The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 16

Saturday, January 25, 2003 NEWS-LEADER OzarksNow.com Brass band plays for slain pal Eccentric bachelor William Kuntscher was rooted south side. Kuntscher shared a red-brick mascot and cymbal player for 38 years. bungalow with his stray dog he had rescued in the neighborhood By Cheryl Wittenauer not a musician, he played cym- of scrubbed and tidy homes. His THE ASSOCIATED PRESS bals for the group and stuck to house and yard were a mishmash ST. LOUIS There were no them like family for 38 years.

of jars, metal tubs, carpet scraps, dry eyes at the funeral Mass for Kuntscher and the band tennis balls and junk he couldn't William Kuntscher when the played at the annual downtown bear to throw away. Deutschmeister Brass Band Strassenfest and other events to On Jan. 13, police discovered a struck up a melancholy farewell promote and celebrate German frightened Freckles and ode to a fallen comrade. culture. Kuntscher's body, bludgeoned Kuntscher, an eccentric and "He was our buddy, our pal, with an ax or hatchet.

Officers simple man, was the band's our friend, who'd always show were led to the home after resoul, mascot and cymbal player. up and assure ceiving a call Friends say the lonely, miserly me when people "He was our Fred Bird, our from acquainbachelor who was murdered were late that nonmusician mascot. He tance Dennis possibly for his money found 'they'll be onto He needed to Hinkle of St. his hope in life from German musical hung us. Louis County, music, his spoiled beagle Freck- director Nellie belong.

He was gullible and to check on les, baseball and beer. Edelmann said. lonely, a sucker, a sap in a Kuntscher's "Normally, the church would "He was our nice way." well-being. not permit (a German brass Fred Bird, our Police band to play) at a funeral Mass," nonmusician Bill Wolz, clarinetist in the charged Hinthe Rev. James Telthorst said at mascot," clar- Deutschmeister Brass Band kle last week, a funeral service Friday, a week inetist Bill Wolz claiming he after police filed murder said.

"He hung, killed charges in the case. onto us. He needed to belong. Kuntscher in a plan to gain part "But when I heard how it He was gullible and lonely, a of the victim's estate. saved him from depression and sucker, a sap in a nice way." This Wednesday, the despondency, I realized it was Kuntscher, a retired Anheuser- Deutschmeister Brass Band will the sound of salvation in his Busch bottler, who, according to gather for its annual meeting.

ear." a neighbor, drank whatever was "It's not going to be fun going Band members recalled that on sale, used to shag beers for the to practice anymore," Wolz said. the 76-year-old Kuntscher's band. Friends said he never "We'll dedicate the year's perpassion for the band began the missed a Wednesday night prac- formances to him. Maybe we'll first time he heard them play in a St. Louis club in 1965.

Though DEATH NOTICES Lucille F. Barker, 80 REPUBLIC Mrs. Lucille F. Barker, Republic, a homemaker, died at 10:45 a.m. Friday in Cox South hospital, Springfield.

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Meadors Funeral Home, Republic, with burial Monday in Wise Hill Cemetery. Visitation will follow services Sunday in the funeral home. Homer Bell, 91 DIXON Mr. Homer Bell, Dixon, a carpenter, died at 5:12 a.m.

Thursday in St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Birming Funeral Home, Dixon, with burial in Dixon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sunday and from 10 a.m. to service time Monday in the funeral home. Katie Bennett, 82 CABOOL Mrs. Katie Bennett, Cabool, a homemaker, died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in Kabul Nursing Home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today in Cabool Christian Church with burial in Cabool Cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home. Springfield, died Wednesday in St. John's Regional Health Center. Services will be at 1 p.m.

today in Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton, with burial in Holsapple Cemetery, Collins. Shirley Joan Blanchette, 62 Mrs. Shirley Joan Blanchette, Willis Franklin Davisson, 67 Mr. Willis Franklin Davisson, Springfield, an interior decorator, died at 3:35 p.m. Thursday in Springfield Skilled Care Center.

Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Eastlawn Cemetery under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Visitation will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Allison L.

de Leon, 44 Ms. Allison L. de Leon, Springfield, a travel salesclerk, died Tuesday in Cox South hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Walnut Lawn DeGraffenreid-Wood Funeral Home.

