Thomas "Duner" Williams
Man 'loved his family and his kids'
Thomas "Duner" Williams of Columbia died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001, at University Hospital of hepatitis. He was 39.
"We'll miss him," said Mr. Williams' brother, Marlon Nunes. "He was a good-hearted person who loved his family and his kids."
"He was a wonderful child," added his mother, Diana Aldez. "He never did anybody any harm, and always stood by his many friends."
Mr. Williams was born Nov. 4, 1961, in Columbia to John M. and Diana Acton Williams. He married Donna Sue O'Neal May 7, 1981, in Fayette.
"Like everybody else, he had problems, but never anything he couldn't sort out," Nunes said.
Mr. Williams, incarcerated for the last six years, was released on medical parole two weeks ago. Aldez said his sudden death was a sad shock.
"We'll miss him so much," she said. "He was the most wonderful son any mother could want."
"He would've done anything for anyone," Aldez said. "He'd give someone the shirt off his back, and I've seen him do it."
Aldez expressed gratitude to Mr. Williams' good friend Dennis Powell, who she said took care of him while he was in prison.
Visitation for Mr. Williams will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by Tom Drechsel, will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Funeral Home. Mr. Williams' body will be cremated.
Mr. Williams is survived by his wife; his mother, Diana Aldez of Columbia; his stepfather, Thomas Nunes of Columbia; three sons, Tommy Lee Solorzana, Thomas Michael Williams, and Nick O'Neal, all of Columbia; two daughters, Sheena Marie Williams and Kendra King, both of Columbia; two brothers, Marlon Nunes and Thomas Guthrie, both of Columbia; six sisters, Tonya Nunes and Laura Auberlin, both of Columbia, Mary Guthrie and Joan VanBebber, both of Kansas City, Kan., and Mary Reklau and Joyce Williams, both of Moscow Mills; and several nieces and nephews.
His father and brother died earlier.
Ben Edwards
Ben Edwards, formerly of Centralia, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, at St. Luke's Nursing Center in Carthage. He was 76.
Mr. Edwards lived in Carthage the past five years.
He was born on March 20, 1924, in Centralia to J.R. and Jenny Edwards. He graduated from Centralia schools. He worked for many years in the insurance business in Centralia.
Mr. Edwards was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, Mo.
Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Jim Tolliver, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Centralia Cemetery.
Mr. Edwards' two brothers died earlier.
Virginia F. Sapp
Virginia F. Sapp died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001. She was 79.
Mrs. Sapp was born May 10, 1921, in Boone County to W.A. and Myrtie Alice Stone Dudley. She married Earl LeeRoy Sapp on April 3, 1945.
Mrs. Sapp was a homemaker who raised one son and two daughters.
Visitation will be between 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St.
A graveside service, conducted by the Rev. Stanley Owen, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E. Broadway.
Mrs. Sapp is survived by one daughter, Florina Craig of Fulton; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Her husband, one son, one daughter, three brothers and one sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, Mo., 65202.
Louie Dale "Boxcar" Nowlin
Man was fun-loving bowler and barfly
Louie Dale "Boxcar" Nowlin was a regular bowler at Oakland Plaza Lanes and a frequent visitor to taverns all around Columbia, his friends and family said.
Mr. Nowlin earned his nickname, "Boxcar," after living in a school bus.
"He made it into a camper and added a stove and a refrigerator," said his son, Robert Nowlin. "He didn't have a heater, so he tied a Coleman lantern to the ceiling."
Mr. Nowlin died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001. He was 60.
Mr. Nowlin's family recalled his fun-loving attitude toward life.
"When he went bowling, he'd serenade the sorority girls in the next lane," said Steve Spaur, general manager of Oakland Plaza Lanes.
Mr. Nowlin was born May 16, 1940, in Wilton to Louie Bradshaw and Lydia Darrell Nowlin. Mr. Nowlin served in the military from ages 19 to 21 and then moved to Columbia. He married Wanda Coffman on April 3, 1962.
Mr. Nowlin moved to Oklahoma - where he had first lived in a school bus - but returned to Columbia in 1979 to work for a drywall company that let him rent an apartment across the street. He would load trucks until midnight or 2 a.m. and then return to his apartment, where he would keep an eye on the warehouse, his son said.
All the time, Mr. Nowlin continued to do what he loved - hunt mushrooms, fish, drink and bowl.
"He loved to have a good time," Robert Nowlin said. "He may have not always been able to afford a place to live, but he didn't have any bills, either. He'd use that money to go party."
