Ronald Edward Casteel, 74, of Jefferson City, died Sunday, December 7, 2014, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on August 10, 1940, in Bristol, Virginia, the son of the late Hobart Casteel and Hildred Kathleen Dickenson Casteel. He was married on December 21, 2004, in Jefferson City to Kathryn Diane Couch Riley, who survives at the home. Ron worked for more than two decades as a news director and news anchor in broadcast markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Antonio, Shreveport, and Little Rock. His experience included serving as news director for KFRC, a legendary rock'n'roll radio station in San Francisco during the 1960s and 1970s, and a news reporter and anchor at KGO radio and television, the ABC-owned and operated station in San Francisco. In 1975, he was the first broadcast reporter to break news from the scene outside the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco for the ABC Radio Network about the assassination attempt on President Gerald R. Ford. He covered other major stories on the West Coast for ABC, including the 1960s campus protests, the Patricia Hearst kidnapping, and the Zodiac slayings. In Los Angeles in the early 1970s, he worked as a news anchor alongside the city's most popular morning disk jockey, Robert W. Morgan, at top rock'n'roll radio station KHJ. In the 70's he starred in the full feature film about the Golden Gate Bridge as "Ground Zero". This was one of the first terrorist films produced. He also wrote and directed the feature film "The Boy Who Talks to Whales." After retiring from broadcast journalism, Ron became a documentary filmmaker, producing films about historical subjects including Missouri outlaw Jesse James and tales and legends of the Ozarks. In Arkansas, he produced campaign videos for then-Governor Bill Clinton's re-election campaigns in the 1980s. Upon moving to Missouri in the early 1990s, Ron served as Communications Director for the Missouri Secretary of State, and as Communications Director for the Missouri Democratic Party. Prior to retirement, he served for several years as public and media spokesman for the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan. An active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Ron served as Lieutenant Commander-In-Chief, Chief Of Staff, and Media Committee Chairman for the national SCV organization. He was a member of the General William D. McCain SCV Camp, located at "Elm Springs," the national SCV headquarters in Columbia, Tennessee. A federally licensed Amateur Radio operator holding call sign N6CSS, he was a member of the American Radio Relay League and the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club. Other survivors include three step-children and their spouses, Cary (Donna) Davis, Monroe, Louisiana; Kevin Todd (Dana) Riley, Jefferson City; and Amanda Riley Baker (Joel Rencher), Jefferson City; eight step-grandchildren; two sisters, Marlyn Buchannan, Apple Valley, California; and Benita (Glenn) Kliethermes, Holts Summit, Missouri; one brother, Darrell Casteel, state of Arizona; and numerous nieces and their families. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2014, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with the Rev. Kent W. Trimble and Mr. Scott Charton officiating. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the International Headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, "Elm Springs", P.O. Box 59, Columbia, TN 38402; or the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club in care of Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, 3210 N. Ten Mile Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.

Carmen Nadine Skouby, age 85, of Freeburg, Mo., passed away Sunday, December 7, 2014, at her home. Carmen was born on July 12, 1929, in Anna, Ill., to the late Louie D. and Nina (Hoffner) Turner. Miss Carmen Turner became the bride of Mr. Chris Skouby on May 29, 1959, and to this union two daughters were born. Carmen was very knowledgeable on current events and political issues; she enjoyed watching Fox News, and the Western Channel; she served as Secretary for the Missouri Lions Club for 16 years. The most important part of her life was her role of wife, mother, and grandmother as she loved her family and enjoyed getting together for a celebration or just a meal. She will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved her. Carmen Nadine Skouby is survived by her daughters, Becky Wilde and husband Mike of Freeburg, and Jan Skouby and husband Jernsen of High Gate; uncle, Donald Hoffner of New Mexico; grandchildren, Sylvia Strackeljahn of Collinsville, Ill. (children Caleb and Katherine), Justin Skouby and wife Danielle of Hartsburg, (children Jackson and Rylie), and Shelby Massman and husband Caleb of Freeburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Chris on October 5, 1996, and a grandson, Austin Nelson on July 24, 2007. Funeral services for Carmen Nadine Skouby will be held Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Reverend Karen Alden officiating. Interment will be at the High Gate Baptist Cemetery with Caleb Massman, Justin Skouby, Craig Skouby, Jernsen Skouby, and Mike Wilde serving as pallbearers. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the chapel prior to the service from 12-2 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

