A memorial service for Eddie Kimes, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2019, venue will be announced at a later date.
Mr. Kimes passed away at 10:50 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2019, at his home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Eddie Kimes Memorial Fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Raymond Arthur Wood, 94, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, near Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wood passed away at 1:17 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2019 at Willow Care Nursing Home.
He was born February 17, 1925, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer Wood and Olive Shadwell Wood. On August 10, 1946, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Mildred Wanda Lee Burgess, who preceded him in death on April 8, 2019. Mr. Wood was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. Before his retirement, Mr. Wood was a dairy farmer; he loved to farm and cut hay. He enjoyed his grandchildren and taking his kids hunting when they were young. Mr. Wood loved his wife.
He is survived by five children, David Wood and wife, Truda, Pomona, Missouri, Randy Wood and wife, Bonnie, Lee Wood and wife, Kay, Jerry Wood and wife, Wilma and Larry Wood and wife, Sandra, all of Willow Springs; fifteen grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Neil Wood and wife, Edith, Willow Springs; Jr. Wood, Washington, Illinois and Kenneth Wood and wife, Ruth, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, twins, Karla and Kyle and four sisters, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Ann Fonner, 62, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 2:58 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born April 8, 1957, in Paris, Illinois, to George Emerick, Sr. and Ruth Strow Emerick. On August 3, 1993, she was married in Paris, Illinois, to Michael Fonner, who preceded her in death on May 21, 2017. She loved her family, grandchildren and her dog, Dewey. Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, cooking and doing puzzles with her friends. She enjoyed going on the road trucking with her late husband and friends.
She is survived by two children, Michael Emerick and wife, Vanae, Pottersville, Missouri and Jessica Henson and husband, Lee, Oakland, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Hailey, Kaden, Emilia and Manuel Henson and Adalyn Emerick; and one brother, Allen Emerick, Springfield, Missouri.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Jane Taylor, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at United Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Taylor passed away at 10:42 a.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born July 15, 1949, at Spring Creek, near Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Paul Lovan and Ruby Thompson Lovan. On April 15, 1967, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Stanley Taylor. Before her retirement, Jane was a beautician. She very much enjoyed gardening, camping, quilting with her church group and was a great cook. Mrs. Taylor loved her husband, daughter and very much enjoyed her grandkids and attending their school activities. She was very devoted to her family, friends, Church and Jesus Christ. Mrs. Taylor has been a member of United Freewill Baptist Church since December, 1991.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley Taylor, of the family home; one daughter, Jennifer Johnson, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Isabel and Noah; one brother, Ron Lovan, Kirbyville, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Steve Taylor and wife, Susie, Republic, Missouri and Kenneth Taylor and Diane Taylor, West Plains; two nephews; and many cousins.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at United Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to United Freewill Baptist Church or Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dianna Eileen Courtney, 72, Pottersville, Missouri, passed away at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Delores Armstrong, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 2, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Armstrong passed away at 12:21 p.m., Thursday, November 28, 2019 at her home.
She was born October 17, 1932, at Decorah, Iowa, to George Tollefsrud and Selma Herbranson Tollefsrud. On January 26, 1952, she was married at Rochester, Minnesota, to Robert Francis Armstrong, who preceded her in death on May 8, 2005. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and loved her family deeply; her family was always her top priority. Mrs. Armstrong was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by five daughters, Penny Armstrong, Denise Hunter, Sheila Chinn and husband, Peter, Sherri Sams and Kathy Fisher and husband, Bill; one son, Keith Armstrong; nine grandchildren, Rodney Hunt and wife, Krista, Jason Hunter and wife, Misty, Jeff Hunter and wife, Tasha, Angie Hunter, Michelle Kight and husband, Bear, Shawna Hammon and husband, Richie, Ashley Heston, Alix Overstreet and husband, Doug and Austi Piper and husband, Ben; nineteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Kemple, Rochester, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Kevin Robert Armstrong and Patrick Francis Armstrong, one granddaughter, Abby Armstrong, one great-granddaughter, Camber Piper, three sons-in-law, Gary Kilkenny, David Hunter and Charlie Sams, three brothers and five sisters, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cox Health at Home, Riverways Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for John Alfred Cline, 86, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Cline passed away at 1:20 a.m., Friday, November 29, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 4, 1933, at Koshkonong, Missouri, to John P. Cline and Lorene Dills Cline. On July 3, 1953, he was married at East Peoria, Illinois, to Ruthie Kelso. Before his retirement, he worked at Caterpillar. Mr. Cline loved his family; he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing slots. John was a hardworking man. His goal when he retired was to farm and build his own house, both of which he accomplished both with the help of his son, Terry and son-in-law, Dale. Mr. Cline attended Shiloh Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ruthie Cline, of the family home; two children, Terry Cline and wife, Nancy, Rover, Missouri and Tracy Leitner and husband, Dale, Birch Tree, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Alma Cline; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Jerry Cline, one great-grandson, Samuel Wynn, one brother, Lonnie Cline and one sister, Wanda Tauber, preceded him in death.
