SIKESTON -- Billy Joe Vaught, 65, of Sikeston died Sunday, April 11, 1999, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Oct. 9, 1933, in Branch, Ark., son of Thurman and Arvie Clayborn Vaught. He and Betty Lou Carlyle were married Sept. 29, 1957.

Vaught was employed by Riley Farms of New Madrid. He was a Seaman 3rd Class in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, James, Timothy and Roger Vaught of Sikeston; two daughters, Betty Vaught of Sikeston, Myra Mullins of Walls, Miss.; a brother, Paul Vaught of Bertrand; a sister, Lotha Arthur of Sikeston; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

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

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. The Revs. Robert Burnes and Mike Cartwright will officiate. Burial will be in Dogwood Cemetery.

Friends may call at the chapel Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time.