The Rev. Emil J. Labbe, 66, died at 12:23 p.m. June 8, 2007, in the infirmary of St. Charles Center, Carthagena, where he was a resident.

He was born April 18, 1941, in Dover, N.H., to Emil J. and Helen (McManus) Labbe.

Surviving are two brothers, Edward (Marcia) and Frank (Jackie), all of Rollinsford, N.H.; and a sister, Elizabeth, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Deceased are a brother, Joseph; and a sister, Germaine C. Davis.

He entered the Society of the Precious Blood in 1963 and was ordained June 1, 1968. He served as an associate pastor at St. Henry Catholic Church and a principal and instructor at the St. Henry Catechetical Center. He also was pastor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein.

He received a bachelor of arts degree in history and philosophy from St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer, Ind., and a master of arts degree in theology from the University of Dayton. He earned his doctorate in canon law from the Catholic University of America in 1975.

He also served parishes in Columbus and Kansas and was appointed a judge on the matrimonial tribunal for the appeals court of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He retired to St. Charles in 2001, but continued his work in the annulment ministry.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles. Burial is at the Precious Blood Community Cemetery, Carthagena.

Calling is 1-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at St. Charles, where a prayer vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Contributions can be made to the Fr. Emil Labbe Catholic Youth Scholarship Fund at St. John the Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hogenkamp and Sons Funeral Home, Coldwater.