Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of June 3, 2020 Pearl Louise Brandenburger Pearl Louise Brandenburger of Cuba, Missouri was born on Monday, April 25, 1932 in Owensville, Missouri to Benjamin W. and Clara (nee Shulte) Kahle and passed away on Tuesday May 26, 2020 at the age of 88 years. Pearl married William A. Brandenburger on April 30, 1949 in Piggott, Arkansas. Pearl was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Chapel. She loved taking care of her home, family and being Bill's helper on the farm. She enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles, auctions and collecting antiques. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Clara Kahle; husband, William A. "Bill" Brandenburger Sr.; two brothers, Marvin and Harvey Kahle; two brothers-in-law, John Henry and wife Geraldine M. "Jerri" and Jack Brandenburger; one sister-in-law, Joan and husband Richard Kespohl; and two grandsons, Cole Brandenburger and Jason Conrad. She is survived by three children, Kathy and husband Steve Conrad of Belle, Missouri, Cindy and husband Al Callahan of St. James, Missouri and William A. "Bill" Brandenburger Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Wendy and husband Phil Johnson of Austin, Texas, Alissa and husband Jay Steinbroner of Rogers, Arkansas and Grace, Ben, Beth and Anna Brandenburger, all of Phoenix, Arizona; six great grandchildren, Garek, Anders, Conrad and Everett Johnson and McKenna and Brooks Steinbroner; one sister-n-law, Diane Brandenburger of Argyle, Texas; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Jeff Snell officiating. Interment followed at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Vanessa Marie Crets Vanessa Marie Crets of St. James, Missouri was born Monday, May 2, 1955 at St. Louis, Missouri to Walter and Rose (nee Janes) Loeblein and passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the age of 65 years. Vanessa was a 1973 graduate of Jennings High School. She married Thomas Crets on November 27, 1973 at Paducah, Kentucky. Vanessa collected lighthouses, nautical items, dolls and antiques. She enjoyed working in the garden. When she did get to sit down and watch TV, it was the Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, Hallmark Chanel, Alaskan Bush People and any other reality TV. Christmas was Vanessa's favorite time of year. She spent days decorating the entire house, baking cookies and putting up a beautiful Christmas tree. Her Christmas village always looked perfect under the tree. Vanessa's favorite part of the day was early mornings with a wonderful cup of coffee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Rose Loeblein; and one brother-in-law, Michael Crets. She is survived by her husband, Tom Crets of the home; three children, Thomas and wife Angela Crets of Pinetown, North Carolina, Heather and husband Brian Franz of Steelville, Missouri and Tim and wife Mary Crets of Grayslake, Illinois; five grandchildren, Hayley Crets and Rachel Crets of Pinetown, North Carolina, Jacob Franz and Andrew Franz of Steelville, Missouri and Connor Crets of Grayslake, Illinois; one brother, Walter and wife Trish Loeblein of Colorado; two sisters, Valerie and husband Mike McGaughey of O'Fallon, Missouri and Jackie and husband John Lane of O'Fallon, Missouri; brother-in-law, Steve and wife Cynthia Crets of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Graveside service was held at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in St. James, Missouri with Father Brendan Griffey officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Joan Frances Field Joan Frances (Hughes) Field was born November 20, 1933 in St. James, Missouri passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Denver, Colorado of complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 86 years, 6 months and 3 days. Joan graduated from John F. Hodge High School. She lived in Los Alamos, NM for many years before returning to St. James, Missouri for several years and then moving to Denver, Colorado. She loved the mountains, snow, animals, music, road trips and fiercely valued her independence until the end. Joan never met a stranger, she was a talker and she was a helper. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann Hughes (Meurer); step mother, Carrie Blain; three sisters, Mary Ann Cornick, Ida Dowell and Dorothy Pallay; and three step siblings, Gertrude Hemme, Mabel "Bunny" Martorana and Sterling Moreland Jr. She is survived by her son, Scott Field of Denver, Colorado; her daughter, Renee (Field) Hall and wife Donna of Bacliff, Texas; sister, Kathleen Rinehart of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends. No services are planned. James Alvin "Jim" Gilliam Jr. James Alvin "Jim" Gilliam Jr. of Cuba, Missouri was born on June 26, 1942 in Cuba, Missouri to James and Rose Ann (Killeen) Gilliam Sr. and passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the age of 77 years. His father established Gilliam Electric and Refrigeration in 1947. James joined his father after returning home from the United States Air Force, where he served in Alaska during the Vietnam War. He continued to own and operate the family business until March 2020. Jim adored his family. Anytime he openly bragged about them, he had a sparkle in his eye and a big grin on his face. He loved taking