Bill Bodine

William (Bill) Thomas Bodine, age 85, of Lamar, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.  He was a loving husband, devoted father and former Postmaster at Lamar, MO.  Bill was the youngest of 9 children who all preceded him in death.  Bill was born November 13, 1925 in Sedalia, Missouri to Clarence Edgar and Ella Sarah (Peak) Bodine.  After graduating from Smith Cotton High School in 1943, he joined the Merchant Marines and subsequently the U.S Navy, serving in the Asia Pacific during World War II, part of the Greatest Generation.  After service he returned to Sedalia where he met and later married his wife, Delores Jean Croy.   They were married June 12, 1948, at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, MO. Bill was employed and enjoyed a 40 year career with the U.S. Postal Service.  He served as a mail carrier in Sedalia, postal clerk at Whiteman Air Force Base, Postmaster in both Climax Springs and Lamar, MO.  He retired in 1984 and spent much of his time in service to his church, community, family and friends.  He was a lifetime third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, former Parish Council president, member of Rotary, and the Lamar Country Club.  As a member of the Country Club he enjoyed playing golf and bridge. He is survived by his wife, Jean, at the home.  He is also survived by his four sons and wives: Tom and Bobbie Bodine of Sedalia, Terry and Dorothy Bodine of St. Charles, Tim and Georgina Bodine of Webb City and Chris and Nancy Bodine of Bentonville, AR.  Also surviving is his daughter: Michele “Shelly” Sterrett and her husband Creig Sterrett of Columbia.  He is also survived by 11 adored grandchildren: Jena Sterrett, Will Sterrett, Heather Bodine, Kristin Bodine, Andy Bodine, Kelsi Bodine, Alex Bodine, Zach Bodine, Arielle Bodine, Abby Bodine and Amara Bodine.  He will be greatly missed by all who enjoyed his homemade bread, State Fair award winning barbecue, witty comebacks, great advice, treasured stories and his tight grip! A Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday June 13th and visitation following at Daniel Funeral home in Lamar, MO.  A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday June 14th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar, MO.  A graveside committal service with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 14th at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery south of Springfield, MO.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar, MO.