she was a member of the Miner Baptist Church. On Jan. 8, 1930, she married Edward Parker who preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 1984...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Nova Jean Jones, 78, who died March 28, 2003, were: Mark Billingsley, Jay Forkum, Tom Forkum, Joe Whitaker, David Whitaker and Charles Clifton.

SIKESTON -- Mary Colleen Homer, 74, formerly of Dexter, died March 31, 2003, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.