Stories from Wednesday, October 2, 2019

(Risco, Mo.) - Over 50 cars were entered into the Sixth Annual Cotton Pickin BBQ Car Show and Cruise. For anyone cruising through Risco, last Saturday could not help be see all of the action just off Hwy. 62 at the Cotton Pickin BBQ Restaurant. The business owners Debbie and Curt Patterson have been hosting this event for six years. She pointed out there have been other community events sponsored by different community leaders throughout the years...

ST. PETERS, Mo. — Jimmy W. Clay of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at the age of 79. He was the loving husband of the late Violet Janette Clay; beloved son of the late Clarence Pete and Minnie Alice Clay; devoted father of Jimmy Wayne (Sherie) Clay, II and Carrie (the late David) Ash; cherished grandfather of Cristen (Matt) Bell and Dylan Clay; step-grandfather of Kelly Ash, and Kevin Ash; dear brother of Barb (Rich) Kraus and David Clay...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Jewell Deere Burgess, 105, died Sept. 20, 2019, at Missouri Delta Hospital in Sikeston.  Born April 18, 1914, in Lexington, Tenn., to the late Sylvester and Daisy (Todd) Deere, she received a teaching certificate from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and a BS in Education degree in 1952 from Arkansas State College. ...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Verlin F. “Coconut” Copeland, 90, died Sept. 22, 2019, in Hayti, Mo. Born Nov. 4, 1928, in Arkansas, son of the late Charles F. and Cora Mae Northcutt Copeland, he worked for EBG and ADI and was a member of the Boekerton Baptist Church...

BERTRAND, Mo. - Betty Chappell, 89, died Sept. 24, 2019, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born Aug. 22, 1930, in Blodgett, Mo., to the late Chester and Esther Caul Wagoner. She was a member of the Baptist belief and had worked as a waitress for Harvest Cafe before retiring...

This is to the person who wrote “The truth won’t change Democrats.” I’m sorry, but there is nothing you can do to change a Republican. Trump can lie, cheat, steal and then Republicans don’t even notice the tragedies that are going on because of him. He doesn’t know the truth. The truth is not in him.

O’FALLON, Mo. — John B. Stark Barney, 79, died Oct. 1, 2019, at NHC Healthcare in Town and Country. Born May 17, 1940, in Malden, son of the late John and Gladys Beer Stark and adopted by the late Anson and Amah Julian Barney, he had moved to St. Louis in 1965 and O'Fallon in 1995. He had worked for Lincoln Engineering as a group leader. He was of the Baptist belief...

Dear Editor: Here it is, the end of September; the weather is cooling down somewhat. School is back in session, and it’s time once again to focus on the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. Sixteen years ago I had the opportunity to take charge of this annual meal. I have never been sorry I said yes or more proud to do so. … I am blessed with great volunteers and the good health to make it all happen...