Funeral services for Vernice Yancey, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Yancey passed away at 2:48 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Cedarhurst of West Plains.
She was born August 26, 1931, at Forty-Four, Arkansas, to Samuel Clay Harris and Verlin Jones Harris. On October 1, 1947, she was married at Melbourne, Arkansas, to Robert Hayden Yancey, who preceded her in death on November 30, 2012. Vernice attended school in Oxford, Arkansas. She was a mother and homemaker. When her children were old enough, Vernice became a domestic worker and worked for Bob and Vivian Drago in their home and at the funeral home for many years. Vernice loved cooking, sewing and most of all, being a mother and grandmother. Mrs. Yancey was a member of the Next Step Seventh-day Adventist Church of West Plains.
She is survived by three children, Donald Yancey and wife, Diane, Hendersonville, North Carolina, Donna Bridges and husband, Philip, West Plains and Jo Verhelle and husband, Tim, Redlands, California; four grandchildren, Bryan Verhelle, State of Michigan, Jennifer Kramer, State of California, Holly Ford, State of Tennessee and Hillary Hunt, State of Colorado; six great-grandchildren, Rex Horne, Madelyn Hunt, Jaden Hunt, Hayden Glaze, Kozy Kramer and Cason Kramer; two sisters, Rose Wiles and Jeanette Hollman; two brothers, Arnold Harris and Bobby Harris; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one sister, Lena Faye Taylor and one brother, Carol Wayne Harris, preceded her in death.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri
Funeral services for Jeannie LaVeda Dennison, 57, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jeannie passed away Friday, November 7, 2025, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains.
She is the daughter of Naomi (Barton) Ballou and Gary Haugsted, and was born on August 30, 1968 in Mountain View, Missouri. She was a great mother, sister, aunt, friend, and an awesome grandmother. Jeannie may have been disabled and wheelchair bound, but that did not stop her from getting her Master’s degree in health administration, or watching her grandkids and taking them shopping at thrift stores or traveling the neighborhood looking for yard sales.
Jeannie is survived by her three kids, Michael Dennison, and son Hunter of West Plains, Missouri, Monique Campbell and her husband Joe, and their two children Tydus and Grace of West Plains, and Marshall Dennison and wife Amber, and their two children Magyver and Eleanor of West Plains. She is also survived by her Father Gary Haugsted, and one sister Judy Culpepper and husband Randy, and their two sons and their children, and one brother, Jody Haugsted, and his three sons and their children; her long time friend/sister Debbie Miller of Springfield, Missouri; and many aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jeannie is preceded in death by her mother, Naomi Ballou, and her grandparents, Anna and Ralph Barton, and Arvin and Mary Haugsted, and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Main Room of 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 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Frances Arlene Baldwin (Kentner), 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Frances was born December 3, 1947 to Jeff and Wanda Kentner. She departed this life on November 5, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Wanda, one sister, Velma, one brother-in-law, Eddie, and her granddaughter Kelsy.
Frances is survived by her brother, Roger; two sisters, Carmen and Melody (Martin); five daughters, Valeria, Shauna (Gerald), Elaine (Mark), Jill (Gene), Jennifer (Terry); twelve grandchildren, Kyla (Corey), Joshua (Cheryl), Weston, Courtney (Robert III), Dylan, Samuel (KC), Ethan, Hannah (Scotty), Sarah, Brittany (Tyler), Cassidy, and Zachary; twenty-six great-grandchildren, Nicholas (Mariah), Jacob (Mckenzie), Kayleigh, Anthony, Gabriel, Briar, Zane, Dusty, Shelton, Jaxen, Dylon, Charlie, Jack, Ryan, Alvena, Jason, Sapphire, Robert IV, Ziggy, Russell, Alia, Leon, Addison, Luke, Levi, and Layton; great great-grandchildren, Mötley and Vincent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Frances was a devout Christian, attending Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church until she was no longer physically able to. She was a conscientious and diligent worker, always doing her best. She had an inner strength that defies description and a quiet grace and dignity that she didn’t know she possessed. The defining characteristic of her life was her undying love for her family. Her passing leaves a great void that we will fill with all the memories she left us. Birthday parties with her fancy blue table clothe and colored paper chains. Her Halloween bats hanging in the dining room, her placemats for every season and holiday, the ever present ironing board, and her perfectly creased pants, Sunday lunches, oven stew and jello cakes. Her life was filled with love and laughter and she is at peace now, having coffee with Granny and Velma.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Walter Ziba Barnard, Sr., 87, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Dry Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr Barnard passed away at 5:47p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Castlewood Memory Care surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born September 13, 1938, in Will County, Illinois, to Lyle and Virginia Barnard. On November 21, 1959, he was married at Joliet, Illinois, to Betty Lou Mau, who preceded him in death on February 14, 2021. He was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. Mr. Barnard worked as a farmer, locksmith, truck driver and machinist fabricator. He loved animals and cared for pigs, cattle, horses, cats and dogs throughout his life. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling and roller skating. Mr. Barnard was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by five children, Walter Barnard, Jr., West Plains, Chris Barnard, West Plains, Scott Barnard, Robert Barnard and Terry Hernandez and husband, Martin, all of Nixa, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Paul Barnard.
