Henry Phelps

Henry C. Phelps, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Oct. 21, at his home.

He was born Dec. 29, 1918, in Hot Springs, Garland County, Ark., son of Myrtle and Henry C. Phelps II. He and Gerda Marie Johnsen were married Feb. 25, 1942, in Bonne Terre, Mo. She died at the age of 57. He and Ann Miller-Davidson were married Nov. 25, 1978. She died July 28, 2004.

Phelps served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from June 16, 1944 to Jan. 4, 1946.

He was maintenance superintendent for Midwest Dairy in Cape Girardeau and later was employed by Charles N. Harris for many years. He retired in 1982 as vice president of maintenance and motor freight line maintenance supervisor at Tucker Truck Line-Inman Freight Systems. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral where he was an usher for 40 years. He was also a member of Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau, serving as president 1986 to 1987 and sergeant-at-arms the last 20 years.

Survivors include two sons, Dan Phelps of Cape Girardeau, David Phelps of Huntersville, N.C.; three daughters, Betty Hellige of St. Louis, Donna Johnstone of Palmdale, Calif., and Nancy Underwood of Jackson; stepson Dan Davidson and wife Georganne; stepgrandsons Bryan Shyne and Matthew Davidson of St. Louis, Hannah and Jay Aichelman of Huntersville, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son (Peter) and a daughter (Julia).

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn in Cape Girar-deau.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or St. Mary's Cathedral. Military Graveside rites by Missouri Honors Team.