Jackie J. Murphy, age 75, of Bourbon, passed away Wednesday evening August 5, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with her family at her side. She was born January 15, 1940 to the late Willis and Clara (Dilks) Marshall in Bourbon. On July 3, 1965, she married James D. “JD” Murphy in Bourbon. The couple just celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Jackie is survived by her husband “JD”, one son, Greg Murphy of Bourbon and one grandson Tyler Murphy of St. James.

She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church of Bourbon. Jackie enjoyed antiquing, fishing and gardening.  Her pride and joy was her yard. It was immaculate.

Funeral services for Jackie was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2015 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Father Richard Boever officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Bourbon.  The family received friends Monday from 9 a.m. till time of service at the funeral home. Donations are suggested to the St. Francis Catholic Church of Bourbon. You may sign the online guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Louise J. Livell, age 67, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born March 6, 1948 in St. Louis, MO the daughter of the late Raymond and Notie (Miller) Barteau. On May 9, 1970 she married Patrick Livell in Florissant, MO.

Louise is the beloved wife of Patrick H., Dear mother of Michael, Patrick T., Matthew, Jennifer, Timothy and Sara Cryer, husband, Larry. Dear Grandmother of Lucas, Hayden and Lauren Cryer.  Dear sister, sister in law, aunt, cousin.

Louise was a homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, especially her roses.

Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Eaton Funeral Home Southside Chapel. The family received friends Saturday from 11:00 a.m. till time of service. Donations are suggested to BJC Hospice in Sullivan. You may sign the online guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

William “Bill” Gerald Hillman, 95, of Lamar, MO passed away on Monday, August 3, 2015 at Truman Health Care and Rehab in Lamar.

Bill was born to William and Nellie Hillman in St. Louis, MO on May 5, 1920.  He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1937.  He enlisted and served in the Army Air Corp from January 6, 1942 until November 6, 1945. On November 22, 1939, Bill married Mary Elizabeth Bacon. They were married for 70 years.

He is survived by two sons, Bill Hillman of Overland Park, KS and Jim (Martha) Hillman of Lamar, MO; eight grandchildren, Kathy (Matt) VanBecelaere, Abby (John) Gilkey, Jenny (Jeff) Tucker, Chris (Melissa) Hillman, Natalie (Cory) Lambrecht, Jimmy Hillman, Jessica (Josh) McGinnis and Joe (Mindie) Starks; and 18 great-grandchildren, Dillon Simmons, James Simmons, Patrick Simmons, Jack Gilkey, Hattie Gilkey, J.T. Tucker, Tripp Tucker, Case Tucker, Andrew Hillman, J.P. Hillman, Cooper Hillman, Tucker Hillman, Rowan Lambrecht, Graham Lambrecht, Colton Watson, Camryn Watson, Ali Starks and Johnny Starks.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Hillman on January 7, 2010 and Peggy O’Sullivan Hillman.

Bill worked as an office manager for International Shoe Company for approximately 15 years and then worked for Nieman Tool & Machine for 18 years. He retired from Carden Machine Company in 1986. He enjoyed baseball and even tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was offered a minor league contract but chose to raise a family instead.  Bill created Sullivan’s first organized youth baseball team known as the Midgets in the summer of 1948.

He was a longtime member, deacon, and teacher of the First Baptist Church of Sullivan, MO and served as the Chaplin for the Sullivan Rotary Club for many years.  Bill was also a licensed pilot. 

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Sullivan, MO. Entombment followed at I.O.O.F. Mausoleum in Sullivan.Visitation was held Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.  August 7, 2015 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Donations are suggested to the Lamar Senior Citizen Center, 306 W. 11th St., Lamar, MO 64759. You may sign the on line guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Pallbearers – Otis Witt, Sr., Jeff Witt, Kevin Witt, Eric Witt, Roger Bacon and Eric Schmidt

Officiating – Mack Chambers and Brother Parnell

Music provided by – Jeanne Carr  (In the Garden)

Mary Louise Burk age 70, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2015 at St. John’s Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She was born January 4, 1945 the daughter of the late David Albert and Elizabeth (Courtois) Pratt, and the youngest of seven children.

