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Graveside services for Gale Lee McClellan, 73, Harrison, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. McClellan passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at The Springs of Harrison.  

He was born March 25, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to Albert Chalmer McClellan and Inis Young McClellan.  Gale enjoyed watching westerns and vintage cars; he loved drag racing and fixing up cars.

He is survived by one daughter, Vedra Sue Downen and significant other, Jacob Schmitt, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Adam Schmitt, Rayney Cheyenne Conerly and Fay Schmitt; three brothers, Jessie McClellan and wife, Glenda, Harrison, Arkansas, Donnie McClellan and wife, Alice and Jerry McClellan and wife, Gayla, all of West Plains; two sisters, Barbara Hendricks and Betty Deweese, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two brothers, Billy Joe and Ronald Gene McClellan and one brother-in-law, Bud Hendricks, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 12:15 until 1:15 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.

Funeral services for Sheila Faye Ochoa, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Ochoa passed away at 9:07 a.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born August 18, 1967, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lloyd Franklin Drumright and Helen Kaye Croney Drumright.  On August 15, 1982, she was married at Canadian, Texas, to Junior Ochoa.  Sheila enjoyed camping, fishing, going to the lake, cooking and gospel music.  She loved her family and cherished her grandkids.  Mrs. Ochoa attended First Assembly of God Church of Bakersfield; she was very active in church and loved her church family.

She is survived by her husband, Junior Ochoa; two children, April Collins and husband, Chris and Brandi Norris and husband, James, all of West Plains; five grandchildren, Kylie, Karley, and Gracie Collins, Gavin Roberts and Sadie Norris; one sister, Sharon Bussard and husband, John David, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. 

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

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Hope’s Rest Cemetery.  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. 

Funeral services for Tommy Earl Lockhart, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Lockhart passed away at 2:01 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born January 25, 1951, at Bragg City, Missouri, to Felton Lockhart and Geneva Blanche Chiles.  On November 21, 1975, he was married at Turlock, California, to Margaret Meichell Bates, who preceded him in death on August 11, 2023.  Mr. Lockhart was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines; he was a Lance Corporal and served in Vietnam where he received a purple heart.  He was a farmer and enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and woodworking.  He received an award from the Missouri Conservation Commission for the native grass program.  Mr. Lockhart was a member of the Church of Christ for forty-four years.

He is survived by four children, Jennifer Lockhart, Los Banos, California, Cecil Leroy Sullens III and wife, Cherie, Gasconade, Missouri, Rachell Howard and husband, Mike, Willow Springs, Missouri and Benjamin Lockhart and wife, Crystal, West Plains; twelve grandchildren, Chelsie Gamino, Kayla Zentner, Kory and Zoe Bocca, Sean Sullens, Lilly, Jesse, Logan and Jace Howard and Zachariah, Aubreona and Juliana Lockhart; seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Finnley, Alyce, Temperance, Hazen, Maverick and Magnolia; one sister, Donna Murray, Corning, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews. 

His father, Felton Jack Lockhart, mother, Geneva Blanche Garrett, step-father, Edward Nathaniel Garrett, wife, one grandson, Steven Lee Sullens and two brothers, Mark and Terry Felton Lockhart, preceded him in death.  

Burial will be at Gospel Hill Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Memphis School of Preaching or Curry Street Church of Christ Library and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Debra Mae Johnson, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023, at First Free Will Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Johnson passed away at 4:33 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Ozarks Healthcare.  

She was born May 22, 1952, at Dayton, Ohio, to Julius and Dorothy Grieshop Doll.  On April 9, 1988, she was married at Dayton, Ohio, to Eric Johnson.  Mrs. Johnson loved horseback riding.  She enjoyed sewing and would sew her own clothes.  She also enjoyed making lap quilts as gifts for new mothers, and she made dozens of them for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Mrs. Johnson was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church and was a Sunday school teacher for decades.  She was a wonderful wife and best friend.

She is survived by her husband, Eric, of the family home; one daughter, Stephanie Sprude, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Diane Getter and husband, David, and Joyce Cantrell and husband, Mike; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one sister, Julie Ann Brackman, and one brother-in-law, Victor Brackman, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation services for Ruby M. Boysen, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Boysen passed away at 8:22 a.m., Thursday, November 23, 2023, at her home.  

She was born February 13, 1930, in Baxter County, Arkansas, to Balford (Bal) Minge and Edith Dihel Minge.  Ruby married Eulis Pemberton in 1948 and they had five children:  Jack, Janet, Rocky, Shirley and Angie.  Later in life Ruby married Don Boysen and they enjoyed many happy and loving years together.

