>Homer L. Bailey
Homer Lester Bailey, 86, Bolivar, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bailey, he was born at Lutesville, on Jan. 6, 1915. A resident of Bolivar for the past three years, he previously lived in Humansville and Kansas City. For 20 years he was a truck driver for Manley Transfer in Kansas City. He attended Lighthouse Assembly of God at Humansville. Surviving are his wife, Eva, of the home, and two children, Lester Bailey of Baltimore, Md., and Eunice Davis of the state of Illinois. Services were Sunday, Feb. 18, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Kenneth Doyle officiating. Pallbearers were Steve Gillispie, Johnny Hobelman, Bill Mohler, Troy Gillispie, Leon Bailey and Joe Dayringer. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery. A00008B2001FB21
>Sammie Beaty
Sammie Beaty, 93, Humansville, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, in Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The daughter of William Henry and Lue Emma Jones Baumgardner, she was born July 16, 1907, in Cedar County near Stockton. On Oct.1, 1924, she married Raymond E. Beaty, who preceded her in death June 27, 1973. Her son, Lyman E. Beaty, and two sisters, Pearl Tindell and Opal Heston, also preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of Alder Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Francis Dale and Macelene Beaty of Humansville; a sister, Ruby Dean Leffler of Stockton; five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, Feb. 12,in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Elder Leo Keller officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Gannaway, Eldon Gannaway, J. C. Piper and Roy Austin. Pallbearers were Ken Bridges, Brian Bridges, Derek Bridges, Eric Bridges, Vance Keith and Frank Harmon. Interment was in Alder Cemetery. A00008B2001FB14
>Gladys P. Beckerdite
Gladys Phoebe Beckerdite, 85, Springfield, died at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, at Cox Medical Center North in Springfield after a short illness. She was born Aug. 30, 1915, to George and Edna McMillian Mayfield of the Rock Prairie community. She was saved as a young girl and was baptized and joined Rock Prairie Baptist Church on Oct. 5, 1931, at age 16. She remained a member there all her life. She married Herman Beckerdite in March 1936, and they had one daughter, Ramona. After her husband's death Oct. 7, 1964, she started work as a cook at Kimbrough Nursing Home and worked there until she retired at age 78. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 23 years, Herman; three brothers, Farris Mayfield, Travis Mayfield and Harold Mayfield; and one sister, Jane Mayfield. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ramona and David Hill of Fair Grove; two grandchildren, Gregg Hill of Strafford and Deirdre Phillips and her husband, Mike, of Kansas City; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Marjorie Martin and her husband, Sam, of Buffalo; one brother, Doyle "Sarge" Mayfield and his wife, Irene, of Bolivar; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Mayfield Reed of Buffalo and Winnie Mayfield of Bolivar; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Graveside services were Monday, Feb. 26, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, with the Rev. Doyle Mayfield officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North. A00008B2000FB28
>George H. Bell
George H. Bell, 64, Humansville, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at his home. He was born May 23, 1936, at Gainesville, the son of Henry and Pearl Hilesbeck Bell. A longtime resident of Humansville, he was a retired roofing contractor. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Cynthia Bell and Christine Libeer. Survivors include his wife, Lola, of the home; four children, Michael Bell of Humansville, Karen Vasto of Troy, Texas, Eddie Brown of Bolivar and Connie Casey of Humansville; two sisters, Pauline Beard of Republic and Marie Miller of Richmond; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, Feb. 10, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Joe Coppedge officiating. Pallbearers were Mike Sprowls, Bill LeAN, Buzz Baker, Bill Proctor, John Locke and C. W. Spice. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery. A00008B2001FB14
>Edna Mae Chaney
