William "Whiskey" Watts Jr.
William "Whiskey" Martin Watts Jr. of Thompson died of cancer Monday, July 2, 2001, at Florissant Skill Care in Florissant. He was 57.
Mr. Watts was born Aug. 4, 1943, in Mexico, Mo., to William Mullen and Norma Kathleen Lawrence Watts. He grew up in Thompson, a small town just east of Mexico, Mo., with his sister, Beverly DeOrnellis.
"Me and him were raised up on a little 120-acre farm," said his sister. "We were on the end of a dead-end road and our nearest neighbor was at least a mile away."
Mr. Watts quickly came to embrace the land that surrounded him. He spent countless hours in the woods hunting and fishing, hobbies he would enjoy the rest of his life. His cousin, Dennis Berry, recalled Mr. Watts going camping for months at a time.
One of his favorite pastimes was hunting frogs, a talent he excelled at.
"He'd get all the frogs there was in two counties," Berry said.
One day in high school, Mr. Watts was caught with half a bottle of whiskey in his locker. One of his friends teased him, calling him "Whiskey" Watts, and the name stuck.
Whiskey used to run music concerts at Possum Walk parkgrounds, an area between Centralia and Mexico, Mo., for years. He would invite rock 'n' roll bands to play, and people would dance in the outdoor breeze all through the night. The concerts were quite popular and it wasn't unusual for more than 300 people to attend.
"They had 90 acres and that place would be full," said DeOrnellis. "He liked to have a good time."
DeOrnellis said her brother looked like Gen. George Custer with his red hair and a red handlebar moustache that he would sometimes curl. He also had a goatee. Mr. Watts would wear a brimmed-hat and pointed-toe, Western style boots.
"Bill was quite the stylish figure," his sister said.
Mr. Watts was also full of stories. He and his friends would sit around a fire and exchange tales late into the night.
"He was a great storyteller. He could pretty well improvise and tell any story that needed to be told," said Berry.
Mr. Watts led a fairly laid-back life until one day in October 1983.
One afternoon, upon arrival at his residence, he came upon some of his friends partying at his house. There was to be a turkey shoot at Possum Walk the next day and everyone was getting ready.
A confrontation escalated and, in a brief moment, one of his friends was shot. Though DeOrnellis thinks her brother shot the man by accident, Mr. Watts was sentenced to life in prison.
"I don't know if anybody ever knew what happened," said his sister.
Mr. Watts was convicted of murder in the second degree and entered prison on May 10, 1984. During the next 16 years he was moved from prison to prison.
After a decade of living behind prison walls, Mr. Watts was granted medical parole and was moved back-and-forth between various nursing centers and prison.
He was dying of cancer.
Mr. Watts begged his sister to move him home to die. His sister pleaded to numerous parole and state officials. However, the parole board would not grant the request.
Finally, on May 23, 2001, he was admitted to Florissant Skill Care, a nursing center on the outskirts of St. Louis.
"Though he was down to 80 pounds and had terminal cancer, the state still called him a threat and would not let him come home...I've still got his stretcher and oxygen tank in my living room," said his sister.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today at the Perche Creek Baptist Church, 20301 Perche Church Road. Burial will be at Perche Cemetery.
In addition to his sister, Mr. Watts is survived by one niece, Tina Principato of Mexico, Mo.; two great nieces, Kathlyn Rubio and Ashley Rubio, both of Mexico, Mo.; and several aunts and uncles.
His parents and one niece, Carolyn Lynn Robinson, died earlier.
Thomas E. Acton
Thomas Edward Acton of Hartsburg died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Truman Veterans Hospital. He was 81.
Mr. Acton worked most of his life in highway construction.
He served with the Navy during World War II.
Mr. Acton was born on Feb. 27, 1920, in Columbia to Ridge and Lena Taylor Acton.
There will be no services for Mr. Acton.
Mr. Acton is survived by one brother, Woodrow Acton; one granddaughter, Sarah Dawn Nickles of Columbia; and several nieces and nephews.
