Obituaries

Funeral services for Mary Ellen Stanley, 83, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2020 at Pomona Assembly of God Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Stanley passed away peacefully at 11:06 a.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020, at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her family,

She was born in Mitchell, Arkansas and grew up in Viola with three brothers whom she remained close to for the entirety of their lives. In 1955, she married the love of her life, J.R. Stanley, and their happy union lasted more than 50 years until his passing in 2005.  She raised three daughters whom she was incredibly proud of, had six grandkids who were the apple of her eye, and to her delight in 2019 she became a great-grandmother. Mary lived for her family and they brought her more happiness than anything else in her life.  She had a zest for life that inspired all who knew her, and having been raised with three older brothers, she was a talented athlete. She was a Chiefs fan, an avid reader and travelled every time she had an opportunity. She had an endless spirit of adventure and could boast that she had visited 48 states and numerous countries.  Her work was also very important to her. She was a respiratory therapist at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains for many years, even returning after retirement to help in other capacities. She made a great many friends there who remained in her life until her passing.  The cornerstone of Mary’s life was her faith. This was made evident through her attendance in and service to her church, Pomona Assembly of God. She worked as the church secretary and helped clean the church for many years. In 2006 she was part of a missionary group to Guatemala.  There is no question that Mary will be deeply missed by her countless friends and family, but there is a sense of peace knowing she is in the arms of her Savior. A relationship with Christ was always the most important thing in her life.

Mary is survived by her brother, Levi Mason, of Warrensburg, Missouri; her daughters, Mary Ann Risla and husband Jan, Billings, Montana, Patricia Stoops and husband, Tim, West Plains, Missouri and Carla Trick and husband Jerry, West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, Danielle Webb and husband Rob, West Plains, Missouri, Ethan Stoops, West Plains, Keara Risla, West Plains, Charlie Trick and wife, Ellie, Fayette, Missouri, Karsten Risla, Billings, Montana and Lorin Trick, West Plains great-granddaughter, Preslee Webb, West Plains; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, whom she adored.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Paul Mason and Roland Mason, her daughter, Susan Stanley, her husband, J.R. Stanley and one great-grandson, Jaden Webb.

Mrs. Stanley will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Mackey Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Assembly of God’s Children’s Missions and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Junior Francis Pettyjohn, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020 at New Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Pettyjohn passed away at 5:35 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020, at his home.

He was born March 8, 1942, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Ollie Francis Pettyjohn and Maymie Ellen McFarland Pettyjohn.  Mr. Pettyjohn was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement he worked at DRS, formerly Southwest Truck Body.  He enjoyed fishing, playing pool and making deals.  Mr. Pettyjohn attended Church of the Brethren.

He is survived by one son, Scott Pettyjohn and wife, Lora, Peace Valley, Missouri; four grandchildren, Alisha Bettis and fiancé James Hood, Brandy Pettyjohn and fiancé Joseph Wheeler, Scotty Pettyjohn and fiancé Amber Brimm and Samantha Headly; fifteen great-grandchildren; four nieces, Treena Blades, Ellen Weaver, Donna Ross and Sharon Pena; one nephew, Dwayne Pettyjohn; and special friends, Brian Shrubb and Charlene (Pinky) Bales.

His parents, one sister, Lois Morgan, one brother, Wayne Pettyjohn and one nephew, Mark Shultz, preceded him in death.

Mr. Pettyjohn will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 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.

Barbara (Bobbi Jo) Gish was born in Mountain Home, Arkansas on July 30, 1953.
Her parents, Joe and Peggy Estes, raised her along with her three sisters, Marsha Estes, Vicky McLaughlin, and Linda Hedeen on a farm in Gamelial, Arkansas.
There, Bobbi Jo helped raise chickens, goats, horses, and cattle. They were so successful, in fact, that the Estes family won the 1979 Farm Family of the Year award for Baxter County, Arkansas.  Bobbi Jo later became a CNA before marrying Leroy Gish and having two children; Loren (Odes) and Melissa.  Her hobbies included gardening, hunting, painting, and riding horses.

Despite being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 1994 and a subsequent divorce, she continued to bring joy and love to those around her as she resided in nursing homes both in Neosho and West Plains, Missouri. Full of determination and perseverance, Bobbi went on to win numerous awards as she competed in wheel chair races and hog calling in the Senior Olympics. She took every opportunity to live life to its fullest and was a warrior to the very end.

On October 8th, 2020, Barbara passed away after courageously battling MS and its subsequent complications for over 26 years.