Mr. Cline will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Redburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals or Shriners Hospitals for Children and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
David Dee Flemens, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:20 a.m., Monday, November 25, 2019, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born October 23, 1937, at Dierks, Arkansas, to Dee Flemens and Daisy Blackwell Flemens. On September 1, 1990, he was married at New Hope, Arkansas, to Marlene Dudleston Almas. Mr. Flemens was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. Before his retirement, he worked as a Millwright at Port Townsend Paper Mill in the State of Washington. Mr. Flemens was a member of United Freewill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene Flemens; two daughters from his first marriage, Rita Salama and husband, Gary Pape and Lori Severson; two grandchildren, Michael Dickinson and wife, Cyndal and Daniel Dickinson; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Brayden Dickinson; and special cousin, Louise Tolivar.
His parents and one brother, Donald Flemens preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A visitation service for A. Charlene Greiner, 68, Springfield, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2019 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Three years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, Charlene passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her three children, on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at her home.
She was born August 16, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Charles Edward Phelps, Sr. and Agnes Phelps. Charlene loved her family; her kids and grandchildren were her life. She loved unapologetically fiercely and loved to play the slots with her close friends. Charlene was proud of being a Zizzer and loved West Plains so much that she drove from Springfield to West Plains to have her children. At the end of the day the most important things to her were her family and friends.
She is survived by three children, Rick Greiner and wife, Tracy, Springfield, Missouri, Karl Greiner and wife, Dana, Jacksonville, Florida and Lynette Greiner, Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kennedy, Kelsey, Maia and Lily Greiner; one brother, Charles Edward Phelps, Jr., and wife, Jeanne Phelps; two nieces, Jeanne Harris and husband, Robert and Joi McNeley-Phelps and husband, Jack; and great-niece and great-nephews, Matthew, Erin and Evan.
Her parents and two nephews, Chuck and Andy, preceded her in death.
A visitation service will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. A private burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Springfield or the Harlin Museum of West Plains and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service for Steven Mark Rechtfertig, 64, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rechtfertig passed away at 9:28 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at his home.
He was born April 27, 1955, in Burbank, California, to Mark George Rechtfertig and Jacqueline Andre Rechtfertig. On October 23, 1975, he was married at Reno, Nevada, to Dorcee Dyer. Mr. Rechtfertig had been employed as a warehouse manager for Lucky’s in California. He was a hard working nature lover and enjoyed being outdoors with his family. He was curious about life and could never learn enough. He always told stories that his family loved listening to. Mr. Rechtfertig worked until he was unable. Most of all, he was selfless to people in need and loved his family unconditionally. Mr. Rechtfertig was a Christian from the age of twenty-two and studied God’s word daily in the Bible that he kept in his pocket. He attended Eagle Heights Independent Baptist Church, West Plains.