His wife, two sons, one sister and three brothers died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive.
Ivan Hargis Jr.
Ivan "Jack" Henry Hargis Jr. of Columbia died Sunday, July 1, 2001. He was 76.
Mr. Hargis was born June 11, 1925, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, to Ivan Henry Sr. and Bernice Marie Detrick Hargis.
He served with the Army during World War II, and was stationed in Korea. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was the owner and operator of Cooling and Heating Supply and also a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineer's Society.
Mr. Hargis married Bonnie Lee Mobley in Centralia on Dec. 7, 1947. She died earlier.
Visitation for Mr. Hargis will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Harold Smith, will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Memorial Funeral Home. Mr. Hargis will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Hargis is survived by two daughters, Sharon Ann Buckler and Karen Kay Morton, both of Columbia; a sister, Norma A. Lynch of Columbia; and five grandchildren.
His son, Larry Dean Hargis, and his sister Mary Irene Hargis died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Boone Hospital Center's Visiting Nurses Hospice Inc., 3315 Berrywood Drive, Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Helen Roland
Helen G. Banks Roland of Kansas City, formerly of Fayette, died Sunday, July 1, 2001, at University of Kansas Medical Center. She was 71.
Mrs. Roland was born April 16, 1930, in Fayette to Ruben and Everline Banks. She was educated in the Fayette school system.
She married Jeremiah Roland in 1943. She worked as both a personal care aide and a seamstress.
Visitation for Mrs. Roland will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church in Fayette. Services, conducted by Helen Clay, will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Roanoke Cemetery in Roanoke.
Mrs. Roland is survived by her daughter, Mary E. Roland of Kansas City; her brother, Henry Banks of Fayette; eight grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren.
Her husband, two brothers and one sister died earlier.
John D. Stookey
John D. Stookey of Columbia died Sunday, July 1, 2001, at Truman Veteran s Hospital. He was 75.
Mr. Stookey was born Oct. 9, 1925, in Champaign, Ill., to Charles A. and Althea B. Eyman Stookey.
From 1943 to 1945, Mr. Stookey served in the Army with the 106th Infantry Division. Mr. Stookey fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In December 1944, he was captured by German troops.
"He served with valor and decorum as a prisoner of war until his liberation in the spring of 1945," said Melissa Counts, Stookey's daughter.
Mr. Stookey returned as a decorated soldier, receiving the European Theatre Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Bronze Star.
"As a young boy, I remember looking at the scrapbook that his parents made of all the clippings - missing in action, presumed dead," said Dan Stookey, Stookey's son. "I look at the clips now and it's amazing to see what he went through."
Mr. Stookey became a member of the Central Missouri Chapter of American Ex-POWs.
After the war, John Stookey attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in agriculture from MU in 1949.
Mr. Stookey worked with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services for 36 years before retiring as a program specialist in 1989.
Friends and family remember Mr. Stookey as an antique collector who frequented auctions and sales looking for collectibles. "He was an avid coin collector and antique buff," Counts said.
Mr. Stookey was a member of Evangelical Free Church where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the VFW Post No. 280.
Visitation for Mr. Stookey will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Bill Smart and the Rev. Tom Leuther, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.
Mr. Stookey is survived by a son, Dan Stookey of Columbia; two daughters, Melissa Counts of Columbia and Marti Blando of Lee's Summit; a sister, Marianne Walker of O'Fallon, Ill.; a brother, Charles D. Stookey of Madison, Ind.; six grandchildren; and a friend, Galena E. Hartman.
One brother died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Evangelical Free Church, 600 Silvey Lane, Columbia, Mo. 65203 or Family Worship Center, 4201 I-70 Drive Southeast, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Harry S. Seaman
Harry Streling Seaman of Columbia died Saturday, June 30, 2001 at home. He was 82.
Mr. Seaman was born March 6, 1919 in Bradgate, Iowa, to Leonard and Johanna Carolina Hovland Seaman.
