Funeral services for Kenneth Ronald Collins, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 12:06 p.m., Friday, November 16, 2018 at his home.
He was born October 12, 1943, at West Plains, Missouri, to Fred Morgan Collins and Dorothy “Maxine” Foster Collins. On January 12, 1961, he was married at Eminence, Missouri, to Kay Smith. Mr. Collins was an electrician. He loved his farm, woodworking and most of all his family. Kenneth could fix anything and would help anyone in need without wanting recognized for his good deeds. Mr. Collins has been a member at First Baptist Church for 40 years.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Collins, of the family home; three children, Kenny Collins and wife, Shelly, West Plains, Kenya Cook, West Plains and Karla McDuffey and husband, Tim, Linn Creek, Missouri; six grandchildren, Taran Collins, Jamie Collins, Kayla Baker, Austin Cook, Tyler McDuffey and Sara McDuffey; two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Emma Roberts; one sister, Rhonda Counts and husband, Steve, Bowling Green, Kentucky; and one niece, Angela Counts.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wonderfully Made Class at First Baptist Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Charles Joseph Land, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 15, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Land passed away at 2:33 a.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018 at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born January 8, 1926, at Lanton, Missouri, to Charles Clinton Land and Bertha Ann Jackson Land. Mr. Land was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy, during WWII. On April 21, 1950, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Flossie Bandy. Before his retirement, Mr. Land worked as a lineman at Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He enjoyed playing pitch every week with his friends, doing crossword puzzles, watching Judge Judy and in better health he loved to play pool and participate in tournaments. Mr. Land was a devoted Christian and Deacon; he was a long time member of First General Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Flossie Land, West Plains; four children, Larry Land, spouse Brenda, West Plains, Jim Land, spouse, Sy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Patty Cromer, 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 Haney, 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, Mary Lou Bassham and Laquita Underwood; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother and four sisters, preceded him in death.
Mr. Land will lie in state from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Martha Mae Henry, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral home.
Martha Mae Henry was born July 10, 1928, in West Plains, Missouri, the only child of the late Paschall O. Johnson and Mamie M. (Wadley) Johnson. Marty, as she was known by her friends, entered into eternal rest November 11, 2018, at the age of 90 years.
Marty attended West Plains Public Schools and graduated from West Plains High School in 1946. During her junior year, she was selected for membership in the Quill and Scroll Society, an achievement of which she was most proud.
While in her senior year of high school, Marty met the love of her life, the late Harold L. Henry, also of West Plains. Harold and Marty were married March 14, 1948, and made West Plains their home for a period of time before moving to Willow Springs. While living in Willow Springs, Marty gave birth to two of their three children, sons Lynn and Don. In 1951, the family moved to Springfield so Harold could attend college at Southwest Missouri State (now MSU). They later moved to Columbia for Harold to attend the University of Missouri School of Law. While in Columbia, Marty worked in the pathology lab at the University of Missouri Medical School. After Harold obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1956, they moved to Jefferson City where Harold worked as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Missouri. A few months after moving to Jefferson City, their daughter, Terre, was born. In December 1957, the family returned to West Plains, making it their permanent home.
While Harold and Marty lived in Jefferson City, they became members of the First Methodist Church and were faithful members of the church for the remainder of their lives. Marty and Harold both taught Sunday school. Harold taught high schoolers, and Marty taught younger age children for 14 years. Marty also helped with Vacation Bible School for a number of years and was one of the organizers of the Friendship Circle Preschool.
Marty was an avid golfer, making nine hole in ones. She enjoyed playing with her lady friends and with Harold in the Cat and Dog League. She and Harold also enjoyed crappie fishing for many years. Although Harold usually caught the most fish, Marty caught the big one, a 2 ¾ lb. crappie, and had it mounted and hung on Harold’s law office wall as a reminder that she caught the biggest one.
Marty’s favorite pastimes also included cooking, reading and cross-stitching – often times Bible verses and prayers which she gave to family and friends. Marty was a member of the Women’s Federated Library Club serving as President, Secretary and Historian for a number of years. She was noted for and enjoyed giving the history of the library club to new members. She was also a member of the MSU-West Plains Philanthropic Women for Education and a lifetime member of the Friends of Garnett Library.
