Daniel O. Beaman
Daniel O. Beaman of Moberly died Tuesday, June 11, 2002, in Moberly. He was 72.
Mr. Beaman was born April 8, 1930, in Howard County to Robert Lesley and Nona Dodson Beaman. He married Mary E. McBee on Oct. 20, 1965, in Howard County.
Family and friends remember him for having a great sense of humor in all aspects of life and helping strangers and friends alike.
"If we would be sitting around and I said something, he would always have something funny to come back with," said friend Sondra Mooney.
His son, Danny Beaman of Columbia, said that once his father got to know anyone he would love to pick on them.
"Even in the nursing home he would kid around and pick on the other patients," Danny said.
His daughter, Nellie Sims, recalled one Halloween when Mr. Beaman took his kids out trick-or-treating. The night was uneventful until he backed into a tree and dented his vehicle. He told the kids not to tell their mom.
The evidence was clear, Sims said, but he looked so innocent saying he didn't know where the dent came from.
You had to know his facial expressions to understand how funny that situation was, Mooney said.
Mr. Beaman was a member of New Providence Baptist Church in Columbia. He and his friend, Dewey Bennett, used to go to church together.
One of Mr. Beaman's passions was fishing. Bennett recalled that about 10 years ago he and Mr. Beaman went fishing for mud cats in a mud puddle in the Boonville Flats. Mr. Beaman decided to play and slop around in the mud, Bennett said.
"The kids thought we were crazy," said Bennett.
Mr. Beaman farmed with his father in New Franklin, Mo. Later in life he was a janitor for MU and 3M.
He is survived by his son, Danny, three daughters, Susan Powell of California, Mo., Brenda Schiradelly andSims, both of Columbia; one brother, John Beaman of New Franklin; two sisters, Rachel Dougherty of Fayette and Ester Ruth Lassor of Walnut Creek, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. His wife and two brothers, David and Samuel Beaman, died earlier.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Markland-Gardner Funeral Home, 113 E. Broadway in New Franklin.
Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Jesse Barnhart, will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Markland-Gardner Funeral Home. Burial is at Ashland Cemetery, east of New Franklin. Pallbearers will be Denny Dougherty, Bob Beaman, Roger Wyatt, Eddie Beaman, Henry Washington, Dewey Bennett. Honorary pallbearers will be Junior Sims, Erik Nolasco and Richard Hertzing.
Memorials may be sent to Alzheimer's Association of Mid-Missouri or Ashland Cemetery. Contributions may be left at the funeral home or mailed to Markland-Gardner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, New Franklin, Mo. 65274.
Alma Dee Bell Miller
Alma Dee Bell Miller of Columbia died Sunday, June 9, 2002. She was 78.
Mrs. Miller was born December 17, 1923, to John and Winne Drane Bell near Woodlandville, Mo. She married Glenn "OOP" Miller in 1942.
Soon after their marriage, the couple left rural Missouri and followed their dreams to Hollywood. Though Mrs. Miller got a job as a clerical worker, her real interest was in show business. She was a walk-on for movies like the Ten Commandments.
The memories of Hollywood she shared with her children ranged from eating dinner with Bing Crosby, being friends with Marilyn Monroe, sitting at the Cabana Club next to Desi Arnaz, and sitting on the curb at the Academy Awards watching the stars with her husband.
Mrs. Miller returned to Columbia to be close to family and then worked at the George Peak Agency and later Columbia Mutual Insurance Company as a secretary.
Janie Whelton, Mrs. Miller's oldest daughter, said although her mother died in Columbia, she believes her heart remained in California.
"She loved the glitz and glamour of Hollywood," Whelton said.
Mrs. Miller's desire to go back to Palm Springs was cut short when she suffered a stroke at the age of 52. As a result of the stroke, she spent the last 25 years of her life at the Boone Retirement Center.
Roberts said her mother was challenged by her disabilities but kept a positive attitude. While her short-term memory drifted away, Clark Gable and Ginger Rogers and the memories of Hollywood were still strong, Roberts said.
Mrs. Miller was visited by her younger sister, Anita Semom, almost everyday for 26 years at the retirement center as well.
"She had such an exciting life for a woman who grew up in Boone County," Semom said. "When she came home to us, she was our movie star."
She is also survived by a daughter, Judy Tukuafu of Salt Lake City; a grandson, Scott Whelton of London, and brothers and sisters.
