Dick Brashear

Dick Joe Brashear, 68, of Scott City died Friday, March 25, 2005, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Oct. 2, 1936, in Morley, Mo., son of Clarence E. and Sherma P. Nation Brashear. He and Barbara L. Diebold were married Jan. 20, 1960, in Chester, Ill. She died April 21, 1996. He and Judy M. Crites were married Oct. 9, 1999, in Cape Girardeau.

Dick served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 until 1977, retiring as a boatswain mate senior chief. He served during the Vietnam War. During his time in the U.S. Navy his primary duties included more than 14 years aboard U.S. Navy destroyers and troop transport ships.

The ships assignments included 12 deployments to the Western Pacific. Other assignments included recruiting duty at U.S. Naval Station in San Diego, Calif., and Champaign, Ill. For his service he was awarded the following: Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color with Palm and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retiring from the Navy, Dick was employed as southeast regional supervisor with the Missouri Veterans Commission in Cape Girardeau .

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 6420 and Fourth Degree St. Joseph Assembly 2283 in Scott City, a life member and past 15th District commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6407 in Scott City, and a member of Fleet Reserve Association.

Survivors include his wife; mother; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jon "Rick" and Cindi Brashear, Scott W. and Debbie Brashear; a chosen son, Roy D. Cannon; a stepson, Sammy A. Below; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca J. and Bud McMillan, Barbara "Barbie" and Jeff Simpson; two stepdaughters and a son-in-law, Mary B. and Brendan Straubel, Laurie A. Felker; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas J. and Sharon Brashear; a sister and brother-in-law, Sondra K. and Charles Trankler; 18 grandchildren, Brandi, Sara, Eric, Cody, Miranda, Tyler, Katie and Madison Brashear, Lyndsey and Dylan Simpson, Taylor and Garrett McMillan, Allen Collier, Ashley Felker, Seth and J.P. Harrell, Rory and Lucy Straubel; and three great-grandchildren, Mina Brashear, Alivia and Ty Collier.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence E. Brashear; a son, Michael E. Brashear; and a brother, Danny E. Brashear.

Friends may call at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parish prayers will be at 7, followed by Knights of Columbus prayer service.

The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. David Coon as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.