William Franklin Welch, 53, of California, Mo., passed away, Sunday, December, 7, 2014, at Villa Marie Nursing Home in Jefferson City after a lengthy illness. Frank worked at Mike Jenkins saw mill for most of his life. Survivors include: his siblings, Diana (Dale) Fletcher, Rita (Tom) Lindenbusch, Brenda (Mark) Hood, and Faith Trower. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Clarence and Darlene Welch; and brother, Brian Keith Welch. Services will be Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., Windmill Ridge Funeral Service in California Mo. Memorial Donations may be made to Windmill Ridge Funeral Services at 600 Pinto Lane, California, MO 65018.

Mary Evelyn Perry, 71, entered into new life with Christ on Friday, December 5, 2014. Mary was born on January 31, 1943, the daughter of the late Elvin and Alma Herrmann of Appleton City, Mo. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia and taught school for 22 Ω years at East School in Jefferson City, Mo. Mary is survived by: her husband, George E. Perry; daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann and Patrick Geen, Glen Rock, N.J., daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Michael Weiler, Columbia, Ill.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved family members and friends. Visitation and services will be held Friday, December 12, 2014, at Hill and Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Mo.

Mrs. Alice S. Robinson, age 87 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, December 6, 2014, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital from various medical reasons. She was born September 17, 1927 in Versailles, Mo., the daughter of Grover and Mattie Williams Stringer. She was married on July 18, 1964 to the love of her life, Herbert R. Robinson, who preceded her in death in 1992. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Alice graduated from Jefferson City High School. Alice was employed with the Selective Service System from 1948 until her retirement in 1976. She was also employed with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Dept. from 1976 until her retirement in 1988. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she served as a deacon and helped as a Sunday school teacher. She was active in the Women's Missionary Union at the church and served on several adult groups as well as the prayer and hospital visitation ministries. Alice was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a life time member of the Missouri State Highway and Transportation Employee Association. During any free time, Alice enjoyed embroidering and crocheting afghans. She was always making afghans for family and friends. Survivors include: one brother-in-law, John Robinson (wife Dee Ann) of Pleasant Hill, Mo.; six nephews, Bob Robinson (wife Christine) of Mission Hills, Kan., David Robinson (wife Patty) of Lake Winnebago, Mo., Dennis Van Hooser (wife Kathy) of Eldon, Mo., John Gambill (wife Amy) of Eldon, Mo., John Stringer (wife Kim) of Wichita, Kan. and Gilbert Russell of Covington, Wash.; two nieces, Sara Dunstan (husband Jerry) of Eldon, Mo. and Beverly Utermoehlen (husband Clifford) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and various grand-nieces and nephews in Wichita, Kan., Henderson, Nev., Covington, Wash., Montgomery, Ala., and Colorado Springs, Colo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Herb; four brothers, Frank, Grover "Jack", Charles, and George Stringer; and one sister, Edee Russell. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Doyle Sager and Reverend Brint Hillard officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Eldon City Cemetery, Eldon, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Bennie R. Silver, 72, of California, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2014, at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. He was born to Carter and Dorothy (Adams) Silver on February 20, 1942 in St. Joe, Ark. Ben served in the United States Marine Corp from 1960-1964. He was united in marriage to Judith Jane Liebi on June 10, 1967 in California. During his life, Ben worked at the Leeds plant for GM, delivered freight, worked construction, and co-owned The Shome Inn. He served in the Department of Corrections where he earned the rank of Captain. He retired from the State in 2004. Ben loved caring for his cattle, working on cars, reading Western novels and being with his family. Survivors include his loving wife, Judith, of the home; two daughters, Carrie Dawn and husband Michael Duane Marrett of Newburgh, Ind. and Kimberly Jane Silver of New Newburgh, Ind.; one brother, Bill Silver (Betty) of Yellville, Ark.; two sisters, Donna Ellis of Harrison, Ark. and Pat Kowan (Richard) of Las Vegas, Nev.; and 24 nieces and nephews. He had one grandchild, Shane Alexander Marrett. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Shirley Fitzgerald. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from 4-7 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Christ. Rev. Andrew Lovins will officiate. Burial will be held at Rohrbach Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the California Masonic Lodge, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots, c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.

