Visitation for Wayne Staggs, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the home of Bob and Darlene Jolliff, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Staggs died 8:35 p.m., Sunday, September 17, 2017 at his home. He was born September 6, 1929 at Wideman, Arkansas to Garland Staggs and Cleffie Hammond Staggs. Mr. Staggs grew up on a farm near Wild Cherry, Arkansas, attending grade school at Wild Cherry; he graduated from the Viola, Arkansas High School in 1948. On August 13, 1955, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Dortha Lea Pirnack.Mr. Staggs was a veteran having served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He had worked for Burns Benton Furniture, West Plains Floor Covering and retired in May of 1996, after owning and operating Staggs Floor Covering for forty years. Mr. Staggs was a charter member and past Exalted Ruler of the West Plains BPOE. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Mr. Staggs was baptized at a Baptist church in Arkansas when he was 16 years old.
He is survived by his wife, Dortha Staggs, of the family home; two sons, Paul Jolliff, wife, Lana, Metropolis, Illinois and Bob Jolliff, wife, Darlene, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Bobbye DeCook, husband, Fred, Bend, Oregon; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one sister, Betty Webb, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation for Wesley “Buddy” Victor Koonce, 64, Woodward, Oklahoma, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Langston Street Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Buddy passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017 in West Plains, Missouri surrounded by family. He was born November 29, 1952 to Floyd Wesley and Mary Alice (Abbey) Koonce in Mountain View, Missouri. He often spoke of many happy memories of his childhood days spent on Wolf Creek with his uncles, aunts, cousins and siblings. Buddy started his schooling in a two-room school house in Mountain View. He then moved to Koshkonong and graduated as a West Plains Zizzer in 1971. Buddy worked for a few years at Marathon Electronic before moving to Woodward, Oklahoma in 1982 where he worked as a machinist for thirty plus years with Weatherford Artificial-Lift Systems and currently was employed at Simmons Machine Works. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, fishing, sharing his love for springs and rivers, shooting and, of course, Harleys. Buddy is known for his orneriness and one-liners.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clay Holden, and nephews, Christopher Roberts and Billy Ray Billings.
Buddy is survived by his mother, Grace Holden Koonce; son, Brian and wife, Lori Koonce; daughter, Jennifer and husband, Greg Thompson; three granddaughters, Abby and husband, Matt Patterson, Adelyn and Baby Thompson; sister-in-law, Shirley Holden; sisters, Debbie and husband, Bill Ball, Mary Kay and husband, Marvin Ball, Meredith, Patti, Marilyn and husband, Keith Tharp, Terri and husband, Roger Smith, Ivena and husband, Donny Wheeler, and Carolyn and husband, Jim Billings; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
We will miss you our sweet Budro, but you are “free to go”.
Graveside services for Mary B. Schaffer, 99, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Pottersville Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Schaffer died 4:30 a.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017 at her home. She was born February 1, 1918 at Altamont, Missouri to Frank Burns and Pearl Lord Burns. On December 17, 1960, she was married at Kansas City, Missouri to Donald Paul Schaffer who preceded her in death on February 1, 1993. Mrs. Schaffer was employed for thirty years at the Leonard’s Cap Factory in Kansas City, Missouri and retired from the American Optical of Kansas City as a repair person. After retirement in Kansas City, the family moved to Pottersville, Missouri where they enjoyed many years among friends and neighbors. Mrs. Schaffer enjoyed quilting having been a member of the Love Thy Neighbor Club, loved to garden, worked part time for the West Plains Public Library and volunteered at the Animal Shelter. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Collins, Dora, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Pat Todd and two sons, Dick and Gary Calhoon, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Schaffer will lie in state from 3:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 15th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Lena Faye Fox, 85, Nixa, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Gospel Hill Cemetery, near Pottersville, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fox died 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Mercy, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. She was born April 7, 1932 at Cureall, Missouri to Hiza Jack Williams and Esta Mable Lawing Williams. On August 29, 1953, she was married at Filer, Idaho to Elvis Allen Fox. Mrs. Fox enjoyed quilting and sewing. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband, Elvis Fox, of the family home; one son, Steve Fox, wife, Geneva, Ozark, Missouri; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lester Williams, Crider, Missouri and Jim Williams, wife, Verna, Tecumseh, Missouri; one sister, Lela Mawhiney, husband, Ron, Nixa, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one son, Stanley Charles Fox, one daughter, Bonnie Faye Fox, one sister, Noma Kimbrough and one brother, Billy Joe Williams, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16th, at the Gospel Hill Church of Christ. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gospel Hill Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Anne Myrl Stewart, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2017 at his Place House Of Worship under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stewart died 9:00 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2017 at her home. She was born September 3, 1933 at Luxora, Arkansas to Delmar Jordan and Virgil Nadine Davis Jordan. On December 19, 1950, she was married in the State of Mississippi to James Harvey Stewart who preceded her in death on April 8, 1997. Mrs. Stewart had been a physical therapist at the Copley Memorial Hospital and enjoyed being a homemaker. She loved gardening, raising flowers and walking in the woods. Mrs. Stewart was a Sunday School teacher for many years and was a member of His Place House Of Worship.