She is survived by husband Michael Burk, Sullivan, MO; son Theodore J. Kroll, Jr. of Troy, MO; sisters Julie Rybacki, Hillsboro, MO; Kathleen and Jerry Torrance of House Springs, MO; brother Jim Pratt, Imperial, MO; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Robert Pratt, John Pratt and wife Evelyn; sister Marie Long and husband, Jessie; sister in law, Gail Pratt and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was a member of St. Anthony Parish in Sullivan and was very active in Knights of Columbus Auxiliary as President, and a church choir member. She was also very active in VFW Post 3781 Auxiliary, Sullivan Saddle Club and Fraternal Order of Eagles 3781.

Mary enjoyed gardening, reading and genealogy. She was known for organizing family gatherings, and enjoyed spending time with her friends and large family.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Paul Telken officiating. Cremation followed.  The family received friends Friday night from 5 p.m. till 7 p.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Donations are suggested to Wounded Warriors. You may sign the online guest book at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Robert Piekarski age 61, of Sullivan, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 20105. He was born March 6, 1954 to the late Anthony A. and Mary E. (Holt) Piekarski.

Robert loved fishing, Cardinal Baseball and his Niece Ryland. He was a brother and a good friend to many.  He will be missed by many.

Robert’s wishes were to be cremated. No services are scheduled at this time.  He was cared for by Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.

Calvin Oscar Horstmann, 91, of Owensville, MO passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at his residence.

Calvin was born in Rosebud on June 29, 1924, to the late Oscar C. and Emelia (Brandt) Horstmann. On April 7, 1951 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Owensville he was united in marriage to Rita Piezuch. He served his country with the United States Navy Seabees during World War II. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Owensville; the Knights of Columbus; and VFW Post 6133. He had worked as a mechanic at Allied Chemical for 35 years before retiring.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, David; sister, Bertha Lee Langenberg; and brother Culver Horstmann.

His survivors include his wife, Rita; their daughters, Barbara Davidson and husband, Tom, of Webster Groves, Brenda McKinney and husband, Rodney, Jane Horstmann, and Judy Glaser and husband, Daryl, all of Owensville, and Laura Randolph and husband, Don, of Sullivan; brother, Leeward Horstmann and wife, Jessie of Owensville; and by 12 grandchildren, Maggie and Joe Davidson, Annie Jones and husband Zach, Ty McKinney and wife, Hannah, Shay McKinney, Claire Glaser and fiancé, Cody Ellis, Hallie and Libby Glaser, Taylor, Carter, Kate and Emma Randolph; and four great-grandchildren, Eloise, Otto, and Fritz Jones, and Rhett McKinney.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Owensville with Fr. Gregory Tigga and Fr. James Finder as the officiants. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Janet Sue Helmig, 67, of Owensville, MO  passed away on Monday, August 17, 2015, at St. Claire Hospital in Fenton.

Janet was born in St. Louis on March 12, 1948, to the late Thomas and Mary (Coleman) Valley. On February 22, 1969 in Linn she was united in marriage to Tonie D. Helmig. She was a former member of Holy Martyrs Catholic Church of Japan.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Tommy Valley; two sisters, Joyce Strawn and Carol Chism; and grandson, Richard Helmig.

Her survivors include her husband, Tonie; sons, Harold Gould and wife, Lisa, of Las Vegas, NV, Jeff Helmig and wife, Shannon, of Owensville, John Helmig and wife, Sue, of Leslie and Randy Helmig of Gerald; daughter, Michelle Laverty and husband, Chris, of Belle; brother, Richard Valley and wife, Patty, of Owensville; sisters, Shirley Jones and husband, Jerry, of Licking, Deloris Farrell and husband, Gene, of Sullivan, Phyllis Reed and husband, Junior, of Tallahassee, FL., Sandy Beebe of Sullivan, Kathy Jenkins and husband, Robert, of Kokomo, IN, and Linda Merril and husband, Andy, of Houston, TX; and 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 21 at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville with Pastor Jim Creath officiating. Burial was in Holy Martyrs Catholic Cemetery in Japan.

