Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of June 5, 2019 Robert Joseph Bilbrough Robert Joseph Bilbrough of St. James, Missouri was born February 14, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Paul and Elizabeth (O'Brien) Bilbrough and passed away May 23, 2019 at the age of 65 years. He lived in Pine Hill, New Jersey as an adolescent and relocated to Owensville, Missouri as an adult in 1990 to accept a job at Custom Printing where he met so many wonderful people that became his friends. He was a graduate of Overbrook High School in Pine Hill, New Jersey, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era and attended Camden County College where he majored in art. On May 29, 1993 Robert married Judy (Jones) Bilbrough. Robert's career began at a young age, where he worked with his lifelong friends, Steve and Greg Politowski, at Clementon Park in New Jersey. Billy Hooey, Jimmy and Sue Briggs, and countless others from Pine Hill were a big part of his life from the teen years and throughout his adult life. He later made a living as an ice cream truck driver, counselor at Archway School, postal worker, bookbinder, carpenter, barber and caregiver. His hobbies included pottery, artwork, riding motorcycles, fishing, attending classic car shows and spending quality time with family and friends. His friendly personality and huge smile made him easily approachable and allowed him to make friends easily. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Bilbrough. He is survived by his wife, Judy Bilbrough of St. James, Missouri; siblings, Sister Pauline Bilbrough, Mary Balchunas and husband Ted and Bud Bilbrough and wife Lee; his children, Dori Yip and husband Jeffrey, John Bilbrough and wife Nikki, Eric Bilbrough and wife Meghan and Beth Ann Cash and husband Brandon; grandchildren, Kane Benton, Braden Glenn, Kayli Robirts, Iris Cash, Mark Harrison, Calvin Hunter, Sarah Bilbrough, and Viola Bilbrough; one great grandchild, Jonathan Verkam; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Memorial service followed at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Ronald Dale Bullock Ronald Dale Bullock of House Springs, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, was born on July 10, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to Delmar and Ida Gorman Bullock and passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 10 days. Ron had a passion for the outdoors. He loved to go camping, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He was a MOPAR guy and loved fast muscle cars. Ron adored his dog Nicholas who was his constant companion to the end. He is survived by four children, Bryan Bullock and wife Trenna of Grubville, Missouri, James Burleson and wife Tresa of Ames, Iowa, Kellie Drennen and husband Mark of Cadet, Missouri and Rhonda Tice and husband Pete of Apache Junction, Arizona; two great aunts, Micki Bullock and Teddy Bullock both of St. James, Missouri; son-in-law, Bernie Tice; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Douglas Lane officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Norma Jean Cunningham Norma Jean Cunningham (nee Gargus) of Steelville, Missouri was born on Monday, July 27, 1953 in Rolla, Missouri to Ralph Eugene and Pauline Happel Gargus and passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 27 days. Norma attended St. James and Cuba schools. She married Bill Bolling and to this union a daughter was born. After Bill passed away, she married Harold Davis Cunningham on April 2, 1996 at the courthouse in Steelville, Missouri. Norma had accepted the Lord and attended several churches in the community. She worked at Brown Shoe, as a CNA at Gibbs Care Center, a janitor at Rolla Walmart and also as a cook at Spare Rib, Al's Cafˇ and Don's Diner. Norma enjoyed sewing and crocheting, fishing, gardening and planting flowers. She liked wind chimes, country music and bean dip with chips. She also enjoyed going out to eat, watching her soap operas, lottery tickets and her pets, especially her dog. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph (Norma) Gargus and Pauline (Bill) Adams; brother, Frank Gargus; sister, Charlotte Gargus; first husband, Bill Bolling; parents-in-law, Ed and Luvada Cunningham; brothers-in-law, Bob Butler, Bill Cunningham, Charlie (Joyce) Cunningham, Joe Cunningham and Lee Cunningham; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Cunningham and Olive (Emmett) Lane. She is survived by her husband, Harold Cunningham of Cuba, Missouri; daughter, Pam (Leon) Callahan of Steelville, Missouri; grandson, Jonathon Callahan of Sullivan, Missouri; sisters, Katie Butler of St. James, Missouri, Sandy (Rick) Wood of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lorna (Gene) Dotolo of Washington, Peggy (Curt) Kelley of Centralia, Missouri and Nancy (Steve) Choate of Springfield, Missouri; brother, Roy Gargus of Corona, California; half siblings, Bob (Cathy) Morse, Tim (Barb) Bailey of Cuba, Missouri, Jessie Bailey, Keith Bailey, Mark Bailey, Karla (Willis) Gargus Kean of Clarksville, Tennessee and Rhonda Gargus Whitman of Rolla, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Teresa Cunningham of Troy, Missouri, Helen Mitchell of the Bahamas, Carnie Bolin of Steelville, Missouri and Tammy (Jimmy) Tinker of Bourbon, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Alferd (Lois) Cunningham of Edgar Springs, Missouri, Jimmy Rhinehart of St. Louis, Missouri and Chipper Cunningham of Mountain View, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. Burial at Flag Springs Cemetery in St. James, Missouri at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Denver R. Britton Denver E. Britton of Rolla, Missouri was born Tuesday, July 12, 1949 at Owensville, Missouri to Earnest Alonzo and Georgia Helen (nee Beaman) Britton and passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 the age of 69 years. Denver proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from January 8, 1969 till January 31, 1971, earning the rank of Sergeant. Denver earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1*, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/Device, Good Conduct Medal, RVN Meritorious Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal W/1*. Denver was injured twice will serving during Vietnam. Denver married Barbara "Barb" Bogue on December 23, 1978 at St. James, Missouri. Denver retired February 2009 after being the owner/operator of Britton Trucking. Millions of miles later he decided to stayhome and go fishing. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, traveling, tinkering on cars and his dogs and cats. He was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Rolla, Missouri for the last 15 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Alonzo and Georgia Helen Britton; three sisters, infant Sherry Britton, Linda Britton, Judy and husband Johnny McGuire; brother-in-law, Jack Hardin; and mother-in-law, Millie Bogue. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barb Britton of the home; two children, Denver "Denny" Britton Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri and Samantha S. Britton of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; six brothers, Dallas and wife Sharon Britton of Cuba, Missouri, Ray Britton of Cuba, Missouri, Doug Britton of Cuba, Missouri, Terry Britton of Cuba, Missouri, Larry Britton of Cuba, Missouri and Garnet Britton of Licking, Missouri; four sisters, Carol Sue and husband Leroy Crider of Cuba, Missouri, Peggy Hardin of Meta, Missouri, Nancy Baez of Eldon, Missouri and Karen King of Cuba, Missouri; father-in-law, Rich Bogue of Cuba, Missouri; aunt, Edwina Britton of Cuba, Missouri; brother-in-law David and wife Sherry Bogue of Greenbrier, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Cathy and husband Charles Schroyer of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Danny Kemp officiating. Special music was "Amazing Grace." Interment, prayers and full military honors followed at the Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Casket bearers were David Bogue, Charles Schroyer, Ethan Schroyer, D.J. Britton, Gary Britton and Jared King. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Stephen Ritter Jannings Stephen Ritter Jannings of Bourbon, Missouri was born on July 15, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to Stephen Platinum and Christina Henrietta (Ritter) Jannings and passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019 at the age of 87 years. He lived parts of his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri but mostly grew up on the family farm in Lohmann, Missouri. On January 26, 1955 Stephen married Evelyn Marie LaValle in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Messiah Lutheran Church. He and Evelyn were a foster family and welcomed many young people into their home over the years. Stephen was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church of Leasburg, Missouri, where he served as a trustee for several years. As a young man, Stephen worked for McDonald Aircraft, served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1953, and then worked at the St. Louis Terminal Rail Road, the St. Louis Water Department and eventually for the St. Louis Fire Department where he enjoyed a 27 year career. After retiring from the fire department, he went to work for the City of Sullivan Parks Department for 11 years. He felt blessed to have had an opportunity to drive a steam locomotive when he was younger and to usher at Sportsman Park for the last game the St. Louis Browns played there. Stephen loved to spend time outdoors, gardening, with his family, and fishing, especially cat fishing at the family farm on the Moreau River and at Uncle Dean's cabin on the Bourbeuse River. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Jannings; parents, Stephen and Christina Jannings; and one sister, Audrey Scheperley. He is survived by his children, Timothy Shane Jannings of Gerald, Missouri, Daniel Joseph Jannings of Bourbon, Missouri, Pamela Ann Kerby and life partner Robert Klaeger of Sullivan, Missouri and Michael Scott Jannings and wife Shelley of Bourbon, Missouri; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his canine buddy, Shirley; friend, Randy Pyatt; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri and from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Cross Roads Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at noon on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Leasburg, Missouri with Pastor Lane Allen as the officiant. Interment followed in the Cross Roads Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon, Missouri. Susan Lucille Leuthauser Susan Lucille Leuthauser of Robertsville, Missouri was born in St. James, Missouri on April 14, 1947 to Raymond R. and Lucilla (Decker) Green and passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the age of 72 years, 1 month ad 12 days. She married Joel Leuthauser, on February 24, 1964. Susan worked in the Rockwood School District as a cook for several years. She was the Cemeterian for the Oak Ridge Cemetery for many years, and took great pride in making sure the cemetery was taken care of. She also had a pavilion built at the cemetery for families to enjoy when they came out to visit the graves of their deceased. She was very crafty and enjoyed quilting, making photo albums for all the kids and grandchildren. She loved being outdoors, camping and fishing. She also enjoyed working in the yard with her flowers and the wonderful garden she planted each spring. She would plan out the garden and then share the bounty of her labor with family and friends. She always made sure she had plenty to freeze and can so that her family could enjoy her harvest all through the year. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lucilla Green. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Joel Leuthauser, of the home; children, Berry Leuthauser and wife Laura of Robertsville, Missouri and Paula Hinds of Labadie, Missouri; grandchildren, Sean Hinds, Kathreen Hinds, Margaret Hinds, and Matthew Spresterbach; great granddaughter, Lucilla Gann; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Bradon Leuthauser and Gary Elliot officiating. Internment followed at the Oak Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Lydia Jane McMullin Lydia Jane McMullin was born December 31, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri to James and Patsy McMullin and passed away May 16, 2019 at the age of 64 years. Lydia grew up in the St. Louis, Missouri area where she attended school until she moved to the Boss/Bunker, Missouri area at the age of 15. She worshipped at the local Baptist Church and was saved as a young girl. Lydia married Garry Fred Pritchett for eight years. In her working years, Lydia was a seamstress for Angelica Uniform in St. Louis, Missouri where she made uniforms, hospital gowns and scrubs. She also worked as a manager of the local Motel 6 and was a previous member of the Eagle Club. Lydia enjoyed spending time in her garden and loved to sew. She was a remarkable cook. She was famous for her fried chicken and home made candies. Lydia loved spending time with family on camping trips, fishing on the river or around the dining room table. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patsy May McMullin; father, James Edward McMullin; and brother, Georgie McMullin. She is survived by three children, Patsy Brooks and husband Eddie of Cuba, Missouri, Garry Pritchett Jr. and wife Kimberly of Eminence, Missouri and Debra Nichols and husband Don of Winona, Missouri; two sisters, Leona Brooks and husband Bobby Sr. of Salem, Missouri and Sherrie Hutson and husband Scott of Springfield, Missouri; stepmother, Ruthann McMullin of Springfield, Missouri; three brothers, David Barton of Spokane, Missouri, Dennis Barton of Salem, Missouri and Randy Barton and wife Becky of Salem, Missouri; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held Sunday, May 19, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Linda Skaggs officiating. The eulogy was shared by Sherrie Hutson and special music was provided by Lori Brooks and Linda Skaggs singing "Amazing Grace". Additional song selections were, "Save a Place for Me," "A Song for Mama" and "When I Get Where I'm Going." Honorary pallbearers were Cody Brooks, Bobby Brooks Jr., Herbert McMullin, Jacob Brooks, Curtis Pritchett and Riley McMullin. Burial was in the Westfork-Sutterfield Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Douglas Edward Rector Douglas Edward Rector of Bourbon, Missouri was born on July 1, 1956 in Bourbon, Missouri to Vernon E. and Gloria M. (Landon) Rector and passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the age of 62 years. Doug worked on the assembly line at Intrang for several years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and he always had time for a cold one, with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon E. Rector. He is survived by his mother, Gloria M. Rector of Bourbon, Missouri; one daughter, Danielle and husband Ryan Johnson of Austin, Texas; two brothers, Daral and wife Susan Rector, Denis Rector, all of Bourbon, Missouri; two sisters, Debra Rector of Sullivan, Missouri, Denise Pipkin of Willard, Missouri; one soon to be grandchild; other relatives and friends. In keeping with his wishes, Doug was cremated. His family will have a private burial at the Bacon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Grace Avenell Richards Grace Avenell Richards of St. James, Missouri born February 27, 2019 in Taney County near Branson, Missouri to John and Mary Amos Groves and passed away on Thursday May 23, 2019 at the age of 91 years. Grace, was known by her family and friends as Avenell, was a happy energetic person who always had a smile. She was always on the go. She was a senior champion for 27 years working at the Missouri Veterans Home and nursing homes. She was musically gifted and played several instruments and enjoyed singing. Avenell always kept busy with her flowers, which included her African violets, quilting or giving her dog Teddy a ride in the car. She was a member of the First Assembly of God in St. James, Missouri since 1961. She loved the Lord and proclaimed his word daily. Avenell married Carl Roark Sr. He passed away April 16, 2010. She then married Lawrence P. Richards. He passed away October 26, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Groves; two husbands, Carl Roark Sr. and Lawrence Richards; six brothers, Billy, Asa, Dan, Perry, Howard and Ezra; three sisters, Naomi Norris, Meek Groves, Wilma Harrimann; and one grandson, Danny. She is survived by one son, Carl Roark Jr. and wife Norma of Rolla, Missouri; daughters Pat Skyles of St. James, Missouri, Billie Day and husband Louie of St. Clair, Missouri, Pam Branstetter and husband Dick of St. James, Missouri and Anita Plemmons and husband Don of St. James, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday May 25, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday May 26, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Mick Thrasher officiating. Pallbearers were Shawn Roark, Brian Roark, Tony Roark, Dave Watkins, David Bartle and Jeff Weeks. Burial was in the St James Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Loretta Faye Thurman Loetta Faye Thurman of Cuba, Missouri was born on January 27, 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri to William and Venetta Hoch and passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the age of 81 years. She grew up and attended school in St. Louis, Missouri. She married Dan Thurman in 1953. Dan and Loetta raised their family in the Ferguson, Missouri area, where Loetta was employed by Mallinckrodt Chemical Co. for many years. After retirement, they moved to their country place in Cuba, Missouri. Loetta enjoyed working on their property, raking and burning leaves, gardening and working around the house. She also enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Thurman Sr.; two children, Dana Nelson and Donald Thurman; and her parents, William and Vanetta Hoch. She is survived by two children, Dianna Thurman of Davisville, Missouri and Dan Thurman Jr. and Kellie Hodges of Cuba, Missouri; five grandchildren, Richard, Michael, Stacy, Jason, and Jennifer; nine grandchildren; one brother, Wes Hoch, other relatives and friends. It was Loetta's wish to be cremated. A Celebration of Life gathering was held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Owensville Memorial Park in Owensville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ 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