Edna Mae Chaney, 95, Pittsburg, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001, in Christian Health Care of Hermitage following a lingering illness. She was born March 20, 1905, near Urbana to Christopher Columbus and Martha Isabel Alexander Pitts. On Nov. 26, 1921, she was united in marriage to Bertrand Harry Chaney, and to this union six children were born. She was a homemaker and, along with her husband, had owned and operated the General Store in Pittsburg for 22 years. She is survived by four daughters, Erma Dee Greenlee of Monroe, La., Linda Vee Bigler and her husband, J.C., of Wheatland, Lavon Swan Langhauff of Tyler, Texas, and Connie Stevens of Corvina, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Dixie Chaney of Clarksville, Ark.; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Bertie Lee Chaney; her husband, Bert, on Jan. 22, 1992; a son, Marvin Leo Chaney, on June 10, 1998; two brothers, Charley Pitts and Virgil Pitts; two sisters, Elpha Jones and Eva Rountree; three sons-in-law, Bob Greenlee, Loren Swan and Richard Langhauff; a grandson, Kyle Chaney; and a granddaughter, Yvette Lusk. Services were Saturday, Feb. 24, at Antioch Christian Church in Pittsburg with the Rev. Bob Miller and the Rev. Don Hart officiating. Music was provided by Lila Jenkins accompanied by Ruth Williams. Burial followed in Antioch Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rick Bigler, Gary Dennis, Benny Swan, Terry Swan, Jerry Lightfoot and Jerald Lightfoot. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B2000FB28
>Anna L. Dodd
Anna L. Dodd, 98, Greenfield, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 7, 2001, in Dade County Nursing Home following a short illness. She was born June 10, 1902, in Polk County near Walnut Grove, the daughter of R.G. and Nora Shea Burros. She graduated from Bolivar High School and attended Southwest Baptist College. She had resided in Bakersfield, Calif., for 51 years, returning to the Greenfield area in 1987. She was a homemaker and before her marriage taught at Eudora School. In Bakersfield, Calif., she was a salesclerk for Sears and Company. She joined Eudora Baptist Church at an early age. In California, she was a charter member of the Shalimar Baptist Church and was a member there for 51 years. Upon her return to Greenfield, she joined the Main Street Baptist Church. She was united in marriage to Heydon E. Dodd Dec. 29, 1926. They shared more than 61 years together, until he preceded her in death July 29, 1988. Also preceding her in death were her son, Bernard L. Dodd, on July 4, 1987; her parents; a brother, Geln Burros, in 1972 and a sister, Helen McKenzie, in 1990. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Virginia Dodd; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Vinnie Hurst of Chillicothe, Mabel Landreth and Nellie Robnett, both of Springfield; and severl nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Feb. 10, in Eudora Baptist Church with the Rev. Harold McMasters and the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. A00008B2001FB14
>Calvin Lee Elliott
Calvin Lee Elliott, 35, Bolivar, died about 10:43 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, 2001, as a result of an accident at the Cedar Ridge boat ramp on Stockton Lake near Bona. He was apparently run over by his pickup while he was attempting to launch his boat. He was born Feb. 8, 1966, in Hartsford, Ind., the son of Robert and June Elliott. He had been a resident south of Bolivar for the past five years. He was employed as a lineman for City Utilities in Springfield. Surviving are his wife, Pamela, and two daughters, Hailey and Lindsay Elliott, all of the home; his father, Robert Elliott of Bolivar; his mother, June Elliott of Bolivar; one brother, Bryant Elliott of Bolivar; his paternal grandmother, Catherine Elliott of Montpelier, Ind.; and his maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Lei Lanie West of Fair Grove. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Waterman officiating. Burial will be in the Enon Cemetery southwest of Bolivar. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the family at Commerce Bank in Bolivar. Contributions may be made at any Commerce Bank location. A00008B2000FB28
>Marsha Ann Glor
Marsha Ann Glor, 46, Bolivar, died Thursday, Feb 8, 2001, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was born Dec. 3, 1954, in Kansas City, the daughter of Elvin George and Mary Evelyn Harmon Glor. She attended schools in Kansas City before the family moved to Bolivar, where she graduated from high school. She had been a member of Bolivar First Baptist Church for 29 years. For the past several years she had been caring for her parents. She is survived by her parents, Elvin George and Mary Glor of Bolivar; her grandmother, Cleva Harmon of Buffalo; and many uncles, aunts and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda, and three grandparents, Bertha and George Glor and Ray Harmon. Services were Saturday, Feb. 10, in Montgomery-Viets Funeral Chapel, Buffalo, with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was by Lonnie Glor, soloist, who sang "Precious Memories" and "Amazing Grace." Casketbearers were Darrell Crites, Greg Glor, Kenneth Glor, Lonnie Hagedorn, Bob Manes and Ronnie Percival. Interment was in Hopewell Cemetery at Tunas. A00008B2001FB14