Lawrence A. Fillmer, 86 Mr. Lawrence A. Fillmer, Springfield, a retired utility company employee, died at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in St.

John's Regional Health Center. Services will be at 1 p.m. today in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Helen H. Guss, 71 Mrs.

Helen H. Guss, Springfield, died Thursday in her home. Graveside services will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, under direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield. Louie Elston Hubbard, 96 STRAFFORD Mr. Louie El- ston Hubbard, Strafford, a retired farmer, died at 10:10 a.m.

Thursday in his home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Day Funeral Home, Marshfield, with burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Marshfield. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

OBITUARIES Clyde "Red" Yeomans Clyde "Red" Yeomans, passed away at 11:55 a.m. on January 22, 2003 at Cox South following a brief illness. Clyde was born in Hartford, Connecticut on May 9, 1927. He lived there with his parents and three brothers before moving to the St. Louis area in 1938.

He served during World War as a Navy seaman on the USS Baltimore. Clyde started working for Southwestern Bell in St. Louis in 1948, and in Springfield from 1964 until his retirement in 1986. Some of the things Clyde enjoyed most was playing golf, fishing, grilling, travelling, boating and being on the water, and watching his wife, Charlene, doing yardwork. Clyde was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend.

We will miss him. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Marcia Yeomans, and brothers Harold "Mick" and Richard "Dick." He is survived by his wife, Charlene; brother George "Dudley;" son Mike Yeomans and wife Nancy; daughter Patty Thiel and husband Steve; Mike and Patty's mother, Martha Kastner; stepson Steve Shodgrass, and wife Patty; grandsons, Jack Yeomans and Max Snodgrass; and many nieces and nephews. A gravesite service, for family, will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2003. A Memorial Service for family, friends neighbors will be held at GormanScharpf Funeral Home at 11 a.m.

the same day. No visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations to Crosslines of Springfield. Mae Bradley Mae Bradley, 83, former plumbing store owner and proprietor, died at 8:30 p.m. January 23, 2003 at Springfield Rehab and Health Care Center.

She was born July 26, 1919 in Clayton, New Mexico. The former Alvertia Mae Bright grew up in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and graduated from Monett High School. She married Arthur Devere Bradley in 1941 who preceded her in death in 1984. The couple lived all of their adult lives in Monett, Missouri. Mrs.

Bradley and her husband were in the plumbing and heating business in Monett until Jan. 1, 2001. She ran the store herself for the last 16 years. Mrs. Bradley was particularly known for always having the right part and the "how to" knowledge to fix her customer's problems.

As a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Monett, she served on the church board and was active in church affairs. She is survived by two daughters, Donna Benbrook and husband Carl of Chesterfield, MO, and Suzanne Hyde and husband Jim of Springfield. Also surviving are five grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Mrs. Bradley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

The children and grandchildren cherish the many loving memories of "Grannie The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Springfield Rehab and Health Care Center where Mae was a resident since March 2001. Their efforts in providing skilled care and comfort are greatly appreciated. Services will be held Monday at a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Monett. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.

at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City. The body will be at the First United Methodist Church for friends to call from 10 a.m. until service time Monday. Burial will be in Monett 1.0.0.F. Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 312, Monett, MO 65708. The obituaries and memoriams listed below are paid announcements. The death notices are published at no charge. Obituary charges are $2.10 per line Monday through Saturday and $2.30 per line for Sunday (not including heading).

There is an additional charge for pictures. Obituaries must be faxed to the News-Leader at (417) 836-1221 Monday through Sunday until 4:30 p.m. You may call (417) 836-1183 or 1-800-695-1972. In Loving Memory Martha Maye House Martha Maye (Cochran) House, 88, was born on May 1, 1914 in Willow Springs, MO. She passed away peacefully on January 23, 2003 at James River Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles C. Cochran (1920); her mother, Rosa Teresa (July, 1988); her husband, Russell E. House (1966); four brothers; three sisters. Maye married Russell on Sept. 1, 1935.

