Della Fay Koenneker
Della Fay Koenneker
Della Fay Koenneker, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
Della Fay Koenneker, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
Funeral services for Ruby Belle Mushrush Ehrhart, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ehrhart passed away peacefully in her sleep at 11:10 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at her home with her husband, Dorian and daughter-in-law, Lisa by her side.
She was born November 22, 1930, at Casa Grande, Arizona, to Lige Hayden Joyce and Blanche Belle Eagleman Joyce. On April 14, 1949, she was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Willis Mushrush, who preceded her in death in 2012 after sixty-three years of marriage. She was married on April 26, 2016, to Dorian Ehrhart at Mountain Home, Arkansas. Mrs. Ehrhart was a Christian and was a member of First Baptist Church of West Plains for over sixty years. Mrs. Ehrhart was a lifelong educator and local area businesswoman. She held a BS in Education and Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Drury College. Ruby began her education career at the age of sixteen as a teacher at Stony Point School, a one room school in rural Howell County. She spent over forty years with the West Plains School system as a teacher, middle school counselor and high school counselor. She served as president of the southwest district of the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) from 1989-90, worked on the MSTA Resolutions Committee from 1991-94, served in all offices of the West Plains CTA, was president of the local BPW chapter from 1971-72, and was district director of the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women from 1972-74, a member of the Community Task Forces Board of Directors and of the Missouri School Counselors Association. She also wrote the application for and served as the first leader of the West Plains School/Community Team. Most of all, she was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother and showed by example what it means to care for family. She often shared her passion for learning and reading with those around her. She also enjoyed tending to flowers and plants and she had an inspiring sense of adventure and wonder about places and people.
She is survived by her husband, Dorian Ehrhart; two sons, Willis Mushrush, Jr., and wife, Lisa and Jack Eugene Mushrush; one brother, Bill Joyce and wife, Mary Ann; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney Jacobson and husband, Brian and their son, Theodore, Nathan Callahan, Heather Callahan, Erin Phillips, Zackary Wilmoth, Jacob Wilmoth and his son, Brecken, Daustin Luck, Chandler Mushrush and Nicholas Mushrush; nieces and nephews, Bobbie, Angie, Rexanna, Terry and Jon; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
Her parents, husband, Willis Mushrush, one brother, Bobbie Joyce and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Amy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery, Three Rivers Hospice or any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for James Allen Thompson, Jr., 50, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Thompson passed away at 4:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at his home.
He was born April 15, 1971, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Allen Thompson, Sr. and Deborah Lawson Thompson. On June 2, 2001, he was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Amy James. He enjoyed working on vehicles and going to auctions. James was a Kansas City Chiefs fan and played football in high school.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Thompson, of the family home; three children, Matthew James and significant other, Alexandra Young, West Plains, Missouri, James Allen Thompson, III and Makayla Dawn Thompson, both of Peace Valley; his parents, James Allen Thompson, Sr. and Deborah Lawson Thompson; three brothers, Eddie Thompson and significant other, Tina Johnson, Peace Valley, Shawn Thompson and wife, Meredith, West Plains and Johnathan Pliler, Peace Valley; one sister, Amanda Johnson and husband, Chris, West Plains; and ‘;several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
His grandparents, Edward and Ruth Ingleton, Lawrence Odis Thompson and Martha Pliler and one uncle, Edward Thompson, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Barnett Cemetery. 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.
Raymond Eugene Downen, 72, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:08 a.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Pauline Agnes Roberts, 85, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:25 p.m., Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Brooke Haven Health Care.
She was born October 21, 1935, at New York, New York, to George Stewart and Elizabeth McFadyen Stewart. Pauline was raised in Scotland, however returned to reside in the United States when a teenager. She enjoyed horseback riding, walking nature trails, sewing, crochet and needlepoint. Pauline was a member of the Methodist Church and enjoyed volunteering at church functions. Pauline served as volunteer with the Reading Buddies – Willard Orchard Hills Elementary School and also Southwest Missouri Meals on Wheels program. Pauline enjoyed visiting with friends at the Ash Grove and Northview Senior Centers.