A graveside remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. today at Memorial Park Cemetery, led by Ms. Elsa Kok.
A memorial will be designated at a later date.
Samuel E. Mordica
Samuel "Skip" Eugene Mordica would give up sleep just to have the pleasure of meeting new people.
During the last years of his life he worked four days a week on the 10 p.m to 7 a.m. shift at the Stadium Boulevard Wal-Mart greeting customers.
Mr. Mordica of Columbia died of a stroke Monday, June 9, 2002, at his home. He was 82.
Mr. Mordica was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Boone County to John S.J. and Geneva Elizabeth Frances Phillippe Mordica. He married Zula Frances Forbis on Sept. 18, 1942, in Columbia.
His only child, Beverly Roberts of Columbia, remembers him as more than just a dad. "People say that parents would be parents and not friends, but he was both," Roberts said. "He was my buddy."
Mr. Mordica had pride in everything he did, from serving in the Navy during World War II to helping raise his only grandson, William "Bill" E.F. Roberts.
Before Mr. Mordica worked as a greeter, he was able to make his passion his living as the owner and operator of Columbia Auto Body Shop from 1962 to 1993.
Friend and fellow auto repairman, Bob Daily, said the two became friends working in the business together. Though Daily said that many friends drift off when they quit the auto business, Mr. Mordica and he kept their passion for cars and their friendship alive over the years.
Mr. Mordica is survived by his wife, his daughter, his brothers, Francis B. Mordica of Jackson, Mich., Warren E. Mordica of Columbia, William H. Mordica of Apache Flats, Ariz.; and sisters, Virginia Gail Perkin of Harrisburg, Norma Fay Rall of San Antonio, Texas, and Edith L. Hoffman of St. Louis; and his grandson, William E.F. Roberts of Columbia.
Services, conducted by the Rev. John Foley, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Parker Funeral Services, 22 N. Tenth St.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Burial will be at Red Rock Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Red Rock Cemetery Fund, c/o Russell Cook.
William R. Hinshaw
William Ray Hinshaw of Columbia died Monday, June 10, 2002, at Boone Retirement Center. He was 95.
Mr. Hinshaw was born Aug. 9, 1906, to Wellie and Myrtle Stewart Hinshaw in Boone County. He grew up in Englewood, Mo.
Mr. Hinshaw attended the College of Agriculture at the University of Missouri. He moved to St. Louis to work at the Kroger grocery store and bakery and later the Wale Extra Family Yellow Soap Company.
After a serious illness, Mr. Hinshaw became a farmer and beef cattle rancher. He loved the land as much as he loved his wife, Eva.
Mr. Hinshaw married Eva Taylor on June 15, 1934. They danced, traveled and worked their way through life together. She survives.Mr. Hinshaw loved farming, fishing, and fun, and he had a wonderful sense of humor.
He served on the Board of Boone County Co-op. He was also a member of the Missouri Cattlemen Association, Twilight Lodge, Scottish Rite and a Charter member of Columbia Valley.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Parker Funeral Services, 22 N. Tenth St. Services, conducted by the Rev. Paul Larimore, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Parker Funeral Service. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.
Memorials may be sent to Englewood Community Club.
William Jay Barton
William Jay Barton of Stephens died Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at his home. He was 49. Mr. Barton was born April 24, 1953, in St. Louis to Joseph Halden Carson and Rhoda Carson Nickles.
Visitation for Mr. Barton will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Rd.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Nilson Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at 3 p.m. Friday at Boss Cemetery in Boss, Mo.
Mr. Barton is survived by a son, William Jay Barton, Jr. of Granite City; a daughter, Christina Cook of Alton, Ill.; eight brothers and sisters, Linda Brummitt of Salem, Mo., Debbie Swindler of Columbia, Delbert Carpenter of Columbia, Jack Carpenter of Ashland, Joe Carpenter of Sturgeon, Glen Lee Carson of Fulton, Melony Chipley of Boonville, Carroll Dean Nickles of Justin, Texas; seven step-brothers and sisters, Jerry Nickles of Clinton, Margie Reams, June Tillenger, Robert Nickles, Raymond Nickles, Jim Nickles, and Debbie Nickles, all of Columbia.
His mother, father and grandparents died earlier.
Sara Neptune
Sara Eloise Neptune of Columbia died Wednesday, June 5, 2002, in Columbia. She was 70.