Margaret Mae Leake, age 80, baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection, entered into rest Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Life Care Center of Sullivan, Missouri. She was born on November 8, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Peyton and Leota (Austill) Pearson. On November 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to Ira L. Leake, who preceded her in death.

Margaret is survived by her children: Pamela K. (Richard) Ray of Sullivan, Ira L. (Linda) Leake, Jr. of Sullivan, Richard E. (Suzanne) Leake of Sullivan, and Alison G. (Curtis) Ebers of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Diana L. (Marty) Schalk of Benton, AR. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Tasha Leake, Travis (Heather) Leake, Toni (Travis) Landrus, Cassie (David) Johnston, Lisa Leake, Caleb Schalk, Jessica Ebers, Chad Leake, and Callie Schalk; 12 great-grandchildren: Nathan Ray, David Ray, Levi Lusk, Alexis Leake, Jaden Leake, Tyler Lusk, Gavin Leake, Brylan Leake, Madison Leake, Matthew Johnston, Ethan Johnston and Avery Johnston; two great-great-grandchildren: Cash Ray and Jayden Ray; two brothers, Robert Pearson and Peyton Pearson, Jr.; and two sisters, Diane Griffin and Linda Gray. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Rick Ray; three brothers, James, Charles, and George Pearson; and six sisters, Louella Kramer, Marcella Patterson, Emma Collins, Roberta Thompson, Peggy Murray, and Janet Pearson. She also leaves behind nephews, nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law and friends.

Margaret had a quick wit and was a fun-loving person. She was always willing to pitch in and lend a hand. She devoted her life to her children and family. She was a room mother, Sunday school teacher, and 4H leader. She had been active volunteer at Moline Acres Elementary School in St. Louis, R-16 Strain-Japan School and Sullivan High School, as well as the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3781 in Sullivan, Old Argo Presbyterian Church in Japan, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald, and Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan.

Funeral services were held at 10 am. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the Main Chapel of Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Christian burial following at Schmidt Cemetery in Strain, Missouri. The family received friends on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Eaton Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312, http://www.diabetes.org.

Velma Ann Golatka age 79, formally of Sullivan, passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 at Memorial Herman Hospital in Katy, TX. Velma was born February 13, 1936 in St. Clair, MO to the late Leslie “Buck” and Hazel (Gaddy) Ennis. She married Robert W. Golatka on May 3, 1952 in Rolla, MO. Robert preceded her in death on September 28, 2012.

Velma is survived by one son, Robert D. Golatka and wife, Joyce, of Katy, TX.  Three grandchildren; Kenneth McCubbin, Dwan D. Golatka, and Denise M. Downs. Five great grandchildren; Devin and Alanna McCubbin, Gavin D. Downs, Bella Joy Downs and Kalin D. Golatka-Burns. Nieces and Nephews; Debbie, Randy, Nicky, Kathleen, Sharon, Eddie and Denise. She was preceded in death by one son Mark W. Golatka and one brother Gene Ennis.

Velma was a homemaker and with her husband Bob who owned and operated a retail business in the community.

Funeral services for Velma were at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was on Monday, August 31, 2015 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. The family received friends Saturday from 9 a.m. till time of service. You may sign the on-line guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Robert A. Koch of Ava, Missouri formerly of Bourbon, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 28, 2015 at the age of 37 years.   

