Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of Dec. 11, 2002 Georgia Helen Britton Georgia Helen Britton nee Beaman of Cuba, Mo. was born on October 20, 1926 at Moberly, Mo. to the union of George Walker Beaman and Birdie Lea (Nichols) Beaman and passed away suddenly on December 4, 2002 at the Phelps County Regional Medial Center, Rolla, Mo. at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 14 days. On November 28, 1942 she was united in marriage to Earnest Britton at Steelville, Mo. Seven sons and seven daughters were born to this union. They were happily married until Earnest preceded her in death on February 14, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Sherry Britton and one half-brother Robert Beaman. Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are her seven sons, Doug Britton and wife Vicki, Ray Britton, Dallas Britton and wife Sharon, Denver Britton and wife Barb, Terry Britton, Larry Britton and Garnet Britton and wife Crystal; six daughters Karen King and husband Troy, Peggy Hardin and husband Jack, Carol Crider and husband Leroy, Nancy Baez, Judy McGuire and husband Johnny and Linda Britton; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, good friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed. Georgia Helen Britton nee Beaman was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 2 p.m. with Father James Finder officiating. Interment was in the Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Mo. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo. Nona Gladine Cassidy Nona Gladine Cassidy nee Brown was born Saturday, December 3, 1910 to the late William Brown and Zelma Anna Ives Brown near Cuba, Mo. and departed this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at the Country View Nursing Home in Bowling Green, Mo. at the age of 91 years, 11 months and 17 days. Nona lived most of her life in Crawford County until moving to Bowling Green, Mo. near her son in the early 1990's. Nona accepted the Lord early in life in an Assembly of God Church, and later attended Center Point Baptist Church before moving away. Nona worked in St. Louis, Mo. during the War, later worked as a waitress at Spare Rib Inn in Steelville, Mo. and 20 years at Brown Shoe Company in Steelville, Mo. before retiring. Nona was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Billy and Johnny Brown, and one sister, Elsie Wilkinson. Those who remain to mourn her passing are her loving son Dwaine C. Cassidy of Bowling Green, Mo.; one brother, Paul Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina, and one sister, Ida Bradley of Berkley, California; two grandchildren, Fred Arnold "Rowdy" Cassidy of Bowling Green, Mo., and Nona "Dena" Bogert and husband David of Troy, Mo.; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends all who will sadly miss and fondly remember Nona Gladine Cassidy. Visitation was held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2002 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Funeral service was held Friday, November 22, 2002, at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville with Rev. Delmar B. Hutson officiating. Valerie Hutson sang How Great Thou Art. Burial was in the Steelville Cemetery in Steelville, Mo. All arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Mo. Frona Lois Dunlap Frona Lois Dunlap nee Day was born October 11, 1914, in Boss, Missouri, and passed away at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri, on Monday, December 2, 2002, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 21 days. She was the daughter of the late John Wesley Day and Della Chardey Hedrick Day of Boss, Mo. Frona was united in marriage to Herman Marcus Dunlap on December 13, 1937. To this union, two daughters were born, Wanda Faye and Anner Berneal. They enjoyed 18 years together before his death, December 17, 1955. Frona helped her brothers on her parent's farm in Boss, Missouri, during the 1920's and early 1930's planting and harvesting crops. After leaving home, she was employed in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1947, she was employed by Brown Shoe Company and retired from there after 20 years. Frona was baptized at Boss, Mo., by Reverend M. J. Burfield, October 27, 1935. She became a member to First Assembly of God in Steelville, Mo., on July 29, 1951. She was faithful to her Lord. One of the highlights of her life was a Layworkers Mission Trip to Guatemala. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Dunlap, daughter Berneal Martin, brothers and sisters-in-law, Preston and Leatha Day; Robert and Ethel Day, George and Hattie Day and a sister-in-law Gladyne Day, and sisters and brothers-in-law, Missouri and Hobart Bowen, Delsie and Jess Farmer, Donna and Charles Parker, Ona and Clifford Brooks and brothers-in-law, Clyde and Vernon Dunlap. Among those who mourn her passing are her daughter Wanda Faye Asher and husband Robert (Bob) of Cherryville, Missouri, four granddaughters, Tammy and husband Jim Smith, Yvonne and husband Rick Smith, Vicky and husband Charles Taff, Phyllis and husband Rick Conway, two grandsons, Rick Martin, Wade Asher and wife Marsha. Sixteen great-grandchildren, Michelle Kilmer, Jordon Taff, Joshua Joly, Lindsey, Lacey, Lesley and Luke Smith, Destiny and Jacob Mitchell, Rick, Shannon, Matt and David Smith, Justin and wife Barbara Wright, Gabrielle and Taylor Asher; one great-great- grandson, Jared Smith. Brother Homer Day of Moscle, Missouri, brother and sister-in-law Roman and Nina Day of Bixby, Mo., brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Eldon and Vetta Dunlap and Betty Dunlap all of Steelville, Missouri, Lavell Dunlap of Cuba, Missouri. Son-in-law Stanley Martin and wife Velma of Steelville, Missouri, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who will remember Frona as a woman of faith. Her Christianity was something she lived at all times. She would want to be remembered by, "There is nothing like living for Jesus and leaning on him through all of your trials." "There's no need to worry about your troubles no matter how bad they are, Jesus will take care of them all for you!" Frona Lois Dunlap lay in state 1-8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2002, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2002 at the Britton Chapel with Rev. Charles Taff officiating. April Greer and Vicky Taff provided musical selections. Committal prayers and interment were in Boss Cemetery, Boss, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were grandsons Wade Asher and Rick Martin and great-grandsons Justin Wright, Taylor Asher, Joshua Joly, Jacob Mitchell, Luke Smith, and Jordon Taff. Arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. R. Keith Gurley Raymond Keith Gurley was born to Ira William Gurley and Hallie Evelyn Licklider Gurley on January 24, 1944 in St. Louis, Mo. He passed away in Canyon Country, California on December 1, 2002 at the age of 58 years, 10 months and 7 days. Keith served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1966-1972. He was married to Susanne L. Wyatt on December 15, 1966 and to this union two children were born. He lived most of his life in California where he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in construction. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his parents. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his wife Susanne of Canyon Country, California; daughter Sonja Starkey and husband Rob of New Iberia, Louisiana; son Paul Gurley and wife Jolynn; grandchildren, Samantha, and Hunter Gurley, all of Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; grandson Mark Gurley of Canyon Country, California; sisters, LaDonna Perry of Fullerton, California, Cynthia Sumner and husband Paul of Newport Beach, California; brother Warren Gurley of Leasburg, Mo.; mother-in-law Betty Favata of Boulder City, Nevada; aunts Mrs. Grace Rook of St. Louis, Mo., and Mrs. Willie Licklider of Cuba, Mo.; cousins, nephews, nieces, many relatives and friends who will sadly miss R. Keith Gurley. Visitation was held on Saturday, December 7, 2002 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Funeral services were Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 1 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Chapel, Cuba, Mo. with Rev. Norman Cartwright officiating. Soloist Linda kitchen sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand; Peace in the Valley; and God Be With You Till We Meet Again" accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Cartwright. Burial was in Licklider Cemetery, Cuba, Mo. with pallbearers Marvin Kitchen, Warren Gurley, Walter Licklider, Philip Licklider, Walter Kitchen and Jerry Licklider. All arrangements were under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Michael Edward Lunsford Michael Edward Lunsford of Moberly, formerly of Steelville, Mo., was born on Monday, May 18, 1953 at Moberly, Mo., a son of Norman Edward Lunsford and Sylvia Irine (Ferguson) Lunsford. He entered eternal rest Friday, December 6, 2002 at his parents home in Steelville, Mo., at the age of 49 years, 6 months and 18 days. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his devoted wife Cheri Lunsford of Moberly, Mo.; his parents, Norman and Sylvia Lunsford of Steelville, Mo.; one daughter, Faith Lunsford of Steelville, Mo.; and three step-daughters, Michelle and husband Ed Decker of Wood River, Illinois, Tonya Vakoc of Hendersonville, North Carolina and Jennifer Ames of Moberly, Mo.; and five grandchildren. Michael is also survived by one brother, Dale Lunsford and wife Beverly of Steelville, Mo.; and two sisters, Carolyn and husband Mike Davis and Ranae and husband Danny Harmon, all of Steelville, Mo. Michael was a loving husband and father and dear friend that will be missed by all who knew him. Michael Edward Lunsford lay in state 6-8 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2002, at the Cater Funeral Home, Moberly, Mo. and 4-8 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2002 at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2002 in the Britton Chapel with Reverends Jerry Beers and Harrison Brown officiating. Musical selections were provided by Rev. Jerry Beers, Rev. Bob and Carol Coleman and Shirley Brown. Committal prayers and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Dale Lunsford, Jr., Michael Lee Davis, Kyle Davis, Preston Gillam, William "Bill" Lunsford and Gary Seabaugh. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Karen Marie Mazzei Karen Marie (Koch) Mazzei of Cuba, Missouri was born on October 2, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Edwin Harold Koch and Norine Patricia (Smith) Koch and passed away on December 2, 2002 at her home near Cuba, Missouri at the age of 50 years and 2 months. On June 19, 1975 she was united in marriage to Martin Mazzei in St. Louis, Missouri. Four children, Myra, Vino, Matthew and Megan, were born to this union. Martin and Karen were happily married for 27 years. She was preceded in death by one brother Tommy Koch. Karen was an active member of the Cuba Church of Christ, Cuba, Missouri. Until her health failed, she was an active member of the community. She touched the lives of many with her quiet and fun-loving spirit and indomitable love of God. Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are her devoted husband Martin Mazzei; children, Myra Mazzei of Chicago, Illinois, Vino Mazzei of Louisville, Kentucky, Matthew and Megan Mazzei of the home; parents Edwin and Norine Koch of St. Louis, Missouri. Brothers and sisters, Ed Koch and wife Tricia of Colorado, Kathy Drysdale and husband Rick of Dallas, Texas, Reenie Koch of St. Louis, Missouri, Denise Koch of St. Louis, Missouri, Maria Hannan and husband Salim of Los Angeles, California, Loretta Mullins and husband Mark of Drinde, California, Jerry Koch and wife Chris of St. Louis, Missouri. Angie Hummel and husband Tom of St. Louis, Missouri, John Koch and wife Julie of Searcy, Arkansas, Mary Calleo and husband Jim of Ramsey, New Jersey, Jamie Koch and wife Carrie of St. Louis, Missouri, Peggy Koch of Neio, New York and Danny Koch of St. Louis, Missouri. Two brothers-in-law, Otto Mazzei and wife Barbara of Cisco, Illinois and John B. Mazzei of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law Violet Dopman of St. Louis, Missouri; 29 nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Karen was a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, good friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed. Memorial services were held on Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 10 a.m. at the Cuba Church of Christ, Cuba, Missouri. Memorials to the Cuba Church of Christ or to the Blue Skies school program in care of the Cuba Church of Christ. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Raymond (Ray) E. Schafer Raymond (Ray) E. Schafer was born on April 15, 1916 in Darien, Missouri to the union of Jacob and Dora (Summers) Schafer and passed away at his home in Cuba, Missouri on November 30, 2002 at the age of 86 years 7 months and 25 days. He was united in marriage to Myra Lorraine Dunham on December 4, 1937. To their union were born five children, two sons and three daughters. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Rosemary Schafer, one brother Otto R. Schafer and three sisters Ethel Hubbs, Gertie Laubach and Delie Young. Surviving are his wife Myra and four children, Ronald Schafer and wife June of Lone Jack, Donald Schafer and wife Anita of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Beth Jett and husband Marvin of Rolla and Debbie Holt and husband Curtis of Cuba, Missouri. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; Rita Johnson, Patty Schafer, Ronald P. Schafer, Christy McKinley, David Schafer, Summer Weinbaum, April Veo, Kimberly Gipson, Kelsey and Kylie Holt, Holly and Sarah Johnson, Christopher and Kaley McKinley, Katherine and Keegan Schafer, Zebulon and Zane Schafer, Emma and Ethan Weinbaum. Ray professed a faith in Christ at an early age and at the time of his death was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Cuba. He was also a charter member of the Second Baptist Church of Salem, Missouri. He was a loving father and grandfather and will be missed by his relatives and friends and all who knew and loved him. Raymond (Ray) E. Schafer was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri where funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at 11 a.m. with David Schafer and Leroy Nixon officiating. Interment was in the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Dwight "Sam" E. Stovall Dwight "Sam" E. Stovall of Cuba, Missouri was born on April 1, 1929 at Jakes Prairie, Missouri to the union of Lowell Stovall and Bessie (Spurgeon) Stovall and passed away on Monday, December 2, 2002 at Cuba, Missouri at the age of 73 years 8 months and 1 day. Sam was preceded in death by his parents. On September 14, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lela Spurgeon at Cuba, Missouri. Four sons, Dwight, Harvey, David and Charles and one daughter, Keitha were born to this union. Lela preceded him in death on September 15, 1990. On October 3, 1978 Sam was united in marriage to Barbara Licklider, one son, Sam, was born to this union. He was a member of the Bricklayers Local Union #1 of St. Louis, Missouri. He was a long time resident of the Cuba area. Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his loving wife Barbara Stovall; five sons, Dwight "Woody" Stovall and wife Barb, Harvey Stovall and wife Betty, all of Owensville, Missouri; David Stovall and wife Marilyn of Belle, Missouri, Charles Stovall of Hermann, Missouri and Sam Stovall and wife Mindy of Cuba, Missouri; one daughter Keitha Stovall of Farmington, Missouri. One brother Gilbert Stovall and wife Thelma of Reed Springs, Missouri; two sisters Peggy Grubaugh and husband Ben of Cuba, Missouri and Pat Pounds and husband Ray of Overland, Missouri. Seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Sam was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, good friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed. Dwight "Sam" Stovall was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri where funeral services were held on Thursday, December 5, 2002 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Larry Buettner officiating. Pallbearers were Darryl Grubaugh, Doug, Pat and Curt Stovall, Joe and Jeff Eaton. Interment was in