A Homecoming Celebration of Life for Raymond Willis Salisbury, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Victory Family Worship Center.
Mr. Salisbury passed away at 7:36 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born February 22, 1941, at Abington, Pennsylvania, to Raymond Bryan Salisbury and Lillian Elizabeth Parsons Salisbury. On October 14, 1961, he was married at Shrewsbury, New Jersey, to Lois Patterson. Mr. Salisbury was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was an Assembly of God Pastor, Music Minister, Master Builder, charter and school bus driver and voluntary chaplain at Ozarks Medical Center. Mr. Salisbury was a loving husband and father; he loved his family. He was a hard worker, always providing for his family and was always willing to help others. He introduced himself as “Hi, I’m Ray, like a ray of sunshine”. Mr. Salisbury had a love of music and enjoyed playing trombone and singing; he especially enjoyed times spent traveling and singing with his family. He was a member of Victory Family Worship Center.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Salisbury, of the family home; three children, Nathan Ray Salisbury and wife, Dorothy, West Plains; Linda Salisbury, McKinney, Texas and Joanne Burnley and husband, James, Winchester, Kentucky; two sisters, Bethel Juillerat and Marie Alberti-Thomson and husband, Bill, all of Springfield, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Stephen Paul Salisbury, one grandson, Lam-Moriah, one brother, Donald and four sisters, Esther, Retha, Grace and Janice, precede him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Center or Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Josephine “Jodie” Weeks, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Weeks passed away at 8:05 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2016 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born June 16, 1927, at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert Shrable and Allie Burroughs Shrable Galloway. On December 30, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Warren Eugene Weeks, who preceded her in death on February 17, 2016. Jodie was a homemaker and had worked at the International Shoe Factory, Discount Mart and alongside her husband at their business, Warren’s TV Sales and Repair. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and flowers. Mrs. Weeks was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by two children, Debbie Turnbow and husband, Danny, Mechanicsville, Virginia and Greg Weeks and wife, Cindy, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jennifer Jennings and husband, Tony, Christy Turnbow and wife, Cherish, Michelle Jenkins and husband, Mike, Devin Cravens and husband, Ben and Cody Weeks and fiancée Beth Kittle; ten great-grandchildren, Lauren, Megan and Devin Jenkins, Hunter, River, Mason and Ellie Jennings, Callie Turnbow and Chace and Abe Cravens; one sister-in-law, Marian Weeks, Silver Springs, Florida; several nieces and nephews; and her Brooke Haven Family.
Her parents, husband, one great-granddaughter, Abbey Elizabeth Jenkins and one infant sister, precede her in death.
Mrs. Weeks will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Barnett Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.
Funeral services for Betty Lou Holland, 80, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Holland passed away at 3:45 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2016 at her home.
She was born July 9, 1935, at West Plains, Missouri, to Joe Pliler and Eliza Collins Pliler. On January 3, 1955, she was married at Hurtado, Mississippi, to Ronald “Red” Holland. Betty was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother; her family was her life. She was also a caregiver to a very special sister-in-law, Noelle Holland. Betty loved to cook, sew and fish with her husband. She was a member of Pomona Christian Church.
She is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Ronald “Red” Holland; three daughters, Teresa Smith and husband, Bruce, Rhonda Hinten and husband, Daniel and Sheila Joyce and husband, Bobbie; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Smith and wife, Brittany, Jessica Cunningham and husband, Jeff, Danielle Dale and husband, Clinton, Kara Curnutt and husband, Greg, Donnie Hinten and wife, Brittany, Brandon Joyce and wife, Toni and Tyler Joyce; twelve great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Lambe and husband, Gary; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Audrey McGuire, one brother, J. T. Pliler and one grandson, Bobbie Ryan Joyce, precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Kevin Mikel Martin, 28, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:19 a.m., Sunday, May 22, 2016 at his home.
He was born February 7, 1988, at Lawton, Oklahoma, to Kenneth Terrill Martin and Diana Michelle (Medley) Younger. Kevin graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 2007 and on May 6, 2012, met his wife, Victoria “Tori” (Hicks) Martin. He enjoyed fishing, camping and cooking and had a passion for artwork, tattoos, auto body painting and working on cars. He loved spending time with his family and his dog, Roxy.
