A celebration of life service for Bruce Allen Guillot, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Guillot passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home.
He was born August 4, 1952, at New Orleans, Louisiana, to Ronald Lee Guillot and Margie Elaine Griffith Guillot. On January 17, 1972, he was married in Craven County, North Carolina, to Christene Marie Nuss, who preceded him in death in May of 1986. Mr. Guillot was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines, receiving a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Guillot was a master mechanic; he enjoyed tinkering and he did everything from creating to fixing anything. He enjoyed riding his Harley, especially those long trips. He loved his family.
He is survived by two daughters, Karen Shipley and husband, Rusty, Gassville, Arkansas and Sharon Guillot, West Plains, Missouri; and one granddaughter, Candace Michelle Shipley.
His parents, wife and special friends Carol Mason and Lorri Hayes, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Amvets, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Beryl Susie Anstine, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Anstine passed away at 3:25 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She was born September 21, 1937, at Koshkonong, Missouri, to Max R. Dern and Mildred June Moore Dern. She was the second oldest of four children. On December 20, 1964, she was married at Koshkonong, Missouri, to Robert Joseph (Bob) Anstine, who preceded her in death on April 22, 2021. Mrs. Anstine worked at Puritan Fashions in Thayer, Missouri from 1957 – 1964 before becoming a homemaker. She loved working in the garden, reading, bird watching and spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Rilie.
She is survived by one son, Jeff Anstine and wife, Sherry, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jessika Hatten and husband, Shay, Reece Anstine and Kelsie Orr, Tiffany Grogan and husband, Benny and Zach Stokes and wife, Jessica; four great-grandchildren, Stetson and Maguire Stokes, Daxtyn Grogan and Ellis Orr, all of West Plains; two sisters, Mildred Ball and husband, Larry, Koshkonong, Missouri and Velva Tharp and husband, Bob, Colorado Springs, Colorado; one sister-in-law, Bridgett Dern, Koshkonong, Missouri; one family friend, Haley Williams, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Randy Anstine, one brother, Ray Dern, three brothers-in-law, Pete, Dale and Don Anstine and two sisters-in-law, Rosalee and Frances Anstine, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Homeland Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
A memorial service for Shirley Jean Sermon, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Sermon passed away at 8:43 a.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at her home.
She was born July 28, 1944, at Wheaton, Missouri, to James Woods and Maude Laney Woods. On August 17, 1963, she was married at Cassville, Missouri, to Robert L. Sermon. Shirley loved animals and was a supporter of ASPCA. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening. She loved her family dearly, including her pets. Mrs. Sermon was a member of Eastern Star for over fifty years and was a member of First Baptist Church of West Plains for over twenty-five years.
She is survived by her husband, Bob L. Sermon, of the family home; one son, Bob J. Sermon, Springfield, Missouri; one aunt, Helen Berning, Exeter, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and two sisters, Wilma Long and Susie Hill preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Louie Dean Brower, 67, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Brower passed away at 8:50 a.m., Sunday, March 23, 2025, at his home.
He was born April 27, 1957, at West Plains, Missouri, to Edward Cyril (Bud) Brower and Helen Lucille Kethcart Brower. Louie graduated from Willow Springs High School. On March 17, 2000, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Tamara Dobbins. Mr. Brower enjoyed his time as a volunteer firefighter in Elgin, Illinois and in Pomona, Missouri. He loved fishing and thoroughly enjoyed eating chicken wings and ice cream. Louie was a kind person, always helping others; he would do anything for anyone.
He is survived by his wife, Tamara Brower, of the family home; one daughter, Autumn Cash, Pomona, Missouri, one granddaughter, Rylie Cash; his father-in-law, Dennis Dobbins, West Plains; mother-in-law, Sandra Skilling, Dewey, Arizona; one brother, Doug Brower and wife, Jo, Pomona, Missouri; two sisters, Janice Fritts and husband, Kenneth, Pomona, and Virginia Mitchell, South Elgin, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, four brothers, George, Pete, Gerald and Ronald Brower and five sisters, one infant, Rebecca Lakey, Marcella McMurtrey, Karen Havens and Debbie Vigdal, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Mt. Zion Cemetery, 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 Tammy Lynn Zastrow, 41, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Tammy passed away Friday evening, March 14, 2025, at Bakersfield, Missouri.