Ms. Neptune was born November 3, 1931 in Hattiesburg, Miss. to Charles Wesley and Myrtle Wilson Smith.
Ms. Neptune was a teacher and a journalist.
She is survived by four sons, Kenneth Wesley Neptune of Akersberga, Sweden, Andre Gerard Neptune of Anchorage, Ala., Jacques Anthony James Neptune of Long Beach, Calif., Bertrand Charles Neptune of Bloomington, Ill.; a daughter, Jeanne Catherine Neptune of Seattle; a brother, Grover Smith of Hattiesburg, Miss.; a sister, Mrs. William R. Wiley of Richland, Wash.; and six grandchildren. Her parents and husband died earlier.
Visitation for Mrs. Neptune will be from 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to Second Chance, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Bus. 70 W., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Mary Allene Walden
Ann Abel remembers her mother-in-law, Mary Allene Walden, as an outgoing and approachable person who made many friends in her lifetime. She was the type of person everyone liked, mainly because of her attitude, Abel said.
"She was always out for a good time," said Abel.
Mary Allene Walden died Friday, June 7, 2002, at Sayre Christian Village Nursing Home in Lexington, Ky. She was 101.
Mrs. Walden, a resident of Columbia for most of her life, moved to Lexington to be closer to her son and his family.
Her son, Carl Walden, remembers her as a devoted mother and wife.
"She just took care of everybody," he said. "She loved her children and grandchildren." Mrs. Walden often baby-sat for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who lived nearby.
Mrs. Walden was born in Columbia on February 4, 1901, to Edwin and Onie Westbrook. She was married to her husband, Thomas Walden, for 54 years. He died earlier.
Mrs. Walden was Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, Thilo Chapter 322 in Columbia. She was a member of the chapter for over 50 years and was honored with a life-time membership.
During World War II, Mrs. Walden was active on the ration board and helped with the local effort to stockpile items such as food and rubber.
Graveside services, conducted by the Rev. Dennis Swearngin, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. The services are being paid for by the Thilo Chapter of Eastern Star.
Mrs. Walden is survived by her brother, Edwin Westbrook of Columbia; her son, Carl Walden of Lexington, Ky.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great grandchildren.
Her sons, Jack and Fred; and brother, Ralph, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Thilo Chapter of Eastern Star 322, c/o Millie Buckler, 2313 Garden Drive, Columbia, Mo. 65203. The family requests that no flowers be sent.
Howard Milton Ruth
Howard Ruth and his wife, Margaret Knudson Ruth, danced through life together for more than 60 years. Wherever their journeys took them, they shared their love of dancing with their friends.
Howard Milton Ruth died Sunday, April 21, 2002, in Roseville, Calif. He was 92. Before moving to Columbia in the early 1960s, the couple loved ballroom dancing. However, they switched to square dancing when they moved to Columbia because there were no ballroom dance places, said their son Lee Ruth.
"They started us square dancing when they came here and kept us dancing the whole time they were here," said long-time friend Jim Davenport.
After leaving Columbia, the Ruths joined dance groups wherever they lived. They continued to dance together until a few years ago, when Mr. Ruth's health made dancing impossible.
Mr. Ruth also loved to go camping and canoeing along the rivers in southern Missouri. Davenport said the couple shared this passion with their friends by taking them along on adventures.
In addition to his dance floor finesse, Mr. Ruth was also a world-class handyman who could fix almost anything.
"He was quite a brilliant man," said Davenport. Mr. Ruth once installed a second transmission in an old vehicle he and his wife used for camping. After all of his tweaking, the vehicle had nine forward gears and three reverse gears.
"He could put it in gear at idle speed, and get out and walk beside it," Davenport said. Mr. Ruth worked many jobs during his career. He retired in 1973 from his job as a service engineer for American Can.
Mr. Ruth was born July 13, 1909, to John and Catherine Helmann Ruth, in Carrington, N.D. He graduated from Appleton High School in Appleton, Wis. and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
He married Margaret Eulalie Knudson on November 24, 1938, in Atwood, Wis. They lived in Columbia from 1962 until 1981.
Mr. Ruth is survived by his wife; two sons, Lee Ruth of Jamestown, Mo., and Jim Ruth of Columbia; two daughters Peggy Hauck and Barbara Ruth both of Granite Bay, Calif.; a sister, Mary Ruth of Oshkosh, Wis.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Three brothers and two sisters died earlier.
