Bernard Anton "Ben" Backes

Bernard Anton "Ben" Backes, 79, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, February 9, 2012, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born on August 10, 1932, in Loose Creek, the son of the late Herman August and Elizabeth Johanna Rustemeyer Backes. He was a United States Navy veteran serving in the Pacific theater from 1952-1956. He was united in marriage on May 11, 1957, in St. Thomas, to Margaret Ann Luebbering, who preceded him in death on February 28, 2005. On October 22, 2005, Bernard married Claudette Jean Warfield Charlton, who resides at the home. Bernard worked as a systems analyst for the Missouri Highway Patrol from 1968-1992. He was member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas, Knights of Columbus in St. Thomas, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2693. Bernard loved to dance, play the guitar, play baseball, and cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals. Other survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Carol Backes, St. Thomas and Timothy and Karen Backes, Honey Creek; one daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and Jerold Eggen, St. Thomas; four step-children, Deborah (Tom) Frank, Honey Creek, Toni (Gregg) Halbrook, Jefferson City, Mark (Annette) Charlton, O'Fallon, Kelly (Vicki) Charlton, Jefferson City; 14 grandchildren, Michael Backes, Joseph (Sasha) Eggen, Jim Backes, Christopher Backes, David Eggen, Elizabeth Backes, Teresa Backes, Lucas Eggen, Stephen Backes, Maria Backes, Rebekah Backes, Emily Backes, Paul T. Backes, and Matthew Backes; 11 step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and six siblings, Agatha Haslag, California, Hugo (Maryann) Backes, Jefferson City, Hubert (Joan) Backes, Loose Creek, Mary (Charles) Haslag, Linn, Eleanor (Louis) Schepers, Jefferson City, John (Janice) Backes, Bonnots Mill. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jeanine Backes; two infant sisters and two infant brothers. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Cystic Fibrosis or to a charity of the donor's choice. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.