Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of October 2, 2013 Wendell Bobbie Bishop Wendell Bobbie Bishop of St. James, Missouri was born on July 2, 1936 in High Gate, Missouri to Walter and Ella (Kinsey) Bishop and passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in St. James, Missouri at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 23 days. He was also known as W.B., Bob or Bobby. Wendell Bishop proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard for six years as a Commissaryman.   Then he proudly spent 36 years with the University of Rolla Police where he met many close friends and received many awards.   He married Cynthia Louise Akers in 1973 in St. James and on March 11, 1975. He enjoyed reminiscing about the past, travel and treasured the memories he shared with those closest to him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Walter and Ella Mae Bishop; two brothers, Henry B. and Warren Bishop; two sisters, Wilma Varner and Mildred Bishop and two nephews, Henry J. and Brandon Heaper. He is survived by his ex-wife, Cynthia L. Hupp; one daughter, Donna Louise French and husband Michael of St. James, Missouri; grandchildren he called his “Kitty Kats,” Forrest Aubrey French, Chloe Jasmine French, Paige Ryan French and Autumn Noelle French; one sister, Patricia Simmons McClain and two nieces, Cindy Lee and Sherrie Heaper; other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.   Burial with full military honors will be in the High Gate County Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. John H. Casarotto John H. Casarotto of Cuba, Missouri was born on Sunday, September 13, 1936 at Rosati, Missouri to John D. and Eula (nee Dodd) Casarotto and passed away Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Cuba Manor at the age of 77 years. John was united in marriage to Sharon Bogue on June 20, 1959 at Cuba, Missouri and to this union three daughters were born. John worked for Show Me Power for 32 years. He started as a journeyman, became a lineman and retired as a sub-station mechanic in 1990. John enjoyed hunting, Sunday morning breakfast with Sharon cooking and the entire family coming out to enjoy. He was always “Going on the hill” to feed the deer. John spent hours in his garage tinkering on things and more hours gardening, canning, working cattle, putting up hay and farming. In his younger years he enjoyed camping and gigging. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eula Casarotto; wife, Sharon Casarotto; son-in-law, John Volner; sister, Gloria and husband Raymond Littrell; sister-in-law, Mary and husband John Menz; sisters-in-law, Pat and husband Charles Waidman and Millie Bogue. He is survived by his daughters, Pam Volner, Pat and husband Ronnie Woodruff and Linda and husband Kenneth Fowler, all of Cuba, Missouri; three grandchildren, Amanda Crow (Justin Bunton), Kerry and husband Jake Gassmann and Christopher Volner (Casey Bollinger); six great grandchildren, Macie, Hailee, Dylan, Taylor, Paige and Kloe, all of Cuba, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Richard Leo Bogue Jr. of Cuba, Missouri, Jerry and wife Donna Bogue of St. Johns, Indiana and Bill and wife Wanda Bogue of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013 at the Mizell Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Miles officiating. Special music was “When I Get to Where I’m Going,” “Go Rest High on that Mountain” and “Daddy’s Hands.” Family and friends served as pallbearers. Interment and prayers followed at the Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Michael D. Griffin Michael D. Griffin of Rosebud, Missouri, formerly of Linn, Missouri was born April 2, 1954 at Ironton, Missouri to Carl and Mary Ellen (nee Holland) Griffin and passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Rosebud, Missouri at the age of 59 years. Mike, as he was known, had been disabled since 1997 but that didn’t slow him down. He took classes about computers and studied modern technology. Mike was active in politics, lobbied at the State House and worked the voting polls. He helped other people with disabilities, believed in lending a helping hand to his neighbors and visited nursing home often. He was a long time member of the NRA. He lived independently for the last 16 plus years. He always planted a garden each year and mowed and maintained his own property. He spent hours playing the guitar and on his computer. He would play ball with his grandchildren, went to watch their games and always like spending time with all of his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Ellen Griffin; and one sister, Linda Griffin He is survived by his two