Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of December 10, 2003 Clyde Wayne Back Clyde Wayne Back was born Monday, December 11, 1933 in Borger, Texas to the late Thomas Clyde Back and Lois Platt Back and departed this life on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 69 years, 11 months and 14 days. Clyde served his country faithfully in the United States Army from May 25, 1954 to April 30, 1962 as a Private 1st Class. Clyde married Shirley Esther Council in March of 1953 in Borger, Texas and to this union three children were born. Clyde, in his younger years, traveled around doing various kinds of work from logging to ranching, taking his family with him. Sometimes things were tight but Clyde always made it work. Clyde worked most of his life as a welder and was very skilled in this field. Clyde moved to Steelville eight years ago from Springfield, Mo. During this time he opened his own welding shop at his home and worked from this truck. He made quite an impact on the community by his love for people and his caring ways. He sang and played the harmonica at the fall festival gospel sings. He was a very active member of the Centerpoint Baptist Church where he was currently teaching Sunday School. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, raising mules, and his latest endeavor was raising and selling worms. Clyde was a member of the Eternal Order of the Eagles, the Steelville Country Club, and the Steelville V.F.W. His father, Thomas Clyde Back, two brothers, Jeff Back and Billy Ray Sartor; infant sister Virginia Neal Back; and a brother-in-law, Elmer Sumerald, preceded Clyde in death. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his loving children Darrol Wayne Back and wife Charlotte of Springfield, Mo., Ernest Lynn Back and wife Sheryl of Floydada, Texas, Esther "Marlene" Scherer and husband Michael of Stinnett, Texas, eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two brothers, Tracy C. Back and wife Diane of Pontiac, Michigan, and Edgar L. Back and wife Mary of Pontiac, Michigan; five sisters, Janette Sumerald of Dickinson, Texas, Mary Ellen Brooks and husband Scott of Lovington, New Mexico, Joyce Klement and husband Howard of Rogers, Texas, Sharon Carlson and husband Leroy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Joann Kencheloe and husband Daryle of Odessa, Texas; two sisters-in-law Melanie Sartor of Odessa, Texas, and Virginia Back of Somerset, Texas; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends, all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Clyde Wayne Back. Visitation was held Saturday, November 29, 2003 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Funeral service was held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2003 at the Hutson Funeral Chapel in Steelville, Mo. with Rev. Matthew Cook officiating. Paul Hutson sang "How Great Thou Art" and "I'll Fly Away" accompanied by Valerie Hutson on the piano. Pallbearers were Ron Conway, Charles "Benny" Hornbeck, Bobby Beckemeyer, Len Blankman, Paul Hutson, Earl Garms, Henry Isgriggs, Terry Garrison, and Kenny Sumner. Burial was in the Liberty Cemetery near Steelville, Mo. All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Melvin Tim Burleson Melvin Tim Burleson of Washington, Missouri passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2003 at his residence. Mr. Burleson, son of the late John Burleson and his wife Myrtle nee Stagner was born November 5, 1942 in St. Louis County. Tim received his education at Normandy High School, graduating in 1962. On August 5, 1966, he was united in marriage to Rita Knight at St. Joseph Church, Cottleville in St. Charles County. Mr. Burleson was employed as a laborer at True Manufacturing Company. Mr. Burleson was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Joey Thomas Burleson and by one brother, Donald Burleson. Among his survivors are, his wife Rita Burleson of Washington; one daughter, Carrie Burleson of Villa Ridge; three brothers, James and wife Joan Burleson of Hillsboro, John Burleson, Jr. of Ballwin, Gary and wife Marge Burleson of Maryland Heights; one sister, Irma Sprinkle of Warrenton; one grandson, Timothy Robert Stokes; father and mother-in-law, John and Mary Ellen Knight of Villa Ridge; nine brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Memorial Mass was celebrated Saturday, December 6, 2003 at St. John the Baptist Church, Villa Ridge. Interment was private. Arrangements were in the care of Neiburg-Vitt Funeral Home, Washington. Gladys Victoria Isgrig Gladys Victoria Isgrig nee Kaiser was born Thursday, September 9, 1920, at West Fork, (Crawford County) Indiana, a daughter of the late Edward Ernest Kaiser and Ella Bell Kaiser (nee Lampkins). She came to live at Anthonies Mill, Missouri, October 10, 1935 along with her