Robert was born on July 25, 1978 to Steven Koch and Robyn (Laffler) Koch at St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Bourbon Schools. Robert was an avid outdoorsmen and he loved his two daughters very much. Robert was employed as a laborer in the concrete business. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by two daughters, Samara Koch of Springfield, Missouri and Abigail Koch of St. James, MO, his father and step-mother, Steve and Judy Koch of Bourbon, his mother, Robyn Koch of Centerville, IL, one brother, Steven Koch II, one step-brother, Derek Adams, nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at  7 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with cremation to follow. Visitation for Robert will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at eatonfuneralhome.com.

Verna Lea Adams daughter of the late Henry McCrary and Clytie Scotti passed away on August 31, 2015 at Missouri Delta Hospital in Sikeston, Missouri at the age of 84.

Mrs. Adams was born April 13, 1931 in Sullivan, Missouri. She and George M. Adams, Jr. were united in marriage November 24, 1950. He proceeded her in death on June 22, 1989.

Mrs. Adams was a longtime resident of Sullivan, Missouri where she taught school for over 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Sullivan, where she taught Sunday School and played the piano and organ.

Survivors include a son, Mark T. (Tamera) Adams of Sikeston, MO; daughter, Carrie (Don) Coy of Cape Girardeau, MO; four grandchildren, Mark A. Adams of Uvalde, TX; Mara Coy of Cape Girardeau, MO; Emily (James) Powell of Jackson, MO; Jason (Katie Hall) Coy of Cape Girardeau, MO; five great-grandchildren, Trenton, Camdyn and Brooklyn Powell; Brayden and Ella Coy; one step great-grandchild, Gavin Powell.

Funeral Services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Eaton Funeral Home Chapel in Sullivan, MO. with Pastor Kirk Parnell officiating. Burial will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 a.m. till time of service at the funeral home. 

You may sign the online guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Gary Gene Byers, age 68 of Sullivan, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis surrounded by his family.  Gary was born September 12, 1946 in Irondale, Missouri to the late John Rubert and Burene Gladys (Horton) Byers. He married Janet Gargus. She survives of the home.

Gary is also survived by two daughters, Candice Smith and husband, Jacob, and Kristen Moffitt and husband, Lee, both of Sullivan. Four grandchildren, Jacob Smith Jr; Devin Smith; Harleigh Smith and Charles Moffitt. Two sisters, Frances Hardin and husband, Dave, of Manchester, MO, and Virginia Livell and husband, Jack, of Sullivan and other nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by a twin brother Larry Byers, one sister, Donita Hardy and a nephew Aaron Buchanon.

Gary enjoyed his grandchildren, old cars, motorcycles, camping on the river and flying his 1948 Swift airplane. He loved to talk and never met a stranger.

Memorial services for Gary was held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.  The family received friends Saturday from 4 p.m. till time of service. 

Donations in Gary’s name are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

You may sign the online guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Donald M. Hulen, passed on Fri., Sep. 4, 2015.

Beloved husband of Lila M. Hulen (nee Crum); loving father of Brenda Hulen, Donnie (the late Debra) Hulen; dear grandfather of D.L. Hulen and Jennifer Swenson; dear great-grandfather of Abbeygale and Liam; our dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Visitation was at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Thur., Sep. 10, 10 a.m. until service time at 12 Noon. Interment J.B. National Cemetery.

Debra J. Harris nee Erxleben, age 61, formerly of Sullivan departed this life on Monday, August 10 at her home in Camdenton, Missouri.

Debra was born on March 12, 1954 in Valley Park, Missouri. She is the daughter of Henry and Shirley Erxleben of Sunrise Beach.

Debra was united in marriage to Larry Harris on July 13, 1989 in Sullivan. They shared 26 wonderful years of marriage.

Debra is survived by her husband, Larry; her parents, Sonny and Shirley Erxleben; her brother, Dan Erxleben and wife, Bonnie, of Elkland; her sister, Denice Thurmond of Camdenton; her son, Garrell Simmerly of St. James; her daughter, Sunny Simmerly of Fulton; three grandsons: Nate, Kane and Kase Simmerly, all of Camdenton; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Simmerly of Camdenton; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Dwight and Darlene Erxleben.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be forward to the family at www.hedgesscottfuneral homes.com.

