Rhonda L. Lambe, 67, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:57 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at her home.
She was born October 3, 1958, at Lufkin, Texas, to Howell and Marjorie Gay. On July 9, 1977, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Bill Lambe. They were blessed with four children and one daughter-in-law, Willie, Eddie (Janelle), Adam and Rebekah. Her first love was God, then her husband and her nine grandkids: Tristen, Allyssa, Logan, Cora, Annaliese, Dawson, Jorden, Mikah and her baby Lukas. Rhonda is also survived by her siblings, Regina, Brenda (John), Barbara and John. She will be missed until we see her again.
Her parents, and one sister, Sherry Lea, preceded her in death.
A private service will be held. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for William Junior Disney, II, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.
Mr. Disney passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born January 4, 1969, at Colorado Springs, Colorado, to William Junior Disney and Wanda Ann Chadwell Disney. On October 28, 2017, he was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Dorothy Holloway. Mr. Disney was an avid supporter of the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals and Ohio State football. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy and spoiling his Corgi, Ollie. Mr. Disney was a donor. He was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Disney, his father, William Junior Disney and wife, Marivic; two children, Dana Disney and Douglas Holloway; two brothers, Jeff Disney and Tim Disney and wife, Alyssa; two sisters, Kansie Disney and Shania Disney; and several nieces and nephews.
His mother preceded him in death.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Joe Roy Bean, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bean passed away October 18, 2025, near West Plains, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 25, 1933, outside of Bakersfield, Missouri, to Raymond and Alice “Faye” Atkinson Bean. Joe was the second born out of 8 boys. Joe attended schools at Plum Hollow, Bakersfield Elementary, Hog Danger and Barren Creek, and graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1942. After graduating, at age 17, Joe went to Kansas to harvest wheat for a family friend. After harvest was complete when he returned home, he had a friend visiting from Belvidere, Illinois, and said he would get Joe a job in Belvidere. He went and worked in the tomato factory, at a gas station, but his favorite was the ice cream plant. He had just been promoted when he got the call to be examined for the draft. Joe moved back home and instead of waiting to be drafted, he chose to enlist in the Army. At the time of enlistment there were only two positions left between him and another young man. After drawing straws, the other soldier got the Air Force and he got the Army. A few weeks later at the end of May, Joe was sworn into the Army in Kansas City then bussed to Camp Crowder, near Neosho, Missouri, then bussed to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for sixteen weeks of basic training. Because he had enlisted for three years, he was with a group of soldiers that were ordered to remain in Fort Leonard Wood for additional training before being shipped to Germany as utility engineers. The 2-year enlistees were shipped to Korea. While stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Joe would get weekend passes to come home. One of those weekends changed his life forever. Ruth Juanita Driscoll caught his attention while he sat outside the Bakersfield First Assembly of God church during a revival service watching “the show”. Little did he know that within a few months’ time, he would become a born-again Christian during that 6-week revival, fall in love, and marry his Bride (10/24/1953). Juanita was his rose in the flower garden of life, having celebrated their 70th anniversary in November 2023, before she passed in January 2024. January 3, 1954, he began his thirty month journey to Germany. Joe kept his integrity with the Lord and his wife. He joined an Assembly of God group in Germany and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost while there. His life as a civilian began Memorial weekend, 1956. Juanita had purchased and furnished a little farm outside West Plains and couldn’t wait for his arrival home. His first job was working for an iron ore mine. In November 1957, he was approached by the Neathery’s to work as a lineman at their new business Community Cable Company. As the radio station tower service and repairman, he climbed many, many towers, having one major fall, but because of a Miracle hand of God, he sustained minor injuries. In 1985, Joe sustained injuries while trimming a tree in his spare time. After spending a few weeks in Springfield Hospital and six months recovery, he was finally able to work again. Robertson-Drago approached him about working for them. He got his Funeral Director’s license and remained with Robertson-Drago