SIKESTON, Mo. -- T.J. LaPlant, 73, of Sikeston died Monday, Oct. 20, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 23, 1930, in Barnes Ridge community, Mo., son of John William and Anna Combs LaPlant.

LaPlant had worked for Little Construction. He was a member of Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114 and Sikeston Eagles Aerie 3319.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include his companion, Marie Little of Sikeston; a son, Thomas LaPlant of Purcell, Okla.; a brother, John LaPlant Jr. of Othello, Wash.; a sister, Frances Britt of Sikeston; a stepbrother, Joe Davis of DuQuoin, Ill.; a stepsister, Barbara Smith of Memphis, Tenn.; three grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at Ponder Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Tartar officiating. Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery at Matthews, Mo.