Funeral services for Virginia Mary Orf, 77, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Virginia passed away at 8:21 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born May 16, 1941, at Bowling Green, Missouri, to Oliver S. Orf and Rose T. Luebers Orf. She loved her animals and her family and enjoyed crocheting, flowers and riding the Oats bus every Thursday. Virginia was a mother figure even though she never was one. She was a member of the Bakersfield Full Gospel Church for five years.
She is survived by three brothers, Donald Orf and wife, Linda, Calico Rock, Arkansas, Dennis Orf, Curryville, Missouri and Ralph Orf and wife, Ginny, Pace, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents, step-mother, Florence, two brothers, Lawrence Orf and wife, Diana and Ronnie Orf and one nephew and one great-nephew, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bakersfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Foundation or Bakersfield Full Gospel Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for James Randall Rheinhardt, 88, Adona, Arkansas, will be at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 31. 2018 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rheinhardt passed away at 5:16 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 in Morrilton, Arkansas. James was born on October 26, 1930 in Mattoon, Illinois to Oca Ruth and John Edward Rheinhardt. Jim, as he was known by friends, is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Edward, Fred and Johnny Rheinhardt and sisters, Oca Ruth Madory and Lilllie Bell Wikel.
He is survived by his wife, of 68 years, Margret Bolderson Rheinhardt; sisters, Darlene McDonald, Gloria Beal and Merilyn Deitle; sons, George (Becky) and Jimmy (Joyce) Rheinhardt; grandchildren, Cindie (Nick) Haynes, James (Becca) Rheinhardt, George (Alex) Rheinhardt and Steven Rheinhardt; nine great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.
After over 35 years working for the Terminal Railroad in East St. Louis, Missouri, Jim and Margret retired to the Mountain Home, Arkansas area to enjoy boating, fishing and spending time with their children and grandchildren. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Memorial contributions may be made to Log-A-Load Program at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Deborah Kay Fierce, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Fierce died at 6:48 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at her home. She was born July 19, 1953 at Davenport, Iowa to James Smith and Jeanette Emma Newt Smith. On September 30, 1972, she was married at Davenport, Iowa to Thomas Fierce. She had been an assistant manager at the Mini Mart. Mrs. Fierce enjoyed bingo, going to casinos and helping her family which she loved dearly. She was a Christian.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Fierce, Sr., of the family home; two children, Tom Fierce, Jr. and Reina, West Plains, Missouri and Travis Fierce and Rodney, Sebastopol, California; four grandchildren, Trey, Brody and Braidlyn Fierce and Brady Ramsey; one brother, Jim Smith and friend, Berta Eckert, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Patty Richter and husband, Larry, Blue Grass, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, one son, Timothy Fierce and one sister, Donna Wailand, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Fern O’Neal Smith, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Smith passed away at 7:09 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born February 6, 1931 at Dewey, Oklahoma to Roy Gannon and Eva Foster Gannon. On July 6, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Joseph W. Smith. Mrs. Smith was known for the many cards and poems that she sent to her family and friends; she spent many hours with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. She was a Christian and attended the Calvary General Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Smith, of the family home; five children, Peggy Baty-Willis, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, Bobby Smith, wife, Dawn, West Plains, Missouri, Phyllis Crider, husband, Dennis, West Plains, Missouri, Keith Smith, wife, Kambra, St. Charles, Missouri and Christina “Jean” Kerley, husband, Stace, West Plains, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Travis Baty, wife, Renee, Bradley Baty, wife, Kim, David Baty, wife, Joanna, Joey Smith, wife, Renae, Robby Smith, wife, Brandie, Morgan Goss, husband, Jacob, Angie Akers, Kortney Broeker, husband, Jarod and Lauren Kerley; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Jimmy Gannon, wife, Helen, Gamaliel, Arkansas; one sister, Sharon Kapphahn, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Louise Crowell, son-in-law, Frank Akers and daughter-in-law, Tammy Smith, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Loyd Gene Young, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Young passed away at 6:09 p.m., Sunday, October 28, 2018 at his home.
