Obituaries

Graveside services for David Forest Ford, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 20, 2021 at New Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Ford passed away at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, February 14, 2021, at his home. 

He was born June 3, 1930, in Oregon County, Missouri, to Joel Farris Ford and Winnie Houdek Ford; David was one of ten children.  On May 17, 1949, he was married at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Laverna Mary (June) Judd, who preceded him in death on March 27, 2015.  David enjoyed fishing, gigging, playing golf, exploring caves, being outdoors and camping with his family and friends.  He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by four children, Victoria Hansen, David V. J. Ford, Doris Collins and husband, James and Donna Ford and significant other, Clayton Layman; one daughter-in-law, Vicky Ford; seven grandchildren, Amy Wood and husband, Chris, Anna Bayona and husband, Michael, Regina Pickett and husband, Neil, Jennifer Edgeller and husband, John, Ashlea Fugate and husband, Torey, Jason Mizell and Brandi Ford; one step-grandchild, Benny Grogan and wife, Tiffany; ten great-grandchildren, Nichole Wingler and husband, Damon, Cheyenne, Jasmine and Nathan Pickett, Zachary and Samuel Wood, John David and Jeffrey Edgeller, Wesley Bayona and Ryker Fugate; one sister, Olive Bales; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Gualundi, Dollie Wadlow and husband, James and Eva Carolyn  Judd; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, his wife of 65 years, June, one son, Leon A. Ford, one infant granddaughter, Christy Dawn Mizell, one son-in-law, Ralph Hansen, four brothers, Christopher, Lawrence, Daniel and Jesse Ford, four sisters, Frances Ford, Anna Barton, Delora Vest and Martha Warren and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ogle and Olive Judd, preceded him in death.

Mr. Ford will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Burl Lee Roberts,  86, Caulfield,  Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday,  February 20, 2021 at Elijah Church of Christ,  under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Roberts passed away at 3:20 a.m., Wednesday,  February 10, 2021 at Wright Memorial Hospital,  Trenton,  Missouri. 

He was born March 10, 1934, at Elijah, Missouri, to Homer Lee Roberts and Ethel Hardin Roberts.  He graduated from Bakersfield High School.  Mr. Roberts was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. Burl loved his grandkids and enjoyed training bird dogs, pulling ponies and coaching basketball and baseball.

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Briggs) Roberts; three children, Bruce Roberts and wife, Dawn, Debbie Martin and husband, Steve and Kathy Wunderlich and husband, Rich; 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.

His parents, two daughters, Shawna Roberts and Teresa Parrish, one grandson, Cory Parrish and two brothers, Gary and Leonard Roberts, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Burial will be in the Elijah Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   

Due to inclement weather the Graveside services for Larry Von Johnson, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be postponed and held at a later date.   

Mr. Johnson passed away at 4:10 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born February 13, 1937, in Oregon County, Missouri, to Alvie Alvin (Bill) Johnson and Lee Etta Pearl VanWinkle Johnson.  Larry graduated from Alton High School.  In May, 1956, he was married to Ginger L. Gullic.  On July 31, 1987, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Thelma Lou Evins, who preceded him in death on October 17, 2019.  Mr. Johnson was a retired Veteran, having served with the United States Navy from May, 1955 to April 1975.  He worked at Marathon Electric for twenty years.  Larry loved his family, farming and hunting.

He is survived by three children, Paul W. Johnson, Lisa V. Eades and husband, Michael and Kaye Surface and husband, Stacey, all of West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Brandy Bragg, St. Louis, Missouri, Gretchen Davis and husband, Carl, Heather Croney and husband, Travis, Shayne Eades and wife, Amy, Cody Eades, and wife, Kristine, Shad Eades, Jessica Schmitt and husband, Isaac, all of West Plains, Logan Surface, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Karissa Surface, Cordell Surface and wife, Alicia and Landen Surface, all of West Plains; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Wayne Johnson and wife, Bonnie; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Johnson and Barbara Ann Johnson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, wives, one daughter-in-law, Shannon Johnson, three brothers, Alvin, Donald and Bobby Johnson, preceded him in death.

Sharon Kay Goode, 78, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Brooke Haven Health Care, West Plains, Missouri.  

