Sir Mark Neil Billings, 58, of Hermann, passed away Friday, January 25, 2013 at the Hermann Area District Hospital, Hermann.
Mr. Billings was born at St. Teresa Convent, Wimbledon, London, England on November 21, 1954, the son of the late Maurice and Elsie (Coles) Billings.
Mark most recently worked as an IT Consultant for the Gasconade County R-1 School District. He previously worked as the head programmer for Scotland yard, Metropolitan Police, London, England. He attended Canterbury University where he earned a Master of Science degree and was an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church and Rose Ministries.
Mark enjoyed working on computers and playing video games. He was a quintessential Englishman, never forgetting his heritage. He was honored with a knighthood and he supported many charities in his home country and in the United States.
After moving to the United States he became an NRA lifetime member.
Mark is survived by his partner, Curtis Allen Ward Thomas of Hermann; by his sister Cheryl Billings and partner, Ian White, of Kent, England; by two nephews Elijah Gladman of Columbus, Ohio and Karim Aisawi and wife Samantha of Kent, England; by three nieces Elaine Aisawi and partner Spencer Davis of Kent, England; Laila Matthews and husband Shane of London, England; and Nadia Jones and husband Daniel of Kent, England.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Elsie.
Visitation was Monday at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 29, at a.m. from the Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann.
Donations on behalf of Sir Mark can be made to The American Heart Association, The Gay Men’s Health Crisis Foundation (www.gmhc.org), Habitat For Humanity (www.habitat.org), or the Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org ).
——————————-
Calvin Arthur Broeker of Mt. Sterling entered eternal rest on January 23, 2013, following 12 years of prostrate cancer and a 10 month stay at Frene Valley Healthcare South of Owensville.
Calvin was born on October 5, 1929, in Pershing to Arthur W. and Hilda Schnitker Broeker. He was baptized at the Pershing United Church of Christ and was later also confirmed there. After being united in marriage to his wife, Eleanor, he became a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church of Bay. During his membership there, he served as Trustee and Elder and served as member and chairman of various committees. He spearheaded the construction of the addition to the old school house which became the fellowship hall. He tirelessly worked to keep his church in good repair and attractive and inviting for all who entered its doors. He served as Sunday School superintendent for 29 years, Sunday School teacher for the adult class, led many Christmas programs and proudly rang the church bell. He and Eleanor became members of Salem Presbyterian Church near Hope after Bethel closed in 2005. Calvin was a lifetime member of the Gasconade County Bible Society and spent many years sharing his knowledge of electricity with the community youth as a 4-H project leader. Calvin loved life and loved to have fun. He thoroughly enjoyed giving buggy rides to hundreds of young people and those “young at heart” during the pumpkin season at the businesses of his daughter and her husband and later at his grandson’s business.
Calvin was raised on a farm in Pershing. His education was received in a one room school house, consisting of grades one through eight, which was also attended by his brother. He served his country as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War. Calvin was also proud to be a member of the Bay American Legion Post #541 for 59 years. He held various positions there including Chaplain and Commander.
On October 24, 1953, he was united in marriage to Eleanor C.M. Schulte. They were married 59 years. To this union, a daughter, Elaine Evelyn, was born.
Calvin was employed by Three Rivers Electric Cooperative in Linn for 46 years. He began as a lineman and then became the line superintendent. He also served many throughout the community by performing electrical and trenching work for them in the evenings and on weekends.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hilda (Schnitger) Broeker and his sister, Evelyn Broeker. Also preceding him in death were his brothers-in-law Marvin Schulte, Oliver Schulte, Alan Schulte and Maurice Schulte; sisters-in-law Ruth Schulte and Delores Schulte; as well as as his parents-in-law Frank J. and Esther (Krueger) Schulte.
His survivors include his beloved wife, Eleanor, of Mt. Sterling; daughter, Elaine Hesemann and husband Richard of Owensville; grandchildren, Johnathan Hesemann of Owensville and Melissa McBride and husband Matthew of rural Mt. Sterling; brother, Richard Broeker and wife Darleen of Pershing; sister-in-law, Irma Enke and husband Arthur of Owensville; sister-in-law, Nancy Schulte of Florissant; brother-in-law, Harold Schulte and wife Mary Lou of Linn, also of rural Mt. Sterling; brother-in-law, Elmer Schulte and dear friend Shirley Koenig of Rhineland; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends and many who called him “Grandpa.”
Services were held at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m., due to his beloved church, Bethel Presbyterian, having been closed. Interment was at the Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Bay.
By staff writer Austin Ruediger of Hermann was in a tie for
By staff writer Hermann’s Blake Grannemann broke his own school record in
Crusade Against Cancer Hog Roast has been re-scheduled to May 18th.
By staff writer Approximately 200 family members and friends gathered at the