She is survived by four children, James (Jim) Stewart, wife, Marci, San Antonio, Texas, Gary Stewart, wife, Freda, Aurora, Illinois, Mary Stewart, and Martha Decker, husband, Chris, all of West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, Astrid Stewart, Jeremy Stewart, Jaime Stewart, Kristi Phillips, Ryan Phillips, Joshua Hart, Aubrey Palmatier, Noah Decker, Elijah Decker, Isaac Decker, Jordan Stewart, Taylor Stewart and Kaleb Stewart; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, William Jordan, wife, Doris, Myrtle, Mississippi; one sister, Rusty Sohacki, husband, Al, Phoenix, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Harvey Stewart, and four brothers, Wayne, Jamie, Bobby and Paul Jordan, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 17th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to His Place House Of Worship and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Services for Eudean Marie Claxton, 62, a former resident of NHC HealthCare of West Plains for the last twenty-five years, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 at NHC HealthCare.
Eudean died at 6:02 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2017 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri. She was born November 9, 1954 in Howell County, Missouri to Otis Claxton and Pauline Hazel Mosier Claxton.
She is survived by her sister, Gloria Sue Kimbel, husband, Gene, Jackson, Missouri; nieces and nephews, David Colbert, Leann Proud, Luke Colbert and family; her aunt, Treva Hammond; and her cousins, Kaye Hicks, husband, Homer, Rod Hammond, Shirley Bodkin, Rex Knapp, wife, Debbie, Sharon Goodman, Karon Fink, Kathy and Edward Mosier, Patricia Claxton and Priscella Claxton.
Her parents, Otis Claxton and Pauline Ledgerwood and one sister, Charlene Claxton, preceded her in death.
Eudean made a life at NHC HealthCare where all her friends became family.
Memorial contributions in memory of Eudean Marie Claxton may be made to the NHC HealthCare Activity Fund and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Reid Lair, 81, Smithville, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Clear Springs Baptist Church, Tecumseh, Missouri, with the visitation one hour prior to services under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Lair passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at his home. He was born February 8, 1936 to Hugh and Dollie (Bierbower) Lair in Leota, Missouri. Reid grew up and attended school in Leota. On May 18, 1954, he was united in marriage to Shirley Evans. Reid moved his family to Platte County from West Plains in 1965. He was a farmer most of his life. Reid was a Deacon at Paradise Baptist Church and Little Platte Baptist Church. He was very active in church and his community.
Reid is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Rick Lair, Vicky (James) Meyer, and Cindy Lair; grandchildren, Michelle Benson, Stacy Benson, Alison (JR) Holloway, Megan (Ryan) Pearce, Hannah (Richard) Clarkson and Channing (Joe) Paine; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Rylee, Jeremiah, Morgan, and Nevaeh; brothers, Rueben Lair and Bill (Linda) Lair; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Arthur and Virgil Lair, sister, Marguerite Halbrook, and son, Robbie Lair.
Graveside services for Julian Forrest Sherrill, Sr., 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Sherrill died 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2017 at his home. He was born August 12, 1926 at Corning, Arkansas to Henry Sherrill and Emma Eastwood Sherrill. Mr. Sherrill received a Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas State and on September 22, 1947, was married at Eminence, Missouri to Thelma Lee Phillips who preceded in death on December 14, 2009. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the United States Army. Before his retirement, Mr. Sherrill had served as the Postmaster at Pomona, Missouri and had served as the Hutton Valley Republican Committeeman. He was a Christian and had attended the Pomona Christian Church and Lost Camp Baptist Church.