Irene Klatt, 96, of Jamestown, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at Parkside Manor in Columbia. Irene was born July 17, 1918, to Ernest and Laura (Schilb) Kirschman in Prairie Home. Irene married George Klatt on November 17, 1946 in Prairie Home and he preceded her in death on October 2, 1988. Irene was a member of many Methodist churches in the local area. She loved watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball, Mizzou basketball, gardening, and enjoyed being with her family. She graduated from Prairie Home High School in 1936. She is survived by four sons: Dean Klatt (Paulette) and Dale Klatt (Cynthia) St. Louis, Don Klatt (Janice) Columbia, Jerry Klatt (Sheryl) Moberly; one daughter: Bette Wordelman with fiancÈ Harry Davis, Columbia; 10 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four sisters. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Prairie Home United Methodist Church in Prairie Home. Officiating will be Pastor Lewis Odneal, assisted by Eulogist Dana Klatt. Burial will be at the Grace United Methodist Cemetery in Jamestown. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie Home United Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.

William Franklin Welch, 53, of California, Mo., passed away, Sunday, December, 7, 2014, at Villa Marie Nursing Home in Jefferson City after a lengthy illness. Frank worked at Mike Jenkins saw mill for most of his life. Survivors include: daughter, Candra Powell; his siblings, Diana (Dale) Fletcher, Rita (Tom) Lindenbusch, Brenda (Mark) Hood, and Faith Trower. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Clarence and Darlene Welch; and brother, Brian Keith Welch. Services will be Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., Windmill Ridge Funeral Service in California Mo. Memorial Donations may be made to Windmill Ridge Funeral Services at 600 Pinto Lane, California, MO 65018.

Christina Marie Nicks, 32, of Rolla, Mo., passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at University Hospital in Columbia. Christina was born in Jefferson City on May 12, 1982, to John and Susan (Steinbeck) Nicks. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Owensville. Her survivors include her mother, Susan Steinbeck and special friend, Tim Kohlbusch of Owensville; father, John Nicks and wife Becky of Owensville; grandparents, Ken and Lillian Steinbeck, Talitha Nick, Violet Steinbeck and Mel and Rose Adams all of Owensville; sister, Sherry Lococo and husband Joshua of Fulton; brothers, Shane Nicks of Owensville, Justin Hinson and wife Danielle of Owensville, Jordon Hinson and wife Kila of Gerald, Colton Schaning of Bland and Boyd Nicks of Owensville. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Alvin Steinbeck and grandfather, Vernon Nicks. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville with Pastor Jason Jordon officiating. Burial will be in the New Woollam Zoar Cemetery in Owensville. Visitation will be on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to Special Olympics Missouri and Wonderland Camp.

Patricia "Pat" Ruth Barton, age 86 years, of Brea, Orange County, California, died Monday, December 1, 2014, at Emeritus Assisted Living Home in Brea. She was born on September 7, 1928, in Jefferson City, Mo. When she was six, her father died and her family of 13 moved from Jefferson City to St. Louis. When she was old enough, she began to work for the phone company in Missouri. As she grew within the phone company and her income advanced, she began to travel. She visited numerous countries and states, but especially loved Hawaii. After retirement, Pat enjoyed crafting Christmas, home, and other decorations. She also enjoyed gambling whether it was playing bingo, Texas Holdem, or going to the casinos. Pat adored animals, but had a special place in her heart for cats, all kinds of cats. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews throughout the United States. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2014, at Riverview Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Johnnie Lee Frese, 78, of Lake MyKee, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014, at University of Missouri Medical Center. A more complete obituary will be published in Sunday's edition of this paper. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2014, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Helias Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com

