Craig Lee Whitney, father of Brayden Whitney (Class of 1993) and Matthew Whitney (Class of 1998) passed away Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Shirley R. Strickland Crum, mother of Teresa Crum (Class of 1979) and Charles Crum (Class of 1991)  died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Bettie J. Bodenhamer, mother of of Dr. Robert Bodenhamer (Class of 1971) and Dr. Linda Hardy (Class of 1972) died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, in Augusta, Ga.

Shirley Jane Whipple, mother of Jackie Whipple (Class of 1966), John Whipple Jr. (Class of 1968) Judy Lincoln (Class of 1974) and Jill Heisler (Class of 1976) died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Joseph Edgar Smith, father of David Smith (Class of 1966) and Donna Supranowich (Class of 1970) passed away Friday, Dec. 17, 2004, at University Hospital.

Sam J. Nicastro, father of Charlie E. Nicastro, Class of 1973, passed away Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004.

Mary Frances Davidson Faurot, mother of Jane Hazell (Class of 1951) Mary Aileen Edwards (Class of 1954) and Julie Crum (Class of 1958) died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at University Hospital.

Lucy B. Capen, mother of Jimmy Capen, deceased (Class of 1949) died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center after a fall.

Lenvil Burlingame, father of Cheryl Burlingame (Class of 1969), Rodney Burlingame (Class of 1970), Janet Waldron (Class of 1971), John Burlingame (Class of 1973) and Gina White (Class of 1976) passed away Friday, Dec. 3, 2004.

Eva Jeanette Tripp Bodard, mother of James Paul Bodard (Class of 1962), William Dale Bodard (Class of 1965), Mary Jennie Bodard (Class of 1969) and Susan Jane Long (Class of 1975) died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at her home in Peoria, Arizona.

Frances Aileen Thompson Kyllonen, mother of Frances Kyllonen Rose (Class of 1961) died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Edith Frances Lowe, mother of Frances Lowe (Class of 1952) passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, in Oregon City, Oregon.

Kyle Elaine Harris, mother of Kara Harris (Class of 2000) and  William David "Trey" Harris III (Class of 2003) passed away Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Mary K. Thrower, mother of Sharon Ekpe (Class of 1974), Jackie Thrower (Class of 1977), James S. Thrower (Class of 1982) and Stephens E. Thrower (Class of 1994) died Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at University Hospital.

Kenneth P. Backues, father of Daniel Backues (Class of 1970) and Rebecca Love (Class of 1978) passed away Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, at The Bluffs.

Eddie Ray Bennett, father of Hillary L. Townsend (Class of 1996) passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at University Hospital.

Stanley H. Klemme, father of Lesa Greenwood (Class of 1976) passed away Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

James L. "J.L." DeVore, father of Charles DeVore (Class of 1962) and Wilma Baker (Class of 1965) passed away Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Kenneth Allen Terrill, brother of Bruce Terrill (Class of 1975) passed away Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, at the Candlelight Lodge.

Arley "Toot" Perkins, father of Raymond Perkins (Class of 1965), Luther Perkins (Class of 1969) and Carla Jensen (Class of 1975) passed away Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, at Ashland Healthcare Center.

Mildred Elizabeth Crouch Nunley, mother of Terry Nunley (Class of 1960) passed away Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Dr. Keener A. Tippin Sr., father of Keener A. Tippin II (Class of 1979) and Karen Tippin died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia after an extended illness.

Albert Joseph Onofrio, father of John Onofrio (Class of 1966), Ed Onofrio (Class of 1969), Lou Onofrio (Class of 1971) and Mike Onofrio (Class of 1973) died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004, at Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa, Arizona.

Zelma Fern Neiderheiser, mother of Glen Neiderheiser (Class of 1946), Rev. Fred Neiderheiser (Class of 1947), Donna Dumdei (Class of 1949) and  Joe Neiderheiser (Class of 1954) passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004, in Iowa.

Mary Helen Fullmer Gould, mother of Nancy Gould (Class of 1978)Marc Gould (Class of 1980), Mindy Gould (Class of 1986) and Todd Gould (Class of 1987) passed away Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004.

Florence Amanda Wiss, mother of Cheryl Gassaway (Class of 1967) and Janet Hamilton (Class of 1969) died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Albuquerque,, New Mexico, after a long illness.

Charles David Reyner, father Mark Reyner (Class of 1963), Douglas Reyner (Class of 1965) and Robin Whelan (Class of 1975) died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004 in Harlingen, Texas.

Fritz Klemme, father of Bruce Klemme (Class of 1971), Lynn Baney (Class of 1977), Diana Hood (Class of 1977) and Cheri Lau (Class of 1986) died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Sherman Tennyson Jr., husband of Merline Murray (Class of 1938) and brother of Marybelle Korhonen (Class of 1945) passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Schell Hilton Bodenhamer, Ph.D., father of Dr. Robert Bodenhamer (Class of 1971) and Dr. Linda Hardy (Class of 1972) passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, at Lenoir Health Care Center.

Jo Ellen "Jody" Mathis Hamilton, Sarah Siemens (Class of 1986) and  Andrew "Drew" Hamilton passed away Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Cleo Yowell Herrin, mother of Sherman T. Yowell (Class of 1955),  stepmother of Ann Hartley (Class of 1959), Jane Lundman (Class of 1962) Lea Marienfeld (Class of 1964) and wife of Smiley Herrin (Class of 1933) passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Sandra Sue Massey-Holden, mother of Michael A. Holden (Class of 1989) died Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, because of complications from lymphoma.

Rosa Mae Jolley, mother of Carla Thomas (Class of 1972) passed away Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at Columbia Regional Hospital.

Ellen L. Tinsley, mother of  of John C. Tinsley III (Class of 1966), Frederick C. Tinsley (Class of 1969), David Tinsley (Class of 1971) and William S. Tinsley (Class of 1975) passed away Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, in Liberty.

Clarence Verl "C.V." Ross, father of Laure Guyot (Class of 1966), Robert Ross (Class of 1970) and Elizabeth Ross (Class of 1973) died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004, after a long illness.

Mary Gladys Richardson, mother of Patricia Anne Dohman (Class of 1975) passed away Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, in Columbia.

Mary Esta Chapman, mother of Becky Chapman (Class of 1991) passed away Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Lois Virginia McMahon, mother of Carol Sue Hill (Class of 1969) passed away Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, in St. Louis.

Robert L. "Buck" Begemann, father of Gregg Begemann (Class of 1982) passed away Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Missouri.

Steven Clark Lamphear, father of Leslie Dee Lamphear (Class of 1993) and Stevany Georgia Ann Lamphear (Class of 1995) died Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at his home in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Maudie Naomi Exline, mother of Terry Exline (Class of 1974) died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, at the home of her daughter, Fonda Smith of Centralia.

Robert P. Breitenbach, father of Karl Lee Breitenbach (Class of 1978) died Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at home in Columbia.

Violet Marie Morgan Ridge, mother of John Ridge (Class of 1957), David Ridge (Class of 1960), Arthur Ridge (Class of 1971) died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004.

James W. Crane Sr., father of James Walter Crane Jr. (Class of 1971), Jessee Lynn Crane (Class of 1978) and Donnie Lawrence (Class of 1983) Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Donald Dean Duff, father of Marise R. Stewart (Class of 1973), Marsha Warnk (Class of 1975), Patrick Duff (Class of 1982) and Phillip Duff (Class of 1982) died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at St. Mary’s Health Center.

Ann L. Thornton, mother of Tyran K. Thornton (Class of 1985), Lisa D. Thornton (Class of 1987) and Sean A. Thornton (Class of 1993) died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, in Columbia.

Ruth "Petey" Waggoner, mother of Rick Waggoner (Class of 1963) died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004.

Roberta Spiva Wilhelm, mother of Cathy Ferguson (Class of 1975) died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Sanda Sue Smith, mother of Cynthia Childers (Class of 1975) and Roma Smith (Class of 1976) passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, in her home with her family by her side.

Carolyn Williams, mother of Olivia Grant (Class of 1972) passed away Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Mary A. Glisson, mother of William Dowdy (Class of 1968) passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Alfred "Al" Brown, father of Larry Eugene Brown (Class of 1969) and Gary Lee Brown (Class of 1974) passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at University Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Jon Meese, father of Tom Meese (Class of 1990) passed away Thursday, August 12, 2004.

Eugene "Gene" Thrift, father of Steven Thrift (Class of 1963), Kathy Blackburn (Class of 1969) and Allen Thrift (Class of 1983) passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri.

Harold W. Harmon, father of Eugene Harmon (Class of 1960), Ronald Dean Harmon (Class of 1961) and Randy Lee Harmon (Class of 1974) passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Ashland Healthcare.

Opal Nadine West, mother of Anita Wade (Class of 1959) and Sherman West (Class of 1961) passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

Megan Sawyer Ankeney, daughter of Mary Ellen Sawyer Ankeney (Class of 1978) passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at University Hospital.

Morris Moore, father of Robert Moore (Class of 1958) passed away Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at West Village Manor in Columbia.

Larry D. Litton, father of Ladd Litton (Class of 1985) passed away Thursday, August 6, 2004, in Columbia.

Charles Junior Wilson, father of Richard Wilson (Class of 1963) and  John Wilson (Class of 1966) died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Rose Ethel McClure, mother of Jim McClure (Class of 1962) passed away Saturday, July 24, 2004, at Columbia Healthcare Center.

Denver W. Bedsworth, father of Delores Melloway (Class of 1956) and Elaine Wehmeyer (Class of 1976) passed away Saturday, July 24, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare.

Jewell M. Rouse, mother of Bette J. Baldwin (Class of 1959) and Mac Rouse (Class of 1967) passed away Thursday, July 22, 2004, at Columbia Healthcare Center.

Billy P. Teaff, father of Debbie Oyler (Class of 1971) died Friday, July 16, 2004, at St. Marys Health Center in Jefferson City.

Mary C. Chalkley, mother of Judson E. Chalkley (Class of 1965), Mary Anne Chalkley (Class of 1968) and Sarah Chalkley Hubbell (Class of 1970) died Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at Dover Nursing Home in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Jenny Idamaria Drane, wife of Gene Drane (Class of 1941) passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

John C. Tinsley Jr., father of John C. Tinsley III (Class of 1966), Frederick C. Tinsley (Class of 1969), David Tinsley (Class of 1971) and William S. Tinsley (Class of 1975) passed away Monday, July 5, 2004, at home in Columbia.

