Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of February 20, 2008



Robert Donald Brunts

Robert “Bob” Donald Brunts of Cuba, Missouri, was born September 12, 1937 at
St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Henry and Helen (nee Krapft) Brunts and
passed away Sunday, February 17, 2008 at St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 70
years, 5 months and 5 days.
Bob was united in marriage to Ruth Walsh in St. Louis, Missouri.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked for 40
years as a Grocery Manager for Schnucks in the St. Louis area and he built
houses in the St. Louis area and the Cuba area for the last 10 years.
In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball for Our Lady of Lourdes
Men’s Club. He enjoyed taking his B-Troop (family) camping and on vacation.
He enjoyed all sports, especially when his children and grandchildren were
playing. He liked a good Western or War movie, Walker Texas Ranger and Benny
Hill.
He was known as the “King of Surprise” to his family and the “Potato King” at
school. He helped with the Special Olympics and the Crawford County Relay for
Life program.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jimmy Brunts; one grandson,
Joey; one brother, Richard Brunts; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Dolly Brunts.
He is survived by his wife of the home; two daughters, Kathy and husband Rick
Mitchell of Vancleave, Mississippi and Sandi and husband Ron Thomas of Moreland,
Kentucky; four sons, Mike and wife Janet Brunts of Green Cove Springs, Florida,
Greg and wife Linda Brunts of Florissant, Missouri, Bobby and Shawn Brunts of
Cuba, Missouri; two brothers, Eugene and wife Donna Brunts of Creve Couer,
Missouri and Len Brunts of Sullivan, Missouri; 14 grandchildren, Kimmy, Drew,
Kelly, Katie, Josh, Angie, Taylor, Lucas, Kevin, Sammy, Cody, Jessica, Kyle
and Ashley; five great grandchildren, Chad, Trenton, Mitchell, Sara and Austin;
other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. at Britton Funeral
Home of Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral Service was at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Britton
Funeral Home with Brother James Self officiating. Special music was, “Amazing
Grace,” “When I Get to Where I’m Going” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
Interment followed at Bourbon Cemetery with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri.


James E. Davis

James E. Davis of Cuba, Missouri was born on Tuesday, September 11, 1923 in
Hollywood, Missouri to Samuel H. Davis and Ethel Baker Davis. He passed away
on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 3 days.
James married Bonnie Simmons on January 29, 1945 and to this union three
children were born. James was a resident of Cuba, Missouri since 1969 after
retiring from the U.S. Army Airborne as a paratrooper where he served in three
wars: WWII, Korean and Viet Nam. His military action in WWII was with the 509th
parachute battalion that was the most decorated and the only battalion to be
declared entirely killed in action. During the Korean War, he was a member of
the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. He was a part of the advanced party
of the 101st Airborne Division to Viet Nam and also served with Headquarters
5th Special Forces Group.
He was a life member of the American Legion of Hornersville, Missouri. A
previous officer of Cuba City Police, and a deputy of Crawford County Sheriff’s
Department.
On April 22, 2002 James married Darlene Mathews in Cuba, Missouri. His hobbies
were hunting, fishing, traveling and playing bluegrass music. He wintered at
Oakdale RV Park in Glen Rose, Texas. He was a member of the Cuba Church of
Christ and most enjoyed his daily Bible study.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; two brothers, Robert
and Dewey Odel Davis; brothers-in-law, Dwight Farmer and Gene McClure; and
one stepdaughter, Linda Eagleson.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene of the home; daughter, Constance Davis of
Irmo, South Carolina; sons, Vance (Gina) Davis of Lakeworth, Florida, and Kevin
Davis of Cuba, Missouri; brother, Don (Sue) Davis of House Springs, Missouri;
sisters, Gladys Farmer of St. Louis, Missouri, Maxine McClure of Fredericktown,
Missouri, and Thelma (Bob) Jademan of St. Louis, Missouri; five grandchildren;
nine great grandchildren; two stepsons, Roger and Wes Mathews and families of
Kirksville, Missouri; three brothers-in-law; six step grandchildren; six step
great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held at Cuba Church of Christ on Friday,
February 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. Private burial at Jefferson Barracks National
Cemetery.
All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.


