JAMES POINSETT

PERRYVILLE -- James Arvel Poinsett, 73, of Perryville died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1998, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 8, 1925, in Cape Girardeau, son of Elmer and Naomi McClain Poinsett. He and Dwenda Speer were married Sept. 14, 1946.

Poinsett was employed 42 years with St. Louis County Water Co., retiring in 1985.

He served in the Pacific during World War II, and received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Rebecca Howard of Hackettstown, N.J.; two sons, Dale Poinsett of St. Louis, James "Michael" Poinsett of Houston, Texas; a sister, Lucille Smith of Tucson, Ariz.; two brothers, Dewey and Leslie Poinsett of St. Louis; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 3-9 p.m. today, and Friday from 6:30 a.m. until service time. The Rev. Thomas Bass will officiate, with burial in Baker Cemetery at Marble Hill.