Patricia Margaret Love Tate, Class of 1970, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2010, at her home in Columbia.

Hillman D. Coleman, Class of 1951, died July 21, 2010, at Veterans Hospital in Columbia.

Ronald Raymond Riggs, Class of 1958, peacefully left this world at 3:31 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2010, at University Hospital. 

Eric Whiting Fields, Class of 1966, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

Robert Earl  "Bob" McGrath, Class of 1943, died Monday, July 12, 2010.

Michael Merilan, Class of 1974, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, N.Y.

Betty Ann Lockwood Chartier, Class of 1943, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010 in Roseburg, Oregon.

Marjorie Clellen Rippeto White, Class of 1942, died Monday, July 5, 2010, at her home in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Mabel Evelyn Allen Homsley, Class of 1931, died Sunday, July 4, 2010.

Robert Eugene Wright, Class of 1974, died Monday, June 28, 2010, at his home in Columbia.

James Steven “Steve” Hiatt, Class of 1974, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010, of a heart attack at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Agana, Guam.

Randy Griggs, Class of 1967, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010, at University Hospital.

Donald “Don” Eugene Murray, Class of 1946, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at his home in Columbia.

Robert “Bob” Eugene Alvis, Class of 1954, passed away Friday evening, June 4, 2010, at his home in Boonville, Missouri.

Nancy Elizabeth Taylor, Class of 1937, passed away Monday, May 31, 2010, at Lenoir Woods Health Care in Columbia.

Delmarae Crum, Class of 1973, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2010, at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri.

Alison Reeves, Class of 2008, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Columbia.

Jean Duff Foster, Class of 1945, began her journey to heaven Wednesday morning, May 19, 2010, at her home in Mexico, Missouri.

Bob John "Bobby" Wyatt, Class of 1953, passed away Friday, May 14, 2010, at his home in Hallsville.

James Dale Morrison, Class of 1958, died Thursday, May 6, 2010, at his home in St. Joseph, Missouri. 

David A. Brinkman, Class of 1963, died Thursday, April 29, 2010, at his home in Columbia. *Dave*

Frances “Lolly” Ronayne Knight, Class of 1944, died Thursday, April 29, 2010, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

James Howard Baker, Class of 1954, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, April 26, 2010.

Barbara Mackey Rice, Class of 1950, passed away April 26, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona.

Robert Morris Franke, Class of 1973, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010, at his home in Columbia.

Denisha Shavon Renee Midgyett, Class of 2010, 'Super Kewp' passed away Thursday, April 22, 2010, at University Hospital.

Anthony Dewayne Simmons, Class of 1984, died Friday, April 16, 2010, at Capital Regional Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri.

John D. Underhill Jr., Class of 1952, died Thursday, April 22, 2010. 

James C. Blackmore, Class of 1941, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at home in Columbia.

Henry Richard Miller III, Class of 1951, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Donna Sue Black Kennedy, Class of 1975, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, in her home in Steedman, Missouri.

Linda Lou Barkwell Schultz, Class of 1960, of Columbia passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010, at her home.

“Jerry” Ste. Gemme Thomasson, Class of 1941, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at his home on the North Umpqua River in Roseburg, Oregon.

Montie Sanders, Class of 1976, answered the call of God and surrendered his soul on Monday, April 5, 2010, at home in Columbia.

Angela “Baby” Cheatom, Class of 1986, surrendered her soul to Christ on Monday, April 5, 2010, at her home. 

Sally A. Jones Gilbert, Class of 1954, died Monday, April 5, 2010.

Roy Cromwell Jeffries, Class of 1936, passed away Monday, April 5, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Karen Sue Brown, Class of 1975, surrendered her soul to Christ on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at University Hospital.

Betty J. Bea Pike, Class of 1951, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010, at her home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Robert S. Ghio, Class of 1962, died in his workshop/studio at his home on Saturday, April 3, 2010. 

Anice Mills Rawlings McGowan, Class of 1941, passed away on March 29, 2010 in of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Michael Charles McGinity, Class of 1962, died Saturday, March 27, 2010 in San Diego, California. 

Norma Faye Mordica Rall, Class of 1947, passed into the loving arms of Christ Jesus to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

William Everett Jackson, Class of 1965, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center. 

Howard E. McGee, Class of 1941, died Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Lenoir Woods Care Center in Columbia.

Scott Wilson Patterson, Class of 1982, passed away Friday, March, 19, 2010, while visiting family in Columbia.

Dick Chet Hitt, Class of 1952, passed away on March 19, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

James "Rick" Harman, Class of 1981, passed away on March 16, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Susan Jane Decker, Class of 1971, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010 in Columbia.

Kenneth Ambert Dudley, Class of 1946, died at 9:16 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at his home in Mexico, Missouri.

Karen Judith Aslin, Class of 1953, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at her home in Columbia.

Edgar “Eddie” Eugene “Brad” Bradford Jr., Class of 1982, departed this life on Sunday, March 7, 2010, in Columbia. 

Betty June Tiffany McDonald, Class of 1955, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Lois Nadine Farthing Brown, Class of 1940, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, in Columbia.

Thelma Laverne Walton Cockrell, Class of 1949, passed away Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at her home in Columbia.

Martha Ellen Conner “Marty” Lucas, Class of 1950, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, in Columbia.

Zelma P. Brown Williams, Class of 1962, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

John T. Hartley, Class of 1938, passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 in Columbia.

Janice Marie (Barnhart) Copeland, Class of 1963, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010. 

Mary Jo Aufranc Phillips, Class of 1941, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, in Columbia.

Janice Barnhart Copeland,Class of 1963, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Jack Vernon Shaw, Class of 1947, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Robert Earl “Bob” Marriott Jr., Class of 1965, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his home in Columbia.

Kenneth G. Schweikert, Class of 1964, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at his home in Columbia.

Meredith “Mert” Lee, Class of 1947, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010.

Marcus Kevin Shaw, Class of 1984, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Dana Sue Knife Palmer, Class of 1984, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, in Harrisburg.

Suzanne Richards Gilson, Class of 1961, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at University Hospital in Columbia.

Carla Louise Graves Helmreich, Class of 1971, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, in Harlingen, Texas.

Gary Woody, Class of 1971, passed away late Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Donald E. Garrett, Class of 1949, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Jack D. Burnham, Class of 1947, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at his home in Columbia.

Carolyn Frances English Roderick, Class of 1950, passed away quietly in her sleep Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at her home in Denton, Texas.

Norma Southerland Smith, Class of 1937, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in Columbia.

Joe Elvin Dothage, Class of 1947, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at University Hospital.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Joe Elvin Dothage, 80, of Columbia went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at University Hospital.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Open Door Baptist Church, 4838 E. Meadow Lark Lane in Columbia, with pastors Gary Trotnic and Phil Dooley officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:00 Saturday, January 9 at the church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Dothage was born January 20, 1929, in Boone County to Elvin and Sylvia Curry Dothage. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1947 and served with the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. On Dec. 28, 1956, he married Leola M. Kreiman in Notus, Idaho. He lived in California until 1965, at which time they moved back to Missouri. He worked at the University of Missouri, Columbia College and as a real estate broker. He spent his last eight working years as supervisor at the Science Instrument Shop at MU. In retirement, he and Leola enjoyed a number of years traveling with the WBCCI Airstream Club. He was a charter member of Open Door Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Leola, of 53 years; three children, Kenneth and wife Lynn, Karen and husband David Crawford, all of Columbia, and Keith and wife Andrea of Sturgeon; four granddaughters, Heather, Adeana and Erica Crawford and Kathryn Dothage; one great-granddaughter, Adelaide Gallatin; two brothers, Ronald and Gene Dothage of Clear Lake, Calif.; two sisters, Jeannine Eichelberger of Columbia and Nevanette Underwood of Brentwood, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Open Door Baptist Church or Coyote Hill Children’s Home, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.

Norma Southerland Smith, 91, of Columbia died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in Columbia.

A private graveside service will be held Monday, Jan. 11. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia.

Mrs. Smith was born Dec. 11, 1918, to Emmett E. and Claudia Blakemore Sutherland in Grand Junction, Colo.

She married Leeon Smith on July 27, 1940, and he preceded her in death on June 20, 1964.

Mrs. Smith lived in Columbia her entire life. She graduated salutatorian from Hickman High School in 1937 and was secretary of the senior class. She was also a graduate of Christian College.

Mrs. Smith was very active in the Columbia community for many years.

She was a member of Missouri United Methodist Church and served on the church board for many years.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey E. Smith, and his wife, Jill, of Columbia; a daughter-in-law, Beatrice B. Smith of Columbia; four grandchildren, Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith, David Litherland and wife Christina, Jeffrey “Walker” Smith, and Paige Davis and husband Trey; and four great-grandchildren, Gavin, Garrett and Griffin Litherland and Jackson W. Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sons, Kirk Smith and Stephen B. Smith.

Memorials may be given to the Columbia United Way.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Carolyn Frances English Roderick, 77, of Denton, Texas, formerly of Columbia, passed away quietly in her sleep Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at her home after a long series of medical problems.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. April 24 at Kimberling City United Methodist Church. Interment will be at 2 p.m. April 25 in The Old Providence Cemetery in New Bloomfield.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Edward Earl Roderick of Denton; their three children, Susan Elaine Roderick Sherrin of Fort Worth, Texas, Linda Roderick Hill of Murphy, Texas, and Steven Earl Roderick of Irving, Texas; her sisters, Sarah English Young of Kansas City, and Ann English Orthwein of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and her eight grandchildren, Matt, Drew, Bryan, Anthony, Scott, Kyle, Mary and Allison.

Carolyn was born on April 26, 1932, in Carrollton.

She grew up in and around Columbia.

Her father, the late W. Francis English, was the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri. Carolyn graduated in 1953 from the University of Missouri with a degree in early childhood development. A year later, in June 1954, she married Lt. Edward Roderick.

Carolyn taught in one of the first Head Start programs and was an elementary teacher in the states of Virginia, Missouri and Texas. She opened her own needlework shop, The Rainbow Stitchery, in Killeen, Texas, where her husband was stationed.

Ed and Carolyn retired to Kimberling City in 1988.

She was a member of United Methodist Church of Kimberling City and an active supporter of the Kimberling Area Library, serving as president of its board of directors for a year. She was a member of PEO.

She enjoyed all manner of needle arts, was a voracious reader and community volunteer. She and her husband moved to Denton in 2007 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Kimberling Area Library, P.O. Box 730, Kimberling City, Mo., 65686.

Jack D. Burnham, 81, of Columbia died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at his home.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery in Ashland.

Mr. Burnham was born Sept. 7, 1928, in Jefferson City, to Andrew and Rena (DeAtley) Burnham.

He married Joan Diane Dulin on Oct. 12, 1952, in Washington, D.C., and she preceded him in death.

Mr. Burnham graduated from Hickman High School, Class of 1947. He served 4½ years in the Army; the last three years in the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., during the Korean War. He worked 42 years for Missouri Telephone Co. and General Telephone Co., retiring in 1990. He was a member of the American Legion and IBEW No. 257.

Survivors include son Mike and his wife, Teresa, of Germantown, Wis., son Jay and his wife, Sharon, of Columbia; daughter Carol Burnham of Wylie, Tex.; son Don and his wife, Tammy, of Plano, Texas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Allison of Columbia, and Grant, Marie, Audrey, Hope, Quinn, Trudy, Clark and Vance of Germantown.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Claybern Junior Burnham.

Memorials are requested to Central Missouri Food Bank, 2101 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65202. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Donald E. Garrett, 78, of Columbia went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Memorial Funeral Home. A gathering will be from noon Thursday until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Robert Cook will officiate. Pallbearers are Roger Jeffries, Tony and Matt Theberge, Patrick and Chris Garrett, and Jeff Weaver.

Don was born April 4, 1931, to Kurtz and Helen Hopper Garrett, and they preceded him in death.

