Frederic Henry Curtis
Although Frederic Henry Curtis spent his final days in Rockford, Ill., he was an MU Tiger fan until the end. A wreath on the outside of his nursing-home door housed a stuffed Truman the Tiger and read "Tiger Country."
"Nothing was more dear to his heart than the University of Missouri Tigers," said his daughter, Pat Belzey. "I don't think he liked anyone in the family better than he liked the Tigers."
Mr. Curtis died on Monday, June 21, 1999, at Cor Mariae Center in Rockford. He was 84.
Mr. Curtis was born on April 4, 1915, in Carrollton to Frederick Hamilton Curtis and Mabel Maureen Miller Curtis. On September 3, 1938, he married Betty Marie Mathews in St. Louis.
Mr. Curtis was an active Mason. He was the Master of the Euclid/Magnolia Lodge 636 in St. Louis. He then became founder and Master of the Florissant Lodge 668 and was later the Master of the Hallsville Lodge 336.
He was also a member of the Hallsville United Methodist Church and later the Olivet Christian Church.
Mr. Curtis spent over 15 years as an auditor of student organizations at MU, all the while enjoying Mizzou sports.
Even when the teams were bad, he was an eternal optimist, holding his season tickets dear. Belzey said he'd always comment on the great recruits the Tigers had and how wonderful they'd be the next year.
On his 80th birthday, Mr. Curtis received a signed football from Larry Smith and a basketball from Norm Stewart.
Mr. Curtis was also a member of the University Golf League. "He loved his golf game," Belzey said. "He teed-off every Saturday at 6 a.m. from April to October. It was a given."
In 1996, Mr. Curtis and his wife moved to live with Belzey and her husband in Ohio. Belzey remembers a time shortly after her father moved in when the cable man was installing cable at their home.
"Dad was sitting in his Lazy Boy, and he asked the cable man, 'Is it true that there is a channel with sports on 24 hours a day?'" Belzey said. When the cable man confirmed that ESPN did exist, Mr. Curtis said, "Now I can die happy."
Services, conducted by the Rev. Amy Nyman, will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Cor Mariae Chapel in Rockford.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Curtis of Rockford, Ill.; one daughter, Patricia Belzey of Rockford, Ill.; a son, David Curtis of Warrensburg; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Four brothers died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the M.D. Anderson Hospital, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.
Robert Brumagin
Robert Edward Brumagin of Columbia died Tuesday, June 22, 1999, at his home of hypertensive heart disease. He was 45.
Mr. Brumagin was born September 8, 1953, in St. Charles to Wendell R. and Genevieve Brumagin.
Mr. Brumagin graduated from Elsberry High School in 1974. He received an associate's degree from St. Mary's College in O'Fallon and a bachelor's degree in history from Columbia College.
Many of Mr. Brumagin's friends remember him as someone who could answer any history question, and who was never too busy when they needed help.
Aside from working as a salesman for Brumagin Clothiers in Elsberry, Mr. Brumagin worked as a volunteer in hospitals and charitable organizations in the Columbia area.
Services will be private.
Survivors include three sisters, Danielle E. Moore of Fulton, Debra A. Dyson of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Kathy B. Scott of Raymore; two nieces and four nephews.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St., Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Louise Hansen
When Harry Hansen looks at the tall trees in his yard, he remembers his wife, Betty. She hand-picked each one.
"She created her own little park," Hansen said. Mrs. Hansen nurtured people even more than her flower and vegetable garden. She spent more than 20 years caring for alcoholics, drug addicts and the mentally ill as a nurse at the Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center.
Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Hansen died Tuesday, June 22, 1999, at University Hospital and Clinics. She was 74.
Mrs. Hansen was born on May 19, 1925, in Liberty, Kan., to Rafe and Rose Sack Moffett.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansen met at the Alta Bates Hospital, where Betty was a nurse and Harry was an orderly. They were both working their way through the University of California at Berkeley. They were married Sept. 12, 1948, in Oakland, Calif.
The Hansens moved where his career as an entomologist took them. First they left California for the University of West Virginia, then on to the University of Rhode Island. They moved to Honduras, where they cared for their three daughters and spoke only enough Spanish to get by, Hansen chuckled.
"She was a wonderful mother," he said.
They continued on to Purdue University, then to the Lake of the Ozarks. The Hansens moved to Columbia in 1970 - their last home was Mrs. Hansen's favorite place to live.
In addition to caring for her family, patients and garden, Mrs. Hansen enjoyed researching financial investments to benefit her family.
"She studied carefully before investing," Harry said. "It was her hobby."
