Pete Statler

Merlin "Pete" Statler, 86, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at the Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born April 27, 1929, in Sedgewickville, Missouri, the son of Adolph and Ida Mae Seabaugh Statler. He and Patsy "Pat" Ruth Slinkard were married Aug. 8, 1953, in Jackson.

Pete was a 1948 graduate of the former Patton High School in Patton, Missouri. Immediately after graduation, on April 29, 1948, he and his twin brother, Verlin, joined the Navy. He was honorably discharged April 28, 1953.

He became a fabricator in Cape Girardeau for a metal tank supplier, worked for Cape Dry Dock and retired from Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 562 after 25 years.

He was a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge 441 in Jackson, a 50-year member of the Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 of Jackson, VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 562 in Cape Girardeau.

Pete enjoyed his morning coffee with friends and colleagues at the Jackson American Legion Club Room.

Loving survivors include his wife, Pat; a son, Steven (Jeanie) Statler of Jackson; a grandson, Jason Statler of Fullerton, California; a granddaughter, Cherish (Ryan) Brott of Jackson; three great-grandchildren, Aaron Statler and Tyler and Dylan Brott; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Statler in 1981; five brothers; and three sisters.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Pete's funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with graveside military honors.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.