Leo Carl Ives of Irondale, Missouri was born on October 25, 1925 in Irondale, Missouri a son of the late, Stella Genevieve (Horton) Ives and Christopher Carl Ives.  Leo departed this life on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Camelot Nursing Home, Farmington, Missouri having reached the age of eighty-seven years, six months and twenty-two days.

Leo was united in marriage to Nancy Estes on January 20, 1951 in Osceola, Arkansas and this union was blessed with three children.

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Ives of Irondale, Missouri; two daughters, Carla Thurman and husband, Elroy, Jr. of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Lisa Charles and husband, Randy of St. Charles, Missouri; one son, Neal Ives and wife, Vivian of Bismarck, Missouri; three brothers, Albert Ives and wife, Bette of Irondale, Missouri, Mick Ives of Desloge, Missouri, Jerry Ives of St. Louis, Missouri; three sisters, Ina Jarvis and husband, Ronald of Pevely, Missouri, Alta Ives of Irondale, Missouri; Martha Brown and husband, Charles of Irondale, Missouri; four grandchildren, Angie Kite, Marsha Hasty, Jenee Brule, Chris Wallen; five great-grandchildren, Nolan Brule, Emmitt Hasty, Carleigh Hasty, Delaney Hasty, Christopher Wallen; special family friend, Doris Keim of Irondale, Missouri; also surviving are other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by three sisters, Judy Ives, Ruth Barton and Shirley Hall; three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Mia and Elijah.

Leo was always putting the needs of others before his own, which he has shown through countless generous acts of kindness.  He dedicated his time and services to local food pantries delivering food.  Donated land for the Assembly of God Church in Irondale.  Leo was a member of the Lions Club, Carpenters Union, a past member of the West County School Board, Irondale Fire Department and was the Water Commissioner in Irondale for many years.  He enjoyed cutting grass, tracking weather and spending time with his family.  Leo will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation was held Monday, May 20, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

Funeral Service was held Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Moore Memorial Chapel, Potosi, Missouri with Reverend J.C. Moore officiating.

Final Prayers and Burial took place in the Big River Cemetery, Irondale, Missouri.  Honoring Leo by serving as pallbearers were: Tom Kite, Brandon Horton, Jeff Hasty, Jay Horton, David Brown and Mike Brule.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.

Jesse Raye Bourbon of Mineral Point departed this life on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the age of Sixty-five years, eight months and twenty-nine days; surrounded by the love and care of his dear and special family. Jesse was born on Monday, August 18, 1947 in Old Mines, a son of the late Margaret Mary (Dean) Bourbon and Raymond Bourbon, Sr.

Jesse had a great love for life and enjoyed his days with all his family, friends and church family. Jesse was a member of the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines and a member of the Washington County Knights of Columbus Council 5936, Old Mines.

Jesse is survived by his dear partner Diane Coleman of Mineral Point; three daughters, Lucinda “Cindy” Chaves of Dittmer; Donna Napier of Old Mines; Carol Eye of Byrnes Mill; two sisters, Marlene Christopher and her husband Henry of Cedar Hill, Delores Vahlkamp of Potosi; six brothers, Raymond Bourbon, Jr. and his wife Betty of Mineral Point, Carl Bourbon and friend Jackie of Cadet, Clarence Bourbon of Oakaville, Illinois, Bill Bourbon and his wife Mary Ann of Tiff, Larry Bourbon of Potosi, Roger Bourbon and his wife Becky of Old Mines; eleven grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, Isabella Chaves; the mother of his daughters, Mary LeVall of DeSoto and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jesse was also preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Jones and Peggy Charboneau; two brothers, Albert Bourbon and Bobby Joe Bourbon.

Jesse had a great love for yard work and the many gifts of Mother Nature, he enjoyed flower gardening especially roses. He loved the time and many memories created while attending and working at the many functions of the Knights of Columbus. He was always ready to listen to a jam session or take part with some singing. He enjoyed his family and many friends and always had time to talk and share a story.

Visitation was held Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Monday, May 20, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, with Reverend Ted Pieper Celebrant. The St. Joachim Church Choir provided music.

Final Blessings, Prayers and Burial were at the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery. Honoring the Memory of Jesse; serving as Pallbearers were Kevin Walters, Don Pangburn, Kevin “Pete” Coleman, D.J. Portell, Darrin Chaves, Dean Beasley, Keith Christopher, Ryan Coleman and John Bourbon.

