Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of August 23, 2012 Oma Jane Copeland Oma Jane Copeland of St. James, Missouri was born on February 27, 1956 in Rolla, Missouri to Clarence Allen and Gracie Mable (Finn) Hanes and passed away on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Life Care Center in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 56 years, 5 months and 14 days. Oma was united in marriage to Gerald Wayne Copeland on September 26, 1975 at the Oak Forest Church of Christ in Highgate, Missouri. Oma graduated as a register graduate medical assistant from Metro Business College with honors. She grew up in St. James, Missouri and lived there all her life. Sheworked for 13 years at St. James Golden Living Center, St. James, Missouri; worked at Belle at the Counter Company; Z’s Place as a cook and at Future Care as a Personal Care Assistant. Oma was a member of the Miles Church of Christ; Christ Community Church of Rolla, Missouri and the St. James Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Gracie Hanes; one infant son, Gerald Wayne Copeland, Jr.; six brothers, Clarence Milton, Logan Jesse, Allan Lloyd, Garnald Wayne, Anthony Wallace and Lyle Eugene Hanes. She is survived by two sons, Randall Copeland of St. James, Missouri and Timothy Copeland and companion Sherry of Sullivan, Missouri; two daughters, Gracie Price and husband Allen of Belle, Missouri and Anna Power and husband Martin of St. James, Missouri;  five grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorial services were conducted on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Christ Community Church of Rolla, Missouri with Phil Cox officiating. Burial was in the Miles Cemetery in rural St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Everett E. Fanger Everett E. Fanger of St. James, Missouri was born in Rosati, Missouri on November 19, 1941 to Robert and Mildred (Gross) Fanger and passed away August 14, 2012 in Columbia, Missouri at the age of 70 years. Everett honorably served his country in the Vietnam War. He loved the outdoors, fishing and deer hunting. He loved going to deer camp each season and was always the life of the party. He loved spending time with family, friends and his pets. Everett had a very special relationship with his nieces and nephews, whether they were enjoying a backyard picnic or just hanging around. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred Fanger and sister, Virginia Sarach. He is survived by his sister, Minnie Lacy of St. James, Missouri; grand- children, Kris Chambers and Heather Lakaner; niece, Bonnie Francis; nephews, Eddie Saroch, Orville Gibson, John Gibson, Marty Gibson, Howard Gibson and Jay Gibson; other family and friends. Visitation was held Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral service was held Friday, August 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Aaron Jeffers officiating. Interment with full military honors was at the Meramec Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri. Pallbearers were Mike Turnbough, Dave Cornick, Terry Lunsford, Jim Chambers, John Trowbridge, and Jason Turnbough. Arrangements under the direction of the James &?Gahr Mortuary. Alice Lorene Gnemi Alice Lorene Gnemi of St. James was born August 11, 1930 near Broadway, Missouri, north of St. James to Robert E. and Gladys Pierce Parrish and passed away Saturday August 18, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in St. James at the age of 82 years. On January 19, 1949 in Steelville, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Frank Gnemi. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Kristie; two brothers, Everett “Gene” Parrish and Charles Parrish and granddaughter, Lori. She is survived by her husband, Frank Gnemi of St. James, Missouri; two sons, Jerry Gnemi and wife Irene and William (Bill) Gnemi and wife Donna all of St. James, Missouri; daughter, Pam Maddalon and husband Michael of St. James, Missouri; step daughter, Barbara Call of Fulton, Missouri; sisters, Dorothy Benson and Helen Harris both of St. James, Missouri; three grandchildren, Saundra Hendricks, John Douglas II and Angela Robertson; three great grandchildren, Justin, Emily and Turner; two great great grand- children; sister-in-law, Shirley Parrish of Rolla; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service was conducted 11 a.m. on Wednesday August 22, 2012 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Don Carson officiating. Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Sammy J. Holt Sammy J. Holt of St. James, Missouri was born in St. James, Missouri on October 14, 1938 to Burnice and Jewell (Bartle) Holt and passed away Thursday August 16, 2012 in Washington, Missouri at the age of 73 years. The love of the outdoors, riding motorcycles, swimming and farming was a favorite pastime. He was an avid baseball fan and loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burnice and Jewell Holt; two sons, Mark Anthony Holt and Jeffery Allen Holt; brothers, Bob, Ed, Kenneth, and Don Holt; sister, Bernetia Ayers. He is survived by his children, Kimberly Steele and husband Samuel of Parker, Colorado, Scott Holt and wife Joanna of St. James, Missouri, Shannon Parsons and husband Matthew of St. James, Missouri; brother, Jim Holt and wife Linda of St. James, Missouri; sisters, Maxine Henson and husband Don of Richland, Missouri, Karen Timbes and husband Michael of Springdale, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ryan, Logan, Dawson and Marissa; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Sunday, August 19, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. Funeral service was Monday, August 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Reverend Don Henson and Pastor Gary Bartle officiating. Interment was in the Flag Springs Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary. John H. Land Jr. John H. Land Jr. of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Saturday, October 2, 1920 in Pierce City, Missouri to John Land, Sr. and Rachel (Sheets) Land and passed away Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Missouri Veterans Home, St. James, Missouri at the age of 91 years. On October 21, 1941, he was united in marriage to Harriet Henley in Neosho, Missouri. John and Harriet lived and raised their family in the Pleasant Hill area. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” John lived his childhood during the Great Depression era, then served in the Army Air Corps overseas during World War II, as a radio operator in several different theaters. After WWII, John was employed for 35 years by the U.S. Postal service, and also worked as a part-time farmer. In his 35 years of service as a rural mail carrier, working six days a week, he never missed a day, due to illness. After his retirement from the Post Office, John continued farming until he was nearly 86 years old. He was a Life Member and former Commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #3118, a member of the American Legion Newton Dudley Post #53, and a 50 year member of Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M. John spent a lifetime working to provide for his family, thinking of them first, and himself second. “Cheerful in all weathers, never shirked a task. Splendid behavior”! He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet on January 7, 1996; three brothers, Gerald Land, Sr., Donald Land and James Land; four sisters, Thelma Foote, Mary Burr, Mildred Lightfoot and Ruth Ketchum. He is survived by three sons, Don Land of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Gene Land and wife Michelle of Greenwood, Missouri and Chris Land of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; five grandchildren, Ryan Land of Kansas City, Missouri, Sean Land and wife Elena, Preston Land and wife Akeisha, Deanne Land and Jackie Land, all of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 3 p.m. until service time at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 20, 2012, at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home where the final salute ceremony was provided by members of VFW Post #3118. Graveside military services and interment followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Military services were performed by the Pleasant Hill VFW Post #3118 Honor Guard. Arrangements under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri Lisa Louise Persicke Lisa Louise Persicke of St. James, Missouri was born on December 4, 1967 in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles Clifton and Louise (Fey) and passed away Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the age of 44 years. Lisa was a 1986 graduate of John F. Hodge High School where she was active in ROTC, cheerleading. She was voted homecoming queen in 1985 and played the saxophone in the high school band. Lisa attended college at University of Missouri at Columbia where she received her degree in Respiratory Therapy. Lisa Louise Clifton was united in marriage to Carl Persicke August 12, 1989 and to this union two children were born. Lisa and Carl were great partners in life and on the dance floor, they competed in several country & western dance competitions and were the grand champions in 1995 of the Great American Traditional Country & Western Dance Tour. She was an avid runner and ran in many marathons including the Boston Marathon. She had also competed in several triathlons. She was a swimmer, bicyclist, and dancer. She loved horseback riding, gardening, camping, softball