His parents, wife, one brother, Allen Barnard and one daughter-in-law, Barbara Barnard, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter, Dry Creek Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Teddy Dwight Bunch, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bunch passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born September 8, 1945, at Twin Bridges, Douglas County, Missouri, to Omer Bunch and Zora Lorene Cunningham Bunch. On July 22, 1972, he was married at Washington D.C., to Barbara Kay. Teddy graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1963. Mr. Bunch was an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance Group for thirty years (1980 – 2010) alongside his wife. He served his country in the Missouri National Guard for nine years. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and playing bluegrass music with his friends and family. Teddy was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Bunch was a member of the First United Methodist Church of West Plains.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bunch, of the family home; one brother, Junior Bunch and wife, Shirley, Twin Bridges, Missouri; two sisters, Carolyn Davis and Linda Spence and husband, Larry all of Willow Springs, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Sharlene Bunch; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His parents and two brothers, Donnie and Jim Bunch, preceded him in death.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Nancy Jean Driskell, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Driskell passed away at 6:14 a.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born November 9, 1949, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Vernon Haines and Pauline Williams Haines. On March 24, 1969, she was married at Emerson, Iowa, to Dale Driskell, who preceded her in death on November 9, 2021. Nancy worked at Wal-Mart for many years, beginning in Shenandoah, Iowa in 1993. The family moved to West Plains, Missouri in 2004 where she worked until her retirement in 2019. She enjoyed crocheting, cross stitching, puzzles, camping, watching wrestling, and family get-togethers. Nancy also enjoyed keeping up with everyone and sharing her thoughts on Facebook.
She is survived by two children, Cheri Huffmaster and husband, Danny, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Reverend Trent Driskell, West Plains; two granddaughters, Melanie and Annie Huffmaster, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one sister, Peggy Haines, Macedonia, Iowa and her children, Lee and Paula and their families; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Langston Street Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Michael Thomas Olberding, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Meltabarger Cemetery, on County Road 9230, West Plains.
Mr. Olberding passed away November 2, 2025, following a brief illness.
He was born September 28, 1943, in Worthington, Minnesota, to Leander (Bun) Olberding and Mary Daughtery Olberding. Mike was a graduate of Drake University, where he met and married Kay Prantl in 1965. Mike served in the United States Army from 1966-1969, completing his service as a First Lieutenant. Mike worked for State Farm Insurance as a Director of Management, Planning, and Information for over 30 years, first in Monroe, Louisiana, then in Birmingham, Alabama, before retiring with Kay to her family’s farm in Howell County, Missouri. He was a member of Brandsville Church of Christ.
Mike is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Bruce, and granddaughters, Adelaide (Della) and Lila; his daughter, Amy, and his son-in-law, Garret, and granddaughter, Lina (Adelein); as well as by many other family and friends, both near and far. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meltabarger Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri 65775.
Donna June Vaughan, 78, of St. Louis, Missouri and Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025.
She was born September 25, 1947, to Edna and Charles Vaughan, Donna was a dedicated educator, a devoted wife and mother, and a source of warmth and encouragement to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, John Ryan; her children, Joy (Scott) and Ben (Tonya); and her grandchildren, Samuel, Francis, Imogen, and Brayden.
