Obituaries from January 2004

SIKESTON - Vastie Griffin, 100, died Dec. 29, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 5, 1903, in Red Banks, Miss., daughter of the late George and Lula Young, she was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston. In 1926, she married John Griffin who preceded her in death...

SIKESTON - William B. Seabaugh, 93, died at 3:23 a.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Nov. 15, 1910, in Patton, son of the late Garrett and Emma Bollinger Seabaugh, he served in the Home guard during World War II. A 50-year member of the First United Methodist Church, he was a former member and past president of the Sikeston Jaycees. ...

CHARLESTON - George W. Ledbetter, 81, died Dec. 31, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 18, 1922, at Marble Hill, son of the late Harvey J. and Lula Virginia Bell Ledbetter, he lived in Charleston most of his life and attended Abundant Grace Church at Bertrand. He was employed by the City of Charleston Public Works Department for many years before retiring and was a U.S. Army veteran...

CHAFFEE - Mary Ross, 54, died at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 26, 1949, in New Madrid County, daughter of the late Harry and Helen Young Burns, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee...

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. - Ralph Long, 76, formerly of Southeast Missouri, died Dec. 30, 2003, at the Northwest Medical Center in Thief River. Born Sept. 13, 1927, in Thief River Falls, son of the late William Ward and Melvina "Billie" Comstock Long, he served with the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 and attended the University of North Dakota...

DEXTER - Richard Earl Randolph, 59, died Jan. 1, 2004, at his home. Born Jan. 30, 1944, at Piggott, Ark., son of the late Donald Eugene and Lona LaVern Holloway Randolph, he was a member of the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter. He had been laboratory manager for the Corning (Ark.) Community Hospital from 1979-83 and was laboratory manager from 1983-2002 for Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter where he was named Manager of the Year in 2001. ...

SIKESTON - Bonnie Jean Happe Gereau, 75, died Dec. 31, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 21, 1928, in Farrenburg, she was the daughter of the late Jake C. and Esther Farrenburg Happe. Before retiring, she had been a bookkeeper for Arthur Rubloff and the American Thread Co. in Chicago, Ill., and for Harold Hosta in Troy, Ill...

WARDELL - Joy Annette Stanford Windham, 58, died Dec. 30, 2003, in Memphis, Tenn. Born Jan. 21, 1945, at Kennett, daughter of Wilburn Houston and Martha Emma Johnson Stanford of Portageville, she was a graduate of Wardell High School. She had worked in quality control for Plastene Supply Co...

SCOTT CITY - Ruie Elizabeth Calhoun, 71, formerly of East Prairie, died at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Bon Nov. 10, 1932, in Johnsonville, Tenn., daughter of the late William Henry and Mamie Corbitt Ledbetter, she lived in Scott City for the past eight years. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church of Marston...

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Ellen Draughon Sereque, 97, died Jan. 1, 2004, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born in Memphis, Tenn., the daughter of James Harris and Anna Northen Draughon was a Confederate lieutenant as a teenager and with the Ace Clubs House in Texarkana. A graduate of Memphis State (Tenn.) University she taught school for five years. She graduated as a registered nurse from the Massachusetts General Hospital Training School and was a member of Central United Methodist Church...

BLOOMFIELD - Virginia Rose Finn, 82, died Jan. 2, 2004, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born March 18, 1921, in Williamsville, daughter of the late Roy Haynie Sr. and Pearl McGee, she was a member of Care Spring Baptist Church in St. Peters. On July 27, 1940, at Kennett, she married Alvin Finn who preceded her in death...

DEXTER - Emma D. Pittman, 75, died Dec. 31, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Oct. 8, 1928, at Greenbrier, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Evie Borders Jones. In 1942, at Zalma, she married Leon Pittman who preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 1958...

RESEDA, Calif. -- Mary Drucilla Hardie, 63, died Dec. 24, 2003, at North Ridge Hospital in North Ridge. Born Sept. 5, 1940, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., daughter of Phillip May of Miami, Fla., and the late Violet Taylor May, she had been a health care provider...

SIKESTON -- S.R. "Wes" Schuchart, 91, died at 10:20 p.m. Jan. 2, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. He was born on May 2, 1912, in Union, to the late Rudolph P. and Minnie C. Hanneken Schuchart Sr. He was a local farmer and owner of Schuchart Holstein Dairy for many years. ...

DEXTER - Irene Cryts, 90, died Jan. 3, 2004, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born July 17, 1913, in Dexter, daughter of the late Elmer and Lillie Allard Hutson, she was a member of Liberty Hill General Baptist Church at Aid. A member of the Aid Extension Homemakers, she had been a clerk for Wal-Mart...

BENTON - Orland J. Bollinger Sr., 87, died at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2004, at his son's home in Benton. Born July 4, 1916, at Benton, son of the late Theodore and Rosa Vogel Bollinger, he was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church. A lifelong resident of Benton, he began working for Harris Rogers at the Scott County Abstract Co. ...

SIKESTON - Thelma Lorraine Sissom Johnson, 80, died Jan. 3, 2004, at her home. Born March 1, 1923, in Caledonia, daughter of the late John Hughes and Pearl Virginia Hicks Grenia, she was of the Church of God belief. Before retiring she had been employed by Guaranteed Homes in California, the Walnut Wood Factory in St. Louis and the Grecian Steak House in Sikeston...

MATTHEWS - Melvin Phillips, 63, died Jan. 4, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

VANDUSER - Elve Hargett Johnson, 93, died Jan. 4, 2004, at the Miner Nursing Center. Born Jan. 6, 1910, in Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late James Andrew and Ada Ellis Hargett, she served as mayor for Vanduser in the 1960s, was a member of the Vanduser Baptist Church and she and her husband were engaged in farming from 1928-1959. ...

LILBOURN - James "Pete" Weaks, 77, died Jan. 4, 2004, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at the Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

DEXTER - Carter Ronald "Ron" Worley, 65, died Jan. 3, 2004, at his home. Born March 20, 1938, at Frisco, son of the late Carter P. and Esther M. Smith Worley, he was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter where he had served as an elder and was a devoted choir member for many years before poor health prevented him from singing. ...

MATTHEWS - Melvin Ray Phillips, 63, died Jan. 4, 2004, at his home. Born Feb. 2, 1940, in Cash, Ark., son of the late Leonard Lee and Nellie Maud Nicholas Phillips, he had worked for the Missouri Highway Department, Delta Asphalt and Koch Asphalt. He owned LeRay Transportation before retiring five years ago...

ZALMA - Nancy "Grace" Ladd, 65, died Jan. 4, 2004, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Born July 23, 1938, in Bollinger County, daughter of the late Emmett "Pete" and Elizabeth "Bess" McHaney Nall, she retired as an office manager for Dr. Benjamin Goodier. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Advance, where she was a member of the CCW...

DEXTER - Esta Lee Miller, 79, died Jan. 5, 2004, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Dexter. Born Oct. 16, 1924, in Dexter, daughter of the late Robert and Emma McFarlen Gills, she was a lifelong resident of Dexter and was a pocket setter at Elders Manufacturing for 19 years before retiring...

PARMA - Rickey Gene Blocker, 57, formerly of St. Louis, died Jan. 3, 2004, at his home. Born Oct. 15, 1946, in St. Louis, son of Virginia Sexton Blocker and the late Lloyd Blocker, he retired from the Pacesetter Corporation Sales Department in St. Louis. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and moved to Parma one year ago...