On March 28, 1953, he married Berta Dean Dunn, and she survives. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1949 and from the University of Missouri in 1959.

He spent four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Uhlmann.

Don worked in the insurance field. He established the Automobile Division of the Columbia Insurance Group.

Don also is survived by four children, Nancy Nowlin of Columbia, Bruce and wife Melinda Garrett of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kimberly and husband Charles Theberge, and Jenifer Garrett, all of Columbia; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, JoAnn Bishop and Ronee Garrett of Arizona; and two brothers, Jack Garrett of Dallas and Ronald Garrett of Centralia.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hallsville Baptist Church. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Gary Woody, 56, passed away late Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, just a little more than an hour shy of his 57th birthday.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Memorial Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the funeral home.

Gary was born Jan. 13, 1953, in Columbia to James “Jimmy” and Mabel Lee Woody.

He was an avid outdoorsman but had come to enjoy spending time in front of his computer. He explored every new interest, of which he had many, with tenacity and attention to detail, winning the respect of those who knew him. His friends also knew him as fun-loving and possessing a quick wit.
Gary was the general manager at Consolidated Public Water Supply District No.1, where he invested nearly 37 years assisting in the development of the rural water district and mentoring his colleagues. He was a thoughtful, loving husband and an awesome father. Gary was proud of his sons. The world has lost a special man.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eileen; two sons, James and Craig; one brother, Dale; and mother.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Tributes may be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Carla Louise Graves Helmreich, 57, of Columbia passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, in Harlingen, Texas.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Columbia United Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Billingsville.

Carla was born Nov. 1, 1952, in Columbia to James William and Helen Louise Fenton Graves. She married Donald Norman Helmreich on Sept. 25, 1981, and he survives.

She was a member of the Hickman High School Class of 1971. She also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. She was an active member of Columbia United Church of Christ and a member of the Athens Rebekah Lodge. Carla and her husband, Don, owned and operated Downtown Appliance Home Center since 1992. She supported the Hickman High School Lacrosse Team.

Survivors include her parents; her husband; a daughter, Lauren Noel Helmreich; a son, Andrew William Helmreich; two brothers, Phil Graves and John Graves; and a sister, Glenda Munson, all of Columbia; several nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by Herb and Wilma Lou Helmreich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Suzanne Gilson, 66, of Boonville died Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at University Hospital in Columbia.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at William Wood Chapel, with interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at William Wood Funeral Home.

She graduated from Hickman High School and Stephen’s College.

Condolences may be left at www.thacherwood.com.

Dana Sue Palmer, 43, of Harrisburg passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, in Harrisburg.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Nilson Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service at 4 p.m.

Dana was born Sept. 3, 1966, in Boone County to Chuck Knife and Linda Tomlinson Knife.

She married James Scott Palmer on Aug. 30, 1996, in Boone County.

She enjoyed cross-stitching, reading, spending time with her son, Jesse, Harrisburg basketball, spending time in Florida and the lake, and running her business. She was involved with fundraising and volunteering for Harrisburg schools.

Survivors include her husband, Scott Palmer; her parents, Chuck and wife Karol Knife and Linda Knife; sons Jesse Lee Palmer, Andrew Jan Whitesides and Devin Lee Whitesides; sister Darla Gilland; grandfather Darvin Tomlinson; mother-in-law Dorothy Palmer; aunt Pam Strauss; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Jesse Palmer Scholarship Fund c/o Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road, Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Marcus Kevin Shaw, 45, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Memorial Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until time of services at the funeral home.

He was born Aug. 11, 1964, in Columbia to Henry Wesley and Vera Smith Shaw. He had been married to Theresa A. Shaw.

Marcus was a 1983 graduate of Hickman High School, and he worked for the University of Missouri and Kyger Glass in Columbia.

He loved NASCAR and the outdoors, especially rock hunting, deer hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his sons, Benjamin and Kevin Shaw of Toronto, Ohio; mother Vera Shaw of Columbia; siblings Larry Shaw and wife Cathy of Columbia, Gary Shaw and wife Nancy of Pilot Grove, Marty Shaw and wife Debbie of Columbia, John Shaw of Corpus Christi, Texas, Teresa L. Shaw and friend Sarah of Columbia, and Jerry Shaw and wife Denise of Hallsville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Wesley Shaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Benjamin and Kevin Shaw Trust Fund, in care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Meredith “Mert” Lee, 81, of Sturgeon passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010.

Services conducted by the Rev. Dennis Stuart will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Nilson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mert was born on Sept. 4, 1928, in Boone County to Frank and Mary Henry Lee. He married Elsie Sapp on Sept. 29, 1951, in Columbia. She preceded him in death.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for Ray’s Market and Eastgate IGA. He worked for the Columbia Police Department for 20 years. He enjoyed travelling to Colorado and Wyoming to visit family and liked watching westerns and baseball with his companion, Rosalie Dudley.

He is survived by one sister, Halene Strautman; four daughters, Debbie Sublette, Sandy Spry, Merry Baize and Kris Lee; five grandchildren, Darren Spry, Matthew Spry, Patrick McGee, Jodi Moit and Ryan Sublette; and great-grandchild Brady Spry.

He was preceded in death by one son, Richard F. Lee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Disabled Veterans or Canine Companions for Independence, 126 Las Animas St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, c/o Paul O’Brien.

Kenneth G. Schweikert, 63, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at his home in Columbia after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Memorial Funeral Home. His ashes will then remain at home.

Ken was born March 17, 1946, in Kansas City. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1964 and married Janice Carpenter, his high school sweetheart, in 1966. He was drafted into the Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

Ken was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman his whole life. He also loved gardening and enjoyed canning the harvest. In recent years, he made weekly trips target shooting at the Owl Creek Gun Club in Millersburg, where he was one of the sharpest shooters.

Ken was part owner of Specialized Mechanical Services and member of Plumber and Pipefitters Local 562.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Schweikert; daughter Ginger Schweikert; son Kelly Schweikert; grandson Carter Schweikert; parents Jean and Leroy Buescher; aunt Marie Zumwalt; brothers Keith Buescher, Karl Schweikert and Kevin Schweikert; and sisters Jan Curry and Karen Aitkens.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Schweikert.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or American Legion.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Robert Earl “Bob” Marriott Jr., 62, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his home in Columbia.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2201 W. Rollins Road. Guests and friends are invited to have dinner and attend a wake immediately following at Les Bourgeois.

Bob was born Sept. 2, 1948, in Richmond Heights to Robert Sr. and Moline Marriott. He moved to Columbia in 1953 where his father worked at the University of Missouri as a loss prevention officer until he retired.

His mother, Moline, was a homemaker, and was highly instrumental in developing Bob’s love for cooking. He worked as a chef at many restaurants across the United States, including San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City, the Virgin Islands, as well as in Columbia at several fine restaurants such as Glenn’s and Les Bourgeois, the latter being his last place of employment.

Besides his cooking, Chef Bob loved photography, nature, his dogs, children, and had a generous heart.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Turner of Columbia, and son, Joseph Brown of Winthrop, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Jack Vernon Shaw, 81, of Columbia died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Parker Funeral Service in Columbia. Services will be conducted by Dennis Swearngin of Olivet Christian Church. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Harrisburg. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Shaw was born on Oct. 13, 1928, in Boone County to Roy and Lennie Shaw.

On Sept. 3, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lois Dean Watson in Columbia. This past year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He was a member of the Missouri/Kansas Local 15 Chapter 11 of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers for 58 years.
Jack had a passion for the outdoors, including all forms of hunting and fishing, with a true love of quail hunting and trout fishing. He and Lois spent many weekends at their place in Bennett Springs. He enjoyed visiting with all the numerous people who stopped in to see him over the years.

Mr. Shaw is survived by his devoted wife, Lois, of the home; children Lanetta Woodland of Jefferson City, Loretta (Donald) Forsee of Columbia, Vernon (Tita) Shaw of Harrisburg, Nancy (Dennis) Palmer of Columbia and Troy (Meredith) Shaw of Columbia. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Jason Forsee, Amber and Krystal Palmer, Kristina Woodland and Tristen, Wyatt and Mason Shaw; as well as one great-grandson, Devin Forsee. He is also survived by his brother, Robert “Buddy” Shaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Roy “Edward” Shaw, Wesley Shaw and Alfred Shaw.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery.

Janice Barnhart Copeland passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Janice Marie (Barnhart) Copeland was born May 2, 1945 in Columbia, Missouri to Edgar Vernon and Evvangeline Thornton Barnhart.

On March 10, 1967 she married Garry Thomas Copeland and he survives at home in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

Jan graduated Hickman High School and Columbia College before a career venture to the Kansas City area, marriage, children, and ultimately to the Lake of the Ozarks. Her infectious smile and laughter, her hugs and kisses; were ever present, even in her final hour. Her life was full of those "things" that countless good people do, as friend, wife and mother; as listener, leader, follower and friend. Jan was unique in how she shared her life with everyone, leaving each of us more complete. Jan's career with us is finished here, but her eternal career is just getting started at a new university, we still hear the echo of your healing laughter, even beyond Heaven's gates.

Other survivors include two sons, Aaron Thomas Copeland of Osage Beach, Missouri and Austin Blane Copeland of Gravois Mills, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn Kephart of Holden, Missouri; five grandsons and five granddaughters and two great grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her father, mother and two brothers.

A memorial service was held Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church, conducted by Reverend Ellen Hoff.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church (GMUMC), 437 Valley Rd, Gravois Mills MO 65037-3016 to be given to the family to help with medical expenses.

Mary Jo Phillips, 85, a former school nurse and avid Missouri Tigers fan, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, in Columbia.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Parker Funeral Home, 22 N. Tenth St., followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Phillips was born April 4, 1924, in Boone County to Daniel and Mary Johannah Aufranc. She was the youngest of 10 children.

She graduated from Hickman High School in 1941 and attended the University of Missouri, graduating in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Mrs. Phillips had always known she would become a nurse and received her nurse’s license on May 6, 1946.

On Oct. 25, 1947, she married J.W. “Chub” Phillips, and the couple raised three daughters in Columbia. The two knew each other in high school but did not date until after World War II was over.

Mrs. Phillips worked as a school nurse for Columbia Public Schools for 26 years and retired in August 1987.

She enjoyed playing golf and bridge, ballroom dancing, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and attending Mizzou football and basketball games. She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Columbia Country Club and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW.

She is survived by her daughters, Paula Phillips of Lawrence, Kan., Sally Hyde of Columbia and Nancy Deis (Jim) of Memphis, Tenn.; four grandchildren Lucas Hyde (Jenny) of Columbia, Amy Deis of Chicago, Ashley Hyde (Eric Wesbury) of Columbia and Adam Deis of Springfield; two great-grandchildren, Gage and Grant Hyde; siblings Gertrude Dawson of Littleton, Colo., Evelyn Short of Ashland, Dorothy Sapp of Columbia and Curt Aufranc of Columbia; and foreign exchange student Eliska Valehrachova of Lawrence.

Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, four brothers and one sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1112 E. Broadway, or the Walter Johnson Palliative Care Unit at Boone Hospital Center, 1600 E. Broadway.*

Published Sunday, February 7, 2010

Janice Barnhart Copeland passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010. 

Janice Marie (Barnhart) Copeland was born May 2, 1945 in Columbia, Missouri to Edgar Vernon and Evvangeline Thornton Barnhart.

On March 10, 1967 she married Garry Thomas Copeland and he survives at home in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

Jan graduated Hickman High School and Columbia College before a career venture to the Kansas City area, marriage, children, and ultimately to the Lake of the Ozarks. Her infectious smile and laughter, her hugs and kisses; were ever present, even in her final hour. Her life was full of those "things" that countless good people do, as friend, wife and mother; as listener, leader, follower and friend. Jan was unique in how she shared her life with everyone, leaving each of us more complete. Jan's career with us is finished here, but her eternal career is just getting started at a new university, we still hear the echo of your healing laughter, even beyond Heaven's gates.

