Obituaries from June 2003

DEXTER - Blane Stafford, 92, died May 31, 2003, in Nashville, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Norma Jean Jarrell, 56, who died May 28, 2003, were: Doug Sitze, Joey Rhodes, Ross Ganus, Shawn Stiger, Phillip Jarrell and Matt Yount.

DEXTER - Marshall Lee Vowels, 74, died May 29, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 8, 1928, in Wyatt, son of the late Albert and Gladys Miller Vowels, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter. He owned and operated Vowels Tire and Appliance in Dexter. A former board member for Dexter Memorial Hospital, he was active in the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War...

MINER - Hoang Xvan Nguyen, 81, died May 30, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Nadine Francis Pennington Koch, 83, a resident of the Clearview Nursing Center, died at 4:15 p.m. May 30, 2003. Born Dec. 20, 1919, near DeWitt in rural Carroll County, daughter of the late Fred O. and Ada Goodbar Pennington, she was a florist. ...

CARDWELL - Roger Dale Clark, 49, formerly of Sikeston and Cape Girardeau, died at 7:24 p.m. May 29, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 2, 1953, in Mount Carmel, Ill., he was the son of the late James Ervin and Anna Mae Florence Clark. He had been a painter for the Lloyd Slinkard Painting Co. in Cape Girardeau and Truss Specialists Inc. at Cardwell...

BENTON, Ark. -- Orville Marion Miller Sr., 85, died May 28, 2003, at the Arkansas Health Center in Benton. Born Oct. 24, 1917, in Vienna, Ill., son of the late Louis Jackson and Parthenia Delana Miller, he had lived in the Essex, Mo., and Gray Ridge, Mo., area before moving near Hartville, Mo. In 1981, he moved to Arkansas. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in World War II and the Korean War...

CALHOUN, Ga. -- Mildred Leoria Eifert, 85, formerly of Bertrand, Mo., died at 11:15 a.m. June 1, 2003, at the Gordon Health Care Center at Calhoun. Born Aug. 12, 1917, at Rockview, Mo., daughter of the late John and Rose Holmes Wooley, she was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Bertrand. Prior to moving to Calhoun three years ago, she had lived most of her life in Bertrand where she owned and operated Mildred's Cut and Curl for 23 years until retiring in 1993...

DEXTER - Norma Jean Jarrell, 56, died May 28, 2003, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 4, 1947, in Marble Hill to the late Joseph A. and Nancy Kirkpatrick Rhodes, she had lived in Dexter since 1970. A homemaker, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter...

MINER - Hoang Xvan Nguyen, 81, formerly of Vietnam, died at 9:30 p.m. May 30, 2003, at his residence in Miner. Born Jan. 1, 1922, in Nghe An, Vietnam, to the late Danh Van and Trieu Thi Nguyen, he was a farmer and served with the National Guard of South Vietnam. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston...

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- Blane Stafford, 92, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died May 31, 2003, at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Born Sept. 19, 1910, in Stoddard County, Mo., son of the late Thomas and Minnie Allen Stafford, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter and a former manager for Missouri Utilities...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Peggy Sue McClain Barlow, 63, died June 1, 2003, at her daughter's home. Born Feb. 20, 1940, in Chaffee, daughter of the late Henry and Mandy Cook McClain, she owned and operated Barlow's Self-Service and Food Stop in Delta with her husband after his retirement from the United States Air Force...

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. -- Benjamin T. Caple Jr., 76, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died May 30, 2003, at a Summerville hospital. Born Aug. 16, 1926, in Waco, Texas, son of the late Benjamin T. Caple and Etta Lawson Caple, he retired from Alcoa and was currently self-employed in building management and home inspections. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was of the Presbyterian belief...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at funeral services conducted Saturday at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel in Dexter for James Calvin Hyslop, 77, who died May 28, 2003, were: Tommy Hyslop, Taylor Hyslop, Ryan Hyslop, Dennis Hyslop, David Hyslop and Steve Hyslop...

DUDLEY - Barbara Ann Oliver, 54, died June 2, 2003, at her home near Dudley. Born March 8, 1949, to the late Floyd and Lottie Helderman Fowler, she lived her entire life in the Puxico and Dudley areas. A 1967 graduate of Puxico High School and a 1990 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in social work, she operated the Little Wonder Day Care Center in Puxico. ...

ANNISTON - Bernie Sims, 87, died June 2, 2003, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

LIVINGSTON, Texas - Mark Wheelis, 19, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died June 2, 2003, in Livingston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

PERRYVILLE - Vernon Clifford "Red" Wells, 71, died June 2, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

LILBOURN - Ruth Lorene McCain Butler, 52, died June 2, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 13, 1950, in Lilbourn to the late Ed and Vosie McCain. In May 1980, she married Steven Butler, who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Shirley Tubbs Shirkey Slayton, 63, died at 1:15 p.m. June 2, 2003, at her home. Born May 27, 1940, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Carl E. "Dick" and Catharine Sneed Tubbs, she had been a nurse for Dr. Urban; was traffic manager for KMPL Radio for 17 years and was a medical technician for LaBonne-Maison before retiring. She was a member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Sikeston...

ORAN - Walter Edward Madigan, 61, died June 3, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.

BERNIE - Barbara Mason, 53, died June 2, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

PARMA - Hester Chalk, 80, died May 30, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Aug. 8, 1922, in Malden, daughter of the late Charlie and Flora Hutchcraft Wells, she was a lifelong resident of Parma. On July 11, 1937, in Gideon, she married Jesse Burton Chalk who survives of Parma...