Funeral services for Dennis Eugene Simpson, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Simpson passed away at 8:01 a.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born June 16, 1959, at Harrisonville, Missouri, to James Edward Simpson and Dorothy Mae Smallwood Simpson.  On August 8, 1980, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Gina Davis.  Mr. Simpson was the owner of Dennis Simpson Backhoe Service.  Dennis loved to talk, he never met a stranger and was the most honest and fair person there was.  He strived to be and was the best backhoe operator in town.  He was a very loving son, husband, father, PaPaw and brother.  He was everybody’s PawPaw.  Dennis loved his wife dearly and cared for all of her needs; the five little pains in his butt were his world.  He was especially proud of his sons as well as his two daughters-in-law. 

He is survived by his wife, Gina Simpson; two sons, Bradley Simpson and wife, Kasey and Travis Simpson and wife, Kari, all of West Plains; five grandchildren, Addison, Austin, Anna, Gage and Axel; his mother, Dorothy Simpson, West Plains; two brothers, Jimmy Simpson, Gamaliel, Arkansas and Joe Simpson, Pomona, Missouri; two sisters, Brenda Brotherton and husband, Doug, Pomona, Missouri and Cathy Klein, West Plains; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and everyone that considered him their PawPaw Dennis.

His father, one sister, Karen Coursey, great-niece, Alison Barnes, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jim and Bonnie Davis, three brothers-in-law and special friend, George Skaggs, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation for Robert Allen Anders, 100, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Anders passed away at 11:15 a.m., Sunday, February 7, 2021, at his home.

Robert, known to nearly all who knew him by Bob, was born in 1920 in St. Joseph, Missouri.  His 24 year military career began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 7, 1941.  The following January he went to Southern California for duty at a newly built Camp Pendleton.  He was soon shipped to the South Pacific as a member of Charlie Battery.  That was the 1^st Battalion of the 12^th Marines.  From there he was sent to New Zealand, Guadalcanal and Bougainville.  Due to an injury which became infected during the war he was one of the early users of a new drug just made available, penicillin.  He also overcame malaria in time for the invasion of Guam.  They were successful in taking that highly fortified island in time to begin training for the invasion of Iwo Jima.  As a forward observer and scout corporal, Bob was on Iwo Jima 41 days.  He said in an interview…”It was one long nightmare.  You don’t remember a lot about it, except it was the same thing every day.”  His career in the Marine Corps included Exchange Chief in the PX (Post Exchange), to being part of an honor platoon, to being an assistant warden in a prison before getting his own command.  During the Korean War he landed in Inchon and was all over the country for a couple of years.  He was subsequently sent to Henderson Hall, Marine Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia for 2 years before being transferred to Japan.  It was in Kobe where he first came to admire and respect the Japanese people, who had previously been our enemies.  Several tours of duty in Japan gained his promotion to Master Sergeant where he ran the NCO (noncommissioned officer) club.  In Japan he met his wife who was a clerk/typist for the Colonel.  It was on a return trip to Japan that he became reacquainted with Akemi (also known as “Kim”).  He received the approval of her uncles according to Samurai warrior code, as her father had been killed in the war.  Their mothers met and became acquainted.  They were married in 1962.  After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Bob and Akemi settled near Brandsville where he was a gunsmith for many years.  He closed his shop after their farmhouse burned.  They finally moved to their present home in West Plains.  As his eyesight deteriorated he was no longer able to work on guns but his vast knowledge of firearms made him a popular presence at frequent gun shows.

He is survived by his wife, Akemi K. Anders; two daughters, Ruth Ann Graber, West Plains and Kay Etta Peachey, Tyler, Texas; one son, Robert A. Anders, Jr., Baker City, Oregon; six grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Marine Corp Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Mary Ellen Roberson, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at 7:32 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at her home.

