Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of September 16, 2009



Dawnette Ann Bray

Dawnette Ann Bray was born April 28, 1967 and passed away September 7, 2009
at the age of 42 years.
Dawnette was a 1985 graduate of Belle High School. She received her
bachelor’s degree from William Woods University in 1989. She later went back
to school and earned her Master’s Degree from Williams Woods University.
She worked for 13 years at Dillard’s in Jefferson City, Missouri. She later
worked for 10 years as a fiscal analyst for the Missouri Department of
Conservation in Jefferson City, Missouri.
She was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Free Church in Bland, Missouri,
being confirmed into the church in 1981.
Dawnette loved to sew and loved spending time with friends and family. She
took pride in her job and in her sewing for others.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eugene and Laura Kraenow,
Albert Bray Sr. and Lawrence and Grace Glenn.
She is survived by her parents, Albert and Naomi (Kraenow) Bray of Belle,
Missouri; one sister, Donna Campbell and husband Rocky of Belle, Missouri;
niece and nephew, Jessi Campbell Foust and husband Justin and Tyler Campbell
and wife Tommi; great nephew and niece, Jake and Jaci Foust; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was at the Sassmann Funeral Home, Belle, Missouri.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. at the Zion Evangelical Free Church in Bland,
Missouri.
Interment in the Old Bland Cemetery, Bland, Missouri.


Nadine Byrd-Waisner

Nadine Byrd-Waisner (nee West) of Sullivan, Missouri was born on
October 15, 1930, in Leasburg, Missouri to Floyd and Anna (Bryan) West and
passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at the age of 78 years.
She loved her family and was known to comment that she had “perfect children”
and looked forward to her annual trip to Branson with the girls in her
family. Nadine loved watching the Game Show Network, auto racing, and Little
John each morning on Ch. 6.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Claude Byrd and Rolla Waisner; a son,
Claude Edward Byrd, Jr.; parents, Floyd and Anna West; a sister, Virginia
Ransom and a brother Walter West.
She is survived by children, Betty Ann Wood and husband Joe of Florissant,
Missouri, Judy Pryor and husband Larry of Sullivan, Missouri, Jeannie Byrd
and friend Patrick Dorf of Branson, Missouri, Susan Kirk and husband Don of
Diamond, Missouri, Mark Byrd and wife Vicki of Bourbon, Missouri, Bill Byrd
and wife Rena of Hollister, Missouri, Tammie Finney and husband Rob of
Sullivan, Missouri, Pam Walls and husband Terry of Bourbon, Missouri; step
daughter Dianne Cook of Boonville, Missouri; 21 grandchildren; three step
grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Adams and husband
Walter of Bourbon, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2009
at the Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor
James Delacourt officiating.
Interment followed in the Lea Cemetery with pallbearers Joe and Bryan Wood,
Shane and Shawn Pryor, Eddie Byrd, Mark Gorzik, Jacob and Lane Walls
assisting.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan,
Missouri.



William Bernard Harris

William Bernard Harris of St. Peters, Missouri, formerly of Cherryville,
Missouri, was born May 29, 1933 at Davisville, Missouri to James Thomas
Harris and Bessie Jane Bettorf Harris and passed away Tuesday,
September 8, 2009 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri at the
age of 76 years.
Bernard retired from Hussman Refrigeration in St. Louis after more than
40 years.
He attended Midland Pentecostal Church.
He loved listening to gospel music and always would share his music with
family. He also enjoyed watching old movies, but most of all loved being 
ear his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bessie Harris; two
sisters, Mildred Turnbough and husband Cletis and Violet Hewkin and two
brothers-in-law, Vencil Cottrell and Gilbert Davis.
He is survived by his brother, Tom Harris and wife Elma of Viburnum,
Missouri; four sisters, Bonnie Barton of Davisville, Missouri, Betty Martin
and husband Jim, Alline Cottrell and Ina Davis, all of Steelville, Missouri;
brother-in-law, Herman Hewkin of Davisville, Missouri; special niece,
Geraldine Black and husband Bill of Cherryville, Missouri; other, relatives
and friends.
Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Bob Coleman
officiating. Special music of “I Don’t Need to Understand,” “By the Time They
Find Me Missing” and “Come Morning” was provided by Rev. Bob and Carol
Coleman.
Serving as casket bearers were nephews and great nephew, Mike Harris, Terry
Harris, David Barton, Keith Martin, Jim Cottrell and Billy Black.
Committal prayer and burial were in the Martin-Trask Cemetery at Cherryville,
Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.



