Dennis Ray Quertermous

Dennis Ray Quertermous, Sr., age 92, of Bertrand, died Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Missouri State Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.
Dennis was born October 15, 1931, in the Texas Bend Community of Mississippi County, Missouri, to the late Clarence Alma Quertermous and Thelma Pryor Smith Quertermous. A 1951 graduate of Charleston High School, Dennis later earned an associate degree from Columbia College. Dennis served two years in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Mississippi County and would settle in Bertrand where he would live the remainder of his life, owning and operating Quertermous Masonry for over 60 years,
Dennis was a man of community service and care for others. He continued his service to his country by serving 31 years in the Missouri National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While serving in the National Guard he earned the award of 1st Distinguished Marksman and 1st Double Distinguished Marksman and served as the captain of the All-Guard National Pistol Team.
For many years, Dennis served on the Bertrand School Board, the Bertrand City Council, and the Charleston R-1 School Board. For over 50 years he officiated High School sports as a referee. On the night of this 80th birthday, he was serving on the football field.
A long-time member of the Bertrand United Methodist Church, he served the church in many capacities including the church administrative board. For over 40 years, Dennis was a member of the Charleston Lions Club, holding many offices through the years. He served as District Governor of the Lions Club and was instrumental in promoting the Lions Club programs involving the eye bank and assistance with those in need of optometry care available through the National Lions Club programs. In 1998, Dennis was honored as Charleston's Man of the Year and was named the Charleston Lions Club "Lion of the Year" for 1996-1997.
On January 23, 1953, he married the love of his life, Jo Ann Lepchenske and she preceded him in death on September 5, 2020.
Surviving are his sons, Dennis Ray Quertermous, Jr., of Jackson, MS, and Keith Quertermous of Bertrand; his grandson, Dennis Ray Quertermous, III; his brothers, Glenn Quertermous of Charleston and Kenny Quertermous of Citrus Springs, FL; his sister, Jeanie Williamson of Birmingham, AL; also, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Clark Auburn Quertermous; his brothers, Auburn "Q.T", Leslie and Joe S. "Pete" Quertermous and his sisters, Lucy Chronister, Ramona Fletcher, and Helen Strickland.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Paullester Walker, pastor of the Bertrand United Methodist Church, will officiate. His niece, Shirley Quertermous Bagby will offer a eulogy.
Interment with full military honors will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston.
The pallbearers will be Dennis Ray Quertermous, III, Keith Chronister, Travis Quertermous, George Bays, Kevin White, and Donald Clark.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorials be made to: The Bertrand United Methodist Church, 200 West Cedar Street, Bertrand, MO 63823.