Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of June 2, 2005
Lillian Loretta Avery
Lillian Loretta Avery nee Forrester of Cuba, Missouri was born on
November 9, 1924 at Leadwood, Missouri to the union of James
Napoleon Forrester and Laura Crump Forrester and passed away
suddenly at her home near Cuba, Missouri on May 18, 2005 at the age
of 80 years 6 months and 9 days.
In November of 1949 Lillian was united in marriage to Perle Avery
at Springtown, Missouri. Three children were born to this union:
Kay, Linda and Dennis. Lillian and Perle had been happily married
for 55 years.
She was a member of the Cuba VFW Auxiliary.
Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are her
loving husband, Perle Avery Sr.; children Kay Andrews and husband
Clete, Dennis Avery and wife Kathy and Lila Chapman. Stepchildren
Gene Avery and wife Linda, Perle Avery Jr. and wife Carol, Linda
Collier, Claudia Dildine and husband Mike, Fern Bryant and husband
Jerry.
Seven sisters, Lucille Watson and husband Sam, Ann Smith, Joyce
Cash, Jean Adams, Wilma Forrester, Judy Pierce and husband Gordon
and Jane Sutton and husband Roger; 32 grandchildren; 23 great
grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; nieces; nephews;
other relatives and many friends.
Lillian was preceded in death by two brothers William Forrester
and James Forrester and two sisters Helen Short and Dorothy Martin.
Lillian was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great
grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt, good friend to
all who knew her and will be sadly missed.
Lillian Loretta Avery nee Forrester was in state at the Britton
Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri where funeral services were held on
Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. with Gary Mace officiating.
All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral
Home of Cuba, Missouri.
Ronald Joseph Branstetter
Ronald Joseph Branstetter was born Monday, December 23, 1946 in
St. Louis, Missouri to the late Hurley Branstetter and Mary Margaret
Griffin Branstetter and departed this life Saturday, May 21, 2005,
the results of a tractor brush hogging accident, at the age of 58
years, 4 months and 29 days.
Ron lived most of his life in St. Louis, Missouri as a mechanical
engineer and moved to Steelville, Missouri and bought the country
store at Highway 8 east and Highway BB, known then as R & K Grocery.
Ron and friend Karen ran the business until closing it in the late
1990's. He later managed the Steelville Casey's Store and left there
to work for Poly Systems in Steelville, Missouri where he was
currently employed.
Ron also lived on and was caretaker of the Lost Mountain Lane
property near Cook Station, Missouri. Ron loved sports, he coached
football, baseball, and softball youth teams for many years. He
enjoyed playing softball and bowling, as well as fishing and just
hanging out with friends on the gravel bar.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
Those who remain to mourn his passing are his children Bob
Branstetter and wife Michelle of Florissant, Missouri, Dawn Green
and husband Marty of Steelville, Missouri, Melanie Monahan and
husband Mike of Phoenix, Arizona.
Two sisters, Barb Korbesmeyer and husband Bryan of Florissant,
Missouri and Pam Branstetter of St. Louis, Missouri. Three
grandchilden, Brandon and Daniele Kniest of Steelville, Missouri and
Dylan Branstetter of Florissant, Missouri; aunts, uncles, cousins
and many friends all who will fondly remember and sadly miss Ronald
Joseph Branstetter.
Memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at
the Hutson Funeral home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Jeffery
Duncan officiating. Final disposition was at the St. Louis School of
Medicine.
All arrangements were under the care and direction of the Hutson
Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
"Eddie" Brown
James Edward Charles "Eddie" Brown of Cherryville, Missouri was
born Friday, March 19, 1937 at Cherryville, Missouri, a son of
Nellie Leatha (Tallent) Brown and the late John Edward "Ed" Brown.
He entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at the home of
his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Jim Piatt, Salem, Missouri
after a short battle with cancer at the age of 68 years, 1 month and
28 days.
In addition to his father, Eddie was preceded in death by one
infant son Harry James Brown, two sisters, Edna Brown, Mable and
husband Arlis Callahan, brothers-in-law Howard Setzer and Harold
Helms.
Those who remain to mourn his passing are his loving mother,
Nellie Brown of Steelville, Missouri; three sons, Edward Allen Brown
and wife Brenda Lea of Belleville, Illinois, William Ray Brown of
Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charles David Brown and Christie of Simms, Texas;
one daughter Cindy Marie Piatt and husband Jim of Salem, Missouri.
