CALVIN BRENNAN SR.

Mr. Calvin U. Brennan Sr. of Cape Girardeau passed away at his home Saturday, March 11, 2000, at the age of 76.

He was born Dec. 23, 1923, in Egypt Mills, Mo., the son of John and Lulu McClard Brennan. He and Lucille "Jeanne" LeMay were married Sept. 12, 1945, in Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his loving wife; a daughter, LaVonna Betz of St. Charles; a son and daughter-in-law, Calvin and Kathie Brennan of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Josh, Jonathan, Jennifer and Julie Betz, all of St. Charles and Casey and Emily Ann Brennan of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Margie Ervin of Cape Girardeau; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Mr. Brennan was born in rural Egypt Mills, moving to Cape Girardeau as a young child. He attended Washington Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1941. During his teen years, he worked as a maintenance worker under his father at the Cape Girardeau Public School District.

He was drafted to serve in the United States Army and was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return from the war, he worked a short time at Superior Electric.

In 1941 he began a 45 year career with the Cape Girardeau Public School District in the maintenance department and eventually became the chief of maintenance for the school district, retiring in 1991.

Affectionately known as "Mr. B," he taught Sunday School to several generations of children. He was a great discipler for his Lord God, serving as an usher and deacon. Known for his kind ways, he never met a stranger. A lover of the outdoors, he and his wife spent many years camping. His retirement years were spent in his workshop, creating wooden toys for his grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the McCombs funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In leu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lynwood Baptist Church Building Fund, 2935 Lynwood Hills Dr., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.