She was preceded in death by her son, Noah, her parents and her brother, Larry.
Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. Private graveside services will be held under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for You’Vah Schafer, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Schafer passed away peacefully at 11:50 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025 in West Plains, Missouri.
She dearly loved her family and spreading the word of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a youth bible study teacher for over 20 years at West 160 Church of Christ. You’Vah was most at home and always a “friend in the kitchen”. Whether you’ve eaten at a table in her home, in one of her restaurants, or simply enjoyed one of the recipes she passed on through her cookbooks and cooking column (one of the longest running columns in The West Plains Daily Quill), you’ve likely felt the love she passed on through her food. She was also an avid gardener; her house on Harlin Drive was always crowned with one of the most beautiful flower gardens in West Plains. Others may remember her through her involvement with the family’s Ford Tractor Dealership or Trucking Line, but wherever you knew her, you knew she was a force and someone who demanded to be known. You’Vah was born in Leota, Missouri on January 12, 1933 to Jesse “Big Jess” Vaughan and Addie Strickland Vaughan. She was born the youngest of three with older sister Hazel Vaughan Guffey and brother Cletus Vaughan. She went to school and graduated from Bakersfield High School and later Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. She married Boyd Schafer May 15, 1951 and they would have three children: Kitty, Sally and Randall. They would host several foster children over the years. Four of the girls (Kathy, Wanda, Barb and Margie) would be active parts of her family for the rest of her life. She taught at Cage one room schoolhouse near Jadwin, Missouri when she was barely older than some of the students she taught. She was very proud that some of her students had remained in regular contact with her throughout her life. She especially loved visits from her nephew, Junior Guffey and his wife Pam who brought her a great deal of comfort especially in her later years.
She is preceded in death by her husband Boyd Schafer, her father Jesse “Big Jess” Vaughan, her mother Addie Strickland Vaughan, her sister Hazel Vaughan Guffey (Buck), her great-grandson Kayden, and her beloved brother Cletus Vaughan (Reba).
She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Kitty Schafer Burk (Jackie), Sally Schafer Beltz (Bruce), and Randall Schafer; ten grandchildren, Kitty’s – Heather York Swearengin (Brian), Brittany Bain (Shawn) and Amanda Williams (Jeremy), Sally’s – Jeremy Whittingham (Heather) and Matt Whittingham (Ashley), Randall’s – Jackie Ingalsbe (Shawn), Melody Schafer, Clayton Schafer, Jacob Montgomery, Taylor Reavis (Tyler), Randi Schafer; and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions may be to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. You’Vah had been an avid supporter of this organization for several decades and continued to donate monthly until her passing.
A memorial service for Ricky Ray Williams, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 3, 2025, at Hilltop Chapel.
Mr. Williams passed away at 9:04 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Fulton County Hospital, Salem, Arkansas.
He was born December 20, 1972, at Rushville, Indiana, to James T. Williams and Nancy Hankins Williams. Mr. Williams was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He enjoyed working on cars, competing in demolition derbies and front wheel drive racing. Ricky loved going on trail rides with his horse, Dolly and his family. He loved his dog, Monster Mash. Ricky helped at the American Legion Haunted House for several years. He was a member of Lanton Baptist Church for thirty-one years before becoming a member of Hilltop Chapel.
He is survived by his significant other, Tracy Bone; four children, Jesse Williams, Tiffany Williams-Castell and husband, Tim, Buffy Williams-Lowry and husband, Josh and Gabriel (Gabby) Williams; two grandchildren and one on the way, Austin Lee McClure and Anastasia (Anna) Castell; his mother, Nancy Williams; one nephew, Devin Begley and wife, Brennan; and one niece, Mariah Begley-Reid and husband, Bobby and their children, Tucker, Paisley, Sylvia and Hazelyn.
His father, one sister, Robyn Michelle Watkins and special family members, Buzz Lawson and Pete Wilson, 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 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Michael William Young, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 30, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Young passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home.