Maye and Russell owned and operated Midget Market in Aurora for many years and were members of the Methodist Church there. They moved to Springfield in 1958 and Russell managed grocery stores for Ralph Brown until his death in 1966. She is survived by Patricia J. Jenkins husband, Joe Jenkins, Springfield; twin boys, David House and his wife, Dian of Springfield, and Dennis House and his wife, Betty of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Mark House and his wife, Joetta of Camdenton, Lesa Schmidt and her husband, Phil of St. Charles, MO, Russell House and his wife, Jill of Cary, N.C., Rebecca Woods and her husband, Randy of Aberdeen, N.C.; five greatgrandchildren, Jennifer and Holly Schmidt of St.

Charles, and Tyrus, Kelsey and Andrew House of Camdenton, MO; a very special cousin, Helen Brunner of Springfield; a most kind and considerate brother-in-law, Orville Turner; and many nieces and nephews. She was also a second mother to two children of whom she was most fond and remembered with special affection, Sally Keating (nee Wooten) of Sedalia, and Tal Martha Maye House Wooten) of Sedalia, and Tal Wooten of Springfield. Maye and Russell were members of the Dale Street United Methodist Church until the time of their deaths. Maye loved to sew and was a member of Crafty Ladies who made and contributed to the Church bazaars many wonderful homemade things. After Russell's death, Maye, at 53, went to Draughn's Business College and took courses in bookkeeping and accounting.

She subsequently worked for Evan's Drug and later on, with Margie Ingram at the senior employment program sponsored by AARP. Maye died at peace with her Savior, confident in her faith, and believing that her passing was only transitional and that she would live beyond this earth. Maye was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and a very special mother-in-law. She will forever hold a special place in all our hearts. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank her doctor, Martin Schudy, the nursing staff of Cox South, Cox Walnut Lawn and the James River Care Center for the loving care and concern shown for Maye during her last days.

Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Greenlawn North and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home and a graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2003. Lloyd Thomas "Tom" Cagle Jan.

14, 1945 Jan. 19, 2003 Lloyd Thomas "Tom" Cagle passed away after a short illness. He was a retired Army veteran. Born in St. Louis, he resided in Springfield for over a decade.

For the past several years, he was employed at the Yellow Cab Co. Burial will be at a later date in Houston, TX. The family would like to thank those that attended Friday's memorial service in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the employees of Yellow Cab Co. The family has requested that all flowers be sent to the Houston Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

LuEtta T. Nipper January 25, 1931 July 3, 2000 We love you dearly and miss you very much. Love, Sister and all the family tice at the German Cultural Society hall on the city's German- Veronica Leann Hutchinson, 16 Miss Veronica Leann Hutchinson, Springfield, died at 7:26 a.m. Friday in Cox South hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m.

Tuesday in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in Bruner Cemetery, Christian County. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Marvin Max Jeffries, 72 Mr. Marvin Max Jeffries, Springfield, died Thursday i in Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call after 8 a.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Jack H.

Purinton, 88 LAMAR Mr. Jack H. Purin- ton, Lamar, a business owner, died at 7:55 a.m. Friday in Barton County Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 10:30 a.m.

Monday in First Christian Church with burial in Lake Cemetery under direction of Daniel Funeral Home. Masonic services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday with visitation following until 4 p.m. in the funeral home. Eileen M.

Rima, 85 SHELL KNOB Mrs. Eileen M. Rima, Shell Knob, a founder of a Shell Knob grocery store, died Thursday in Trinity Manor, Dodge City, Kan. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in First Christian Church, Shell Knob, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Cassville, under direction of Williamson Funeral Home, Shell Knob.

Springfield, died Wednesday in Mercy Villa. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Rosehill Baptist Church, Willard, with burial in Hickory Grove Cemetery, under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

Velma Margaret Smith, 91 Mrs. Velma Margaret Smith, field, a retired school custodian, died at 10:10 a.m. Thursday in Woodland Manor. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Eastlawn Cemetery under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Milo R. Thornton, 84 Mr. Milo R.

Thornton, Spring- Frances Marie Turner, 63 OZARK Mrs. Frances Marie Turner, Ozark, died at 12:56 p.m. Friday in Cox South Hospital, Springfield. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Luff Bowen Funeral Home, Waverly, with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery, McEwen, Tenn.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Southside Church of Christ, Ozark. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Esther Vernatti, 89 OZARK Mrs.

Esther Vernatti, Ozark, died Thursday in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with burial in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m.

to service time Monday. wear a patch on our jackets. We'll keep him in our thoughts." LeRoy Wallace, 86 HOUSTON Mr. LeRoy Wallace, Houston, a farmer, died Friday in Houston House. Services will be at 10 a.m.