Stepdaughter Delmera Marie Cassin of St. Clair, Missouri; two
brothers Harry Elvin Brown of Steelville, Missouri, Harrison Allen
Brown and wife Pat of Cherryville, Missouri; four sisters Mary
Francis Mercede Martin and husband Dwight of Cherryville, Missouri,
Linda Lula Helms of Steelville, Missouri, Leatha Geraldine Setzer of
Cherryville, Missouri, Rena Jean Jackson and husband Don of Memphis,
Tennessee; nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Eddie was a loving son, father, brother, grandfather, great
grandfather, uncle and friend who always had a ready smile when he
met you.
James Edward Charles "Eddie" Brown lay in state after 3 p.m.
Thursday, May 19, 2005 at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2005 in the
Britton Chapel with Rev. Rosalie Schoen and Rev. Marvin Callahan
officiating. Musical selections "I'll Fly Away" and "Some Call It
Heaven" were provided by David Callahan.
Committal prayers and interment were in Martin Cemetery,
Cherryville, Missouri. Honoring Eddie as pallbearers were Paul
Martin, Edward Brown Jr., David Callahan, Christopher Brown, Jerry
Piatt and Bill Piatt.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Bros. Funeral
Home of Steelville, Missouri.
Cleo Alta Stringer Colyott
Cleo Alta Stringer Colyott was born Monday, September 25, 1922,
at Eminence, Missouri, a daughter of the late John Thomas Burrus and
Emma Rose Burrus (nee Walker).
She entered eternal life Saturday, May 21, 2005 at the Phelps
County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 82
years, 7 months and 26 days.
Cleo was united in marriage to Curtis James Stringer. Five
children were born to this union. After his death, she was united in
marriage to Clarence Gene Colyott. They have enjoyed more than 12
years together.
Cleo was also preceded in death by two sons, John Stringer and
James Stringer, one brother, James Burrus; one sister, Alpha Rose
Reeves and husband William and one grandson.
Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her husband Gene
Colyott of Steelville, Missouri; one son Roger Stringer and wife
Charlotte of Steelville, Missouri; two daughters, Barbara and
husband Jim Hardin of Eldon, Missouri and Pauline and husband Don
Bell of Watonga, Oklahoma.
One daughter-in-law, Barbara Stringer of Owensville, Missouri,
two stepdaughters Vickie and husband Tom Stevens, Teri and husband
David Bick, two stepsons Joseph and wife Diane Colyott, Clarence and
wife Rose Colyott, eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 12
step grandchildren, 25 step great grandchildren, brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-law, other relatives and many friends.
Cleo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother
and friend. Many will remember "Miss Cleo" the devoted family
advocate for Head Start in Crawford County. She worked in Head Start
Centers in Cherryville, Steelville, and Cuba for 31 years. She will
be missed by all who knew her.
Cleo Alta Colyott lay in state 4-8 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2005 at
the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2005 in the
Britton Chapel with Rev. Leslie "Butch" Koeber officiating. Musical
selections were provided by James Burrus.
Committal prayers and interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery,
Steelville, Missouri.
Honoring their grandmother as pallbearers were Robert Stringer,
Joseph Hardin, John Stringer, Curtis Stringer, Bill Bell and Zach
Stevens.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.
Gordon "Duke" G. Erselius
Gordon "Duke" G. Erselius 64, of Leasburg, Missouri, fortified
with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Friday, May 27, 2005.
Loving father of Adria (Sam) Hancook of Columbia, Missouri, Mark
(companion Jennifer Black) Erselius of St. Louis, Missouri and
Andrew (Sara) Erselius of Ottunwa, Iowa. Dear twin brother of Gloria
(Keith) Carstens of Ballwin, Missouri. Dear uncle of Cheryl Van Dijk
and grand uncle of Aidan Van Dija; dear brother-in-law, cousin and
friend to all.
Visitation was Tuesday, May 31, 2005 from 4-8 p.m. at Gerber
Chapel, 23 W. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri. Funeral
Mass was Wednesday at 10 a.m. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church,
Webster Groves, Missouri.
Interment was in the Resurrection Cemetery.
Kenneth Edward Hanks
Kenneth Edward Hanks was born Saturday, August 17, 1918 at
Steelville, Missouri, a son of the late Marion Rufus Hanks and
Josephine Jane Hanks (nee Burke). He was one of five children,
brother Everett, sisters Irene Ray, Carrie Ann Grandstaff and
Josephine Simpson.
He entered eternal life Monday, May 23, 2005, at the St.
Anthony's Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 86
years, 9 months and 6 days.
On June 2, 1941 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, Kenneth entered
the United States Army and received an honorable discharge November
28, 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. During his tour of duty
Kenneth was in battles in New Guinea, Luzon and South Pacific. He
was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He was entitled to
wear Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, American Theatre
Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon, Philippine
Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Bronze Arrowhead, four
Overseas Bars and Victory Ribbon.