EAST PRAIRIE - Sophie Ann Mayes, 59, died Jan. 6, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE - Elizabeth M. Woods, 79, died at 4:15 a.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

RIPLEY, Tenn. - Wilma Kathryn York Barcroft, 86, formerly of New Madrid County, Mo., died Dec. 22, 2003. Born April 7, 1917, at Big Opening, she was the daughter of the late Doss M. and Stella Calhoun York. Her husband, Bernie Barcroft, preceded her in death...

MALDEN - Sue Uthoff Snow, 74, died Jan. 4, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 12, 1929, in Malden, daughter of the late Collis P. and Bessie Lee Gulledge Buchanan, she had been a teacher for East Prairie Schools. She owned and operated Uthoff Grocery in Malden and was a bookkeeper for Santie Oil Company in Malden for 10 years. ...

~Sikeston SIKESTON - Raymond Wright, 78, died Jan. 6, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

BERTRAND - Dorothy Mae George, 73, died Jan. 6, 2003, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

LILBOURN - James "Little Pete" Weaks, 77, died Jan. 4, 2004, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 6, 1926, in Lilbourn, son of the late Walter and Pearl Coffee Weaks, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He owned and operated a used car lot and gas station before retiring...

MATTHEWS - Melvin Ray Phillips, 63, died Jan. 4, 2004, at his home. Born Feb. 2, 1940, in Cash, Ark., son of the late Leonard Lee and Nellie Maud Nicholas Phillips, he had worked for the Missouri Highway Department, Delta Asphalt and Koch Asphalt. He owned Leray Transportation before retiring five years ago...

SIKESTON - Raymond Wright, 78, died Jan. 6, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 8, 1925, in Clarkton, son of the late Rudy A. and Beulah L. Freeman Wright, he was a master certified watchmaker and owned and operated Wright's Jewelry before retiring. ...

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Ella Brown, 92, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2004, at the Village Health Care Center at Broken Arrow. Born March 23, 1911, in Stoddard County, Mo., to the late Douglas and Nancy Cowan Estes, she was a former employee of the Elder Manufacturing Co. in Dexter...

BERTRAND - Dorothy Mae George, 73, died at 4 a.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at her home. Born May 3, 1930, in Salem, Ky., daughter of the late Charlie H. and Ocie Lee Guess Heaton, she lived in Cahokia, Ill., for several years before returning to Bertrand in 1985. She attended the Cornerstone Church in Bertrand...

EAST PRAIRIE - Elizabeth Mae Woods, 79, died at 4:15 a.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born May 8, 1924, in Hickman County, Ky., daughter of the late James Edgar "Ed" and Dessie Newton Rhodes, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in East Prairie...

SCHERTZ, Texas - Hazel Marie Douglas West, 84, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 5, 2004, at Northeast Methodist Hospital in Live Oak. Born Jan. 19, 1919, at Matthews, Mo., daughter of the late Charles and LeLia Marie Detye Hardin, she had worked in marketing for Stix-Baer and Fuller Department Stores in St. ...

SIKESTON - Vonda Lee Snyder, 68, died at 2:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 15, 1935, at Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Hayward Joseph and Verna Ussery Poe, she graduated in 1953 from Cape Central High School. ...

DEXTER - Nathan Kennett, 83, died Jan. 7, 2004, in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Vernon Ray Gream, 52, died Jan. 8, 2004. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

BONNE TERRE - James Ernest Kennedy, 76, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 7, 2004, at the Parkland Hospital in Farmington. Born July 25, 1927, in Perry, Miss., son of the late Dayton and Alice Kennedy Garner, he retired as a self-employed farmer. On July 27, 1979, he married Barbara Alice "Betty" McDowell Comstock who preceded him in death on Dec. 19, 1999...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Eulalia F. Friend, 85, died at 8:50 a.m. Jan. 7, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center. Born Jan. 8, 1918, at Dexter, daughter of the late Arthur and Luella Bischoff Kirsch, she was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. A 1935 graduate of Lilbourn High School, she was a teacher in a one-room school in New Madrid County. She later worked for the Missouri Division of Employment Security in Sikeston for 15 years. She moved to Cape Girardeau from Sikeston in 1979...

EAST PRAIRIE - Sophie Ann Mayes, 59, formerly of Hammond, Ind., died at 7:55 a.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born June 9, 1944, at Hammond, daughter of the late Leo Ralph Frank and Anna Mae Kosinski, she lived in East Prairie for the last two years and was of the Catholic belief...

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Sidney "Sid" Webb, 58, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died Jan. 7, 2004, in East Prairie. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

BLOOMFIELD - June Hester Graham, 66, died Jan. 6, 2004, at the Arkansas University Medical Center in Little Rock. Born Aug. 9, 1937, at Bloomfield, daughter of the late Wayne and Edith Young Hester, she lived in the Bloomfield area most of her life where she was a member of the Bible Tabernacle Church. She and her parents operated Hester's Cafe in Bloomfield for many years...

CANALOU - Vearnies Ellen Lumsden, 91, died Jan. 7, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 22, 1912, in Canalou, daughter of the late Abe and Mary Scott Landers, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Canalou. She served on the Canalou Election Board and taught Sunday school for many years in church services at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. She also served in several community activities...

ESSEX - Pallbearers at graveside services conducted Wednesday at the Essex Cemetery for Esta Lee Miller, 79, who died Jan. 5, 2004, were: Jim Miller, Keith Miller, Travis Miller, Gale Miller, Bobby Eaton and James Cartwright. Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Dexter was in charge of arrangements...

SIKESTON - Molene Childers, 85, died Jan. 9, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Preston Lawrence Harper, 2-day-old son of Travis and Amanda Richardson Harper of Sikeston, died Jan. 7, 2004, at Children's Hospital in St. Louis. He was born Jan. 5, 2004, in Sikeston. Survivors in addition to his parents include: his maternal grandparents, Karen Richardson and David Pemberton Jr. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Vernon Ray Gream, 52, died Jan. 8, 2004, in Portageville. Born Nov. 11 1951, in Portageville, he was the son of Marvin Clayton Gream of Portageville and the late Edyth Mae Moffett Gream. Survivors in addition to his father include: his stepmother, Wilda Gream of Portageville; three sisters, Linda Richardson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mary Jean Collard of Portageville and Patsy Hott of Romey, W.Va.; and two brothers, Marvin Gream and Ronnie Gream of Portageville...

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Sidney T. "Sid" Webb, 58, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died unexpectedly Jan. 7, 2004, in East Prairie. Born Feb. 14, 1945, in East Prairie, son of Kathryn Lemmons Webb of East Prairie and the late Joseph A. Webb, he lived in East Prairie during his youth and graduated in 1963 from East Prairie High School. ...

PALATINE, Ill. - Elsa Honold Melzer, 95, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 7, 2004, at the Rosewood Care Center in Inverness. Born July 4, 1908, in Niles, daughter of the late Henry and Rosa Meyer Honold, she lived in Illinois most of her life. A graduate of the Rugen School in Glenview, she graduated from the Luther Institute in Chicago and LaSalle University School of Accounting and was a retired accountant. ...

FESTUS - Jewell Pointer, 92, died Jan. 9, 2004, at Jefferson County Memorial Hospital in Festus. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

EFFINGHAM, Ill. - Carl E. Levitt, 74, died at 8:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at his home. Born Jan. 5, 1930, in Effingham, son of the late Zona Marie Levitt, he was raised by his grandparents, the late Bill and Cora Levitt. A member of Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Effingham, he was also a member of Effingham Knights of Columbus Council 665 and the Fourth Degree; American Legion Post 120 in Effingham, where he had held every office; 40 & 8 and Plumbers Local 149. ...

