Barbara Ellen Nichols Calvin, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Chateau Girardeau.
Barbara was born Dec. 28, 1930, in Davenport, Iowa. She was the daughter of Irma M. and Glenn O. Nichols. She spent her childhood years in Maquoketa, Iowa, and Sidney, Iowa.
She attended Cottey College and the University of Iowa, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1952. She and Edward E. Calvin were married on June 14, 1953. He passed away Jan. 22, 2004.
Barbara spent many years as a graphic artist in Kansas City, Missouri, working for an interior design company, an advertising agency and Russell Stover Candies.
Upon her husband's graduation from law school and his service in the U.S. Navy, they lived in Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Richmond, Missouri, where she continued working as a commercial artist on a freelance basis.
Upon moving to Cape Girardeau in 1973, Barbara became active in the early development of Chateau Girardeau and served as marketing and public relations director until the opening of the facility in 1979. She then became assistant administrator until 1984, when she became administrator, serving as such until her retirement in 1998.
Barbara was a 60-year member of P.E.O. She was active in the Otahki Girl Scout Council, serving on the board of directors, as vice president and president of the council. She was awarded the Thanks Badge and the Women's Impact Award.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, serving several terms as a member of the session.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Helen (Mike) Chanley; sons, Gregory Edward Calvin and Whitney Nichols (Carla) Calvin; grandchildren, Bryce Edward Abasolo, Erin Elisa-Ysabel Abasolo, Brittney Shawntae (Justin) Amelunke, Melinda Ann (Kasey) Rutherford, Mark Todd Calvin and Mary Renee Calvin; and great-grandchildren, Allie K., Leah Ann and Bradley Ray Amelunke.
The family will have a private graveside service at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.
There will be a public memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau or Chateau Girardeau Foundation.
Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James Freeman Asberry, son of the late E. F. “Chuck” Asberry and Carolyn Athanas Asberry, was born on September 4, 1945, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and departed this life on April 1, 2022, at Aspire Senior Living, in Advance, Missouri, at the age of 76 years.
Mr. Asberry graduated with bachelor and master’s degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. He retired after working many years as a former Administrator of Higher Education and a former Counselor for the State of Washington Correctional Facilities. He was a resident of Dexter, Missouri and had a deep passion for the outdoors which involved hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his son, Chris Asberry and wife Amy of Dexter, Missouri; by two sisters, Carolee A. Scherer of Leawood, Kansas, and Jan L. Duty of Dexter, Missouri; and by two grandchildren, Jessica Coomer and Sydney Asberry, and by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles S. Asberry.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11:00a a.m. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery in Dexter.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Wes Eskew, son of the late John Wesley Eskew and Ila Rogers Eskew, was born on March 28, 1929, in Marmaduke, Arkansas, and departed this life on April 1, 2022, at Southeast Health of Stoddard County in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 93 years.
Mr. Eskew was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. After leaving the Army, he joined the Missouri National Guard and retired as a Staff Sergeant. Wes was a former farmer, a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Dexter and a resident of Dexter.
On April 1, 1952, in Piggott, Arkansas, he was united in marriage to Sue Birchfield. Mrs. Eskew preceded him in death on April 17, 2014.
He is survived by four sons, Allen Eskew and wife Teresa of Layton, Utah, Bruce Eskew and wife Debby of Dexter, Missouri, Doug Eskew and wife Susan of Brandon, Mississippi, and Steve Eskew and wife Tiffany of Centerton, Arkansas; by his daughter, Debbie Eskew Nelson of Springfield, Missouri; by nine grandchildren, Christopher Nelson, Ashley Perryman, Gregory Eskew, Stacy Earnest, Natalie Eskew, Jessica Eubanks, Kevin Eskew, Emily Helm, and Ariana Eskew; and by fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Eskew, and by his sister, Florence Eskew.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, April 4, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veteran Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Daniel James “Danny” Louden, entered this life, as the 2nd born of twins, on November 29, 1979, in Anchorage, AK and entered his eternal home on Thursday March 31, 2022, at the age of 42, following a lifelong battle with many health complications, as a result of being born prematurely. His final days were spent, in his home, surrounded by family, his caregiver, HCMC Hospice and close friends that Danny touched in many ways throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Gregory Curtis Louden, December 4, 1979, Maternal grandfather, Paul E. Garland, May 30, 1980; paternal grandparents Lyle W. Louden, February 16, 1997; Renola S. Louden, October 21, 2012 and John Kenney, Sr., April 24, 2014.
He was the son of Gary and Liz Kenney, Paris, TN and Bill Louden, Niceville, FL. Brother to Chris (Cori) Louden, Messena, NY, Erin (Alex) Musick, Cleveland, TN and Jennifer (Michael) Greenhaw, Williamston, NC. Bonus brothers, Gary Kenney Jr., Chris (Mandi) Kenney and bonus sister, Jennifer Kenney
Uncle to Mikayla, Draven, Parker, Jaysen, Logan, Paisley, Mia, Everett and Deaglan and cousin to Kristen (Jimmy) Noah, Kassie Craft, Amber (Justin) Dodge and Ronnie Ray (Amy) Johnson. He always had a special connection to his Nanna, Winifred F. Garland, Dexter, MO, his Aunt Cindy Garland, Dexter, MO, Aunt Kim and Uncle Ronnie Johnson, Malden, MO, his personal caregiver, Brandon Swor, Paris, TN and the former TVCC Bee Gees small group members.