>Wilbur "Bill" Grant
Wilbur F. "Bill" Grant, 89, Ash Grove, died Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 7, 2001, in the Ash Grove Health Care Center following a short illness. He was born near Morrisville and was a lifelong resident of the Everton and Ash Grove area. He was a retired farmer and had been a pipeliner. He was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. He was united in marriage with Aileen Berry Dec. 24, 1929, and they were together for more than 41 years. To this union seven children were born. Aileen preceded him in death Aug. 29, 1971. On June 8, 1984, he was married to Margaret Cotter, and they shared 13 years together. She preceded him in death July 16, 1997. Also preceding him in death were two sons, Morris Berry Grant and Bill Wayne Grant. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley and Ruth Grant of Everton, Larry and Helen Grant of Liberty and James Gordon and Erma Grant of Kansas City; two daughters, Mary Frances Welsh of Kauii, Hawaii, and Jane Ann Fihn of Concord, Calif.; 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Services were Monday, Feb. 12, in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove, with the Rev. Kenneth Wilson officiating. Interment followed in Sinking Creek Cemetery, Everton. A00008B2001FB14
>Eleanor A. Hennings
Eleanor A. Hennings, 82, Buffalo, died at 2:10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She had been a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; one brother and two sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Joan Kirksey and her husband, Wayne, of Aldrich and Marlyn Morgans and her husband, Don, of Buffalo; five grandchildren, Mitzi, Ginger, Steve, Greg and Dusty; 11 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and two step-great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Rahn of Yanton, S.D.; and one brother, Marion "Sam" Nelson of St. Helena, Neb. Graveside services were Friday, March 2, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. A00008B2001MR07
>Cora E. Kirksey
Cora Elviria Kirksey, 80, Aldrich, died Friday morning Feb. 16, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, following a long illness. She was born Aug. 14, 1920, in Aldrich to George Thomas and Cora Ellen Shuler McKinney. She was a homemaker and a member of the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. She lived most of her life in Aldrich. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gordon Kirksey; three sisters, Mary, Della and Eunice; and five brothers, Paul, Buck, Arley, Jess and Eura. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Elaine Emmert and her husband, Howard, of Aldrich; one sister, Dorothy Kinder of Carthage; two granddaughters and their husbands, Mary D. and Shannon Crites and Deborah L. and Randy Presley; five great-grandchildren, Sarah, Sheena, Ryan, Andrew and Randy; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Monday, Feb. 19, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Casketbearers were Paul McKinney Jr., Buddy Hagarman, Shannon Crites, Randy Presely, Kerry Kinder and Bill Shuler. A00008B2001FB21
>Ed J. Kroutil
Ed James Kroutil, 87, Bolivar, died at 7:40 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, in his home following a short illness. He was born in Polk County and was a lifelong resident of the Bolivar and Pleasant Hope area. He was a retired farmer and stockman and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, receiving two Bronze Stars. He was united in marriage with Julia Francka on Feb. 12, 1947, and they shared 54 years together. To this union one son was born. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthon and Marie Vodicka Kroutil, and eight brothers and sisters: Mary Novak, Jim, Joe, Tony, Frank, Fred and Charlie Kroutil and Anne Francka. He is survived by his wife, Julia, of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Mary Kroutil of Bolivar; five grandchildren, Oksana, Andrey, Svetta, Anya and Dustin Kroutil; one sister, Helen McNally of Excelsior Springs; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass was Monday, Feb. 19, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father William Hodgson and Deacon Joseph Kroutil officiating. Interment followed in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Bolivar with full military honors under the auspices of the Missouri Bravo Military Honors Team of Springfield. Arrangments were under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, 1405 W. Fair Play St., Bolivar MO 65613. A00008B2001FB21
>Jack H. Lee