In 1995, Marty and Harold established the Judge Harold and Martha M. Henry Endowed Scholarship for students attending the West Plains campus of MSU who are in need of financial assistance. Over the past 23 years, they have already helped more than 50 students obtain their college educations.
Following Harold’s death in 2007, Marty volunteered two afternoons a week at Brooke Haven Health Care until she was physically unable to help. Marty’s children describe her as a devoted wife and exceptional mother. When the children were in grade school, Marty served as a homeroom mother and was active in the PTA. She and Harold rarely missed the children’s ballgames, concerts and school functions. Marty also served as a cub scout den mother and a brownie and girl scout leader. Marty is fondly remembered by her family for her cooking, most notably her homemade rolls, sugar cookies, German chocolate cake and pies, and she loved showing her grandchildren how to cook.
She is survived by three children, H. Lynn Henry and wife, Becky, West Plains, Judge Don M. Henry and wife, Connie, West Plains, and Terre Ann Franken and husband, John, Carrollton, MO; five grandchildren, Jennifer Donn Davis, Jason Richman Henry, Regan Lynn Henry, Dr. Sarah Emily (Franken) Bernard and Laura Elizabeth Franken; two step grandchildren, Pamela Tackitt and Megan Dorris; three great-granddaughters, Brina Jacen Davis, Kaelyn Nicole Henry and Cora Mae Bernard; three great-grandsons, Bode Mack Henry, Dylan Tribble and Asher John Bernard; three step great-grandsons, Joshuah Jeffery, Jeremiyah Jeffery and Trintan Hendrix; and two step great-granddaughters, Hayley Dawn Tackitt and Kierstin Renae Tackitt.
Marty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Harold.
Mrs. Henry will lie in state from 1:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Marty’s honor be made to the Friendship Circle Preschool of the First United Methodist Church, the Judge Harold and Martha M. Henry Endowed Scholarship or CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children) and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mary “Burnett” Sharp, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Sharp passed away at 4:02 a.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at her home.
She was born June 18, 1930, in Ozark County, Missouri, to William Thomas Birdsong and Lucy Viola Owens Crawford.
She was married to Eugene Strong for thirty-eight years and in later years, she was married to George Anderson. Mrs. Sharp was employed at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence, Kansas for several years and Baxter Lab in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She made quilts for her children and grandchildren and was famous for her cherry-go-rounds, fried pies and popcorn balls, which she enjoyed sharing with her family and friends. Mrs. Sharp loved going to bluegrass festivals and yard sales in her spare time.
She is survived by six children, Al Strong, Dora, Missouri, Sandra Pendergrass and husband, Larry, Dora, Missouri, Mike Strong, West Plains, Missouri, Pam Luna and husband, Bob, Dora, Missouri, Janice Robertson and husband, Jerry, Kingwood, Texas, Connie McIntosh and husband, Duke, Drury, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Jeff Strong, Jesse Strong, JoDee Clarkson, Cody Strong, Debbie Strong, Kevin Luna, Rick Luna, Donnie Luna, Brad Green, Kristi Halseth, Brandon McIntosh, Cheyenne McIntosh, Traci Lee and Roger Pendergrass; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, Hezekiah Sharp, three brothers, one sister and a very special granddaughter, Tina Pendergrass, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Arnold Archibald Wiese, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Dry Creek Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wiese passed away at 2:50 p.m., Monday, November 5, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born September 19, 1934, at Pomona, Missouri, to Frederick Christopher Wiese and Anna Murtis Bertleson Wiese. On February 21, 1957, he was married at Alton, Missouri, to Jewell “Joann” White. Mr. Wiese was a farmer and worked for a number of years as an accountant for several businesses in the area, including, Dr. Jack Hayes, Ozark Action and Turning Leaf. He loved farming and studying the Bible. Mr. Wiese was a member of Dry Creek Church for over seventy years, where he served as a Deacon.
He is survived by his wife, Joann Wiese; four children, Sheryl Ford, Anna Merline Luton and husband, Jerry, David Wiese and wife, Krista and Dane Wiese and wife, Emma; eleven grandchildren, Rebekah, Jay, John, Jesse and Timothy Ford, Harley, William and Coatney Wiese, David and Sherman Keeler and Sarah Bullock; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one grandson, Brian Matthew Wiese, one son-in-law, Robert E. Ford, four brothers, one sister and his very best friend, L. S. Keeler, 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 Dry Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Dry Creek Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for John Martin Deidiker, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Deidiker passed away November 5, 2018 at his home.
