Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of June 14, 2001 Charles Austin Beezley Charles Austin Beezley was born Friday, June 28, 1918, on a farm near Meramac Springs, Steelville, Mo., a son of the late William Columbus Beezley and Effie (Rowland) Beezley. He entered eternal rest Thursday, June 7, 2001, at his home in Steelville, Mo., at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 10 days. On December 31, 1937, at St. Charles, Mo., Charles was united in marriage to Hazel Gulley. One son was born to this union. They have enjoyed sixty-three years together. Charles entered the United States Navy June 1944 and was honorably discharged April 1946. He was awarded the American Area and Victory Medal. Before entering the military service he was employed as a St. Louis police officer and resumed that position, after serving his country in the Navy. He was employed by the St. Louis police department for thirty-one and a half years. After retirement he and Hazel returned to Steelville. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Rowland and Vandlia Beezley and brother-in-law, George Cragle. Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Hazel Beezley of the home in Steelville, Mo.; one son David Beezley of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.; one sister Ruth Cragle of Farmington, Mo.; three grandchildren, Kathleen and husband Dennis Thompson of O'Fallon, Mo., William Charles Beezley and wife Teri of Osage Beach, Mo., Cindy and husband Michael Plamondon of Lake Sherwood, Mo. Seven great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jamie, Travis, Joey, Ray, Michael, and Michael; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will remember him as a very loving father and grandfather, known as "Pops". He knew how to keep the family laughing in good times as well as difficult ones. Charles Austin Beezley lay in state 4-8 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2001, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held graveside 1 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2001, at the St. James Cemetery, St. James, Mo. with Rev. LeRoy Nixon officiating. Full military honors with firing party, taps, and flag presentation were provided by Missouri Military Funeral Honors program. Serving as pallbearers were Roy Earney, Dave Garrison, Mark Garrison, Danny Medlock, John Ransom and John Reeves. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Margie LaBelle Christopher Margie LaBelle Christopher nee Knopp was born on November 26, 1902 at St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Harry John Knopp and Eddith Knopp nee Jones and passed away on June 5, 2001 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 98 years 6 months and 9 days. Margie was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Eddith Knopp, husband John H. Breen, two sons John and Jimmy Breen, one daughter Alice Breen, four brothers Alven, Roy, George and Harry Knopp, two sons-in-laws Jim Biggins and Bob Seifert, two grandchildren, one great grandchild and two great great grandchildren. On August 27, 1955 Margie was united in marriage to James Christopher. They were happily married until he preceded her in death on February 18, 1985. Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are two sons, Thomas Breen and Bill Breen and wife Alann; seven daughters Eileen Biggins, Margaret Ryan and husband Bill, Rosemary Mueller, Betty Seifert, Colleen Ferander and husband Arden, John Breese and husband Ralph, Catherine Miller and husband Bill; daughter-in-law Myrl Breen; dear sister Lillian Loefler; 40 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. Margie was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, good friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed. Margie LaBelle Christopher nee Knopp was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri where a prayer service was held on Thursday, June 7, 2001 at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass was held on Friday, June 8, 2001 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, Bourbon, Missouri with Father Bob Duesdieker officiating. Interment was in the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Andrew Ezekiel Hawn Andrew Ezekiel Hawn of Cuba, Mo. was born on November 28, 1912 at Marquand, Mo. to the union of Daniel Hawn and Emma Hawn nee Barber and passed away on June 6, 2001 at Cuba, Mo. at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 8 days. On May 26, 1939 Andrew was united in marriage to Lucille Slinkard at St. Louis, Mo. Two sons, Bill and Bob, were born to this union. They have been happily married for 62 years. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Glenn Hawn and one sister, Golda Hawn. After working for many years in St. Louis he and Lucille moved to Cuba where they had since made their home. He was a member of the AFL-CIO Union and worked for GAF for 37 years. In 1937 he was in a CCC Camp. Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his loving wife Lucille Hawn; two sons Bill Hawn and wife Pat and Bob Hawn and wife Joyce; sisters-in-law Helen Hawn and Cleao Aslinger and husband Earl; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and many friends. Andrew was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, good friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed. Andrew Ezekiel Hawn was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Saturday, June 9, 2001 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Donald Strauser and Rev. Hugh Stogsdill officiating. Interment was in the Meramec Hill Cemetery, Cuba, MO. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. All arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. Frank J. Kerbler Frank J.Kerbler departed this life Mon. June 4, 2001 at 12:40 p.m. at his home in St. Louis, Mo., at the age of 94. Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church. He was born November 29, 1906 in St. Louis, to the late Frank and Theresa Kerbler (nee Polster). Frank was united in marriage to Ethel Gwendolyn Freeman, a former resident of the Steelville area, on January 20, 1973. He was a skilled cooper, a successful home reconstruction contractor, and a master gardener. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Frank was dear father and father-in-law of Flo Kuerz, Dorothy Miller, Margie and Joe Manion, Shirley Keifer, Betty and Clark Bonert, Bill and Mary Kerbler, Frank and Charlene Kerbler, John and Diane Kerbler, Rose and Curt Reese, Jim and Connie Kerbler, Cathy and Steve Laux, and the late Joseph Kerbler. Dear stepfather and stepfather-in-law of Martha Sills, Barbara and Charles Price, Roy and Delores Cornelius, Laddie and Betty Cornelius, Vern Cornelius, Jean and Ed Piskulic, Renick and Marcia Cornelius, and the late David Cornelius, dear grandfather of 40, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend. Esther Coyetta Callahan Richards Esther Coyetta Callahan Richards nee Britton was born Sunday, January 19, 1913, at Davisville, Mo., a daughter of the late James Ephriam Britton and Ella Missey (Worley) Britton. She entered eternal rest Thursday, June 7, 2001, at the Rolla Manor Care Center, at the age of 88 years, 4 months and 19 days. Among those who remain to mourn her death are her devoted son, Kenny Callahan and wife Rose of Eureka, Mo.; son-in-law, Kenneth Smith of St. James, Mo.; step-son, Clarence Richards and wife Dorothy of German Town, Illinois; half sister Adeline and husband Ferman Farmer, half brother Juluis Britton, all from St. Louis, Mo. area; step-sister, Ruth Wilhite, step-brother Ocie Neff and wife Effie, all of Cuba, Mo. Five grandchildren, Carl Callahan and wife Cathy, Kevin Callahan and wife Tina, all of Eureka, Mo., Lisa and husband David Blazer of San Antonio, Texas, Gary Smith of St. Louis, Mo., Myrna and husband Jerry Fortner of Rolla, Mo.; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one daughter, Roselean Smith; one grand-daughter, Arlene Smith; four brothers, Floyd Britton and wife Jewell, Rainey Britton, Claude Britton, Woodrow Britton; two sisters Edith and husband Herman Cassidy, Gerrine and husband Bert Abney; step-brother, Logan Neff; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Levi Chandler, Olene Britton and Lloyd Willhite. Esther Coyetta Callahan Richards lay in state 2-9 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2001, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2001, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Musical selections were also provided by Rev. Beers. Committal prayers and interment were in First Baptist Church Cemetery, Cherryville, Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Andrew Callahan, Carl Callahan, Chris Callahan, Kevin Callahan, and Gary Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Helen Grace Sturdevant Helen Grace Sturdevant was born Friday, October 5, 1906 in Alton, Illinois to the late Albert Bown and Helena Hilker Bown and departed this life Friday, June 8, 2001 at the Seville Nursing Home in Salem, Mo. at the age of 94 years, 8 months and 3 days. Helen married Earl Lester Sturdevant on July 2, 1926 in St. Louis, Mo. and they made their home together until his death on May 20, 1976. Helen accepted the Lord early in life and was a member of a Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois. Helen enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, embroidering, gardening, raising chickens and making bread. Helen had remained at home until January 2000 when she entered the nursing home in Salem, Mo. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, her son Gerald, her sister Rachel Hermes, and four grandchildren. Helen is survived by her children, Gilbert Sturdevant and wife Joann of Sligo, Mo., Charles Sturdevant of Dixon, Mo., Donald Sturdevant and wife Sue of Cherryville, Mo., Earline Hall of East Alton, Illinois, Betty Pfeifer of Salem, Mo., Dorothy Runtz and husband Bill of Cuba, Mo., Nancy Holloway and husband Harold of Cook Station, Mo. Twenty-one grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Helen Grace Sturdevant. Visitation was held Sunday, June 10, 2001 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held at the Hutson Funeral Chapel in Steelville, Mo. at 10 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2001 with Rev. Ralph Hosman officiating. Musical selections were The Old Rugged Cross, and Precious Memories. Pallbearers were: Jim Pfeifer, Bill Runtz, Bill Sturdevant, Wayne Sturdevant, Dan Sturdevant, and Don Sturdevant. Burial was in the Olney Cemetery, Olney, Mo. All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Anthony "Sonny" Sykes Anthony "Sonny" Sykes was born Wednesday, April 13, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Frances Devito and departed this life on Friday, June 1, 2001 at the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Mo. at the age of 59 years, 9 months and 19 days. Sonny married Carolyn Williams on April 6, 1995 in Leasburg, Mo. Sonny enjoyed horseback riding, yard work, training dogs, and going to auctions and flea markets. He was a farrier by trade and shoed many horses in the area. Sonny accepted the Lord later in life and attended Cross Roads Baptist Church in Leasburg, Mo. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother Frances Devito. Those who remain to mourn his passing is his loving wife Carolyn of the home, five sons Michael and Jean Sykes of Chicago, Illinois; Anthony Sykes of Stanton, Mo.; Samuel Sykes of Stanton, Mo.; Eric Shoemake of Chicago, Illinois and David Boswell Jr., Steelville, Mo.; three daughters Monica Sykes of Casselberry, Florida; Brandi Sykes of USAF base in San Antonio, Texas; and Onna Jo Sykes of Stanton, Mo. One grandson Andrew Sykes of Chicago, Illinois; one brother Joseph Devito and wife Marissa of Chicago, Illinois; a sister Debbie Devito of Chicago, Illinois; and his step-father Tony Devito of Chicago, Illinois, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Anthony "Sonny" Sykes. Visitation was held Monday, June 4, 2001 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Funeral service was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2001 at the Hutson Funeral Chapel in Steelville, Mo. with Rev. James Delacourt officiating. Bob Lowery read a short Eulogy. Mr. Doug Holly prepared a CD of Amazing Grace, Peace in the Valley, How Great Thou Art, Holes in the Floor of Heaven, and Go Rest High on the Mountain. Pallbearers were Glen Hagen, Barry Adams, Bob Lowery, Gary Jacoby, Moe Rashidi, and Andy Maspaller. Burial was in the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, led by Donnie Huff riding Sonny's horse. All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Eileen Anna Winer Eileen A. Winer nee Bouse was born in Steelville, Mo., on Monday, March 22, 1920, a daughter of the late John James Bouse and Maggie Belle (Sites) Bouse. Eileen entered into eternal rest from Hope Memorial Hospital in Hope, Arkansas, Tuesday, March 29, 2001 at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 7 days. Eileen was united in marriage to Jerry Winer. One son, Joe Winer, and two daughters, Patty Cox and Karen Powell, were born to this union. In addition to her husband and parents, Eileen was preceded in death by three brothers, William "Bill" Bouse, Luther George Bouse, and Richard "Dick" Bouse, and one sister Betty Jo Bouse, and two brothers-in-law Buster Hewkin and Armin Ayers. She was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Hope, Arkansas, and a member of the Eastern Star. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her son Joe Winer and wife Javanna; two daughters, Patty Cox, and Karen Powell, all of Hope, Arkansas; five brothers, Chuck Bouse, Pete Bouse, and Tom Bouse and wife Ruby, all of Cuba, Mo., Ron Bouse and wife Joyce of Steelville, Mo., and Jack Bouse and wife Julie of St. James, Mo.; two sisters, Verna Ayers of Steelville, Mo. and Vera Hewkin of Atlanta, Georgia. Brothers and sisters-in-law Jo Ann Bouse, Hallie Bouse, and Jane Bouse, all of Steelville, Mo.; two grandchildren Matt Powell of Little Rock, Arkansas and Melisa Miller of St. Augustine, Florida; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Cacey Winer of Hope, Arkansas; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Eileen Winer lay in state 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Herndon Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas. Visitation 10 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2001 at the Fairview Baptist Church in Butts, Mo., with Rev. Jim Stearns officiating. Musical selections were provided by pianist Joyce Bouse and vocalist Brad Bouse, Brock Bouse, Rick Bouse, Heather Turnbough, Sandy and Jeff Wilson. Committal prayers and interment were in Fairview Cemetery, Butts, Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Chad Ayers, Jeff Bouse, Rodney Bouse, Tommy Bouse, Bill Creezy and Adam Wilson. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe L. Miller ====================================================================