Sometimes the money wasn't there, though. Mr. Nowlin's poverty became an inspiration for country songs he would write. The songs told of him "selling pop bottles at night to make money for fuel for his Coleman light."
It was at the bowling alley where Mr. Nowlin spent time with an old flame, Marilyn Carter. They had met years earlier but got reacquainted and were married on June 23, 1995.
Robert Nowlin said that Marilyn calmed his father.
"He turned into a more mild guy," he said. "Instead of going out after work, he'd go home. He made peace with the Lord. He started to turn his life around."
Visitation for Mr. Nowlin will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Funeral services, conducted by Marvine Tolle, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Mr. Nowlin is survived by his wife; his stepfather, Charles Barkwell of Ashland; four sons, Ricky D. Nowlin of Hallsville, Randy D. Nowlin of Columbia, Robert D. Nowlin of Ashland and Daniel E. Nowlin of Columbia; a daughter, Linda E. Griggs of Columbia; four stepchildren, Dawn C. Wade, Deanna C. Fox, Dale C. Griggs and Dalette C. Griggs, all of Columbia; two brothers, Marvin Tomlin of Columbia and Joseph Tomlin of Millersburg; a sister, Zona Peterson of Louisiana, Mo.; and several grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the Louie Nowlin Memorial Fund, care of Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road, Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Jaye Marksbury
Jaye Marksbury, formerly of Centralia, died of a heart attack Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at his home in Dallas. He was 49.
Mr. Marksbury had lived in Dallas for the past 17 years.
He was born July 4, 1951, in Mexico, Mo., to Lee and Alma Marksbury. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1969.
"He was a big man with a big heart," Eric Marksbury, his son, said. "He did a lot with the Rotary Club and with charity work."
Mr. Marksbury was a member of the First Christian Church in Centralia. He was president of the Richardson, Texas, Rotary Club where he received Rotarian of the Year twice. He was also editor of the Rotary Bulletin and wrote the newsletter for many years.
Memorial services, conducted by the Rev. Ed Varnum, will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Meador & Son Chapel in Centralia. There will be a private burial at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.
Mr. Marksbury is survived by his mother, Alma Johnsten Marksbury of Dallas; one son, Eric Marksbury of Dayton, Ohio; one brother, John Marksbury of Corpus Christi, Texas; and one aunt, Clara Hudson of Columbia.
His father died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Paul Harris Fellows Foundation, District 5810, in care of Meador & Son Funeral Home, P.O. Box 145, Centralia, Mo. 65240.
James Elias Caldwell
James Elias Caldwell of Shelbina died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001, at Hannibal Regional Hospital. He was 83.
Mr. Caldwell was born in Paris, Mo., on June 23, 1917, to Marcus White and Leona Hardwick Caldwell. He attended MU and received his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering in 1940. After graduation, he worked for International Harvester and then served five years in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He married Muriel O. Grant in Fort Bragg, S. C., on Sept. 9, 1943.
Mr. Caldwell was a member of United Methodist Church in Shelbina, American Legion Post #376, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks and the Democrat Club. Mr. Caldwell was a former president of Monroe County Central Democrat Committee and a member of the Missouri State Soils and Water Commission for 10 years.
Visitation for Mr. Caldwell will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home, 401 S. Center St. in Shelbina. Services, conducted by the Rev. Frieda K. Betts and the Rev. Roy Lee Dawkins, will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Greening-Eagan-Hayes Chapel. Music will be played by Beverly West and Mary Dunaway. Burial will be at Shelbina Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #376.
Mr. Caldwell is survived by four children, M. Frances Caldwell of Hannibal, J. Frank Caldwell of Palmyra, Nancy Caldwell Ayers of Cape Girardeau and Rose Caldwell Schwarz of Hamilton, Ohio; and eight grandchildren.
His wife and brother died earlier.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #376, Business Route 36, Shelbina, Mo., 63468.
Ben Edwards
Ben Edwards, formerly of Centralia, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, at St. Luke's Nursing Center in Carthage. He was 76.
Mr. Edwards lived in Carthage the past five years.
He was born on March 20, 1924, in Centralia to J.R. and Jenny Edwards. He graduated from Centralia schools. He worked for many years in the insurance business in Centralia.
Mr. Edwards was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, Mo.
Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Jim Tolliver, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Centralia Cemetery.
Mr. Edwards' two brothers died earlier.
Edwin D. Walter
Walter was master glassmaker
Edwin Walter's world was made of glass.
