Sylvester Emmendorfer

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Sylvester "Syl" J. Emmendorfer, 91, of Perryville died Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Independence Care Center.

He was born May 14, 1928, in Perryville, son of Sylvester J. and Beatice R. Duerr Emmendorfer. He was born and raised in the home now known as the Perry County Museum. He and Virginia M. Fadler were married April 15, 1950. She preceded him in death Jan. 9, 2010.

Sylvester joined the National Guard on March 3, 1948, and was a member of Co. B 1140th Engineers, Missouri Army National Guard. During most of those years, he was a full-time administrative technician. He retired as a sergeant major after 40 years of service.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, which he served through the Holy Name Society, usher association, grounds committee and St. Vincent School Board. He was also a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and an American Legion member. He was a past member of the Perryville Volunteer Fire Department, park board, Jaycees, Optimist Club, Bowling Association and Retired National Guard Association.

He was a big supporter of St. Vincent Schools and sports programs. He also coached junior high boys basketball.

Through the years, Sylvester enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening and working in his yard and was an avid sports fan, especially for the St. Louis Cardinals. He coached his son in Little League baseball and daughters' softball teams. He helped build the first dugouts on the Little League diamond.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was well-known for his friendly nature and always met a familiar face wherever he went.

Sylvester is survived by three daughters, Debra (Robert) Prost of Perryville, Karen (Richard) Cattoor of St. Louis and Donna (John) Prost of Perryville; son, Steven (Debra) Emmendorfer of Plainville, Connecticut; dear friend, Emma Lou Keim of Imperial, Missouri; 13 grandchildren, Jared (Sara) Prost, Stephanie (Jason) Dennis, Adam Prost, Allison (Charlie) Eatherton, Christine Cattoor, Wesley (Riana) Cattoor, Briana Emmendorfer, Cheyenne Emmendorfer and Daniel Emmendorfer, Andrew (Kim) Prost, Scott (Mallory) Prost, Lindsay Prost and Danielle Prost; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wife, Virginia M. Emmendorfer; mother, Beatice Emmendorfer; father, Sylvester J. Emmendorfer; twin brother, Gregory; and sister, Mava Rosa Williams.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Young Funeral Home and from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Joe Geders officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, with military graveside honors provided by the American Legion and Delta Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent School, Kindred Hospice or Birthright.

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