ELLEN E. SIGMAN

 Ellen Elizabeth Sigman, was born January 24, 1879 at Fowler, Mo., and departed this life on June 30, 1965 in Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
at the age of; 86 years, 5 months and 6 days. She was the daughter of John and Amanda Murr Volner.
 On March 14, 1894 she was united in marriage to Marcus Lafayette Sigman and to this union eight children were born. Her husband and three children have preceded
her in death. She is survived by three sons and two daughters, Mrs. Settie Essman, St. Louis; Mrs. Hattie Altis, Cabool; Dewey Sigman, Bakersfield, Calif.; Lawrence
Sigman, Elk Creek; Marcus Sigman, Ajo, Ariz.; 22 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and a host of relatives and many friends.
 Many years ago she professed her faith in Christ and was a member of Steely Chapel Church at Elk Creek at the time of her passing.
 Services were held 2 p.m. Saturday at Steely Chapel Church at Elk Creek with Rev. Payton Smyer officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry.

Contributed by: Carol Boykin, carol@train.missouri.org

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DAVID N. SIGMAN

 David Nathaniel Sigman, son of George and Melvina Sigman, was born on December 5, 1889 at the home place on Hamilton Creek, Mo., and departed this life November
28, 1963 at the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, lacking seven days of being 74 years of age.
 He was united in marriage to Olive Pipkin on March 4, 1914 and to this union one son was born, Rex who died in infancy.
 In early life Dave was converted and at the time of his death he was a member of the Steely Chapel Church of Elk Creek.
 In later years he was married to Elsie Travise and is survived by her of the home.
He is also survived by five brothers, George of Houston, Fred and Will of Elk Creek, Bob and Homer of California. Five sisters, Mrs. Louie Potts of Cabool, Mrs. Elsie
Altis of Houston, Mrs. Stella Rust of Cabool, Mrs. Mayme Harmon of California, and Mrs. Mabel Stouse of St. Louis. Also a host of other relatives and many friends.
Dave's good work among the sick and aged will long be remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.
 Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. at Steely Chapel Methodist Church with Delmar Poe officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry.

Contributed by: Carol Boykin, carol@train.missouri.org

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Willie Sigman -
Willie Sigman was William Jennings Sigman, son of Marcus Lafayette and Ellen. E. (Volner) Sigman. He had diabetes at the time little was known about the illness:

From the Elk Creek News article in The Cabool Enterprise, May 18, 1922:

Willie Sigman, who has been sick for some time died Sunday morning and was buried Monday afternoon at Elk Creek.
Funeral services conducted by J.W. Dickinson. While Willie had not been well for a couple of years no one realized he was so much worse until
about a week before he died. 
 All that friends and relatives could do, was done for him, but nothing seemed to relieve his suffering. It is hard to see one die so young, but our Greater doeth
all things well. The broken hearted parents, brothers and sisters have the sympathy of all.

Contributed by: Carol Boykin, carol@train.missouri.org

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Family of John and Sallie Coats Fielden
NANCY JANE SIMPSON
Nancy Jane Simpson, daughter of Sarah and John Fielden, was born on March 24, 1867, in Texas County, Mo.
She departed this life on May 30, 1955, at the Pamperien Rest Home in Mtn. Grove, making her age at the time of death 88 years, 2 months, 6 days.
She was united in marriage to James Rycroft on April 4, 1885, and to this union were born four children.
She and her husband moved to Oklahoma a short time after their marriage. While living there she was preceded in death by her husband and three of their children.
In 1928 she moved back to Missouri and was married to Ralph Simpson. They resided in the Providence com- (* lines missing in paper) death on January 19, 1954.
Following his death Mrs. Simpson has made her home in Mtn. Grove, Mo.
She was a charter member of the Providence Free Will Baptist church and had professed her faith in Christ at the age of 14. She was a devoted church member.
Surviving her is a son, Olen Rycroft, Moore, Okla., 1 sister, Mrs. Iva Wood, Cabool, Mo., 9 grandchildren all of who reside in and around Oklahoma City and
17 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. And many friends and neighbors.
Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday in the Providence Church with Rev. Payton Smyers officiating. Burial was in Jarrett cemetery by Elliott-Gentry of Cabool.

