Graveside services for Everett Morris Brewer, 78, Nixa, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Brewer passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Seymour, Missouri.
He was born April 14, 1945, at Gainesville, Missouri to Mildred and Henry Brewer; he was the youngest son of eight children. Everett graduated from West Plains High School in 1963. He was in the Missouri National Guard, ranked sharp shooter as Military Police in the 1960’s. On September 2, 1966, he was married at West Plains, to Linda Lee Ford. Everett was a store manager in the Wal-Mart company since 1977, Houston, Missouri. Everett was proud to say he worked his way up in the company from stock boy in 1969. He managed the West Plains location from 1980 – 1993 upon his retirement. He was active in local civic clubs including United Way, Lion’s Club, West Plains R-7 School Board Member and Chamber of Commerce (President 1984). Everett and Linda raised three successful children, Michelle, Jason and Nathan. Everett had a passion for hot rods that was cultivated by his older brothers. He started Corvettes Unlimited as a hobby in 1988. He and Linda enjoyed building and designing houses throughout their 57 year marriage. Everett transitioned into retirement combining his success in business with his passion for classic cars. In 1993 he moved his family to the Springfield area and launched his full time dealership with his wife and sons. Everett had two grandchildren, Logan and Megan. He enjoyed sharing his love of cars with them both.
He is survived by his three children, Michelle Titus and husband, Jay, Springfield, Missouri, Jason Brewer and wife, Diana, Ozark, Missouri and Nathan Brewer, Nixa, Missouri; two grandchildren, Logan and Megan; and his siblings, David Brewer, Don Brewer, Edith Little and Elsie Morgan.
His parents, wife (just two months ago), two brothers, Ed and Earl Brewer and one sister, Evelyn Correll, preceded him in death.
Your prayers and support of our family through this time is much appreciated. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network or Calvary Baptist Church, Ozark, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Joyce Loretta Wrinkles, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wrinkles passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born May 9, 1936, to Harold E. Strong and Faye Hicks Strong. On November 15, 1960, she was married at West Plains, to Edward Lee (Tom) Wrinkles, who preceded her in death on February 1, 2019. Joyce was a homemaker and was very loving and kind. She had a love for her family that was outstanding and always looked for opportunities to help others. She was a strong woman that worked hard for her family and would do anything she could for her family and friends. Joyce was a Christian all of her life.
She is survived by three children, Brenda Wrinkles, Jeff Wrinkles and Rhonda Howell, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Brian, Paul, Carrie, Matthew, Isabell, Stephanie and Margaret; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one daughter-in-law, Kristine Wrinkles, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Robert (Bob) Crites, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Crites passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024.
He was born December 1, 1944 at his grandmother’s house near Blair Bridge on the North Fork River in Ozark County, Missouri, to the late Jack and Mildred Cobb Crites. On May 23, 1965, he was married at Pomona, Missouri to Ruth Ellen Marcum who preceded him in death on June 2, 2014. In his younger days, Bob was a meat cutter at Garrett’s Store in West Plains then became the owner /operator of the Dog ‘N Suds Drive In and later the Dairy Princess Drive In where, with his wife Ruth, ran successful businesses for many years and was well respected for being an honest and hard worker. He was also a farmer, raising beef cattle and Missouri Fox Trotter horses and served as President of Howell County Farm Bureau. He served as a Board Member of the Fairview School Board. He was a Christian and had served as a Bible class teacher, an Elder and a Deacon at the Gospel Hill Church of Christ where he had been a member for over 50 years. Bob enjoyed woodworking and fishing with his friends. Despite suffering a major stroke nearly 25 years ago, he thrived and adapted in most of his daily tasks and amazed friends and family with his ability to persevere and overcome.
He is survived by two children, Rhonda Meyer, husband Marc, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Robbie Crites, wife Lynn, of the family home in West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Lindsay Meyer, Jack Meyer, Bo Crites, Coy Crites and Mac Crites; two brothers, Jack Crites and wife, Janella, Dora, Missouri and Bill Crites and wife, Paula, Bakersfield, Missouri; one sister, Kathy Dillon and husband, Greg, Tecumseh, Missouri; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, along with special friends, Lanny and Dee Lewis.
His parents, wife, and one brother, Don Crites, precede him in death.