and raising chickens. Lisa had accomplished so many wonderful moments in her life, but nothing compared in the love that she had for her husband, children and her family. Lisa is survived by her husband, Carl of the home; children, Brittany Persicke of St. James, Missouri and Wesley Persicke of Warrensburg, Missouri; mother, Louise Clifton of St. James, Missouri; mother-in-law, Joan Persicke of St. James, Missouri; brothers, Joe Hauck and wife Virginia of Rolla, Missouri, Dennis Hauck and wife Ardella of St. James, Missouri, Marty Hauck and wife Susie of St. James, Missouri, Curt Hauck of St. James, Missouri, Henry Hauck and wife Gayla of Columbia, Missouri, Charles Clifton and wife Kellie of Clarksville, Tennessee, Douglas Clifton and wife Sheila of Knob Noster, Missouri; sisters, Cindy Yoder and husband Willie of LaGrange, Indiana, Susan Akagi and husband Art of Loudon, Tennessee, Cindy Walls and husband Ed of St. James, Missouri; brothers-in law, William Persicke and wife Rita of St. James, Missouri, Willis Persicke and wife Sheryl of Jefferson City, Missouri, Donald Persicke of St. James, Missouri, Russell Persicke of St. James, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Tina Hauck, Dee Dee Persicke and friend Bill Lawless of St. James, Missouri; special friend, Christine Thompson of Arizona; 45 nieces and nephews, a host of extended family and many friends. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, August 23, 2012 from 5-9 p.m. Funeral services for Lisa Louise Persicke will be held Friday, August 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Pastors Don Carson and Howard Megill officiating. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery. David Lee Shackelford II David Lee Shackelford II of Rolla, Missouri was born on July 11, 1976 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri to David L. and Valda (Brandt) Shackelford and passed away Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the age of 36 years, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He is survived by his parents, David and Valda Shackelford of Rolla, Missouri; grandparents, Nila Brandt of Rolla, Missouri and William L. Shackelford of St. James, Missouri; one sister, Melissa Shackelford of Kansas City, Missouri; three brothers, Adam Shackelford of Richland, Missouri, Sean Shackelford and Jacob Shackelford of Rolla, Missouri; uncle Dana Brandt of Rolla, Missouri; other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri with Rev. Dale Wands officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Alfred Coleman Ward Alfred Coleman Ward of Steelville, Missouri was born April 8, 1928 in Campbell, Missouri to Thomas Coleman and Pearl Dickens Ward and passed away Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the Harry S. Truman Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia, Missouri at the age 84 years. On October 30, 1953 in Overland, Missouri he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Partin. Alfred served in the U.S. Army honorably from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict and received four bronze stars. He worked as a mechanic for most all of his life. He was an avid fisherman and loved to fish at Maramec Spring whenever he had a chance. He enjoyed hunting squirrels and deer and running his foxhounds and could be found at Haney’s fox pen during those times. Alfred loved to talk and visit with people and he seemed to never meet a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Pearl Ward; his wife, Betty, in 2010; two brothers, Edward Ward and Adolph Ward and wife Sylvia; and sister-in-law, Dean Ward. He is survived by his two sons, Alan Ward and wife Melody of St. James, Missouri and Larry Ward and wife Tracy of Robertsville, Missouri; two brothers, Daulle Ward and wife Rosie of Campbell, Missouri and John Troy Ward of Catawissa, Missouri; one sister, Rena Mae Mincemeyer and husband Leroy of Union, Missouri; six grandchildren, Miranda Ward, Kerissa Ward, Shantel Ward, Eric Ward, Dawn Wilken and husband Adam and Matthew Ward; five great grandchildren, Gavin, Sidnie, Alisha, Jordan and Kameron; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Sunday, August 19, 2012 from noon until service time at 2 p.m. at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of “Rocky Top Tennessee” and “Go Rest High” was played. Committal prayer, burial and full military honors with the U.S. Army and Patriot Guard were at the Liberty Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri. Casket bearers were Larry Ward, Alan Ward, Matt Ward, Eric Ward, Miranda Ward and Dawn Wilken. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ************************************************ 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