He is survived by two children, Jay Sherrill, wife, Angel, West Plains, Missouri and Dianna Henry, Pomona, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Mason Sherrill, May Henry, Fred Henry, Randy Henry, Rachel Green, Will Letterman, Jason Letterman and Wayne Sherrill, II; several great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his adopted family and care givers, Kymmi, Cindy and Haylee.
His parents, wife, one son, Wayne Sherrill, daughter-in-law, Jeanie, son-in-law, Leonard Henry, and two brothers, Carl and Bill Sherrill, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 12th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Veterans Honor Guard of West Plains and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for George Peter Hansen, III, 62, West Plains, Missouri, was held September 8, 2017 at West Plains Community Gardens.
Mr. Hansen passed away at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2017 at his home.
He was born January 26, 1955, at Turlock, California, to Christopher David Hansen and Addie L. Fiez Hansen. Mr. Hansen was a proud gardener at the community garden and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He is survived by two children, Robert Cervantes and Sharlene Petrea; two grandchildren, Karissa Carter and Nicole Petrea; and his former wife, Janice Hansen.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Community Gardens and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life services for Linda Lee Plachy, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Free Union Church, Leota, Missouri.
Mrs. Plachy died 1:06 a.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born November 7, 1946 at Smithville, Texas to Barnie Screws and Mattie Lee Chapman Screws. On November 20, 1964, she was married at Beeville, Texas to Joseph (Joe) Plachy, Sr. Mr. Plachy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; she enjoyed her family. She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Plachy, of the family home; two children, Joe Plachy, Jr., wife, Debra, West Plains, Missouri and Melissa Johnson, husband, Terry, Republic, Missouri; six grandchildren, Heather Shotts, husband, Calvin, Tiffany Short, husband, Troy, Christina Plachy, Tonya Johnson, Destiny Parker and Christopher Uchtman and spouse, Jamie; eight great-grandchildren and two on the way; one brother, Arthur Dennis, wife, Rosemary; several nieces and nephews; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family or the Free Union Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Kathie Arlene Abney, 62, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2017 at Thayer Freewill Baptist Church, Thayer, Missouri. A graveside service will be held at Boss Cemetery, Boss, Missouri, at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
Ms. Abney passed away at 6:16 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Baxter Regional Medical Center.
She was born February 5, 1955, at Pekin, Illinois, to Roy Clifford Hedrick and Lorraine Geneva Farmer Hedrick. Ms. Abney enjoyed quilting and crafting and loved baking and playing games with her grandchildren. She also loved the outdoors and would rather be in the woods or on the river than anywhere else in the world. Ms. Abney spent her life caring for others. She became a foster parent in 2012, and loved every single child that was brought into her home; she missed each of them terribly when they moved on.
She is survived by her children, Michelle Tupper and her husband, Butch Tupper, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Melissa Abney and her husband, Heath Collins, West Plains, Missouri; grandchildren, Dalton and his wife, Ashley M., Ashley, Nicholas and Brennah, Kendra, Weston, Abby, Hailey and many others she loved like grandchildren, including, Amber, Asa, Heather, Kayla, Kaylie, Zack, Ivy Donna and all of the foster children who came through her home; four sisters, Shirley Congelosi, Julie Hedrick, Gloria Callaway and husband, Gary and Tena Worden and husband, Mike; her two lifelong friends, Gail Martin and Sandie Chism Lambert; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other family and friends. Kathie was looking forward to becoming a great-grandmother in February.
