Memorials
Artist: Debbie Frueh; Published in Spectrum-Spring 1969
Artist: Debbie Frueh; Published in Spectrum-Spring 1969

Our RamSite is dedicated to our friends and classmates that have passed away. One hundred and eight Memorials are included on this page. If you know of anyone from the Class of 1969 that is not included, please Contact Us. Many of you have inquired about the circumstances and dates of our classmates' deaths, and we appreciate those of you who have shared such information. Also, we do not have obituaries for all of our departed and would be grateful to any of you who are able to provide an obituary. You may view tributes on an individual Memorial by clicking or tapping on the "View Tributes" link for that inidividual Memorial. You may post a tribute on an individual Memorial  by clicking or tapping on the "Add A Tribute" link for that individual Memorial.

Artist: David Gould; Published in Spectrum-Spring 1969
Artist: David Gould; Published in Spectrum-Spring 1969

 

Golden slumbers fill your eyes...
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby. 

Lennon and McCartney
1969 (Golden Slumbers)




 

Dale Meyerkord, Terry Mills, Carl Scholemer, Bernard Murry, Robert Summers, David Weidner, Larry Buffington, Daniel Walters, Frank Lukitsch, Thomas Goszewski
Dale Meyerkord, Terry Mills, Carl Scholemer, Bernard Murry, Robert Summers, David Weidner, Larry Buffington, Daniel Walters, Frank Lukitsch, Thomas Goszewski


MEYERKORD MEMORIAL FIELD

On October 16, 1965, prior to the football game that Saturday afternoon, the RGHS football field was dedicated as Meyerkord Memorial Field in honor of Harold Dale Meyerkord, a 1955 graduate and the first Riverview student (and one of the first U.S. Naval Officers) to die in the Vietnam War.  He was killed in a river assualt action in the Mekong Delta on March 16, 1965. Our own classmate, Tom Goszewski, a U.S. Marine, died of his wounds in South Vietnam on November 27, 1970. In all, ten Riverview students died in Vietnam. Their names are displayed on a Memorial installed at Meyerkord Memorial Field.  


 



 
Rubbing of Harold D Meyerkord's name at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 1E Line 96, by Don Hutchison on July 8, 2021.
Rubbing of Harold D Meyerkord's name at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 1E Line 96, by Don Hutchison on July 8, 2021.

Don Hutchison and his wife, Joan, visited The Wall on July 8, 2021, during their great adventure circumnavigating The Great American Loop. Harold D Meyerkord's name is shown on Panel 1E, the panel in the center marked 1959 that contains the names of those earliest declared dead or status unknown (usually missing in action) during the war. His name can be found in Line 96. In the photo below (to the right), you can see Don's reflection in the panel as he takes the picture. Dale Meyerkord's name appears close to the top of Don's shoe on the left in the reflection. Don wrote about his experience viewing The Wall:

 

 

 Don and Joan Hutchison visited The Wall on July 8, 2021. You can see Don's reflection in the panel (pink shirt). Dale Meyerkord's name appears close to the top of Don's shoe on the left in the reflection.
Don and Joan Hutchison visited The Wall on July 8, 2021. You can see Don's reflection in the panel (pink shirt). Dale Meyerkord's name appears close to the top of Don's shoe on the left in the reflection.
The memorial was quite moving for me. Finding Dale's name while standing alongside other people searching was a solemn experience, quiet, yet we could hear sniffles and see tears being wiped away. We hadn't lost a loved one but a person from a family in my hometown. Their floral business served all our HS formal activities, proms & dances where corsages and boutonnieres were customary. Then there were the weddings and their attention to detail and personal service which gave us that special hometown Riverview feeling that we took for granted until now, looking back in appreciation. Dale served his country and gave his life for it. We should remember that his sacrifice is the high price of freedom this country and every American enjoys. God Bless America.
 
Don Hutchison
July 8, 2021

 
 

Pat Gibbs (Thouvenot)

Birth Date: 1950-12-13
Deceased Date: 2025-01-17
Obituary:
(Published on the Kassly Mortuary [Fairview Heights, IL] website)

Patricia Gibbs, age 74, of Fairmont City, IL, born on December 13, 1950, in St. Louis, MO, died on Friday, January 17, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Pat found immense joy in her life, but her greatest pride and happiness came from being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

An active and cherished member of her church and community, Pat served selflessly in numerous roles. She was the treasurer of the 55 Plus Club, the secretary for the Holy Rosary Lady Sodality, and a member of the Holy Rosary Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Caseyville Senior Group. Her dedication to helping others was evident in her volunteer work—on most Mondays, she could be found at the food pantry in Fairmont City or serving meals with the Saint Vincent de Paul mobile soup kitchen. Every Wednesday, Pat brought her not so green thumb to the Garden Club, where she worked tirelessly in the garden.