She was born November 2, 1983, at Galveston, Texas, to William Zastrow Jr., and Emma Sellars Zastrow. Tammy had a positive outlook on life and had a gift for finding the bright side of any situation. She loved looking for arrowheads and collecting anything out of the ordinary; she loved being outside, whether she was gardening, working a chainsaw or fixing her car. She was not afraid of hard work. Tammy worked for several years at Spring River Lumber and enjoyed working tough jobs. She was a free spirit, unpredictable and fearless with the exception of spiders. Tammy loved to sing and dance and was known for her crazy hair styles.
She is survived by her significant other, Wendell Harris, Pottersville, Missouri; two daughters, Melanie Zastrow-Oliver and husband, Christopher Cisneros Gomez and Samara (Katie) Valentin and significant other, Tyler Turner, all of Bakersfield, Missouri, one grandchild, Mateo Cisneros-Oliver and one on the way; her mother, Emma Zastrow, Bakersfield, Missouri; two brothers, David Zastrow, Bakersfield and William Zastrow and wife, Seana, Mountain Home, Arkansas; five sisters, Pam Guffey and husband, Junior, Bakersfield, Mary Bales and husband, Chuck, Bakersfield, Pauline Douglas and husband, Terry, Mountain Home, Arkansas, Patti Hicks and husband, Neal, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Robin Harris and husband, Cass, Pottersville, Missouri; many nieces, nephews and cousins, including one special niece, Gretchen Zastrow.
Her father, grandparents, two sisters, Debra Henson and Rebecca Zastrow and two nephews, Skyler Henson and Kyle Roberts, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bakersfield Tornado Relief Fund, 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 Paula Kaye Danford, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Paula entered this world on August 28, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Paul and Pansy Powell Danford. And on March 12, 2025, she left it, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, artistic passion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.
Paula’s life was a testament to the power of quiet determination. She was not one to seek the spotlight, nor did she require recognition for the work she did—but anyone who has ever attended a concert, play, art show, festival, or community event in West Plains has, in some way, benefited from her tireless efforts. In 1963, Paula married Charles Augustus Heiss, III and together they raised three children—two daughters and a son. Life took her on a new journey in 1981 when she married Thomas Speraneo. Their marriage was blessed with two more children, making a full and loving family. In 1990, Paula and Tom moved to West Plains, Missouri, a place that would become not only their home but also the foundation of Paula’s lasting impact. Professionally, Paula was a woman of many talents. She worked as a Purchasing Agent in procurement for Ralston Purina, demonstrating a keen ability for organization and efficiency. Later, she became the Chief Operating Officer at S&S Aqua Farm, where she applied her skills in management and leadership. But no matter how successful she was in her career, Paula’s true passion was in giving back—specifically through her deep commitment to the arts. For more than 30 years, Paula was the face of the West Plains Council on the Arts. She worked relentlessly to bring culture and creativity to the Ozarks, believing that the arts should be accessible to all. But her contributions didn’t stop there. When her children were in high school, she was a steadfast supporter of the West Plains High School Concert Choir, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring that young voices were heard. She threw herself into community service, working with The Avenue Theatre, the Organic Growers Association, the West Plains Arts Alliance, and the Farmers Market, where she served as President. She was also a fierce advocate for causes that directly helped people in need, such as the Diaper Resource Center and the Chamber Nonprofit Alliance. If there was an effort to make West Plains a better place to live, Paula was involved—not for the recognition, but because she believed in the mission. In 2022, her efforts were formally acknowledged when she was named Citizen of the Year by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. It was an honor that perfectly encapsulated who Paula was: a leader, an innovator, and a champion for her community. The award is meant to recognize outstanding accomplishments, civic responsibility, and selfless service—three things that defined Paula’s life. Paula’s reach extended beyond community organizations and projects. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pansy Powell Danford, her brother, Harold Danford, sister, Diana Danford and her grandson, Christopher Heiss.
She is survived by one sister, Jean Newland, as well as her five children, who carry on her spirit of kindness and perseverance: daughter, Cyndi Myers and husband Dennis, son, Chris Heiss and wife Karen, daughter, Cara Swank and husband Tim, daughter, Amber Miller and husband Jake, and son, Josh Speraneo. She also leaves behind a legacy in her grandchildren: Daniel Myers and wife Sara, Terry Madlinger and wife Niki, Sarah Vegerano and husband Luis, Nikki Dobson and husband Brad, Brooke Myers and partner Travis, Casey Noto and husband Andrew, Ris Swank, Zach Swank, Masynn Baldwin, Leyla Baldwin, Cash Adamson, Malcolm Miller, Megan Heiss Witkemper and husband Ryan, Kyle Heiss and wife Lexington, Moriah Heiss,Phillip Heiss and partner Rachel Hill. Paula was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren: Carmela, Lyndon, Ofelia, Cody, Tyler, Quinn, Rory, Adalynn, Season, and Christen. Finally, Paula is survived by many nieces, nephews and their loving families.