Mr. Crites will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday at Gospel Hill Church of Christ. Burial will be in Gospel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains or Fair Haven Children’s Home 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 Jeanette Peterson, 75, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held July 6, 2024, in Bolivar, Missouri for all family and friends that loved her.
Mrs. Peterson passed away at 9:20 p.m., Monday, February 19, 2024, at her home after a long battle with lung cancer.
She was born August 21, 1948, in California, to Kenneth Eugene and Alberta Elizabeth Cauldwell. On November 19, 2019, she was married at Ava, Missouri, to Fred Peterson. Jeanette loved animals and enjoyed her fur babies; she also enjoyed fishing.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Peterson; four children, Kenneth Cauldwell and fiance’ Dawn, Kana Aucick and husband, Earl, Teresa Climer and husband, David and Chris Cauldwell and wife, Mary; eleven grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.
Her parents, two grandsons, Shane Michael McDonald and Drew Christopher Climber and one sister, Linda Behil, preceded her in death.
The family would like to give a special t hank you to Chris and Mary for their care given during Jeanette’s cancer treatments.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Kathy Marie Kibodeaux, 54, Mountain View, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kibodeaux passed away at 8:35 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her parent’s home in Pomona, Missouri.
She was born February 24, 1969, at Sulphur, Louisiana, to Billy Vincent and Billie Wofford Vincent. On October 6, 1990, she was married to George Kibodeaux. Kathy enjoyed reading, traveling and shopping. She loved Elvis and all things Elvis. Kathy loved her family, especially her grandchildren; anything they wanted to do, she’d do it. She loved to joke and make people laugh. Kathy never complained about anything; she was a joy to be around and was loved by all that knew her. Mrs. Kibodeaux was a member of Thee Foundation Church, Camdenton, Missouri
She is survived by her husband, George Kibodeaux, Hackberry, Louisiana, three children, Amanda Savoie and husband, Derek, Mountain View, Missouri, Allen Kibodeaux and wife, Paige, Hackberry, Louisiana and Courtney Smith and husband, Tyler, Vinton, Louisiana, four grandchildren, Paisley, Bentley, Adree and Haiden; her parents, Billy and Billie Vincent, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Vernice Deville and husband, Gus, DeQuincy, Louisiana; and several nieces, nephews and god children.
Her grandson, Landon Ziegler, one brother, Steven Vincent, one great-nephew, Kyler Dydasco and her maternal and paternal grandparents, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Jesse Edward Abbott, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:57 a.m., Monday, February 19, 2024, at his home.
He was born February 7, 1947, at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Edward Eugene Abbott and Georgia Powell Abbott. Mr. Abbot was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines. He was a good father and had a huge family that loved him. Jesse loved his garden and mushroom hunting. He was a Christian.
He is survived by his children, John Abbott and wife, Victoria, Robert Abbott and Anna Goedecker; his step-children, Holly Ligon, Amy Wilson, Tom Wilson and Samantha Hofelich; four brothers, Leslie, Tony, Tracey and David Abbott; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, his wife, Regina Abbott, one son, Jesse Edward Abbott, Jr., one brother, Jerry Abbott and one sister, Lisa Abbott Barrett, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Amelia Joan (Amy) Luna, 67, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Luna passed away at 3:10 a.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 5, 1956, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Bernie and Geneva Watkins. Amy graduated from Dora High School and was married to Terry Luna June 6, 1975. Amy was a stay at home mom and worked many years on the farm right beside Terry. Cutting hay was her favorite chore to do. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally. She loved going to all of their many activities, ball games most importantly. She loved to sing, especially gospel and bluegrass music. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, nanny, and friend.
Amy is survived by her husband, Terry of 48 years; their children, Willie Luna and wife, Crystal, Dora, Missouri, Christy Lowe and husband, Kurt, Willow Springs, Missouri, Dustin Luna and wife, Whitney, Eureka, Missouri and Ernie Fox and wife, Erin, of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tyler Luna, Dora, Missouri, Seth Luna and significant other, Chloe, Dora, Missouri, Carson Lowe and wife, Zoe, Pomona, Missouri, Keena Lowe and significant other, Hurston, Willow Springs, Missouri, Addi Luna and significant other, Jacob, West Plains, Missouri, Layton Luna, Eureka, Missouri and Daxton Luna, Eureka, Missouri; siblings, Ronnie Watkins and wife Wanda, Dora, Missouri, Connie Williams and husband, Jack, Caulfield, Missouri and Becky Smith and husband, Phillip, Dora, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Amy is preceded in death by her parents, Bernie and Geneva Watkins and her mother-in-law and father in law, Clifton and Flora Mae Luna.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hale Cemetery 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 Syndi Davis, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the family residence, 5675 Private Road 9134, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Davis passed away at 2:04 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2024, at her home.