She is survived by two children, Paul D. Roberts (H. Dean Hamilton) and wife, Paula Davis-Roberts, West Plains, Missouri and Brian A. Roberts (Phillip A. Roberts), Republic, Missouri; three grandchildren, Rachael Hazen, Pauline G. Roberts and Lily Roberts; and two great-grandchildren, Ella Roberts and Cohen Haggerty.
Her parents, one brother, George Stewart and one sister, Betty Head, preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 or may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rosalie Ann-Marie Whiteman, 4, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 9, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Rosalie went to be with the Angels at 8:52 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born December 23, 2016, at West Plains, Missouri, to Andrew Steven Whiteman and Nicole Wells Floyd. Rose was full of life and had a beautiful laugh. She loved being outdoors, nature and was hard to keep out of the water. Rose was very loved by her family and extended family.
She is survived by her father, Andrew Whiteman and his significant other, Heather and her two children, Lily and Aden, Willow Springs; her mother, Nicole Floyd and husband, Bobby, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Gabriel Floyd; grandparents, Ray and Sharron Wells, Bobby and Darlene Jolliff, Max and Brandi Maldonado; great-grandparents, Steve & Sabrina Bensley and “Granny” Dortha Staggs; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Hope 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.
A memorial service for Roger Ray Knight, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Buck Park.
Mr. Knight passed away at 2:02 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, at his home.
He was born November 11, 1946, at Pocahontas, Tennessee, to Robert and Geleman Knight. Before his retirement, Mr. Knight worked at Marathon Electric as a machinist. He was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines. Mr. Knight was a proud Marine. He loved his Gatsby car, his dog, his black and white television, float trips, video games and McDonald’s burgers.
He is survived by one daughter, Hazel Stover, West Plains; and one grandson, Dewey Allen Stover, II and wife, Amanda, West Plains.
His parents preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
William Roy (Bill) Chritton, Jr., died July 1, 2021, at NHC in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 88.
He was born on May 13, 1933, the son of William Chritton, Sr. and Margaret Chritton, in Pomona, Missouri. He attended Bridges School, a one-room schoolhouse, through eighth grade. He was the only eighth-grader in the school when he met Wanda Lee Weatherford, who attended neighboring Turner grade school, in a softball game. He was pitching when she hit the winning homerun.
Despite his bruised ego, they began dating when they attended West Plains High School, in the class of 1951. Shortly after high school, Bill was drafted into the United States Army. Bill and Wanda married in 1954 at the Mt. Zion Church, from this union came four children. They spent the next 26 years moving to various Army posts in Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia, as well as a three-year stint in Vicenza, Italy. Bill completed his bachelor’s degree in business at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.
Bill had two tours in Vietnam, including one tour as a Huey gunship pilot. He received numerous commendations including two awards of the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and 39 Air Medals. Many of the Air Medals had the “V-device” awarded for Valor; one was awarded for setting the record for the most combat hours flown in a month.
The family spent the last ten years of his military career in Washington, D.C., where he worked at the Pentagon in the Secretary of the Army’s office, served as Chief in the Office of Congressional Legislative Liaison, and received a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University through the National War College.
When Bill retired as a Colonel in 1980, he and Wanda returned to their hometown of West Plains, Missouri, where they had a strawberry farm for many years. When they weren’t raising strawberries, they could be seen flying their hot air balloon in the West Plains area, where they gave rides to hundreds of area residents. Bill served on the Ozarks Medical Center board and in many civic organizations over the years.
Then, Bill found a higher purpose. One day, Ken Harper and Gary Frazier visited Bill in the strawberry patch, and asked him to become an investor and chief pilot for a helicopter air ambulance company. In 1985, Bill, Ken, Gary and other investors launched Air Evac, EMS, with one helicopter based in West Plains. Air Evac was the first company to base a helicopter in a rural area, and the first to offer memberships.