his kids and wife along on his outdoor adventures, especially to the family farm down in Huzzah, Missouri. One of his most defining characteristics, aside from his gift of one-liners, was that he was always willing to help others. If someone needed him, he was there without hesitation. Even now, stories of his kindness and selflessness continue to be shared with the family. Jim was also known to fix almost anything. He enjoyed learning how things worked and would teach himself what he didn't already know. Jim had the ability to work hard without question and play hard without apology. He defined time by the hunting and fishing seasons and the Farmer's Almanac. Which over the years, resulted in friends and family enjoying the numerous fish fries at the shop and a lot of great haircuts. He loved growing things in his garden and sharing it with anyone who wanted to stop by and help hoe potatoes or just drink a beer. He also had a knack for roping anyone around him into his latest project using just the right amount of peer pressure and the promise of a good time. Jim had a big heart and though he was never one to back down from an argument, you always knew exactly where you stood with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose Ann Gilliam Sr.; one sister, Sue Starks; and one brother-in-law, Jimmie Honea. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debra (Honea) Gilliam of Cuba, Missouri; four children, Michelle Gilliam of Chesterfield, Missouri, Jaclyn and husband Chris Downing of Jefferson City, Missouri, James and wife Jordan Gilliam of Cuba, Missouri and Jilliann Gilliam of Cuba, Missouri; one honorary daughter, Shayna Arndt of Jefferson City, Missouri; two grandchildren, Justin Gilliam of Chesterfield, Missouri and Scarlet Downing of Jefferson City, Missouri; twin sister, Joan and husband Wilford Hadley of St. James, Missouri; two brothers, Bill and wife Sylvia Kreamalmyer of Burlington, Iowa and Bob and wife Wanda Kreamalmyer of St. James, Missouri; one brother-in-law, David and wife Jan Honea of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. In Jim's honor,the family has started the James A. Gilliam Memorial Scholarship, which will be an annual scholarship given to students graduating from Cuba High School and are attending a trade school. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Bernadette "Bunny" Alice Kelly Bernadette "Bunny" Alice Kelly (nee DeMorrow) of Viburnum, Missouri was born January 30, 1939 to Lloyd and Cecelia DeMorrow and passed away Saturday, May 23 at the age of 81 years. Bunny entered the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served her country honorably for two years. She married Andrew Kelly, on May 27, 1961. They resided in California for 17 years and then found their way to Missouri. Bunny accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior on October 25, 1970. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Viburnum, Missouri. Bunny and Andy were team drivers for Wayne Daniels Trucking Company for several years and Tracker Marine Boats of Lebanon, Missouri. After retirement she enjoyed her life volunteering locally at Stonecrest Healthcare in Viburnum, Missouri and doing church activities. She and her husband had purchased a trike motorcycle and took vacations and traveled to Alaska. She had been a member of the CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association) for over 18 years. Bunny enjoyed working in her garden, sewing and making things for her grandchildren. Bunny and Andy spent the last 29 years inseparable in their 59 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Cecelia DeMorrow; son, Brian Kelly; daughter, Catherine Umfress and son-in-law, James Umfress; grandson, Chad Umfress; and great grandson, Eric Kelly. She is survived by her husband, Andy Kelly of Rolla, Missouri; one daughter, Christine (Chris) Renner of Cuba, Missouri; three sons, Tim Kelly, Pat (Tammy) Kelly, all of Viburnum, Missouri and Bob (Amy) Kelly of Leasburg, Missouri; 11 grand- children, Anthony (Racheal) Kelly of Viburnum, Missouri, Jon (Marcia) Kelly of Neosho, Missouri, Brittany (Matt) Duncan of Viburnum, Missouri, Cody Umfress of Barnhart, Missouri, Corey Umfress of Cuba, Missouri, Andrea Kelly and Bethany Kelly of Leasburg, Missouri, Drew Renner and Kyle Renner of Cuba, Missouri, Kevin Kelly and Allison Lee of Batesville, Arkansas; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Theresa Keller of Statesville, North Carolina; one brother, David (Shirley) DeMorrow of Camden, Arkansas; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Terry King officiating with Pat Kelly reading the obituary and sharing memories. Special music of "In the Garden" was sung by all of the family and friends with Joe Weber on piano and "She Loved" was sung by Amy Kelly. Other music of "I Sure Miss You" was played. Committal prayer and interment with full military honors by the U.S. Air Force and the Salem American Legion Post 99 were in the Viburnum Cemetery in Viburnum, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Viola M. Koch Viola M. Koch of Murphysboro, Illinois, formerly of Sullivan, Missouri, was born in Japan, Missouri on December 1, 1920 to Henry and Minnie (Mueller) Mueller and passed away, Monday May 25, 2020 at the age of 99 years. She made her home in the rural Sullivan, Missouri