Graveside services for Jackson Wyatt Hodde, stillborn infant son of Robyn Hodde, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Babyland at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jackson went to be with the Angels at 4:32 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, Missouri.
He is survived by his mother, Robyn Hodde; one sister, Emma Hodde; and his grandfather, Bill Hodde.
His grandmother, Elaine Hodde preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Billie Jo Wiles, 46, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, 2020 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wiles passed away at 4:30 a.m., Monday, December 14, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born November 5, 1974, at West Plains, Missouri, to Billy Joe Jones and Joan Maurice Crider Jones. On September 22, 2003, she was married in the State of Arkansas, to John N. (Jay) Wiles II. She loved her cleaning business, Dust til’ Dawn. Billie loved her family and her grandbabies and enjoyed shopping for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Jay Wiles; four children, Michael Wiles, Destiny Wiles, Jimmy Thayer and Corey Chipley; four grandchildren, Jay’vyn Logan, Austin and Ainslee; five brothers, James Jones and wife, Madeline, Larry Jones and wife, Janet, David Jones and wife, Johnnie, John David Crider and wife, Michelle and Michael Crider and wife, Amy Jo; three sisters, Dorothy Ford and husband, Tim, Leigha Snow and Tonya Trivitt; sister-in-law, Sandra Jones; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, and one brother, Billy Ray Jones, preceded her in death.
Visitation service will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Dripping Springs Cemetery.
Graveside services for Noah Emmerson Burke, 35, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Burke passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
He was born June 4, 1985, at Riverside, California, to Gary Burke and Nancy Martin Burke. Noah loved his children and enjoyed watching sports. He was very smart and participated in Quiz Bowl in High School.
He is survived by three children, Tianna Williams, Christian Collett and Aurora Burke; his girlfriend, Erika Collett; his parents, Gary and Nancy Burke; three brothers, Marty Burke and wife, Michelle, Joshua Burke and wife, Jennifer and Matthew Burke; three sisters, Jamie Bellamy, Ruth Waggoner and husband, Shane and Rebekah Burke; and many nieces and nephews.
His grandparents, Roy and Gwen Burke and Jerry and Ruth Martin and one uncle, Chad Burke, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
David Anthony Medlock, 46, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
He was born August 16, 1974, at Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Jack Medlock and Trudi West Medlock. David loved his family and enjoyed hunting. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his mother, Trudi Medlock, West Plains, Missouri; fiancé, Jackie Abernathy, of the family home; special friend, Kerry Johns, Bolivar, Missouri; one sister, Dawn Baker and husband, Paul, Lawrence, Kansas; one niece, Danielle Shriver and husband, Tom and their children, Aybrahm, Cheston, Elayna, Dean and Farrah Shriver, all of Nagle, Missouri.
His father and grandparents preceded him in death.
Ruby Maxine Driscoll Johnson, 95, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born August 6, 1925, at West Plains, Missouri, to Thomas William Driscoll and Anna Courtney Hard Driscoll. On April 21, 1943, she was married at Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to Hugo Erhard (Bud) Johnson, who preceded her in death on December 23, 2013. Three children were born to this union. Ruby worked for over thirty years at the International Shoe Company before retiring. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she loved her family. She was a hard worker and loved to cook, can, sew and quilt. Ruby made many beautiful quilts that the family has to cherish. Her doors were always open to visitors and she made sure you would eat before leaving. Ruby was a Christian and loved the Lord; she was a wonderful example to her family. Mrs. Johnson was a long time member of Trinity Worship Center.
She is survived by three children, Karen Sloan and husband, Bob, Perry Dwayne Johnson and wife, Melva and Ronald Johnson and wife, Pam, all of West Plains; five grandchildren, Eirik Sloan, Las Vegas, Nevada, Auga Sloan, West Plains, Teena Skiles, Brentwood, California, Amy Jackson, Branson, Missouri, Andrea Turner, Caulfield, Missouri; ten great-grandchildren, Brooke Skiles, Dallas, Texas, Alex Skiles, Denver, Colorado, Courtney and Maisie Skiles, Brentwood, California, Perry (Hobie) Johnson III and Morgan Johnson, both of Canada, Jacob Sloan, Scarlett Turner, both of West Plains and Sylas and Amson Jackson, both of Branson, Missouri; one brother, Lloyd (Jim) Driscoll and wife, Delores; three sisters, Juanita Bean and husband, Joe and Thelma Willard Montgomery and husband, Paul, both of West Plains and Mary Toney, Marion, Ohio; one sister-in-law, Laura Driscoll, Columbus, Maryland; and a host of nieces and nephews, who loved her very much.
