Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of June 17, 2020 Tabatha Jane Copeland Tabatha Jane Copeland of Rolla, Missouri was born in Houston, Missouri on April 9, 1974 to Darrel and Karen (Ives) Copeland and passed away Sunday, June 7, 2020 at the age of 46 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Darrel Copeland Sr.; brother, Rodney Copeland; and stepfather, Michael Hane. She is survived by her mother, Karen Hane of Rolla, Missouri; three children, Corey Simpson and wife Alecia of Edgar Springs, Missouri, LaTosha Rushing and husband Mike of Salem, Missouri and Kayla Simpson of Rolla, Missouri; two brothers, Russell Dennis of Columbia, Missouri and Darrel Copeland Jr. of Clovis, California; one sister, Darla Buettner and husband Larry of Steelville, Missouri; former husband, Jesse Simpson of Rolla, Missouri; five grandchildren, Aubree, Chevy, Payton, Gracie and Paislee; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Interment followed in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Leo L. Curcuro Leo L. Curcuro of Cuba, Missouri was born Wednesday, December 1, 1937 at East St. Louis, Illinois to William and Carmen (nee Joshu) Curcuro and passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at the age of 82 years. Leo proudly served one tour in the United States Marine Corp. At the young age of 16, Leo started bull riding in different rodeos around the state and country. At the age of 29 he earned the Championship Bull Riders Buckle. Somewhere in his early 30's, Leo retired from bull riding. Also, at the age of 16, Leo started working with horses. Over the next 50 years he would become a trainer, assistant starter, tattoo tech and he worked at Fairmount Racetrack, Fairmount City, Illinois for many years before retiring. Leo was an avid fan of all sports, but he was a devout lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. For the last 10 years, Leo has coached grade schoolgirls softball, boy's baseball and boys' basketball. Leo and Jeanette were member of Amazing Grace Fellowship Church of Cuba, Missouri and they enjoyed going to the river. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Carmen Curcuro; and siblings. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeanette Curcuro of the home; four children, Tammy Parnell of Myrtle Beach South Carolina, Tammy and husband Mickey Malone of Justin, Texas, Mike Hicks of New York and Scott Hicks of Rolla; three grandchildren, Alec Parnell of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Justin Malone of Justin, Texas and Matt Hicks of Salem, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie and husband Dennis McDonald of Rolla, Missouri and Nancy and husband Jim Townzen of Reno, Nevada; special nephew, Josh and wife Laura McDonald of Cuba, Missouri; great nieces and nephew, Ciara McDonald and fiancˇ Nathan Todd, Kylee McDonald, Maci McDonald and Logan McDonald; other relatives and friends. In keeping with Leo's wishes he was cremated and no services will be held. Leo spent his life telling jokes that made people laugh until they cried. He wants to be remembered for the laughter. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Patricia Ruth Falkenrath Patricia Ruth (nee Burdick) Falkenrath was born on October 15, 1939 in St Louis, Missouri to Frances Anthony "Frank" and Helen (Hamilton) Burdick and passed away on June 6, 2020 at the age of 80 years. She grew up near Cuba, Missouri. Patricia attended college at both the University of Missouri- Columbia and Central (Methodist) College in Fayette where she studied both art and music (clarinet), two of her passions. She was a member of Zeta Psi Lambda Sorority. Patricia married Richard Harry Falkenrath in 1964 in Wichita, Kansas. Patricia and Richard enjoyed each others company, shared a deep love and respect for one another and could always be found laughing and talking. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in December of 2015. Patricia worked in the home and in later years began a career in medical transcription. She enjoyed reading, gardening and the occasional political debate. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Anthony Burdick and Helen Burdick; and husband, Richard Harry Falkenrath. She is survived by her sons, John (Carrie) Falkenrath of St. Louis, Missouri and Tom Falkenrath of Rolla, Missouri; daughters, Anne (Scott) McClay of Rolla, Missouri and Elizabeth Falkenrath of St. Louis, Missouri; brothers, Tom (Sharron) Burdick and Rick Burdick of Cuba, Missouri; sister, Carol (Dale) Klohr of Freeburg, Illinois; grandchildren, Ava and Nolon Falkenrath of St. Louis, Missouri, Alexandria Falkenrath of Rolla, Missouri and Seth Falkenrath of Boss, Misosuri; other relatives and friends. Private graveside service were conducted for family members at the Falkenrath Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Joyce Lucille Garza Joyce Lucille (Holmes) Garza of St. James, Missouri was born on September 24, 1944 in Lima, Ohio to Harold Ivan Holmes and Thelma Imogene Walker and passed away on April 4, 2020 at the age of 75 years. Joyce grew up in Effingham, Illinois and lived there when all her children were born. She moved with her family to Rolla, Missouri in 1973 and later moved alone to St. Louis, Missouri in 1983. In 1995 Joyce moved to Florida with friends where she later met and married Jesse Garza on October 2, 1999 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Joyce returned to Missouri with Jesse in 2017 to be near her children and grandchildren. Joyce was a member of Calvary Assembly of God in Rolla, Missouri. She enjoyed cooking, playing cards and games, hunting for morel mushrooms, and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her deep belly laugh. Joyce laughed loud and often. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Barbara. She is survived by her husband, Jesse; sons, Chuck Rogers and wife Renee of St. James, Missouri and Darrell Rogers and wife Jackie of St. James, Missouri; daughter, Chelsea Long and husband David of Rolla, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jacob Shackelford, Logan Persicke and wife Melissa, Lizzie Mahaney, Austin Long and Emma, Elye and Chloe Rogers; great granddaughters, Mackenzie and Millie Persicke and Maisyn and Marley Rogers; one brother, Lee Kinden and wife Leotta of Illinois; one sister, Mary Holmes Dulkowski of Michigan; other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 17874 Cliff Road, Dixon, Missouri. Mary "Pat" Patricia Goodman Mary "Pat" Patricia Goodman of Steelville, Missouri was born December 31, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to Alfred and Marquerite Scannell Goodman and passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the age of 89 years. Pat was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri. She was very active in the church teaching classes. Pat was employed at Crawford Electric retiring after 40 plus years. She was also on the Board at Gibbs Care Center for a number of years. She enjoyed watching the Cardinals baseball team, traveling and especially going on cruises. Pat enjoyed playing bingo, needle pointing and crocheting in her spare time. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Marquerite Goodman; and brother-in-law, Jack Farmer. She is survived by her brother, Richard (Lois) Goodman of St. Louis, Missouri; sister, Sara Farmer of Steelville, Missouri; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. at the St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. at the St. Michael Church in Steelville, Missouri with Father Dan Lueckenotte officiating. Music was played by Karin West on the organ. Graveside and interment were held at 2:30 p.m. in the Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. John Philip Grabiel John Philip Grabiel of Rolla, Missouri was born on September 3, 1944 in West Plains, Missouri to Harry and Helen (Kirkendall) Grabiel and passed away on Friday, June 5, 2020 at the age of 75 years. John was raised in Birch Tree, Missouri and was a graduate of Birch Tree High School. He enlisted into the United States Navy in 1966 and then re-enlisted into the United States Air Force where he would eventually retire in 1983, after 17years of service. He married Connie Clements Grabiel. After retiring from the military, John became a radio tech for the local law enforcement and emergency management agencies. Once fully retired, John enjoyed putting together air plane kits, listening to bluegrass music, playing the fiddle, hosting and attending fish frys where he was always the official fish taster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helen Grabiel. He is survived by his wife, Connie (Clements) Grabiel of Rolla, Missouri; children, Scott (Elizabeth) Grabiel of Texas, John (Casey) Grabiel of Rolla, Missouri and Anita (Stephen) Hulbert of St. James, Missouri; brother, Carl Grabiel of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Susan (Jim) Joplin of Marshfield, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary, Rolla, Missouri. Funeral services were held at noon on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Interment was held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Waynesville, Missouri with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Andrew "Andy" Murell Kelly Andrew "Andy" Murell Kelly of Viburnum, Missouri was born March 26, 1931 in Hemet, California to Rosa May Reynolds and Andrew Venus Kelly and passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the age of 89 years. Andy entered the U.S. Navy and served his country for two terms. The first term was from 1952-1955 and second term was 1956-1958. Andrew married Bernadette "Bunny" Kelly on May 27, 1961. They resided in California for 17 years and then found their way to Missouri. Andy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on October 25, 1970. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Viburnum, Missouri. Andy spent several years driving as a teamster in California, then in Missouri. He and Bunny were team drivers for Wayne Daniels Trucking Company for several years and Tracker Marine Boats of Lebanon, Missouri. He also worked as a security guard for Global Security at the Doe Run Company in Viburnum, Missouri. He also enjoyed volunteering at Stonecrest Healthcare in Viburnum. Andy was a member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) for over 18 years. His biggest enjoyment was when he and his wife purchased their trike and traveled across country. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Rosa Kelly; wife, Bernadette "Bunny" Kelly; son, Brian Kelly; daughter, Catherine (James) Umfress; grandson, Chad Umfress; and great grandson, Eric Kelly. He is survived by 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 grandchildren, 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, Arvella "Mickey" Horner of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Terry King officiating. The obituary was read by Pat Kelly. Special music of "Eastern Gate" was sung by Pat Kelly and "Homesick" was sung by Amy Kelly. Two poems were read by Tammy Kelly. Committal prayer and interment with full military honors by the U.S. Navy, Salem American Legion Post 99, Patriot Guard and the Christian Motorcycle Association in the Viburnum Cemetery in Viburnum, Missouri. Casket bearers were Anthony Kelly, Jon Kelly, Matt Duncan, Corey Umfress, Cody Umfress, Kevin Kelly and Christopher Horton. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Michael Gregor Miller Michael Gregor Miller of Cuba, Missouri was born Monday, March 31, 1958 at Glen Burnie, Maryland to Clarence M. Jr. and Mary Louise (nee Van Houten) Miller and passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the age of 62 years. Mike, as he was known by, retired November 1, 2001 after a 20-year career in the United States Marine Corp. Mike retired as Major Miller. He was a pilot HMH CH-53E for 16 years and seven months. He also served as Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Officer of nine years and two months. Mike earned the Rifle Expert Badge (4th awd), Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, navy and Marine Corps Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd awd), National Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, Letter of Appreciation (4th awd), Letter of Commendation, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. After retirement, Mike made his spring, summer and fall home in Cuba, Missouri at the farm, which he genuinely enjoyed being a farmer. During the winter, he lived on his boat at Costal Breeze, Florida. As Mike would say "Be sure to go to Blue Fish Red Fish" to anyone going to Costal Breeze. Mike enjoyed planting a large garden every spring. He would share his vegetables with the Cuba Food Pantry, neighbors, and many friends. Mike was a member of the Amazing Grace Community Church. Mike spent years volunteering for the Red Cross. He served the Red Cross for 16 years in Florida and Missouri. He knew how to set up shelters, food banks and was incredibly detailed oriented in everything he did. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence M. Miller Jr.; mother, Mary Louise and husband Herbert Ruwwe; and two brothers, Mark Andrew Miller and Jeff Miller. He is survived by his brother, Monte Miller of Escondido, California; nephews, Jeffrey and wife Jennifer Miller of Bremerton, Washington, Brett and wife Alejandra Miller of Murrieta, California and Austin and wife Kimberly Miller of Escondido, California; great nieces and nephews, Sally, Henry, Lucas, Andrea, Elena, Chloe, Elijah, Ava and Claire; other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Graveside service with full military honors,will be held at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Gary Mace officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. William "Kelly" O'Connor William "Kelly" O'Connor was born on July 7, 1960 to William R. and Nancy O. (Bland) O'Connor in Memphis, Tennessee and passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the age of 59 years, 10 months and 25 days. Kelly married Doris (Whiteside) O'Connor on August 14, 1983 in Bridgeport, Texas. They lived in Rolla, Missouri for many years before moving to their current home in St. James, Missouri over 10 years ago. Kelly was an active member of the Rolla Seventh Day Adventist Church and served as the treasurer as well as volunteering in many capacities. Kelly graduated from Cuba High School in 1978 and earned his Associates Degree in Digital Electronics from Rolla Technical Institute in 1986. He studied digital electronics and circuit design, graduated with honors and was awarded Student of the Year in 1986. He also earned his Infrastructure Technology Information Library certification in 2007. He was the first in 40 that passed the certification without classroom training. He was also a Certified Novell Administrator, earning that certification in 2001. Kelly was a CNC Programmer & Tool Maker for five years at Affinia in Cuba, Missouri before becoming their Network Administrator for six years. He then served as the Systems Administrator for two years at EDS and the IT Manager at Ozark Mountain Technologies for six years. At Ozark Mountain Technologies, he managed and built the company infrastructure from scratch as the company moved into a new building. Kelly began his career as Project Manager with LMI Aerospace in Cuba, Missouri in July of 2014 and was a dedicated and integral employee until the time of