He was born July 8, 1933 at Trail, Missouri to Cliff Berry and Alma Young Collins. Mr. Young started his education at the Trail School and then the family moved to West Plains where graduated from the West Plains High School. He began over the road trucking at a young age and became an owner/operator and was active until just a few years ago. On May 17, 1957, Mr. Young was married at Hernando, Mississippi to Linda Lee Lowe. He enjoyed stock car racing and drove #14 at the tracks around West Plains; also, he played pool with his friends at the Senior Citizens Center. Mr. Young was a member of the First Baptist Church where he enjoyed his Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Young, of the family home; two children, Bruce Collins and wife, Brenda, and Janice Groves; five grandchildren, Kemberly Harris and husband, Jeff, Tangela Runyan, Ronnie Perkins and wife, Marcie, Chad Collins and wife, Jo Beth and Cory Collins and wife, Beckie; thirteen great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Rick Berry; and one sister, Tammy Newsome.
His father, mother and step-dad, Webb Collins and one grandson, Christopher Collins, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1st, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Stuart Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stuart Union Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Eva May Hall Taber, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Taber passed from this life to join her husband, Ed and Christ her Savior at 4:47 p.m., Thursday, October 25, 2018 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born May 25, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Marion Lorenzo “Doad” Hall and Fern Stephenson Hall. Mrs. Taber graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1948, where she received her teacher-training certificate to teach in any public school in Missouri for two years. After high school she attended Draughon’s Business School in Springfield, Missouri. On February 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward Lee Taber, at Salem, Arkansas. She and her husband lived in many places over the years, but always called West Plains “home”. Eva cared for children in her home for many years so that she would be close to her own children; when they grew older she took various positions which included TG&Y in Midland, Texas and later retired from Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains. Eva loved to crochet and created many beautiful doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads, which she shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed writing and receiving letters, reading, playing Mexican Train Dominos and later in life she enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends.
She is survived by one daughter, Josephine “Jo” Applegate and husband, Jerry, Raytown, Missouri; one son, Rick Taber and wife, Patti, Rover, Missouri; two grandsons, Jason Taber and David Taber and their families; three step-grandsons, Jeff Applegate, Bryon Applegate and Todd Applegate and their families; one great-granddaughter, Nala Taber; eight step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Harrington; five sisters-in-law, Glenda Hall, Ruth Taber, Sue Hurt, Boots Callahan and Levita Reimon; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband Ed of sixty-five years, step-father, Elmer Tidball, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Elizabeth “Polly” and Ray Taber; one sister, Geneva Henry, one brother, Otis Hall and four brothers-in-law, Clarence Henry, George Harrington, Al Ray Taber and Wayne Hurt, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Vue Nursing Center Activities Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
George Logan Frommel, 92, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Pleasant Valley Manor.
He was born June 27, 1926, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Hugh L. Frommel and Lena E. Wilson Frommel. Mr. Frommel was a veteran, having retired as a Petty Officer First Class with the United States Navy; he was a combat veteran of WWII. He was devoted to his wife, Setsuko, who preceded him in death in 2011.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, five brothers, H. L. Frommel, Jr., Franklin Frommel, Floyd Frommel, Willard Frommel and Ronald Frommel and two sisters, Helen Bartlett and Erma Johnson, preceded him in death.
A private burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Patricia Ann Nelson, 49, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nelson passed away at 5:35 p.m., Sunday, October 21, 2018 at her home.
She was born January 10, 1969, at West Plains, Missouri, to Otis Lee Butler and Margie Ann Edmonston Butler. On March 18, 1989, she was married at the Hammond Mill Camp, West Plains, Missouri to Randy Nelson. Mrs. Nelson worked as a claims associate at Wal-Mart. She was a football mom and enjoyed attending her son’s games. All of her family’s activities were important to her and her grandbaby was the light of her life.
She is survived by her husband, Randy Nelson, of the family home; three children, Brandi Leigh Nelson, Mason John Nelson and Jared Austin Nelson, all of West Plains; one granddaughter, Madisyn Leighann Gunter; her mother, Margie Griffin, West Plains; her father, Otis Butler and wife, Karen, Koshkonong, Missouri; one brother, Michael Lee Butler and wife, Maureen, South Fork, Missouri; one sister, Jennifer Renee Hicks and husband, Justin, West Plains; and six nieces and nephews, Leyna, Lori, Eric, Dagean, Cameron and Lane.
