Dessie Myrene McComas Kirstein long time business person and civic leader in the Branson/Springfield area died May 1, 2017 in Cooper, Texas. She is survived by her daughter Lawana McComas Langston and son-in-law Ricky Hudson of Dallas, Texas. Her parents, Everett and Ada Williamson and brother, Doyle Williamson all of Cassville, Missouri all preceded her in death. Myrene was born in Leann, Missouri on April 6, 1926 but the family soon moved to Cassville, Missouri where she graduated from school. During high school, Myrene played drums, bugle, viola, trumpet and piano. Upon graduation she had a scholarship to art school in Kansas City, but became ill and had to drop out. She carried her love of music and art throughout her life.

On January 19, 1945 she met Hal McComas at a dance, it was his birthday. They were married in Harrison, Arkansas on Easter Sunday, April Fool’s Day 1945. After Hal’s return from WWII he and Myrene started working for Kroger’s in Springfield. In 1950 Ben Parnell brought Hal & Myrene to Branson to operate the Economy Market for him. One year later they bought the store from Ben. Ten years later they bought the City Market with Hal running he Economy Market and Myrene the City Market. In 1962 they opened the first Piggly Wiggly franchise store in the state of Missouri. They worked there together till Hal’s death in 1974. Myrene later married Tony Kirstein and they worked together in his Long & Hagee Real Estate Company till Tony’s death in 1991. Myrene was president of Branson P.T.A., Business & Professional Women, and the Branson Chamber of Commerce. She was one of the founding members of the Taney County Arts Council. She was a PEO, an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and a Trustee of Skaggs Community Hospital for 40 years. In Springfield she served on the board of The Boys and Girls Club, The Springfield Supper Club, was a member of The Bennie Clements Guild, The Antique Arts Cub, The Opera Guild and the Symphony Guild.
She also was the recipient of the “Mary Award” for her many hours of dedication and leadership in the Branson area by the Branson Chamber of Commerce.

At Myrene’s request there will be a private burial in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery in Branson. A Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 8, 2017 at Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson with Rev. Bob Hubbard officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Cox Medical Center-Branson, P O Box 650, Branson, Mo. 65616 in her memory.