his death. He recently designed an automated tank control system and wastewater control system for the company. He also introduced 3D printing to the company and was proficient in the use of a Fusion 360 printer to design fixtures for process improvements at LMI Aerospace. Kelly had a unique style of troubleshooting and used "out of the box" ideas to solve difficult problems and reduce costs. He loved all things technology and was also a competition radio control airplane pilot. In this capacity, he worked with over 400 MS&T students for 20 years as primary test pilot of their AAVG planes, test flying over 75 radio controlled competition aircraft. After successful testing, the planes were flown in globally attended Aerospace University competitions from all over the world, earning several prestigious titles, including first place in 2003, as well as several second and third place awards. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy O'Connor; infant son, Darren Schmidt; and daughter, Dawn Renick. He is survived by his wife, Doris O'Connor; father, William O'Connor and wife Sharon of Apopka, Florida; three daughters, Sherri Cios and wife Emily of Reno, Nevada, Rhonda Miller and husband Kenny of Leasburg, Missouri and Jenny Friedmann and husband Dan of Eureka, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kim Counts, Denise Counts, Danielle Counts, Jaden Counts, Noah Paul, Collin Avery and Kyle Avery; three great grandchildren, Hailey Lane, Hunter Lane and Nicole Lane; brothers, Edward O'Connor and wife Kelly of Newalla, Oklahoma, Bob O'Connor and wife Judy of Rolla, Missouri, Andy O'Connor of St. James, Missouri, Joe O'Connor and wife Kim of New Bloomfield, Missouri and Jeffrey O'Connor and wife Carissa of Apopka, Florida and Kevin O'Connor and wife Jessica; Batman, Rocky; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the Rolla Seventh Day Adventist Church in Rolla, Missouri. Delores Emily Sturdevant Delores Emily (nee Sprinkle) Sturdevant of Viburnum, Missouri was born December 19, 1937 in Corso, Missouri to William and Minerva Pinson Sprinkle and passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 20 days. On June 4, 1954 she married Gerald "Jerry" Sturdevant. Delores was a member of the Eastern Star several years ago. She was a believer in the Christian faith. Delores enjoyed working in her flower beds, knitting and listening to old country songs. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Minerva Sprinkle; husband, Jerry Sturdevant; daughter, Cecilia "Dee" Badalamenti; six brothers, Edmond, Don, Ray, Bill, Dennis and Ralph Sprinkle; and two sisters, Elizabeth Brewer and Mildred Richgert. She is survived by two sons, Bill (Marsha) Sturdevant of Viburnum, Missouri and Wayne Sturdevant of Sullivan, Missouri; son-in-law, John Badalamenti of Imperial, Missouri; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in St. Ann, Missouri with Rev. Bob Coleman officiating. Committal prayer and interment were in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in St. Ann, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Jason W. Voss Jason W. Voss of Cuba, Missouri was born Thursday, December 2, 1976 to Vernon and Karen J. (nee Thompson) Voss and passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the age of 43 years. Jason graduated in 1996 from the Cuba High School. On March 25, 2000 Jason married Jennifer A. Brennan. Jason was employed at Voss Quarries for 20 years, before his health began decline. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting whatever was in season, especially turkey and deer. He always enjoyed riding motorcycles, 4-wheeling, boating, and camping. Jason loved being outdoors. He spent hours playing video games and was part of a Texas Hold'em Poker game every week for years. He bowled on a league for years and his high school was 290. Jason loved being a youth coach for football and baseball. Jason had a way with all animals including insects; he would catch and release fish, bees, spiders. He could stand outside by the hummingbird feeder and put out his finger, the hummingbirds would land on his finger and just stay there. His family was his sons and everyone else's kids also. He loved it when babies laughed and toddlers stomp across the floor. The last 11 years and four months allowed Jason the time to appreciate the little things in life. He was preceded in death by his mom, Karen Voss. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jennifer Voss of the home; two sons, Justice and Jayden Voss of the home; father, Vernon Voss and wife Mary of Cuba, Missouri; one brother, Joe and wife Dianna Voss of Cuba, Missouri; one sister, Deborah "Debbie" Voss of Cuba, Missouri; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Vicky and Chris Brennan of Cuba, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Pat and wife Jennifer Brennan of Cuba, Missouri and Matt and wife Lindsay Brennan of Cuba, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Michelle and husband Neil Gaither of Cuba, Missouri; nieces, nephews, cousins and a other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, 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