Winferd F. Hays, Sr.

Winferd F. Hays, Sr., was born on October 4, 1923 to John and Maude (Riley)
Hays of Salem, Missouri and passed away on Monday, August 31, 2009 at his
home in St. James, Missouri at the age of 85 years, 10 months, and 27 days
of age.
Winferd grew up in Salem, Missouri, later moved to St. Louis, Missouri to
work at Wagner Electric in the 40s. It was there he met Nancy Pope, and
married in 1945. They raised their family in St. Louis County. In 1976
Winferd and Nancy moved to St. James, where they became owners/operators
of St. James Auto Salvage. He retired in 1995 and continued farming in rural
St. James, until the time of his death.
He was originally a member of Round Pond Baptist Church in Salem. He was
currently a member of First Baptist Church in St. James, renewing his
profession of faith in 2002. Of humble beginnings, he valued family and hard
work to achieve his dreams. He prided integrity and fairness to all,
including the least amongst us. Together Win and Nancy were a team, passing
on their values to the generations to come.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Pope Hays, in September 2008;
brothers, Orville, Sam, Wayne, Loyal, and sisters, Viola and Marie.
He is survived by two sons, Steven Hays and wife Tammy of Vichy, Missouri
and Winferd Hays Jr. and wife Kathie of St. James, Missouri; two daughters,
Sharon Logan and husband Irv of St. Louis, Missouri and Janet Hays of Cuba,
Missouri; two brothers, Charles Cleo Hays and Norman Hays; three grand-
children, Bryan Hays and wife Gwendy of Dallas, Texas, Danny Hays and wife
Shelly of St. James, Missouri and Rachel Hays of Vichy, Missouri; five great
grandchildren, Whitney, Macey, Micah, Jesse, and Joshua, and one great great
grandson, Karsten Driskell; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. at the Jones
Funeral Home Chapel in St. James, Missouri. Funeral Services were conducted
on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel
in St. James, Missouri with Jerry Baumann and Phil Cox officiating.
Pallbearers were Bryan Hays, Danny Hays, Jesse Hays, Micah Hays and Chuck
Hayes, John Hayes. Honorary Pallbearers were Joshua Hays, Michael Gerleman,
Mike Pope, and Berry Maupin.
Burial in the family plot in the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in
St. James, Missouri



Jimmie Dale Jennings

Jimmie Dale Jennings was born November 11, 1936 at Boss, Missouri and passed
away September 3, 2009 at Salem, Missouri at the age of 72 years.
On July 11, 1958, he was united in marriage to Patricia Sue Hartzell and to
this marriage four daughters were born.
Jim was employed as a foreman in the mining industry until he retired.
He enjoyed being around people and helping sick friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph and Margaret Roseanne
(Douglas) Jennings; two sisters, Erna Conway and Elna Jennings; one brother,
Warren Jennings; and one grandson, Zachary Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Jennings of Viburnum, Missouri; four
daughters, Crystal Kovach and husband Michael of St. Louis, Missouri, Tina
Jones of Lebanon, Missouri, Lesa Sumpter and husband Dean of Potosi, Missouri
and Jamie Turnbough and husband Mike of Cuba, Missouri; seven grandchildren,
Randy and Caleb Chandler, Chelsea Jones, Alex Kovach, Taylor, Gabe, and Noah
Turnbough.
Funeral service was September 6, 2009 in the Wilson Mortuary Viburnum Chapel
with Bro. Paul Pryor officiating.
Special CDs were played. Serving as pallbearers were Tom Campbell, Randy
Chandler, Steve Frampton, Stan Conway, Dick Blackwell, and Ronnie Mason.
Interment was in the Boss Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary.