There is a saying that a person’s worth is measured not by what they take from the world, but by what they leave behind. By that measure, Paula Speraneo’s worth is immeasurable. She gave more than she ever received, leaving behind a community that is stronger, more vibrant, and more enriched because of her. The lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the love she shared will continue to ripple outward, shaping her family, West Plains and the people in it for generations to come. The world is quieter without her, but the echoes of her work, her laughter, and her love will never fade.
Funeral Services for Richard Franklin Mitchell, 63, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mitchell passed away at 6:57 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Caulfield, Missouri.
Richard Franklin Mitchell was born on July 28, 1961, in Lilbourn, Missouri, to Robert Franklin Mitchell and Cora Imogene Evans Mitchell. Richard lived a full and adventurous life. He worked hard and took pride in driving dump trucks, but he was known most for his big heart. He was a loyal partner to Amanda, with whom he shared love, laughter, and steadfast companionship. He was a devoted father and best friend to his brother and sister. He deeply cherished time spent with his family, especially his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was a true friend to many. A motorcycle enthusiast and humanitarian, Richard had a gift for bringing people together. He often organized rides that created memories and forged lifelong connections. He loved the outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply tinkering with motorcycles, cars, or trucks. Richard was an overcomer. He was strong-willed and tough as nails, but he also had a great sense of humor, a big smile, and a kind heart.
He is survived by his significant other, Amanda Tusher; two sons, Dallas Mitchell and his significant other, Tammy Leslie and Bradley Mitchell; stepdaughters, Grace Eagleman and her husband, Preston Eagleman, and Brianna Bates; four grandchildren, Haley, Braxton, Stetson and Jenson; three siblings, Donald Ray Mitchell and wife, Lisa, Peggy Tyler and husband, John and David Mitchell and wife, Mary; the mother of his children, Rita Mitchell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
His parents; one brother, Delbert Evans; one sister, Levern Duncan; one sister-in-law, Pam Gibson; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends preceded him 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. Burial will be at Amy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchell 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 Wanda June Kibbe-Bowman, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in the Main Room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bowman passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born June 8, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Beverly Kibbe and Ruby Schaefer Kibbe. On June 19, 2004, she was married at West Plains, to Jackie Bowman, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2024. Before her retirement, Wanda worked as a nutritionist at the University Extension Office. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Wanda enjoyed meeting people and was always willing to offer a helping hand. Mrs. Bowman was a Christian and attended Rescue Church in West Plains.
She is survived by two daughters, Jacque Collins and Veronica Rees and husband, Joe; three grandchildren, Dustin Collins, Cody Collins and wife, Sarah and Khaleesi Rees; two great-grandchildren, Sapphire and Jonah Collins; many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews, Rick Kerley and wife, Melody and Lonnie Kerley and wife, Linda; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.
Her parents, husband, Jack Bowman, one son-in-law, Matt Collins, one grandson, Joshua Leroy White, two brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Margaret Ann Honeycutt Tuttle, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Tuttle ended her earthly journey on March 26, 2025 surrounded by family at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born September 6, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri to George Washington and Beulah E. (Stark) Honeycutt. Margaret graduated from Summersville High School class of 1966 and attended beauty school in Rolla, Missouri until she married Oran Eugene Tuttle October 22, 1966 in Summersville, Missouri. After marrying, the couple moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Eugene was employed by Wagner Electric until 1977 when they moved to the West Plains area. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters Cheryl Diane and Catherine Eugenia. Over the years the Tuttles enjoyed spending time camping, fishing, going to Branson for music shows, and taking lots of “day trips” to surrounding areas; they especially loved Mt. View, Arkansas. Occasionally on a random Saturday night they would drive to St. Louis for a case of White Castles, reminiscing of the days when they were a young couple in the city. Margaret was a charismatic woman; she loved meeting new people and creating friendships. She spent lots of time on the telephone or sending cards of birthday, get well or sympathy messages. She sold Avon, Amway, Tupperware and finally found her forte in selling Home Interior for many years. She loved to go into others homes to help them find things they loved to make their home beautiful. She was a gracious hostess and a fantastic cook, once creating a deer steak gravy recipe that was published in a Bass Pro cook book. Her deer steak gravy was a favorite of many guests to her home on Pine Street. She was also an outstanding baker, at Christmas time she created hundreds of boxes filled with cookies and goodies for family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. She loved sewing, hand quilting, embroidery and designing silk floral arrangements. She was a crafter and excelled at any hobby she picked up. She enjoyed vegetable gardening and storing her spoils for Winter. She always said, “These green beans will taste good when the snow flies.” Her backyard was full of perennials some of her favorites daisies, lily of the valley, clematis, and her treasured lilac bush which Eugene planted under their bedroom window. Margaret loved music, she would put on a stack of records; country, bluegrass, or gospel and begin cleaning her house, doing laundry or ironing. She kept an immaculate home, beautifully decorated.