She is survived by her husband, Don Boysen; five children, Jack Pemberton and wife, Una, Bakersfield, Missouri, Janet Davidson and husband, Rick, Caulfield, Misouri, Rocky Pemberton and wife, Sherry, Gamaliel, Arkansas and Shirley Neal and husband, Jesse, West Plains, Missouri and Angie Jackson and husband, Alan, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Thurlo Minge.

Her parents, first husband, Eulis Pemberton and one granddaughter, Amy Spangenberg, preceded her in death.  

A private burial will be at Galloway Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shrable Cemetery, Vidette, Arkansas and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Wilda Faye Hand, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Homeland Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Hand passed away at 12:26 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at her home.  

She was born December 5, 1936, at West Plains, to Earl Spears and Faye Mildred Griffin Spears.  On May 14, 1954, she was married to Glenn Hand, who preceded her in death on September 7, 2016.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Hand had worked for many years at the International Shoe Factory before becoming a greeter at Wal-Mart for over twenty years.  She loved greeting people and was loved by many.  She adored and was adored by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Hand was a Christian and was a member of the First Christian Church for fifty years.

She is survived by two children, Terry Hand and wife, Carolan, Nixa, Missouri and Tammy Williams, Udall, Missouri; four grandchildren, Shalaina Wenger and husband, Luke, Sedina Wise, Russell Hand and Bart Hand and wife, Lindsey; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one brother, Jack Earl Spears and one sister, Dorma Jean Sparks, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Virginia Ann Newberry, 77, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of St. Louis, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 8, 2023, at St. Joseph Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Virginia passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

She was born August 28, 1946, at West Plains, Missouri, to Paul Leo Melvin and Nellie Elizabeth Hendrix Melvin.  Virginia lived in the St. Louis area for 60 years and worked for the Child Services Division of State of Missouri before returning to West Plains to be close to family.  She made many friends from her time spent both in St. Louis and West Plains.  Virginia enjoyed visiting with friends and family, watching westerns and going to casinos.

She is survived by one daughter-in-law, Jean; one grandson, Tyler; one brother, Donnie Melvin; two sisters, Barbara Hanks and husband, Rick and Rita Roberson and husband, Dan; four sisters-in-law, Helen, Bonnie, Wilda and Tammy Melvin; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, two sons, Richard and David Newberry, seven brothers, Ronald, John, David, Ed, Wayne, Tom and Dale Melvin and one sister-in-law, Sandy Melvin, preceded her in death.  

Graveside services for Jackie Wayne Harris, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Jack passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at his home.  

Jack was born April 15, 1940, in West Plains, Missouri, to Earl Morrison Harris and Myrtle Moser Harris.  After a long career in agribusiness finance in St. Louis and Des Moines, Jack returned to West Plains to live out his retirement. Jack enjoyed keeping up with his childhood friends and organizing gatherings of his beloved Zizzers (Class of 1958).  For decades, he reached out regularly to his classmates to assemble updates for newsletters, and he loved to arrange class reunions.  Well into their later years, Jack held frequent breakfasts at the Ozark Cafe with his closest friends — known affectionately amongst themselves as the “Howell County Studs.” Jack enjoyed life on his farm with his many animals, and could be seen riding his Gator around to check in on his cows.  He loved to cook, especially southern classics; according to those who have tried it, he made the world’s best chicken and dumplings.  Jack was an unfailingly loving and supportive father, he adored his grandkids, and he was deeply devoted to his many, many cats. He is survived by his two children, Meredith (husband Shawn) and Allison (husband Matthew), and five grandchildren. 

His parents, two brothers, Earl (“Pork”) Harris and Calvin (“Droop”) Harris, and one sister, Nadine Armstrong, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

A Celebration of Life Service for Elizabeth Ann Watson, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Watson passed away at 12:05 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023, at her home.  

She was born December 30, 1958, at Long Beach, California, to Admar Ness and Francis Garvey Ness.  On September 10, 1985, she was married at Winter Park, California, to Ken Watson.  She enjoyed decorating her house, crafting, building bird houses and loved internet shopping.  Elizabeth was a huge fan of the rock bands Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.  Mrs. Watson loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Watson, of the family home; two children, Jennifer Bohorquez and husband, Anthony, Los Angeles, California and Paige Mercado and husband, Joseph, West  Plains; one daughter-in-law, Erica Hull, Fort Mohave, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Sydney, Lucas, Tyler, Ava, Aiden, Riley, Jasper and Jolene; one brother, Rick Ness, Carlsbad, California; two sisters, Karen Messenger, Corona, California and Teresa Waits, Perris, California; and was Aunt B to many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents and one son, Charles (Chuckie) Hull preceded her in death.  

