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Funeral services for Betty Guffey Ford (Granny), 95, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Ford passed away at 11:36 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

She was born April 22, 1929, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Bev Minge and Eddie Catherine Estes Minge.  On November 7, 1947, she was married to George Guffey, who preceded her in death on December 5, 1981.  On September 8, 1984 she was married to Lawrence Allen Ford, who preceded her in death on March 2, 2008.   Granny enjoyed gardening, taking care of her yard, cleaning her house and loved her grandkids and great-grandkids.  She worked with her husband, George, on the farm for many years before working at Marathon Electric in the lead room.  Granny was a member of the Bakersfield Saddle Club in the 60’s and 70’s.  Mrs. Ford was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by one son, Clinton Guffey and wife, Vicky; two grandchildren, Heather Bunch and husband, Mark and Barbara Guffey; three great-grandchildren, Landon Bunch, Carter Bunch and Wyatt Young; one sister, Linda Jones; one brother-in-law, Bill  Haddock; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husbands, one granddaughter, Christina Guffey, five sisters, Stella White, Cecil Talburt, Bernice Edgar, Ruth Martin and Joann Haddock and one brother, Mitchell Minge, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Hurst 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 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Robert Lee Martin, 67, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 5:51 PM, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on July 1, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert moved to West Plains in 1982. He was a skilled flooring contractor and finish carpenter, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and passion for woodworking. Robert took great pride in his work, always paying close attention to every detail. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and gardening in his free time.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marty, of the home; his mother, Sue Martin; his sister, Cherie Holmes and husband, Chuck; his sons, Chase and Justin; his daughter, Beki; and his cherished grandchildren, Ryder, Sam, Mia, and Liam, as well as his nephews, John Holmes and Bob Holmes.

He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Martin.

A Celebration of Life service for Shelden Paul Bragg, 27, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bragg passed away at 8:17 p.m., Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home.  

He was born April 10, 1997, at West Plains, Missouri, to Stephen Paul LaQuet and Gretchen Davis.  Mr. Bragg enjoyed skateboarding and collecting cars, and he loved making people laugh.  He had a big heart and was always there when you needed him.  Shelden loved his family, especially his son and his dog, Drako.

He is survived by his mother, Gretchen Davis; his father, Stephen LaQuet; his stepfather, Carl Davis; special friend, Ashley McKee; two sons, Liam Bragg and Bentley Waldo; one brother, Jaxyn Bragg; three sisters, Nicole Ely, Sophia LaQuet, and Brooklyn LaQuet; bonus mom, Debbie Spurling-Roberson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His grandparents, Paul and Shannon Johnson, and his best friend, Jason Spurling, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for James Dale Uhlmann, 73, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at Blanche Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Uhlmann passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, at his home.  

He was born March 20, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elmer Dale and Martha Jane Cropper Uhlmann.  Mr. Uhlmann enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, gardening, and working.  He loved his family and spending time with his grandsons.  He would never miss a family gathering.  Mr. Uhlmann was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by two sons, Derrick Uhlmann, Dora, Missouri, and Devon Uhlmann and wife, Kayla, Dora, Missouri; two grandsons, Blake Uhlmann and Hudson Uhlmann, both of Dora, Missouri; his mother, Martha Uhlmann, Drury, Missouri; two brothers, Rocky Uhlmann, Dora, Missouri, and Randy Uhlmann, Drury, Missouri; one sister, Gina Hollingshad and husband, Joe, Drury, Missouri; special friend, Julie Emery Booth, Drury, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His father, paternal grandparents, Richard and Dorothea Uhlmann, and maternal grandparents, John and Bess Cropper, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.

William Thomas Howell, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:21 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.

He was born April 10, 1956, at Thayer, Missouri, to Oscar and Geraldine DeBois Howell.  On October 13, 2006, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Lisa Huffman.  Mr. Howell loved riding his trike, hunting, and playing guitar.  He also loved spending time at home.  He was good at anything he put his hand to, whether it was welding, masonry, or mechanic work.  Mr. Howell was a member of the AmVets for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa; one son, William Howell, Jr.; six grandchildren, Skyler Howell, Brandon Howell and wife, Gwenn, Amber Howell, Ethan Howell, Brayden James Howell, and Abigail Thompson; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dalton Howell and wife, Marilyn, and Paul Howell and wife, Kay; three sisters, Joann Flygare, Albertta Howell, and Susan Howell; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Jesse Howell, one brother, Robert Howell, and one sister, Norvella Howell, preceded him in death.  

