Obituaries

Emil Sosa (Veteran)

Mr. Emil N. Sosa, age 102 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, June 20, 2011, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Emil was born on August 8, 1908, in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, the son of Jose Galo and Candida Chin Sosa. Emil arrived in the United States on October 1, 1926, to study for the priesthood at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. Eventually, he left the seminary and without benefit of knowing the language set out to make a life for himself in his adopted country. He worked at various fields including as an undertaker, an elevator operator and an orderly in a hospital studying at night. He became a United States citizen on January 2, 1942. He served in the United States Army as a Surgical Technician from 1941 until 1945 serving in New Guinea, the Philippines and other southwest Pacific areas. He received two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart for his efforts in World War II. He also served in the Army Reserve from 1945 until 1948. After serving his country in World War II, he graduated from St. Louis University and Lincoln University with a degree in chemistry. Before moving to Jefferson City, he was in charge of the laboratory at Bethesda General Hospital of St. Louis. A resident of Jefferson City since 1955, Emil was employed as a chemist for the State of Missouri for over 20 years retiring in October 1976. He was a member of the Catholic faith; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roy Sone Post 1003; Disabled American Veterans, Oliver Buehrle #17; Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 2693; American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; Military Order of the Cootie, and La Societe Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux. Emil enjoyed Latin dancing, music, fishing and having a few beers around the barbeque grill with his many friends. He was a devoted friend to all who knew him and selflessly dedicated his life to family, friends and veterans who needed assistance. Survivors include: his daughter, Dorothy Candida Wofford; and his sister, Juana Maria. He was preceded in death by his parents; his dear friend of 45 years, Dorothy Jane Wilson; and eight brothers and sisters, Emiliano, Buenaventura, Mariano, MarÃŒa, Tomasa, Margarita, Pastora and Jose Dionisio. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be conducted at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe Street, Suite 100, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published June 21, 2011