He is survived by his wife, Dorcee Rechtfertig, of the family home; six children, Medora Rechtfertig, Oakdale, California, Andrea Rechtfertig, Seymour, Missouri, Chare Mattingly and husband, Jedidiah, Seymour, Missouri, Timothy Rechtfertig and wife, Christina, Lake Ozark, Missouri, Christopher Rechtfertig, State of Illinois and Angela Rechtfertig, Nixa, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren, Kenneth Blasengym, Sr., Kevin Blasengym, Jeremiah Blasengym, Joshua Blasengym, Thomas Ali-Rechtfertig, Micah, Haddasah, Hezekiah, Enoch, Moriah, Ezekial, Bashan, Malachi, Damaris and Samuel Mattingly and Miguel Rechtfertig; three great-grandchildren, Aleah, Macy and Kenneth, Jr.; two sisters, Laurel Kabel and Lynnedea Rechtfertig; two cousins, Ali Sargeant and John Babin; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Bruce Rechtfertig and one grandson, Marcus Rechtfertig, preceded him in death.
Graveside services for Louise Elinor Hall Cook, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 25, 2019 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cook passed away Thursday, November 21, 2019 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born December 13, 1931, to John Arthur Hall and Frona Gertrude Irvin Hall. Louise was joined six years later by her much loved younger brother, Ray. She grew up in the “Gunter’s Valley” community and attended Barnett School, a one room school, through the eighth grade. Louise had many wonderful memories and stories about going to Barnett. She graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1949. On November 6, 1955, Louise married the love of her life, Howard Cook. Their love story was a short one; Howard died at the young age of fifty in 1978, Louise never remarried. She loved life and was an upbeat people person, always ready to go somewhere…anywhere. She took lots of bus trips with West Plains Bank. Louise had worked at many jobs. She worked at Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative for many years. After a brief stint as a stay-at-home mom, she began working at the West Plains Daily Quill and Wilke Drug Store. She later worked at Wal-Mart Pharmacy and Burton Creek Pharmacy. Louise hired and trained many young women during her years in the drug stores. They became like family to her and she often referred to them as “her girls”. Ready for another challenge, she began working at the West Plains Chamber of Commerce office and later at Missouri State University in their satellite classroom. She loved the town of West Plains and was also an Ambassador for the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. Louise had a strong faith in God, which she shared with many people. She was baptized for the remission of her sins at the age of twelve. Louise was a lifelong member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. When her girls were young, she told them Bible stories instead of nursery rhymes.
She is survived by her two daughters, Cindia Cole and husband, Greg, Athens, Georgia and Carol Johnson and husband, Glen, West Plains; five grandchildren, Randi Russell and husband, Cody, Chase Johnson and wife, Stephanie, Clay Johnson and wife, Aubrey, all of West Plains, Ryan Cole, Mishawaka, Indiana and Rachel Cole, Norwalk, Connecticut; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Diana Pace.
Her parents, husband, beloved brother and some of her wonderful traveling companions, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
David Wyatt Byerly, 71, Gainesville, Missouri, passed away at 10:16 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at Gainesville Health Care Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Margaret Elaine Franks, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 at First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Franks passed away at 4:58 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born April 23, 1936, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to C. L. “Bud” Bottom and Lorene Anstine Bottom. Elaine graduated from the West Plains High School and the West Valley Community College of Saratoga, California. On June 5, 1954, she was married to Randall Franks and moved to Burbank, California. Returning to West Plains in 1981, she was employed by the Safeway Corporation until her retirement.
She is survived by her husband, Randall Franks; one daughter, Marilyn Anne Burdick; two sons, Randall Mark Franks and Michael Scott Franks; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Don Bottom; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents and one brother, Larry Bottom, preceded her in death.
A memorial service for Helen Elizabeth Dyck, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Dyck passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at her home.
She was born May 26, 1923, at Goessel, Kansas, to Jacob C. Reimer and Agnes Unruh Reimer. On October 5, 1947, she was married at Goessel, Kansas, to Ralph Carl Dyck, who preceded her in death on May 9, 2006. Mrs. Dyck accomplished many things in her life, notably she was a registered nurse for forty years, was a volunteer for Riverways Hospice for twenty-five years, was active in the Food Pantry and held quilt club meetings at her house. She donated a beautiful quilt each year to Mennonite Central Committee. Mrs. Dyck was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by three children, Max Dyck, Bruce Dyck and wife, Mary and Jay Dyck and wife, Naomi; five grandchildren, Jason Dyck and wife, Melissa, Anna Zerr and husband, Keith, Abbie Pinnegar and husband, John, Johann Dyck and wife, Stacy and B. J. Dyck and wife, Kristen; eleven great-grandchildren, Jaylon, Jonus, Alexis, Breianah, Heidi, Aliza, Jack, Lucas, Emily, Sadie and Camille; one sister-in-law, Janice Reimer; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one infant daughter, Sandra Lee Dyck, three brothers, Milferd, Elmer and Leroy Reimer and one sister, Alice Goerzen, preceded her in death.