Nim Glen Breedlove, father of Glenda Bell (Class of 1973) passed away Monday, July 5, 2004, at The Bluffs.

Timothy J. Heinsz, father of Megan Phelps (Class of 1995) died Friday, July 2, 2004, of a heart attack while jogging.

Ethel F. McKee, mother of Don Cunningham (Class of 1953) died Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

Ruth Scott, mother of Jeff Scott (Class of 1972) passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at Bonne Hospital Center.

William Elmer Donaldson, father of Hubert Donaldson (Class of 1955) passed away Thursday, June 24, 2004, at University Hospital.

Helen Lorraine Copeland, mother of Georgia Banks Koletzke, deceased (Class of 1963) passed away Sunday, June 20, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Wayne Simmons, father of Randy Simmons (Class of 1971) died Saturday, June 19, 2004, at Columbia Health Care.

Lillian Fung Cuellar, infant daughter of Andrew Cuellar (Class of 1984) passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2004.

Vera Mae Tennyson, mother of William S. Tennyson (Class of 1967), Sandra N. Wright (Class of 1972) and Cynthia S. Hamilton (Class of 1973) died Thursday, June 17, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Mark E. Wilson, son of Larry & Joyce Wilson (Class of 1953) died Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

John W. Page, father of John W. Page Jr. (Class of 1976) and Joy Page (Class of 1981) passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at Columbia Regional Hospital.

Bessie Jane Baker, mother of Frances M. Elderbrook (Class of 1948), A.D. Baker (Class of 1950) and Ronald Dudley Baker (Class of 1962)  passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Ralph J. Deuser, father of Joyce Pruitt (Class of 1954) died Sunday, June 6, 2004.

Homer Sewell, father of Bruce Sewell (Class of 1972), Brent Sewell (Class of 1974) and Beth Blevins (Class of 1979) passed away Saturday, June 5, 2004.

Grace Nichols-McBain, mother of  Gene Nichols (Class of 1950) and Dale Nichols (Class of 1954) passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Mary Louise Tharpe, mother of Lyle Winston Tharpe (Class of 1970) and Sarah Tharpe Loring (Class of 1974) passed away Monday, May 31, 2004, at University Hospital.

James Arthur Whisenhunt, father of John W. Whisenhunt (Class of 1980) passed away at 5:10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Elvie Lee Hulett, mother of George W. Hulett (Class of 1958) and Robert L. Hulett (Class of 1961) died Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at her home in Columbia.

Ella C. Wayland, mother of Donna Trice (Class of 1963) passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2004, at her granddaughter’s home in Columbia.

Samuel A. Johnston, father of Samuel Johnston Jr. (Class of 1968), Susan Johnston (Class of 1971) and Anne Johnston (Class of 1973) died Sunday, May 23, 2004, at South Hampton Place in Columbia.

Millie Alice Hoffman, mother of James L. Hoffman (Class of 1962) died Saturday, May 22, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Carl W. "Buffalo" Vaughan Sr., father of Carl Vaughan Jr. (Class of 1977) and Lena Vaughan (Class of 1978) died Friday, May 21 at University Hospital.

Gene Paul Burton, father of Pam Overman (Class of 1969) died Friday, May 21, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Ethel Melloway Clark, mother of Donald P. Clark (Class of 1950) and Stephen E. Clark (Class of 1966) died Thursday, May 20, 2004, at The Bluffs in Columbia.

Don L. Blaylock, father of Dean Blaylock (Class of 1984) died Thursday, May 20, 2004, at University Hospital after a brief illness.

Mary Ruth Birmingham, mother of  Dennis Ray Birmingham (Class of 1984) passed away Friday, May 14, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Woodrow W. Acton, father of Elmer Acton (Class of 1955), Dorothy Jewell Lammers (Class of 1957) and Ruby Linda Acton (Class of 1962) passed away Saturday, May 8, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Rosemary Sheeran Powderly, father of Patricia Kowalski (Class of 1974) passed away Friday, May 7, 2004, at University Hospital.

Jack LaZebnik, father of Phillip LaZebnik (Class of 1971), Kenneth LaZebnik (Class of 1972), Cynthia Buchbinder (Class of 1977) and Robert LaZebnik (Class of 1980), died Friday, May 7, 2004.

Melvin C. Freeman, father of David Freeman (Class of 1956) passed away Sunday, May 2, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Boyd Baxter, father of Jana Baxter (Class of 1979) departed us on Sunday, May 2, 2004, in Macon, Missouri.

Ruby P. Carlos, mother of Shirley Link (Class of 1958) passed away Friday, April 30, 2004, at Capital Healthcare Center in Jefferson City.

Cecil Vernon Wood, father of Dr. Douglas L. Wood (Class of 1969), Ellen Lynch (Class of 1970) and Kay Hefner (Class of 1971) died Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at The Bluffs.

Letson Ray Critchfield, father of Ken Critchfield (Class of 1960) and Greg Critchfield (Class of 1975) died Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Dr. Donald Raymond Shurtleff, father of Holly Thoelke (Class of 1973) and  Jo Reta Shurtleff (Class of 1975) passed away Monday, April 26, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

John Walker Guyton, father of John W. Guyton (Class of 1980) and Stephen W. Guyton & Stephon L. Guyton (Class of 1981) died Saturday, April 24, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Herbert J. Niebruegge, father of Roger Niebruegge (Class of 1971) and  Nancy Hayes (Class of 1978) died Saturday, April 24, 2004, in Boonville, Missouri.

Jimmie Euel "Jim" Savage, father of Stephen James Savage (Class of 1970) and Wayne Edgar Savage (Class of 1973) died Friday, April 23, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Dale Dean DeRyke, father of David Ray DeRyke (Class of 1975) and Dennis Dean DeRyke (Class of 1984) died Friday, April 23, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Ethel Walton, mother of Betty Turner (Class of 1946), Thelma Cockrell (Class of 1949) and Bobby Walton (Class of 1951) died early Friday, April 16, 2004, at Columbia Manor.

Marjorie Elizabeth Long, mother of Michael Long (Class of 1978) passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004, in Wichita, Kanas.

Nelson Lee Davis, father of Anita Kaye Everly (Class of 1989) and Adrianne Renee Davis (Class of 1992) died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Lillian E. Patacchi, mother of Val Patacchi (Class of  1967) passed away Monday, April 12, 2004, after a brief illness, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Katie Lynne "Kathy" Chilcutt, daughter of Vickie Roberts Chilcutt (Class of 1974) died Friday, April 9, 2004, in Romeoville, Illinois, as a result of an automobile accident.

George "Jack" Mirts, father of Doug Mirts (Class of 1979) and Shari Wall (Class of 1982) died Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at University Hospital.

Mary E. Forbis, mother of Nancy Davenport (Class of 1951) died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

June Elizabeth McKee, mother of William McKee Jr. (Class of 1969), Michael McKee (Class of 1975) and Kevin McKee (Class of 1979) died Monday, March 29, 2004, at home in Columbia.

Robert H. Casati, father of Robert P. Casati (1969), Jennifer Zajicek (Class of 1971) and Christopher R. Casati (Class of 1974) died peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

Maria Ondina Lindner, mother of José L. Lindner (Class of 1966) and Maria E. Mendenhall (Class of 1968) died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at The Bluffs Nursing Home in Columbia.

Arthur E. Wyatt, father of Joyce Davee (Class of 1953), Lola Mikovich (Class of 1955), Shirley McCubbin (Class of 1957) and Vivian Dexter (Class of 1958) died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Brooks, mother of Beverly Jo Wyatt (Class of 1965) and Phyllis Anne Miller (Class of 1966) died early Monday, March 22, 2004.

Nancy Louise Bonuchi, mother of Jimmy Louis Bonuchi (Class of 1972) and Gail Renshaw (Class of 1975) passed away Sunday, March 14, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Pelagia "Peggy" Basconcillo Cuellar, mother of Timothy Cuellar (Class of 1979), Terrence Cuellar (Class of 1982), Andrew Cuellar (Class of 1984) and Audra Cuellar (Class of 1985) passed away Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Columbia.

Hazel Wilcox, mother of Tom Wilcox, deceased (Class of 1962) died March 9, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Evelyn K. Jones, mother of Conway Jones (Class of 1965) died Saturday, March 6, 2004, at Columbia Regional Hospital.

Florence V. "Vicki" Martin, mother of Boyd H. Martin (Class of 1957),  Robert A. Martin (Class of 1960) and Ruth Ann Harlow (Class of 1964) passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Eva June Martin, mother of Del Gebhardt Jr. (Class of 1981) and Kurt Gebhardt (Class of 1986) passed away Friday, March 5, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Charles Foster, father of Janice Knigge (Class of 1955) died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

William Albert Bray, father of David P. Bray (Class of 1974) and Brenda Anne Ledbetter (Class of 1977) died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Byron Wallace Stover, father of Thomas Stover (Class of 1970), Scott Stover (Class of 1971) and Susan Gund (Class of 1974) passed away Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, at University Hospital.

Meryl Robert McMinn, father of Glenda Strawn (Class of 1962), Robert McMinn (Class of 1964) and Connie Vallentine (Class of 1965) died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Doneta Symmonds, mother of Holly Burgess (Class of 1970), Jill Mueth (Class of 1973) and Michael Symmonds (Class of 1975) passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

Joyce E. Marsh, wife of Ralph Marsh (Class of 1944) passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at Lifecare Hospital in Edinburg, Texas.

Leon T. Dickinson, father of Toby Stewart (Class of 1959) and Catherine Nordmann (Class of 1965) passed away of cardio-pulmonary arrest Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Darrell Pemberton, father of Darren Pemberton (Class of 1983) died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

David Reyer Pippin, brother of Dru Pippin (Class of 1967) and D’Ann Pippin Hake (Class of 1971)passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at his home in Conroe, Texas, after a 12-year battle with cancer.

