Obituaries from December 2003

CHAFFEE - Juanita Ida Bechel, 89, died at 6:47 a.m. Nov. 29, 2003. Born Oct. 5, 1914, in Chaffee, daughter of the late Levi John and Elenora Elizabeth Scheeter Bechel, she had worked for the Sports Specialty Shoe Company in Chaffee. She retired as secretary for the Tucker Truck Company in Cape Girardeau and was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Daughters of St. Ambrose...

MATTHEWS - Lois Hooks, 83, died Nov. 29, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 14, 1920, in Humphries County, Tenn., daughter of the late Alvin R. and Ollie E. Winters Curtis, she was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church in Morehouse. She was a first grade teacher for much of her career and retired as an educator from Matthews Elementary School in Matthews...

EAST PRAIRIE - Jessup Earl Ukiah Willis, 4-year-old son of Jessie Earl and Beria Renee Hale Willis, died Nov. 28, 2003, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Nora Mae McMullin, 84, died at 6:57 a.m. Dec. 1, 2003 at her home. Arrangements are pending at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - Emma Kinder, 90, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 1, 2003, at North Richland Hills. Born Oct. 19, 1913, in Bernie, Mo., she lived in Dexter for many years, where she had been employed by Elder Manufacturing and was a member of the Second General Baptist Church...

EAST PRAIRIE - Jessup Earl Ukiah Willis, 4-year-old son of Jessie Earl and Beria Renee Hale Willis of East Prairie, died at 7:15 a.m. Nov. 28, 2003, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. He was born Aug. 13, 1999, in Sikeston. Survivors in addition to his parents include: two sisters, Paige Danielle Willis and Teri Loran Willis of the home; paternal grandparents, Anita Faye Willis and Clifford Dewayne Duty of East Prairie; maternal grandparents, Retta Renee Hale of Wyatt and Christopher Eugene Vinson of Bertrand; paternal great-grandparents, Jake and Helen Jacobs of East Prairie; and his maternal great-grandparents, Lawrence and Mary Lou Vinson of Wyatt.. ...

DEXTER - Bill B. Layton, 80, died Nov. 29, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 2, 1923, in Malden, son of the late W.B. and Elsie Tuttle Layton, he retired as a truck driver for Campbell 66 and was a member of the Dexter Hospital Auxiliary. He served with the 1901st Aviation Engineers in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was engaged in the invasion of Okinawa...

BERTRAND - Mary Doris Coulter, 68, died at 2:45 p.m. Dec. 1, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 17, 1934, in Columbus, Ky., daughter of the late Richmond and Mary Mae Burton Crane, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life and was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - Nora Mae McMullin, 84, died Dec. 1, 2003, at her home. Born May 4, 1919, in Elkhart, Ill., daughter of the late James A. and Angeline Morris Cowgur, she had attended high school in Matthews and graduated in 1937 from Sikeston High School. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Sikeston, where she had served as a Sunday school teacher in the nursery, she was also a Gray Lady volunteer at Missouri Delta Medical Center and was involved in the Sikeston Little Theater...

LILBOURN - Catherine Rice, 89, died Nov. 30, 2003, at her home. Born Jan. 4, 1914, in Cordova, Tenn., daughter of the late Charlie and Estella Wade Powell, she lived in Missouri for more than 40 years and was of the Baptist belief. On Nov. 30, 1946, in Arkansas, she married Willie Rice who survives of the home...

LILBOURN - Johnnie Long Sr., 73, died Nov. 30, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 9, 1930, in Wolf Island, son of the late Artie and Ollie Cassel Long, he was a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Marston. He was ordained as a deacon on Aug. 21, 1977, and served as Sunday school superintendent and teacher and was a brotherhood instructor and Bible study instructor. He served as an alderman and was also mayor of North Lilbourn...

EAST PRAIRIE - Rosie E. Taylor, 93, died at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 4, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Norbert Ryczek, 80, died Nov. 26, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Jan. 2, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis., son of the late Edmund and Lottie Ryczek, he was an accountant and served in the European Theater of World War II with the U.S. Army...

CHARLESTON - Addie Jo Adams, 77, formerly of Advance, died Dec. 2, 2003, at her home. Born Feb. 24, 1926, at Brownwood, daughter of the late Quincy "Kelso" and Sarah "Pearl" Davis Ashcraft, she worked in the radiology department at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau for 30 years. She was a member of Brownwood General Baptist Church and attended Southside Baptist Church in Charleston...

JOPLIN - Lessie Louise Marshall, 84, formerly of Sikeston, died at 3:10 a.m. Dec. 2, 2003, at the Meadows Care Center in Joplin. Born July 15, 1919, in Sikeston, daughter of the late George Edward and Winnie Nora Ward Tubbs, she was a member of Scotland Church of God near Joplin...

DEXTER - Gary Lee Miller, 51, died Dec. 2, 2003, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. Born Sept. 16, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, son of Earl and Esta Lee Gillis Miller of Dexter, he was a lifelong resident of Dexter and of the Baptist belief...

NEW MADRID - James Roscoe Hunter, 75, formerly of Chicago, Ill., died Dec. 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 5, 1928, in Chicago, son of the late Samuel N. and Marguerite Pankey Hunter, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Madrid. He was a Knight of Peter Claver and member of Amalgamated Transit Union Division 241 of Chicago...

DEXTER - Albert LeRoy Rice, 90, died Dec. 3, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born July 7, 1913, in Marysville, Ohio, son of the late Harry LeRoy and Elizabeth Mummey Rice, he was a machinist for Detroit Aluminum at Bell Fountain, Ohio, before retiring...

NEW MADRID - Claude Delaney Minner, 43, died Dec. 3, 2003, of injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Arrangements are pending at Richards Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Thelma Williams Harris, 84, died Dec. 2, 2003, at her home. Born Oct. 15, 1919, in Bloomfield, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Newton and Ollie Stafford Williams. On Jan. 13, 1940, at Angola, Ind., she married Floyd W. Harris who preceded her in death on June 1, 2001...

SCOTT CITY - Rodney Gale Holloway, 47, died at 2:20 a.m. Dec. 3, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 11, 1956, in Cape Girardeau, son of Harold and Juanita Vistia Crader Holloway of Jackson, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as councilman for the City of Scott City since 1997. He owned K&R Estates in Scott City and was self-employed with Capetown R.V...

SIKESTON - William Watson Sr., 87, died Nov. 30, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born April 24, 1916, at Fries Point, Miss., son of the late David and Matilda Watson, he retired from the International Shoe Company and was employed by the Ferguson Medical Clinic for several years before completing his retirement. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Albert C. Schabbing, 84, died at 8:35 a.m. Dec. 4, 2003, at his home. Born June 10, 1919, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Joseph A. ad Mary Katharine Kohlfeld Schabbing, he was a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau and operated a dairy farm west of town. ...

BLUE SPRINGS - Helen Lorene Diaz, 76, formerly of Blodgett, died Nov. 28, 2003, at her home. Born March 1, 1927, in Blodgett, she was the daughter of the late John Henry and Minnie Mae Adams Eskew Sr. Her husband, Robert Diaz, preceded her in death...

SAN DIEGO - Jennye Lee Whitehead Wedeking, 70, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4, 2003, at the Grossmont Hospital in San Diego. Born Nov. 3, 1933, at Adams, Tenn., daughter of the late William C. and Lucy Pauline Farmer Whitehead, she was a graduate of Charleston schools and member of the United Methodist Church in Charleston. She lived in San Diego for more than 50 years...

EAST PRAIRIE - Rosie Elizabeth Taylor, 93, died at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 4, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Sept. 17, 1910, in Obion County, Tenn., daughter of the late James Fletcher and Betty Jane Hite Burnes, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life and was a member of the First Baptist Church in East Prairie. She was a school bus driver for the Wolf Island community for many years and helped her husband with farming...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Captain David Spencer Bill, Jr. USN (Ret.), 87, the former director of amphibious warfare on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations died Nov. 29, 2003, at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Born Oct. 22, 1916, in Richmond, he descended from John Bill who settled in Boston in the 1620s. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Velma Crowe, 85, died Dec. 5, 2003, at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11 beginning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church to honor the late Tharon Stallings. The public is invited to the memorial service and a reception that will follow. The church is at 1101 N. Main St. in Sikeston...

PORTAGEVILLE - Anna Belle Penrod, 67, died Dec. 5, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 28, 1936, in Portageville, she was the daughter of Jane Thorton Houston of Huntington Beach, Calif., and the late Charles Houston. Survivors in addition to her mother include: three sons, Ronald Taylor of Portageville, Donald Taylor Jr. ...