Bill eventually became President of the company, and later served as the chairman of the board before selling the company in 2004. By that time, they had changed the name to Air Evac Lifeteam. The company had 41 bases in fourteen states and was the largest independently-owned air ambulance company in the United States. During that 20-year span, Air Evac employed thousands of people and saved countless lives throughout their coverage area.
Bill left behind a large family, including his wife Wanda, their son Michael Chritton and wife Sonia of Boulder, Colorado, two daughters, Vicki Chritton-Myers and husband Ron of West Plains, and Toni Johnson and husband Dennis of West Plains. They also have six grandchildren, Tyson Chritton, Denver, Co., Tawny Chritton-Keene, Knoxville, TN., Nick Myers and William Myers of West Plains, John Chritton, Alexandria, Va., and Mallary Butler, Summerville, S.C., and nine great-grandchildren.
Bill also is survived by four younger sisters, including Wilma Brixey, Springfield, Mo., Shirley Martin, Sedalia, Mo., Erma Chritton, Bolivar, Mo., and Barbara Wood, Linn Creek, Mo., as well as a close-knit extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. The “Chritton Clan” is a tightly-knit family and Bill was the well-loved patriarch.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Daniel Roy Chritton, who died at the age of 52.
Those who knew Bill Chritton know he was a force of nature. When he set his mind to accomplishing something, nobody could stop him. He was a man of high integrity, true grit, and boundless determination.
The family is inviting anyone who would like to celebrate Bill’s life to an outdoor funeral service at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events, 9240 County Road 9190 in West Plains.
A live-stream of the service will appear on Bill’s Facebook page, William R. Chritton, at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010715827647.
A military burial will take place at Mt. Zion church in Pomona immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the cemetery fund at Mount Zion Church in Pomona, Mo., or to the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation through Robertson-Drago or by drop-off at 211 West Main, West Plains.
Funeral services for John Jason Knox, 41, of Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 3, 2021 in the Rose Chapel, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
He joined his Savior, Jesus Christ, family and friends on June 28, 2021 in Heaven.
He was born July 28, 1979 at Houston, Missouri to John Robert Knox and Patricia Jean Aborn Knox. About two weeks ago Jason asked his mother and daughter to pray with him. After praying, he said, “God is good and I am good with God.” Jason had one beautiful daughter, Alison Leigh Knox. He loved Alison to the moon and back. She was the most important person in his life, even though she usually beat him at board games. They loved watching movies together and going swimming. Jason also loved Alison’s half sister, Alivia Grace Bradford. He spent the afternoon before his death with both girls at Dairy Queen and the playground.
Jason is survived by his daughter, Alison Leigh Knox, Springfield; his mother Patricia Knox, Springfield; uncle Tom and aunt Debra Knox, Mountain Home, Arkansas; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Knox, his paternal grandparents, Anne and William Knox, his maternal grandparents, Lorene and Robert Aborn (Nanny and PA) and two uncles, Bob and Chuck Aborn.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn 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.
Gerald Dean Oliver, 83, Bakersfield, Missouri, passed away at 3:13 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at his home.
He was born April 9, 1938, at Pana, Illinois, to Edgar Oliver and Lola Carlyel Oliver. Mr. Oliver was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Before his retirement, he was the custodian at South Fork School. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop.
He is survived by one son, Dwayne Oliver, Bakersfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Curtis Ray Hastings, Kayla Marie Oliver, Cody Oliver and wife, Jessica and Desiree Collins and husband, Richard; and nine great-grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ray Elmer Brame, 90, Drury, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Brame passed away at 2:28 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2 021, at NHC Healthcare.
