Gene Thornhill Eugene “Gene” Thornhill, of Saint Peters, MO, died Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on April 15, 1939, in Troy, Missouri, Gene lived a life of care and craft. He loved woodworking, fishing, his family and God. He met his lifelong wife, Lorita, when he started driving her downtown to St. John’s Nursing School as a help to Rita’s father, because he attended Bailey Technical College nearby. They raised seven children together. Gene was an active member of Assumption Parish for almost 50 years. He was also involved in the Knights of Columbus Council at Assumption, earning the honor of Knight of the Year in 2014. He worked as an officer in the St. Vincent De Paul Society for many years helping those in need in the local community. Before retiring at age 53 to help care for his son Andrew, Gene was a field engineer for NCR Corporation, calling on local banks and businesses to repair equipment. Customers respected his work ethic, attention to detail and kind, friendly personality. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Gene was a loving husband of Lorita C. Thornhill for over 60 years; beloved son of the late John and Mary (Morek) Thornhill; devoted father of Stephen (Kimberly) Thornhill, Paula (Philip) Boeckmann, Matthew (Heather) Thornhill, Kenneth (Kim) Thornhill, David (Deborah), Thomas (Beth) and Andrew Thornhill; and proud grandfather of Lyndsey (Andrew), Garrett (Kayla), Zachary, James (Mallory), Mary, Henry, Martha, Sophia, LoLo, Rosalinda, Calvin, Phoebe, Zera, Benjamin, Alexander, Katelyn, Joseph, Jack, Abby and Max, as well as great grandchildren Luke, Daisy and Charlotte. Gene is preceded in death by his son, Andrew Thornhill, brothers Garrett and Robert Thornhill, and sisters Marcella Kuester and Bettie Lammert. Gene is survived by sisters Marian Schlenke and Evelyn Zalabak.
George Dames Former State Representative George Dames of O’ Fallon, Missouri, passed away early Sunday morning at his home surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old. He lived in the O’ Fallon area all his life and attended Assumption grade school and High school. George served for 22 years in the Missouri State Legislature and worked as a carpenter for over 50 years before retiring and was a member of O’ Fallon Lions Club and a Fouth Degree Knight with the Assumption Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus. In 1970 he married Millie Heppermann from Josephville and together they raised five children: Teri Dames of Aurora, Colorado, Tammy (the late Tom) Hobday of O’ Fallon, Missouri, Tony (Lori) Dames of St. Peters, Missouri, Tim (Lindsey) Dames of Jacksonville, Florida, and Tom (Debbie) Dames of Chesterfield, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, five children, eight grandchildren, one sister, Laura Mudd of Troy, Missouri and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Omer and Madeline Dames (nee: McAtee), four sisters and three brothers. George donated his body to St. Louis University. George will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Michael A Reesor Michael Allan Reesor, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the age of 66. Beloved son of the late Paul and Aileen Reesor; devoted father of Jennifer (Patrick) Rosen; cherished grandfather of Bayley, Jameson, and William Rosen; dear brother of Timothy Reesor, Paula (Don) Sloan, and Maggi (Dennis) Best. Michael is also preceded in death by his son, Shawn Michael Reesor and sister-in-law, Doris (Prinster) Reesor. Michael dedicated his life to carpentry, he was a carpenter his whole life. He was an avid hunter and proud member of Ducks Unlimited, he also relished the moments he spent at the Cuivre Club. Michael was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Thomas (Tom O.) Owens passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family and the love of his life of 44 years, Julie Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Joseph Owens and Margaret Ann (Kelleher) Owens. Siblings, Andrew Owens and Michael Owens. He is survived by his wife, Julie (Knott) Owens, daughter Annie Owens and son, Matthew Owens (Kelley Owens). Siblings, William Kelly Owens (Pat Owens), Mary (Owens) Creamer (Freddy Creamer), Anne (Owens) Holdmeyer (Denny Holdmeyer), John Owens (Christy Owens), and Peggy (Owens) Sobkoviak. Three grandchildren, Cameron, Adam, and Riley, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 for 43 years. He enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, slot machines, video poker, and spending time with his family. He was a lover of dogs. He also enjoyed building computers and engines. He was the real Macgyver, always able to solve any problem. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and upheld his family traditions. He loved to banter with friends and family about politics and life, always challenging you to think deeper. His witty, stubborn, and playful spirit will be missed by all that knew him.
Delmer L Carr Delmer Lee “Del” Carr of 49, passed away Tuesday afternoon, August 6, 2024 at his home in O’Fallon. Born October 22, 1974 in Troy, MO, he was the son of Joseph Eugene and Linda Sue Read Carr. Del worked as a finance manager. He was united in marriage on June 1, 2002 in Old Monroe to Debra Leigh Vivion. Del was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in O’Fallon, where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus-O’Fallon Council #2269. Del loved the outdoors and would often spend his time hunting, playing golf, boating and swimming. He was an avid sports fan, especially Mizzou, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Del was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a proud supporter of Missouri Disabled Sportsmen. Del was preceded in death by his father, Joe Carr. Survivors include his beloved wife, Debra Carr of O’Fallon; and his mother, Linda Carr of Old Monroe. Del also leaves his brother, David Carr and his wife, San Juana, of Arlington, TX; his mother-in-law, Teresa Vivion of O’Fallon; his sister-in-law, Jill Reichle and her husband, Mike, of Spring, TX; several nieces, nephews, his godchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Herman J. Mennemeyer, Jr, 95, O’Fallon, MO passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 of natural causes. Loving husband of 59 years to Kay Mennemeyer & 10 years to Dolores Lenger Mennemeyer. Dear Father of Marion Sachs (Scottsdale, AZ) & Bill Mennemeyer (O’Fallon, MO). Grandfather of Kate Knuth (Chicago, IL) and Elizabeth Pearson (Laguna Niguel, CA). Great Grandfather of Margo, Delilah, Vivian & Eleanor. Of Herman’s original 11 siblings, he is survived by his brother Martin Mennemeyer (wife Mary) of Old Monroe, MO and his sister MaryAnn Mennemeyer (husband Wayne Nations), of Ferguson, MO. As well as multiple nieces & nephews living in MO, ME, MN, NY, TX, CA, FL & AZ. Herman was a lifetime member of Assumption Catholic Church, loved fishing, dancing & St. Vincent DePaul Charities.
James “Jim” E. Giesmann, of O Fallon, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Doris E. Giesmann; cherished son of Thelma and the late Damon Giesmann; devoted father of Craig (April) Giesmann and Chad (Miranda) Giesmann; loving grandfather of Jeffrey (Haley) Giesmann, Justin Giesmann, Joshua Giesmann, Ava Giesmann, Grant Giesmann and the late Cole Giesmann; dear brother of Sherry (Leroy) Meyer, Dennis (Pamela) Giesmann, Tina (Bob) Phillips, dear brother-in-law of Norma (the late Walter) Hoff, Bert (Gloria) Mueller, Larry (Sharon) Mueller, Martha (the late Gene) Fields and Brenda (Dennis) Maher; Jim was a beloved nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Jim proudly and honorably served in the United States Army. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church for over 50 years, Knights of Columbus – 3rd Degree – Council #2269 where he was selected knight of the year, and VFW Post #5077. He was actively involved in the larger civic community and was honored as Man of the Year by the City of O’Fallon in 1995. Jim loved hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and most of all traveling with the love of his life Doris. Jim was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