BLOOMFIELD - Beulah Putnam, 94, died June 3, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Rachel R. Pierce, 88, died at 8:30 p.m. June 3, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON - Virginia Griffin Dollar Gwaltney, 88, died at 9:48 p.m. June 3, 2003, at Hunter Cares Caring Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

PERRYVILLE - Vernon Clifford "Red" Wells, 71, died June 2, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Dec. 11, 1931, in Stoddard County, he was the son of the late Levi Adolph and Myrtle McDaniel Wells. On July 1, 1974, he married Wanda Aleta Lawson who survives of the home...

BERTRAND - Raymond A. Morrow, 74, of rural Bernie, died at 10:53 a.m. June 3, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born July 23, 1928, in Red Bay, Ala., son of the late Robert and Sarah Belle George Morrow, he lived in Mississippi County most of life where he was a retired farmer and land owner. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bertrand...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel for Shirley Tubbs Shirkey Slayton, 63, who died June 2, 2003, will be: Rodney Crawford, Derrick Cummins, Randy Little, Matt Schmidt, Jimbo Pogue and Stevie Guined...

JACKSON - Bernie Sims, 87, formerly of Anniston, died at 6:10 p.m. June 2, 2003, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Born Nov. 16, 1915, in Steele, son of the late B.H. and Cora Ellis Sims, he lived most of his life in Anniston where he was a retired self-employed contractor. He was a member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge and Anniston Christian Church and a past member of the East Prairie Lions Club...

ORAN - Walter Edward Madigan, 61, of Oran, died June 3, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 24, 1941, in St. Louis, son of the late Edward J. and Maybelle Hefele Madigan. Walter was a retired road grader operator for the Scott County Highway Department in Benton. ...

NEW MADRID -- Ruth Elizabeth "Beth" Henry, 61, died suddenly June 3, 2003, at her home in New Madrid. Born on Dec. 9, 1941, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau to the late Furgison S. and Olive Howard Hunter, she was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Grade School in New Madrid and a 1959 graduate of Villa Duschene Academy in St. ...

ONALASKA, Texas - Mark Steven Wheelis, 19, formerly of East Prairie and Chaffee, Mo., died at 4:40 p.m. June 2, 2003, in Onalaska, as the result of a drowning accident. Born Sept. 19, 1983, in Charleston, Mo., son of Betty Ann Bolden of Charleston and William Glen Wheelis Jr. of Onalaska he attended East Prairie High School. He was a construction worker in Onalaska and member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee...

BERNIE - Barbara Sue Mason, 53, died June 2, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 20, 1949, at Broseley, daughter of the late George D. and Oretha C. Gilpin Trout, she was a member of Sugar Tree General Baptist Church in rural Bernie...

SIKESTON - Pamela LaTonya King, 19, died May 22, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Arkansas. Born March 26, 1984, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of Michael and Janet Lavine of Sikeston. A 2002 graduate of Sikeston High School, she was a sophomore at the University of Arkansas-Jonesboro and member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Barbara Ann Oliver, 54, who died June 2, 2003, were: Buddy Clinton, Jason Fowler, Tim Fowler, Danny O'Neal, Tim Doublin and Scotty Clark.

SIKESTON -- Fannie Mae Davis Lane Simmons, 99, died June 4, 2003, at the Miner Nursing Center. Born Sept. 3, 1903, in Martin, Tenn., daughter of the late Lorenza Dow and Martha Jane Lane Davis, she was a member of the Willingham (Tenn.) Baptist Church...

BERNIE - Martha "Jimmie" Rickman, 87, died May 24, 2003, at the Malden Nursing Center. Born Aug. 16, 1915, in Bernie, daughter of the late Bedford and Lora Elizabeth McNeil Tucker, she lived in Bernie most of her life. She retired from Hawley's in St. Charles, Ill., where she made speaker cones and automobile parts and was a member of the Bernie Christian Church...

SIKESTON - Rachel Ruth Pierce, 88, died June 3, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 8, 1915, in Hornersville, daughter of the late Peter V. and Lora Moody Branum, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114. She served with the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in Washington, D.C., and worked for the Anchor Toy Company for 16 years...

SIKESTON - Virginia G. Gwaltney, 88, died June 3, 2003, at Hunter Acres Caring Center. Born Oct. 15, 1914, in Newbern, Tenn., daughter of the late John Thomas and Esther Dickson Griffin, she was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ. She worked for the International Shoe Company 35 years before retiring in 1978...

NEW MADRID - William Ray "Billy" Staffey, 47, died June 3, 2003, at his parents' home in New Madrid. Born Oct. 21, 1955, in St. Louis, he was the son of William J.R. and JoAnn Staffey. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Tiffany Staffey of Minehart, N.D.; one daughter and son-in-law, Wendi and Brad Patterson of Portageville; two brothers, Tommy Calton of Lonedell and Brian D. ...

DEXTER - Beulah Adkins Putnam, 94, died June 3, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born May 7, 1909, in St. John, Kan., daughter of the late William M. and Molly Stevenson Adkins, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, 50-year member of the Missouri Extension Homemakers Association and a former member of the Golden Age Quilters...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Billy Joe Douglas, 64, died June 4, 2003, in Portageville. Born Feb. 17, 1939, in Portageville, he was the son of the late I.K. and Carolyn Durbin Douglas. Survivors include: one son, William Douglas Sr. of Portageville; three daughters, Cindy Douglas of Portageville, Polly Hendershot of Fair Grove and Martha Douglas of Orlando, Fla.; and 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren...

PARMA - Melissa Dawn Simmons, 31, died June 4, 2003, at her home. Born Oct. 8, 1971, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of Harold and Anna Boyer Simmons of Parma. Other survivors include: one son, Eric Alexander of Parma; two sisters, Lisa Scott of Arnold and Lori Knoll of Pacific; and a special friend, Richard Silman of Parma...