BLOOMFIELD - Alfred Haney, 75, died Jan. 8, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare. Born Nov. 18, 1928, in Commerce, son of the late Smith James and Madge Phipps Haney, he lived in the Bloomfield area for the past several years. A retired farmer and rancher, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War...

ORAN - Clark Dale "Corky" Duke, 64, died at 12:25 a.m. Jan. 9, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 8, 1939, in East Prairie, son of the late George Emeriel and Etta May Roberts Duke, he was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a route bread salesman for Bunny Bread and member of Miner Baptist Church...

ORAN - H.F. "Jim" Clare, 90, died at 8:50 a.m. Jan. 8, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 16, 1913, in Montgomery City, son of the late John Sallee and Julia Augusta See Clare, he worked for the Corps of Engineers in Texas from 1937-1946 and retired as a self-employed farmer in Oran in 1979. He was of the Methodist belief...

DEXTER - Nathan Kennett, 83, formerly of Hardin, died Jan. 7, 2004, in Dexter. Born Dec. 5, 1920, at Hornersville, son of the late W.N. and Mary Etta Foster Kennett, he was a a retired farmer and cattleman and member of the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter. He was assigned to the USS Charles Carroll with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a former member of the Optimist club, former member and trustee of the Methodist Church and a former Co-op board member, all in Hardin...

DELTA - Norman D. Slinkard, 82, died at 8:20 a.m. Jan. 8, 2004, at Heartland Care and Rehab in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 13, 1921, in Cape County, son of the late David Guy and Ollie Lillian McClain Slinkard, he was a self-employed farmer and a construction worker in Cape Girardeau before retiring. A member of the Allenville Baptist Church, he was also a member of the Delta Riding Club...

DEXTER - Darrol B. Dowdy, 64, died Jan. 8, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CANALOU - Pallbearers for services conducted Jan. 10, 2004, at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston for Vearnies Ellen Lumsden, 91, who died Jan. 7, 2004, were: Christopher Bly, David Miller, Blake Burris, James Nelson, Wilbur Griffin Jr. and Aaron Nelson...

SIKESTON - Molene V. Childers, 85, died Jan. 9, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 1, 1918, in Unity, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Phoebe Ann Phillips Hagler. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston for 63 years, where she was church librarian for many years and was also member of the Ruth Sunday school class. ...

DEXTER - Darrol Dowdy, 64, died Jan. 8, 2004, in the emergency room at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Oct. 17, 1939, at rural Dexter, son of Pauline Lawrence Dowdy of Dexter and the late Danzil Dowdy, he was a member of the Westside Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. The former co-owner of Christian-Dowdy Lumber Company in Dexter, he was a board member of the Armstead Dowdy Cemetery Association and active in the prison ministry at the Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston...

OWENSBORO, Ky. - Clyde DePriest, 76, formerly of Mississippi County, Mo., died at 6 a.m. Jan. 8, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo. Born Feb. 13, 1927, in Wyatt, Mo., son of the late Sanford N. and Claudia B. Wise DePriest, he lived in Scott and Mississippi counties in Missouri most of his life. He lived in Owensboro for a short time where he was employed with Industrial Art Supply...

SIKESTON - Hazel "Mac" McGahey, 89, died Jan. 9, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 15, 1914, in Obion, Tenn., son of the late Nicholas and Hallie Halloway McGahey, he owned and operated Mac's Barber Shop for over 50 years and was known by friends and customers as "Mac the Barber."...

PORTAGEVILLE - Effie Kimes, 91, died Jan. 10, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

FESTUS - Jewell Pointer, 92, formerly of Bernie, died Jan. 9, 2004, at the Jefferson County Memorial Hospital in Festus. Born Feb. 14, 1911, at Bernie, daughter of the late J.W. and Violet Allison, she was a member of the Bernie General Baptist Church and a former cook at the Bernie High School...

EAST PRAIRIE - Edith Laverne Anderson, 73, died at 4:05 a.m. Jan. 10, 2004, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

ORAN - Clark Dale "Corky" Duke, 64, died at 12:25 a.m. Jan. 9, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 8, 1939, in East Prairie, son of the late George Emeriel and Etta May Roberts Duke, he was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a route bread salesman for Bunny Bread and member of Miner Baptist Church...

PARMA - Leslie Lee "Blue" Durham, 73, died Jan. 8, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 11, 1930, in LaValle, son of the late Arthur and Goldia Loveless Durham, he was a lifelong resident of the Parma area. A member of the Parma First Baptist Church, he retired as a welder for the railroad...

DEXTER - Imogene Chism, 75, died Jan. 9, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

PALATINE, Ill. - Elsa Honold Melzer, 95, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 7, 2004, at the Rosewood Care Center in Inverness. Born July 4, 1908, in Niles, daughter of the late Henry and Rosa Meyer Honold, she lived in Illinois most of her life. A graduate of the Rugen School in Glenview, she graduated from the Luther Institute in Chicago and LaSalle University School of Accounting and was a retired accountant. ...

PARMA - Virginia Evelyn Halterman, 71, died Jan. 8, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 18, 1932, in New Madrid County, she was the daughter of the late Cole and Dixie Blevins Harralston. On July 27, 1948, in Piggott, Ark., she married Albert L. Halterman, who preceded her in death on July 5, 1991...

PORTAGEVILLE - Charles Collins, 75, died Jan. 11, 2004, at his home in Portageville. DeLisle Funeral Home of Portageville is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Bethel L. Bennett, 76, formerly of New Madrid, Mo., died Jan. 8, 2004, at her home in Texarkana. Born April 4, 1927, in Centerville, she was the daughter of the late William H. Scoles and Jennie L. Davis Scoles Carrell. Her husband, Gordon Bennett, preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, two daughters, Sue Fant and Zandra Fant; and one son, John William Fant, preceded her death...

DEXTER - Theone Deloris Hunt, 86, died Jan. 10, 2004, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born March 3, 1917, at Essex to the late Elisha Harris and Gracie Trusty Harris Black, she was a homemaker and a resident of Dexter. On Feb. 3, 1932, at Dexter, she married Clifford Lee Hunt, who preceded her in death on May 6, 1995...

CHAFFEE - W.M. "Billy Mac" Daugherty, 71, died at 12:25 p.m. Jan. 9, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 4, 1932, in Chaffee to the late Claude and Edith Blackwell Daugherty, he was a clerk for 18 years with the Frisco Railroad Co. in Chaffee and a retired groundman for the IBEW Local 1702 in West Frankfort, Ill. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee, Chaffee Masonic Lodge 615 and the Chaffee Elks Lodge 1810...

PORTAGEVILLE - Effie Mae Kimes, 91, died Jan. 10, 2004, at Portageville. She was born Aug. 2, 1912, in the community of J.Y. to the late Albert W. and Alma Jo Henson Hoggard. On Feb. 23, 1929, in Conran, she married Franklin Day Kimes, who preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 1977...

DEXTER -- Esther Boyer, 89, died Jan. 11, 2004, at her home. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, where a rosary service will be at 7 p.m. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter...