Margaret leaves behind Cheryl Diane Thompson (Cecil Lee Jr.) of West Plains, Missouri; Catherine Eugenia Bell (Roy Lee Jr.) of Nixa, Missouri; Cheryl’s daughters, Megan Ann (Rick) of South Mills, North Carolina, Melanie (Matthew) of Elk River, Minnesota; Ambrosia (James) and Alicia (Kyle) of West Plains; Catherine’s children, Daniel Eugene (Sarah) of Springfield, Missouri and Jenna (Jody) of Nixa, Missouri; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers in-law, Roger and Rick Tuttle of West Plains; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Margaret was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart, Eugene Tuttle on October 12, 1998 after 32 years of sharing their life together. She never regained her footing in the world after the loss of her rock, best friend, and soul mate; Her parents, Beulah E. Stark Honeycutt and George Washington Honeycutt; her “big sister”, Lillian Ilene Young Jacks; three brothers, Billy E. Honeycutt, Bobby Dean Honeycutt and George Dale Honeycutt; Mother and Father in-law, Phyllis and Oran Tuttle; two nieces; three nephews; and Dixie her four-legged companion, and best friend. Dixie will be buried with Margaret as promised.
The family extends a Thank you to Kathy, Abbie, Kaleb, Kim, Nicole, Shaydon and Erik, a special heartfelt thank you to Gavann and Charolette for their sincere dedication and compassionate support of their residents at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Senior Citizens Center, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Tonya Gail Bethel, 68, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bethel passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Hospice House of the Ozarks.
She was born October 28, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Thomas Bassham and Vera Kinder Bassham. On November 11, 2016, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Greg Bethel. Tonya worked at Bank of Salem for forty-seven years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, quilting and traveling. She loved her family, her church family, volunteering and her cattle.
She is survived by her husband, Greg Bethel, of the family home; two daughters, Brittany Coley and husband, Austin, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Chelsea Flagg and husband, Robert, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Brody Avery, Jarrett Avery, Hadlee Coley, Daygan Flagg and Inara Flagg; her mother, Vera Bassham; three brothers, Michael Bassham and wife, Teresa, Gainesville, Missouri, Mark Bassham and wife, Laurie, Salem, Arkansas and Jeff Bassham, and wife, Jane, Bella Vista, Arkansas; one sister, Beth Walker, Cabot, Arkansas; her mother-in-law, Fern Bethel; one sister-in-law, Tammy Bethel; and several nieces and nephews.
Her father, father-in-law, Bob Bethel, two brothers-in-law, Bobby Walker, Jr. and Gary Bethel and one nephew, Tommy Bassham, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Bethel will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Donald Kenneth Holstine, 77, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Holstine passed away at 8:05 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 19, 1948, at West Plains, Missouri, to Joe Kenneth Holstine and Mary Mazie Smith Holstine. On October 3, 1982, he was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Shirley Comer. Don was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam. He was a lifelong cattle farmer and livestock dealer. He enjoyed traveling to different sale barns, trading cattle and visiting with his cattle trading friends. Don loved his family and spending time with all of his grandkids. He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandpa that will be sadly missed. Mr. Holstine was a member of the Bakersfield Church of Christ, where he attended for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the family home; one son, Derek and wife, Sherra; one daughter, Sherri; four grandchildren, Abbigail and Case Guffey and Brynlee and Dallas Holstine, all of Bakersfield, Missouri; one sister, JoAnn Foster and husband, Ken, Caulfield, Missouri; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His parents and grandparents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fluty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paragould Children’s Home or Fluty Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Bernard Max Collins, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 10:25 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at his home.