Michael was born on November 27, 1952, in Savannah, Georgia, to Clyde William Young and Delphia Louise (Nettell) Young. On November 8, 2002, he was united in marriage to Lori (Driscoll) Richardson in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
A devoted outdoorsman, Michael found joy in hunting, fishing, woodworking, floral landscaping, and oil painting. He had a creative spirit and a gift for bringing laughter to those around him. Throughout his 30-year career at West Plains Middle School, where he retired, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Mike” and “Big Red”. He was of the Christian faith and is now joined together with his savior, Jesus Christ. Michael was a member of Providence Baptist Church, where he was baptized on December 6, 2015. Michael was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
Mr. Young is survived by his wife, Lori Young; his five children, Joshua Young, Michelle Young-Schuler and husband Michael, Jason Young, Matthew Richardson, and Wesley Young; eight grandchildren, Makayla Morgan, Jetta Schuler, Kensi Young, Hannah Young, Jacob Schuler, Lennon Richardson, Mavis Richardson, and Juniper Richardson; He also leaves behind his mother, Delphia Young; one brother, Glenn Young and wife Kathryn; his mother-in-law, Lynne Driscoll; one nephew, Jared Young and wife Jessica; two nieces, Amanda Langley and husband Jamie, and Carlea Croft and husband Riley, along with many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde William Young, his father-in-law, Carl Driscoll, and one brother-in-law, Tim Driscoll.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
John David Lowe, 85, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare, surrounded by his family.
John was born on October 29, 1939, in West Plains to Roy Lee Lowe and Alma Nellie (Nelson) Lowe, and graduated from West Plains High School, Class of 1957. He was a man of curiosity and adventure. His thirst for new horizons led him to serve honorably for two tours in the United States Navy, including service in Vietnam. Working in Communications then took him around the world, later settling on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. On June 28, 1977, John married Elizabeth Helmas, and he spent the rest of his life in the Pacific until retirement brought him back to West Plains in 2009. A true jack of all trades, John was known for being able to fix or build anything. His character was one of true integrity, humility, and discipline, always willing to lend a hand to a friend in need. Beyond work, John enjoyed the simple pleasures like reading, tackling crossword puzzles, and fishing, but his deepest joy came from spending time with family and friends.
John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lowe; their four children, Christina Cristobal and husband, Ceasar; Samantha Rosmar and husband, Ignatius; Suzanne Gallen and husband, Padwick; and Roy Lee Lowe II and wife, Lindsay; and a son from a prior relationship, John Lowe Jr. He was the proud grandfather of twelve beloved grandchildren: Patricia, Cherice, Ilyssa, Isaiah, Noah, Gabriella, Padrake, Andrew, Rochelle, Liam, Lincoln, and Rozeya; and two great-grandchildren, Brycen and Sarai. He also leaves behind three sisters, Linda Young, Karen Hall, and Pat Johnson, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Larry and Nelson, and three sisters, Mary, Nancy, and Janet.
John will be laid to rest at Stuart Union Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for Andrew James Sungila (AJ) Hensley, 19, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Bakersfield High School gym.
Mr. Hensley passed away at 8:25 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 21, 2006, at Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jeremiah and Keeoma Walker Hensley. AJ was an avid reader, he enjoyed cooking, hunting, camping and fishing with his Papaw, riding around spending time with his best friends, playing guitar, listening to music as well as playing baseball and basketball. AJ was kind hearted, hard working, dependable and loved his friends and family dearly and had a special bond with his brother. AJ was also a member of the TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon) fraternity at MSU Springfield where he represented their values of love, charity and esteem with philanthropy, service initiatives and giving back to the community. AJ was loyal, forgiving and made time for everyone.
He is survived by parents, Jeremiah and Keeoma Hensley, Caulfield, Missouri; his grandparents, Larry Joe and Rosalea Hensley, Caulfield, Missouri, Herb Walker, Torrington, Wyoming, and Monte and Ilona Anderson, Lyman, Nebraska; one brother, Gavin Hensley, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister, Makayla Hensley, West Plains, Missouri; his aunts and uncles, Courtney Gale and fiancé, Dugan Pierce, Naomi Long and husband, Joseph, Atana Velasquez and husband, Nathaniel, and Dakota Walker and wife, Kadee; and many cousins and special friends.