Other survivors include two sons, Aaron Thomas Copeland of Osage Beach, Missouri and Austin Blane Copeland of Gravois Mills, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn Kephart of Holden, Missouri; five grandsons and five granddaughters and two great grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her father, mother and two brothers.

A memorial service was held Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church, conducted by Reverend Ellen Hoff.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church (GMUMC), 437 Valley Rd, Gravois Mills MO 65037-3016 to be given to the family to help with medical expenses.

John T. Hartley, 91, of Columbia passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.

Chapel service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Memorial Funeral Home. Family and friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the service time Tuesday. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

John was born on Nov. 16, 1918, in Boone County to the late Andrew and Etta Johnson Hartley. On June 29, 1946, he married Phyllis Backer in Columbia, and she survives.
Mr. Hartley served in the United States 1st Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945 in the European Theatre of War with the 35th Signal Corps Construction Battalion. During his enlistment, he was a D-Day survivor, among one of the first units that landed on Omaha Beach, the Battle of Normady, the Battle of the Bulge and Bridge at Remagen.

“T” was a graduate of Hickman High School. He loved baseball and played on a Minor City League in Columbia. He retired from General Telephone Services after 41 years of service.
He is survived by three children, Tom Hartley and wife Judy, Rhonda Vanatta and husband Tim, and Phil Hartley and wife Becky; six grandchildren, Van, Blake and Jarrod Vanatta, Lena Hoeflicker, and Katie and Daniel Hartley; and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Parkade Baptist Church building fund or hospice. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Zelma P. Williams, 65, of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Sugar Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at H.T. May & Son Funeral Home in Columbia. 

Zelma was born April 10, 1944, in Boone County, the daughter of John F. Brown and Clara Lorene Baker. She was a member of Sugar Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, David Williams of the home; one son, Dallas Z. Williams of Columbia; one sister, Mary Belle Smith of Columbia; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, her grandparents and her great-grandparents.

Online condolences may be left at www.htmayfuneralhome.com.

Martha Ellen Conner “Marty” Lucas, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, in Columbia with members of her family by her side.

Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the service to celebrate her life at 1 p.m.

Marty was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Patton, Ill., to Geral A. Conner and Ila Blankenbaker Conner. Upon graduating from David H. Hickman High School in 1950, Marty attended the University of Missouri-Columbia before marrying her high school sweetheart. Marty and William C. Lucas were wed on Dec. 21, 1952, and made their home in Columbia until the sale of the Missouri Store Co. in September 1985. They then enjoyed over twenty years on Sanibel Island, Fla., while continuing to summer at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Marty was always active and enjoyed being a part of the community. Early in their marriage, Marty and Bill took lessons and enjoyed dancing the night away at the Country Club. Marty was an avid card player, excelling at bridge, blackjack and gin rummy. She loved to follow the stock market and later joined the Sanibel Women’s Investment Club. Marty was a member of the Columbian Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Constance Emig King’s Daughters Circle and the Lee Memorial Children’s Fund. With her husband, she was also a longtime member of the Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron, attending over 160 Change of Watch ceremonies, as well as being a member of the Captiva Yacht Club. Marty and Bill traveled far and wide, including a ‘round the world cruise. Marty’s sense of style and joy in living were always a large part of who she was.

First and foremost, however, Marty was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Marty is survived by her husband, Bill. She also leaves five children, Sami Lucas of Fort Myers, Fla., William Lucas Jr., Reuben Lucas, and Ramona Lucas-Smith, all of Columbia, and Matthew Lucas and his wife, Ann of Memphis, Tenn. Marty was blessed with grandchildren John Gray, Cory and Justin Smith, Anna and Ellen Lucas, and her great-grandson, Matthew Gray. She also is survived by her younger sister, Candice Connor Epperson and Candy’s husband, Robert, of Baton Rouge, La., as well as by many nieces, nephews and a bevy of friends.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Ramona Downey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martha C. Lucas Endowment at the University of Missouri-Columbia, 152 McReynolds Hall, Columbia, Mo. 65211. This endowment will provide scholarship support for medical and nursing students with financial need specializing in and/or researching geriatrics, Alzheimer’s or dementia-related care. 

Online condolences may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Ella Marie Hardin, 80, of Columbia passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, at Columbia Healthcare. 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Memorial Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

A visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home. 

Ella was born on June 21, 1929, in Boone County, the daughter of the late Letson and Ruby Roberts Critchfield. 

She was united in marriage to William Francis Hardin on Sept. 4, 1948, and he survives.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, survivors include her daughter, Karla Howell of Grinnell, Iowa; grandchildren Bo Howell and wife Bree of New Sharon, Iowa, and Jon Howell and wife Christy of Hattiesburg, Miss.; great-granddaughter Lydia Howell; and brothers Herman Critchfield and wife Rosie, Harrell Critchfield and wife Janice, and Darrell Critchfield.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Howard Critchfield. 

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Thelma Laverne Cockrell, 78, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Memorial Funeral Home with burial following in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.

She was born on June 18, 1931, in Boone County, the daughter of the late James T. and Ethel Inez Watson Walton. She was united in marriage to C.A. Watson in 1951, and to this union a son was born, Thomas A. Watson. Thelma and C.A. owned and operated several bowling alleys in the Columbia area. She later married Bob Cockrell in 1984, and he preceded her in death. 

During the 1960s and 1970s Thelma worked for Jack and Don Nowell at Nowell’s grocery store. After her retirement from Nowell’s, Thelma worked for the Human Development Corp. until her retirement in the late ’90s. Thelma made a vast amount of friends during her time at both organizations. 

Survivors include her son, Thomas A. Watson; brother Bobby Walton; niece Vicki Smith; nephews Tony and Jeff Schuermann and Mike and Mark Walton; six great-nephews; two great-great-nephews; one great-great-niece; and her longtime friend of over 40 years, Sandy Autry.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Turner. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Lois Nadine Brown, 87, passed away peacefully at the home of her friend Gail Cameron on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, in Columbia.

Chapel service will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 5, at Memorial Funeral Home. There will be a gathering from 10 a.m. until the service time Friday. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Lois was born on Aug. 16, 1922, in Columbia to James Thomas and Ruby Marshall Farthing, who preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Orville and Oral; and a sister, Letha Belle.

Lois married “Bill” Charles Vencil Brown on Jan. 13, 1946, in Columbia. They were married for 59 years the year that Bill passed away. Lois and Bill had two children, James Bonham Brown, who passed away at age 30, and Thomas Lee Brown, who passed away at age 38. Lois is survived by a granddaughter, Sherri Lynn Coats and husband Mike; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Cristine Ferguson and Tanner James Coats, all of Jefferson City; a nephew, Roy Lee Hoefer of Gladstone; nieces-in-law Shirley Hoefer of Smithton, Ill., and Sarah Lehman and husband Earl of Roseville, Calif.; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Lois was a member of first Christian Church in Columbia.

She belonged to several organizations. Lois served in many offices, including department president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 202. Among her favorites was the Girl’s State program. She was an active member of Elks Lodge 594. Lois was Woman of the Year for the ABWA. She was a life member of the Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Unit 2 of Kansas City, where she was department commander from 1992 to 1993. She was a member and past president of the dance organization of “The Saturday Nighters.”

Lois loved to dance and taught all types of dance in her own studio for more than 30 years. She even tried to teach from her wheel chair while residing at The Bluffs for the past three years. She was a concert violinist and loved music.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 202 c/o Pat Kirkpatrick 700 N. Denninghoff, Columbia, Mo. 65203; First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St. Columbia, Mo., 65201; or Elks Lodge, 4747 E. Elk Park Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Thank you to Integrity Home Care for their wonderful care and support during this difficult time: Ambra, Loretta, Amy, Darla and Tammy. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Betty June McDonald, 72, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 7, at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Betty was born June 6, 1937, in Columbia to Luther and Lucille Lewis Tiffany, and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by Billy Joe McKenzie.

She was a 1955 graduate of Hickman High School and worked as an encoder for medical records at Boone Hospital. Betty will be remembered as a very caring and compassionate lady who enjoyed fishing and loved being around her family, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Survivors include three sons, Richard McKenzie and wife Lisa of Atlanta, Mo., Kirby McKenzie and wife Missy, and David McKenzie, all of Columbia; siblings Don Tiffany of Fayette, Ruby Williams of Stephens, Bo Tiffany of Calwood, and Skeeter Tiffany, Jerry Tiffany, Joyce Benedict and Estella Pulis, all of Columbia; and grandchildren Ryan, Brandi, Jeremy, Justin and Megan McKenzie.

Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association, 104 Corporate Lake Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65203. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Edgar “Eddie” Eugene “Brad” Bradford Jr., 45, of Columbia departed this life on Sunday, March 7, 2010, in Columbia. 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at H.T. May & Son Funeral Home in Columbia.

Eddie was born on April 26, 1964, in Columbia to Delores A. Bradford and Edgar E. Bradford Sr. He received his fundamental education in Columbia, attending Parkade Elementary School, West Junior High School and graduating from Hickman High School in 1982. After graduating high school, Eddie attended Missouri Valley College and Columbia College. In 1987, Eddie joined the U.S. Navy, where he served his country honorably for eight years.

Eddie was a distinguished sportsman involved in football, track and basketball, which was his favorite sport. He played basketball in high school, college and while in the Navy; even coaching basketball to youths at the church he attended in Atlanta. While in the Navy, Eddie resided in Jacksonville, Fla. After his discharge from the Navy, he relocated to Atlanta in 1995, where he lived until moving back to Columbia just three weeks ago.

A man of deep abiding faith, Eddie was a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of the Rev. Harold J. Butler, and a charter member under the Rev. Roderick Williams Sr.

Eddie loved people and was always doing things to make people laugh. He was particular about how he looked and was always dressed very well. One of Eddie’s most-loved foods was his Mom’s apple cobbler and sweet potatoes.

Upon his death, his last earthly gift was that of an organ donor. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Shalay Turner, Erica Turner and Sheena Turner; his son, Robert Mundy of Columbia; daughter Kiara Bradford of Akron, Ohio; his mother, Delores Bradford; siblings Teresa Windsor-Curtis, Dwayne Windsor of Columbia and Sylvia Bradford-Jackson of St. Louis; his father, Edgar Bradford Sr.; and sisters and brothers through his father’s other marriages. Eddie is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, many relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left at www.htmayfuneralhome.com.

Karen Judith Aslin, 74, of Columbia died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at her home.

There will be private family services.

Karen was born in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of Dr. Neil and Marie Aslin, who moved the family to Columbia in 1942. She attended Grant and Ridgeway elementary schools, Jefferson Junior High School and Hickman High School in Columbia. She graduated from Stephens College and received the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in special education administration from the University of Missouri.

In 1962, Karen began her career teaching special education students in St. Louis County and then in Des Plaines, Ill. She then joined the staff of the University of Missouri as the director of the hospital school in the UMC Medical Center. She and her staff worked with the children confined to the hospital so they could continue their education.

In the early 1970s, Karen accepted a position with the Missouri state Department of Education, Special Education Division, where she was involved in evaluation and implementation of school improvement.

In 1985, Karen returned to the public school arena in Malden as director of special services. She was then offered a position in Ste. Genevieve as director of special services. 

She retired in 1996.

Karen was a family person and made a point of staying in touch with relatives and friends in many areas of the country. She was very devoted to her nieces and nephews and was especially happy to be able to watch David and Jane Jackson of Columbia grow up. She also enjoyed Shawn and Dagny Amber of Chicago whenever she could.

Karen and the Aslin family grew up as members of First Baptist Church in Columbia. She enjoyed becoming reacquainted with her church family on returning to Columbia in 2006.