A memorial service for Loretta Holdt-Guevara, 65, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at a later date in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Guevara passed away on December 12, 2020, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born February 5, 1955 in Caldwell, Idaho, to Ulis Holdt and Pauline Collins Holdt.   Even though her life was cut short by Pulmonary Hypertension, a devastating illness, Loretta lived a life filled with love, adventure, and sweet memories. Not only had she lived in and visited places from coast to coast, but she also spent several years in Europe, having lived in Germany and visited several other countries while there. Loretta loved flowers, the Oregon coast and a good political argument with her eldest brother. She will be missed by so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Gilbert Guevara, one infant brother, Paul Dean Holdt, paternal grandparents: George and Sarrah Holdt, maternal grandparents, James and Nora Collins, one sister-in-law, Alice Holdt, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her brothers, Bill Holdt, Vancouver, Washington and Leroy Holdt, Springfield, Missouri; her “sister from another mister”, Annette Hutton, née Guevara, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Loretta is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she considered to be her surrogate children, as she had no human children of her own; and her fur-baby, Lucy, who was a faithful companion.

 Loretta chose to be cremated and will be laid to rest with her husband as well as on the Oregon coast. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Hypertension Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Doris Jean Harper, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harper passed away at 9:08 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born February 8, 1946, at Caulfield, Missouri, to William Fred Summers and Vera Isabelle Downen.  On November 21, 1991, she was married at Orange Park, Florida, to William R. (Bill) Harper.  Doris was a nurse for eighteen years.  She had worked at West Vue Nursing Center and Pleasant Valley Manor.  She enjoyed traveling and gardening and was loved by many.  Mrs. Harper was of the Jehovah witness faith since 1974 and attended Kingdom Hall at West Plains.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Harper; one son, Vernon Ray Harper and wife, Michelle, Bay Minette, Alabama; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Dale Summers and wife, Lois, Hartford, Michigan, William Joseph (Billy) Summers and wife, Karen, Bakersfield, Missouri and James Robert Summers and wife, Sharon, Pottersville, Missouri; one sister, Hazel Harris, Pottersville, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, one niece, Beth Ann Summers and one brother-in-law, Bob Harris, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Lois Newton, 101 years and ten months, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Lois Ellen Newton departed this life on February 1, 2021.

She was born in Moko, Arkansas on April 1, 1919 to Jessie Blaine and Mary Louella Haslett Skaggs. The family moved to a farm near Fanchon, Missouri. Lois attended Barnett grade school and West Plains High School, graduating in 1938.  Lois married Roy “Shaddy” Newton on December 14, 1941 in Hartville Missouri. The couple lived in Willow Springs where they operated a café and moved to West Plains in 1951.   The Newton’s welcomed two children, daughter Sandy and son Michael Shaddy Newton. Lois was always active in the lives of her children. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She was an active member of the PTA for Carmichael Elementary, where she served as President and attended state PTA conferences in Jefferson City. Lois was an active member of Howell County Extension Clubs.  Lois enjoyed a long career as a salesperson in men’s clothing in West Plains. She made many friendships and enjoyed mothers shopping with their sons and watching them grow up. She was known for her sense of style and always dressed “to the nines”.  Lois and Shaddy were accomplished Bridge players and made many lifelong friendships over card games. She was an avid Zizzer fan and never missed any of her son, Mike’s football games. She would rival the noise of the cheerleaders with her cheers for he and his teammates. The Newton’s always welcomed their children’s friends into their home. Many have shared their stories and fond memories of fun times in the Newton home.  Lois took great pride in her work to canvas the area to raise funds to be used to establish what would become West Plains Memorial Hospital.  Lois, Shaddy and their children were baptized at First Christian Church West Plains. She later attended Free Will Baptist and First Baptist Church. She enjoyed attending Sunday school at First Baptist Church with her beloved little sister, Dee, and was good friends with class leader, Betty Paschall.  Lois celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise party attended by over 100 friends and family. She was blessed to remain in her own home with the loving support of caregivers until after her Centennial birthday. She made her home the past 1 ½ years at the West Vue Flowering Dogwood House, in the care of very loving and caring staff.  At the time of Lois’ passing, she was the oldest surviving member of a special family group of double cousins, which was the result of three Skaggs brothers joining in marriage to three Haslett sisters. That torch now passes to a very special double cousin, Gracie Stephens.

