Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of October 28, 2020 William E. Arnott William E. Arnott of Steelville, Missouri was born on Monday, October 19, 1931 in Salem, Missouri to William "Pete" Archie and Ruby Pearl (Burris) Arnott and passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 15 days. William graduated from Steelville High School in the Class of 1949 and then attended Southeast Missouri State College until joining the United States Air Force. After his time in the service had ended, he went back to college where he obtained his BSE in Business Education and Masters in High School Administration. William married Rubye "Zardrelle" Ramer on December 23, 1958 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He taught school in Cherryville, Madison, Florida, one year in California, six years for Steelville, Missouri and then finished the remainder of his career at Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. William received many awards while teaching such as the Who's Who Award and made the rank of Captain at Kemper Military School. He and Zardrelle both retired when William's health began to decline so that they could travel and enjoy one another's company. William was a member of First Baptist Church in Steelville, Missouri where he attended many years. He was a member of the VFW in Boonville, Missouri and the travel clubs ROD and Coast to Coast. William enjoyed playing golf, tennis and riding bikes. He and Zardrelle rode the 19-mile bike route from Frisco, Colorado to Breckenridge, Colorado. In high school he ran track and played basketball and baseball. He liked to be out on his farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Ruby Arnott; parents-in-law, Vester and Rubye (Hamilton) Ramer; brother-in-law, James (Bonnie) Ramer; and sister-in-law, Gladys Osteen. He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Zardrelle Arnott; daugthers, Carol (David) May of Eureka, Missouri and Kayla Arnott of Madisonville, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Mitchel (Caroline) May of Webster Groves, Missouri and Melissa May of Kansas City, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Avett May and Dylan May; brother-in-law, Wayne Osteen of Heron, Montana; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as his final disposition. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Roger Edward Beeman Roger Edward Beeman of Viburnum, Missouri was born July 26, 1936 and passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at the age of 84 years. He is survived by his wife, Shirley "Jean" Beeman of the home; three sons, Mark Beeman and wife Sharon of Viburnum, Missouri, Mike Beeman and wife Cristal of Desloge, Missouri and James "Jim" Beeman; seven grandchildren, Travis, Taylor, Donielle, Nick, Darian, Christian and wife Rachell and Keisha; two great grandchildren, Mia and Kyrah; one sister, Helen Roush of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Wanda Hedrick of Shoal Creek, Missouri;, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2020 and from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Wilson Mortuary Viburnum Chapel in Viburnum, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Wilson Mortuary Viburnum Chapel in Viburnum, Missouri. Burial followed in the Shoal Creek Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Wilson Mortuary in Viburnum, Missouri. Carl William Berkelman III Carl William Berkelman III of Cook Station, Missouri was born August 4, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Carl and LaVerne Strumpf Berkelman II and passed away Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 72 years. He married Peggy Koltz Berkelman on June 24, 1972 at the United Methodist Church in Downers Grove, Illinois. Carl grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He was a loyal Chicago Bears football fan as well as his entire family. Upon high school graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country as a Sergeant First Class for two years and he received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He then worked for AT&T for 32 years before retiring. The family moved to Cook Station, Missouri in 2002 from the Chicago area. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. Politics drew his interest; he often discussed the current political affairs of the nation with his daughter-in-law, Wendy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Laverne Berkelman II. He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Cook Station, Missouri; sons, Carl William Berkelman IV of Cook Station, Missouri and Robert Jeffrey Berkelman and wife Wendy of St. James, Missouri; brother, Bill Smith and wife Bonnie of Bolingbrook, Illinois; sisters, Barb and Cheryl; granddaughters, Samantha, Rachel and Amy; other relatives and friends. A family Celebration of Life will be held later in Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Mary Frances Coleman Mary Frances (nee Farmer) Coleman of Cherryville, Missouri was born June 7, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri to Benjamin H. and Mabel L. Watson Farmer and passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 14 days. Mary married Billy Joe Coleman on April 21, 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri. While living in St. Louis, Missouri Mary was employed as a nursery school aide at Gateway Temple Christian School. After moving to Steelville, Missouri she became a nursing assistant to Dr. Baumann. She was a member of the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church. Mary enjoyed reading, watching the birds, drawing and artwork, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and singing. One of her last requests the day