Funeral Home for over twenty-five years. Joe was ordained as a minister in the early 80’s. He was a faithful lay-preacher, having served as a Trustee/Deacon in this home church that he helped build, Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle. Joe left for three years to Pastor his hometown church, Full Gospel Church, Bakersfield, Missouri. Joe faithfully worked, served and ministered every way he could to help establish a conservative, Full Gospel independent work, free from organizational influence. He was a Pastor and Preacher backer. Thanks to the Neathery’s, he was given radio air time at which he led a Sunday Morning radio broadcast for many years along with fulfilling many roles during transitioning of Pastors. Being a firm believer in Christian education, Joe helped establish Calvary Christian Academy and CrossRoads Christian Academy serving on both boards. Other preaching ministries included holding revivals in little country churches in this area. He officiated many, many funerals and a few weddings. In his spare time, Joe was actively involved as a Firefighter, having served with the West Plains Fire Department as a Volunteer fireman for thirty-one years. After his resignation from Bakersfield church, he returned to West Plains and was immediately placed on the board of Howell Rural Fire Department where he remained as President until May 2024. Joe also served as a board member of the Fair View School board for many years. Joe drove cars for local car dealers. He also served in the West Plains unit of the Veteran’s Honor Guard; it was his passion as long as he could attend. Joe loved hunting and fishing. While pastoring, he had a boat named “Visitation”. As a joke he would tell how long he’d been out on “visitation”. He loved fishing. The highlight of his year would be when the Toney family showed up for deer season. Joe and Victor Toney were kindred spirits and enjoyed their time fishing and hunting together.
The children joined to this union were: their son, Michael Joe Bean and wife, Paula, Princeton, Indiana, their children; Johanna (Dominic) Chicago, Illinois, Kristin (Collin) Lee Summit, Missouri and Bracy (Briana) Springfield, Missouri and 10 grandchildren: Eli, Jude, Ila, CJ, Benny Paul, Gabriele, Juliette, Evelyn, Olivia, James. Daughter, Tamala Ruth Riggs and husband, Ray, West Plains, their child; Tabitha (Anson) Miller West Plains, and 3 grandchildren: Lucas, Liam, Lance; late daughter, Anna Rafae Johnston, her husband, David, Ontario, Canada, their child; Courtney Anne New Brunswick, Canada, and the late Alicia; their son, James Timothy Bean and wife, Judy, Jefferson City, Missouri, his children; Nathanael (Hailey) Joplin, Missouri and James Martin (Britney) West Plains and three grandchildren: Colter, Quinn, Cheyanne, and the late Timberlee and Lathe; their son John Mark Bean and wife, Daralena, Slovakia, their children; Dara (James) Thomas Springfield, Missouri; Dale Joseph (Ellyn) Springfield, Missouri; Daine (Ashley) , Blue Springs, Missouri; Danae (Nathan) Coolidge Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada and Dessa (Kevin) Godla Springfield, Missouri and twelve grandchildren: Winston, Laith, Elias, Hudson, Addelyn, Jack, Maisy, August Jo, Zimri, Thaddeus, Eloise, Jacob. Joe is survived by three brothers, Jerry Bean (Peggy), Douglas (Bonnie), James “Red” (Mary Lou); three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jo, Ramona, Betty and In-laws, Sister Mary Toney, Jim (Delores) Driscoll, Thelma (Paul) Montgomery.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, daughter, Anna and four brothers, Elbert Lee, Russell “Gene” (Paulene), Donald and Lawrence and his in-laws, Tommy and Annie Driscoll, whom he loved so much, and a host of family and friends that were awaiting his coming.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Calvary Pentecostal Church. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post Honor Guard or Homeland Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Alfred Matthew Collins, 53, Cape Fair, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 2:25 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Reed Springs, Missouri.
He was born June 22, 1972, at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle and Christina Collins. Matthew was more than just a Dad, Son, Brother or Uncle; he is an irreplaceable light in the lives of his family. He had an incredible ability to find joy in the simplest things and never failed to listen and love without judgment. He enjoyed fishing, dirt track racing and NFL football, which he would try to convince you his team was cheated if they lost the game. Matt was very passionate about his family. Matthew left this world way too soon without time for Good Bye. With the sadness comes with holding on to the memories he left within us all. To say he will be missed as a Dad, Papa, Soul Mate, Brother and Uncle will never be compared to the love he showered upon his family. The gates of memories will never close. God has you in his keeping….we have you in our hearts.