Pat’s life was enriched by her many hobbies and passions. She loved reading, baking, singing, traveling, and watching Hallmark movies. Her weekends were dedicated to her beloved granddaughters, never missing a single event or activity that celebrated their lives and accomplishments.

Pat was deeply loved by all who knew her, and her kindness, warmth, and generosity will be profoundly missed. While her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Louie.

Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Louis A. Gibbs; her parents, Frank and Cleda, nee Jerome, Thouvenot; and her brother, Frank Thouvenot.

She is survived by her daughters, Sgt 1st Class, Ret., Rebecca Gibbs of Fayetteville, NC, and Mary Ann (Jeremy) Vlasich of Wildwood, MO; and five granddaughters, Emma, Sophia, Stella, Quinn, and Kiara.

Memorials are preferred to Holy Rosary St. Vincent de Paul.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will also be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL, with Father Harold Fisher, O.M.I., officiating.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
There are currently no tributes.

Barb Temm (Quirk)

Birth Date: 1951-07-29
Deceased Date: 2024-08-02
Obituary:
(Published on the Archway Memorial Chapel website. Thanks to Marilyn Bova Oyen for providing Barb's obituary).

Barbara Ann passed away suddenly on August 2, 2024, after a brief illness.

Barbara was born on July 29, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Helen and Harold Quirk. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Michael. Barbara worked for Laclede Gas Company (where she and Michael met) for over 40 years as a Customer Relations Representative. As President of Local 5-194, Barbara supported numerous union members in addition to assisting other Locals to organize. Barbara loved to watch all sports with Michael, cheering on the Cardinals and Blues! She loved to shop and was known for impeccable outfits. She also loved tending to her yard and traveling to visit family in Arizona. Both professionally and personally, the common theme of Barbara’s life was taking care of others. Her time and generosity touched so many lives. She was an unselfish person, always taking care of everyone. Barbara was a wonderful wife, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor, who was always on the go.

Barbara’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of her surviving family, including her three siblings, brother Donald (Betty) Quirk and his children Angela (Jeff) Bosch and Stephen (Christy) Quirk ; her sister Sharon Pollard, and her children Benjamin (Priscilla) Bell, Amanda Alba, Nicholas (Melissa) Pollard, and Joshua Pollard; her brother Michael Quirk. Additionally, Barbara will be lovingly missed by members of Michael’s family, including his sisters Ann Corcoran, and Mary (Karla) Panich-Temm; and his brother Joe (Julie) Temm. Barbara was a proud great-aunt and great-great-aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, graciousness, generosity, and love. Through her family and friends, Barbara’s boundless capacity for love and caring will remain immortal.

Memorial Gathering
SEP 20. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CT)

Archway Memorial Chapel
111 Taylor Road
Hazelwood, MO 63042
(314) 895-3900
info@archwaychapel.com

SEP 20. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CT)

Archway Memorial Chapel
111 Taylor Road
Hazelwood, MO 63042
(314) 895-3900
info@archwaychapel.com
There are currently no tributes.

Jim Boswell

Birth Date: 1950-12-26
Deceased Date: 2024-06-21
Obituary:
An obituary is not available for Jim.
Dave Langley - June 29th, 2024
I first met Jim at Central JH. For a few years during junior high, a group of us, including Jim, Phil Zib and Jack Vilbert, would meet up at Meadows Elementary School for pick-up basketball games. We loved playing there as the baskets were only 8' ... allowing us to occasionally 'dunk' the ball. Jim always seemed like a sociable, fun loving guy. Given his modest height/weight ... he could really drive the golf ball a lonngggg way! My sincere condolences to his family!
Cathy (Moss) Duffie - June 29th, 2024
I was stunned to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and I were friends on Facebook and he mentioned his battle with COPD. I had no idea how bad. Jim and I met at Meadows elementary school. He had a great sense of humor and was a really nice guy. My deepest sympathy to his family. God bless and rest in peace Jim.
Jane Byers - June 29th, 2024
I am sorry to hear that Jim has passed. I think of him fondly. Over the last several years, Jim and I stayed in touch occasionally via email. I found it endearing when one time he told me that he still possessed a sense of humor and an upbeat approach to life. In high school, Jim lived in Hathaway Meadows. He was a member of the Riverview Golf Team our Junior and Senior years. Jim also distinguished himself as one of ten RGHS Class of 1969 students with two years perfect attendance. Imagine that--two full school years without missing a day. BRAVO! Rest In Peace, Jim.