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

Funeral services for Ronald Dee Hardin, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Hardin passed away at 9:38 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Mountain Grove, Missouri. 

He was born June 1, 1947, at West Plains, Missouri, to Virgil Calvin Hardin and Blanche (Jolliff) Hardin.  Ronald loved fishing, camping, wood working, gardening, and reading. He served in the U.S. Army before working at Invensys for 40 years.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Fite) Hardin; one son, David Hardin and wife, Monique; two grandchildren, Brylee and Sylas; one special sister, Paula Coy and husband, David; two special nieces, Mandy Hensley and husband, Jason, and Sheri Huckaby and husband, Mike; two sisters, Calva Jones and husband, Leroy, and Sandy Evans and husband, David; two brothers-in-law, James B. Fite and Bob Inlow; three sisters-in-law, Shirley (Fite) Surrite and husband, Jerry, Vera Fite, and Helen (Fite) Brixey; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Blanche Hardin, father-in-law and mother-in-law, George Clarence and Edrie Fern Fite, two brothers-in-law, Robert A. Fite and Cecil Brixey, and two sisters-in-law, Cherry Fite and Naomi (Fite) Inlow.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, South Fork, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Robert Johnathan McDonald, 88, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Surrounded by loved ones, Robert went to eternal rest at his home in Dora, Missouri, on November 27, 2024,

He was born October 29, 1936, at Thomasville, Missouri, to Mack McDonald and Lora (Smith) McDonald.  Robert found the love of his life, Joyce (Clinton), and they were united in marriage on February 27, 1959, at Bakersfield, Missouri.  Robert and Joyce shared sixty-two wonderful, wedded years, in which they enjoyed raising their five girls, attending grandkids’ ball games, enjoying community picnics, fellowship with their friends at Athel Jackson’s Jamboree on Friday evenings, and spending time deer hunting together in hopes Joyce would “kill a big one.”  The couple attended Big Springs Church.  As the years passed, their family continued to grow, as did their love.  Joyce preceded Robert in death on February 5, 2022.  Robert was a long-time dairy and beef farmer.  Although they sold the dairy cows in 2001, his love for farming continued with beef cattle.  Robert also hauled can and bulk milk for several years and later worked for Douglas County Road and Bridge as a brush cutter.  He was a hardworking man, often working more than one job, as he did custom haying for neighbors and friends.  In his later years, Robert enjoyed riding through the countryside and checking his cattle.

Robert is survived by five daughters, Charlene Causey and husband, Jay, Dora, Missouri, Kay Davis, Dora, Missouri, Lora Loftis and husband, Danny, Lebanon, Ohio, Robyn Reahr and husband, Jeremiah, Gainesville, Missouri, and Ashley Richison and husband, Eric, Pahrump, Nevada; nine grandchildren, Darrin Causey and wife, Valerie, Robbie Causey and wife, Sarah, Todd Causey and wife, Brandi, Kyle Mings and fiancé, Laiken, Dakota Mings and wife, Kristi, Kayla Davis and husband, Josh, Cheyenne Mings, Skyler Davis, and Elijah Richison; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Louise Dennis and husband, Cliff, Houston, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Sheppard and husband, Stasey, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Carol McDonald, Davenport, Iowa; special friends, Edd Friend and wife, Ina, and Judy Russell; and several nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Clinton) McDonald, his parents, Mack and Lora McDonald, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charley and Orpha Clinton, two brothers, Raymond McDonald and wife, Freda, and Ben McDonald, five sisters, Dorothy Atha and husband, Willis, Mary Cooper and husband, Hubert, Ada Easley and husband, Jr., Ruthie Davis and husband, Otis, and Janace Mitchell and husband, Lloyd, and long-time best friends, Eldon Russell and Junior Berry.  

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

Tony Wayne Doss, 71, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.  

He was born November 1, 1953, to Leo Truman and Fern Harriet Rider Doss.