SCOTT CITY - F.M. Scherer, 82, died at 3:35 p.m. Jan. 10, 2004, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 6, 1921, at Fornfelt to the late Fridolin M. and Clara Amelia Enderle Scherer, he was a fireman on the Cotton Belt Railroad from 1941 until 1982. A member of the U.S. Air Force serving during World War II, he also was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City and VFW Post 6407 in Scott City...

EAST PRAIRIE - Edith Laverne Anderson, 73, died at 4:05 a.m. Jan. 10, 2004, at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born March 26, 1930, in Corinth, Miss., to the late Harmon and Sallie Barger Crum, she had lived in Dexter and East Prairie most of her life. She was a member of the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in East Prairie and a graduate of the Anniston High School in Anniston...

SIKESTON -- Reda V. Suchman, 91, died Jan. 11, 2004, at Sikeston Health Care in Sikeston. Born Aug. 20, 1912, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Squire Spence and Dora Ellen Rudloff Vaughn, she was a member of the Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston. She worked in the food service division of Sikeston Public Schools before retiring...

PUXICO -- Floyd Lynn "Nub" Crawford, 71, died Jan. 11, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 20, 1932, in Puxico, son of the late Hadley and Ruth Arnold Crawford, he had lived in St. Louis from 1956 to 1992 and returned to Puxico in 1993. ...

PARMA - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Parma for Leslie "Blue" Lee Durham, 73, who died Jan. 8, 2004, were: Jason Durham, David Durham, Bruce Durham, Blake Stewart, Daniel Stewart and Justin Harris. Watkins and Sons Funeral Service in Parma was in charge of arrangements...

DEXTER - Imogene Chism, 75, died Jan. 9, 2004, at her home in Dexter. Born June 10, 1928, at Birds Corner to the late Robert Lee and Florence Gertrude Eaton Springs, she had lived in Chicago until 1962 when she moved to Bloomfield. In 1971, she moved to Dexter where she resided until her death. A member of the Clines Island General Baptist Church, she and her husband owned and operated the Chism Strawberry and Fish Farm for many years...

CHARLESTON -- Helen Faust Duenne, 72, died at 3:55 p.m. Jan. 12, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 28, 1931, in Huffman, Ark., daughter of the late John Thomas and Mollie Barnes Faust, she had lived in Mississippi County most of her life where she was a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston and Daughters of Isabella...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Edwin "Charles" Collins, 75, died Jan. 11, 2004, at his home. Born Oct. 6, 1928, at Akin, Ill., son of the late Jessie and Lucille Riddle Collins, he retired from Plastene Supply after 27 years. A graduate of Benton High School in Benton, Ill., he was a member of the Church of Christ in Portageville...

DEXTER -- Esther Boyer, 89, died Jan. 11, 2004, at her home. Born May 28, 1914, at Dexter, daughter of the late Richard and Nellie Broska Seeburger, she was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter and previously co-owned Boyer's Cleaners in Dexter with her husband for 47 years...

ORAN -- Kyrous Mabrey Streeter, 86, died Jan. 11, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 1, 1917, at Calhoun County, Miss., son of the late T.H. and Kate Cooper Streeter, he was a retired farmer and had been appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the National Cotton Council and the State Soil and Water Board. He was of the Baptist belief...

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Stevie Taylor, 45, formerly of Lilbourn, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2004, as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

BATON ROUGE, La. - Steven Lynn "Stevie" Taylor, 45, formerly of Lilbourn, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2004, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Born Oct. 2, 1958, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Shirley Lee Coffee Taylor of Baton Rouge and the late Junior Ray "Hoot" Taylor, he was an employee of Shaw Sunland Fabricators in Walker, a subsidiary of The Shaw Group. He was an avid LSU football fan...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ronald Max Seal, 66, died at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 12, 2004, at the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tenn. Born Aug. 22, 1937, in Piggott, Ark., son of Faye Arnold Seal of Paragould, Ark., and the late Frank Seal, he had been the office manager at the Associated Natural Gas Co., retiring in April 1998. ...

DEDHAM, Mass. - Warren H. Poole, a resident of Sikeston, Mo., and Dedham, died Jan. 8, 2004. Poole attended the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. He was first married to Rose Austin, who preceded him in death, and later married Maxine Lathum, who survives...

SIKESTON - George Kissell, 57, died Jan. 14, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

EAST PRAIRIE - Pete Ward, 61, died at 8:08 p.m. Jan. 13, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital at Cape Girardeau. Shelby Funeral in East Prairie is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

DOGWOOD - Walter Ray Maxwell, 84, died Jan. 14, 2004, at his home. Born March 20, 1919, at Bertrand, son of the late Walter and Nettie Holland Maxwell, he moved to Collierville, Tenn., in the early 1970s where he was a carpenter before retiring. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served with the Sea Bees during World War II. He returned to the Dogwood community in 1989 and attended the Dogwood Methodist Church...

BLOOMFIELD - Beatrice Hester, 86, did Jan. 14, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in Bloomfield. Born Oct. 4, 1917, in Morehouse, daughter of the late Ernest and Minnie Cantrell Faulkner, she retired as a cook for the Bloomfield Public School and was a charter member of the Assembly of God Church in Bloomfield...

SIKESTON - George M. "Mike" Kissell, 57, died Jan. 14, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 4, 1946, in St. Louis, son of Lorene Kuehner Kissell of St. Charles and the late Ralph Kissell, he had been employed by the Miner Nursing Center and was an elder at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Sikeston...

PORTAGEVILLE - Arlie Irvin Flowers, 98, died Jan. 13, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 1, 1905, in Center Ridge, Ark., son of the late James F. and Nora Ann Palmer Flowers, he was a member of Big Ridge Baptist Church since 1947, where he served as a deacon...

TECUMSEH, Mich. - Hazel K. Fitzgerald, 98, formerly of New Madrid, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2004, at Herrick Manor. Born Aug. 23, 1905, in New Madrid, daughter of the late James L. and Mattie Lee Joiner Keene, she was a ward supervisor for the Ypsilanti State Hospital for 18 years before retiring in 1974 and a former member of the Methodist Church in New Madrid...

EAST PRAIRIE - Charles Buford "Pete" Ward, 61, died at 8:05 p.m. Jan. 13, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 19, 1942, in East Prairie, son of the late Buford Ward and Maxine Anderson Ward Sherman, he lived most of his life in East Prairie where he retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 28 years of service. He served four years with the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Scotland...

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - William Lester "Bill" LaGrand, 66, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2004, at Fort Wayne. Born June 18, 1937, in Sikeston, son of Louise LaVigne of Sikeston and the late Lester LaGrand, he graduated from Nuremberg High School, Germany, and had been an officer with the U.S. Navy. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, he owned and operated a financial services office in Fort Wayne, where he was a financial adviser...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Imogene Chism, 75, who died Jan. 9, 2004, were: Mike Avery, Larry Fox, Mike Elsworth, Don Williams, Dennis Rogers, Tim Machen and Chuck Daniels.

DELTA - Gerald D. Lyne Sr., 85, died at 12:40 p.m. Jan. 14, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born March 19, 1918, in Oran, son of the late Edmond S. and Fannie Lobmaster Lyne Sr., he served in Civilian Conservation Corps before World War II. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Ronald Max Seal, 66, of East Prairie, who died Jan. 12, 2004, will be: James Howell, Dug Estes, James McGee, Billy Littleton, Charles Ulmer and James Price. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Hazel "Mac" McGahey, 89, who died Jan. 9, 2004, were: Chris Davidson, Dale McGahey, Jerry Shy, Ben Chessor, John Oliver and John Sieg. Honorary pallbearers were: Jack Britt, Robert Lee, Maurice Stauffer, Henry Mason and Vick McCoy...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Floyd Lynn Crawford, 71, who died Jan. 11, 2004, were: Mike Nelson, Doug Lowery, Bill Pogue, Rick McLean, Charles Hedspeth and Lonnie Guilliams.