He was born in Peace Valley, Missouri, the eldest son of Charles Herman and Nettie Lenora Ferguson Deidiker. John was a graduate of the West Plains High School Zizzer Class of 1957. He lettered in baseball all four years in high school and later spent many years involved in the American Legion baseball program in West Plains. He was especially known in high school and American Legion baseball for his powerful throws from deep centerfield to home plate. During high school he also received his radio electronic certificate from DeVry Institute. John spent most of his life doing what he enjoyed most, working as an announcer and sports broadcaster over local radio stations KWPM, KALM and other Ozark Radio Network Stations owned by Robert Neathery, and later with KHOM in West Plains. He was known throughout Howell and adjacent counties for his professional and upbeat way of bringing the news, sports and entertainment to the people of the Ozarks. Following his retirement from broadcasting, John worked as a dispatcher for the West Plains Police Department and Howell County 911. He also served on numerous boards, including the Senate Bill 40 Board, Howell County 911 and Harlin Museum. He continued his service to the community as a volunteer at Ozark Medical Center until the time of his illness. He enjoyed talking with and helping people. His knowledge of West Plains and Ozark history allowed him to talk about the Ozarks wherever he traveled. He was a member, twice president of the West Plains Chapter and a Lt. Governor of the Optimists International; a member and officer in the International Order of Odd Fellows in West Plains; and was a member of the West Plains American Legion Hall Post 23. John was a veteran of the United States Army, having served overseas as chief announcer with KANU Radio at Kagnew Station Asmara, Eretria, Ethiopia, East Africa. His honorable discharge as a Specialist 4 took place at Fort Irwin, California in 1964. He was married in 1963 to Johnnie Sue Walker of West Plains and to that union was born a son, Carl Ray Deidiker.
He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Sue; son, Carl Ray, both of the family home; his mother, Lenora, of West Plains; two brothers, Floyd Deidiker and wife, Pat, West Plains and Jim Deidiker and wife, Sue, Rogers, Arkansas; one aunt, Doris Deidiker, Farmington, Missouri; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and two great-great-nephews.
His father, two nieces and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Lorene Walker, 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. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family wishes to express their thanks to John’s doctors and the Riverways Hospice staff for providing such professional and attentive care.
Funeral services for Emma Lou Emerick, 92, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday November 9, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Emerick passed away at 4:42 p.m., Monday November 5, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born July 31, 1926, at Moko, Arkansas, to Amzie Conrad and Dollie Reavis Conrad. Emma Lou graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1944. On June 26, 1949, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Jack Delbert Emerick, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2012. She enjoyed all of her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren; she loved to play cards, games and telling jokes. Mrs. Emerick was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains.
She is survived by one daughter, Christy Ingalsbe; two grandchildren Khara Moss and husband, Nathan and Shaun Ingalsbe and wife, Jackie; four great-grandchildren, Ethan Moss, Haylee Ingalsbe, Brody Moss and Logyn Ingalsbe; one sister-in-law, Bernadean Fuller; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, son-in-law, Carl Ingalsbe, three brothers and one sister, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Emerick will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Roy Owen Black, 72, Hutton Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Hutton Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Black passed away at 7:45 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born April 28, 1946, at Hutton Valley, Missouri, to Owen Black and Nerva Jane Parrott Black. Roy was a graduate of Willow Springs High School. He worked as a football lacer at Rawlings and loved playing pool, hunting, fishing and sports. Mr. Black was a member of First General Baptist Church, Willow Springs, Missouri.
He is survived by one sister, Marideth Benfield and husband, Leroy, West Plains, Missouri and four nephews, Paul and Eddie Benfield and Loyd and Danny Warden.
His parents, one sister, Loretta Warden, brother-in-law, Loyd Warden, Jr. and one great-nephew, Cole Benfield, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hutton Valley Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation services for Talena Blanche Hayes, 57, Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hayes passed away at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Funeral services for Maynard “Gene” Ealy, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ealy passed away at 4:46 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at his home.
