Wilbert L. Painter

Wilbert L. Painter, son of the late Daniel Joseph and Dora Ellen (Howard) Painter, was born on January 18, 1922 in St. George, Missouri, and passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011 in the Hartville Care Center in Hartville, Missouri, at 89 years of age.
Wilbert grew up and attended school in the St. George area and graduated from the 8th Grade at Cope School.
Throughout his life, Wilbert enjoyed a simple lifestyle. Until his health failed, he had tackled the challenges of each day with high energy and determination to complete the tasks at hand. Early years on the family farm found him working alongside his parents and his brothers, raising cattle, crops and vegetable gardens; cutting timber and clearing land; and working the family's sawmill business. He quickly became an expert carpenter and a skilled mechanic who could repair vehicles, tractors and all types of equipment. When Uncle Sam called his 3 older brothers to serve in WWII, Wilbert was expected to remain at home, manage the farm and sawmill business, and care for his aging parents.
Following the deaths of their parents, Wilbert and his brother Howard (both confirmed bachelors), continued living on and making a living from the family farm. Wilbert worked long hours every day. He was equally comfortable perched atop the tractor in the fields, working under a car or truck, or standing at the stove frying up bacon or pork chops for breakfast. He was an excellent cook, having provided many wonderful meals for his mother and Howard during the numerous decades he cared for them.
Wilbert was a very capable driver, able to maintain control of vehicles at high rates of speed. He loved driving fast. He was also a skilled marksman, easily shooting wild game and quickly dressing them for the frying pan.
Wilbert was extremely hardworking, but more importantly he was honest, and a person whom neighbors and friends trusted and appreciated. He was eager to help people solve their problem by fixing what was broken. He was kind and calm, and very disciplined. Although a shy, quiet man, he enjoyed people, and always welcomed visitors with a happy smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Shortly after the death of his brother, Howard, Wilbert married for the first time (at age 69), and he lovingly cared for his wife, Dicie (Barnes), until her passing in 2001. Early in their marriage, her health had declined dramatically, but Wilbert was an inspiration to all who witnessed his devotion to her. He demonstrated great skill and was a "natural" at being a care-giver, likely due to having served in that capacity when his mother was bedridden many years earlier.
In 2003, Wilbert married again, and his lovely bride, Faye (Volner), brought so much joy to his life. He especially liked going to the music shows with her. He loved and appreciated her and her family very much. With Faye in his life, he was re-energized and happy again. There was a twinkle in his eye once more, and life was fun! Wilbert's surviving brother and sister, nieces and nephews all thank God for the tremendous blessing Faye has been to Wilbert and our family. We love you, Faye, and we'll continue to pray for you, that God will grant you comfort, strength of body, and peace of mind.
Wilbert was a wonderful husband, step-father, brother, uncle and friend. Although he was a man who offered few words of sentiment, he proved his devotion to his family and friends by his simple daily acts of serving others. We love you, Wilbert. We will remember you, and we'll miss you. We look forward to a heavenly reunion with you someday soon.
He was saved at the Dawson Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed attending services at the Crossroads of Faith Church whenever his health permitted.
Besides his parents and his first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Howard Painter and Chelmer Painter; two sisters: Edith Beese and Goldia Bradshaw; an infant sister: Sylvia; and by a brother-in-law: Floyd Cravens.
Wilbert is survived by his wife: Faye Painter of their home; one brother: Hayden Painter and his wife, Joretta, of Lebanon, Missouri; one sister: Ethel Cravens of Parma, Missouri; twenty-three nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial Contributions:
Claxton Cemetery Fund c/o the funeral home.