Willie Lufcy

Willie "Bill" Lufcy, 86, formerly of Wappapello, Mo., passed away Friday, June 23, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Bill had resided at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau since December 2005. He was born Oct. 7, 1919, son of John and Goldie Fay Cullins Lufcy.

His life began on a small family farm near Zalma, in Bollinger County. Tragically, while Bill was very young, his father was killed in a farming accident. Later, struggling to support her family, Bill's mother moved the family to Crowder, near Sikeston, where she worked as a sewing machine operator on a WPA project at Vanduser. When he was old enough, Bill worked at a limestone quarry and cement factory in Cape Girardeau.

In 1941, with whispers of the draft for World War II, Bill opted to enlist in the Marines, qualifying as a pistol marksman and rifle sharpshooter. His battles and engagements included participation at the invasion of Guadalcanal and the consolidation of Southern Solomons. In addition to the Purple Heart for injuries sustained at Guadalcanal, Bill's medals and awards include the American Defense Medal, American Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In 1943, due to his injury, Bill was sent stateside. His duty post was at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., and his squad was assigned as perimeter guard for President Roosevelt. Sgt. Lufcy was honorably discharged Aug. 14, 1949. He returned to Southeast Missouri and eventually married, but the marriage ended without children.

Bill worked many years as a heavy equipment operator at the former Marquette Cement Plant. After retirement, he continued to work at various service stations, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors include a half sister, Erthel Keesee Jenkins of Cape Girardeau; several nieces and nephews; two aunts; and lifelong friend, Carl Christy of Chaffee.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, one half sister and one half brother.

Visitation is Monday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. A committal service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with the Rev. Raymond McAfee officiating, and full military honors.

In Bill's memory, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post or VFW Post of your choice.