He married Mary Lee McClusky. She died earlier.
During World War II, Mr. Seaman served in the U.S. Army in the 757 Military Police Battalion.
Mr. Seaman worked as a farmer until 1965. He then worked for American Press and MU. He was also a sales representative for Pace Products Co. and R.P.M. Co.
Mr. Seaman was a member of the Twilight Lodge 114 A.F. and A.M., Boone Chapter 290, Order of Eastern Star and the Royal Arch Masons No. 17.
A Masonic memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Parker Funeral Home, 22 N. Tenth St. The family will greet friends after the service.
Mr. Seaman is survived by one daughter, Karen Ann Taylor of Columbia; one sister, Marietta Gutshall of West Des Moines, Iowa; and one brother, John Seaman of Edgar, Mont. One sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimers Association, Mid-Missouri Chapter 1121, Business Loop 70 East, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Martha Sue Vemer
Martha Sue Vemer of Columbia died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Walter O. Boswell Memorial Hospital in Sun City, Ariz. She was 68.
Mrs. Vemer was born April 2, 1933, in Boone County, to Nelson and Helen Louise Mitchell Pipes.
She married Donald L. Vemer on Sept. 4, 1949, in Jefferson City. She was a nurse for 33 years. She helped in the offices of Broadway Village apartments after her retirement.
Visitation for Mrs. Vemer will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St. Services, conducted by the Rev. Dennis Sweamgin, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Parker Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Vemer is survived by her daughter, Susie Thoma of Boonville; her son, Wayne Vemer of Lake Ozark; one sister, Leona Breedlove of Phoenix, Ariz.; three brothers, Bobby Pipes of Hallsville, Dale Pipes of Columbia and Harry Pipes of Lake Ozark; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Her husband and two sisters died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Olivet Christian Church Building Fund, 1991 S. Olivet Road, Columbia, Mo. 65201 or Dialysis Clinic, 3300 Lemone Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 6501.
Wanda Bell Jackson
People who knew Wanda Bell Jackson remember her as a homebody who liked gardening, cooking and yard work. Friends she worked with in admissions at MU remember her as a member of the Hearthstone Club.
"A bunch of old ladies got together and decided that once a month they'd go out to dinner or lunch," said her son Mikel Jackson of Herndon, Va. "Since they all sat around the fireplace, they said, let's call each other the Hearthstone Club."
Jackson said each month one lady would be in charge of deciding where to go.
"They just get together and go here and there," Jackson said.
Mrs. Jackson of Columbia died Monday, July 9, 2001. She was 82.
She was born March 11, 1919, in Eldon, to Charles and Leona Routon McCasland. In 1939, she married John Fred Jackson, and he died earlier. Together, with her husband and son, they built the house she lived in for 45 years.
"We built it from scratch," Jackson said. "The rules were I could come out here and play for an hour, and then I had to work."
Jackson, who was 8 years old when the house was built, said he'd chip in with sweeping, clearing out sawdust and painting.
"She was very proud of the fact that she was a cashier at the University of Missouri," Jackson said.
Jackson set up a memorial fund in his mother's name to go to Missouri United Methodist Church youth group. He said when he was growing up in Columbia, he spent close to 10 years with the youth group.
"It was a great experience," he said.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Jim Bryan, will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at McMurray Chapel at Missouri United Methodist Church. Visitation will follow the service. A private burial will be at Eldon Cemetery.
Mrs. Jackson is survived by her son and three grandchildren, Bryan Jackson, Tanya Jackson and Brently Jackson.
Her brother died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Wanda Jackson Memorial Fund at the Missouri United Methodist Church for the Youth Fellowship Program, 204 S. Ninth St., in lieu of flowers.
Joseph Victor Hunt
Joseph Victor Hunt of Columbia died Monday, July 9, 2001, at University Hospital after suffering two brain aneurysms. He was 42.
Mr. Hunt was born April 2, 1959, in Fayette to Joe and Phyllis Hunt. He lived in Columbia most of his life.
