James Burl Portell

James Burl Portell of Potosi, Missouri was born on March 20, 1936 in Cibola, Missouri a son to the late Earl Portell and the late Lucille (Courtois) Portell. On October 12, 1955 Burl was united in marriage to Barbara Roux and they shared sixty-two years together.

Burl entered eternal rest on Monday, December 25, 2017 at the Washington County Memorial Hospital at the age of eighty-one.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Portell; three children: Doris Coffman and fiancé Steve McFarland, Larry (Tami) Portell, Karen (Tim) Golden; sister, Ruth Ann (Marshall) Cullins; six grandchildren: Matt (Crystal) Coffman, Amanda (Daniel) Webb, Megan (Herb) Martinez, Brittany (Andy) Aubuchon, Timmie Jo Golden and Allie Golden; nine great grandchildren: Kaleb, Kenli, Carter, Grayson, Paisley, Elsie, Blair, Brody and Heriberto James; sister-in-law, Phyllis (Wayne) Koch.

In addition to his parents, Burl was preceded in death by one brother: Billy Gene Portell and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles and Florence Roux; sister-in-law, Ruth Clawson and brother-in-law, Sonny Roux.

First and foremost, of Burl’s life, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of the White Oak Grove Baptist Church. Burl was a long-time business owner in Potosi since 1972. After retirement, Burl enjoyed woodworking and made many items for his family. He left his workmanship by building all of the cabinets for the kitchen at Potosi First Baptist Church which gave him such joy and peace because he was doing the work of the Lord. Burl loved fishing, duck hunting and being outdoors with his family. He coached softball for several years and made many friends and great memories along the way. His family was his life. Burl loved family gatherings with his kids and grandkids who will miss him greatly. The greatest gift Burl left to his family was the reassurance that he would be with his Lord and Savior until that glorious day when his family is reunited with him forever.

The family received friends on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. at the DeClue Funeral Home. Visitation resumed on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the White Oak Grove Baptist Church from 9-11 a.m.

A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. held at the White Oak Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Richards officiating, assisted by Matt Kaiser. Musical selections were "In The Garden" sang by Janice Eye and "How Great Thou Art" by Donita Skaggs.

Interment and final prayers will be held in the White Oak Grove Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.