On February 26, 1946, at Steelville, Missouri, Kenneth was united
in marriage to Velma McDaniel. Four sons and two daughters were born
to this union. They have enjoyed over 59 years together.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son,
Kenneth Bruce Hanks; one brother Everett Hanks and three sisters,
Irene Ray, Josephine Simpson and Carrie Grandstaff.
He accepted Jesus as Lord of his life in 1951, serving the Lord
faithfully unto death. He was a life long resident of Steelville
except for his time in the Army.
He worked for 30 years at Brown Shoe Company and made many
friends there.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted
wife, Velma Hanks of the home in Steelville, Missouri; three sons,
Marion Arthur "Marty" Hanks and wife Martha, Timothy Lynn "Tim"
Hanks and wife Vicky, all of Steelville, Missouri, Jerry Edward
Hanks and wife Jean of House Springs, Missouri; two daughters,
Beverly Louise Conaway and husband Richard and Linda Darlene Barton,
also of Steelville, Missouri.
He enjoyed 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. One we loved has
gone to wait for the great resurrection day.
Kenneth Edward Hanks lay in state 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 25,
2005 at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2005, in the
Britton chapel with Rev. Lynn Stroup officiating. Musical selections
were provided by Jared Gillam.
Full military honors were provided graveside by Missouri Funeral
Honors Program.
Committal prayers and interment was in Steelville Cemetery,
Steelville, Missouri. Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers were
Rodney Conaway, David Hanks, Mike Hanks, Micah Hanks, Andre Brandt
and Bryan Sencibaugh. Honorary pallbearers were Marc Hanks, Brandon
Hanks and Kevin Hanks.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.
James Daniel "Dan" Worley
James Daniel Worley was born Tuesday, February 1, 1921, at Cherry
Valley, Missouri, a son of the late Theodore Marion Worley and
Florence Elizabeth Worley (nee Kreamalmyer).
He departed this life Friday, May 20, 2005, at his apartment in
Cuba, Missouri, at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 19 days.
Dan was united in marriage to Mildred Ann Fiebelman on March 3,
1940 at Gerster, Missouri. He and Mickey had one son, James Daniel,
Jr. and one daughter, Deanna. Danny died in a car accident on
October 12, 1957, at the age of 16 and Mickey preceded him in death
on January 23, 1994.
Dan was also preceded in death by two brothers, Floy Kenneth
Worley and wife Mildred and by Albert T. "Bub" Worley; and by two
sisters, Lola Moody and Mildred Perrigue.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted
daughter Deanna and husband Sam Pickering of Columbia, Missouri, two
grandsons Daniel Pickering and wife Jennifer of Houston, Texas and
Mark Pickering and fiancé Amy Tilton and her son Coulter of Palm
Spring, California.
Special friends Eileen Cape and family of Steelville, Missouri
and Larry and Donna Howdeshell of Fenton, Missouri and
sisters-in-law Sally Graber and husband Bob and Betty Fiebelman of
Rolla, Missouri, as well as many nieces and nephews and their
families and a host of dear friends who will remember him fondly as
a country boy at heart.
He taught school at Davisville and other Crawford County Schools
starting at the age of 16. During WWII he worked in St. Louis as an
electrician and then served his country in the United States Marine
Corp from May 1944 to March 1946. Upon leaving the service he
finished his education at the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla,
earning an Electrical Engineering degree. Upon graduation he
accepted a position with IBM in St. Louis, but not wanting to leave
his beloved Crawford County and move east, Dan left IBM in the fall
of 1949 and accepted a teaching position at Cherryville High School,
later also serving as principal. His students were then and remained
always dear to him.
And then came the telephone business. He was the first general
manager of the Steelville Telephone Exchange and presided over the
conversion of the telephone system to "dial". In 1956 he formed the
South Missouri Telephone Company, which purchased and converted to
dial 30 different exchanges during the next few years.
In 1963 he sold the company and retired to play golf and fish for
10 years before going back to business by becoming a member of the
board of First Community National Bank. He served his community by
serving as a member of the R-2 School Board, the board of the
Steelville Telephone Company and Masonic Lodge in Steelville.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will
be missed by all.
James Daniel Worley lay in state 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2005,
at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral
service were held 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2005, in the Britton
Chapel with Ken Fiebelman officiating. Personal remarks were made by
Dan Pickering, Larry Howdeshell, Jr., Rick Gordon and Diana Cape.
Committal prayers and interment were in Steelville Cemetery,
Steelville, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Dan Cape, Emory
Clonts, Lindel Clonts, Darryl Earhart, Bob Graber, James Haffer,
Rick Gordon, Larry Howdeshell Jr., Charles Light, Paul Perkins and
Leroy Pinnell. Military honors were provided by Jim Cain and Ken
Brown. The flag was presented graveside by Ken Brown.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.
Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
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