William Laub

BENTON, Mo. -- William Harold "Bill" Laub, 86, of Benton passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, surrounded by family.

He was born March 25, 1927, at Benton, to Jake and Virginia Kirby Laub. He and Iva Mae Bohannon were married April 3, 1948, in Kewanee, Mo. She preceded him in death May 1, 2002.

Bill attended Benton High School.

He was a proud veteran of the Merchant mariners, serving during World War II.

Bill was employed by Texas Eastern/Spectra Energy as chief operator until retiring in 1985 after 30 years of dedicated service. He then operated Bill's Small Engine Repair from his home until 2010, when his health started to decline.

His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always working on a project for his kids, from Benton Neighbor Days go karts to huge gardens with spectacular tomatoes and hot spice "green" peppers, which is always said he didn't plan.

Survivors include three daughters, LaDonna Laub of Benton, Kim Laub (Mike) Scott of Sikeston, Mo., and Janice Laub (Jarit) Keith of Jackson; three grandsons, Quinton Boardman of Sikeston, Mason Boardman of Benton and Kevin Keith of Jackson; a granddaughter, Heather Storrey of Cape Girardeau; two great-granddaughters, Kadynce and Linly Mae Boardman of Benton; and a great-grandson, Davin Roth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Virginia Kirby Laub; his wife, Iva Mae Bohannon Laub; a son, Lanny Joe Laub; a brother, Donald Laub; and a sister, Evelyn "Polly" Rodgers.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Unity Baptist Church in Benton.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens at Morley, Mo., with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice, c/o Helen Sander, 1218 Linn St., Sikeston, MO 63801, or Unity Baptist Church, 4846 State Hwy 77, Benton, MO 63736.

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