She was born May 15, 1968, at Fullerton, California, to James Dean Blinsmon and Patricia Collier Blinsmon. On May 16, 1992, she was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Paul Davis. Syndi had a contagious love for music that she spread to friends and family all throughout her life. She also loved to travel, whether it be for rock hunting, enjoying some of America’s greatest big and small cities, or just taking a weekend drive to a nearby destination. Syndi was also known for loving to create from cooking to crafts, she was always excited to try new ideas and projects.
She is survived by her husband, Paul; three children, Amanda, Mike and Nena; three grandchildren, Austin, Avery and Malcolm; her mother, Patricia; two sisters, Denise and Dodi; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Lisa LaBriola.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Mikayla Harris, Marvin Hatley and the West 160 Church of Christ for the love they have shown.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
David Morris Cole, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:15 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born April 22, 1946, in Genesee County, Michigan, to McKie Cole and Jessie Lee Spears. On May 26, 1979, he was married at San Jose, California, to Margaret Ladd. Mr. Cole was an entrepreneur and owned many businesses over his lifetime, such as Dave’s Handyman and Dave’s Steakhouse.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Cole; seven children, David Morris Cole III, Amy Pearl DeAngelis and husband, Kris, Jessie Lawrence, David Morris Cole, Jr., John Baker, Tammy Baker and Daryl Potter; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and two brothers preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Kay Lynn Kenaga, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kenaga passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 31, 1963, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Robert Burdette, Sr. and Bonnie Jean Miyler Burdette. Kay loved to sing and play music. She was self taught on guitar and piano. She enjoyed cheerleading, baton, roller skating, floating, swimming and laying out in the sunshine. Kay also enjoyed collecting porcelain bears. She was in the NA program in West Plains.
She is survived by one son, Donald William Colvin; her father, Robert Burdette, Sr.; two sisters, Kelly Wilson and husband, John, Mountain Grove, Missouri and Shawn Montgomery, Lebanon, Missouri, one brother, Bryan Weeks, Springfield, Missouri; two step-brothers, Randy Burdette and wife, Rhonda, State of Maryland and Robert Burdette Jr., and wife, Norma, State of Arkansas; one step-sister, Sherel Kaltenaucker and husband, Tom, State of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews, Emory, Keri, Casi, Phillip, Katie, Ryan, Mariann, Jessica, Ashley, Brian, Tasha, Levi, Haylie, Trever, Tyler and Joshua.
Her mother, Bonnie, one daughter, Kristi Lynn Colvin, one sister, Sherri Lee Burdette and two nephews, Jamie Lee Weeks and Titus Wayne Young, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Juanita Faye Crawford, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Crawford went to be with her Heavenly Father on her birthday, February 16, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. What a way to celebrate a birthday – being greeted by Jesus.
She was the daughter of the late James F. and Ruth (Murfin) Roberts. Juanita was a 1958 graduate of Southwest Missouri State College, Springfield, Missouri with a B.S. Degree in Education. She did her student teaching at Greenwood Laboratory School Missouri State, Springfield, Missouri. Juanita did graduate work at Drury College, Springfield, Missouri and University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. She had a Life Time Teaching Certificate for all elementary grades and also a Life Time Certificate in Remedial Reading. In the fall of 1952, she started teaching. Juanita taught for four years at Hartshorn, Missouri, one year at Licking, Missouri and twenty-eight years at Summersville, Missouri. She retired in 1985 after thirty-three years of teaching. Juanita was a devoted teacher and held each student dear to her. She wanted to do everything she could to ensure each student would be a successful adult. On December 25, 1957, she was married at Houston, Missouri, to Robert F. Crawford, who preceded her in death on November 29, 2020. Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church, Summersville, Missouri. Until moving to West Plains, she served in the capacity of Sunday School teacher, WMU Director and Director of Visitation at Mountain View Health Care. She was a member of The Order of Eastern Star, having earned her fifty year pin. Mrs. Crawford was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority since March of 1959. Juanita was the second of nine children. She was a “little mother” to all eight of her siblings. She was a loving Christian, a devoted wife and a loving, caring and compassionate individual. She loved to read, sew and spend time with her family. God and family were always her priority.
