William Charles “Bill” Davis, son of the late William Paul Davis and Mary Howell Davis, was born September 9, 1935, in Bernie, Missouri and departed this life July 18, 2024, in Olathe, Kansas at the age of 88 years.
Mr. Davis was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a former farmer, supervisor for Issaquena County, Mississippi and truck driver. He enjoyed camping, boating, mechanics and dancing.
On October 9, 2004, he was united in marriage to Rubalee Myers, in Dexter, Missouri. Mrs. Davis survives of their home in Olathe, Kansas.
Other than his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Tina Pugh (Tim), Shera Henderson (Greg), and Stephanie Gill all of Searcy, Arkansas; by two stepdaughters, Christi Lewis (Eldon) of Kansas City, Kansas and Burnetta Crew of Chattanooga, Tennessee; by three sisters, Elizabeth Combs of Urbana, Illinois, Peggy Stott of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Rita McKain of Dexter, Missouri; by twelve grandchildren, Preston Pugh (Michelle), Peyton Pugh, Braden Henderson ( Christyn), Barrett Henderson ( Rachael), Brock Henderson (Makayla), Eryka Berryhill, Easton Gill, Elly Gill, Jeff Lewis (Jessica), Mackenzie Markley (Joe), Regan Greenfield (Gabe), and Jaclyn Crew (Don); by seven great-grandchildren, Landon Pugh, Theo Henderson, Davis Henderson, Lucy Henderson, Jayden Lewis, Caden Lewis and Adalyn Lewis.
A graveside service will be held at Bernie Cemetery in Bernie, Missouri on Saturday July 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
Doyle Gaylon Condict, son of the late Arthur Gaylon Condict and Francis White Condict, was born June 17, 1933, in Clines Island, Missouri, and departed this life on July 19, 2024, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 91.
He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and attended Olive Branch and St. Joe General Baptist churches. He was an automotive machinist and owned and operated Condicts Auto Engine Re-Builders in Sikeston and enjoyed fixing up old cars. He loved woodworking, fishing, hunting, and playing bingo at the VA nursing facility.
On September 14, 1957, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Belle, in Essex, Missouri. Mrs. Condict preceded him in death.
Survivors include two sons, Kenneth E. Condict (Karen) of Bloomfield, Missouri, and Mark E. Condict (Kimberly) of Essex, Missouri; by one daughter, Susan Waters (Jackie), of Essex, Missouri; by two sisters, Virgie Rosson of Weldon Springs, Missouri, and Shirley Wyman of Clovis, New Mexico; by eight grandchildren, Meghan Allen (Mikey), Missy Davis, April Maloney (Brian), Bryan Condict (Jordyn), Jordan Smith (Trevor), Katie Hayes (Hunter), Blake Waters, and Hali Robey (T.J.); by thirteen great grandchildren, Ethan Maloney, Mackenzie Maloney, Jax Allen, Keagen Condict, Averi Condict, Bryar Condict, Parker Hayes, Charlotte Smith, Lauren Waters, Mila Snider, Maverick Snider, Peyton Robey, Kyndall Robey.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Condict and Roy Condict and by two sisters, Wanda Ritchie and Ora B Pflueger.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home Chapel in Dexter on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral Services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Toney L. McKnight, son of the late Frank McKnight and Nova Jane Gilmore McKnight was born on January 2, 1934 in Moark, Arkansas and departed this life on July 19, 2024 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 90.
Mr. McKnight was a Veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. He enjoyed being a member of the Masonic Lodge. He loved being on the water, boating, fishing and water skiing until his 70’s. He also enjoyed working in his yard and gardening. He had worked at the Midwest Crane Company as a machinist.
On November 19, 1960, he was united in marriage to Glenda Mitchell in Wappapello, Missouri. Mrs. McKnight preceded him in death on March 7, 2000.
He is survived by two daughters, Christina Burt and husband Gary and Cindy McKnight both of Imperial, Missouri; and by his sister, Lula Mae Wilkinson of Arnold, Missouri.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank McKnight Jr., and Trellis McKnight; and by four sisters, Lois McKnight, Minnie Wren, Maggie McKnight, and Georgia Rose.
A grave-side service will be conducted on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 1:30 P.M. at the Wappapello Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bob Taylor, son of the late Edison Taylor and Myra Haubold Taylor, was born on December 8, 1940, and departed this life on July 17, 2024, at his residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 83 years.