Her parents, two brothers, Darrell and Larrie Hedrick, nephew, Chris Hedrick and brother-in-law, Frank Congelosi, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Ann Rodenbeck was born on February 1, 1951, in West Plains, Missouri. She peacefully passed from this life on August 28, 2017, at her home. She was married on May 26, 1974, to Larry Rodenbeck, at Lake Wappapello, near Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She is survived by her husband, Larry Rodenbeck, her son Jay and wife Prajakta of Gaithersburg, Maryland, her son Ty of Springfield, Missouri and her daughter Abby and husband Clint Harris of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brother, Joe Bill Dixon of West Plains, Missouri, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Ann Franklin of Indianapolis, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Pam Rodenbeck of Martinsville, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Terri Rodenbeck of Mooresville, Indiana, her nephew, Greg Dixon and wife, Jamie of West Plains, Missouri, her nephew, Chad Dixon and wife, Jessica of West Plains, Missouri, her nephew, Rick Franklin and wife, Stephanie of Indianapolis, Indiana, her niece, Amy Pickett of Indianapolis, Indiana, her niece Kelly Rodenbeck-Stone of Franklin, Indiana, and her nephew Matt Rodenbeck and wife, Janay, of Martinsville, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Dixon and her mother, Ruth Dixon of West Plains, Missouri, her mother-in-law, Lennes Rodenbeck-Hendricks of Spencer, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Judy Dixon of West Plains, Missouri and her brother-in-law, Rick Rodenbeck of Mooresville, Indiana. She graduated from West Plains High School in 1969 and graduated with a B.S. degree from Harding University in 1973. She completed her Master’s degree in Education from Missouri State University in 1986. She taught for 37 years at Greenville, Missouri, at Richards R-5 and at Howell Valley R-1, with the majority of those years spent at Richards R-5. She taught many subjects and thrived on the challenge of teaching different grade levels and subject areas. She loved her profession and truly enjoyed teaching kids and observing the progress of her students. She greatly enjoyed traveling with her family throughout the United States and abroad. She always had fond memories of her childhood, growing up on a farm outside of West Plains, Missouri, which was established in 1880. She was a lifelong member of the Brandsville, Missouri Church of Christ, where she taught many years of Sunday school classes. Through the years, she was very benevolent towards donating to charities. We would like to thank the following who assisted her in her courageous battle with dementia: Dr. Clara Applegate, Dr. Jeffrey Roylance and the Wound Care Services of Ozarks Medical Center. A drop-in celebration of life with family and friends will be taking place at Howell Valley School from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Dress attire at the celebration will be informal, please feel free to wear a school shirt you have been affiliated with in honor of her life devotion to education. Following the celebration of life, at 3:30 PM there will be an uplifting memorial service at Meltabarger Cemetery. You can make a donation in lieu of flowers to the Paragould Children’s Home at 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR 72450 or may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Kenneth Kirkland, 69, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Baptist Hill Church near Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Kirkland died 12:20 a.m., Sunday, September 3, 2017 at his home. He was born April 30, 1948 at West Plains, Missouri to Charles Kirkland and Chloe Watts Kirkland. On March 7, 1970, he was married in Ozark County, Missouri to Mary Ruth Taylor. Before his retirement, Mr. Kirkland was employed at DRS in West Plains, Missouri and was a well known cattle farmer in the Caulfield area. He enjoyed working on his farm and raising cattle and was an avid coon, deer and turkey hunter. Mr. Kirkland was a Christian and attended the Amy Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Kirkland, of the family home; one brother, Bob Kirkland, wife, Cindy, Caulfield, Missouri; three brothers-in-law, Ed Climber, McLouth, Kansas, Leslie Hicks, West Plains, Missouri and Clinton Taylor, Chillicothe, Missouri; five sisters-in-law, Susan Taylor, Caulfield, Missouri, Barbara Kirkland, Kansas City, Missouri, Joyce Kirkland, Caulfield, Missouri, Nancy Kirkland, State of Colorado and Phyllis Kirkland, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, four brothers, Charles Kirkland, Jr., Dale Kirkland, Jack Kirkland and Tom Kirkland, one sister, Veltia Hicks, six sisters-in-law, Willow Taylor, Janet Taylor, Velma Taylor, Louise Climber, Lucy Taylor and Hilda Taylor and one brother-in-law, Dennis Taylor, preceded him in death.
Mr. Kirkland will lie in state from 12:00 (noon) Wednesday, September 6th until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 7th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside service for Joshua James Donaldson, infant son of Stormy Donaldson and Destiny Smith, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at Babyland in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Joshua went to be with the Angels at 4:16 a.m., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He is survived by his parents, Stormy River Donaldson and Destiny Demi Sue Smith; one brother, Remington Donaldson; maternal grandparents, Michelle and Kenny Smith; maternal great-grandmother, Karen Henry; paternal great-grandparents, Linda Donaldson, David Donaldson, Linda Elmore and Gary Bowman; one uncle, Dakota Smith; one aunt, Brook Reiter and husband, Lance; and two cousins, Grayson and Jayde.
His paternal grandparents, Joshua and Amy Donaldson and maternal great-grandfather, Eldon Henry, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life service for Robin Lee Van Dyke, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the family home.