She is survived by one brother, Robert W. Roberts and wife, Bonnye, Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Donna Zwiener, Huntsville, Alabama, Brenda Collins and husband, Bruce and Linda Gould and husband, Ron, both of West Plains; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Roberts and Carolee Roberts, both of Springfield and Evelyn Gant, St. Louis, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husband, four brothers, George, James Jr., Dean and William C. Roberts; two sisters-in-law, Verna and Gloria Roberts; one brother-in-law, James Zwiener and two nephews, Christopher Collins and James F. Roberts III. preceded her in death.
A very special thank you to Dr. Swift and Brooke Haven Healthcare and their staff for the loving care shown and provided to our precious sister, Juanita, these past few years.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Patricia Ann Fields, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:40 a.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at NHC HealthCare.
She was born September 24, 1942, at West Plains, to William Orval Fields and Mabel Jennings Fields.
Pat will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 19, 2024 and 8:30 a.m., until 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Private burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. 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 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Naomi Jean Shannon, 92, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:47 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at her home.
She was born October 30, 1931, at Branson, Missouri, to Haud Evertt Bolen and Delta Garber Bolen. On August 12, 1950, she was married at Sturkie, Arkansas, to William Ray Shannon, who preceded her in death on May 29, 2002. Naomi enjoyed flowers, gardening, feeding birds and watching wildlife. She loved playing cards.
She is survived by five children, William R. Shannon, Jr., San Antonio, Texas, James Lloyd Shannon and wife, Elsie Mae, Moody, Missouri, Ruby Galloway and husband, George, Moody, Missouri, Marvin Shannon and wife, Patricia, Honeoye Falls, New York and David Shannon and wife, Alison, West Plains; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Scott, Moody, Missouri and Connie Moushon, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Cecil Shannon, one brother, Danny Bolen and two sisters, Joan Stanford and Mary Dale Chestnut, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Jack Bowman, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bowman passed away at 3:25 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 24, 1954, at Wichita, Kansas, to Gerald Nathan Bowman and Evelyn Joyce Thornton. On June 19, 2004, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Wanda Kibbe. Before his retirement, Jack was the airport Manager of West Plains Regional Airport at Pomona, Missouri, for thirty-seven years. He loved airplanes and was president of Missouri Airport Manager Association. Mr. Bowman was also a volunteer firefighter for the Pomona Fire Protection District. He enjoyed playing guitar, singing, and going on motorcycle rides. He loved his family and friends. Mr. Bowman attended Rescue Church.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Bowman, of the family home; four children, Sherry Bowman, Springfield, Missouri, Cody James Bowman, Columbia, Missouri, Jacque Collins, West Plains and Veronica Rees and husband, Joe, West Plains; five grandchildren, Zachary Jones, Noah Jones, Dustin Collins, Cody Collins and wife, Sarah and Khalees Rees; one great-grandchild, Sapphire Collins; one brother, Roy Lance, Rogersville, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Mike Moffis, Springfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Karen Lance, Springfield, Missouri; two nephews, Christopher and Austin Lance; and one great-niece, Amelia Lance.
His parents, first wife, Patricia Bowman, son-in-law, Matthew Collins, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hobert and Lucille Moffis and one sister-in-law, Reta Ann Weatherford, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at 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 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Glen William (Shorty) Wilbanks, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Antioch Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilbanks passed away Monday, February 12, 2024, at his home.
He was born December 12, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to Paul (Pete) Jones Wilbanks, Jr. and Maude Ruth Layson Wilbanks. On May 24, 2001, he was married at West Plains, to Donna Fugate. Mr. Wilbanks was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a dairy farmer and cattle hauler. Glen served as the Board President of Peace Valley School for several years; he was a part of the first 8th grade class to graduate from Junction Hill School. Shorty enjoyed watching and listening to the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs on TV and radio. He enjoyed playing pitch and especially enjoyed watching his grandkids play ball. He loved his friends and family, was always willing to help anyone in need and always made others feel welcome. Glen also loved quail hunting with his friend, Ronnie Bryan.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Wilbanks, of the family home; two children, Scott Wilbanks and wife, Brandee, Pomona, Missouri and Todd Wilbanks and fiancé Jama, Peace Valley, Missouri; six grandchildren, Brett Wilbanks, Mason Wilbanks (Shyanna), Weston Wilbanks and wife, Sharla, Ella Wilbanks, Braxton Wilbanks and Jaxton Wilbanks; two great-grandchildren, Kasen and Bennett and one more on the way; two sisters, Linda Edgeller and husband, Bruce and Cora Jane Gunter and husband, Sam, all of West Plains; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Nielsen, Pomona, Missouri and Pat Caplinger, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, three brothers, Ray, Carl and Joseph Wilbanks and one sister, Sybil Pittinger, preceded him in death.
