Willard Ray "Junior" Short

Willard Ray "Junior" Short of Doe Run passed away on Friday, August 28, at the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 6 days. He was born on December 22, 1925, at Howes Mill, MO, son of the late Willard A. and Nettie Irene (White) Short. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, James Short, and his stepmother, Mabel Short. Junior proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II on an LST in the Pacific Theatre. While living on the farm and raising cattle was his greatest love, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Before his retirement in 1981, Junior worked as a maintenance mechanic for Hanna Mining Company. On January 24, 1948, he was united in marriage at Doe Run to Ruby Cunningham, who survives. They were members of Pendleton United Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Larry Short and his wife, Margaret and Ken L. Short and his wife Kay, all of Doe Run; a daughter, Teresa J. (Mrs. Les) Thomas of Bonne Terre; five grandchildren, Jason Thomas and his wife, Angela, James Short and his wife, Trisha, Erin (Mrs. Dave) Lange , Jessie Short, and Jenna (Mrs. Michael) Sita; six great-grandchildren, Haylee, Nicholas, Reagan and James Short, Kenleigh Lange, and Michael Sita; a sister, Erma Mathis; a brother, Delmon Short, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Friends may call on Monday, August 31, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cozean Memorial Chapel, followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. with Pastor James Lacey officiating. Interment will be at Doe Run Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mineral Area HospiceCare. Photo obituary and online condolences at: cozeanfuneralhome.com.