Son of Cape smokehouse founder dies

Edgar Esicar Jr., 85, worked with his father, brother and nephew at Esicar's Old Hickory Smoke House for nearly 40 years.

He died Tuesday after residing at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau for the past four years.

"He spoke his mind; he was very straightforward, very direct. He had a very dry since of humor," said his nephew's wife, Janet Esicar.

He worked at Esicar's from 1952 to 1991 and even after he retired continued to live above the business until it closed in 2007.

"Even after he retired, he still came down and helped out, especially at Christmastime when they were busy," Janet Esicar said.

Many in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area have fond memories of Esicar's bacon and hams.

Originally founded at 411 Broadway by Edgar Esicar Sr., the business moved to North Kingshighway in 1951.