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell / Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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RALPH J. SIMPSON
On January 19, (1954) Ralph J. Simpson passed quietly away to rest, awaiting the coming of his King.
He was born in England on July 3, 1879, coming to the United States when a small child.
He is survived by his aged widow, Nancy, of the home, a step-son and a number of nieces and nephews who do not reside in this state.
Ralph was the last surviving member of his fathers family, his youngest sister, Mrs. Agnes Eiche of Rock Island, Illinois, having preceded him on Dec. 27, 1953.
In earlier years, he was an active member of the Hamilton Creek Baptist church, serving as Sunday school superintendent or Bible class teacher at times.
Later he united with the Free Will Baptist church, and was always helping in the building of Providence church, being one of its trustees at the time of his death.
Always he was a helpful neighbor and in his last illness did not complain.
Funeral services were held in Providence church with Rev. Smyer and Rev. Ernest Deatherage conducting them. Interment was in the Jarrett cemetery.

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell / Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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Patsy Ruth Skyles

Nov 7, 1940
OBIT

Patsy Ruth Skyles was born October 15th, 1940, died October 29, 1940, at the age of fourteen days. She leaves to mourn her passing, mother and father, Mr. and Mrs.
Alva Skyles, three sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Rubye (Ruby) Wood and husband,Opal, Junior, Virginia, Leroy, Richard and Robert Lee of the home; grandmother and
grandfather, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Ross of Akron, Colo.; uncles, aunts and cousins and other relatives and friends. We had a little treasurer (treasure) once, We loved
her, ah, perhaps too much, for soon she slept and died. All is dark within our dwelling, lonely are our hearts today, for the one we loved so dearly, has gone to await her
loved ones over there. Funeral services were held at Pleasant Grove church. Interment in Pleasant Grove cemetery.

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell / Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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VINETTIE SIMPSON
Vinettie, daughter of John and Sally Fielden, was born Feb. 1, 1879, and died July 11, 1954.
She was 75 years old. In 1912 (marriage license has date of 31 Aug., 1912) she was married to Floyd Scott Graham.To this union four children were born.
In 1927 on the 27th of August she was married to Ivey Simpson. He died May 4th, 1946.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Delia Hartgraves, Houston, and one son, Wilford Graham, Cabool;nine grandchildren; two sisters, Nan Simpson, Mtn Grove, and Iva Wood, Cabool.

She lived her entire life in Texas County.
She joined the Missionary Baptist Church and was one of the three who started the Hamilton Creek Church. Years later she, with her husband , went to the Free Will Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 13, (1954) at the Hamilton Creek Church.
Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of the Elliott Funeral Home of Houston. (Note: She is buried in the Jarrett cemetery.)

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell / Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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IVEY ALFONSO SIMPSON
Ivey Alfonso Simpson, son of Thomas and Margrett Simpson was born at Briar Bluff, Henry County, Illinois, Jan. 5, 1885 and died May 4, 1946 making his age 61 years 4 months 30 days.
He was married to Nettie Graham the year of 1927.
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and 2 step-children, Mrs. Johnnie Hartgraves of Houston, Wilford Graham of the home. There is one brother, Ralph Simpson of Moore,
Oklahoma, 2 sisters, Mrs. Mary Huntley and Mrs. Agnes Eichie of Rock Island, Illinois to mourn his departure, one step daughter, Iva Graham and 3 sisters, Mrs. Maggie
Plemmons, Mrs. Edith Huntley and Mrs. Lizzie Blackett and 2 brothers, his twin William Simpson and Thomas Simpson all preceded him at an early age and in the later years
he joined the Free will Baptist church. He always lived a good christian life and will be missed by all who knew him.
Services were held by Rev. George Scott at Hamilton Creek church.

Burial was made in Jarrett cemetery by the Elliott Funeral Home.

