Patricia “Pat” Carden, daughter of the late Ruben Carden and Mary Margaret Wainscott Martin, was born on April 18, 1950 in Dorena, Missouri, and departed this life on July 31, 2020 at her residence in East Prairie, Missouri at the age of 70 years.

Ms. Carden was a member of the First Baptist Church in East Prairie, where she taught Children’s Church, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.  She enjoyed crafts, puzzles and embroidery.

She is survived by two nephews, Keith Carden (Sandy) and Christopher Carden, all of East Prairie; by three nieces, Pam Mitchell, Necie Hall and Deanna Triplett (Rev. Stanley), all of East Prairie; by four great-nephews, Jeremy Mitchell (Leah), Brian Carden (Dawn), Kelly Carden (Samantha), and Ben Hall (Kasey); by two great-nieces, Amber Vinson (Mike) and Ruby Smith ( T. J.); by eight great-great-nephews, Riley, V, Grayson, Trip, Harry, Hunter, Cash, and Gunner; and by six great-great-nieces, Claira, Nora, Gabby, Meashia, Nevaeh, and Melanie.

Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Willard Martin; by her brother, Jerry Carden; and by two sisters, Ruby Nell Carden Scruggs and Janet Rae Carden.

Friends may call at the First Baptist Church in East Prairie, Missouri on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. 

Funeral services will then be conducted at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. with Rev. George White, Rev. Aaron Powell, and Rev. Stanley Triplett officiating.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery in East Prairie, Missouri.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

Jerry Don Lemar was born on March 25, 1937 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and departed this life on July 30, 2020, at the Bloomfield Living Center, at the age of 83.

Born to Harold and Dorothy Lemar, Jerry had three siblings: Harold Dean (deceased), Sue Mayo (Jim) of Bloomfield, Missouri, and Kay Dobbins (Jerry) of Santa Clarita, California. Jerry spent his formative years in Marble Hill and Lutesville until his family moved to Bloomfield, Missouri.

Following his high school graduation from Bloomfield in 1955, Jerry enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. Jerry served as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7) Damage Control (DC) rating and a recruiter during his twenty years of active duty from March 1956 to April 1976. During his armed forces career, Jerry received many honors and awards, but was most proud of his efforts to set up two recruiting offices in Bakersfield and Anaheim, California, and a Career Counseling Program for the Second Coast Guard district Office in St. Louis, Missouri.

Utilizing his military experience, Jerry served as a Plant Engineer and Maintenance Manager for numerous hospitals such as Humana Hospitals in New Orleans, Louisiana, Chicago, Illinois, and Morristown, Tennessee, as well as the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, Jerry briefly owned and operated Lemar’s Full Service Station in Bloomfield, Missouri.

In February 1958, Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Margaret Davis in Broward, Florida. Three children were born of this union, Cynthia Kay Lemar, deceased, Rick Lemar (Donna) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Deb Gant (Pat) of Festus, Missouri. In addition to his children, Jerry is survived by numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

Jerry’s second marriage was to Virginia Settles O’Daniell on September 23, 1978 in Bloomfield, Missouri. Virginia remained the light of his life until his death. Through this marriage, Jerry gained five step-children: June Lawrence (Bud) of Dexter, Missouri, Sherry O’Daniell-Moore (Rob) of Wilmington, N.C., Kelly Flowers of Dexter, Missouri, Butch O’Daniell (Linda) of Bloomfield, Missouri, and Kristina Twaddell (Clint) of Bloomfield, Missouri. Jerry is survived by his wife, Virginia, his five step-children, and numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

Jerry was an extremely patriotic man. He collected Coast Guard boats and lighthouses, enjoyed westerns and loved dogs. In addition, he was a member of the Bloomfield Masonic Lodge #153, Dexter Masonic Lodge #532, and the Dexter Elk Lodge #2439.

In honor of Jerry Don Lemar, a brief visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m., will be conducted on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. An internment at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be pledged to the Stars and Stripes Museum, PO Box 1861, Bloomfield, MO  63825.

 Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

Jeannette Terrill Robinson, daughter of the late Marvin Davis and Clara Snider Davis, was born on January 22, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life on July 27, 2020 at her residence in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 81 years.