Arrangements have been placed under the care of Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Camdenton

May 21, 1925- Aug. 4, 2015

Maurice   Brown,   of  Van  Buren, MO, son of Amos Earl and Anna Mary (Hamlin)  Brown,  was  born  May 21,   1925   in   Bourbon,   MO   and departed this life Aug. 4, 2015 at his residence  in  Van  Buren,  MO  with his family  by his side. He had attained the age of ninety years, two months and fourteen days.

Mr. Brown had resided in Van Buren for the past thirty-five years and was formerly  of Winona, MO. He served as vice president of manufacturing at Paramount  Cap Mfg. and after his retirement,  he owned and operated the flea market  in Van Buren known as the World Trade Center.  He was very civic minded in both Van Buren and Winona, serving on the Senior Citizen Housing Board, the Ambulance Board, St. Francis Hospital Board, Winona School Board, City Council, Lion’s Club and was Boy Scout Leader and volunteer for the fire department.

He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Saint  George  Catholic  Church  in  Van Buren. His daily devotional was “Lord, help me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful  way that even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for others.”

On Sep. 7, 1946, he was united in marriage to Rosemary  Waidmann in Bourbon, MO.

Survived  by his loving family,  wife, Rosemary  Brown of Van Buren; son, Greg (Shannon) Brown of Winona; daughter, Margaret Stanley of Osage Beach,  MO;  one sister Lavena  Keeney  of Bourbon,  MO; eleven grandchildren; eighteen  great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition  to his parents  he was also  preceded  in death  by one daughter, Linda  Brown;  one brother,  Gerald  Brown; one sister,  Maxine  Keeney  and one grandchild.

Truly a kind and gentle man, Maurice Brown knew no bounds when he was needed  by family and friends. He loved life and appreciated  the God given beauty of nature. He will always be remembered for his answer to problems­ large or small, “It will work out-one way or the other.”

A visitation  for family  and friends  was held in the McSpadden  Funeral Home in Van Buren, MO from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Sat.Aug. 8, 2015 with the Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Daniel J. Hirtz, following at 11  a.m. in the Saint George Catholic Church in Van Buren, MO.  In  lieu  of  flowers,  please  make  donations  to  the  Whole  Kids Outreach/ Casa Guadalupe  Shelter at 180 County Road 700 Ellington, MO. 63638

Online condolences may be made at www.mcspaddenfh.com

Lindell Thurman Crump of Springfield, Missouri formerly of Belleville, IL and Sullivan, Missouri, was born on Friday, December 22, 1922 in Berryman, MO a son of the late, George Washington Crump and the late, Attawah “Attie” Johnston (Mallow) Crump.  Lindell departed this life on Friday, September 4, 2015 at his home having reached the age of ninety­ two years, eight months and thirteen days.

