VFW Post 3777 - Festus, MO

03/18/2026

Donald Eugene Pogue Obituary
Donald Eugene Pogue, age 98, of Festus, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Arnold, Missouri. He was born September 28, 1927 in Herculaneum, Missouri, the son of the late Mildred Mary (nee Polette) Pogue and the late Herman Oby Pogue.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann (nee Schweigert) Pogue; son Donald E. Pogue, Jr. and a great-grandson Kyler Walker Schutte.

He is survived by daughters Donna Sue Pogue-Kinsley of Festus, Jean Marie (Bill) Scott of Festus and Terri Lee (Al) Walker of DeSoto, Missouri; grandchildren Mindy (Jon) Davis, Trudy (John) Crites, Rachel (Dustin) Schutte, Kate (Eddie) Robinson and Devin (Ryan) Lawrence; and great-grandchildren Trenton, Aubrey, Rylee, Reid, Kashdon, Adilynn, Layla, Jax, Kyndall, Brexson and Makynna.

Don was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII; member of VFW Post #3777, and Our Lady Church in Festus. He was an entrepreneur. As a young man he had his hand in many jobs. As a door-to-door vacuum salesman, bartender and writer for the local newspaper to name a few. He then landed a job managing the Festus Dairy Queen which he and Shirley ran for several years. That is when he realized he had a passion for food service and decided to open a pizza parlor. In 1970 Pogolinos was born in Festus, and shortly after in DeSoto. He was never afraid to fail and opened several more in Bonne Terre, Pevely, Imperial and St. Louis. He also owned the Fox River Dairy cheese business in Fenton for many years. In his spare time, he loved golf and spending time with his family. He loved to sing to everyone and was quite the dancer and cusser. He loved his 5 granddaughters fiercely. He was a legend.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by Pastor Michael Rose. Interment with full military honors to follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ozark Food Pantry or the Alzheimer’s Association.

03/17/2026

03/17/2026

St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage celebration.

03/17/2026

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️
May your day be filled with luck, laughter, and just enough shenanigans to keep life interesting. 🌈😂”

03/16/2026

Betty Lou Kempfer Obituary
Betty Lou Kempfer, 87, of Festus, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Mercy South Hospital in South St. Louis County, Missouri. She was born December 24, 1938 in Crystal City, Missouri, the daughter of the late Mary Ellen (nee DeRousse) and Albert N. Pullen.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Alfred (the late Betty Ann and the late Lena) Pullen, Elaine Portell Pullen, Roman (the late Joan and the late Norma) Pullen, Glen (the late Pat) Pullen, Gloria (Jack survives) Masters; and niece Pam S. Dees.

She is survived by her brother Cletus (the late Judy) Pullen of Farmington, Missouri.

Betty worked as a cook for the former Theodoro’s Restaurant and then in the bakery department at Walmart before retiring. She was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and of the VFW #3777 Lady’s Auxiliary. She will be remembered as a devoted sister, aunt and friend.

Graveside visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until time of services at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City, Missouri. Vinyard Funeral Home handling arrangements.

03/16/2026

VFW AUXILIARY 3777 IS REQUESTING YOUR HELP!

Help Us Send a Little Piece of Home to Our Deployed Troops 🇺🇸

Right now, there are brave men and women serving our country far from home, family, and the everyday comforts most of us take for granted. Something as simple as a snack, a fresh pair of socks, or a note from home can make a difficult day a little easier for them.

We are putting together care packages for deployed troops and are asking our community to help us fill them. Every donation, big or small, helps remind our service members that they are not forgotten and that people back home truly appreciate the sacrifices they make every day.

If you are able, please consider donating any of the following items:

Items Requested for Deployed Troops
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Quality Boot Socks
• Beef Jerky
• Protein Bars
• Trail Mix
• Peanut Butter
• Tuna Packets
• Ramen Noodle Cups
• Microwave Popcorn
• Candy
• Electrolyte Powder
• Coffee Packets or Instant Coffee
• Baby Wipes
• B***y Wipes or Medicated B***y Wipes
• Travel Size Body Wash
• Foot Powder
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen
• Nail Clippers
• Razor Cartridges
• Cooling Towels
• Small Flashlights or Headlamps
• Paracord Bracelets
• Playing Cards
• Phone Chargers
• Portable Battery Packs
• Travel Size Lotion

📦 Donations can be dropped off at VFW Post 3777 any day of the week from 11 AM to 6 PM.

If you’re unable to donate items but would still like to help, please consider sharing this post so we can reach more people in our community.

03/16/2026

SATURDAY MARCH 21ST.
$20 REGISTRATION FEE
REGISTRATION 1PM
SHOOT @ 2PM
DON'T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER
COME JOIN IN THE FUN.
WILL UPDATE WITH MENU AS SOON AS AVAILABLE

03/14/2026

THIS SATURDAY

03/12/2026

Russell "Rusty" Stiller
August 24, 1971 - March 10, 2026
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Russell "Rusty" Stiller Obituary
Russell Lee Stiller “Rusty”, 54, of Festus, Missouri, passed away on March 10th, 2026, in his residence.

Rusty was born on August 24th, 1971, in Litchfield, Illinois to Judy Bartlett (Stiller). Growing up on a farm, he learned some of life’s most important lessons; work hard for what you want, family comes first, and that ketchup always goes on the side of french fries.

Rusty was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back. If you needed advice, a helping hand, or simply just someone to sit and have a beer with, he was your guy. His generosity and loyalty were unmatched, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome and loved. His personality could light up any room he entered.

He has a deep love for woodworking and took great pride in creating things that would last. A very hands-on man, he could fix just about anything. Music was another lifelong passion. Old country music held a special place in his heart, and some of his happiest moments were spent in the pool with his wife, Danielle, listening to music and drinking a Budweiser Select.

Rusty proudly served his country as a Desert Storm Army Veteran, a badge of honor he wore proudly. His dedication to fellow veterans was evident through his involvement with local organizations. Rusty was a member of the AmVets 171, and the Elks Festus-Crystal City 1721. Rusty was a proud member of VFW Post 3777, where he served as the Senior Vice Commander, a title he held in the highest regard.

The titles he was most certainly proud of were “Husband” and “Dad”. Rusty met Danielle Stiller (Madina) in 1992, and he instantly knew she was the one for him. They married in 1997 and shared an amazing life together. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Taylor and Jordyn Stiller, who were the greatest joys of his life. His love for his girls was something he carried with him every single day, and being their husband and father was the role he treasures most.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Danielle Stiller, and his daughters Taylor and Jordyn Stiller, along with many friends, fellow veterans, and community members who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Rusty’s honor at VFW Post 3777, located at 900 VFW Drive, Festus, Missouri, 63028, on March 22 from 2PM to 4PM, with Military Honors at 3PM.

Those who knew Rusty will remember hid kindness, his humor, his love for music, and the way he always showed up for the people he cared about. He was truly one of a kind, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.

In Rusty’s honor, raise a Bud Select, or a shot of Jamison Whiskey, play an old country song, and remember the kind of man who was always there when someone needed him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Todd Mahn, Mahn Funeral Homes Twin City Chapel, Festus, Missouri.

03/12/2026

At 3pm on Sunday the 22nd there will be a
Flag Presentation Ceremony to Honor Rusty Stiller.

PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING.

03/12/2026

The Auxiliary is requested to provide desserts for
The Celebration of Life for Rusty Stiller
Sunday March 22nd 2-4pm

John and Krissy Keen and another friend are providing the meal.

03/11/2026

TONIGHT 6PM POST AND AUXILIARY