Leslie Grah

Leslie Grah passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter in Scott City on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at an astonishing 105 years old.

He was born Sept. 27, 1905, to Mary and August Grah of Chester, Ill. Les was married in 1928 to Elnora Lindsey with whom he had three daughters. Les was remarried in 1953 to Bessie Hubbs, who had a son.

Les' careers included catcher for the Chester city baseball league, Chester city politics, working at Menard Prison, taxi cab owner, and owner of several hunting and fishing clubs in the Olive Branch, Ill., area.

Les was a longtime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He anxiously waited for each summer where he would attend a game with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed being recognized at Busch Stadium as one of the oldest fans to attend the games. Some memories of Cardinals games include: a foul ball rolling right to him on his way to the restroom (2006); getting on the field before the game where he was able to touch his feet on the infield grass (2007); a foul ball from Skip Schumaker, the entire stadium singing "Happy Birthday" complete with confetti and Fred Bird; a letter from Cardinals President William Dewitt and a signed bat from All-Star Albert Pujols (2009). At the final game he attended, he received a standing ovation from the Busch Stadium crowd, "Happy Birthday" sang to him again, and a visit from the Fred Bird girls with cupcakes in tow -- one of his favorite parts of that birthday in 2010.

Les was also an avid card and dominoes player, playing every Tuesday night with his daughter, granddaughter and a family friend. Les was known to make up rules as he went in order to assure a victory for himself.

Loving survivors include three daughters, Mary Johnson of Scott City, Betty Lyons of Bartonville, Ill., Opal Horsley of Cape Girardeau; a stepdaughter-in-law, June Warder of Cape Girardeau; eight grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; three great-stepgrandchildren; and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

Les was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie; a stepson, Jimmie Warder; and four grandchildren, Ann Hollendbery, Ronnie Bridges, Richard Lee Jarvis and Debbie Buchanan.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Olive Branch Cemetery. The Rev. Mark Carbaugh will officiate .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southeast Hospice, 10 Doctors Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Les' stories, card playing and Cardinals watching will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched in his astounding 105 years.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.