Obituaries

James Hickam

James Hickam, 71, of Jackson died Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

Arrangements are incomplete at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

Sherman Caldwell

THEBES, Ill. — Sherman Lawrence Caldwell, 92, of Thebes died Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 22, 1916, in Alexander County, Ill., to William and Ida Dyer Caldwell. He and Marcella Davis were married July 20, 1940. She died March 22, 1995. He later married Sylvia Clubb, who survives.

Mr. Caldwell spent his working life on the river, retiring from the Army Corps of Engineers. He was also a cattle farmer.

Survivors include two daughters, Nigel M. (Larry) Collins, Twyla D. (Everett) Wareing, all of Thebes; a brother, Finley (Edna) Caldwell of Murphysboro, Ill.; a granddaughter, Jackalyn M. (Kerry) Houser of Boaz, Ky.; two grandsons, Brandon (Athena) Wareing of Las Cruces, N.M., Dustin (Bryanna) Wareing of Jackson; two great-grandsons, Collin T. Houser, Everett J. Wareing; a great-granddaughter, Megan J. Wareing; three sisters-in-law, Thaleta, Tasoula and Amy Caldwell; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; six brothers; two sisters; an infant son; a grandson, Scott Collins; and a nephew, Merrill K. Austin, whom he raised.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to the time of service today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Brent Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.

Memorials may be made to Rose Hill Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.

George Lence

LICK CREEK, Ill. — George Wayne Lence, 60, of Lick Creek died Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Ill.

He was born Dec. 20, 1947, in Anna, Ill., son of Walter Truman and Mary Virginia Manus Lence.

Survivors include his mother of Lick Creek; two brothers, Richard Lence of Anna, Mervin Lence of Lick Creek; and a sister, Rosalee Edwards of Marion, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Tirey officiating. Interment will be in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery.

Evelyn Wilcox, Deborah Selden

Evelyn Muriel Wilcox, 97, of Marble Hill, Mo., died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at Elder Care of Marble Hill. Her daughter, Deborah Ann Selden, 52, of Huntington, Ind., died Jan. 11, 2007, in Huntington.

Wilcox was born Dec. 3, 1910, in Elburn, Ill., daughter of William and Louise Bonfield. She married Louis Oestman, who preceded her in death. She later married Harry Selden, who died in 1958. She then married St. Elmo Wilcox in 1960. He preceded her in death Dec. 30, 1982.

Wilcox was a cook at the Marble Hill Nutrition Center and helped organize the Tri-City Senior Citizens Nutrition Program in Marble Hill in 1972. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Marble Hill.

Survivors include three daughters, Muriel Olsen of Palatine, Ill., JoAnn Corcoran of Joliet, Ill., and Lynn Parker of Noblesville, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Joyce Glass of Lake of the Four Seasons, Ind.; two sons, William Wilcox of Marble Hill, Raymond Oestman of Gilbert, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Wilcox was preceded in death by her parents and two daughters.

Selden was born April 6, 1954, in Wauconda, Ill., daughter of Harry Selden and Evelyn Wilcox.

Survivors include brothers William Wilcox of Marble Hill and Raymond Oestman of Gilbert; three sisters, Lynn Parker of Noblesville, Muriel Olsen of Palatine and JoAnn Corcoran of Joliet.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery in Marble Hill. The Rev. Fred Ritter will officiate.

Edith White

Edith M. Wiblin White, 83, formerly of Summersville, W.Va., and Pine Bluff, Ark., passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Sept. 18, 1924, daughter of John Melvin and Minnie Butler Wills. Edith and Clarence O. Wiblin were married in 1940. He died in 1975. She and Elijah White were married in 1994 in Pine Bluff. He died in 2005.

Edith was a former member of Worldwide Church of God and in past years The Shepherd's Chapel.

Survivors include two sons, Clarence S. Wiblin and Norma of Rutherfordton, N.C., Claude and Priscilla in Crownsville, Md.; two daughters, Roseann Sikes of Weston, W.Va., Lula and Charles DeFelice of Cape Girardeau; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Included also are three stepchildren in Arkansas, Phillip White, Rupert and Joann White, and Rickey and Betty White; two brothers, Estel and Phyllis Willis and Eddie and Geneva Wills; and a sister, Evelyn Dorsey in West Virginia; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by a grandchild and two brothers, Edgel and Eugene.

There is no visitation or service in Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Monday at White Funeral Home in Summersville.

The graveside service will be at noon Monday at Walker Memorial Park in Summersville, with a brother, the Rev. Eddie Wills, officiating.

Local arrangements by Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Opal Hurst

Opal Hurst, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 28, 1917, at White Oak, Mo., daughter of Walter and Ida Sanders McGee. Opal married Henry Hurst on Feb. 3, 1938. He preceded her in death Feb. 27, 1991.

Opal was a member of the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Hurst of Yuma, Ariz.; two daughters, Barbara Drew of Delta, Laura Hurst of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Brian Drew and Karen McCain of Delta, Pam Gundersen, Matt Hurst and Sarah "Betsy" Torgerson of Yuma; a sister, Irma Lee Pillow of Piggott, Ark.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Mo.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Vyron Yount officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens near Morley, Mo.

Harrie Wyatt

CAIRO, Ill. — Harrie Wyatt, 88, of Cairo died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Monday at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Ill.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Dr. Grady Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Mound City National Cemetery.

Howard Baudendistel

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Howard H. Baudendistel, 100, formerly of Perryville, died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at the Lutheran Convalescent Home in Webster Groves, Mo.

He was born Feb. 4, 1908, at Silver Lake, Mo., son of Lawrence and Anna Deitsch Baudendistel. He and Viola Bey were married Nov. 6, 1936. She died Nov. 10, 1969.

Baudendistel was a machine foreman at International Shoe Co. and also farmed. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville and the Holy Name Society.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Kreilich of St. Louis; two sisters, Rita Mullins and Anita Windle of St. Louis; three grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and a sister.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Monday at Miller Family Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Sunday. The rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Monday.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville. The Rev. Milton Ryan will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Opal Hurst, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center.
Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Ruth A. Hager, 65, of Perryville died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.
She was born April 26, 1943, in St. Louis, daughter of Clements T. and Leona M. Ponder Meyer. She and John A. Hager Sr. were married April 11, 1965. He died Feb. 29, 2008.
Hager had worked at Perry County Sheltered Workshop. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Apple Creek, Mo.
Survivors include three sons, Mark and John Hager of Perryville, Albert Hager of Shreveport, La.; four daughters, Barbara Atherton of St. Louis, Marilyn Collins, Michelle Wallis and Dana Adams, all of Perryville; two sisters, Kathy Pecaut of Perryville, Betty Robertson of Frohna, Mo.; two brothers, Randy Meyer of Uniontown, Mo., Gary Meyer of Marble Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son and a grandson.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. The wake will be at 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Apple Creek, with the Rev. Tony Dattilo officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery at Apple Creek.

COBDEN, Ill. — Elsie Lorene Bethards, 83, of Cobden, formerly of Villa Ridge, Ill., died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at her home.
She was born April 5, 1925, in Carterville, Ill., daughter of Walter and Grace Keener Hawkins. She and Gerald Bethards were married Nov. 9, 1944. He died April 7, 1994.
Bethards was a member of Villa Ridge Union Church and, along with her husband, pastored Villa Ridge Union Church, Cobden Congregational Church and Boaz Anderson Church more than 40 years. She served as personal secretary to her husband in their ministry of 50 years. She played the organ at the Villa Ridge and Cobden churches.
In her youth she was employed at Holden Hospital. In later years she was employed at the post office in Villa Ridge.
Survivors include two daughters, Susan Middleton and Jean Britt of Cobden; a sister, Mary Camden of Anna, Ill.; a brother, Reuben Hawkins of Cobden; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cobden Congregational Church, with the Revs. Bryan Morrison, Larry Buckles and Oscar Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in Alto Pass Cemetery.