He was born February 4, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Delmar (Coonie) Collins and Bernadean Byers Collins. On May 30, 1973, he was married at West Plains, to Loretta Dunlap. Mr. Collins was a veteran, having served with the United States Army with the Military Police. Mr. Collins was a house painter and a farmer. He believed that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Collins, of the family home; two children, Kevin Collins and wife, Shannon and Kimberly Collins Powell and husband, Cody, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jordan (Groundhog) Collins, Kendra (Ida Red) Collins Romine and husband, Charlie and Owen Cline (O.C.) Powell; and several nieces and nephews, including special niece, Duanella (Sissy) Roe.
His parents and one brother, Duane Collins, preceded him in death.
Mr. Collins will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Graveside services for Randy Melvin Long, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Long passed away at 12:05 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2025, at his home.
He was born May 21, 1957, at West Plains, Missouri, to Melvin Long and Helen Maxine Joice Long. Randy enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially coyotes. He was a hardworking man; he cut and sold firewood and enjoyed doing it. Randy had also worked as a custodian at Fairview School.
He is survived by two children, Austin Long and wife, Taylor and Abigail Long and one brother, Glen Long and wife, Caroline, Pottersville, Missouri.
His parents and one brother, Roy Lee Long, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gospel Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Funeral services for Curtis Huff, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Huff passed away at 7:55 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at his home.
He was born May 8, 1933 at West Plains, Missouri, to Mabel Wood Huff and Vernor Wellington Huff. He was eldest of 8 children. Curtis graduated in 1952 as a Zizzer from West Plains High School. Mr. Huff was a member of the Missouri National Guard. He worked as a delivery route salesman for several companies before being employed by Division of Family Services in 1965, retiring as Case Analyst on July 1, 1995. Mr. Huff was proud to be able to live on his grandparent’s farm which became a Century Farm in 2022. He was an avid fan of the St Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Huff was a member of the Smith Chapel Church of West Plains where he served as deacon.
He is survived by his wife Marcella, of the family home; four children, Katherine Pettit (Paul), West Plains, Ronald Huff (Linda), Willard, Missouri, Elizabeth Huff, North Kansas City, Missouri and Jeffrey Huff (Rita), Jefferson City, Missouri; numerous grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Crumbley and husband, Aaron (Ace), Owensboro, Kentucky; two sisters-in-law, Kaye Huff and Billie Davis Huff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Vernon and Elec Huff, three sisters, Patricia Meinung, Jenny Lou Knott and Dorothy Walters and three brothers, Jim, John and Richard Huff.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Huff will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk Creek Cemetery or 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.
Funeral services for Gary Wayne Barton, 79, Alton, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Barton was called to his heavenly home at 12:49 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born March 3, 1946, at Alton, Missouri, to Willie T. and Ara Dodson Barton. On August 22, 1965, Gary married the love of his life, Dorothy LaVonne Huddleston at Shilo Baptist Church, Rover, Missouri. Gary and Dorothy were married for fifty-nine years and resided on their family farm in Alton, Missouri. To this union two daughters were born, Angelia Annette and Valerie Jill. Gary graduated from Alton High School with the Class of 1963. Upon graduation he lived and worked in St. Louis, Missouri at Fisher Body Chevrolet Plant, but due to his country roots, he soon relocated to Oregon County. He developed masonry skills from his father and worked in the masonry business for many years. He was very talented at his occupation and left his trademark over the local area. Due to health reasons, Gary had the opportunity to become a licensed insurance agent and worked in this profession several years before retiring. Gary was a member of Shilo Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and a Trustee. He was a faithful Christian with a concern for the lost. Gary was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward each spring to planting a garden, enjoying the fruits of his labor. He also raised cattle and enjoyed farming. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immense love, happiness and joy to his life. He looked forward to their visits and held a special place in his heart for each of them.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Barton, of the family home; two daughters, Annette Callahan and Valerie Jill Burrow (Tony) both of West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Ashlyn Danielle Waggoner (Brandon) and Allison Taylor Grant (Taylor); three great-grandsons, Dawson Lee Wayne, Barrett Lee and Cooper Allen; two brothers, Howard Barton (Alice), and Garland Barton (Sheila); one sister, Donna Vest (Irven); and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son-in-law, Ted Lee Callahan, infant great-grandson, Hayden Michael Waggoner, two sisters, Louise Winkler and Norma Jean Christopher, one brother, W. T. Barton and his fishing buddy, Skip, his Jack Russell, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be in Cave Springs Cemetery, Alton, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Cave Springs Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Sandra Marilyn Wheeler, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, at her home.
