WILLARD H. "DUTCH" ESTES

~Correction: Mother's maiden name was Hahs.

Willard H. "Dutch" Estes, age 89, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., passed away Friday, September 4, 1998 at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Memorial services will conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 10, 1998, at the First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Brendan Dempsey officiating. He was born November 25, 1908, in Marble Hill, Mo., the son of the late James L. and Tava Hah Estes. He married the former Frankie M. Williams on April 20, 1930, in Marble Hill. Mr. Estes was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Men's Fellowship Class. He was a funeral director and embalmer with Brinkoff-Howell Funeral Home between 1941 and 1974, retiring in the 80s. He served as manager most of that time.

He graduated from Will Mayfield College in Marble Hill, Southeast Missouri State University and Hohenschuh-Carpenter College of Mortuary Science in September of 1931. In 1937, Mr. Estes helped to start Beard, Deevers and Estes Funeral Home.

A distinguished community leader, Mr. Estes was honored often for his years of service to the community. He served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for more than 62 years, received the second-ever Midland Division Founders Day Award from the Salvation Army in 1986 and was given lifetime membership in the Salvation Army in 1987.

He was the last charter member of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, received the Distinguished Service Award in 1941, served as president in 1942, was presented the Presidents Award in January 1986 and was honored with life membership in 1990.

He was past president and vice president of the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society from 1978 to 1982, a member of the Greater Cape Girardeau Historical Society and received an award from the U.S.O.(United Service Organization). For 53 years he was a member of St. Mark's Lodge #93, a member of the High Twelve Club #548 and a member of Knight Templar.

He was a member of Delta Pi - Embalmers Society.

He served as president of the Southeast Missouri Funeral Directors Association from 1973 to 1974, and was honored in 1996 for more than 60 years of service to that organization.

He was a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association which in 1979 awarded him the 50 year Service Certificate.

He originated the Cobblestone Award which is presented yearly to civic leaders. He was a member of St. Mark's Chapter #167 Order of the Eastern Star and the Cape Girardeau Commandery #55.

Mr. Estes was the first honorary Deputy Coroner of Cape Girardeau County and in 1968 compiled a book of consolation entitled "I Will Not Leave You Comfortless."He is survived by his wife, Frankie M. Estes of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Martha Ann Young of Cape Girardeau; a son, James L. Estes of Florissant; four granddaughters and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two grandchildren and one great- grandchild.

Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.