Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of Mar. 21, 2002 Franklyn Joe Chavedo Franklyn "Joe" Chavedo was born Thursday, February 25, 1954 in Wheeler, Texas to Charlie Joe Chavedo and Karen Christie Chavedo and departed this life Monday, March 11, 2002 at his home in Steelville, Mo. at the age of 48 years and 14 days. Joe served in the United States Army from October 10, 1976 to January 18, 1980 when he was honorably discharged. Joe married Cheryl Hodge on October 12, 1991 in Organ, New Mexico and took on the roll of father for Cheryl's children and later their children. Joe was a meteorologist in the service and worked for the government until his health failed him in 1995. He was the recipient of two liver transplants but his health continued to fail. He placed his faith in the Lord and stayed faithful until he awoke in heaven. He attended Victory Christian Center in Rolla, Mo. He loved the Lord and his family very much and was a great father and grandfather. Joe was preceded in death by his father. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his loving wife Cheryl of the home in Steelville, Mo.; his mother Karen Snook of Wheeler, Texas; his children Tyson Chavedo and wife Tonia of Moore, Oklahoma, Braden Humble, Ashley Humble, and Sheena Chavedo, all of Steelville, Mo.; his grandchildren, Tyson, Tiffany, Travis, Tawny, and Tasha Chavedo of Moore, Oklahoma. His brothers and sisters, Jimmy and Rene Ann Chavedo of Pampa, Texas, Tony Chavedo of Hooker, Oklahoma, Sharon and Billy Patterson of Moore, Oklahoma, Debbie Hanks of Hooker, Oklahoma, and Gayla and Roger Miler of Wisconsin. His brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Russell Hodge, Tim and Sandy Hodge, and Debbie and Dave Milligan, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Franklyn Joe Chavedo. Visitation was from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at Hutson Funeral Chapel in Steelville, Mo. with Bro. Billy Anderson officiating. Burial was in the Steelville Cemetery in Steelville, Mo. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the family. All arrangements are under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Dorothy Louise Drake Dorothy Louise Drake of Sullivan, Mo. passed away on Monday, March 11, 2002 at the age of 91 years. Mrs. Drake was born on August 1, 1910 at Pansy, Ohio to Frank and Hazel (Sheets) Donahue. She made her home in Pansy until her marriage to Donald McDonald. A daughter, Patricia, blessed this marriage. After the death of her husband, Dorothy later married Fred R. Drake. The family resided in Ohio until moving to Bourbon, Mo. in 1983. Dorothy was a member of the Sullivan Garden Club, the Missouri Baptist Hospital Auxiliary of Sullivan, Ohio Chapter of the D.A.R., Business and Professional Women in Wilmington, Ohio and a volunteer at Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington. Dorothy played the part of Mrs. Claus for the Chamber of Commerce parades for several years. The children really enjoyed her and she returned love to them. Dorothy was well known and loved by all in the Sullivan community and was a real "people person" who never knew a stranger. She was Baptist by faith and prayed nightly to her Lord. It was known by her family and friends that she had a good understanding with God. Surviving are one daughter; Pat Baxter and husband Gordon of Sullivan; one sister, Catherine Nicodemus of Wilmington, Ohio, three grandchildren, Mark A. Moon of Atlanta, Georgia, Matthew A. Moon and wife Patti of St. Charles, Mo., and Victoria L. Callahan and husband Christopher of St. Peters, Mo.; two step-grandchildren, Gordon Baxter IV and wife Teresa of Alton, Illinois and David Baxter of Bourbon, Mo. and three great-grandchildren, Brian and Jennifer Callahan of St. Peters, Mo., and Nicole Taylor Moon of St. Charles, Mo., one step-great-grandchild, Rachael Baxter of the state of California, other relatives and friends. Along with her parents and both husbands, Dorothy was preceded in death by a brother, Marion Donahue and a sister, Frances Taylor. Graveside services were conducted on Friday, March 15, 2002 in the New Antioch Cemetery, Antioch, Ohio., under the care of the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home of Wilmington, Ohio. Visitation for Mrs. Dorothy Drake was held from 4:30 until 9 on Wednesday, March 13, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Those who desire may make memorials to the American Cancer Society, the Diabetes Foundation or the MS Foundation. Eugene Lovan Eugene Lovan was born Sunday, September 22, 1912 in Sessar, Illinois to the late Elmer E. Lovan and Katherine Downey Lovan and passed away at his home in Kirkwood, Mo. at the age of 89 years, and five months. Eugene married Artie Hendrix December 21, 1935 in Union, Mo. and to this union three children were born. Eugene worked as an auto mechanic before retiring. He was a past member of the Eagles in St. Louis, Mo. and belonged to the machinist union local #777. He was an avid reader, enjoyed hunting, and fishing, watching motor sports, and wrestling. Eugene's hobbies included small engine repair and earlier in life he built racing go-carts, and rode motorcycles. He enjoyed CB radios and his handle was the polecat. Eugene accepted the Lord early in life and was a member of the Tower Grove Baptist Church in St. Louis, Mo. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Timothy Lovan, four sisters Mary McGeehee and husband Ruby, Elizabeth Martin and husband Sam, Helen Evans and husband Vernon "Red"; Donna Moore Souders, and husbands Robert and Fred; one brother Max Lovan and wife Pearl, and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Arthur Hendrix, Stanley Hendrix, Raymond and Roberta White. Eugene is survived by his loving wife Artie Hendrix Lovan of Kirkwood, Mo.; two sons Richard Lovan and wife Barbara of Manchester, Mo.; Laurence Lovan and wife Wanda of Webster Groves, Mo.; one daughter Jeanie Martin and husband Art of Plano, Texas; one brother Elmer Lovan and wife Judy of Jefferson City, Mo., one sister Alive Tourville of Afton, Mo.; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Jewell and Gladine Hendrix of Farmington, Mo., Lida Hendrix of St. Louis, Mo. and Ruth Hendrix of Columbia, Mo., nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends, all who will fondly remember and sadly miss Eugene Lovan. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2002 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Memorial service was Saturday, March 2, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Hutson Funeral Chapel in Steelville, Mo. Burial in the Schmidt Cemetery near Japan, Mo. at 2:30 p.m. All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Memorials may be given to the Geyer Road Baptist Church Building Fund 524 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood, Mo 63122, "In memory of Eugene Lovan". Amelia Marie "Sis" Miller Amelia Marie "Sis" Reitz Miller of Steelville, Mo. was born in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, August 10, 1915 to the late Joseph Reitz and Mathilda Groseman Reitz, and departed this life Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at the age of 86 years, 6 months and 16 days. Marie Miller married Harold B. Miller, Sr. on December 28, 1931 in Waterloo, Illinois and to this union one son, Harold, Jr. was born. Marie and Harold made their home in St. Louis, Mo. until retiring to Steelville, Mo. in 1972. She was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church. Very active in the Lady's Guild at St. Michael's before her health failed her. She enjoyed fishing, was famous for her baking, and was very fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, two brothers, Joseph F. Reitz and Richard Reitz, and one sister, Alice Lanham. Marie is survived by her loving son Harold B. Miller, Jr. and wife Patricia of St. James, Mo.; two grandchildren, Mitch Miller of Pacific, Mo. and Dawn Miller of Fenton, Mo.; four great-grandchildren. Four brothers, Edmond Reitz of St. Louis, Mo., Rudy Reitz and wife Eileen of St. Louis, Mo., Matt Reitz of Lesley, Mo., and Harold "Pete" Reitz of Lesley, Mo. Two sisters, Florence Reitz of St. Louis, Mo., and Jane Elleman of Albany, Kentucky. Sister-in-laws Lucille Hassfruther, of St. Louis, Mo., Mary Reitz of St. Louis, Mo., and Dean Reitz of St. Peters, Mo., nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends, all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Amelia Marie "Sis" Reitz Miller. Visitation was held 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2002 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. with Wake Service at 7 p.m. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Steelville, Mo. with Rev. Robert Duesdieker officiating. Burial was in the Hibler Cemetery West of Steelville, Mo. Dorothy A. Robertson Dorothy A. Robertson of Cuba, Mo. was born on December 23, 1919 at St. Louis, Mo. and passed away suddenly on March 13, 2002 at her home near Cuba, Mo. at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 20 days. On August 10, 1944 Dorothy was united in marriage to Paul W. Robertson at Owensville, Mo. They were happily married until Paul preceded her in death on November 22, 1997. Dorothy was a faithful member of the Cuba United Methodist Church of Cuba, Mo. She and Paul had retired to live in the Indian Hills Lake and they enjoyed golfing as one of their many interests. Dorothy was a loving wife and aunt, she was called "Sunshine" by her family and close friends. She will be sadly missed. Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are her niece Bonnie Collier and husband Roger; great-niece Lisa Cook and husband Tony and their son Tyler; great-nephew Robert Collier and his daughter Rebecca; our dear aunt, relative and friend. Dorothy A. Robertson nee Cobb was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mike Hannah officiating. Interment was in the Owensville City Cemetery, Owensville, Mo. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. Memorials to the Cuba United Methodist Church, Cuba, Mo. Robert Arnold Thurmond Robert Thurmond was born on November 7, 1933 to William Thurmond and Eva Gallaher Thurmond in St. Louis, Mo. He passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2002 at his home in rural Cuba, Mo. at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 7 days. He married Wanda Sue LaRose on February 18, 1956 in Illinois, and to this union five daughters were born. Bob grew up in St. Louis, Mo. He worked at Spirtas Demolition Company in St. Louis before he retired and moved to the Cuba area to build their retirement home. In his free time he enjoyed woodworking and building things. Bob also enjoyed playing the guitar as a hobby. He was still in the process of finishing their home when he became ill. In his final days, Bob was very receptive to prayer with family, and it was at one of those times of prayer that he accepted Jesus as his personal savior. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, William, Richard, and Carl Thurmond; brothers-in-law, Bob Moentmann, and Frank Disbrow; and sister-in-law, Doris Manning. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his dear wife Wanda of the home; his five daughters, Darla Dickinson and husband Bill of Jonesburg, Mo., Karen Thurmond of Overland, Mo., Marilyn Bonney and husband Scott of Ferguson, Mo., Anita Krechel and husband Dale of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Christina Thurmond of the home in Cuba, Mo.; six grandchildren, Theresa, Andrew, Heather, Christopher, Lindsay, and Amanda; one great-grandson, Matthew; one brother, Edward Boyce and wife Debbie of Manchester, Mo.; two sisters, Mildred Disbrow of Woodson Terrace, Mo. and Shirley Moentmann of High Ridge, Mo.; one brother-in-law Dennis LaRose of St. Louis, Mo.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Robert Arnold Thurmond. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 16, 2002 from 4-8 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 17, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at Hutson Funeral Chapel, Cuba, Mo., with Rev. Delmar B. Hutson officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Jonesburg, Mo. with pallbearers: Andrew Dickinson, Bill Dickinson, Bill Thurmond, Billy Thurmond, Mike Thurmond, and Edward Bryce. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in memory of Robert Thurmond. All arrangements were under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Rob Whitson Rob Whitson of Bourbon, Mo. passed away on Friday, March 8, 2002 at the age of 45 years. Rob was born on June 19, 1956 at St. Louis, Mo. to Stella McClure Whitson and the late Urban Whitson. He was raised and schooled in St. Louis and from 1975 until 1979 was employed by E. L. Brown Concrete Flatwork and Finishers. On November 17, 1986 was married to Virginia (Ginny) Rapert and to this union two daughters were born. After marriage, Rob was self employed for a time in the general construction and concrete finishing trade. Rob and his family moved to the Bourbon area just over six years ago. He was a longtime employee of the Metropolitan Sewer District where he was known as a very dedicated, honest and hard working individual. He enjoyed working with his hands, especially woodworking. He also loved his acreage and cattle, but his most important love and possession was his family. Rob was known as a person who was always striving for perfection in all he did and was willing to help anyone. Rob was a member and trustee of Concordia Lutheran Church of Bourbon, Mo. He is survived by his wife Ginny of the family home, two daughters, Becky and Sarah Whitson both of the family home; his mother, Stella Whitson of Bourbon, Mo., two sisters, Evelyn Brown and husband Roger of Pacific, Mo. and Judy Whitson of Florissant, Mo., his mother-in-law Lucille Rapert of Bourbon, other relatives and many friends. His father, Urban Whitson preceded Rob in death. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 from Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon with Pastor David Zirpel officiating. Interment was in Bourbon Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Mo. Those who desire may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or Concordia Lutheran Church in the name of Rob Whitson. --------- Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe L. Miller ====================================================================