He was born September 11, 1944, at Flint, Michigan, to Maynard Monroe Ealy and Zella Mae Dodd Ealy. On December 22, 1962, he was married to Brenda M. Marshall at Amy Union Chapel, Hocomo, Missouri. Mr. Ealy was a veteran, having served with the United States Army for over twenty-three years before retiring. He had planned to spend his retirement fishing, but was soon called to be a fisher of men and entered into the ministry of his Living God. Mr. Ealy was a volunteer chaplain at Ozarks Medical Center for ten years; eight of those years he served as president. He also worked at Fas-Serv Market for ten years, during which time he made many friends.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Brenda Ealy, of the family home; two sons, Scott Ealy and friend, Corrina, Branson, Missouri and Terry Ealy, of the State of Mississippi; one brother, Bill Ealy, State of Indiana; two sisters, Shirley Myers and husband, Bob, and Hazel Blouin, all of State of Indiana; one brother-in-law, Randy Marshall, Tulsa, Oklahoma; two sisters-in-law, Linda Strosnider and husband, Brad, Mountain View, Missouri and Rose Ann Marshall, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, David Ealy and two brothers-in-law, Gary Marshall and Jim Russell, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Journey Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Dorothy Lee Moore, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Endurance Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Moore passed away at 8:37 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born July 15, 1941, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Emery Leroy Vankirk and Hazel Rosetta Crow Vankirk. She attended Ritenour High School. As a child, Dorothy rode two street cars to church each week with her family. Dorothy played the piano for Gateway Temple Church, led children’s church and was active in Child Evangelism and also played the organ at The Pentecostal Church of God. She was an avid gardener, quilter, had worked as a government secretary at the St. Louis Record Center for seven years, worked for fifteen years at West Vue and Pleasant Valley Care Facilities as a caregiver and after her retirement, she worked at Green Acres Assisted Living, Newton’s Group Home and cooked lunches for Faith Christian Academy. Mrs. Moore was a devoted Christian, faithful wife of forty years, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by three children, Bethany Heath and husband, Jerry, Pam Launius and husband, Grant and Kenneth Moore and wife, Kimberly, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren, David Murdy, Christina Dailey and husband, Tim, Heather Murdy, Donna-Jean Acosta and husband, Dalton, Sarah Murdy, Autumn Moore, Kaitland Binkley and husband, Tyler and Corbin Heath; four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Miguel, KennethLee and Gabriel; one brother, Emory Vankirk and wife, Dawn, Derby, Kansas; one uncle, Lyndell Crow and wife, Zereta; one brother-in-law, Charles Wallis; two nieces, Cheryl Davis and husband, Brett and Karen Todd and husband, Chuck; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Mary Ferrell, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for Leslie Eddings Rader, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rader passed away at 9:45 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2018 at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born October 24, 1942, at Delaware, Missouri, Mahan’s Creek neighborhood, the beloved son of the late Lowell Leslie and Lydia Eddings Rader. He received his education in rural Schneider School and West Plains High School. Mr. Rader served his country in the Missouri National Guard. He was a long-time electrical worker at Rader Electric and RKL Construction, West Plains. All of his life, he was a farmer and loved working on the family farm with his father and later owning and operating the farm. Mr. Rader was of the Baptist faith, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior as a child and was a charter member of the Berean Baptist Church of West Plains. He faithfully served and worshiped at Berean throughout his life.
He is survived by his siblings, Dr. Benjamin G. Rader and wife, Barbara, Lincoln, Nebraska, E. M. “Mike” Rader and wife, Marge, McKinney, Texas, Howard S. Rader and wife, Eve, Springfield, Missouri, Ada F. Cochran and husband, Mike, West Plains and Martha Alice Smith and husband, Danny, West Plains; seven nieces and nephews, Dr. Anne Rader, Portland, Oregon, Jill Hickman, McKinney, Texas, Allison Rader, McKinney, Texas, Becky Wood, Springfield, Missouri, Lance Cochran, West Plains, Marty Cochran, Golden, Colorado and Stacey Smith, West Plains; many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, neighborhood friends and church friends.