Mr. Wilbanks will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Reba Sigler, 95, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
On February 11th, 2024, Heaven gained another angel.
Reba Mae Eagleman Sigler was born November 20, 1928 at Leota, Missouri to Edward and Ella Eagleman, #7 of 12 children. The Eagleman family all laughed easily and had beautiful laughter in the home. Reba was always easy to laugh, making her loved by all. Her sisters were her best friends. She enjoyed some special trips to Branson and Hawaii with her sisters and an Alaskan cruise with her brother, sisters, their spouses and nephew. Reba graduated from Bakersfield High School at age 16, skipping a grade in elementary school by listening to the older students’ lessons. On January 16th, 1947, she married for life the love of her life Herbert Sigler at Sturkie, Arkansas; and they were in love together on earth for 61 years, until Herb passed away in 1998. Herb and Reba had four children: Joyce (Chuck) Helt, Ballwin, Missouri; Kathy (Vernon) Long, Caulfield, Missouri; Dennis (Pam) Sigler, Whitesboro, Texas; Vicki (Steve) Myer, Overland Park, Kansas. Also, among those missing Reba are her 13 grandchildren: Kris Hoelscher, Kurtis Hall, Melynni Yarber, Amanda McMillon, Jake Long, Julie Parker, Melissa Sigler, Mindy Collier, Mark Sigler, Mary Beth Ellis, Brett Myer, Katie Laughlin, Adam Myer; 3 step-grandchildren: Heidi Ramspott, Washington, MO; Scott Helt, Ballwin, MO; Brian Helt, St. Louis, MO; sisters: Lu Harper, Ocala, FL; Wilma (Houston) Boyd of Odessa, MO, and brother Joe (Doris) Eagleman of Lawrence, KS, numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends across the nation.
Reba and Herb moved to Kansas City in 1953 and raised their kids there. Reba worked at Shalinsky Drug Store in Kansas City, Kansas for several years. In 1969, she went to work as a physician’s assistant for about six years for Dr. Jim Holleman. In 1977, they moved back to the farm at Moody, Missouri, where she briefly worked at Burton Creek Medical Clinic. Herb and Reba were active members of Argentine Church of Christ while living in Kansas City, KS and Prairie Grove Church of Christ in Howell County, Missouri. They made many lifelong special friends from church throughout their lives, including making a trip to Holy Lands with a church group. Reba’s favorite hobbies were reading, sewing, quilting, and playing cards. She and her brothers, Roy and John, and sisters, Grace and Fern, treasured their card playing friends at Moody Community Building on Friday nights for years. She was a member of the Moody Helping Hands Club and Leota Friendly Neighbors Club helping quilt many quilts to be donated at the Free Union Cemetery auction. She especially enjoyed gifting special handmade quilts to her children and grandchildren. Lately a favorite pastime was trying to win at card games and dominoes, which she usually did win. She was a great cook and seamstress. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Greeting her in heaven were her loving husband, Herb Sigler, her parents, Ed and Ella Eagleman, her brothers: Edwin, Allen, Virgil, Roy, Ralph, John, her sisters: Grace Mahan and Fern Harber. We will always remember, love, and miss her ability to enjoy telling jokes, stories, and laughing with family and friends.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Family Services or Crowley’s Ridge Academy and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
George Parnell Kellum entered the Kingdom of Heaven on January 31, 2024. A man of many names, “George,” “Mike,” “Papa,” “Kellum,” “Joker,” was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His family misses him dearly and is honored to share his legacy of sacrifice, service, and devotion.
