Daniel Bernard Dubbert

Daniel Bernard Dubbert, age 82, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on September 25, 2013, at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. He was born on November 24, 1930, to Otto and Martha (Volmert) Dubbert in St. Elizabeth. Daniel attended St. Elizabeth R-IV School through the tenth grade. His family moved to Tipton where he later graduated from high school. He helped his father on the farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on July 12, 1951. He served 24 years in the Air Force and retired in 1975. He was an excellent gardener and raised extra produce to share with family. His hobbies included woodworking, wine-making, and collecting hats from all over the world. Daniel and his bride traveled by car to all 50 states during their 35 years of marriage. Daniel was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. His basic military training was at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas followed by 31 weeks in Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi for training as an airborne radio operator. Shortly after, he was sent to Bovington, England for six years. Further tours overseas included Dhahran AFB, Saudi Arabia, Ramstein AFB, Germany, Templehof Airport, Berlin, Germany, Korat AFB, Thailand, and Rhein-main AFB, Frankfurt, Germany. He accumulated 9,746 flying hours as an enlisted air crew member aboard ten USAF Aircrafts, L-20 single engine propeller, C-47, C-119, T-29 and a C-131 two engine propeller, C-54, C-118, C-97, C-121 four engine propeller, and a C-135 four engine jet. He walked on five of the six continents - Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America and flew over four of the five oceans - Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, LaVerne Dubbert; nine step-children, Ruth Doerhoff (Dale), Charles Wilde (Linda), Lois Bax (Charles), Victor Wilde (Karen), David Wilde (Cindy), Michael Wilde (Becky), Janet Lueckenhoff (Jim), James Wilde (Lisa), and Paul Wilde (Ann); two sisters, Mildred Gramlich and Blanche Gunter; two brothers, Sidney Dubbert and Alex Dubbert; 24 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, August Dubbert; and one grandchild, John Paul Lueckenhoff. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 30, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth with Rev. Benjamin Nwosu officiating. Interment with military honors will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Sunday, September 29, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence Church or St. Lawrence Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.