Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of August 10, 2000
James Riley Gladden
James Riley Gladden was born to Riley G. Gladden and Alma M. Gladden on
November 4, 1927 in Laquey, Mo. He passed into eternal rest on August 2,
2000, at his home in Steelville, Mo. He accepted Christ as his special
Savior as a young man and was baptized in the First Baptist Church in
Steelville. He married Eva Stelle Clonts on July 31, 1949 and to this union
three children were born.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Josephine, one
brother, Ellis Wayne "Jumby" Gladden, and one infant child.
Immediate family members who celebrate Jim's life and mourn his passing are
his devoted wife of 51 years, Eva; daughter Jeanne and husband Hank Epstein
of Washington, Mo.; sons Riley "Joe" Gladden and wife Debbie of Burke, VA,
and John M. Gladden and wife Cindy of Marthasville, Mo.; and one sister
Naomi Jean and husband C. C. Whitehead of Macomb, IL.
Also mourning their beloved grandfather are his two grandsons, and four
granddaughters: Joe and Debbie's children, James Riley Gladden, II, Melanie
Renee, and Jacquelyn Michelle; and John and Cindy's children, Emily
Katherine, Matthew, John, and Anna Rose.
Other family members that mourn Jim's passing are three sister-in-laws and
brother-in-law Ina B. Gladden, Hallie L. Clonts, and Faith and Richard
Dillon, all of Steelville, Mo., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim lived a very full and productive life. As a child he overcame many
physical difficulties with numerous surgeries at the Shriner's Hospital. As
a young man he participated in high school track events of throwing the
shot and discus. He played the trumpet in the band and graduated from
Steelville High School.
He worked during the war years at the old Steelville Drug Store, movie
theater, and State Highway Department. Following graduation Jim spent an
adventurous summer fighting fires in the wilds of the northwest mountains
of Idaho and Montana from which he had many wonderful memories.
He attended the University of Missouri for two years before he and Eva were
married in 1949. He was a pioneer in the early Missouri Department of
Conservation. During this time he traveled the state of Missouri and ran
the original "Showboat" using Audiovisual technology to bring the latest in
conservation education to farmers and their families all over rural
Missouri. The "Showboat" was a paneled truck outfitted with a generator and
projector and often times brought the first movie picture for people in
remote areas.
In 1951 he moved his young family to Laquey, Mo., where he began employment
with the civil service at Ft. Leonard Wood. Jim worked for the next 29
years as an audiovisual specialist and supervisor. During this "first"
career Jim was involved in developing the leading edge technology in rear
screen projectors. Over the years he donated his skills to helping
churches, family, friends in the application of this new technology.
In 1963 Jim and family moved back to Steelville where he was a committed
husband, father, and gardener. He retired from civil service in 1980 and
began to further his lifelong love of gardening by opening Steelville's
first garden center. Growing and selling bedding plants, landscaping, and
providing top quality produce sprung naturally from his years of gardening.
He and Eva operated the Gladden Garden Center until health reasons forced
him to downscale to light landscaping in which he pursued for many years.
Throughout Jim's life he was an active and faithful member of the
Waynesville, Richland, and Steelville Baptist churches. He was ordained as
a deacon in the Waynesville Baptist Church and later served as chairman of
the deacons at the First Baptist Church of Steelville.
Jim's life was devoted to growing-whether it was growing plants,
vegetables, or trees or growing his children, grandchildren, or friends.
Throughout his life, God provided raw resources and gave Jim the privilege
of tending many different "gardens" in which the fruits of his love and
labor are in much evidence.
Jim was known for his integrity, honesty, persistence, work ethic, and
humor-all of which he used as tools for tending his "gardens." He loved a
good story and many enjoyed listening to his stories. If one listened close
enough they would hear his values communicated through his many stories.
Although we are comforted by the certainty that Jim is in the presence of
the almighty God, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
James Riley Gladden lay in state 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 1000,
at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were
held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2000 at the First Baptist Church of
Steelville, with Dr. Cardis Bryan officiating. Musical accompaniment was
provided by organist Wanda Ransom and pianist Jan Weisel. Special music was
performed by vocalists Brian Taylor and Cindy Gladden.
Committal prayers and interment were in Steelville Cemetery, Steelville,
Mo. Pallbearers were Jim Barksdale, Jim Brand, Charles Chipman, Lindell
Clonts, Bill Coffman, Sam Earney, Dan Gladden, Glenn Grayson, Donnie
Halbert, Rob Housewright, Larry Laney, Hack Lea, Bob Nixdorf, Floyd Reed,
Joe Setzer, and Frank Vance.
Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Brothers Funeral Home,
Steelville, Mo.
