Elmer Matthews

SIKESTON - Elmer Joyce Matthews, 86, died at 3:45 a.m. Sept. 23, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

Born Feb. 21, 1917, in Sikeston, son of the late Thomas A. and Clara Joyce Matthews, he was a lifelong resident of Sikeston and retired as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a master sergeant with the U.S. Army and a veteran of World War II. A former member of the Civil Air Patrol, he was a 32nd degree Mason and a 50-year member of Sikeston Masonic Lodge 310 AF&AM.

On Aug. 29, 1942, in Springfield, he married Annie Mae Gant who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: one son, Stephen Matthews of Sikeston; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Zenon Maciekowicz of Plano, Texas, and Debbie and Glen Hogenmiller of Festus; and five grandchildren, Stuart Matthews, who is serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq, Stephanie Matthews of Sikeston and Laura Hogenmiller, Jennifer Hogenmiller and Michelle Hogenmiller of Festus.

One brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, where the Sikeston Masonic Lodge will conduct rites at 7:30 p.m.

Services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Friday at Shady Acres Church of Christ with Pat Hogan, minister, officiating.

The Missouri Honors Program will conduct full military graveside rites at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter 9374 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132-3214

or

the American Heart Association 4643 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108