Butterflies, owls, Christmas trees, bowls. Anything that interested him could be turned into a glossy masterpiece.
Mr. Walter's sister-in-law, Vel Walter, owns 30 pieces of his work, and after trying to pick her favorite, concedes: "There's too much to choose from."
Numerous glass works displayed in cities across the Midwest and South, including Columbia, is part of the legacy of Edwin D. Walter, a Columbia native who died Feb. 5 at his home in Troy. He was 82.
Mr. Walter grew up in Columbia and taught art at Hickman High School and MU before teaching at several other universities, including Troy State, where he taught for the last 39 years.
As an Air Force pilot, Mr. Walter flew over 30 missions as a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII. He was a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, and a member of the 486 bomb association.
Mr. Walter is most widely known for his art, which is especially popular in the South, Vel Walter said. He won many awards for his work, including being named Alabama Master Craftsman. His work is on display in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Several of his pieces are also housed at the Columbia Art League, 1013 E. Walnut St.
"He spent just about all his time making glassware," Vel Walter said.
A graveside service for Mr. Walter was held Feb. 7 at the Green Hills Memorial Park in Troy.
Mr. Walter is survived by his wife, Millie Walter of Troy; two daughters, Linda Walter of Troy and Carolyn Walter of Eureka Spring, Ark.; a son, David Walter of Troy; two brothers, Dan Walter of Illinois and Fred Walter of California and one granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Troy, the 8th Air Force Historical Society, or the 8th Air Force Heritage Museum.
Fred R. Dudley
Fred R. Dudley of Columbia will be remembered for his many hours of volunteer work.
"He was a good friend who helped a lot of people," said Ralph Johnson, a friend of Mr. Dudley who worked with him at Truman Veterans Hospital.
Mr. Dudley died Feb. 15, 2001, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Mo. He was 79.
Mr. Dudley was born Jan. 23, 1922, in Jefferson County, Colo., to Russell R. and Gladys Keuster Dudley.
He was formerly married to Imogene Wilson. He worked as a salesman. In 1967, he moved from Moberly to Columbia.
Mr. Dudley served in the U.S. Navy for 19 years during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
He volunteered 4,828 hours over 15 years at Truman Veterans Hospital, where he worked as a voluntary service patient escort and at the pharmacy. He also volunteered as a driver for Meals-On-Wheels.
Mr. Dudley was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 280 in Columbia, the American Military Society and the Retired Enlisted Association. He also served as a deputy for the Fleet Reserve, a service organization of the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service.
His body is being donated to the University of Missouri anatomy department.
Mr. Dudley is survived by one daughter, Marie Cole of Mason City, Iowa; one son, Larry Dudley of Littleton, Colo.; and six grandchildren.
One brother and one sister died earlier.
Adele E. Evertz
Adele E. Evertz of Columbia died Feb. 18, 2001, at the Lenoir Health Care Center. She was 94.
Miss Evertz was born on Oct. 18, 1906, in St. Louis to Ernst and Marie Obenhaus Evertz. She had lived in Columbia since 1976, and was a member of Broadway Christian Church and the Eastern Star.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Rick Frost, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis. Miss Evertz will be buried at Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis. There will be no visitation. The services are under the direction of Parker Funeral Service of Columbia.
Miss Evertz is survived by two nephews, a great-niece and a great-nephew. Her sister and brother died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Fellowship of John, 3300 New Haven Road, Columbia, Mo., 65201; or Broadway Christian Church, 2601 W. Broadway, Columbia, Mo., 65203.
Viola D. Caruthers
Viola Dodson Caruthers of Columbia died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 94.
Mrs. Caruthers was born March 13, 1906, in Howard County to Sallie Redman Dodson and Andrew "Bud" Dodson. She married Alva Norris Caruthers on July 31, 1927. Her husband died in 1985.
In her lifetime Mrs. Caruthers was a member of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church and Midway Locust Grove Methodist Church. At Midway, she taught Sunday school to first- and second-graders. She was also a secretary until 10 years ago, said her son, Alva Norris Caruthers Jr. She belonged to Rebekah Lodge #383 and served as a Noble Grand member. She was a Past Noble Grand Club member.
Mrs. Caruthers also served as an officer for American War Mothers and was a member of Midway Home Boosters Extension Club, UMW of Midway Locust Grove Church. She sold Stanley Home Products for about 40 years and also worked for MU for 12 years.
Her son remembers her as being a firm but good mother. "She didn't take no sass off of you," he said of her.