He was born July 14, 1930, to Ray Everett Brame and Margaret Gibson Brame in the State of Florida. On March 18, 1951, he was married at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Elaine Marie Smith, who preceded him in death on July 15, 2017. Mr. Brame was a Korean War Veteran, having served with the United States Army and Air Force for over thirty-nine years. During his military service, he was stationed in various parts of the world which included a three-year stint in England. Therefore, was fluent in hilariously mimicking the ‘Cockney accent’! He was a life-long volunteer both in public service and private non-profit organizations. Mr. Brame held two Masters Degrees and a Doctorate in Education, Leadership and Administration. He loved and enjoyed living as a cattle rancher and rural farmer; he was also a teacher and educationist with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Head Start program. Ray loved the outdoors and travelled with his wife extensively in their Airstream. He often gave tractor rides to children of friends and patiently taught them outdoor skill sets; he had a tremendous curiosity of other cultures and a passion to make international friends. He and his wife loved classical music and the opera; for many years, they attended operas in Missouri and Arkansas. Mr. Brame would go to great lengths to help anyone who needed support and assistance.
He is survived by one son, Michael Brame and one daughter-in-law, Sandy.
His parents, wife one sister, Betty Hudson and one brother, Charles Brame preceded him in death.
Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Janet Marie Roberts, 82, Gamaliel, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 2, 2021 at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Roberts passed away at 7:23 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2021, at Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She was born January 6, 1939 in Howell County, Missouri, to Herbert Hadley Briggs and Clara Alice Lawing Briggs. On April 23, 1955, she was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Burl Lee Roberts, who preceded her in death on February 10, 2021. Before her retirement, Mrs. Roberts worked as a Supervisor at Baxter Lab. She loved playing music on her guitar, going to church and singing with the Elijah Church of Christ Singers. She enjoyed going to her grandkids ball games. Mrs. Roberts was a member of the Elijah Church of Christ.
She is survived by three children, Bruce Roberts and wife, Dawn, Lakeview, Arkansas, Debbie Martin and husband, Steve, Gamaliel, Arkansas and Kathy Wunderlich and husband, Rich, Mountain Home, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Steven, Darren, Brittney, Danielle, Kyle, Stephanie, Whitney and Bryan; nine great-grandchildren, Allie, Andrew, Ella, Elena, Graclynn, Bentley, Loxley, Dawson and Reed; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two daughters, Shawna Roberts and Teresa Parrish, one grandson, Cory Parrish, one brother, Jerry Briggs and two sisters, Wilma Maritt and Eunice Gunter, 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 Elijah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Church of Christ and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Naomi G. Painter, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at United Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Painter passed away at 8:24 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, at her home.
She was born May 12, 1934, at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Larkin Collins and Ida Blanche Roper Collins. In 1949, she was married at Spring Creek Church to Ralph Bunch, who preceded her in death on November 10, 1994. On January 21, 1997, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Edsel Painter, who preceded her in death on July 24, 2014. Naomi worked at Wallace & Owens Grocery Store for twenty-three years and McDonald’s for seventeen years. She enjoyed quilting and puzzles. Mrs. Painter was a member of United Freewill Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Dwayne Bunch and wife, Linda, South Fork, Missouri, Wanda Wilbanks and husband, Billy, West Plains and Verlin Bunch and significant other, Patty York; twelve grandchildren, Mindy Taylor and husband, Mike, David Bunch and wife, Jenny, Stacey Harlan, Christopher Wilbanks and wife, Sarah, Melanie Carey and husband, Denver, Corey Wilbanks and wife, Sonia, Shawna Driskell and husband, Justin, Shaine Bunch and wife, Stephanie, Melissa Tomovick and husband, David, Zachary Phegley, Shelby Kingston and Joseph Vaughan; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Collins, Willow Springs, Missouri; one sister, Loeta White, West Plains; one son-in-law, Norman Carte, West Plains; special family friend, Stanley Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one daughter, Connie Carte and five brothers preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at United Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Aaron Ezekiel Tucker, stillborn infant son of Kayetta Tucker, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Babyland in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Aaron went to be with the Angels at 1:17 a.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He is survived by his mother, Kayetta Tucker; one brother, Kayzenn Ray Lovey; grandmother, Jaydona Woodland; two aunts, Alisha Bettis and Alexis Smith and several cousins.
