Mary Lou Lett

Mary Lou Lett (Caldwell), 86 years old of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died April 25, 2014. Mary Lou was born to Edith Lyle Caldwell (Lightner) and Ernest Caldwell at their home at 727 Sprigg Street, Cape Girardeau. Mary Lou was the youngest of eight children. Her father, Ernest, owned and farmed Devils Island. He died while Mary Lou was in the first grade and the family moved to McClure Illinois. After severe flooding in the area, the family returned to Cape Girardeau. Mary Lou graduated from Cape Central High School in 1946. She held several jobs while attending Cape Central. Her siblings included a sister and six brothers. Five of her brothers served in WWII. Mary Lou first job was with Walgreens and she also worked for Woolworths and Tinkoff�s. The summer before her senior year her Aunt Ruby Caldwell hired her to work at a secret military plant which was located in the Ford Groves building on the second floor. Mary Lou�s job involved soldering copper and silver transistors. A requirement for this position required skill and accuracy due the strict specifications for the parts. Mary Lou was recognized for her quality work and later it was learned these components were used for Atomic bombs that were used in WWII. After high school graduation she worked for Southeast Missouri Telephone Company as a telephone line draftsman and worked directly for the engineer. The company was acquired by Southwestern Bell where she continued her position. Mary Lou married Thomas Harddie Lett Jr. in Piggott Arkansas on December 13, 1952. They had three children, Thomas H. Lett III, Scarlett Lynn Puls and Paul Allen Lett. Mary Lou joined Daughters of the American Revolution, Nancy Hunter Chapter on October 12, 1978 and was a member for 36 years. She held the positions of Vice Regent, Historian and Registrar. It was during this association where her passion for genealogy was able to flourish. She was a tireless historical researcher and prided herself in doing quality work in an age when computers were not yet widely used. Survivors include a daughter Scarlett Puls and husband Charles Puls of Cape Girardeau, a son, Paul Lett of Cape Girardeau, a grandson, Allen T. Lett of Cape Girardeau and a granddaughter, Selina M. Lett of Rolla She was preceded in death by her husband Tom and a son Thomas H. Lett III. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home. The service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Pastor David Conley officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

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Mary Lou Lett

April 25, 2014