Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of May 26, 2010



John D. Atkins

John D. Atkins Sr. of St. James, Missouri was born in Gentry, Arkansas on
January 10, 1921 to Samuel and Lydia (Whiteside) Atkins and passed away
Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Meramec Sunrise Nursing Center in Rolla,
Missouri at the age of 89 years.
John D. Atkins was united in marriage to Marjorie Parks on July 2, 1943,
and to this union one child was born.
John was an entrepreneur of sorts, long ago answering the age old question
of “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” John believed in the egg to
the chicken theory, he owned Larry’s Egg plant in St. Louis, the Gold Crown
Foods Company in Eldon, and six Kentucky Fried Chicken stores throughout
Missouri. After getting out of the chicken business John settled in the real
estate business where he stayed until his retirement.
John and Marjorie loved to travel and they had traveled to every state except
Alaska. John never heard a joke he didn’t like and would steal your joke to
tell as his own. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening;
always ready to share his bountiful gathering with friends and neighbors.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, where he was a Master Mason; he was
also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lydia Atkins; sister,
Audrey and brothers, Wayne and Dean Atkins.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie, of the home; son, John D. Atkins Jr.
and wife Georgiana of St. James, Missouri; brothers, Darrell Atkins and wife
Earlene of Madison, Mississippi, Harold Atkins and wife Viola of San Antonio,
Texas; sister, Dorothy Sliger of Ada, Oklahoma; other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 1 p.m. in the St. James Chapel
of the James and Gahr Mortuary with Steve Barber officiating.
Interment was in the St. James Cemetery.
Visitation for family and friends was Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from 5-7 p.m.
with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary, St. James,
Missouri.



Albert M. Bishop

Albert M. Bishop of Bourbon, Missouri was born December 12, 1919 to Albert 
W. and Neva I. (Isgrig) Bishop at Hancock, Iowa and passed away on Monday,
May 17, 2010 at the age of 90 years.
He spent his youth in the Bourbon- Sullivan area and his working years in
St. Louis.
Albert was united in marriage to Cecile Harmon on May 10, 1941.
He graduated from Bailey Diesel Mechanic School and received additional
training in that field when he entered the United States Navy in World 
War II. He served throughout the War in the Pacific Theater where he was in
charge of the diesel engine room of LST 961. The LST transported troops and
supplies between the Philippines an Okinawa. His country honored his war
service two years ago by flying him to Washington DC on the Honor Flight.
Albert was employed in security forces both by the Small Arms Company in
St. Louis before and after his war service and then for McDonnell Aircraft
until retirement. While at McDonnell Aircraft, he spent much of his time in
the Space Building where he meet with all of the original Mercury 7
astronauts.
Albert loved sports of all kinds and showed proficiency in baseball,
swimming, water skiing, bowling, and golf. He played in a company golf
league during his work years at McDonnell.
After retirement Albert moved to the Bourbon area where he enjoyed mini-
farming, helping others and traveling. He earned a private pilot’s license
and helped fly burn victims to Burn Hospital in Cincinnati.
Albert was also known for making split-oak baskets.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Neva Bishop; one
brother, John Bishop, one sister, June Gross and a grandson, Jeffrey
Kofahl.
He is survived by his wife, Cecile of Bourbon, Missouri; four daughters,
Judith Kofahl of Fort Meyers, Florida, Rebecca Turner and husband Mike of
Bourbon, Missouri, Beth Cerulo and husband Mike of Erie, Pennsylvania, Mary
Kay Green of St. Louis, Missouri; a sister, Kathern Hicks and husband Linward
of Potosi, Missouri; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, two great
great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010 from First United
Methodist Church in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Judy Jeffery officiating.
Interment was in Anthonies Mill Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home.



