Donald Statler

Donald J. Statler, 82, of Jackson passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at his home.

He was born Nov. 1, 1924, in Patton, Mo., son of Harley J. and Grace A. McGraw Statler. He and Inez Seabaugh were married Dec. 21, 1946, in Sedgewickville, Mo.

Donald was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Coast Guard in the South Pacific.

He attended Southeast Missouri State University and taught in a rural school in Bollinger County before working at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft as an inspection supervisor for approximately 20 years.

He moved back to Cape Girar-deau in 1970 where he owned and operated the Western Auto store five years. For the next 20 years he owned and operated a long-haul truck, traveling the United States.

He was involved in the scouting program and served as an Explorer Post Adviser in St. Charles, Mo. He was a charter member of the St. Louis Soaring Association, a private pilot, and licensed realtor.

Loving survivors include his wife of 60 years; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Albert Jackson of St. Louis; two sons and daughters-in-law, Duane and Rene Statler of Jackson, Randy Statler of Cape Girar-deau and Juanita Statler of Austin, Texas; four sisters, Pat Webb of Jackson, Adell Tallent of Marquand, Mo., Rusty Cobb of Diamond Head, Miss., Dottie Lincoln of Jackson; and a very special family friend, Andrea Earle.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Amy and Aaron Statler, Kevin (Shelly) Jackson, Rebecca Jackson, Nathan (JoAnna) Sides, Ian (Amber) Sides, Justin, Hannah, and Miranda Statler; and two great-grandchildren, Drew Jackson and Presley Sides.

He was preceded in death by two sons, James Kent and James Kevin, and a sister, Grace Welker.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with the Rev. Rocky Tallent officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family on-line at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.