Newton Franklin Britt, father of Sheri Shelley (Class of 1983), Susan Looney (Class of 1986) and DouglasBritt (Class of 1988) died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at home in Columbia.

Geraldine M. "Jerri" Kormeier, mother of Kevin Kormeier (Class of 1995) and Kristen Kormeier (Class of 1997) died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Evelyn Schrom Estes, wife of Alex Estes, deceased (Class of 1928) and mother of Jack D. Estes, deceased (Class of 1956), James R. Estes (Class of 1959) and Alex Estes (Class of 1963) died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at Lenoir Health Care Center in Columbia.

Vernon E. Kunzler, father of Patricia Price (Class of 1961) and Dennis Kunzler (Class of 1967) passed away Feb. 8, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Henry F. Forsee, father of Robert Forsee (Class of 1961), Donald Forsee (Class of 1966) and Mary M. Williamson (Class of 1968) passed away Feb. 3, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Russell R. Rouse, father of Bette J. Baldwin (Class of 1959) and Mac Rouse (Class of 1967) passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2004 in Columbia.

Earl Joseph Gatzemeyer, father of Susan Braselton (Class of 1969) and Greg Gatzemeyer (1971) passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri.

Alta Lorena Black, mother of Bob Black (Class of 1960) passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

Teresa Sutton, mother of Donald E. Sutton (Class of 1946), Kenneth R. Sutton (Class of 1949) and Lola M. Callaway (Class of 1957) passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, at Northgate Park Nursing Home in Florissant, Missouri.

John Oliver Fike, father of Doris Patient (Class of 1961), Eddie Fike (Class of 1964) and Richard Fike (Class of 1969) died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Edward J. Helm, father of Nancy Taylor (Class of 1965) and Beverly Sumptner (Class of 1968) passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

John W. Heidy, father of John Heidy (Class of 1962), Patricia Heidy Wakeland (Class of 1967), Paulette Heidy Moore (Class of 1971), Stanley Wood (Class of 1977), Karla Heidy Koskela (Class of 1980) and Marigene Wood Holtkamp (Class of 1981) died Jan. 28, 2004, at his home.

Elmer R. Kiehl, father of Nancy Plesner (Class of 1974) died Jan. 27, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

J. Orville Rice, father of Jerry Rice, deceased (Class of 1963) and Marilyn Wiyrick (Class of 1975) passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Paul R. Henson, father of Stephen Henson (Class of 1967) died Jan. 23, 2004, at his home in Columbia.

Iola May Self Wilson, mother of Carol Wilson Whitaker (Class of 1963) died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at Brian Center Viewmont in Hickory, North Carolina.

Robert Strongman Daniel,  father of Kathryn Daniel Ottinger (Class of 1962) and Michael Joseph Daniel (Class of 1965) passed away Jan. 17, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

N. Eloise Denninghoff, mother of Carol Susan Denninghoff (Class of 1969), James S. Denninghoff (Class of 1973) and grandmother of Sarah Denninghoff (Class of 2000) passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at home in Columbia with her family.

Dr. Donald Blenden father of Michael Blenden (Class of 1971) and Beth Kyd (Class of 1975) died Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Betty Andrews Watson, mother of Larry K. Andrews (Class of 1958) and J. Michael Andrews (Class of 1963) died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Moberly Regional Medical Center.

Rosele C. Twenter, wife of Charles Twenter (Class of 1953) died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Wayne Kleasner, brother of Ken Kleasner (Class of 1947) died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Joseph Owen McKinstry, father of E. "Jack" McKinstry (Class of 1961) and Linda Jo Petrauskas (Class of 1964) passed away New Year’s Day in Watsonville, Calif.

Lew B. Harmon Jr., fahter of Byron Harmon III (Class of 1982) and Bob Harmon (Class of 1987) died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Callaway Community Hospital in Fulton, Missouri.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lew B. Harmon Jr., 67, of Columbia died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Callaway Community Hospital in Fulton.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St., with the Rev. Fred Brandenburg officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Harmon was born April 23, 1936, in Cape Girardeau to Lewellen and Lucille Palmer Harmon. On Aug. 1, 1963, he married Jean Ann Rustad, and she survives.

He was president of Peoples Bank of Aultenburg and Jackson and also was president of Jonesburg State Bank for 10 years. He formerly owned Harmony Homes in Columbia.

He was a graduate of Greenfield High School.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club and Cosmopolitan Club.

Other survivors include two sons, Robert Harmon of Raleigh, N.C., and Byron Harmon III of Evanston, Wyo.; and two grandsons.

His parents and two sisters, Helen Crane and Laura Harmon, preceded him in death.

Memorials are suggested to the Great Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America or the Aultenburg Lions Club.

Joseph Owen McKinstry, 85, of Columbia passed away New Year’s Day in Watsonville, Calif.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Webb officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. McKinstry was born Oct. 17, 1918, in Bevier to John Mundy and Frances Bowman McKinstry. He married Frances Miller on Dec. 28, 1940, in Boonville.

He served his country during World War II in the European theater in the 517th Regimental Combat Team, an airborne unit. He worked for 36 years at the University of Missouri power plant. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church. He was a past master of Twilight Lodge, past worthy patron of Boone Chapter OES and past watchman of shepard of Temple Shrine No. 7. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Pearl Miller McKinstry. Two children were born to the couple, John E. "Jack" McKinstry of Houston, Texas, and Linda Jo Petrauskas of Soquel, Calif. He is also survived by five grandchildren living in Texas, Alaska and Missouri.

Wayne Kleasner, 75, of Holts Summit, formerly of Ashland, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Memorial Park Cemetery with Elder Wallace Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Robinson Funeral Home in Ashland.

Mr. Kleasner was born May 20, 1928, in Fayette to Lewis and Mattie Lou Brown Kleasner. He married Gladys Stewart on March 1, 1952, in Columbia, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 23, 1994.

He owned and operated Kleasner Trucking for many years. He was a school bus driver for several years in the Southern Boone County School District. He served on the city council board in Ashland for several years.

He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Survivors include his daughters, Janet Kleasner and husband Doug Workman of Holts Summit and Connie Gober and husband Mike of Mount Vernon, Ill.; a brother, Kenneth Kleasner of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Abigail Gober of Mount Vernon and Marshall Harmon of Holts Summit; and his beloved canine companion, Duchess.

His parents, two sisters and a brother also preceded him in death. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners.

Rosele C. Twenter, 65, of Harrisburg died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Harrisburg Cemetery.

Mrs. Twenter was born Oct. 22, 1938, in St. Joseph to Joseph K. and Theresa Kendzora Johnson.

She married Charles H. Twenter on Nov. 23, 1957, and he survives.

She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Survivors also include five children, Raymond E. Twenter of Charlottesville, Va., Todd Twenter of Columbia, Craig G. Twenter of Harrisburg, Denise Berry of Ashland and Valerie Twenter of Jonesburg; five siblings, Everett Johnson of Kansas City, Francis Johnson of Corvallis, Ore., Ruth Maple and Agnes Seifert, both of Kansas City, and Katie McGlothin of Bowling Green, Ky.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Charles J. Twenter Jr., a brother and a sister.

Memorials are suggested to Cancer Research Center, 3501 Berrywood Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Betty Andrews Watson, 79, of Columbia died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Moberly Regional Medical Center.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. John Yonker officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Watson was born May 3, 1924, in Columbia to Richard and Mattie Jenkins Carruth. She married Senator A. Andrews on April 9, 1939, in Columbia, and he preceded her in death. She married Les Watson in 1993 in Miami, Okla., and he survives.

She was a member of First Christian Church and the Columbia Tuesday Club. She was former manager of Christian College Bookstore and co-owner of Andrews Furniture Company.

Survivors also include two sons, Larry K. Andrews of Lincoln, Neb., and J. Michael Andrews of Longview, Texas; a grandson; and three granddaughters.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Aubrey and Donald Carruth; and a sister, Mable Campbell.

Memorials are suggested to the Columbia Senior Center, 1121 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Dr. Donald Blenden of Columbia died Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., with the Rev. Harold Reisch officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Appleton City.

Dr. Blenden was born Aug. 13, 1929, in St. Louis to Henry Abijah and Sarah Miranda Covey Blenden. He married Patricia Crawford on June 9, 1951, in Webster Groves, and she survives.

He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, where he joined the faculty in 1957. He retired professor emeritus in 1990. He was recognized as the chief expert on diseases transmitted from animals to people and was internationally recognized for his research on rabies. He was a consultant to the World Health Organization and national, state and local departments of health. He was an active teacher and leader in the area of disaster preparedness. As an active amateur radio operator and member of the Central Missouri Radio Association, he served for a number of years as Boone County emergency communication coordinator.

Survivors include two children, Michael Blenden of Monte Vista, Colo., and Beth Kyd of Ashland, and five grandchildren.

His parents and a brother, Dale Blenden, preceded him in death.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

N. Eloise Denninghoff, 79, of Columbia passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at home with her family.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins Road, with the Rev. Raymond Massey officiating. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reception will follow at the church.

Mrs. Denninghoff was born Dec. 14, 1924, near Byron, Okla., to James and Jesse Sluder Guffy.

On May 29, 1949, she married Dr. James C. Denninghoff in Cherokee, Okla., and he survives.

She was a member of King’s Daughters - Cecile Circle and Westerner’s and was a volunteer at The Wardrobe.

She was a charter member of and was very active at Trinity Presbyterian Church since 1958.

Survivors also include three children, James S. Denninghoff and wife Sydney of Columbia, Carol Susan Denninghoff of Columbia, Cynthia Chernyakhovsky and husband Igor of Dallas; six sisters, Nellie Guffy of San Antonio, Zay Jimeson of Udall, Kan., Ruth Lewis of McCune, Kan., Jennie Fischer of Jet, Okla., Bernice Joseph of Sylmar, Calif., Grace Wessels of Cherokee, Okla.; two brothers, Luther Guffy of San Angelo, Texas, Wayne Guffy of Byron, Okla.; seven grandchildren, Sarah Denninghoff, Joanna Denninghoff, Molly Denninghoff, Will Denninghoff, Caroline Casati, all of Columbia, Alex Chernyakhovsky and Elizabeth Chernyakhovsky, both of Dallas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Guffy and a brother, Monroe Guffy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Brotherhood Fund, in care of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins, Columbia, Mo., 65203, or charity of donor’s choice.