His parents, two nieces, Julia and Tina Rader and one nephew, Steve Rader, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Berean Baptist Church or OMC Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Odus Dwain Metz, 77, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Assembly of God Church, Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Metz died at 3:15 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at his home. He was born February 4, 1941 at London, Arkansas to Earl Metz and Georgia Hutson Metz. On July 5, 1964, Mr. Metz was married at Jonesboro, Arkansas to Lavonne Tackett. He was a veteran having served in the United States Army. Mr. Metz was a long time farmer and loved to play softball. He had been a Sunday School Teacher at LTI Training Institute, served on several churches councils, and currently was attending the Assembly of God Church, Bakersfield, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Lavonne Metz, of the family home; three children, Ricky Dwain Metz, wife, Sherry, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Joey Wayne Metz, wife, Melissa, Caulfield, Missouri; and Keisha Paulette Russell, husband, Stan, Carrollton, Mississippi; fifteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four sisters, Virginia Carter, Violet Garrett, Shirley Adams, husband, Leon and Brenda Tackett, husband, Charles; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and one brother, Gerald Metz, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m., until service time, Monday, October 29, at the Assembly of God Church. Interment in be in the Higden-McLehaney Cemetery.
Funeral services for William David “Bill” Gunter, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Gunter passed away at 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at his home.
He was born June 11, 1934, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Orville Lee Gunter and Ethel Mettie Collins Gunter. Mr. Gunter was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. On October 18, 1956, he was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to Eva Lee Osborn. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved farming, hunting and fishing. Mr. Gunter was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Crider Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Eva Lee Gunter; two children, Tony Gunter and wife, Velva and Sherri Gunter, all of West Plains; two grandchildren, Jessica Dixon and husband, Chad and Eugene Gunter and wife, Jennifer, all of West Plains; five great-grandchildren, Kaylea, Emma and Joby Dixon and Kaebrynn and Kreed Gunter; two brothers, Norman Gunter and wife, Betty and Bob Gunter and wife, Barbara, all of West Plains; three sisters, Barbara Gunter, West Plains, Janet Jeffery and husband, Wendell and Joyce Crawford and husband, Bob, all of Springfield, Missouri; one brother-in-law, William Osborn and wife, Darlene, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, three sisters, Lucille, Louise and Anna and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnnie and Dorothy Osborn, preceded him in death.
Mr. Gunter will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Virginia Mary Orf, 77, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Virginia passed away at 8:21 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born May 16, 1941, at Bowling Green, Missouri, to Oliver S. Orf and Rose T. Luebers Orf. She loved her animals and her family and enjoyed crocheting, flowers and riding the Oats bus every Thursday. Virginia was a mother figure even though she never was one. She was a member of the Bakersfield Full Gospel Church for five years.
She is survived by three brothers, Donald Orf and wife, Linda, Calico Rock, Arkansas, Dennis Orf, Curryville, Missouri and Ralph Orf and wife, Ginny, Pace, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents, step-mother, Florence, two brothers, Lawrence Orf and wife, Diana and Ronnie Orf and one nephew and one great-nephew, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bakersfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Foundation or Bakersfield Full Gospel Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for James Randall Rheinhardt, 88, Adona, Arkansas, will be at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 31. 2018 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rheinhardt passed away at 5:16 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 in Morrilton, Arkansas. James was born on October 26, 1930 in Mattoon, Illinois to Oca Ruth and John Edward Rheinhardt. Jim, as he was known by friends, is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Edward, Fred and Johnny Rheinhardt and sisters, Oca Ruth Madory and Lilllie Bell Wikel.
He is survived by his wife, of 68 years, Margret Bolderson Rheinhardt; sisters, Darlene McDonald, Gloria Beal and Merilyn Deitle; sons, George (Becky) and Jimmy (Joyce) Rheinhardt; grandchildren, Cindie (Nick) Haynes, James (Becca) Rheinhardt, George (Alex) Rheinhardt and Steven Rheinhardt; nine great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.