Mr. Hunt worked on his family's Columbia cattle farm for many years. When his father was ill, Mr. Hunt took over much of the farm, his mother said.
"He loved the farm," she said. "He loved helping out on the farm with his dad."
In addition to working on his parents' farm, Mr. Hunt enjoyed fishing and hunting.
"He loved to fish on the river," his mother said. "He lived a quiet life."
Visitation will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. David Schawo, will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Hunt is survived by his parents and his two brothers, Michael Hunt of Fulton and Mark Hunt of Centralia.
Memorials may be sent to Midway Heights Baptist Church, 6801 West Rollingwood Blvd., Columbia, Mo., 65202.
Robert E. McDow
Robert E. McDow of Jefferson City died Monday, July 9, 2001, at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. He was 89.
Mr. McDow was born June 23, 1912, in Easley to James Abraham and Chloe Garrett McDow. He was a carpenter for 60 years and a member of Carpenter's Union Local #945. He was of the Baptist faith.
He married Jewell Lee Daly on Aug. 31, 1935, in Boonville and she died earlier. He married Pat Hohman in June 1983 in Hermann.
Visitation for Mr. McDow will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by Rev. Don Snyder, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home. Buriel will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. McDow is survived by his wife; one son, Ira Emerson McDow of the state of California; one daughter, Joy B. Skinner of Quitman; two stepchildren; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A brother and a sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 30638, Columbia, Mo. 65205 or Wolfner Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, 600 W. Main, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
Avis Ann Jones
Even if you had only met her once, Avis Jones would remember your name forever. Mrs. Jones loved to talk and visit with those around her, always making a point of learning the names and common interests of everyone with whom she came in contact.
"She was the historian of the family," Penny Allen, Mrs. Jones' granddaughter, said. "You could ask her any question about any aunt, uncle, cousin, and she'd know what they'd been doing, their boyfriends' names, and anything else."
Avis Ann Jones of Columbia died Monday, July 9, 2001, at Columbia Manor. She was 92.
When Mrs. Jones moved from her home to Columbia Manor, Allen was surprised at how quickly her grandmother got to know everyone.
"She wanted to know everything about the nurses and aides who were helping her," Allen said. "She looked for things she had in common with them; if you were a dog lover, you were her best friend."
In addition to a large family circle and constantly growing network of friends, Mrs. Jones had a great love for her pets.
"Her dogs were her buddies," Allen said. "She always had pets, and her dogs were some of her closest friends."
Mrs. Jones was born Sept. 24, 1908, in Chatham, Ill., to Seabert and Eva Spiers Jordan. Her childhood was spent living on a farm with her parents, two brothers and three sisters. After marrying Donald Jones in Chatham, Ill., in 1925, she was a farmer's wife for many years. When her husband died, Mrs. Jones began working at Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center as a switchboard operator.
"She was such a strong woman," Allen said. "You have to be strong to make it to 92."
One of Allen's fondest memories is of the party they held at the Senior Center in honor of Mrs. Jones' 90th birthday.
"The place was just full of people," Allen said. "She always made friends very easily, and we were all pretty close as a family. She managed to keep in touch with everyone over the years."
Visitation for Mrs. Jones will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services, conducted by the Rev. Dawn Victoria-Mitchell, will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Nilson Funeral Home. Mrs. Jones will be buried at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Chatham, Ill.
Mrs. Jones is survived by two sons, Donald A. Jones Jr. of Columbia and Thomas L. Jones of Columbia, S.C.; one sister, Lucia Handsky of Springfield, Ill.; 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
Her husband, two brothers and two sisters died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Sugar Creek Cemetery Assn., c/o Security Bank, 300 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield, Ill., 62704.
Juanita Cazzell
Juanita Martin Cazzell of Ashland died Saturday, July 7, 2001, at the University Hospital. She was 73.
Mrs. Cazzell was born May 23, 1928, in Boone County to Clyde and Elsie Sapp. She attended school in St. Louis.
