Lester Burchyett

Lester Burchyett

MCCLURE, Ill. — Lester R. Burchyett, 88, of McClure died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Elco, Ill., son of Bill and Flora (Verble) Burchyett. He and Mary Darnell Taylor were married Oct. 1, 1970. She survives.

Burchyett was a funeral director 42 years and was a partner for many years at the former Brinkopf-Howell Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 1987. He was a member and trustee of McClure Baptist Church since it opened in 1997.

He was a member of Breakfast Optimist Club, serving as president in 1972 to 1974. He received a life membership with Optimist International in 1978. He was a member of Lindsey Cemetery Board from the time it began until 1987. He served as a deputy under Ivan McLain in Cape Girardeau County. He was a hunter safety instructor with the National Rifle Association. He was a life member of Southeast Missouri Funeral Directors Association.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of McClure; a daughter, Betty Lou Griffith of Cape Girardeau, three sons, Junior (Danetta) Taylor and Dennis (Cynthia) Taylor, both of McClure, Kerry (Mary) Neil of Dongola, Ill.; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, six sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at McClure Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with Paul Mayberry, Bill Joyce and David Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Lindsey Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Paul and Raymond Taylor, Chuck Griffith, Philip Harrison, Ray Halter and Kerry Neil.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Lindsey Cemetery or McClure Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.