DEXTER - Patty J. Owens, 78, died June 5, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Dexter. Born May 30, 1925, to the late Francis and Edith Wright Dyer, she had lived in Bell City, spent 32 years in St. Louis then moved to Dexter 12 years ago. She worked as staff assistant for McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, was a member of the Hidden Trails Country Club and attended the Sadler's Chapel United Methodist Church in Dexter...

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Bobbie Charlene Stokes, 71, died June 2, 2003, in Jacksonville. Born May 18, 1932, in Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late Felix P. and Dorothy Moody Mosley, she lived in St. George, Ga., before moving to Macclenny seven years ago. She was a store manager for the Dollar General Store in Macclenny for 12 years before retiring in 1993 and was a member of Glen Friendship Tabernacle Church in Glen St. Mary...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today for Rachel Ruth Pierce, 88, who died June 3, 2002, were: Vernie Cummins, Derrick Cummins, Ray Pierce, Ricki Drake, Gerald Yeargain and Cecil Owen.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Orville Marion Miller Sr., 85, who died May 28, 2003, were: Butch Wamble, Charles Wamble, Charles Miller, Nathan Miller, Steve Watkins and Darrell Penberthy.

RISCO - Leatrice Davis Harris, 63, died June 4, 2003, at the Ridgeview Nursing Center in Malden. Born Jan. 27, 1940, in Sunflower, Miss., daughter of the late John and Rosie Pearson Davis, she was a custodian for 20 years at the Risco School before retiring...

SIKESTON - Benjamin Welborn, 83, died June 5, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 12, 1920, in Double Springs, Ala., son of the late William Jackson and Flora Jane Curtis Welborn, he was a farmer for many years and a mill worker for the Scott County Milling Company before retiring. He had a large vegetable garden on North Street for many years...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Fannie Mae Davis Lane Simmons, 99, who died June 4, 2003, will be: Mike Nelson, John Burton, Erik Johnson, Adam Pratt, David O'Neal and Mike Bartlett...

ADVANCE - James Lloyd Moore, 64, died June 6, 2003, at his home. Born Dec. 9, 1938, in Advance, son of the late Jacob and Nettie Turner Moore, he was a retired farmer and member of Father's Arms Fellowship Church in Scott City. Survivors include: two daughters, Terri Hazel of Advance and Jerri Moore of Scott City; two sisters, Mildred Garner and Emma Moore of Advance; and three grandsons...

MORLEY - Pallbearers for services held June 6, 2003, at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston for Vernon Clifford "Red" Wells, 71, who died June 2, 2003, were: Farrell Gates, Tommy Powell, Jesse Wells, John Wells, Tim Wells and Jim Reaves.

DEXTER - Ralph W. Burnett, 73, died June 5, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born March 30, 1930, at Grayridge, son of the late Thomas Clarence and Tiny Augusta Bollinger Burnett, he was a retired carpenter and member of Faith Fellowship in Dexter...

BLOOMFIELD - Lydia Jane Green, 55, formerly of Bernie, died June 6, 2003, at the Beverly Healthcare Center. Born July 23, 1947, in Bernie, daughter of Velma Gidcumb Green of Bernie and the late Charles C. Green, she lived all her life in Bernie and attended the Nazarene Church...

DEXTER - David Earl Midgett, 55, died June 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 7, 1947, in Poplar Bluff, son of the late Harry J. and Lila McGowen Midgett, he had been a maintenance employee for Dexter Public Schools. A member of Dexter Masonic Lodge 532, he was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Valley of St. Louis, Aad Grotto of Poplar Bluff, Sword of Bunker Hill Leadbelt Order 83 and the Crowley Ridge Black Powder Club...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Patty J. Owens, 78, who died June 5, 2003, were: Joe Bailey, Clyde Jacques, Tom Stevenson, O.C. Niswonger, James Ervin and John Lanson.

ORAN - Ernest Louis Prindle, 94, died at 3:34 p.m. June 8, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born July 30, 1908, in Chaffee, son of the late Ernest Caldwell and Ida Frances Pobst, he was employed by Fabick Brothers Engineering Company in Sikeston before retiring and was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church...

SIKESTON - Kenneth F. Brewer, 65, died at 8 a.m. June 8, 2003, at his home. Born Feb. 20, 1938, in Bell City, son of Della Faye Lingle Brewer of Sikeston and the late Earl Brewer, he was a self-employed electrical and building contractor. He served with the U.S. Air Force and was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - Memorial services have been scheduled for Nadine Francis Pennington Koch, 83, who died May 30, 2003. Born Dec. 20, 1919, in rural Carroll County, daughter of the late Fred O. and Ada Goodbar Pennington, she was a florist. A member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, past worthy matron of Parson Chapter 189 Order of the Eastern Star at Trenton and past president of VFW Post 1776 Ladies Auxiliary in Carrollton.. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Wyvon Burgess, 86, died June 9, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Anna May Guethle, 81, died June 8, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Mark Mathis, 37, died June 9, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Charles Grundy Turlington, 90, died June 9, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Jerry Wayne Grills, 49, died at 5:30 a.m. June 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 10, 1954, in Bragg City to Jim Woods of Bragg City and Neva Jo Grills, who preceded him in death on Nov. 30, 1990, he worked for Barton Lumber Co. and was a school bus driver for Sikeston Public Schools. A member of the Sikeston Eagles Lodge, he was affiliated with the Baptist church...

CHAFFEE - Florence Diebold, 74, died at 3:25 p.m. June 9, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Sept. 29, 1928, in Kelso, daughter of the late Joseph Michael and Theresa Heuring Welter, she retired as a machine operator for Thorngate Ltd. in Chaffee and was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Daughters of St. Ambrose...