Karen is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Owen Jackson, and their son, David of Columbia and their daughter, Jane of Phoenix; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Jane Aslin; niece Dagny Amber; and nephew Shawn Bingham and his family, all of Chicago.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Neil C. Aslin; and mother Marie Aslin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Karen’s name to the Neil C. Aslin Scholarship Fund located in the Development Office, 114 Hill Hall, University of Missouri; or Meals on Wheels in Columbia.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Kenneth Ambert Dudley, 82, of Mexico, Mo., died at 9:16 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at his home.

Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 18, at Pickering Funeral Home with Father John Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday. Burial with military honors will be in Columbia Cemetery.

Mr. Dudley was born on Feb. 15, 1928, in Boone County, where he was raised. 

In 1977, in Mexico, he married Joyce Frieden, who survives at the home.

Ken was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. For many years he was an owner, operator and manager of farms in Boone County. Ken was continuously active in Republican politics and was an early organizer for the Boone County Republican Committee. He was a member of the Cosmo Breakfast Club and Pachyderm Club. He was also owner and operator of Dudley Realty from 1973 until 2007.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, survivors include his stepfather, Euel Hammett of Odessa, Texas; three sons, Ken “Kit” Dudley and Bruce Dudley, both of Houston, and Phillip Dudley of Atlanta; three daughters, Justine Dudley Albree of Atlanta, Terry Beauchamp and husband Pat of Mexico, and Kim Adams and husband Donald of Columbia; one brother, Rodger Dudley of Independence; six grandchildren, Alyssa and Britta Thielemann, Hannah and Jacob Dudley, Sydney Beauchamp and Nick Adams; one great-grandchild, Ashton Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Fannie C. Hammett; his father, Harold Dudley; and one grandson, Spencer Beauchamp.

Memorials may be given to St. Brendan’s Catholic School. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, Mo., 65265.

Expressions of sympathy may be given at www.pickeringfh.com.

Susan Jane Decker, 57, of Columbia passed away Friday, March 12, 2010, after an extended illness with cancer.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 19, at the Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

Susan was born on Feb. 20, 1953, in Columbia. She was a graduate of Hickman High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Stephens College in fine arts (theater), a master’s degree in English and a jurist doctorate from the University of Missouri. While in law school, she served as a summer intern with Congressman Harold Volkmer. She had a private law practice in Hilo, Hawaii, for almost 10 years and later practiced family law in Columbia.

During the period of her medical treatment, she engaged in writing fiction in her home. She completed a novel and several short stories, which remain unpublished. She had membership in the Columbia Writers Guild, Columbia Kiwanis Club, First Presbyterian Church, Rock and Lapidary Club of Columbia, and Columbian Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She had been a member of the Hawaii Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association.

She is survived by her 13-year-old son, Aidan John McNarie; her parents, Wayne and Jane Decker of Columbia; numerous cousins from Ohio to Iowa and Missouri, to Texas, Arizona and California; and two aunts in Iowa.

Memorial remembrances may be sent to Preferred Hospice of Missouri, 1900 Providence Road, Suite 311, Columbia, Mo., 65202. Online condolences may be extended to Susan’s family at www.heartlandcremation.com.

James "Rick" Harman, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away on March 16, 2010. Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
 
 
 
 
 

Dick Chet Hitt, 75, of Columbia passed away on March 19, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 10 a.m.

Dick was born Sept. 7, 1934, in Oklahoma City to Chelsey and Pearl Shultz Hitt and grew up in Rockville, Mo. 

He was married on May 29, 1998, to Jean Jeffries Carney and she survives.

He was a 1952 graduate of Hickman High School. 

Dick had worked for Perry Chevrolet and Puckett’s Menswear and retired from Innovative Realty in Columbia. 

He also owned Tiger Skeet Club and Bass Pro Shop on the Business Loop.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and duck hunting and he was a Missouri state champion skeet shooter. He was a member and past president of Ducks Unlimited. 

Dick will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jean of Columbia; daughter, Debbie Hitt of Emporia, Va.; twin daughters, Donna Marietta and husband Larry of Branson, Mo., and Deana Leaton of Columbia; stepchildren, Jill Dobbs and husband Brad of Jefferson City and Jade Carney and wife Kelly of Columbia; a sister, Barbara Miller and husband Jim of Coffey; a brother, Jim Hitt of Brighton, Mich.; grandchildren, Michelle Ott, Ladeena Leaton, Chasity and Christina Marietta, Rett and Chapel Dobbs and Lila Carney; great-grandchildren Haley and Blake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Hitt.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Ducks Unlimited, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Mo. 65202.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Scott Wilson Patterson, 45, of upstate New York, passed away Friday, March, 19, 2010, while visiting family in Columbia.

Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at the home of Michael Patterson, 200 Dene Drive in Columbia. A memorial service honoring Scott’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 301 W. Smiley Lane in Columbia, with Brother Lewis Carvalho officiating.

He was born Aug. 10, 1964, in Chicago to Robert Wayne and Sharon E. Wilson Patterson.

Scott was a 1982 graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia. After attending Columbia College, he entered the U.S. armed services, as a private, in 1986. He served his country in the Army for eight years, attaining the rank of sergeant for the 10th Mountain Division. His tour of duty took him to Germany, South Korea, Newport News, Va., and Fort Drum, N.Y. He returned to civilian life in 1994 with an honorable discharge and relocated to Columbia, taking a position in food service with the Missouri Department of Corrections. He later moved with his wife to upstate New York, working as a head cook for the Willard Treatment Center, New York Department of Corrections.

Scott married Sabine Dollinger of Baasem, Germany, on May 5, 1989. A devoted husband for the past 20 years, he shared with Sabine a focus on family, friends and their beloved dogs and cats. Together they traveled throughout Europe and the United States, most recently taking a second honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii. Wherever he resided, Scott remained an enthusiastically loyal Kansas City Chiefs and Mizzou football fan. His choice of profession grew from his love of good food and drink, particularly Kansas City barbecue and stout German beer. His friendly smile, humorous storytelling and penchant for pulling pranks will be remembered with great fondness.

Scott is survived by his wife, Sabine Patterson of Lodi, N.Y.; four siblings, Katherine Patterson Munoz and her husband, Lee, of Denver, William Vance Patterson and his wife, Jane, of Fort Worth, Texas, Michael Wayne Patterson of Columbia and Heather Patterson Jones and her husband, Randy, of Columbia; two nephews, Blake Patrick Munoz of Orlando, Fla., and Zachary Lee Jones of Columbia; an uncle, Christopher A. Wilson and his wife, Leslie, of Kansas City; and an aunt, Marty Patterson of Columbia, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Wilson Patterson of Columbia, in March 2010; his cousin, Meghan J. Wilson of Kansas City, in June 2006; and his father, Robert Wayne Patterson of Fort Worth, in March 2000.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Howard E. McGee, 86, of Columbia died Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Lenoir Woods Care Center in Columbia.

Services, conducted by the Rev. Greg Robinson, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parker Funeral Service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors by the VFW Post 280 Honor Guard.

Mr. McGee was born Oct. 18, 1923, in Boone County to Frank M. and Helen L. Franklin McGee. He was married to Mary Louise Ealy on Sept. 10, 1950, in Columbia. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2000.

Mr. McGee was a farmer his entire life in Boone County and continued to raise cattle until the time of his death. He also worked for the American-Reed Coal Mining Company for several years. He served in the U.S. Army, 87th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II; he was a member of the Gateway Chapter, Battle of the Bulge in St Louis, 87th Infantry Division Association, VFW Post 280 and served many years on the VFW Funeral Honor Guard. He served as president of the board for the Oakland Cemetery Association for many years and was a member of Oakland Christian Church.

Mr. McGee is survived by his dear friend Cynthia O’Bryan of Fulton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be given to VFW Post 280 Funeral Honor Guard, 1509 Ashley St., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

William Everett Jackson, 62, of Columbia passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, at Memorial Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

He was born on June 17, 1947, the son of the late John and Mary Elizabeth McKenry Jackson.

He was united in marriage to Gailene Black on Sept. 20, 1975, and she survives.

Bill was an iron worker for several years. 

He along with his wife rescued stray cats for many years. He was a dedicated superintendent for Reinhardt Construction and was a devoted husband and father who will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons, Ryan and Justin Jackson; and brother John Jackson and wife Linda.

He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Rodney Jackson. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Central Missouri Humane Society or Columbia Second Chance.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Michael Charles McGinity, 65, of San Diego died Saturday, March 27, 2010, of complications from health problems. 

Following interment of Michael’s ashes at Memorial Park Cemetery, family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, followed by a life celebration. These will be held at the Comfort Suites. Previously, a celebration service was held at the Redwood Bridge Club in Balboa Park, San Diego.

Mike, the son of Dr. Joseph T. and Margaret L. McGinity, was born in Iola, Kan. In 1953, the family moved to Columbia, where he graduated from Hickman High School in 1962 as president of the senior class. 

Mike briefly attended the University of Missouri, served in the Army and worked in St. Louis before moving to San Francisco. There, he developed container cargo shipping contracts, brokering oil shipments worldwide, and eventually moved his home and thriving business to Newport Beach, Calif. 

Travel-weary, Mike relocated to Manila in 2001, pursuing business interests before poor health brought him back to the United States. 

Recently, Mike lived in the San Diego area hoping to regain his health to enjoy his retirement. 

Mike is survived by his twin brother, Patrick, and wife Joanna of Durham, N.C.; Patrick’s stepdaughter, Theressa Creighton of Chadd’s Ford, Pa.; brother Tom of St. Louis; sister Ann of Columbia; brother Sean of Millburn, N.J.; brother Kevin and wife Ellen of Ottumwa, Iowa, and their children, Maggie, Sean, and Kate; as well as many cousins and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Lung Association.

Norma Faye Rall, 81, our beloved mother, passed into the loving arms of Christ Jesus to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, March 31, in Texas.

Norma Faye was born July 31, 1928, in Boone County. She attended Hickman High School in Columbia and has been a resident of San Antonio since 1966. She led a full and meaningful life but is mostly remembered as a nurturing and devoted mother and grandmother, and for her love of animals and gardening. 

She is lovingly survived by two sisters, Edith and husband Al Hoffman and Gail and husband Donald Perkins; three brothers, Bill and wife Grace Mordica, Beck and wife Jan Mordica, and Elliott Mordica; her children, Doug and wife Kathy Edmonston, Carolyn and husband Doug Aird, and Paul and wife Sharon Edmonston; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Gene Mordica; and one grandchild. 

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come home with Me.” With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away. And though we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands were put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Anice Mills Rawlings McGowan, 86, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on March 29, 2010.

Anice was born February 3, 1924, to Roger Mills Rawlings and Ruth Anice Wilkes Rawlings and grew up in Rocheport, Missouri, not far from Columbia. She graduated from Hickman High School in 1941. 

Anice attended the University of Missouri for two years and it was there that she met John D. McGowan, a West Point Cadet. They were married upon his graduation from West Point in May, 1943. Anice fell easily into the role of military officer's wife, providing support to her husband's career efforts, moving frequently to numerous locations around the world.

Anice was always genuinely interested in people, loved making new friends, and was an excellent hostess. When John retired from the military in 1964, he became an ordained minister in The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Anice was well prepared for the change in career, and continued her support as they traveled throughout their ministerial assignments in the US. John and Anice retired to Scottsdale and they had a continuous stream of visitors, a fact that brought them great pleasure.

One of Anice's many achievements was helping start an oral school for the deaf in Lexington, Kentucky, to benefit her youngest son and other deaf children. Lexington Deaf Oral is still in existence today.

She was also proud to be a member of Phi Mu Sorority and D.A.R., Old Dominion Chapter, Richmond, Virginia.

Anice is survived by her children: J.Daniel (Kathy) McGowan II of Waukee, IA, Marsha McGowan Minniss of Scottsdale, AZ, and Henry McGowan of Tempe, AZ; five grandchildren: Mindy McGowan, Missy Bello Leon, Caroline McGowan, John Minniss and David Minniss.