ST. LOUIS - Dorothy High, 73, formerly of East Prairie, died at 6:45 a.m. Dec. 6, 2003, at her daughter's home in Eatonville, Wash. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Gary Lee Miller, 51, who died Dec. 2, 2003, were: Jim Miller, Keith Miller, Travis Miller, Gail Miller, Bobby Eaton and James Cartwright.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Tanner Street Church of God for Lessie Louise Marshall, 84, of Joplin and formerly of Sikeston, who died Dec. 2, 2003, were: Lewis York, Danny Marshall, Woody Marshall, Don Rand, Kevin York and Wendell Fisher...

WILSON CITY - Ethel Lee Milton, 88, died Dec. 2, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Born March 15, 1915, in Blame, Miss., daughter of the late Rivers and Maggie Milton, she lived in Missouri for 30 years. She was a member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wyatt, where she sang in the choir...

WEST PLAINS - Ruby M. Hamby, 82, formerly of Puxico, died Dec. 4, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Born May 17, 1921, in Puxico, daughter of the late Andy E. and Nettie M. Wright Hubbard, she had lived in Blytheville, Ark., most of her life and lived in West Plains for the past 28 years. She owned an operated several cosmetology schools before retiring...

CHAFFEE - Eugene Carroll, 65, died at 12:35 p.m. Dec. 5, 2003, at his home. Born July 26, 1938, in Chaffee, son of the late James Edward and Amanda Marie Willie Carroll, he was a concrete truck driver for the McDonald Concrete Company in Cape Girardeau before retiring. A member of Grace United Methodist Church at Rockview, he was also a member of Teamsters Local 574 in Cape Girardeau...

DEXTER - The Rev. Ralph W. Elkins Sr., 83, died Dec. 6, 2003, at the John J. Pershing Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born July 4, 1920, at Anna, Ill., to the late James T. and Dovie Merriman Elkins, he was a former resident of Chicago, Ill., and the state of Michigan but had lived in Dexter for the past 30 years. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Church of God of Prophesy...

SIKESTON - Eleanora Lee Minich George, 86, died Dec. 6, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 6, 1917, in Morehouse, daughter of the late Amos Seth and Beatta Fry Minich, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a retired bookkeeper from Sharp Buick and Mitchell Sharp Chevrolet...

NEW MADRID -- Harry L. Still, 80, died Dec. 7, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

SIKESTON -- H. Cline Carter, 89, died at 6:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 17, 1914, at Oran, son of the late Frank and Addie Carter, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. He lived in Oran until his sophomore year in high school when the family moved to Cape Girardeau, where he graduated from Central High School in 1931. ...

EAST PRAIRIE -- David Charles Abner Jr., 26, died Dec. 7, 2003, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Born May 8, 1977, in Sikeston son of David Charles Sr. and Rhonda G. Poore Abner of Bertrand, he had lived all of his life in Mississippi County where he was a 1995 graduate of Charleston High School. He was employed as a welder with Butler Machinery in Charleston...

SCOTT CITY - R.E. "Gene" Reed, 87, died at 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2003, at his home. Born June 5, 1916, at Illmo to the late Peter and Dora Russell Reed, he was a conductor with the Cotton Belt and Southern Pacific Railroad retiring in 1986. A member of the Illmo United Methodist Church, he was a member of the Harold O. Grauel Masonic Lodge 672 in Cape Girardeau and served as a Navy Seal during World War II...

MATTHEWS - Omer Wilson Sutton, 91, died at 10 a.m. Dec. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 19, 1912, in Miner to the late Marcus H. and Ella Green Sutton, he was employed in farming. His wife of 63 years, Elsie Pauline Rushing, survives of the home. The couple was married Oct. 2, 1937, at Matthews...

EAST PRAIRIE - Linda Hutson, 52, died at 8:29 a.m. Dec. 8, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

EAST PRAIRIE - Eugenia Pritchett, 95, died at 1:25 a.m. Dec. 8, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

POPLAR BLUFF - Mary Olene Miller, 78, died Dec. 7, 2003, at the Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Nov. 17, 1925, in Naylor to the late Rainey L. and Effie McGowen Bishop, she had lived in Dexter for 39 years before moving to Poplar Bluff in 1987. She was a retired employee of Elder Manufacturing and was a member of the Cornerstone Tabernacle in Poplar Bluff...

BERNIE - Michael R. Jennings, 49, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for Eleanora George, 86, who died Dec. 6, 2003, were: David Hay, Pat Jones, Myron Kegley, Jim Mills, Scott Lavalle and David Potashnick.

BERNIE - Jeremy Bunside Merritt, 28, died Dec. 7, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Feb. 25, 1975, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Frank B. and Linda Fay Palmer Merritt of Bernie. Other survivors include: one daughter, Savannah Paige Merritt of Bernie; one brother, Robert Dean Merritt of Beckley, W.Va.; one sister, Joyce Ann Weaver of Springfield, Va.; his maternal grandmother, Ann Palmer of Bernie; and his paternal grandmother, Jean Merritt of Mims, Fla...

EAST PRAIRIE - Linda Fay McGill Hutson, 52, died at 8:29 a.m. Dec. 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 24, 1951, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Fay Eva Weems McGill of East Prairie and the late James Harrison McGill, she lived in East Prairie most of her life. She was a medical technician for the East Prairie Nursing Center for 17 years and was currently employed with the Mississippi County Detention Center. She was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mary Olene Miller, 78, who died Dec. 7, 2003, were: Aaron Decker, Aaron Mitchell, Stephen Miller, Michael Miller, Lauren Decker, Ashley Breland, Kelly Mitchell, Ryan Decker and Chris Baker...

LILBOURN - Alma Ellis, 83, died at 12:35 a.m. Dec. 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 29, 1919, in Grayridge, daughter of the late Albert and Winnie Clevenger Stephens, she lived in Lilbourn for the past 26 years where she was a member of the First General Baptist Church. She was a former resident of Grayridge, Parma and Barnes Ridge...

EAST PRAIRIE - Lena Eugenia Day Pritchett, 95, died at 1:25 a.m. Dec. 8, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Sept. 7, 1908, in New Madrid County, daughter of the late John and Rhoda Lee Cooper Day, she lived in the Yellow Dog community of New Madrid County near East Prairie most of her life...

NEW MADRID - Harry L. Still, 80, died Dec. 7, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 2, 1923, in Pemiscot County to the late Joe and Zula Still, he was a deacon at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston. On Oct. 20, 1948, in New Madrid he married Louise Sullenger, who survives...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home for H. Cline Carter, 89, who died Dec. 7, 2003, will be: Paul Vivian, Tom Richey, Dale Burke, Bill Armstrong, Doug Stewart and Tony Seabaugh. Honorary pallbearers will be: Dr. Tom Waltrip, Chuck Grant, Dr. Leo Bruce, Ray Clinton and Ethyl Tanner...

SIKESTON - Mamie A. Haynes, 73, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

GRAYRIDGE - Violet E. Wheeler, 98, died Dec. 8, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 30, 1905, in Hunterville, daughter of the late Wilburn and Harriett Rosabelle Lafferty Brinson, she lived in Grayridge most of her life. She attended the Grayridge General Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for more than 40 years. A former member of Order of the Eastern Star in Essex, she was past president of the Stoddard County Missouri Extension Homemakers Club...

BERNIE - Michael Ray Jennings, 49, died Dec. 8, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born April 27, 1954, in Dexter, son of Charlie E. Jennings of Dexter and the late Jewel Sandusty Tryon, he was a farmer and member of the Powe Gospel Church at Powe, where he served as a board member. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force...

BELL CITY - Norma Lee Stovall, 70, died Dec. 8, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 13, 1933, at Morley, daughter of the late Bud and Gert Pratt Watkins, she was a member of the Bell City Assembly of God Church. On March 17, 1956, at Advance, she married Raymond Stovall who survives of the home...

JEFFERSON CITY - The Rev. Charles D. "C.D." Butler, 80, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 9, 2003, at the Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. Born July 18, 1923, at Newport, Ark., son of the late Charles H. and Edna McGinnis Butler, he graduated from Sikeston High School and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. ...

OVERLAND - Dorothy Johnson High, 72, formerly of Dorena, died at 6:45 a.m. Dec. 6, 2003, at her daughter's home in Eatonville, Wash. Born Jan. 29, 1931, at Dorena, daughter of the late Garland and Rosey Walker Johnson, she was of the Protestant belief...

SIKESTON - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mary F. Gonzalez (retired), 75, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born June 19, 1928, in Sikeston, daughter of the late John T. and May Trent Gray, she was a registered nurse with the U.S. Army and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring. She was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11 beginning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church to honor the late Tharon Stallings. The public is invited to the memorial service and a reception that will follow. The church is at 1101 N. Main St. in Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Mamie A. Haynes, 73, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are pending at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where visitation is from 10 a.m. Thursday until service time at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for the Rev. Ralph W. Elkins Sr., 83, who died Dec. 6, 2003, were: Mike Mitchell, Joe Elkins Jr., Chad Bonner, Dale Johnson, Clyde Weathers and Clinton Weathers.