A Celebration of Life Service for Harry Joe McKee, Jr., 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Smith Chapel Church, East Highway 160, West Plains.

Mr. McKee went to be with the Lord at1:26 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born February 23, 1961.  Harry was a special man; always making friends and family feel loved and was there for them.  His favorite things were being a blacksmith and making knives.  Harry will be missed so very much.

He is survived by his wife, Christie; one son, Brian; one daughter, April; three grandchildren; one sister, Gabriele; brother, Jim; and many other family and friends. 

A private burial will be held at Pottersville Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Vivian Ann Stowers, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Ms. Stowers passed away at 7:10 a.m., Friday, November 24, 2023, at West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  

She was born May 5, 1961, at Thayer, Missouri, to Virgil (Monk) and Dorothy Louise Croney Stowers.  Vivan’s life was built around her nieces and nephews.  She loved music, and she enjoyed playing bingo and doing crafts.  She was a very friendly person and loved people.  Vivian was a devout Christian for many years.

She is survived by one brother, Virgil (Linn) Stowers and wife, Robin, Pomona, Missouri; two sisters, Glenda Collins and husband, Charles, West Plains, Missouri, and Vurna White and husband, Dale, Twin Bridges, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, John Miller, West Plains, Missouri.

Her parents, two brothers, James Lee Stowers and Charles Ray Stowers, two nephews, Christopher Lee Woolbright and Edward James Stowers, and two great-nieces, Cailey Stowers and Eleanor Strutton, preceded her in death.  

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

Waylon Atlas James Perry, infant son of Luke Preston Perry and Cari Nicole Burke, went to be with the Angels on November 18, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.  

Waylon is survived by his parents, Luke Perry and Cari Burke; two brothers, Caleb Burke and Logan Burke; two sisters, Hailey Burke and Hunter Roberts; his grandparents, Randall and Susan Perry and Jennifer and Dennis Wickham; and great-grandparents, James and Paula Perry. 

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home,. 

Funeral services for Lillian Levica Collins, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Big Springs Missionary Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Collins passed away at 1:25 a.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

She was born February 13, 1927, in Douglas County, Missouri, to Leonard Freeman and Della Moore Freeman.  On May 25, 1946, she was married at West Plains, to Winfred Emmert Collins, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2013. Mrs. Collins worked her entire life at various employers, including Western Auto, Consumer’s and Wal-Mart, before her retirement.  Lillian loved to sew, garden, cook, craft and fish, especially at Montauk.  She was known for her wonderful pies and pie crust.  Mrs. Collins was a long time member of Big Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by four children, Shirley Bunch and husband, Junior, Twin Bridges, Missouri, Lennie Collins and wife, Sharon, Mountain View, Missouri, Michael Collins and wife, Tammy, Twin Bridges, Missouri and Robin Collins and wife, Brenda, Willow Springs, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Kevin Bunch and wife, Sheila, Tim Bunch and wife, Kristin, Johanna Groves and husband, Shane, Shawn Thompson and husband, Rich, Casey Klug, Kem Collins and wife, Ashley, Tyson Collins ad wife, Sarah, Taylor Collins and Tanner Collins; thirteen great-grandchildren, Garrett Bunch and wife, Alyson, Dylan Bunch and wife, Sydney, Trenton Lovan, Gage Groves, Hattie Groves, Ethan Bunch, Nathan Bunch, Dawson Collins, Bryley Collins, Miles Collins, Reed Collins, Cross Collins and Emmitt Collins; two great-great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Lilliana Lovan; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one granddaughter, Savannah Elizabeth Collins, two great-grandchildren, Paisley Collins and Jayce Groves; one sister, Helen Wyas and three brothers, her twin, Leonard Freeman, Homer Freeman and Amas Freeman, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Inman Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Inman Cemetery or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

A memorial service for Kyle Wayne Jamison, 25, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Kyle passed away November 12, 2023, at West Plains.  

He was born June 18, 1998, at Prescott, Arizona to Robert Jamison and Natasha Lewis.  Kyle was a devoted family man.  He was one of five siblings, being the middle, Kyle was the protector.  Growing up when dealing with one of the Jamison kids you dealt with all of them and that continued into adulthood.  Kyle would go to the ends of the earth to make sure those around him felt loved.  He had a heart as pure as gold and would give anyone the shirt off his back and proved that to be true time and time again.  You could look at Kyle on the outside and see that he was a carbon copy of his dad, his laugh, personality and demeanor all favored him; he wanted to be just like him.  For those who really knew Kyle, we know on the inside that he was and always will be a mama’s boy.  He was protective, loving and always keeping his mom in the forefront of his heart.  One of Kyle’s favorite titles though was “Uncle Tito”.  His pride and joy was his ten nieces and two nephews.  Kyle enjoyed listening to music, tinkering on old projects and going on nature walks.  He will be missed by many people for many reasons, especially his ornery grin and big bear hugs.