Robert Strongman Daniel, 90, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia passed away Jan. 17, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at Broadway Christian Church.

Dr. Daniel was born Jan. 2, 1914, in Pikeville, Ky., the son of Mary and the Rev. Gilbert Daniel. He married Nola Margaret Hicks on Dec. 29, 1940, in St. Louis, Mich.

Earning his A.B. degree from Depauw University, he went on to earn his doctorate at the University of Indiana. He came to MU in 1945, chaired the psychology department from 1955-1961, and retired in 1984. Regarded as a "teacher of teachers," Dr. Daniel was the founding editor of The Teaching of Psychology, a widely read academic journal. In 1975, the American Psychology Association awarded him its Distinguished Teaching Award. At MU, Dr. Daniel chaired the Faculty Council during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and remained active in the university’s Retiree Association.

Dr. Daniel was a charter member of the Broadway Christian Church. In addition he served on the Boone County Committee on Aging. A lifelong railroad buff and member of Columbia Railfans, he and his wife traveled many a mile behind steam-powered locomotives.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nola; two children, Kathryn Daniel Ottinger and Michael Joseph Daniel, both of Columbia; a sister, Nancy, of Indianapolis; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to the Mid-Missouri Chapter Alzheimer’s Association or to the Robert S. Daniel Junior Faculty Teaching Award, in care of Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 65211-2500.

Iola May Self Wilson, 96, of Newton, N.C., formerly of Columbia, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at Brian Center Viewmont in Hickory, N.C., after a period of declining health.

Services are at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis Swearngin officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Wilson was born Oct. 29, 1907, in Macon County to the late James Morton Self and Laura May Farrel Self.

She was an office manager and accountant and was a member of Olivet Christian Church in Columbia.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Carol Wilson Whitaker and Jerry L. Whitaker of Newton; three grandchildren, Shawn L. Whitaker and wife Hannah of Burnside, Ill., Scott L. Whitaker of Wake Forest, N.C., and Chaille W. Brown and husband Kraig of Stallings, N.C.; a great-grandchild, Rebecca Lynn Brown of Stallings, N.C.; and a sister-in-law, Wanda Self of Overland Park, Kan.

Memorials are suggested to Olivet Christian Church or Tri-State Young Life in care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 W. Business Loop 70, Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Paul R. Henson, 92, of Columbia died Jan. 23, 2004, at his home.
 

Services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, at Christian Chapel, with the Revs. Gary Denbow, Tracy Cook and Curtis Snow officiating.

Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Henson was born April 1, 1911, in Winchester, Ill., to Wesley and Ida Hicks Henson. In 1932, he married Lois Wilder. She preceded him in death. He later married Vera Rader and she survives.

He was an Army veteran of World War II.

He retired as service manager of Boone Electric after 27 years. He was a member of the Masons, Kiwanis and other service clubs; and a member of Christian Chapel.

Other survivors include a son, Stephen Henson of Altlanta; two stepsons, Duane Crowley of Omaha, Neb., and William Rawlings of Waynesville; a stepdaughter, Jeanne Merriett of Columbia; two granddaughters, Anna and Sarah; and a special friend, Chuck Beebe of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by a stepson, Bart Crowley.

Memorials are suggested to Teen Challenger, P.O. Box 1084, Neosho, Mo., 64850. Arrangements by Nilson Funeral Home.

J. Orville Rice, 89, of Columbia passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, at his home.

Services will be 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Memorial Funeral Home with Bob Chaney officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Rice was born Nov. 2, 1914, in Columbia to George Larkin and Bessie A. Rice.

On June 28, 1933, he married Lola Marie Hall, and she preceded him in death. He later married Hallene Nichols Sapp, and she also preceded him in death.

He was employed with the University of Missouri for several years as a night watchman until his retirement.

He was a longtime member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Columbia.

Survivors include four children, Jo Ann House and Marilyn Wiyrick and her husband, Tim, all of Columbia, Danny Lee Rice and his wife, Judy, of Holts Summit and Darrell Rice and his wife, Debbie, of Rocheport; a son-in-law, San House of Columbia; four sisters; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jerry Orville Rice; and nine brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Seventh-day Adventist Church school fund, 1114 College Park Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

Edward J. Helm, 81, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at Memorial Funeral Home, with the Rev. Fred Brandenburg officiating.

Mr. Helm was born Dec. 5, 1922, to George and Anna Pelot Helm. He married Lucille P. Mitchell on April 5, 1942, in Union, and she survives.

He served with the 467th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He obtained the rank of corporal. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

He was an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of United Church of Christ and Downtown Optimist Club.

Survivors also include two daughters, Nancy Taylor of Auxvasse and Beverly Sumptner of Caledonia; four siblings, Jeanette Strubberg, Fred Helm, Frank Helm and Frances Witthaus, all of Washington, Mo.; four grandchildren, Yvette McNellis of Columbia, Stacy Stephens of Iowa City, Iowa, and Hanna and Heather Wachtman of Caledonia; and three great-grandchildren, Summer McNellis, Jack McNellis and Connor Stephens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Rebecca Sue Helm.

Elmer R. Kiehl, 87, of Columbia died Jan. 27, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

Services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at First Christian Church with Dr. John Yonker and the Rev. David Benson officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the church.

He was born July 2, 1916, in Mount Leonard to Bernhardt and Emilie Hill Kiehl.

He married Helen Meals on Sept. 24, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash., and she preceded him in death on May 30, 1992. He married Moray Loring on Nov. 25, 1995, in Columbia, and she survives.

He served as a major in the Army during World War II with the 3rd Army headquarters.

He was a member of Campus Lutheran Church and an associate member of First Christian Church.

He came to the University of Missouri-Columbia as assistant county extension agent and farm labor assistant.

He became an instructor in agricultural economics in 1949, was promoted to professor in 1955 and was department chairman from 1957 to 1960.

He served as dean of the College of Agriculture - now the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - from 1960 until 1979.

As dean he accomplished a significant expansion of out-state research centers. He added the Greenley Memorial Center, the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center, Hundley-Whaley Farm, Timmons Farm and Wurdack Farm. He was also instrumental in adding an internal dimension to the college’s portfolio of activities.

Under his leadership, the College of Agriculture undertook a major effort in India that lasted for a decade and involved more than 20 faculty and established its own International Programs Office.

He served on presidential commissions to study international agriculture during the Kennedy, Johnson and Ford administrations.

He was instrumental in developing Title XII, which was a partnership between the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development - BIFAD - and land-grant universities whose mission was to end world hunger through research and development of superior agricultural practices.

He worked extensively in international agriculture through BIFAD and the Agency for International Development - AID - and served as the executive director of BIFAD from January 1980 until August of 1982. His work took him to India, Colombia, Egypt, Tunisia, Liberia, Southern Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh over the course of his career.

Following his work for the government, Dean Kiehl returned to teach at the University of Missouri-Columbia and continued work as a consultant with USAID until the early 1990s.

He retired from the university in 1987.

Dean Kiehl served on Gen. George Patton’s staff in Europe during World War II and had presidential appointments from John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

His appointments included service on the National Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Federal Commission of Food Marketing, the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and the Agency for International Development.

Dr. Kiehl was also a leader at the federal level in working with Congress to appropriate funds for international programs and explicitly defining a mission for land-grant universities in eliminating world hunger. He was considered an international agricultural expert and was a trusted counselor to many national leaders on topics of agriculture and international development.

Our college is known on campus for quality advising programs and our ability to mentor students. Dr. Kiehl left his mark in those areas as well, establishing and shaping many of the programs that remain today. He had a quick wit, enjoyed friends and family and believed deeply in serving humanity with the talents God gave him.

Other survivors include a son, Frederick Kiehl of Maysville; three daughters, Kathleen Emmons of Aurora, Colo., Marlene Coe of Monte Sereno, Calif., and Nancy Plesner of Idaho; stepchildren Kate Loring, Frederick Loring, Martin Loring and David Loring; two brothers, Herbert Kiehl and Martin Kiehl, both of Malta Bend; two sisters, Esther Wolpers and Emma Langewisch, both of Blackburn; grandchildren Elisa Vinyard, David Kiehl, Craig Emmons, Laura Emmons, Luke Plesner, Sam Plesner, Julie Coe, Jennifer Coe, Rachel Coe and Michael Coe; and stepgrandchildren Sarah Joy Loring, Scott Loring, Moray Cucchiari, Sarah Beth Loring, Sam Loring, Claire Cucchiari-Loring, Joseph Loring, Matthew Loring and Mary Kate Loring.

Memorials are suggested to the Elmer Kiehl Scholarship Fund in care of MU or to the Kiehl Foyer Fund, Mumford Hall, University of Missouri in care of Matt Gaunt.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nilson Funeral Home.

John W. Heidy, 80, of Columbia died Jan. 28, 2004, at his home.

Heidy
Services are at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road, with the Rev. Mickey Havener officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the funeral home.

He was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Pittsburg, Kan., to John William and Angie Costello Heidy. He married Pauline Elias on Feb. 6, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kan., and she preceded him in death. He later married Bonnie Wood on Aug. 1, 1975, in Columbia, and she survives.

He was a first lieutenant in the Army Air Forces in World War II. He retired from the University of Missouri-Columbia after 29 years as construction superintendent.

He was a member of the American Legion.

He was treasurer of the founding committee that established Rock Bridge Memorial Park.

Other survivors include four sons, John Heidy, Michael Heidy, Stanley Wood and Eric Wood, all of Columbia; four daughters, Patricia Wakeland of Bishop, Texas, Paulette Moore of Estes Park, Colo., and Karla Koskela and Marigene Holtkamp, both of Columbia; a sister, Norma McCulley of Columbia; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, P.O. Box 274, Columbia, Mo., 65205.

John Oliver Fike, Sr., 92, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at home.

Memorial services are planned at a later date in Illinois. Dudley Funeral Home of New Smyrna Beach is in charge of carrying out his wish of cremation.

