Carl Mack Estes

Carl Mack Estes, 78, of Cape Girardeau, died Thursday April 4, 2002, at his home.

Born Aug. 16, 1923, at Marble Hill, Mo., he was the son of Sylvester and Maude McGloghlin Estes.

On Dec. 9, 1951, in Piggott, Ark., he married Helen Phelps Merritts. She preceded him in death Aug. 13, 1991.

Mr. Estes was a 1941 graduate of Cape Central and a graduate of Will Mayfield College. He served four years in the U.S. Army Air Corps, holding the rank of staff sergeant and working as a mechanic and navigator.

His first job was with Carron Typewriter as a salesman. He later was a sales representative for 15 years with American Home Products and then a salesman and personal representative with Charles Harris in various businesses with Harris Enterprises.

Estes was a member of the Elks Lodge, Breakfast Optimists, American Legion Post 63 as well as SEMO Boosters and it executive board.

He also served as the Legion baseball business manager.

In addition, he was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Mr. Estes was very proud of living in Cape County and his friendships in the community.

Survivors include one son, Glenn P. Merritts of Chesterfield; one daughter, Mary Mack Estes Gieselmann of Millersville.; grandchildren, Allison and Kurt Smith of St. Peters, Jennifer and Rebecca Merritts of Chesterfield; and one great-grandson, Colton Smith of St. Peters.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside rites by American Legion Post 63.

Pallbearers will be Roger Ellege, Pete Poe, Walter J. Ford, Kurt Smith, Ryan Goddard and Greg Brune.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Brune, Bill Bowers, LaFern Stiver, Pam Owens, Pat Tlapek, Ivan Irvin and Fred Sturm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Hospice or the Humane Society.