Anice was preceded in death by an infant son Roger, husband John, and significant friend George Bishop.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at Messinger Mortuary and Chapel, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. Family will greet friends in the reception hall following the service. Burial will follow in Columbia, Missouri, at a later date.

Robert S. Ghio, 65, died in his workshop/studio at his home on Saturday, April 3, 2010. 

There will be a celebration of Rob’s life from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Summit Lake Winery in Hartsburg. If Rob touched your life in some way, please come and share with his family and friends.

He was born to Robert Ghio and Sue Wright Ghio in New York, where his father was stationed at the time. They moved back to Columbia, where Rob grew up and spent his youth riding motorcycles over the roads of Boone County. He was known by many as the “Original Frog.”

Rob graduated from Hickman High School in 1962 and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City. 

On Dec. 12, 1964, he married Janet Solter. They lived in Kansas City before moving back to Columbia, where Rob worked for Jim Simmons in the coin laundry business, which he later bought. He was also part-owner of a construction company that built Green Meadows Plaza. He opened Andy’s Corner restaurant, which he later sold to his sister, Missie, and her husband, Mick. It became known as Murry’s. Rob and Janet were blessed with two children, Jennifer and Eric.

On Oct. 9, 1993, Rob married Betty Forbes Nichols and accepted her two children, Christi and Clif, into his life.

Rob enjoyed life to the fullest, creating the unexpected and always looking for an adventure. In September of 1988 Rob and longtime friend Cokie Chapman launched a 19-foot sloop rig, the Desiderata, into the Missouri River at Rocheport and set sail for Florida. They traveled down the Missouri River to the Mississippi eventually reaching the Gulf in November. They spent their nights on sand bars or in the very small cabin on the boat, and during the day, they enjoyed the beauty of the rivers. Reaching Biloxi, Miss., the waves were more than Rob could handle, getting seasick, he ended his part of the trip with Cokie trying to make it the rest of the way; however, eventually the water got too rough for such a small boat, and he, too, had to stop short of his destination. It was the trip of a lifetime for two friends, and they formed great memories of a time spent on the river.

Rob enjoyed the outdoors. He loved camping and floating the rivers in Missouri. The Gasconade, with all of its beauty and slow-moving water, was his favorite.

Rob and Betty joined The Missouri Offhand Muzzle Loaders Association and spent many weekends between April and October at rendezvous camping in their teepee or one-pole. They made many friends over the years at these events, and these friends became family.

Rob was a great artist, carving emu eggs and eventually discovering gourd art. Being Rob, he joined the two mediums and created beautiful art. Later he created stained-glass pieces and eventually incorporated the stained glass into his gourds. Rob belonged to the Missouri Gourd Society, and again he made many friends who became family. He attended art shows and gourd festivals throughout the United States and won many awards.

Rob was known as the “Great Hugger.” He hugged everyone and taught people how to hug. Rob collected friends everywhere he went, and there will be a big void in their lives without him, but they will all be better for having known him. His friends will have many stories to tell for years to come.

Over the last three years on Friday evenings, you could find Rob and Betty sitting on the patio at Summit Lake Winery in Hartsburg, where he also had made many friends.

Rob is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; daughter Jennifer Shinkle and husband Jeff of Jefferson City; son Eric Ghio and wife Alicia of Eugene, Ore.; stepdaughter Christi Duran and husband Ron of Centralia; stepson Clif Nichols and wife Dawn of Columbia; his former wife, Janet Ghio of Columbia; 12 grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Celia, Audrey and Jack of Jefferson City; Kellan, Kyle, Jackie and Abigail of Oregon; Aleah of Arizona; Dustin and C.J. of Centralia; and Josh and Lawson of Columbia; and his sister, Missie McReynolds, and her three children and their families in North Carolina. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Ginger.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents in November 1999.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Second Chance, P.O. Box 10186, Columbia, Mo., 65205.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Betty J. Pike, 77, of St. Louis and formerly of Columbia, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at Memorial Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. 

She was born on Jan. 3, 1933, in Columbia, the daughter of Roy Bea and Katie Burtner. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Katie and Bryson Burtner.

Betty was a 1951 Hickman High School graduate. 

She held many roles in her life, including a teacher’s aide at Parkway School District, veterinary assistant and Kmart sales associate. 

She loved to golf and was a member of Cherry Hills-St. Albans Country Club. 

Betty was an avid bowler and loved to garden, play cards with her family and travel with her friends and family. 

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Frank Pike; children Frank J. Pike III and wife Nancy, Cheryl Boren, Linda Beattie and Bob Beattie; six grandchildren, Joseph and Carrie Pike, Michael Boren, and Richie, Stephanie and Phillip Beattie; five great-grandchildren; and siblings Clyde Bea, Neta Barkley and Lucille Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and six sisters. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Karen Sue Brown, 52, of Columbia surrendered her soul to Christ on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at University Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Columbia. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at H.T. May and Son Funeral Home in Columbia.

Karen was born July 26, 1957, in Columbia, the daughter of George Johnson and Mary L. Brown. She loved playing softball and riding motorcycles. She was a graduate of Hickman High School in 1975.

Survivors include her parents, George Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa, and her mother, Mary L. Brown of Columbia; one brother, Tracy Brown of Los Angeles; two sisters, Sharon Brown of Columbia and Gwen Johnson-Miller of Des Moines; one niece, Sierra Brown-King of Columbia; five uncles, Willie Brown, Ernest Brown, Floyd Brown, Calvin Hawkins and Gordon Brown Jr.; and two aunts, Norma Hawkins and Maybelle Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to American Kidney Association, P.O. Box 1915, Columbia, Mo., 65205-1915.

Roy Cromwell Jeffries, 94, passed away Monday, April 5, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Roy was born Oct. 20, 1915, to Melvin and Stella Carnes Jeffries in Columbia.

At Hickman High School, he enjoyed playing football and was co-captain of the football team with Sam Walton in 1936.

It is rumored that Sam Walton (founder of Wal-Mart) named the dog food “Old Roy” after his friend Roy.

He married Jane Sevier on Nov. 17, 1978, and she survives.

Roy Jeffries served in the Army during World War II from May 29, 1945, till July 11, 1946.

He retired from McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis in 1977. He also owned a beautiful farm in Callaway County on Cedar Creek and farmed until 2006, when he moved to Columbia.

He was an avid gardener, loved to fish, hunt and was a huge fan of the Hickman Kewpies, St. Louis Cardinals and University of Missouri football.

He was a member of VFW Post 280 and Columbia Elks Lodge 594.

Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis K. Sapp; a son, David C. Zumwalt; two stepsons, Lawrence K. Bremer and George W. Bremer; stepdaughter Barbara Browning; grandchildren Cynthia Massey, Chris Creasy, Philip Sapp, Melissa Holliday and Charlotte Zumwalt; seven great-grandchildren, Laurel Creasy, John Ogden (Jack) Creasy IV, Richard Sapp, Cory Schmidt, Justin Schmidt, Zacharay Holliday and Andrew Holliday; sister-in-law Virginia Jeffries; and niece Cheri Westbrook.

He was preceded in death by 

an older brother, Raymond Jeffries. 

Memorials in memory of Roy may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Sally A. Gilbert, 74, formerly of Columbia, died Monday, April 5, 2010.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home. Burial will be at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield.

Before retirement, she taught at Field Elementary School in Columbia.

Survivors include son Scott Smith of Franklin; daughter Stacy Esman of Phoenix; sister Mary Lou Mansor of Columbia; and several grandchildren.

Her husband, John Gilbert, preceded her in death.

Angela “Baby” Cheatom, 43, of Columbia surrendered her soul to Christ on Monday, April 5, 2010, at her home. 

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at H.T. May and Son Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory three sons, Alfred Cheatom and Darien Cheatom, both of Columbia, and Malcom Cheatom; two daughters, Dejena Cheatom and Saundaya Hopkins; three brothers, Rodney Worley, Frank Cheatom and Jack Cheatom; and two sisters, Teresa Cheatom and Lisa Cheatom.

A complete obituary can be seen at www.htmayfuneralhome.com.

Montie Sanders, 52, of Columbia answered the call of God and surrendered his soul on Monday, April 5, 2010, at home. 

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Russell Chapel CME Church. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

He was born on Nov. 7, 1957, in Columbia, the son of Bennie and Virginia Ralph Sanders. He was a member of Russell Chapel CME Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Leona Martin of Columbia and Virginia Watkins of Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be left at www.htmayfuneralhome.com.

“Jerry” Ste. Gemme Thomasson, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at his home on the North Umpqua River in Roseburg, Ore., with his beloved wife by his side. He had made his home in Roseburg for 50 years.

As Jerry requested, his extended family will gather this summer to celebrate his life with lots of fireworks and Maker’s Mark.

Jerry was born On Dec. 22, 1922, to R.R. Thomasson and Lelia Parkin Thomasson in Columbia.

As a youth, Jerry spent many summers working with his uncle Floyd Thomasson on the family farm near Fredericktown. This time on the farm made an indelible mark on him, as he always maintained a great attachment to the land and forests. 

Jerry graduated from Hickman High School in 1941, where he lettered all three years in football and basketball. He played end on the football team, which went undefeated his senior year, and was elected captain of the basketball team and president of his sophomore and senior classes. Much to his embarrassment, he was also voted Most Popular Boy of his graduating class. 

After high school, Jerry headed west with a group of adventuresome young men to work at the Gunther Fire Camp near Drain, Ore., while waiting to be called into World War II service by the Navy Air Corps. Jerry earned his wings and served three years in the Naval Air Corps, and was flying PBY’s out of Banana River, Fla., awaiting his assignment in the Pacific when World War II ended.

After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Jerry completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri. He then went on to obtain his master’s degree in forestry from Duke University in 1950. Armed with his degrees and a passion to work in the woods, Jerry headed west for Washington state in his Model A Ford, at a top speed of 25 miles an hour, visiting family and friends and working as a 1950 census taker along the way. In the summer of 1950, while waiting for a timber cruising job with Weyerhauser, he took a memorable trip into the wilds of Alaska with his life-long friend, Scott Wright, who went on to become a federal judge in Kansas City. After his Alaskan adventure, Jerry began working for Weyerhauser as a timber cruiser in Centralia, Wash., where he met and married his dynamic first wife, Muriel N. Graves of Pe Ell, Wash., in 1956. Together, Muriel and Jerry raised five children, founded and managed a family real estate business and enjoyed a nearly 50-year loving partnership and marriage. Muriel passed away in 2000.

In 1960, Jerry left Weyerhauser and moved his family from Centralia, Wash., to Roseburg to accept a position as head timber cruiser for Roseburg Lumber Co. In the mid-1960s, Jerry joined his wife, Muriel, as the associate broker in the family-owned business, Douglas Properties. Over the course of their many years of collaboration at Douglas Properties, Jerry and Muriel served hundreds of clients and launched a number of successful local developments, including Garden Valley West and San Souci. Over the course of his career, Jerry was active on the Douglas County Board of Realtors, serving as president, and also on the Douglas County Planning Commission, which he chaired. Until his eventual retirement in 2004, Jerry served as a property and timber manager for a number of prominent timberland owners throughout Douglas County, a job he thoroughly enjoyed as it kept him out on the land he so loved.

On Sept. 2, 2001, in Denver, Colo., Jerry married another dynamic and remarkable woman, his childhood best friend’s widow, Martha “Marty” Stephens Toler.  Fifty-three years before, Jerry had served as best man in Marty’s first wedding. They thoroughly enjoyed their twilight years together, traveling the country extensively, watching Missouri Tigers football, Duke basketball and dancing nightly to the music of the 1940s big bands. Marty and Jerry watched Duke win the national championship Monday evening, and Marty was with Jerry when he passed away the next morning.