Mr. Fike was born Aug. 29, 1911, in Summum, Ill., Astoria Township, to John Jay and Hannah H. Lindsey Fike. He married Emma Mary Beyer on June 13, 1937, in Normal, Ill., and she preceded him in death on Nov. 21, 1994.

Mr. Fike was a retired regional manager of the Missouri-Kansas Fire and Casualty Division of State Farm Insurance Cos. in Columbia. He was employed at State Farm for 35 years where he was known for his high work standards. He started at the home office in Bloomington and moved to the Columbia office in 1960 where he eventually retired. He graduated from Astoria High School third-highest in his class.

He was an avid gardener growing vegetables and flowers, especially beautiful roses.

Survivors include four sons, John Fike, Jr. of Shirley, Ill., Bill Fike and wife Joan of Normal, Ill., Eddie Fike and wife Donna of Sturgeon, and Richard Fike of Columbia; two daughters, Mary Grizzle and husband Ed of Bloomington, Ill., and Doris Patient and husband Gary of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; three sisters; a brother; and a son, Allen Fike.

Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.

Alta Lorena Black, 88, of Columbia passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Black was born Sept. 27, 1915, in Boone County to Willard and Eva Todd. On Dec. 31, 1938, she married James E. Black, who preceded her in death.

She worked 21 years at Stephens College in the fashion department, where she was able to pursue her love of sewing. After her retirement, she worked part time for the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at Paquin Tower. She and her husband were longtime members of the Fulton Gravel Know Your Neighbors Club, Dudes and Dames Square Dance Club, and Olivet Christian Church. She was famous in the area for her chocolate pie, green beans and the slaw she prepared every year for the Olivet Christian Church Bar-B-Q. She could often be seen walking through downtown Columbia on her way to work at Stephens College from her home on South Garth Avenue. After her retirement, she walked 3 miles every day throughout old southwest Columbia.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Jean Black of Columbia; her daughter, Brenda Adams, and partner, Diane Fischer, of Brownsville, Calif.; and her sister, Della Mae Turner of Columbia.

Mrs. Black was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Blanche Stone, Leon Todd and Willard Todd Jr.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 1121 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Teresa Sutton, 95, of Florissant, formerly of Columbia, passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, at Northgate Park Nursing Home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at Memorial Funeral Home, with the Rev. Michael Penn officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Sutton was born April 3, 1908, in Hastings, Minn., to Nicholas and Suzanna Kieman Kleis. On March 11, 1928, she married Royal F. Sutton in Minneapolis, and he preceded her in death.

She was a bookkeeper with Riback Pipe & Steel before her retirement. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Survivors include three children, Donald E. Sutton of Santa Clara, Calif., Kenneth R. Sutton of Bass Lake, Calif., and Lola M. Callaway of Florissant; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Earl Joseph Gatzemeyer, 80, of Clinton passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with burial in Englewood Cemetery.

Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at Vansant-Mills Chapel with a prayer service at 8 p.m.

Earl was born March 19, 1923, in Berger to Julius and Hilda Charlotte Wohlt Gatzemeyer. He married Flossy Hulda Huxol on Dec. 29, 1948, and she survives.

He graduated from Hermann High School and served as a pharmacist mate in the Navy during World War II.

He grew up farming and farmed for several years after his military service.

He worked for a time as a carpenter in Columbia. He began working for Merritt & Reed Coal Co. in Callaway County in 1960. He later worked as a shovel and dragline operator for Peabody Coal Co. at the Mark Twain, Tebo and Seneca mines, retiring in 1985.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton, the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of VFW Post 4182 in Hermann.

He enjoyed fishing; gardening; league bowling; square dancing; and especially his family, grandchildren and friends.

His parents and an infant son, Steven, preceded him in death.

Survivors also include a son, Greg Gatzemeyer and wife, Lea Ann, of Montrose; two daughters, Susan Braselton and husband, Gene, of Columbia, and Judy Darwin and husband, Gary, of Hurst, Texas; six grandchildren, Kate Downey, Gavin, Grant and Grady Gatzemeyer, Scott Braselton, and Carrie Griffith and husband, Stuart; and one great-grandson, Jacob Griffith. Other survivors are three brothers, Vernon Gatzemeyer and wife, Laverne, of Bloomsdale, Maurice Gatzemeyer and wife, Peggy, of Clinton, and Julius Gatzemeyer and wife, Jeanette, of New Haven; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family suggests contributions to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton or to the charity of donor’s choice.

Russell R. Rouse, 90, of Columbia passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2004.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., with Dr. John Yonker officiating.

Mr. Rouse was born May 4, 1913, in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Ira B. and Ethel Bloxham Rouse. He married Jewell McCollom on Nov. 20, 1940, in Kirksville, and she survives.

He was an educator and businessman and worked at MFA in Columbia from 1947 until his retirement. He was a member of First Christian Church and a 50-year Mason. He enjoyed gardening and music.

Survivors include a son, Mac Rouse of Columbia; a daughter, Bette J. Baldwin of Lebanon, Mo.; a sister, Neta Lynn of Grundy Center; two grandchildren, James E. Baldwin Jr. of Springfield and Rebecca L. Engsberg of New Haven, Conn.; and two great-grandchildren, Caleb D. Engsberg and Elizabeth V. Engsberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Floyd Rouse and Eldon Rouse; and a sister, Elma Schaa.

Memorials contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

Henry F. Forsee, 86, of Columbia passed away Feb. 3, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis Swearngin officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the funeral home.

Mr. Forsee was born Dec. 15, 1917, in Boone County to Jake F. and Ida Alice Chouteau Forsee.

On May 19, 1936, he married Dixie H. Bodle in Columbia, and she preceded him in death. He served with the Army Air Forces during World War II.

He was a member of Olivet Christian Church. He was active as a 4-H leader and was also active with Missouri poultry and rabbit associations.

Survivors include three children, Robert Forsee and Donald Forsee, both of Columbia, and Mary M. Williamson of Burlington, Iowa; four grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Alice Roberts, Elsie Perkins, Nellie Powers and Edith Elder.

Memorials are suggested to Olivet Christian Church, 1919 S. Olivet Road, Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Vernon E. Kunzler, 90, of Columbia passed away Feb. 8, 2004, at his home.

Services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Kunzler was born Oct. 27, 1913 in Morgan County to Roy and Anna Croff Kunzler.

He quit school in the eighth-grade to work on the family farm.

He was a hobo, doing odd jobs, traveling by train during the Depression.

He graduated from Barber School in Kansas City in 1934. He opened the Tiger Hotel barber shop in Columbia in 1937 and had two barbers working for him.

During World War II he lived in California, and Tulsa, Okla., working for Douglas Aircraft and went to night school for drafting.

He corrected blueprints for airplanes and did major work on the C-47 (DC-3).

He moved to St. Louis for 6 months to work for Douglas Aircraft in 1949.

He moved back to Columbia and built the first new rental property in Columbia, because he knew there would be a demand due to GIs going to school at Mizzou in 1947. He built a duplex at 1103 Jewell Ave in 1946, one at 1101 Jewell Ave in 1949 and another at 1519 Paris Rd in 1950. During the time he was building, he still worked as a barber, with some women clients.

In 1961, he quit the barber shop to devote full time to real estate ventures.

During the 1960s he built four apartment buildings on Bass Avenue and Anthony Avenue. He also built a commercial building on East Broadway in 1972.

In December of 1985, he married Gemma Sanda and she survives.

Survivors include two children, Dennis Kunzler of St. Louis and Patricia Price of Overland Park, Kan.; two brothers, Wyman Kunzler of Columbia, Donald Kunzler of Jefferson City; a sister, Darlene Hartman of Jefferson City; and two grandchildren, Leigh Kunzler and Kevin Kunzler, both of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Albert Kunzler, Bert Kunzler; and a sister, Ruth Branstetter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Rainbow House, 2302 N. Oakland Gravel Road, Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Evelyn Schrom Estes, 89, of Columbia died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at Lenoir Health Care Center in Columbia.

Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at First Christian Church with the Rev. Dr. John Yonker officiating.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

She was born July 27, 1914, in Lake Hammond, Ind., to Fred and Anne L. Mitterer Schrom.

She was a graduate of Beaumont High School in Beaumont, Texas, and was a 1934 graduate of Christian College.

She married Alex Estes on April 5, 1936, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 14, 1985.

Mrs. Estes was a member of First Christian Church, Kings Daughters and PEO CWF and was co-founder of The Wardrobe in Columbia.

She received Columbia College’s distinguished alumni award in 1980.

Survivors include two sons, Alex Estes of Lowell, Idaho, and James R. Estes of Columbia; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jack D. Estes; and a sister, Daisy Megarity.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association of Mid-Missouri, 1121 E. Business Loop 70, Columbia, Mo., 65201, or First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Services are under the direction of Parker Funeral Service.

Geraldine M. "Jerri" Kormeier, 53, of Columbia died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Private family services will follow.

She was born Dec. 1, 1950, in St. Louis to Louis E. and Geraldine M. Printy. She married Kenneth Kormeier on Sept. 6, 1970, in Honolulu, and he survives.

She was a member of the Newman Center. She was a past member of Kings Daughters, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Elks.

She was the devoted wife of Kenneth Kormeier of Columbia; loving mother to her son, Kevin Kormeier and daughter, Kristen Kormeier, both of Columbia, and loving grandmother to Kyle and Addison Kormeier, both of Columbia. Other survivors include her mother, Geraldine Printy of Owensville; two brothers, Don Printy of Junction City, Kan., and Mike Printy of Mount Sterling; and a sister, Louann Sanders of Junction City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Coyote Hills Children’s Home, 9501 Coyote Hill Road, Harrisburg, Mo., 65256; (573) 874-0179.

Newton Franklin Britt, 77, of Columbia died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at home.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Robert Webb and Dr. Robert Lively officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Britt was born Aug. 14, 1926, in Mount Leonard to Newton F. Britt Sr. and Lillian Bradford Kuykendal-Britt. On March 25, 1962, he married Carol Lou Wallace in McCredie, and she survives.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired from KOMU-TV after 37 years of service as an electrical engineer.

Mr. Britt was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and served as a deacon since 1966.