Billie H. Branstetter

Billie H. Branstetter of Sullivan, Missouri was born March 30, 1924 to James
and Ethel (Parkison) Schoonover in rural Sullivan, Missouri and passed away
on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the age of 86 years.
She was united in marriage to James Eber Harmon on November 29, 1947 and
two daughters were born to their union. Mr. Harmon passed away on
March 9, 1973.  Billie married Morris Branstetter on June 2, 1979, he
passed away February 12, 1991.
Billie was employed by the former International Shoe Company for 20 plus
years and the former Sullivan Community Hospital for 21 years. She was a
member of Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ethel Schoonover;
husbands, James Harmon and Morris Branstetter; three brothers, Henry,
Theodore, and James Schoonover and two sisters, Pearl Dace and Alma Headrich.
She is survived by two daughters, Jean Harper and husband Lonnie of Sullivan,
Missouri, Deanna Clements and husband Dennis of Pevely, Missouri; seven step
children, Wanda James, Bonnie Hoffmeister, Matilda Moreland, James, John and
Richard Branstetter and Linda Conway; one sister, Mary Ness of St. James,
Missouri; 61 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; other relatives and
friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 
the Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Scott
Perry and Pastor Richard Williams officiating.
Interment followed in Reedville Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home.


Gene Davault

Gene Davault was born January 31, 1928 in Redbird, Missouri to Rainey F. and
Iva (Gray) Davault and passed away May 18, 2010 at the St. James Golden
Living Center at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 18 days.
He attended Bland High School, was #12 on their basketball team, graduating
in 1946. The team played various high schools and always played in the
St. James Tournament, where he met the love of his life, Cordelia Hale.
They married June 7, 1947.    Gene worked for Brown Shoe Company and the
City of Owensville, Missouri before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, 1951-1954.
He was assigned to the Navy Air Command out of Whitbey Island, Washington
with a P2V Bomber Unit; spent a year in Japan patrolling Korea.
Gene graduated from Molar Barber College, Memphis, Tennessee in 1955. He
began barbering at Ft. Leonard Wood; then opened “Gene’s Barber Shop” in
Owensville. In 1970 Gene became the first barber the Veteran’s Home ever
had, retiring after 21 years there.
Locally Gene was known at the “Bike Man.” He refurbished used and broken
bicycles, making them look new again. He usually had 50-60 bicycles to donate
to Division of Social Services at Christmas to be given to needy children.
The St. James Chamber of Commerce honored Gene by presenting him the Youth
Plaque of the Year Award. He received a Crystal Plaque from Al West Chrysler
that same year for “Caring for Missouri’s Children.”
In 2005 he was the recipient of Missouri’s Recognition of Military Service 
at Fort Leonard Wood with full military honors.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, St. James, where he served as
Trustee and Usher and served wherever they lived. In earlier years he
helped clean the cabins and campgrounds for the summer youth camps, and
even transported youth to and from the camps before buses became a part of
the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rainey and Iva Davault; brother,
Arthur; sister, Helen (Davault); brothers-in-law, John Collier, Don Schebaum
and Guy Kinsey; father and mother-in-law, Everett and Zelma Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Cordelia Davault of St. James, Missouri; sons,
Eric Davault of St. James, Missouri and Kevin Davault of St. Clair, Missouri;
five grandchildren; great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Collier,
Desoto, Missouri and Peggy Schebaum, Wildwood, Missouri; a special Siamese/
Lynx cat, Pretty Girl; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. at the Jones Funeral
Home in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Jones Funeral
Home in St. James, Missouri with Jerry Baumann, Bob Knight and Harry Pryor
officiating. Vocalist was Stephen Brubaker and Jeanette Ashley at the organ.
Pallbearers were Eric and Kevin Davault, Patrick Davault, Steve Jackson,
Glinn Lovins and John L. Watkins. Honorary Pallbearers were Ken Sego, Ellis
Copeland, George Weaver, Lyman Skyles, Ivan Sieber, Bill Bisso, Ralph Marsch,
Dan Smith, A.C. Harris, John Staples, David Pierce, Jeffery Weeks and 
Bruce Collier.
Burial was in the St. James Cemetery with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in
St. James, Missouri.


