Friday 29th March 2024

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Marie Housel Dabner, 101, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Carroll County Memorial Hospital in Carrollton.

She was born August 25, 1919 in Sedalia, a daughter of the late Edward Glover and Maude C. Gordy Housel. On October 16, 1935 she was married to Melvin “Teddy” Dabner, who preceded her in death on March 22, 2008.

Marie was raised and educated in Sedalia and attended Mark Twain and Smith-Cotton High School. She was the first girl to work for Interstate Studio from 1934 to 1943. Later she was a photographic color artist for Lehmer Studio, Classic Studio and McVey Studio. She taught a Photographic Oil class at State Fair Community College for 2 years.

Marie never met a stranger and like to be involved and busy with people. She especially liked to work with children and bonded with all of them, and still had contact with many of them even though some of them had retired with grown children and grandchildren of their own. She was a 4-H community leader for over 15 years as well as a leader of several projects. Marie worked at the Missouri State Fair in the 4-H building for over 40 years, serving the last years as Assistant Superintendant. She enjoyed working with leaders and 4-H members from all over the state.

Marie worked at the polls as an election judge for 46 years. She enjoyed being active in many organizations. She was past president of the Women’s Missouri Pacific Club, Striped College Extension Club, vice president of AARP #660, Noble Grand of Loyal Rebekah Lodge #260, District President of the Rebekah Assembly of Missouri. She was awarded with the Degree of Chivilry in Kansas City, MO which represents outstanding service. She was a member of Buena Vista Auxilary and was the first president of Helping Hands. She was awarded a plaque for Outstanding Youth Work by the Optimist Club in 1957, and there were many other awards which she treasured very much.

Marie always enjoyed fun and fellowship and entertaining others. She was a charter member of the Helping Hands “Hat Parade” Program which she organized in 1986. She was also a member of the “Golden Entertainers” who entertained residents in the nursing homes and brought enjoyment to shut-ins, as well as various organizations. She participated in craft shows for many years and liked to sew, garden, cook, can, decorate and travel. She was a member of First Church Christ Scientist.

Survivors include two sons, Melvin Kim Dabner (Trudy) of St. Charles, MO and John Michial Dabner (Jackie) of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Kris Dabner of Kansas City, MO, Jill Pagano (Paul) of St. Louis, MO, Stacey Watson (Keith) of St. Charles, MO and Jennifer Donn (Eric) of Phoenix, AZ; a step-grandson, Eric Trautmann of Maryland Heights, MO; and one sister, Jewell Lowrey of Carrollton, MO.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Edward and William Housel, who died in infancy, and Johnnie Housel, who was killed at Pearl Harbor.

Funeral services will be private. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Cloud, Eric Donn, Paul Pagano, Keith Watson, AL Gordon and Dave Rouchka.

Friends may pay their respects and sign the guestbook from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Childsafe, or Community Café, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.