Mrs. Newton was preceded in death by her husband Shaddy in 1990, her parents, all of her siblings: Buford Skaggs, Buena Javaux, Emble Pengrie, Vestie Skaggs, and Delores “Dee” Doss, her son in law Jerry Cherry, and a multitude of friends and other relatives.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Cherry and her daughters, Tracie and Amber Cherry of West Plains; Her son, Mike Newton and wife Sheila and their children, Amanda (Brett) Mitchell of Dora, Adie Williams of Springfield, Jimmy (Julie) Miller of West Plains, Emily (Brad) Forth of St. Louis, and Sam (Kayla) Miller of West Plains; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  . Lois is also survived by an incredibly special niece, Katherine Skaggs Bray, who was close in age and heart growing up, having a relationship more like sisters, than that of Aunt and niece. They spoke daily by telephone for decades.

Mrs. Newton will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  A private graveside service will follow for immediate family at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Kenneth Arthur Bengson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Bengson passed away at 10:20 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021, at his home.

He was born July 9, 1939, at Chicago, Illinois, to Walter C. Bengson and Mildred Radloff Bengson.  Ken was raised in Round Lake, Illinois.  Mr. Bengson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army and the United States Air Force.  He met his beloved wife, Cathy in 1979; they were married on April 10, 1993.  Ken was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  He started Countryside Pet Supply in 1988 with a one page catalog.  In 1999 he built his first website, CountrysidePet.com and in 2002 he discontinued the paper catalog and took the business completely e-commerce.  He retired in 2018, but remained available for consultation after turning the business over to his wife, Cathy and daughter, Heather.  Ken was passionate about business, history, politics, photography and classic cars as well as many other hobbies.  Ken gave more than 100% of himself to everything he ventured into.  Even when he was partially retired, he flew to Washington DC to speak with Congress about his opposition to the Marketplace Fairness Act (taxing the internet) at the request of PayPal and Ebay.  While he was very proud of his business and successes, nothing made him more proud than his family.  His family was his world and there was nothing he would not do for those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy, two sons, Randall Bengson and wife, Desiree, Winslow, Arizona and Scott Miller and wife, Megan, Peace Valley,  Missouri; three daughters, Denise Parsons and husband, Daniel, Moody,  Missouri, Heather Hill and husband, Bobby, West Plains, Missouri and Sandra Miller, South Fork, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; his sister, Linda Gilbert; and special friend, Ed Lee.

His parents, one brother, Walter “Bud” Bengson, his dear friend, Bob Ray, brother-in-law, Rick Turner and nephew, Ryan 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 South Fork Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to South Fork Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Velma Lee Rieck, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2021, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rieck passed away at 9:37 a.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at West Vue Green House Homes.

She was born June 28, 1931, at Seminole, Oklahoma, to Luther Lee Maples and Edith Josephine Turner Gould.  Velma lost her father at an early age; her Mother went on to marry Clinton Angus Gould.  Velma had four brothers and three sisters.  While just sixteen years old, she helped bring her sister Tempa into the world.  She later told family that she had wanted to be a nurse up until that point.  Velma attended school in West Plains and graduated High School in 1949.  She married Jack Leonard Mustion on July 3, 1951.  Velma and Jack had two children, one of which they lost at a very young age.  A few years later, Velma gave birth to their son, Gary Jack Mustion on March 10, 1955.  On April 15, 1955, Velma lost her husband, Jack, in a tragic airplane crash.  He was thirty-four years old.  She later went on to marry Wilfred Rieck.  Velma and Wilfred started several businesses together over the years; Rieck’s Water Works, The Old Time Flea Market and Rieck’s Rentals.  When not working, Velma and Wilfred loved to travel together.  They were able to see much of the world.  During their travels they found a love of the warm weather and people of Mexico.  Velma loved spending time in her garden when they were not traveling.  She took great care and pride in gardening. 

She is survived by one brother, Ron Gould; two grandsons, Casey Mustion and Cody Mustion; and two step-grandchildren, Jason Rieck and Beckie Collins.

Her parents, husbands, her daughter and her son, Gary Jack Mustion, preceded her in death.  

Funeral services for Dean Bennett, 84, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Bennett passed away at 12:49 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2021, at his home.