mother, brother and two sisters. She departed this life Saturday, November 29, 2003, at the Gibbs Care Center, Steelville, Missouri, at the age of 83 years, 2 months and 20 days. Gladys was a graduate of Steelville High School and attended Rolla School of Mines two summer terms and three summer terms at Flat River Junior College. She taught three terms of elementary school in Crawford County and four terms in Washington County Schools. She became a member of Fairview Baptist Church October 30, 1940. In June 1942 at the courthouse in Salem, Missouri, Gladys was united in marriage to Guy James Isgrig. Four sons and one daughter were born to this union. They enjoyed over 46 years together before his death August 3, 1988. In addition to her parents, who both died in January, 1966 and her husband Guy, Gladys was preceded in death by one brother Cletis Kaiser and wife Nellie and one sister, Fredia Hibler and husband Harry Wymer and Ralph Hibler and brother-in-law, Dwight Romine. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her daughter, Donna Jean Isgrig of Steelville, Missouri; four sons, Melvin James Isgrig and David Neil Isgrig and wife Marcy, all of Belgrade, Missouri, Kevin Manford Isgrig and wife Bonnie of Potosi, Thomas Allen Isgrig and wife Karen of Steelville, Missouri. One sister, Vena Romine of Steelville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Donald, Ronald, David, Andrew and Christopher Isgrig, Amy Lynn Mounce and Kathleen Isgrig; seven great grandchildren, Candace, Chelsea, Dylan, Pierce, Brady, Isabell and Abigale Isgrig; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Gladys was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and served many years as President of Post 4212 in Caledonia, Missouri. Gladys Victoria Isgrig lay in state 3-9 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2003, at the Britton Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2003, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Terry King officiating. Cecil Kaiser gave the eulogy. Musical selections were provided by Rev. Leonard Compton vocalist and pianist Pat Simpson and Michelle Stephens. Committal prayers and interment were in Caledonia Methodist Cemetery, Caledonia, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Andy Isgrig, Chris Isgrig, David Isgrig, Donnie Isgrig, Tom Mounce and Dean Wymer. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Potosi and Steelville, Missouri. Ola Mae Singleton-Mack Ola M. Singleton-Mack nee Manuel was born Thursday, January 20, 1927, at Lake Charles, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Willis Manuel and Lucille Manuel (nee Fusilier). She entered eternal life Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at the Phelps County Medical Center, Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 76 years, 10 months and 13 days. Ola was united in marriage to James Singleton. Seven daughters and two sons were born to this union. After his death she was married to George Norman Mack, Jr. They have made their home in Steelville, Mo. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Olin Manuel and wife Dorothy and Chester Manuel and wife Evelyn and one sister, Dorothy and husband Carl, and a step-son Brian Mack. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her children, Ollie Louise Singleton and Joyce Gilpin, both of St. Louis, Mo., Ina Arnold and friend Pete Viviano of Osage Beach, Mo., Kathryn and husband Edward Sanchez of the Philippines; Gloria Johnson and friend Mack Hammond of Winfield, Mo., Lee and husband Joe Finch of Smithton, Illinois, Cheryl and husband Steve Temple of Michigan, Willis Singleton and wife Lori of Florida and Jesse Singleton and wife Cyndi of St. James, Mo. Three step-daughters, Wendy and husband James Nessap of Grandin, Mo., Jenny Tolka and husband Brian of Potolka, Illinois and Johanna Mack of Horicon, Wisconsin, two step-sons, George Mack, Jr. a nd wife Sue of Waukesh, Wisconsin, James Mack and wife Sheri of Kingston, Wisconsin. Brothers and sisters, Donald Manuel and wife Dot, Daniel Manuel and Jesse Manuel and wife Carol, all of Louisiana, Willie Manuel of Lake Charles, Louisiana; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Ola Singleton-Mack lay in state 1-5 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2003 at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2003, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Homer Morris officiating. Committal prayers and interment were in Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Ina Arnold, Leo Arnold, Joe Finch, Brian Johnson, Donald Manuel, Jesse Singleton, and John Young. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Clarice "Marie" Hutson Merk Clarice "Marie" Hutson Merk nee Hunt of St. Clair, Missouri, formerly of Cherryville, Missouri, was born to James William Hunt and "Sadie" Sarah Ann Staples Hunt on Friday, October 12, 1906. She passed away Friday, November 28, 2003 at the St. Clair Nursing Center, St. Clair, Mo. at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 16 days. Marie was married to Charles Ellis Hutson on August 23, 1921 and to this union three sons were born. After Charles death in 1972, she later married Arthur S. Merk in Forsyth, Mo. on October 13, 1988. Marie enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, and crocheting as her hobbies. She was preceded in death by her husbands Charles Hutson and Arthur Merk; two sons Harold "Brownie" Hutson and Ellis Milton "Red" Hutson; one brother Claude Duval Hunt; one sister Stella Davis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law James T. Hutson and wife Mae, Samuel K. Hutson, Joseph E. Hutson and wife Myrtle, Mary E. Walling and husband Joseph, Viola M. Gage and husband Norman, Amanda Dillon and husband Lloyd, and Ida J. Hutson. Those who remain to mourn her passing are her son Lowell Thomas Hutson and wife Elaine of St. Clair, Mo.; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends, all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Clarice Marie Merk. Visitation was Monday, December 1, 2003 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were Monday, December 1, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. with Rev. Delmar B. Hutson officiating. Paul K. Hutson sang "Peace in the Valley," and "In The Garden" accompanied by Valerie Hutson on the piano. Pallbearers were Tommy Ellis Hutson, Vernon Hutson, Lowell Hutson, Brandon Brown, Greg Thompson and Paul K. Hutson. Burial at Barnicle Chapel Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. All arrangements were under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Levi Bailey Mitchell Levi Bailey Mitchell was born Tuesday, March 14, 1933, at Gravetta, Arkansas, a son of the late Luther Almer Mitchell and Naomi Virginia Mitchell (nee Bailey). He entered eternal life Friday, December 5, 2003, at his home on Summers Farm Road, Steelville, Missouri, at the age of 70 years, 8 months and 21 days. On October 28, 1956, at Littleton, Colorado, Levi was united in marriage to Georgia Summers, daughter of the late Katherine and Clarence Summers. One daughter, Nanette, and one son, Mark, were born to this union. They have enjoyed over 47 years together. Levi served his country in the United States Navy for 25 years, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his retirement in 1977, Levi worked for the United States Postal Service for 16 years, retiring in 1995. In addition to his parents, and step-father, Earl Moss, he was preceded in death by one sister, Donalu Mitchell. Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Georgia Mitchell of the home; one daughter, Nanette and husband David Pits of Memphis, Tennessee; one son Mark Mitchell and wife Sherry of Germantown, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Christopher Pitts, Taylor Pitts and Matthew Mitchell. Four brothers, Clyde A. Mitchell and wife JoNell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ken Mitchell and wife Ann of Paonia, Colorado, Don Mitchell and wife Barbara of Delta, Colorado, Max Moss of Barstow, California; one sister, Earlene and husband Larry Allen of Lamar, Colorado. Brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Joan Summers, Betty and Windell Bryan, Beverly and Dick McInnis, all of Steelville, Mo., Clara Jo and Louis Picarella of Festus, Mo.; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. He was an active member of Lebanon Lodge #77, a 32nd Degree Mason of Steelville, Mo., member of Scottish Rite of Free Masonary, Valley of St. Louis, member of Shriners International Moolah Temple, both of St. Louis, Mo. Levi Bailey Mitchell lay in state 3-8 p.m. with Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Lebanon Lodge #77 Steelville officiating, Sunday, December 7, 2003, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville , Missouri. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2003, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. His son, Mark Mitchell, gave the eulogy. Committal prayers and interment were in Pinnell Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Full military honors (firing party, taps, flag folding and presentation) were given at graveside by a Detachment from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Tim Mullen, Gary Mullen, James McInnis, Terry Bryan, Louie Picarella and John Summers. Honorary pallbearers were David Pitts, Windell Bryan, Jerry Bryan and Dick McInnis. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. --------- Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Winnie Brooks ====================================================================