EAST PRAIRIE - Norman Brooks died at 1 a.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - John R. Cowell, 82, formerly of St. Louis, died at 8:20 a.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center. Born June 13, 1921, in Charleston, son of the late Charley Eugene and Lois Clayton Cowell, he was a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in battles in Central Europe. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Cecil William Banks, 92, died at 6:50 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Feb. 25, 1911, in Mississippi County, son of the late Luther Monroe and Birdie Baker Banks, he was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County where he was a retired farmer. On Nov. 12, 1966, he married Goldie Mae McGee who preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1996...

SIKESTON - Mamie Aslee Haynes, 73, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 8, 1930, in Eldridge, Tenn., daughter of the late James Aubrey and Rosie Priester Fowler, she was of the Baptist belief. Her husband, Wayne Haynes, preceded her in death...

ORAN - Charles B. Eftink, 80, died at 12:53 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Friday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran, where parish prayers at 7 p.m. will be followed with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:15 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran with the Rev. John Harth, pastor, officiating...

DEXTER - Charles Eugene Krewson, 64, died Dec. 10, 2003, at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Louis. Born April 24, 1939, at Knobview, son of the late Edward and Lena Rhinehart Krewson, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher for the children's department and was a member of the church choir. ...

SIKESTON - Marlin Lee Smith, 80, died at 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at the Miner Nursing Center. Born Jan. 24, 1923, in East Prairie, son of the late Jess and Karleen Harris Smith, he lived in Bertrand for 41 years where he was engaged in farming until his retirement. He moved to Sikeston in 1983 where he was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Norman Lee Brooks, 66, died Dec. 10, 2003, at his home. Born Dec. 11, 1936, in Ridgeley, Tenn., son of the late Robert Everett and Bertha Mae Hardin Brooks, he had lived in Mississippi County most of his life, where he was a self-employed carpenter. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER - Betty Lou Partenberry, 73, died Dec. 10, 2003, at the Select Specialty Hospital in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

NEW MADRID - Jimmy Don Jacobs, 61, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 6, 1942, at Akron, Ohio, son of the late Dewey and Lillian Faulkner Jacobs, he was a maintenance supervisor for Semo Health Network in New Madrid and a member of the Castor River Hills Hunting Club and the New Madrid County Sportsman's Club...

ORAN - Helen Marie Furlong, 76, died at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 28, 1927, in Canalou, daughter of the late Joe and Alma Ploense Schacherbauer, she was a machine operator for Superior Electric in Cape Girardeau and a janitor for Oran Grade School before retiring. She was of the Baptist belief...

NEW MADRID - Claude Delaney Minner Edwards, 43, died Dec. 3, 2003, of injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Born Dec. 2, 1960, in New Madrid, son of Floyd B. White Minner of New Madrid and the late Claude Dick Edwards, he was a farmer. Survivors in addition to his mother include: two daughters, Natasha Lee of Kansas City and Channey Williams of New Madrid; two sons, LeKevin Williams and Cordell Williams of New Madrid; four sisters, Carol Peppers of Decatur, Ill., Delores Minner of Howardville, Anna Humphrey of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Greta Nelson of Decatur; six brothers, Terry Minner of St. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Stephen Randolph "Randy" Hawkins, 48, died at 5 a.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 17, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, he was the son of the late Milton Thomas and Ruby Janet Curnell Hawkins. Survivors include: one son, Michael Coomer of Cape Girardeau; six brothers, Michael Hawkins and Jerry Hawkins of Sikeston, Scott Hawkins of Tempe, Ariz., Mark Hawkins of Watauga, Texas, and Matthew Hawkins and Troy Estes III of Morley; and six sisters, Roxanne Johnson of Loganville, Ga., Leslie Barrett and Marcy Penrod of Morley, Kathy Dunaway of Cape Girardeau, Semona Penrod of Vanduser and Marla Stephenson of Sikeston.. ...

DIEHLSTADT -- Malcolm J. Green, 72, died at 9:29 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born August 25, 1931, in Hayti, son of the late Malcolm J. and Mary Elizabeth Green Sr., he had lived in Diehlstadt since 1963 after moving from St. Louis where he had been employed with the Painters Union 2341 as a drywall hanger. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of the General Baptist Church in Diehlstadt...

CHARLESTON - Thelma Lee Burnett, 90, died Dec. 9, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Born Jan. 10, 1913, in Little Rock, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Steve and Willie Lee Hightower Craig. On Oct. 5, 1967, she married Fonzy Burnett who preceded her in death...

DEXTER - Betty Lou Partenberry, 73, died Dec. 10, 2003, at Forest Park Hospital in St. Louis. Born Jan. 1, 1929, in Hayti, she was the daughter of the late Jack Gunter. On Aug. 16, 1956, at Hernando, Miss., she married Leva Partenberry who preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 1984...

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at McMikle Funeral Home for Marlin Lee "Cowboy" Smith, 80, of Sikeston, who died Dec. 10, 2003, will be: Vernon Smith, Jim Kellett, Charles Ulmer, Andy Ulmer, Charles Hornback and Christian Hunter...

PERKINS - William Lee Crowden, 85, died at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at his home. Born Feb. 1, 1918, in Lamar, Ark., son of the late W.L. and Jennie Seiler Crowden, he was employed with Pipefitters Local 562 in St. Louis before retiring and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a former member of Chaffee Masonic Lodge 615, Sikeston Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3319 and Chaffee Elks Lodge 1810...

ORAN - Charles B. Eftink, 80, died at 12:53 p.m. Dec. 10, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Jan. 14, 1923, in Portageville, son of the late Herman Bernard and Cecelia Suzanne Strack Eftink, he was a retired self-employed farmer. A member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church, he was also a member of St. Joseph Sodality, Morley VFW Post 5368 and Knights of Columbus Council 4311 in Oran...

SIKESTON - Connie Kay Vane Voorde McDaniel, 51, died unexpectedly Dec. 10, 2003, at her home. Born Aug. 3, 1952, in Independence, Iowa, daughter of Zoe Vande Voorde of Oelwein, Iowa, and the late Morris Vande Voorde, she graduated in 1970 from East Buchanan High school in Winthrop, Iowa. She was a former employee of Wal-Mart and was currently employed by Good Humor-Breyers in Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for John R. Cowell, 82, who died Dec. 10, 2003, will be: Allen Ayers, Jamie Cowell, Terry Cowell, Melissa Cowell, Jerry Aufdenberg and Jim Ponder. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home...

BLOOMFIELD -- Gary August Ritz, 51, died at 3 a.m. Dec. 12, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Dec. 23, 1951, in St. Louis, son of the late Charles and Clara Helen Schlosser Ritz, he was a laborer for the Stoddard County Workshop...

BELL CITY -- Jerry F. Mansfield, 65, died at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements.

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Joe Thomas "Lightning" Nelson, 94, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 11, 2003, at his home. Born April 17, 1909, in Henning, Tenn., son of the late Louis Grant and Lubertha Shanks Nelson, he had lived in Missouri for over 70 years. A member of the New Bethel Baptist Church and the Harmony Lodge 40 F&AM, he was also a charter member of the Cavalier Club in Cairo, Ill. He owned People Cafe in Cape Girardeau from 1956 to 1992 and worked for Potashnick Construction for 75 years...

DEXTER -- Eva L. Eskew, 90, died Dec. 12, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Dexter. Born Feb. 1, 1913, near Bloomfield, daughter of the late William Albert and Edith Edna Moore Martin, she had lived all of her life in the Dexter area and attended Sweet Prospect Baptist Church. She was also a Gold Star Mother...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Violet E. Wheeler, 98, who died Dec. 8, 2003, were: David Wheeler, Scott Wheeler, Brad Wheeler, Mack Beard, Jim Moore and Bill Brooks.

BLOOMFIELD -- Luther Burns, 65, died Dec. 12, 2003, in the St. Lukes Hospital at St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

HOWARDSVILLE -- James Farr "Dub" Jr., 73, died Dec. 12, 2003, at his home. Born June 13, 1930, in Essex, son of Mary Farr of Howardsville and the late James Farr Sr., he was a retired farm worker and member of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Lilbourn. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army...

BERNIE - Eva Louise Tucker, 79, died Dec. 13, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 10, 1924, at Bernie, daughter of the late Willie and Dollie Mason Stephens, she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Bernie. Her husband, Thomas Cletis Tucker, preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 1992...