After over 35 years working for the Terminal Railroad in East St. Louis, Missouri, Jim and Margret retired to the Mountain Home, Arkansas area to enjoy boating, fishing and spending time with their children and grandchildren. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Memorial contributions may be made to Log-A-Load Program at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Deborah Kay Fierce, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fierce died at 6:48 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at her home. She was born July 19, 1953 at Davenport, Iowa to James Smith and Jeanette Emma Newt Smith. On September 30, 1972, she was married at Davenport, Iowa to Thomas Fierce. She had been an assistant manager at the Mini Mart. Mrs. Fierce enjoyed bingo, going to casinos and helping her family which she loved dearly. She was a Christian.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Fierce, Sr., of the family home; two children, Tom Fierce, Jr. and Reina, West Plains, Missouri and Travis Fierce and Rodney, Sebastopol, California; four grandchildren, Trey, Brody and Braidlyn Fierce and Brady Ramsey; one brother, Jim Smith and friend, Berta Eckert, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Patty Richter and husband, Larry, Blue Grass, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, one son, Timothy Fierce and one sister, Donna Wailand, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Fern O’Neal Smith, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Smith passed away at 7:09 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born February 6, 1931 at Dewey, Oklahoma to Roy Gannon and Eva Foster Gannon. On July 6, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Joseph W. Smith. Mrs. Smith was known for the many cards and poems that she sent to her family and friends; she spent many hours with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. She was a Christian and attended the Calvary General Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Smith, of the family home; five children, Peggy Baty-Willis, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, Bobby Smith, wife, Dawn, West Plains, Missouri, Phyllis Crider, husband, Dennis, West Plains, Missouri, Keith Smith, wife, Kambra, St. Charles, Missouri and Christina “Jean” Kerley, husband, Stace, West Plains, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Travis Baty, wife, Renee, Bradley Baty, wife, Kim, David Baty, wife, Joanna, Joey Smith, wife, Renae, Robby Smith, wife, Brandie, Morgan Goss, husband, Jacob, Angie Akers, Kortney Broeker, husband, Jarod and Lauren Kerley; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Jimmy Gannon, wife, Helen, Gamaliel, Arkansas; one sister, Sharon Kapphahn, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Louise Crowell, son-in-law, Frank Akers and daughter-in-law, Tammy Smith, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Loyd Gene Young, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Young passed away at 6:09 p.m., Sunday, October 28, 2018 at his home.
He was born July 8, 1933 at Trail, Missouri to Cliff Berry and Alma Young Collins. Mr. Young started his education at the Trail School and then the family moved to West Plains where graduated from the West Plains High School. He began over the road trucking at a young age and became an owner/operator and was active until just a few years ago. On May 17, 1957, Mr. Young was married at Hernando, Mississippi to Linda Lee Lowe. He enjoyed stock car racing and drove #14 at the tracks around West Plains; also, he played pool with his friends at the Senior Citizens Center. Mr. Young was a member of the First Baptist Church where he enjoyed his Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Young, of the family home; two children, Bruce Collins and wife, Brenda, and Janice Groves; five grandchildren, Kemberly Harris and husband, Jeff, Tangela Runyan, Ronnie Perkins and wife, Marcie, Chad Collins and wife, Jo Beth and Cory Collins and wife, Beckie; thirteen great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Rick Berry; and one sister, Tammy Newsome.
His father, mother and step-dad, Webb Collins and one grandson, Christopher Collins, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1st, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Stuart Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stuart Union Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Eva May Hall Taber, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Taber passed from this life to join her husband, Ed and Christ her Savior at 4:47 p.m., Thursday, October 25, 2018 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born May 25, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Marion Lorenzo “Doad” Hall and Fern Stephenson Hall. Mrs. Taber graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1948, where she received her teacher-training certificate to teach in any public school in Missouri for two years. After high school she attended Draughon’s Business School in Springfield, Missouri. On February 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward Lee Taber, at Salem, Arkansas. She and her husband lived in many places over the years, but always called West Plains “home”. Eva cared for children in her home for many years so that she would be close to her own children; when they grew older she took various positions which included TG&Y in Midland, Texas and later retired from Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains. Eva loved to crochet and created many beautiful doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads, which she shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed writing and receiving letters, reading, playing Mexican Train Dominos and later in life she enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends.
She is survived by one daughter, Josephine “Jo” Applegate and husband, Jerry, Raytown, Missouri; one son, Rick Taber and wife, Patti, Rover, Missouri; two grandsons, Jason Taber and David Taber and their families; three step-grandsons, Jeff Applegate, Bryon Applegate and Todd Applegate and their families; one great-granddaughter, Nala Taber; eight step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Harrington; five sisters-in-law, Glenda Hall, Ruth Taber, Sue Hurt, Boots Callahan and Levita Reimon; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband Ed of sixty-five years, step-father, Elmer Tidball, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Elizabeth “Polly” and Ray Taber; one sister, Geneva Henry, one brother, Otis Hall and four brothers-in-law, Clarence Henry, George Harrington, Al Ray Taber and Wayne Hurt, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Vue Nursing Center Activities Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.