Chester Pooker

Chester W. Pooker, 83, of Shawneetown passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 4, 1922, in Pevely, Mo., son of Wilko and Emilie Schorr Pooker. He was baptized Jan. 29, 1922, and confirmed April 5, 1936, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, Mo. Chester and Mildred F. Kuhlman were married July 13, 1958, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in the European Theater during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1945.

A lifetime farmer in Jefferson County, Pooker was also a charter member of Mapaville Fire Department. He was active in various capacities in Zion Church, and formerly was chairman of the congregation. Pooker retired from farming in 1986, and was currently a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church at New Wells.

Loving survivors include his wife, Mildred, of 46 years; two sons, Allen Pooker of Shawneetown; Dale Pooker and wife Bonnie of Kearney, Mo.; two daughters, Cynthia Redecker and husband Daniel of New Wells; Reva Eichhorn and husband John of New Wells; and a brother, Ehart Pooker of Hillsboro.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Redecker, Jesse and Jenny Eichhorn, Ashley and Caleb Pooker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and Saturday after 9:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.

The funeral will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Walter Patzwitz officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church School Tuition Fund or Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund.