Earl Sewing

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Earl E. Sewing, 87, passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at Perry Oaks Nursing Rehabilitation in Perryville.

He was born Jan. 12, 1922, in Friedheim, son of the late Martin B. and Rosa Klaus Sewing. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim. Earl married Helen Foeste McDaniel on Oct. 13, 1946, in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death Sept. 7, 2005.

Survivors include a daughter, Joanna and (Skip) Lottes of Perryville; a granddaughter, Karen (John) Lundy of Perryville; a grandson, Steven Lottes of Columbia, Mo.; four great-grandchildren, Lezlie Lundy, Megan Lundy, Sydney Lottes and Annie Lottes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents, Martin and Rosa Sewing; and a sister, Velva Kochs.

Earl graduated from Perryville High School in 1940. He was active in civic and service organizations and church. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville and served on many committees.

He was a member of Perryville Optimist Club. He served as president in 1966-1967, again in 1977-1978, and also served as lieutenant governor of Missouri Optimist in 1968-1969 and again in 1977-1978. He received the International Presidential Award of Excellence and Honor Club. He was also an American Legion Booster.

Earl worked in dry cleaning shops in Cape Girardeau before he and Helen purchased Perryville Cleaners in 1957, which they operated until 1970.

Earl was elected for three terms on the Perryville City Council as alderman from Ward I (1962-1968). He was elected Perry County collector in 1970 and served as collector until his retirement in 1987. He was active at Perry County Senior Citizens Center, serving on the board of directors.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Monday at Young and Sons Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Thomas Handrick officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial preference to Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund.