A.J. Drinkwater

Friday, April 27, 2001

CAPE GIRARDEAU - A.J. "Buck" Drinkwater Jr., 97, formerly of Charleston, died at 3 p.m. April 26, 2001, at his home.

Born Dec. 28, 1903, in Charleston, he was the son of the late A.J. and Grace Drinkwater Sr. Prior to moving to Cape Girardeau in 1993, he lived in Charleston where he was a prominent farmer and landowner and lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, where he served on the stewardship board. He attended Western Military Academy and graduated from Charleston High School in 1921.

Fondly known as "Mr. Buck," to many, he served his community in many capacities, having been elected to serve as County Court judge from 1947-1954, a city council member from 1957-1962 and served as mayor of Charleston in 1959-1960. He was a member of Levee Board No. 3, a charter appointee to the Missouri Academy of Squires, served as honorary colonel for Gov. Warren E. Hearnes and as the chairman of innumerable community fund-raising drives, including the United Way and March of Dimes. The Boy Scout organization benefited greatly from his dedication, where he had served in numerous positions from local scoutmaster to president of the Southeast Missouri Council, including service as an advisor to the Order of the Arrow and National Council representative. He had been honored as a recipient of the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award and was the first recipient of the Charleston Lions Club "Man of the Year" award in 1966. He was member emeritus of the Brewer's Lake Clubhouse and former member of the Big Lake Hunting Club.

On July 11, 1925, he married Grace Whitehead who preceded him in death on Sept. 22, 1977.

Survivors include: one son, Lester Whitehead Goodin of Cape Girardeau, son of Virginia Whitehead Goodin Ridings of Charleston and the late A. Vernon Goodin; four grandchildren, Tim, Julie, Matt and Dee; two great-grandchildren, Emma and T.J.; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until service time at 11 a.m. at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. The Rev. Ed Hankinson, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Charleston, will officiate, with Glenn Ault of Charleston offering the eulogy.

Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery near Charleston.

Pallbearers will be: J.W. Lindsay Goodin, Al Goodin, John Ficklin Drinkwater Cervantes, Tristan O. Goodin, James Harvey Drake and James H. "Bud" Bone.

Memorial contributions

may be sent to the

Southeast Missouri

Boy Scout Council

c/o Bennie Bruenderman

P.O. Box 130

Charleston, Mo. 63834