Following the Burial, family and friends had a Memorial Luncheon at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Old Mines, provided by the Parish and the Knights of Columbus.

Goldie Lee Boyer of Old Mines, Missouri was born on Friday, December 18, 1936 in Palmer, Missouri a daughter of the late, Margaret “Annie” (Shipley) Cain and Fred William Cain.  Goldie departed this life on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Barnes Jewish Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri having reached the age of seventy-six years, four months and twenty-three days.

Goldie was united in marriage to Leonard M. Boyer on July 20, 1957 in Mineral Point, Missouri.

Goldie is survived by her loving husband, Leonard M. Boyer of Old Mines, Missouri; one daughter, Joy Sampson and husband, Lindell of Old Mines, Missouri; one son, Rich Boyer and wife, Karrie of Old Mines, Missouri; three brothers, Billy Joe Cain and wife, Mamie of Mineral Point, Missouri, Daniel Cain and wife, Flossie of Mineral Point, Missouri, Kenneth Cain and wife, Virginia of Mineral Point, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Shelley Sampson, Rusty Sampson and wife, Celinda, Ryan Sampson, Timmy Sampson and wife, Audrey, Jared Boyer, Jewel Boyer, Anna Lee Boyer; six great-grandchildren, Ethan, Seth, Paige, Tiffany, Ginny Ann and Julee; very special sister-in-law, Jean Cain; very special couple who considered Goldie their other mother, Sheila and Billy Sampson and Boys; also surviving are other relatives and many friends.  In addition to her parents, Goldie was preceded in death by three brothers, Virgil Cain, Donald Cain and Lindell Cain and one sister, Rose Ann Torwegge.

Goldie loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially when they were cooking and baking.  She enjoyed crocheting and quilting and spending time outdoors camping and fishing.  Goldie was a remarkable person, not only for her longevity, but also for the intensity and clarity of focus with which she lived her life.  She will always be remembered for the love and laughter she shared.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, Missouri with Father Ted Pieper officiating.

Final Prayers and Burial took place in the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery, Old Mines, Missouri.  Serving as pallbearers were: Shelley Sampson, Rusty Sampson, Ryan Sampson, Timmy Sampson, Ethan Sampson, Jared Boyer, Billy Sampson and Willie Sampson.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.

Paul Conway Sr. of Potosi, Missouri was born on April 6, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri a son of the late, Julie Rose (Tobey) Conway and Thomas Ruby Conway.  Paul departed this life on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home, Potosi, Missouri having reached the age of sixty-nine years, one month and one day.

Paul is survived by his wife, Anita (Martin) Conway of Troy, Missouri; one daughter, Paula Koppelmann and husband, Kevin of Potosi, Missouri; three sons, Paul J. Conway Jr. and Ashlynn Humphrey of Cadet, Missouri, Charles E. Conway and wife, Megan of Ballwin, Missouri, Chris J. Meredith and wife, Cyndi of Cadet, Missouri; six grandchildren, David, Devon, Kimber, Clayton, Rheanna, Hunter and one soon to be, Brayden; two sisters, Emmie Wallen and husband, Dave of Fenton, Missouri, JoAnn Reynolds and husband, Tom of Affton,  Missouri; two brothers, Jerry Conway and wife, Glenda of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Al Conway and wife, Liz of Potosi, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Misty Conway of Sikeston, Missouri; also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Conway; one son, Paul Dale Conway and one granddaughter, Ashley Conway.

Paul was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Potosi.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors in his garden, working in the yard and going hunting and fishing.  Going on road trips and watching television were a couple of his favorite pastimes.  Most of all Paul loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.  Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation was held Friday, May 10, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

A Funeral Service was held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Moore Memorial Chapel with Pastor Don Strauser officiating.

Final Prayers and Burial took place in the Jarvis Farm Cemetery, Mineral Point, Missouri. Serving as Pallbearers were David Koppelmann, Devon Conway, Charles Conway, Tommy Reynolds, Al Conway and Chris Meredith. Honorary Pallbearer was Kimber Conway.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.

Stanley Joseph “Specks” Portell of Cadet departed this life at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family on Friday, April 26, 2013 at the age of seventy-three years, ten months and twenty-eight days. Stanley was born on Monday May 29, 1939 in Cadet, Missouri a son of the late Lucille Cecila (Bone) Portell and Stephen Anthony Portell.