His great-grandmother, Myrtle Hensley, and his great-grandparents, George and Agnes Rouse, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Rhonda L. Lambe, 67, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:57 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at her home.
She was born October 3, 1958, at Lufkin, Texas, to Howell and Marjorie Gay. On July 9, 1977, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Bill Lambe. They were blessed with four children and one daughter-in-law, Willie, Eddie (Janelle), Adam and Rebekah. Her first love was God, then her husband and her nine grandkids: Tristen, Alyssa, Logan, Cora, Annaliese, Dawson, Jorden, Mikah and her baby Lukas. Rhonda is also survived by her siblings, Regina, Brenda (John), Barbara and John. She will be missed until we see her again.
Her parents, and one sister, Sherry Lea, preceded her in death.
A private service will be held. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for William Junior Disney, II, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.
Mr. Disney passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born January 4, 1969, at Colorado Springs, Colorado, to William Junior Disney and Wanda Ann Chadwell Disney. On October 28, 2017, he was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Dorothy Holloway. Mr. Disney was an avid supporter of the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals and Ohio State football. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy and spoiling his Corgi, Ollie. Mr. Disney was a donor. He was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Disney, his father, William Junior Disney and wife, Marivic; two children, Dana Disney and Douglas Holloway; two brothers, Jeff Disney and Tim Disney and wife, Alyssa; two sisters, Kansie Disney and Shania Disney; and several nieces and nephews.
His mother preceded him in death.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Joe Roy Bean, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bean passed away October 18, 2025, near West Plains, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 25, 1933, outside of Bakersfield, Missouri, to Raymond and Alice “Faye” Atkinson Bean. Joe was the second born out of 8 boys. Joe attended schools at Plum Hollow, Bakersfield Elementary, Hog Danger and Barren Creek, and graduated with a class of 42 from Bakersfield High School with in 1951. After graduating, at age 17, Joe went to Kansas to harvest wheat for a family friend. After harvest was complete when he returned home, he had a friend visiting from Belvidere, Illinois, and said he would get Joe a job in Belvidere. He went and worked in the tomato factory, at a gas station, but his favorite was Dean’s Ice Cream Plant. He had just been promoted when he got the call to be examined for the draft. Joe moved back home and instead of waiting to be drafted, he chose to enlist in the Army. At the time of enlistment there were only two positions left between him and another young man. After drawing straws, the other soldier got the Air Force and he got the Army. A few weeks later at the end of May, Joe was sworn into the Army in Kansas City then bussed to Camp Crowder, near Neosho, Missouri, then bussed to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for sixteen weeks of basic training. Because he had enlisted for three years, he was with a group of soldiers that were ordered to remain in Fort Leonard Wood for additional training before being shipped to Germany as utility engineers. The 2-year enlistees were shipped to Korea. While stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Joe would get weekend passes to come home. One of those weekends changed his life forever. Ruth Juanita Driscoll caught his attention while he sat outside the Bakersfield First Assembly of God church during a revival service watching “the show”. Little did he know that within a few months’ time, he would become a born-again Christian during that 6-week revival, fall in love, and marry his Bride (10/24/1953). Juanita was his rose in the flower garden of life, having celebrated their 70th anniversary in November 2023, before she passed in January 2024. January 3, 1954, he began his thirty month journey to Germany. Joe kept his integrity with the Lord and his wife. He joined an Assembly of God group in Germany and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost while there. His life as a civilian began Memorial weekend, 1956. Juanita had purchased and furnished a little farm outside West Plains and couldn’t wait for his arrival home. His first job was working for an iron ore mine. In November 1957, he was approached by the Neathery’s to work as a lineman at their new business Community Cable Company. As the radio station tower service and repairman, he climbed many, many towers, having one major fall, but because of a Miracle hand of God, he sustained minor injuries. In 1985, Joe sustained injuries while trimming a tree in his spare time. After spending a few weeks in Springfield Hospital and six months recovery, he was finally able to work again. Robertson-Drago approached him about working for