Mr. Taylor was the former owner of S & E Auto Panels and a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter. He was a caring husband, father and grandfather.
On September 18, 1959, he was united in marriage to Peggy Rogers. Mrs. Taylor survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with his wife, he is survived by two sons, William Taylor and wife Sherry and Nicholas Taylor and wife Kelley all of Dexter, Missouri; by his brother, Terry Taylor of Illinois; by two sisters, Barbara Greaser of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Kay Taylor of Indiana; and by four grandchildren, Whitney Taylor, Gabriel Robinson, Christopher Taylor, and Rachel Taylor.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenny Taylor and Tommy Taylor; and by his sister, Brenda Glueck.
Private graveside services will be held at Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Richard Dennis Gant, son of the late Bruce Edward Gant and Beulah Mae (Maskill) Gant, was born Sept. 9, 1946, in Dudley, MO and departed this life at Mercy Hospital of Stoddard County in Dexter, MO on July 13, 2024, at the age of 77.
Richard was a lifelong resident of Stoddard County and was of the Protestant faith. He grew up on the family farm near Dudley, where he was a great help. Richard learned to drive a tractor at the age of six, worked the cotton fields and raised hogs to help support the family. He would later apply those early acquired skills as a farmer himself for several years in his early adulthood on the family’s ground.
In 1964, he graduated from Dexter High School, where he proved himself as an exceptional athlete, most notably on the grid iron. Richard was proud to be a member of the legendary Bearcat football team of 1963, with an undefeated season and rankings as a top team in the state. His skill as a lineman earned him a four-year full ride scholarship to play football at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. Richard’s former college football line coach, who went on to coach for the Miami Dolphins, was quoted to say “Richard Gant was one of the best lineman I had ever coached in my career”.
Along with success on the field, Richard graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1968. Soon after graduation he began a teaching and coaching football and wrestling at his alma mater, DHS.
Richard was called “Coach” by many and was honored to serve in his role. At Dexter High School, Richard would continually strive to be a positive influence on the students he coached. He took pride in the life long relationships he developed with many of his former students and players. He will be remembered for serving as a teacher of the game but also of life, building the character of his players on and off the field. Some might say that Richard himself was quite a “character” himself. He was known by his former players as both fun loving and disciplined and encouraged that from all around him. His love of the game of football led him to help start the Youth Football program in Dexter which developed a love of the sport for many young men in the community. He and his wife Tracy were lifelong supporters of all Dexter High School sports, especially football and boys and girls’ basketball. Richard was a familiar face in the DHS stands for decades.
Richard would eventually leave DHS and begin his own company, Gant Excavation. Referring to himself often as “just an old ditch digger”, he built a highly successful land moving operation whose clients included many local farmers, as well as the state of Missouri. He operated this business until his retirement over 25 years ago.
Retirement allowed Richard to travel and enjoy his keen interest in history. He enjoyed visiting numerous national parks and Civil War cemeteries over the years. Retirement also allowed him to devote more time to community service as a proud member of Dexter Elks Lodge #2439, which he joined in 1972. He could often be found in the Lodge enjoying the company of lifelong friends, a Crown Royal, and a good story.
On March 13, 1974, Richard married Arvella (Tracy) Wilson Halcomb in Poplar Bluff, MO. The two shared the beautiful ups and downs of 50 years of marriage together. Tracy survives at their home on E. Kenton Rd. in Dexter.
Survivors also include a stepson, Christopher Halcomb of Cape Girardeau; one sister, Donna Gant Barker of Dudley, MO; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Gary) Crites and Linda Wilson; nieces, Janelle Barker Gibson of Webster Groves, MO, Kim (John) Hiley and Pamela Wilson, both of Columbia, MO; and one nephew, Randy (Debbie) Desgranges of Claremont, FL. He is also survived by several great and great-great nieces and nephews and many cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, John, Jr. and Lola Wilson; two sisters, Sylvia Gant and Mary Gant Wagner; brothers-in-law, Richard Barker, Ed Wagner, Earl Wilson and Jim Wilson; and one sister-in-law, Florence Wilson.
Visitation will take place at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, July 19, 2024, from noon until 1:45 p.m. At 1:45 the Dexter Elks Lodge will provide a brief memorial service. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Internment for Richard will take place at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 22.
Memorials may be made to the Dexter Elks Lodge #2439, PO Box 353, Dexter, MO 63841, to support their many community programs, or to a charity of one’s choice in his name.