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell /Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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Mrs. Anna Strain

Feb. 7, 1935
Mrs. Anna Strain Passes Away
Mrs. Anna Strain, 75, mother of John and Eugene Strain (Eugene married Bertha Elizabeth Fielden) of Cabool, passed away at her home here on Thursday, Jan. 31.
Mrs. Strain had lived in Cabool since 1917, having come here from Prairie City, Iowa, at which place she was born Jan. 23, 1860, and later married John M. Strain on Dec. 26, 1878.
Five children were born to this union, two of whom preceeded her in death. Those surviving her are E. W. and John Strain of Cabool, and Earl Strain of Seat Pleasant, Mo.
There are 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also surviving, as well as two sisters, Sarah Rosenow, Prairie City, Iowa, and Nancy Vandike, Reynolds, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Christian church, of which she had been a member for 37 years. Burial took place in the Cabool cemetery.
The funeral was under the direction of the Elliott Funeral Home.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for helping us in the recent sickness and death of our loving mother and grandmother.
E. W. Strain and Family
Mrs. Julia Strain and Family
John Strain and Family
Joe Strain
Earl Strain and Family
Ernest Nevil and Family
Clyde McMurtrey and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Todd

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell/ Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove
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June 30, 1927
Obit

MRS. MARGARET SIMPSON
Mrs. Margaret Simpson passed away at her home near Cabool, on Thursday, June 16 after a lingering illness of a year or more.
She was born in Scotland, October 4th, 1854, making her age at the time of death, 73 years, 3 months and 28 days.
She was married to Thomas Simpson October 18, 1870 (?), and in this union nine children were born of whom five survive as follow: Ralph and Ivey Simpson of Cabool,
Mrs. Edd Huntley, Mrs. Alfred Coyne, and Mrs. Alfred Eiehe all of Rock Island Illinois.
Mrs. Simpson was a member of the Presbyterian church, having united with that church in early life in Scotland, and lived a faithful Christian life until the Master
called her home. She was a kind and loving mother, always willing to lead a helping hand to her friends and neighbors.

Mr. and Mrs. Simpson came to the country from Scotland about forty-five years ago and located at Rock Island, Illinois, where Mr. Simpson passed away. Later Mrs.
Simpson with her children moved to near Cabool, where they have resided for about twenty-nine years. For a number of years she had made her home with her sons,
Ralph and Ivey Simpson.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. D. Fry after which her body was laid to rest in the Hamilton creek cemetery.
(Ralph J. Simpson married Nancy "Nan" Jane Fielden Rycroft 1928, Ivey Alfonzo Simpson married Vinettie "Nettie" Fielden Graham 27 Aug.,1927.)

Contributed by: Marguerette Powell /Submitted by: Kerma Breedlove

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Johnsie Mahala (Coats) Florida Schindler

Johnsie Mahala Coats, daughter of Wilson and Phamy Coats, was born February 28, 1872, in Arkansas; departed this life February 2, 1957, at Houston, Mo., making her age at time of death 84 years, 11 months and 2 days. She was married to Fred W. Florida, November 22, 1891. To this union two sons were born, Harry Bland and William Leslie Florida. Her husband preceded her in death November 16, 1931. On November 17, 1936, she was married to Henry Schindler. He preceded her in death November 5, 1946. One son, William Leslie, and a granddaughter, Delores June Florida, also preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing, one son, Harry B. Florida of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one grandson, Leslie Gene Florida, and two great grandsons of Lansing, Mich.; one brother, T. K. Coats, Clara, Mo.; four nieces and two nephews. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and united with the Union Baptist Church, later moving her membership to the Houston Baptist Church. While health permitted she was active in church work, always loyal to her Savior and her church. She was a faithful member of the Eureka Rebekah Lodge No. 21, and will be sadly missed by fellow members. All the years of a full life she was considerate of others and loved her family and friends unselfishly. Her friendly spirit won her many friends and it was a joy to meet and visit with her. Family and friends will mourn her passing from our midst.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, at the Houston Baptist Church, conducted by the Pastor, Rev. E. G. Walker. Pall-bearers were George Harmom, Walter Redmon, W. P. Cole, Chas. Elmore, Farrell Jarvis and Ansel Coats. Songs were rendered by Max Burkhead with Mrs. Don Burch as accompanist. Organ music was furnished by Mrs. Earl Burnett. Burial was in Ozark Cemetery with members of Eureka Rebekah Lodge No. 21 officiating at the graveside service. Elliott Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral. Out-of-town relatives attending the funeral were: the son, Harry B. Florida, and Mrs. Florida, of Oklahoma City; a niece, Mrs. Lillie Garrett, and her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Shope, all of Guthrie, Okla; and Mrs. Ruth Jackson of St. Louis.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Dorothy Maverine Shelton

Dorothy Maverine Shelton, 101, daughter of Wilson Lafayette and Mary Alice Burch Coats, was born Nov. 5, 1903, near Clara. She died Nov. 23, 2004, at Licking Park Manor following a lengthy illness. She married Roy Shelton Jan. 10, 1920. They had three children. Mrs. Shelton spent her lifetime in this area, where she and her husband raised their family. She also owned and operated a boarding home for several years. She was an expert seamstress, enjoyed gardening and was an active member of the Bucyrus Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years and served in whatever capacity needed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of more than 50 years; son, Vancil; two sisters and four brothers.

