VERNON EMIL RACKERS

Vernon Emil Rackers, 82, of Wardsville, MO, died Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at Boone Hospital, Columbia, MO. He was born on June 23, 1923 in Jefferson City, the son of Otto Herman and Henrietta Kundagunda Knorr Rackers. He was married on Oct. 29, 1946 in Wardsville to Alice Marie Mertens who died on June 7, 2003. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II from which he received the Purple Heart and several other distinctions. Mr. Rackers was employed as a truck driver with Schein Trucking Company, Jefferson City, for several years, and later with Orscheln Trucking from 1952 until his retirement in 1973. Vernon was an entrepreneur and jack of all trades. He and his father were farmers after he had already put in a full day as a truck driver. He sold Progressive Insurance and the Book of Knowledge. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trapper. He bought and sold furs. In his time he could play baseball with the best and was a faithful fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Likewise, he always said he had his own team by having nine kids. He inherited his green thumb from his mother and was always proud of his bountiful produce which was enjoyed by all who stopped by his house. Sadly, he was not granted enough time to pick his turnips. As Dad said in the hospital, The grass is really green today. We know he has a better garden now, more fertile and beautiful . . . and no weeds. He will be missed by many. He was a life-long member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville; Mens Sodality; Teamsters Local 833; Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post 5; Wyman Basinger Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 35; and Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Richard L. and Gerri Rackers, Wardsville; and Thomas G. and Tammy Rackers, Jefferson City; six daughters and their husbands, Sharon A. Rackers, Meta; Margie A. and Alfred Kaiser, St. Thomas; Janie M. and Fred Shiver, Chamois; Marilyn R. Cookie and Daniel Cotton Verslues, Taos; Julie M. and Michael Kever, Wardsville; and Becky A. and Joe Britton, Wardsville; nineteen grandchildren, Abbey Stumpe, Beth Borgmeyer, Jessie Kaiser, Brad Rackers, Sara Luebbering, Brian Rackers, Mandy McCutchen, Nicole ODonnell, Ann Kever, Jacob Verslues, Lucas Verslues, Jennifer Verslues, Danielle Woods, Branden Rackers, Brandi Britton, Michelle Britton, Marie Britton, Rachel Britton, and Adam Britton; thirteen great-grandchildren, Macy Rackers, Ty Luebbering, Bo Luebbering, Max Luebbering, Lillian McCutchen, Logan McCutchen, Alex Kever, Jacob Verslues, Jr.; Bradon Verslues; Chelsea Thiel, Cole Stumpe, Garrett Borgmeyer, and Megan Borgmeyer; two brothers and their wives, Stanley and Betty Rackers, Jefferson City; and Harvey and Mary Dee Rackers, Brazito; and three sisters, Marion Rackers and partner, Jay Shryock, Wardsville; Doris Smith and her husband, Charles, Jefferson City; and Ruby Rank, Jefferson City. He was preceded in death by one son, Harry J. Rackers; and one grandson, Paul Kaiser. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville, with the Rev. Gregory L. Meystrik officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Wardsville. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Stanislaus Education Foundation, 6414 Route W., Jefferson City, MO 65101; or a charity of the donors choice. Those wishing to send condolences or tributes to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.