Her parents, husband, one grandson, Perry D. Johnson, II, five brothers, Coy Driscoll and wife, Lillian, Perry Driscoll, Lonzo Driscoll and wife, Ida, Dean Driscoll and wife, Evelyn and Norman Driscoll, one sister, Dorothy Mahaffey and husband, Herb, and one brother-in-law, Victor Toney, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Johnson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A private burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery or any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Sonja Prewitt, 75, Peace Valley, Missouri, passed away at 3:45 p.m., Friday, December 18, 2020, at NHC healthcare, West Plains, Missouri. Sonja was born September 2, 1945, at Kansas City, Missouri, to Gilbert Prewitt and Glena Koster Prewitt Cooper. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for James Osmond Shannon, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Shannon Residence, County Road 6620, West Plains, Missouri. A sign will be present to identify the location of the service. Graveside services will be under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Shannon passed away at 12:35 a.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020 at his home in West Plains, Missouri, surrounded by his family.
He was born August 19, 1935, at Sturkie, Arkansas, to Luther Marvin Shannon and Hallie Witt Shannon. On July 6, 1955, he was married at Sturkie, Arkansas, to Ruby Elliott Shannon. James retired from Southwest Truck Body (now known as DRS) in1994. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed farming, baseball, gardening, music and playing cards. Most of all, he loved God and the love of his life, Ruth.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth of the family home; four children all of West Plains, Missouri, Ruth Ann Newnam and husband Jimmy, Mike Shannon and wife, Dena, Debra Head and husband, Jeff and Charla Whiteside; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; three sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, four brothers and five sisters preceded him in death.
Mr. Shannon will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to State Line Cemetery or 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.
Donna Joyce Hicks, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:25 p.m., Sunday, December 13, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born August 11, 1938, at Bloomington, Indiana, to Lomie Jackson and Viola Miller Jackson. She was married August 18, 1962 at Bloomington, Indiana, to Hanne Lane Hicks, who preceded her in death on March 3, 2013. Mrs. Hicks was a teacher at Marlin Elementary School, Bloomington, Indiana. She retired in 2000. Mrs. Hicks was a member of The Red Hatters Club, was a supporter of the West Plains Animal Shelter and was active in church. She was a faithful follower of her grandchildren and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Mrs. Hicks attended Indiana State, Terre Haute, Indiana and earned a Master’s Degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, where she studied under Dr. David Gallahue.
She is survived by two children, Dale Hicks and wife, Dawn, West Plains, Missouri and Chris Hicks and wife, Kally, Kodiak Island, Alaska; two grandchildren, Evan Hicks and Garrit Hicks; and one cousin, Janet Branan, Bloomington, Indiana.
Her parents, husband and one sister, Gladys Bush, preceded her in death.
Jeffrey Carl Barry, 67, Dora, Missouri, passed away at 8:14 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at his home.
He was born January 18, 1953, at Columbus, Ohio, to Carl Royce Barry and Evelyn Katherine Woodard Barry. Mr. Barry was a retired painter and enjoyed his horses.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Richards, of the family home; two children, Seth Barry and wife, Amy and Matthew Barry and wife, Callie, all of West Plains; one step-daughter, Halley Shaughnessy and husband, Adam and their daughter, Paisley, of Union, Missouri; four grandchildren, Chandler, Indie, Jade and Calvin Barry; one brother, John Paul Barry and wife, Kathy, Advance, Missouri; and one niece, Marty Barry Lantz and husband, Colt.
Graveside services for Wanda Mae Pliler, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pliler passed away at 5:09 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri.
She was born December 5, 1944, at Crider, Missouri, to James Sutten Gott and Sybil Louise Karr Gott. She loved her family and grandkids.
She is survived by four children, Ricky Pliler and wife, Pam, West Plains, Robbie Pliler, West Plains, Kerry Pliler, United Kingdom and Kasey Pliler and wife, Amanda, Joplin, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Christy, Reagan, Chelsea, Hailey, Jarrad, Jaiden, Devon, Taylor, Morgan and Mary; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, David Gott, State of Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Sue Gott, Rolla; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one daughter, Rhonda Tackett, two brothers, Jerry and Kenny Gott and one sister-in-law, Shirley Gott, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Pliler will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Lawrence Paul Fore, 82, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Fore Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Fore passed away at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was born June 18, 1938, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Herbert Fore and Ruby Howard Fore. On April 27, 1958, he was married at Vidette, Arkansas, to Dorothy Jean Cotter, who preceded him in death on April 2, 2017. On September 30, 2018, he was married at Gepp, Arkansas, to Martha Hayes Durham. Paul graduated from the Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1956. He loved playing music, hunting, fishing, working on his farm and restoring tractors. He had worked as a bookkeeper for Hayes Brothers Flooring and was a mail carrier. Mr. Fore was a member of County Line Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Fore, of the family home; two children, Mike Fore and wife, Debbie and Beverly Jones and husband, Corey, all of Gepp, Arkansas; three step-daughters, Robin Tomlinson, Springfield, Missouri, Melanie Yocom, Walnut Grove, Missouri and Wendy Durham, Bakersfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Mandi Rudes and husband, Jessy, Lorin Dewey, Jonathan Dewey and Ashley Wells and husband, Lucas; two great-grandchildren, Madilynn and Jensen; one brother, Howard Polk Fore and wife, Reta, Kansas City, Kansas; one sister, Linda Gay Hodges and husband, Cran, Gepp, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, first wife and one brother, Donald Fore, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Jerry Lynn (Willy) Willard, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 18, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Willard passed away at 11:12 a.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at his home.