Matthew is survived by his soul mate, Donna Barnett, of the family home in Cape Fair, Missouri; four children, Austin (Saphyre) Collins, Kimberling City, Missouri, Candice Collins, Lampe, Missouri, Maleiya Collins (Walker), Neosho, Missouri and Derrick Collins, Lampe, Missouri; two step-daughters, Destinee Fyffe, West Plains, Missouri and Brittney Birdsong, Springfield, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; seven siblings, Rodney Collins, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Allisa Terry (Jim), West Plains, Missouri, Renae McCrone, Birch Tree, Missouri, Betty Sweezer, Springfield, Missouri, Freida Brott, Milbank, South Dakota, Steven Collins, West Plains, Missouri and Bradley (Missy) Collins, Teresita, Missouri; and a host nieces and nephews.
His parents, one daughter, Taylor and one nephew, Jacob Stark, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life service for Robert (Brian) Chilcott, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Chilcott passed away peacefully at 2:48 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home.
He was born on Christmas Eve in 1954, at Pasadena, California, to Eleanor and Robert Chilcott. As a young man, Brian attended Orme Boarding School, Mayer, Arizona. He was Arizona State Champion in Wrestling for two years for his high school. Brian was married on April 14, 1984, at Gilbert, Arizona, to Margo Persak. They lived in Concho, Arizona running the family cattle ranch, were volunteer firefighters and EMT’s. Brian and Margo moved to West Plains, Missouri in May of 2006. Brian volunteered as a wrestling coach to the West Plains Zizzers. He enjoyed camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, hunting and taking care of the family farm.
He is survived by his wife, Margo Chilcott; two sisters, Heidi Chilcott and Lydia Issifu; one brother, Bruce Chilcott; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one older brother, Alec Chilcott preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Judy Lou (Rader) Hammond, 84, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Willow Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hammond passed away October 17, 2025 at Willow Care Nursing Home.
She was born July 9, 1941at home on Pine Grove Road in Willow Springs, Missouri. Judy attended Willow Springs School, where she graduated with the Class of 1959. She married Paul Haddock in 1959, with whom she had three children, Gary, Paulette, and Charlotte. In 1987 she was united in marriage to Billy Jack Hammond. Judy worked from a young age. As a teenager she worked at the Star Theater selling popcorn. Most of her life she worked in shoe factories in Willow Springs, Birch Tree, and Cabool. Judy also worked at Ozarks Medical Center before her retirement. Judy was an exceptional seamstress, and sewed for people for over 40 years.
She is survived by one son, Gary Haddock and wife, Heather; two daughters, Paulette Lee Bridges and husband, Joe and Charlotte Collins and husband, Terry; three step-children, Cathy McCartney, Lyle Hammond and Kelly Hammond; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.
Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Jack Hammond, her parents, four brothers, two sisters, and one son-in-law.
Mrs. Hammond will lie-in-state from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Edward Langston Hawkins, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hawkins passed away peacefully in his home on October 12, 2025.
He was born on July 13, 1948 in West Plains, Missouri. Ed graduated from West Plains High School in 1966 before commissioning in the United States Navy. Ed served in the Navy from December 1967-December 1973. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon. Ed was stationed on the USS Charles R. Ware which was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy from 1945-1974. He managed pallet mills for many years before becoming a boiler maker from which he retired. Ed truly loved his family unconditionally; he also loved his dog, Gideon and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and driving dirt roads looking at wildlife.
He is survived by his brother, Jim Hawkins and wife, Karen; and seven Nieces and Nephews, Mike Hawkins and wife, Dacey, Scott Hawkins and wife, Micah, David Hawkins and wife, Lanetta, Amy Hawkins, Jo Beth Collins and husband, Chad, Todd Hawkins and Brett Hawkins and wife, Erin.