Survivors also include two daughters, Sheri Shelley and husband Robert of Columbia and Susan Looney and husband Gregory of Niangua; a son, Douglas and wife Mihaela of Columbia; six grandchildren, Makayla, Jordan and Kendra Looney and Patrick, Cecilia and Gabriel Britt; one sister, Jessie Kueck of Independence; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Robert Britt; and a sister, Rose Mary Connor.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Memorial Baptist Church building fund, 1634 Paris Rd., Columbia, Mo., 65201, or American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

David Reyer Pippin, 44, formerly of Columbia, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at his home in Conroe, Texas, after a 12-year battle with cancer.

David was born March 15, 1959, to Dan L. and Dorothy Distelhorst Pippin. He graduated from Rock Bridge High School in 1977 and from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981 with a degree in parks and recreation. Dave spent his career in the Houston, Texas, area, where he was a well-respected recreation professional whose enthusiasm touched many lives.

David was a loving husband, brother and honorable friend who had a passion for all sports. In 1986 he married his best friend and strongest supporter, Gay Wharton of New Braunfels, Texas, and she survives.

Survivors also include a brother, Dru Pippin, and his wife, Sheree, of Columbia; and a sister, D’Ann Pippin Hake, and her husband, Gilbert, of Hartsburg. Dave also leaves behind numerous caring friends and relatives as well as his beloved pets. David’s courage in life was only outmatched by his courage in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the animal shelter of your choice.

Darrell Pemberton, 69, of Centralia died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Fenton Funeral Chapel in Centralia. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.

He was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Hallsville to John Howard and Sallie Alcenia Tolson Pemberton. His parents precede him in death.

He worked for A.B. Chance Co. for 39 years and was an Army veteran.

Survivors include a daughter, Dara J. Stevenson of Los Angeles; a son, Darren D. Pemberton of Fulton; three grandchildren, Richard Darrell Pemberton II and Megan Christine Pemberton, both of Fulton, and Ian Alexander Stevenson of Los Angeles; three sisters, Norma Brookshire of Harrisburg, Shirley Lawson of Hallsville and Judy Hibbs of Fort Collins, Colo.; and a companion, Pat Sexton of Centralia.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.

Leon T. Dickinson, 92, of Columbia passed away of cardio-pulmonary arrest Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Calvary Episcopal Church with the Rev. Fred Thayer officiating.

He was born Jan. 24, 1912, in Winnetka, Ill., to Lora and Frederick Dickinson. In 1935, he married Margaret Stewart, who preceded him in death. In 1970, he married Carolyn Ford, who survives.

A professor emeritus of American Literature, he retired in 1982 after teaching for 36 years at the University of Missouri. He was a graduate of Williams College and of the University of Chicago. He was part of a circle of distinguished scholars in American Literature who had studied together under the tutelage of Walter Blair at the University of Chicago. He was honored by three Fulbright lectureships: Holland in 1952-53; Belgium in 1963-64; and France in 1971-72. He also accompanied his wife to Japan, where they taught English in 1979-80 at a girls’ junior college.

He was an avid golfer, sailor and jazz pianist, having "worked his way" through his undergraduate years at Williams College by conducting his own jazz band throughout New England.

He is also survived by two daughters, Toby Stewart of Berkeley, Calif., and Catherine Nordmann of St. Louis, and by seven grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Brian Dickinson.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Calvary Episcopal Church or the Salvation Army.

Joyce E. Marsh, 78, of Weslaco, Texas, formerly of Columbia, passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at Lifecare Hospital in Edinburg, Texas.

Memorial services will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 27 at Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive N.W. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Marsh was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Columbia to Robert and Ruth Payne. She was a life member of VFW Post 280 Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Marsh of Weslaco; two children, Edward Mirielli Jr. and his wife, Becky, and Rachelle Reno and her husband, Shawn, all of Columbia; three sisters, Jo Ellen Mons of PonteVerda, Fla., and Pat Short and Wanda Closser and her husband, Doyle, all of Columbia; and five grandchildren, Clayton Howard, Shawn Reno II, Linsey Mirielli, Audrey Reno and Nicolas Mirielli, all of Columbia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two daughters, Rita and Sylvia.

Doneta Symmonds, 80, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Doneta was born Sept. 5, 1923, to Don and Faye Winegardner. She lived most of her childhood in Louisburg, Kan. She attended Chillicothe Business College and as a young woman worked as an executive secretary in Chicago and Kansas City. She married John Franklin Symmonds in June 1947. He preceded her in death in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Holly Burgess and her husband, David, of Columbia; Jill Mueth and her husband, Greg, of St. Louis; and Michael Symmonds and his wife, Jeanette, of Columbia. Doneta also leaves behind two grandsons, Cole and Connor Mueth, of St. Louis.

In 1967, John and Doneta purchased The Pen Point, a gift and pen shop in Columbia. She managed the business until her retirement in 1998. Her daughter, Holly Burgess, continues to run the business.

Doneta was a devoted mother and proud grandmother. She was known for her sense of humor and love of animals.

Donations in her honor may be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society.

Meryl Robert McMinn, 81, of Columbia died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Neal Lassinger officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at the funeral home.

Mr. McMinn was born June 19, 1922, in High Gate to Robert and Edna Spurgeon McMinn. He married Mary P. Bennett on Sept. 12, 1942, in Boonville, and she preceded him in death on May 21, 2002.

He served in the Army during World War II.

Mr. McMinn was a farmer all his life and retired from Farmland Industries 22 years ago.

Survivors include three children, Glenda Strawn of Harrisburg, Robert McMinn of Columbia, and Connie Vallentine of Clinton; six grandchildren; three step grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters.

Memorial contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

Byron Wallace Stover, 71, of Columbia passed away Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, at University Hospital.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 914 S. West Blvd., with pastors Paul Moessner and Julia Will officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Stover was born March 23, 1932, in Blue Earth, Minn., to Clifford and Agnes Haase Stover. He married Wanda Tysver on June 17, 1951, in Bricelyn, Minn., and she survives.

He was the owner/operator of Stover Carpet and Home Furnishings in Columbia for more than 40 years. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, where he served as a member of the church council. He was also a member of the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Home Builders Association.

Other survivors are two sons, Thomas and wife Sally Stover and Scott and wife Deb Stover, all of Columbia; a daughter, Susan and husband Michael Gund of St. Louis; two brothers, Odean Stover and Norman Stover; two sisters, Helen Pelousky and Ruth Stover; a brother-in-law, Elmer Tysver; a sister-in-law, Marquerite Parker; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Pauline Tysver.

Memorials contributions, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to Rainbow House, 2302 N. Oakland Gravel Road, Columbia, Mo., 65202; Missouri Cancer Associates, 500 Keene St., Columbia, Mo., 65201; or St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 914 S. West Blvd., Columbia, Mo., 65203.

William Albert Bray, 79, of Camdenton, formerly of Columbia, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at his home.

Services will be at 1 p.m. March 9 at First Christian Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. March 8 at Parker Funeral Home. Burial will be after the services in Memorial Park Cemetery.

He was born Dec. 4, 1924, in Bethany to Chester S. Bray and Goldie Meyer Bray. He grew up in King City, where he attended public schools and graduated from King City High School. He was a member of First Christian Church in Columbia. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner.

He attended Arkansas State College and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he graduated with a degree in journalism. While at MU, he joined the Kappa Alpha Order and was elected president of the chapter. Later, he served the fraternity as province commander. He was inducted in the Kappa Alpha Court of Honor.

His schooling was interrupted when he went into the military service. He served in the 99th Infantry Division as a sergeant and saw action in the Battle of the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded while on a combat patrol on Elsenborn Ridge and spent several months in the hospital. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the combat infantry badge, the Belgium Fouregerre and the Distinguished Unit Citation.

He returned to the School of Journalism and graduated in 1948. He and a partner, Russell Larkin, purchased The Odessa Odessan newspaper in Odessa. A year later, Mr. Bray bought out his partner’s interest and continued to publish the newspaper. In 1953, he married Jo Anne Pace. They took a leave of absence from the newspaper to move to Columbia, where he was offered a position as executive director of the Missouri Press Association and a position as associate professor of journalism to teach about community newspapers and newspaper management. The Brays sold the Odessa newspaper in 1956 and stayed in Columbia. With the association, he set up the first computerized state press association advertising service. He and his wife began the Missouri Press Clipping Bureau. He began the Missouri Press Capitol News, a news service from the state capitol for small newspapers. He gave up the teaching part of his position in 1984 after 30 years and retired from the Missouri Press Association in 1990 after 37 years.

Among the many awards he earned in journalism were the Missouri School of Journalism Honor Medal, the Missouri Press Newspaper Hall of Fame, the Amos Award highest award of the National Newspaper Association, the Northwest Press Kirkpatrick Award and the National Secretaries of State Award for Service to his state. A special award was given to him by the Republic of China - Taiwan - in 1990. There were other awards and honors too numerous to mention. He served as national chairman of newspaper week in 1959, as national president of Newspaper Association Managers, as treasurer of the American Newspaper Representatives and on the board of directors of the National Newspaper Association.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jo Anne; two children, David P. Bray and his wife, Debbie, of Columbia, and Brenda Anne Ledbetter and her husband, Michael, of Camdenton; and six grandchildren, Katie and Christie Bray of Tempe, Ariz., and Lucas and Trent Ledbetter and Courtney and Ashley Brown of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Charles Foster, 86, of Columbia died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at First Assembly of God Church in Columbia with pastors Charles Parker, Gary Denbow and Tracy Cook officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.
He was born March 25, 1917, in St. Clair County to John W. and Charity Ann Bouse.

He married Jessie Mildred Scott on Aug. 15, 1936, in Higginsville, and she survives.

Mr. Foster moved to Columbia from St. Louis in 1946. He operated Arrowhead Motel for one year, from 1946 to 1947. He owned and operated Fosters Garage on Highway 40 for eight years, from 1947 to 1955. Mr. Foster farmed in Boone County from 1955 to 1976. He was Boone County sheriff from 1976 to 1984. He served as a reserve deputy for the Boone County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years before becoming sheriff.

He was a charter member of First Assembly of God for 40 years and an active member of Christian Chapel Assembly of God for 20 years.