daughters, Jessica and husband Carl Brendel of Rosebud, Missouri and Danielle Thurman of Kirbyville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Gavin Sparks, Bethany Brendel, Shelbie Brendel, Colton Brendel, Cheyanne Brendel, Lilly Thurman and Lexi Thurman; two brothers, Carl Ivan “Sonny” and wife Judy Hirschvogel of Herman, Missouri and Ed Griffin of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; two sisters, Beverly McManus of St. Peters, Missouri and Wanda and husband Ronnie Limberg of Alabama; other relatives and friends. An “In Remembrance” gathering will be held Sunday, October 6, 2013 at Mike’s daughter Jessica’s house, 3684 Thenhaus Road, Rosebud, Missouri from 1-4 p.m. Bring a covered dish, your favorite stories, special memories, pictures and your smiles to share with everyone. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Arthur Benjamin “Trey” Gross III Arthur Benjamin “Trey” Gross III of Cuba, Missouri was born on December 7, 1963 in Cuba, Missouri and passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at his home at the age of 49 years. Trey was the Shipping Coordinator for G&W Heel Lift Company in Cuba for over 20 years. He was a 1982 graduate of Cuba High School and attended Southwest Missouri State University and Crowder College. He was a member of Cuba United Methodist Church and Cuba Masonic Lodge #312 A.F. & A.M. His hobbies included being an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, cooking, fishing, golfing, listening to music and being a George Strait and Reba McEntire fan. She was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willis Wilkinson, Arthur B. Gross, Sr. and June Alberta (Bishop) Gross; one uncle, Carl Wilkinson. He is survived by his parents, Willa C. Gross of Cuba, Missouri and Dr. Arthur B. Gross, Jr. of Ft. Myers, Florida; one sister, Jenny Gross of St. Louis, Missouri; grandmother, Dorothy L. (Ritchie) Wilkinson of Cuba, Missouri; three uncles, Terry and wife Brenda Wilkinson of Jefferson City, Missouri, Richard and wife Alice Gross, William Gross, both of San Diego, California; one aunt, Julie Wilkinson of Phoenix, Arizona; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Monday, September 30, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home with a Masonic service to be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Cuba United Methodist Church with Pastor Joseph Frana, officiating. Interment followed at the Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Arvil Charles Harris Arvil Charles Harris of St. James, Missouri was born on July 15, 1931 in Maysville, Oklahoma to Carlos D. and Ozie Helen (Yancy) Harris and passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 7 days. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Hill on September 5, 1987 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. A. C. Harris worked for the USGS as a Cartographer-Supervisor for 33 y ears. He was a member of the St. James Kiwanis Club since 1976. He attended the Church of Christ in St. James, Missouri and served his country in the Korean War.   He was an employee, co-worker and a dear friend of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri for 20 years.   He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carlos and Ozie Harris and four sisters, Myrtle B. Merkey, Ola Blasingame, Effie Bearban and Verda Huggins. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Harris of St. James, Missouri; one son, Robert Dewayne and Paula Harris of Rolla, Missouri; one daughter, Gayla Denise Hauck and husband Henry of Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren, Samantha, Henry, Kayla and Amelia; a special nephew, Bert Blasingame of Oklahoma; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Friday, September 27, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home with full military honors with Lynn Huggins officiating.   Pallbearers were Rusty Otis, Kenny Thompson, Henry Chatman, Hank Chatman, Sam Bunyard and Jerry Combs.   Honorary Pallbearers were Russ Davis, Jerry McIntosh, Robert McIntosh, Paul Moreland, Jerry Hodorowski, Harold Wright and Earl Pilgers.   