Lindell is survived by one daughter, Mary Lynn Schneider of O’Fallon, IL; four sons, Wayne F. Crump of Potosi, MO; Jerry W. Crump and wife, Linda of Sullivan, MO; Ward J. Crump and wife, Diann of Bourbon, MO; Joseph R. Crump and friend, Kelly of Sullivan, MO; daughter­ in-law, Maria Crump  of Waterloo,  IL;  fifteen grandchildren: Glen (Denise)  Crump,  Tom  (Judy)  Schneider,  Melanie  (Patrick)  Tamm,  Jason (Virginia)  Schneider,  Matt (Cheryl)  Crump,  Drew  (Ashley)  Crump,  Megan (Brandon)  Strauser, Brian {Christy) Schneider, David Crump, Chris (Holly) Crump,   Logan  Crump, Bailey  Crump,  Amber (Jesse)  Camp,  Jennifer Harmon, Derrick Martin; twenty-nine great-grandchildren: (Twins) Sarah and Dylan Crump, Cameron  and MacKenzie  Crump, Ely Crump, Maddie, Ellie and  Katie  Schneider,  Riggs  Schneider,  Landrey  and  Breiton  Schneider, Payton,  Preston  and  Finley  Tamm,  Easton  and  Sailer  Crump,  Madison Kaufman and Braylon, Braxton and McKinley Strauser, Kyler, Kaeden and Elli Crump, Greyson and Archer Camp, Sydney and Tessa Harmon, Trenton and Taylor Martin; special friends and neighbors, Jim and LaReva Newcomer of Springfield, MO; dear and special caregiver, Dana Butts of Springfield, MO; also surviving are many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Lindell was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen  (Mayfield)  Crump;  his  son  Lindell  James  Crump  and  twin  sons, Gregory  and  Craig  Crump;  three  sisters,  Zelma  Banta,  Hazel  Harvey, Genevieve  Aubuchon-Mueller;   six  brothers,  Ralph  Crump,  Ward  Crump, Dewey Crump,  Paul Crump,  Glen Crump  and Bailey Crump;  and special person,  JoAnn  Crump  Westcott; and  dear  friend  and  companion,  Kitty Chapman.

Lindell served in World War II in the United States Army, inducted on February 8, 1943 and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1945. Following his training he was assigned as a driver of a tank destroyer, was sent to Europe landing on the beaches of Anzio where he participated in battles thru Italy, into and thru Southern France and ultimately into Germany where he was part of the forces that liberated Dachau. While serving, he received four Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Lindell was very proud of his military service. Lindell worked for thirty-two  years as a loan manager,  farmer,  cattleman,  and  store  owner. 

He  then  worked  for the Missouri Department of Insurance for nineteen years as a Senior Examiner and Audit Manager,  with sixteen of those years in a supervisory capacity. Lindell retired at the age of 76. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and Optimist Club, for which he served as president.  In his spare time he enjoyed going horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Lindell loved working on the farm and spending time with all of his family and friends. Lindell’s greatest pleasure and pride was that of his large family. Lindell was a very kind and generous man who will be very deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Visitation was held Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8p.m. and Friday, September 11, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, MO.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m.at the St. James Catholic Church, Potosi, MO with Reverend Rodger Fleming officiating.

Final Prayers and Burial took place in the Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL where Lindell received full military honors. Burial services were officiated by Reverend Jerry Hechenberger and Moll Funeral Home of Mascoutah, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials are to be directed to the Josh Kaufman Foundation c/o Mike  or Robin Kaufman #3 Sherwood Lane, Sullivan, MO 63080 robin@joshkaufmanfoundation.org.

Moore Funeral Homes was honored to have served Lindell, his family and friends.

By James Mittelberger, M.D., Director and Chief Medical Officer, Optum Center for Palliative and Supportive Care

According to a national survey by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, more than 90 percent of people think it’s important to talk about their loved ones’ and their own wishes for end-of-life care, but fewer than 30 percent of people have actually had the conversation. Many people simply haven’t gotten around to taking the necessary steps to crystallize what they want and to formalize it. Sometimes it’s because people don’t know how to start the conversation with their loved ones. 

 As a physician, I have seen how advance care planning conversations and completing advance directives change the experience for a patient and their loved ones. It may feel a bit uncomfortable to get started, but rewarding conversations with family members today can assure medical care preferences are honored while reducing stress and uncertainty in the future. 

A great way to start is by thinking about what is most important to you if you were facing a life-threatening or serious illness and could not convey your wishes. Start reflecting on what you and your loved ones would want, express those desires, and have a thoughtful conversation. After all, no one wants to be guessing about what a loved one would want should a difficult decision need to be made.

Here are some simple steps to begin the conversation and planning for important end-of-life health care decisions:  

•Start with your loved ones. Honest communication can help families avoid the stress of guessing what a family member would want. You may find that you and your loved ones may see some things differently. That’s okay. It is most important that your loved ones know how you want to be treated and are willing to respect your wishes. Decide who you prefer to make decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to express your choice.