them. He got his Funeral Director’s license and remained with Robertson-Drago Funeral Home for over twenty-five years. Joe was ordained as a minister in the early 80’s. He was a faithful lay-preacher, having served as a Trustee/Deacon in this home church that he helped build, Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle. Joe left for three years to Pastor his hometown church, Full Gospel Church, Bakersfield, Missouri. Joe faithfully worked, served and ministered every way he could to help establish a conservative, Full Gospel independent work, free from organizational influence. He was a Pastor and Preacher backer. Thanks to the Neathery’s, he was given radio air time at which he led a Sunday Morning radio broadcast for many years along with fulfilling many roles during transitioning of Pastors. Being a firm believer in Christian education, Joe helped establish Calvary Christian Academy and CrossRoads Christian Academy serving on both boards. Other preaching ministries included holding revivals in little country churches in this area. He officiated many, many funerals and a few weddings. In his spare time, Joe was actively involved as a Firefighter, having served with the West Plains Fire Department as a Volunteer fireman for thirty-one years. After his resignation from Bakersfield church, he returned to West Plains and was immediately placed on the board of Howell Rural Fire Department where he remained as President until May 2024. Joe also served as a board member of the Fair View School board for many years. Joe drove cars for local car dealers. He also served in the West Plains unit of the Veteran’s Honor Guard; it was his passion as long as he could attend. Joe loved hunting and fishing. While pastoring, he had a boat named “Visitation”. As a joke he would tell how long he’d been out on “visitation”. He loved fishing. The highlight of his year would be when the Toney family showed up for deer season. Joe and Victor Toney were kindred spirits and enjoyed their time fishing and hunting together.
The children joined to this union were: their son, Michael Joe Bean and wife, Paula, Princeton, Indiana, their children; Johanna (Dominic) Chicago, Illinois, Kristin (Collin) Lee Summit, Missouri and Bracy (Briana) Springfield, Missouri and 10 grandchildren: Eli, Jude, Ila, CJ, Benny Paul, Gabriele, Juliette, Evelyn, Olivia, James. Daughter, Tamala Ruth Riggs and husband, Ray, West Plains, their child; Tabitha (Anson) Miller West Plains, and 3 grandchildren: Lucas, Liam, Lance; late daughter, Anna Rafae Johnston, her husband, David, Ontario, Canada, their child; Courtney Anne Ontario, Canada, and the late Alicia; their son, James Timothy Bean and wife, Judy, Jefferson City, Missouri, his children; Nathanael (Hailey) Joplin, Missouri and James Martin (Britney) West Plains and the late Timberlee and Lathe; and three grandchildren: Colter, Quinn, Cheyanne, their son John Mark Bean and wife, Daralena, Slovakia, their children; Dara (James) Thomas Springfield, Missouri; Dale Joseph (Ellyn) Springfield, Missouri; Daine (Ashley) , Blue Springs, Missouri; Danae (Nathan) Coolidge Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada and Dessa (Kevin) Godla Springfield, Missouri and twelve grandchildren: Winston, Laith, Elias, Hudson, Addelyn, Jack, Maisy, August Jo, Zimri, Thaddeus, Eloise, Jacob. Joe is survived by three brothers, Jerry Bean (Peggy), Douglas (Bonnie), James “Red” (Mary Lou); three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jo, Ramona, Betty and In-laws, Sister Mary Toney, Jim (Delores) Driscoll, Thelma (Paul) Montgomery.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Juanita, daughter, Anna and four brothers, Elbert Lee, Russell “Gene” (Paulene), Donald and Lawrence and his in-laws, Tommy and Annie Driscoll, whom he loved so much, and a host of family and friends that were awaiting his coming.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Calvary Pentecostal Church. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post Honor Guard or Homeland Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Alfred Matthew Collins, 53, Cape Fair, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 2:25 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Reed Springs, Missouri.
He was born June 22, 1972, at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle and Christina Collins. Matthew was more than just a Dad, Son, Brother or Uncle; he is an irreplaceable light in the lives of his family. He had an incredible ability to find joy in the simplest things and never failed to listen and love without judgment. He enjoyed fishing, dirt track racing and NFL football, which he would try to convince you his team was cheated if they lost the game. Matt was very passionate about his family. Matthew left this world way too soon without time for Good Bye. With the sadness comes with holding on to the memories he left within us all. To say he will be missed as a Dad, Papa, Soul Mate, Brother and Uncle will never be compared to the love he showered upon his family. The gates of memories will never close. God has you in his keeping….we have you in our hearts.
