We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral was held this afternoon, Monday, July 7^th, for 80-year-old Vernon "Jack" Brinkman of Cape Girardeau who died Friday, July 4th, 2003.

He was born October 8th, 1922 in Cape Girardeau County, the son of Paul and Bess (Deevers) Brinkman, who both preceded him in death.

He married Norma A. Voelker on September 17th, 1943. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include: two sons, Craig Brinkman of Sikeston and John Brinkman of Jackson; one daughter, Brenda Crain of Jackson; one brother, Glen Brinkman of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Two brothers also preceded him in death: Ivan and Loyd Brinkman.

He was previously employed at Guyot and Ernst, Wilson's Five and Dime; he operated the projector at Mercer Theater and the Star Vue Drive In in Brewer and retired from Auto Tire and Parts in 1982.

He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, past member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. He was also a member of American Legion Post No. 133, Perryville; Knights of Columbus Council No. 1111, VFW and Elks in Cape Girardeau.

He had previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Missouri Conservation Committee, President of Perry County Wildlife Federation, Perryville City Alderman, Perryville Volunteer Fire Department, and Perryville Fleas.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II and the Korean War, where he served as a radio navigator, staff sergeant in the 72nd Troop Carrier Squadron, 434th Troop Carrier Group. He served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter.

A funeral for 80-year-old Vernon "Jack" Brinkman of Cape Girardeau was held this afternoon, Monday, July 7th, 2003, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. American Legion Post No. 133 in Perryville provided the military graveside service. The Rev. Kevin Fausz, C.M., officiated.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.

The Young and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.