His uncle, Douglas Aaron Tucker preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Sylvia Maxine Peterman, 92, Eufaula, Oklahoma, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Peterman passed away at 11:43 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021, at her home, having lived an honorable and giving life. Because of her love for the Lord she was inspired to serve her large family, the community and church with devotion.
She joined the family of the late John Isrel Gunter and Beatrice Anna Collins Gunter on May 21, 1929, in Ozark County, Missouri. On May 29, 1946, she was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Ivan James Peterman, who preceded her in death on November 17, 1998. Sylvia’s family was her life; she enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning and in more recent years playing dominoes with friends and family. She had a passion and God given talent for cooking and baking (especially pie), growing flowers (especially violets and roses) and raising children, both boys (7) and girls(3).
She is survived by nine children, Joyce (Joy) Harris and husband, Ronnie, West Plains, Missouri, Jack Peterman and wife Carolyn Sue, Caulfield, Missouri, Joan Richardson and husband, Doyle, West Plains, Missouri, Judy Rice, West Plains, Missouri, Jim Peterman and wife, Elizabeth, West Plains, Missouri, Jerry Peterman and wife, Sheila, Willow Springs, Missouri, John Peterman and wife, Kandi, West Plains, Missouri, Jeffrey Peterman and wife, LeAnn, Stacy, Minnesota and Jolly Peterman and wife, Tonya, Eufaula, Oklahoma; twenty-seven grandchildren; seventy-two great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren, the most recent one born June 18, 2021; one daughter-in-law, Wanita Peterman, Grand Junction, Colorado; one sister, Zella Mae Rhoades, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers, Joe Gunter, Success, Missouri and David Gunter and wife, Daisy, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Her parents, husband, one son, Joe Edward Peterman; one daughter-in-law, Kim Peterman, one son-in-law, Dennis Rice and three brothers, Robert Wayne and Wayland Gunter, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Fowler Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Norman Lee Gunter, 89, Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Gunter passed away at 4:39 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.
He was born January 4, 1932, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Orville Lee Gunter and Ethel Collins Gunter. On September 26, 1952, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Betty Hiett. Mr. Gunter was a veteran, having served in Korea with the United States Army. Norman worked for many years at the International Shoe Factory. He enjoyed reading his Bible and was a member of the West Road Church of Christ, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Gunter, of the family home; two children, Ronnie Gunter and wife, Esperanza and Carolyn Grisham and husband, Raymond, all of Mountain Home, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Jeff Grisham and wife, Charm, Jennifer Rokos and husband, Greg, Alicia Allred and husband, Bill, Cynthia Brockman and husband, Mark and Chris Gunter and wife, Lela; eight great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Rachel Rokos, Ethan and Seth Grisham, Austin and Logan Weber, Ariel Marquez and Bennie Gunter; two great-great-grandchildren, Lucas and Vincent; one brother, Bob Gunter and wife, Barbara, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters, Barbara Gunter, West Plains, Missouri, Janet Jeffery and husband, Wendell, Springfield, Missouri and Joyce Crawford and husband, Bob, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Rickey, one great-grandson, Mark James Rokos, one brother, Bill Gunter and three sisters, Louise Morris, Anna Gunter and Lucille Gunter, preceded him in death.
Mr. Gunter will lie in state from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
The warmth of her smile, endless compassion for others and leadership in the community will be treasured memories of Allison Margaret London Smith, 78, West Plains, Missouri, as family and friends gather for a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2021, at the Smith-London Bell Tower on the Missouri State University West Plains Campus, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Allison was a strong woman, passionate about her beliefs, a mentor, shaping the lives of those who looked up to her, but the love of her family was clearly the most important thing to her. She created a close-knit extended family who share in understanding her great achievements. She never left a friend without a hug, a laugh and a feeling you’d meet again soon.