(Isa. 61:11 NKJV) For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden
causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will
cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Howard Wilbur Brown
Howard Wilbur Brown was born Friday, June 29, 1917, at Delhi, Mo., a son of
the late Charles and Fanny (Ives) Brown. He entered eternal rest Friday,
August 4, 2000, at the Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., at the
age of 83 years, 1 month and 6 days.
He was united in marriage to Virginia Green, on September 29, 1934, at the
home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Green, by Justice of the Peace,
Herman Parrett. They have enjoyed over sixty-five years together. Five sons
and two daughters were born to this union. One son Robert passed away when
he was one year old. He was also preceded in death by a grandson Arnold Lee
Abney, a great-granddaughter Courtney Brown, four brothers, Harry Brown and
wife Delpha, Walter Brown, Harold "Bud" Brown, and Ed Brown, two sisters,
Mabel Green and Edna Hutson.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Virginia
of the home in Davisville, Mo.; two daughters and four sons, Betty and
husband Arnold Abney, David Brown and wife Verla all of Steelville, Mo.,
Howard Brown, Jr. and wife Josephine, Jack Brown and wife Vicki, Terry
Brown and friend Lori, Nedra and husband Bill Dunn all of Davisville, Mo.
One brother, Harrison Brown and wife Helen of St. Louis, Mo., one sister
Mercide Quinton and husband James of Steelville, Mo.; fourteen
grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives and friends.
Howard Wilbur Brown lay in state 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2000,
at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were
2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2000, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Harrison
Brown and Rev. Bob Coleman officiating. Musical selections were provided by
Bob and Carol Coleman.
Committal prayers and interment were in Davisville Cemetery, Davisville,
Mo. Pallbearers were Bret, Brian, Danny, and Timothy Brown, Jonny and Jon
Trout.
Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville,
Mo.
Karl Edward Swyers
Karl Edward Swyers was born Friday, December 12, 1980 and entered eternal
rest Wednesday, August 2, 2000, at the age of 19 years, 7 months and 21
days.
Karl graduated from Rolla High School. He loved the outdoors and animals,
and was a good fisherman. He dreamed of someday becoming a conservationist.
Karl was a caring and loving person to everyone he met. He was a good
friend. He also loved to write poetry.
Karl was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clifford Swyers.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his mother Debbie Dace of
Bourbon, Mo.; his father and step-mother, Neil and Deena Swyers of Salem,
Mo.; two brothers, Mat Swyers and wife Patti of England and Wesley Swyers
of Steelville, Mo.; his grandparents, Betty Swyers of Steelville, Mo., and
Don and Darlene Dace of Bourbon, Mo.
Karl Edward Swyers lay in state 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2000,
at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were
held 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2000, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Alan
Miles officiating. Musical selections were provided by Patti Jo Roberts.
Committal prayers and interment were in First Baptist Church Cemetery,
Cherryville, Mo. Pallbearers were Tom Arnold, Chuck Burns, Richard Cassidy,
Alan Swyers, Ricky Swyers, and Tom Swyers.
Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Brothers Funeral Home,
Steelville, Mo.
Mary C. Evans
Mary C. Evans of Sullivan passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2000 at the
age of 86 years.
Mrs. Evans was born on February 8, 1914 in Joplin, Mo. to the late Finley
and Bertha (Parsons) Underwood. She was raised in the Joplin, Mount Vernon,
and Crane, Mo. area. In 1928 she moved with her family to St. Louis where
she attended McKinley High School. Following her graduation from high
school, she continued living in St. Louis and later worked at the St. Louis
Cartridge Company for a few years. In 1944 she moved to Seattle, Washington
where she worked for the Frederick & Nelson Department Store.
In 1949 Mrs. Evans moved back to St. Louis. From 1966 through the late
1970's Mary and her husband, George C. Evans, Jr., owned and operated stock
farms in Crawford and Dent counties. In the early 1980s she moved to
Stanton, Mo. where she and George operated the Stanton Motel. Then, in 1988
she moved to Sullivan.
Mrs. Evans found pleasure in sewing, gardening, and reading. Those who knew
her best describe Mary as an extremely kind and sweet person whose kindness
impacted the lives of many people. She was also known to be very thoughtful
towards her entire family. Mrs. Evans was a member of the Methodist faith.
She is survived by one son, Charles Evans and wife, Patricia of Washington,
Mo.; one brother, Eldon R. Underwood and wife, Eileen of Crane, Mo.; six
grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson;
nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her
husband and parents, Mrs. Evans was preceded in death by two sons, Howard
W. Flaugher, and George C. Evans, III, and one sister, Hilda W. Witte.
Funeral services were conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2000
from the Chapel of the Hassebroek Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor
Connie Gallagher officiating. Interment was in the National Cemetery at
Jefferson Barracks, Mo. If desired, contributions may be made to the World
War II Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC in memory of Mrs. Mary C. Evans.
