Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of March 2, 2005 Ben T. Copling Benjamin Thomas Copling of Lebanon, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was born in Leasburg, Missouri to Noah Alexander Copling and Rosie Ellen Warden Copling on Sunday, July 28, 1929. He passed away at St. John's Hospital, Lebanon, Missouri on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 25 days. Ben married Mary Lou Petty on December 24, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri and to this union three children were born. He was an auto mechanic for many years before retirement. His hobbies were hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Otis Copling, Vernon Copling and wife Marie; sisters Hazel Hayes, Ida Carkuff, Violet Roth, Vivian Protte, Irene "Arlie" Kuhlman; and brother-in-law Virgil Hayes. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his wife Mary Lou Copling of Lebanon, Mo.; sons Jim Copling and wife Teresa of Overland Park, Kansas and Larry Copling of Lebanon, Mo.; daughter Patricia Nord and husband Scott of Owensboro, Kentucky; sisters Bernice Hayes of Steelville, Mo., Artie Eddleman and husband Perry of Lebanon, Mo. and Rosemary Campbell and husband Mike of Cuba, Mo.; brothers Leroy Copling and wife Marilyn, and Henry Copling and wife Patsy all of Cuba, Mo.; sister-in-law Mona Hawkins of Fulton, Mo.; and granddaughter Hunter McKensie Nord; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation was Thursday, February 24, 2005, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Funeral services were Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. with Bro. Henry Copling officiating. Interment at Lick Creek Cemetery, Cuba, Mo. All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Viola Blevins Turnbough Fleschute Viola Blevins Fleschute, nee Kreamalmeyer, was born Friday, March 10, 1922, at Cherryville, Missouri, a daughter of the late Ernest and Florence (Rawlins) Kreamalmeyer. On Tuesday, February 22, 2005, Viola passed away in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 12 days. Viola was preceded in death by, her first husband, Floyd Turnbough, her second husband Wayne Flesehute, one brother Orville Kreamalmeyer and one sister Mayme Huffman. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her devoted children, three daughters, Florence Gray and husband Donald of Indianapolis, Indiana, Edith Hawkins and husband Charles of Imperial, Missouri, Yvonne Stagner of Mountain View, Missouri. Seven sons, Floyd Turnbough, Jr and wife Shelly of Homewood, Alabama, Robert Turnbough and wife Frances of Barnhart, Missouri, William Turnbough of St. Louis, Missouri, Ralph Turnbough of Barnhart, Missouri, Terry Turnbough and wife Heidi of St. Louis, Missouri, Ricky Turnbough and wife Becky of Ballwin, Missouri, and Michael Turnbough and wife Linda of Eureka, Missouri. Three brothers, Albert Kreamalmeyer and wife Nellie of Mobile, Alabama, William Kreamalmeyer and wife Yvonne of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Clarence Kreamalmeyer and wife Bernice of Imperial, Missouri. Five sisters, Dora Cason of Pratt, Kansas, Jessie Luntzer of Festus, Missouri, Garnith Turnbough and husband Bill of Pevely, Missouri, Minnie Black and husband Bill of DeSoto, Missouri, and Mary Parker of Galiton, Missouri; and one sisters-in- law Carol Kreamalmeyer. Viola Blevins Fleschute lay in state 4-8 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2005, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2005, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Ron Smith officiating. Committal prayers and interment were in Freeman Cemetery, Cherryville, Missouri. Honoring Viola as pallbearers were Michael Turnbough, Ricky Turnbough, Terry Turnbough, Ralph Turnbough, William Turnbough and Robert Turnbough. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Daniel Neil "Danny" Gruver Daniel Neil Gruver was born Monday, July 5, 1950, at Steelville, Missouri, a son of Hazel Maxine (Satterlee) Gruver and the late Fred Thomas Gruver. He entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at Steelville, Missouri, at the age of 54 years, 7 months and 22 days. In addition to his father, Danny was preceded in death by two sons, Jon William and Daniel Neil, Jr., and his father-in-law Sody Finocchiaro. Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Rosemary Gruver, of the home in Steelville, Missouri; his mother, Hazel Gruver also of Steelville; his mother-in-law, Alline (Earney) Finocchiaro of St. Louis, Missouri; one daughter, Cheryl Gruver of Cuba, Missouri. Two brothers, David Gruver and wife Clara of Steelville, Missouri, Donald Gruver of Steelville, Missouri and friend Karen McPeters of Cuba, Missouri; three sisters, Ruth Ann Cummins and husband Burl of Owensville, Missouri, Sue Cape and husband Wayne of Cuba, Missouri and Dianna Rinehart and husband Ronnie of St. James, Missouri. A foster brother, Charles Yowell and friend Donna of Salem, Missouri; step-daughter, Dawn Brown and husband Jim of O'Fallon, Missouri and step-son Richard Reichert and fiancee Kailyn of Imperial, Missouri; four step grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Daniel Neil Gruver lay in state 3-9 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2005, at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2005, in the First Assembly of God Church of Steelville, Missouri. Rev. Jesse Parrott, Rev. Jerry Beers and Father James Finder shared in the officiating duties. Musical selections were provided by the Baptist Church Quartet and Rev. Beers. Committal prayers and interment were in the Barnicle Chapel Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Trevor Cape, Sam Farrar, Tom Farrar, Jimmy Gruver, Justin Gruver and Charles Yowell. Honorary pallbearers were Wesley Yowell and Corey Hawkins. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Anna Beatrice Halfaker Anna Beatrice Halfaker (nee Farris), 94, peacefully passed from this life to be with our Lord and eternal life on February 23, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Ernest Herman Halfaker. Loving mother of Thomas (Marie), Ernest (Nedra), and Lewis (Anna Marie) Halfaker. Grandmother of Mark (Osie), Monica (Noel) Knobloch, Lori, Jeff (Cheryl), Bret (Sally) and Dale (Dorothy) Great grandmother of 13. Dear sister of Frank Farris. Sister-in-law of Georgia. Our dear aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Thomas and Rose Farris, three sisters, Catherine, Marie and Edwina and one brother, William Farris. Anna was born on April 23, 1910 in Bourbon, Mo. where she resided until moving to St. Louis in 1941. She worked at St. Louis Small Arms, Brown Shoe Co., McDonnell Douglas Corp. and raised three sons. Anna enjoyed many things including her rose garden, sewing and playing the piano. She will be missed dearly by family and loved ones. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Shephard Funeral Chapel, St. Louis. Interment Valhalla Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday, February 25, 2005. Dianna Keel Dianna Keel, nee Ryan, was born Wednesday, August 14, 1963, at Leavenworth, Kansas, a daughter of George Ryan Sr., and Nellie (nee Everett) Ryan Land. She departed this life Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in Kansas City at the age of 41 years, 6 months, and 2 days. Dianna was united in marriage to James Keel and to this union one son, James Keel Jr., and two daughters, Christina and Juanita were born. Those who survive to mourn her passing are her father, George Ryan Sr., of Kansas, mother, Nellie Land of Steelville, Missouri; herthree children, James Keel Jr., of Valley Park, Missouri, Christina Cuoco and husband Matthew of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Juanita Keel of St. Louis, Missouri. Granddaughter, Misty Dawn Black; five brothers Earnest Ryan and wife Angel of Steelville, Missouri, George Ryan Jr., and wife Kimberly of Jonesburg, Missouri, Murlyn Land Jr., "Buster" Land, Dennis Land all of Kansas. Five sisters, Paulette Land, Carol Werbe and husband Donald Sr., of Kansas City, Kansas, Sonya Land of Wichita, Kansas, Barbara Wagner of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Judy Land of St. Louis, Missouri; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends. Visitation for family and friends was at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri after 9 a.m. Monday. Memorial services were held 11 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2005, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Committal prayers and inurnment at a later date. Jimmie Lane Laney Jimmie L. Laney was born Sunday, June 17, 1923, at Cook Station, Missouri, a son of the late Ernest A. Laney and Docia Laney (Nee Mahuran). He departed this life Friday, February 18, 2005, at his home at Cook Station, at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 1 day. Jim served in the United States Army Air Corps, 1943-1945, as a Pilot and Flight Instructor for B-24 bombers, earning the rank of 2nd Lt. Not long after returning home from the military service, Jimmie began work as a salesman for Ward Baking Company in St. Louis. He worked there for many years and attained the position of General Manager of the plant. It was while working at the Ward Baking Company that he met the love of his life. On November 12, 1949, at Spanish Lake, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Lucille Katherine Menke. Two sons, Randall and Ronald, and one daughter, Norma Jean, were born to this union. Theirs was a marriage based on love and friendship, the kind most people can only dream. Though their marriage was sometimes filled with heartache and illnesses, they were always able to find comfort in each other. They enjoyed over 55 years together. Jimmie was a devoted husband and father who always had time for what was most important to him, his family. Jimmie was also a avid hunter and fisherman who loved to take float trips, hunting trips or just walk in the woods with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He raised field trial beagles and enjoyed nothing better than to sit on the porch at night and listen to them run rabbits. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Randall Kevin Laney, and two brothers, Vencent Laney and Max Laney and wife Mary, brothers-in-law, Dennis Wayne Gorman and James Menke. Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, Lucille of the home, one son, Ronald Laney, Sr. and wife Barbara, and one daughter, Norma Jean Walls and husband Charles, Jr. all of Cuba, Missouri; one sister, Norma Gorman, Quincy, Illinois; sisterin-law, Helen Laney, St. Louis, Missouri; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Virginia Menke, Jr., Cedar Edge, Colorado and Rose Mary Menke, Spanish Lake, Missouri. Also remaining are five grandchildren, Ronald Laney, Jr., Sarah Laney, Nicholas Walls, Katherine Walls and Jessica McMillian; two great grandchildren, Lessa Laney and Jay Laney; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Jimmie Lane Laney lay in state 5-8 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2005, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2005, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Alan Miles officiating. Committal prayers and interment was in Wesco Cemetery, Wesco, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Greg Alsyter, Tom Beezley, Dennis Gorman, Matt Laney, Ronald Laney, Jr., and Al Moresi. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Patricia Kay Long Patricia Kay Long was born Saturday, March 30, 1963, at St. Louis, Missouri. She departed this life Thursday, February 17, 2005, at the Salem Memorial Hospital, at the age of 41 years, 10 months and 17 days. Patricia was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Harding Long; one brother, John Charles Long and one sister Jeannette Long. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her mother, Rosemary Long; one brother, Robert Long both of Viburnum, Missouri; one sister, Beth and husband Daniel Cowick of St. Louis, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial services were held 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the Stonecrest Healthcare, Viburnum, Missouri, with Rev. Michael Knight officiating. Inurnment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Roy W. Springer Roy Springer, son of the late Claude and Ethel (Williamson) Springer, was born on December 8, 1919, in Bourbon, Missouri, and died on February 16, 2005, in St. James, Missouri at the age of 85 years, 2 months, and 8 days. Roy married his wife, Francis (Hartung), on November 21, 1941. Roy joined the Navy where he served our country in World War II. After working 45 years for the Essmueller Co. of St. Louis, Roy and Francis retired to St. James, Missouri. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in St. James, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. When he had free time, Roy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. Roy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Francis, and one brother, James Springer. Roy was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his surviving family: two children, Dale Springer of St. James and Dennis Springer of Monroe, Utah; three brothers, Clark Springer of Bourbon, Paul Springer (wife Mary) of Bourbon, and Eugene Springer (wife Anne) of Bourbon. He leaves two grandchildren, Rachel and Jennifer Springer, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Interment was on February 19 at the St. James Cemetery with full military honors at the graveside. Michael "Mike" Lindsay Voigt Michael "Mike" Lindsay Voigt of Cuba, Missouri was born February 8, 1955 at Port Hueneme, California to the union of Albert E. "Bud" Voigt and Mary Imogene Hoover Voigt and passed away on February 16, 2005 at his home in Cuba, Missouri at the age of 50 years and 9 months. Mike attended the Cuba Schools from kindergarten until his graduation from Cuba High School in 1973. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the Southwest Missouri State University in 1977. In 1978 he joined the staff at the Cuba R-2 School. Mike taught physical education, math and health and was the R-2 Athletic Director for the past 20 years. He had also been an Assistant Principal since 1996. He coached basketball in both middle school, seventh and eighth grades, high school, freshman and JV for several years. He was also the CHS Varsity baseball coach for 10 years. Mike had been honored as Athletic Director of the Year and was well known throughout the state of coaches and game officials for his professional courtesy, hospitality, cooperation, integrity and encouragement of good sportsmanship. He retired in May of this past year after 26 years of service to the district and was honored by having the new gymnasium named after him, the "Mike Voigt Gymnasium." Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his loving wife Melissa Kruse Voigt; parents Albert "Bud" and Mary Voigt; sons Christopher Voigt and fiancé Kristin Williams and Jeremiah Burch; mother and father-in-law Fred and Janet Kruse; sister Carol Rowe and husband Lee; brothers and sisters-in-law, Melanie Swope and husband KC, Ed Kruse and wife Cristy and Jacob Kruse; nieces; nephews; other relatives; students; and many friends. Mike was a devoted husband, loving father, son, son-in-law, and brother, good friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed. Memorial services for Michael "Mike" Lindsay Voigt were held on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Mike Voigt Gymnasium, Cuba, Missouri with Gary Mace and Karen Blank-Ewell officiating. Memorials to the Cuba Wildcat Athletic Department or the American Cancer Fund. All arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Winnie Brooks ====================================================================