Surviving are two daughters, Bertha Murray of Licking and Bonnie Smith of Lynn Haven, Fla; one sister, Orpha Bridges of Raymondville; nine grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren. Services were Nov. 27 at the Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kendall Ford officiating. Burial was in the Pine Lawn Cemetery.
- From the Houston (MO) Herald
Contributed by Karla Shelton/ / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Roy Raymond Shelton

Roy Raymond Shelton, son of William and Julia Wall Shelton, was born April 2, 1900, in Texas County and died June 18, 1970, at the Texas County Memorial Hospital, making his age 70 years, two months and 16 days. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Coats Jan. 10, 1920, and to this union three children were born. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; one son, Vancil of Houston; two daughters, Bertha Murray of Licking and Bonnie Bartch of Panama City, Fla.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Shelton spent his entire life in Texas County, where he was a well-known farmer. He and his wife cared for older people in their home during the past several years. He was a member of the Bucyrus Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Evans-Elliott Chapel with the Rev. Milton Elmore and the Rev. John Mathews officiating. Burial was in Pinelawn Cemetery.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Vancil Winford Shelton

Vancil Winford Shelton, 69, son of Roy and Dorothy Coats Shelton, was born Sept. 11, 1925, near Bado. He died March 3, 1995, at Harry S. Truman VeteransHospital in Columbia. He had recently undergone lung surgery for cancer. He married Maxine Higginson Sept. 11, 1945. They had five daughters. Mr. Shelton spent most of his life in this area, where he was a carpenter. He also worked in California for a while as a carpenter.

He served in the military during World War II from August 1944 to July 1946 and received the Good Conduct Medal, Army Ocupation Medal; Germany, European, African, Middle East Service Medal. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Houston. He was preceded in death by his father.

Surviving are his wife, Maxine; his daughters, Connie Kay of Oceanside, Calif., Brenda Kay of American Fork, Utah, Karla Hock of Houston, Pam McKinney of Hubert, N.C. and Barbara DeMaria of Licking; his mother, Dorothy Shelton of Houston; atwo sisters, Bertha Murray of Lickiing and Bonnie Smith of Lynn Haven, Fla.; 24 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a step-great grandson. Services were March 7 at the First Baptist Church in Houston with teh Rev. Benny Gard and the Rev. Kendall Ford officiating. Burial was in the Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Rufus Montana Smyer

Rufus Montana Smyer, son of Robert E. and Elizabeth Jane Coats Smyer, was born near Bado in the Union community, on February 29, 1880, and departed this life on May 7, 1962 at the Mountain Grove rest home, making his age at the time of his death, 81 years 2 months and 7 days.

He was united in marriage to Tiney Mae Varnell on March 16, 1902 and to this union 13 children were born: Ernest L. of Albion, Ida, Julia Brixey of Mtn. Grove, Maude Hutsell of Casper, Wyo., Mary Reaves of Mtn. Grove, Payton of Elk Creek, Homer of Bendavis, Masie Carter of Bendavis, Colan of Hicksville, N.Y., Jimmie of Philadelphia, Penn., Carl of Fredericktown, Mo., Ruby Mires of Florissant, Mo., Ruth Massey of Kansas City, Jean Evans of Houston, Mo., 29 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Smyer preceded him in death on February 14, 1949.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 10 at the Fairview Church with the Rev. Curtis Yarnell and the Rev. Jimmie Yarnell officiating. Hymns were sung by Mrs. Jerry Shannon accompanied at the piano by Sammy Sanders. Burial was in the Bado cemetery under direction of Evans Craig Funeral Home of Mtn. Grove.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Justina) Tiney May Varnell Smyer

Justina) Tiney May Varnell was born at Bado in Texas County, Mo., July 11, 1885, and departed this life February 14, 1949, at the age of 63 years, 7 months and 3 days.
She was united in marriage to Rufus M. Smyer on March 16, 1902. To this union 13 children were born, all of whom, with the husband survive.