Stanley was a member of the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5936.

Stanley was united in Marriage to Mary E. Boyer on May 2, 1959 in Old Mines, Missouri. They were blessed to have fifty-three years together.

Stanley is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Portell of Cadet; three daughters, Judy “Punkin” Rostas and her husband Michael of Las Vegas, Nevada, Belinda Counts and her husband Tony of Kansas City, Kansas and Madonna Portell and her fiancé Kris Johnson of Mineral Point, Missouri; one son, Stanley Joseph “Joe” Portell, Jr. and his wife Nicole “Nicki” of Potosi, Missouri; four grandchildren, Harmony Sullivan, Kaden Counts, Gavin Portell and Lillian Portell; four brothers, James Portell and his wife Theresa of Cadet, Missouri, Charles “Toot” Portell and his wife Phyllis of Cadet, Missouri, Francis “Bunny” Portell and his wife Patsy of Potosi, Missouri, Randall Portell and his wife Mary of Desloge, Missouri and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Stanley was also preceded in death by one daughter, Brenda Denise Portell; one son, Stanley Paul Portell; one sister, Maxine Battreal and one brother, Donald Portell.

Stanley had a great love for his Lord and Savior and was very dedicated to the teachings of the Church. He always enjoyed working at the K C Hall especially helping with the Chicken Fries. He had a great love for the many gifts of Mother Nature and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was always ready to go bowling, play softball or to start a game of cards. As time would allow he would ride his motorcycle and four-wheeler. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Saxophone music.

Stanley had a great Love and tremendous respect for his entire family and always cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Visitation and Sharing of Memories was held Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, April 29, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Moore Funeral Home.

The Rite of Christian Burial Mass was celebrated Monday, April 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines with Reverend Ted Pieper Celebrating. The Church Choir provided music.

Final Prayers, Blessings and Burial were at the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery, Old Mines. Honoring the memory of Stanley and serving as Pallbearers were Randy Portell, Joe Portell, Francis “Bunny” Portell, Charles “Toot” Portell, Tony Counts, Kris Johnson and Randy Nicholson.

At the conclusion of the Gravesite services, the family and friends gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Old Mines where the Knights provided a luncheon.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

Pamala Renee (Masson) Lanting of Potosi departed this life on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at her home surrounded by her dear and loving family; having reached the age of forty-eight years, eight months and thirteen days. Pamala was born Friday, August 7, 1964 in Potosi, a daughter of the late Florence Elaine (Griggs) Masson and William Edward Masson.

Pamala had a great love for her Lord and Savior and attended the Glory Hill Assembly of God Church.

Pamala is survived by her husband, Gary William Lanting of Potosi; two sons, Denver Justin Kley and his wife Ashley of Clinton, Arkansas, Joey Lynn Masson and his fiancé Tawnya of Stockton, California; sister, Tracy White and her husband Ron of Bonne Terre; step sisters, Nicole Anne Kircher and friend Justin Duncan of Potosi, Deanna Nicole Vance and her husband Clifford of Potosi; adopted sister, Lawana Dawn Gamble of Mineral Point; brothers, Byron Edward Masson and fiancé Linda Welker of Belleview, Scott Dwayne Masson and his companion Kevin Korber, Billy Jack Masson and his wife Monica of St. Clair, Brent Matthew Masson of Park Hills; step brothers, Allen Shepard and his wife Lisa of Superior, Wisconsin, Joey Wendland of Potosi; step mothers, Penny Masson of Potosi and Betty Masson of Potosi; grandson, Braiden Neal Kley of Clinton, Arkansas and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by daughter, Katie Marie Masson; son, Ricky Paul Kley II; sister, Angela Dawn Jones and granddaughter, Haylee Kley.

Pamala enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, always looking forward to the next gathering. She was an avid St. Louis Blues fan and loved spending time out and about admiring the many gifts of Mother Nature fishing and camping. She always found time for a game of cards or a Bingo game.

Pamala will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

A Memorial Visitation and Sharing of Memories was held Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi.

A Memorial Service was held Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Memorial Chapel with Reverend Tom Slovensky officiating.

Burial was held at the White Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Shirley, Missouri.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.