BLOOMFIELD - Luther Burns Jr., 65, died Dec. 12, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. Born Oct. 19, 1938, at Parma, son of the late Luther and Laverne Cavness Burns, he had been a truck driver for Elfrink Truck Lines. He was currently serving as an alderman for the north ward in Bloomfield and was of the Baptist belief...

BELL CITY - Jerry F. Mansfield, 65, formerly of East Prairie, died at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 12, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 26, 1938, near East Prairie, son of the late Charles Raymond and Ruby Bowles Mansfield, he lived in Colorado Springs, Colo., for many years, where he was retired from the U.S. Air Force, and later moved to Akron, Ohio. He was also a retired postal carrier...

GRAYRIDGE - Paul Julian, 76, died Dec. 14, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born Feb. 13, 1927, in Grayridge, son of the late Guy Elvis and Hazel Marie Lasater Julian, he lived in Grayridge most of his life and was a member of the Grayridge General Baptist Church...

KELSO -Earla Mae Springs, 67, died at 3:08 p.m. Dec. 14, 2003, at her home. Born June 29, 1936, at Lamar, Ark., daughter of the late Henry and Pearl Pearson Waldo, she was a member of the Cape Girardeau Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star. On July 24, 1953, in Sikeston, she married Richard Lee Springs who preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 1998...

CHAFFEE - R.G. Cobb, 76, died Dec. 14, 2003, at his home. Born Dec. 24, 1926, in Chaffee, son of the late Robert Gaines and Anna Arnitt Cobb, he retired as a self-employed farmer and excavator. His wife, Annie Lee Smith Cobb, survives of the home. Other survivors include: four sons, Joe Bob Cobb and Ricky D. ...

BERTRAND - Frances Lucille Groves, 80, died at 9 p.m. Dec. 14, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Oct. 8, 1923, in Mississippi County, daughter of the late William Carter and Althea Singleton Groves, she lived in Bertrand most of her life. She had been a nurse aide at the Bertrand Nursing Facility and was a member of the Cornerstone General Baptist Church in Bertrand...

PORTAGEVILLE - Dorothy Mae Weed, 76, died Dec. 14, 2003, at the Molders Nursing Center in West Salem, Wis. Born Sept. 17, 1927, in McEwin, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Jim and Sudie Andrews Wilson. On Jan. 31, 1945, at Caruthersville, she married Willie Weed who preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 2003...

SIKESTON - Howard J. Payne, 70, died Dec. 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 28, 1933, son of the late Alonzo Edgar and Sarah Frances Griffen Payne, he lived all of his early life in Morehouse, where he attended elementary and high school. He worked for one year at the International Shoe Co. in Sikeston before beginning his career with the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 14, 1952...

SIKESTON - Howard J. Payne, 70, died Dec. 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 28, 1933, son of the late Alonzo Edgar and Sarah Frances Griffen Payne, he lived all of his early life in Morehouse, where he attended elementary and high school. He worked for one year at the International Shoe Co. in Sikeston before beginning his career with the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 14, 1952...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Eva L. Eskew, 90, who died Dec. 12, 2003, were: Danny Gales, Royal Elliot, Greg Davis, Rocky Davis, Tim Whitehead and James Lewis.

LOWNDES - Fred Moen, 82, died Dec. 14, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 30, 1921, in Swiney, Texas, son of the late Joe and Jenny Couch Moen, he was a farmer, timber worker and heavy equipment operator before retiring. He was a U.S. Army medic during World War II...

PIGGOTT, Ark. - Geraldine White, 72, formerly of Risco, Mo., died Dec. 13, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare South. Born Oct. 9, 1931, in Risco, daughter of the late John Wesley and Arbie Murphy Williams, she attended Pleasant View General Baptist Church in Risco...

PARMA - Loran O. Creasy, 62, died Dec. 15, 2003, at the Ridgeview Nursing Center in Malden. Born Nov. 5, 1941, in Dexter, son of the late Nolan and Shirley Hale Creasy, he lived in Parma most of his life. Survivors include: three cousins, Donna Petty of Ellington, Marlene Stanley of Campbell and Emily Ethridge of Poplar Bluff...

POPLAR BLUFF - Agnes Walls, 84, formerly of Parma, died Dec. 14, 2003, at the Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Nov. 6, 1919, in Puxico, daughter of the late John and Sarah Gobble Gouldman, she lived in Parma most of her life and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Risco...

POYNETTE, Wis. - Rickey Allen Pierce, 44, died Dec. 14, 2003, at his home. Born Jan. 4, 1959, in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of Louis Allen and Martha Ann Ditto Pierce of Benton, Mo. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one daughter, Angela Monique Pierce of Searcy, Ark.; one stepdaughter, Tonya Maddox of Jonesboro, Ark.; two brothers, Richard Pierce of Benton and Brian Pierce of Lesterville, Mo.; one sister, Teresa Revelle of East Prairie, Mo.; his maternal grandmother, Pauline Ditto of East Prairie; and three granddaughters.. ...

MATTHEWS - James E. Ross, 63, died at 1:30 a.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

ST. LOUIS - Charles Lee Hale, 67, died unexpectedly at 9:10 a.m. Dec. 15 2003, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis. Born Jan. 17, 1936, in Russellville, Ala., son of the late Thomas Lennon and Lily Pearl "King" Hale, former residents of East Prairie, he was a machinist for Sunline Manufacturing Company in St. Louis before retiring. He served as a paramedic with the U.S. Army and was of the Protestant belief...

LILBOURN - Anna M. Mitchell, 82, died Dec. 15, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 13, 1921, in Oklahoma, daughter of the late Johnie Jackson and Olar Ward Burleson, she lived in the Catron and Lilbourn areas for the past 30 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Catron...

SIKESTON - Evelyn L. Howard, 74, died at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 16, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

CHARLESTON - William Jackie Townsend died Dec. 16, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

LILBOURN - Peter Douglas Collier, 49, died Dec. 16, 2003, at his home in Lilbourn following a lengthy illness. Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

MARSTON - Eddie Long Sr., 76, died Dec. 13, 2003, at his home. Born May 7, 1927, in Wolf Island, son of the late Artie and Ollie Cassel Long, he was a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Marston. Ordained as a deacon in September 1957, he had served as chairman of the deacon board, Sunday school and BTU teacher for many years and was also a Sunday school superintendent and church secretary...

SIKESTON - Martha Tanner, 79, died at 5:05 a.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON - Lorene Looney of Sikeston, formerly of Lilbourn, died Dec. 17, 2003, at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Bonnie Jane Harris, 70, died Dec. 15, 2003, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehab of Birth. Born Aug. 9, 1933, at Steele, Mo., daughter of the late Roscoe B. and Rosa Lee Riddick Hall, she was a retired cook and of the Pentecostal belief...

PARMA - Larry Gene Scallion, 45, died Dec. 12, 2003, in Lilbourn. Born March 10, 1958, in St. Louis County, son of Jewel Scallion of Doniphan and the late Fred Scallion, he was a farmer. In May 1989, he married Judy Scallion who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Evelyn Lois Howard, 74, died Dec. 16, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 19, 1929, in Bennett Township in Clay County, Ark., daughter of the late John Wesley and Effie Bell Hinkle Jordan, she had attended the United Pentecost Church in Sikeston. She had been a nurse aide at Missouri Delta Medical Center and in-home care before retiring and was a member of Eagles Aerie 3319 Ladies Auxiliary and VFW Post 3174 Ladies Auxiliary in Sikeston...

MATTHEWS - James E. Ross, 63, died at 1:30 a.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 19, 1940, in Dardanelle, Ark., son of the late Frank and Margaret Howard Ross, he had worked for National Lock in Sikeston for 20 years and was a member of the Matthews Church of the Nazarene...

LILBOURN - Peter Douglas Collier, 50, died Dec. 16, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 13, 1953, in Sikeston, he was the beloved son of Nadine Adams Collier, of the home in Lilbourn and the late Clyde Douglas "Speedy" Collier. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lilbourn, where he participated as an usher and acolyte before he became ill...

NEW MADRID - Roscoe S. Malone, 82, died Dec. 14, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Oct. 1, 1921, at Clarksdale, Miss., son of the late Ben and Josie Malone, he was a farmer. He was a veteran of World War II and member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in New Madrid...

SCOTT CITY - Donnie Lee Hillman, 59, died at 7:11 p.m. Dec. 16, 2003, at her home. Born June 20, 1944, in Illmo, daughter of the late Frank L. and Ella LaDon "Sally" Summers Bles, she was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City and VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau...

PAINTON - Marcia Kinder, 90, died Dec. 15, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 5, 1913, in Ullin, Ill., daughter of the late Gabriel and Georgia Goodman Rendleman, she graduated from Bell City High School in 1932 and was a member of the Mesler Baptist Church...