The children are: Ernest, of Albion, Idaho; Julia Brixey, of Mtn. Grove; Maude Hutsell, Dykes; Mary Reaves, Mtn. Grove; Payton, Elk Creek; Homer, Carl and Jean of Bendavis; Colin, of Bronx, New York; Jimmie, of U. S. Coast Guard; Ruth Massey of Huggins, and Ruby Mires, of Houston. Also surviving are two brother, I. G. Varnell of Bendavis, and W. M. Varnell, Monford Oklahoma; one sister, Mrs. Bertha Harral of Buhl, Idaho. Also 22 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and a great host of friends and neighbors. She was converted in early life and had been a devoted christian and faithful church member.

It was always her great hope and prayer that she might live to see her children to maturity and her sons, in the service of our country, safely returned, both of which she lived to see.

Rev. Curtis Yarnell held funeral service at Fairview Church at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. Burial at Bado cemetery under direction of the Elliott Funeral Home. The Fairview Quartet furnished music.

The large crowd of friends showed the high esteem they held for Mrs. Smyer.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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The Rev. Payton Hubert Smyer

The Rev. Payton Hubert Smyer, 89, was born March 29, 1910, near Lundy in Texas County. He died Dec. 26, 1999 at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield after a long bout with Alzheimer's. He married Pearl Sigman Dec. 11, 1939, in West Plains. They had four daughters.

Rev. Smyer spent his lifetime in this area. He gave his heart to Christ and in the '30's started his ministry of more than 56 years. In the early days of his ministry, times were hard working only by faith and his desire to help people know Jesus. Some of the churches he pastored were Fairview, Antioch, Cabool and Houston Free will Baptist; New Rock Springs, Cabool New Testament, Bado, Steeley Chapel, Pleasant Grove, Oakdale and Big Creek. He preached numerous funerals and revivals touching an untold number of lives.

The Smyers spent most of their life on the farm in the Elk Creek community. He enjoyed his garden, flowers and filling the freezer with fruit and vegetables. In his spare time, he hunted or would walk the Piney with fishing pole in hand. He always enjoyed singing with his family or a community in the church, visiting and reminiscing with friends. He served as a father figure to his younger brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Carol Jane; five brothers, Ernest, Homer, Colan, Jimmie and Car Smyer; four sisters, Julia Brixey, Maude Hutsell, Mary Reaves and Masie Carter. Surviving are his wife of more than 60 years; his daughter, Myrna Jent of Venice, Fla., Carla Smyer of Springfield and Colene Hanks of Copley, Ohio; three sisters, Ruby Mires, Ruth Massey and Jean Evans of Houston, and two grandchildren.

Services were Dec. 29 at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Cabool with the Rev. Russell McDaris officiating. Burial was in the Steeley Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston.

Houston Herald, Houston, Mo., Dec. 30, 1999

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Dressie Millie (Coats) Sponsler

Dressie Millie Coats, 84, daughter of Thomas B. and Rebecca Kerns Coats, was born near Bado, Mo. She died March 27, 1969 at the Kabul Nursing Home after a lingering illness. She was united in marriage Dec. 15, 1907 to Jess W. Sponsler and to this union five children were born; four sons, Paul of Mtn. Grove, Earl of Cabool, Loyd of Hartville and Chester of Springfield and one daughter Bulah Cox of Buffalo, Mo. She spent her entire life in Texas County in and near the Bado community and was a member of the Hamilton Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jan. 3, 1939. Survivors are her five children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m., March 30, in the Bado Community Church with the Rev. Payton Smyer officiating. Burial was under the direction of Elliott-Gentry of Cabool.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Jesse William Sponsler

Jesse William Sponsler, son of Louis and Florence Sponsler was born April 7, 1884 and departed this life January 3, 1939 at the age of fifty-four years, eight months and twenty-two days. He was married to Dressie Coats December 15, 1907. To this union was born four boys and one girl, Paul, Earl, Lloyd, Beaulah (Beulah?) and Chester.

