Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of August 31, 2016 Melvin Charles Engelmeier Melvin Charles Engelmeier was born in Hinkle, Missouri on August 11, 1932 to Benjamin and Julia Hinkle Engelmeier and and passed away August 26, 2016 at the age of 84 years and 15 days. Melvin attended Collins School through the eighth grade and graduated in 1951 from John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Missouri. On July 11, 1952 he married Grace Fanger. During his younger years while in school, Melvin worked on various farms in the area. After high school, he was employed by the Johnson Stephenson Shoe Factory until he joined the military in January of 1952. He served in the U.S. Air Force until January 1956. He did his basic in Texas and went to supply school in Wyoming. He served his remaining time on a base in Salina, Kansas, as a Staff Sargeant. After his military service, he returned to St. James and was employed by the Homer Broyles Distributing Company as a beer truck driver. He also managed a small tavern in Rosati, Missouri, called Camp Hi-Light. In 1957, he started working for Hutcheson Ford Sales as a car salesman. He worked there full-time until 1962, and switched to part-time at Hutcheson's and also worked as a driver for a delivery truck of gas tanks for Skelgas till 1972. In 1972, he owned and managed Dent County Motors in Salem, Missouri until 1985. He then worked for Diehl Montgomery Ford in Rolla until 1994. He was elected as a city alderman to the City Council many times. He also served on the board who promoted the building of the Senior Citizen Housing. Melvin served many years on the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of St. James. In 1972, he served as president of the Chamber of Commerce. Melvin was also a member of the Jaycees. In the late 50's, Melvin was instrumental in promoting baseball into the sports program in St. James. He raised money from local businesses for equipment for 14 to 16 Little League baseball teams. The money also helped to maintain the ball park during the summer. He has been a strong and loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Melvin enjoyed hunting deer, elk, turkey, quail, squirrel and rabbit. He loved fishing and spent many early mornings at Maramec Spring fishing for trout. Melvin worked many enjoyable hours tending to his cows and horses during his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Julia Engelmeier; sister, Dorothy; and brother, Donald. He is survived by his wife, Grace Engelmeier; one son, Gary and his wife Bonnie of St. James Missouri; two daughters, Debra and husband Henry of St. James, Missouri and Donna and partner Crystal of Houston, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary on Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 2-5 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Reverend Jerry Baumann officiating. Music provided by Hal & Connie Rhea, with a special duet by Alivia Engelmeier and Hunter Pitts. Internment in the St. James Cemetery with Nathan Kemnitzer, Donald Branstetter, Don Hughes, George Hughes, Wilbert Falke, and Brian Engelmeier serving as pallbearers, and Butch Tucker, Sid Brown, Bon Mounce, Eddie House, Donnie Holt, and Bob Stacy serving as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Maxine Gilmore Maxine Gilmore of St. James, Missouri was born August 10, 1926 in St. James, Missouri to George and Evelyn (Kuhlman) Matlock and passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the age of 90 years. After graduating high school Maxine enrolled in nursing school, which she attended until she met and married Frank Gilmore. Maxine and Frank were married October 10, 1945 and to this union three children were born. Maxine was a life long member of The First Church of God in St. James, Missouri. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and gardening. She always grew enough in her garden that she could share with family and friends and she was able to can enough so that her family enjoyed fresh food during the cold winter months. She was also real quick in the kitchen, it was often said how Maxine could make a full course meal in five minutes. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Evelyn Matlock; husband, Frank in 1994; son, Greg Gilmore; and grandson, Richard Gilmore. She is survived by her son, Gerald Gilmore and wife Myra of Wentzville, Missouri; daughter, Deborah Weidner and husband Jim of St. Peters, Missouri; sister, Virginia LaRocca and husband John of Creve Coeur, Missouri; brother, Gene Matlock of Chesterfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Ron Gilmore and wife Cheryl, Jerry Gilmore JR and wife Becky, Ginger Orick and husband Joe, Jeannie Spiller and husband John, David Gilmore and wife Theresa, Matthew Weidner and wife Sharida, Stefanie Stuckstede and husband Michael; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the St. James Chapel of the James & gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Don Carson officiating. Internment was in the Sewell Cemetery in Maries County. Pallbearers were Ron Gilmore, Jerry Gilmore JR, David Gilmore, Matthew Weidner, John Spiller and Joe Orick. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Robby Hoke Robby Hoke of Robertsville, Missouri was born on June 10, 1976 in Rolla, Missouri and passed away Monday, August 15, 2016 due to work related accident at the age of 40 years. He was united in marriage to Tara Kerby and to this union two children were born. Robby was a dedicated husband and father. He and Tara enjoyed riding their motorcycle and even had taken many trips including Sturgis, Yellowstone and South Dakota. Robbie was known as a hard- working man, tough but kindhearted and someone who would help anyone. He had helped many people through the years out of trouble spots. He was very intelligent and was always determined to figure any and everything out. He is survived by his wife, Tara of Robertsville, Missouri; two children, Caden and Chloee; father, Joe Hoke of Sullivan, Missouri; parents-in-law, Jess and Evelyn Kerby of Dickson, Tennessee; two brothers, Joe Hoke Jr. of Cuba, Missouri and Earl Hoke of Sullivan, Missouri; five sisters, Brenda Hoke of Harrison, Arkansas, Julie Spencer of Denim Springs, Louisiana, Annie Switzer and husband Luke of Cuba, Missouri, Mary Heisman and husband Robert of Cuba, Missouri and Cynthia Montgomery and husband Dan of Union, Missouri; nephew and good friend, Roy Piatt and wife Melinda of St. Clair, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Charles Wesley "Charlie" Jones Charles Wesley "Charlie" Jones was born November 30, 1944 to Jack and Mary (Russell) Jones in Winston Salem, North Carolina and passed away August 17, 2016 at the age of 71 years. On September 12, 1964, Charlie Jones was united in marriage to Juanita Brendle. He was a member of Freewill Baptist Church in Viburnum, Missouri. Charlie enjoyed woodworking, gardening, working with automobiles and loved NASCAR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Jones; brothers, Russell Jones, Jack Jones Jr.; sister, Jean Hutcherson; and granddaughter, Casey Davis. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Jones of the home in Viburnum, Missouri; children, Karl Jones and wife Krystal of Davisville, Missouri, Karen Kuykendall and husband Richard of Black, Missouri and Kimberly Reed and husband, Dwight of Viburnum, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the Viburnum Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Dalton Harper and Bro. Derrick Meek officiating. Special music was provided by Kim Abney, Kevin Abney and Johnny Setzer. There was no interment. Arrangements under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Viburnum, Missouri. Richard J. Koke Richard J. Koke of Cuba, Missouri was born Tuesday, April 28, 1931 at St. Louis, Missouri to Walter and Amelia Koke and passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the age of 85 years. Rich entered the United States Air Force in January 1952 and retired February 1972 after 20 years, one month and 28 days of dedicated service. Rich had earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Rich married Mary M. Piatchek on July 17, 1954 at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church of St. Louis, Missouri and to this union two sons were born. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Rich went to work for SafeCo Insurance Company in St. Louis and retired again in 1992 after 20 years of working in the supply department. In 1992 Rich and Mary moved from Sunset Hills to Indian Hills Lake and they then began attending Holy Cross Catholic Church. Rich was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as Past Grand Knight of Council #8920 and helped with the building project of the Knights of Columbus building in Cuba. Rich could always be found at the Knights Hall helping out; his home away from home. Rich and Mary spent many hours sitting at the kitchen table putting together jigsaw puzzles and painting pictures by number. On Sunday Rich would be glued to the TV watching football especially the San Francisco 49ers and in his younger years he enjoyed bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Amelia Koke; wife, Mary Koke; infant son, Robert Roy Koke; one brother, Al Koke; three sisters, Marcella, Dorothy and Rita; and sister-in-law, Ann Piatchek. He is survived by his son, Mike and wife Pat Koke of Florissant, Missouri; two grandchildren, Philip Koke and Amie Koke; three step grandchildren, Jim Toomey, Mindy Toomey and Tammy Toomey; two great grandchildren, Nick Mitalovich and Jordan Gray; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Monday, August 29, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Celebration of Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri with Father Rich Boever as celebrant. Interment, prayers and full military honors were held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Bobby Lee Morris Sr. Bobby Lee Morris Sr. of St. James, Missouri was born on Tuesday, April 16, 1946 in Cuba, Missouri to Eugene W. and Rosie Marie Littrell Morris and passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the age of 70 years, 4 months and 8 days. Bobby served his country honorably for the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married Faye Roth on December 12, 1967 in Houston, Texas and to this union three children were born. He was self-employed and operated his dump truck hauling asphalt mostly for West Construction. He liked to hunt and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rosie Morris; and ex-wife, Faye Morris Sellers. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Mike) Burke, Bobby L. Morris Jr. and Scott Morris, all of St. James, Missouri; sisters and brothers, Marrion Bridgeman, Frances (Willard) Dulaney and Ray (Cheryl) Copling, all of Cuba, Missouri, Betty (Carl) Bridgeman and Margie (Tom) Dean, all of Kansas, Ed (Penny) Copling of Lebanon, Missouri and Becky Copling of Steelville, Missouri; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Monday, August 29, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. and memorial service was at 7 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating. Military honors followed the service. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Pastor Oliver Mullen Pastor Oliver Mullen of Sullivan, Missouri was born at Leasburg, Missouri on August 29, 1926 to Dennis and Lottie (Purvine) Mullen and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the age of 89 years, 11 months and 27 days. On November 19, 1952 he was married to Alice Geraldine Cartwright at Doolittle, Missouri and to this union two children were born. Brother Ollie, as he was best known by his many friends, was a soul winner for Jesus and was a well-known preacher throughout the Sullivan, Missouri and Bourbon, Missouri region. He had the privilege to "marry and bury" many residents in the community and surrounding area. Brother Ollie was a charter member and first pastor of New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. His tenure there spanned many years and in his retirement was still called upon for his understanding and counsel. From December of 1945 to October of 1948, Brother Ollie honorably served his country with the U.S. Army Air Force attaining the rank of Corporal with a military occupational specialty of a military policeman. He qualified as a sharpshooter and 45-caliber pistol plus was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Lottie Mullen; his wife, Alice Geraldine in March of this year; six brothers, Roy, Ed, Francis, Ernie, Haskell and Earl Mullen; and four sisters, Edna Mullen, Virginia Wallis, Geneva Hendricks and Marie Nixon. He is survived by a son, David Mullen and wife Jeannie; daughter, Alice Hewkin and husband Mark, all of Sullivan, Missouri; four grandchildren, Mark Hewkin, Matthew Hewkin, Marissa Hewkin and Jennifer Moreland and her husband Joe; two great grandchildren, Lexie and Aiden Moreland; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2016 at New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2016 from New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Charles Idleman officiating. Interment with military honors was in the Lea Cemetery, Leasburg, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Donnie Gene Sumpter Donnie Gene Sumpter of Cuba, Missouri was born on Tuesday, March 1, 1949 in Bixby, Missouri to Emmitt George and Retha Lorene Clements Sumpter and passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the age of 67 years, 5 months and 22 days. Donnie served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked many years as a logger then drove a truck for Consolidated Trucking Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He enjoyed hunting and cutting firewood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt and Retha Sumpter; brothers, Russell Sumpter, Mitch Sumpter, Jerry Sumpter and Vernon Clements. He is survived by his children, Karen Sumpter Phillips and Teddy (Amber Boyer) Sumpter, all of Cuba, Missouri, Anthony E. (Patricia) Sumpter of Pacific, Missouri and Donnie G. Sumpter Jr. of Potosi, Missouri; brother, Richard (Ollie) Sumpter of Bixby, Missouri; sisters, Shirlene (friend, Elvin Eye) Calvin of Berryman, Missouri, Melba Miller of White Hall, Illinois and Marilyn (Jim) Dotson of Bixby, Missouri; ex-wife, Dewilla Kay Sumpter of Cuba, Missouri; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Pump Cemetery, Bixby, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Lena Marie Upton Lena Marie Upton of Bourbon, Missouri was born on June 1, 1961 in Washington, Missouri to Melvin and Susie (Pruitt) Courtaway and passed away on Monday, August 22, 2016 at the age of 55 years. Lena loved her coloring books, baby dolls and stuffed animals. She enjoyed being the front seat rider on activity trips and helping in the kitchen at Redwood Manor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Susie (Pruitt) Courtaway; and one brother, Charles Courtaway. She is survived by her two sisters, Annie Courtaway of Potosi, Missouri and Georgia and husband Travis McMahan of Mineral Point, Missouri; one brother, Elmer Courtaway of Potosi, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Bourbon Cemetery with Lesa Mizell officiating. 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