H. Weldon Macke

Cape Girardeau County recently lost a dedicated public servant and active member of the community. H. Weldon Macke, the county's longtime former auditor, died last Friday.

Macke, 81, served the county from 1968 to 2002 in the auditor's office. But the always-friendly Macke did more than track taxpayer dollars. His community involvement included serving as a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years at his church, Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville, and on a number of committees and boards, both public and private, that play an important role in the area.

Those who knew Macke best, be it in politics, county government or elsewhere, remember the jovial gentleman as a mentor and someone who was driven to do things the right way.

Macke's willingness to serve others extended until the end of his life. In 2007 he made an unsuccessful run for the Cape Girardeau County Commission, and at the time of his death he served as the chairman of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission.

We extend out deepest sympathies to the Macke family. Along with many others, we will miss his smile, great sense of humor and willingness to serve others.