George John Forbes

George John Forbes, better known to his friends and family as Tom Forbes,
passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the age of 68 years.
Tom held a business degree from the University of Missouri and was a former
Captain in the USMC, where he spent eight years serving his country. During
that time, he was the Company A, First Anti-Tank Battalion Commander in
Vietnam and achieved many military awards and decorations including a Navy
Commendation medal with Valor device, a Vietnam Cross of Galantry, a
Presidential Unit citation, a Combat Action ribbon, a Pistol Sharpshooter
badge, a Rifle Sharpshooter badge, and a Vietnam Campaign medal. He worked
in management for Travel Centers of America and BP for 30 years after leaving
the military.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Forbes; four children, Cheryl
Lynn Forbes, Thomas Gregory Forbes and daughter-in-law, Brandi Trinka Forbes,
Timothy John Forbes and daughter-in-law Ann Gaillard Forbes, David Michael
Forbes and  daughter-in-law, Courtney Dismukes Forbes; grandchildren, Grace
Ann Forbes, Marie Kathleen Forbes, and Georgia Corinne Forbes and his brother,
Joseph Forbes, Sergeant Major Retired, USMC.


Adrian F. Moutray

Adrain F. Moutray of Steelville, Missouri was born on Friday, December 10, 1920
in Steelville, Missouri to Sylvester H. Moutray and Parthena M. Luck. He passed
away at Cuba Manor on Friday, February 15, 2008 at the age of 87 years, 2 months
and 5 days.
He served honorably in the United States Army. He retired from the Combustion
Engineering Company with 30 years of service and was a member of the Boiler
Makers Union. He was initiated into Lebanon Lodge #77 AF & AM and achieved the
33rd degree. His hobbies were feeding and watching birds, hunting and fishing.
He loved his dogs.
He married Mildred L. James on December 28, 1963 in Florissant, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gladine Moutray, Ruth P.
(Avery) Birge; brothers, Raymond Moutray, Harold “Sandy” Moutray, Everett
(Elsie) Moutray and Fennel (Margaret) Moutray, Floyd (Marvel) Moutray, Doyle
Moutray; step son, Gary O’Dell; brothers-in-law, Bill Gilmore, Bill West,
Everett James, Richard James and George James; sister-in-law, Julia (Delmar)
McKinnon.
He is survived by his wife; sisters, Clara Gilmore of St. Louis, Missouri and
Madeline West of Leasburg, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Aileen Moutray, Edna
Moutray, Mabel Moutray, all of Steelville, Missouri, Peggy Moutray of St. James,
Missouri, Margaret James and Emma James of Steelville, Missouri.
Visitation was Sunday, February 17, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral
Home, Steelville, Missouri with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.
Funeral service was Monday, February 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral
Home, Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Delmar Hutson officiating.
Musical selections “The Sweet By and By” and “When We All Get To Heaven” were
sung by Brother Mike Cooper and accompanied by Karen West.
Burial at the Liberty Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Pallbearers were Keith
Gilmore, Dennis Moutray, Gary West, Ernie Cook, J.T. Ransom and Blaine Parrett.
All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.


Margie Pisciotta

Margie Pisciotta was born November 4, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri to Walter
and Margaret (Schmidt) Skiles. She passed away February 16, 2008 at the Phelps
County Regional Medical Center following a short illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Eugene
Pisciotta and two brothers.
She is survived by three daughters, Margene Betts and husband Steve of Rolla,
Missouri, Clara Roark and husband Ralph of Rolla, Missouri and Leslie Flegel
and husband Jay of Cuba, Missouri; sister, Eileen Harman of St. Louis,
Missouri; nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; other relatives and
friends.
Visitation was Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at James and Gahr
Mortuary, St. James, Missouri.
Funeral service Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the St. James Chapel of the
James & Gahr Mortuary with Reverend Dennis Hustead officiating.
Interment in the St. James Cemetery, St. James, Missouri.


