Steven Cary Millington, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 9, 2025 at his home at the age of 67. His life was one of laughter, adventure, and unwavering love for those he held dear.
Born on September 5, 1957 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Wayne Millington and Pauline (Bailey) Millington, Steve was baptized on May 11, 1969 at Church of the Brethren in Frisco, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Julie Dawn (McElmurry) Millington on June 8th 1985. Steve is survived by his wife Julie, children Craig (Melissa) Millington of Willard, Missouri, and Jennifer (Ryan) Elder of Leawood, Kansas, grandchildren Rylie and Hayes Millington and Jackson and Hudson Elder, siblings Connie (William) Churchill, Janet (Gale) Cardwell, Tom (Jan) Millington, Melinda (Jim) Rainey, Harold (Paula) Miles, and Neil (Cindy) Miles, and many nieces and nephews who Steve loved so much. He was preceded in death by Pauline (Millington) Hart and Ruth Millington.
Steve graduated from Advance High School in 1975 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1983. A proud member and Past-President of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (earning the nickname ‘Bird’) Steve has attended and enjoyed Pike float trips for the last 50 years—his presence on the river a testament to his lifelong spirit of camaraderie and adventure. He cherished the friendships he built through his fraternity and beyond, always the first to raise a glass, share a story, and ensure no one ever felt like a stranger.
For over 50 years, Steve dedicated himself to a successful career in banking, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike. Inspired by Ruth Millington, at the age of 15, Steve began his banking career at the Bank of Advance. He has served as President, Regional President, Board Member of First Midwest Bank for the past 30 years, both in Sikeston and most recently Springfield, Missouri. Steve served his community in many ways, including the Sikeston Housing Authority, Sikeston School Board, as a member of Kiwanis, and several committees of First United Methodist Church. His integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for those he worked with and those around him left a lasting impact on the industry and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Julie, a loving father to Craig and Jenn, and the proudest grandfather, known only as “Gus”, to Rylie, Hayes, Jack and Hudson. His grandkids were his greatest joy, and he filled their lives with laughter, wisdom, and the occasional mischievous twinkle in his eye. Whether he was playing board games, letting the kids sit in his lap to drive the boat, racing go karts or building sandcastles, Steve always brought a smile and a laugh. “Stevie Ray” was blessed by the best group of friends, sharing countless memories of concerts, weekends at the lake, beach trips, New Years Eve celebrations, and Superbowl parties. His friends were like family, and his ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued was one of his greatest gifts.
In the spirit of his eternal youthfulness, we remember his favorite words from Peter Pan:
"Never grow up."
Though he has left this world, his legacy of love, friendship, and adventure will live on in all who knew him. May we honor his memory by embracing life with the same passion, humor, and kindness that he so effortlessly shared with us.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11 am. until time of Funeral service at 1 pm. with Jennifer Moxley, officiating.
Interment to follow in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Karl Ritter, Craig Richter, Doug Kennedy, Jeff Allison, Tim Underwood and Bryan Young.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Millington family.
Verna Kay Daniels, 78, of Bell City passed away February 12, 2025, at her home. She was born September 18, 1946, in St, Louis, Missouri, The daughter of Vernal and Mary Vickers Matheny.
Verna was employed for 50+ at Madhatter Company in Oran, Mo, before retiring. She was also a member of the Bell City General Baptist Church.
Verna and Leonard Daniels were united in Marriage on October 22, 1966, He survives of the home.
Survivors include-two daughters Angela (Stephen) Welker of Bloomfield and Valerie (John) Arnold of Bell City, two sisters Nancy Clary and Judy (Roy) Green of Bell City, four grandchildren, Joshua (Kendra) Speakman, Jessica (Jason) Speakman, Ashley Clark, Madison Clark, Nine great-grandchildren, Carly Clark, Ashlynn Hildebrand, Knava Speakman, Preston Liggins, Layla Liggins, Kaylee Liggins, Tage Hildebrand, Joshua Speakman II, and Mariah Johnson.
She was proceeded in death by her parents and her brother Jerry Matheny.
Visitation will be held at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance, Mo, on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 12:00 pm with Rev. Mike Lee and Rev. Roger Overby officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park.
Danny L. Freeman, age 78, went to be with the good Lord on February 6th in the year 2025. Mr. Freeman was born in Osceola Arkansas on April 10, 1946, to Charles and Pearl Freeman who preceded him in death.
He is survived of the home by his loving wife, Sharon Courter Freeman who he married on November 12, 1993. Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Anne Freeman Ditto. He is survived by three daughters, Michele Dickey (Jerry) of St. Louis, Missouri, Leslie Freeman of Sikeston, Missouri, and Carrie Freeman Young of Jefferson City, Missouri; by seven grandchildren, Dalton Ditto, John Young, Lydia Young, Lily Golightly, Sam Golightly, Ricky Bascom, and Britney Bascom; by two sisters, Linda Norton (Daniel S.) and Charline Chambers (Tim) both of Sikeston, Missouri; by three nephews, Zachary Chambers, Tyson Chambers, and David Norton, and by four nieces, Alexandria Stowe (Steve), Jeannie Jones (Rich), Amanda Moore (Scott), and Jennifer Williams.
Danny graduated from Sikeston High School in 1964 and attended Southeast Missouri State University. Mr. Freeman worked for the State of Missouri Division of Employment Security as a State Supervisor for twenty-seven years. He retired from the state in 1999.
Danny was a 100% service-connected disabled Vietnam Veteran. He served in the infantry in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 with the First Calvary Airmobile Division. He was awarded the Combat Air Medal for 125+ combat missions, the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and six Army Achievement Medals with four Bronze Stars. He was awarded the Order of the Silver Rose by Congress Woman Joann Emerson for life long physical and mental injuries sustained while in Vietnam. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army on February 8, 1968. He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1983 and retired from military duty as a Sergeant First Class (SFC E-7) in April 2006 with twenty-eight years of military service. Danny loved his country and prided himself on being . . . . A Great Soldier!
Danny was an accomplished Artist who had murals in several government offices throughout Missouri. He also painted murals in nursing homes, shopping malls, stores, restaurants and private residences. He loved doing paintings and giving them to friends as gifts. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team and the University of Missouri and University of Arkansas football and basketball teams.
Danny will be missed by his friends and family.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. with Rick Stanfield and John Nedler officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with full military honors.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Born on December 7, 1935 Dr. Nickell was raised on a farm near Atwood, Illinois. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and a Ph.D in American History from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Nickell and Gynel Snyder were married September 9, 1956; they were great humanitarians to the community. She preceded his passing in December 2011. Together they established the humane society in Cape Girardeau, MO, now referred to as Southeast Missouri Pets.
Dr. Nickell was the youngest of eight children, born to Leonard Nickell and Orpha Mechling Nickell, all who preceded him in death.
Dr. Nickell will be missed as he was deeply loved by his family, including his foster sons Roger (Thuy) Luethner and Lance Luethner who preceded him in death, his special niece Janet (Kevin) Stewart, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following are suggested to honor his memory: Franklin Nickell Scholarship, Southeast Missouri State University Southeast Missouri Pets of Cape Girardeau, MO
Imogene Hanor, daughter of the late Charley Hager and Lucille Irby Hager, was born January 23, 1932, in East Prairie, Missouri and departed this life February 6, 2025, at her home in East Prairie, Missouri at the age of 93 years.
Mrs. Hanor was a lifelong resident of East Prairie, where she worked as an aide for the East Prairie School District. She also owned and operated Western Auto in East Prairie with her husband for many years. She was a member of the Church of God.
On December 22, 1951, at the First Church of God in East Prairie, she united in marriage to Frank Hanor. Mr. Hanor preceded her in death on March 30, 2024.
She is survived by one son, Bob Hanor of East Prairie; one daughter, Janet Sutton of East Prairie; one sister, Mary Sue Scroggins of St. Charles, Missouri; three grandchildren, Scott Sutton of Sikeston, Nathan Sutton of Charleston and Laurie Hutcheson of East Prairie; one great-grandson, Shelby Sutton of Sikeston.
Other than her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by one brother, Bill C. Hager and two sisters, Linda Faye Howren and Peggy Ann Mattox.
Visitation will be held Sunday February 9, 2025, at the First Church of God in East Prairie from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted Sunday February 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Dawn Walters officiating. Interment will follow at Dogwood Cemetery near East Prairie.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