Mr. Van Dyke passed away at 3:55 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born October 1, 1949, at Manhattan, Kansas, to Robert C. “Doc” Van Dyke and Dorris Robinson “Gram” Van Dyke. He graduated from Pella High School, Pella, Iowa, with the Class of 1967 and received an associate’s degree from Arkansas Tech, Russellville, Arkansas. On March 1, 1989, he was married at Juliet, Illinois, to Jeanne Miller. Rob enjoyed woodworking and golf and loved spending time with his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Van Dyke, of the family home; four children, DeAnna Williams and husband, Charles, Dixie Sumners and husband, Tom, Jerry Trimble, and wife, Tammy and Asha Richardson and husband, Tim; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Rex Van Dyke and wife, Leann; two sisters, Susie Logan and Donna Briggs; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one son, Joe Trimble, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Bennie Joe Mullins, 78, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2017 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mullins passed away at 6:24 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born February 26, 1939, at Roaring Springs, Texas, to Ben J. Mullins and Martha Davis Mullins. On August 11, 1956, he was married at Raton, New Mexico, to Irene “Carol” Turnbull, who preceded him in death February 24, 2012. Mr. Mullins was a veteran, having retired from the United States Army, as a Sergeant Major. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and loved farm life. Mr. Mullins was a member of the V.F.W.
He is survived by four children, Bill and Cam Luthi, Canadian, Oklahoma, Tony and Marcha Mullins, Springfield, Missouri, Ben Mullins, Springfield, Missouri and Bennie and Melanie Mullins, Newnan, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Laura Mullins, Kansas City, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Richard “Wayne” Mullins, Jr., Mary Elizabeth Roberson, Bennie Mullins, III, Tabitha Perez and husband, Jose, Joshua Mullins, Trent Mullins and Heather Mullins; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Mullins and wife, Peggy and Donald Mullins and wife, Mary; one sister, Cathy Porter and husband, Bill; brother-in-law, Pervis Evans; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one son, Richard Mullins and two sisters, Glenda and Barbara, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mackey Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rhoda Elizabeth Watkins, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2017 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Watkins passed away at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born September 17, 1938, in Howell County, Missouri, to Calton King and Alice Pauline Willard King. She was married in July, 1954, to Theodore Watkins. On June 9, 1957, she was married to Billy Dee Abney, who preceded her in death July 20, 1990; she re-married Theodore Watkins October 6, 1991. She collected dolls, enjoyed embroidery and kept a notebook of songs. Mrs. Watkins was of the Pentecostal faith and was a member of Victoria Mission Church.
She is survived by her husband, Theodore Watkins; two children, Angela W. Farabee, Springfield, Missouri and Billy Dee Abney, Jr., and wife, Carmen, Springfield, Missouri; five step-children, Susie George, Havana, Arkansas, Barbara Watkins, Paris, Texas, Wesley Watkins and wife, Marsha, Springdale, Arkansas, Sherry Watkins, Springdale, Arkansas and Brad Watkins and wife, Kim, Forum, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; thirteen step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Gloria Brotherton and husband, Jesse, West Plains, Alice Jean Johnson and husband, Larry, West Plains, James Richard King and wife, Leslie, West Plains, Shirley Kay Moritz and husband, Jim, Dora, Missouri, Don R. King and wife, Jan, West Plains, John Wayne King and wife, Donna, Yellville, Arkansas and Joe Neal King and wife, Melinda, West Plains; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Jacky Dee and Randal Alfred Abney, three brothers, Clarence, Othel and Bob King and two sisters, Deanna Vandiver and Carolyn Marie King, preceded her 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 Elk Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Jesse Thomas Kuntz, 29, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Buff Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jesse passed away August 26, 2017 at his home.
He was born August 2, 1988, at West Plains, Missouri, to Bob Kuntz and Belinda Collins Kuntz. Jesse graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 2007 and worked as a corrections officer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors; he loved playing and spending time with his nieces and nephews. Mr. Kuntz was a member of Berean Baptist Church.
He is survived by his fiancé Breanna Steelman and her daughter, Breail, Raymondville, Missouri; his parents, Bob and Belinda Kuntz; two brothers, Josh Hathaway and wife, Megan, New London, Missouri and Ray Kuntz and significant other, Lacey Wake, West Plains, Missouri; five nieces and one nephew, Jayden, Aubree, Kynlee and Raylen Kuntz and Jackson and Adyson Hathaway; his paternal grandmother, Doris Kuntz, West Plains; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
His paternal grandfather, Bill Kuntz and maternal grandparents, Everett and Adeline Collins, and numerous aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Buff Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Lois P. Walker, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Walker passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, August 27, 2017.