Burial was in the family plot in the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Barbara Sue Keeney Barbara Sue Keeney of Belle, Missouri was born May 8, 1944 in Belle, Missouri to Bennie and Ruby (Green) Seymore and passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Gasconade Manor Nursing Home in Owensville, Missouri at the age of 69 years. On November 24, 1961, Barbara was united in marriage to Danny Keeney of Belle at the Pilot Knob Church in Summerfield, Missouri. Barbara worked at the International Shoe Factory before taking over her dad’s mail route which she carried for 34 years. She had the pleasure of spending her last day of her route with her mother, Ruby. Barbara was a member of the Belle Church of Christ. Her greatest joys were her two grandsons, Jesse and Jacob. Barbara loved spending time in Branson with Danny and the boys. She loved to embroidery and the beauty of red roses. She is survived by her husband, Danny; one daughter, Renee Kottwitz and her husband Melvin of Bland, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jesse Ray Kottwitz and his wife Heather, and Jacob Lee Kottwitz; one sister, Shelby Michel of Belle, Missouri; one brother, Murel Seymore and his wife Dianna of Belle, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013 at the Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at the Church of Christ in Belle, Missouri with Bro. Jack Simons officiating. Interment followed in the Liberty Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Sassmann’s Funeral Home in Belle, Missouri. Richard James Seidel Richard James Seidel, of Bourbon, Missouri was born May 28, 1941 in Olean, New York to Roderick Frederick and Mureal Irene Seidel and passed away Sunday, September 27, at the age of 72 years. He graduated from Lehigh University in 1963 with a Chemical Engineer degree. He worked for Gulf Oil Corp. for 22 years, Petrolite Corp. for 10 years, and was President of Napera Inc. for over two years. He retired July 1, 1997 in Harriman, New York and then moved to the farm in Bourbon, Missouri. He served on the Board of the EMPAC Group “Sheltered Workshop” which employ people with developmental, mental and physical challenges.   He was the treasurer of the Sullivan Third Degree Knights of Columbus and a former past Grand Knight. He was the treasurer of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was treasurer for the Bourbon Area Community Center and an active member of the Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church. Richard loved to hunt, fish, hike and work on his farm. He enjoyed camping with family, hunting with family and friends, and taking various trips around the country each year. One of his favorites was the annual fishing trip to Bennett Springs in Lebanon, Missouri with his sons, grandsons and friends. He also hiked the Appalachian Trail with his best friend and hunting buddy Ken Marley. He is survived by his sons, Gary Seidel and wife Sabrina of Wildwood, Missouri, Kevin Seidel and wife Terra of Indianapolis, Indiana and Brian Seidel and wife Lisa of Greenville, South Carolina; daughter, Julie Ward and husband Eric of Greenville, Missouri; brother, Robert Seidel of Clifton Park, New York; sisters, Shirley Bailey of Bayfield, Colorado and Judy Prince, of Knoxville, Tennessee;  nine grand- children; other relatives and friends. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri Funeral services will be conducted at the Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Father John Patrick Day officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Frank Henry Spreng Frank Henry Spreng of Cuba, Missouri was born to John Henry and Mayme M. (Zakostelecky) Spreng on January 28, 1931 in Cuba, Missouri and passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Cuba Manor at the age of 82 years. Frank retired after many years as a finish carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri and had worked also at Markley’s Lumber Company in Cuba. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, plumbing and he enjoyed taking care of his yard and being outside. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mayme Spreng; three brothers, Arnold, John and Donald Spreng; three sisters, Helen Sheets, Dorothy Stein and Florence Leech. He is survived by three nephews, Donald Stein of Bourbon, Missouri, Mike Spreng of St. Louis, Missouri and Brad Spreng of Cuba, Missouri; two nieces, Karen and Carol Spreng both of Cuba, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Susan Spreng of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Private interment was at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Robert Sportsman Robert Sportsman of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda J. Sportsman. He is survived by one son, Jason Sportsman and wife Amber; one daughter, Janet Dillon and husband Danny; grandchildren, Madison, Elijah, Cole, and Alec.   Graveside services Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the High Gate Baptist Cemetery in rural St. James, Missouri. Arrangements 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. ************************************************ 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