Earl Eugene Dodd

Earl Eugene Dodd of Cuba, Missouri was born to William E. and Lula Mae
(Giles) Dodd on May 17, 1923 in Cuba, Missouri and passed away Tuesday,
May 18, 2010 at his home at the age of 87 years.
Earl retired in 2002 from Bussmann Manufacturing Company after over 40 years
of service as a Tool & Die Maker. He proudly served his country in U.S.
Marine Corps during WWII. He acquired his Pilots license and enjoyed flying.
In his spare time he enjoyed piddling and was an avid dog and cat lover.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lula Mae Dodd; one son,
Richard Dodd; three sisters, Goldie Thompson, Eula Cassarotto, Netta Harris;
one brother, William R. Dodd, Sr.; other relatives and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma of Cuba, Missouri; one daughter, Deborah
Dodd of St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughter, Emily Dodd of St. Louis,
Missouri;one great grandson, Nathaniel Boyd; one sister, Virginia Tyler
of Florida;other relatives and friends.
Private services were held.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri.


Mary Ellen Hollingshead

Mary Ellen Hollingshead of Sullivan, Missouri was born on August 1, 1932,
in Chillicothe, Missouri to Chester and Opal (nee Singleton) Gandy and
passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the age of 77 years.
She married Oscar Hollingshead and to this union eight children were born.
She loved children and loved to baby sit her grandchildren, great grand-
children, neighbors and many other children in Sullivan. She enjoyed
crocheting, watching soaps, listening to music and playing Bingo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Opal Gandy; her
husband, Oscar; her close friend, Robert Farrel; a brother, Chester Gandy
and a sister, Joyce Hollingshead.
She is survived by three sons, Charles Leroy Hollingshead and fianeé Pat
Potter of Washington, Missouri, Chester Hollingshead and wife Donna, Daniel
Hollingshead and wife Robin, all of Sullivan, Missouri; five daughters, Jean
Wilcoxen and husband Paul of St. Louis, Missouri, Sharon O’Leary of Kansas
City, Missouri, Diane Stark of Union, Missouri, Marcia Thacker and husband
Danny of Sullivan, Missouri and Cynthia Carter of Mountain View, Missouri;
special friend, Wendy Coplin; one sister, Charlotte Pankey of St. James,
Missouri; 24 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren; other relatives and
friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at
the Southside Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with
Pastor Leroy Bryant officiating.
Interment was in Oddfellows Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan,
Missouri.


Beverly Joan Jones

Beverly Joan Jones of Bourbon, Missouri was born May 26, 1940 at Decatur,
Illinois to John Henry and June Valeria (Peyton) Pumphrey and passed away
on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the age of 69 years as the result of an auto
accident.
Joan, as she was known by family and friends, was united in marriage to
Ola Jones on January 19, 1957 at St. James, Missouri.
Ola and Joan together started and managed Redwood Manor until their
retirement. Joan was known for her decorating ability and enjoyed helping
others with their home décor.  She never missed one of her grandchildren’s
many school and sporting events. She supported her family in whatever they
chose to do.  Joan attended Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan.
She is survived by her husband, Ola Jones of Bourbon, Missouri; three sons,
Tim Jones and wife Michelle, Tracy Jones and wife Christie, and Todd Jones
and wife Christa, all of Sullivan, Missouri; one daughter, Tammy Daniels and
husband Dennis of North Carolina; four sisters, Carol Dye and husband Walter
of Vichy, Missouri, Edie McCain and husband Blaine of Florida, Virginia
Connor and husband Karl of Washington, Missouri and Vicky Morgan of
St. Louis, Missouri; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, other
relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from
Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Scott Perry
officiating.
Internment was in Bourbon Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home.


