Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of September 4, 2019 William Lloyd Cox Jr. William Lloyd Cox Jr. of Sullivan, Missouri, was born on April 29, 1940 in Festus, Missouri to William Lloyd and Jewell Irene (Cunningham) Cox Sr. and passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the age of 79 years. His very first job was as a soda jerk, in Festus, Missouri. William and his family lived in Festus until 1956. After the loss of his father, they moved to Union, Missouri where William got a summer job working in a shoe factory. He graduated from Union High School in May of 1958. About two years later, William's mother remarried and the family moved to Gerald, Missouri. Through the summer, William did odd jobs for farmers and also worked at Stave Mill. After high school, William went to work at Brown Shoe in Owensville, Missouri from September 1958 to February 1963, when his stepfather helped him get a job at McDonnell Aircraft (now Boeing). In August 1963 William was drafted into the United States Army. After training, he was sent to Korea for one year. He served for a total of two years and then went back to work at McDonnell Aircraft, where he worked for 34 1/2 years, retiring in December of 1996. William married Mary Ruth McGowan on May 13, 1967. They moved to Japan in November 1975, close to where Mary was born and raised. William was a huge sports fanatic, as well as an avid reader who specializes in WWI History, westerns and anything about General Custer. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lloyd Cox Sr. and Jewell Irene Cox; one brother, Wayne Cox; one half-brother, Billy Cox; and brother-in-law, Eugene Elsperman. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ruth Cox of Sullivan, Missouri; one son, Dale L. Cox and wife Darlene of Tehachapi, California; one brother, John Cox and wife Janet of Gerald, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Loretta Elsperman of Japan, Missouri and Victoria Jenkins and husband Wallace "Butch" of Strain, Missouri; brothers-in-law, James McGowan and wife Betty of Bourbon, Missouri, Ted McGowan of Japan, Missouri and Charles McGowan and wife Mary Jo of Japan, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4:30-8 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Burial was held at the Crow Cemetery in Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri. Connor Michael Crites Connor Michael Crites of Leasburg, Missouri was born February 16, 1994 and passed away Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the age of 25 years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tracy L. Moore. He is survived by his fianceŽ, Ashley Acosta; father, Michael Wayne (Carla) Crites Jr.; siblings, Isabella Crites, David Hunt, Ashley Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor; grandparents, Bernice and Michael Crites Sr., Charlotte and Gordon "Sonny" Moore and Norma Foster; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 at the Baue Funeral Home in O'Fallon, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Baue Funeral Home in O'Fallon, Missouri. Abbie Melba "Meb" Doss Abbie Melba "Meb" Doss (nee Haffer) of Berryman, Missouri was born on Tuesday, April 10, 1928 in Steelville, Missouri to William Henry and Ida Jerusha Matchell Haffer and passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 15 days. Melba was a lifelong resident of the Berryman and Steelville, Missouri area. She attended Slowensky School and used to ride her horse to school early to play softball. She married John Lidle Doss on April 17, 1944. Melba was a housewife until she worked as a housekeeper at Eagle Hurst Ranch for 20 years. She accepted the Lord and was a member of the Huzzah Baptist Church. She loved listening to gospel music and going to singings. Melba was a natural caregiver. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. She loved picking blackberries and cooking. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ida Haffer; husband, John Lidle Doss; sons, John W. (Barbara) Doss and Danny Doss; parents-in-law, Lidle and Pearl Doss; sisters, Gladys Hammond, Ruby Barmon, Lucille Jennings and Hallie McConnell; brothers, Claude Haffer, Raymond Haffer and Arch Haffer; brother-in-law, Bill Doss; and sisters-in-law, Juanita (Lynton) Collins, Gladene Harper and Florence Rollins. She is survived by her children, Melba (Rick) DeMaris of Virginia, Illinois, Hazel (Victor) Gargus of St. James, Missouri, Ida Ruth Hart of Springfield, Missouri, Erma Doss of Steelville, Missouri, Nina (Phil) Ransom of Owensville, Missouri, Roger (Lucy) Doss of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Terry (Dave) Baker of Steelville, Missouri, Jack (Chris) Doss of Berryman, Missouri, Spencer (Shelly) Doss of Berryman, Missouri, Vera "Jean" (Brian) Licklider of St. James, Missouri, Vickie (Ivan) Earney of Steelville, Missouri and Debbie (Mike) Harris of Houston, Texas; special granddaughters, Kerri (Ernie) Setzer of Waterloo, Illinois and Kayla Doss of