Helen Trantham

Helen Augusta Dunn Trantham was born Aug. 6, 1921, on the family farm near Buchanon, Mo., to Elmer and Mildred Haddock Dunn. She grew up in Lowndes, Mo. The family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1933.

She attended Campus High School, graduating in 1939. She received a bachelor of science in home economics from Southeast Missouri State University in 1942. She taught school in Cobden, III., and Morley, Mo. She and Capt. Archie Peyton Trantham, USAF, were married in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 28, 1943.

She was preceded in death by Capt. Trantham who was MIA in Korea June 5, 1952; two brothers, Lyman and Ivan Dunn; two sisters, Bernice Dunn and Virginia DiFrank; and two granddaughters, Corey Peyton Trantham and Peyton Jane Trantham.

Survivors include a son, Dr. David Trantham and wife Victoria of Argyle, Texas; a daughter, Jane Hahn and husband John of McLean, Va.; a sister, Mrs. Betty McIntosh of Fayette, Mo.; and three grandchildren, Austin Peyton Trantham of Argyle, Elisabeth Peyton and David Trantham Hahn of McLean.

She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau for 70 years and Susanna Wesley Circle and Sunday School Class. During her many years at Centenary she was a Sunday school teacher, Methodist Youth Fellowship leader and administrative board member. She will be fondly remembered for her many years as a greeter on Sunday morning.

She was a charter member of the Professional Home Economists, a den leader in Cub Scouts for the Boy Scouts of America and received numerous awards for her work. She worked in technical services at Kent Library at Southeast 13 years, retiring in 1987.

Mrs. Trantham was a kind and gentle person who will be remembered for her wonderful smile, sense of humor and positive approach to life. Her strength of character and faithful service to her family, church and wide circle of friends defined her life. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, gardening and the glory of God's work in nature.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the memorial fund at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

A memorial service will be held at Centenary Church Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.