Patsy Sue Keyes, age 76, of Hartsburg, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2014, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. She was born in Ulman on April 5, 1938, daughter of the late Brice and Nettie (Boyd) Flaugher. On April 7, 1956, Patsy was united in marriage to Alfred Neil Keyes, who survives at the home. Patsy was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Hartsburg. She is also survived by one son, Michael Brent Keyes and wife Marlene of Holts Summit; one daughter, Melinda Sue Keyes of Holts Summit; three grandchildren, Jeremy Sebastian and wife Leslie, Kelly Roettgen and husband Mark, and Katii Keyes; five great-grandchildren, Allan, Kobe, Taylor, Bryce, and Drew; one brother, Gary Flaugher; and two sisters, Louise Basler and Joyce Miller. She was preceded in death by one son, David Neil Keyes, and one brother, Larry Brice Flaugher. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2 p.m., with services immediately following at 2 p.m., on Saturday, December 13, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Bro. David Ray will officiate. Interment will be in Iberia Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the New Hope Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.

William David "Dave" Sitton, 71, of Bristol, Tenn., formerly of Auxvasse, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. He was born on September 24, 1943, in Fulton, the son of the late Russell Edward Sitton and the late Ann (Miller) Sitton. On December 28, 1963, Dave was united in marriage to Clara (Jaegers) Sitton. She survives his passing. Upon graduation from Auxvasse High School, Dave attended Linn Technical College in Linn, Mo. He worked for 16 years for A. B. Chance Company of Centralia, serving in several management positions. Moving to Tennessee in 1984, he worked in the engineering department for Strongwell Corporation in Bristol, Va. for 26 years, retiring in 2001. Along with his wife, Dave is survived by two sons, Robert David Sitton (Angie) of Keller, Texas and Steven Russell Sitton of Bean Station, Tenn.; sister, Janice Poff (Lyndall) of Columbia, Mo.; grandchildren, Jessica Boyce (Tommy), Zachary Sitton, Hannah Sitton, Morgan Kovach, Kaylie Kovach and Braden Kovach; and great-grandchildren, John David, Cooper and Nathan Boyce. Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by brother, Edward Lee Sitton. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery in Tebbetts. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.

Kellie Suzanne (Loethen) March, 34, of Lohman, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on March 27, 1980, in Jefferson City, daughter of Don and Janet (Bishop) Loethen. Kellie attended Helias High School and Columbia College. She was a secretary for Loethen Oil Company; she enjoyed landscaping and loved decorating for holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas Kellie is survived by her parents; one son: Nick Feely of Lohman; two daughters: Kailyn Allred of Marshall and Maddison March of Lohman; one sister: Kristin Sirard (Jonathan) of Papillion, Neb.; three brothers: Ryan Loethen (Angela) of Jefferson City, Matthew Loethen (fiancÈe Toni Elwell) of Tuscon, Ariz., and Jeremy Loethen (Siena) of Beverly Hills, Calif. and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by husband Nick Feely and daughter Mckynna Leigh March. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2014, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with Father Anthony Viviano officiating. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be the family for the education of her children. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences maybe left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Obera Mann Smith, 78, of Jefferson City, made her journey home to be with God on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. She was born on April 14, 1936, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Obie and Gertrude Knowles Mann. She was married on December 23, 1956, in Tulsa to Carl North Smith who preceded her in death on July 19, 2006. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Mrs. Smith attended Lincoln University where she studied music. She was employed for 27 years as a switchboard operator at the former Memorial Community Hospital. Mrs. Smith was a member of Second Baptist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, the Jefferson City Jaycee Jills, and was an Avon representative for several years. In addition to her great love of music, she was a role model of true selflessness to many Jefferson City children over the years. She was especially known for her many birthday cards to friends, family, and area children. Survivors include four children, Phaedra (Joseph) Hardaway, Jefferson City; Pilar McKinney, Chicago, Illinois; Carl N. Smith II, Jefferson City; and Pari Smith, St. Louis; eight grandchildren, Joseph, Kearston, Karissa, and Joshua Hardaway; Jela, Jiri, and Brandon McKinney; and Rory Smith; one sister, Antoinette Dobson, Indianapolis, Indiana; three nephews, Devlin Dobson, Indianapolis; Ivan T. Smith, II, Merriville, Indiana; and Brian T. (Natalie) Smith, Edison, New Jersey; one niece, Alysia Williams, Nashville, Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Ivan T. Smith Sr., Kansas City, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Dr. Ann E. Smith, Chicago, Illinois; and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Irma Jean Mann Mayhue. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2014, at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Cornell C. Sudduth Sr., officiating. Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, December 14, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.