Connie Blakeney (Baumgart)

Birth Date: 1951-04-15
Deceased Date: 2024-04-26
Obituary:
Constance Baumgart Blakeney passed away on April 26, 2024. Born to Ivan and Joyce Baumgart on April 15, 1951 in Oakland, California. Connie graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis, Missouri and attended the University of Missouri. She married the love of her life, Patrick Allen Blakeney III, on March 10, 1973. After raising her two children, Connie had a career as a veterinarian technician for Plano Animal Clinic.

Connie was a member of the Winthrop Society and Daughters of the American Revolution and had a love of fixing things, puzzles, animals, and her family.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Joyce.

She is survived by her loving husband, Patrick; her children, Sean and his wife, Mia; Christine and her husband, Chris; and grandchildren Ethan (19), Christopher (17), Alexander (16), and Chelsey (11); and siblings, Steve and his wife, Geri; Rick and his wife, Robin; Dave and his wife, Paula; and brother-in-law, Mike. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, May 4, 2024, at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush, Dallas, TX 75252.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
There are currently no tributes.

Carol Strehl (Stumpf)

Birth Date: 1951-06-01
Deceased Date: 2024-04-11
Obituary:
Carol Ann Strehl
June 1, 1951 — April 11, 2024
Saint Peters, Missouri
Carol Ann Strehl (nee Stumpf), of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the age of 72. Beloved wife of 53 years to Robert R. Strehl, Jr.; cherished daughter of the late Anna L. and Harold W. Stumpf; devoted mother of Tamara Strehl, and Robert W. (Mary) Strehl; loving grandmother of William G. Strehl, and James R. Strehl; and dear sister of John H. Stumpf. Carol was an exceptional wife, a nurturing mother, and an engaged grandmother. She was deeply cherished and will be profoundly missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.

Our Celebration of Life service is Thursday April 25 4pm to 7pm open house at Water’s Edge Banquet Center (200 Salt Lake Road, St. Peters).

Memorials may be made in Carol's name to the American Heart Association.
Bob Strehl - November 16th, 2024
This has taken me sometime to write this, but every time I start to write I start to cry. I remember sitting at a friend's house the winter of 1967 looking at his year book and I saw a picture of Carol in the Central Jr. High year book. I looked at her picture, looked at my buddy and I said, you know what - I am going to marry that girl, and 4 years later on May 29, 1971, we were married - for 53 great great years. Raised a son named Rob and a daughter named Tammy and also had 2 wonderful grandsons join our family down the road. It has been 7 months since we lost her and there isn't a second, minute or hour of the day I don't miss her and am still waiting for that door to open and she walks in with that great smile on her face. What I wouldn't give for that to happen. Until we meet again sweetheart, I love you.
Vicki Schmidt Readenour - April 19th, 2024
Carol and I have been best friends since eighth grade (60 years). She was truly one of a kind! She was fun and funny, smart and kind. She was incredibly loyal. She and Bob and Bill and I have been best friends since high school. We doubled to proms, and on dates. We stood up for each other in weddings, are godparents to each other’s children and loved each other. Carol is one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Alison Brown (Wynn)

Birth Date: 1951-11-26
Deceased Date: 2024-03-21
Obituary:
(Published on the Baue Funeral Home website)

Charlotte Alison Wynn Brown
November 26, 1951 — March 21, 2024
St. Peters, Missouri

Charlotte Alison Wynn Brown, affectionately known as Alma to those closest to her, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024, in St. Charles, Missouri, at the age of 72. Alison leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and joy that touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in St. Louis, Alison grew up in a nurturing environment filled with love. An accomplished athlete, she excelled in softball, showcasing her skill as an exceptional first baseman. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Missouri, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling, laying the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to helping others.