Services, conducted by Rev. Don Wallace, will be held at 11 a.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hansen is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Durbin of Normal, Ill., Judith Tindall of Bloomington, Ill., and Kristine Hansen of Boston, Mass.; and three grandchildren.
A son and daughter died earlier.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis House, 913 Rangeline, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Louise Y. Wightman
Louise Y. Wightman died Tuesday, June 22, 1999, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 85.
Mrs. Wightman was born July 25, 1913, in Birmingham, Ala., to Charles and Annie Yeager.
She attended Birmingham area public schools and graduated from Alabama College (now Montevallo University) with a degree in dietetics.
In July 1945, she married Maurice E. Wightman.
Mrs. Wightman worked for one year at Stephens College before becoming food services manager at Columbia College. She held that position for 15 years. In 1957, she was hired by MU, where she retired in 1975 as assistant director of housing and food services.
There will be no services.
She is survived by her brother, Thomas E. Yeager Sr., of Birmingham; two nephews; and two nieces.
Her husband died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Red Cross, 1511 S. Providence, Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Melvin E. Algiere
Even after the work day was over, Melvin Algiere didn't quit.
"He was always going the extra mile to do something for someone," his daughter Brenda Algiere said.
Melvin Eugene Algiere of Harrisburg died in a tractor accident Friday, June 18, 1999. He was 52.
Mr. Algiere was born October 29, 1946, in Quincy, Ill., to Lester and Zelma Boyer Algiere. He moved to Columbia soon after, where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Hickman High Sch ool.
Mr. Algiere worked primarily as a carpenter for various construction companies. He was a hard worker, said his sister, Joyce Algiere, and always strived "to get done whatever he wanted to get done."
"He was very strong-willed and determined," his daughter Angela Algiere said.
An avid fisherman, Mr. Algiere enjoyed spending time outdoors and with his grandchildren. He also liked to collect cars, Brenda Algiere said.
Services will be at 6 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
He is survived by his mother, Zelma Shock of Columbia; two daughters, Angela and Brenda Algiere, both of Columbia; three brothers, Jim and Dale Algiere of Columbia and Albert Algiere of the Philippines; three sisters, Virginia Newton of Florida, Nelda Coffman of Hallsville and Joyce Algiere of Columbia; and two grandchildren.
His father died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Melvin E. Algiere Memorial, care of Angela Algiere, 501 E. Hiton St. Apt. A, Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Kevin L. Bata
Kevin Lee Bata of Columbia died Monday, June 21, 1999, in a car accident. He was 35.
Mr. Bata was born Nov. 30, 1963, in Hayti to Clifton and Judy Haynes Bata. On Oct. 23, 1982, he married Michelle Carpenter in Memphis, Tenn. He worked as a private contractor for Bata Construction Co. in Columbia. Mr. Bata was a member of University Baptist Church.
Visitation for Mr. Bata will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services, conducted by the Rev. Jeffrey Benson, will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at University Baptist Church, 4275 Route WW E. Burial will be at Dripping Spring Cemetery.
Mr. Bata is survived by his wife, Michelle Bata of Columbia; his parents, Clifton and Judy Bata of Columbia; two grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Haynes of Caruthersville; two sons, Kevin Jordan Bata and Brandon Lee Bata, both of Columbia; and a daughter, Brittany Nicole Bata of Columbia.
His sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to University Baptist Church, 4275 Hwy. WW E., Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Steven Wayne Hickam
Steven Wayne Hickam of Columbia died Monday, June 21, 1999, at University Hospital and Clinics of a brain aneurysm. He was 40.
Mr. Hickam was born June 8, 1959, in Columbia to Marvin and Patricia Kindig Hickam.
Mr. Hickam attended Moberly Community College and was a member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church.
Visitation for Mr. Hickam will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services will be at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Hickam Cemetery in Lupus.
Mr. Hickam is survived by his parents, Marvin and Patricia Hickam, both of Columbia; his former wife, Teresa Baker Hickam of Columbia; one brother, David Hickam of Columbia; one sister, Lisa Hickam of Sturgeon; two sons, Zechariah Wayne Hickam and Elijah Edward Hickam, both of Columbia; and a step-daughter, Amanda Baker of Columbia.
Memorials may be sent to The Hickam Children's Trust Fund, c/o Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road, Columbia, Mo. 65202.
James Heskett
James Heskett is remembered for his dedication to work and family. The things he cared about most were "computers, his children and me," said his wife, Theresa Heskett.
James M. Heskett of Columbia died of cancer Saturday, June 19, 1999, at his home. He was 54.
Mr. Heskett was born June 25, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, to Cloyd and Elmira Edna Dannenfeldt Heskett. He remained in Iowa until a promotion at Oscar Mayer Co. took him to Los Angeles.