He is survived by one sister, Clara Doss, and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, two brothers, Billy Joe Doss and Truman Doss, and one sister, Rose Mae Wilkins, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Cathy Ann Goodall Pope, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away November 24, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Cathy was born July 16, 1958, in Wyatt, Missouri.  She and her family moved to Granite City, Illinois, when she was just a few weeks old. Cathy grew up and resided in Illinois until she moved to West Plains, Missouri, in 2003.   Mrs. Pope was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She had many friends at church and at NHC nursing home, where she and her husband resided. Cathy loved her family wholeheartedly and unconditionally! Her children and grandchildren made her world turn and were her pride and joy. She had the best smile, spunky personality, and always enjoyed making others laugh with her silly antics and stories.  Cathy worked many years in different factories in Illinois and Missouri. Eventually she took a position with Integrity Home Care until she later retired.  During her free time, Cathy enjoyed her Red Hat Club, water aquatics, books, drawing, going to yard sales, eating out, and being with her family and friends. She also loved animals and nature, as well as watching the leaves change color in Autumn.

She is survived by her husband Lawrence (Larry) Pope, which she married March 12, 2012.  She has two surviving siblings, Larry Goodall of Granite City, Illinois, and Mary Meerdink of Kissimmee, Florida.  Cathy is survived by her three sons, three daughters, and their families: Joshua and Debbie Ernst of Mtn. View, Missouri, Elijah and Sarah Ernst of Mtn. View, Missouri, Nathan Ernst of Nixa, Missouri, Sarah and Cliff Gatewood of West Plains, Missouri, Heather Mays of West Plains, Missouri, and Laura and Darin Ellis of Willow Springs, Missouri.  Cathy has thirteen grandchildren:  Joshua Jr., Katlyn, Kierstin, Kendall, Kamden, Arinne, Whitney, Gracey, Jarett, Zoei, Makenzee, Emilee, and Adalyn.  She also has seven great-grandchildren:  James, Felicity, Noah, Maverick, Kaydance, Makayla, and Brantley. She is also survived by many extended family members and close friends.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Alta Goodall and Mary Louise Lay Goodall. 

Cathy will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved her. A private Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in her honor by her family.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Janis Marie Honeycutt, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Dripping Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Honeycutt passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare. 

She was born October 18, 1950, in Monette, Arkansas, to Elvis Hensley and Lucille Hill Hensley.  On April 28, 1969, she was married at San Luis Obispo, California, to Jerry Douglas Honeycutt, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2022.  Janis loved her family, especially her grandchildren.  She enjoyed reading and loved anything Elvis.  Her favorite thing to do was watch her grandbabies play.  Mrs. Honeycutt was a Christian.

She is survived by four children, Tim Honeycutt and wife, Rebecca, Scot Honeycutt, Rusty Honeycutt and wife, Michelle and Travis Honeycutt; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Calvin Hensley and wife, Patty and Darrell Hensley; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one sister, Pat Scheibmeir and one brother, Eddie Hensley, preceded her in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Dripping Springs Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com

Graveside services for Matthew Franklin Brewer, 49, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Brewer passed away at 3:38 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Cox Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born April 2, 1975, at West Plains, Missouri, to Kyle James Brewer and Diana Sue Talley Brewer.  On May 27, 1995, he was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to Becky Ficken.  Matthew enjoyed hunting, fireworks and relics.  He was loved and respected by a lot of people.  He was smart, a jack of all trades and was able to fix anything.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Brewer; two daughters, McKrae and Macy Brewer; his father, Kyle Brewer; and one sister, Melissa Barnett, and husband, Toby. 

His mother and grandparents preceded him in death.  

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

Graveside services for David Lee Lingle, 68, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Lingle passed away at 2:16 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Gainesville Health Center. 

He was born July 24, 1956, at Cody, Wyoming, to Frank Lingle and Mary Rayner Lingle.  On July 1, 2021, he was married at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Pam Bean.  Mr. Lingle was a veteran, having served with the Unity States Army for thirty-four years; he fought in the Vietnam War as well as in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.  He retired as Staff Sergeant with many awards and honors.  David enjoyed being outdoors, target shooting and was a great cook.  Mr. Lingle attended the Elijah Church of Christ. 