Jack H. Lee, 70, Pittsburg, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, at his home. He was born April 8, 1930, in Pratt, Kan. He was a real estate agent with Hoover and Associates. He was retired from the city of Springfield where he had been a 911 dispatcher. He was a member of the Pomme de Terre United Methodist Church and a member of their Men's Club, the Hermitage Masonic Lodge No. 288 and the Pomme de Terre Shrine Club. He was also involved in various community activities and services. Survivors include a son, Kent Lee of Braidwood, Ill.; a daughter, Denise Lee of Pontiac, Ill.; a stepson, Wayne Ryder Jr. of Lyons, Ill.; four stepdaughters, Debbie Geren of Springfield, Patty Ramey of Marshfield, Laura Sanwald of Lebanon and Sharon Salman of Herscher, Ill.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Lee and Helen Ross; his wife, Mary Ann; a daughter, Kim; and a son, Keith. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Pomme de Terre United Methodist Church at Carson's Corner with burial at 2 p.m. in East Lawn Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home, Wheatland. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the funeral home with Masonic service immediately following. A00008B2001FB07
>Solomon E. Lollar
Solomon Edward Lollar, 64, Bolivar, died at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001, in his home after a long battle with diabetes. He was born Nov. 15, 1936, in Pilot Knob, the son of Grove and Letha Lollar. He married Rosalie Skaggs on Nov. 17, 1956. Together they had three children. He spent most of his life working as a builder. His first love was Christ and he had a passion for telling other about him. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar. He had been a resident of Bolivar for the past 41 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Leona Lollar; two sisters, Delia Harding and Goldie Kryston; and a brother, Monroe Lollar. Surviving are his wife, Rosalie, of the home; two sons, Eddie Lollar and his wife, Beth, and Brian Lollar, all of Bolivar; a daughter, Cheryl Friesz and her husband, Mike, of Independence; one brother, Clyde Lollar of Granby; three sisters, Isabell Diesel of Piedmont, Essie Swan of St. Louis and Shirley Seufert of Bolivar; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Leininger, the Rev. Mike Friesz and the Rev. Joe Coppedge officiating. Music will be provided by Gary and Sharon Swan. Casketbearers will be Frank Cunningham, Wesley Gott, Bernie Jenkins, Don Jump, Darrell Strait and Dean Voris. Honorary casketbearers will be Frank Ross, L.D. Silvey, John Vaughan, Carl Huser, Porter Harryman and Kurt Caddy. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. A00008B2000FB28
>Bobby L. Miller
Bobby Linden Miller, 73, Bolivar, died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at his home after two-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was born Nov. 4, 1927, near Fair Play, the son of Ira Ingle "Bob" and Fay Degraffenreid Miller. He was united in marriage to Dorothy June Agee on March 29, 1951, and to this union three daughters were born. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nancy Marie; his father, Bob Miller; and a brother-in-law, Victor Jacobson. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home; two daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Richard Johnson of Burlington, N.C., and Teresa and Rick Lindsay of Bolivar; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Callie of Burlington, N.C.; two step-grandsons, Todd Lindsay and his wife, Sara, and Matt Lindsay and his wife, Ann, both of Bolivar; and two step-great-grandchildren, Lauren and Colton Lindsay of Bolivar. Also surviving are his mother, Fay Miller of Bolivar; a sister, Wilda Jacobson of Bolivar; a brother, Wayne Miller and his wife, Melba, of Springfield; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Bobby graduated from Fair Play High School in 1945 and later joined the U.S. Army in 1946. He began working for Empire District Electric Company in 1952 and retired in 1990 after 37 years of service. He was an avid sports fan and had followed the St. Louis Cardinals since he was a boy. At the time of his death he was a member of Southside Missionary Baptist Church. Bobby was saved at home at age 44 and spent the remaining years of his life testifying what the Lord had done for him. He loved the fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Bobby's family was the light of his life, especially his beloved grandchildren. Services were Friday, Feb. 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot officiating. Musical selections were by Lisa Jarvis, Barbara McMurren and Charley Ealy with Mary Childress as the accompanist. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery southwest of Aldrich. Casketbearers were Billy D. Lightfoot, Dennis Miller, Mick Hood, Travis Jones, Joe Kirby and Dale Agee. A00008B2001FB14
