EARL D. BRATCHER

POPLAR BLUFF -- Earl David Bratcher, 72, of Poplar Bluff and formerly of Broseley and Monrovia, Ind., died Monday, Dec. 25, 1995, at Lucy Lee Hospital in Poplar Bluff.

He was born March 15, 1923, at Catron, son of the late David and Bertha Lou Gamblin Bratcher. On Feb. 17, 1951, he married Archie Marie Cherry, who preceded him in death on Nov. 17, 1984.

He worked for more than 30 years as a welder for the Conrail Railroad Company and was of the Baptist denomination. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Survivors include three foster sons, Gary Bratcher of Monrovia, James Bratcher of Martinsville, Ind., and Stephen Bratcher of Mooresville, Ind.; two foster daughters, Patricia Gail Gregory of Eminence, Ind., and Sharon Fay Thacker of Monrovia; and a sister, Migonette Woolsey of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston. The Rev. Steve Mayo will officiate, and burial will be in Armer Cemetery in Bertrand.