He is survived by his wife, Pam Bean, Caulfield, Missouri; one brother, Jimmy Lingle, Tucson, Arizona; one brother-in-law, Rusty Bean; two sisters-in-law, Trish Fox and Paula Bass and husband, John; nieces and nephews, Staff Sergeant Jordan Hartley and wife, Shea, Cold Creek, Wisconsin, Joshua Hartley, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Garrett Fox, Caulfield, Missouri and Ainsley Fox, Caulfield, Missouri; and great-niece and great-nephews, Kane, Kody and Kori Hartley, Cold Creek, Wisconsin. 

His parents, one brother, Bobby Lingle, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Pauline Bean and two brothers-in-law, Randy and Scottie Bean, preceded him in death.  

Mr. Lingle will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at 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 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:51 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home. 

He was born July 26, 1943, in Cloud County, Kansas, to James Dawson and Grace McIntyre Dawson.  On September 10, 1966, he was married at Cabool, Missouri, to Shirley Ward.  Mr. Dawson was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines from 1961 – 1965.  He then joined the Missouri Highway Patrol.  After moving to Alaska, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and then worked on the Alaska Pipeline.  He returned to Missouri and served as a Sheriff Deputy in Howell County and finished his career as a security guard at DRS.  Mr. Dawson loved his family, the outdoors, his animals and his pets.  He never met a stranger.  He was an accomplished gun smith and stock maker.  He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, history and was an avid reader.  Mr. Dawson was a member of the Marine Corps League and was a founding member of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association.  He was a Christian. 

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Dawson; three children, Deanna Gamble, James Dawson and wife, Cassie and David Dawson and wife, Janene; six grandchildren, Laura, Cole, Nathan, Emily and Blake Dawson and Audrey Gamble; and two nieces, Beth and Pam Dawson. 

His parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Emily Dawson, one son-in-law, Greg Gamble, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Warren and Lyda Ward and one brother-in-law, Gaylord Ward, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Larry Edgar Crabtree, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Crabtree passed away at 12:44 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2024, at his home. 

He was born December 24, 1960, in Howell County, Missouri, to Clarence Edgar Crabtree and Billie Jean Harrison Crabtree.  Larry worked as a welder at DRS for forty-two years.  He enjoyed cutting wood, tractors, farming and watching westerns, especially John Wayne.  He was very proud of the home that he built.  For several years Mr. Crabtree was Santa Claus for the City of West Plains.  He loved his family, his neighbors and his dog, Patty.

He is survived by three children, Michael (Mike) Crabtree and wife, Kim, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Larry (Bubba) Crabtree, Jr., and wife, Ariel, West Plains and Brandi (Sissy) Roberts and husband, Jarrett, West Plains; four grandchildren, Katie Kreuser and husband, Dayne, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Sydnee Crabtree, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Dallas Anderson, West Plains and Tyler Anderson, West Plains; one great-granddaughter, Rosalee Kreuser; and several cousins. 

His parents and grandparents preceded him in death.  

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

Betty Joy Brixey, 92, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:35 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

She was born April 2, 1932, at Elijah, Missouri, to John Parker Wheeler and Effie Lawrence Wheeler.  On December 19, 1952, she was married at West Plains, to Junior Brixey, who preceded her in death on August 6, 2021.  Betty was a selfless woman; she loved her family, her church and enjoyed making quilts for her family and grandchildren.  Mrs. Brixey was a prayer warrior and was a long time member of United Freewill Baptist Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Debbie Adams and husband, Dennis and Vonnie Thompson and husband, Clay, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Sonya McGinley and husband, Dennis, Shannon Kiefer and husband, Chris, Josh Adams and wife, Ashlea and Jared Thompson and wife, Destini; thirteen great-grandchildren, Gracie Watson, Logan Watson, Cade Kiefer, Garel McGinley and wife, Jessie, Eli McGinley and wife, Gracie, Parker McGinley, Brixey Adams, Mylea Adams, Kinlee Adams, Jase Adams, Lillie Thompson, Briley Ball and Chandler Ball; one brother, Johnny Wheeler and wife, Sue; one sister, Emma Lou Lashley; one sister-in-law, Patsy King and husband, Alan; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one brother, James Marvin Wheeler, one sister, Mary Sue Marsh and her husband, Reathel, one brother-in-law, Jim Lashley and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Buster and Jewell Brixey, preceded her in death.  

