Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of March 22, 2012 Wanda Katherine Adams Wanda Katherine (Bates) Adams was born on June 30, 1924 in Eldorado, Illinois to James Homer and Maggie Louella (Nelson) Bates and passed away on March 16, 2012 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 16 days. She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Trindad and husband Refugio of Rolla, Missouri and Jennifer Spade of Bally, Pennsylvania; three grand- children, James Butzler, Matthew Butzler and Beverly Figueroa; seven great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Burial will be at a later date in the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Edythe Branson Edythe Branson of Bourbon, Missouri was born at Northcote, Minnesota on August 27, 1921 to Charley and Ann Mae (Prather) Deere and passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the age of 90 years. Around the age of five, she moved with her family to Linden, Missouri near Kansas City and later graduated from high school there.  Edythe was employed as an office worker with various companies before her marriage. On April 10, 1944 she was united in marriage to Curtis Branson in Seattle, Washington.  In the late 60’s, Edythe was employed as a clerk with the Missouri Division of Family Services. Upon her retirement, she and Curtis moved to the Bourbon area. Her family meant everything to her and she saw to it that her children were properly educated before they were sent out on their own.  She loved nature and in her retirement she and Curtis traveled throughout the country. Edythe was also known for her sense of humor and was a fun person to be around and enjoyed a good joke. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Bourbon and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Ann Mae Deere; her husband, Curtis; a brother, Walter Deere and a brother-in-law, Bill Kephart. She is survived by a son, John Branson and wife Sandra of Troy, Missouri; two daughters, Joyce Hawn of Columbia, Missouri and Janet Wind and husband Stephen of St. Charles, Missouri; a sister, Rose Kephart of Green Valley, Arizona; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Norma Deere; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012 from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with the Rev. Steve Williams officiating. Interment was in Odd Fellows Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Leah Margaret Cason Leah Margaret Cason of Cuba, Missouri was born Wednesday, June 24, 1925 at Madison, Illinois to Rex an Dassie (nee Haus) Worley and passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Cuba Manor at the age of 86 years. Leah was united in marriage to Alexander S. “Zan” Cason on June 28, 1941 at Steelville, Missouri and to this union five children were born. Leah was very religious and truly walked the walk and talked the talk and was the oldest member of Amazing Grace Community Church. She was a very patient person, never got rattled or upset. She always encouraged everyone to fulfill their dreams and was the original caretaker of everyone and anyone who ever needed her help and assistance. Leah was known for her cooking, even enjoyed cooking for large gatherings and she could cook wild game extremely well but she personally never ate a bite of it. She spent hours gardening, canning, quilting and crafting. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Dassie Worley; her husband, Alexander Cason; brother-in-law,  Pete Pryor. She is survived by her children, Bob and wife Trude Cason, Jean and husband Ted Rigden, Larry and wife Paula Cason, Joe and wife Kelly Cason and Bill Cason, all of Cuba, Missouri; 15 grandchildren, Rob and wife Stephanie Cason, Becky and husband Keith Doyle, Keith and wife Karin Cason, Mike and wife Jen Cason, Tina Gianino, Tracy and husband Bryan Gibson, Craig Rigden, Chris Rigden, Scott Cason, Kelly and husband Donnie Hatton, Mark and wife Vicki Cason, Jonathan and wife Jordan Cason, Chelsea Cason, Kaleb Cason and Eli Cason; 16 great grandchildren, Leah Cason, Dustin Doyle, Kacey Doyle, Ava Cason, Jack Cason, Chase Cason, Taylor Gibson, Melanie Rigden, Caitlin Rigden, Haley Cason, Jessica Cason, Emily Allen, Alex Hatton, Amanda Hatton, Tyler Cason, Olivia Cason and one more on the way; sister, Dottie Pryor of Overland, Missouri; sister-in-law, Edna Cason of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and many friends. Visitation was held Friday, March 16, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Mizell Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Mace officiating. Special music will be provided by pianist Darlene Cape and soloists Mike and Shelly Robinson. Pallbearers were Leah’s grandsons. Interment and prayers followed at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Mary Annabelle Conaway Mary Annabelle Conaway of House Springs, Missouri was born March 22, 1925 in Dillard, Missouri to Newton Wesley and Ida Angeline (Baker) Setzer and passed away Friday, March 16, 2012 in St. Clair, Missouri at the age of 86 years. On December 15, 1951 she was united in marriage to Ines Conaway. In her younger years, Mary made several quilts, enjoyed watching the Nascar races and playing the organ and singing. She owned her own beauty shop in South St. Louis for over 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Newton and Ida Setzer; her husband, Ines Conaway, in 2003; four brothers, Dellion, Ray, Floyd and