Raymond Roth

Raymond T. Roth, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, Dec. 24, 2010, at Life Care Center.

Mr. Roth, a longtime Illmo businessman, was born Oct. 9, 1916, in Illmo, son of Martin Frederick and Elsie E. Lueddecke Roth.

He graduated from Illmo High School in 1934 and was the oldest surviving graduate. He attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College.

Roth joined the Army National Guard in 1934 and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He retired from the National Guard with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After returning from the war he started Roth Hardware in Illmo in 1947, which is still owned and operated by family.

On July 31, 1940, he married the former Opal P. Sample. She preceded him in death June 7, 1998. In August 1999 he married the former Dorothy Davis.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Peggy R. Brooks (Norman) of Scott City, Linda Harmon (James) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; a stepdaughter, Gina Asberry; a stepson, Bill Busche; and two sisters-in-law.

In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Steven F. Roth, and three brothers.

He was baptized and confirmed at Eisleben Lutheran Church in Illmo and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Barry Pfanstiel of Good Shepherd officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with full military rites by Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel or Eisleben Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.