Kellum was preceded in death by three of his four siblings, Leo Kellum, Myrtle Farley, Odus Kellum, his grandson, John Paul Shannahan, and the love of his life, Mildred Lucille “Lucy” Kellum. He is survived and will be lovingly missed by his sister, Lois Young, and his and Lucy’s four children: Dianna Sigert (and husband Lee) of Willow Springs, MO; Danny Kellum (and wife Deborah) of Tyler, TX; Bert Kellum (and wife Lori) of Baxter Springs, KS; and Phyllis Shannahan (and husband Daniel) of San Angelo, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jubal Sigert, Joshua Sigert, Lindsay Casillas, Ashley Garcia, Joseph Kellum, Nicholas Kellum, Kelsey Kellum Ng, Randi Shannahan, and Danika Johnson and 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
George Parnell Kellum was born on October 30, 1931, in Live Oak Township, Drew County, Arkansas, to Clyde and Ellie (Harrison) Kellum. When his father fell ill, Kellum was forced to matriculate into adulthood as a child. He left school in the eighth grade to work the cornfields full time, prematurely shouldering the costs of love and the hard work it took to provide for his family.
But Papa wore well the tremendous mantel of guardian and carried it with him into the world. He enlisted in the army in April 1950 and served in the Korean War where he wagered his life for his country—and for us. He served without thinking of himself—he never thought of himself—and was distinguished for his selflessness. During his military career, Kellum earned many awards for his heroism and valor, including a Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, and five Bronze Service Stars. Papa never spoke of his time in the service, let alone his honors. Sacrifice was all he knew and its own reward. His honorable discharge on April 28, 1953, marked the conclusion of a decorated career and the beginning of a new chapter as a husband and father where he sustained his legacy of selfless devotion.
Kellum married Lucy on April 26, 1952. Pensive, gentle, earnest, steadfast, Papa was the calm to Granny’s storm. They began their 71 years of life together in Arkansas, working full-time jobs, raising children, and pursuing technical educations at night. Kellum earned a GED and attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas, on the GI Bill. In those early years, Mike and Lucy loved and lived in shifts, each striving to outgive the other for their families and communities, whether in Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, or Missouri. Raising four children with only “two dimes to rub together,” Kellum had to do whatever he could to provide for his wife and children. But he was ready.
A boy who had to give all he had for his family, Papa never allowed pride to corrupt his humble work, which remained focused on the end—whatever the means—of giving life to those he loved. Among his many ventures was the auto repair and body shop, K and W Garage. Both profitable and charitable, Papa used his business to serve his community in Eunice, New Mexico, working overtime and often without pay to keep the town running. It also provided jobs for his children as well as vehicles—at least until he sold them. He once left a note in a family car saying, “Clean her out! Got her sold!” But there was always another, he made sure.
A jack-of-all-trades, Papa cultivated a wide range of interests as a hunter, fisherman, golfer, gardener, gunsmith, welder, carpenter, mechanic, electrician, bartender, plumber. He was received as a Master of the Royal Secret of the 32nd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, served as Master Mason, and volunteered in the Veterans Affairs Honor & Color Guard. An avid outdoorsman, Papa was happiest catching fish and hunting deer with his family or on the golf course, where he was notorious for shooting under his age. He was decisive, a man of action known for his ability to fix anything, including the family home, which he renovated to twice its original size with his bare hands. Papa faithfully followed Jesus in word and deed and was a member of Eunice First Baptist Church in Eunice, NM, and, later, attended Pomona Christian Church in Pomona, MO. He knew personally the value of living for others.
Papa dignified everyone he encountered, making them feel significant and accepted, no matter the “joker.” When confronted with unconventional opinions, even those he disagreed with, he was known to say, “that’s your business and exactly why I fought in Korea.” Papa learned his wisdom from his savior, Jesus, and discovered joy and purpose in a life of service. Like Jesus, Papa showed us how to live: by doing whatever it takes to protect and provide for others and to ensure that righteousness prevails.
A memorial service and celebration of life for both George Parnell Kellum and Mildred Lucille Kellum will be held at the Eunice City Cemetery in Eunice, New Mexico, on April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: Eunice American Legion, PO Box 127, Eunice, NM 88231. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Pamella Louise Kesner, 71, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024, at White Oak Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kesner passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024, at her home.