CHAFFEE - Leevada Lee Hinkebein, 72, died at 8:55 p.m. Jan. 13, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 4, 1931, in Caney, daughter of the late Ben Joseph and Ludwina Catherine Westrich Mier, she retired as office manager for Hinkebein Construction in Chaffee. A member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Daughters of St. Ambrose, she was also a member and past president of VFW Post 3127 Ladies Auxiliary in Chaffee...

NEW MADRID - Linda Ann Martin, 57, died Jan. 14, 2004, at her home. Born March 22, 1946, in New Madrid, daughter of the late James and Ramona Watson Dyer, she was a nurse with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. She was a member of the New Madrid Pentecostal Church, where she served as treasurer of the ladies auxiliary...

BLOOMFIELD - Joe Link, 53, died Jan. 15, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 30, 1950, in Bell City, son of the late Calvin C. and Dorothy Shrum Link, he lived in Bloomfield most of his life and was a farm laborer. On Dec. 31, 1971, at Troy, Mo., he married Brenda Vaughn who preceded him in death on Feb. 5, 2003...

SIKESTON - George M. "Mike" Kissell, 57, died Jan. 14, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 4, 1946, in St. Louis, he had been employed by the Miner Nursing Center and was an elder at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Sikeston...

MAINEVILLE, Ohio - Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Grady Beardslee, 84, formerly of Scott City, Mo., died Jan. 15, 2004, at the Meadowbrook Care Center in Montgomery. Born Jan. 14, 1920, at Blodgett, Mo., son of the late Paul and Frances Groves Beardsley, he retired from the U.S. Army after 27 years of service and was a veteran of World War II...

QUINCY, Ill. - Clifford "Jeff" Berry, formerly of Bloomfield, Mo., died Jan. 15, 2004, in Quincy. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield.

ST. ANN - Almeda Bollinger Mayfield, 87, died Jan. 16, 2004, at DePaul Medical Center in Bridgeton. Born July 27, 1916, at Scopus, daughter of the late Bernie E. and Elsie V. Bollinger, she lived in St. Louis County for several years and was a member of Fee Fee Baptist Church in Bridgeton for many years...

VAN BUREN - Earnest Grim, 76, formerly of Dexter, died Jan. 16, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

QUINCY, Ill. - Clifford "Jeff" Berry, 75, formerly of Bloomfield, Mo., died Jan. 15, 2004, in Quincy. Born Oct. 20, 1928, at Tiptonville, Tenn., son of the late Pete and Audrey Godwin Berry, he lived in the Bloomfield area most of his life before moving to Quincy a few years ago. He was a retired farmer and member of Mount Pisgah General Baptist Church in Aquilla, Mo...

ANNISTON - Jack W. Hutson, 62, died Jan. 16, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 1, 1941, in Columbus, Ky., son of the late John L. and Gladys M. Anderson Hutson, he was a truck driver for Delta Express. He was of the Baptist belief. On June 10, 1972, he married Shirley M. Woods who survives of the home...

LILBOURN - Marion Wheeler, 71, died Jan. 16, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are pending at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn, where visitation is from noon Tuesday until service time at 2 p.m.

VAN BUREN - Earnest L. Grim, 76, formerly of Dexter and Oakland, Mich., died Jan. 16, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 22, 1927, at Essex, son of the late Alt and Minnie Newell Grim, he was a member of the South Van Buren General Baptist Church in Van Buren, a former 30-year employee of General Motors at Pontiac, Mich., and a veteran of the U.S. Army...

CHAFFEE - Fred M. Siebert, 86, died Jan. 19, 2004, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

CARROLLTON, Texas - Pearl S. Hampton, 91, died Jan. 18, 2004, at her daughter's residence in Carrollton. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Mo.

BENTON - Ruby Pearl Varnon, 90, died Jan. 19, 2004, at the Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

LILBOURN - Marion Edward Wheeler, 71, died Jan. 16, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 21, 1932, to the late William and Beulah Wheeler, he was employed as a roofer. He was married to Lillian Wheeler, who preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 1997...

DEXTER -- Opal Duley Miller, 89, died Jan. 18, 2004, at Crowley Ridge Care Center at Dexter. Born April 10, 1914, at Bloomfield, daughter of the late William and Grayce Chasteen Fulkerson, she was a member of the First General Baptist Church at Dexter and formerly employed as the nurse for Dr. Robert Jibben in Dexter...

SIKESTON - Morris Jones, 79, died Jan. 17, 2004, at his home in Sikeston. Born March 22, 1925, in Sikeston to the late Harry and Opal Griggs Jones, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the Bellawood aircraft carrier during World War II and was a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He worked as a local truck driver in St. Louis and Kansas City before retiring...

DEXTER -- Virginia Phillips, 77, died Jan. 17, 2004, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born Sept. 13, 1926, at Burlington, Colo., daughter of the late Lee and Lydia Denton Ramsey, she was a former inspector for Elder Manufacturing Co. in Dexter and Bloomfield...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Christopher Alan Wickam-Maglone, 30, died at 9:09 p.m. Jan. 17, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 8, 1973, to Beverly Darlene Maglone Jackson of Granite City, Ill., and the late Terry Lee Wickam, he was a carpenter employed with Flora Daniels Construction...

GORDONVILLE - Mattie Mae Sims, 77, formerly of Portageville, died Jan. 17, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 15, 1926, in Concord, daughter of the late Richard Robert and Avery Ellen Summers Mullins, she was a member of the Calvary United Pentecostal Church in Jackson...

BERTRAND -- Stacey Marie Bowers, 34, died at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 19, 2004, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Highway 62 west of Bertrand. Born Nov. 30, 1969, in Sikeston, daughter of Brad Bowers of St. Louis and the late Joan Marie Groves Bowers, she had lived in Bertrand her entire life and had been employed as payroll clerk at Kontek Industries in New Madrid. She was of the general Baptist belief...

BERTRAND - Lawrence "Tater" Tate, 79, died Jan. 19, 2004, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare Facility in Dexter. Born Jan. 14, 1925, in Bertrand to the late Robert Ernest and Ressie Haithcoate Tate, he had lived in St. Charles for many years and in Dexter for the past 20 years. A veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II, he was a prisoner of war for 12 months. He had retired from Florida Marine...

BENTON -- Ruby Pearl Varnon, 90, died at 2:20 a.m. Jan. 19, 2004, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Dec. 27, 1913, in Commerce, daughter of the late Arthur Newton Wright and Zelma Mae O'Guinn, she was a seamstress for Ely Walker in Illmo. She was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau...

NEW HAMBURG - Herbert A. Essner, 83, died Jan. 20, 2004, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

MATTHEWS - W.C. McWaters, 73, died Jan. 19, 2004, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

CHAFFEE -- Frederick Michael Siebert, 86, died Jan. 19, 2004, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 30, 1917, at Ste. Genevieve, son the late Anton P. and Margareth M. Simon Siebert, he was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater and receiving the Bronze Star at New Guinea. ...

