Gilbert LeGrand

BENTON, Mo. -- Gilbert Henry LeGrand, 79, of Benton died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 27, 1923, at New Hamburg, Mo., son of William A. and Lucy Grojean LeGrand. He and Mildred LeGrand were married Oct. 24, 1944, at Benton.

LeGrand owned and operated LeGrand's Tavern 40 years, retiring in 1990. He was a lifetime resident of New Hamburg and Benton. He was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church, Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion Post 369.

He served in the U.S. Navy from January 1945 to April 1946.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Tim LeGrand of Cape Girardeau, Tedman LeGrand of Advance, Mo., Raymond LeGrand of Oran, Mo., Kevin LeGrand of Washington, D.C.; seven daughters, Doris Jean Priggel of Portageville, Mo., Denise LeGrand of Ballwin, Mo., Nancy Weissmueller of Kelso, Mo., Tammy Cowell of Metropolis, Ill., Patricia Hobeck of Friedheim, Mo., Taryn LeGrand-Lovett of Charleston, Mo., and Mary Campbell of Benton.

Also surviving are two brothers, William LeGrand of Cape Girardeau, Emil LeGrand of Sikeston, Mo.; three sisters, Bertha LeGrand and Virginia Glaus of Benton, Dorothy Hipes of Clarksville, Mo.; 37 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, and two grandchildren.

Friends may call at St. Denis Church from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Parish prayers will be at 7 tonight.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Denis Church, with the Rev. Normand Varone officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with graveside service by the American Legion.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.