Donna Sue Dean of Cadet, Missouri was born on Thursday, June 1, 1967 in Potosi, Missouri a daughter of Carolyn Sue Boyer and John Lee Dean. Donna departed this life on Friday, April 12, 2013 at the age of Forty-five years, ten months and eleven days.

Donna is survived by her loving and devoted mother, Carolyn Sue Boyer of Cadet, Missouri; father and step mother, John and Terry Dean of Blackwell, Missouri; two sisters, Rhonda Coleman and husband Kemmy of Cadet, Missouri, Debbie Gerlach and husband Mark of Terre Du Lac, Missouri; one half sister, Joannie Love of Blackwell, Missouri; two step sisters, Deena Hauser of DeSoto, Missouri, Debbie Ciliberto and husband Frank Jr. of Pevely, Missouri; step father, Clifford Wayne Boyer of Potosi, Missouri; Aunt, Mary Drennen of Mineral Point, Missouri; her adopted family at Potosi Manor Nursing Home and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. Donna was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Lee Dean.

Donna enjoyed playing with stuff animals, especially monkeys. She watched baseball, wrestling and anything with lots of action. Her favorite show was The Wizard of Oz and she was always ready to watch fireworks. She loved to spend time in the water. Donna was a very lovable young lady who could communicate in very special ways.

Visitation and sharing of Memories was held at the Moore Funeral Home Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Wednesday, April 17, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Moore Memorial Chapel with Reverend Ted Pieper officiating. Musical selections played for the services were “I Want To Go Home” and “When I Get To Where I’m Going”.

Final Prayers and Burial was at the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery, Old Mines. Serving as Pallbearers were Mark Gerlach, Kemmy Coleman, Dustin Coleman, Deaven Coleman, Corey Litton, Marty Litton, Jr., Rodney Cain and Nathan Sanders.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark St., Potosi, Missouri.

Arnold Hughes Vance, Jr., of Jackson, Missouri, passed away April 11, 2013, at his residence having reached the age of forty-five years one month and eighteen days. Arnold was born Saturday, February 24, 1968, in Potosi, Missouri, a son to Sandra (Dane) Vance and Arnold H. Vance, Sr.

Arnold is survived by his father, Arnold Vance, Sr. and wife Jeanette of Potosi, Missouri; his mother, Sandra Vance of Mineral Point, Missouri; one son Brett Michael Vance of Belgrade, Missouri; wife, Tina Rulo Vance of Potosi, Missouri; three sisters, Debbie Vance of Jackson, Missouri; Kimberly Hamby of Potosi, Missouri; Ashley Vance and boyfriend Chris Barton of Potosi, Missouri; three nephews, Justin Ray Vance, Travis Huffman and Gregory Hamby, one niece, Molly Hamby and by many other relatives and friends.

Snoog as many of his family and friends knew him enjoyed listening to rock music, surfing the Web and visiting on Facebook. He had a great love and passion for automobiles and always took time to look at and drive all types of cars and trucks. He enjoyed going fishing and hunting.

Visitation was held Tuesday, April 15, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Wednesday, April 16, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Moore Funeral Home.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Moore Memorial Chapel with Reverend Ronald Dane officiating.

Final Prayers and Burial was at the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Potosi, Missouri. Serving as Pallbearers were Travis Huffman, Mike Vance, David Vance, Derrick Hill, Jimmy Kircher and Mark Kircher.

Arrangements were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.

Marcella Marie Pinson of Old Mines, Missouri was Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home at the age of Eighty-eight years, eleven months and twenty-three days. Marcella was born on Saturday, April 19, 1924 in Granite City, Illinois, a daughter of the late Blanche Mary (Politte) Roderique and Walter Roderique.

Marcella was a member of the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, Missouri. She had a great love and dedication to her Parish. She was active in all of the Church activities, especially the Church Picnics, hosting Bible studies at her home and enjoyed her many friends in the St. Ann Sodality.

Marcella was united in marriage to Roy Pinson on June 19, 1948 at the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, Missouri. Marcella and Roy were blessed to have two children born to the union. Roy preceded Marcella in death on March 2, 1980.