His parents, James Leonard Hawkins and Bonnie Lee Hawkins, one sister, Mickey Hawkins, one brother, Jackson Lee Hawkins and wife, Judy, and one nephew, Andrew Hawkins, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Gary Dee Hickox, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hickox, was passed away at 5:41 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home.
He was born on May 13, 1936 on the family farm outside of Centropolis, Kansas, to William Hickox and Esther Anderson Hickox. On September 7, 1954 he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Betty Jean Patterson. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1954 and joined the United States Navy immediately after. Upon completing boot camp, he reported for submarine school and continued a career in the Navy for the next 22 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia and later went on to receive his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Lieutenant Commander in January of 1978. After his retirement from the Navy, he moved back to West Plains working as the Emergency Preparedness Director and also as the head of the Chamber of Commerce. He and Betty also traveled the Midwest, selling their creations at craft shows. He enjoyed fishing, working on his tractor and going to auctions, but his greatest love was for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, poppy, and uncle.
He is survived by his wife, Betty of the family home; three children, David Hickox and wife, Debbie, of Broomfield, Colorado, Karen Garnett of West Plains, and Linda Schartz and husband, Stacey of West Plains; six grandchildren, Mark Hickox and wife, Lisa of Broomfield, Colorado, Matt Garnett of Boulder, Colorado, Jon Garnett of Corinth, Texas, Andrea Battreal and husband, Caleb of West Plains, Samantha Fox and husband, Zach of West Plains and Joe Schartz of Kansas City, Missouri; five great-grandchildren who were among his greatest joys. Henry and Charlotte Battreal, Emmett, Cash, and Maddox Fox all of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
His parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pat and Frieda Patterson, and two brothers and their wives, Max and Zelina Hickox and Rex and Martha Hickox, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, West Plains Chapter or Arbor Day Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Betty Carol Anderson, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 2:49 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
She was born September 23, 1947, at Munford, Tennessee, to Truman Earl Johnson and Frances Elizabeth Doyle Johnson. Mrs. Anderson loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed decorating and working in her flower beds.
She is survived by two daughters, Stacy Prewett and husband, Joe and Angela Stasney and husband, Jason, all of West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Mallory Snodgras and husband, David, West Plains, Alex Prewett and wife, Kate, West Plains, Tatum Stasney, Houston, Texas and Bridgette Stasney, Chicago, Illinois; six great-grandchildren, Isabelle Snodgras, Hollis Snodgras, Brady Gaines, Emma Gaines, Myles Prewett and Porter Prewett, all of West Plains; and one sister, Barbara Nichols, Florence, Alabama.
Her parents and her husband, Jack Dexter Anderson preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rhonda Marline Tharp, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Tharp passed away at 4:04 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born May 31, 1951, at Hartshorn, Missouri, to Leland and Dorothy Plummer Stoops. On June 20, 1970, she was married at Birch Tree, Missouri, to Larry Richard (Dick) Tharp, who preceded her in death on May 31, 2019. Before her retirement, Rhonda worked many years at International Shoe Company and Regal Beloit. She loved quilting, reading and word searches. She thought the world of her grandkids and her dog, Elvis. Mrs. Tharp was a faithful member of the Church of God of Prophecy for many years.
She is survived by two children, Larry Tharp, Jr., and wife, Christy, West Plains, Missouri and Wendy Leonard and husband, Coley, Caulfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Lilly and Jackson Tharp; two brothers, Steven Stoops and wife, Janet, Ellington, Missouri and Rick Stoops and wife, Sheila, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Pat Stoops, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one brother, Paul (Junior) Stoops, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Lillie Eudene Adkisson Holt, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Holt passed away at 11:46 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 27, 1928, at Lunenburg, Arkansas, to Willie and Lillie Shannon Smith. On January 18, 1947, she was married at Melbourne, Arkansas, to Ernest Willie Adkisson, who preceded her in death on April 9, 1992. On May 28, 1997, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Donald Raymond Holt, who preceded her in death on May 31, 2009. She worked for over 30 years at International Shoe Company in West Pains, as a floor lady in the fitting department. Reading was a favorite pastime; she also pieced and quilted many beautiful quilts. Mrs. Holt was a charter member of United Freewill Baptist Church, where she played a guitar for a church group, The Gospel Chords.