Survivors also include two daughters, Beverly Charlene Cleek and Janice Knigge, both of Columbia; a son-in-law, Jerry L. Knigge of Columbia; five grandchildren, Charretta Knigge-Terry of Bonnie Lake, Wash., Jerry Dale Knigge of Columbia, Charles William Knigge of Owensville, Nancy Cleek-Dolan of Baldwin and Lynda Cleek-Watts of Eolia; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson.

Memorials may be given to Christian Chapel Assembly of God or First Assembly of God.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Funeral Service of Columbia.

Eva June Martin, 66, of Columbia passed away Friday, March 5, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Private services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Martin was born Dec. 23, 1937, in Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. John McCart. Survivors include two sons, Kurt Gebhardt and Del Gebhardt Jr.; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Gebhardt, Jeremy Gebhardt, and Joseph Gebhardt, all of Columbia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a granddaughter.

Florence V. "Vicki" Martin, 85, of Columbia passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Phillips officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Martin was born Dec. 1, 1918, in Cole County to Guy and Blanche May Austeel Hartley. She married Robert L. Martin on Jan. 25, 1938, in Cole County, and he preceded her in death. She was a pediatric nurse’s aide at University Hospital for 25 years before her retirement.

Survivors include three children, Boyd H. Martin and Robert A. Martin, both of Columbia, Ruth Ann Harlow of Fayette; three sisters, Jo Ann Phelan of Columbia, Norma Hudspeth of Jefferson City and Margaret Wehry of Wichita, Kan.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Lupus Foundation Association Missouri Chapter, 8420 Delmar Blvd., No LL1, St. Louis, Mo., 63124.

Evelyn K. Jones, 87, of Columbia died Saturday, March 6, 2004, at Columbia Regional Hospital.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Mrs. Jones was born Sept. 25, 1916, on a farm near Ionia to Elzie Reuben and Eula Marshall Miller. She married Clovis Arnold on Dec. 19, 1941, in Eldon, and he preceded her in death.

She was raised in Kansas City and Windsor.

She was a teacher and homemaker. After receiving an education degree from Central Missouri State University, she taught commerce and English in the Hughesville, Waynesville and Columbia - Hickman - high schools. She was a charter member of the Missouri Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary teacher’s sorority.

She is survived by two sons and daughter-in-laws, Michael and Janell Stutler Jones of Hermitage and Conway and Betsey Bruner Jones of Columbia. She also leaves behind four grandsons, Todd, Matthew, Benjamin and James; five great-grandchildren, Zachary, Tucker, Hunter, Maddie and Mackenzie; and her brothers Ross Miller of Kansas City and William Gardner of Windsor. Another brother, Warren Miller, also preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia, Mo., 65201. Mrs. Jones had been a member of that church since 1954.

Hazel Wilcox, 92, of Columbia died at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Parker Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Yonkers officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour before the service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Her nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Wilcox was born May 1, 1911, in Slater to E. Hardin and Mary Jane Crump Dawson. She married Francis "Pete" Davis on June 22, 1932. He died March 19, 1942. She married Guy E. "Mike" Wilcox on Sept. 4, 1943. He died May 29, 2001.

She attended rural Monroe County schools and graduated from Centralia High School in 1928 with a teacher training certificate. She attended Kirksville Teachers College and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Mrs. Wilcox taught for more than 43 years, more than 20 being in rural Boone County, one year in Newton County when her husband was stationed at Camp Crowder and the last 22 years in Columbia Public Schools.

She belonged to the Central Missouri Pi Lambda Theta Education Honorary. She was a member of First Christian Church, where she was a deaconess emeritus and a member of the Agee Palmer Fleming Group of CWF. She was a member of Nelle Hopper Kings’ Daughters, the Missouri State Teachers Association, the Boone Area Retired Teachers Association and Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include a brother, Robert H. Dawson of Centralia; a special loved one, Carrie Sue Menton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Thomas Dawson Wilcox; and two sisters, Lois Dinwiddle and Ruth Trussell.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church.

Pelagia "Peggy" Basconcillo Cuellar, 75, of Columbia passed away Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Columbia.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Monsignor Michael Flanagan officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Memorial Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Cuellar was born Aug. 28, 1928, in Villasis, Pangasinan, Philippines to Timoteo and Lucia Mencias Basconcillo. On Aug. 22, 1959, she married John Cuellar in Lincoln, Neb.

She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Altar Society, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hospitality Ministry and Filipino American Association of Mid-Missouri.

Survivors include four children, Timothy Cuellar and wife Anne-Marie of Raleigh, N.C., Terrence Cuellar of St. Louis, Andrew Cuellar and wife Yen-Chin of Columbia and Audra Cuellar and husband Terry Pannett of Ashburton, New Zealand; and five grandchildren, Rachel and Erin Cuellar, both of Raleigh, Kelani Cuellar of Pensacola, Fla., and Simon and Marcella Pannett, both of Ashburton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Dionisio, Joseph, Sampson, Antonio and Norberto Basconcillo; and two sisters, Maria San Andres and Naomi Carson.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, attention Memorial Program Call Center, P.O. Box 2680, Canton, Ohio, 44720.

Nancy Louise Bonuchi, 69, of Columbia passed away Sunday, March 14, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 2 p.m. March 18 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4708 Highlands Parkway, with Bishop Richard Houseman officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. March 17 at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Ms. Bonuchi was born March 29, 1934, in Warren, Ohio, to Collins and Bertha McQuiston Orndorff.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nancy dedicated her life to her children, family and church.

She served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a genealogy mission in Salt Lake City and a temple mission in St. Louis.

Survivors include three children, Jimmy Louis Bonuchi and wife, Katherine, of Columbia; Shawn Bonuchi and wife, Alicia, of Bunceton; and Gail Renshaw of Columbia; a sister, Gloria Yeary of Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, Charlotte Sanchez, Robert Renshaw, James Bonuchi, Justin Renshaw, Clarinda Renshaw, Crystal McDonald, Timothy Renshaw, David Bonuchi, Dustin French, Daniel Bonuchi and Joshua Bonuchi; and three great-grandchildren, Tyler Sanchez, Dylan Sanchez and Kylie Renshaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Timothy Page; a brother, Robert Orndorff; a sister, June Brasfield; and a grandchild, Sheena McDonald.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, attn: Memorial Program Call Center, P.O. Box 2680, Canton, Ohio, or to Sarcordosis, in care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo., 65202.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Brooks, 83, of Columbia died early Monday, March 22, 2004.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Chapel in Columbia. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Mrs. Brooks will be laid to rest beside her husband at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Brooks was born Elizabeth Ann Ingham in Los Angeles on Jan. 23, 1921, to J.C. and Lizzie Edwards Russell Ingham. She was baptized Episcopalian in her youth and was made a member of the Children of the Confederacy, an auxiliary of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, on Feb. 9, 1939. She attended William Woods University in Fulton and graduated with an associate’s degree in May 1941. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated in May 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She married Philip Emmett James Brooks of Chadron, Neb., in University City on June 23, 1945.

Mrs. Brooks was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star on June 1, 1946, at University Chapter No. 231 in University City. She gave birth to her first daughter, Beverly Jo Brooks, on Feb. 14, 1947, and her second daughter, Phyllis Anne Brooks, on Sept. 8, 1948, both in Chadron. The family moved to Columbia in 1955. Elizabeth became a member of Columbian Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution on July 12, 1957. She received her 50-year pin in the Order of the Eastern Star on Nov. 25, 1996, from Florissant Chapter No. 161, which had consolidated with University Chapter No. 231 in April 1991.

Mrs. Brooks will always be remembered as a good wife, mother and grandmother - a family woman who cared deeply about her family. She loved the flowers and birds that frequented the back yard.

Survivors include two daughters, Beverly Jo Wyatt and husband Larry of Columbia and Phyllis Anne Miller and husband Loring of Leon, Iowa; four grandsons, Larry Daniel Wyatt II, Farrel Carlon Miller, Andrew Lee Wyatt and Caskey Russell Miller; and one great-granddaughter, Cynthia Marie Wyatt-Devore.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her father; her mother; and two older brothers.

Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity in Mrs. Brooks’ name.

Arthur E. Wyatt, 90, of Centralia died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Fenton Funeral Chapel in Centralia with the Rev. Charles A. Parker, retired minister, and the Rev. David Hartgrove, pastor at First Assembly of God in Centralia, officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.

Pallbearers were Mr. Wyatt’s grandsons, Brent Davee, Greg Mikovich, Stephen Mikovich, Kevin McCubbin, Jason Lambert, Cody Wyatt, Deric Donahue and Matthew Buerky.

Mr. Wyatt was born Nov. 10, 1913, in Boone County to Robert E. and Pamelia Ann Hammonds Wyatt. On Nov. 2, 1933, he married Iva Irene Rickey in Columbia, and she preceded him in death Jan. 4, 1993.

Mr. Wyatt was an active and faithful member of First Assembly of God in Centralia, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and bus driver. He was a pipe fitter for Missouri Utilities. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and loved antiquing, music and family reunions.

Survivors include seven daughters, Joyce Davee of Columbia, Lola Mikovich of Shreveport, La., Shirley McCubbin, Vivian Dexter and Ann Yonkers, all of Centralia, Jennifer Buerky of New Franklin and Deborah Lynn Wyatt of Fayette; a son, Robert E. Wyatt of Columbia; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Newton Lee Wyatt, William Parker Wyatt and Charles Allen Wyatt; a half-brother, Dewey Walker; a grandson, Robert Scott Wyatt; and a great-granddaughter, DeLanie Lynn Blevens.

Memorials are suggested to First Assembly of God building fund.

Maria Ondina Lindner, 78, of Columbia died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at The Bluffs Nursing Home in Columbia.

A memorial service and celebration of Ondina’s life will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Senior Hall on the Stephens College campus, off Waugh Street. Burial will be at Columbia Cemetery immediately after the service. The family will hold a reception for family and friends in the parlor at Senior Hall after the burial ceremonies.

Mrs. Lindner was born Nov. 2, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, to José Maria and Isabel Quijano. She married Luis Lindner on July 15, 1944, in Havana, and he preceded her in death in 1999.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who had a passion for cooking, sewing and gardening flowers.