Alison's professional journey was marked by extraordinary achievements, none more significant than her creation of the AVA Program, a testament to her unwavering commitment to supporting individuals in need. From her pioneering efforts at the AVA Program to her instrumental roles as Outpatient Clinical Case Manager at Crider (Compass) Mental Health, Clinician at Bridgeway Domestic Violence Shelter, Intensive Case Manager at Centene, and as Site Director for Job Point, Alison's impact on the community was profound. Her influence extended beyond professional settings, as she served on the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council for several years, advocating for those affected by domestic violence. Alison co-created and directed the first Victim Impact panel in Lincoln County, MO.

Family was at the heart of Alison's life. She shared enduring bonds with her sister, Cindy, her sons Steven Wallis and Aaron Wynn, and their families. Alison was married to Steve Roy Wallis in 1973, with whom she had her son Steven. Her second son, Aaron Wynn, was born during her marriage to Jim Brown, whom she married on November 22, 1985. She celebrated 27 years of marriage with Jim before his passing in 2012. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, bringing her immeasurable joy and serving as a constant source of inspiration.

Alison's culinary skills, inherited from her mother, brought people together, as she delighted in preparing meals for loved ones. A talented pianist, she nurtured a love for music in her grandchildren, sharing her passion with them. Her love for fishing was a cherished pastime, enjoyed alongside her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Rose Wynn, Alison is survived by her devoted sister, Cynthia Wynn, her sons Steven Wallis (wife Suzanne Wallis) and Aaron Wynn (wife Kylee Wynn) and their families. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Mason, Weston, Dredin, Hopelyn, Walker, Hunter, and Lily, along with extended family and friends.

Alison's enduring legacy lies in her boundless positivity, unwavering support, and capacity for laughter. She approached life with a light-hearted demeanor, finding humor in every situation, and embracing each moment with grace and joy.

A celebration of Alison's life will be held at First St. Charles United Methodist Church, 801 lst Capitol Dr. St. Charles, MO 63301 on April 4, 2024. Visitation begins at noon, service at 1:00 pm, followed by a short graveside service. Her funeral service will be live streamed, information to view this stream will be updated as soon as available.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to Safe Connections in Alison's memory.

May her spirit of kindness and generosity continue to inspire all whose lives she touched. Alison's memory will forever remain in our hearts, a beacon of love and light.


Service Schedule

Visitation
Thursday, April 4, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
First St. Charles United Methodist Church, MO
801 1st Capitol Dr, Saint Charles, MO 63301

Funeral Service
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)
First St. Charles United Methodist Church, MO
801 1st Capitol Dr, Saint Charles, MO 63301

Graveside Service
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Starts at 1:45 pm (Central time)
St. John United Church of Christ, MO
405 S 5th St, Saint Charles, MO 63301

Dave Langley - March 28th, 2024
I was very saddened to hear of Alison's passing. I first met her in 2rd grade at Thomas School. Seems like she went by Charlotte until 3rd grade ... then we started calling her Alison. She was one of my girl 'buddies' in grade school. During 3rd/4th grade she was my liaison during the period of my crush on classmate, Sandy Smith. I think Alison and Sandy remained in touch after Sandy moved away. Sometime during 6th or 7th grade Sandy visited Alison and Alison arranged a group ping pong party in her basement. Players included me, Van Meredith, Rick Hobusch, Nancy Kasten, Sandy, and Alison. We all had a great time. My deepest condolences to her family.

John Kolve

Birth Date: 1950-10-31
Deceased Date: 2024-01-08
Obituary:
(Published on Monday, January 15, 2024, on the Baue Funeral Homes website. Thanks to each of Bill Schulenburg and Karen Clubb McKenney for providing the link to John's obituary.)

John Kolve
October 31, 1950 — January 8, 2024

John Kealy Kolve, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by his family, at the age of 73. Beloved husband of Chris M. Kolve; cherished son of the late Hilarion Kolve and the late Dolores Kolve; devoted father of Angela Kolve and Jeffrey (Lauren) Kolve; loving grandfather of Leo and Maebry; dear brother of Sunshine Kolve, Hilary Kolve, Pat (Steve) Jeffries, Michael (the late Kim) Kolve and Jim (Shelley) Kolve; John was a treasured brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

John was an avid sports fan, always cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and coaching his children. He loved his family who brought him so much joy. He and Chris built a beautiful life together, sharing 45 years of marriage. John was a man of faith and devoted to God.

John loved music and had a wide range of styles to which he put to work burning CD’s for every family event he attended. He was kind, loving and enjoyed time spent with his family and friends.

John was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in John's name to American Cancer Society or Dystonia Foundation.