A private interment will be at a later date in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Ronald Eugene Bales, 58, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bales passed away at 11:08 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was born March 4, 1961, at Viola, Arkansas, to James Eugene Bales and Irene May Griggs Bales. On June 28, 1980, he was married at Leota, Missouri, to Connie Strain. Mr. Bales was an outdoorsman. He was a loving father and husband. Ronald was a great grandfather; he loved all of his grandbabies and enjoyed spoiling them anytime he could. Mr. Bales attended Bakersfield Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Bales, of the family home; two daughters, Kristy Lovorn and husband, Shane, Bentonville, Arkansas and Alicia Vandiver and husband, Eric, Bakersfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Savana, Kaylie, Gracie, Emmett and Kandon; one brother, Eric Bales and wife, Michelle, Bakersfield, Missouri; two nieces; one nephew; one great-niece; and two great-nephews.
His parents and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family or the American Heart Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Clarence Hall Burton, 92, Greenville, Mississippi, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at United Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Burton passed away at 10:30 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019 at Washington Care Center, Greenville, Mississippi.
He was born November 23, 1926, at Paragould, Arkansas, to Clarence Hall Burton and Maude Smith Burton. On March 4, 1950, he was married at Myrtle, Missouri, to Wilma Vivian Wisehart, who preceded him in death on August 21, 2011. He and Vivian were blessed with two sons, Steve and John. Mr. Burton graduated from Oak Grove High School, Paragould, Arkansas in 1944. Reverend Burton served on various state boards in the Arkansas and Missouri State Associations. He served as moderator of the Missouri State Association from 1970-1973. He served on the National Board of Sunday School and Church Training for four years and served twelve years on the Trustee Board, Free Will Baptist Bible College. Reverend Burton served as pastor of the Ballew’s Chapel Church Grubbs, Arkansas from 1955 – 1960; he accepted the pastorate of the First Church in Fredericktown, Missouri in 1960 and was there until October 1963, when he began his work as pastor of the First Church in Berkeley, Missouri. He served the Berkeley Church twelve years and in July, 1975 accepted the position of Executive Secretary for the Missouri State Association and filled this position for seventeen years, resigning this work in July 1992 and semi-retired. He also served as Assistant pastor at United Freewill Baptist Church, West Plains from May 1997 until September 2011. Clarence served his country faithfully in the military. First, he served with the 11th Airborne, as a part of the Occupational Forces in Japan. At the completion of that tour of duty he was honorably discharged. Later, he joined the Air Force Reserve and during the Korean War was recalled to active duty to serve with the 3310th Technical Training Wing of the 5th Air Force. At the end of this tour of duty he was honorably discharged.
He is survived by two sons, Steve Burton and wife, Vickie, Greenville, Mississippi and John Burton and wife, Dianne, Imperial, Missouri; four grandchildren, Chad Burton and wife, Angie, Joshua Burton and wife, Jessica, Justin Burton and Ally Kandlbinder; five great-grandchildren and one on the way, Caleb, Destiny, Callie, Micah and Viviyan; one sister, Doris Rodgers; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one granddaughter, Amy Nicole Burton, one brother, Hayes Burton and three sisters, Mildred, Sheryl and Caroline, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at United Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Jeremy Lee Thompson, 38, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Collins Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Thompson passed away at 10:45 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019, at his home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for William John Rogers, 73, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Bill passed away at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at his home.