CHAFFEE, Mo. — Stephanie Gail Thompson, 54, of Chaffee died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at her home.
She was born July 14, 1954, in Chicago, daughter of Elvin Earl and Ruth Adams Ladd. She and Dennis Thompson were married Dec. 4, 1970, in Jackson.
Thompson had worked as a nurse aide and was a member of Illmo Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Denny Thompson of Jackson; a daughter, Tonya Schrum of Scott City; her mother of Chaffee; a brother, Earl Ladd of Jackson; three sisters, Glinda Seabaugh of Cape Girardeau, Vanessa Murray of Sedgewickville, Mo., Junell Parrot of Dupo, Ill.; and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, a brother and a sister.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Joyce A. Ernst, 57, of Perryville died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.
She was born Nov. 25, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Gilbert and Gladys Moore Ernst.
Ernst was a 1969 graduate of St. Vincent High School and a graduate of Gradwall Lab. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and its Ladies Sodality.
She had been a lab technician with Physician Associates and Regional Primary Care, and was a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross, all in Cape Girardeau.
Survivors include two sisters, Linda McDermott of Independence, Mo., and Sandra Schetter of Cape Girardeau.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. The wake will be at 7 tonight.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joe Williams officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association.

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. — Joe Blakemore, 95, of Olive Branch died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill.
He was born Aug. 3, 1913, in Lakewood, Ill., son of James Franklin and Amy Roberts Blakemore. He and Ruth Kinder were married Oct. 31, 1936.
Blakemore was a member of Olive Branch Methodist Church. He was a lifelong farmer and owned Blakemore Hunting Club many years. He loved to raise cattle and pigs and go fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Olive Branch; two sons, Dick (Doreen) Blakemore of Noblesville, Ind., Frank (Mary) Blakemore of Olive Branch; a sister, Ruth Worthington of Olive Branch; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jim, John and Paul Blakemore.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dick Blakemore officiating. Interment will follow in Jonesboro Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Horseshoe Lake Fire Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.

SIKESTON, Mo. — Dr. John Lesley Doggett, 85, of Mount Vernon Veterans Home and Springfield, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008.

He was born May 4, 1923, at Patton, Mo., son of John Columbus and Willie Marie Grindstaff Doggett.

Doggett graduated from Patton High School in 1940. John L. served during World War II in the U.S. Navy Seabees from February 1943 to February 1946.

He and Mary Louise Wallis, daughter of Hawn and Carrie Nienstedt Wallis of Millersville, were married Aug. 18, 1946, at Centenary Methodist Church.

John L. graduated from St. Louis University College of Dentistry in June 1951. Also in 1951, during the Korean conflict, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps. He served two years at Camp Gordon, Ga., where his tour of duty ended in June 1953. Later he became a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dr. Doggett opened his dental practice in Sikeston June 6, 1953. He had a thriving practice 37 years and six months until he retired Jan. 1, 1990.

John L. was preceded in death by his parents, John and Willie Doggett; a brother, David Doggett; and a sister, Geraldine Seabaugh.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise Doggett of Springfield; a son, James Doggett of Springfield; a daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Bill Halley of Edmond, Okla.; a son and daughter-in-law, John David and Kim Doggett of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren, Jed Purcell, who is serving in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force, Tess Purcell of Edmond, Colin Doggett of Scottsdale, Ariz., Alexis Doggett of Columbia, Cara Mullins and husband Brandon of Silsbee, Texas, and Hannah Doggett of Amarillo.

He is also survived by a sister, Arlene Grantham of Jackson; several nieces and nephews; as well as numerous cousins. In addition to these treasured family members, also is Helen Beeson a longtime family friend and caregiver that will be forever appreciated.

John L. was a man of many talents. He loved birdwatching, photographing wildflowers and gardening, puttering around on the farm, stamp collecting and watercolor painting.

He was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 41 16 years. He was president of Southeast Missouri Dental Society, where he had already served as secretary and treasurer.

John L. was a member of Sikeston Art League. He was active in PTA and served in different offices, as well as the Four Seasons Audubon Society.

He and Mary enjoyed many years traveling with their grandchildren all over the USA, including a round trip to Alaska and volunteering in Hawaii National Park. John L. was always happiest when busy. He was loved a lot and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service with visitation will be held Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m.