Jerry was a wonderful husband; a loving, devoted father and grandfather; and a loyal, generous friend.  Throughout his life, he was described by high school team mates, Navy buddies, timber crew members, clients and friends as the “most genuine, authentic and steadfastly honest person” they had ever known. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, and to his last days, he retained a wonderful, childlike curiosity about life, politics, literature and every one of his grandkids’ many achievements.

In addition to his wife, Marty, Jerry is survived by his younger brother, Ray Thomasson (Merrill); his children, Ray Jones (Carol), Linda Lamb, Greg Thomasson (Jody), Tammy Mobley (Kurt),and Shannon Hubbard; and his three stepsons, Steve Toler (Sandra), Ted Toler (Susan), and Scott Toler (Sara). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, R.J. Jones (Shannon), Amy Jones, Craig Jones (Nikki), Mari, Logan, and Lucas Mobley, Chelsea Hubbard, Eamon Thomasson and Cheri Hernandez; seven stepgrandchildren, Courtney Austin (Brian), Matthew (Jenilee), Colby and Caroline Toler, Hallie Riutcel, and Michelle and Heather Hilliard; as well as six great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Angel and Christopher Hernandez, and Dashiell, Viviette and Anika Jones; and one great-stepgrandchild, Emma Grace Austin. The extended family would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to Lattie and Linda Broyhill and Donna (and her late husband, Joe) Dent for their many years of devoted friendship to Jerry and Marty and their extraordinary assistance since Jerry’s passing. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the local hospice of your choice.

“There’s a rumor he’s gone much further west. Roll on, Missouri!” — from “Jesse James” by William Rose Benet

Linda Lou Schultz, 68, of Columbia passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010, at her home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Linda was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Columbia to Lloyd and Irene Ausburn Barkwell. She was married on May 26, 1959, in Columbia to William R. “Bob” Schultz.

Along with her husband, Linda owned Wm. R. “Bob” Schultz & Sons Excavating and Crane Service from 1971 until present.

Linda is survived by three sons, William Schultz Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Gary Schultz and wife Kelli, and Brian Schultz and wife Denise, all of Hallsville; her mother, Irene Mabrey of Columbia; a sister, Edith Himonubbe and husband Jim of Irving, Texas; grandchildren, Brent Schultz and wife Jessica, Kayla, Janelle, Josh, Cara and Casie Schultz; mother-in-law, Val Zeller and husband Al of Los Angeles; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her dog, Oreo.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Bob; her father, Lloyd; two sisters, Julie and Joan Barkwell; and a grandson, Jacob Schultz.

Memorial contributions can be to a charity of your choice.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Donna Sue Kennedy, 52, of Steedman passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, in her home.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of services. Inurnment will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Donna was born June 21, 1957, in Columbia to Elbert and Betty Davis Black Sr. 

She attended Hickman High School and was a supporter of the Dakota Indian School. 

Donna will be remembered as a lady who enjoyed crocheting and loved to take care of other people.

She is survived by her sons, George Ray Hyde Jr. and wife Jerry of Phoenix, David Earl Hyde and wife Avianka of Fulton; daughter Jackie Quincy of Phoenix; mother Betty Clutts of Columbia; father Elbert Black and wife Deloris of Steedman; companion Rudy Martinez of Steedman; sister Kathy Earickson and husband Eddie of Fulton; brothers Earl Black and wife Bennie of Fulton, and Bobby Black of Columbia; grandchildren Michael, Haley and Jakub Hyde of Fulton, and Kathy Sueann Hyde of Phoenix; other children and grandchildren Ashlie, Nicole, Kristal, Sarah, Chris, Felicia, Olivia, Tobias, Christopher, Zoey, Rebecka, Eva, Tyler and Alexis; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Russell Clutts.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Henry Richard Miller III, 78, of Columbia passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 23, at Memorial Funeral Home with visitation at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Henry was born Feb. 23, 1932, in Columbia to Henry and Georgia Biddle Miller II, and they preceded him in death. 

He was married to Sue Branch on Aug. 30, 1990, in Eureka Springs, Ark., and she survives.

Henry was a 1951 graduate of Hickman High School, and he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-59 during the Korean War. 

He worked as a building contractor in Columbia for over 40 years.
 
 

He is also survived by one son, Richard Miller of Dallas; three daughters, Suzanne Jones of Denver, Charlotte Lipsey of Kearney and Annette Parsons of Parkville; 11 grandchildren; and cousins Jane Sapp of Columbia and Tom Moseley of New Jersey.

Memorial contributions can be made to Arthritis Foundation, 9433 Olive, Suite 100, St. Louis, Mo., 63132.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

James C. Blackmore, 87, of Columbia passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at Memorial Funeral Home with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 until 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. 

James was born on March 21, 1923, in Bluffton, the son of the late Marvin and Carrie Miller Blackmore. He married Joan Capps Blackmore on Aug. 19, 1945.

James and his father owned and operated Blackmore Automotive Inc. He became a 32nd-degree Mason and was an Odd Fellow member, attaining 50 years in each organization.

His love of travel led to joining two motor home clubs. For 25 years, he, his wife and his dogs traveled each summer. He especially enjoyed his family, home and many friends. 

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan; son Mark Blackmore and wife Lisa; daughters Jan Pink and husband John, Nancy Boast and husband Waymon, and Teresa Hemen and husband Bob; granddaughters Anna Whatley and Jennifer Pink; grandsons Daniel Whatley and wife Nicole, Jason Pink, Isaac Stroupe and Kellen Stroupe; and great-grandchildren Mikayla Pink, Sharife Pink and Brianna Flowers.

James was preceded in death by parents, Marvin and Carrie Blackmore; and his sister, Margaret Schaperkotter. 

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Central Missouri Humane Society. 

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

John D. Underhill Jr., 75, died Thursday, April 22, 2010.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at Columbia Cemetery. 

www.colliersfuneralhome.com

Anthony Dewayne Simmons, 44, of Columbia died Friday, April 16, 2010, at Capital Regional Hospital in Jefferson City, Mo.

Funeral services for Mr. Simmons will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010, with visitation one hour before the service, at the Millard Family Funeral Home, Columbia. Internment will take place in Columbia City Cemetery.

Mr. Simmons was born on Feb. 24, 1966, in Columbia to the union of Letha Horn Simmons and Frederick Simmons Sr. He grew up in Columbia, where he ran track in high school and graduated from Hickman High School in 1984. He was a member of Log Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Simmons is survived by one son, Jeffrey Boyles; one granddaughter, Abigail Irene Boyles; his mother, Letha Simmons; three brothers, Fred Simmons Jr., Demetrius Thompson and Thomas Simmons; four sisters, Cynthia Simmons, Michelle Simmons, Monique Prince and Patricia Thompson, all of Columbia. 

He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Frederick Simmons Sr.; a daughter, Santana Marie Simmons; and two brothers, Rodney Eugene Simmons and Brian Matthew Simmons.

Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Funeral Home, 12 East Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 442-7112.
 
 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.

Denisha Shavon Renee Midgyett, 20, of Columbia passed away Thursday, April 22, 2010, at University Hospital. 

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Millard Family Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Jerry W. Ellison officiating.

She was born Aug. 11, 1989, in Columbia, a daughter of Roy Lavone Midgyett and Angela Renee Fields Midgyett. 

Denisha attended Field Elementary, Jefferson Junior High and was a recent graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia. Denisha, who also wore an infectious smile, will be remembered as one who never gave up. She was a fighter — to the very end. She was warm-hearted, playful and well-liked. She loved staying in touch with her many friends through Facebook and MySpace. Her love of music, dancing, children and life itself will stand as a testament to her beautiful soul. 

Denisha is survived by her parents, Roy Midgyett and Angela Fields of Columbia; one sister, Heather Midgyett of Columbia; three brothers, Steel Midgyett of Columbia, Stone Midgyett of Columbia and Roc Hughes of Marshall; and maternal grandmother Mattie Barbee of Columbia.

Denisha’s extended family includes maternal great-grandmother Pearlie Williams; seven aunts, Darlene Midgyett, Patricia Cropp, Francine Midgyett, Linda Kay Midgyett, Kimberly Midgyett, Sharon Midgyett and Michelle Barbee; five uncles, Steven Midgyett, Tony Fields, Dewayne Barbee, Timothy Midgyett and Charles Midgyett; two nephews, RaVon Hayes and Gheydon Midgyett; one niece, Natalya Hayes; and a host of cousins.

Preceding Denisha in death are her paternal grandparents, Edith and Roy Lee Midgyett; one aunt, Anna Midgyett; two cousins, Fred Midgyett and Phillip Midgyett; maternal great-grandfather Howard E.Williams; and maternal great-great-grandparents John and Pearly Fields.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Midgyett family in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Funeral Home, 12 E. Ash St., (573) 442-7112. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.

Robert Morris Franke 54, of Columbia passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010, at his home.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Memorial Funeral Home with private graveside services following in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Robert was born on July 26, 1955, in Independence to Harold Neal and Vera Maxine French Franke.

He was a graduate of Hickman High School and the University of Missouri, where he received his degree in electrical engineering. Rob was last employed with Kraft Foods. He liked people and enjoyed giving of himself to others. 

Survivors include his mother, Vera M. Franke of Columbia; brother Jim Franke and his wife, Cindy, of Columbia; sister Karen Franke of Columbia; and nieces and nephews Kristen Franke, Bobby Renick, Angel Renick, Steven Franke, Michael Renick and Emily Franke. 

He was preceded in death by his father Harold N. Franke.

Memorial contributions can be made to Coyote Hill’s Christian Children’s Home in c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, MO, 65201; or charity of donor’s choice.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Barbara Mackey Rice, 78, passed away April 26, 2010 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born February 6, 1932 in Louisiana, Missouri, Barbara was raised on Pleasant View Farms in Clarksville, Missouri.  She graduated from David H. Hickman High School, Class of 1950 in Columbia, Missouri.  She also graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia with a Master’s Degree in Education and taught Preschool and Elementary grades prior to moving to Tucson, AZ.

Since 1979 she was a licensed realtor with Tucson Realty & Trust, then Long Realty where she partnered with son Steven and The Rice Group.  She connected with people simply by caring and taking the extra step.

Preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Ralph Mackey.  She is survived by her husband Robert, also Class of 1950, David H. Hickman High School; sons, Steven, David and his wife Jaci; grandchildren, Christopher, Raychael, Deven and Cody; sister Virginia and her husband Robert LaBerge.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church United Methodist, 655 North Craycroft Rd., Tucson, Arizona, Saturday May 1, 2010 at 10:00AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to UA Foundation/Parkinson’s research, PO Box 245018, Tucson, AZ 85724-5018.

James Howard Baker, age 73, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, April 26, 2010.

He was born in Boulder, Colo., on Dec. 15, 1936 the son of Howard and Clarice (Marsh) Baker. He moved to Columbia, Mo., in 1947 from Boulder, Colorado. He graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo. He then joined the United States Marine Corp. where he spent a brief time in Korea and served with the Expeditionary Force in Guatemala obtaining rank of Sergeant. 

After the military he attended and graduated from University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. On Nov. 30, 2002 he married Debra Cosgrove. She survives of the home.

Jim was employed by GMAC in Kansas City, Missouri, as an auditor before moving to Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1962. He then became 
partners with the late Ted Barnes in Barnes Chevrolet soon to be Barnes - Baker Motors in Chillicothe, Missouri. He soon built a GM 
Dealership in Trenton, Mo., in 1988. He purchased the Ford, Dodge, Chrysler & Jeep dealership combined with GM franchise in Trenton, Missouri, in 2001. In 2006 he became a partner in a Ford, Lincoln & Mercury dealership in Creston, Iowa. In 2002 he became involved in real estate interests in Las Vegas, Nev.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, Missouri, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, 
Chairman of the Administrative Council, and other committees over the years. Jim was a member of the Rotary, American Legion, 
Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Chillicothe Development Corporation, and served as the Vice President of the Parks Board for many years. He was on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Auto Dealer Association and a member of the National Council of Oldsmobile and Chevrolet. Jim was a member of the Iowa Auto Dealers Association, Globe & Anchor Club - Marine Association, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed sports of all kinds. He loved to travel and spend time with his grandchildren.

