Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO 
Local Obituaries for the Week of December 16, 2020



Vernon Daniel "Sonny" Blankenship Jr

Vernon Daniel "Sonny" Blankenship Jr.  of Sullivan, Missouri 
was born in Sullivan, Missouri on March 30, 1942 to Vernon 
W. and Bertha E. (Strothkamp) Blankenship and passed away 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the age of 78 years.
He received his education at Holy Martyrs Catholic School. 
Sonny honorably served his county in the United States Army 
from 1964 to 1966. 
He married Linda D. Dixon on July 9, 1966 at the St. Anthony 
Catholic Church. 
As a young man, Sonny worked on the family farm. Later, he 
was employed by Midwest Shoe Company for a time and then 
eventually went to work as a machinist for the former 
Ramsey Corporation, retiring in 2004, after 36 1/2 years of 
service. While employed at Ramsey, Sonny developed a patent 
for a product to improve efficiency in the workplace. After 
retiring, he and Linda worked together in landscaping and 
decorating businesses for the Christmas season.  
Sonny enjoyed farming, driving his tractor, hunting with 
his grandsons, landscaping and stringing up the holiday 
lights at Christmas time. He was a long-time member of Holy 
Martyrs Catholic Church of Japan, Missouri.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Bertha 
Blankenship; his step mother, Eva Seymour Brandon 
Blankenship; two brothers, Johnny and Ervin Blankenship; 
brother-in-law, Gene Carey; and one nephew, Scott Carey. 
He is survived by his wife, Linda Blankenship of Sullivan, 
Missouri; three daughters, Stacey Nelson and husband Brad 
of Union, Missouri, Tammy Bryan and husband Doug of Rosebud, 
Missouri and Angie Hoffman and husband Mike of Sullivan, 
Missouri; eight grandchildren, Brooklyn Morris and husband 
Jesse of Webster Groves, Missouri, Madison Nelson of Des 
Moines, Iowa, Aspen Nelson of Lonedell, Missouri, Karlee 
Bryan of Rosebud, Missouri, Kelsey Masterson and husband 
Jake of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Noah Bryan of Rosebud, 
Missouri, Jensen Bryan and wife McKenna of Elizabeth, 
Colorado and Jaren Bryan and fianceŽ Makayla 
Adams of Rosebud, Missouri; one great grandchild, Mavery 
Morris; one brother, Teddy Blankenship and wife Darlene 
of Cuba, Missouri; three sisters, Margie Carey of Cuba, 
Missouri, Mary Davis and husband Howard of Cuba, Missouri 
and Therese Wehmeyer and husband Ron of Sullivan, Missouri; 
other relatives and friends.
Visitation as held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, 
December 13, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in 
Sullivan, Missouri. 
Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, 
December 14, 2020 at the Holy Martyrs Catholic School 
Building with Father Tim Henderson and Father James Fender officiating.  
Burial followed in the Holy Martyrs Cemetery with full military honors. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home 
and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.


Alan W. Enloe

Alan W. Enloe of Bridgeton, Missouri was born on Sunday, 
October 5, 1930 in Cuba, Missouri to Walter and Louise (nee Beyer) 
Enloe and passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the age 
of 90 years.
He entered the world early, a tiny baby with the will to thrive. 
He married Betty Rowland, on November 25, 1950. 
He worked for over 35 years at Brown Shoe Company as a purchasing 
agent and retired in 1986. 
He and Betty enjoyed traveling the southwest part of the United 
States and were long time, faithful members of Fee Fee Baptist Church 
in Bridgeton, where Alan served as a Sunday School teacher.  
He spent his retired years devoting his time and patience to his two 
grandchildren, Mark and Rebecca.  He showed love to his family 
through hours of board games and millions of words of advice, 
encouragement and affirmation. 
He was an optimist, a lover of crossword puzzles and a watcher of 
jeopardy.  He enjoyed painting landscapes and writing, publishing 
some of his theological ideas in a book titled, Hidden Biblical Gems 
Revealed.   
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jean Enloe; 
his parents, Walter and Louise Enloe; and one brother at childbirth, 
Jerrod Enloe.  
He is survived by two children, Gary Enloe and wife Rayna and Kathy 
Enloe; two grandchildren, Mark Enloe (Samantha) and Rebecca Williams 
and husband John; five great grandchildren, Ethan, Kalob, Wyatt, 
Benjamin and Graham; two step grandchildren, Peter Hollenback and 
Elsa Hollenback; two sisters, Dorothy Benthal and husband Bill and 
Joyce Lee and husband Jim; one brother, Gene Enloe and wife Vivian; 
one brother-in-law, Carl Lee; other relatives and friends. 
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020 
at the Fee Fee Baptist Church in Bridgeton, Missouri. 
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Fee Fee Baptist 
Church in Bridgeton, Missouri. 
Burial follows at the Enloe-Hodge Family Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri 
at 2 p.m.  
(In compliance with current St. Louis County regulations, family and 
guests are required to wear facial coverings and practice social 
distancing.) 
Arrangements under the direction of the Shepard Funeral Chapel in 
St. Louis, Missouri.