On May 5, 1945, she married James K. Martin Sr. Mrs. Cazzell worked for her husband's business, Martin Construction, as an assistant and bookkeeper from 1956 to 1964.
She moved to Hartsburg in 1964. Mrs. Cazzell was active in farming from 1964 to 1986. She also owned and operated the Hartsburg Tavern from 1974 to 1979. James Martin Sr. died in 1986.
Mrs. Cazzell married Virgil Cazzell Aug. 1, 1988, in Hartsburg. He died in 1998.
She was a member of the Hartsburg Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary 424. She attended the First Church of God in Jefferson City.
Visitation will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home, 601 N. Henry Clay Blvd., Ashland. Services, conducted by Elder Marvine Tolle, will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. also at the Robinson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cazzell is survived by two sons, Bruce Martin and James K. Martin Jr., both of Hartsburg; three daughters, Beverly Rippeto of New Bloomfield, Kelli Rae Heckmann of Hartsburg and Tiffany Haulenbeek of Centertown; two sisters, Maxine Woehrmann of Jefferson City and Macie Redden of Albuquerque, N.M.
Memorials may be sent to New Salem Cemetery and First Church of God, Southwest Blvd., Jefferson City, Mo., 65109.
L. Jane Roberts-Anderson
L. Jane Roberts-Anderson of Columbia died Saturday, July 7, 2001, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 54.
Mrs. Roberts-Anderson was born on Dec. 24, 1946, in Columbia to Raymond and Louise Smith Roberts. In 1963, she married Ronnie Anderson in Columbia.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Tom Adams, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Dripping Spring Cemetery, 2701 W. Dripping Springs Road.
Mrs. Roberts-Anderson is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Anderson and Crissy Anderson, both of Columbia; two brothers, Tony Roberts and Raymond Roberts, both of Columbia; and four sisters, Judy Sapp, Jeanie Anderson, Susan Branson and Debbie Henry, all of Columbia.
Her parents, a brother and one grandchild died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 30638, Columbia, Mo. 65205.
Anita Rose Dreyer
Anita Rose Dreyer of Columbia died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 44.
Ms. Dreyer was born on April 23, 1957, in Festus to Richard and Marlene Dreyer. She attended Jefferson R7 School in Festus and graduated from Crystal City High School in 1975. She studied equine sciences at Martin Community College in Williamston, N.C., in 1987 and graduated from Rocky Mount School of Photography in Missoula, Mont., in 1994. She was a member of Woodcrest Chapel.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Rod Casey, will be held at 3 p.m. today at Woodcrest Chapel.
Ms. Dreyer is survived by her mother, Marlene Dreyer, and her brother, James R. Dreyer of Philadelphia.
Her father, Richard Dreyer, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Estelle Irene Taylor
Estelle Irene Taylor was the kind of person who could light up a room with her smile.
"She was the type of person who could make friends anywhere she went," said her daughter Madolyn Joyce Jones.
Mrs. Taylor, 93, formerly of Columbia, died Monday, July 2, 2001, in Denver. She lived in Columbia most of her life until her health required her to move closer to her daughter two years ago.
Mrs. Taylor was born July 20, 1907, in Columbia to Charles and Bessie Anderson. She married Thomas Taylor on March 3, 1932, in Montgomery City.
As housekeeper for the Pi Beta Phi sorority at MU for more than 40 years, she kept in touch with some former students. Even though she graduated in 1951, former student Margaret McKinney remembered Taylor fondly.
"She always wore very big hoop earrings and had an infectious laugh," she said.
Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Columbia and was on the usher board. She was also a member of the American Legion Post #238 Ladies Auxiliary.
Visitation for Mrs. Taylor will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Warren Funeral Chapel, 10 N. Fourth St. Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Donald McNeal, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Taylor is survived by her daughter, Madolyn Joyce Jones of Denver; three grandsons; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Her husband and a sister, Lizzie Mae Rose, died earlier.