He was born December 1, 1945, at Detroit, Michigan, to Curtis William Rogers and Gertrude Sullivan Rogers. On July 10, 1982, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Jane Phillips. Bill worked as a farmer, truck driver, a small business owner and was a retired Sergeant with the Sterling Heights, Michigan Police Department. He enjoyed his work, loved his family and hosting and cooking “breakfast with Grandpa”.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Rogers; six children, Jennifer Laboda and husband, Thomas, William John Rogers II, Jennifer Houts and husband, Jimmie, Matthew Rogers and wife, Stephanie, Jane Ogle and Amanda Rogers; eleven grandchildren, Ashley, Dakota, Mackenzie, Madison, Mitchell, Maxwell, Alex, Christopher, Alexandria, Austin and Karissa; and five great-grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pottersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Medical Center Cancer Treatment Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A graveside service for Dawn Janys Gatewood, 57, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Oak Mound Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gatewood passed away on October 25, 2019 in Indianapolis with her loving family by her side.
She was born May 21, 1962 in New Haven, Connecticut to John and Edys Stine. Dawn received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Fort Wayne Bible College in 1982. She retired after 26 years as a Speech Aide, Library Aide and Kindergarten Aide for West Plains R-7 Schools at the Middle School, South Fork Elementary and West Plains Elementary. Mrs. Gatewood had many interests including arts and crafts, jewelry design and beading, drawing, pottery, painting, bread making, cooking and baking. A lover of animals, she cherished her Chihuahuas, Tanner and Shadow; her Australian shepherds, Lacey and Annie and her horses, Ajax, Florace, and Flash. She enjoyed living in the country and riding horses with her husband, Tom.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 11 years, James Thomas Gatewood.
She leaves behind her parents, John and Edys Stine of Lee’s Summit, MO; brothers, Jack Mele (J.T. Smith), Kris Stine and Justin Stine; sisters, Edys Reilly (Chris Reilly) and Holly Ball (Jeff Ball); nephews, Tracey Mele-Smith, Andrew Mele-Smith, Brandon Mele-Smith, Logan Reilly, Austin Reilly (Laura Reilly), Connor Reilly, Chris Simerman, Chandler Ball, Spencer Ball and Jaedon Ball; nieces, Kristin Stine, Destiney Stine, Justine Stine, Joy Stine and Raeann Ball; grand-nephew Peter Reilly, and grand-niece Aubrey Reilly.
The graveside service will be followed by a visitation and potluck, to be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Alva Jean Mullins Richman, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the First Christian Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Richman passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2019, at West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born March 27, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Alvin Mullins and Sibyl Shaffer Mullins Norfleet.
Alva Jean graduated from West Plains High School in 1947 and attended Drury College. On September 18, 1949, she was married at West Plains, to Gene Richman, who preceded her in death on September 13, 2008. To their union two daughters were born. Together they owned and operated Richman Oil Company. Alva Jean was a homemaker and wonderful mother and grandmother. Mrs. Richman was a member of the First Christian Church for over sixty years, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and on the wedding and funeral committees. Alva Jean’s God given gift was that of a caregiver. She cared for not only her immediate family, but many other close relatives. She was also a devoted participant in the Wednesday Share group, which began meeting each week starting in 1972. Alva Jean and her daughters were very appreciative of the loving care given her by all of the employees of West Vue.
She is survived by her two daughters, Vicky Richman Brown and friend, Lindel Copeland, West Plains, Missouri and Cathy Richman Duggan, Olive Branch, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Jennifer Henry Davis, Cassville, Missouri, Jason Richman Henry, West Plains, Michael David Duggan and wife, Sarah, Kansas City, Missouri, Mark Richman Duggan and wife, Sarah, Memphis, Tennessee, Justin Brown and wife, Jennifer, West Plains, Missouri and Jason Brown and spouse, Doug Heath Brown, Lakeland, Florida; six great-grandchildren, Brina Jacen Davis, Elizabeth Marie Duggan, Sally James Duggan, Scout Barnett, Rachel Brown and Piper Brown; and her many special lifelong friends.
Her parents, husband, step-father, Brooks Norfleet, one brother, H. R. Bob Mullins and her son-in-law, Melvin “Butch” Brown, preceded her in death.
The family will receive their friends in the fellowship hall after the service. A private family burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Tender Mercies Diaper Ministry of First Christian Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.