He was born January 17, 1951, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Hubert (Bud) Willard and Maxine Moffis Willard. Willy graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1969. Mr. Willard was a Vietnam Veteran, having served with the United States Navy aboard the USS Hassayampa. He was a service technician for Culligan for many years and enjoyed photography, painting and building models. Mr. Willard was a Christian.
He is survived by his companion of over twenty-five years, Pam Brotherton; her three children, Kileene Collins, Jennifer Jennings and Will Brotherton; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many special cousins, including Freda Paschall and Vicki Lynn Watts.
His parents preceded him in death.
Mr. Willard will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020 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.
Todd William Cason, son of John Sweat and Deborah Overton, was born February 24, 1987, at Brunswick, Georgia. He entered into eternal rest December 11, 2020, at the age of thirty-three years.
Todd was a loving, caring person and a wonderful father, a great son and brother. He was a hard working man.
He is survived by five children, Skylar, Sophia, Conner, Zane and Aubrey; his mother, Deborah Sweat; his father, Oscar Caughron and wife, Tracey; two brothers, Justin Sweat and John Sweat; two sisters, Joni Sweat and Cheryl Sweat; one step-sister, Misty Ratliff; and many nieces and nephews.
His grandparents, Linda Cason, John Cason, Lavada Caughron and Olan Caughron, preceded him 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.
Graveside services for Joyce Anita Smith, 74, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 14, 2020 at Souder Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Smith passed away at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at her home.
She was born February 23, 1946, at Souder, Missouri, to Ira Smith and Lorena Wright Smith. Mrs. Smith worked as a home health aide at Riverways. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and going to yard sales. Mrs. Smith was a Christian.
She is survived by two children, Tina Callahan and husband, John, Pottersville, Missouri and Tony Stockdale and wife, Holly, Denver, Colorado; six grandchildren, Lucas Callahan, Levi Callahan, Tyler Callahan, Toni Brossow, Vincent Stockdale and Crystal Stockdale; six great-grandchildren, Willow, Addilyn, Savanna, Chase, Lylee and Malachi; four brothers, Bob Smith and wife, Barbara, Kenny Smith and wife, Joyce, Joe Smith and Gary Smith, all of Ava, Missouri; one sister, Genola Caudill, Ava, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Don Smith, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Smith will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Souder Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Charlotte E. Nale, 80, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 14, 2020 at New Hope Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nale passed away at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at NHC Healthcare.
She was born December 27, 1939, at Mountain View, Missouri, to Claude Holden and Elsie Gale Holden. On November 20, 1958, she was married at Mountain View, Missouri, to Ronald Lee Nale, who preceded her in death on June 12, 2019. After graduating from high school, Charlotte attended Cosmetology School in Springfield, Missouri. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, singing at church and visiting with people, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Nale was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
She is survived by two children, Ronda Love and husband, Daryl, Cairo, Georgia and Brian Nale and wife, Donna, Pomona, Missouri; one granddaughter, Erin Shrable and husband, Kaleb; three great-grandchildren, Easton, Koy and Everly; two step-grandchildren, Jessica Durante and husband, Greg and Keri Love; one step-great-grandchild, Parker; and one sister, Alice Earnhart, Springfield, Missouri.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Mrs. Nale will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery. 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.
Jimmy David Russell, 69, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:27 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020, at his home.
He was born August 25, 1951, at Brandsville, Missouri, to Paul Russell and Norma Morrison Russell. On September 27, 2000, he was married at Dora, Missouri, to Becky Barnett. Mr. Russell was a logger. He loved his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Russell, of the family home; two children, Carol Thompson and husband, Dustin, West Plains and Danny Russell, Oakley, Kansas; six grandchildren, Dallas, Jaxson, Eli, Kelsie, Lucas and Teresa; one brother, Allen Russell; one sister, Janie Lara; one sister-in-law, Danna Russell; and dear friends, Crystal Bender, Steven Thomas and Joey Russell.