>Mildred P. Millican
Mildred Pauline Millican, 98, Waynesville, formerly of Humansville, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, at Sunset Village of the Ozarks, Waynesville. The daughter of W. W. and Sallie Henson Mack, she was born Dec. 14, 1902, at Humansville. On June 10, 1920, she married Burr Millican, who preceded her in death March 27, 1981. She graduated from Southwest Baptist College with a degree in piano. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, St. Robert. In adidtion to her husband, she was also preceded in death by six brothers, Harry Mack, Herbert Mack, George Mack, McKinley Mack, Buford Mack and Raymond Mack; and one sister, Lydia Harmon. Surviving are nieces and nephews and a special friend, Noma Carter of St. Robert. Services were Sunday, Feb. 11, in Humansville First Baptist Church with the Rev. Thomas A. Moore Jr. and the Rev. Dennis Crowder officiating. Pallbearers were Bob Brown, Bysor Shelenhamer, Earl Ball, Roy Austin, Chuck Springer and Charles Bays. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B2001FB14
>William Moore
William "Bill" Moore, 71, Pleasant Hope, died at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center. He was a retired truck driver. No services were held. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. A00008B2001FB21
>Atha P. Ragsdale
Atha Pearl Ragsdale, 91, Kearney, formerly of Polk, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, in Plattsburg. She was born Oct. 2, 1909, in Polk, the daughter of Amos and Martha Payne Roberts. She was united in marriage to Ruby Leonard Ragsdale, and to this union four children were born. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Kearney. She is survived by a son, Clifford Ragsdale, and two daughters, Martha Ragsdale and Marcella Babcock, all of Kearney; three brothers, Ester Roberts, Albert Roberts and Leslie Roberts, all of Polk; two sisters, Annie Walker and Ada Jump, both of Bolivar; and five grandchildren, Ray Babcock Jr., Mike Babcock, Russell Babcock, Darrin Ragsdale and Amy Ragsdale. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Edna Pearl Ragsdale; her husband, Ruby, on Feb. 5, 1988; and five brothers, Fred Roberts, Claude Roberts, Clifford Roberts, Cleo Roberts and Jesse Roberts. Services were Tuesday, Feb. 13, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Glenn Roberts officiating. Music was provided by Jim Collins accompanied by Marla Roberts. Burial was in Payne Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wendal Roberts, Dr. Donald Jump, Mike Babcock, Russell Babcock, Ray Babcock Jr. and Darrin Ragsdale. Honorary pallbearers were Denzil Roberts, Leonard Roberts, Kelly Roberts, Dr. Jeff Roberts, Hardy Roberts, Gale Roberts, Denton Roberts, Durward Walker and Velbert Walker. A00008B2001FB14
>Phillip Rubio
Phillip Rubio, 55, Bolivar, died at 2:07 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was an auto mechanic. Services will be at a later date in Tennessee. Cremation was under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield. A00008B2001FB21
>Johnnie Dean Seamster
Johnnie Dean Seamster, 70, Topeka, Kan., died at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Kansas City after a lingering illness. He was born in Polk County on Oct. 6, 1930, the son of the Rev. Artie Elgie Seamster and Bessie Baby Lightfoot Seamster. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and was given a medical retirement in March 1954. For health reasons he spent most of his remaining years in veterans' hospitals, living the last 20 years at Colmery-O'Neil Veterans' Hospital in Topeka, Kan. He was a member of the Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church north of Polk, where he was saved and had retained membership throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Gertrude Seamster; two brothers, Edsel Ray and James Willard Seamster; one stepbrother, Leo McNatt; one sister, Nola Mae Storment; two nieces, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law. He is survived by four brothers, Junior Seamster of Wichita, Kan., Donnie Seamster of Town Creek, Ala., Alvie Seamster of Polk and Charles Seamster of Plantersville, Miss.; three sisters, Juanita Wilson of Polk, Betty Monier of Springfield and Shirley Potts of Half Way; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law; 34 nieces and nephews and a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Feb. 24, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot officiating. Casketbearers were Alan Seamster, Ted Young, David McNatt, Leroy Seamster, Terry Storment and Robert Monier. Burial was in the Payne Cemetery at Polk. Military honors were conducted by the Galmey V.F.W. Post No. 9638. A00008B2000FB28
>Bennie M. Spurgeon