Virginia Margaret Kean

Virginia Margaret Kean of St. James, Missouri was born December 17, 1913 in
St. Louis, Missouri to Arthur and Elizabeth Holman passed away
September 11, 2009 at the age of 95 years.
She married Gilbert Kean on October 27, 1931.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Kean; five brothers, John,
Arthur, Dan, Sid and George Holman; one sister, Rose Krewson and daughter-in-
law, Evelyn Mathena Kean.
She is survived by two sons, Gilbert Lee Kean and wife Imogene (Koepke) of
Leasburg, Missouri and Walter Arthur Kean of St. James, Missouri; two
sisters, Elaine Skaggs of St. James, Missouri and Alberta Meeham Ginn of the
state of Arkansas; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; six great
great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Monday September 14, 2009 at the Jones Funeral Home in
St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Jones
Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Leroy Bryant officiating. Peggy and
Leroy Bryant provided the music.
Pallbearers were grandsons. Burial in the family plot at the Hughes Cemetery
near St. James, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James,
Missouri.



Frank A. Krekeler, Jr.

Frank A. Krekeler, Jr. of College Station, Texas was born in St. Louis,
Missouri to Frank A. Krekeler, Sr. and Catherine (Bollen) Krekeler and
passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the age of 67 years.
He graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis,
Missouri and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the
University of Missouri and an MBA in finance from Southern Illinois
University.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970.
He was married to Constance (McDonald) Krekeler for 43 years.
Frank’s career in finance began in 1966 with Monsanto Chemical Company
accounting department. He and his family moved to the Houston area in 1983,
where he was a senior credit police officer with Citicorp Acceptance Company.
In 1991 he joined Chase Financial Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio as a vice
president of Risk Management and Credit Policy. He returned to the Houston
area where he joined Dynex Financial as a Vice President-Region Manager. 
He retired in 2000.
He enjoyed computers, golf, men’s coffee and breakfast with his buddies at
Christ United Methodist Church and visits to the Rock Prairie Whataburger. 
He participated in the Houston Habitat for Humanity with Jimmy Carter in
1998 and in Bryan in 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Frank A. Krekeler III and wife Paige
(Chapman) Krekeler of Houston, Texas; daughter, Cynthia L. Moore and husband
Stephen; grandchildren, Tyler McDonald and Jordan Marie of Spring, Texas;
sisters, Catherine JoAnn Mullen and husband W.D. of Cuba, Missouri and
Frances Kay Medwick and husband Hugh of Dade City, Florida; sisters-in-law,
Dorothy Scrutchfield and husband Leon of Franklin, Texas and Pattie Raposo
and husband Dave of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Christ United
Methodist Church in College Station, Texas.



Mitchell V. Lewis

Mitchell V. Lewis of Cuba was born to William and Myrtle (Lavere) Lewis on
October 12, 1932 at St. Louis, Missouri and passed away Saturday,
September 5, 2009 at his home at the age of 76 years.
Mitchell was united in marriage to Evelyn (Starks) Lewis on
February 24, 1952 at Pocahontas, Arkansas and then on September 2, 1992 he
was united in marriage to Linda (Yarborough) Lewis at Cuba, Missouri.
Mitchell was a truck driver for over 50 years having worked for Famous-Barr,
Consolidated Freight, Clyde Thompson and N.B. West. In his spare time he
enjoyed going to the creek and fishing for suckers and enjoying his favorite
beverage. He also enjoyed improving things in the yard or around the house.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Myrtle (Lavere) Lewis;
two wives, Evelyn (Starks) Lewis and Linda (Yarborough) Lewis; one brother,
Richard Lewis; one sister, Lorraine Roster; other relatives and friends.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other
relatives and friends.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 11, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Britton
Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral was held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Britton
Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Coleman, officiating. Interment followed at
Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba,
Missouri.



Alexander Mezines

Alexander Mezines was born on May 23, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri and
passed away September 2, 2009.
He attended Cleveland High School and earned an Engineering Degree from
Washington University.
He married Helen W. Mezines (Hinson) on August 1, 1942, who preceded him in
death October 5, 2007. To this union was three children were born.
Alex served his country during WW II in the Army Air Corps with honors:
American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.
After raising his family in St. Louis, he moved near his property in
Cherryville where he enjoyed the outdoors and the beauty of living things
while surrounded by the grace and splendor of the Ozarks. He resided the
last two years in Chesterfield, where he pursued his hobbies and many
activities.
He is survived by his children, Steven and Carla Mezines of Houston, Texas,
Kenneth and Kathy Mezines of Wildwood, Missouri and Carolyn and Thomas
Winterowd of Rolla, Missouri; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.



