James Meredith Reece, son of the late Victor James Reece and Janet Bertha White Reece was born on August 21, 1938, in Dunklin County, Missouri and departed this life on August 15, 2024, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 85.
Mr. Reece had worked for the Ozark Lead Mine Company in Bunker, Missouri and was also a Veteran of the United States National Guard. He was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Doniphan, Missouri. James enjoyed working in his garden and raising farm animals. He enjoyed playing gospel music and would try to find as many “singings” as he could to attend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and having fellowship with them.
On February 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Helen Orick in Madison, Illinois. Mrs. Reece survives of their home in Doniphan, Missouri.
Along with his wife he is survived by two sons, James “Kevin” Reece and wife Donna of Bernie, Missouri and Jeff Reece of Doniphan, Missouri; by three brothers, Paul Reece of Ladysmith, Illinois, Junior Reece, Bobby Reece, and Ronnie Reece all of Bernie, Missouri; by his sister, Linda Blevins of Williamsville, Missouri; by his grandchildren, Courtney Schrieber, Austin Reece, Katherine Christian, Sierra Young, and Jacob Glueck; by his great-grandchildren, Aiden Reece, Judah Schrieber, Angel Schrieber, Chasity Schrieber, Crimson Schrieber, Jeremiah Christian, Lindsey Christian, Brittney Haynes, Peyton Knight, Blaine Knight, Mia Knight, and Maverick Lett; and by several great-great-grandchildren.
Other than by his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Reece; by his brother Roger Reece; and by three sisters, Betty Meadows, Joyce Garrett, and Carolyn Reece.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jason Schrieber officiating. Interment will follow in the Stevens Chapel Cemetery in Malden.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is assisting with arrangements.
Emma “Jean” Babcock was born on December 10, 1940, in Bell City, Tennessee and departed this life on August 14, 2024, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 83.
Emma Jean enjoyed crocheting and baking. She gave generously of her time to her southern Baptist churches and loved being a part of their congregation. She helped take care of her five siblings and enjoyed being around her family.
She was united in marriage to William Harvey Babcock in 1960. Mr. Babcock preceded her in death on June 1, 2009.
She is survived by her daughters, Michele Pyle and husband Jim of Dexter, Missouri, and Kelly Mortensen and husband Mickey of Jacksonville, Florida; by six grandchildren, Jimmy Pyle and wife Becca, Nicholas Pyle and wife Stacey, Alli Mortensen, Katie Williams and husband Shane, Zac Mortensen, and Martie Mortensen; by five great-grandchildren, Isaac Pyle, Isabelle Pyle, Emma Mortensen, Axel Williams, and Abby Williams; and by her nephew, Rick Cagle and wife Linda of Attwood, Tennessee.
Other than by her husband she was preceded in death by her father, and her mother Lillian Clifford Jaynes; by her brothers Clifford and David Jaynes; and by her sisters, Rebecca Smith, Faye Turner, and Lois Kelly.
There are currently no services planned.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting the family with arrangements.
Delbert Henry Sanders, a dedicated and hardworking individual, passed away on August 12, 2024 at Puxico Nursing and Rehab in Puxico, Missouri. He was born on September 7, 1959, in Riverside, California. Delbert was a cherished member of his community, known for his long-standing career at Tyson Foods as an LB Tech.
He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by all had the privilege of knowing him. Delbert's proud role as a father, grandfather, and uncle brought him immeasurable joy. He is survived by his loving spouse, Pamela (Horn) Sanders, his children Eric Sanders, Octavio Sanders, and Heather Sanders, as well as his six grandchildren. His memories will be carried on by his brothers Adam Sanders and Steve Sanders, along with his sister Kathy Ramero and Dortha Hess. Delbert held a special place in his heart for his niece Rena Saddler and nephew Eddie Blackwell.
Delbert found solace in simple pleasures, such as hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden. His dedication to instilling good values in his children was one of his proudest accomplishments. He touched the lives of many, including his late brother Bill Sanders and sister Cindy Blackwell.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Watkins Funeral Homes in Dexter, Missouri.
Visitation on August 16, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on August 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery near Dexter, Missouri.
Delbert Henry Sanders will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his kindness, work ethic, and devotion to family. May he rest in peace.
Donna Sue Hatchel, daughter of the late Joseph and Vurlia Shelden, was born on July 21, 1943, in Swinton, Missouri and departed this life on August 12, 2024, at the Chaffee Skilled Nursing Center in Chaffee, Missouri at the age of 81.
Donna had worked at the International Hat Factory and was a resident of Dexter. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and shopping. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family.
On December 17, 1970, she was united in marriage to James “Sonny” Hatchel in Sikeston, Missouri. Mr. Hatchel preceded her in death on October 8, 2007.
She is survived by one granddaughter, Donna Durham; by three great-grandchildren, Destiny, Alexis, and Zoey; and by one great-great-grandchild, Harmony; and by many extended family and friends.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald J. Welch; and by her brother, Joe Shelden.
A graveside service will be held at Dexter Cemetery on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Luther Ray Sullivan, who departed from this world at the age of 63 years on August 7, 2024, in Dexter, Missouri. Luther was born on July 22, 1961, in Portageville, Missouri, and was the beloved son of Charles Ray and Rosie Pearl (Fowler) Sullivan who have now reunited with him in the afterlife.
Luther, known to his loved ones as a devoted father, leaves behind a legacy of love and memories. He is survived by his two daughters, Brandy McElroy of Bloomfield, Missouri, and Amanda Sullivan of Lilbourn, Missouri. Luther was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His family brought him immense joy, and his dedication to them was unwavering.
In the embrace of his upbringing, Luther shared deep connections with his siblings. He is survived by three brothers: Myron Sullivan of Texas, Billy Fowler of Portageville, Missouri, and Carl Sullivan of New Madrid, Missouri. Luther's memory also lives on in the hearts of his four sisters: Mary Campbell of Lilbourn, Missouri, Margie McAlister of New Madrid, Missouri, Debbie Grubble of Ocala, Florida, and Elizabeth Sullivan of Mountain Home, Missouri.
Luther found solace in the camaraderie of friends, and his loss is deeply felt by his two close personal friends, Frankie Ford and Ronald Neeley. Their bond was a source of laughter and support throughout the years.
In his leisure time, Luther immersed himself in his hobbies and interests. He had a passion for fishing, found companionship in the Eagle community, and, above all, treasured moments spent with his family. Luther's warm spirit and genuine nature endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A chapter has closed with Luther's passing, but his memory will endure through the stories shared by those whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that he so freely gave during his time on this earth.