• Think about what is most important to you. What are your greatest fears, hopes and goals? What do you most care about? Most people can be effectively treated for pain, but how much do you want to be at home; or avoid being on a breathing machine; or being dependent in a nursing home? How sure are you of your choices? Do you want your chosen proxy to have leeway to change your decisions? Discuss these topics with your loved ones to reach a shared understanding of your desires.

•Use the resources available to get better informed and be sure to discuss your choice with your health care providers. You can find valuable resources to help you and your loved ones make decisions more manageable at www.prepareforyourcare.org, theconversationproject.org, and agingwithdignity.org.

•Make it official. Once you’ve had the conversation, it is essential to formalize your decisions by putting them in writing. Complete an advance directive. Special medical orders can be developed with your doctors to represent your care decisions for providers. Finally, assigning a health care proxy or agent identifies the person you trust to act on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes. Be sure to share your documents with your providers and your proxy, and to have copies available in case they are needed.

 This is something that takes time, but can be a rewarding experience. I have seen firsthand the sense of peace, calm and satisfaction families experience when they are talking about what is important and knowing their loved ones wishes are or will be followed.

Dr. James Mittelberger is the Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer of Optum’s Center for Palliative and Supportive Care. Optum’s Center for Palliative and Supportive Care brings together industry experts and Optum capabilities to lead the advancement of palliative and supportive care to ensure every patient facing serious illness lives their best possible life. 

Aimee Ranae Young, age 40, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015 at her home in Bourbon, MO. She was born on March 11, 1975 in Sullivan, MO to Randy and Ranae (Russell) Protte.

Aimee is survived by her parents, Randy and Cathy Protte, two children Chance Young and Destiny Ranae Young, both of Bourbon, MO. One grandchild Liam James Broadway. Three brothers; Glenn Protte, Justin Protte, and Henry “AJ” Protte, one sister Alysha Protte. Grandfather Jim Simmerly, uncles, Bill and Jimmie Simmerly, aunt, Toni Ogden, friend, John Perkins and several nieces, nephews and other aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her mother Sue Perkins, and grandmother, Dorothy Simmerly.

Memorial services were at 4 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Bourbon, with Brother Roy Fikac officiating. The family received friends from 3 p.m. till time of service at the church. You may sign the online guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

John “Bob” Raters of O’Fallon, MO, died Thursday, September 17, 2015, at the age of 83.

Beloved husband of Betty L. Raters; cherished son of the late John and Lillie Raters; devoted father of Steve (Julia) Raters and Linda (Ron Reeves) Raters; loving grandfather of Anthony (Laura) Raters and Mathew Raters; cherished great-grandfather of Zachary and Zoey; dear brother of the late Dorothy Cherry.

Bob loved fishing, hunting, and woodworking.  He also enjoyed photographing the moon through his telescope, working on crafts, and his computer.  He truly loved spending time with his family, and taking care of any ‘Handy Man’ projects they had for him.  He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Services: The family is being served by the Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO. Services were held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 11:00 am at Grace United Church of Christ. Interment will be held at St. Charles Memorial Gardens. Visit Baue.com

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Lifespan Counseling Center located at 625 Missouri Avenue in Sullivan, MO., will be hosting a Grief Group for 10 weeks.  It will begin Thursday October 15 and will run continuously every Thursday from 6pm-7pm.

Topics for discussion will include the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.  We will also be discussing: The Inner World of Grief (emotional aspects, regrets,tears, dreams, etc.)  As well as The Outer World of Grief (anniversaries your body and health, clothes, and possessions, etc.)

These sessions will also be a time, for those who choose,to  talk about their personal experience, ask questions  or simply go where the grieving process may lead.  Grief is not always about a loss due to death.

There isn’t any charge but because seating will be limited, it is important to call468-2121to  reserve your place.

The group will be led by Doris Hallam