Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of March 5, 2014 Ruby E. Backues Ruby E. Backues of Linn, Missouri, formerly of Belle, Missouri was born on August 23, 1914 in Vienna to Boley and Ella (Hutchison) Elrod and passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the age of 99 years. On May 31, 1931, in Vienna, she was united in marriage to Raymond M. Backues. Ruby was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with her family. She was well known for her self-taught sewing skills, which were richly demonstrated in the clothing and quilts she made and gave to her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Boley and Ella Elrod; her husband of over 50 years, Raymond in February 1984; eight siblings, Charly, Perry, Boley Jr., Clarence and Russell Elrod, Aimee Klebba, twin sisters Thelma Heck and Wilma Cassie; one grandson, Jerry Ray Schweer and her son-in-law, Edwin Schweer. She is survived by a daughter, Reba Schweer of Belle, Missouri; son, Billy Backues and his wife Ellen of Roach, Missouri; two sisters, Jessie Licklider and her husband Warren of St. James, Missouri and Sue Morgan and her husband Ed of Clinton, Missouri; six grand- children, Jim Schweer, Bette Jo Jackson, Jeff Schweer, Kelly Newby, Karen Keil and Kay Backues; 13 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, Missouri with Randy Carr officiating. Interment followed in the Countryside Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Owensville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle, Missouri. Rodney James Cannon Rodney James Cannon of St. Clair, Missouri was born in Homestead, Florida on February 22, 1957 to Robert Edwin and Anna Frances Cannon, nee Thomas, and passed away February 26, 2014 at the age of 57 years and 4 days. On June 12, 1994 he married Dian Lynn Eye, nee Briggs, and their families were joined as one. Rodney was a Christian and had attended the First Assembly of God Church in St. Clair, Missouri. During his working years he was employed by Daimler-Chrysler Corporation in Fenton, Missouri where he worked as a forklift driver, retiring after 13 years of service. He was also a retiree of the United Auto Workers Local 136. Rodney had a variety of interests throughout his life, including fishing and hunting. He also loved to play the guitar, sing and tell funny stories. He loved animals, especially dogs, and most especially his pitbull, Rebel. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cannon; and his wife, Dian Cannon. He is survived by his mother, Anna Cannon of Cuba, Missouri; his children, Matthew Cannon Sr. and wife Amber of Owensville, Missouri and Robert Cannon of Sullivan, Missouri; brothers, Larry Cannon and wife Tina of St. Clair, Missouri and David Cannon and wife Denise of Leasburg, Missouri; sisters, Debra Rodarte and husband William of Sacramento, California, Marsha Bell and husband Kenneth of St. Clair, Missouri, Beverly Armstrong and husband Ronald of Cuba, Missouri and Lisa Bennett and husband George of Sullivan, Missouri; two grandchildren, Matthew, Jr. and Maddie Cannon of Owensville, Missouri; his foster-child, Dalton; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, Missouri with the Rev. Jim Watson officiating. Interment was in the Anaconda Cemetery in St. Clair, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, Missouri. Jack B. Chamberlin Jack B. Chamberlin of Cuba, Missouri was born to Frederick and Della (Baker) Chamberlin on October 16, 1938 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 75 years. Jack was united in marriage to Eileen Mueller on January 5, 1962 and to this union two sons were born. Jack retired from McDonnell Douglas after 37 years of dedicated service as an Electrical Planner. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, jigsaw puzzles and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Della (Baker) Chamberlin. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eileen Chamberlin of Cuba, Missouri; two sons, Richard “Rick” and wife Angie Chamberlin of Cuba, Missouri, Steven Chamberlin of Lake of Ozarks, Missouri; six grand- children, Christopher and wife Emmy Chamberlin, Beth and husband Scott Wolfgang, Brandon Chamberlin, Jeff and Jordan Branham, Drew Chamberlin; one great granddaughter, Alayna; one brother-in-law, Lee and wife Sharon Mueller of St. Louis, Missouri; four nephews, Doug and Joseph Mueller, Craig and Curt Wedbush; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 1-4 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 4 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. As per his wishes, Jack was cremated following the funeral service. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Donald George Jackson Donald George Jackson of Ballwin, Missouri was born on Friday, April 8, 1932 in Manning, Iowa to George Thomas and Elsie Katherine Reichert Jackson and passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 19 days. Donald grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa and when he was older farmed a few years. Then joined the United States Navy where he served his country honorably during the Korean War. He married Bessie Avery at Concordia Lutheran Church, Bourbon, Missouri on July 6, 1964 and to this union two sons were born. He worked for 30 years on the paint crew for Missouri Department of Transportation. He liked his pets especially his black and white dog Sam. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and westerns on television. He would speak often of his service on the Kitty Hawk Aircraft carrier. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Jackson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kenneth (Mildred) Avery, Grace (Al) Mallow, Charles Cook, John (Beverly) Avery, and Thomas Suerig. He is survived by his wife, Bessie Jackson of Ballwin, Missouri; sons, Timothy (Tami) Jackson of Shiloh, Illinois and Michael (Polly) Jackson of Washington, Missouri; sisters, Linda (Mike) Downing of Guthrie Center, Iowa and Waldean Jackson of Iowa; sisters-in-law, Nellie Cook of Ballwin, Missouri and Adele Suerig of Robertsville, Missouri; grandchildren, Benjamin, Noah, Hannah, Erin and Sarah Jackson; other relatives and friends. Visitation on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. and funeral service on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Herman Hargett officiating. Burial at the Liberty Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Alma Lucille Jordan Alma Lucille Jordan was born July 31, 1916 in Dent County, Missouri to Samuel and Mary Louvena (Watson) Nash and passed away February 26, 2014 at Steelville, Missouri at the age of 97 years. Alma loved to work out in her yard and garden, she liked to quilt and listen to music. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mary Nash; husbands, Ivan Woodrow Ritter, Clyde Roman Wisdom and Vernon B. Jordan; brother, Hubert Nash; sisters, Mildred Luttrell, Earlene Camden and Alice Beers and an infant brother. She is survived by her children, Bonnie Matlock and husband Kenny of Union, Missouri, Bernie Ritter and wife Sue of Boss, Missouri, Brenda Stuart and friend Roger Stagner of Cuba, Missouri, Rhonda Boots and husband John of St. James, Missouri and Dennis Wisdom and wife Mary of Salem, Missouri; step-children, Shirley Martin of Piedmont, Missouri, Edward Wisdom of Ellington, Missouri, Denver Wisdom of Bunker, Missouri, Judy Lukefahr of Jackson, Missouri and Patty Wakefield of Bismarck, Missouri; brother, Samuel Nash and wife Phyllis of Pekin, Illinois; sisters, Murlene Emory and husband Harold of Salem, Missouri, Nora Bay of Washington; Bertie Morgan and husband Don of Dexter, Missouri and Imogene Griffin of Steelville, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; several great grand- children; step grandchildren; step great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held Friday, February 28, 2014 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Bro. Jerry Beers officiating. Memories were shared by Laura and Kenneth Matlock and special music was provided by Jerry Beers and Brian Matlock. Pallbearers were Destry Ritter, Chad Ritter, Danny Reynolds, Brian Matlock and Michael Ritter. Interment was in the Bunker Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary, Salem, Missouri. Phillip A. Palmer Phillip A. Palmer of Bourbon, Missouri was born on February 23, 1950 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Paul and Charlene (Darr) Palmer of Valley View, Arkansas and passed away Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the age of 63 years, after he succumbed to his injuries suffered in an automobile accident near his home on Highway WW in Sullivan, Missouri on December 20, 2013. On February 23, 1974 he was united in marriage to Deborah (Langston) Palmer. Phillip was raised in Southern California and returned to Jonesboro, Arkansas to attend Arkansas State University.   He earned both a BA and MA degree in Education at Arkansas State.   After relocating to Missouri, Mr. Palmer attended both Missouri State University, formerly known as Southwest Missouri State University, in Springfield, Missouri and the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri in pursuit of his Specialist and Doctoral Degrees in Education. He began his career first as a teacher and coach at the Westside School District in Cash, Arkansas.  Later he relocated to Missouri for his first Principal/Superintendent position in 1982 at Raymondville, Missouri. He served as Superintendent of Schools as several Missouri School Districts, most recently retiring from Crawford County R-1 School District in Bourbon, Missouri in 2001; where he and his wife Debbie have made their home for the past 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; two daughters and sons-in-law, Scot and Stephanie Cowsert of High Ridge, Missouri and Kevin and Stacy LeVart of Sullivan, Missouri; two granddaughters, Katherine and Avery Cowsert; one grandson “Baby LeVart”, soon to be born; one sister and brother-in-law, Greg and Paula Spurlock of Harrisburg, Arkansas; other relatives and friends. Phillip retired early due to renal failure and was given the gift of life from his niece, Jennifer Spurlock in 2008.  