Steelville, Missouri; siblings, Floyd "Bud" Haffer of St. James, Missouri, Ruth Thomas of St. Louis, Missouri and Fern (Bob) McClain of Steelville, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Mary Haffer of St. James, Missouri Betty Doss of Cherryville, Missouri and Avis of California; grandchildren; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was at noon on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating. Burial was at the Haffer Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Michael Willard Doyle Michael Willard Doyle of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Thursday, May 22, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri to Willard and Annie Bel Doyle and passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the age of 67 years, 3 months and 4 days. Michael joined the Marines shortly after graduating school, and after two years joined the United States Army where he honorably served until he retired in 1991. He was stationed in several countries and met Constancia "Connie" Doyle while in the Philippines. They later married. Michael worked in the petroleum field for two years until he decided to fully enjoy retirement. Michael could speak three languages: English, German and Tagalog. He was a handyman and enjoyed carpentry, woodworking and working on his gunstocks. He also enjoyed bow hunting and fishing with his wife. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Doyle; mother, Annie Bel Doyle-Harmon; wife, Constancia "Connie" Doyle. He is survived by his son, Rusty Blanquero of Alexandria, Virginia; brothers, Bryan (Trisha) Doyle of Clarksville, Tennessee and Eugene (Brenda) Landers of Imperial, Missouri; sisters, Pamela (Ronald) Hageman of Clarksville, Tennessee, Charolette (Michael) Black of Harrison, Arkansas and Rhonda (Ronald) Perkins of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as his final disposition. There will not be a service at this time. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Clarence Eugene Farmer Clarence Eugene Farmer of Sullivan, Missouri was born on August 13, 1941 at St. Louis, Missouri to Clarence Farmer and Catherine Bakersmith and passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the age of 78 years. He grew up and attended school in St. Louis, Missouri. His family later moved to Strain Japan, Missouri area and bought a farm. Clarence honorably served our country in the United States Army. Following his service, he went to work at Pea Ridge Mine as an electrician. After the closing of the mines, Clarence gained employment with Emerson Electric as a Commercial Electrician. He retired in 2007. Clarence married Erma Carter on June 5, 1996. Together, they enjoyed fishing, camping and watching golf. Clarence also enjoyed feeding critters on his deck and reading. He was a member of the VFW and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Farmer and Catherine Hayes; one step grandchild, Jesse Cash; and brother-in-law, Bob Sohn. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Erma Farmer of Sullivan, Missouri; three children, Leigh Ann Reeves and husband Mike of Sullivan, Missouri, Greg Farmer of Leasburg, Missouri and Kim Saling and husband Brad of Sullivan, Missouri; three step children, Debbie Conaway of Sullivan, Missouri, Mary Roberts and husband Ron of Clearwater, Florida and Sharon Amheiser and husband David of Leslie, Missouri; one sister, Kathy Sohn of St. Clair, Missouri; three grandchildren, Cody Reeves and wife Amber of Union, Missouri, Kylie Reeves of Sullivan, Missouri and Stevi Saling of Sullivan, Missouri; five step grandchildren, Ron Roberts Jr. of Clearwater, Florida, Dalton Roberts (significant other Sam and her son Clayton) of Clearwater, Florida, Dawson Amheiser of Leslie, Missouri, Chelsea Conaway (significant other Dustin) of Sullivan, Missouri and Thomas Conaway of Sullivan, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Jersey and Khaleesi; seven step great grandchildren, Clayton, Rylie, Royce, Mason, Brooklyn, Emma, and Kaden; other relatives and friends. Cremation took place. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri. Harry "Donnie" Donald Green Harry "Donnie" Donald Green of Cherryville, Missouri was born June 25, 1951 in Davisville, Missouri to Floyd and Gladys Lea Green and passed away Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the age of 68 years. He worked for over 25 years in Cuba, Missouri at Georgia Pacific. Donnie always enjoyed taking care of his dogs and cats, working in his yard and watching movies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Gladys Green; two brothers, Richard Dewayne Green and Herman Dwight Green; one sister, Dormalee Chew; niece, Jeanne Haney; and nephew, Darren Green. He is survived by his nephews, David Green of Fenton, Missouri; Randy Chew of Cuba, Missouri and Michael Green of Florida; niece, Tammy Ripley of Waynesville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Donnie's wish was to be cremated. There will be no services. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Dewey Wilbur Harris Dewey Wilbur Harris of Cherryville, Missouri was born in Cherryville, Missouri on August 15, 1921 to Otis and Sarah (nee Anderson) Harris and was killed in action (KIA) on Tuesday, November 14, 1944 in the Hurtgen Forest near Simonskall, Germany at the age of 23 years. He was a Private First Class (PFC) in the United States Army. He served under Company C, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division during WWII in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis William (Sarah "Kizzy") Harris; brother, Ferd (Alma) Harris; and sister, Dollie (Jesse) Wheat. He is survived by his nephew, Jay Wheat; nieces, Mary (Brent) Stromberg and Sara (James) Pope; other relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Newcomer St. Peters Chapel, in St. Peters, Missouri. Funeral ceremony will take place 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2019 at the Newcomer St. Peters Chapel in St. Peters, Missouri. Interment to follow at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Newcomer St. Peters Chapel in St. Peters, Missouri. Gary Michael McGrath Gary Michael McGrath of Bourbon, Missouri was born to Eugene and Kathleen (McCartney) McGrath on December 26, 1932 in Saginaw, Michigan and passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the age of 86 years. Gary was the owner and operator of McGraphics Sales & Marketing Company for several years, before his retirement. He also owned the Funny Farm Novelty Store in Rolla, Missouri as well. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Cuba United Methodist Church and former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Friends Helping Friends. Gary was active in every community in which he lived and was committed to serving others. Gary was known for his quick wit and he was a great storyteller. He enjoyed being an auctioneer and mentoring others. He was a collector of many things, an avid reader, discussing local politics, acting in theatrical productions, golfing and he was always coming up with the "The Next Best Idea." He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Kathleen McGrath; one son, David B. McGrath; one brother, Denny McGrath; and two sisters, Susie Wieland and Nora Schrock. He is survived by his wife, Nellie M. McGrath of the home; five children, Tim (Cathy) McGrath of Michigan, Chris (Amy) McGrath of Michigan, Mollie (Mike) Swafford of Texas, Bert (Sharon) Thurston of Virginia and Ken Thurston of Michigan; one brother, Jim McGrath of Washington; one sister, Mary Eagle of Michigan; one daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn McGrath; 13 grandchildren, Erin (Adam) Heitzenrater, Mackenzie (Bart) Rittenberg, Keenan (Dana) McGrath, Kaitlin, Kelli, Patrick and Dustin McGrath, Andrew and Wilson Fields, Nichole (Chuck) Barringer, Mandy Thurston, Kara Thurston and Rafael Thurston; numerous great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Cuba United Methodist Church with Pastor Paula Brookshier officiating and military honors to conclude the service. In keeping with his wishes Gary will be cremated following the visitation and funeral service. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Margaret "Peggy" Names Margaret "Peggy" Names (nee Dotson) of California was born August 2, 1941 and passed away July 20, 2019 at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 13 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jean Names; parents, William and Mary (Pyatt) Dotson; sister, Connie (Combs) Smith; brother, Darrell Dotson; two nieces, Chris Smith and Vicky Skidmore. She is survived by one son, Ron Cooper; two granddaughters; one great grandchild; six sisters, Verna Gruver from Cuba Missouri, Lula (Richard) Doyle of Cuba Missouri, Rosalie (Allen) Littrell of Owensville, Missouri, Pam Simpson of St. James, Missouri, Linda Dotson of Cuba, Missouri and Geri (Harry) Schuster of Cuba, Missouri; two brothers, Daniel (Kathy) Dotson of Leasburg, Missouri and Marcus (Shirley) Dotson of Leasburg, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was August 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Holiness Church in Cuba, Missouri with Bro. Don Mitchell officating. Burial was in the Warren Cemetery in Tea, Missouri. Erric Clayton Smith Eric Clayton Smith of Edgar Springs, Missouri was born on April 14, 1978 to Kim (Maine) Wright and passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at the age of 41 years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kim Wright; and an uncle, Roger Maine. He is survived by two sons, Eric Clayton Smith Jr. of St. James, Missouri and Cody Farrar of Rolla, Missouri; one daughter, Iva Helen Elaine Smith of Newburg, Missouri; brother, David Wright and wife Krystal of St. James, Missouri; sister, Andrea Francisco of Edgar Springs, Missouri; grandchild on the way; other relatives and friends. Eric requested to be cremated with a Celebration of Life service to be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Darrell A. Steen Darrell A. Steen of Flagstaff, Arizona was born to Lee and Thelma Steen and passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Thelma Steen; infant son and a daughter. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; two daughters, Sue Lynn and Vicki; son, Larry; five grandchildren; his sisters, Jackie Kaufman and Rose Hofstetter; other relatives and friends. Deloris Fayon Warren Deloris Fayon Warren of Steelville, Missouri was born Friday, September 1, 1950 at Salem, Missouri to Marvin and Ruth (nee Barton) Callahan and passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the age of 68 years. Deloris married Douglas E. Warren on Saturday, January 25, 1969, at her parents home in St. Louis, Missouri. Delores graduated from Roosevelt High School, St. Louis. She started her working career at Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Company, working in the lab. She left from there and went to work at Gene Fahrenkrog Law Firm, where she was a legal secretary. She then worked for Panos Heardon Law Firm and ended her career at Sinniger Powers where she was a Patten Paralegal. She retired in 2003 from Sinniger Powers. Deloris was a very talented lady, but the truest gift that God gave her, was the ability to help others. Deloris owned Warren Reporting Service for five years. She would transcribe court reports from audio to words. She could type 180 to 200 words per minute on a manual typewriter. In her younger years, she loved to sew. She created suits of Doug and dresses for the girls. Deloris was the "Big Sis" and she treasured the title. In her spare time, she played the accordion, played piano, crocheted, knitted, made crafts and loved to travel. She shared her memories about their trip to Nova Scotia many times; especially about going whale watching. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ruth Callahan; daughter, Karen Warren; two sisters, Joyce Baker and Barbara Callahan; and one brother, Gary Callahan. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Douglas E. Warren of the home; one daughter, Maritta Grossnickle of Logan, Utah; three grandchildren, Ethan Schenck of St. Louis, Missouri, Amelia Grossnickle of Logan, Utah amd Savannah Grossnickle of Logan, Utah; four sisters, Shirley and husband Harrison Brown of Cherryville, Missouri, Pam and husband William Huggins of Bourbon, Missouri, Jan Callahan of Cuba, Missouri and Cindy and husband Darrell Phipps of Union, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Dennis Baker of Ozark, Missouri, Darrell Callahan of Steelville, Missouri, Roy and wife Kara Warren of Afton, Missouri, Michael and wife Phyliss Warren of Sikeston, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church, Cherryville, Missouri with Pastor Harrison Brown officiating. Interment and prayers followed at the Martin-Trask Cemetery, Cherryville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Laurence Edwin Williams Laurence Edwin Williams of Rolla, Missouri was born July 25, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri to Elmer E. and Esther Stephens Williams and passed away Thursday August 22, 2019 at the age of 92 years. On June 3, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri he married Wilma D. Atwell. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and worked as a clerk on the railroad before serving in the United States Army. In the military he was sent to Germany to fight in World War II. He received a Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal, and he had the honor of being a driver for a General. After returning home, he worked for the railroad for 20 years. He and his wife operated a real estate company and an insurance company in Kansas City, Missouri for many years. Later in life they moved to Rolla, Missouri, to be close to family. He entered the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Esther Williams; one brother, Donald E. Williams; and niece, Cindy Renfro. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma D. Williams of Rolla, Missouri; brother, Robert A. Williams of BosisD'Arc, Missouri; sister-in-law, Juanita A. Mace of Rolla, Missouri; nephews, Jimmy Williams of Chicago, Illinois and Bruce Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana; nephews by marriage, Bill Livingston of Accola, Florida and David Mace of Rolla, Missouri; nieces, Laura and Joanna Williams; nieces by marriage, Carol Maxey of Holts Summit, Missouri, Judy Eckert of Belle, Missouri and Brenda Kogan of Ferrelview, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday August 26, 2019 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Waynesville, Missouri with Patrick Wilson of the Salem Avenue Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri officiating. Patriot Guard Riders provided escort to the cemetery. Full military honors were provided by the U.S. Army. Arrangement under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, 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