He was born September 10, 1936, at Pomona, Missouri, to Stafford Bennett and Edna Collins Bennett.  Dean graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1954.  On October 23, 1955, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to Melba Brixey.  Dean was an avid hunter.  He loved his family, his farm and beef operation; Dean could be found on Tuesdays at Ozark Regional Stockyards, where he bought and sold cattle for himself and others.  Mr. Bennett had been a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since childhood.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Bennett, of the family home; one daughter, Vicky Wade and husband, Lee, West Plains, Missouri; one grandson, Jason Lambert, West Plains, Missouri; one niece, Sharon Hunter and husband, Vernon; one nephew, Robbie Hall; and special family friends, Kimberly & Lyndal Turner and their children, Kelsey Collins and Grady Turner.

His parents, one sister, Joyce Bennett and one brother, Robert Bennett, preceded him in death.

Mr. Bennett will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Due to current restrictions, the family requests masks be worn.  Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Robert Elmer Eckhart, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Eckhart passed away at 1:05 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his home.

He was born December 4, 1919, at Rossford, Ohio, to Herbert Lester Eckhart and Iva Violet May Eckhart.  On October 6, 1945, he was married at Toledo, Ohio, to Alice Jean Reiter, who preceded him in death on December 27, 2019.  Mr. Eckhart was a Veteran of WWII; he was a Tech Sergeant in the 234^th United States Army Air Base Unit.  Before his retirement, he was an operations manager in the HVAC business and had been owner and operator of Pinebrook Lodge Bed & Breakfast.  Mr. Eckhart was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He is survived by four children, Cheryl Ward, West Plains, Sonia Steger and husband, Gregg, West Plains, Timothy Eckhart and wife, Debbie, Denver, Colorado and Anthony Eckhart, Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren; one brother, Marvin Eckhart, Toledo, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one son, Stephen, three brothers and two sisters, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, 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.

Graveside services for Billie Shelton, 100, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Shelton passed away at 3:15 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2021, at The Gardens Assisted Living, Springfield, Missouri, after a long and fruitful life.  She was just three months shy of reaching the age of 101.

She was born in 1920, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Walter Light and Viola Whited Light. Born into a large family of twelve, Billie was second to the youngest and the last of her siblings to pass away.  Billie met her husband, William E. Shelton, while she was a senior in high school.  He was the music director at Willow Springs High School.  They were married soon after she graduated and were married for forty-seven years.  William died of liver and colon cancer in Springfield, October 13, 1985.  Billie and Bill lived in many places in Missouri, including Buffalo, Kansas City and North Kansas City.  In 1952 they moved to Southern California and lived in Montebello, Whittier and Brea until 1973 when they returned to Pomona, Missouri to retire.  William built a home in Pomona and they lived together there until his death.  Billie moved to West Plains and then to Springfield.  Billie and William were active in church and music and sang together often.  She was an active and talented seamstress and quilter.  Billie was an excellent cook, loved tending to flowers and a large garden in her earlier years in North Kansas City.  She and William took up oil painting and became quite skilled at putting their ideas on canvas.

She is survived by two daughters, Janet Turner and husband, Kevin and Cathy Jeffery and husband, Hal; one son, William D. Shelton and special friend, Patty Prentice; four grandchildren, Jon Shelton and wife, Marci, Brian Shelton and wife, Sara, Stephanie Terwilliger and husband, Mark and Joe Arns and wife, Kristi; seven great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Adrienna and Joseph Arns, Travis Shelton, Chloe Morse and Logan and Garrett Olbrich; one great-great-grandson, Aiden Hansen; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, six brothers and five sisters, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, Springfield, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Mary Lou Hambelton, 81, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2021 at Ball Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hambelton passed away at 10:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2021, at her home.

She was born June 28, 1939, at Mt. Ararat, Missouri, to Owen Reed and Mae Loring Reed.  On July 27, 1957, she was married at Hernando, Mississippi, to Gerald Hambelton, who preceded her in death on January 26, 2000.  Mrs. Hambelton was the owner and operator of Crossroads General Store for a number of years.  She loved to fish on every day ending in a Y.  She dearly loved her grandkids and great-grandkids and enjoyed teaching them to fish.  She also enjoyed gardening and bird watching.  Mary Lou loved to cook and was well known for her noodles, fried chicken, coconut cream pie and strawberry pie.  Mrs. Hambelton was a long time member of Ball Church of Christ.