Her grandparents preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grand Gulf Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Gulf Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Travis Wayne Yocham, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the Elks Lodge, West Plains. The family invites all family and friends to join in sharing their favorite memories of Travis.
Mr. Yocham passed away at 7:39 p.m., Monday, August 6, 2018 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born October 30, 1958, in Howell County, Missouri, to the late Vick Collins and Wilma Lee Yocham Collins. On July 4, 1985, he was married to Jennifer Ledbetter. Travis enjoyed racing, 4-wheeling and fishing; he loved building things and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by Jennifer Yocham; seven children, Crystal Mays and husband, Ricky, West Plains, Missouri, Deidra Yocham and fiancee’ James Rubio, Harrison, Arkansas, James Simandl and wife, Andrea, Willow Springs, Missouri, Vance Farmer and wife, Keturah, Willow Springs, Missouri, William Collins and wife, Sarah, Peace Valley, Missouri, Heather Stewart, West Plains and Casey Ledbetter, West Plains; twenty-one grandchildren, Dominique, Christian, Arionna, Tylor, Dustin, Brayden, Logan, Mya, Annabella, Kaitlyn, Haley, Brody, Noah, Michael, Tyler, Aiden, Issac, Bryston, Caiden, Mason and Phoenix; two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jayden; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Brandon Ledbetter, one brother, Vick Ray Todd and wife, Donna, his grandparents, six aunts and several cousins, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Vedra Shannon Murphy, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Murphy passed away at 7:55 a.m., Monday, October 15, 2018 at her home.
She was born January 9, 1924, at Birch Tree, Missouri, to Louis Albert Dunn and Willia Etta Williams Dunn. On September 10, 1941, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Virgil Marshall Murphy, who preceded her in death March 16, 2001. The couple lived in the Birch Tree, Missouri area until 1950, until the family moved to West Plains, where Vedra has lived until the present. She was employed in various jobs in the area; among those were, Richards Brothers, Holiday Inn, Wal-Mart and Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Murphy retired in 2004. She enjoyed oil painting, quilting, crocheting, music and cake decorating. She also enjoyed serving her Lord faithfully and being a part of the fellowship at Calvary General Baptist Church, where she had been a member for many years. Most of all, she enjoyed having her family around her and on special occasions she would insist on gathering them together for huge delicious meals and family fun. Vedra will be missed by all of her family and friends.
She is survived by three children, Reta Butler and husband, Larry, Pueblo, Colorado, Patty Smith and husband, Ray, West Plains, Missouri and Rhonda Murphy Gallagher and husband, Frank, Tulsa, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Kerry, Jeff, Steve, Michelle, Wesley, Brian, Amy, Matt and Mercy; twenty-three great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Leonard, Mountain View, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Her parents, husband, one son, Duane Calvin Murphy, one grandson, James Allen Butler, five brothers, Clarence, Curtis, Ralph, Willard and Dale Dunn, two sisters, Mavis Hensley and Beatrice Murphy and two infant siblings, Noel and Eunice Dunn, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s or Cystic Fibrosis and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Richard Erwin Pyle, 72, Ava, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Homeland Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Pyle passed away at 6:50 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Heart of the Ozarks Health Care, Ava, Missouri.
He was born May 28, 1946, in the State of Hawaii, to Duke Pyle and Clara Valgas Pyle. On September 1, 2001, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Vola “Kay” Bressman Jones, who preceded him in death December 29, 2015. Mr. Pyle was a Police Officer for the City of Houston, Missouri and was a truck driver; he was also a ham radio operator. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by four children, Tammy Williams and husband, Eddie, Mansfield, Missouri, Master Sergeant Richard Pyle Jr. and wife, Kathy, Mountain Home, Idaho, Jennifer Tobin and husband, Justin, Springfield, Missouri and Angie McDonald and significant other, Ronnie Collins, West Plains, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Bobbie Choate, Tyrone, Missouri; the mother of his children, Merilee Evans, Rogersville, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Candy Lynn Gilliam, 49, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Candy passed away at 9:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born November 14, 1968 at Ypsilanti, Michigan to Valmon Holloway and Mary Kellum Bratcher. Candy was a registered nurse at Ozarks Medical Center. She loved hunting, being outdoors, shopping and loved her daughter, Ashley. She was kind, loving and generous; Candy was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was raised in the apostolic faith.