Howard Setzer; and four sisters Martha, Margaret, Mildred and Mandy. She is survived by her son, James Askins and wife Patricia of Dittmer, Missouri; daughter, Judy Annaray Ellsworth and husband Dean of Troy, Missouri; six grandchildren, Rodney D. Ellsworth and wife Karen of St. Charles, Missouri, Machelle Kay Wooster and husband David of Hartford, Connecticut, Theresa Faye DeWitt and husband Ronald and Jeffrey James Askins and wife Andrea, all of House Springs, Missouri, Vincent Wesley Askins and wife Christine of High Ridge, Missouri, Rebecca Renee Bailey and husband Bryan of Grubville, Missouri; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Britton- Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. The eulogy was shared by a granddaughter, Theresa DeWitt. Committal prayer and interment were in the Freeman Cemetery. Casket bearers were Rodney Ellsworth, Jeffrey Askins, Vincent Askins, Bryan Bailey, Ron DeWitt and Eric Ellsworth. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Ellsworth “Red” Crow Ellsworth “Red” Crow of Steelville, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri was born September 21, 1933 at Tenino, Washington to Ernest C. and Lela (nee Hansbrough) Crow and passed away Friday, March 16, 2012 at his home at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 26 days. Red proudly served in the United States Navy from December 19, 1951 until November 29, 1955. He was the owner/operator of Crow’s Electric in Warrenton, Missouri for many years before retiring. Red enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling, gardening and working in his shop. He was a Mason and had been a journeyman lineman in his younger years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lela Crow; his wife, Lillian Crow and one sister, Jenny. He is survived by his children, Paul and wife Julie Crow of Cuba, Missouri, Linda and husband Mike McAdams of Kansas City, Missouri and Lela Baird of Warrenton, Missouri; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. A memorial service in memory and honor of Red with full military honors will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Marie Roena Britton Darst Marie Roena Britton Darst of Jacksonville, Texas was born December 13, 1919 in Huzzah, Missouri to Rev. John L. and Allie M. Britton and passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Tyler Texas at the age of 92 years, 2 months and 15 days. She was united in marriage to Rev. Harry Walter Darst on May 21, 1938 at Shoal Creek, Missouri and to this union a daughter was born. Marie was a dedicated Christian and a faithful pastor’s wife. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Texas and the Lydia Sunday School class. She served as corresponding secretary of the Womens Auxiliary of America for over 30 years, very active in GMA’s, authored three books and wrote for the WMA and youth department in Golden Words. She was honored as Who’s Who of American Women, Women of Achievement, Women of the Midwest and Who’s Who of Women of the World. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Allie Britton; husband, Harry; son-in-law, Alfred Darst; one brother, Alfred J. Britton; one sister, Beulah Akers; brothers-in-law, Clarence, William, Albert, Raymond and Orville Darst, Charles Akers and E.F. Gibson; sisters-in-law, Ida, Carrie and Mabel. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn R. Darst of Whitehouse, Texas; grandchildren, Dwayne and Terri Orr of Jacksonville, Texas and Angela Orr of Lake Jackson, Texas, Katrina and Mike Morrow of Quitman, Texas, Danny and Nancy Orr of Jacksonville, Texas; great grandchildren, Staci, Brandon, Heather, Amy, Melissa, Micah, Macawley, Makinna and Rebecca; great great granddaughter, Lilly Rose; sister-in-law, Edith Darst of Jacksonville, Texas; brothers, John T. Britton and wife Ava, Donald Britton and wife Madeline of Cuba, Missouri; sisters, Dolorece Gibson of Pacific, Missouri, Opal and husband Joe Wilkerson of Potosi, Missouri, Erma and husband Dr. Darrell “Jack” Holley of O’Fallon, Missouri; caregivers, Patsy Grimes and Laverne Pope of Jacksonville, Texas; special friends, June Musick and Wilma Jean Asher of Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Texas. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Texas with Dr. Larry Silvey and Rev. Vernon Lee officiating. Eulogy was given by grandson, Dwayne Orr. Musical sections were the prelude, “Ring Those Golden Bells” by pianist Gerald Orr. The congregation sang “Amazing Grace” and the family sang “Beulah Land” with Gerald Orr accompanist. Burial was in the Resthaven Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Texas. Pallbearers were Dwayne Orr, Darrell Orr, Danny Orr, Brandon Orr, Micah Morrow and Macawley Morrow. Arrangements under the direction of the Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Texas. Roosevelt D. Franklin Roosevelt D. Franklin of Highland Park, Illinois, was born on December 10, 1935 in Otisco, Indiana and passed away on March, 14, 2012 in Maywood Illinois at the age of 76 years. He was a retired cement truck driver and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his father, Buford Franklin; mother, Doris Franklin (nee Kennard) and sister, Christina Franklin He is survived by his wife, Bonnie M. Franklin (nee Wallen) of Highland Park, Illinois; brothers, George Franklin and Buford Franklin, both of Indiana; brothers-in-law, George (Roberta) Wallen of Hillsboro, Lindell (Vivian) Wallen of Steelville, Missouri, Alves (Connie) Wallen of Meta, Missouri; sister-in-law, Beatrice Young of Farmington, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday, March 23, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at the Robert D. Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Missouri. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the Robert D. Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at the Peaceful Meadows Cemetery in Hillsboro, Missouri. Velma P. Harlan Velma P. Harlan of Rolla, Missouri was born August 14, 1925 in Las Animas, Colorado to Charley and Fannie (Tatro) Lowman and passed away March 9, 2012 at the age of 86 years. Velma lived in Rolla, Missouri for over 50 years.  She loved country music, playing bingo and doing puzzles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Fannie Lowman; son, Henry (Butch) Harlan; two daughters, Pat and Vickie Harlan; and a brother. She is survived by her sons, Charles (Buzz) Harlan and wife Jewell of St. James, Missouri, Bob Harlan and wife Susan of Cottleville, Missouri, Arthur Harlan of Rolla, Missouri and Jimmy Harlan of Rolla, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Monday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Services were held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 1 p.m. at James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Interment at the Hooker Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla, Missouri. Anthony H. “Tony” Kaufhold Anthony H. “Tony” Kaufhold, Jr. of Cuba, Missouri was born to Anthony H. and Pearl (Coon) Kaufhold on August 6, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012 at Cuba Manor at the age of 92 years. Tony was united in marriage to Jean M. McKaye on September 17, 1943 in Australia. Tony honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He spent his whole life farming and from the time he was old enough he has worked on tractors and chainsaws. By trial and error he could tear them apart and put it back together. He always said “I don’t have to buy it if I can fix it”. Tony enjoyed cutting firewood, was a true fence repairer and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He would tell amazing stories about WWII and Australia and he enjoyed family get gatherings at the farm for the weekend where there was always lots of cooking. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony H. and Pearl (Coon) Kaufhold; three brothers, Fred, Norman and Jim Kaufhold; three sisters, Pearl Matte, Marie Kincade and Mildred Bogue. He is survived by his wife, Jean Kaufhold of Cuba, Missouri; two brothers, Warren Kaufhold of St. Charles, Missouri and Bill Kaufhold of O’Fallon, Missouri; nephews and nieces, James and wife Barbara Kaufhold of Cuba, Missouri, David and wife Sherry Bogue of Del Rio, Texas, Barbara and husband Denver Britton of Rolla, Missouri, Cathy and husband Charles Schroyer of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 5 p.m. until time of funeral service 7 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Mace. Cremation followed the service, with Inurnment at Kinder Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Edna H. McMillion Edna H. McMillion of St. James, Missouri was born in Sweet Gum, Georgia to Alonzo and Mamie Bell (Owenby) Hunter and passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Missouri Veterans Home at the age of 89 years. Edna proudly served her country in The United States Army during WWII from 1943-1945. After she returned from service Edna went back to school and became a nurse. She was a very independent woman whose hobbies included reading, gardening, fishing and learning anything new. She is survived by her children, Alva McMillion and wife Arlene of Bradenton, Florida, Brenda Wrye and husband Don of Falling Waters, West Virginia, Dinese Parker and husband Casey of St. Peters, Missouri, Deborah Wright and husband Delwyn of Gaston South Carolina, Milford McMillion and wife Delilah of Gaston, South Carolina, Mike McMillion and wife Teri of Dover Delaware; 22 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Friday, March 16, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Chapel. Funeral service was Friday, March 16, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Chapel in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary. Dale F. Norris Dale F. Norris of St. James, Missouri was born February 18, 1950 in St. James, Missouri to Clarence and Dorothy (Shuey) Norris and passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012 in Rolla, Missouri at the age of 62 years. Dale proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1970 where he served two tours in Vietnam. After returning home he worked for Brown Shoe and later Amax Lead. He was united in marriage to Susan Hildebrand on May 21, 1983 and together they shared five children. Dale enjoyed woodworking, loved the music from the 80’s, cooking, quilting and fishing. He always looked forward to a big garden and was always ready to share the bountiful harvest with family and friends. Coming from a family of 13 children, Dale always loved family time. Family was so important to Dale and he was especially proud of his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Norris; brothers, David and Wayne Norris; sister, June Edmonds. He is survived by his wife, Susan of the home; mother, Dorothy Norris of St. James, Missouri; children, Malena Bradshaw and husband Larry of Rolla, Missouri, Mistie