Jesse Cyrus Gahr

Jesse Cyrus Gahr of St. James, Missouri was born July 25, 1923 in 
Steelville, Missouri to Cyrus Eugene and Gertrude Amelia Butt Gahr 
and passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at the age of 97 years. 
Jesse lost his mother at an early age and was raised by his Aunt 
Ada who passed away many years ago. 
Jesse married Mabel Maleece Baker. She passed away December 2, 2014. 
He then married Mildred L. Cowan Wilson. She passed away 
July 21, 2018.
Jesse was a true gentleman. He was always dressed to perfection 
regardless of the event for that day. Even after his retirement 
at the Parkside in Rolla, Missouri Jesse always wore a 
starched shirt with cuff-links with a tie and a jacket.  
He was born and raised and attended school in Steelville, Missouri 
and worked in the summer months at the Jonas Funeral Home in 
Steelville, Missouri.  
On September 21, 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and saw active duty 
in WWII in the South Pacific on USS Murray DD 576. After his 
honorable discharge he attended the St. Louis College of Mortuary 
Science and graduated December 18, 1948.  
He moved to St. Clair, Missouri, where he met and married his first 
wife Mabel Baker Gahr and worked for the Kitchell Funeral Home in 
St. Clair, Missouri. He moved from St. Clair, Missouri to St. James, 
Missouri and opened the Jesse Gahr Funeral Home on Sunday 
June 25, 1950, where he and his wife Mabel operated for 22 years. 
After a wonderful career at Hoffmeister Mortuary in St. Louis and 
Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri he came back home and 
worked for Richard and Deanna Jones at the Jones Funeral Home where 
he originally opened his funeral home.  
Jesse Gahr held a funeral Directors and Embalmers License for 69 
years. Jesse was the only person in the state of Missouri to hold 
dual license for that amount of time. He loved people and loved to 
help people through the most difficult times of their lives. He never 
forgot a face or a name. He saw many changes in life and in the 
funeral business but never lost the focus of serving families 
regardless of circumstances.  
He is survived by his two children, Nikki Gahr Sells and husband 
Robert of Franklin, Tennessee and Jon Scott Gahr and wife Barbara of 
St. James. Missouri; half-sister, Fern Gahr of Steelville, Missouri; 
six grandchildren, Wes, Nickole, Aaron, Jennifer, Angela and Jesse; 
17 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. 
Public visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday December 14, 2020 
at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. 
Due to COVID-19 the family has requested a private funeral Tuesday, 
December 15, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri 
with Don Carson officiating. 
Linda Spurgeon sang and played the piano along with Alli Herron as 
vocalist. Masonic Rite began the service followed by the funeral 
service.  
Burial was at the St. James Cemetery with family and friends 
serving as pallbearers. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in 
St. James, Missouri.


Vanda M. Gossage

Vanda M. Gossage of Sullivan, Missouri, formerly of Cahokia, 
Illinois, was born on Thursday, November 26, 1931 in Jackson, 
Missouri to Joseph and Grace (Masters) Biri and passed away on 
Wednesday December 2, 2020 at the age of 89 years.
She married Johney Gossage. 
Vanda was a homemaker most of her life, she loved taking care of 
her home and family. In her spare time, she enjoyed flower gardening, 
playing bingo, coloring and putting together puzzles. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Grace Biri; 
husband, Johney Gossage I; one daughter, Joyce Welchel; one 
daughter-in-law, Marsha Gossage; and one great granddaughter, 
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Short. 
She is survived by three children, Charles and wife Pat Gossage of 
Salem, Illinois, Sandy and husband Leon Short of Cuba, Missouri and 
Johney and wife Dee Gossage II of St. Clair, Missouri; 10 grand-
children; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; 
other relatives and friends.  
Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 
at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.  
Funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 
at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Don Martin 
officiating.  
Interment was privately held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the 
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.  
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, 
Missouri.


Randy Lynn McConnell

Randy Lynn McConnell of Cuba, Missouri was born on Saturday, 
February 21, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri to Fredrick Joseph and 
Norma Jean (Richardson) McConnell and passed away on Sunday, 
November 15, 2020 at the age of 61 years, 8 months and 25 days.
Randy attended St. Charles High School.  
He married Angela Dawn Bice on October 9, 2008 in Union, Missouri. 
He worked at Menards Distribution Center in Sullivan, Missouri.  
Randy was a NASCAR fan.  He loved to BBQ and fish. 
He was preceded in death by his father, Fredrick Joseph McConnell;
Twin brother, Gary Glenn McConnell; and brother, Joseph Odell 
McConnell. 
He is survived by mother, Norma Jean McConnell of Cuba, Missouri; 
wife, Angela McConnell of Cuba, Missouri; children, Isaac Henke of 
Cuba, Missouri, Trey McConnell and Breck McCanna, both of Leasburg, 
Missouri and Leah Darwin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 
sister, Cynthia (Kerry) Daugherty; other relatives and friends. 
The family chose cremation as his final disposition.  
There will not be any services held at this time.  
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba,
Missouri.