Lois was born August 24, 1933 near Mtn. Home, Arkansas and grew up in Gainesville, Missouri, where she attended school. Not only did she graduate from Gainesville High School in 1952, she also met the love of her life, James W. Walker. The couple met in the 6th grade and then married March 28, 1953. They were married sixty-four years, and had lived in Gainesville, West Plains and Cabool. James and Lois’s work life together began in 1969 establishing Walker Insurance Agency and later Owens Insurance Agency, finally retiring in 2013.
Lois was a proud Christian woman. In 1960 Lois and James became members of the First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. Not only did she find spiritual knowledge, strength and joy at FBC, she and James were part of a special group of forever friends that shared every moment of each other lives. The bond that tied Warren and Ruth Fletcher, George and Pat Osborn, Perk and Louise Perkins, Newt and Carolyn Brill, Ken and Peggy (later Joan) Gammill, Harold and Ina Tipton, Roy and Pattye Lester, Leroy and Betty Vaughan, Dane and Dorothy Ann Smith was actually thick as blood and they considered each other family. Through the years they shared many monthly dinners, numerous family milestones and adventures that usually turned into someone’s car trunk full of antiques. Those still here cherish these memories, while many of the others who have graduated to be with their Lord are now rejoicing as Lois has joined them. During their marriage Lois and James had two sons, Jerry and Mike. Lois was a proud mother of her boys and brought them up in church and did her best to instill her strong love of the lord and her church. Along with the love for her sons, Lois adored her first granddaughter, Hillary Walker (step-daughter of Jerry Walker and mother Dottie Summers). Her love for Christmas was infectious and many blessed memories surround this season. In 2005, Lois experienced a love like no other, a fireball of a granddaughter, Sophie Walker was born. Sophie lit the Walker home once again with joyful laughter and innocence that gave the family purpose. Lois taught Sophie many old school traditions and values, but among the most important was Christian faith and love of family. Special memories will be forever cherished of the Pumpkin Patch, Christmas and Easter Sundays. Lois spent many years enjoying entertaining and traveling, but dear to her was the beginning of spring which brought about her love for her flowers and lawn appearance. In our family, she was famous for her pies, rolls and Christmas Casserole (which Hillary and Sophie are already searching for the treasured recipe). Lois was also known for her impeccable fashion which involved her beloved friend, Florence James. Her taste in antiques and home décor brought about many items her family will cherish and remember her by.
Her parents, Verdon and Madge Payne, brothers, Verdon Payne Jr. and wife Illa Dean Payne, and Bob Payne, precede her in death.
She is survived by her husband, James Walker, of the family home; two sons, Jerry Walker and wife, Chrissy and their daughter Sophia, of West Plains, Missouri; and Michael Walker and wife, Anush, of Burbank, California; granddaughter, Hillary Tugwell and husband, Jim, and their children, Emma, Kate, and James, of West Plains, Missouri; two nieces, Verdenna Lavaar and husband, Guy of St. Louis, Missouri and Phyllis Fruen and husband, Hank of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as two sisters-in-law, grand nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or American Heart Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Elvin Wayne O’Conner, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. O’Conner passed away at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 25, 2017 at his home.
He was born July 30, 1948, at Bethany, Missouri, to Lonnie J. O’Conner and Cleo Wheatley O’Conner. On June 26, 1972, he was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Sharon Louise Collins. He loved hunting, fishing, showing horses and watching squirrels. Mr. O’Conner was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon O’Conner, of the family home; one daughter, Stephanie Groover, Brandsville, Missouri; one grandchild, Keasha Groover; one great-grandchild, Billy Groover; his mother, Cleo Boyer, West Plains; one brother, Donald Ray O’Conner, West Plains; one half-brother, Frank James O’Conner, Marshall, Missouri; four half-sisters, Barbie, Brenda, Charleen and Pam; four brothers-in-law, Lawrence Collins, Jr., West Plains, Dale, Steven and Lloyd Collins, all of Willow Springs, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Don Curtis O’Conner.
His father, step-father, Clinton Boyer, one grandson, Robert Wayne Groover and one brother, Robert Wayne O’Conner, preceded him in death.
Mr. O’Conner will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Oak Grove Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.