Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of July 2, 2003


Benjamin Irving DeClue

Benjamin Irving DeClue was born Thursday, January 9, 1930, the Washington County 
area of rural Missouri, a son of the late Benjamin Francis DeClue and Ellen 
Elizabeth (nee Moon).
He departed this life, Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at his home in Steelville, Mo. 
at the age of 73 years, 5 months and 16 days.
Ben served his country honorably in the United States Army from September 21, 
1951 through June 30, 1953, during which time he served in Korea.
He was united in marriage November 18, 1961 to Bonnie (nee Ransom) in the home 
of Rev. Marvin Dobkins in Steelville, Mo. They made their home in Steelville, 
Mo. and enjoyed over 41 years together.
Ben was a self-employed Electronic Technician, working from his home in 
Steelville and surrounding areas for many years.
In addition to his parents, one brother, Leo DeClue, father-in-law Virgil Ransom 
and one brother-in-law, Charles Gibson, preceded him in death.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Bonnie DeClue 
of the home; four sons, James DeClue and wife Ann of Steelville, Mo., Joseph 
DeClue and wife Shellie of St. James, Mo., David DeClue and wife Jessica of St. 
James, Mo., Daniel DeClue of Steelville, Mo., two daughters, Melissa Copling and 
husband Dennis of Cuba, Mo., and Michelle Schlegel and husband Eldon of Polo, 
Mo.; one brother Melvin DeClue and wife Shirley of Columbia, Mo.; one sister, 
Mary F. Gibson of Potosi; twenty-six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Also remaining are his mother-in-law, Mildred Ransom; brothers-in-law and 
sisters-in-law Sidney and Cecilia Ransom, Cleo and Janet Chandler, Ronald and 
Glenda Caron, Wilbur Ransom, Johnny Ransom, all of Steelville, Mo., and Larry 
and Misty Ransom of Cherryville, Mo.; very dear friends Wayne and Juanita King 
of Steelville, Mo. and Carl and Shirley Mallison of Bear Lake, Michigan; 
nephews, nieces, relatives, and many friends.
Benjamin Irving DeClue lay in state 5-8 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2003 and 9 a.m. 
to 9 p.m. with Prayer service at 6 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2003. Funeral Mass was 
held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2003, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in 
Steelville, Mo. with Father James Finder officiating. Mary Elders Pounds served 
as organist.
Committal prayers and interment with military honors were in the Steelville 
Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Father James Finder officiated, assisted by Rev. Jerry 
Beers. Serving as pallbearers were Dwight Carpenter, Eric Chandler, Carl 
Mallison, Jr., Anthony Ransom, Eldon Schlegel, and Danny Walthers.
Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. 


Gwynn Jost

Gwynn Ervin Jost, of Owensville, died Mon., June 23, 2003, at Capital Region 
Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was 83 years old.
He was born April 9, 1920, in Oak Hill, Mo., a son of William P. and Ida West 
Jost. He married Frances E. Kottwitz on Nov. 13, 1942, in Owensville, and she 
survives.
In addition to his wife Frances, he is also survived by two sons, Ronald Jost 
and his wife Ruth, Owensville, and Donald Jost and his wife Suzie, Owensville; 
two daughters, Bonnie Gibson and her husband James, Jefferson City, and Connie 
Graves and her husband Bill, Jefferson City; one sister, Gladys Niewald and her 
husband Raymond, Owensville; nine grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Bransford and Maurice Jost; 
and two sisters, Pearl Souders and Frieda Souders.
Mr. Jost was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Owensville. He 
served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was the owner and operator of 
Jost Tire Company in Owensville for 54 years, and served as the past president 
of the Missouri Tire Dealers Association. Mr. Jost was a past president of the 
Owensville Lions Club, a life member of the VFW Post #6133, past president of 
St. Peter's UCC Church Council, and a past member of the Owensville Fire 
Department. He was also a charter member of the Gasconade County Farm Bureau, a 
member of the Owensville Chamber of Commerce, and the Gasconade County 
Investment Club.
Services were held Wed., June 25, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in 
Owensville with the Rev. Richard Brueseke officiating. Burial was made in the 
Countryside Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Owensville.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in 
Owensville.

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Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the 
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
<http://www.steelvillestar.com/>

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