He is survived by his parents Robert Jamison (Kimberly Stanberry) and Natasha Lewis (Adam Vandyke); siblings, Tyonna Nichols (James Nichols), Dakota  Jamison, Shania Jamison (Patrick Crase), Shyanne Thomure (Seth Thomure) and Kayla Ritch; grandparents, Michael and Anita Lewis and Judy Billings; great-grandma, Yvonne Reynolds; many aunts and uncles; and so many dear friends.  Thank you to each that was a part of his life. 

His paternal grandpa, Richard Jamison and one maternal uncle, Jay Lewis, preceded him in death.  

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

Gae Maurice Chandler, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:57 a.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  

She was born March 19, 1941, at Plainview, Texas, to Lester and Leta Landrum Chandler.  Her love of family was unconditional and she loved with all of her heart.  Her home was always open to anyone in need.  Gae also helped raise some of her grandchildren in their time of need.  She was a true gift from God and touched the lives of many people.  She loved playing and singing gospel music at church and with friends; she played the bass guitar.  Gae took pride in her yard and it was always the prettiest in the neighborhood.  Her friend, Larry Capps, would come spend almost every day with her and they would work the flower beds, mow and keep everything looking nice.  Larry was a huge help and they loved each other’s company.  Gae loved to cook; she was always making something, if you came to her house, you better plan on eating and if you didn’t eat, she’d wrap up whatever she had fixed in tin foil and send it home with you for later, “no” was not an option.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to their Mom’s care team at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  Although Gae wanted to be in her own house, she did love the Brook Haven staff; when she arrived there, she introduced herself as “Grumpy Gae”, so the nurses called her “GG”.  The staff was a big part of her life for the past few years………Beautician, Char; Med techs, Becky, Brenda, Kim and Shaydan; CNA’s, Jessica, Cassy, Kolton, Desarae, Kristol, Baylee, Olivia and Charlotte; and nurses, Kaleb, Abbie and Whitney.  Quote from Whitney:  “Bruce, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your Mom and allowing us to love her.”

She is survived by one son, Bruce Drussel and wife, Louwanna, Willow Springs, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Treasa Griffith, Caulfield, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, April, Felicia, Clifton, Danielle, Tessa, Sarina, Vanessa, Tawny, Lindsey, Andrea, Tiffany, Justin, Katlin and Felicia; many great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lela Chandler and Linda Chandler; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, two sons, Randal and David Griffith, two daughters, Kathy Butler and Colleen Busby, three sisters, Athelene Douglas and husband, Noel, Dorothy Chandler and Marjorie McCauly and husband, Robert and two brothers, Monte and Richard Chandler, preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Graveside services for Pauline Jeree Tilson, 92, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Tilson passed away at 6:03 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Shady Oaks Healthcare Center, Thayer, Missouri.  

She was born February 10, 1931, in Howell County, Missouri, to Edmond Mitchell Hudlow and Clella Alene May Hudlow.  On January 9, 1954, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Enoch Tilson, who preceded her in death on April 22, 2020.  Pauline and Enoch had a wonderful life together.  They enjoyed their gardens, fishing and bluegrass music.  They loved their nieces and nephews.

She is survived by one sister-in-law, Imogene Tilson, Park City, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one sister, Merlene and three brothers, Eldon, Delbert and Lowell, preceded her in death.  

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

Graveside services for Everett E. Atkinson, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Atkinson passed away at 6:57 a.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

He was born December 12, 1927, in Howell County, Missouri, to O.L. (Red) Atkinson and Ruth Dean Atkinson.  On May 20, 1950, he was married at the Methodist Church, Hardy, Arkansas, to Betty Ann Bailey, daughter of John (Henry) and Ruth Crow Bailey.  Betty preceded him in death on July 30, 2016.  Mr. Atkinson was of the Methodist faith and had been a member of the First United Methodist Church for over fifty-seven years.  He attended West Plains schools and was a veteran, having served with the United States Army and received WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Japan Medal. 