Marcella is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Karen and David White of St. Louis, Missouri; one son and daughter-in-law, Leroy and LaDonna Pinson of Mineral Point, Missouri; two sisters, Lois Coleman and Mary Ann Boyer both of St. Louis, Missouri; two brothers, Donald Roderique and wife JoAnn of Jacksonville, Florida and Ray Roderique of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Shaun White and friend Danielle Lambert of St. Louis, Missouri and Jennifer Pinson of Mineral Point, Missouri; one step-grandson, David White and wife Kelly of St. Louis, Missouri; one great granddaughter, Destiny White of St. Louis, Missouri; one step great grandson, Charlie White of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Charlene Roderique of Potosi, Missouri and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, two brothers, Glennen Roderique and Robert Roderique, also preceded her in death.

Marcella retired from the Brown Shoe Company after many years of dedicated service. She loved to crochet, quilt and work puzzle books. She enjoyed the time she could spend traveling and vacationing with her daughter and son-in-law. She always looked forward to the Family Reunions. Marcella had a great love for family and people and would always make you welcome in her home. She was always ready for a pinochle game with her family or friends.

Visitation and sharing of memories was held Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Monday, April 15, 2013 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi. A Scripture Wake Service was held Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 6:30 pm led by the Ladies of the Rural Parish Workers Of Christ the King.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, April 15, 2013 at 10:00 am at the St. Joachim Catholic Church, Old Mines, Missouri with Reverend Ted Pieper Celebrant. The Church Choir provided music.

Final Prayers and Blessings were held at the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery, Old Mines. Honoring the life and memory of Marcella and serving as Pallbearers were Brian Cain, Shaun White, Jerry Frank, David White, Craig Dunn and Dana Coleman.

Funeral Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Home, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.

Walter Merlyn Hill of Potosi, Missouri departed this life at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the age of eighty years, eight months and twenty-one days. Merle, as his family and friends knew him, was born on Tuesday, July 19, 1932 in Potosi, Missouri, a son of the late Marple (Wilson) Hill and Amos Robert Hill.

Merle was united in marriage to Sharon Nash on April 16, 1955 in Potosi, Missouri and they were blessed to have two children born to the union.

Merle is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Sharon Hill of Potosi; daughter, Carla Talbert of Potosi, son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Diane Hill of Potosi; three grandchildren, Jaime Lynn Smith-LaVanchy of Barnhart, Missouri, Allison Hill of Potosi, Trevor Hill of Potosi; four brothers, Don Hill and wife Lealla of Potosi, Blaine Hill of Farmington, Gordon Hill and wife Judy of Bolivar, Ronnie Hill and wife Ruth Ann of Potosi and by many other dear and special relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters and one brother-in-law, Margurite and Jack Bays and Naomi DeClue and by a niece, Donna Sue Hill.

Merle was a member of the Potosi Southern Baptist Church, Potosi, Missouri. Merle had accepted Christ our Lord as his Savior and was baptized in 1959 at the Euclid Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Merle served his Country in the United States Army. He enlisted on July 30, 1952 in Potosi, Missouri and served in the Korean conflict. Merle received an Honorable Discharge from active duty on July 10, 1954 as a Corporal and was transferred to the Army Reserve to complete two years of service under the Universal Military Training and Service Act. Merle received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  He was a Life Member of the Washington County VFW Post #6996, Potosi, Missouri.

Merle had worked for the St. Joe Lead Company in Herculaneum and the Meramec Mining Company for many years. He also worked for the City of Potosi as the City Park Supervisor for Seventeen years and then as a Custodian for the City until his retirement. He was a member of the IBEW local 1439 that he helped organize and had served as steward. Merle worked for the City of Potosi from 1983 to 2008. He was a graduate of Rankin Tec where he studied Heating and Refrigeration.

Visitation and sharing of Memories was held Friday, April 12, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Moore Funeral Home.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Moore Chapel with Reverend Wayne Isgriggs officiating. James and Pat Simpson and Laurie Franklin provided musical selections, “In The Garden” and “How Great Thou Art.” A Funeral Escort was by Missouri Patriot Guard.

Final Prayers, Burial and Full Military Rites were at the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery. Reverend Wayne Isgriggs led the Final Prayers and Scripture. The Missouri Funeral Honors Team and the Washington County VFW Post #6996 provided the Military Honors. Bag Pipe selections were provided by Bob Driscoll. Serving as Pallbearers were Carla Hill-Talbert, Dennis Hill, Trevor Hill, Ronald Hill, Donald Hill and Gordon Hill. Honorary Pallbearers were Kelly Eye, Sam Johnson, Jeff Benson, Elmer Akers, Rick “JJ” Arndt and Blaine Hill.

Services were under the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.