His parents and two brothers, Lynn and Bob Russell, preceded him in death.
Donald Elmer Kenslow, 82, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, passed away at 8:40 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born December 5, 1937, at South Fork, Missouri, to Herbert Elmer Kenslow and Juna Marie Hunter Kenslow. On June 26, 1960, he was married at West Plains, to Judy Warden. Mr. Kenslow was the owner and operator of Don’s Goodyear for many years and had worked at Stein Buick for nineteen years. He enjoyed fishing and admiring autos. Mr. Kenslow was a member of the First Church of God, West Plains.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Kenslow, of the family home; two children, John Kenslow and wife, Susie, West Plains and Tami Merrick and husband, David, Willard, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jeffery Kenslow, Courtney Risner and husband, Seth, Corbin Russell, Chelsea Orchard and husband, Brandin, Traves Merrick, Daphne Wilkins and husband, Travis and Lili Merrick; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles Kenslow and wife, Shirley, West Plains and Dennis Kenslow and wife, Edna, Kansas City, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one sister-in-law, Joyce Kenslow, preceded him in death.
A private burial was 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 Bobby Turnbull, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Little Zion Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Turnbull passed away at 6:59 p.m., December 5, 2020, at Freeman Health Center, Joplin, Missouri.
He was born April 26, 1945, at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Abra and Lola Turnbull. Bobby was a logger and loved to farm and work horses. He also enjoyed gardening. One of his favorite things to tell people was, “I am a professional logger and a professional liar.” Bobby would make up stories to entertain family and friends. When he was leaving to go home he would say “I’m going home to make up some lies”. He loved telling stories and making people laugh. Bobby loved his family and would spoil the children with candy. At the end of the day he was a good man that would help anyone in need. He was a mighty man with a mighty heart.
He is survived by; two brothers, Clarence Turnbull and wife Rhonda, Drury, Missouri, Richard Turnbull and wife Mary, Mountain Grove, Missouri; one sister, Mary Ann Turnbull, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters- in-law, Lois Turnbull, Tangula Turnbull and Marcia Turnbull; nineteen nieces and nephews, Connie Hooton, Randy Turnbull, Darren Turnbull, Wanda Meiners, Annetta Turnbull, Johnny Turnbull, Bonnie Delk, Carla Hoffman, Darla Turnbull, Angela Brownfield Pringle, Rex Turnbull, Sherri Trail, Robin Colbert, Angela Parker, Jennifer Bourgeois, Cory Turnbull, Richard Jr Turnbull, Cody Turnbull and Steven Turnbull; and many great nieces and nephews.
His parents, four brothers, James (Pete) Turnbull, John (Todd) Turnbull, Jerry Turnbull and Bill Turnbull, one sister-in-law Shirley Turnbull, two nephews, Kennith Turnbull and Ross Turnbull preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Ricky Bales, 60, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Bakersfield Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ricky Allen Bales, son of Joe Bill and Hazel Marie Mullins Bales was born September 12, 1960 at West Plains, Missouri. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 3, 2020 at 8:14 pm at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home.
On July, 21, 1978 in Bakersfield, Missouri, he married his lifelong love, Beverly Hickman. Through this marriage, Rick and Beverly were blessed with their two girls Ashley and Melissa. Rick retired from Baxter Healthcare in Mountain Home after nearly forty years of service. He then had the privilege of working for the Bakersfield R-IV school district over the last few years. Rick was an avid outdoorsman. He looked forward to deer season every year, taking many trophy bucks over the years. He also had a passion for restoring old muscle cars and taking care of his family farm. Above all, Rick loved his family. He was always so excited to watch his grandchildren play sports. Rick was always there for others in their time of need. There wasn’t anything that Rick didn’t know how to fix. Rick was a man of God and loved to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song at the church he was so proud to attend, Bakersfield Assembly of God.
He is survived by his wife Beverly Bales, of the family home; two daughters, Ashley Eckman and husband, Andrew, West Plains, Missouri, Melissa Miller and husband, Kenny, Mountain Home, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Cooper, Braelyn, Tucker, Ella, Barrett and MaKenna; one sister, Patsy Cotter and husband PeeWee, Bakersfield, Missouri; six sisters-in-law, Carol Bales, Bakersfield, Missouri, Rose Ann Bales Hayes, West Plains, Missouri, Teresa Price and husband, Larry, Bakersfield, Missouri, Ann Taylor and husband, John, Mountain Home, Arkansas, Louise Shaw and husband, Bubba, Fort Smith, Arkansas and Debbie Murphy and husband Mike, Cherry Valley, Arkansas, very special friend, Jason Marsh and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, two brothers, Joe (Buddy) Bales and Larry (Butch) Bales, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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.