Private services will be held under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to United Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund or CTC Emergency Patient Assistance Fund Direct Patient Care and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Steven Ray Sinclair, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Sinclair passed away at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Shady Oaks Health Care, Thayer, Missouri. 

He was born October 5, 1960, at West Plains, Missouri, to Omrie Sinclair and Alice Mardell Showalter Sinclair.  Before his retirement, he worked at International Shoe Factory, Amyx Manufacturing and Invensys.  He spent his life living and working on the family farm.  He was very interested in genealogy and spent many hours researching his family history.  He also enjoyed camping, gardening, riding ATV’s and spending time with family.  Mr. Sinclair attended Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by one brother, Martin Sinclair and wife, Cindy, West Plains; one sister, Kathy Andrews and husband, Gary, West Plains; one brother-in-law, Ronnie Falwell; nieces and nephews, Rhonda Sanders, Michael Falwell, Christy Harris, Alicia Gunter, Randall Ballard, Donna Ballard, Tara McFarland, Cody Collins and Raven Collins; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. 

His parents, two sisters, Jeanne Falwell and Carol Ballard and her husband, Marvin, one niece, Marvet Ballard and three nephews, Duane Ballard, Charles Falwell and Floyd Andrews, preceded him in death.  

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

Funeral services for Dwane Bradley Cotter, 90, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Cotter passed away at 3:38 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at his home.

He was born on October 23, 1934, in Viola, Arkansas to Okus and Lucy (Burns) Cotter. He met the love of his life in 1962 when their eyes met across the road as he was standing beside his red 1955 Ford convertible, and they both said it was like electricity arced between them. Ask mom about their first kiss. He married the love of his life, Linda Lair, on May 23, 1964, and they shared 60 wonderful, happy years together.  Dwane served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. His stories about driving a bus down the road from Pikes Peak in Colorado was terrifying, but apparently impressed his Captain enough that they gave him his license to drive a bus, much to his dismay. Dwane traveled a lot in his young years and love to tell his children stories of the places he had been. He had many jobs through the years, but his job as a carpenter and a woodworker is how he was best known. He built and remodeled many houses in the area and was a mentor to many. He loved his farm and being out in nature. When it snowed and the roads were bad, he could always find a reason why he needed to go to Bakersfield, even it was just to see if he could get there and back. When he was driving, if there was a car ahead of him on the road he was not satisfied until he caught up with it and passed it. We all learned to hold on tight.

Dwane is survived by his loving wife, Linda and their three children, Kim (Thom) of Jefferson City, Missouri; Brad (Megan) of Floral, Arkansas; and Tim (Melinda) of Ash Grove Missouri. Also surviving him are eight grandchildren: Kara (Jake); Katie; Shannon (Darren); Connor; Ciara; Chase; Leandra; and Torin. He was blessed with the best siblings: LeFreda Rowland; Jecquita Durham; Verlene Miller; Eudene Legg (Bob); Ewell (Pee Wee) Cotter (Patsy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Dwane is preceded in death by his parents, Okus and Lucy Cotter; two brothers, Quintin and Garold Cotter; and three brothers-in-law, Larry Miller, Charlie Durham, and Jim Rowland.

Visitation services will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Amy Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Carroll Wayne Johnson, 99, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Johnson passed away at 2:15 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024, at NHC HealthCare. 

He was born April 6, 1925, at Franklin, Nebraska, to Ray E. Johnson and Iris Edith Moon Johnson.  On March 15, 1946, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Dorothy Louise Baser, who preceded him in death on December 21, 2021.  Mr. Johnson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during WWII where he was awarded a purple heart.  He also fought for his country in the Battle of the Bulge.  He enjoyed hunting, square dancing, ice cream, farming and he loved cats.  For many years he enjoyed playing pitch at the White Church store, but his favorite times were spent working.  Mr. Johnson was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching sports, especially when his kids or grandchildren were playing.  He was a Christian.

