IN MEMORIAM: Laborers Local 660’s Willis Straube

Stanley “Willis” Straube, 69, of Bowling Green, Mo. passed away Jan. 21, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services for Brother Straube were held Jan. 30, 2021 at Second Baptist Church in Bowling Green, with internment at Edgewood Cemetery.

Brother Straube was born May 26, 1951 in Bowling Green, Mo., and lived in Bowling Green his entire life. He graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1969.

Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During Vietnam, he served as a corporal in Futenma, Okinawa. After discharging from active duty, he served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves from 1969 – 1972. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 5553 in Bowling Green.

He worked as a union laborer with Laborers Local 660 for several construction companies over the years, and enjoyed the many friendships he made during that time. When he wasn’t working, he liked to spend his time hunting, fishing, gardening, and playing golf or baseball. He once played on an all-star team at Sportsman’s Park.

Brother Straube also enjoyed playing his guitar, and studied the history of music. He was a fan of blues and country music and enjoyed barbequing and playing cards, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Vicki Ann (Burnett), and his parents, Everett James Straube Jr. and Lillie Mae Dieckmann Straube.

Brother Straube is survived by sons, Jason (Wendy Summers) Straube, of Bowling Green; Seth (Jeni) Straube of Bowling Green; daughter, Carmen (John) Charlton of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Kinley and Kaylyn Charlton, Kyle and Jayce Straube, Steven Bryant, Everli Straube, Carly Ledford, and Jaymeson Portwood; brother, Chris (Vickie Ruth) Straube, of Center, Mo.; sisters, Annice (R.J.) Allensworth, of Bowling Green; Lucy Scherder, of Warrenton, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.