ORAN - Ernest Louis Prindle, 94, died at 3:34 p.m. June 8, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born July 30, 1908, in Chaffee, son of the late Ernest Caldwell and Ida Frances Pobst, he was employed by Fabick Brothers Equipment Company in Sikeston before retiring and was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church...

ENID, Okla. - Mary Lee Sutherland, 60, died June 6, 2003, at St. Mary's Regional Health Center. Born May 28, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., daughter of Ione Bollinger Welter of Sikeston, Mo., and the late Paul Welter, she was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. A graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton, Mo., she attended Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau and was a para-professional teacher's assistant with Enid Public Schools for 22 years...

DEXTER - Charles Grundy Turlington, 90, died June 9, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Born April 28, 1913, in Dexter, son of the late Charles and Emma May Hammond Turlington, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. A retired painter and former employee of the Dexter Post Office, he served with the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was also a member of Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59, NARFE Postal Association and the Southeast Missouri Baseball Hall of Fame...

DEXTER - Anna May Guethle, 81, died June 8, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Born May 20, 1922, in Dexter, daughter of the late Fred and Philomenia Dietsch Sauer, she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had been a bookkeeper for Dexter Automotive...

SIKESTON - Mark Mathis, 37, died June 9, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Aug. 30, 1965, in Sikeston, son of Carol Sue Davis Whitchurch of Poplar Bluff and the late Robert L. Mathis, he was a former truck driver for W.W. Wood in Broseley...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Lydia Jane Green, 55, who died June 6, 2003, were: Ruben White, Mabrey Loafman, Johnny Grindstaff, Dawsey Lee Brown, Dale Green and Jackie King.

NEW MADRID - William Earl Andrews, 75, died at 6:30 p.m. June 9, 2003, in New Madrid. Born April 29, 1928, in Cleveland, Ark., son of the late John and Ora Jordan Andrews, he worked for Associated Natural Gas in New Madrid before retiring. He coached Little League baseball for many years and was a member of the Church of Christ, Kiwanis Club, Volunteer Fire Department and the Masonic Lodge, all in New Madrid, and was an avid hunter and fisherman...

PORTAGEVILLE - Yvon Burgess, 86, died June 9, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 3, 1917, in Hayward, son of the late William Henry and Jessie Boon Burgess, he was a retired salesman and U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He owned and operated a Big Star grocery store in Hayti and later owned a wholesale company in Mayfield, Ky. After he retired, Burgess moved to Panorama Shores on Kentucky Lake near Murray and later returned to Portageville...

BLOOMFIELD - Dawsey Hollis, 83, died June 10, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 14, 1920, in Bernie, son of the late Jim and Alma Virginia Hopgood Hollis, he lived in the Puxico and Bloomfield communities all his life. He was a farmer and log hauler...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Maple Milton, 80, died June 5, 2003, at her home. Born March 10, 1923, in Gillett, Ark., daughter of the late Eddie and Emma Carson Green, she was a member of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Dumas, Ark., where she served on the Usher Board...

VANDUSER - Larry J. Arthur, 53, died June 10, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are pending at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday...

HOWARDVILLE - Rosie Lee Jones, 64, died June 9, 2003, at her home. Born Feb. 12, 1939, in Trula, Miss., she was the daughter of the late John Walter and Lillie Mae Thomas Jones. Survivors include: one son, Leo Parker of Charleston; four daughters, Rose Mary Patton of Milwaukee, Wis., Rebecca Pride of Catron, Jacqueline Jones of Lilbourn and Danielle Jones of Howardville; two sisters, Fannie Mae Johnson of Trula and Flora Ann Fife of Saginaw, Mich.; and 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.. ...

WRIGHT CITY - Howard L. Chapman, 62, died June 7, 2003, at the Jefferson Barracks Hospice Unit in St. Louis. Born April 30, 1941, in Sikeston, son of the late Francis L. and Lois Hunt Chapman, he retired as maintenance and equipment supervisor for Inns Brook Estates in Wright City and was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. He attended high school in Anniston and Charleston and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy...

SIKESTON - Annell L. Jones, 92, died at 9:14 a.m. June 11, 2003, at the Miner Nursing Center. Born April 12, 1911, in Marion County, Ala., son of the late Charley W. and Autie Nelson Lambert, she was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ. On Feb. 13, 1927, in Winston County, Ala., she married William W. Jones who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1995...

MUNFORD, Tenn. - Claude C. "Jim" Waldrop, 65, died June 2, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Memphis. Born Aug. 8, 1937, in Greenville, S.C., son of the late Claude Cornelius and Annie Lou Bledsoe Waldrop, he served with the U.S. Navy for 10 years and was of the Presbyterian belief. He was a member of Millington Masonic Lodge, Memphis Scottish Rite, Al Chymia Shrine Center, Shrine Legion of Honor, American Legion and a former chairman of the DeMolay...

POINT PLEASANT - Margie Marie Cayton, 79, died June 11, 2003, at her home. Born Nov. 29, 1923, in Portageville, she was the daughter of the late Gentry and Jo Newhouse Anders. On July 16, 1939, in Portageville, she married Ben Cayton who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for William Earl Andrews, 75, of New Madrid, who died June 9, 2003, will be: Charles Palmer, Charles Palmer Jr., Ralph Palmer, Don Brown, Bobby Johnson and Charles Hatley...

SCOTT CITY - Howard L. Lacey, 60, died June 12, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

BLOOMFIELD - Jesse Willard "Jay" Whitledge, 88, died June 10, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born April 5, 1915, in Bloomfield, son of the late Edward and Martha Christian Whitledge, he was a longtime employee of Monarch Feeds in Dexter, retiring in 1977. A lifelong resident of Bloomfield, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield and the Bloomfield American Legion...