Her kidney allowed him to live life theses additional years. Visitation was held on Monday, February 24, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.   Graveside funeral services were conducted 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 in Pine Log Cemetery, Brookland, Arkansas with Pastor Mike Jarvis officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Daniel Thomas Turner Daniel Thomas Turner of Steelville, Missouri was born Monday, December 27, 1948 at Detroit, Michigan to Walton Thomas and Vera (nee Duncan) Turner and passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at Rolla, Missouri at the age of 65 years. Daniel proudly served his country in the United States Army from July 27, 1970 till July 18, 1973 and was then transferred to the United States Army Reserves until July 26, 1976. During Dan’s time in the Army he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Sharp Shooter M70, Expert M16, Expert 45 Cal Pistol and Expert Hand Grenade. Daniel was united in marriage to Betty Ryerson in 1968 and to this union four children were born. On June 3, 1999 Daniel was then united in marriage to Delores “Dee” (nee DeVydt) Grider. Dan was a member of the Evangelical Holiness Church in Cuba. He enjoyed music, playing his guitar and bass in the band and recording music. During his younger years he enjoyed cars and spent hours working on them. During the last few years when Dan’s health began to decline he spent many hours on his computer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walton Thomas and Vera Turner; and his second wife, Delores “Dee” Turner. He is survived by his four children, Gladine Turner of Cuba, Missouri, Daniel T. Turner, II of Steelville, Missouri, Preston and wife Laura Turner of Cherryville, Missouri and Rodger Turner of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, David and wife Theresa Turner of South Carolina; friend and mother of his children, Betty Ryerson of Cuba, Missouri; eight grandchildren; several great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service with full military honors was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri Kenneth “Kenny” Dwayne Wilkinson Kenneth “Kenny” Dwayne Wilkinson of Davisville, Missouri was born January 31, 1939 in Davisville, Missouri to Clarence Lavern and Mary Elsie Brown Wilkinson and passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at his home at the age of 75 years and 24 days. On July 1, 2005 he married Doris Ann Lea Green. Kenny served his country honorably from 1961 until 1963. Kenny worked several years at Brown Shoe Company and San Val in Steelville, Missouri. He attended Center Ridge Pentecostal Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and watching Duck Dynasty. He always enjoyed going to auctions especially Everbuck’s Auctions in Union, Missouri. Pa-pa was a familiar name he was called by some of his church family, Mikayla and McKenna Phipps. Aaron Coleman would call him Uncle Si and Kenny would then call him, Willie from Duck Dynasty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Wilkinson; three brothers, Clyde Wilkinson and wife Pat, Tim Wilkinson and Plas Wilkinson and wife Jean; and two brothers-in-law, Loyd Hunter and Rance Medlock. He is survived by his wife, Doris Wilkinson of Davisville, Missouri; one step-son, Bobby Green of Davisville, Missouri; two step-daughters, Carol Staislaus and husband Jerry of Leasburg, Missouri and Mary Lynn Carrick of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Leon Wilkinson of Cuba, Missouri; three sisters, Juanita Pyatt and husband Noah and Lois Medlock, all of Davisville, Missouri and Freda Hunter of St. Peters, Missouri; five step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Eugene Lea and wife Paula and Dennis Lea and wife Linda, all of Steelville, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Rilma Wilkinson of Cuba, Missouri, Barb Parker and husband Jr. and Brenda Murray and husband Tom, all of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church in Davisville, Missouri with Pastor Harrison Brown and Rev. Bob Coleman officiating. Special music of “Go Rest High”, a medley of songs and “Four Days Late” was sung by Rev. Bob Coleman, Carol Coleman and Phyllis Gibbs accompanied on piano by Shirley Brown. Prelude and postlude were played by Jamie Burrus. Committal prayer and interment along with full military honors by the U.S. Army and the Salem American Legion Walker-Roney #99 were in the Freeman Cemetery. “Amazing Grace” was sung by all. Casket bearers were Gary Pyatt, Mike Medlock, Darrell Phipps, Robert Pyatt, Tim Medlock, Everett Phipps, Mike Abbott and John Brown with honorary casket bearer, Eli Medlock. Arrangements 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. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/mo/mofiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWebArchives by: Winnie Brooks