The service will be at 11 a.m. with his nephew, David Edward Seabaugh of Chicago, officiating.

Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials would be appreciated to the following: Southeast Missouri Boy Scouts, First United Methodist Church or the Nature Conservancy.

Robert Emmett "Bob" Kelly, 78, of Los Alamos, N.M., died peacefully Monday, Aug. 25, 2008, with family by his side.

Bob was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Cape Girardeau, to Robert Emmett and Gladys Faye Adams Kelly Sr. He and Sarah Grace Combs of Inverness, Miss., were married June 6, 1962.

As student body president, he graduated in 1947 from Central High School. In 1950 he graduated with honors from Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in chemistry, physics and math. Two years later he received a master's degree in engineering physics with a math minor at the University of Missouri-Rolla. In 1959 he was awarded a doctorate in physics with meteorology as a minor at the University of Connecticut.

Bob's work experience prior to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he taught for 30 years, included General Electric, Boeing, Savannah River Laboratory, American Optical Hanford Laboratory, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, NASA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

During his time at Ole Miss he consulted at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and for 15 months he performed research with the French Atomic Energy Commission in France. In 1988 he became a full-time employee at LANL as a theoretical physicist. Upon his retirement from LANL, Bob began consulting with Stolar Research Corp. in Raton, N.M., where he thoroughly enjoyed his work.

Bob built his first radio when he was 8 years old and became an amateur radio operator soon thereafter. He was active as a ham operator with the highest grade of license issued by the FCC.

He was a performance musician his entire life in various groups such as jazz combos, pit orchestras and big bands. Music was very much a part of his life and he even performed with the Los Alamos Big Band as recently as two weeks prior to his death.

In 1984 Southeast honored Bob with the Alumni Merit Award, and in 1988 the University of Mississippi titled him professor emeritus.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sarah Grace of Los Alamos; his children, Katelyn Palo of Alberta, Canada, Frank Kelly and Tara Kelly Orr (Bill), both of Memphis, Tenn.; a sister, Martha Kelly Mutschler of La Jolla, Calif.; and four grandchildren, Phaedra and Colden Palo and Lydia and William Orr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Emmett Kelly Sr. and Gladys Faye Adams Kelly; a brother-in-law, Ernie Mutschler; and an infant granddaughter, Mary Orr.

A memorial service was held Aug. 29 at First United Methodist Church in Los Alamos. As a tribute to Bob, the Los Alamos Big Band played throughout the service.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Self Help Inc. in Los Alamos or to the charity of one's choice.

Bob was very clear in knowing where he was going, and although he was sad to leave his family he was ready to go home.

Announcement courtesy of Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. — Eileen Browning Vreeland, 86, of Las Vegas and formerly of Olive Branch, Ill., went to be with the Lord Monday, Sept. 1, 2008.

She was born Aug. 4, 1922, in Miller City, Ill.

She was a retired underwriter for Mutual of Omaha. She was a member of the Browning Family Quartet.

She was preceded in death by parents, the Rev. and Mrs. D.C. Morningstar; sisters, Marietta and the Rev. Genevieve Morningstar; and a great-grandson, Austin Godsey.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Vreeland; three daughters, Brenda (John) Stephens of Oklahoma City, Janet (Dutch) Parish and Marla (Rich) Green, both of Las Vegas; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Service will be held Friday at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas.

THEBES, Ill. — Francis O. Prater, 77, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at her home in Thebes after a long illness.

She was born Feb. 12, 1931, in Glasgow, Ill., to Merle Lee and Louvennia Emerson Houchens. She and Herbert C. Prater were married Nov. 1, 1951. They had five children.

The Praters attended East Cape Baptist Church and were active in the Thebes community. Francis was known and appreciated at the Thebes Senior Citizens Center for her legendary chicken and dumplings. She was awarded the Studs Terkel Humanitarian Award in 2006 for her involvement in the reopening of the Thebes Courthouse.

Francis was also a former member of Southeast Missouri Modelers Association (SEMMA), where she would travel to air shows and enjoyed meeting people. She was an avid fisherwoman and loved target shooting, quilting and crafting, but what she enjoyed most was her 56 wonderful years with Herbert and their children.

