Lester Walter Best 1922-2010

Lester Walter Best, of Dixon, was born on March 17, 1922 at Dixon, the only son of Walter Freeman and Amanda (Boulware) Best and departed this life at 9:50 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2010, in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla. Mr. Best had attained the age of 88 years, 3 months, and 13 days.

Mr. Best was united in marriage on February 14, 1946, at Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Edith Maxine Hamilton and to this union four children were born. His parents and five sisters, Juanita Best, Thelma Baker, Pearl Moore, Mildred Brown, and Dorothea Vaughn, preceded him in death.

Mr. Best was a veteran of the United States Air Force; a member of the Hancock Christian Church and the Liesmann-Roberts American Legion Post No. 298, Dixon. He had worked as a carpenter, being owner and operator of Best Cabinet Shop in Dixon for many years. He enjoyed singing gospel music, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and bingo.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Best include: his wife, Maxine Best, of the home, Dixon; two sons, Richard Best, Dixon, and David Best, Florissant; two daughters and one son-in-law, Rosalie and Bob Benefiel, St. Robert, and Anna Wells, Edmund, Oklahoma; one sister, Pauline Edwards, Dixon; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Best at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 2, 2010 in the Hancock Christian Church with Pastor Gary Day officiating. “Beulah Land” and “I’ve Got a Mansion Just Over the Hilltop” was sung by Jimmy Moore for the funeral service.

Interment with full military honors was in the Seaton Cemetery, near Dixon under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Mr. Best were Don Baker, Rodney Baker, Beryl Baker, DeWayne Brown, Chuck Edwards, and Clint Moore. Military Honors were provided by members of the Liesmann-Roberts American Legion Post No. 298, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the Hancock Christian Church, with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon.

Bobby Lewis Pendleton 1932-2010

MR. BOB L. PENDLETON

Bobby Lewis “Bob” Pendleton, of Dixon, was born on October 12, 1932, at Dixon, a son of Bennett Amos and Edna Fay (Slone) Pendleton and departed this life at 7:20 p.m., Tuesday evening, July 20, 2010 in the St. Mary’s Health Center, Jefferson City. Mr. Pendleton had been in failing health for some time and had attained the age of 77 years, 9 months and 8 days.

Mr. Pendleton was united in marriage on November 24, 1955, at Dixon to Geraldine Denton and to this union three children were born. He was preceded in death by his father on September 29, 1969; his mother on October 9, 1979; and one grandson, Seth Allen Pendleton-Hansen on April 10, 2009.

Mr. Pendleton was baptized early in life and was a member of the First Christian Church, Dixon. He was a United States Army veteran; a lifetime member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, Crocker; a member of the Dixon Saddle Club and had served as secretary and Treasure for over twenty years. He was a board member of the Diagnostic Center, Rolla; chairman of the board of the Group Home, Crocker and served on the Senate Bill 40 board of Pulaski County. Mr. Pendleton had worked on the Frisco Railroad in the early 1950 and later worked at Fort Leonard Wood in maintenance, retiring in 1993 as well as farming and raising and showing horses.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Pendleton include: his wife, Jerry Pendleton of the home near Dixon; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Bobby, Jr. “Rob” and Dawn Pendleton and Ronnie Pendleton; one daughter and son-in-law, Shelia and Kerry Copeland, all of Dixon; one brother Ben Pendleton, Marshfield; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Lula Fabyanic, Lake Ozark and Shirley and Paul Helton, Dixon; six grandchildren, Jody, Curtis, Kaelyn, Shannon, Bobbie and Matthew; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Pendleton at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 23, 2010, in the Dixon Chapel of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes with Rev. Jerry Dooley, First Christian Church, Dixon officiating. “Daddy’s Hands”, “Amazing Grace” and Go Rest High On That Mountain” were sung for the funeral service.

Interment, with full military honors, was in the Dixon Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon. Pallbearers for Mr. Pendleton were Ernie Carlton, Mike Ball, Keith Alexander, Harold Campbell, Steve Jones and Tommy Withers. Honorary Pallbearers were Matt Pendleton, Rick Carlton, Mark Lasserty, Tony Emmons, Richard Hurst and Eric Schwandt. Military honors were provided by the Leismann-Roberts American Legion Post No. 298, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the First Christian Church, Dixon with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Dail Wilkie Alexander, JR 1955-2010

DAIL W. ALEXANDER, JR.

Dail Wilkie Alexander, Jr., of Linn, formerly of Dixon, was born on March 3, 1955 at Morocco, Africa, a son of Dail Wilkie, Sr. and Thelma Ellen Zilpha (Tyrrell) Alexander and departed this life at 7:06 p.m., Friday, July 23, 2010, in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood. Dail had attained the age of 55 years, 4 months and 20 days.

