PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- Robert Lee Nowell was born July 29, 1924, in Portageville to Allie Estes Beaton and Columbus Nowell. He passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau at the age of 94 years, 11 months and 4 days.

On Aug. 22, 1922, in Caruthersville, Missouri, he married the love of his life, Marie Ruby Hayes. They were lovingly together for 76 years.

Robert worked for the highway department as a heavy-equipment driver before retiring. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving several awards and commendations.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Allie Estes Beaton and Issac Columbus "Ike" Nowell, and several siblings.

He leaves to cherish his many memories his wife, Marie Ruby Nowell of Portageville; sons, Robert Larry Nowell of Portageville, Donnie William Nowell of Mount Olive, Illinois, Ricky Lee Nowell of Portageville, Anthony "Tony" Allen Nowell of Cape Girardeau and Randy Michael Nowell of Portageville; daughters, Janet Nowell Faulk of Portageville and Patricia Lou Nowell Silman of Cape Girardeau; sister, Annis Cecelia Angel of McLean, Illinois; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial, with full miitary rites, will be at Portageville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may go to: Homeless Veterans of Southeast Missouri, Community Partnership of SEMO, 937 Broadway, Suite 306, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.