He is survived by his wife, Tori Martin; two daughters, Rylan and Addy, his parents, Kenneth Martin and Diana Younger; one brother, Terry Martin; paternal grandparents, Charles and Jennifer Martin; one nephew, Caleb Martin; his step-parents; numerous step-siblings and extended family; and many, many friends.
His maternal grandparents, Deneise Boyd and Joe Medley, precede him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Melvin Charles Newman passed away May 17, 2016 in West Plains, Missouri at the age of eighty-eight years.
Melvin was born March 15, 1928 at Pottersville, Missouri. He was the oldest son of C.C. Newman and Doris Mae Chesnut Newman, who preceded him in death. His primary school was the one room school at Homeland Community. Melvin graduated from West Plains High School in 1945 and joined the United States Navy. He participated in the atomic bomb tests at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific. He returned to West Plains and worked at the Vollmar Firestone Store, sold insurance and then sold veterinary pharmaceuticals for Wilke Laboratory. He joined C.P. Baker in the tire business at Baker Tire Company as a part owner; later becoming sole owner. Melvin grew the business under the Michelin franchise to sell and service highway and off road tires, over a multi-state area under the name of Radial Tire Sales.
C.P. Baker introduced Melvin to private flying at the Baker Airport. This became an avocation that he pursued and enjoyed throughout his life. He was one of the pilots who participated in a University of Chicago study of cloud seeding in the Midwest in the 1950’s. He honed his skills and was qualified as a commercial, single engine, multi engine and instrument pilot. He later became type rated in a Jet Commander. He enjoyed many aviation adventures and enjoyed sharing these stories. In his later years, he became an avid gardener.
Melvin married Jacquie Lu Hart (now deceased) and they had two children; Mark Newman (deceased) and Vicki Kimes Shaw. He later was married to Dixie Kelsey, who preceded him in death.
Melvin is survived by his daughter, Vicki Kimes Shaw (Steve), daughter-in-law, Rita Roberts Newman; five grandchildren, Audrey Kimes Garard (Jonathan), Christopher Newman (Tara), Susan Newman Foster (Brett), David Newman (Kristin), and Courtney Newman Gunter (David); eleven great-grandchildren, Ethan and Dane Garard, Sydney and Sloane Newman, Lily and Blake Foster, Cody and Ava Newman and Jackson, Noah and Hannah Gunter. He is also survived by his sister, Maxine Reid (deceased brother-in-law, Joel) and a brother, Gale Newman (Janet); and a special friend, Shirley Kimbrough. Melvin has three surviving first cousins, Joe Spears, Doyle Chesnut and Alvin Woods.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Tracy Marie Gentry, 45, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away at 9:43 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at NHC Healthcare.
She was born November 29, 1970, at West Plains, Missouri, to Terry Collins and Ruth White Madden. Tracy loved animals, especially horses and was a barrel racer in her younger years.
She is survived by two children, Keely Cook, West Plains and Tehya Wilson, Flippin, Arkansas; one grandchild, Harlie Cook; her father, Terry Collins, Willow Springs, Missouri; step-father, Zip Madden, Willow Springs, Missouri; one brother, Zippy Madden, Willow Springs, Missouri; two sisters, Megan Collins-Lan and husband, John and Heather Collins, all of West Plains, Missouri; and her grandmother, Loeta White.
Her mother precedes her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Dulcina O. “Cina” Dix, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 23 at First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Dix passed away at 6:00 a.m., Sunday, May 8, 2016 at her home.
She was born June 24, 1931, at Corning, Arkansas, to Fred Wilson Kimball and Orphia Dulcina Mason Kimball. On April 8, 1950, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Richard Narvel Dix, who preceded her in death on January 18, 2008. She graduated from Corning High School with the Class of 1948 and furthered her education at Draughon Business College and Depaul School of Nursing. Mrs. Dix worked as a nurse for thirty years in St. Louis, Missouri, Albuquerque, New Mexico and West Plains, Missouri. Mrs. Dix was a member of First United Methodist Church, West Plains.
