E.J. SHOWMAKER

E.J. Showmaker, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 6, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born July 4, 1919, in Charleston, son of Fred and Lucille Ponder Showmaker. He and Catherine Duenne were married Aug. 29, 1943.

Showmaker lived in Charleston most of his life, moving to Cape Girardeau in 1977. He was a farmer and landowner in Missouri and Illinois, retiring in 1985.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, and Charleston VFW Post 4294. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; five sons, Edward Showmaker of Anna, Fred and Thomas Showmaker of Charleston, Stephen Showmaker of Cape Girardeau, James Showmaker of Grandview; two daughters, Cathie Stricker and Maureen Brown of Belleville, Ill.; a brother, Harry Showmaker of Charleston; two sisters, Ann Reichert of Fairdealing, Ky., Freda Owens of Olive Branch, Ill.; and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son.

Friends may call at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston after 5 p.m. today. A prayer service will be held at 7.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Charleston, with Msgr. Richard Rolwing and the Rev. Rich Lause officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery west of Charleston.