Mrs. Robinson was a former cook for T. S. Hill Middle School in Dexter, for 20 years and she attended First Baptist Church in Dexter.

She was first united in marriage to Paul Terrill and to this union three daughters were born.  She was then united in marriage to William Robinson on September 27, 1997 in Dexter, Missouri.  Mr. Robinson preceded her in death in December of 2009.

She is survived by three daughters, Janelle Davis (Quintin) of Dexter, Paulla White  (Johnny) of Campbell, and Crystal Fortner (Chris) of Dexter; by her brother, Larry Davis (Peggy) of Sebastian, Florida; by seven grandchildren, Dustin Davis (Jenny), Kari Clark (James), Dylan Poore, Chelsie Fortner, Levi Fortner, Johnny Ruben White (Kaitlyn), and Jessica Mitchell (Brandon); and by eight great-grandchildren, Faith Davis, Grant Davis, Garrett Davis, Maelynn Davis, Ryker Clark, Anni Clark, J. T. White, and Kadience Mitchell.

Visitation was held at  Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Funeral services were conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Quintin Davis officiating.  Interment followed in Dexter Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Preferred Hospice, PO Box 99, Dexter, Missouri 63841

Donna Mae Crow Gregg, 90, of Dexter, Missouri, was cherished by her family and treasured by her husband, Morris. She was kind, caring, and selfless. Donna was a rare and endearing combination of quiet strength, unassuming beauty, and timeless grace. She walked daily with Jesus and did her best to show his love to everyone around her.

Donna went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 26, 2020. She was born April 21, 1930, in Scotland, Arkansas.

Left behind to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 73 years, Morris Gregg. Theirs is a love story that began right after WWII with a chance meeting at the First Baptist Church in Parma, Missouri. Morris saw Donna there for the first time, and the rest is history. Their union in 1947 set the foundation for years of devotion and care.  After living in Kansas City, Parma, New Madrid, and Malden, Donna and Morris made their home in Dexter in 1964. Their marriage resulted in the births of four sons: Gary Gregg (Janice), Steven Gregg (Diane), Ronald Gregg (George), and Mark Gregg. Donna was a dedicated mother, and she loved her boys.

In addition to her husband and four sons, Donna is survived by the best sister ever, Carolyn Landrum, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Even though they were eight years apart in age, they were incredibly dear to one another.  

Donna’s eight grandchildren knew her as “Mimi”, and they adored her. They are Christine Gill (Brad), Seth Gregg (Sally), Daniel Gregg (Laura), Samuel Gregg (Julie), Catherine Pannell (Cody), Candice Randolph (Dillon), Tyler Gregg, and Chelsea Sterling (Michael). Donna’s four great-grandchildren, Scarlet Gregg, William Pannell, Rylie Gill, and Maxwell Gill, will hear many stories about her and wish they had known her more.

She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Mildren Crow and Alice Crow, a nephew, David Crow, and four nieces, Judy Metheny (Ron), Susan Hatley, Melanie Crow, and Carmen Hoggard (Kevin).

Donna worked as a Physical Education assistant for several years at Dexter Central Elementary School. After transitioning through several jobs, she eventually retired from Savings of America. With four boys at home, she became a wonderful cook. Donna also enjoyed reading and volunteering at First Baptist Church, where she was a member for over fifty years.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff at Crowley Ridge Care Center and the staff at Preferred Hospice of Missouri for the care and attention they gave to Donna.

Visitation was held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. The funeral service followed at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Smith of First Baptist Church Dexter officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.  

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memories at www.mathisfuneralhomes.com.  The family requests all memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, 11 W Caster Street, Dexter, Missouri 63841.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

Joseph C. Blanton, M. D. passed from this life into heaven on July 29, 2020. He practiced pediatrics in Sikeston, Missouri for nearly 60 years and was one of the nation’s most senior practicing pediatricians when he retired earlier this year.

Dr. Blanton was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on December 21, 1930 to Harry and Maureen Daley Blanton. He grew up in the St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves while his father served four terms as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. While in St. Louis, he attended Holy Redeemer Grade School and the St. Louis University High School.

Blanton played center on the Midget Football Squad and ran the half-mile. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. When the family returned to Sikeston in 1946, he began attending Sikeston High School where he served as Senior Class President of the graduating class of 1948.

While returning from a Charleston-Sikeston football game, he witnessed a serious traffic accident and decided then that he wanted to be a doctor. He attended St. Louis University and, after his junior year, was admitted to the St. Louis University School of Medicine where he graduated in 1955.

While in medical school, he began dating Nancy Rose Raupp of Decatur, Illinois, a student at Fontbonne College. They married in Decatur, Illinois on June 16, 1956 and celebrated their 64th anniversary earlier this year. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Blanton worked for a year in a pathology lab and then began a residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and ultimately served as Chief Resident.

He then served as a pediatrician in the U. S. Navy at the Portsmouth, Virginia Naval Hospital, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. When he finished his tour of duty in 1961, he returned with his family to his hometown of Sikeston, Missouri, joining the newly-formed Ferguson Medical Group and becoming its fifth partner. When he returned home, he became the second board-certified pediatrician between St. Louis and Memphis.

He spent the next six decades taking care of children from all over Southeast Missouri including those with the most serious medical issues. He continued to work until his full retirement earlier this year at age 89. Thousands of patients will recall being referred to as “Darlin,” “Sweet Thing,” “Old Timer,” or “Tiger” during visits with Dr. Joe. With the limited number of pediatricians in the area, he took call every other night for thirty years. He never missed a day of work due to illness. Dr. Blanton was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of the Missouri Academy of Pediatrics, and listed yearly in The Best Doctors in America.

Governor Christopher Bond appointed him to serve on the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. He served as the medical director of the Sikeston Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities, Chair of the Physicians Task Force of the Missouri State Department of Social Services, and a director of the Scott County Health Department. He also served as a member of the Sikeston R-VI School Board. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce in 2001.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, of the home, four children, Joseph C. Blanton, Jr. (Felecia) of Sikeston, Dr. Mark Blanton of Sikeston, Madeline Blanton Kerr (Dr. Knox) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Dr. Kevin Blanton (Amy) of Sikeston. Dr. Kevin Blanton now practices as a pediatrician at Ferguson Medical Group in emulation of his father. Dr. and Mrs. Blanton have seven grandchildren including Mark Blanton, Jake Kerr, Cullen Kerr, Elizabeth Blanton, Luke Blanton, Grace Blanton, and Caroline Blanton.

Elizabeth is a second-year medical student at the University of Missouri. He was very proud of all of his grandchildren. Dr. Blanton is also survived by one sister, Anne Tlapek of Cape Girardeau, and two brothers, Judge Lewis Blanton (Barbara) of Sikeston, and Dr. Harry Blanton (Jane) of Cape Girardeau. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Maureen Daley Blanton, and his siblings Rosemary Barr Quatmann, Patricia Kavanaugh, Maureen Klein Graham, and Dr. John Blanton.

Dr. Blanton enjoyed studying genealogy and became proficient at using his computer to conduct research. He read constantly and favored history books and spy novels. He diligently followed the St. Louis Cardinals beginning his loyalty by taking street car rides to Sportsman’s Park and watching the games without a ticket as a member of the Knothole Gang. Dr. Blanton collected and read all of the Horatio Alger books which his father had read as a boy. He loved working in the yard both at his current home and in the Woods near his childhood home on North Ranney Street. He did all yard-work by hand to make the experience last as long as possible. He gave his primary focus in his later years to helping his family and attended all of his grandchildren’s school and other events without fail with wife Nancy and his son Mark.

Dr. Blanton always put the interests of others first. The family wants to thank the priests at St. Francis Xavier over the years where Dr. Blanton attended Mass whenever the doors were open, his partners, employees, and many patients at the Ferguson Medical Group, his long-time nurse Ida Cowell, Almeter Marshall, Sandra Douglas, Lamar Douglas and the other family caregivers, the neighbors on Cotton Trace and other friends, and the extended Blanton and Raupp families.

Visitation will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, July 31, at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston with a funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 10 AM on Saturday. Dr. Blanton’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Ben Swiney will be an honorary pallbearer.

The family will host an Irish Wake in Dr. Blanton’s honor at the Blanton Woods on North Ranney Street in Sikeston at a later date.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Birthright, 2633 Hopper Rd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 105 Stoddard St., Sikeston, MO 63801, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or a charity of choice.