VANDUSER - Larry Joe Arthur, 53, died at 4:45 p.m. June 10, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 30, 1950, in Wardell, son of William and Edward Lotha Vaught Arthur of Morehouse, he worked for Brown Shoe Co. for 20 years. He was a member of the Sikeston Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3319, where he had served as a trustee, vice president and security guard...

EAST PRAIRIE - Tressa Zilafro, 85, died at 1:57 p.m. June 11, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Sikeston businessman Richard Land "Rick" Brandom, 70, died June 11, 2003, at his home. Born May 3, 1933, in Kansas City, son of the late Thomas Martin and Mary Doak Smithpeter Brandom, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a U.S. ...

BLOOMFIELD - Charles "Chuck" Curley, 73, died June 11, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Jan. 22, 1930, in Peach Orchard, son of the late Charley and Rudie Marie Dodd Kerley, he lived in Chicago, Ill., for many years before moving to Bloomfield in 1991. He was employed by Ace Blinds before retiring and was a member of the Bernie Christian Church...

SCOTT CITY - Howard Louis Lacey, 60, died June 12, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 23, 1942, in Elvins, daughter of the late Stanley Louis and Edith Howell Lacey, he had been a maintenance technician for Louis Brothers Bakery and was currently employed by the City of Scott City...

DEXTER - David Wilburn Noles Davidson, 78, died June 12, 2003, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Nov. 23 1924, in Laural, Miss., son of the late Ira and Sarah Stamper Davidson, he was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Saucier, Miss., and the American Legion. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and had been an electronic engineering teacher...

SIKESTON - Annell L. Jones, 92, died at 9:14 a.m. June 11, 2003, at the Miner Nursing Center. Born April 12, 1911, in Marion County, Ala., son of the late Charley W. and Autie Nelson Lambert, she was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ. On Feb. 13, 1927, in Winston County, Ala., she married William W. Jones who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1995...

STAUNTON, Ill. - Virginia Ehlers Dusablon, 85, formerly of Maynard, Iowa, died June 11, 2003, at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Staunton. Born Feb. 1, 1918, at Oelwein, Iowa, daughter of the late Julius and Martha Ellisat Ehlers, she retired from the State of Missouri Division of Employment Services and was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville...

EAST PRAIRIE - Tressa Zilafro, 85, died at 1:57 p.m. June 11, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 18, 1917, in Success, Ark., daughter of the late Mike and Flaudie Henderson Ciscell, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life. She retired from the Prairie Manufacturing Company and was a member of the First General Baptist Church in East Prairie...

BERTRAND - Ruth E. Barnett, 91, died at 10:50 a.m. June 12, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Feb. 16, 1912, in Dalton, Ark., daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Freeman, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life and was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church...

BERNIE - Edward Kirkpatrick, 68, died June 12, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

LILBOURN - Roy W. "Petey" Carroll, 84, died June 13, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 20, 1918, son of the late Roy Carroll and Maggie Carroll Koessel, he graduated from Lilbourn High School and was a veteran of World War II. He retired as a fireman from the Blytheville (Ark.) Air Force Base and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Dawsey Hollis, 83, who died June 10, 2003, were: Chuck Earnhart, Justin Rojas, Ben Earnhart, Carl Sanders, Jeffery Cartiller and Glen Hollis.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Larry Joe Arthur, 53, of Vanduser, who died June 10, 2003, will be: Bobby Graham, Jamie Ward, Dorro Rushing, Gordon Brownfield, Ted Berberick and Richard Kirkpatrick...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Ponder Funeral Home for Benjamin Welborn, 83, who died June 5, 2003, were: Larry Francis, Charlie Francis, Jim Francis, Don Francis, Gaylon Spraggs and Robert Brown.

DEXTER - Syble Marie Cravens, 90, died June 12, 2003, at her home. Born March 16, 1913, at Ash Hill, daughter of the late Albert "Ab" and Effie Rosetta Shipman Hill, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. On Dec. 24, 1927, in Bloomfield, she married Bernard Cravens who preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 1991...

PARMA - Van Minter Patterson, 65, died June 11, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 4, 1938, at Bonne Terre, son of the late Raymond W. and Vallie Minter Patterson, he was a retired farmer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and affiliated with the Risco Baptist Church...

ORAN - Leon Patterson, 55, died at 12:22 p.m. June 13, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 5, 1948, in Oran, son of Vellen Cody Patterson of Oran and the late Charles Edward Patterson, he was a field agent with the Scott County Assessor's Office in Benton. He was a charter member of the Oran Jaycees...

BERNIE - Edward Robert Kirkpatrick, 68, died June 12, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 30, 1934, in Sturdivant, son of Zola Viola Kirkpatrick of Bernie and the late Benjamin Kirkpatrick, he attended the First Pentecostal Church of Bernie. Kirkpatrick, who had worked at the General Motors Plant in Michigan and the Elgin Metal Casket Factory, was employed with the City of Bernie from 1977 until his retirement...

SCOTT CITY - Howard Louis Lacey, 60, died June 12, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 23, 1942, in Elvins, son of the late Stanley Louis and Edith Howell Lacey, he had been a maintenance technician for Louis Brothers Bakery and was currently employed by the City of Scott City...

SIKESTON - Mona Irene Ainsworth, 93, died June 14, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 17, 1910, in Paragould, Ark., daughter of the late Robert L. and Mary A. Langley Hoskins, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, Order of the Eastern Star and was a past worthy high priestess for the White Shrine, of which she was a member for more than 50 years. ...

SIKESTON - Clarence Allen Carter, 61, died at 10:30 a.m. June 14, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 13, 1942, in Sikeston, son of Lorama Miller Carter of Sikeston and the late Earl Carter, he was employed with the Halliburton Company for many years and was of the Protestant belief. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114, Eagles Aerie 3319 and VFW Post 3174 in Sikeston...

