Bernard Louis Cone, 88, was born in Chalk Level, MO on August 6, 1922. He was the son of Roy and Ada Fields Cone. He passed away on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 at the Kirksville Manor Care Center in Kirksville, MO with his children by his side.
Bernard attended the McNutt School and lived most of his life in Osceola, MO. He enlisted in the US Navy during WWII on August 26, 1942 and served his country in the Pacific Theatre onboard the USS Essex. While home on leave, he married Bernieta Hochstedler on March 16, 1944. To this union, two children were born, David and Sandrea.
Bernard accepted Christ as a young man and was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Osceola, MO. In later years he attended the Osceola Community Church and was active in the restoration of it. He worked for the MO Dept. of Transportation for many years as highway maintenance foreman. Following retirement, he worked with his cousin and lifelong friend, Donald Cone.
Bernard loved to go fishing and was an avid gardener. He was a member of the VFW post 4197. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
Preceding Bernard in death were his wife, Bernieta, his parents Roy and Ada Cone of Butler, MO, two sisters: Mary Kathleen Cone and Lela May Endress; other relatives and friends.
Survivors include his children: David Cone and wife Chris of Columbia, MO; daughter Sandy Kottwitz and husband Anthony of Unionville, MO; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren: Mindy Kopser and husband Chad, Riley and Dresden of Golden, CO; Matt Cone of Englewood, CO; Bryan and Cari Kottwitz, Brantley and Brinkley; Andrew and Emily Kottwitz and Amber; Steven Kottwitz all of Kirksville, MO; Nathan and Jamie Kottwitz, Titus and Malachi of Trenton, MO; Chris and Jessie Kottwitz of Unionville, MO. Also surviving are his sisters: Evelyn Jennings and husband Ralph of Butler, MO; Esther Throne and husband Ben of Scottsdale, AZ; Janet Garrison and husband Kenneth of Wheatland, MO; and brother-in-law Lorenz Endress and wife Nancy of Wichita, KS. Also surviving: a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
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