John Dover

MELBOURNE, Fla. - John Willis Dover, 82, formerly of Sikeston, died Oct. 28, 2003, at his home.

Born Sept. 26, 1921, in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late Harry and Jessie Williams Dover, he was a retired school teacher. He graduated in 1939 from Sikeston High School and was a member of the Sikeston High School Band, student conductor, Cub Scout leader and had attained the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II, had earned the rank of master sergeant and was a Marine Corps bandmaster. A member of the Marine Corps League, he was also a member of American Legion Post 163 and St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Melbourne.

On Dec. 28, 1996, he married LaOuida Moore who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: one daughter, Lynn Dover-Tex of Toway, Calif.; two sisters, Diane Heckerman of Bradenton and Nancy Campbell of High Point, N.C.; two brothers, Jimmy Moore of Immigrant, Mont., and Bill Moore of Melbourne; and six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew.

Two brothers, Joe and Bobby Dover preceded him in death.

A memorial service was conducted Nov. 1 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.