COTTAGE HILLS, Ill. -- Mary Mildred "MoMo" Roberson, 83, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 2:15 p.m. Jan. 16, 2004, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born Nov. 8, 1920, in Malden, Mo., daughter of the late George and Clora Mac Ballard Dockins, she retired from Carroll Distributing in July 2000 after 27 years of service...

CHARLESTON - D Wight Leon Webb, 71, a resident of Paris, Ark., died at 9:10 a.m. Jan. 19, 2004, at the Charleston Manor Skilled Nursing Facility. Born July 3, 1932, at Pine Bluff, Ark., he had lived in Arkansas most of his life moving to Charleston in August 2003. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was of the Protestant faith...

NEW MADRID - Anna Marie Alsobrook, 79, died Jan. 19, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Oct. 30, 1924, at Marston, to the late Clarence and Anna Newbauer Alsobrook, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Madrid...

DALLAS -- Pearl Sina Victoria Hampton, 91, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 9:17 p.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at her daughter's residence in Carrollton, Texas. Born Jan. 8, 1913, in Conran, Mo., daughter of the late Charles Edward and Mary Elizabeth Sanders Denbow, she was a member of Tanner Street Church of God and had worked in the housekeeping department at Missouri Delta Medical Center...

EAST PRAIRIE - Cletus A. Crum, 84, died at 3:30 a.m. Jan. 21, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

PERRYVILLE - Dennis R. Hale, 31, died Jan. 19, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 20, 1972, in Dexter, son of William Hale of Advance and the late Iva Jane Stewart Hale, who died Feb. 1, 1993, he worked for Gilster-Mary Lee in Perryville...

MATTHEWS - W.C. "Bottle" McWaters, 73, died Jan. 19, 2004, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Dec. 10, 1930, in Canalou, to the late W.L. and Nora Colson McWaters, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy on the USS Hollister and served three years active duty and five years in the Naval Reserve. He later farmed for Dick Whiffen until his retirement...

NEW HAMBURG -- Herbert Anton Essner, 83, passed away Jan. 20, 2004, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 16, 1920, at New Hamburg, son of Nicholas A. and Coena M. Welter Essner, he was a lifetime farmer and also retired from Associated Building Center in Cape Girardeau. Herbert supported his country by serving in the Army Air Force as a technical sergeant during World War II...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Paul R. Stanley, 89, died at 1:15 a.m. Jan. 21, 2004, in the Mercy Franciscan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born Sept. 7, 1914, in East Prairie, son of the late Pete Stanley and Ruby Morgan Stanley Breeding, he had lived in Mississippi County most of his life, where he retired as a mechanic for Pope Motors in East Prairie. A member of the First General Baptist Church in East Prairie, he had lived the last 10 months in Cincinnati, where he attended the Friendship Baptist Church...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Cletus Allen Crum, 84, died at 3:30 a.m. Jan. 21, 2004, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 5, 1919, in Corinth, Miss., son of the late Harmon A. and Sallie Barger Crum, he lived most of his life in Mississippi County and Lake County, Ind. A member of the First Baptist Church in East Prairie, he retired from East Chicago Machine and Tool Co. in East Chicago, Ind., in 1982...

BLOOMFIELD -- Robert Owen Kennedy, 63, died Jan. 20, 2003, at Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center at Bloomfield. Born July 7, 1940, at Fremont, son of the late Tony Kennedy and Ina Weible Kennedy, he was a carpenter and veteran of the United States Air Force...

PORTAGEVILLE - Walter "Gooden" Tanner, 85, died Jan. 21, 2004, at his home in Portageville. DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

CHARLESTON -- Pallbearers at services scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston for Stacey Marie Bowers, 34, who died Jan. 19, 2004, will be: Rocky Allcock, Monty George, Aaron Kyle, Ben Kyle, J.L. Groves and Tony Groves...

DEXTER -- Pallbearers for services held Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Lawrence "Tater" Tate, 79, who died Jan. 19, 2004, were: Rick Wells, Jimmy Jenkins, Chuck Chism, Scott Moore, Perry Moore and Steve Watkins.

DEXTER -- Elvin Landers, 82, died Jan. 22, 2004, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON -- Wanda Singletery, 87, died Jan. 22, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 15, 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, daughter of the late Frank P. and Augusta Koch Woodward, she was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Sikeston...

ADVANCE -- Pauline Esterlee Finney, 85, formerly of Bell City, died Jan. 21, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 4, 1918, at Obion, Tenn., daughter of the late Johnny Lee and Pearl Hudson Mobbs, she was a homemaker and member of the Bell City General Baptist Church and Bell City Senior Organization...

CHARLESTON -- Larry L. "Moe" Brown, 45, died Jan. 20, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 10, 1958, in Charleston, son of James Brown of Charleston and the late Juanita "Scooter" Brown, he attended Charleston High School and was employed at Charleston High School and the Charleston National Guard Armory. He was of the Baptist belief...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Walter "Gooden" Tanner Jr., 85, died Jan. 22, 2004, at his home. Born Dec. 27, 1918, in Portageville, he was the son of the late Walter A. and Eula Montgomery Tanner. On Oct. 5, 1940, at Portageville, he married Estalee Pool who survives of the home...

PORTAGEVILLE - Alofonzo Wilson, 48, a resident of Milwaukee, Wis., and formerly of Portageville, died Jan. 22, 2004, at the Veteran's Hospital in Milwaukee. DeLisle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers for services held at 11 a.m. today for Pearl Sina Victoria Hampton, 91, of Dallas, Texas, and formerly of Sikeston, who died Jan. 18, 2004, were Mike Collier, Doug Thompson, Brian Phelps, Garrett Thompson, Josh Meier, Nick Kennedy and Christopher Phelps...

ORAN - Theresia Louisa Pobst, 93, died Jan. 23, 2004, at Lincoln Plaza Nursing Center in Lonoke, Ark. Born March 7, 1910, at Kelso, daughter of the late Jacob and Louisa Caroline Burger Leible, she was a retired cook for Oran Public Schools, a member of the Guardian Angle Catholic Church in Oran, St. Ann Sodality, KC-etts Council 4311 of Oran and the Oran Senior Citizens...

CHARLESTON -- Larry L. "Moe" Brown, 45, died Jan. 20, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 10, 1958, in Charleston, son of James Brown of Charleston and the late Juanita "Scooter" Brown, he attended Charleston High School and was employed at Charleston High School and the Charleston National Guard Armory. He was of the Baptist belief...

DEXTER -- Elvin Landers, 82, died Jan. 22, 2004, at Three Rivers North Campus at Poplar Bluff. Born Jan. 23, 1921, at Canalou, son of the late William Morton Landers and Vernie Ellis Landers, he was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church at Dexter and a retired adviser at the Boiler and Recovery Plant for Louisiana-Pacific. A veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II, he was awarded three bronze stars for his military service...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Willard C. Douglas, 94, died Jan. 23, 2004, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SIKESTON -- Glen Ray Wilkey, 59, died Jan. 23, 2004, in Marble Hill due to injuries sustained in a farming accident. Born June 12, 1944, in Hornersville, son of Blanche Vernor Wilkey of Manila, Ark., and the late Charles H. Wilkey, he had been employed at AECI New Madrid Power Plant, where he worked as a results engineer. ...