Wilbert W. Ploch
Wilbert W. "Bill" Ploch, Cook Station, Mo. was born July 12, 1924 and
passed away Thursday, July 27, 2000 at the age of 76 years and 15 days at
St. John's Mercy Hospital Center in St. Louis.
Mr. Ploch was preceded in death by his parents William Karl and Louise
Ploch.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Loretta
Ploch, three sons, David Ploch and wife Barbara of Glencoe, Mo., Kenneth
Ploch and wife Mary of St. Louis, Mo. and William Ploch of St. Louis, five
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation was held at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m., Sunday, July 30, with a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. conducted
by Brad Harmon, Pastoral Administrator of St. Michael's Catholic Church.
Mr. Ploch and his wife moved to Cook Station from St. Louis 13 years ago.
He was a member of St. Stephen Church in St. Louis and became a devoted
parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Steelville.
Funeral services for Mr. Ploch were held at 12 p.m. Monday, July 31, at the
Kutis Funeral Home. Burial was at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. Mr. Ploch
served three years in the United States Navy.
Kaitlyn Abernathy
Kaitlyn Irene Abernathy, infant daughter of Garrett L. and Kelly L.
Abernathy of rural Cuba, died Thursday, July 27, 2000 at the University
Medical Center in Columbia.
She was born on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at the University in Columbia, a
daughter of Garrett L. and Kelly L. (Duncan) Abernathy.
In addition to her parents, Garrett and Kelly (Duncan) Abernathy, she is
survived by grandparents, Larry and Margaret Duncan, Michael and Janice
Abernathy and Carol Nash; great grandmothers, Mabel Duncan and Betty
Abernathy; and Doug, Kim Derek and Dayla Gruenloh; Rick, Kathy, Brad, Brian
and Melissa Echols; Jim, Becky, Laura and J.D. Smith; Eddie Abernathy and
Billy and Jenny Herndon.
She was preceded in death by two great grandfathers, Laverne Duncan and
Jacob Abernathy; and great grandparents, Floyd and Irene Rutz.
Services were held July 30 at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home with the Rev.
Jerry Pearson officiating.
Burial was made in the Countryside Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Owensville,
Missouri.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Gottenstroeter Funeral Home.
Roy Dean Williams
Roy Dean Williams of Cuba, Missouri was born on December 5, 1938 to the
union of Walter Williams and Martha Williams nee Palmer and passed away on
July 30, 2000 at Cuba, Missouri at the age of 61 years, 7 months and 25
days.
Roy was preceded in death by his father Walter Williams, one brother, James
William and three infant sons.
He was raised in the Baptist faith and was a member of the Cuba VFW.
Those who survived to mourn his passing from this life are his children
David Williams, Dawn Voss and husband Ed, Debbie Williams, Deana Williams,
Becky Williams, Walter Williams and Martha Williams; mother Martha
Williams; four brothers Max and Ruth Williams of Springfield, Illinois, Rex
and Kathleen Williams of Sullivan, Missouri, Harry and Barb Williams of
Florissant, Missouri and Kenneth and Mary Williams of St. Louis, Missouri;
nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Roy was a loving father, son, brother, good friend to all who knew him and
will be sadly missed.
Roy Dean Williams was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri where funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 2, 2000 at
11 a.m. with Rev. Gary DuBose officiating. Interment was in the Jadwin
Cemetery, Jadwin, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction of
the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri.
Dean Curtis Smith
Dean Curtis Smith of Cuba, Mo. was born on March 7, 1923 at Twin Valley,
Minnesota to the union of Vernon E. Smith, Sr. and Johnatta Smith nee Lund
and passed away on August 3, 2000 at The Missouri Veterans Home, St. James,
Mo. at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 26 days.
On December 18, 1949 Dean was united in marriage to Geraldine Gibson in St.
Louis, Mo. One son, Marshall, was born to this union. They have been
happily married for 50 years.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Vernon, and one
sister Lucille.
He was a member of the Cuba United Methodist Church, Cuba Lions Club and
the Indian Hills Mens Club.
He retired from McDonnell Douglas as a manager in production control.
Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his devoted wife,
Geraldine "Gerri" Smith; one son Marshall Smith; two grandchildren Chad
Marshall and Cori Michelle Smith; two sisters Larry F. Kinsey and Margie
Scheppmann; other relatives and many friends.
Dean was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, good
friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed.
Memorial Services for Dean Curtis Smith was held on Saturday Aug. 5, 2000
at 1:00 p.m. at the Britton Chapel, Cuba, Mo. with Rev. Mike Hannah
officiating. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton
Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo.
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Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
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