Visitation for Mrs. Caruthers will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home.
Mrs. Caruthers is survived by her three sons, Alva Norris Caruthers Jr. and Earl F. Caruthers, both of Columbia, and W.A. Caruthers of Hallsville; two daughters, Sondra Reynolds and Marcella Roberts, both of Columbia; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Her husband, an infant son, a brother, and six sisters died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 440 Route P, Fayette, Mo., 65248.
Jaye Marksbury
Jaye Marksbury, formerly of Centralia, died of a heart attack Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at his home in Dallas. He was 49.
Mr. Marksbury had lived in Dallas for the past 17 years.
He was born July 4, 1951, in Mexico, Mo., to Lee and Alma Marksbury. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1969.
"He was a big man with a big heart," Eric Marksbury, his son, said. "He did a lot with the Rotary Club and with charity work."
Mr. Marksbury was a member of the First Christian Church in Centralia. He was president of the Richardson, Texas, Rotary Club where he received Rotarian of the year twice. He was also editor of the Rotary Bulletin and wrote the newsletter for many years.
Memorial services, conducted by Rev. Ed Varnum, will be held Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at Meador & Son Chapel in Centralia. There will be a private interment at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.
Mr. Marksbury is survived by his mother, Alma Johnsten Marksbury of Dallas; one son, Eric Marksbury of Dayton, Ohio; one brother, John Marksbury of Corpus Christi, Texas; and one aunt, Clara Hudson of Columbia.
His father died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Paul Harris Fellows Foundation, District 5810, in care of Meador & Son Funeral Home, P.O. Box 145, Centralia, Mo. 65240.
Calvin "C.P." Palmer
Calvin "C.P." Palmer of Columbia died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at Columbia Regional Hospital. He was 64.
Mr. Palmer was born on Feb. 12, 1937 in Mexico, Mo., to William A. Palmer and Anna Belle Palmer-Batye.
Mr. Palmer married his wife Joanne in January of 1971.
Mr. Palmer, who briefly served in the U.S. Navy, started his own refrigeration and air conditioning serviceand ran it until he became disabled in 1997.
Visitation for Mr. Palmer will be today from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 E. St. Charles Road. Services will be conducted by the Rev. John Foley at 2 p.m. at Old Union Cemetery, off Sinclair Road in southern Boone County.
Mr. Palmer is survived by his wife Joanne; his mother; one son, Cameron Palmer; one daughter, Julie Palmer; one brother, Dana Palmer; two nieces; two great-nephews; one great-niece and a granddaughter, all of Columbia.
Memorials may be sent to the Cameron Palmer Education Fund c/o Mizzou Credit Union, P.O. Box 1795, Columbia, Mo., 65205.
Norma Flower
Norma Flower of Columbia died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001. She was 59 years old.
Mrs. Flower was born April 15, 1941, in Adair County to Oral and Goldie Davis Sallee. She married James Flower in South Gifford on May 29, 1959.
Mrs. Flower was an avid gardener and member of Parkade Baptist Church. She was also employed with 3M for 25 years.
Visitation for Mrs. Flower will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West. Services, conducted by Bart Larson, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial Funeral Home. She will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Flower is survived by her husband; one son, James Dean Flower Jr of Columbia; one daughter, Kathy Freese of Columbia; one brother, Orland Sallee of Kirksville; two sisters, Wanda Sallee of Kirksville and Benjia Byers of El Mirage, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.
Her parents and brother died earlier.
Memorials can be sent to the University of Missouri Children's Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive DC205, Columbia, MO 65212 or Missouri River Hospice, 3210 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65201.
David Stevenson
David Stevenson could carry a load like a Goliath but with the grace of a David.
On a Boy Scout camping trip, one of David's fellow Scouts struggled under the weight of his pack. The boy was smaller than David, who was always bigger than the other children, said his sister, Nancy Garofalo.
David, who packed lightly, traded packs with the other boy.
"He was always a leader," Bartley Stevenson, his brother, said.
David Gelvin Stevenson of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at University Hospital. He was 15. The cause of death is undetermined.
David was born in Columbia on Nov. 6, 1985, to Mark Milam Stevenson and Clydia Joyce Smith Stevenson.
As a Scout, David learned skills quickly. He could tie knots blindfolded, said Scout leader Neil VanLeeuwen. On hiking trips, David would navigate by map and compass, often running a half-mile ahead before leading other Scouts on the route, said Adam Helmer, David's Scout leader and religious youth leader.
