Fremon Dewayne Poyner

Fremon 'Dewayne' Poyner of East Prairie, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Delta South Nursing Center in Sikeston, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.

Dewayne was born July 15, 1936 in Success, Arkansas to the late Fremon and Ozella Bellah Poyner. After relocating to Charleston, Missouri with his parents, Dewayne attended Bridges Elementary School.

He proudly served in the United States Army as a Private First Class in the infantry from 1960 to 1963. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Cold War and served with Company B, 1st Battle Group of the 28th Infantry. During his service, he earned the Army of Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and qualified as an Expert with the M-14 rifle. He was honorably discharged in June 1963.

On January 28, 1982 he married the love of his life, Vera Poyner, in Charleston, Missouri. She preceded him in death in 2019.

Dewayne worked for the family business, Big Lake Transportation, for more than 35 years driving a truck and working in the office.

In his spare time, Dewayne enjoyed working on lawnmowers and was known around East Prairie as "The Lawnmower Guy". Known for his mischievous personality, Dewayne had a way of making those around him laugh. He enjoyed a good conversation over a Depot BBQ breakfast, fishing, and time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Lena) Poyner of Sikeston, Missouri; two daughters, Lisa (Robert) Crosier of Bertrand, Missouri and Dannett Poyner of Sikeston, Missouri; two brothers, Doug Poyner of East Prairie, Missouri and Don (Carol) Bellah of Sikeston, Missouri; two sisters, Barbara Breithaupt of Vidalia, Louisiana and Glenda Shankle of Bertrand, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Missy, Robert, Rodney, Megan, Connor, Anna, and Lynley; and ten great-grandchildren, Hailey, Ally, Christian, Landon, Maddie Claire, Logan, Mason, Ashton, Addie, and Lincoln. He is also survived by a special friend, Vonda Carter, as well as many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends and was affectionately known to many of them as "Hunk".

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Poyner; and five sisters, Diane Hall, Arita Helt, Melvita Gipson, Betty Martin, and Mary Lou Cox.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, Missouri beginning at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Connor Coatney, Ryan Poyner, Robert Crosier, Jamie Watkins, Tim Taylor, and Jeff Hall.

Dewayne will be remembered for his sense of humor, his hardworking spirit, and the many lawnmowers he repaired for neighbors and friends throughout the community. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family and the joy he brought to those who knew him.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Delta South for the love and kindness shown to "Mr. Poyner" during his time there and to the Crown Hospice staff for their exceptional compassion, comfort, and support provided to both Dewayne and his family.

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