Mrs. Smith passed away at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her home.
She was born December 1, 1942, at Kansas City, Missouri, to William J. London, Sr., and Emily Allison London. On June 5, 1965, she was married at Kansas City, Missouri, to Dr. Bruce Mitchell Smith, who preceded her in death on May 3, 2001. She graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City and received her Education Degree from University of Missouri. Mrs. Smith was a member of Daughters of American Revolution, Gamma Phi Beta sorority (Lifetime member) and Board of Governors Missouri State University (President). She was an English Teacher at West Plains High School and MSU-WP. She loved her students like they were her own family. She also worked with her husband developing hotels and shopping centers in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. Allison always made others feel special; nothing gave her more satisfaction than someone telling her the story of how she changed their lives for the better.
She is survived by two children, Travis Mitchell Smith and wife, Karen, Dora, Missouri and Chase London Smith, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Emily Anastasia Smith, Evan Mitchell Smith, Elijah Jackson Smith, Sydney London Smith and Spencer Douglas Gille; one great-grandchild, Duane Mitchell Smith; and her nieces and nephews, Allison Murphy, Betsy Masters, Bill London, Bill Goodnow and Bryon London.
Her parents, husband, one brother, William J. London, Jr. and one sister, Katherine London Goodnow, preceded her in death.
A private burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Allison London Smith Endowed Scholarship Missouri State University West Plains Campus (checks payable to MSU Foundation) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Opal Marie Shipley, 92, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2021 at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Shipley passed away at 3:05 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2021, at her home.
She was born January 21, 1929, in Ozark County, Missouri, to James Elmer Claybrook and Mary Inez Rush Claybrook. On December 23, 1946, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Byron Shipley, who preceded her in death on February 21, 2008. Mrs. Shipley was a great cook; she enjoyed making quilts , gardening and baking for her family and friends and singing in the Shipley Family Band. She loved God. Her family meant everything to her; everyone that knew her loved her. Mrs. Shipley was a member of Ball Church of Christ.
She is survived by three children, Roberta Klock, Donna Epley and husband, John and Monte Shipley and wife, Susan, all of Dora, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Debbie Cooper and husband, Andy, Vicki Barton and husband, Gene, Jamie Epley and wife, Georgia, Lisa Rodgers and husband, Jimmy, Cheryl Carroll and husband, Scott, Jenny Hambelton, Jaci Robinson and husband, Billy and Brianna Hicks and husband, Jimmy; three step-grandchildren, Drew Dreckman and wife, Jessi, Gina Volkmer and husband, Paul and Cole Barton; eighteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; one sister, Omega Osborn, Dora, Missouri; and several; nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, James Lee Claybrook and William Harold Claybrook, one son-in-law, Wally Klock and one brother-in-law, Carl Osborn, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m., Monday, at Ball Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Pauline Hollingshad Barrett, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., at Cloud 9 Ranch.
Pauline passed away at 3:20 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born November 17, 1951, in Gainesville, Missouri, to Hiram and Ruby Clark Wells. In December of 1999, she was married to Gary Barrett. Pauline was a mail carrier for seventeen years, a job which she enjoyed very much. She also enjoyed gardening, yard sales and music. Her husband was recently teaching her to play guitar and ukulele. Her most precious times were days spent at the creek having fun with her niece/best friend, Kaye and their kids. Mrs. Barrett attended Center of God Church.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Barrett; two children, Melissa Trotter and husband, Tom and Brenda McClary; two step-children, Jeremy Wayne Barrett and Christopher Shawn Barrett and wife, Kim; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including her special niece and best friend, Kaye Kelly Dobbs.
Her parents, daughter, Pam Hollingshad, son, Jake Hollingshad and three sisters, Joyce Ashmead, Eunice Kelly and May Wells, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Kenneth Leroy (Butch) Heimbach, 69, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 9:00 p.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.