James Wesley Rodebush

James Wesley Rodebush, son of James "Jim" Rodebush and Judy (Nichols) Deffendall, was born Aug.4, 1969, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and died on May 17, 2012, at his cabin in Van Buren, Mo., at the age of 42.

Wesley had lived in Dexter, Mo., for the past year, but his hometown was Van Buren. He was a graduate of Van Buren High School and was an All-State basketball player for the Van Buren Bulldogs. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from the College of The Ozarks in Branson, Mo., and was an entrepreneur and businessman.

Wesley was a great conversationalist and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially on Current River bass fishing and hunting deer and turkey. He also enjoyed spending time on the farm riding in his Ranger.

On May 13, 2011, he was united in marriage to Lee Ann Gilmore.

Survivors include his wife, Lee Ann Rodebush of Dexter; one daughter, Carly Rodebush of Maryville, Tenn.; one step-daughter, Kacia Dortch and husband Jonathan of Poplar Bluff; one step-son, Gil Richard-son of Los Angeles, Calif.; his mother, Judy Deffendall, and step-father Gene of Van Buren; his father, Jim Rodebush, and step-mother Ruth of Fremont; one brother, Anthony Rodebush, and wife Karen of Ozark; one sister, Brittany Rodebush, of Springfield; two nephews, Walker and Nash Rodebush; and many other relatives and friends who mourn his passing.

He was a wonderful husband, son, dad, step-dad, brother and uncle.

Visitation was held Monday, May 21, 2012, in the McSpadden Funeral Home in Van Buren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the South Van Buren Baptist Church, with Rev. Bruce Powell and Rev. Gene Edwards officating. Burial followed in the Fremont City Cemetery.

McSpadden Funeral Home of Van Buren was in charge of all arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Lending a Hand Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 734, Van Buren, Mo. 63965.