SIKESTON -- Martha Jane Tanner, 79, died at 5:05 a.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 26, 1923, in Bowling Green, daughter of the late Thomas and Effie Moss Stoner, she graduated as salutatorian from Blodgett High School in 1942 and worked in the cafeteria for Sikeston Public Schools. A life member of the Disabled American Veteran's Ladies Auxiliary, she was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church...

CONRAN - William "Jackie" Townsend, 65, died Dec. 16, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Born March 27, 1938, in Conran, he was the son of the late John D. and Ruthie R. "Becca" Haney Townsend. Survivors include: four brothers, Pete Townsend of Conran, Hawk Townsend and Ed Townsend of Kirkwood and Don Townsend of Mobile, Ala...

DEXTER - Dewayne Acton, 74, died Dec. 17, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

BERTRAND - Elzie Pemberton, 86, died at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Agnes Walls, 84, who died Dec. 14, 2003, were: Rodney Walls, Rick Patterson, Billy Walls, Damon Walls, Rayvan Patterson and Derek Emmons.

ORAN - Emma Guzman, 64, died Dec. 17, 2003. Arrangements are pending at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran, where visitation begins at 4 p.m. Sunday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran.

EAST PRAIRIE - Ann Bennett Evans, 67, died at 2:23 a.m. Dec. 18, 2003, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

MINER - Freddie Joe Terrell, 63, died at 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at his home. Born July 12, 1940, in Charleston, son of the late Marshall Eugene and Irma Inola Baker Terrell, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was an electrician for Rowling Electric Co. and member of the First Baptist Church of Bertrand...

CENTRALIA, Ill. - Helen Lorine McLaurin, 77, formerly of Canalou, Mo., died Dec. 18, 2003, at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. Born Feb. 21, 1926, in Canalou, daughter of the late John and Emma Saunders Chaney, she was a member of the Baptist Church in Canalou...

SIKESTON - Anna Lorene Johnson Looney, 73, formerly of Lilbourn, died Dec. 17, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 8, 1930, at Martin, Ky., daughter of the late Ed W. and Susan Barnes Johnson, she was a 1958 graduate of Lilbourn High School where she received the Journalism Award for her work on the school newspaper, "The Torch." In addition to being a homemaker, Lorene was a very active Christian worker teaching Sunday school, Bible school and serving on church boards and committees. ...

HORNERSVILLE - Henry Aaron "Hank" Cullins, 88, died Dec. 17, 2003, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett. Born June 14, 1915, in Hornersville, son of the late Truman and Elizabeth Cantrell Cullins, he was a retired truck driver and member of the Moose and Elks lodges...

EAST PRAIRIE - Lucy Ann Evans, 69, died at 2:23 a.m. Dec. 18, 2003, at Baptist Memorial East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born May 25, 1934, at East Prairie, daughter of the late M.H. and Edith Hankins Bennett, she lived in Truman, Ark., from 1937-1954 and graduated in 1954 from Truman High School. She attended the First Assembly of God Church in East Prairie and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Sikeston...

BERTRAND - Elzie Pemberton, 86, died at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 10, 1917, at Biggers, Ark., son of the late Theodore and Mirtie Yancey Pemberton, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life, where he was a retired farmer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bertrand...

PORTAGEVILLE - Pallbearers at services conducted at 2 p.m. today at DeLisle Funeral Home for Bonnie Jane Harris, 70, of Arkadelphia, Ark., who died Dec. 15, 2003, were: Kenneth Foreman, Bill Meador Jr., Brent Pikey, Kenny Harmon, Randal Holder and Herbert Joiner...

CONRAN - William "Jackie" Townsend, 65, died Dec. 16, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Born March 27, 1938, in Conran, he was the son of the late John D. and Ruthie R. "Becca" Haney Townsend. Survivors include: four brothers, Pete Townsend of Conran, Hawk Townsend and Ed Townsend of Kirkwood and Don Townsend of Mobile, Ala...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers for services scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Evelyn Lois Howard, 74, who died Dec. 16, 2003, will be: Chad Payne, Lance Brooks, Michael Payne, Brian Payne, Ryan Payne, Jacob Holland and Jedidiah Payne. The Rev. Scott Sutton, pastor of New Life Ministries in New Madrid, will officiate, assisted by Harriet Craig of the Powerhouse of God Church of Sikeston...

PORTAGEVILLE - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at DeLisle Funeral Home for Dorothy Mae Weed, 76, who died Dec. 14, 2003, were: Tom Nance, Kevin Lawver and Joe Mott.

DEXTER - Dewayne Berl Acton, 74, died Dec. 17, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 19, 1929, in Davis County, Iowa, son of Faye Tracy Acton of Kirksville and the late Elder Walter P. Acton, he was a member of the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Dexter. A former truck driver and mechanic with Malone and Hyde in Sikeston, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War...

ADVANCE - Naidene Marie Sherman, 71, died Dec. 19, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 18, 1932, in Brownwood, daughter of the late Fred and Violet Black Phelps, she was a receptionist for Morgan Funeral Home for three years. A graduate of Advance High School, she was also a member of the Advance First Baptist Church...

ORAN - Emma Guzman, 64, died at 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 2003, at her home. Born March 23, 1939, in Nixon, Texas, daughter of the late Vidal and Susie Valdez Sauceda, she was of the Catholic belief. On July 27, 1956, she married Arnold Guzman who survives of the home...

NEW MADRID - Kathryn Marie Hendricks Frye, 77, died Dec. 18, 2003, at her home. Born Feb. 5, 1926, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Robert and Nettie Hendricks, she was of the Catholic belief. Her husband, Amos Floyd Frye, preceded her in death. Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Shirley Frye of Risco; one daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Jerry Cagle of Jasper, Ind.; one brother, Al Hendricks of New Madrid; one sister, Lou Stellato of New Madrid; and six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.. ...

LILBOURN - Pallbearers at services conduced Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Lilbourn for Peter Douglas Collier, 49, who died Dec. 16, 2003, were: Jerry Webb Duncan, Tim Dambach, Robert Adams, Patricia Roop, Pate Hogan and Nicholas Hogan...

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Anna Mitchell, 82, who died Dec. 15, 2003, were: Tommy Burleson, James Burleson, Billy Walker, Earnest Tubbs Jr., Tommy Burleson and Jimmy Burleson.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston for Helen Lorine McLaurin, 77, of Centralia, Ill., and formerly of Canalou, Mo., who died Dec. 18, 2003, will be: Michael Game, Steven Kelley, Christopher Kelley, David Kelley, Jason McLaurin and John Chaney...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Fellowship Baptist Church for Martha Jane Tanner, 79, who died Dec. 17, 2003, will be: David Tanner, J.R. Rogers, Chris Hampton, Jim McNiell, Travis Cox and Jim Null. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements...

BERTRAND - Nola Hill, 102, died at 3:30 a.m. Dec. 22, 2003, in Bertrand. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

SCOTT CITY - Raymond Calhoun, formerly of East Prairie, died at 3 p.m. Dec. 21, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

ESSEX - Mildred Williams, 68, died Dec. 19, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born June 26, 1935, in Grayridge, daughter of the late Elmer and Bessie Purcell Sanders, she lived in Essex most of her life. On June 28, 1953, at Piggott, Ark., she married Billy J. Williams who survives of the home...

SCOTT CITY -- Martha Valeria Clymer, 87, died Dec. 21, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SULLIVAN - J.R. Irby, 75, formerly of East Prairie and Knob Lick, died at 8:45 p.m. Dec. 20, 2003, at his home. Born July 24, 1928, at East Prairie, son of the late Bill and Ruby Tompkins Irby, he owned and operated a grocery store at Knob Lick for 12 years. He was a member of the Pea Ridge Pentecostal Church at Sullivan...

CROWDER - Ruby Pauline Jones, 77, died at 8:15 p.m. Dec. 20, 2003, at the DeSoto Baptist Memorial Hospital in Southaven, Miss. Born Aug. 18, 1926, in Greenfield, Tenn., daughter of the late Ezra Clinton and Irene Robinson Cantrell, she had lived in the Sikeston area most of her life and was a member of the Vanduser Baptist Church. She had currently been residing in Horn Lake, Miss...

MARSTON - Roy Wayne Lovins, 62, died Dec. 20, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born March 9, 1941, in New Madrid County, son of the late Roy Lee and Alma Jean Dowdy Lovins, he was a past city judge for Marston and a former pastor of the Deliverance Tabernacle Church in Marston. He was a member of the Trinity Pentecostal Church of Marston and New Madrid County Civil Defense...

SIKESTON - Ronald Nelson Schumer, 67, formerly of Scott City, died at 10:40 a.m. Dec. 21, 2003, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 14, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Roy Buford and Ruby Gaither Schumer, he was a grocer for the A&P Tea Company in Cape Girardeau and Scott City IGA before retiring. ...