She is survived by her four children, Venita Fritz and husband, Joe, Arnold, Missouri, Geneva Andrews and husband, Gordon, West Plains, Glennis Adkisson, Lancaster, Missouri and Dennis Adkisson, West Plains; nine grandchildren, Kim and husband, Adam, Kelly, Cindy, Jared and wife, Melanie, Keely and husband, Steve, Kinsey and husband, Dustin, Mandi and husband, Brandon, Jodi and Michael and wife, Lindsey; nineteen great-grandchildren, Luke and wife, Cassie, Eli, Lydia, Kaige, Gracie, Halie, Payton, Gianna, Blake, Lyndi, Braden, Selleck, Archer, Mallorie, Lily, Andrew, James, Selby, Bailey and Brody; five great-great-grandchildren, Holland, Sawyer, Atlas, Noble, Bo and two on the way with one in December and one in April; her three adult step-children and their families were enjoyable visitors to her home; and many nieces and nephews who she got to see at family reunions.
Her parents, husbands, two daughters-in-law, Sheila Adkisson and Janice Adkisson, one great-grandson, Brody, and nine brothers and sisters, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Holt will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home and visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to United Freewill Baptist Church, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A memorial service for Dale D. McKee, 84, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. McKee passed away at 6:24 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, at his home.
He was born November 19, 1940, at Dormas, Ozark County, Missouri, to Carl McKee and Ruby Russell McKee. On June 30, 1967, he was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Patricia Murrell. Mr. McKee graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1958. He loved his horses and his life on the dairy and beef farm. He enjoyed spending time at Cloud 9 Ranch with his cousins, grandkids and his dog, Yodi. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends at “the University” and going with his wife to listen to music at Roy’s Store in Dora on Tuesday nights and prior to that to the American Legion in Willow Springs to listen to Sherry Lovan, Alan Strickland and others. His family was his life. He had many fond memories from working out west with family and friends. Mr. McKee was baptized and gave his life to Christ at Pomona Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Pat McKee, of the family home; two children, Brad McKee and wife, Cathy, Willow Springs, Missouri and Stacy Bart and husband, Brian, Billings, Missouri; five grandchildren, Chelsea Gwaltney and husband, Michael, Hannah Stolba, Brody McKee, Tucker McKee and Greyson Bart; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin Gwaltney, Reid Gwaltney, Eli Stolba and Callie Stolba; one brother, Jim McKee, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary Ann Joyce and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Jeanne Murrell; many nieces and nephews; and cousin, Steve McKee and wife, Linda.
His parents, one infant brother, Junior McKee and two sisters, LaVelle Robinson and Patsy McKee, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Langston Street Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Bobbie Keith Ragon, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at South Fork Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ragon passed away at 5:53 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025, at Springfield, Missouri.
Bob Ragon was born Bobbie Keith Ragon, the youngest of eight children of Vonnie Ragon and Inez Alexander Ragon, in Hunt City, Illinois, on December 12, 1933. Bobbie spent his childhood mostly in the Willow Hills area of Southern Illinois. He attended a small, one-room rural school where his older brother, Bill, was also his teacher one year. “Bob”, to his family & friends, graduated from Oblong High School, Oblong, Illinois, with the Class of 1950, where he met and later married his wife of seventy-one years, Joan Wilson Ragon. He joined the United States Air Force, spending most of his military career in Spain, Okinawa, and California. One of the highlights of his tour in Spain was he was chosen to be an “Extra”, portraying a British Soldier with his blonde hair and blue eyes, in the filming of Lawrence of Arabia. He also was present in Hawaii when former Senator and Vietnam POW John McCain was brought home after years of capture. Another highlight was Bob met singer and actress Debbie Reynolds while on a USO Trip to Okinawa. Therefore, the next girl child born was named Debbie. While serving twenty-two years in the Air Force, he held a variety of jobs, made lots of friends, and learned how to play Pinochle. He retired as a Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob owned a successful well drilling business. He also turned his hobby of raising cattle into a full-time business, living in Madera, California, in the San Joaquin Valley. Bob and Joan relocated to West Plains, Missouri, (South Fork area) around 1990, shipping the household items and two livestock trucks filled with his Charolais Cattle. Bob and Joan built Ragon Ranch, raising cattle, baling hay, and “Living the Good Life in Paradise.” Bob continued to work his cattle until his death September 29, 2025, at the age of ninety-one.