Dail was united in marriage on February 21, 2001, at Linn to Shelley Marie Sterman. He was preceded in death by one son, Charles Dail Alexander on August 26, 1974; his father on January 18, 2007 and one brother, Marcus Alexander on March 22, 2006.

Dail attended the Assembly of God Church, Linn and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Jefferson City. He had worked as a supervisor for Missouri Department of Transportation, District 5 Bridge crew, retiring in April 2008. He loved collecting old cars, being on the computer and spending time with his wife, son, daughters and family.

Those left to mourn the passing of Dail include: his wife Shelley Alexander, of the home in Linn; his mother, Thelma Alexander, Dixon; one son and daughter-in-law, Dail W., III and Lori Alexander, New Bloomfield; two daughters and one son-in-law, Brandy Michelle and Shawn Martin, Holt Summit and Serena Nichole Alexander, Linn; one brother, Lester Alexander, Holt Summit; one sister, Alexis Mitchell, Richland; three grandchildren, Jalen Martin, Katie Martin and Breanna Alexander; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Dail at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in the Dixon Chapel of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Jacobson, Eureka Baptist Church, Richland officiating. Three favorite musical selections were played for the funeral service.

Interment was in the Seaton Cemetery near Dixon under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Dail were Dail Alexander, III, Tommy Rackers, Mike Watson, Mike Kiso, Joe Britton and Kevin Shepherd.

Marion Dale Summerford 1932-2010

MR. MARION "DALE" SUMMERFORD

Marion Dale Summerford, of Crocker, was born on September 4, 1932, at Little Rock, Arkansas, a son of Marion Alexander and Amy Leona (Neal) Summerford and departed this life at 5:41 a.m., Thursday, December 23, 2010, in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood. Mr. Summerford had attained the age of 78 years, 3 months and 19 days.

Mr. Summerford was united in marriage on February 19, 1955, at Crocker to the former Miss Ellen Ernestine Mackney and to this union two children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brother, Donald Summerford and Charles Summerford and one sister, Nellie Henderson.

Mr. Summerford was a member of the Crocker Christian Church, the Waynesville Masonic Lodge No. 375, the Scottish Rites, Joplin, the Shrines of Springfield and the Crocker American Legion. He had served on the board for Mid-Missouri Credit Union, the Central Ozark Medical Center, Richland and was President of the Crocker Senior Housing. Mr. Summerford retired from Housing management, Fort Leonard Wood.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Summerford include: his wife, Ernestine Summerford, of the home in Crocker; one son and daughter-in-law, Breck and Janet Summerford, California Missouri; one daughter and her fiance, Jan Summerford and Kreg Powell, Iberia; two grandchildren, Trent Summerford and Amy Summerford; one great-grandchild, Dillon McGuire; and many other relatives and friends.

Masonic services under the auspices of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge No. 375 A.F. & A.M., Waynesville, were held for Mr. Summerford at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 26, 2010, in the Crocker Christian Church.

Funeral Services were conducted for Mr. Summerford at 11:00 a.m., December 27, 2010, in the Crocker Christian Church, with Rev. Larry Richardson, pastor, officiating, "How Great Thou Art", "Believe" and "The Old Rugged Cross" was played for the service.

Interment with full military honors was in the Union Cemetery, Iberia under the direction of Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Summerford were Trent Summerford, Kreg Powell, Andy Lowe, Tom Murray, Bruce Goodrich, and Burt Whittle. Military Honors were provided by the Leismann-Roberts American Legion No. 298, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the Shrine's Children's Hospital with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker.

Louis Wenzel Wodohodsky 1934-2010

MR. LOUIS W. WODOHODSKY

Louis Wenzel Wodohodsky, of rural Dixon, was born on May 15, 1934, at Columbia, a son of Wenzel Frances and Agnes Mary (Winterbauer) Wodohodsky, and departed this life at 6:17 p.m., Sunday evening, November 28, 2010, in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla. Mr. Wodohodsky had attained the age of 76 years, 6 months and 13 days.

Mr. Wodohodsky was preceded in death by his father on June 30, 1979; his mother on April 10, 1993; and one sister, Rosemary Blyue.

Mr. Wodohodsky was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dixon. He had worked in maintenance at Fort Leonard Wood, retiring after twenty-seven years. Mr. Wodohodsky was a great jokester, enjoyed telling stories and gardening.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Wodohodsky include: two brothers and one sister-in-law, Joseph Wodohodsky and Jim and Shirley Wodohodsky, allof Dixon; two sisters, Lorraine Mueller, Beaufort and Claire Ann Wyrick, Owensville; nephews; nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

A prayer service was held for Mr. Wodohodsky at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday evening, November 30, 2010, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, with Rev. Walter Reisinger leading.

The mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Mr. Wodohodsky at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2010 in the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dixon, with Rev. Walter Reisinger, St. Theresa Catholic Church, officiating. Donna Knapp provided appropriate Catholic selections for the service.

Interment was in the St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Mr. Wodohodsky were James R. Wodohodsky, Jason Wodohodsky, Darrell Akery, Jerry Bacon, Steve Wyrick and Richard Catlin.

Masses are preferred by the family with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Donald Eugene Wright 1935-2010

Donald Eugene Wright, of Crocker, was born on July 31, 1935, at Bonne Terre, a son of Roy Stephen and Anna Lea (Montgomery) Wright, and departed this life at 6:03 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2010, in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood. Mr. Wright had attained the age of 75 years, 3 months and 19 days.

Mr. Wright was united in marriage on September 9, 1955, at Bonne Terre, to Barbara Ann Lachance and to this union four children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; one great-great-grandchild, Ashley Conner, one brother, Carroll Wright; and two sisters, Frances Tanner and Dod Rosen.

Mr. Wright was a veteran of the United States Army and had been a truck driver for Triple T Trucking for fifty years. When he was not on the road, he enjoyed spending time with his family and mowing his lawn.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Wright include: his wife, Barbara Wright, Crocker; two sons, Eddie & Michael Wright, both of Crocker; two daughters, Donna Sidwell and Mellissa Wright, both of Crocker; one brother, Glen Wright, Boston Massachusetts; two sisters, Charlotte Keen and Jen Stegall, both of Bonne Terre; fifteen grandchildren; twenty three great - grandchildren; two great - great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Wright at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2010, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker, with Pastor Don Kabel, First Baptist Church, Crocker officiating. "I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You", "Go Rest High on the Mountain" and "The Old Rugged Cross" were played for the service.

Interment with full military honors was in the Antioch Cemetery, near Crocker, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Wright were Bradley Anderson, Travis Harrison, Trent Harrison, Tony Wright, Chad Wright and Shaun Wright. Honorary pallbearers were Mitch Skinner and Ben Cable. Military honors were provided by the Leismann-Roberts American Legion Post No. 298, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker.

Dortha F. Atterberry 1916-2011

MRS. DORTHA F. ATTERBERRY

Dortha Fern Atterberry, 94, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, formerly of Dixon, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Wapakoneta, Ohio

Born December 1, 1916, at Queen City, Missouri, a daughter of Benjamin H. and Velva S. (Piercy) Summers

Married May 30, 1936, at Waynesville, to Louis Earl Atterberry, who preceded her in death on July 17, 1976.

She was a member of the Sheppard Baptist Church, Dixon

Survivors: 2 sons, Fred Atterberry, South Rockwood, Michigan and Harold Atterberry, Rolla
5 daughters: Lila Howe, Dixon; Hester Raein, Taylor, Michigan; Mary Bays and Fern McKinnon, both of Dixon and Wanda Jackson, Wapakoneta, Ohio
1 sister: Helen Thompson, Ft. Smith Arkansas
Numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

Funeral service: 10 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon. Interment in the Sheppard Cemetery

Visitation 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 and 9 – 10 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, all in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Elaine Fleischaker, 1911-1984

Elaine B. Fleischaker, 73, died at 1 a.m. Wednesday at Barnes Medical Center. St. Louis, where she had been a patient since June 17. Mrs. Fleischaker was born March 23, 1911, at Leavenworth, Kan. She moved to Joplin in 1939. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. She was a member of the United Hebrew Congregation and the Freeman Hospitil Auxiliary. She was corresponding secretary of the Joplin Historical Society Board. She was a past president of the Temple Aid Sisterhood and the Women of Kiwanis. She was a former member of the Joplin Health and Welfare Board. the Joplin Woman's Club and the Cawer Nursery School board. She married Jack Fleischaker on April 23, 1939, at Leavenworth. He survlves. Additional survivors include two sons, James R. Fleischaker, 328 N.Byers Ave.. and William Fleischaker, Joplin: two daughters, Johanna Fleischaker. St. Louis, and Jace Elaine Horn, Morristown, N.J.; a sister, Minette Goldsmith, Brentwood, Calif; and six grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.rn. Friday at the United Hebrew Congregation. Rabbi Lori S. Goldman will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City. Pallbearers will be Robbie Greer, Eugene Pauley, Tom Williams, Robert Scott, Charles Copple and Eddie Kunce. The family will receive friends from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Hebrew Congregation.

Maggie Godfrey Long 1844-1934

MRS. NOAH LONG

DIES AT AGE OF 90

Maggie Godfrey was born Feb. 1, 1844 in North Carolina and departed from this life Feb. 20, 1934 in the home of her Great Niece, Mary Gammons at Richland with whom she had made her home the past two years. At the time of her death, she was 90 years and 19 days old.