"He would come up with fun ideas, and all the other boys wanted to do them," VanLeeuwen said.
David often emerged as the unofficial captain of his soccer teams when he played for the Columbia Soccer Club.
"The other players really looked to him and knew they could count on him," Garofalo said.
He also was a certified scuba diver.
"He was very intelligent and a natural athlete," his father, Mark Stevenson, said. "He was able to excel at any sport he tried," whether it was soccer, skiing, running or swimming.
David also volunteered to help with and cared for younger children. When he was 11, David invited his troop leader's 5- and 9-year-old sons to swim with him.
"He would be their personal friend and swim with them," VanLeeuwen said.
David also took the time to play with his very active younger brother, Garofalo said.
"He took really good care of John," she said.
He was a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 233 and attended West Junior High School. David was also was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"He will be deeply missed," his father said.
Visitation for David will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West. Bishop Doug Moore will conduct services at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4708 Highlands Parkway. At a later date, a private burial will be held at Home Cemetery in Tarkio.
David is survived by his father, Mark Milam Stevenson of Columbia; his mother, Clydia Joyce Stevenson of Columbia; three brothers, George Joseph Stevenson IV, Bartley Milam Stevenson and Johnathan Mark Stevenson, of Columbia; two sisters, Nancy Ellen Stevenson Garofalo of Richmond, Va., and Rebecca Suzanne Stevenson of Columbia; and paternal grandparents, Ralph C. Hackett and Mary Ellen Milam Stevenson Hackett of Tarkio.
His maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather, George Joseph Stevenson II, died earlier.
Donations may be sent the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, David Stevenson Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, Mo., 65295. Donations will fund soccer field improvements. Other donations may be sent to Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council, 1203 Fay St., Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Lonnie Chronister
Lonnie McRay Chronister Sr. of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001. He was 71.
Mr. Chronister was born Oct. 22, 1929, in Jerome to Lyman and Camille Chronister. He married Lowena Holland on May 21, 1950, in Van Buren.
Mr. Chronister spent 20 years in the Navy, serving in Guam, Washington, D.C., Washington state, Maryland and San Diego. He held the rank of senior chief and worked in the personnel department.
After the Navy, Mr. Chronister taught for 17 years in the Columbia Public Schools - first at Jefferson Junior High School for two years and then at Oakland Junior High as a guidance counselor.
Mr. Chronister led his life on the water, often taking his children and grandchildren fishing.
"He was just an all-around good person. He never said anything bad about anybody," said his son, Mack Chronister.
Mr. Chronister is survived by two sons, Mack and Kurt Chronister of Clark; a daughter, Liz Chronister of Clark; two brothers, Bill Chronister of Poplar Bluff and Darrell Chronister of Holts Summit; two sisters, Annunda Chronister of Piedmont, and Lynn Lane of Ellington; and several grandchildren.
The family requests that no memorials be sent.
Larry Skeen
Larry O. "Arizona Outlaw" Skeen of Wellsville died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at his home. He was 60.
Born Feb. 15, 1941, in Columbia to Ashley Glenn and Lillian Skeen, Mr. Skeen was raised by his grandparents Ashley O. and Lillian D. Skeen.
Mr. Skeen served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968 in the Far East and Germany. He married Frances Sue Forsee in May 1980.
Mr. Skeen was an over-the-road trucker for 29 years. Arizona Outlaw was his CB handle.
Visitation for Mr. Skeen will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 E. St. Charles Road. Services conducted by the Rev. Sammy Martin will be at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 West.
Mr. Skeen is survived by his wife, Frances Sue Skeen of Wellsville; four daughters, Tammy Spencer, Glenda Smith, Debra Wilson, all of Columbia, and Fayla Malone of Harrisburg; two sons, Larry Skeen Jr. of Columbia and Ralph Bryan of Sesse, Ill.; a sister, Pat Van Booven of Columbia; two step-children, Gary Whitesides of Chantilly, Va., and Sabra Proctor of Columbia; four half-brothers, Homer Martin, Sam Martin, Johnny Martin and Mike Swanson; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the Skeen Family c/o Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia, Mo., 65202.
Millard Stewart
A man who loved his family, his work, a good round of golf, spirited conversation and a good cigar, Millard Franklin Stewart of Fulton died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at the Countryside Manor in Stokesdale, N.C. He was 88.
"He was a good, kind person," said his sister-in-law Edna McMullen, who described him as an excellent father, husband and uncle.