He leaves to mourn his departure from this life, his wife, Dressie Sponsler, Paul Sponsler and wife and three sons, Bobby, Billy, (left out Bulus), Earl Sponsler, wife and son, Dale Lloyd, Lloyd Sponsler and wife, Mrs. Beulah Cox and husband and Chester Sponsler. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Etta Kirk and Mrs. Delia Ann McGowen and many relatives and friends. He was converted about the age of 24 and joined the Baptist church at Hamilton Creek. Later he heard Holiness preached and accepted it. He was Sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost and lived a faithful Christian life until his death. He was loyal to his Christian faith and was very active in his worship until his health failed him. His last request was that everybody get ready to go. To know him was to love him.

Funeral services were held in Bado, conducted by the Rev. H. A. Howard. Interment followed in the Bado cemetery under the direction of the Elliott Funeral Home.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Paul M. Sponsler

Paul M. Sponsler, eldest son of Jess W. and Dressie (Coats) Sponsler, born August 30, 1910 and departed this life October 2, 1994 at Kabul Nursing Home, Cabool, Missouri. Paul was a lifelong resident of the Bado-Gravel Point communities. During his early years of adult life he taught rural schools at Gravel Point, Fowler, Murr, Racket Ridge (Barnum) and Oak Grove. He then pursued his lifelong dream of dairy and beef farming on the family farm he and his wife, Mearl (Tuttle) Sponsler, acquired through the ensuing years. They were a team of parents that worked hard, enjoyed their family and loved God. They were steadfast members of Bado community Church until ill health interrupted Mearl's ability to move about.

Paul and Mearl were married April 19, 1931. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary at the nursing home. Mearl preceded him in death April 14, 1993. They had three sons: Bob, Bill and Bulas. Bill preceded his parents in death July 19, 1983.

Survivors include Bob and Iris Sponsler, Pam and Amanda Creech, Joyce Squires (Bill's widow), Kirk and Roxane Sponsler, Billy and Shannon Sponsler, Bulas and Vanetta Sponsler, Kent, Regina, Drew, Alex, Ethan and Elizabeth Williamson, Melissa and Robert Offner, Tara Bennett, Grace Sponsler, Mark and Sue Sponsler, Kenneth"Paul" and Cory Sponsler; also two brothers, Earl of Bado-Gravel Point community and Chester of Springfield, Missouri, and a sister, Bulah Cox of Springfield.

A brother, Lloyd, preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 1994 in Bado Community Church with Revs. Curtis Yarnell and Stanley Jones officiating. Burial was in Bado Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home of Cabool.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Mearl V. (Tuttle) Sponsler

Mearl V. Tuttle Sponsler, daughter of Judge C. C. Tuttle and Alice Guynn Tuttle, was born April 10, 1906 at Number One, near Huggins, Missouri. She died April 14, 1993 at Kabul Nursing Home, Cabool, Missouri, making her age at the time of death 87 years and four days. At an early age her family moved to a farm southwest of Bado, Missouri. Her mother passed away February 9, 1919. In 1920 the family moved to Houston, Missouri, and her father married Effie B. Stites. "Miss Mearl" began teaching school when she was 16 years old and before she had finished high school. Many of the schools were in the Bado vicinity, Gravel Point, Murr, Lone Oak, Lone Star, and Oak Grove. Later she taught several years at Cabool Elementary School and finished her career of teaching at Licking, Missouri.

She married Paul M. Sponsler April 19, 1931. They soon would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary, Twin sons Bob and Bill were born April 21, 1932, and three years later their third son, Bulas, was born. They established their farm home near Gravel Point where she resided until entering Kabul Nursing Home in 1991.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother; her son, Bill, in 1983; a twin brother, Earl, in infancy; an infant brother, George; her brother, Lawrence; and a sister, Ival Archer.

Mearl became a Christian at an early age and grew up in Houston Christian Church. After she and Paul were married they attended the Bado Community Church for many years. They were both active teaching and supporting the church. Mearl's Christian faith was always active and she loved to attend church services until her health would not permit it.