She was united in marriage to Noah Long, Dec. 5, 1898. His death occurred 11 years ago, leaving her a widow.

She came to Richland fifty years ago and lived here practically all the rest of the time. She united with the Christian Church of Richland 40 years ago, living a Christian life until her death. She leaves to mourn her going, 5 nephews, several Great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was “Aunt Mag” to everyone who knew her and was loved by all. She was confined to her room and bed for several years; always had a cheerful smile and word for everyone.

Funeral services were held at the Christian Church Wednesday, Feb. 21, with Rev. J.O. Brown preaching the funeral service.

(The Richland Mirror, March 1, 1934)

View Death Certificate

Ralph E. Hamilton 1906-2011

Ralph E. Hamilton departed this life at 8:45 pm Saturday, February 5, 2011 in Manor Care Nursing Home at the age of 104 years, seven months and 14 days. Ralph was born on June 22, 1906 near Crocker, Missouri and was preceded in death by his parents J.E. (Ed) and Carrie Claiborn, Hamilton, his wife of 68 years, Mae Thornsberry, sisters, Hazel and Crystal, brother Harold and daughter Juanita Sue. He is survived by a son Herbert Morris of Springfield, Missouri, two grandchildren, Andrew (Andy) and wife Lynn of Glenn Allen, Virginia, Annette of Columbia and husband Russell Duker, three great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Rachel and Nathaniel Duker; two great-great grandchildren: Matthew and Triston, all of Columbia, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of eleven and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Springfield. He spent 51 years as an educator in Missouri Schools: classroom teacher at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels, and as coach, principal and superintendent of schools. He demonstrated a great love for youth and enjoyed observing their progress.

He was actively involved in church, school and community and received numerous rewards for his steady participation and leadership. He also took time with his wife and close friends for favorite hobbies of gardening, fishing and reading. His teaching career began in 1924 in a one- room school house (FoxCrossing) in Pulaski County, then a two-teacher elementary school at Hancock, Missouri; five years as principal and coach at Richland, MO; four years as Superintendent of schools in Competition; 9 years (during second World War) as superintendent in Rogersville; 6 years as Superintendent in Cassville; two years as Principal of elementary and junior high at H.P. Studyschool and 13 years (1958-1971) as principal of Springfield's Central HighSchool. After retiring he did substitute teaching at various high schools in Springfield and in Galena, Missouri, and taught four summer courses at Missouri State University and Columbia College. His own education was all completed during summer months leading to receipt of a B.S. in education from "State Teachers College," Springfield (1934) and an Ed.M. from the University of Missouri- Columbia (1941). He also completed advanced courses at MU over the years.

Hamilton affiliated with a local church in each town where he worked. He was ordained as deacon 72 years before his death and at First Baptist Springfield was active on the building committee, chairman of the benevolence committee, and the foundation committee, church Training Director for Greene CountyBaptist Association, member of the Mission committee, etc. He started a Cub and Boy Scout troop, when at Rogersville and promoted scouting in Cassville and Springfield. He received the Silver Beaver Award and The Good Shepherd Award for his distinguished service to scouting. He was also awarded membership in the Order of the Arrow, a national brotherhood of honor campers; and he was an executive board member of the Ozarks Council-Boy Scouts of America for most of his stay in Springfield. He was a 34 year member and past president of the state association of the American Lung Association, director of the Greene County and western Missouri Lung Association, past president of the Greene County American Lung Association, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1950.

Ralph was an active member of Rotary for over 50 years, was president of the local club, while in Cassville and a member of the downtown Springfield Rotary Club where he received accolades for consistent meeting attendance. He was past chair of the Rotary Scholarship Committee. He was twice president of the Springfield Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a former member of the Ozark (American) Rose Society and received recognition for 50 years with the modern Woodmen of America. Upon retirement, he joined the national, state and local Retired Teachers Association where he served as president of the Springfield Chapter and chairman of the legislative committee. He was an active member of the City Utilities Advisory Committee for a number of years and was a recipient of an award from the Board of Public Utilities. In 1998 he received the Lifetime Achievement in Teaching Award from Springfield Public Schools and the Pioneer in Education award from the Missouri Board of Education. In 2001 he was recipient of the Retired Teacher award for Southwest Missouri.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at First Baptist Church, Springfield with the Reverend Michael Overton officiating and Dr. Paul Swadley under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery, weather permitting. Visitation will be from 6:00 -8:00 PM on Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, c/o Jacque White, Treasurer, 1411 Collins Road, Ozark, Missouri 65721, or First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 525 South Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65806.