She is survived by three children, Debbie Perryman and husband, Gary, Dora, Missouri, Brenda Uhlmann and special friend, Rick Pendergrass, Eldridge, Missouri and Roger Hambelton and wife, Carolyn, Dora, Missouri; six grandchildren, Andy Lawson, Kristin Lowther and husband, Justin, Derrick Uhlmann, Devon Uhlmann and wife, Kayla, Dustin Hambelton and Danielle Gunnell and husband, Brandon; five great-grandchildren, Colton and Rhett Lawson, Blake and Hudson Uhlmann and Corbin Gunnell; one brother, John Reed and wife, Sandy, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Joy Rieger and husband, Joseph, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Josephine Reed, Dora, Missouri and Joan Nash, Gainesville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, and two brothers, Jerald Loring and Donald Reed, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Hambelton will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 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.

Graveside services for Connie Mae Hawkins, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 29, 2021 at South Fork Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Connie passed away at 9:25 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Mountain View Healthcare.

She was born May 4, 1955, at West Plains, Missouri, to Forrest William Hawkins and Marcella Grace (Sally) Sexton Hawkins.  Connie received her education in the schools of West Plains.  She was a Christian of Baptist faith.  Connie worked at the International Shoe Factory for twenty years and was the Assistant Director at Little Angels Daycare for twenty-two years; she loved taking care of kids.

She is survived by one brother, Randy Hawkins and wife, Mary Jo; one sister, Kathy Ledbetter and husband, Danny; six nephews, James Dunnihoo, Randy Ray Hawkins and wife, Dewana, Corey Ledbetter and wife, Amber, Brian Hawkins, Jeremy Ledbetter and Dustin Hawkins and wife, Holly; seventeen great-nephews and nieces; and nine great-great-nephews and nieces.

Her parents, one sister and one brother-in-law, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to South Fork Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A memorial service for Michael Allen Mandrell, 37, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Mandrell passed away at 3:01 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

He was born February 20, 1983 in Streator, Illinois, to Walter Mandrell and Jane Richardson Wilson.  He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 2001.  He married his bride Victoria Cunningham on April 20, 2017.  Victoria brought five children, Zachary, Parish, Jacob, Katlynn, and Ricky to their relationship and Michael loved and cared for them all. 

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Mandrell; his mother and step-father, Jane Wilson and Mike Willig; his brother, Andrew James (AJ) Mandrell and his children, Austin and Naomi Mandrell; his sister Samantha (Mrs. Roger) Cunningham, and her children Spring Crawford, Summer Culpepper and Aiden Cunningham; and his daughter, Elayna Ivory Rose Mandrell.

His father preceded him in death.

Mr. Mandrell will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

On January 25, 2021, Windel (Wil) Carroll, Jr. , 59, Pottersville, Missouri passed peacefully into eternal life to be with his Heavenly Father after a long battle with cancer at his home.

He was born on May 10, 1961, in Casper, Wyoming to Windel (Ray) and Louise Carroll. 

Wil leaves behind his wife, Trudy Carroll; two children, Kellee Carroll and wife, Jennifer and Andrew Carroll and significant other, Hannah Luanne; five grandchildren, Isabella, Thompson, Oliver, Maxwell and Salem Rain all of Gillette, Wyoming; two sisters, Annette Morgan and husband, Juan Castro, Pottersville, Missouri and Deneen Olson and husband, Robert, Gillette, Wyoming; two nieces, Shannon Morgan and Katie Olson; one nephew, Shaun Morgan; and special friends, Frank and Judy Bell, Pottersville, Missouri and Chad and Lori Rhen, San Diego, California.  Wil dearly loved all his family and friends.

His parents and previous wife, Sandra Carroll preceded him in death.

Wil worked at Carroll’s Upholstery in Gillette, Wyoming before starting a career as an over-the-road truck driver.  He especially enjoyed working for Andrew Wommack Ministries assisting in transporting and setting up the events with his long-time trucking partner, Chad.  Wil was a devoted Christian and dearly loved the Lord. He was a member of the Spring Creek Community Church in West Plains, Missouri.  He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Wil will be held at the Spring Creek Community Church in West Plains, Missouri on Saturday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. with a meal to follow. 

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.