Loving survivors include her husband, Herbert of Thebes; two daughters, Doris (Rick) Mayer of Berea, Ky., Judy (John) Sutton of Thebes; two sons, Steve Prater of Thebes, Charles (Julie) Prater of McClure, Ill.; two sisters, Alma Jean Cash of Glasgow, Nellie May Mauk of Louisville, Ky.; a brother, Benton Houchens of Louisville; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by a son, Rickey Lane Prater in 2001; a grandson, Shawn Reed; a sister, Louise Fisher; and her parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Joyce A. Ernst, 57, of Perryville died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 25, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Gilbert and Gladys Moore Ernst.

Ernst was a 1969 graduate of St. Vincent High School and a graduate of Gradwall Lab. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and its Ladies Sodality.

She had been a lab technician with Physician Associates and Regional Primary Care in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include two sisters, Linda McDermott of Independence, Mo., and Sandra Schetter of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. The wake will be at 7 p.m. Friday.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joe Williams officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. — Joe Blakemore, 95, of Olive Branch died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

CHAFFEE, Mo. — Stephanie Gail Thompson, 54, of Chaffee died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at her home.

She was born July 14, 1954, in Chicago, daughter of Elvin Earl and Ruth Adams Ladd. She and Dennis Thompson were married Dec. 4, 1970, in Jackson.

Thompson had worked as a nurse aide and was a member of Illmo Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Denny Thompson of Jackson; a daughter, Tonya Schrum of Scott City; her mother of Chaffee; three sisters, Glinda Seabaugh of Cape Girardeau, Vanessa Murray of Sedgewickville, Mo., Junell Parrot of Dupo, Ill.; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, a brother and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City.

John H. Finney, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 30, 1915, in Portageville, Mo., son of Dr. and Mrs. Finney of Whitewater. He and Ruth Stovall were married Sept. 9, 1938. She died Feb. 23, 1993.

Finney was a Diesel engineer 45 years with Missouri Barge Line, retiring in 1972. He had lived in Cape Girardeau since 1975 and attended Trinity Grace Chapel.

Survivors include two daughters, Pauline Davis of Jackson, Cindy Mooney of Dix, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a son.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Troy Truitt and the Rev. Edward Stovall officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

SEDGEWICKVILLE, Mo. — Leslie Elmer Trousdale, 80, formerly of Sedgewickville and Mississippi County, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at DeGreeff Hospice House in St. Louis.

He was born July 19, 1928, in Shawneetown, Ill., son of Abner Pulaski and Mary Elizabeth Smith Trousdale. He and Helen Louise Shaw were married Aug. 8, 1945. She died Feb. 14, 1993. He then married Ella Louise Oxford on Nov. 23, 1996.

Trousdale was employed at General Motors a number of years and was a member of the Community Church of Marble Hill, Mo.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jesse Trousdale of Cedar Hill, Mo., Tommy Trousdale of Sarasota, Fla.; three stepdaughters, Paula Andrews of Millersville, Linda Smith of Blodgett, Mo., Pat Bartels of Effingham, Ill.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a number of stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, five brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to time of service Saturday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Dianne Cook and the Rev. Wendell Farley officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery near Charleston.

MOUNDS, Ill. — Helen Lee Hightower, 61, of Mounds died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at her home.

She was born Aug. 13, 1947, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Bernard and Helen LeVan Hightower.

Hightower was a caregiver.

Survivors include two brothers, David Hightower of Murray, Ky., and Bernard Hightower of Aurora, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Ill.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Dorothy L. Kaiser, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born Oct. 23, 1922, in Gordonville, daughter of Arthur and Dora Grossheider Koch.

Kaiser was an inspector 20 years at Ralph Edwards Sportswear. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Gloria Kaiser of Cape Girardeau; a son, Girard Kaiser of Stockton, Calif.; a brother, Arwin Koch of Gordonville; and two granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, an infant brother and three sisters.

There is no visitation.

Graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Cape County Memorial Park, with the Rev. Doug Breite officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.