Irena Adkins Sherman

Irena Adkins Sherman, of Vienna, formerly of Vichy, was born June 24, 1910,
in the Bend Community of Maries County to Benjamin McCullah and Agnes
Cordelia (Armer) Adkins and passed away Sunday, August 30, 2009, in the
Maries Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Vienna at the age of
99 years, 2 months and 6 days.
Irena was united in marriage on December 25, 1927, at Belle, Missouri to
Joseph Milton Sherman, and to this union one son was born.
She was a housewife and homemaker throughout her working life and was
always diligent in providing for the needs of her family. She enjoyed
cooking especially making biscuits and cookies, and tending her flowers and
garden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents, Benjamin
and Agnes Adkins; two brothers, Floyd Adkins and Homer Adkins; six sisters,
Effie Shockley, Martha Brannam, Bertha Holman, Orpha Ragan, Roxie Shockley
and Maudie Shockley.
She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, William Winford “Bill” and
Mareta Sherman of Vichy, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jim Sherman of
Pudacah, Kentucky, David Sherman and his wife Sheryl of Palmyra,
Pennsylvania, Curt Sherman and wife Sandy of Vichy, Missouri, Roger Sherman
and wife Kathy of Vichy, Missouri, Perry Sherman and wife Cheryl of Vichy,
Missouri, Bill Ed Sherman of Belle, Missouri, Lisa Lewton and husband Jeff
of Greensboro, North Carolina and Robin Stratman and husband Don of Vienna,
Missouri; nine great grandchildren, James Lee Sherman of Springfield,
Missouri, Wendy Landry and husband John of Biloxi, Mississippi, David Sherman
of Belleville, Illinois, Kate Penn and husband Sean of Piedmont, Missouri,
Erica Stratman of Vienna, Missouri, Jennifer Stratman of Vienna, Missouri,
Jordon Sherman of Vichy, Missouri, Mareta Sherman of Vichy, Missouri and
Joe Sherman of Belle, Missouri; four great great grandchildren, Chet Lamey,
Chandler Lamey, Carter Landry and Olivia Landry, all of Biloxi, Mississippi;
other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in the
Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes with Rev. Cellis Crum
of Vienna, Missouri officiating. Music selections were “How Great Thou Art”
and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” were played for the funeral service.
Interment was in the Union Hill Cemetery near Vienna, Missouri under the
direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers were Curt Sherman, Perry Sherman, Roger Sherman, Bill Ed
Sherman, Jordon Sherman and Joe Sherman


Donald F. Wehmeier

Donald F. Wehmeier, Sr. of Cuba, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on
Sunday, January 22, 1933 to Lester A. Wehmeier and Adeline E. Frederick 
Wehmeier and passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the age of
76 years, 7 months and 19 days.
Donald served his country honorably in the United States Army.
He married Shirley R. Beach on August 7, 1982 at First Baptist Church,
Riverview Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri.
He worked and retired from the City of Jennings as a building inspector. He
was a member of the American Legion Post #522 and the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters Union 618. He attended Holy Cross Catholic Church,
Cuba, Missouri. His hobbies were fishing and hunting especially with his
grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his best friend Pudgy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Adeline Wehmeier.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Wehmeier of the home; sons, Donald F.
Wehmeier, Jr. of Union, Missouri and Wayne (Deborah) Wehmeier of Hampton,
Nebraska; stepdaughter, Kathy (Mike) Beach of Cuba, Missouri; grandchildren,
Christina Francis, Donald (Ellen) Wehmeier, III, Branden, Jari Ann and
Jordan Wehmeier, Amanda (Jimmy) Watson, Nicole, Zach, and Ashley Leible;
eight great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Monday, September 14, 2009 from 5-9 p.m. at Hutson Funeral
Home, Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral Mass was Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross
Catholic Church, Cuba, Missouri with Father James Finder officiating.
Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri.



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

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