J.L. "Spec" DeLine

CHARLESTON - Joseph Loren "Spec" DeLine, 96, died Aug. 19, 2003, at his home.

Born Feb. 24, 1907, in Charleston, son of the late Charles L. and Lilly Millard DeLine, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston, where he served as assistant Sunday school secretary for many years and had been bestowed the honor of deacon emeritus. In 1935, he opened the DeLine Gun Shop in Charleston, which he maintained until retiring in 1979.

On Nov. 28, 1941, he married Helen Margaret Cook, who preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1994.

Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Tom Graham of Charleston and Judith and David Hahs of Sikeston; and four grandsons, Clinton Graham of St. Louis, Charles Graham and John David Hahs of Cape Girardeau and Adam Hahs of Oxford, Miss.

Five brothers and four sisters also preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McMikle Funeral Home.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Gerald Collier, pastor, officiating.

Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery near Charleston.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

the Charleston Nutrition Center 205 W. Commercial St. Charleston, MO 63834