POINT PLEASANT - Margie Marie Cayton, 79, died June 11, 2003, at her home. Born Nov. 29, 1923, in Portageville, she was the daughter of the late Gentry and Jo Newhouse Anders. On July 16, 1939, in Portageville, she married Ben Cayton who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Allen Franklin "A.F." Johnson, 84, died June 14, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 27, 1918, in Morley, son of the late Clarence Franklin and Sally Franklin Johnson, he was of the Nazarene belief. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a long distance trucker for more than 40 years before retiring. A member of Teamsters Union 891 in Jackson, Miss., he was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans...

NEW HAMBURG - Coletta Louise Heisserer, 86, died at 7:14 p.m. June 14, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Oct. 7, 1916, in Kelso, daughter of the late Joe and Elizabeth Enderle Glastetter, she was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and St. Ann Sodality in New Hamburg...

CHAFFEE - Hilda M. Siebert, 85, died June 15, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Home in Chaffee.

PARMA - Jessie Burton Chalk, 85, died June 14, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Sept. 5, 1917, in Paragould, Ark., son of the late Joe and Hattie White Chalk, he lived in Parma since 1956, where he was a tractor mechanic for Ramsey's International before retiring...

PARMA - Polly Ann Spitzer, 64, died June 15, 2003, at her daughter's home in Wentzville. Born Dec. 23, 1938, in Clarkton, daughter of Elizabeth Tatum Daugherty of Cape Girardeau and the late Tim Daugherty, she was a retired school teacher. She was past director of the Malden Community Choir and served as a committee member of the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden. ...

SIKESTON - Norma Emma Hurley, 86, died June 17, 2003, at her home. Born Aug. 26, 1916, in Bertrand, daughter of the late Walter and Nettie Holland Maxwell, she worked with the Scott County Division of Family Services for 25 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. She owned Norma's Flower Shop in East Prairie for many years and also owned the Early American Motel at Aurora, Ky...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for Mona Irene Ainsworth, 93, who died June 14, 2003, will be: Bruce Taylor, Brett Taylor, Jerry Burge, Dan Norton, Danny Freeman and Dewavon Adams.

CHAFFEE - Hilda M. Siebert, 85, died at 11 p.m. June 15, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 15, 1917, in Lemay, daughter of the late William and Christina Rolfes Schilli, she was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Daughters of St. Ambrose. A former leader of the Chaffee Go-Getters 4-H Club, she was also a former member of VFW Post 3127 Ladies Auxiliary in Chaffee...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Clarence Allen Carter, 61, who died June 14, 2003, will be: Arnie Stone, Joe Fritz, Roger Beck, Donnie Brown, Jerry Bryant, Gene Scott, Phillip Stinnett and Roger Miller...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston for Norma Emma Hurley, 86, of Sikeston, who died June 17, 2003, will be: Greg Brooks, Jason McHaney, Justin Hurley, Mike Simmons, Randy Bohannon, Kevin Blanton, Stanley Swiney and Andy Werts...

ADVANCE - D. Harding Teets, 82, died June 16, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in Bloomfield. Born March 25, 1921, in Bloomfield, son of the late Lester and Pearl Arnett Teets, he was a concrete finisher for Stites Concrete in Dexter and a U.S. Army veteran...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Clarence Allen Carter, 61, who died June 14, 2003, will be: Arnie Stone, Joe Fritz, Roger Beck, Donnie Brown, Jerry Bryant, Gene Scott, Phillip Stinnett and Roger Miller...

NEW MADRID - Norma Jean Richards, 56, died June 15, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home.

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Jessie Burton Chalk, 85, who died June 14, 2003, were: Randall Ramsey, Danny Biggs, Doyle Crews, Ted Morgan, Kevin Blume and Tom Fralick.

ADVANCE - Bobbie LeRoy Berrong, 71, died June 18, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 10, 1931, at Arab, son of the late Odis ad Stella Walker Berrong, he had worked on the family farm before moving to Advance. He then worked on the Jerry and Linda Eggiman Farm until retiring. Berrong attended the Advance United Methodist Church, where he was a caretaker...

SIKESTON - Opal Louise White, 80, died June 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born May 5, 1923, in Parma, daughter of the late Clement Edward and Velva McCane Summerlott, she attended Fellowship Baptist Church and had formerly attended Tanner Street Church of God. She worked for Canvass Products Manufacturing Co. for 20 years, where she was an assistant foreman and supervisor on the sewing line...

BERNIE - Genivea Jackson, 76, died June 18, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 29, 1926, at Parma, daughter of the late Jacob L. and Edna Grubbs Williamson, she retired from the Brown Shoe Company in Bernie. On Feb. 14, 1957, at Hernando, Miss., she married Dennis Jackson who preceded her in death on June 3, 2002...

NEW MADRID - Viola S. Davis, 88, died June 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home.

NEW MADRID - Viola S. Davis, 88, died June 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 12, 1914, in West Point, Miss., daughter of the late T.L. and Lear Green Strong, she was a member of Olive Missionary Baptist Church in New Madrid, where she served on the Usher Board...

PUXICO - Ester O. Spear, 84, died June 19, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born July 24, 1918, in Puxico, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Bertie Crabb Spear. She was a lifelong resident of Puxico where she was a member of the General Baptist Church...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Cletus Woodson Atkinson, 73, died at 5 a.m. June 20, 2003, at his residence. Born Dec. 7, 1929, in Owensby, Tenn., son of the late Woodson and Beauton Riley Atkinson, he was of the Baptist belief and had lived most of his life in East Prairie where he was a retired farmer...