CHAFFEE - Evelyn Dirnberger, 86, died at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 21, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Nov. 2, 1917, at Oran, daughter of the late John and Elsie Alsup Sietman, she was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church, St. Ann Sodality, Knights of Columbus-Etts and Senior Citizens, all of Oran...

ST. LOUIS - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Kutis Funeral Home for Charles Lee Hale, 67, formerly of East Prairie, who died Dec. 15 2003, were: Mike Watson, Kirk Watson, Daniel Williams, Keith Simmons, Danny Long, Duane Long, Mike Ligon and Dan Kuhlman...

DEXTER - Willena Daniel, 86, died Dec. 19, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 3, 1917, in Leora, daughter of the late Louie E. and Novella Varble Sielert, she lived in the Dexter area most of her life. A graduate of Dexter High School, she was a case worker for the Division of Family Services for 15 years. A member of the First Christian Church in Dexter, she was a former member of the Dexter Civic and Study Club...

ESSEX - Cloetta "Corky" Razer, 66, died Dec. 19, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born July 29, 1937, in Canalou, daughter of the late Herb and Leora Brewington Oliver, she lived in the Essex area most of her life. She was employed by Purolator for 19 years and was of the Baptist belief...

Dexter - Mildred Smith, 101, died Dec. 23, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mildred Williams, 68, who died Dec. 19, 2003, were: Cory McMunn, Ernie Williams Jr., Eric Williams, Billy Joe Williams, Tommy Harlan and Travis Worley.

ST. LOUIS - Buddy Lee Fears died Dec. 17, 2003, in St. Louis. He was the son of the late Mamie Azilee, a former resident of Bertrand. Survivors include: six sisters and two brothers-in-law, Charlene and Greg Mitchell and Tyanne Wagner of Kaufman, Texas, Bonnie Campbell of Okawville, Ill., Gwendolyn Webb of Bertrand, Renae and Frank Cohen of Matthews and Deborah Moreland of Rogers, Ark...

VANDUSER - Larry Gene Verble, 59, died at 5:07 p.m. Dec. 22, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 3, 1944, near Bell City, to Addie Juanita Adams Verble, who survives of Sikeston, and the late Victor Lionel Verble, he was a life-long resident of Vanduser. ...

SCOTT CITY - Martha Valeria Clymer, 87, died at 11:20 p.m. Dec. 21, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 23, 1916, in Kelso, daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Gracie Mae Garvey Newell, she was a machine operator for the Ely Walker Company in Scott City and International Shoe in St. Louis before retiring. She was a member of the Broadway Methodist Church in Scott City...

DEXTER - Dona W. Thompson, 91, died Dec. 22, 2003, at her home. Born Oct. 31, 1912, in Green County, Ark., daughter of the late William J. and Susie Weaver Warbritton, she had lived in Arkansas and Missouri. She owned and operated the Thompson Shoe Store in Dexter. A member of the Church of Christ all of her adult life, she was also a member of the WPFA Club for 47 years, Home Extension Club for 10 years and the Quilting Club for many years...

BERTRAND - Nola Cordelia Hill, 102, died at 3 a.m. Dec. 22, 2003, in Bertrand. Born Sept. 8, 1901, at Poyner, daughter of the late Dr. George W. and Susan Mahalia Charity Spencer Belcher, she had lived in Mississippi and Scott counties most of her life...

BASTROP, Texas - Thelma Dossett, 84, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Dec. 19, 2003, at the Silver Pines Care Center in Bastrop. Born Dec. 7, 1919, in Roadhouse, Ill., daughter of the late Ben and Etto Brown Griffith, she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Bastrop. She was a former member of the Baptist Church in Bertrand, Mo...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for Larry Gene Verble, 59, of Vanduser, who died Dec. 22, 2003, were: Chad Grojean, Butch Dohogne, Scott Nichols, Matt Nichols, Mike Clark and Gary Owens. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements...

SCOTT CITY - Raymond Lee Calhoun, 71, formerly of East Prairie, died at 3 p.m. Dec. 21, 2003, at his home. Born July 14, 1932, in East Prairie, son of the late Carroll "Banny" and Lillie May Rose Calhoun, he was a retired warehouse worker and member of the Pentecostal Church of Marston...

DEXTER - Richard A. Smith, 48, died Dec. 22, 2003, at his home. Born May 20, 1955, in Dexter, son of Chester and Rachael Smith of Dexter, he was a lifelong resident of Dexter. A graduate of Dexter High School, he had been employed by Guy's Chips for many years. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge and was active in Little League football...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - David B. Warren, 62, formerly of Essex and Frisco, Mo., died Dec. 21, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 2, 1941, in Flint, Mich., son of the late Newton and Odis Durham Warren, he sang with the Singing Warren Kids in the 1940s and 1950s...

SIKESTON - Norma Smart, 57, died Dec. 23, 2003, at her home. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

BERTRAND - Everett Cain, 76, died at 5:25 p.m. Dec. 25, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 15, 1927, in Osceola, Ark., he was the son of the late Clarence and Nanny Roberts Cain. He lived in Bertrand most of his life where he was employed in farming and construction until retiring...

SCOTT CITY - Charles Virgil Miller, 90, died at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 24, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 6, 1913, in Anna, Ill., son of the late Eugene and Anna Ingraham Miller, he was a towboat deckhand before retiring. He served with the U.S. Army in World War II and was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso and VFW Post 6407 in Scott City...

DEXTER - Devan Ray Henry, son of Dewayne and Stacy Lutman Henry, died at birth Dec. 21, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Survivors in addition to his parents include: two stepsisters, Enyssa Henry and Zoie Henry of St. James; his maternal grandparents, Chris and Barbara Linder Lutman of Bloomfield; and paternal grandparents, Louie Henry of St. James and Mary Martin of Dexter...

BASTROP, Texas - Thelma Dossett, 84, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Dec. 19, 2003, at the Silver Pines Care Center in Bastrop. Visitation is from noon Saturday until service time at 2 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston. The Rev. Lee Fansler, pastor of the Sikeston Community Church, will officiate...

DEXTER - Dona W. Thompson, 91, died Dec. 22, 2003, at her home. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Christ in Dexter with Don Bahr of Dexter and Dwight Bryant of Portageville, officiating...

KANSAS CITY - Marvin Jones, 82, formerly of Dexter, died Dec. 25, 2003, in the Garden Village at Kansas City. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Norma Jean Smart, 57, formerly of New Madrid, died Dec. 23, 2003, at her home. Born Jan. 24, 1946, in Lepanto, Ark., daughter of the late Edwin and Minnie May Stephens, she was a housekeeper for 15 years for Sikeston Health Care. She was a member of Tanner Street Church of God...

SIKESTON - David Edward Boyer, 54, died at 5:25 p.m. Dec. 23, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Oct. 13, 1949, in Sikeston, son of Ralph E. and Martha Jane Lewis Boyer of Sikeston, he was a 1967 graduate of Sikeston High School. He graduated in 1972 from Culver-Stockton College at Canton and worked in commercial construction for many years with Boyer Construction Company of Sikeston. ...

DEXTER - Jesse Lee Neal, 84, died Dec. 23, 2003, at the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born June 21, 1919, in Bell City to the late William A. and Clara Lowery Neal, he had lived in Blytheville, Ark., and St. Louis but had spent most of his life in Dexter. ...

BENTON - Otto Solomon Diebold Jr., 78, died at 4:35 p.m. Dec. 23, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born April 9, 1925, in Benton, son of the late Otto Solomon and Elizabeth Rose Bertrand Diebold, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a foreman for Florsheim Shoe Company before retiring and was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton...

DUDLEY - Gene Carpenter, 73, died Dec. 25, 2003, at his daughter's home in Oxford, Mich. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - David B. Warren, 62, formerly of Essex and Frisco, Mo., died Dec. 21, 2003, at his home. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Fred Applegate of Fisk will officiate...

DEXTER - Altie Corlew, 91, died Dec. 25, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Aug. 13, 1912, in Laff, Ark., daughter of the late William Thomas and Lura Kemmett Rose, she was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She was employed by Elder Manufacturing in Dexter before retiring...

BLOOMFIELD - A burial service for Maxie Alton Graviett, 82, of Sikeston, who died April 29, 2003, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel of Oran is in charge of arrangements.

EAST PRAIRIE - Lois Johnson, 88, died Dec. 25, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

CHARLESTON - William D. Purnell, 87, died Dec. 24, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 24, 1916, in Sunflower County, Miss., son of the late Matt Whitaker and Matilda Shelton Purnell, he attended public school in Sunflower and Moorehead, Miss. He received a Bachelor of Science from Alcorn State University at Lorman, Miss., a Master of Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and continued his studies at the University of Hawaii at Honolulu, Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., and Colorado State University at Fort Collins. ...