She is survived by her fiancé, Rick Ledbetter, West Plains, Missouri; her daughter, Ashley Palmer and husband, Dale, Springfield, Missouri; one grandchild, Kendra Palmer; her mother, Mary Bratcher, West Plains, Missouri; her father, Valmon Holloway and step-mother, Jerri, Lanton, Missouri; two sisters, Rachel Holloway, West Plains, Missouri and Jeanna Jenkins and husband, John, Peace Valley, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
One brother, Joseph Holloway, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for medical expenses, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Memorial services for Tammy Jo Zastrow, 51, West Plains, Missouri, will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri.
Tammy passed away at 6:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 at her home. She was born March 13, 1967 at Freeport, Illinois to Russell Steele, Jr. and LeNae K. Booth Steele. On September 18, 1999, she was married at the Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri to David William Zastrow.
She is survived by her husband, David Zastrow, of the family home; four children, Ralph Shephard, Rockford, Illinois, Kyle Steele, Fredericktown, Missouri, Sammatha Wheeler, West Plains, Missouri and Joshua Wheeler and wife, Marianne, Canada; five grandchildren; her mother, LeNae Steele, Pottersville, Missouri; one brother, David Steele and wife, Robin, Pottersville, Missouri; one sister, Phyllis Hamilton and husband, Dusty, Mechesmey Park, Illinios; and many nieces and nephews.
Her father, one brother, Russell Steele, III and special uncle, Robert Booth, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation services for Louie Derwood Jones, Sr., 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Jones passed away at 8:55 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 at Brooke Haven Health Care.
He was born August 13, 1946, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to Louie Jones and Lucille McKaskle Jones. Mr. Jones was a veteran, having served in Korea with the United States Army. He worked as a police officer in Ocean Springs, Mississippi from 1976 until 1988; was also a shrimp boater, carpenter and farmer. After moving to the West Plains area he was a bus driver and custodian at Glenwood School for ten years. He loved hunting, fishing, dancing and spending time with his grandkids. Mr. Jones was a Master Mason at Woodside and Bayou Lodges.
He is survived by three sons, Louie Derwood Jones, Jr., Dwight Wesley Jones and Joel Micha Jones; six grandchildren, Brooke, Bradey, Tyler, Zachary, Faith and Grace; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Troy, Bo and Larry; five sisters, Janice, Judy, Jeanette, Robbie and Violet; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to AmVets and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Winnsboro, Louisiana.
Graveside services for Eva Louise May, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. May passed away at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018 at her home.
She was born November 23, 1938, in Howell County, Missouri, to Joseph Glen Henry and Ida Mae Walker Henry. In September of 1958, she was married at West Plains to John William Summers, who preceded her in death on March 11, 2000. Mrs. May had worked at International Shoe Factory and was a farmer. She enjoyed gardening and gospel singings.
She is survived by one son, Johnny Summers of the State of Oregon; two granddaughters, Katie and Hailey; two brothers, Raymond Henry and wife, Sue, West Plains and Donnie Henry and wife, Dorothy, Filer, Idaho; one sister, Mary Reid and husband, Tom, Peace Valley, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one sister, Jean Davis and three brothers, Bill, Darrel and Norman Henry, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Larry Lee Nelson, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 10, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Nelson passed away Thursday morning, October 4, 2018 at his home.