Marilyn Varney Bader - January 16th, 2024
I am so sad to read of John’s passing. He was one of my favorite people at RGHS. He was always so kind, had a quick smile for everyone and brightened my day. Prayers for his family who must miss him dearly.
Lawrence A. Koessel - January 16th, 2024
What a shame. I remember John being a very nice guy.
Dave Langley - January 15th, 2024
I always considered John a friend. He was the epitome of a scholar athlete. John had me over to his house once and I got to meet his parents and sister, Sunshine. What a great family. I think I chatted with him at the 25th reunion ... and to me he looked just like he did in high school. A very friendly, likeable guy ... always ready with a smile. Condolences to his loved ones!

Virgil (Tony) Stranghoener

Birth Date: 1951-08-30
Deceased Date: 2023-10-22
Obituary:
(Published on October 29-30, 2023 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch) (Thanks to Dan Johanningmeier for providing Virgil's obituary on November 21, 2023.)

Born on August 30, 1951 in St. Louis, MO, passed away on October 22, 2023, at the age of 72. He will be dearly missed.

Virgil (Tony to family and friends) was the son of the late Virgil A. Stranghoener, Sr., and the late Peggy Disana (nee Sweet).

Tony is survived by his children, Eric Stranghoener (Michelle) of Rockville, MN and Patty Panasiti of Meire Grove, MN, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Siblings Vicki Brown (Steve dec.), Gloria Deeken (Gary), Michael Stranghoener (Deborah), Nancy Kilburn (Mark) and the late Daniel Gehrs.

Dear Uncle, Cousin and friend to many.

Tony was a very talented carpenter, an accomplished singer and would be happy to sing whenever asked. He loved working in his yard as well as fishing any opportunity he got.

Tony made the generous decision to donate his body to Washington University School of Medicine.

A celebration of life will be held November 11, 2023, from 11 am until 2 pm at Andres South, 4254 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
There are currently no tributes.

Gary Pohlman

Birth Date: 1951-05-10
Deceased Date: 2023-08-18
Obituary:
(Published on August 22, 2023, on the Baue Funeral Home website. Thanks to Mike Cimicata for providing Gary's obituary.)

Gary Pohlman
May 10, 1951 — August 18, 2023

Gary Martin Pohlman, of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Friday, August 18, 2023, at the age of 72. Beloved husband of Karen Gene Pohlman; cherished son of the late Louis F. and Dolores A. Pohlman. Devoted father of Curtis (Melissa) Pohlman, Diane (Grant) Jessen, and the late Gary Pohlman (Christy Clover); loving grandfather of 12; dear brother of Cookie Newsom, Larry Pohlman, Sandy Ueholf, and Penny Pohlman. 

Gary was a man of God and very active in his faith. He enjoyed teaching bible study groups and was a member of a Christian motorcycle group. Gary was also a member of the Carpenter's Union #1596, a membership that spans three generations, including his father, himself, and his own son, Curtis.  

Gary was somewhat of a “hobby king.” He had a long list of different interests and invested all of himself when something sparked that interest. He was a caring and compassionate man; he always led his family with faith and humor. He was a calm in the storm, could make anyone laugh, and loved each of his family members with a special relationship. He and Karen were blessed with a beautiful life together spanning over 52 years. Gary was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all. 

A Celebration of Life, with visiting at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am, will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church Wentzville, 653 Luetkenhaus Blvd, Wentzville, MO 63385.
Steve Harris - August 26th, 2023
Gary was a good friend.We both worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken. I dipped and breaded the chicken and he cooked it. We paid for our motorcycles with our earnings. I played a good gag on him about 20 years ago. My family was at Pasta House when Gary and family came in. We had a great talk. Then the shenanigans began. I paid my check secretly and told the waitress to present our bill to Gary after we left. I then waited outside and waved goodbye, through a window, at his family. The face he showed was priceless as I smiled and went to the next window and then took off running. That was the last time I saw him. His wife and son might remember it.
Lawrence A. Koessel - August 23rd, 2023
So sad to hear that Gary is gone. I knew him from grade school to graduation. We both lived in Dellwood, separated by a creek that we used to go up and down and act like Daniel Boone. We would meet at Lemasters and ride sleds on the hill in the winter and play at Bon Oak Park in the summer, which was at the end of my street about 6 houses away. I spent more time with him out of school than in school because we were hardly in any classes together. Fun guy though. RIP Gary.
Joe Strasser - August 23rd, 2023
I first met Gary at Central Junior High and instantly liked him. He had a charisma even back then. We shared a lot of good times in and out of school. We especially had fun in shop class. It was almost like recess for our group of friends. (I found out years later in my job that I had actually learned some skills I found useful).  As we turned 16 and got our licenses, we focused on getting a car. His was a '58 Chevy with the dual exhaust, as he liked to say. Our friendship went through high school and into college when we both started taking Law Enforcement classes together at FV.  One teacher we had was a big guy with a mustache who Gary nicknamed "the Captain," since he looked like Captain Kangaroo. We sat next to each other and one day, after I had missed a class, I asked him what I missed. He said, "Oh, Joe, you missed it! He taught us how to put handcuffs on Dancing Bear." I had to supress my laughter for the rest of the class. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Kevin McHugh

