Edgar L. “Red” Painter, of Boonville passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia after suffering a massive stroke. Funeral services were at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 15, 2007 at William Wood Funeral Chapel in Boonville with Pastor Bob Bohnenstiehl officiating. Visitation was Friday evening from 5-9 PM, December 14, 2007 with a Masonic Service at 8:30 PM.

Red Painter was 91 years young at the time of his death, having celebrated his birthday on November 30. He was born in 1916 at Bel Air the son of James Leslie and Maggie Cordelia Solomon Painter.

Mr. Painter was married to A. Ruth Lamm Painter on October 15, 1938, who preceded him in death May 19, 1997.

Red graduated from Dunkles School of Business in Boonville and later earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a longtime employee of Missouri Power & Light Co. Early in his career Red was a lineman and worked his way to manager of the Boonville District, retiring in 1981.

Mr. Painter started playing golf at a later age than most, but was known throughout Boonville as an avid golfer. He was part of the Ararat Shrine Sandblasters for years. Red continued playing golf until he was 89 years old.

During his life in Boonville, Red Painter was active in politics, having served on the Boonville City Council and numerous boards and was still active until recently on the ambulance board. He was a longtime Rotarian, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, a longtime Mason and past Master of Cooper Lodge 36 AF & AM, and was a member of Ararat Shrine in Kansas City. Red was extremely proud that he was arguably the oldest surviving direct descendant of Hannah Cole, the founder of Boonville.

He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Boonville. During the 2004 Bicentennial Celebration of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the dedication of the Hannah Cole Statue at Morgan Street Park, during Heritage Days, Red served as Grand Marshall for the parade.

Two brothers preceded him in death: Robert and William Painter and one great granddaughter, Alyssa Miller.

Red is survived by one daughter: Patricia “Pat” Todd, and husband Bob, of Piedmont, MO; three sons: Jim Painter, and wife Nan, of Boonville, Jon Painter of Hannibal, and Don Painter of Boonville; eight grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Marie Fortman of Pilot Grove; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Shrine Children’s Fund, Alyssa Bailey Miller Memorial Fund or Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in care of William Wood Funeral Home, 517 4th Street, Boonville, MO 65233. Online condolences may be left at www.thacherwood.com.