Matt “Popeye” Bequette, 92, of Pevely died Jan. 4, 2023, at his home. Mr. Bequette a retired electrician for the St. Joe Lead Co. in Herculaneum and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Herculaneum and Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City, the Festus-Crystal City VFW, Herculaneum Amvets and the Knights of Columbus 1231. He enjoyed training dogs, hunting rabbits and fishing. Born Sept. 25, 1930, in Washington County, he was the son of the late Margaret (DeClue) and Lennis B. Bequette.
He is survived by his wife: Rebecca E. (Boyer) Bequette; a daughter: Susan (Jerry) Sumrow of De Soto; a sister: Cecelia “Pete” Gideon of De Soto; a sister-in-law: Rosie Bequette of Arkansas; two grandchildren: Angela (JR) Crafton and Jerry (Amanda) Sumrow Jr.; and four great-grandchildren: Michael Crafton, Elizabeth Crafton, Jerry Sumrow III and Emma Sumrow.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Carl (the late Gladys) Bequette, Lennis “Bob” (the late Bernice) Bequette, Sylvester “Tip” (the late Norma) Bequette and Pascael “Pard” Bequette; and a sister: Margie Maness; and a brother-in-law: Lynn Gideon.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Road, in Crystal City, officiated by Father Matthew Cheruparambil. Burial will be in Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Herculaneum. Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Homes.