Mrs. Lindner moved to the United States in 1960 with her husband, who served on the faculty of Stephens College. In 1961, she began working at Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital, where she served for 25 years as a histology technician.

In 1963, she was elected secretary/treasurer of the Missouri State Histology Association. She was also actively involved in and served as president of the Faculty Wives Gourmet Club of Stephens College.

Survivors include a son, José L. Lindner of Columbia; a daughter, Maria E. Mendenhall of Columbia; and five grandchildren, Mindy Mendenhall, Scott Lindner, Jay Lindner, Cindy Mendenhall and Christy Mendenhall.

Memorials are suggested to a garden memorial at The Bluffs Nursing Home in the names of Ondina and Luis Lindner. Checks should be made payable to "Lindner Memorial" and mailed to Boone National Savings & Loan Association, in care of Cindy Mendenhall, P.O. Box 1223, Columbia, Mo., 65205-1323.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Funeral Service.

Robert H. Casati, 86, died peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2004, at South Hampton Place.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Casati was born Feb. 8, 1918, to Alma and Leo Casati. He attended schools in Madison, Wis., and Ripon, Wis., and was drafted from Ripon College in 1941. He served in the Army Air Forces in England, then volunteered and advanced with infantry into France and Germany. After the war in Europe, he was stationed with the Army of occupation in Japan and later with the 24th Division in Korea. He then returned to complete a degree in agricultural economics at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1949, he married Jane Day in Lexington, Va. After service stateside and in Europe again, he was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. After moving his family to Columbia, he served on staff with the Great Rivers Boy Scout Council and eventually retired after years with the University of Missouri Extension Service. Robert was an avid golfer and a supporter of University of Missouri-Columbia Tigers sports programs.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years; three children, Robert P. Casati and Jennifer Zajicek, both of Columbia, and Christopher R. Casati of Portland, Ore.; a sister, Elizabeth Ann Damon of Yakima, Wash.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Memorials are suggested to Cosmopolitan Diabetes Center, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65203, or Alzheimer’s Association, Mid-Missouri Chapter, 1121 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

June Elizabeth McKee, 71, of Columbia died Monday, March 29, 2004, at home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Fifth Street Christian Church, 401 N. Fifth St., with the Rev. W.L. Jenkins officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Warren Funeral Chapel, 12 E. Ash St., and the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. McKee was born Sept. 12, 1932, in Columbia to Robert L. Clarkson and Helen Porter. She married William L. McKee on Feb. 2, 1951, in Columbia, and he survives.

Mrs. McKee was a member of Fifth Street Christian Church.

She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. She was a nurse’s aide at University of Missouri Medical Center in 1956, working her way to operating room technician. She entered nursing school and graduated as valedictorian in 1961. She then worked at Leland Pfefer’s medical office for 22 years before retiring in 1991. She then went to work for seven more years until her final retirement in 2001.

Survivors also include three sons, William McKee Jr. and Kevin McKee, both of Columbia, and Michael McKee of Plano, Texas; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and a stepmother, Flora Wright.

Mary E. Forbis, 91, of Columbia died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Boone Hospital Center.

Graveside services will be at noon Wednesday, April 7, in Columbia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St.

Mrs. Forbis was born May 25, 1912, in Huntington, W.Va., to Arden and Nan Queen McGinnis. She was married to Harry J. Forbis in Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church Parsonage on April 16, 1931, and he preceded her in death in 1965.

Mrs. Forbis moved to Columbia in 1930 from Michigan and joined Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church in 1931. She worked at Parks Department Store for 17 years and then worked at University Hospital as an admissions clerk for 10 years.

She was a member of United Methodist Women and loved flowers and enjoyed working in the garden.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Davenport of Columbia; two granddaughters, Pam Tillotson and Sherry Miller of Columbia; five great-grandchildren, Megan Miller, Seth Miller, J.D. Tillotson, Kris Tillotson and Robin Gray, all of Columbia; and one great-great-grandson, Hunter Gray of Columbia.

Her parents and one sister, Dorothy McGinnis, preceded her in death.

Memorials are suggested to Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

George "Jack" Mirts, 70, of Columbia died Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at University Hospital.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2004, at Community United Methodist Church, 3301 W. Broadway, with the Rev. David Sowers officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Memorial Funeral Home.
Jack was born Nov. 9, 1933, in Callaway County to Martha Ballmeier and Stanley Mirts. He was married to Thelma Jo Berry at First Christian Church of Fulton on July 25, 1959.

He worked for more than 40 years in the grocery business, which included Kroger in Columbia, Mexico, Fulton and several other locations in Missouri and Columbia AF Supermarket.

He was a member of Blue Ridge Christian Church and enjoyed serving the church in whatever capacity was needed.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Mirts of Columbia; one daughter, Shari Wall of Ridge Top, Tenn.; one son, Doug Mirts of Columbia; six granddaughters, Skylar, Savanna and Summer Wall, all of Ridge Top, and Daley, Karley and Kelsey Mirts, all of Columbia; a daughter-in-law, Tonya Mirts of Columbia; a son-in-law, Marty Wall; and a sister, Helen Maddox of Mexico.

He was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.

Memorials are suggested to Blue Ridge Christian Church, 2400 Blue Ridge Road, Columbia, Mo., 65203.

Katie Lynne "Kathy" Chilcutt, 21, of Plainfield, Ill., died Friday, April 9, 2004, in Romeoville, Ill., as a result of an automobile accident.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Katie was born April 29, 1982, in Independence to David Leonard and Vickie Lynne Roberts Chilcutt.

She attended sixth grade at Blue Ridge Elementary School and was a 2000 graduate of Plainfield Central High School. She attended Joliet Junior College and was office manager at Hoerbiger Compression Technology. She attended Assembly of God Church in Plainfield.

Survivors include her parents, of Plainfield; a brother, Michael Chilcutt of Plainfield; grandparents Bob Roberts of Hallsville and George and Erma Chilcutt of Bolivar; a nephew, Anthony Chilcutt of Plainfield; and a fiancee, Ben Ray of Plainfield.

She was preceded in death by a grandmother, Barbara Roberts.

Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association, Attention: Memorial Program Call Center, P.O. Box 2680, Canton, Ohio, 44720.

Lillian E. Patacchi, 93, of Honolulu passed away Monday, April 12, 2004, after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 26 at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church, 5339 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96821, and a mass in her memory will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. at Honolulu’s Sacred Heart Church.

She was born Oct. 6, 1910. After graduating from high school in Allentown, Pa., in 1928, she headed straight for New York City. She became a pupil of the famous maestro Adamo Gregoretti and began singing in the Young Stars Grand Opera Co. of New York.

Identified at the time by her maiden name, Lillian Marchetto, she toured with the La Scala Opera Co. of Philadelphia as a gifted mezzo-soprano.

She traveled throughout the United States and abroad, starring in productions such as "La Boheme," "Carmen" and "Madame Butterfly."

She met and married Valfrido Patacchi, a basso with the New York City Center Opera Co., in 1948. The couple continued touring and performing together with companies such as the Hallmark Hall of Fame opera broadcasts of the 1950s, the Chautauqua New York Opera Co. and Brevard Music Center of Brevard, N.C. Some of Mrs. Patacchi’s more stellar performances included characters such as Bloody Mary in "South Pacific" and Lady Tiang in "The King and I." She worked with well-known performers such as Betty White, widely known as Rose on "The Golden Girls," on "The King and I."

The couple took up permanent residence in Columbia and instructed at Stephens College when they were not performing. Mrs. Patacchi moved to Hawaii in May 1996 with her husband, who preceded her in death in July 1996. She was a resident of the Hawaii Kai Retirement Community, which she grew to love.

Friends and family remember her as a remarkable woman with an unquenchable zest for life. She was often the first to arrive and last to leave social gatherings.

She is survived by her son, Vallian Patacchi of Honolulu; her granddaughter, Lia Patacchi of Honolulu; her grandson, Cory Patacchi of Rocklin, Calif.; and her sister, Viola Marck of Houston.

Nelson Lee Davis, 57, of Columbia died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at his home.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia. Burial will follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Marshall.

Mr. Davis was a field crop specialist with MFA Inc. for nearly 20 years and a member of Memorial Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Jean Siegel; his father, Ralph E. Davis of Marshall; two daughters, Anita Kaye Everly of Durham, N.C., and Adrianne Renee Davis of Mission, Kan.; three brothers; one sister; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Isabelle Heuman Davis.

Memorials are suggested to the Memorial Baptist Church building fund or the American Cancer Society and may be sent to Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall.

Marjorie Elizabeth Long, 84, of Columbia passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004, in Wichita, Kan.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 21 at Memorial Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jim Bryan officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Long was born May 5, 1919, in Howard County to Sylvester P. and Edith Petrie Harris. She married Ottis V. Long on Nov. 8, 1945, in Fayette, and he preceded her in death.

She was employed with MFA Inc. before her retirement. She was a member of Missouri United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was an avid reader and loved to sew, quilt, crochet and knit.

Survivors include a son, Michael Long and his wife, Tina, of Wichita; four grandchildren, Bradley Long, Bryson Long, Raygan Long and Mikenzy Long, all of Savannah; and a stepgranddaughter, Hollyann Johansen of Wichita.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Missouri United Method Church, 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia, Mo., 65201.

Ethel Walton, 92, of Columbia died early Friday, April 16, 2004, at Columbia Manor.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 19 at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Parker Funeral Service. Burial will be after the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

She was born July 24, 1911, in Boone County to William O. and Olga M. Mitchell Watson. She married James Thomas Walton on Dec. 24, 1927.

Ethel was a lifelong resident of Boone County. She was founding member of Grace Bible Church. She was a longtime member of Rebekah’s Lodge.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Shirley Walton of Columbia; two daughters, Betty Turner of Centralia and Thelma Cockrell of Columbia; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Cleo Whitesides of Columbia; and six grandchildren, Mike Walton, Mark Walton, Tony Schuermann, Jeffrey Schuermann, Tom Watson and Vicky Walton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Olga Watson; her husband, James Thomas Walton; two brothers, Searcy Watson and Neal Chapman; two sisters, Ella Carlos and Mildred Claus; and one great-grandchild, Jake Schuermann.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the Missouri River Hospice.