BLOOMFIELD - Karen Ruth Smith, 47, died June 18, 2003, at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

SIKESTON - Kelly Goza, 86, died June 19, 2003, at his home. Born Dec. 13, 1916, in rural Stoddard County to the late Albert Clarence and Amanda Jane Davis Goza, he was co-owner of Goza-Harper Motor Co. in Sikeston for many year. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, he flew B-24 bombers in the South Pacific...

COLDSPRING, Texas - Jeffrey Neal Taylor, 58, nephew of Imogene Holmes of Sikeston, Mo., and the late Paul Homes died June 20, 2003, at his home. Born June 13, 1945, in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late Ewart S. Taylor and Jessie Holmes Taylor, he graduated in 1963 from Sikeston High School. ...

BLOOMFIELD - Karen Ruth Smith, 47, died June 18, 2003, at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born March 26, 1956, at Aurora, Ill., daughter of Harlan and Joyce Fletcher Gillett of Appleton, Wis., she was employed with Save-A-Lot in Dexter. On Jan. 12, 1974, in Poplar Bluff, she married Daniel A. Smith who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Larry M. Hendrickson, 65, died at 5:55 a.m. June 19, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born July 12, 1937, in Kearney, Neb., son of the late Albert and Merna Lucille Mahn Hendrickson, he was employed by Heartland Potato Farms. Survivors include: one son, Mike Hendrickson of Mesa, Ariz.; two daughters, Heidi S. ...

NEW MADRID - Norma Jean Richards, 56, died June 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 29, 1946, in New Madrid, daughter of Clarence Ellis of Peoria, Ill., and the late Rubel Hayes, she was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn...

BERNIE - Jim L. Brown, 54, died June 22, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 5, 1948, in Gideon, son of the late James Earl Brown and Pansy Lucille Jones Brown Hicks, he worked at Specialty Engineering in Dexter and attended the Bernie General Baptist Church...

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. - Jacque Kellams Tanner, 46, died June 21, 2003, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. Born Aug. 16, 1956, in Lamar, Mo., he was the son of Herbert Lee and Helen Kellams Tanner of Germantown. Survivors in addition to his parents include: three sisters, Karla Kay Harrison of Nashville, Joyanna Woods of Memphis and Kelley Carol Constantin of Baton Rouge, La.; three uncles and aunts, William B. ...

NEW MADRID - Anna Louise Devers Mills, 86, died June 21, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 19, 1917, in New Madrid, daughter of the late James and Carrie Sloas Devers, she was a past worthy matron of the New Madrid Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she had been presented a 50-year pin. ...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Bobby Eugene Bromley, 65, died at 8 a.m. June 21, 2003, at his mother's home. Born June 12, 1938, in Matthews, Mo., son of Ethel Halford Bromley of Memphis and the late Clayton Bromley, he was a retired radio announcer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER - Delphia Maxine Oliver, 83, died June 22, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SCOTT CITY - Glenna Wright, 56, died June 23, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

NEW HAMBURG -- Rose Anna Kern, 91, died at 4:15 p.m. June 22, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born July 16, 1911, in New Hamburg, daughter of the late Joseph and Sophia Gosche Westrich, she was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg and Ladies Sodality. She was also a member of the Senior Citizens of New Hamburg...

SIKESTON - J.W. Staggs, 63, died at 10:25 a.m. June 22, 2003, at his home. Born March 11, 1940, in Collinwood, Tenn., son of the late Wilson and Mary Lou Fraley Staggs, he was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a veteran of the National Guard. Staggs had worked for Anchor Toys and Sears Delivery and Fencing before becoming a truck driver. He had been employed by Reliable Freight, Atlas Carriers, M&M Farm Lines and Emcal Trucking...

EAST PRAIRIE - Florene K. Ferrell, 80, died at 7:15 p.m. June 23, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 18, 1923, in Diehlstadt, daughter of the late Luther and Lula Kirkpatrick Windsor, she lived in Scott and Mississippi counties her entire life and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in East Prairie. She and her husband owned and operated Ferrell's Supermarket in East Prairie for many years...

DEXTER - Delphia Maxine Oliver, 83, died June 22, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born April 15, 1920, in Parma, she was the daughter of the late David Clarence and Mary Angeline Cunningham Brown. On April 24, 1939, in New Madrid, she married Deslin "Jack" Oliver who survives of the home...

DEXTER - John Clifford Medlin, 76, died June 18, 2003 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Marion, Ill. Born Nov. 30, 1926, at Bernie, son of the late Lester Levi and Gracie Allen Medlin, he was a carpenter and worked in construction in Southeast Missouri. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II...

NEW MADRID - Anna Louise Devers Mills, 86, died June 21, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 19, 1917, in New Madrid, daughter of the late James and Carrie Sloas Devers, she was a past worthy matron of the New Madrid Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she had been presented a 50-year pin. ...

COMMERCE - Glenna Shirley Wright, 56, died at 5:31 a.m. June 23, 2003, at her mother's home in Scott City. Born Sept. 1, 1946, in Sikeston, daughter of Ruby Akins McLain of Scott City and the late Glenn McLain, she was a customer service representative for Venture. She was a member of the Illmo Baptist Church and Commerce Better Community Club...

ADVANCE - Garry Dean Whitehead, 62, died June 22, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 15, 1941, at Greenbrier, son of the late Leo and Letha Ladd Whitehead, he was a buyer for Procter and Gamble in Cape Girardeau, retiring after 25 years of service. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was of the Baptist belief...

BERTRAND - Eleanor R. Ehlebracht, 87, formerly of Cape Girardeau, Raytown and Independence, died June 21, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Nov. 19, 1915, at Higginsville, daughter of the late Martin and Martha Meyer Wegener, she was a graduate of Higginsville High School and the Independence School of Hairdressing. ...

PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - Marilyn "Sue" Abernathy, 60, died at 2:43 p.m. June 22, 2003, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Born Nov. 10, 1942, in Kennett, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Bill and Nana Lou Marshall Watson. Survivors include: one son, Rob Abernathy of Indianapolis, Ind.; two daughters and one son-in-law, Tresa and Martin Fox of Kirksville, Mo., and Lisa Abernathy of Peoria Heights; two sisters, Kay Little of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Ann Hoover of Peoria; one grandchild; and a special friend, Art Jones of the home.. ...

LILBOURN - Willis "Chuck" Taylor, 66, died June 23, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn, where visitation is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home...

SIKESTON - J.W. Staggs, 63, died at 10:25 a.m. June 22, 2003, at his home. Born March 11, 1940, in Collinwood, Tenn., son of the late Wilson and Mary Lou Fraley Staggs, he was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a veteran of the National Guard. Staggs had worked for Anchor Toys and Sears Delivery and Fencing before becoming a truck driver. He had been employed by Reliable Freight, Atlas Carriers, M&M Farm Lines and Emcal Trucking...

LILBOURN - Willis "Chuck" Taylor, 69, died June 23, 2003, at his home. Born April 7, 1934, in Avalon, Miss., son of the late Louis and Mattie Taylor, he was a retired farm laborer and member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn. Survivors include: one son, Richard Taylor of Columbia; one daughter, Annora Taylor of St. ...

MARSTON - Brenda Kirby, 55, died June 24, 2003, at her residence. Born Jan. 31, 1948, in Marston, she was the daughter of Dorothy White Kirby of Marston and the late Howard Kirby Sr. Other survivors include: one sister, Carolyn Stowe of Marston; one brother, Howard Kirby Jr. of Caruthersville; one aunt, Ruth Brown of Michigan; and one uncle, Claude White of Marston...

AURORA, Colo. - Ruby Alfreda Byrd Critchlow , 97, formerly of Matthews, Mo., died June 24, 2003 at the Life Care Center of Aurora. Born Oct. 6, 1905, she was the daughter of the late Richard Henry and Sarah Ann Byrd Her husband, Olen E. "Cotton" Critchlow preceded her in death in 1979...

PETERSBURG, Tenn. - Terry Lee Dunker, 52, died June 23, 2003, at the Marshall County Medical Center. Born in Red Bud, Ill., son of Betty Dunker Edwards of Fulton, Texas, and the late Otto Dunker, he retired as a master sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the Lutheran Church...

CHARLESTON - Allie Inez Dillie Brown, 75, died at 6:55 a.m. June 25, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 17, 1928, in Steele, daughter of the late Albert Daniel and Mamie Inez Green Dillie, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life. Before her retirement, she had been employed with the Brown Shoe Co. in Charleston and Burkhart Manufacturing Co. in Cairo, Ill. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Charleston...

SCOTT CITY -- Freddie Joe Riley, 64, died June 27, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SIKESTON - Chalmer A. "Chal" Dockins, 86, died June 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 28, 1916, in Malden, son of the late George Franklin and Cora Mae Ballard Dockins, he was a member of Illinois Avenue General Baptist Church. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a self-employed building contractor for 20 years and owned and operated a car wash business for the last 25 years...

SIKESTON - Margaret L. Waters, 77, died at 2:37 p.m. June 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 8, 1926, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Hiram David and Wilhemina Walker Lambert, she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church...

SCOTT CITY -- Freddie Joe Riley, 64, died at 1:24 a.m. June 27, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 1, 1938, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late James Amphlis and Jeanette Mae Bles Riley, he was a barge loader in the West Lake quarry for Local 282 of Cape Girardeau. ...

SIKESTON -- Solomon Tyler, 51, died June 26, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 30, 1951, in Hollandale, Miss., son of O.C. Parker Tillman and the late James Tillman, he was a self-employed carpenter. In addition to his mother, survivors include: three brothers, James Tillman of Jefferson City, Frank Parker of California and Rodger Parker of Farmington; and two sisters, Jean Madison of Sikeston and Frankie Driver of Jefferson City...

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers for services conducted today at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for Margaret L. Waters, 77, who died June 27, 2003, were: Steve Borgsmiller, Rob Mitchell, Bob McCord III, Norman Ray Lambert, Charlie Dye and John Fuchs. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements...

AURORA, Colo. - Ruby Alfreda Byrd Critchlow, 97, formerly of Matthews, Mo., died June 24, 2003 at the Life Care Center of Aurora. Born Oct. 6, 1905, she was the daughter of the late Richard Henry and Sarah Ann Byrd Her husband, Olen E. "Cotton" Critchlow preceded her in death in 1979...

EAST PRAIRIE -- David W. Jackson, 69, died at 2:27 p.m. June 27, 2003, at Tandem Healthcare in Lakeland, Fla. Born Sept. 24, 1933, in Campbell, son of the late Walter and Ora Walters Jackson, he was a retired construction worker and a member of the Grove Park Christian Church in Lakeland where he lived most of his adult life...

BENTON - Edna Mae Ranson, 84, died June 28, 2003, at the Bethesda Southgate Nursing Facility in St. Louis. Born Sept. 16, 1918, in Barlow, N.D., to the late Eltjo and Jennie DeLang Buss, she was a teacher at Shawnee and Anna-Jonesboro high schools. A member of the St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, she also was a member of the Ladies 99 Pilot Association in Cape Girardeau, Army of Mary and Family of Sons and Daughters of Mary...

SIKESTON -- Margaret B. Ray, 86, died at 8:10 a.m. June 30, 2003, at Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.