Monday in Assembly of God with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery under direction of Evans Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Joycie Warren, 88 CRANE Mrs. Joycie Warren, Crane, a homemaker, died at 8:45 a.m.

Thursday in her home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Manlove-Stumpff Funeral Home. The body has been cremated. Polly Marie Winford, 89 MONETT Mrs.

Polly Marie Winford, Monett, a homemaker, died at 9:15 p.m. Thursday in Lacoba Nursing Home. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Butterfield, under direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Irma M.

Will, 85 Mrs. Irma M. Will, field, a retired teacher, died at 2 p.m. Wednesday i in St. John's Regional Health Center.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Greenlawn Funeral Home South with burial in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Other Deaths Listed below are notices of recent deaths of present or former residents of southwest Missouri.

More details will be published when information becomes available. Mrs. Marie M. Counts, 94, Monett, died at 2:45 p.m. Friday in Cox-Monett Hospital.

Arrangements will be announced by Buchanan Funeral Home. Mrs. Esther Duncan, 63, Springfield, died at 9:38 a.m. Friday in St. John's Regional Health Center.

Arrangements will be announced by ThiemeShadel-Hicks Funeral Service at Midtown. Mr. Gary W. Felton, 50, Nixa, died at 2:45 p.m. Friday in Cox South hospital, Springfield.

Arrangements will be announced by Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Mr. Gerald "Jerry" Gilmore, 60, Reeds Spring, died at 11:25 a.m. Friday in his home. Arrangements will be announced by Stumpff Funeral Home South, Kimberling City.

Mr. Paul L. Hutchings, 77, Seymour, died at 8:10 a.m. Friday in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.

Arrangements will be announced by Klingner Mortuary. Mrs. Ruby M. Mayfield, 88, Buffalo, died at 7 a.m. Friday in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar.

Arrangements will be announced by Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Mrs. Iola O. Toler, 81, Dadeville, died at 3:11 p.m. Thursday in St.

John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Arrangements will be announced by Dadeville Funeral Chapel, Dadeville. Mr. Quentin Whitaker, 68, Ava, died at 10:29 p.m. Thursday in St.

John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Arrangements will be announced by Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava. Maxine Hargis Maxine (Jones) Hargis of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Thursday, January 2 23, 2003 at St. John's Regional Health Center at the age of 78 years. Mrs.

Hargis was born June 1, 1924 in Everton, MO to Roy and Florence (Hall) Jones. She was married to Charles Hargis on April 23, 1963 in Miami, OK. Maxine worked for the Postal Department and retired as PostMistress in Aldrich, MO. She was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church. Maxine was an avid reader.

She also enjoyed fishing and cooking, and was very good at both. Maxine was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, whose presence will be greatly missed. Her parents, Roy and Florence (Hall) Jones preceded Maxine in death. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Charles Hargis; two sons, Harry and wife Judy Higgins of Tulsa, and Mike and wife Nanci Hargis of Greenfield, MO; two daughters, Babette and husband Mike Terhune of Stockton, MO, and Sherry Terrell of Willard; three sisters, Eula M. Franklin of Owaso, OK, Hilda G.

Montgomery of Dadeville, MO, and Mildred I. Gerwert of Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2003 in the Greenfield Funeral Chapel with Bob Martens officiating. will follow at the Greenfield' Cemetery.

Friends may call at their convenience. Memorial contributions may be given to Dade County Senior Citizens Center. Services were under the care of the Greenfield Funeral Chapel. True Taste. Food.

Every Wednesday. Want to turn mealtime into a true sensory experience? It's easier than you think. Tantalize your palate with new flavors and sensations you'll read about in every delicious edition of Wednesday's Food section. THE PLAZA" FINE (South End) FASHIONS 1950-D S. Glenston SINCE 881-0264 1979 SAVE SAVE SAVE WINTER CLEARANCE Sportswear Dresses Values to $216.00 to off "There are no short cuts to any place worth Head straight to Retha's Let us help you with your wardrobe needs! A love of fashion makes The economy go Round.

Sizes 4-18, XS-XL Hours 9:30 5:00 Front Door Parking Monday Saturday MC Visa Am. Exp Disc..