He was born December 13, 1937, at Laramie, Wyoming, to Charles and Ivaun Nelson. Larry attended The School of Mines at Rolla, Missouri and went on to receive his Master’s in Metallurgy at the University Of Denver. On January 27, 1968, he married at Denver, Colorado, to Valerie Jane Geltz. In 1970, they moved to Ironton, Missouri. Larry worked for the Asarco Plant as a Metallurgist and taught at South Iron High School, Annapolis, Missouri. He later gained his real estate agent license and taught at Arcadia Valley High, Ironton, Missouri. In 1988, he and his family came to West Plains, Missouri, where he taught for Bakersfield High School and SMSU University, (now known as MSU) West Plains, Missouri. Being a highly intelligent person with many talents and hobbies, he was also a gifted flintknapper, recognized by many for this. Larry taught others this talent and was mentioned in several articles. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, looking for arrowheads and the many aspects of the archaeology field.
He is survived by his loving wife, Valerie, of the family home; two daughters, Laura Hurt and husband, Bob, West Plains, Missouri and Tina Howell and husband, Robert, Caulfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Allison Ruengert, Chris Ruengert and wife, Leslee, all of West Plains, Luke Freeman and Harlie Howell, both of Caulfield, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Madelyn Ruengert and Adam Ruengert, both of West Plains; one brother, Dave Nelson, Kearney, Missouri; one sister, Kathy Smith and husband, Warren, Kansas City, Missouri; and a whole host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charlie and Jerry Nelson, two uncles, Ed Cornelius and Mason Willadsen and one aunt, Mildred Willadsen.
Memorial contributions may be made to The West Plains Elk’s Club and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rachel Victoria (Adkisson) Murray, 81, Hartville, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Murray celebrated her last birthday by experiencing the joyful reunion with her Lord and Savior and husband of 60 years, Glenn Murray. Rachel, or as Glenn referred to her “Rach”, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the Hartville Care Center.
She was born October 1, 1937, at Gid, Arkansas, to T. J. Adkisson and Addie Dell Bruce Adkisson. She faithfully served alongside her husband in the ministry for fifty-five plus years. Together they ministered in Missouri and Arkansas. She served wherever needed and even when called to play the piano without sheet music, given only instructions “play it in 4 flats please”. All of which complimented her husband’s ministry. Mrs. Murray worked in Children’s Ministry, held numerous positions in the Women’s Auxiliary, cleaned the church, worked in youth camp many years and at the same time raised a family. Her love and devotion to the Lord touched and influenced countless lives through the years and she is to be praised for all she has done for the glory of God.
Rachel and Glenn were married September 24, 1955 in West Plains. She is survived by their five children, Dwight Murray, Pomona, Missouri, Wesley Murray and wife, Judy, Houston, Missouri, Jonathan Murray and wife, Lesa, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Clarissa Moon and husband, Melvin, Hartville, Missouri and Ronald Murray and wife, Leslie, West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Sarah Rachel Murray, Kyle, Kris and Ellie Horbyk, Kyle Murray, Katie Jo Klaproth, Caleb Moon, Shanda Branstetter, Seth Moon, Gillian Maples and Emma Grace Murray; eight great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Shelby “Amos” Adkisson and wife, Evona, West Plains; one sister, Ernestine Doss and husband, Don, West Plains; five sisters-in-law, Eudene Holt, West Plains, Jane Mackley, Coolidge, Arizona, Joyce Moore and husband, Dwaine, Doniphan, Missouri, Sharon Johnson, Elsberry, Missouri and Sue Stillwell and husband, Kenneth, Doniphan, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Charles Stobaugh, University City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, Ernest Adkisson, one infant brother, Junior Ardell Adkisson, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jess and Clara Murray, and sister-in-law, Emma Lee Stobaugh, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Texas County Memorial Foundation Chaplain Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Gary Lee Bethel, 57, Wentzville, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2018 at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bethel passed away Sunday morning, September 30, 2018 at his home.
He was born November 5, 1960, at Waynesville, Missouri, to Robert Lee Bethel and Fern Whitbey Bethel. On October 8, 1982, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to Tammie Spurlock. Mr. Bethel owned Radio Shack of West Plains for eighteen years, was a real estate agent formerly with Westgate Realty, West Plains and currently with Berkshire Hathaway Alliance Real Estate, St. Charles County. He loved woodworking and had recently taken up photography. He enjoyed working in his yard which was his pride and joy. Gary was a good Dad and enjoyed time with his family. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Hope Ministry Food Bank and once a month cooked and served dinner at a homeless shelter. Mr. Bethel was a member of First Baptist Church of Wentzville, Missouri. He was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church of West Plains, where he served as a Deacon, was involved with the youth group and the benevolent program.