Matthew is survived by his soul mate, Donna Barnett, of the family home in Cape Fair, Missouri; four children, Austin (Saphyre) Collins, Kimberling City, Missouri, Candice Collins, Lampe, Missouri, Maleiya Collins (Walker), Neosho, Missouri and Derrick Collins, Lampe, Missouri; two step-daughters, Destinee Fyffe, West Plains, Missouri and Brittney Birdsong, Springfield, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; seven siblings, Rodney Collins, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Allisa Terry (Jim), West Plains, Missouri, Renae McCrone, Birch Tree, Missouri, Betty Sweezer, Springfield, Missouri, Freida Brott, Milbank, South Dakota, Steven Collins, West Plains, Missouri and Bradley (Missy) Collins, Teresita, Missouri; and a host nieces and nephews.
His parents, one daughter, Taylor and one nephew, Jacob Stark, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Rose Chapel of 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 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life service for Robert (Brian) Chilcott, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Chilcott passed away peacefully at 2:48 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home.
He was born on Christmas Eve in 1954, at Pasadena, California, to Eleanor and Robert Chilcott. As a young man, Brian attended Orme Boarding School, Mayer, Arizona. He was Arizona State Champion in Wrestling for two years for his high school. Brian was married on April 14, 1984, at Gilbert, Arizona, to Margo Persak. They lived in Concho, Arizona running the family cattle ranch, were volunteer firefighters and EMT’s. Brian and Margo moved to West Plains, Missouri in May of 2006. Brian volunteered as a wrestling coach to the West Plains Zizzers. He enjoyed camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, hunting and taking care of the family farm.
He is survived by his wife, Margo Chilcott; two sisters, Heidi Chilcott and Lydia Issifu; one brother, Bruce Chilcott; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one older brother, Alec Chilcott preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Judy Lou (Rader) Hammond, 84, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Willow Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hammond passed away October 17, 2025 at Willow Care Nursing Home.
She was born July 9, 1941at home on Pine Grove Road in Willow Springs, Missouri. Judy attended Willow Springs School, where she graduated with the Class of 1959. She married Paul Haddock in 1959, with whom she had three children, Gary, Paulette, and Charlotte. In 1987 she was united in marriage to Billy Jack Hammond. Judy worked from a young age. As a teenager she worked at the Star Theater selling popcorn. Most of her life she worked in shoe factories in Willow Springs, Birch Tree, and Cabool. Judy also worked at Ozarks Medical Center before her retirement. Judy was an exceptional seamstress, and sewed for people for over 40 years.
She is survived by one son, Gary Haddock and wife, Heather; two daughters, Paulette Lee Bridges and husband, Joe and Charlotte Collins and husband, Terry; three step-children, Cathy McCartney, Lyle Hammond and Kelly Hammond; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.
Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Jack Hammond, her parents, four brothers, two sisters, and one son-in-law.
Mrs. Hammond will lie-in-state from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Edward Langston Hawkins, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hawkins passed away peacefully in his home on October 12, 2025.
He was born on July 13, 1948 in West Plains, Missouri. Ed graduated from West Plains High School in 1966 before commissioning in the United States Navy. Ed served in the Navy from December 1967-December 1973. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon. Ed was stationed on the USS Charles R. Ware which was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy from 1945-1974. He managed pallet mills for many years before becoming a boiler maker from which he retired. Ed truly loved his family unconditionally; he also loved his dog, Gideon and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and driving dirt roads looking at wildlife.
He is survived by his brother, Jim Hawkins and wife, Karen; and seven Nieces and Nephews, Mike Hawkins and wife, Dacey, Scott Hawkins and wife, Micah, David Hawkins and wife, Lanetta, Amy Hawkins, Jo Beth Collins and husband, Chad, Todd Hawkins and Brett Hawkins and wife, Erin.
His parents, James Leonard Hawkins and Bonnie Lee Hawkins, one sister, Mickey Hawkins, one brother, Jackson Lee Hawkins and wife, Judy, and one nephew, Andrew Hawkins, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
