Stories from Monday, August 28, 2017

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A milestone is fast approaching for the Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as it prepares to celebrate its 135th anniversary on Aug. 30. A year-long schedule of events and activities are planned that will highlight the agency's mission and the value it brings to this region...

SIKESTON - For author Stephanie Watkins penning her first book was a family affair. Her mother, Debra Baker, would watch her children when she needed to write. Her mother-in-law, Barbara Watkins, a published author, gave her encouragement, guiding her and mentoring her through the process...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. --Vester Robinson, 90, died Aug. 27, 2017, at Portageville Nursing Home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

SIKESTON -- Kathy Sue Graham, 59, a lifelong resident of the Morehouse and Sikeston areas, died Aug. 26, 2017, at her home in Sikeston. Born Sept. 5, 1957, in Sikeston, to Norma Ellis Hoskins of Morehouse and the late Loyeal Hoskins, she had been a clerk at local convenience stores including Fas Gas...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Shirley J. Griffin, 80, died Aug. 24, 2017, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 28, 1936, in Chaffee, daughter of the late Charles Vincent and Igenia Theresa Strack Griffin, she was a central service technician for 32 years at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chaffee and the Daughters of St. Ambrose...

HOUSTON, Texas -- Lonnie Joe Duncan Jr., 64, formerly of Lilbourn, Mo., died June 25, 2017, at his home in Houston. Born Aug. 21, 1952, in Sikeston, son of the late Lonnie and Dell Anderson Duncan Sr., he graduated from Lilbourn High School in 1970. ...