He is survived by his wife, Tammie Bethel, of the family home; two children, Valla Bethel, Wentzville, Missouri and Jason Bethel, Overland Park, Kansas; his mother, Fern Bethel, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Greg Bethel and wife, Tonya, Koshkonong, Missouri; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Loren Conger, Roneada and John Whitmore, Kevin and Lynn Conger and K. J. and Joan Spurlock; and many nieces and nephews.
His father and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Theodore Spurlock and Nelda and John Kelly, preceded him in death.
Mr. Bethel will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Glenn Alvin Cheever, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at the First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Cheever passed away at 4:59 p.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was born June 8, 1962, at West Plains, Missouri, to Joe M. Cheever and Ora M. Huddleston Cheever. Glenn graduated from Alton High School in 1980. On September 29, 1984, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Fara Martin. He worked for Marathon Electric, Grisham Properties, Walden Cattle Co. and for the last twenty-six years at Armstrong Flooring, where he was a knot sawyer, finish line operator, forklift driver and most recently a boiler operator until his illness. Glenn enjoyed hunting, fishing, bull riding, tinkering in his shop, feeding his birds, traveling with his wife to the Smoky Mountains and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a gentle and loving heart and accepted Christ as his Savior in the early 1990’s. Glenn attended Central Calvary Baptist Church and most recently First Baptist Church of West Plains. He has served in the past in the Awanas as an usher and as a deacon. Glenn will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Fara Cheever, of the family home; two children, Jesse Cheever and wife, Megan, Columbus, Ohio and Chasity Farris and husband, Billy, West Plains; three grandchildren, William and Ellasyn Farris and Josie Cheever; two brothers, Dale A. Cheever, Birch Tree, Missouri and Joe Dan Cheever and wife, Joann, Alton, Missouri; one sister, Shirley Roberts and husband, Mike, Alton, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Mike Martin and wife, Pam, Harrison, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Virginia Williams and husband, Tim, Glencoe, Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
His parents, one brother, James Cheever, one sister, Sharon Cheever, one nephew, Douglas Roberts, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Nora Martin and special uncle and aunt, Norman and Virginia Martin, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Huddleston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Huddleston Cemetery, First Baptist Church or Hospice House of the Ozarks and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Shirley Ann Jett, 79, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2018 at the Rover Faith Tabernacle Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Jett died 9:40 a.m., Friday, September 28, 2018 at her home. She was born July 28, 1939 at Rover, Missouri to Alva Judd and Alice Bridwell Judd. She was married on September 19, 1956 at Rover, Missouri to Sammy Jett who preceded her in death on October 8, 2000. Mrs. Jett graduated from the Thomasville High School with the Class of 1957. Before her retirement, she was employed at Richard Brothers Meat Department and Dennis’s Meat Market. Mrs. Jett loved to bake, enjoyed making quilts and was a strong supporter of her community. She was a member of the Assembly of God and attended the Rover Faith Tabernacle Church.
She is survived by two children, Michael Jett and special friend, Sherry Link, Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Paula Anderson and husband, Joe, Rover, Missouri; four grandchildren, Joseph Anderson and wife, Debbie, Rover, Missouri, Justin Jett, Little Rock, Arkansas, Holly Braun and husband, Joe, Warrensburg, Missouri and Samuel Jett, Sikeston, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Hayley Braun, Austin Anderson and Macie Anderson; one brother, Alva Judd, Jr., Alton, Missouri; one sister, Kay Johnson and husband, Dale, West Plains, Missouri; her nieces and nephews, Marilyn Harris, Randy Judd, Tina Johnson, Bruce Johnson and Melva Kay Watson; and a large extended family.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Tammy Sue, one brother, Jack Judd, two sisters, Maxine Judd and Emogene Judd and one sister-in-law, Margarett Judd, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m., until service time, Monday, October 1st, at Rover Faith Tabernacle Church. Interment will be in the Redburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Redburn Cemetery or Rover Faith Tabernacle Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