James David "JD" Murphy

James David "JD" Murphy of Bourbon, Missouri was born in Pierce City, 
Missouri on November 21, 1939 to Francis and Catherine (Kirstek)
Murphy and passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the age of 
81 years.
He grew up and attended school in Pierce City, graduating with the 
Class of 1957. After graduation, JD traveled to Colorado to pursue 
telegraph training and enlisted into the Army National Guard, where 
he honorably served our country for eight years.  
JD married Jackie Marshall, on July 3, 1965.  
JD was employed with the Frisco Railroad for 20 years prior to 
their merge with BNSF, for which he continued working for another 
15 years until his retirement in 1995. 
After his retirement, JD and Jackie moved to the Bourbon, Missouri 
area to make their final home. He loved to collect railroad 
memorabilia and attend auctions. JD also enjoyed time spent working 
on his farm, driving his tractor, fishing and loved automobiles.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; and his parents, 
Francis and Catherine Murphy.  
He is survived by a son, Greg Murphy of Bourbon, Missouri; grandson, 
Tyler Murphy and wife Emma of Rolla, Missouri; two cousins, that 
were like sisters to him, Helen Koehler and Judy Littrell of Aurora, 
Missouri; other relatives and friends.  
Visitation was held 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 
the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. 
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020 
at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Father Dan 
Lueckenotte officiating.  
Interment followed in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and 
Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.


Bessie Ellen O'Neal

Bessie Ellen O'Neal of Sullivan, Missouri was born in Neelyville, 
Missouri on February 16, 1930 to Claude Sr. and Iva (Penrod) Wells 
Rich and passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the age of 90 
years.
She married James A. O'Neal Sr. on December 4, 1959 in Waterloo, 
Illinois.  
Bessie was employed by Midwest Shoe Company in Sullivan, Missouri 
and Brown Shoe in Owensville, Missouri. She later worked as a 
custodian for Sullivan Middle School. 
After retiring, Bessie continued to work at Good Will in 
Washington, Missouri and lastly, at Meramec Community Mission. 
Bessie loved to play Bingo and enjoyed crocheting. She was an avid 
Cardinal's baseball fan.  
She was preceded in death by her husband, James O'Neal; one son, 
John O'Neal; one grandson, Austin Lusty; two sons-in-law, Earl 
Brown and Pedro Espinoza; and one daughter-in-law, Elaine Sifford. 
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Glasco and husband Ed of 
Caseyville, Illinois and Shirley Espinoza of Bourbon, Missouri; 
four sons, Dan Sifford of Sullivan, Missouri, Russell Schlaitzer 
and wife Dianne of Sullivan, Missouri, Jimmy O'Neal and wife Peggy 
of Bourbon, Missouri and William O'Neal of Sullivan, Missouri; 
two brothers, Claude Wells of Marshfield, Missouri and William 
Wells of Republic, Missouri; one sister, Mary Mays of St. Louis, 
Missouri; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; other 
relatives and friends. 
Visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 
November 25, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. 
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 
November 25, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri 
with Pastors Tina Lawrence and Richard Wells officiating. 
Interment followed in the Bourbon Cemetery. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and 
Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.


Michael George "Mike" Seibert

Michael George "Mike" Seibert of Cuba, Missouri was born 
June 23, 1948 to Eugene and Ruth (nee Lindner) Seibert and passed 
away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the age of 72 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Ruth Seibert; 
one brother, Phillip Seibert; one sister-in-law, Lana Seibert; and 
three brothers-in-law, Bob Bryson, Greg Stephen and Rick Arnette. 
He is survived by his wife, Patricia "Patt" Seibert (nee Hanneken) 
of Cuba, Missouri; three sons, Tom Seibert and wife Cindy of Gerald, 
Missouri, Lee Seibert and wife Trina of Cuba, Missouri and John 
Seibert and wife Nichole of Gerald, Missouri; one daughter, Colette 
Lee and husband Shane of Pittsburg, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; four 
sisters, Jeanie Bryson of California, Kathy Stephen of Colorado, 
Susan Arnette of Union, Missouri and Barbara Eversole and 
husband Timothy of Washington, Missouri; one brother, Robert "Bob" 
Seibert of Oklahoma; other relatives and friends.
 Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerald Catholic Church in 
Gerald, Missouri at a later date.  
Interment will be in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery at Port Hudson. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Oltmann Funeral Home in 
Washington, Missouri.



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