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Harold, Willie (Bill), Henrieta, Leon, Lois, Ilene, and Iola Mae, and his youngest daughter, Janice Odom, of West Plains, Missouri.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; two daughters, Nancy Jaye, Crestview, Florida, and Debra Ayres, Conway, Arkansas; five grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Volunteer Fire Department and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life service for Judy Kay Tackitt, 75, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Ball Church of Christ.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Judy Kay (Tallon) Tackitt, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker passed away at the age of seventy-five. Judy was born on April 2, 1950, in Bakersfield, California, to Lizzie (Raglan) Tallon and Jerry Price Tallon Jr. In 1968, Judy graduated high school at Wasco Union High in Wasco, California. In 1967, she married Jerry Tackitt. They shared life together for fifty-seven years. From their marriage they had two children. Judy worked as a teacher’s assistant for several years. She was the publicist for Heritage Christian University and took classes in theology for two years. She worked in banking, auto manufacturing (nine years for Toyota), Kimball International, and was the secretary for the Huntingburg Church of Christ from 1998 – 2017. Judy’s support enabled her husband to pursue full-time ministry in the Lord’s church. The impact of her life may not be realized fully on earth, but heaven knows. She loved the Lord and helped many come to know Him more fully.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Tackitt; one daughter, Lorie Tackitt; and one son-in-law, Wes Roberts. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Jay (Kim) Roberts, Taylor (Mandi) Collins, Olivia (Scott) Mackey, Emilie (Aaron) Anderson, Bobbi Roberts, Alli (Tyler) Huffman, Austin Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Kaylee Roberts, Stacy Roberts, and Silas Roberts. She is also survived by two sisters, Joan Bonham and Naomi Grontkowski; one brother, Lowell Tallon; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Judy is preceded in death by her daughter, Marcie Roberts, her parents, and one sister, Ramona Belt.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Carolyn Jane Luck, 82, Cabool, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Luck passed away at 1:44 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at her home.
She was born January 26, 1943, at Huntington, West Virginia, to Gene Hearald and Gladys Ferguson. On February 19, 1972, she was married to Ernest Luck, who preceded her in death on November 10, 2002. Mrs. Luck loved arts and crafts. She was passionate about helping others and would take them in as her own. Her nickname was Grandma of Willow Springs. Mrs. Luck loved her family and God.
She is survived by six children, John Michael Sheehan, Houston, Missouri, Anita Michelle Burton, Lomita, California, Ouida Marcellas Malmskog (Glen), Houston, Missouri, Benson Burton, Phoenix, Arizona, Charmaine Luck (Kenny Turnbull), West Plains, Missouri, and Kimberly Luck, Houston, Missouri; twenty-five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Devbra Luck, one grandson, Kenneth Brauer, one brother Marvin, one sister, Brenda, and two aunts, Nelie Duggal and Pearl Severin, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral services for Scott Frank Kosemund, 57, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Kosemund lost his battle with bile duct cancer and passed away at 5:13 p.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home.
He was born February 20, 1968, at Iowa City, Iowa, to Frank and Elsie Marie Trail Kosemund. He was a veteran, having served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Kosemund was a long-time resident of West Plains. He was a big sports fan. The Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals were his favorite teams.