Danny’s life would seem too short by many, but those who were touched by him understood that his quality of existence far exceeded his quantity of time. His big, beautiful smile melted the hearts of anyone who met him, and though he was limited in verbal communication, his voice and thoughts could always be heard. Especially when he would yell out, “My Song”, during Sunday morning worship at his home church, TN Valley Community Church.
Danny never let his disorder define him. His favorite response was, “I CAN DO IT!” He possessed strength, perseverance, and a strong will to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With his courage, he led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories by laughing at the silliest things and not taking life too seriously. He enjoyed Christian music, The Beach Boys, ‘Jump Around’ and was so happy to be back worshipping at his home church, after COVID. He loved the color blue, his Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 games, especially Wheel of Fortune, Home Alone, Diddy Kong Racing and Mario Paint.
His favorite shows, that he could watch for hours on end were, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and his sister Erin purchased ‘The Price Is Right’ DVD Seasons ranging from 1974 – 2004 for Christmas one year and he would binge watch that when he wasn’t watching the other shows.
He looked forward to Friday’s, when he would expect to either go shopping or ‘Rolling’ (Skeeball) and buy a Diet Coke. Everyone would affectionately call him ‘Frosty’ due to his love of the movie, “Frosty the Snowman’ or he would say, ‘Bye Frosty’, to anyone who was leaving.
Many don’t know, but Danny was a ‘shoe-a-holic’. He loved shopping for shoes and clothing. But his favorite item to buy, was a notebook and a pen from Walmart. When Walmart installed Self-Checkout lanes, this was the greatest thrill of his life. He could now scan his own purchase and laugh out loud, every time the scanner beeped.
He never had a date or had the experience of a first love, but boy could he check out the young ladies. He would almost give himself whiplash from flipping his head around to see a young lady walk by no disabilities when it came to that!
Many times, during his shopping trips, he would be so excited and a person would walk by and he would say, ‘Hi, I’m fine’. When that person would not react or respond to him, he would just let out a, ‘Humph and a sigh’ and then proceed on to the department that contained the notebooks and pens.
With Danny’s passing, we are reminded that his life is one to be celebrated and his zest for loving his Lord and Savior, through worship songs. Although we will miss him every day, especially his winning smile, he will always remain forever in our hearts as ‘Dan the Man’. Through his childlikeness about life, we were able to create wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be his parents, family and caregivers.
We know that there are many who have had your own, ‘Danny’ experience and we pray that you saw the exuberance and joy of life, through him and remember that joy in future days. Danny worshipped in church all his life and we know, as one of God’s special agents, we will take comfort in knowing he is running, jumping and singing for joy, free at last in his eternal home at the feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN, is handling arrangements. The funeral service will be Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Tennessee Valley Community Church, 2500 E. Wood St, Paris, TN with cremation to follow.
Memorials may be made to: TVCC Children’s Ministry, 2500 E. Wood St, Paris, TN. 38242.
James Franklin Wilthong of Puxico, Missouri passed away on March 26, 2022 at the age of 88.
James married Glenda Elaine Weaver on January 01, 1955 in Paragould, Arkansas.
James enjoyed a full and wonderful life. He was faithfully dedicated to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was born and raised in Paragould, Arkansas and graduated from Greene County Tech High School. He obtained his college degrees from Arkansas State University. He taught, coached and was high school principal at Southland School, Cardwell and Arbyrd, Missouri. James then settled with Elaine in Puxico, Missouri and served as superintendent of the Puxico school district for eleven years before he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, nature, sports, gardening and traveling. James served as Alderman and Mayor of Puxico, Missouri. James served faithfully as a Member, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Puxico, Missouri. He served on the Stoddard Cane Creek Baptist Association and disaster chainsaw team. He was a member of Gideons International. Community Service was very important to James as he served volunteering at Mingo National Wild Life Refuge, Rotary Club projects and Homecoming actives. He served as a Rotary Club Member at Cardwell and Puxico, Stoddard County Mental Health Board, Community Relation Council at Mingo Job Core Center. James was a Korean Veteran and member of VFW Puxico Post 7822 and American Leigon.
James is survived by his wife Elaine Wilthong; his daughter Sheryl (Dale) Hartzog of Panama City, Florida; one sister Ellen (Polie) Cameron; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Lucy (Darnell) Wilthong; one brother William Wilthong and one sister Helen Hudgens.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 30, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri and Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Justin Miller of Puxico officiating.
Internment will take place at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Paragould, Arkansas at 3:00 p.m. with Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to First Baptist Church building fund or Gideons International.