Ruth Mae Catherine Lantree

Ruth Mae Catherine Lantree of Cuba, Missouri was born to George H. and
Emma M. (Walters) Sandefer on January 27, 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri and
passed away Sunday, May 16, 2010 at her home at the age of 90 years.
Ruth worked for many years as a Nursing Home Administrator, finishing her
career at Briarwood Nursing Home. She was a people person and enjoyed
helping take care of others. She was the heart of her family and treasured
all of the times that they shared together. In her spare time she enjoyed
cooking and was known for her homemade burritos.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Emma Mae Sandefer;
three husbands, Velmer Cox, Walter Lantree and Clyde Williams; two sisters,
Margaret Youngman and May Jane Bailie; one brother, Charles Henry Sandefer;
other relatives and friends.
She is survived by five children, Joyce Darlene Douglas of Cuba, Missouri,
Donald Cox of Fenton, Missouri, Linda Sue Graf of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Debra
Kaye and husband Stan Highley of Columbia, Missouri: adopted daughter Sandra
Highley of Cuba, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; other
relatives and friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. and Funeral
service Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri with Brother Bill Williams, officiating.
Interment followed at Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri.


Georgia L. Lavin

Georgia L. Lavin of Sullivan, Missouri was born on February 7, 1933, in
Turell, Arkansas to Joseph and Mary (nee Harmon) Barber and passed away
Friday, May 14, 2010 at the age of 77 years.
She was one of 11 children and at the age of 16, she moved to Missouri,
where she lived the rest of her life.
She was married to Joseph Lavin.
Georgia was known as always having a good attitude and loved to share it
with her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed sewing and visiting yard
sales.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Barber; husband,
Joseph in 1968; brothers, Bill, Pallard, Dellard, Jesse, Joe, Charles and
Eugene Barber; and sister Onie Mae Lacey.
She is survived by four sons, Steve Knoblock of Bourbon, Missouri, Joseph
Lavin of Cuba, Missouri, Larry Vanover and wife, Denise, Jerry Vanover and
wife, Heather, all of Sullivan, Missouri; one daughter, Sherry Amann of
Sullivan, Missouri; one brother, Charles Barber of Memphis, Tennessee; two
sisters, Bessie Alexander of Sullivan, Missouri and Peggie Stuffelbean and
husband, Vernon of St. Louis, Missouri; 23 grandchildren; a host of great
grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Eaton
Southside Chapel in Sullivan, with Pastor Scott Perry officiating.
Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home.


John J. Lovekamp

John J. Lovekamp, former resident of Steelville, Missouri and business owner
of JEMCO Towing, Inc, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2010 at St. John’s
Hospital Hospice Unit in Springfield, Illinois at the age of 81 years.
John was a businessman in Steelville and was well known and respected by its
residents over the 25 years he resided at his home, The Lazy J Ranch.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Lovekamp of their home in Jackson,
Missouri; three children, Jason T. Selzer and wife Angela of Jackson,
Missouri, Robin Mahnken and husband Scott of Springfield, Illinois and
J. David Lovekamp and wife Cleta of Springfield, Illinois; five grand-
children, Aaron T. Dufrene and wife Emily of Williamsville, New York,
Tegan B. Lovekamp of Springfield, Illinois, Tristen A. Lovekamp of Spring-
field, Illinois, Andrew John and Caroline Pearl Selzer of Jackson, Missouri;
one great grandchild, Finn Oliver Dufrene of Williamsville, New York; other
relatives and friends.
Visitation was Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. and the funeral service
was Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown,
Illinois.
Interment was in the Beardstown Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Sager Funeral Home, Beardstown,
Illinois.


