Hugo Martin Backes

Hugo Martin Backes, age 81, of Taos, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Westphalia Hills Retirement Center. Hugo was born on February 15, 1936, in Loose Creek, a son to the late Herman and Elizabeth (Rustemeyer) Backes. He was a 1954 graduate of Fatima High School. On June 23, 1956, he was united in marriage to Maryann Schepker at St. George Catholic Church in Linn. She preceded him in death on January 21, 2017. Hugo was employed at Twehous Excavating for 40 years before retiring in 2009. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, and a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, playing guitar and singing, the Blair Oaks Falcons, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hugo is survived by: six children, Leon Backes and his wife Linda of Meta, Sandy Schaefer of Jefferson City, Randy Backes and his wife Debbie of Taos, Doug Backes and his wife Betty of Westphalia, Jeff Backes and his wife Sandy of Eugene, and Brenda Sims and her husband Tim of Jefferson City; 14 grandchildren, Kim (Brian) Lueckenotte, Brad (Angel) Backes, Kelly (Jason) Pokorny, Jessica (Mark) Courtney, Jesse (Rebecca) Vogel, Josie (Grant) Townsend, Kelsey Schaefer, Stacey (Matt) Singer, Travis (Amy) Backes, Ryan Backes, Jamie (Josh) Weeks, Cory (Michelle) Backes, Gracie Backes, and Devin Backes; 24 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; two brothers, Hubert Backes and wife Joan of Loose Creek and John Backes and his wife Janice of Loose Creek; three sisters, Agatha Haslag of Centertown, Mary Haslag and her husband Charles Lee of Linn, and Eleanor Scheppers and her husband Louis of Taos; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and spouse of 60 years, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Maryann Backes; and a brother, Ben Backes. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Fr. Greg Meystrik as the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com