A remembrance and celebration of his life was held by family and friends on April 25 in Granite Bay, Calif.
Emily Prather
Emily Prather of Columbia died June 7, 2002, at Columbia Regional Hospital. She was 93.
Mrs. Prather was born January 1, 1909, in Madison, Wis., to John and Emma Albrecht. She married Philip Dollarhide Prather, Jr.
Mrs. Prather graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she earned a degree in dance therapy, one of the first such programs in the United States. She taught dance for several years at Stephens College in Columbia. She was a volunteer at Rusk Rehabilitation Center, a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Kate Thompson Circle of King's Daughters and the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia.
A private family graveside service, conducted by the Rev. Richard J. Ramsey, will be held today at the Columbia Cemetery.
Mrs. Prather is survived by her daughter Ellen Allton of Columbia; her son, Philip Dollarhide Prather III, of Columbia; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her husband died earlier.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rusk Rehabilitation Center, 315 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Ethel Sumner
Ethel Sumner not only raised her eight children, but also cared for many foster children. "Her entire life revolved around her family and her kids," granddaughter Alison Worsham said.
Ethel Ruth Sumner of New Florence, formerly of Danville, died Saturday, June 8, 2002, at the New Florence Nursing and Care Center in New Florence. She was 79.
Mrs. Sumner was born Jan. 12, 1923, in Colliers, Pa., to Edward R. and Ruth F. Brown Dixon. She married William Edgar Sumner in February of 1940.
Mrs. Sumner worked in foster care most of her life.
"They were all different, but they all needed the same things - love, kindness and someone to care," Mrs. Sumner once wrote of her foster children in a journal.
"She took care of a lot of foster kids," Worsham said. "She really loved them a lot. She tried to treat them like her own kids as much as possible."
Visitation for Mrs. Sumner will be 1 p.m. today. Services, conducted by the Rev. Fred Brandenburg and Alan Worsham, will be at 3 p.m. at Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City. Burial will be in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Mrs. Sumner is survived by four sons, Thomas A. Sumner and William E. Sumner, of Byhalia, Miss.; James C. Sumner of Fair Grove, Mo.; and Kenneth G. Sumner of Lawton, Okla.; three daughters, Ruth Ann White of Columbia, Bonnie L. Roberts of Montgomery City, and Linda G. Worsham of St. Charles; a brother, William G. Dixon of Montgomery City; and a sister, Wilma Jean Woods of Aurora, Colo., and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her husband and a son, George Raymond Sumner, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the New Florence Nursing and Care Center in New Florence.
Robert L. Snodgrass
The members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 257, won't forget his cherry pies.
"He had two or three cherry trees in his yard and his wife would always bake delicious pies," said Jim Winemiller, a business representative for the union. "They were his favorite."
Like his pies, Robert L. Snodgrass of Columbia will not be forgotten.
Mr. Snodgrass died Friday, June 7, 2002, at Boone Hospital Center. He was 88.
Mr. Snodgrass was both a 60-year member and founding charter member of the IBEW, Local 257 along with contracting as an electrician.
"He was an electrician, and a good one at that," Winemiller said.
Mr. Snodgrass was also a 55-year member of the Acacia Lodge, a freemasonry lodge.
"I remember how excited he was when he received his 50-year pin a couple of years ago," Winemiller said.
Mr. Snodgrass was born March 2, 1914, in Boone County to John Lee Snodgrass and Ola Sappington Snodgrass. He married Dora Dodson Griggs on Nov. 20, 1949, in Jefferson City.
Mr. Snodgrass is survived by his wife; three daughters, Linda Thomas, Martha Lou Hathman and Judy Davis, of Columbia; a stepson, Richard Griggs of Owensville; a stepdaughter, Sue Watson of Columbia; nine grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Those whose lives he touched will miss him.
"He was always fun to be around and never talked bad about anyone," Winemiller said. "He was always so upbeat."
Mr. Snodgrass' daughter, Jackie Baugh, a brother, two sisters and two step-grandchildren all died earlier.
Visitation will be 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
Memorials may be sent to the American Lung Association.
Mary Barron
Mary Ellen Barron of Columbia died on June 7, 2002, at Boone Retirement Center. She was 82.