before she passed was to hear her husband Joe tell her in Spanish, "Te quiero mucho Maria," which is "I love you very much Mary." She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Mabel Farmer; son, Bill Joe Coleman; sons-in-law, Gary Russell and Stanley Bell; sisters, Betty (Ralph) Jones and Jenny Farmer; brothers, Lyndon Farmer, Brice Farmer and Dwight (Gladys) Farmer; brothers-in-law, Frosty Vetteto, Charles Coleman and David Firey; sister-in-law, Shirley (Jimmy) Blankenship; and four grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joe Coleman of Cherryville, Missouri; sons, Robert "Bob" (Carol) Coleman of Cherryville, Missouri, Rodney Coleman of Columbia, Missouri, Billy (Deana) Coleman of Steelville, Missouri, Randy (Brittany) Rebura of Wright City, Missouri, Ricky Rebura of Mansfield, Missouri and Ronnie (Heather) Rebura of Nixa, Missouri; daughters, Noma (Ron) Burkholder of Oklahoma, Mary (Butch) Brown of Bentonville, Arkansas, Carol Thielemann of Cuba, Missouri, Tracy Case of Hermann, Missouri, Bonita (Mike) Lottman of Union, Missouri, Retta Russell of Viburnum, Missouri and Misty (Larry) Harmon of Cherryville, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Eva Coleman of Roland, Arkansas; brothers, Richard (Joan) Farmer of St. Louis, Missouri, Forrest (Cathy) Farmer of Kansas, Ben (Betty) Farmer of Arnold, Missouri, Gary (Bonnie) Farmer of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Patrick (Diane) Farmer of Pontoon Beach, Illinois; sisters, Judy Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri and Glenda (Jerry) Ebert of Fruitland, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Leona Firey of Oklahoma and Marsha Coleman of Oklahoma; 37 grandchildren, Joshua, D.J., Julie, MaryJo, Sam, Heather, Timmy, Colt, Chase, Chance, Wendy, Sarah, Austin, Melissa, Penny, Natalie, Ariel, Samantha, Lorenzo, William, Dawson, Lacey, Noah, Mary, Chris, Lynette, Erin, Danielle, Chad, Dylan, Draven, Drew, Jimmy, Kenny, Justin, Tyson and Cameron; 40 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church in Davisville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church in Davisville, Missouri with Pastor Harrison Brown officiating and grandson, Josh Coleman reading the obituary. Memories were shared by Shirley Brown and others. Music of "All My Hope is in Jesus" was sung by Josh Coleman, "Heaven Just Got Sweeter" and a Heaven Medley was sung by Bob, Carol and Josh Coleman accompanied on piano by Alex Coleman. The service was live streamed on Britton-Bennett Funeral Home Facebook page. Committal prayer and interment were in the Martin-Trask Cemetery in Cherryville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Wanda Lee Davis Wanda Lee (Hurley) Davis of Rolla, Missouri was born April 18, 1937 to William Orion and Katherine (Goodwin) Hurley and passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the age of 83 years. Wanda lived in Newburgh, Indiana from her early childhood through her teen years. She graduated from high school in 1955. Wanda then entered the work force after high school at the Faultless Caster Company in Evansville, Indiana. Wanda married Bob Davis on August 24, 1957 at the Methodist Church in Newburgh, Indiana. Bob and Wanda moved to Maryland in 1958 and started their family. Wanda worked briefly for the New York Life Insurance Company in Washington D.C., but was then able to stay home to raise her three children. In 1965 Bob and Wanda and their three young children ventured to Rolla, Missouri so that Bob could accept a faculty position at UMR (now MS&T) and establish a permanent home for their family. Once her youngest child, Randy, started school, Wanda went to work as a secretary for the Mark Twain School in Rolla, Missouri. Wanda served in this position for 27 years. During her 27 years employment, she assisted nearly 10,000 students and befriended hundreds of teachers. Children came to see 'Miss Davis' for everything. She would share a smile or hug and in her soft voice send them back to their classroom in better spirits. After retiring from her public school position, Wanda's desire to work with and help people lead her to become a 17 year member of the Phelps County Regional Medical Center (now Phelps Health) Auxiliary. She was a member of the Salem Avenue Baptist Church for more than 50 years. During that time she taught vacation Bible school, Sunday school classes, participated in church camp and served on Mission trips to an Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She believed with God's help, you can do most anything. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Katherine Hurley; two sisters, Rosetta Fulks and Cynthia Henson; and two brothers, William Owen Hurley and Larry Wayne Hurley. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert of the home; three children, Robert Jr. (Kim) Davis of St. Louis, Missouri, Rita (Davis) Wilson and Randal (Rhonda) Davis of Rolla, Missouri; five grandchildren, Lauren Clift (Kyle) of St. James, Missouri, Morgan McGhee (Logan) of West Plains, Missouri, Aaron Davis of Rolla, Missouri and twins Mason and Weston Davis of St. Louis, Missouri; six great grandchildren, Kendall, Brynlee and Landen Costoplos, Evan and Hadley Clift and Audie McGhee; one sister-in-law, Pat Hrebec of St. Louis, Missouri; three special cousins, Donna Wangler, Rita Thorp and Debbie Funk; other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on October 22, 2020 at Rolla City Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Amanda Jean Franklin Amanda Jean (Gamblin) Franklin of Salem, Missouri was born November 18, 1996 and passed away Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 23 years. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Franklin of Rolla, Missouri; children: Levi, Landon, Madison, Anthony and Nathan; mother, Linda Frohock of Salem, Missouri; father, Bobby Gamblin of Salem, Missouri; siblings, Christina Maynard and husband Aaron of St. James, Missouri, Brandon Flowers of Salem, Missouri and Amber Frohock of Bourbon, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel in Salem, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel in Salem, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Michael Jerome Jercick Michael Jerome Jercick of Japan, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 15, 1950, to Jerome and Genevieve (Ems) Jercick and passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the age of 70 years. He grew up and attended school in St. Louis, Missouri graduating from Bayless Senior High in 1969. Michael then entered into the United States Army and served his country for nearly five years, before he was honorably discharged from service. Michael married June Dietz on December 23, 1994 in St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Japan, Missouri to make their final home. Mike continued to work for Chrysler Corp. and retired in 2008, after the plant closed. Michael enjoyed working around his farm, hunting, traveling and watching television. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Genevieve Jercick; and three brothers, Gary, Steven and Dennis Jercick. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, June Jercick of Japan, Missouri; three step children, Debbie Gorzik and husband Michael of Bourbon, Missouri, Angie Aitkenhead (Chester Johnson) of Maryland Heights, Missouri and John Aitkenhead (Andee Paquet) of St. Louis, Missouri; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; seven siblings, Sharon Melton of Mississippi, Nancy Weber of Troy, Missouri, Robin Lawson of St. Charles, Missouri, Randy Jercick of Kansas City, Timmy Jercick of O'Fallon, Missouri, Neil Jercick of Troy, Missouri and Mark Jercick of St. Louis, Missouri; his dog, Dulcie; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held at noon on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Father Paul Telken officiating. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Sullivan, Missouri. Arthur William Land Arthur William Land of Cuba, Missouri was born on Tuesday, February 12, 1935 in Leasburg, Missouri to Leon and Mary Land and passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 10 days. Arthur attended Bourbon High School and graduated in 1953. After graduation he served in the United States Army for two years. After his service, he worked for eight years at Wabash Railroad and then sold insurance for a period of time at Western-Southern Life Insurance Company. He worked at Walmart and retired in 1995 after 20 years of service. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and could quote in great detail all sorts of information on the various teams. He married Patricia Land in the 1990's. They were married for two years before she was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Arthur was baptized in Jesus' name in August of 1968. Church remained a big part of his life. He had been a minister early in life and could quote over 5000 scriptures in the Bible. He would spend his breaks at work memorizing scripture. His friends said he was a very humble man with a photographic memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Mary Land; and his wife, Patricia Land. Visitation was from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the First Apostolic Church in Cuba, Missouri. A Celebration of Life service followed at 7 p.m. with Pastor Michael Stephens officiating. Cremation was chosen as his final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Doris Judy O'Connor Doris Judy (nee Whiteside) O'Connor of St. James, Missouri was born in Bourbon, Missouri on November 26, 1949 to Francis N. and Emma M. (Wilson) Whiteside and passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 20 days. Doris married William "Kelly" O'Connor on August 14, 1983 in Bridgeport, Texas. They lived in Rolla, Missouri for many years before moving to their current home in St. James, Missouri over 10 years ago. Doris attended Sullivan High School and earned her License in Practical Nursing in September of 1996. She worked in the medical field most of her life, beginning as a Certified Medication Technician at Rolla Residential Care in 1987. Doris also worked for the Gingerbread House, Home for the Handicapped and Swift I.S.L. as an Administrative Assistant and L.P.N. Manager. She returned to Rolla Residential Care in 2001 to serve as an Assistant Director of Nursing and was an L.P.N. Charge Nurse for Cuba Manor. Doris finished her career as a nurse at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri from April of 2000 until she retired in 2013. Doris was an amazing cook and enjoyed feeding and watching wild birds and hummingbirds from her beautiful home in St. James. "Nanny Doris" was always there with a smile and a hug. She was a generous and kind woman who didn't know a stranger anywhere she went. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Emma Whiteside; husband, Kelly O'Connor; daughter, Dawn Renick; infant son, Darren Schmidt; brothers, Tommy Coleman and Earnest Lanham; mother-in-law, Nancy O'Connor; and her brother-in-law, James Joiner. She is survived by her three daughters, Sherri Cios and wife, Emily of Reno, Nevada, Rhonda Miller and husband Kenny of Leasburg, Missouri and Jenny Friedmann and husband Dan of Eureka, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kim Counts, Denise Counts, Danielle Counts, Jaden Counts, Noah Paul, Collin Avery and Kyle Avery; four great grandchildren, Hailey Lane, Hunter Lane, Nicole Lane and Sophia Avery; sister, Mary Joiner of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Memorial visitation was held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Memorial service was held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Don Martin officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Elizabeth "Liz" Jean Smart Elizabeth "Liz" Jean Smart, (nee Felton) of Rolla, Missouri, previously of Steelville, Missouri, was born on August 28, 1971 in Springfield, Missouri and passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the age of 49 years, 1 month and 20 days. She was later adopted by Earl "Denny" and Tamara Kay (Glasscock) Felton. Liz attended Hazelwood High School. She later went to school where she obtained her certification to become an EMT. She was an EMT most of her life, working at Christian Hospital Ambulance in St. Louis, Missouri and then in 1998 moved to Steelville, Missouri where she began to work for the Steelville Ambulance District and volunteered for the Steelville Fire Department. She married Mike Smart who also worked for Steelville Fire. Liz knew her calling in life was to help people and she loved doing that. She was fun-loving. She enjoyed socializing and had a love for being around people in general. Liz also enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola merchandise and collectables. She loved her dog, Sugar. She is survived by her parents, Earl "Denny" and Tamara Felton of Ozark, Missouri; children, Joseph Smart of Steelville, Missouri, Gabby Westlake of St. Peters, Missouri and Austin (Nicole) Smart of Ocala, Florida; brothers, Thomas Felton and Jimmy (Heather) Felton, both of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 7 p.m. with Rev. Alan Miles officiating. Her family chose cremation as her final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Carol Mae Vanek Carol Mae Vanek (nee Adam) of Cuba, Missouri, formerly of Cedar Hill, Missouri, was born on Wednesday, August 11, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Alfred E. and Virginia (Bank) Adam and passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 6 days. Carol grew up around Chicago, Illinois. She met John "Jack" Donald Vanek when she was just 12 years old, who she later married on June 13, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois. She was a dairy farmer and also a transporter. Carol enjoyed the outdoors, going out on the boat, working in the yard and loved to rake leaves. She liked animals. She was an amazing cook and made awesome German potato salad and vanilla pudding cakes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Virginia Adam; parents-in-law, John and Dolores Vanek; sister, Joan Adam; brother-in-law, William Vanek; and sisters-in-law, Gloria Vanek and Jean Vanek. She is survived by her husband, Jack Vanek of Cuba, Missouri; son, John (Patricia) Vanek of Hillsboro, Missouri; daughter, Joan (Barry) Harrison of O'Fallon, Missouri; granddaughter, Katie Harrison of O'Fallon, Missouri; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as Carol's final disposition. There will not be any services held at this time. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Gentilla Henrietta Gentilla Henrietta (nee Stein) Watson of Cuba, Missouri was born on April 8, 1921 in Florissant, Missouri to Henry Eberhardt and Anna Florence (Fisher) Stein and passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the age of 99 years, 6 months and 9 days. Gentilla lived most of her life in the Cuba, Missouri area. She met Benjamin George Watson while she waitressed at Midway and while he was on leave from the Army. They married on January 18, 1947 at the Holy Cross Church in Cuba, Missouri. Gentilla had graduated from Cuba High School and then attended nursing school but left that career after a severely burned child was brought in for her to care for while she worked at the doctor's office. She then was a homemaker until she and George purchased Shaw's Antiques and turned it into, Watson's Old Tyme Shop, until retiring around 1984. Gentilla loved to quilt and made many quilts for her family and for many causes. When the ambulance district was being formed she made one to be raffled off to raise funds for the ambulance. She also made quilts for cancer organizations and any other that asked her for help. She did the most beautiful embroidery work. Each of children had a quilt, as did the grandchildren and then the great grandchildren until she couldn't keep up with them! In the early 1970's she volunteered for the local school. After her husband passed away she volunteered again at the local school. She then, at the age of 73, moved to Florissant, Missouri with her daughter and family, where she volunteered at St. John's Mercy Hospital in Ladue, Missouri. She actually retired at the age of 80 but still kept up with her volunteer work for the auxiliary there. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Anna Stein; parents-in-law, Clarence and Florence (Beuvais) Watson; husband, Benjamin George Watson Sr.; son, Benjamin "Bengi" George Watson Jr.; infant son, Danny Watson; sons-in-law, Larry Duncan, Eddie Klein and Jeff Klein; brother, Ed (Trudi) Stein; sister, Barbara (James) Pinnell; sisters-in-law, Martha Stein and Jean (Floyd) Bay; brother-in-law, Don (Bee) Watson; and great granddaughter, Avery Rhaine Pipkins. She is survived by her children, Don (Sue) Wynn of Pilot Knobb, Missouri, Gensy (Frank) Key of Pinellas Park, Florida, Florence Klein of Cuba, Missouri, Theresa Duncan of New Florence, Missouri and Cindy (Danny) Wools of Cuba, Missouri; brother, Henry Stein of Tebbetts, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. 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