Everett was employed with the Missouri Highway Survey Department and the U.S. Geological Surveying, Contour Mapping Division of Central United States; was employed with McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft as Preservation and Packaging Planner; obtained his Real Estate License in 1949 and was the oldest Real Estate License Holder in West Plains and Howell County of 53 years until his retirement in 2002; was co-owner with his wife, Betty Ann, of Atkinson Real Estate and Investments, Inc. and A & A Realty, Inc; was a Certified Real Estate Appraiser for many years; was an organizer and Charter member and served as the first President of the West Plains Board of Realtors; past President of the Ozark Trail Board of Realtors; past President and Director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce; a Rotarian for over 25 years; member of Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge for over 61 years and was past Worshipful Master; life time member of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars; served on the Advisory Committee of the MSU West Plains Campus for several years; and served on the Board of George D. Hay Society.  He was a supporter of the West Plains Industrial Corporation since its inception and was instrumental in obtaining for West Plains the National Health Care and Beverly Health Care and many other community projects.  Everett enjoyed spending time with his wife, watching and filming the wildlife and streams on the farm of her parents and grandparents and playing Bluegrass music on the dobro at the West Plains Senior Center. 

He is survived by one brother, Thomas L. Atkinson, Middleton, Ohio; one sister, Opal Massey and husband, Boyd, Sedalia, Missouri; and one nephew, Ray Atkinson, Middleton, Ohio. 

His parents, wife, two sisters-in-law, Doris and Maveen Atkinson and one nephew, Mark Atkinson, preceded him in death.  

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

Kenneth John Brauer, Sr., 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:00 p.m., Monday, November 13, 2023, at Shady Oaks Healthcare Center, Thayer, Missouri.  

He was born February 28, 1943, at Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur Herman Brauer and Katherine Marie Crowe Brauer.  On September 23, 1995, he was married at West Plains, to Marie Callahan.  Mr. Brauer was a proud veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement, he was a School Bus Driver and a Deputy for the Howell County Sheriff’s Department.  Kenneth enjoyed farming and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Brauer, of the family home; four children, John Brauer, State of Missouri, Bryan Brauer, West Plains, Ted Harris and wife, Cary, Caulfield, Missouri and Sandy Herman and husband, Andrew, Point Moss, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Lexie Brauer, Hunter Brauer, Ashley Shrable and husband, Jacob, Shelby Singletary and husband, Evan, Brian Russell and wife, Andrea and Brady Russell and fiancé, Casey; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one grandson, John John, one brother, Arthur Brauer and one step-daughter, Teresa Russell, preceded him in death.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled at a later date.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

A memorial service for Ronald Arthur Stephens, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Stephens passed away at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at NHC HealthCare.  

He was born November 11, 1944, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Arthur and Betty Sue Stephens.  Mr. Stephens was a proud veteran, having served with the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam with the Seabees.  Ronald owned his first race car in high school and developed a love for racing; it was during this time he acquired the nickname “Heavy Duty” that lasted his entire life.  He loved being outdoors, playing golf, camping, fishing and hunting.  He enjoyed traveling and reading.  Later in life he was a dedicated Teamster negotiator in Washington, D.C.  Mr. Stephens was the type of person that would do anything for anyone.  He also loved to have fun and could be quite ornery.  Mr. Stephens was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kansas City and had been a member of the Elks Lodge for many years.

He is survived by two sons, James Charles Stephens and Christopher Robert Stephens, both of Harrisonville, Missouri; three grandchildren, R.T. Stephens, West Plains, Haddie Sue and Lana Rose Stephens, of Harrisonville, Missouri; two brothers, Greg Stephens and wife, Renee and Terry Stephens and wife, Sharon, all of West Plains; two sisters, Karen Garner and husband, Bob and Jodie Haynes and husband, Donnie, all of West Plains; one aunt. Mary Jo McManus, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one sister, Kim Baker and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.  

A private burial will be at Stuart Union Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Stuart Union Cemetery, Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Edith Alberta Druce, 91, Alton, Missouri, passed away at 2:40 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born March 8, 1932, at Greenfield, Ohio, to Ralph and Jesse Helterbrand.  In 1968, she was married at Greenfield, Ohio, to Thomas Ellsworth Druce, who preceded her in death on May 15, 2020.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Druce was a nursing aid.  She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed having family gatherings and get togethers with friends.  She loved living in the country, where she lived all of her life.

She is survived by four children, Donna Mercer, Greenfield, Ohio, Kevin May, Washington Courthouse, Ohio, Gary Druce and wife, Ann, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Thomas Druce, Alton, Missouri; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Helterbrand, Maryville, Tennessee and Leonard  Helterbrand, Greenfield, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, two sons, Steven and Michael May, four sisters, Dorothy VanDyke, Imogene  Pough, Maxine VanDyke and Thelma Taylor and one brother, Daniel Helterbrand, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Druce will be laid to rest at Dunkard Ridge Cemetery, Elmsville, Ohio.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home,