BENTON -- Virginia May Lemmink, 72, died at 11:42 a.m. Jan. 23, 2004, at the home of her grandson in Scott City. Born May 8, 1931, at Portageville, daughter of the late Ruby May Wren and Troy Clifton Carr, she was a housewife. On Aug. 30, 1947, in Pocahontas, Ark., she married James Robert Lemmink who preceded her in death on June 21, 1983...

BRIDGETON, N.J. - Catherine Amelia Henry, 86, died Jan. 25, 2004, at The Goldfinch House assisted living facility in Bridgeton. Born April 3, 1917, in Benton, Mo., daughter of Robert Cooper and Amelia E. Steimle Brock, she graduated from Benton High School...

SIKESTON - Donnell Michael Baker Jr., 39, died Jan. 24, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 20, 1964, in Sikeston son of Donnell Michael and Rita Faye Boardman Sr., he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one daughter, Elizabeth Baker of Sikeston; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Cristy and Paul Neel, Shelly and Preston Williams and Wendy and Dewayne Self of Sikeston; six nephews, Jared Self, Brent Self, Heath Self, Meyer Neel, Drew Williams and Lee Williams of Sikeston; one niece, Martha Neel of Sikeston; and one great-nephew, Nolan Self of Sikeston.. ...

SIKESTON - Frances M. Southard, 68, died Jan. 24, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 21, 1935, in New Madrid County, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Irene Wilbanks Caudle. Her husband, Teddy Southard, preceded her in death on March 27, 1992...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Willard C. Douglas, 94, died at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 23, 2004, at The Lutheran Home. Born May 6, 1909, in Illmo, son of the late O.C. and Mae Smith Douglas, he was a civil engineer for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, retiring on July 24, 1970, from the St. Louis District. A 1928 graduate of Illmo High School, he attended Purdue University at Lafayette, Ind., and was a life member of the Illmo United Methodist Church...

PERKINS - Vivian M. Menz, 75, died at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 26, 1928, at Powe, daughter of the late Buster and Carrie Jackson Dortch, she retired as co-owner of Perkins Motor Works. A member of the Perkins Baptist Church and WMU she was a member of the Perkins Needle Club and was active in the Perkins community...

SIKESTON - Nannie Williams, 94, died Jan. 25, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 10, 1909, in Huntsville, Ala., daughter of the late Earnest and Mattie Maynord Williams, she was a member of the Canalou Baptist Church. Her husband, Robert Lee Williams, preceded her in death in November 1960...

CHARLESTON - Bruce Douglas Housman, 58, died at 6 a.m. Jan. 26, 2004, at his home. Born May 24, 1945, in the Deventer community of Mississippi County, son of the late Claude Walter and Marie Hutson Housman, he lived in Charleston most of his life and had attended the Cornerstone Church in Bertrand. He owned and operated Housman's Fish Market in Charleston until ill health forced his retirement. At that time, his son, Robert, took over, making it a third generation family business...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Glen Ray Wilkey, 59, who died Jan. 23, 2004, will be: Roger Neumeyer, Rusty Rice, Billy Joe Warren, James Cowger, Wendell Pearson and Bill Littleton. Honorary pallbearers will be: J.C. Phillips and Russ Garner...

ORAN - Christine J. Eftink, 87, died Jan. 25, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.

ESSEX - Opal M. Wyatt, 83, died Jan. 26, 2004, at the Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

PORTAGEVILLE - Ruth N. Muse, 84, died Jan. 26, 2004, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Blanche Bailey, 92, died Jan. 26, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - Carlton F. Adams, 79, died at 4:25 p.m. Jan. 24, 2004, at the John A. Cochran Veterans Administration Hospital in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER - Terri Sue Hodder, 47, died Jan. 26, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 4, 1956, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of Richard and Joyce Coffey Hodder of Dexter. Survivors in addition to her parents include: two sisters and one brother-in-law, Pamela Trammell and Diane and Steve Hall of Dexter; her maternal grandparents, Loren and Opal Coffey of Dexter; and two nephews, Matthew Hall and Tyler Trammell of Dexter...

PORTAGEVILLE - Jerry Lechenette Sr., 58, died Jan. 27, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

CABOOL - Carl Richard Jarrett, 59, died Jan. 24, 2004, at his home, following a brief illness. Born Aug. 10, 1944, son of the late Harvey and Ella Elliott Jarrett, he owned and operated Jarrett Implement Sales in Cabool and was a member of Hamilton Creek Freewill Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Wilma Katherine Deane, 89, died at 11:25 a.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Born May 9, 1914, in Sikeston, daughter of the late William and Madge Grafton Johnson, she retired as a medical technician for a nursing home in Oklahoma...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Gordon Dewayne Frazier, 46, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Jan. 26, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at McMikle Funeral Home for Bruce Douglas Housman, 58, who died Jan. 26, 2004, will be: James Housman, Louie Housman, William Eugene Housman, Mike Housman, Brian Fernandez and Doug Pullen...

EAST PRAIRIE - Arnold U. Baker, 77, died at 3:45 a.m. Jan. 27, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

ESSEX - Opal M. Wyatt, 83, died Jan. 26, 2004, at the Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 18, 1920, in Parma, daughter of the late James Alt and Minnie Ethel Newell Grim, she lived in Essex most of her life. On Jan. 8, 1944, in Corning, Ark., she married Charles Daniel Wyatt who preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 1998...

PORTAGEVILLE - Ruth N. Muse, 84, died Jan. 26, 2004, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 28, 1919, in Middle, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late James Robert and Melissa Ford Gray. On June 7, 1934, at Hayward, she married James Muse who preceded her in death on April 12, 1993...

ORAN - Christine J. Eftink, 87, died at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at her home. Born June 18, 1916, in Bollinger County, daughter of the late Emanuel and Drieka Spooler Nance, she was a retired sewing machine operator for the International Hat Factory in Oran. She was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church and St. Ann Sodality in Oran...

SIKESTON - Donnell Michael Baker Jr., 39, died Jan. 24, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 20, 1964, in Sikeston son of Donnell Michael and Rita Faye Boardman Baker Sr., he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors in addition to his parents include: one daughter, Elizabeth Baker of Sikeston; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Cristy and Paul Neel, Shelly and Preston Williams and Wendy and Dewayne Self of Sikeston; six nephews, Jared Self, Brent Self, Heath Self, Meyer Neel, Drew Williams and Lee Williams of Sikeston; one niece, Martha Neel of Sikeston; and one great-nephew, Nolan Self of Sikeston.. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Nannie Williams, 94, who died Jan. 25, 2004, will be: Terry McBride, Bryan Hartlein, Jerry Landers, Anthony Comstock, Jody Chaney, Danny Vernon and Charles Joyce...

PORTAGEVILLE - Alfonzo Lee Wilson, 47, died Jan. 22, 2004, at the Veterans Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis. Born June 23, 1956, in Portageville, son of the late Joe Wilson and Mattie Mae Rouse-Jackson, he was the stepson of the late Elton Robert "High Pocket" Jackson. A 1975 graduate of Portageville High School and veteran of the U.S. Army, he had attended The Church of the Opened Door in Milwaukee...

SIKESTON - Carlton F. Adams, 78, died Jan. 24, 2004, at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Louis. Born Oct. 3, 1925, in Plumerville, Ark., son of the late Clarence F. and Grace C. Campbell Adams, he was a teacher for New Madrid Public Schools and was of the Baptist belief. ...