Surviving are her husband, Paul; sons Bob and Bulas; daughters-in-law Iris Sponsler, Vanetta Sponsler and Joyce Sponsler; six grandchildren, Mark, Kirk, Regina, Melissa, Grace and Pam; seven great-grandchildren, Tara, Drew, Alex, Amanda, Billy Don, Shannon and "Little" Paul; a brother, Columbus; three sisters, Pearl McCall, Opal Bridges and Alzada Durham; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held Saturday, April 17, 1993 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home, Cabool, with Rev. Stanley Jones officiating and Kent and Regina Williamson providing the music. Burial was at Bado Community Cemetery.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Billy C. Sponsler

Billy C. Sponsler was born at Bado on April 21, 1932 and passed away at Houston, Missouri, July 19, 1983 at age 51 years, two months and 28 days. He was the son of Paul and Mearl (Tuttle) Sponsler. Raised in the Bado community, he graduated from Cabool High School in 1950, later attending Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield and then serving in the U. S. Army for awhile. On June 6, 1952 at Cabool he was united in marriage to Joyce Roberts and to this union two sons, Mark and Kirk, were born. For the past 20 years the family has lived in the Houston area where Bill was active in civic affairs as well as active in democrat politics. During his career he managed many congressional campaigns. Later he was associated with several statewide campaigns. In 1976 he served as executive director of the Missouri State Democrat committee. At the time of his passing he was serving on Ike Skelton's Farmers Advisory Committee. He was well known and respected throughout the state. For the past several years he has been engaged in farming, always continuing to keep in touch with his many friends. At the time of his passing he was a member of the First Christian Church of Houston.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce; two sons, Mark and Kirk, both of Licking; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sponsler of Mtn. Grove; two brothers, Bob of St. Louis and Bulas of Cabool; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in First Christian Church at Houston with Don Brower officiating. Burial was in Bado Cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Earl Lee Sponsler

Earl Lee Sponsler, 91, the second son of five children of Jesse and Dressa Coats Sponsler, was born April 13, 1913, on a farm near Bado in Texas County. He died March 12, 2005, at Kabul Nursing Home at Cabool. He married Lois Vivian Flowers Sponsler June 7, 1934. They had two children. His wife died in 1992. Mr. Sponsler served eight terms in the Missouri House of Representatives from Texas County from 1958 to 1974. He enjoyed his farm, changing from dairy cattle to beef in 1960 and added land as it became available. He served on the Sanitary Milk Producers board of directors in the '50s and taught at area rural schools including Simmons for eight years. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He attended Bado Community Church, where he taught Sunday School as long as he was able. He married Stella Boyer, the widow of his younger brother, Lloyd, in 1993.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Paul and Lloyd Sponsler; and one sister, Beulah Sponsler Cox. Surviving are his wife, Stella; son, Dale Lloyd Sponsler of Marshfield; daughter, Vivian Earlene Sponsler Coday of Mountain Grove; one brother, Chester of Springfield; stepchildren, Hubert Lee Sponsler, Beverly Sponsler Widner and Paula Sponsler Hodges; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and 17 step-great-grandchildren. Services were March 14 at the Bado Community Church with the Rev. Brad Reed and the Rev. Hubert Sponsler officiating. Burial was in the Bado Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool. Memorials may be made to the Bado Community Church or Bado Cemetery.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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Lois V (Flowers) Sponsler

Lois V (Flowers) Sponsler, 78, of Cabool, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 23, 1991, 5:30 a.m. in Kabul Nursing Home. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and leaves a wealth of friends and lasting memories. Lois was born in Simmons, Missouri, September 24, 1913, the daughter of the late Ed and Ollie Bishop Flowers. She accepted Christ as her savior at an early age and was a member of Union Baptist Church. During her married life, she and her husband and children were faithful members of Bado Community Church. She taught school for two years before her marriage on July 8, 1934 to Earl L. Sponsler.

She is survived by her husband, Earl, a son, Dale Sponsler and wife Ramona of Marshfield, Missouri, a daughter, Earlene Coday, Mtn. Grove, Missouri; four grandchildren, Robin (Sponsler) Winder and her husband, Ron Winder, of Joplin, Missouri, Raven (Sponsler) Reed and her husband, Rev. Brad Reed, of Kansas City, Missouri, Debra Coday and Doug Coday of Mtn. Grove; three brothers, Ray and wife Erma, Allen and wife Doris, and Clark, all of Houston, Missouri; three sisters, Leona and husband Ira Vandivort of Cabool, Mable and husband C. C. Tuttle (would be Jr.) and Marge and husband Edgar Rust, both of Houston, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and a host of friends.

Besides her parents, she has been preceded by a brother, Bob Flowers. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, December 27, 1991 in Bado Community Church with Revs. Brad Reed and Stanley Jones officiating. Burial was in the Bado Cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home.

Contributed by Margarette Powell / Submitted by: Christine Walters

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