He is survived by one son, D.D. Johnson and significant other, Carol Freeman, Pomona,  Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Linda Johnson; four grandchildren, Kristi Lansdown and husband, Doug, Stephanie Johnson, Brandon Johnson and Schanda Steele and husband Mackenzie, all of West Plains; nine great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Jaylen, Katie, Rhiannon, Graysen, Van, Kaylee, Jadon and Amariah; six great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, one son, Gary W. Johnson, one grandson, Ronald Johnson and one twin brother, Darroll Johnson, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Wayne Harold Hunter, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Hunter passed away at 2:29 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center. 

He was born September 29, 1942, to Harold and Rose Hunter.  Before his retirement, Mr. Hunter was a high school teacher.  He enjoyed gardening, poetry and being outdoors.  Mr. Hunter was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by three children, Cynthia Hunter, Kenneth Hunter and Mark Hunter; five grandchildren; one brother, Gene Hunter; one sister, Evelyn Chevalier; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and two brothers, Allen and Bruce Hunter, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at the First Presbyterian Church.  Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery. 

Funeral services for Carol Ann (Tootie) Hartog, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   

She was born August 18, 1943 to James and Gladys (Kruger) Egan in Ellsworth, Minnesota.  Mrs. Hartog passed away Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Cardiac ICU at Cox Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  She graduated from Luverne Minnesota High School in 1962.  She lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and worked in clothing retail until she met and married John Hartog on March 6, 1964.  To this union two daughters were born; Linda Marie Hartog and Lisa Ann (Hartog) Aksamit.  Tootie and John lived in Adrian, Minnesota for many decades.  She was an extremely hard worker.  She worked in a Bakery along with helping her friend, Elaine, clean rooms at Elaine’s Adrian Hotel.  She also was a waitress at the local steak house.  She and John also had what we called “The popcorn wagon” which in today’s world would be a Food Truck.  The popcorn wagon sat at the Adrian Ballpark all summer and into the fall tournaments.  They also took the Popcorn wagon to county and state fairs.  Tootie’s mother also had a larger popcorn wagon in which she and Tootie made caramel corn and caramel apples from scratch.  Together they would go anywhere that needed a mobile food truck including horse shows and auctions.  In 1978 she and John bought their first restaurant in Roc Rapids, Iowa.  Carol drove the 40 miles back and forth everyday to run the restaurant until the Adrian Home Café became available.  Her talent at cooking became well known in the area.  She operated the Home Café until John, who worked at the Safeway Egg plant in Adrian, was relocated to Emporia, Kansas and then finally to West Plains, Missouri to be the maintenance manager for Safeway Charcoal plant that was built on ZZ highway in 1983.  In West Plains Tootie cleaned homes and would bartend.  She then became the manager of the Bargain Mart.  Eventually she and John had the opportunity to purchase the Bargain Mart and changed the name to the Bargain Shop.  She operated the Bargain Shop for a couple of years but her love for cooking and making people happy from her cooking was calling her.  In 1990 Helen’s Hickory House became available and she and John purchased the restaurant and changed the name to TJ’s Hickory House.  It became the place to go in West Plains known for Tootie’s amazing cooking and her giant personality.  The restaurant was a staple for over 30 years.  Even a fire in 1998 that nearly destroyed the entire building couldn’t stop the popularity of TJ’s.  John rebuilt the restaurant and Tootie brought it back better and stronger than ever.  Tootie was not only known for her amazing cooking but for her generosity and compassion.  Everybody who met Tootie grew to love and respect her.  She will be greatly missed by all, especially her family.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Hartog, of the family home; her oldest daughter and “ride or die”, Linda Hartog, West Plains; her youngest daughter, Lisa Aksamit and husband, Tony, Duenweg, Missouri; three grandchildren, Josh (Alexis) Aksamit, Republic, Missouri, Amanda (Jared) Loewenberg, Republic, Missouri and Carlie Aksamit (Garrett Klingler), Kansas City, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Kinleigh Harring, West Plains, Lilly Duncan, Republic, Missouri and Quinn Loewenberg, Republic, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved her dearly in Minnesota. 

Her parents, Jim and Gert Egan, her precious grandson, Creighton Harring, two brothers, James Egan and Jerome Egan, one sister, Marilyn Goembel and her in-laws, Klaus and Sena (Heckor) Hartog, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in Langston Street Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ralph Burnett Scholarship, Elks Lodge or National Diabetes Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.