CHARLESTON - Arnold U. Baker, 77, died at 3:45 a.m. Jan. 27, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 20, 1926, in Wyatt, son of the late Lindsey G. and Opha Mae Kennedy Baker, he lived in Mississippi County all his life and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was bus garage supervisor for East Prairie R-2 Schools and attended the First Church of God in East Prairie...

PUXICO - Jane Crisel, 60, died Jan. 26, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 9, 1943, in Ash Hill, daughter of the late Glen and Geneva Wicks Sisco, she lived in Puxico most of her life. A 1960 graduate of Puxico High School, she graduated in 1992 from Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau. ...

SIKESTON - Vesta Blanche Bailey, 92, died Jan. 26, 2004, at her home. Born June 22, 1911, in Seymour, daughter of the late James Walter and Mamie Hicks Denney, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. She had served as pianist and later as organist for the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn for 20 years before moving to Sikeston. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Jerry Wayne Lechenette Sr., 60, died Jan. 27, 2004, at his home in Portageville. Born May 8, 1943, at Portageville to the late Lewis and Stella Lineberry Lechenette, he worked for the McCrate Equipment Company for 16 years and for Noranda Aluminum for 26 years...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Gordon DeWayne Frazier, 46, died Jan. 26, 2004, at his home in Memphis. Delisle Funeral Home of Portageville, Mo., is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

SIKESTON - Dennis J. Crowley, 80, formerly of Chicago, Ill., died Jan. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangments, which are incomplete.

DEXTER - Betty Burnett Grubbs, 42, died Jan. 28, 2004, at her home. Born March 18, 1961, in Yuma, Ariz., daughter of David A. and Gean Smith Burnett of Dexter, she was a member of Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church in Dexter. She owned and operated The Home Shoppe in Dexter...

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. - Hubert Parham Sr., 78, died Dec. 23, 2003, at The Medical Center at Bowling Green. Born Jan. 6, 1925, in New Madrid County, Mo., he was the son of the late Henry Malachi and Ada Bell Myers Parham. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a retired employee of Magna Copper Mines and attended Gospel Outreach Church...

ST. LOUIS - Catherine Baker, 47, formerly of Lilbourn, died Jan. 28, 2004, at DePaul Health Center in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

BLOOMFIELD - Iva B. White, 93, died Jan. 27, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in Bloomfield. Born Dec. 19, 1910, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late John and Nancy Robey Layton, she lived in the Bloomfield area all her life. She attended Link Grade School, Link Church and Mount Pisgah General Baptist Church in Aquilla...

DEXTER - Lvara Walker, 84, died Jan. 29, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

BENTON - Annie Marie Dove, 79, died at 11:10 a.m. Jan. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 24, 1924, at Greensboro, N.C., daughter of the late Henry Oma and Annie Elizabeth Gardner, she had been a waitress for Marriott Food Service in Landover, Md. She was of the Methodist belief...

WHITEWATER - C. Curtis Payne, 74, died at 6:18 a.m. Jan. 27, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 25, 1929, son of the late Guy and Katie Kirk Payne, he graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He retired as a civil engineer and track supervisor for the Frisco Railway Company in Chaffee and was a member of the First Baptist Church at Whitewater...

PUXICO - Agnes M. Hardesty, 95, formerly of Parma, died Jan. 28, 2004, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born Aug. 2, 1908, in Kentucky, daughter of the late Handerson and Jessie House Feezor, she lived in Parma from 1932 until moving to Puxico in 1991...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Sikeston for Blanche Bailey, 92, who died Jan. 26, 2004, will be her grandsons and great-grandsons: Scott Snodgrass, Marty Carlisle, David Carlisle, Eddie Carlisle, Darrick Carlisle, Keith Carlisle, Michael Berry and Zach Carlisle...

NEW ATHENS, Ill. - Floy M. Green, 90, formerly of Lilbourn, Mo., died Jan. 28, 2004, at New Athens. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

EAST PRAIRIE - Donald Ray Henry, 50, died Jan. 28, 2004, at his home. Born Nov. 10, 1953, in Wyatt, son of Irene Brashears Henry of East Prairie and the late Ulys A. "Buck" Henry, he was of the Baptist belief. A lifelong resident of Mississippi County, he worked in the tire bay for Delta Growers since November 1989...

BLOOMFIELD - J.P. Cook, 80, died Jan. 27, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born May 14, 1923, in Bloomfield, son of the late Judy Paul and Isabelle Cline Cook Sr., he was a truck driver for Valley Steel for 23 years before retiring in 1992. He was a member of the First General Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge 153 AF&AM, both of Bloomfield...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Opal Wyatt, 83, who died Jan. 26, 2004, were: Keith Wyatt, Ron Neeley, David Neeley, Dewayne Neeley, Tim Chadwell and Gary Eaton.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Carlton F. Adams, 78, who died Jan. 24, 2004, were: Gerald Rogers, Fred Dock, Mike Watson, David Martin, Jeremy Martin, Mike Leeker and John Delgado.

MORTON, Ill. - Michael R. Pryor, 58, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 8:09 a.m. Jan. 27, 2004, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Born Aug. 18, 1945, in Sikeston, son of the late Roy Francis and Stella Mae Lee Pryor, he served with the U.S. ...

DEXTER - Lvara Walker, 84, died Jan. 29, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Aug. 5, 1919, in Marble Hill, daughter of the late Thomas Clarence and Tiney Bollinger Burnett, she attended Ark of Hope Church in Dexter. On Nov. 23, 1935, at Essex, she married William Earl Walker who preceded her in death on June 13, 1987...

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at McMikle Funeral Home for Donald Ray Henry, 50, who died Jan. 28, 2004, will be: Warren Palmer, Jason Palmer, Richard Kelly, Johnny Stokes, Steve McClanahan and Alvin Pollard. Honorary pallbearers will be: Larry Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Phil Root and James Russell...

ST. LOUIS - Catherine Diane Powell Baker, 47, formerly of Lilbourn, died Jan. 28, 2004, at DePaul Health Center in St. Louis. Born Aug. 12, 1956, in Hayti, daughter of Lorene Powell Divinny of St. Louis and the late Bill Caldwell, she was a licensed practical nurse at IHS on Gravois in St. Louis...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Gordon "DeWayne" Frazier, 45, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Jan. 26, 2004, at his home. Born Aug. 18, 1958, in Kansas City, son of Martha Lavern Frazier of St. Louis and the late Charles V. Jackson, he was a graduate of Portageville High School and earned a masters degree in special education. He was a teacher in Hernando, Miss...

SIKESTON - Dennis John Crowley, 80, formerly of Evanston, Ill., died at 2:37 a.m. Jan. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 1, 1923, in Rochester, N.Y., son of the late Dennis Leo and Mary Estelle Kavanaugh Crowley, he was a U.S. ...

SIKESTON - Tommy Beeson, 63, died Jan. 30, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are pending at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home...

CANALOU - James "J.D." Basinger, 68, died Jan. 29, 2004, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Nov. 6, 1935, in Pocahontas, Ark., to the late Delbert and Ida Ellen Jackson Basinger, he attended Big Ridge General Baptist Church in Canalou and worked for Noranda Aluminum. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Jane Crisel, 60, who died Jan. 26, 2004, were: Berry Stewart Ron Tweedy, Art Norris, Sonny Newsom, Ronnie Martin and Ray Payne.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Agnes M. Hardesty, 95, who died Jan. 28, 2004, were: Mike Williams, Steve Williams, Terry Hardesty, Ike Watkins, Rick Watkins and Ivan Pulling.