Nelson of St. James, Missouri, Shannon Stenhoff and husband Dennis of Salem, Missouri, Jared Norris and wife Elizabeth of St. James, Missouri, Avery Norris of St. James, Missouri; brothers, Donald Norris and wife Nancy of St. James, Missouri, Marvin Norris and wife Mary of St. James, Missouri, Warren Norris and wife Patty of Licking, Missouri; sisters, Barbara Underwood and husband Leland of St. James, Missouri, Janet Colvin and husband Lenny of St. James, Missouri, Brenda McGranahan and husband Jim of Kentucky, Linda Carlton of Rolla, Missouri, Debbie Loughridge and husband Steve of Rolla, Missouri, Karen Carter and husband Bill of Licking, Missouri; grandchildren, Richard Bradshaw, Shelby Bradshaw, Kyria Nelson, Kory Nelson,Kylie Stenhoff, Brooklyn Stenhoff and Bodie Stenhoff other relatives and friends. Visitation was on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at the James & Gahr Mortuary of St. James. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Terrill Story officiating. Interment was in the Asher Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Ruth (Cowan) O’Neal Ruth (Cowan) O’Neal of The Terrace, Columbia, Missouri was born in St. James, Missouri on April 27, 1922 to Doss and Carrie Saladin and passed away March 17, 2012 at the age of 89 years. She married Wilbur Cowan on March 28, 1939 and a daughter, was born. In 1943, Ruth and her husband moved to St. Albans, Missouri, for 10 years and then moved to Columbia, Missouri. They lived on the J.C. Penny University Dairy Farm, west of Columbia. They were members of the Church of God for many years. She loved her Lord. She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. On January 20, 1959, a son was born. Her husband, Wilbur, preceded her in death on November 24, 1974. Ruth earned her GED in April, 1974. She worked at Brady Commons from 1977 to 1984. She loved meeting the students. She enjoyed visiting the Senior Center and playing cards. On December 1, 1985, Ruth married Wes Harvey. He died on September 5, 1987. On May 18, 1988, she married Joseph O’Neal. He died on July 20, 1988. She moved to The Terrace in 2005 and loved living there. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Aufranc of Columbia, Missouri; son, Rick Cowan (Bo) of Hallsville, Missouri; granddaughter, Karla Aufranc (Kevin Runnels) of Chandler, Arizona; sister, June Huster (Fritz) of St. James, Missouri; brother, Jerry Saladin (Ruth) of Arlington, Texas; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Wilbur; four brothers, Charles, Robert, Doss Lee, and Clyde; one sister, Dorothy Cochran (Tom). A celebration of life will be at Memorial Funeral Home, Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. until noon. Private memorial service at 3:30 p.m. will be at High Gate Cemetery near St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri Robert N. “Bob” Sexton IV Robert N. “Bob” Sexton IV of Cuba, Missouri was born September 28, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri to Robert N. and Leona B. (Rolf) Sexton and passed away Friday, March 9, 2012 in Cuba, Missouri at the age of 64 years. Bob honorably served his country in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. He worked a number of years as a Stone Mason, until becoming disabled. He enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, guns and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert N. Sexton, III and Leona B. (Rolf) Sexton. He is survived by his wife, Sheri Ann Hill-Sexton of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Steve and wife Vickie Sexton of Steelville, Missouri; three step-daughters, Amber Taylor, Angie Weddle and Anna Davis; two step-sons, Joe Brown and Justin Ray; niece and nephews, Angela, Drayton Lyle and Lucas Alan; other relatives and friends. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be announced at a later date and inurnment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Eugene A. “Gene” Wagner Eugene A. “Gene” Wagner of St. James, Missouri was born in Lonedell, Missouri on November 2, 1935 to Earnest and Nora Belle (Evins) Wagner and passed away March 14, 2012 at the age of 76 years. Gene was united in marriage to Geraldine Parks on August 29, 1953 and to this union five daughters were born. He enjoyed playing cards, attending auctions, and old tractors; the greatest joy in his life came from his daughters and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Earnest and Nora Wagner; his wife Geraldine on July 5, 2001; brother, Leroy Wagner; sister, Sharon Wagner; sons-in-law, Kenneth Butts and Robert Stamm; brothers-in-law, Gayle Reed and James Dickinson. He is survived by his wife, Delores; daughters, Vicky Edwards and husband Bill of Jefferson City, Missouri, Jeanne Wagner of St. James, Missouri, Kim Wagner and friend Dale of St. James, Missouri, Catherine Stamm of St. James, Missouri, Paula Bouse and husband Mike of St. James, Missouri; brothers, Melvin Wagner and wife Kay of Lonedell, Missouri, Walter Wagner and wife Earline of Lonedell, Missouri, Forrest Wagner and wife Sandy of Cabot, Arkansas; sisters, Helen Reed of Lonedell, Missouri, Shirley Dickinson of Lonedell, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services were Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 3 p.m. with Chauncey Clay officiating. Interment was in the St. James Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary. 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