Everett Leo Funk
COLUMBIA — Everett Leo Funk was a family man, a sports-lover and a self-made business man.
"I feel like he was a very generous, hard-working man who came from humble beginnings," his daughter, Gretchen Crossett, said. "He did very well in business through a tremendous amount of work."
Mr. Funk of Columbia died Monday, June 6, 2011, his 59th wedding anniversary, after a one-year battle with lung disease. He was 85.
Mr. Funk was born on March 1, 1926, near Annapolis, Mo., to Everett and Hazel (Nelson) Funk.
He married Carrie England on June 6, 1952. They were married for exactly 59 years. They had two children, Charles Funk and Gretchen Crossett, both of whom have three children.
Mr. Funk served in the Army during World War II in Belgium and in Germany. He enrolled at MU after an honorable discharge and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1949. After he graduated, he began teaching physics and chemistry in St. Charles. He received his master's degree in education from MU in 1953, and he became superintendent at Lancaster High School.
"He was interested in education and helping those who worked hard to get an education," his wife said.
Mr. Funk shifted careers in 1954 when he became cashier for the Schuyler County State Bank in Lancaster. He moved up the ranks, became bank president and later bought the bank with his wife. The couple sold the bank in 1984 and moved to Columbia in 1992.
Mr. Funk became active in MU sports during his time in Columbia. His grandson, Adam Crossett, played football for MU. Mr. Funk was an avid attendee of football and basketball games, and he attended bowl games when his grandson played.
"He was extremely proud of all of his grandchildren," Gretchen Crossett said. "They've all done well, and he sings their praises incessantly."
Mr. Funk's wife said they had a wonderful marriage filled with travel and spent many winters in Arizona.
"One of the highlights of our travels was when we went to the Normandy beaches and through the Panama Canal," she said. "We collaborated on trips. We've been to Australia and New Zealand, and we took a cruise through the European capitals."
Outside of his travels, Mr. Funk attended regular coffee chats at Hy-Vee with his friends; they often talked about sports or grandchildren.
He also helped distribute a scholarship to members of his family. The fund was made in honor of his uncle, Ernest M. Funk. Mr. Funk distributed these funds with the help of his cousins Doug Funk and Patty Funk.
"He was always interested in the Funk family's educational prospects," Doug Funk said. "He was a man of integrity and strong values and very proud of his children and grandchildren."
Mr. Funk is survived by his wife, Carrie (England) Funk; his sister, Sue Thurmon of Champaign, Ill.; his son, Charles Funk of Iowa City, Iowa; his daughter, Gretchen Crossett of Liberty; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at the same location, with graveside services at 3 p.m. at Gamel Methodist Cemetery, 11533 Gamel Cemetery Road in Festus.
Condolences can be posted to parkerfuneralservice.com.
