Charles Deal

Charles A. Deal of Scott City passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 1, 1941, in Atkins, Arkansas, to the late W.O. "Skeet" and Mary "Taft" King Deal. He married Norma Rampley on Sept. 21, 1958, in Morehouse, Missouri. After 57 years of marriage, she preceded him in death June 16, 2016.

Surviving from that union are three children, sons Dale (Patti) Deal of Scott City and Russell (Bethany) Deal of Potosi, Missouri, and daughter Deborah Strobel of Sikeston, Missouri; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are seven brothers, Carl Deal of St. Peters, Missouri; Jim Deal of Alvin, Illinois; Ken Deal of Williamsville, Missouri; Robert Deal of Essex, Missouri; Glen Deal of Sikeston; Darrell Deal of Pottsville, Pennsylvania; and Carroll Deal of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Marion of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Nina Miller of Essex.

Preceding him in death were his parents and four brothers, Junior, Bill, Ferrell and Danny Deal.

Charlie was a long-time member of Teamsters Local Union No. 574, headquartered in Cape Girardeau. He was a steward for his fellow truck drivers at Wetterau Foods in Scott City. In 1979, Charlie was hired as a business agent for the Local Union by Don Hurst, then the principal officer. Don, and other employees of the local union, quickly recognized Charlie's talent, and he was assigned to represent various employee groups in servicing their grievances and negotiating new contracts for them as they came due. He was God-send and was appreciated by all those he represented. However, in December 1980 the Hurst slate was not re-elected, and Charlie returned to his driving job at Wetterau Foods.

At the next election, in 1983, Charlie ran for election as secretary-treasurer (principal officer) of the local and won the position. His abilities were again recognized, and he most ably fulfilled the job. Charlie amazed his co-workers, he surprised the company officials whom he faced in arbitrations, and he won the respect of union members whom he helped regain their jobs, etcetera.

As an officer of the local union, Charlie also held membership in Teamsters Joint Council No. 13 in St. Louis, and he was made recording secretary of that group, meeting with them monthly.

But Charlie's skill in resolving grievances and questions raised by his fellow workers in the various groups and shops was primary to him, and he never failed them, seeking always their rights and privileges and earning their respect.

Charlie retired from Local 574 in 1998 after 20 years there, plus his many prior years with Wetterau Foods.

At home, Charlie was known as "Bob." Having been raised in a large family, there seemed to be other names, like "Gotch" and "Willie," and then when he started his own family at 17, he was known as "Dad." His strong work ethic and the support of his wife, Norma, enabled them to raise three healthy and successful children. Dale, Russ and Debbie have all retired from their own careers.

Bob and Norma traveled to 13 countries and most of the United States. They enjoyed seeing new things and learning different cultures. They continued to travel until health issues did not allow.

Reading was a passion of his. He would sit and read a book until it was finished. For his enjoyment, he was sent books from family and friends. Some books he would pick up and say, "Oh, I read that several years ago." Titles of books and the stories they told were in his memory. This was a gift from God.

Visitation for the public will be from 10 a.m. to noon today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at noon today at the funeral home, conducted by his brother, the Rev. Carroll Deal. Interment will follow at the Old Essex Cemetery in Essex.

Pallbearers will be Trey Deal, Jared Deal, Stacy Deal, Matthew Marion, Lynn O'Neal and Matt Kennard.

Online condolences may be sent to www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.