Johnnie Lee Frese, 78, of Lake MyKee, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014, at University of Missouri Medical Center. He was born on August 15, 1936, in Quincy, Ill., a son of the late Clarence and Bertha (Quintemeyer) Frese. He was united in marriage on July 9, 1960, to Janet Broeker, who survives of the home. He was a 1954 graduate of Quincy High School and attended Gem City Business College. He served in the armed forces in the Army. Johnnie was a homebuilder and contractor at the Lake of the Ozarks until his retirement on November 1, 1988. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Post 5 American Legion, Quincy High School Alumni Association and a life member of the Alumni Association of the University of Missouri. He enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Carl Edwards. He also enjoyed Missouri Football. He especially loved time with his family and grandkids. Along with his wife, he is also survived by his three sons: Dana L. Frese (Kathleen) of Jefferson City, Mark J. Frese (Laurie) of Conroe, Texas, and Michael J. Frese (Heidi) of New Bloomfield; one sister: Sandra A. Doellman of Quincy, Ill.; four grandchildren: Julia Frese, Justin Frese, Tyler Frese and Adam Frese. He was preceded in death by one brother: Raymond A. Frese, and one brother-in-law: Don Doellman. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2014, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Helias Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Robert "Bob" L. Thomas, age 83, of Holts Summit and formerly of Linn, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at his residence. Bob was born October 10, 1931, in Vosholl, a son to the late Ray Alexander and Eliza May (Mantle) Thomas. Bob was a 1952 graduate of Linn High School. Bob served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the U.S. Army earning a Bronze Service Star. After competing his military service, Bob worked for McGraw-Edison, Westinghouse and ABB before retiring in 1998. Bob had served as Past Post Commander of the Linn VFW Post 4756. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Bob is survived by: one son, Scott Thomas and his wife Sheila of Holts Summit; two daughters, Janet Wiegand of Linn and Dana Graham of Westphalia; three brothers, Jerry Thomas and his wife Kathy of Holts Summit, Harry Thomas and his wife Theresa of Hazelwood and John Thomas and his wife Rose of Arnold; one sister, Dixie Thomas of Loose Creek; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by three brothers, Omar, Ray "Babe" and Lawrence "Buck" Thomas, two sisters, Evelyn Thomas and Georgia Stuesse; as well as a son-in-law, Steven Graham. A time of sharing will be held from noon until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2104 at Morton Chapel. Burial will follow in the Linn Public Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Linn VFW Post 4756. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo. (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com

