W.D. Mouser

Willie Dean "W.D." Mouser, 82, of Ballwin, Mo., passed away Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Jan. 4, 1925, in Millersville, son of Willie and Reda Runnels Mouser. He and Verna M. Slinkard were married April 9, 1949. She preceded him in death Feb. 28, 2007.

W.D. attended Oak Ridge High School, graduating in 1941. After graduation he served his country in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during World War II in the European Theater.

Upon his return he began a 36-year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. He was active in the Bow Tie Chevy Club, Masonic West View Lodge 103 AF&AM of Millersville.

W.D. especially enjoyed the outdoors; he and Verna were avid fishermen.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Gail Cross and partner Dennis Sahm of Gerald, Mo.; a son, Greg Mouser and wife Andrea of Springfield, Mo.; grandchildren, Melissa and Zachary Mouser, Canaan Cross and wife Kara; great-grandchild, Dade Cross; siblings, Larry Joe Mouser of Jonesboro, Ark., Lois Mouser and Milton Mouser of Millersville.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Ruth Young, and brothers, Vernon, Earl and Jerry.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with a Masonic service at 7.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Morris Cobb officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery with a Military Honors service.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindberg Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.