Survivors also include one son, Andrew Baker of Birmingham, Ala.; three stepdaughters, Carrie Sampsel, Samantha Lauhoff, and 
Hannah Riggle, all of Chillicothe, Missouri; one sister, Susan Francis of Waltham, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Katie, Sarah, Matthew, Michael, Elizabeth Baker, Gavin and Chase Sampsel; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Judith Barnes Baker; one son, Ted Baker; and one sister, Pat Lane.

Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, Mo., on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. There will be a family 
visitation held on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mobile Meals and/or Chillicothe Salvation Army and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Frances “Lolly” Ronayne Knight, 82, formerly of Columbia, died Thursday, April 29, 2010, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

A private Communion service was held Tuesday, May 4, in Scottsdale. A memorial service will be held on a later date at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9 S. Bompart Ave. in Webster Groves.

Lolly was born Aug. 25, 1927, in Kansas City to Frank Joseph Ronayne and Frances Conkling Ronayne.

She moved to Columbia in 1941 and attended Hickman High School before graduating from the high school division of Stephens College in 1944. In 1948 she graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. 

She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

On April 24, 1949, she married Columbia native William “Bill” Christian Knight at Calvary Episcopal Church. Bill was the manager of Knight’s Drugstore that was founded by his father in 1907 located on East Broadway.

Lolly was active in the Missouri State Writers’ Guild, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association and King’s Daughters, and a member of the Morning Guild of Calvary Episcopal Church.

In 1959, the Knight family moved from Columbia and lived in various parts of the country due to corporate transfers. The family often returned to Columbia to visit family and lifelong friends.

Lolly and Bill spent their retirement years in Arizona. She was a member of the Assistance League, remained involved with the Episcopal Church and enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by her husband and three daughters, Meg Knight Dunn of Glendale, Ariz., Jenna Knight of Eugene, Ore., and Martha Knight Mitchell (John) of Webster Groves.

She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Megan Jean Timmons (Eric) of Grapevine, Texas, Cliff William Mitchell of Los Angeles, Matthew Glenn Dunn of Grapevine, and Kelsey Elizabeth Mitchell, Kappa Kappa Gamma House at the University of Missouri. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Ann Ronayne Neukomm of Bonita Beach, Fla.; five nephews; and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her uncle, Judge Roscoe Conkling; her son-in-law, Robert Dunn; her sister, Jean Ronayne Trelease; her niece, Jean Neukomm; and brother-in-law John Neukomm.

Memorials are suggested to a charity or church of the donor’s choice that promotes healing and recovery from physical or mental health challenges.

David A. Brinkman, 65, of Columbia died Thursday, April 29, 2010, at his home in Columbia. 

Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Chapel, third floor.

David was born Dec. 11, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa to Kenneth A. and Virginia H. Burdett Brinkman.

He is survived by his brother, Bill Brinkman of Moberly.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

James Dale Morrison, 69, of St. Joseph died Thursday, May 6, 2010, at his home. 

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 10, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.

He was born on Dec. 20, 1940, in Columbia to John and Oma Morrison. 

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Hickman High School.  He served as an MP in the National Guard and was a trooper for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Jim is survived by his parents of Columbia; his son, Jamie Morrison of Dallas; his daughter, Cam Cherry of Great Falls, Mont.; his brother, Robert J. Morrison of Columbia; his sister, Pam Richey of Stilwell, Kan.; and eight grandchildren.

Another brother, Larry Morrison, preceded him in death.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Bob John Wyatt, 74, of Hallsville passed away Friday, May 14, 2010, at his home in Hallsville.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 17, at Nilson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bob John Wyatt was born Jan. 17, 1936, in Boone County, the son of John A. and Mary Lou Smith Wyatt. He married Linda Anderson Campbell, and she survives.

Bob worked for Columbia Curb and Gutter for 17 years. He liked to buy and sell furniture, fish and play pool.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; a son, Michael; seven daughters, Deborah, Bobbie, Dawn, Diann Campbell, Lori Chandlee, Emilie Wyatt and Katie Wyatt; a sister, Janie Nichols; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.

Shirley Jean Duff, 83, of Mexico, Mo., formerly of Centralia, began her journey to heaven Wednesday morning, May 19, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her family. 

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at First Christian Church, 229 S. Rollins in Centralia. She will be buried with her late husband, Charles L. Duff, who passed away in 2002, immediately following the memorial services at Centralia Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson St. in Mexico.

Shirley was born on May 14, 1927, in Pleasantville, Ill., the daughter of Byron Dewey Foster and Ava Mildred Atkins, and they preceded her in death. 

She married Charles Lee Duff of Centralia on March 31, 1948, at First Christian Church in Centralia. 

Shirley graduated in 1945 from Hickman High School in Columbia and was involved in numerous groups and activities including the Junior Red Cross. She remained a dedicated supporter of the U.S. military. She also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. An avid Missouri Tigers fan, she always wore her Mizzou Tiger apparel while cheering them on as she watched on television. She taught a number of years in county schools, including Friendship, Lawson and Payne in Audrain, Boone and Callaway counties. She also taught at Sims School east of Thompson before teaching at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico. Later in her teaching career, Shirley was a substitute teacher for Centralia and Sturgeon public schools.

Shirley and Charles raised their family and farmed for many years northwest of Centralia. Shirley remained very interested in horses and dogs after being a leader in the F & L Hustler 4-H Club for many years and was an active leader in Audrain County 4-H. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren pursue their various interests and hobbies. 

She is survived by five children, Jerry Duff and wife Mary Jane of Smithville, David Duff of Mexico, Jeanne Crowley and husband Mark of Columbia, Bobby Duff and wife Jackie of Jefferson City, and Nancy Buck and husband Glenn of Mexico. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Rachel and Stefanie Duff of Smithville, Joshua, Margaret and Evan Crowley of Columbia, Kassie Duff of Springfield, Caitlyn Duff of Jefferson City, and Monte, Sierra and Savana Buck of Mexico. 

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Wilbur N. Foster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rush Hill Community Church, 143 Church St., Rush Hill, Mo., 65280. Online condolences at www.arnoldfh.com.

Alison Reeves, 19, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Columbia.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at Victory Baptist Church, 9401 Interstate 70 Dr. NE. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 24, at the church. 

Alison was born June 29, 1990, in Aurora, Ill., the daughter of Stephen Reeves and Judy Lewis Reeves. 

She graduated from Hickman High School in 2008, where she had earned her CNA license. She had been working at The Bluffs in Columbia, where she enjoyed helping and caring for the elderly. She also enjoyed spending time with children and had a compassionate, caring heart, and a beautiful smile and soul.

Alison is survived by her parents; one brother, Carson Benjamin Reeves; a sister, Hanna Reeves; and her maternal grandmother, Charlene Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, James Lewis, and her paternal grandparents, Don and Florence Reeves.

Memorial contributions are suggested in care of her father to either breast cancer or to the animal shelter.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home.

Delmarae Crum, 54, of Columbia passed away Thursday, May 27, 2010, at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Millard Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Friendship Baptist Church, 1707 Smiley Lane, with the Rev. Ray Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

She was born Oct. 19, 1955, in Columbia, the daughter of George A. Crum Sr. and Barbara Johnson Crum.

She graduated from Hickman High School in 1973. 

She was employed most recently with Integral Services. Previously, Delmarae worked for more than 20 years with State Farm Insurance Cos. 

She enjoyed many activities, including bowling, softball, bingo and “going to the boat.” Most precious to her was the time she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Trivia Crum; one son, Jabbar Crum; her significant other of more than 35 years, Don Matthews; six grandchildren, Javante’, Justice, Bria’nna, Elexus, Jae’dyn and Maeleah, all of Columbia; five sisters, Helen P. (Sherman) Derrick of Shreveport, La., Sherley A. Crum Hayes, Joyce M. Williams, Frances M. Bush and Dorothy E. Crum, all of Columbia; three brothers, William E. (Mary) Crum, Herbert W. (Eunice) Crum Sr., George A. Crum, Jr., all of Columbia; one aunt, Marjorie Johnson Vaughn of Columbia; 12 nieces and nephews; 36 great-nieces and great-nephews; 41 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and a host of loving cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George A. (Buck) Crum Sr. and Barbara O. Johnson Crum; both maternal and paternal grandparents; six aunts and four uncles; and two nieces and one nephew.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the grandchildren in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Funeral Home, 12 E. Ash St., (573) 442-7112. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Parker Funeral Service. 

She was born June 9, 1920, in Roanoke, Va., to William Denny and Frances Bandy Taylor. 

The Taylors moved to Columbia in 1934, where Nancy graduated from Hickman High School and received both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi social sorority. 

Nancy served in the Red Cross in Italy during World War ll. She returned to Columbia, where she was a professor in fashion and merchandising at Stephens College for more than 25 years. 

A recurring highlight for Nancy were summer trips to New York City with her students, showing them career possibilities and the merchandising of fashion at the time. 

She enjoyed playing golf and was an avid bridge player. Nancy also was active in the Cecile Taylor Circle of Kings Daughters, serving as president several times.

She is survived by her sister, Tatie Payne; a niece, Ann Cleek; three nephews, Bill Payne, Taylor Payne and John Payne; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Cecile Taylor Circle of Kings Daughters.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Robert “Bob” Eugene Alvis, 74, of Boonville passed away Friday evening, June 4, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. 

There are no services planned. Bob donated his body to the Gift of Body Program at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. 

Bob was born Feb. 27, 1936, in Columbia to L.W. Alvis and Ruby Francis Griffin Alvis. He married Donna Harpin on May 22, 1970, in Sedalia. 

Bob graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He worked at Red Weir Athletic Supplies in Columbia for many years, retiring from there in 1999. 

He had a true love for sports and enjoyed officiating high school football during part of his career. Above all, was his love for his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Donna, of the home; his son, Greg Alvis and wife Melissa of Cedar Hill, Texas; his daughters, Tammy Bryant and husband Mitch of Belleville, Ill., Toni Wise of Columbia, and Tari Frederick and husband Troy of Boonville. A sister, Glenda Nichols and husband Bob of Columbia, and six grandchildren also survive. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Unlimited Opportunities Inc., in care of Vicki McCarrell, 1620 Ashley Road, Boonville, Mo., 65233. 

Friends may register online at www.davisfuneralchapelboonville.com.

Donald “Don” Eugene Murray, 81, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at his home.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, June 21, at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Don was born Dec. 13, 1928, in Columbia to Rufus and Mary Ann Watson Murray, and they preceded him in death. He was married on July 17, 1952, in Harrison, Ark., to Phyllis Wade, and she survives.

He attended Hickman High School in Columbia and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Don was a member of the Sea Bees, and during his service, he was stationed overseas. Don was a member of Carpenters Union No. 2137, and he worked for several years at Epple Construction and for the University of Missouri until his retirement in 1984. He enjoyed camping, bird hunting and fixing all type of machinery.

Don is survived by five children, Pam Hazlett, Peggy Wood, Patti Coble, Phillip Murray and Penny Pasley, all of Columbia; sister Geri Sapp of Columbia; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Missouri Chapter, 2400 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65201.Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

James Steven “Steve” Hiatt, formerly of Columbia, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010, of a heart attack at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Agana, Guam. He was 53.

He was born Oct. 6, 1956, in Fulton to Pierce E. Hiatt and Lorene Kemp Pierce.

Mr. Hiatt graduated from Hickman High School in 1974. The same year, he joined the Air Force. During his time in the military he won several awards for his investigative services and undercover work. He retired as master sergeant after 22 years of service, including time spent in Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Guam and Korea.