Maud Lucille Merritt

Maud L. Merritt of Bourbon, Missouri was born on February 20, 1917 to Oscar
and Josie Ann (Crawford) Gensler at Booneville, Missouri and passed away on
Sunday, May 16, 2010 at the age of 93 years.
She remained in Booneville until the age of 18, relocating to Bourbon,
Missouri in 1955. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing her own clothes,
quilting and shopping. She was a Christian and attended Faith Mission
Baptist Church in Bourbon, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Josie Gensler; two sons,
Wilbert Merritt and Donald Merritt in infancy; son-in-law, Charles Miller;
one brother, William Gensler; two sisters, Maryetta Bridgeman and Edna
Bridgeman and grandson, Glenn Miller.
She is survived by one son, Ronnie Merritt and friend Sue Jost of
Steelville, Missouri; four daughters, Doris Lakaner and husband Edward of
Bourbon, Missouri, Loretta Miller of Gerald, Missouri, Helen Eoff and
husband Leroy of Bourbon, Missouri and Alice Valley and husband Louis 
of Bourbon, Missouri; one brother, Joe Gensler and wife Wilda of Potosi,
Missouri; 19 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 21 great great
grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from the
Bourbon Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home  with Brother John Beckett
officiating.
Interment was in the Bourbon Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home.


James Edward Snodgrass

James (Rattler) E. Snodgrass of Rolla, Missouri was born on May 16, 1935 to
Tony E. and Edna Nora (Branson) Snodgrass and passed away on Saturday,
May 15, 2010 at the age of 74 years.
Jim was united in marriage to Mary E. Weyand on December 30, 1961.
Jim started his working career in the 50s. He was employed by the Edwin
Long Hotel, the Pennant Hotel and for Ramsey’s Furniture Store, all located
in Rolla, Missouri. He also worked for the City of Rolla Street Department,
which inspired him to become an entrepreneur. Jim established “
Snodgrass Plumbing” and then later “Jim’s Pawn and Gun.” He enjoyed fishing,
trading and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony  and Ednda Snodgrass;
siblings, Elsie Wishon, Laura Brown, Mary Mistler, Nora Horn, Sophie
Borlish, Claudine Gilbert, Clarence Snodgrass and Otto Borlish.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Snodgrass; five children, Lindo Snodgrass
and wife Linda of Edgar Springs, Missouri, Connie Sandifer and husband Cecil
of Arnold, Missouri, Cindy Wagner and husband Robert of St. James, Missouri,
Sherry Snodgrass and special friend Scott Kutter of Rolla, Missouri, Julie
Jones and husband Bill of Rolla, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; five great
grandchildren; cousin, Don “Jigs” Taylor; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, May 18, 2010
beginning at 11 a.m. at the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. at the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla,
Missouri.
Interment followed the service at the Camp Creek Cemetery in Rolla,
Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla,
Missouri.


Flossie B. Welch

Flossie B. Welch was born March 3, 1918 in Dent County, Missouri to James
and Nora (Morrison) Barnes, and passed away in Rolla, Missouri on
May 13, 2010 at the age of 92 years, 2 months and 10 days.
On May 30, 1934 Flossie was united in marriage to Lawrence Welch and to
their union five children were born. He passed away on December 20, 1988.
They were married 54 years.
Flossie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Salem since 1952, and
she attended church as long as her health permitted.  She loved working in
her flowers and also enjoyed planting and working in her gardens. Flossie
loved to quilt, both at home and with the ladies at First Baptist Church.
Every year the Baptist Children’s Home in St. Louis held their annual
Strawberry Festival and the ladies donated around six quilts to be auctioned
off and the proceeds would go to the Children’s Home.
She was preceded in death were her parents, James and Nora Barnes; husband,
Lawrence; two infant children; three brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her children, Earl Welch and wife Roylyn, of Salem,
Missouri, Melba Seelke and husband, Donald of Salem, Missouri, Jim Welch
and wife Bernadette of St. James, Missouri; nine grandchildren; 13 
great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; other relatives and
friends.
Visitation was Monday, May 17, 2010 from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Salem
Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary, with Pastor Russ Davidson officiating.
Interment in the North Lawn Cemetery, Salem, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary.



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

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