There he met Theresa Mathews, whom he married in Upland, Calif., on March 5, 1988. After Mr. Heskett was promoted again, the Hesketts moved to Ohio, where they had their first child. Mr. Heskett had four other children from a previous marriage.
The family moved to Columbia six years ago, when Mr. Heskett was again promoted. He retired from his position as technical support supervisor just this year after spending 30 years with the company.
Daughter-in-law Shauntel Heskett described him as "a very loving, caring and private person" and "a wonderful father and husband." He was loved most for his strength, Theresa Heskett said.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Mr. Heskett will be buried in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery, in Iowa.
Mr. Heskett is survived by his wife, Theresa Heskett of Columbia; five children, Christopher James Heskett of Columbia, James Michael Heskett Jr. of New Berlin, Ill., Jeffrey Heskett of Columbia, Brett Allan Heskett of Corona, Calif., Cindy Heskett of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; two brothers, Timothy Heskett and Larry Heskett, both of Davenport, Iowa; one sister, Bobbe Anglund of Davenport, Iowa; and 11 grandchildren.
His parents died earlier.
Memorials can be sent to the James Heskett Memorial Fund, care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Rhonda L. Lee
Rhonda L. Lee of Columbia died Friday, June 18, 1999, at her home in Columbia. She was 38.
Mrs. Lee was born Dec. 20, 1960, in Marshall to Cedric and Wanda Self Green. She married K. Brian Lee in Columbia on July 10, 1982.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Forum Boulevard Christian Church, where Mrs. Lee was a member. Services, conducted by the Rev. Max Jennings, will also be at Forum Boulevard Christian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Mrs. Lee is survived by her father, Cedric Green of Napton; her mother, Wanda Gerken of Gravois Mills; her husband, K. Brian Lee of Columbia; her grandmother, Vineda Self of Marshall; three daughters, Rachel Ann Lee, Rebecca Kay Lee and Sarah Mae Lee, all of Columbia; and a half brother, William Green of Napton.
Her sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Lee Daughters College Fund, care of Forum Boulevard Church, 3900 Forum Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Robert Goodman
Family, religion, education and wine bound Robert Goodman's life.
Dr. Robert Goodman of Columbia died Friday, June 18, 1999, at his home. He was 77.
In 1950, Dr. Goodman came to MU to complete his doctoral degree in plant pathology. During his tenure as an MU professor and chairman of the plant pathology department, he became a world-renowned plant pathologist. He is most famous for work dealt with streptomycin, an agricultural antibiotic spray that prevents Jonathan Apple trees from contracting fireblight, a bacteria that can decimate entire orchards in a single season.
After retiring from MU in 1991, he became an adjunct professor at the Southwest Missouri State University Fruit Experiment Station in Mountain Grove.
By this time, Dr. Goodman had become a prominent Missouri grape grower. He started Bacchus Vineyards in 1962 and was an active member of the Governors' Wine Advisory Board.
Wine was in his blood. His great-grandfather owned and operated a vineyard in Hungary before the Nazi occupation in World War II.
"His last years were dedicated to working on diseases that effect grapes," said his daughter, Rachel Goodman. His daughter Joyce McMurtrey and her husband now run the Mountain Grove winery.
Dr. Goodman was born on Dec. 15, 1921, in Yonkers, N.Y., to Sidney and Margaret Fried Goodman.
Throughout his life Dr. Goodman was a devout Orthodox Jew. He was a founding member of Congregation Beth Shalom and a key player in the construction of the Hillel Foundation building at 1107 University Ave.
"He worked very hard to see that the Jewish community flourished," Rachel said.
Before beginning his career, Dr. Goodman served in the Eighth Air Force during World War II. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. Following the war, he continued to serve in the reserves until 1974, when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Goodman married Phoebe Newman on September 4, 1949. They had three children.
Visitation will be at his home Monday, June 21 through Friday, June 25, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Services conducted by Rabbi Yossi Feintuch, will be at 11 a.m. today at the Hillel Foundation-Congregation Beth Shalom, 1107 University Ave. Buried will follow at Columbia Cemetery.
Dr. Goodman is survived by his wife, Phoebe Goodman; one sister, Elaine Loveman of Pittsfield, Mass.; and three daughters, Janet Cohen of New York, Rachel Goodman of Brookline, Mass. and Joyce McMurtrey of Mountain Grove.
His parents died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Hillel Foundation-Congregation Beth Shalom, 1107 University Ave., Columbia, Mo. 65201 or Community Hospice, 3600 I-70 Dr. SE, Columbia, Mo., 65202.
