Warren Elbert Mothershead, of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on February 22, 2017, having reached the age of eighty-five years, eight months and six days. Warren was born in St. Clair on June 16, 1931, son of Elbert Clarence Mothershead, known to all as Eb, and Clara Louise Mothershead nee Doud, known to all as Louise. On October 7, 1950, he was united in marriage to Anita Joyce Lough, known to all as Joyce, and two daughters came to bless this union.
Warren is survived by his daughters, Connie Johnston and companion, Billy Robinson, of St. Clair, MO, and Lori Junge and husband, Russell, of St. Clair; by six grandchildren, Nicki Hill and husband, Ray, of St. Clair, David Woodruff and wife, Sandra, of Clarksville, TN, Jennifer Winters and companion, Curstin McNeil, Amanda Junge and boyfriend, Logan Gilbert, Greg Junge and Lindsey Schuetz and husband, Joe, all of St. Clair; by one sister, Jean Mothershead of St. Clair; by nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Eb and Louise Mothershead, and by his wife, Joyce Mothershead.
Warren was a Christian, having been raised in the Baptist faith and believing in the Lord as his Savior. He was a twenty-five year member of Easter Lodge 575, A.F. & A.M. of St. Clair, MO, having been initiated May 27, 1980, passed April 14, 1992 and raised May 26, 1992. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Army and Army National Guard. He enlisted in the National Guard on February 21, 1951, was transferred to active duty August 31, 1953 to serve in the Korean War, discharged from active duty and transferred back to National Guard on August 30, 1955. He received his honorable discharge from the National Guard on May 28, 1962, having served his country for ten years. He was a member of American Legion Post 347 and V.F.W. Post 2482 of St. Clair, as well as Elk’s Lodge 2651 of St. Clair.
Warren was a truck driver by trade, having driven over the road throughout his working career. He worked as a self employed trucker for many years and the twenty years prior to his retirement, he was employed by Yellow Freight Trucking in St. Louis, MO. He was also a retiree of Teamsters Local 682 of St. Louis, MO. Warren had many hobbies and interests but he was most passionate about music. He was a talented musician and loved playing the steel guitar. He played in a band most of his life, including the Ozark Mountaineers and most recently in Country Pure. He was a sports enthusiast and as a young man enjoyed driving as a stock car racer. He also had his pilot’s license and co-owned a plane for many years. In more recent years, he enthusiastically watched NASCAR and sports on television. He loved dogs and when he was no longer able to have one of his own, he visited his girls pets. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he cherished the time they spent together.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with the Rev. John Pursley officiating. Interment with full military honors was held at Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, MO. Memorials may be made to the Franklin Humane Society.