SIKESTON -- Annie Bell Smith, 85, died Dec. 25, 2003, at Select Special Hospital in St. Louis. Born Dec. 8, 1918, in Franklin, Ind., daughter of the late Abe and Annie Wheatley Elmore, she had lived in Missouri for over 45 years. She was employed as a private duty child care provider before retiring and was a member of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church...

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Glenna Edna Bridges, 83, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 26, 2003, at the Lakeshore Wedgewood Nursing Center at Nashville. Born May 23, 1920, at Success, Ark., daughter of the late Robert and Lula Tucker, she was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ...

SIKESTON - Van Strickland Jr., 82, died Dec. 28, 2003, at his home. Born July 14, 1921, in Grassy, son of the late Van and Willie Carmen Anderson Strickland Sr., he owned a Texaco Oil distributorship before retiring. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Sikeston, the Sikeston Masonic Lodge 310, and Order of the Eastern Star where he was Past Worthy Patron...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers for services conducted today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston for Claude C. "Lard" Haubold, 76, who died Dec. 26, 2003, were: Bill Ferrell, Larry Littleton, Jerry Boyd, Galen Harper, Denny Shelby, Ron Watkins, Mike McReynolds and Doug Copeland...

DEXTER - Vanita Conner, 81, died Dec. 29, 2003, in the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Jeremy Wilson, 5 months, infant son of James and Elizabeth Wilson, died Dec. 27, 2003, in the Children's Medical Center at Dayton, Ohio. Arrangements are incomplete at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER - Pallbearers for services held Dec. 28, 2003, at Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel in Dexter for David Warren, 62, who died Dec. 21, 2003, were: Mike Warren, Gary Musgrave, David Applegate, Joe Pipkin, Jay Pipkin and Morris Hampton.

MATTHEWS -- Uler Lorean Spurgeon, 78, formerly of Gray Summit, died Dec. 28, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 14, 1925, in Durant, Okla., daughter of the late James P. and Nova Rolland Dufur, she was a homemaker and of the Pentecost belief...

DEXTER - Pallbearers for services held Dec. 27, 2003, at Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel in Dexter for Dona Thompson, 91, who died Dec. 22, 2003, were: Clyde Jacques, Reed Burleson, Bob Shaw, G.B. Richey, Howard Jones and David Adcox.

CHAFFEE -- Charles Mitchel Owens, 37, died at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 28, 2003, at a family home in Chaffee. Born Oct. 21, 1966, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Floyd Mitchel and Barbara Owens of Chaffee, he was a self-employed disabled truck driver. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was a member of the New Life Gospel Center in Scott City...

BERNIE - Essie Cooper, 89, died Dec. 29, 2003, in the Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

SIKESTON -- Vera F. Hawkins died Dec. 28, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

SIKESTON -- Juanita Allene Taylor, 67, died at 11 a.m. Dec. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 20 1936, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Eulis and Nancy Allene Matthews Hobbs, she was a lifelong resident of Sikeston and of the Baptist belief...

ORAN -- Robert Steven Andersen, 49, died Oct. 8, 2003, at a family home in Spokane Valley, Wash. Born Feb. 6, 1954, in Kansas City, son of Shirley Drymon Andersen of Las Vegas, Nev., and the late Robert Lee Andersen, he was self-employed and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War...

SCOTT CITY -- Melvin "Mac" Smith, 77, died at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 26, 2003, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 13, 1926, in Burlington, Iowa, son of the late James Charles and Dora Darlene Dixon Smith, he was a self-employed mechanic and construction worker. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he also worked as a watchman for Ely Walker Co. in Scott City...

DEXTER - Velva A. Morris, 87, died Dec. 26, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 26, 1916, at Alpena, Ark., daughter of the late Ben and Lillie Dykes Hardy, she had lived in Arkansas and Bloomfield for many years and moved to St. Louis for 20 years before moving to Dexter 22 years ago where she was a member of the First General Baptist Church. She worked as a book binder and was later employed by Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis until her retirement...

DeSOTO - Lottie Cantrell-Phillips, 56, died Dec. 27, 2003, at her home. Born July 8, 1947, at Marston, daughter of the late Howard Leamon and Nora Lee Gribble Cantrell, she had lived most of her life in Aquilla before moving to DeSoto three months ago. She worked as a nursing assistant at the Missouri Veterans Home until her retirement and was a member of the Church of Christ in Dexter...

SIKESTON -- John Baptist Nowell, 92, formerly of Marmaduke, Ark., died at 10 a.m. Dec. 28, 2003, at his daughter's home in Sikeston. Born Feb. 12, 1911, in Green County, Ark., son of the late James Thomas and Nancy Annis Williams Nowell, he was a farmer and member of Providence Baptist Church where he served as deacon and member of the cemetery trust fund...

SCOTT CITY -- Robert Lee Camp Sr., 75, died at 12:46 p.m. Dec. 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born July 4, 1928, in Green County, Ark., son of the late Andrew Louis and Sue Lawrence Camp, he was a clerk for the Cotton Belt Railroad...

DEXTER - Nathaniel Shelton Rhodes, 89, formerly of New Madrid, died Dec. 25, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born Sept. 5, 1914, in Point Pleasant, son of the late Roy Lee and Eunice Vera Puckett Rhodes, he was a retired Farm Bureau Insurance agent...

KEWANEE -- Ale Lee Stinson, 56, died Dec. 27, 2003, at his home in Kewanee. Born Nov. 7, 1947, in Catron, son of the late George and Audrey Jackson Stinson, he attended the First United Pentecostal Church in Lilbourn and was a foreman for the New Madrid County Highway Department...

BERNIE -- Albert Sidney Johnson Jr., 78, died Dec. 26, 2003, at his home. Born June 10, 1925, at Bernie, son of the late Albert Sidney and Anna Mae Smith Johnson Sr., he was a retired farmer and a member of the Bernie Masonic Lodge, Malden American Legion and Dexter Elks Lodge 2439...

MURRAY Ky. -- James Barry Finklea, 87, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 28, 2003, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital at Murray. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, where services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday...

DEXTER -- Earl D. Adams, 65, died Dec. 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 11, 1938, at Dexter, son of the late Walter and Thelma Wilkerson Adams, he was a member of the Southwest Church of the Nazarene at Dexter and the owner of the Tom's Food Franchise in Dexter for member years. He was a former member of the National Guard...

SIKESTON -- Pauline Harris Smith Weidemann, 89, died Dec. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 12, 1914, near East Prairie, daughter of the late Ogden S. and Martie Coram Harris, she was employed by International Shoe and also worked as a sales clerk for J.C. Penney. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church...

DONGOLA -- Stella Mae Wilfong, 100, died Dec. 28, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Nov. 19, 1903, at Glennon, daughter of the late David and Bell Ward Green, she was a member of the Dongola Missionary Baptist church. On April 28, 1920, at Farmington, she married Harrison Wilfong who preceded her in death on May 26, 1956...

SCOTT CITY -- Melvin Wayne "Mac" Smith, 77, died Dec. 26, 2003, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.

BERNIE - Sidney Johnson died Dec. 26, 2003, at his home in rural Bernie. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

DEXTER - Earl Adams, 65, died Dec. 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Glenna Bridges, 83, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 26, 2003, at the Lake Shore Wedgewood Nursing Center in Nashville. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Claude C. "Lard" Haubold, 76, died Dec. 26, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 27, 1927, in Marston, son of the late Edward E. and Sinda B. Till Haubold, he was a heavy equipment operator for Associated Electric and was a member of the Scott County Sheriff's Posse. He was a member of the Sikeston Community Church, where he was baptized on Father's Day, June 15, 1997...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Norma Jean Smart, 57, who died Dec. 23, 2003, were: Marty Williams, Jeff Williams, Tom Ayers, Kenny Little, Keith Boehning and David Stroup.

DEXTER - Nathaniel Shelton Rhodes, 89, formerly of New Madrid, died Dec. 25, 2003, at Crowley Ridge Care Center. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday. Keith Garlan and Jack Allen will officiate...

ADVANCE - Ella G. Simmers, 95, died Dec. 27, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Jan. 12, 1908, in Cape County, daughter of the late Bill and Nora Kinder Limbaugh, she was of the Baptist belief. On July 7, 1928, at Greenbriar, she married Vernie Simmers who preceded her in death on March 23, 1969...