the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Lori Anne Viehman Lori Anne Viehman was born Saturday, November 19, 1966 at Rolla, Mo., a daughter of Robert L. "Bob" Gatrell and Sarah Jeanne Gatrell (nee Gray). She entered eternal rest Thursday, December 5, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis at the age of 36 years and 16 days. She had been admitted to the hospital on November 6, 2002, for treatment of leukemia. Mrs. Viehman lived most of her life in Steelville, Mo., and was a 1985 graduate of Steelville High School. She earned an associate's degree in Applied Science from Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., in 1995. She was married to Robert "Rob" Viehman in Steelville on August 30, 1986 and to this union two daughters Endi and Justess and one son Shay were born. Mrs. Viehman and her family lived in Neosho and Branson, Mo., from 1991 to 1996 before returning to Steelville, where she worked for the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror as advertising manager until October 1, when she and her husband purchased the newspaper, along with the Cuba Free Press. At her request, Mrs. Viehman's body was donated for scientific research to Mid-America Transplant in St. Louis. Her remains will later be cremated and interred at Keyesville Cemetery. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her devoted husband Rob Viehman, their two daughters, Endi and Justess and one son, Shay all of the home; her parents, Bob and Jeanne Gatrell; one sister, Bobbi Jean Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bud and Ava Viehman; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kelly and Jim Hughes, all of Steelville; great aunts, great uncles, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2002 at the Steelville Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dale Starr officiating. Music was provided by Deloris Bell. Arrangements were under the Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Memorials may be made for Hoppe Spring Park playground equipment, Education Fund for the children or Presbyterian Church, in care of Cuba Free Press, PO Box 568, Cuba, MO 65453 or Steelville Star, PO Box BG, Steelville, MO 65565. Theresa Lorrine "Rene" Wilkerson Theresa Lorrine Wilkerson was born Wednesday, October 6, 1926, at Wabash, Indiana, a daughter of the late Gerald Cook and Frances (Landis) Cook. She entered eternal rest Sunday, December 1, 2002, at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, Mo., at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 25 days. In 1945, Rene joined William Joseph Wilkerson, son of Hobert William Wilkerson and G. Anna (Perryman) Wilkerson, at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while he was in the Navy there and they were united in marriage. Three sons, Tom, Paul and David, and one daughter, Frances, were born to this union. They enjoyed over fifty-six years together before his death June 12, 2001. One brother, Gene O'Brien and wife Mildred preceded her in death. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her three sons and daughter, Thomas Richard Wilkerson and wife Vickie of Lawrence, Kansas, Frances Ann Fenton and husband Gary of Nixa, Mo., Paul Edward Wilkerson and wife Cheryl and David Timothy Wilkerson and wife Robin all of Steelville, Mo. One brother Lyle Cook and wife Willie of Anchorage, Alaska; one sister, Wanita Drumheller and husband Leroy of California; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relative and many friends. Theresa Lorrine "Rene" Wilkerson lay in state 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2002, at the Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2002, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Michael O'Brein officiating. Musical selections were provided by Rev. Jerry Beers. Committal prayers and interment were in Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Mo. Serving as pallbearers wee Lydle Davis, Rodney Housewright, Joe Lea, Bill Lunsford, Ron Matchell and Jerry Rowland. Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Lola M. Wisdom Lola M. Wisdom, daughter of the late John and Adeline (Chilton) Swyers, was born in St. James, Mo., on July 25, 1901, and entered into rest Friday, December 6, 2002 in St. James, Mo. at the age of 101 years, 4 months and 11 days. Lola was united in marriage to Everett Wisdom on April 24, 1923 and to this union four children were born. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Lola loved the outdoors, she was an avid gardener, seamstress and homemaker. Lola M. Wisdom is survived by two sons, John Wisdom, of Leasburg and Marvin Wisdom and friend Ava, of Salem; four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Everett on October 10, 1972, two daughters, Freida Wilburn and Carnmolee Patt, two sisters, Ollie Kreuger and Mary Ilodge, two brothers, Randolf Swyers and Henry Roster and great-grandson, Mike Gillette. Funeral services for Lola M. Wisdom were held Monday, December 9, 2002 at 2 o'clock p.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Rev. Jack Scudder officiating. Interment was at the St. James Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday, December 8, 2002 from 4 to 8 p.m. All arrangements were under the direction of James & Gahr Mortuary. ==================================================================== 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: Joe L. Miller ====================================================================