Mr. Stewart was born in Columbia on Oct. 28, 1912, the youngest child of Arch and Mabel Stewart. He attended MU and served in World War II as a medical technician on a hospital ship. In 1940, he married Mary Ethel Bedsworth.
Shortly after their marriage, the Stewarts moved to Fulton, where they were part owners of Central Dairy. They later owned and operated Stewart's Book Store until their retirement.
Mr. Stewart bought the bookstore when his daughter, Nancy Thurston, was 10. Together, the family worked to reorganize the store.
"They built it into something to be proud of," Thurston said.
Stewart's Book Store sold school books, fountain pens and games. It also printed mimeographs for church bulletins.
"You name it, they sold it," Thurston said.
Aside from running the store, Mr. Stewart was involved in many organizations in Fulton. He was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. He served on the board of directors with the Fulton Savings Bank for 30 years and on the Police Personnel Board for 14 years. He served terms as the president of the Fulton Country Club and the Kiwanis Club, and he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the International Order of Odd Fellows and the American Legion. He was awarded a plaque honoring 50 years of service with the American Legion.
Private services will be held for the family. Forbis and Dick Funeral Services in Greensboro, N.C., is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Stewart is survived by a daughter, Nancy Thurston of Greensboro, N.C.; a sister, Lucille Murphy of Haverhill, Mass.; a grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
His wife died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Christ United Methodist Church, 410 N. Holden Road, Greensboro, N.C., 27410 or to First Christian Church, 6 E. Seventh St., Fulton, Mo., 65251.
Tammy A. Busker
Tammy A. Busker of Fulton died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, of cancer at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. She was 27.
"She told us not to worry because soon Jesus would take care of her," said her father, Herbert Brown. "She was always thinking about everybody else."
The second-to-youngest among 12 brothers and sisters, Mrs. Busker stood out to her father as a people person.
Mrs. Busker was born Aug. 2, 1973, to Herbert and Thelma (Barnes) Brown. She married Darren Busker on Aug. 30, 1997.
"She's quite a gal," Darren Busker said. "That's why I married her. She's very loving and straightforward. She'd tell you what she thought."
Mrs. Busker loved children, and her husband said he feels lucky to have their 1-year-old son, Donovan Patrick. The Buskers were active members of Victory Christian Church.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton. Services, conducted by the Rev. Mark Putman, will be at 2 p.m. at Maupin Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fulton.
Mrs. Busker is survived by her husband; her parents; her son; a grandmother, Leona Brown; six brothers, Phillip Hoover of New Bloomfield, David Hoover of Belleville, Ill., Archie Hoover of New Haven, Lewis Brown, Terry Brown and Mark Brown, all of Columbia; six sisters, Sarah Busker of Steedman, Cathy Haarmann and Tonya Brewer, both of Williamsburg, Rose Snook and Penny Brown, both of Fulton, and Tina Perkins of Kenosha, Wis.
One brother died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
James Moore
James T. Moore of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at his home. He was 84.
Mr. Moore was born Dec. 19, 1916, in Memphis, Mo., to Charlie Frank and Mary Miller Moore. He married Nadine Douglass on July 12, 1941, in Independence. He owned James T. Moore Construction for 26 years.
There will be no visitation. Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Charles Parker, were held Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 West.
Mr. Moore is survived by a son, Michael T. Moore of Columbia; two sisters, Janet McMickle Roddy and Helen Wiggins, both of Columbia; a brother, Morris Moore of Columbia; a granddaughter, Michelle Moore of Rochester, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Anne K. Moore of Columbia; and several nieces and nephews.
His wife and three brothers, Frank, Sam and John Moore, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Missouri River Hospice, 3210 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
William Perkins
William "Buck" Edgar Perkins of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001. He was 87.
Mr. Perkins was born Aug. 20, 1913, in McBaine to Charles Edward and Sarah Margaret Tyson Perkins. He served in the Army 8th Engineer Squadron during World War II.
He married Sarah Francis Green; later he married Soanna Owen.
Services for Mr. Perkins were held Saturday; he was buried at Red Top Cemetery in Hallsville.
Mr. Perkins is survived by his former wife, Sarah Francis Green; his daughter, Sharon Sue Perkins Nowlin of Columbia; two step-daughters, Dolores Arlene Lee Wolf of Hallsville and Patricia Owen of Columbia; a step-son, Gary Ray Lee of Ashland; two brothers, John Perkins of Kansas City and James Perkins; a sister, Lucy Perkins of Holiday; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
His wife, two brothers and a sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the family of William Edgar Perkins, care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Mo. 65202.