area until 1991, when she moved to Murphysboro, Illinois to be closer to her daughter. Viola married Fredie Koch on May 23, 1942. Viola was a devoted mother and homemaker. She worked a short time at the Paramount Cap Factory in Bourbon, Missouri. She spent many years babysitting school teachers children, so she could have summer time free to do gardening and grow beautiful flowers. Grandma was well known by her grandchildren for always having homemade cookies to eat when visiting and maybe get to take a few home for eating later. She made many quilts, stuffed animals, especially sock monkeys, and other craft items for family members. Many family and friends shared a home cooked meal at her house with her delicious pies or cakes. Viola had been a member of the Extension and Unique Clubs of the Spring Bluff Area. She was a member of the quilters group at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Sullivan, Missouri and at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murphysboro, Illinois. Viola was not "wealthy" by Webster's definition of "a great quantity or store of money, property, or other riches." However, she was someone who didn't need material things in this world to be happy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Minnie Mueller; her husband, Fredie Koch in 1977; three brothers, Herbert, Oscar and Tony; and one sister, Alma Voss. She is survived by her two daughters, Judy (Ken) Tyree of Silsbee, Texas and Dorothy (Ron) Manwaring of Murphysboro, Illinois; six grandchildren, Paul (Melody) Tyree of Jefferson City, Missouri, Patty (Jay) Mathews of Vidor, Texas, Debbie (Willie) Netherly of Houston, Texas, Brian (Veronica) Manwaring of Murphysboro, Illinois, Angela (Ronnie) Stanton of Murphysboro, Illinois and Kenetha (Tommy) Malone of Fred, Texas; 21 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; one sister, Ida Gedville of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and freinds. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2002 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Reverend Josemon Hoem presiding. Interment followed in the I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri. Henry Kent Lightcap Henry Kent Lightcap was born December 11, 1934 and passed away Monday, May 18, 2020 at the age of 85 years. After working for many years as an engineer at the John Cochran VA Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, Henry retired and pursued his main interest, working with the poor. While living in St. Louis, Missouri he volunteered under the direction of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In 2003 Henry moved to St. James, Missouri and continued his volunteer work in the various ministries at the Immaculate Conception Church. Henry will be remembered by family and friends for his considerate regard for others and his quiet, unassuming manner. He is survived by his sister, Suzanne Aulik; niece, Stephanie Aulik; nephew, Michael (Claudia) Aulik; great nieces, Melissa and Sophia Aulik; other relatives and friends. Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Memorial Mass will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Church in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home, St. James, Missouri. Wanda Bell Loughridge Wanda Bell Loughridge of Rolla, Missouri was born in Newton, Iowa on December 5, 1926 to Otis and Zella (Jeffers) Cochran and passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the age of 93 years. On March 27, 1946 she married Louis R. Loughridge Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Zella Cochran; husband, Louis in 1996; one brother; and four sisters. She is survived by three children, Bill Loughridge and wife Diane of Monroe City, Missouri, Bud Loughridge and wife Cindy of Rolla, Missouri and Linda Sidwell of Rolla, Missouri; one brother, Tommie Cochran and wife Edie of St. James, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; other relatives and friends. The family will have a private memorial gathering at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Betty L. Luke Betty L. Luke of Cuba, Missouri was born Sunday, July 19, 1931 at Berryman, Missouri to William and Mamie (nee Haffer) Emerson and passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020 at the age of 88 years. Betty married Bob Luke on Friday, December 29, 1950 at Pocahontas, Arkansas. Betty worked 30 years for Cuba Walmart. She enjoyed being a cashier, because she could talk to everyone. She retired in 1995 for two years and then she went back to work and retired the second time in 2017. She earned many awards during her 30 years at Walmart. She was a member of the Cuba Free Will Baptist Church for 51 years and served as song leader for many years. Betty loved to crochet and made things for every room of their home. She would also share her love of crocheting by making things for others. She loved spending time in the kitchen baking, cooking and canning. Betty and Bob enjoyed traveling. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mamie Emerson; one great grandson, Kory; one brother, Frank and wife Jean Emerson; two sisters, Beulah and husband Clifford Breeden and Dorothy and husband Joseph Gaska; and brothers-in-law, Bob Douglas and Jim Harding. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Bob Luke of the home; four sons, Bobby Jr. and wife Kim Luke of Cuba, Missouri, Gary and wife Leann Luke of Cuba, Missouri, Monty and wife Sue Luke of Cuba, Missouri and Jason and wife Jean Luke of Steelville, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, Kristina Luke of Cuba, Missouri, Heather and husband Eric Nelson of St. Louis, Missouri, Bobby Luke III of St. Louis, Missouri, Amy Luke and Jeremy Luke of St. Louis, Missouri, Jennifer Granda of St. Louis, Missouri, Lindsey and husband Johnny DeClue of St. Clair, Missouri, Joshua Luke of Cuba, Missouri, Mandy Luke of Texas, Lynn and wife Kristi Moses of Potosi, Missouri, Kim and husband Bob Snyder of Bixby, Missouri and Bradley and wife Lola Moses of Arizona; 17 great grandchildren, Magnolia, Beatrice, Madilyn, Kyle, Molly, Rachel, Claudia, Darcy, Audrey, Raeleigh, Jonathon, Callie, Dawson, Emily, Eli, Jacob and Damon; one great great grandchild, Kylee; one sister Francis Harding of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Ed Fields officiating. Special recorded music was "Precious Memories," "Farther Along," "I Believe," and "If We Never Meet Again." Interment and prayers followed at the Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Lonnie Ray Morrison Lonnie Ray Morrison of Cuba, Missouri was born April 8, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri to Willis and Anna Chandler Morrison and passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 18 days. Lonnie grew up at Cherryville graduating from Cherryville High School. In July of 1957 he married Ida Dormalee Hogan. Lonnie came to know the Lord when he was 18 years old while attending Lookout Assembly Church as a young man. He had been attending Cuba Assembly while his health permitted him. Lonnie retired in 1987 from General Motors after 30 years. During that time he was the union steward. He loved being outdoors and looked forward to hunting, fishing and camping. He enjoyed being a member of the Plug'n Hobo's UAW Bass Club spending time in Kentucky fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Anna Morrison; wife, Ida Dormalee Morrison; one daughter, Merrie Morrison; brothers, Leonard Morrison, Rainey Gregory, Troy Gregory and Ralph Gregory; sister, Mabel Wieland; brothers-in-law, Harry Hogan, Peter Hogan, Michael Dildine and Osco Munton; sisters-in-law, Linda Collier, Fern Bryan, Shirley (Tartan) Collier, Carol Avery and Penelope Hogan. He is survived by three sons, Lonnie (Christie) Morrison of High Ridge, Missouri, Randy (Linda) Morrison, Poplar Grove, Illinois and Alan (Linda) Morrison of Lake Village, Indiana; six grandchildren, Matthew Morrison, Christopher (Jamie) Morrison, Kyle (Erin) Morrison, Kevin (fianceŽ Kelsey McCaughey) Morrison, David Kovach and Derek Kovach; six great grandchildren, Jacob and Weston Morrison, Aria Morrison, Kaleb, Kaylee and Kaylynn Kovach; one brother, Lenor (Erma) Morrison of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one sister, Loretta Munton of Cuba, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Terry (Vicky) Hogan of Steelville, Missouri, Michael (Jeanie) Hogan of Roland, Arkansas, Butch Avery of Bourbon, Missouri, Gene (Linda) Avery of Leasburg, Missouri and Jerry Bryan of Steelville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Claudia Dildine of St. Clair, Missouri; his special Border Collie, Babe; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in ' Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Terry Hogan and Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of "Go Rest High" was sung by Rev. Jerry Beers and "It is Well" was sung by Liz Hogan. Memories were shared by Lonnie Morrison and Matt Morrison. Postlude was played on piano by Ron Scott. Committal prayer and interment were in the Sellers Cemetery in Dillard, Missouri. Closing song of "Amazing Grace" was led by Matt Morrison. Casket bearers were Lonnie Morrison, Randy Morrison, Alan Morrison, Kyle Morrison, Kevin Morrison and Bill Brakefield with Matthew Morrison as honorary. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Michelle Elizabeth Morrow Michelle Elizabeth Morrow of Kirksville, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 28, 1962 to Blaine and Elizabeth (Talbert) Morrow and passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2020 at the age of 57 years, 11 months and 27 days. Michelle was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed Stephen King and crime novels. She was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Michelle met her soul mate Judy Craft, they spent 28 years together and raised their children together. Michelle was a giving soul, she was selfless to a fault, always putting the needs of her family before her own. Her favorite times were spent with family, and friends, and of course her beloved Dallas Cowboys. She was smart, funny, and a treasure to all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Elizabeth Morrow; and sister, Sharon Kay Gann. She is survived by her partner of 26 years, Judy Craft of the home; daughter, Sarah Yeggy and husband Leland Thornton, of Kirksville, Missouri; son, Dylan Craft of St. James, Missouri; brother, Mike Morrow of St. Clair, Missouri; grandchildren, Caleb Yeggy, Ethan Yeggy, Kymmora Thornton and Maliki Thornton; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. 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