She was born November 5, 1952, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ray Coleman Comer and Helen Elizabeth Murphy Comer. On April 26, 2003, she was married at Bidwell Point to Larry Kesner. She was the epitome of both internal and external beauty. She was absolutely the most sweet, strong, selfless and courageous woman we know. She was our hero.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Kesner, of the family home; two children, Robert Smith and wife, Heather, Udall, Missouri and Luther (Luke) Smith, Caulfield, Missouri; Larry’s kids, Amy Riley and husband, Heath, Caulfield, Missouri, April Kesner and David Sexton, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Ashley Wolters and husband, Joey, Caulfield, Missouri; her grandchildren, Nautica Smith, Callie Smith, Caiden Smith, Lacie Head and husband, Dallas, Summer Riley, Stratton Sexton, Makenzie Sexton, Zach Wolters and Payton Pullen, Jake Wolters, Alyssa Wolters and Zoey Wolters; her great-grandchildren, Tatum, Henley and Aspen Head; two brothers, R.C. Comer, Jr. and wife, Darice, St. Louis, Missouri and Steve Comer and wife, Veronica, Mt. Zion, Illinois; and nieces and nephews, Stephen, Michelle, Jason, Ashley and Adam Comer and Torrae George; and numerous cousins.
Her parents and one infant child preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to White Oak Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
A Celebration of Life service for Tamara Denise Walesky, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Tamara passed away Friday, February 2, 2024, at her home.
She was born October 20, 1971, at West Plains, Missouri, to Herbert David Walesky and Dollie (Judd) Wadlow. Tamara loved sports and was the first girl to play mighty-mite football in West Plains. She played volleyball and basketball in high school and is in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for her volleyball skills. She cherished time spent with her son, James. She loved to cook, entertain and spend time with her family and her grand dogs. Tamara was a great cook, an avid gardener and enjoyed music. She was very caring and had a special bond with her twin sister, Helen; they were best friends. Tamara will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her son, James Bunch, West Plains; her mother, Dollie Wadlow, West Plains; one brother, Billy Roberts and wife, Lisa, Pomona, Missouri; two sisters, Helen Walesky Faulkner and fiancé, Scott Smallwood, West Plains and Pamela Cox and husband, Terry, Fort Worth, Texas; two nieces, Mikayla Simmons and husband, Logan, Thayer, Missouri and Mikenzie Anderson and husband, Dakota, West Plains; one nephew, Anthony Sheets, West Plains; several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and two uncles, Mike Walesky and John Wadlow, both of West Plains; and three aunts, Joyce Gualandi, Mendota, Illinois, Eva Carolyn Judd, West Plains and Jacqueline Sue Dixon and husband, Gene, Eminence, Missouri.
Her father, Herbert Walesky, step-father, James Wadlow, her grandparents and several aunts and uncles, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Dwaine Dee Turner a resident of Tecumseh, Missouri passed away February 1, 2024 in his home.
Dwaine was born on August 21, 1934 in Pomona, Missouri to Homer Lee and Lilian Josephine (Cover) Turner. He grew up in the Dry Creek area and attended the local schools. He graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1953 and then served his country in the U.S. Army as a Survey Specialist. After an honorable discharge, he moved back to Willow Springs and met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Louise Peart in 1956. They were married for 46 years and had three children.
Dwaine was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy; his sister Byma Stotler; and his brother Donald Turner.
He is survived by three children: daughters Vicki Thrift (Mark) Leslie Carter, (Tom) and his son Kevin Turner (Janet); four grandchildren who lovingly called him dado: Chase, Lakin, Abby & Maggie; Eight great Grandchildren: Jada, Idra, Orli, Ruthie, Yuma, Zion, Asa, and Sedona; Two sisters: Connie Nall (Bob) and Glenda Turner; Two brothers: Gale Turner, and Van Turner (Theresa); sister in law Marlene Turner, and so many wonderful friends and neighbors. He is further survived by his loving wife Lowena, her daughter Brenda and sons Bill & Mike and their extended families. They were married for eight years and she was his constant companion and caregiver.
Dwaine was a member of Dry Creek General Baptist and Clear Springs Baptist church most of his life and song director for 32 years. He worked most of his career at MODOT and was later Northern Commissioner of Howell County. Dwaine will always be remembered for his servant’s heart, love of music, and creativity. He was a volunteer at Meals on Wheels for thirteen years and worked tirelessly in helping others with anything they needed. His love of music, singing and playing harmonica was a lifelong joy that he loved to share with others. He spent a lifetime creating anything he could dream up. Even in his final days, he was still working on projects, creating something to share with others. Dwaine will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Graveside services were held at Dry Creek Cemetery in Pomona, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dwaine’s memory be made to Meals on Wheels in Gainesville, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.