She was born November 13, 1942, at Riverside, California, to William Oscar Bass and Mary Opal Speakes Bass. On April 4, 1959, she was married at San Bernardino, California, to Bobby Wheeler, who preceded her in death on July 4, 1990. Mrs. Wheeler loved her family, especially her grandkids.
She is survived by three children, Sabrina Mondy and husband, Curtis, Desiree Wheeler and fiancé Michael Jeffery and Robert Wheeler and wife, Corrie; forty-three grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Elby Wheeler and Jeffrey Scott Wheeler, two daughters, Bobbie Wheeler and Dawn Visich and two brothers, Jay Bass and Elby Bass, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Joe Wayne Burnett, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Burnett passed away at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born January 20, 1938, at Jefferson City, Missouri, to Reverend Elbert (Pete) Burnett and Sophia Francis Newberry Burnett. He was a graduate of West Plains High School Class of 1956. Mr. Burnett was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. Before his retirement, Wayne had been a truck driver and a diesel mechanic at Earl’s Sales & Service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stock car racing and watching NASCAR. Wayne loved his family and Jesus dearly. He was a very giving person and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He never knew a stranger. Mr. Burnett was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri, where he served as a song leader for many years.
He is survived by three children, Debra Burnett, State of California, Terry Burnett, West Plains, Missouri and Kristy Cunningham and husband, Tim, Bourbon, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Brittanie, Jessie, John Wayne, Valerie, Mariah, Tiffany, Cheyenne, Sharla, Bethany and Timmy; seventeen great-grandchildren; one brother, Itsy Burnett, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary Anne Smith and husband, Ron, State of West Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Ralph Burnett, one sister, Sandra Wheat, three brothers, Larry, Norman and Jackie Burnett and his sidekick, Mackie, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be at McElmurry Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Lodge Ralph Burnett Memorial Scholarship Fund, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Nancy Teresa Dykes, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:23 a.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service for Brenda Louise Webb, 73, Dora, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Brenda passed away at 4:31 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at her home.
She was born January 4, 1952, at Fort Hueneme, California, to Doyle Rudolph Webb and Geneva Louise Riddle Webb. Brenda enjoyed gardening, feeding her hummingbirds, cooking and fishing. Her grandkids and great-grandkids were her heart and soul. She worked in fire rescue for over thirty years and taught many courses for EMT, firefighter 1 and 2. She worked closely with Burlington Northern in Hazmat and LP training. One of her many achievements was raising the funds to purchase the jaws of life for the Koshkonong Fire Dept. Brenda was very involved in her community and enjoyed bringing the community together through parties, haunted houses and Christmas parades. Brenda loved her family and was always willing to help in any way that she could.
She is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Duvall and fiance’ Jeremy Inman, Dora, Missouri and Andrea Lunn and husband, Michael, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren including Leah Farmer, Miranda Smotherman, Natalie Lockhart, Kevin Potter and Jaxson Duvall; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Doyle Webb, Jr., and wife, Elaine, State of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Charles Webb, preceded her 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 Street, West Plains, MO 65775.
Gary Ray Carter, 75, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born July 14, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Cleve Carter Jr., and Betty Talley Green. Mr. Carter was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. On December 26, 1969, he was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Cheryl Lair. Gary enjoyed electrician work and liked to tinker; he loved to hunt and fish. He had worked at Baxter Lab, was a mechanic and installed satellite dishes.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Carter, of the family home; three children, Ty Carter, Melissa Looney and Kody Carter and wife, Angie; grandchildren, Tyla, Cody, Summer, David, Shawnee, Mason and Noah; eight great-grandchildren, Creed, Raylynn, Haisley, Tinsley, Tymber, Amber, Kendra and Nevaeh; his mother, Betty Green; one brother, Larry Carter and wife, Janice; and several nieces and nephews.
His father, two step-fathers, Glen Cook and Kenneth Green and one brother, Mike Carter, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