Mrs. Barron was born June 17, 1919, in Pilot Grove to Leslie and Katie Babbitt Haley.
Mrs. Barron married Donald Barron in Pilot Grove on Feb. 7, 1941. She earned her bachelor's degree of education from MU. She was a 50-year member of The Eastern Star. Mrs. Barron was an MU football ticket holder for 40 years and also an MU basketball fan. Visitation for Mrs. Barron will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
Services for Mrs. Barron will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2002, at McMurry Chapel in Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St.
Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Pilot Grove.
Mrs. Barron is survived by her husband, Donald; her daughter, Susan Taylor of Nashville, Tenn.; two sisters, Kathryn Schupp and Dorothy Ries, both of Pilot Grove; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her parents, a brother and a great-grandchild died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Mary Barron Memorial Fund, c/o Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Gary Griggs
Gary Wayne Griggs of Hinton, formerly of Moberly, died Wednesday, June 5, 2002, at University Hospital of cancer. He was 58.
Mr. Griggs was born Aug. 2, 1943, in St. Louis County, to James Vincel and Dorothy Thorpe.
He was a veteran of the Army and a long-time salesman in the auto industry. He was a Baptist and attended several churches in the Columbia area.
Mr. Griggs is survived by two sons, Kenneth W. Griggs of Columbia and Lonnie D. Griggs of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Tina R. Griggs of Columbia; two sisters, Mary L. Coleman of Columbia and Denise Bauersachs of Illinois; a brother, Larry Dean Griggs of Texas; three granddaughters, one grandson, and longtime companion, Joyce Chandler of Columbia. His parents and a sister died earlier.
A private memorial service was conducted Friday by the Rev. Art Dyer.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Faye McCauley
Faye McCauley was known for her love of animals.
"When I was a little girl, we used to go out to visit Uncle George and Aunt Faye on the farm," her niece Patty Fairchild said. "She always had kittens and we would play with the kittens together."
Mrs. McCauley, of Centralia, died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 86.
Mrs. McCauley was born Aug. 8, 1915, in Thompson to Joseph Richard and Letha Belle Wilson Squires. She married George McCauley on Feb. 24, 1940.
Mrs. McCauley also enjoyed gardening, Fairchild said. She loved to grow African violets.
"She adored flowers," she said. "She always had a garden and she was very proud of it."
Mrs. McCauley was a member of the First Christian Church in Centralia.
Visitation for Mrs. McCauley will be at the Meador and Son Funeral Home, Sneed and Rollins Street in Centralia, from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Meador and Son Chapel in Centralia. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.
Mrs. McCauley is survived by her brother, Leonard Squires of Oregon, and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. McCauley's parents, her husband, and a brother, Roy Lee Squires, died earlier.
Donna Neely
Donna Mae Dalrymple Neely of Columbia died Sunday, June 2, 2002, at Riverdell Care Center in Boonville. She was 81.
Mrs. Neely was born April 9, 1921, in Mulvane, Kan. to Carroll L. Dalrymple and Mary A. Haley Dalrymple. She attended Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Ky., Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, and Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.
She married John Edward Neely III in 1948 in Mayfield, Ky. She later married Hume Smith in Mexico, Mo. Both died earlier.
Mrs. Neely is survived by her son, Stephen Cole Neely of Columbia; and two sisters, Clara Culp of Benton, Ky., and Doris Wilkes of Holiday Island, Ark.
Her son, Jason Kent Neely, and her sister, Martha Hann died earlier.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, 65202.
Amanda Nichols
Amanda Nichols of Fulton died in an automobile accident Friday, June 7, 2002. She was 15.
Ms. Nichols was a member of the Grace Bible Church and had just completed her sophomore year at Fulton High School.
She was born to David and Debbie Burnett Nichols on June 18, 1986, in Columbia.
Services will be held at 4 p.m. today at Grace Bible Church, 1322 Paris Road. The Rev. Michael Burt and the Rev. Rodney Fowler will be officiating.
Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery in Ashland.
She is survived by her father, David Nichols of Fulton; her maternal grandmother, Margaret Burnett of Fulton; and two sisters, Danielle and Julie Nichols, both of Fulton.
Her mother, Debbie Nichols and her maternal grandfather, Ray Burnett, and paternal grandparents, Euell and Alta Nichols, all died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Grace Bible Church Missionary Fund, at 1322 Paris Road, Columbia, Mo.