He is survived by two sisters, Rita Smith and husband, Robert, and Valdean Kosemund; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Ball Church of Christ. Burial will be at Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for David Bruce Tompkins, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Spring Creek Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Tompkins passed away at 11:02 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 17, 1939, at Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, New York, to David Hammond Tompkins and Madeline Edith Cosman. Dave was a licensed water well driller in New York, New Jersey and Missouri. He worked for over 65 years in the water well drilling and well service. He started a well service business in Missouri with his son, Rip Tompkins, who continued the business until 2023. Dave was proud of his military service with the United States Navy and was aboard the USS Forrestal where he worked launching planes and made three Mediterranean cruises. Dave met Judith Louise Eckert in June of 1963 and they were married the following June at Montgomery, New York. They enjoyed over 61 years together and had three children, Michell (Shelly) Cannon and husband, David, David (Rip) Tompkins, Jr. and wife, Lisa and Carrie Siegman and husband, Gregg and six grandchildren, David J. Cannon, Zachary Cannon and wife, Maggie, Marisa Rickard and husband, Cliff, Ryan Tompkins, Abigail Siegman and fiancé, Justin and Nathan Siegman. Dave loved his family and was very proud of them.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of the family home; his children; grandchildren; one brother, Rick Tompkins; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
His parents, and one sister, Joan Denardo, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the main room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery.
James Gordon Thompson, 86, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away at 9:20 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Willow Care Nursing Home.
He was born November 20, 1938, at Elk Creek near Rover, Missouri, to James Walter Thompson and Mary P. Keltner Thompson. Mr. Thompson was an avid quail hunter and loved riding horses. He was a lifetime member of Missouri Foxtrot Horse Breeders Association, was a 33rd degree Mason at the Masonic Lodge in Joplin, Missouri, where he was a member for over fifty years.
He is survived by his son, Byron Thompson and wife, Marj, Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Jacob Thompson and wife, Amy and their child, Hadley Thompson, Overland Park, Kansas, Zachery Thompson, Anderson, Missouri, Allyison Thompson, Kansas City, Missouri and Madison Thompson, San Ramone, California; one sister, Linda Coursey, Springfield, Missouri; and one nephew, Brad Coursey, Springfield, Missouri.
His parents and one brother, Richard (Rick) Thompson, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Marilyn Sue Surritte, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at His Place House of Worship, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Surritte passed away at 4:08 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her home.
She was born December 30, 1943, in Harrison County, Missouri, to Harvey Raymond Christie and Edith Mae Damon Christie. Sue graduated high school in Bethany, Missouri in 1961. She was married to Edwin Earl Wilson in June of 1961 and to this union three daughters were born, Kim, Beverly and Cheryl. On June 1, 1971, she was married to Ralph Warren Surritte, who preceded her in death in August of 2019. Sue worked for many years as a server at Skillet’s. She enjoyed making candy, embroidery, bowling and listening to gospel music. She loved to travel with her family. Mrs. Surritte was a born again Christian and was a current member of His Place House of Worship.
She is survived by three daughters, Kim Wilson, West Plains, Beverly Dye and husband, Tim, Bakersfield, Missouri and Cheryl Walker, West Plains; four grandchildren, Lacy Mill and husband, Michael, Caulfield, Missouri, Joshua Dye and wife, Sabrina, West Plains, Keenan Walker and significant other, Lyndsi, West Plains and Cheylyn Smith and husband, Dillin, West Plains; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dwight Christie, Appleton City, Missouri and Herb Christie, State of Iowa; one sister, Lillian McCully and husband, Ron, State of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Eva Christie and two brothers, Raymond and Harold Christie, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Surritte will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to His Place House of Worship, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A private celebration of life service for Sue Ellen VanHorn, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date.
Mrs. VanHorn passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at her home.
She was born March 15, 1946, at Columbia, Missouri, to Robert Louis Jones and Elizabeth Suzanne Beck Jones. On March 1, 1986, she was married at Centralia, Missouri, to Mike VanHorn. Sue worked at Hubbell Power Systems for 39 years. After retiring, she worked as a licensed insurance agent in the State of Missouri. She was a good example of what a wife, mother and grandmother truly should be. Sue was an avid reader and an excellent cook. She enjoyed collecting recipes, cross stitching, collecting antique furniture, glassware and dishes. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband, Mike. Sue had a heart for helping others and loved doting on her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Mike VanHorn, of the family home; one son, Aaron Sydow and wife, Sara, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Grace Green and husband, Hayden, Memphis, Tennessee and Sophia Sydow, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Larry Jones, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