Maurice Eugene Simpson

Maurice Eugene Simpson of Cherryville, Missouri was born February 8, 1935
to William Leonard and Ella Mable (Adams) Simpson and he passed away Thursday,
February 14, 2008 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the
age of 73 years.
On August 25, 2003, he was united in marriage to Sandra Simpson.
Maurice retired from Ramsey Inc. in Ballwin, Missouri after 35 years of
service. Maurice was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cuba and
attended the Cherryville Baptist Church in Cherryville. He was a past member
of the Crawford County Fox and Wolf Hunters Association. Maurice, his wife
and friends played in a small band for benefits. He enjoyed playing country
and gospel music on his guitar and mandolin. Also, in his spare time he
enjoyed oil painting.
He is survived by his wife; one son, Matthew Simpson of Steelville, Missouri;
three daughters, LeAnn Munz and husband Marty of St. James, Missouri, Angela
Simpson of Steelville, Missouri and Tommie Ault and husband Chris of Cameron,
Ohio; his mother, Ella Mable Simpson of Steelville, Missouri; two sisters,
Jeanette Summers and husband Charles of Ironton, Missouri and Sue Horne and
husband Ken of Reed Springs, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brandy Gordon and
Jared Gordon of St. James, Missouri; seven step children, several step
grandchildren and step great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Harry White
officiating. Special music of “The Old Rugged Cross,” “How Great Thou Art”
and “Amazing Grace” were played. The eulogy and poem “Should You Go First”
were read by Rev. Harry White.
Casketbearers were Darren Dake, Marty Munz, Ronald Dickens, Verle Hargiss,
David Summers and Charlie Summers. Honorary casketbearers were Isaac Ransom
and Nathen Ransom.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba,
Missouri.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home
in Steelville, Missouri.


Kenneth Eugene Williams

Kenneth Eugene Williams of Cherryville, Missouri was born November 30, 1925
in St. Louis, Missouri to Walter and Leatha (Martin) Williams and he passed
away Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at his home at the age of 82 years.
On May 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to Emma (Callahan).
He retired in 1984 from Carter Carburetor in St. Louis after 28 years and was
a member of the local autoworkers union. He attended the Assembly of God Church
and the Church of God in Cherryville whenever his health permitted. He enjoyed
the outdoors where he could fish, feed the fish in his lake, cut firewood for
his family and mow his grass. When he was younger, he enjoyed gigging and
playing ball. He also enjoyed playing gospel and country music on his guitar.
However, his family was the most important part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clyde Williams and wife
Mayrose; three sisters, Blanche Long and husband Paul, Faye Abney and husband
Ralph and Francis Hawkins; brothers-in-law, Gene and Junior Callahan and Frank
Hunter; sisters-in-law, Joan Callahan, Lillie Mae Hernandez, Loretta Spearman
and husband James and Nella Callahan.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jeff Williams of Cherryville, Missouri
and Dale Williams and wife Karol of Evansville, Indiana; one granddaughter,
Kaitlyn Garrison-Williams of Steelville, Missouri; brothers-in-law Clarence
Callahan of Cherryville, Missouri, Ray Callahan and wife Barbara of Steelville,
Missouri and Robert Callahan and wife Rosemary of Davisville, Missouri; sisters-
in-law Ima Hunter of Kirkwood, Missouri and Rosetta Hubert and husband Johnny of
Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with the Rev. Rodney
Martin officiating. The obituary was read by Rev. Gene Whittaker. Special
music of “Amazing Grace” was sung by daughter in-law Karol Williams and
“Wings of a Dove” and “I’ll Fly Away” were sung by Carol Coleman accompanied
on piano by Shirley Brown.
Casketbearers were Brad Callahan, Dennis Callahan, Bud Hubert, Randy Hubert,
Brian Williams, Jason Williams and Ronnie Williams. Committal prayer and burial
were in the Martin Cemetery at Cherryville, Missouri.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of
Steelville, Missouri.



Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the 
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
<http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/>

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