Bennie Merle Spurgeon, 83, Pittsburg, was found dead Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, in his home. Death was due to natural causes. He was born Nov. 16, 1917, in Udell, Iowa, the son of Charlie Clarence and Lillie Ann Nighswonger Spurgeon. He was married to his first wife, Mary, in 1942, and she preceded him in death in 1966. His second wife, Fay, preceded him in death in 1994. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Rhonda, in 1984; a brother, Maynard Spurgeon; and a sister, Winona Fern McCord. He was a carpenter and a lifetime member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, which he joined in 1938. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of Word War II, serving with the SeaBees in Pearl Harbor, Midway and Tinian. He was a longtime resident of the Kansas City area, retiring in 1973 and moving to Pittsburg where he bought and operated the Indian Hills Resort until he retired again in 1983. Surviving are one stepson, Dr. Edward Hicks of Pittsford, N.Y.; three stepdaughters, Barbara Wiktorski of Carrolton, Texas, Billie Jo Rawlings of Gilbert, Ariz., and Judy Dykstra of Buckeye, Ariz.; a sister, Twila Phillips of Pleasant Hill; two nephews, Ron Hurst of Houston, Texas, and Craig Tatro of Pine Mountain, Calif; a niece, Sharon Kimbirell of Lee's Summit; nine step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Saturday, Feb. 10, in the Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. A00008B2001FB14
>Vern Theakston
Vern Theakston, 80, Bolivar, died at 1:35 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001, at the Parkview Health Care Facility after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 5, 1920, in Trousdale, Kan., the son of Elv Theakston and Lottie Unzicker Theakston. He was a longtime resident of Hutchinson, Kan., moving to Bolivar in 1976. Vern graduated from Trousdale High School in 1938. He then entered Ft. Hays State College, where he was a mile runner on the track team. After two years in college he decided to join the U.S. Air Force Ground Crew and was a veteran of World War II. Vern returned to Trousdale and on May 22, 1949, was united in marriage to Viola Taylor. After attending trade school for two years in mechanics, he decided that it was not for him. They moved to Great Bend, Kan., where Vern was hired by a machine shop, and he learned to be a machinist. After moving to Missouri, Vern taught machinist tool and die making in the CEDA program in Lebanon Vo-Tech School until the government decided to close down that program and Vern decided to try retiring at an early age. When they first moved to Missouri they lived between Louisburg and Urbana, then decided to move to the Bolivar area to be closer to doctors and hospitals. Vern and Viola were members of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. Vern always enjoyed yard and garden work, but the biggest joy of his life was fishing. He loved to go fishing with his fishing buddy, Jerry Routh. I'd have to get him a can of beanie wieners and fix him a bread and butter sandwich and they were off with a boat or canoe. It really didn't matter to them whether they caught any fish or not. They just floated the rivers and streams, enjoying the wonders of the world and wild life they saw. A lot of conversation went on between the two of them, and he was enjoying life to the fullest. May God be with him to enjoy the life hereafter. Surviving are his wife, Viola M. Theakston of the home, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Feb. 24, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Adkison and the Rev. Bill Maggi officiating. Inurnment was Monday morning at the Greenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Routh, Darrell Strait, John Hancock, Steve Hancock, Frank Lisk and Mark Cross. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bolivar United Methodist Church. A00008B2000FB28
>Bertha L. Timblin
Bertha L. Timblin, 57, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001, in her home following a short illness. She was born Aug. 10, 1943, to Edward and Juanita Solomon Timblin in Tulsa, Okla. She was a retired nurse. She is survived by two daughters, Shirley Vasquez and her friend, Santana Kirk, of Springfield and Angel Timblin of the home; her mother, Juanita Timblin of Harrisonville; three brothers, Bill Timblin of Harrisonville, Bob Timblin of Lane, Kan., and David Timblin of Harrisonville; one sister, Betty Wisdom of Amorette; and four grandchildren, Joseph Vasquez, Adreanna Vasquez, Breanna Vasquez and Christina Kirk. She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Mary Brewster. Services were Saturday, Feb. 17, in Pitts Chapel. Burial followed in Mount Gilead Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. A00008B2001FB21