Barbara Gish was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Marsha and Vicki.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Tom Hedeen; three nephews, Michael, Tom and Joe Bernard; two children, Loren (29) and Melissa Gish (26); and her two grandchildren, Adilynn (8) and Elliot Gish (2).

Arrangements under the d irection of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Mavis Arnold, 72, Thayer, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2020 at Hawkins Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral HOme.

Mrs. Arnold died 2:25 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2020 at Shady Oaks Nursing Center, Thayer, Missouri.  She was born August 4, 1948 at Niles, Michigan to Reckord L. C. Williamson and Nancy Ellen Mitchell Williamson.   Mrs. Arnold was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by two brothers, Tommy Williamson and Franklin Williamson; four sisters, Ruth Williams, Tammy Hawkins, Norma Stough and Thelma Coggins; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, three brothers, Billy Joe Williamson, Carl Wayne Williamson and Rex Williamson, Jr., and one sister, Betty Sue Williamson, preceded her in death.

Joseph Charles Jordan, III, 90, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:40 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born May 22, 1930, at Kansas City, Missouri, to Joseph Jordan II and Ann Dourty Jordan.  Mr. Jordan was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  On February 13, 2000, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Rose Ann Martin, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2020.  He was a volunteer fireman and enjoyed stamp collecting, golfing and fishing.  Mr. Jordan was a Christian.

He is survived by three children, Larry Jordan and wife, Kelly, Yellville, Arkansas, Tom Jordan and wife, Tina, Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Margaret Jordan, Kona, Hawaii; three grandchildren, Todd, Bethany and Kyle Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Tony and Shawn Jordan; one brother, Donald Jordan; and two sisters, Deloris Dyke and Joann Calvert.

His parents and wife preceded him in death.

WaDyne West-Littlewood, 77, Lebanon, Missouri, passed away at 5:10 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.

She was born February 12, 1943, at Wichita, Kansas, to Woodrow Wilson Smith and Dorothy Smith.  On January 18, 1994, she was married in Hawaii to Daniel Robert Littlewood, who preceded her in death May 29, 2005.  She enjoyed traveling, nature, outdoors, flowers and plants.  She was a good seamstress and cook.

She is survived by two children, Denia Russell and husband, Matthew, Lebanon, Missouri and David (Michael) West and wife, Natasha, Bakersfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Dalton Russell, Dylan Russell and Lane West; one brother, Darrell McFarland and wife, Patsy, Rogersville, Missouri; five sisters, Francine Williams, Tecumseh, Missouri, Kay Grayham, Bakersfield, Missouri,  Kathy Lally and husband, Terry, Bakersfield, Missouri, Karen Skiver and husband, Larry, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Karla Smith-Lally, Bakersfield, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Mrs. West-Littlewood will lie in state from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2020, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Graveside services for Flossie Mae Land, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Land passed away at 5:15 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born June 15, 1932, at Bono, Arkansas, to Harry Bandy and Flora Bass Bandy.  On April 21, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Charles Joseph Land, who preceded her in death on November 11, 2019.  Before her retirement, Flossie owned and operated a flower shop and Katie Beth’s Bridal Shop.  She was loved, cherished and had a beautiful smile and will be missed by all of her family and friends.  Mrs. Land was a member of First General Baptist Church.

She is survived by four children, Larry Land and spouse Brenda, West Plains, Jim Land and spouse, Sy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Patty Cromer and spouse, Steve, West Plains and Pam Solomon, West Plains; ten grandchildren, Jordan Land, Brian Land, Jarrod Land, Brad Cromer, Natalie York, Jamie Simpson, Shannah Wood, Leslie Hoenie, Ashley Hall and Garrett Solomon; eighteen great-grandchildren, Katy Beth Land, Abby Land, Kelsi Land, Keeli Land, Jackson Land, Audrey Land, Tanner Land, Drew Cromer, Kori Cromer,  Karley York, Brayden York, Payton York, Chloe Simpson, Mason Bryan, Trey Hoenie, Ellie Hoenie, Lance Land and Miley  Hall; two sisters, Loeta Stout and Juanita Rider; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Mrs. Land will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to First General Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Jessie Mac Cleveland, 83, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Cleveland passed away at 4:27 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born March 24, 1937, at England, Arkansas, to Grover Cleveland and Bertha Mae Ray Cleveland.  On October 4, 1980, he was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Peggy Harper.  Mr. Cleveland was a farmer and logger.  He was a hard worker and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Peggy Cleveland, of the family home; four children, Grover Cleveland and wife, Linda, Burlington, Kansas, Susie Snorgrass and husband, Les, Gary Lee Cleveland and wife, Sondra and Carl Murphy and wife, Lindsey, all of Caulfield, Missouri; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Erma Dean and husband, James, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one Aunt, Bea, preceded him in death.

