Mr. Eddie Puckett

Eddie M. Puckett, age 68, of Springfield formerly of Iberia, passed away Monday, August 1, 2011, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Ararat, Virginia, on April 27, 1943, son of the late Herman and Mina (Bowman) Puckett. On December 29, 1962, in Miami, Oklahoma, Eddie married Karen Jolene Fritz, who survives at the home.

Eddie served in the United States Army as First Sergeant and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran including the Bronze Star. He served in the Army for a total of 22 years, serving 16 of those years at Ft. Leonard Wood.

After retirement from the Army he returned to Waynesville and enrolled in Waynesville Vocational School where he earned a two year certificate in Building Trades and Electrical. Upon completion he went to work at Ft. Leonard Wood working for Harbert and later for Ratheon Corp.

Eddie served 10 years on the Iberia City Council, resigning due to his health. He was a member of Iberia VFW Post 6167 where he was head of the funeral detail, served as commander, and chaplain. He was a life member of DAV Heron Chapter and was also a member of the Iberia Church of Christ serving as Deacon.

Eddie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and fought his fiercest battle for over four years, never complaining and always trying to help others that were going through the same fight. While being a patient at Hulston Cancer Center he served on the Advisory Board for one year.

He loved spending time with his family and friends especially his grandchildren. His grandchildren were the love of his life and he enjoyed building bird feeders, tree houses, and camping with them.

He is also survived by two children, Kim Davis and Brent Puckett both of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Regan Puckett, Cole Puckett, Caiden Puckett, and Wesley Wyatt Davis all of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Vance Puckett of Mt. Airy, North Carolina and Raleigh Puckett of Hillsville, Virginia; one sister, Macie Puckett of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Reggie Puckett and Quinton Puckett and one sister, Libby Gay.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., with services immediately following at 11 a.m., on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia, Missouri. Pastor Brandon Melton will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of the Iberia VFW Post 6167 and American Legion Post 105 will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hulston Cancer Center Healing Garden.