KANSAS CITY - Marvin E. Jones, 82, formerly of Dexter, died Dec. 25, 2003, at his home. Born June 8, 1921, in Bernie, son of the late J. Tribble and Ora Walker Jones, he was a member of the Ballwin Baptist Church in Ballwin. A U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II and recipient of three Purple hearts, he retired as an administrative law judge for the Environmental Protection Agency in Kansas City...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Harriett Ann Merrill, 55, died Dec. 23, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 3, 1948, in Advance, adopted daughter of the late Delmar S. and Inah Lou Jordan Merrill Fugier, she was a resident at the Heartland Care and Rehab Center in Cape Girardeau. She was of the Methodist belief and, in spite of being disabled with multiple sclerosis, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma at Norman on July 31, 1995, with a bachelor of arts degree...

SCOTT CITY - John Alan Owen, 59, died at 3:40 p.m. Dec. 25, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 29, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Francis Edward and Bertha Helen Cassout Owen, he was a painter for General Sign Co. A certified diver PADI, he was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Scott City, Eagles Aerie 3319 in Sikeston, Scott County Historical Society and the Painters District Council No. 2...

SCOTT CITY - Robert L. Camp, 75, died Dec. 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers for services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Richard Smith, 48, who died Dec. 22, 2003, were: Scott Blankenship, Lance Hampton, Mark Becker, David Adams, Randy Braswell and Andy Gilbow. Honorary pallbearers were: Rance Butler, Rob Davis, Steve Yeager, Wayne Williams, Dennis Wilson, Richard Gant and Tom Millington...

DUDLEY - Kerby Gene Carpenter, 73, died Dec. 25, 2003, at his daughter's home in Oxford, Mich. Born Aug. 13, 1930, at Dudley, son of the late Herby and Catherine Walker Carpenter, he had been an inspector for Pontiac Motors in Pontiac, Mich., and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War...

MURRAY, Ky. - James Barry Finklea, 87, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 28, 2003, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital in Murray. Born July 13, 1916, at Blytheville, Ark., son of the late John Edwin and Tera Gwen Godwin Finklea, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He attended the University of Arkansas School of Engineering and was a land owner and farmer. During his lifetime, he was successful in many early improvements in farming...

DEXTER - Nathaniel Shelton Rhodes, 89, formerly of New Madrid, died Dec. 25, 2003, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born Sept. 5, 1914, in Point Pleasant, son of the late Roy Lee and Eunice Vera Puckett Rhodes, he was a retired Farm Bureau Insurance agent...

CHAFFEE - Virginia Finch, 95, died Dec. 29, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

SIKESTON - Vera F. Hawkins, 88, died Dec. 28, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 27, 1915, in Golconda, Ill., daughter of the late Charles E. and Mayme Barger Robbs, she was a member of Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston. On Dec. 8, 1934, she married Lowell Hawkins who survives of the home...

EAST PRAIRIE - Hugh A. "Bob" Treadway, 64, died at 7:35 a.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers for services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Jesse Lee Neal, 84, who died Dec. 23, 2003, were: Gene Gaines, Daken Butler, Kevin Rippy, Shea McClure, Jeff Hatfield and Allen Maulding.

ST. LOUIS - Carl F. Schorle, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 24, 2003. Born Feb. 11, 1916, in Sikeston, son of the late Emmanuel and Beata Stuhr Schorle, he was a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and worked for the Bank of Sikeston for 37 years following the war...

CAIRO, Ill. - John Wheeler Parnell, 55, died Dec. 26, 2003. Born July 25, 1948, in Charleston, son of the late Jimmie and Mildred Smith Parnell, he attended Cairo Public Schools and was of the Baptist belief. He was an assembly line worker for Burkhart Manufacturing in Cairo...

DEXTER - Jeremy Tyre "J.T." Wilson, 5-month-old son of James and Elizabeth Pruett Wilson of Dexter, died Dec. 27, 2003, at the Children's Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. He was born July 18, 2003, in Sikeston. Survivors in addition to his parents include: his maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Steve Collins of Dexter and Brian Pruett of Bloomfield; paternal grandparents, Darlene and Mitch DePriest of Dayton and James Wilson Sr. ...

SIKESTON -- William Seabaugh, 93, died at 3:23 a.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Lottie Cantrell-Phillips, 56, who died Dec. 27, 2003, were: Richard Wynkoop, Dustin Maddox, Carl Cantrell, Donald Lauventis, Michael Ryan and Michael Credile.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Uler Lorean Spurgeon, 78, who died Dec. 28, 2003, were: Gene Dufur, Jerry Dufur, Dale Forrest, Larry McRoy, Ricky Hampton and Ronnie Dodd.

WARDELL - Joy Windham, 58, died Dec. 30, 2003, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Ponder Funeral Home for Van Strickland Jr., 82, who died Dec. 28, 2003, were: Robert V. Strickland, Tom Strickland, John Dennis Strickland, Paul W. Strickland, Mark Strickland and Brian Strickland...

DEXTER -- Opal Woodruff, 84, died Dec. 30, 2003, at Cypress Point Healthcare. Born Aug. 26, 1919, in Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late David and Betty McElrath. She is survived by one son, the Rev. Lester Clayton of Dexter. Visitation is from 1 p.m. Friday until service time at 2 p.m. at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter...

DEXTER -- Oden Van Edwards, 83, died Dec. 30, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 10, 1920, at Dexter, son of the late Oden Vernon and Lola Anderson Edwards, he was a retired farmer and carpenter. A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II he was of the Assembly of God belief...

SIKESTON - Ruth Stewart Conley, 69, formerly of St. Louis, died Dec. 27, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born March 14, 1934, in Essex, daughter of the late James and Estella Allison Stewart, she was a member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston, where she had served as an usher...

SIKESTON -- Bonnie Happe Gereau, 75, died Dec. 31, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Nellie A. Clark, 94, died at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born April 18, 1909, at Townley to the late Lorah and Ida Harbin Wadkins, she lived in Mississippi County for most of her life and was a member of the Barnes Ridge Baptist Church...

DEXTER -- Vanita Conner, 81, died Dec. 29, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born June 16, 1922, at Sikeston, daughter of the late Nathan Simpson and Katy Louisa Freeman Noyes, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church at Dexter and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 311...

HAYTI - Lois Rose Shrader, 92, died Dec. 28, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 22, 1911, at LaMonte, daughter of the late Josie and George Price Rose, she was a retired school teacher and member of the Hayti United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Hayti Women's Club, Hayti Garden Club and co-founder of the Girl Scouts in Hayti...

MATTHEWS - Willie Mae Kelso, 83, died at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at Sells Rest Home. Born April 5, 1920, in Tupelo, Miss., daughter of the late Otis and Sarah Hall Raper, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of New Madrid. On Nov. 27, 1937, at Kaiser, Ark., she married Rebel D. Kelso who preceded her in death on April 1, 1993...

SCOTT CITY - Dorothy Louise Fowler, 74, died at 1:26 a.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 8, 1929, in Perkins, daughter of the late Lyle and Belle Phegley Newlin, she was an assembly line supervisor for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis before retiring. She was a member of the New Life Gospel Center in Scott City...

BERNIE - Elsie Cooper, 89, died Dec. 29, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Nov. 11, 1914, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Thomas and Nettie Hogg Goolsby, she was a member of the New Prospect Baptist Church. On Dec. 26, 1933, at Bloomfield, she married Carl Lee Cooper who preceded her in death on April 11, 1997...

CHAFFEE - Virginia Finch, 95, died at 6 p.m. Dec. 29, 2003, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Feb. 20, 1908, in Rockview, daughter of the late William J. and Fannie Miller Belk, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Hugh A. "Bob" Treadway, 64, died at 7:35 a.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at his home. Born June 2, 1939, at Risco, son of Vivian Pearson Schneider of East Prairie and the late Herschel Joseph Schneider, he lived in East Prairie most of his life where he owned and operated Gas-A-Mat and The Dry Bean for many years. A member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge AF&AM and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., USA in St. Louis, he was of the Protestant belief...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Velva A. Morris, 87, who died Dec. 16, 2003, were: Terry Crowley, Todd Arnold, Robb Arnold, Kenny Francis, Steve Francis and Rick Francis.

LEES SUMMIT - The Honorable Elmo B. Hunter, 88, died Dec. 27, 2003, at John Knox Village in Lee's Summit. Born Oct. 23, 1915, in St. Louis, son of the late David Riley and Della Bolton Hunter, he enrolled at age 16 at the University of Missouri-Columbia and received an AB degree in 1936, graduating at the top of his class and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. ...

DORSEY, Ill. -- James C. Morse, 74, died Dec. 28, 2003, at his home. Born May 25, 1929, at Powe, Mo., son of the late Allen and Myrtle Whitehead Morse, he owned and operated the Morse Auction Company with his wife for 37 years. A veteran of the Army Air Force in World War II, he was a 30-year member of Bethalto Lodge 406 and a member of the Ainad Shrine Temple...