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

Visitation services for Keith Dorris, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Dorris passed away at 9:33 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020, at West Vue Green House Homes.

He was born May 31, 1927, at Alton, Missouri, to Gordon Pope Dorris and Reval Gladys Scott Dorris.  On July 1, 1950, he was married at Alton, Missouri, to Nean Holmes.  Mr. Dorris was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during WWII.  Keith attended college at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.  Before his retirement, he was a banker.  He was fun loving and enjoyed fishing, quail hunting, playing golf, playing pool, horses and riding.  Keith was the Patriarch of his family and will be greatly missed.  Mr. Dorris was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Nean Dorris; four children, Terry Rainier, West Plains, Jim Dorris and wife, Sherrill, West Plains, Susan Soetaert and husband, Michael, Portland, Oregon and Becky Duncan and husband, Mark, Springfield, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Shawn Brunson and wife, Kim, Jacob Brunson and wife, Brandi, Pamela Bennett, Megan Dorris, Rachel Seidelman and husband, Russell, Daniel Soetaert and wife, Sally, Eric Soetaert, David Duncan, Courtney Aycock and husband, Cody and Derrick Duncan; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Hilton, Campbell, California; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and three brothers, Phillip, David and Robert Dorris, preceded him in death.

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

Graveside services for Lorene Mary Copeland, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Copeland passed away at 7:27 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born May 19, 1928, at Leota, Missouri, to Tinker Douglas and Agnes Elsie Joice Douglas.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Copeland worked in housekeeping at Ozarks Medical Center.  She enjoyed bluegrass music, singing at area nursing homes, reading western books and loved embroidery.  Mrs. Copeland attended West 160 Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Johnson and husband, Larry, Grove, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Stacy Maute and Larry Gene Johnson; five great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Tommy Douglas; two sisters, Barbara Brower and husband, Clyde and Tammy DeVault; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents and three sisters, Rosie Burgess, Maxine Burks and Hope Douglas, 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.

Graveside services for Orval Ambros Upton, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Upton passed away at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at NHC Healthcare.

He was born July 16, 1936, at West Plains, to John Chant Upton and Emma Spencer Upton.  Mr. Upton had served with the Missouri National Guard, was a private pilot and had been a member of Masonic Lodge 1970 in Kansas City and transferred to Mt. Zion Lodge in West Plains where he had received a 50 year Pin in 2020.  Mr. Upton was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by three children, Randall Upton and wife, Mona, Ronald Upton and Billy Upton and wife, Marlena; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Upton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Richard James Upton, four brothers, Grover, Clifford, John and J. B. Upton and two sisters, Lorene Hughes and Pauline Gann, preceded him in death.

Mr. Upton will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Shirley Louise Nichols, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nichols passed away at 9:36 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born April 5, 1942, at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Kenoth Vandergriff and Irene Sparlin Vandergriff.  On June 20, 1958, she was married at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Charles Nichols.  Shirley enjoyed camping, fishing, sewing and music parties.  Mrs. Nichols was a member of the Pentecostal Revival Center.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Charles Nichols, of the family home; one daughter, Pam Nichols, West Plains, Missouri; one grandson, Brian Nichols, West Plains; one sister, Wanda Smith, Ravenden Spring, Arkansas; one brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Wilma Nichols, West Plains; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, two brothers, Elvis (Pete) and Bill Vandergriff and one sister, Helen Schafer, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Nichols will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pentecostal Revival Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Rose Ann (Roseana) Jordan, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Jordan passed away at 10:40 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born July 7, 1950, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Troy Benjamin Martin and Blanche Della Cochran Martin.  On February 13, 2000, she was married at West Plains, to Joseph Jordan.  Mrs. Jordan was an LPN and enjoyed her job.  She also enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, dancing, Thanksgiving and spending time with her family, especially her kids and grandkids.  She was loved dearly by everyone that knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Jordan, West Plains; two children, Benny Bratcher and wife, Linda Ann, Lafayette, Louisiana and Cathy Chandler, Licking, Missouri; five grandchildren, Troy Bratcher, Casey Bratcher, Quinn Bratcher, Heather Kestler and Eric Kestler, II; two great-grandchildren, Ezekiel and Samson; two brothers, Jessie Martin, Lenexa, Kansas and Robert Martin and wife, Cheryl, Phillipsburg, Missouri; one sister, Deloris Johnson, Alton, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, two brothers, George Henry Martin and Lester Paul Martin and three sisters, Thelma Mae Martin, Katherine Lou Baysinger and Joyce Sue Craig, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Jordan will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, 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 Lenora Belle Harper Frazier, 88, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Ball Cemetery under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Frazier passed away at 2:20 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at her home near Dora. 