He loved scuba diving, camping and being outdoors. He was active in Future Farmers of America and Explorer Scouts while growing up.

For the past ten years, Mr. Hiatt worked as a private investigator off and on in Dededo, Guam, where he lived. He also worked in construction and as a census worker.

Mr. Hiatt is survived by his mother; son James Steven Hiatt Jr. of Hutto, Texas; and four sisters, Donna Wells of Fayette, Delores Fisher of Ashland, Lisa Robbins of Mokane and Carol Holt of Fulton; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hiatt’s father, stepfather Gene Pierce, and niece Christine Fisher, died earlier.

A military burial was held in Guam on July 6. A memorial service will be officiated by Bruce Williamson at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Mokane Christian Church at 446 Fulton Ave. in Mokane.
 

-- Jessica Barnett

Randy Griggs, 61, of Columbia passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010, at University Hospital. 

A memorial will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 3, in Wilton, at the boat ramp. 

Randy was born Nov. 7, 1948, in Columbia to Omar and Lillian Griggs. 

His parents preceded him in death. 

Randy had worked for the Central Missouri Food Bank in Columbia for six years. 

He enjoyed traveling to auctions and also enjoyed collecting coins. 

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Nowlin of Columbia, six grandchildren, Jayson and Justin Bowers, Joshua Rhodes, and Mitchell, Madison and Megan Griggs; two great-grandchildren, Trinity and Zoey; and one sister, Ramona Oliver of Columbia. 

He also was preceded in death by his five brothers, Omar D. Griggs, John W. Griggs, Larry K. Griggs, Kirby Griggs, and William A. Griggs. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Robert Eugene Wright, 54, of Columbia died Monday, June 28, 2010, at home surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 2, at the Gordon Shelter house at Stephens Lake Park, accessed by the entrance off of Broadway.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sandee, of the home; his children, Robert Wright Jr. and Elmer Wright, and a brother, Donnie Strawn, all of Columbia; a sister, Trish Malotte of Lincoln; as well as four grandchildren.

Online condolences may be extended to Robert’s family at www.heartlandcremation.com.

Mabel Evelyn Allen, 98, of Columbia died Sunday, July 4, 2010. 

A private graveside service was held Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Asbury Cemetery.

Mrs. Allen was born Oct. 22, 1911, to Eugene V. and Nancy Mae Homsley on a farm south of Columbia. 

She married Henry E. Allen of Keytesville on Oct. 21, 1934, in Chariton County.

Mrs. Allen was a member of Asbury Methodist Church in Chariton County. 

Surviving are six children, Carol J. DeLancey of Columbia, Polly C. Chung of Troy, Mich., Henry D. Allen of Glasgow, George F. Allen of Arvada, Colo., Laura L. Loesing of Columbia and David E. Allen of Springfield. She also was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be given to Asbury Cemetery Association, c/o Jim Guilford, president, 601 E. South Drive, Salisbury, Mo., 65281.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.

Marjorie Clellen Rippeto White, 87, died Monday, July 5, 2010, at her home in Milwaukie, Ore.

Burial was Wednesday, July 7, in Milwaukie. No local service is planned.

Marjorie was born Nov. 7, 1922, in Boone County to Harvey Thomas and Alpha Jane Glascock Rippeto. 

She graduated from Hickman High School in 1942. 

On June 17, 1944, she married James Wallace White of Ashland. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by three daughters, Colleen Scholz and Carol Parshall of Portland, Ore., and Kathy Phenning of Estacada, Ore.; one brother, Carl Rippeto of Kansas City; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be made at the donors’ discretion to their favorite charity or cause.

Betty Ann Lockwood Chartier passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010 and was born September 5, 1923.

She was a graduate from Hickman High School in the Class of 1943.

Betty was last known to be living in Roseburg, Oregon.
 

Dr. Michael Preston Merilan, 54, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 10, 2010, with his wife by his side at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, N.Y., after a courageous battle with kidney cancer.

At the time of his death, he was completing his 17th year as the dean of the Division of Science and Social Science at the State University of New York College at Oneonta along with directing the college observatory, the college planetarium and teaching many of the campus’ courses in astronomy and astrophysics. 

At Dr. Merilan’s request, there will be no calling hours. 

Services to celebrate Dr. Merilan’s life will be held at Unadilla Center United Methodist Church and at the State University of New York College at Oneonta in September 2010. The date and time of the memorial services will be announced at a later date. Michael’s interment will take place at Conway Cemetery in Osage Beach, where he will be laid to rest with all of his late relatives. 

He was born Jan. 5, 1956, son of the late Charles Preston and Phyllis Pauline Laughlin Merilan in Columbia. 

He married Karene Anne Yanuklis on Sept. 2, 1995. 

Dr. Merilan received his bachelor’s degree in physics (summa cum laude) from the University of Missouri in 1978 and his master’s degree in physics in 1980. He earned his doctorate in astronomy from Ohio State University in 1985.

As an undergraduate, he was inducted into numerous honor societies, most notably Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Mu Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa. While a graduate student, he was inducted into the research honor society Sigma Xi. 

Later, as a faculty member, he was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa. 

Turning down postdoctoral position offers from Princeton University and the University of Virginia, Dr. Merilan joined the faculty at the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 1985. 

After serving briefly as chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the early 1990s, he was selected as the campus’ dean of science and social science. As dean, he facilitated the college’s rise in student selectivity, hiring of new faculty, the expansion of the academic curriculum and upgrades to the campus’ academic infrastructure, including instrumentation and facilities. However, throughout his deanship, he also continued to teach astronomy courses, undertake astronomical research and perform public service. His introductory classes were well-appreciated among the student body, with heavy enrollments. He supervised the relocation of the college observatory from the roof of the Physical Science Building to the darker College Camp, introduced a public observing series available to students and the community, modernized the instrumentation at the observatory and facilitated the college’s acquisition of a 1-meter-diameter reflecting telescope — the largest optical telescope in New York state. He also supervised the rehabilitation of the college planetarium, overseeing the transition to a state-of-the-art digital facility infrequently found on university or college campuses. 

Dr. Merilan’s biography has been featured in several “Who’s Who” publications, such as “Who’s Who in the World, “Who’s Who in America, “Who’s who in the East, “Who’s Who in American Education” and “Who’s Who in Science & Technology.” He was an avid collector of meteorites, stamps, coins and antique books and had been classically trained on the violin. 

Dr. Merilan’s contributions to the academic community and the college will continue to enhance learning for decades. He will be greatly missed by his students, colleagues, family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Karene Anne Yanuklis Merilan of Sidney, N.Y.; his sister, Jean Elizabeth Merilan of Tucson, Ariz.; father-in-law John Henry Yanuklis Sr. of Simi Valley, Calif.; brother-in-law John Henry Yanuklis Jr. of Madison, Ga. ; and sisters-in-law Kim Marie Garcia of Simi Valley, Calif., and Laurie Ann Sibia Kephart of Simi Valley. 

Michael joined his parents and grandparents, Peter Samuel Merilan, Cleo Sarah Harper Merilan, Joseph Walkup Laughlin and Cora Jeffries Laughlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Michael’s memory may be made to the College at Oneonta Foundation to establish the Dr. Michael Preston Merilan Scholarship. Please make checks payable to the College of Oneonta Foundation and send to 308 Netzer Administration Building, SUNY Oneonta, N.Y., 13820. 

Arrangements are by the Westcott Funeral Home Inc., 123 Main St., Unadilla, N.Y.

Robert Earl McGrath, 85, of Columbia died Monday, July 12, 2010.

A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Columbia Cemetery.

He was born March 10, 1925. He served three years in the Army during World War II and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 31, 1944. 

In 1963, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. He was a landscaper in Columbia for 40 years.

He is survived by two children, Jane Rogers and Robert McGrath, both of Columbia; and two stepchildren, Mary Ann Groves and Fred Groves, also of Columbia.

Eric Whiting Fields, 62, of Cordova, Tenn., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

Services will be held in Memphis, Tenn.

He attended Hickman High School and received a master’s degree in English from the University of Missouri, where he taught English.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Nelson Fields of Cordova; sisters Nancy Palmer and Lee Ann Fields; brother David Fields, all of Columbia; four children; and five grandchildren.

Online condolences may be left at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Ronald Raymond Riggs, 70, of Columbia peacefully left this world at 3:31 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2010, at University Hospital surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Memorial Baptist Church, 1634 Paris Road in Columbia.

Ronnie was born Feb. 15, 1940, to Paul and Evelyn Riggs in Columbia. He retired from Columbia Public Schools.

Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Columbia. He attended Benton Elementary, Jefferson Junior and Hickman High schools. 

He loved being outdoors, fishing and boating. 

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Mary Riggs of Columbia; three daughters, Julie Squires and husband Jeff of Ashland, Janet Holmes and husband Steve of McAlister, Okla., and Jamie Krumwiede and husband Jacob of Claremore, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Jessica Owen, Trinity Summers, Travis Owen and Zachary Moore, all of Ashland, Lauren Squires, Kirstie Squires and Joshua Sachs, all of Columbia, and Andrea Sachs of Fort Myers, Fla.

Hillman D. Coleman, 77, of Columbia died July 21, 2010, at Veterans Hospital.

Private family services will be held later.

Dewayne, as he was known, served his country in the U.S. Navy for 16 years. He retired from Watkins Roofing in Columbia. He is survived by his brothers, Charlie, Larry and Dan Coleman; sisters, Diane Watson, Erma Pauley and Judy Coose, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd., Suite 38, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

Online condolences may be extended to Dewayne’s family at www.heartlandcremation.com.

Patricia Margaret Love Tate, 57, of Columbia passed away Sunday, July 25, 2010, at her home.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Memorial Funeral Home.

Patricia Margaret Tate was born in Little Rock, Ark., to William T. and Mary M. Love on Nov. 17, 1952.

She attended Lee Elementary, Jefferson Junior High and Hickman High schools.

She married Mark Poore in 1971 and later married Frank C. Tate III, who survives.

Patricia retired from the U.S. Navy in 1996 and moved back to Columbia from Kingsland, Ga., to be close to her family. Other than spending time with her family, she enjoyed the company of her many animals.

She was a member of FRA 248 in Kingsbay, Ga., and a life member of VFW Post 8385 in St. Marys, Ga. She was also a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C.

She is also survived by one daughter, Christina Marie Hendren and her husband, Ralph, of Hallsville; four grandchildren, Russell C. Carter and his wife, Scarlett, of Bunceton, Jessie, Coty and Andrew Hendren of Hallsville; and two great-grandchildren, Russell C. and Mattix G. Carter; two stepsons, Scott Tate of Hope Valley, R.I., and Peter Tate of Somerset, Mass.; brothers Bob Love and his wife, Pam, of Thompsonville, Ill., Bill Love and wife, Connie, of Columbia; and a half brother W.E. Love of Springfield; sisters Mary Norton and husband, Gary, of Southport, N.C.; and half sister Maureen Hall of St. Louis.

Her parents; her sister Barbara; and half brother Thomas Love preceded her in death.

Donations to Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, Mo., or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000 would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Opal Hinshaw Fewell, 100, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2010, at Lenoir Health Care in Columbia.

There will be no visitation, and private family services will be held.

Opal was born Jan. 12, 1910, in Columbia to Linton and Kate Wilson Hinshaw, and they preceded her in death.

She was married to Wesley T. Fewell on Jan. 3, 1944, and he also preceded her in death.

Opal graduated from Hickman High School and Christian College and attended the University of Missouri, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She was also a member of Missouri United Methodist Church.

She was an avid antique collector who enjoyed all kinds of crafts, and she will be remembered as a lady who was very dedicated to her family.

Survivors include two sons, Wesley H. Fewell and wife, Marcia, and Kent Fewell and wife, Jan; five grandchildren, John, Todd, Ashley, Wes and Megan Fewell; and two great-grandchildren, Carson and Cara Fewell, all of Columbia.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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