Dorothy Barbara Matilda Pohlmann Schaefer, 97, of Jefferson City, passed away, Thursday, December 11, 2014, in Boerne, Texas. She was born on August 12, 1917, to Richard A and Bertha (Beck) Pohlmann. She was born and raised in Jefferson City, where she attended Trinity Lutheran School and the Jefferson City Public Schools. Dorothy was married on February 1, 1944, to P. James Schaefer. They were married 62 years until Jim's death in 2006. After Dorothy was married, she and Jim lived in California during Jim's years in the service during World War II. They returned to Jefferson City after the war, where they made their home until Jim's death. Dorothy moved to Boerne, Texas, living with her daughter, Paula for seven years and then spending her final days at Menger Springs Nursing Home. Dorothy worked at the telephone company and the Unemployment Compensation Commission before she was married. All her life, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir when a young woman, belonging to various women's groups and loving Bible Study classes. With four daughters, Dorothy was very involved in Girl Scouts for many years. She enjoyed serving as a docent at the Governor's Mansion. She had a passion for flowers and gardening and was a member of the Hawthorne Garden Club. She and Jim loved to travel, enjoying road trips while their family was young and then venturing further to visit many parts of the world. Dorothy's faith, caring and feisty sense of humor endeared her to many. She is survived by four daughters: Janet Wheeler (John) of Billings, Mont.; Lynne Sage (T) of Canon City, Colo.; Paula Artale (Steve) of Boerne, Texas and Sue Ann Schaefer of Columbia, Mo.; four grandchildren: Molly Port (Marty); Ryan Jenk (Sarah); Robyn Fox (Ben) and Sarah Griffin (James); and three great-grandchildren: Brody and Kaiden Port and Laynie Jenk. In addition to her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters: Esther Pohlmann; Henrietta Viets; Alice Harfts; Elizabeth Low; and Lucille Pohlmann; one brother: Richard (Bud) Pohlmann. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson City, where funeral services will follow with Reverend Russ Bowder officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the organization of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Gertrude Regina "Trudy" (Hilkemeyer) Conine, 91, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on August 29, 2014, at her home. She was born in Westphalia, Mo. on December 20, 1922, the daughter of the late G.H. and Gertrude Hilkemeyer. After a short time in Atlanta, Ga. she moved to Dallas, Texas where she met and married L.C. (Cliff) Conine and eventually moved to Natchitoches, La., before moving back to Westphalia, Mo. Trudy loved her family and friends and while she enjoyed gardening and cooking, one of her favorite pastimes was with her Duplicate Bridge friends. Some of her fondest memories are of competitive bridge marathons with the "Little Old Ladies" group of friends. She took great pride in her Westphalia family and friends and admired the skills, traditions and heritage of her hometown. Trudy enjoyed introducing her friends from the South to Westphalia and all that it has to offer. Trudy is survived by her children: Connie Conine of Natchitoches; Christi and Mike Whittington of Kingwood, Texas and grandsons Kyle and Will of Houston, Texas; Cliff and Frances Conine and grandsons John and Joe of Natchitoches; and Curt and Karen Conine of Lafayette, La. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Gene and Barbara Hilkemeyer of Baltimore, Md.; David and Vicky Patterson, Mary and Terry Neuner, and Anne and Patrick Steele, of Westphalia; John and Sue Hilkemeyer of Jefferson City; Becky Hilkemeyer and Paula Hilkemeyer, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Cassie MacGregor, of Irving, Texas; and John MacGregor and Bob MacGregor, of Texas; and numerous other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff, on December 6, 1997; her parents; her brother, Inno Hilkemeyer and wife Helen; her sister, Sr. Marie Hilkemeyer, O.S.F.; her brother, Alex Hilkemeyer and wife Sally; her sister, Carye MacGregor and husband Bob; her brother, Gerd Hilkemeyer and wife Pat; her brother, Gibby Hilkemeyer and wife Emma; and her brother, Jerry Hilkemeyer and wife Alice. A memorial service was held at her home in Natchitoches, La. on September 6, 2014, with family and friends coming together to celebrate her life in the beauty of her adopted hometown. Fr. Taylor, who married Cliff and Frances, officiated with several readings. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church, P.O. Box 116, Westphalia, MO 65085; St. Mary's School, 1101 E. Fifth, Natchitoches, LA 71457; or Northwestern State University, Office of University Advancement, 535 University Parkway Natchitoches, LA 71497. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, Westphalia is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.

Darrell Lee Call, 84, of Jefferson City, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Villa Marie Nursing Home. He was born on July 31, 1930, in Yoder, Wyo., the son of the late Oscar and Mildred (Peterson) Call. He was a high school graduate and served his country in the United States Army. He was employed at Lincoln University where he retired after 12 years of service. Darrell loved taking pictures of family, friends and the outdoors. Darrell lived most of his life in Cheyenne, Wyo. He moved to Jefferson City to be closer to his children. Darrell is survived by: three sons, Lance (Andrea) Call, Holts Summit, Scott (Jennifer) Call, Centertown and Darren (Trudy) call, Mt. Vernon; 10 grandchildren, Drew (Delisha) Call, Blake (Shyanne) Call, Sierra Call, Silas Call, Jaron Call, Cassie Call, Carissa Call, Abby (Thomas) Brock, Luke Call, Cameron Call; 6 great-grandchildren, Nadiya, Kinley, Destiny, Kindle, Adalyn, CiCi; and one brother, Val (Dorothy) Call, Cheyenne, Wyo. He was preceded in death by: his parents; one sister, Marie Schrekhise; and his close friend, Dorothy Pierce. Private family service will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Nilson Funeral Home, Columbia, Mo.