Birth Date: 1950-12-06
Deceased Date: 2023-07-26
Obituary:
(Published July 31 and August 1, 2023, in the  St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Thanks to Dan Johanningmeier for providing Kevin's obituary.)

Kevin James McHugh, 72, lost his lengthy battle with cancer and peacefully took his last breath at Veterans Memorial Hospital with his loving children by his side on July 26, 2023.

Kevin was the fourth of eight children born to Virgil Elmer McHugh and Mary Caroline McHugh (nee Brunot) on December 6th, 1950 at Firmin Desloge Hospital, St. Louis, MO. 

Kevin attended Corpus Christi grade school in St. Louis, MO. He left high school to enlist in the US Navy, earned his diploma while serving, and was honorably discharged in '71. He was a lifelong, proud member of the Rathole Family where he excelled in his fishing and poker skills. He was always quick with a joke, words of wisdom and a steadfast shoulder to lean on. For many years he managed the Library Lounge bar in Jefferson City, and was every patron's favorite bartender at the Howdy Club in Fulton, and the SOB (Steedman's Only Bar) in Steedman. He will be affectionately remembered as an avid and loyal Cardinals fan, impassioned angler, and most importantly a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and brother. 

Kevin is predeceased by his parents, sister Patricia Michelle Hahn (Arthur) of St. Charles, MO, and brother Charles Joseph McHugh of Nevada, MO. He is survived by his daughter, Danielle Sarah Lawson (Sean) of Columbia, MO, his son Jared August McHugh (Jennifer) of Springfield, MO, brothers Hilary Jay McHugh of Fulton, MO, and Michael John McHugh (Tina) of Alsey, IL, sisters Kathleen Caroline McHugh (Mariann Felcyn) of Folsom, CA, Mary Evelyn McHugh (Robert Mailman) of Vista, CA, and Jennifer Jean Kuhlman (Steve Pape) of Desoto, MO, and sister-in-law Connie McHugh of Nevada, MO. Kevin leaves behind seven grandchildren; Ash Martin-McHugh, Maverick McHugh, Orion Lawson, Silas Lawson, Miles Lawson, Seanix Lawson and Kylea Lawson. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. 

Services for Kevin will be held at 2:15 pm on August 18, 2023 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 West Sheridan Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. A celebration of life will be held the following day from 12-4 pm at Jefferson Memorial VFW Post 3777, 900 VFW drive, Festus, Missouri 63028.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that you keep his memory alive by planting a tree in his honor.
Lee Bridges - July 17th, 2024
Like my friend, Mike Cimicata, I hung out with a group that included Kevin, aka "Sugar Bear". And again, I second poker and beer drinking. I once challenged him to a one-on-one beer drinking contest out on a river sandbar near the old Chain Of Rocks bridge. It was a contest in which I finished a distant 2nd. I also lost touch with Kevin after I moved away from Missouri. I saw him a time or two before moving when he was running a pub called "Millard Fillmore" in South St Louis - if memory serves. Fondly remember a group of us playing bottle caps ball in the empty lot next door. RIP Kevin.
Michael Cimicata - August 15th, 2023
I hung around with Kevin during high school years and he was always a great person to know.  He was happy all the time and had a great laugh and we played poker and drank beer together often.  Our friend John Riggle kept in touch with Kevin and he kept me informed how he was doing.  I only got to visit with Kevin once about ten years after high school, which was a great time catching up.  He was still the same.  He had that great laugh and always smiling.  Even though it has been a very long time since I had seen him, I thought of him and all the good times we had playing poker.  He will be missed.
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