She was born February 4, 1932 at Caulfield, Missouri to Ray Harper and Elsie Lawing Harper.  Mrs. Frazier attended the schools of Bakersfield, Missouri and on May 4, 1949, was married at West Plains, Missouri to Dallas Ray Frazier who preceded her in death on May 2, 2005.  Before her retirement, she was employed at Baxter Lab.  Mrs. Frazier was a great cook, loved gardening, keeping a neat yard and enjoyed spending time with her family.  She was a member of the Ball Church of Christ, Dora.

She is survived by four children, Janella Crites and husband, Jack, Dallas Frazier and wife, Jackie, Connie Decker and husband, Joe, all of Dora, Missouri and Mark Frazier and wife, Mary, West Plains, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Jeff Crites and wife, April, Amanda Munson and husband, Ryan, Donny Frazier and wife, Deanna, Shauna Lockett, Melenda Frazier, Shawn Frazier and wife, Tiana, Timmy Frazier, Josh Frazier and wife, Brandi, Kyle Decker and wife, Crystal and Kody Decker and wife, Holden; twenty-one great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sue Lair, Jeannie Morris and husband, Steve, and Sharon Moore and husband, David, all of West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two great-grandchildren, Keanon Frazier and McKayla Frazier, one brother, Glen Harper and wife, Lois, two sisters,, Kay Rhine and husband, Ray and Adele Wells and husband, J. T. and one brother-in-law, Jerry Lair, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Frazier will lie state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Loyal James Belcher, 61, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, near West Plains, Missouri.

He was born July 9, 1959, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Theodore Belcher and Alma Beulah Collins Belcher.  On August 9, 1983, he was married at West Plains, to Waynette Hensley.  He loved his family and enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and working on cars and trucks.

He is survived by his wife, Waynette Belcher, of the family home; three children, Chris Belcher and girlfriend, Megan Johnson, Thayer, Missouri, Andrea Weisbrod and husband, Tyler, West Plains and Dustin Belcher and wife, Andrea, Ozark, Missouri; ten grandchildren, including Landon Belcher, of the family home; one brother, Freddy Belcher; four sisters, Shirley Welch, Ruby Collins and husband, Allan, Sherry Smith and husband, Bill and Loretta Evans and husband, Eddie; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents and two brothers, Marvin and Leroy Belcher, preceded him in death.

Our beloved mother, Nina Stafford, went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2020.  She was born October 15, 1942 at Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ferd Ennis Toone and Willie Merle Johnson Toone.  She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ and lived out her faith to all who knew her.  She retired from teaching, but never stopped teaching.  She started the West Plains Red Hat Chapter over 20 years ago, she was a member of the Library Club, volunteered both at OMC and Brooke Haven Healthcare.  She loved to read, journal, shop, cook, travel, shoes and enjoyed conversations with her friends.  She is dearly loved and will be missed beyond what words can express.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Connie Stafford and her grandson, Tommy McLaughlin. 

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Stacy Stafford (Jeff Barley) Stephanee (Joe) Valencia; two grandchildren, Ryan McLaughlin and Stacy Stafford-Pena; and three great-grandchildren.  

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to her nurse David Osborn.  He went above and beyond in providing both excellent care and friendship to her. 

Regretfully we are unable to have a service due to the recent outbreak of COVID.  In lieu of flowers, we would respectfully request donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  All of these organizations were very dear to her heart and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

Momma you’re on your eternal trip now, as we know your love of travel.  May you find sweet rest in the arms of Jesus and soar on eagle’s wings, until we meet again. 

Graveside services for Argie Lou Heinrich, 86, Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Heinrich passed away at 9:11 a.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway, Arkansas.

She was born September 14, 1934, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Argol Rudolph Meeks and Cuba Pansy Davidson Meeks.  On November 28, 1959, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Melvin E. Heinrich, who preceded her in death on May 8, 2015.  She attended grade school at Gamaliel, Arkansas and graduated from Bakersfield High School.  Argie had worked for thirteen years at International Shoe Factory and ten years at St. Regis Paper Bag Company in Kansas City, Missouri; she was also a homemaker and enjoyed helping on the family’s farm.  She loved her grandchildren and was a strong Christian woman. 

