James A. Reed, son of the late Robert Charles Reed and Grace Ledbetter Reed, was born on October 11, 1929 in Flippin, Arkansas and departed this life on February 9, 2016 at John J. Pershing V.A. Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 86.
Mr. Reed was a farmer and a resident of Dudley, Missouri. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean War.
On March 14, 1960, he was united in marriage to Iris Imogene Scott in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mrs. Reed preceded him in death on April 2, 2013.
He is survived by two sons, Larry Reed of Dudley, Missouri and Kevin Reed and wife Birgit of Charleston, South Carolina; by one daughter, Linda Reed of New Braunfels, Texas; by one sister, Juanita Fox of Dexter, Missouri; and by six grandchildren, Shannon Reed, Nick Reed, Abbi Reed, Dannielle Reed, Anna Yeandel and Alexander Shaw; and by three great-grandchildren, Jackson Reed, Henry Yeandel and Jacob Reed.
A memorial service will be conducted in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, February 12, 2016.
Virginia Craft, daughter of the late Rolla Whittenberg and Hynthia Jackson Whittenberg was born on June 26, 1941 in Como, Missouri and went home to heaven at SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 4, 2016 at the age of 74.
She had devoted her life to the Lord since she was eight years old. She loved the Lord and enjoyed worshipping Him through music. She was an excellent musician playing both the piano and organ in many churches throughout her many years. It was common to find her at a revival whenever possible.
She was an amazing cook and would cook at the drop of a phone call from any grandchild. She enjoyed spending countless hours sewing and making quilts and crafts for friends and family.
Survivors include: Three sons, Darrell Vails (Cape Girardeau), Dennis (Lisa) Craft (Cape Girardeau), David Craft (St. Louis); two daughters, Cindy Kile (Cape Girardeau), Melinda (Gary) Sprenger (Cape Girardeau).
Fourteen grandchildren: Jonathan (Jesse) Ferrell, Kenny Kile, Tyler Campbell, James Vails, Lora Vails (Corey) Schumer, Natalie Vails, Steven (Nikki) Hodges, Garrett Sprenger, Gregory Sprenger, Tyler Rhodes, Brian Rhodes, Christopher Craft, Alexis Craft, Hayden Craft.
Six great-grandchildren: Riley, Mason, Colton, Kayla, Kassie, Lily.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Davis, and one brother Dale Whittenberg.
Visitation will be held at Rainey – Mathis Funeral home in Bernie Missouri on February 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM with funeral services following at 1:00 PM with Rev Jack Owens officiating.
Interment will be in Bernie Cemetery.
Gene Allen Rowland, son of the late Marvin D. Rowland and Betty Estelle Bean Rowland, was born on March 19, 1947 in Dexter, Missouri and departed this life on February 3, 2016 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 68.
Mr. Rowland retired from Corporate Express in St. Louis where he worked in sales.
Gene loved to travel. He traveled to many destinations all over the world, bringing home treasures that still decorate his home.
He was an avid gardener and enjoyed showing off his yards and gardens to anyone dropping by. He was a member and past president of the Master Gardner organization and was instrumental in bringing the Farmers Market to Dexter.
He was happiest when he was eating good food, enjoying good wine and spending time with good friends.
He is survived by one brother, Dennis Rowland of Dexter, Missouri; by two sisters, Karen Edwina Woolard and Marla June Buchanan, both of Puxico, Missouri; by nine nieces and nephews; and my friends too numerous to count.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Kendall Melvin Miller, son of the late Stephen Edgar and Ruth Maugerite Williams Miller, was born on December 10, 1924 in Dexter, Missouri and departed this life on February 3, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois at the age of 91.
Mr. Miller served in the United States Navy during World War II. He sang in gospel group quartets and also was a square dance caller. He retired from Ford Motor Company as an electrician, painted flag poles and was also a steeple jack.
On September 14, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lorene Fisher. Mrs. Miller preceded him in death in 2015.
He is survived by two daughters, Loretta Gooch of Marion, Illinois and Karen Johnston of Florissant, Missouri; by one son, Kevin Miller and wife Kay of Marion, Illinois; by one sister, Eleanor Ezell of Maryland; by fourteen grandchildren, Ray Rehder and wife Holly, Steve Rehder and wife Nancy, Brandi Futrell and husband Chris, Dan Miller, Karla Rowell and husband Mike, Kenny Miller, Josh Miller, Matthew Miller, Adam Miller, Jimi Ballard, Stacy Johnston, Kris Miller, Katie Miller and Kevin Jacob Miller; and by eighteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Larry Miller and Kendall “Harpo” Miller; and by one grandson, Matthew Johnston.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, February 8, 2016 from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 P.M.
Funeral services will be conducted in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 2:30 P.M. with Rev. Buddy Heaton officiating.
Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Ivan L. "Bullet" Pulling of Parma, son of the late Henry Ward and Doris Eveline Snow Pulling, was born in Port Dickerson, New York on July 18, 1922, and passed away at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri on February 3, 2016, at the age of 93 years, 6 months, and 16 days.
Ivan had lived in New York, lived in Essex from 1945 until 1959 when he moved to Parma. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Parma for 63 years and had served as church secretary for many years. He retired as a funeral director after 30 years at Watkins & Sons Funeral Service in Parma. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army 808th Tank Destroyer Battalion and served during WWII. He enjoyed working in his shop, driving big trucks, deer hunting, fishing and his dogs.
On August 7, 1943, he was married to Audrey M. Coffey in Piggott, Arkansas.
Surviving are his wife, Audrey Pulling of Parma, Missouri; one son & wife, Stanley & Tonja Pulling of Mountain View, Missouri; one granddaughter & husband, Kristy & Adam Howell of Bernie, Missouri; one great grandson, Christopher Sutton of Bernie, Missouri; and two brothers & wife, Ward & Norma Pulling of Binghamton, New York and Sid Pulling of Cedar Hill, Missouri. Other relatives and many friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lois Jacobs & Elsie Lobdell; and two brothers, Burr & Kenneth Pulling.
Friends may call on Monday, February 8, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri with Danny Talkington of Essex officiating.
Interment will follow in the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with full military honors. Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Parma, MO 63870.
Watkins & Sons Funeral Service
www.watkinsfuneralhome.com