She is survived by her son, Chris Runion and fiancé, Spring Newton, Branson, Missouri; four grandchildren, Scott Runion and fiancé Angelina Romine, Brittany Helms, Katrina Brinkley and husband, Caleb and Mikeala Runion; five great-grandchildren, Berkley and Brayson Helms and Eli, Justin and Belle Runion; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, and two brothers, Harold and Tommy Meeks, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Heinrich will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Dr. C. Franklin Smith, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:40 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

Claude Franklin Smith was born on March 19, 1934 in Fremont, Missouri, the fifth son of Leonard and Leetia (Hall) Smith. He grew up on the family farm where there was no running water or electricity until his high school years. He graduated as Valedictorian from Fremont High School in 1952 in a graduating class of 10 people. He attended the University of Missouri from 1952-1956, graduating with a B.A. in Chemistry and attended the University of Missouri Medical School from 1956-1960 where he graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine. He married Peggy Maupin Smith in 1954 after proposing to her during her senior year of high school. Frank and Peggy were introduced by Peggy’s mother, Della and Frank’s sister-in-law, Jean. To this union 6 children were born. Frank entered the service and served in the Army Medical Corps from 1960-1964 after which he moved his family to Willow Springs, Missouri to begin practicing medicine as a G.P. with Dr. Miller. When Dr. Miller retired, Dr. Smith assumed the practice. During his 47-year career, he delivered over 3,500 babies, worked as a general surgeon and served the wide rural area around Willow Springs. Dr. Smith would often be on-call 24-hours daily, seeing patients after hours in his clinic as needed and making house calls. He even once made a house call 90 miles away in Springfield, Missouri! A local West Plains nursing home, Brook Haven, named a wing in his honor and in Willow Springs a ball field bears his name. He also served as Medical Director at Willow Care Nursing Home. He had many community connections: Willow Springs Rotary Club, Willow Springs Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason, Long-Time School Board President at Willow Springs, Team Doctor for the Willow Springs Football Team, Shriner with Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. Through his career in medicine and his community involvement, he was able to share in family moments in a unique way: he handed his daughter Becky her nursing cap, he delivered two of his children and many of his grandchildren. Following the death of his first wife, Frank married long-time friend Dorothy Treaster Smith on April 30, 2005. They had 15 years of marriage together and Frank often told of the joy she brought to his later years, having never exchanged a harsh word during their time together. He was a compassionate and caring individual with a kind-heart and a patient soul. Frank was a quiet man of faith leading by example first to his younger brother and then of course to his children. He even preached at a couple of churches as a part of the M.U. Wesley Foundation while in college. Frank loved to play hymns on the piano and sing, as well as playing many other instruments including: dulcimer, accordion, harmonica and banjo. He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports. He was a craftsman enjoying woodworking, string art and stained glass art as well. He enjoyed traveling, taking his family on many exciting vacations beginning with his own children, a station wagon and a pop-up trailer. He also went to Hawaii, Spain, Germany, Cancun, Thailand, Ireland and on an Alaskan cruise. He was even a pilot and flew a small airplane. He also had a motorboat and enjoyed time on the water with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; five children, Angela Smith, Becky Dilks and husband, Bob, Nancy Lovan and husband, Martin, Lee Smith and wife, Mary, and Lance Smith and wife, Sandy; eleven grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Oliver Dilks, Rachael Dilks, Richard Smith, Emily Pipes, Austin Lovan, Thomas Smith, Lauren DiSalvo, Jared Lovan, Lacey Hoorman and Landen Smith; and five great-grandchildren, Mason, Ryan, Lillian, Rosalee and Remington; and one brother, Owen Smith and wife, Carol.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of forty-nine years, Peggy Smith, his daughter, Hollis Smith and four brothers.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Smith will lie in state from 10:00 a.m., until 12:00 Noon, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Langston Chapel of Robertson Drago Funeral Home; all are welcome to attend in celebration of Dr. C. Franklin Smith’s life. A private family graveside service will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor David Lovan will officiate the ceremony. Memorial contributions can be sent to one of his favorite charities, Navajo School Foundation,15695 S CR 210 Altus, OK 73521 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Helen Maxine York, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. York passed away at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at NHC Healthcare, with her husband, Fred, at her side.

Helen Maxine Flottman was born June 10, 1928 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She graduated from Arkansas City Kansas High School in 1945. She worked at Kanotex refinery as a switchboard operator and stenographer until she married Fred York on March 5, 1947.  After living in Kansas, California, Louisiana and South America, they moved to Missouri in 1970.  Helen was of Northern Baptist Faith.

She is survived by her husband, Fred York; three children, Linda York Greer and husband, Dorance, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Gary York and wife, Regina, West Plains, Missouri and Amy Iven and husband, Dean, St. Charles, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Helen’s parents, Jack and Estelle Flottman, preceded her in death in 1967.