She is survived by two grandchildren, John Dix, Springfield, Missouri and Kari Hilyer and husband, Joel, Tallahassee, Florida; two great-grandsons, Caffey and Garrett Hilyer; three sisters, Modena Chovanec, Whiting, Indiana, Shirley Cordes and husband, Glen, St. Louis, Missouri and Sandra Morello, St. Louis, Missouri; one brother, Stewart Kimball, Farmington, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
Her parents, husband, two daughters, Patricia Schenks and Debra Dix, three brothers, Fred, Doug and Ron Kimball, one cousin, Gene Stout and two nephews, Kent Kimball and Steven Morello, precede her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church for “Christ’s Kitchen” or to the West Plains Public Library and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Leah Naomi Harper, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May16, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harper passed away at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born October 15, 1939, at Lake City, Arkansas, to Orphus Justene “OJ” Richardson and Linnol Richardson. In 1956, at the age of seventeen, Leah married the love of her life, Loyd Alan Harper, who preceded her in death on March 11, 2002. Leah was a Godly woman and was kind to everyone; she had a great faith that she loved to share with others. She was a friendly soul with a smile that could light up a room. She loved spending time with her family, especially her seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and enjoyed sharing stories that could take you back in time.
She is survived by her three loving daughters and their families, Naomi Ruth Pierce and friend, Steven Helm and her children, Joshua and wife, Brooke, Jonathan and wife, Ginny and Daria; Mary Jo Lamb and husband, Dr. Randy Lamb and their children, Reuben and Levi; and Sherry Lois Harper-McAfee and her children, Desirea Legler and husand, Eric and Danae Haile; two brothers, David Richardson and wife, Pat and Paul Richardson and wife, Susan; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and husband precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Tuberous Sclerosis Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Pauline Viola Culton, 83, Bedford, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Culton passed away at 8:59 p.m., Monday, May 9, 2016, at Parkwood Healthcare, Bedford, Texas.
She was born September 2, 1932, at Omaha, Nebraska, to Carl Richards and Pauline Margaret Whistler Richards. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. A devoted student, Pauline took as many advanced classes as she could in high school and participated in sports and school clubs. She graduated from Manual High School with the Class of 1949. Pauline married J.L. Robinson in 1953 and had three children with him; Cheryl Ann, Linda Sue and James Love Robinson, III. After divorcing him in 1958 and while working at Wayne Towel and Linen Supply, she met and married Garry Wayne Henderson in 1961. They had two children together; Teresa Kay and Jacqueline Marie. She and Garry divorced in 1987. Pauline reconnected with an old love, Dorman L. Culton, “Cully.” They were married in 1987 and remained married until Cully’s death on December 29, 2014. In addition to working at Wayne Towel and Linen Supply, Pauline worked at the Telephone Company and Ralston Purina. As a single mom, she took in laundry and ironing. While taking accounting classes, she worked in the school cafeterias for the Kansas City School District and soldered computer parts at home for a small company. She was head of Payroll for Russell Stover’s Candies, until 1989 when she moved with Cully to a farm near Pomona, Missouri to raise cattle. She did taxes for H&R Block in Kansas City and in West Plains, Missouri.
Pauline loved taking care of babies. She got tremendous joy from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hosting week long summer stays for her granddaughters, Tiffany and Kristin, that included Fireworks on the 4th of July, antique shopping in Hardy, Arkansas and picking green beans, tomatoes and squash in the garden. Anyone who visited Pauline and Cully remembers barbeques and swimming at the North Fork of the White River. She cooked many family meals on Sunday afternoons. Dinner at 4:00 meant dinner at 4:00. You couldn’t know Mom for long without knowing that if she thought she was right, she would “stick to her guns” no matter what. Her advice consistently leaned heavily toward self-reliance and pragmatism. “Always have enough money with you to get yourself home on a date,” comes to mind. She was an avid reader and firmly believed in sing the library. Pauline was a friend to the vulnerable; bringing vegetables from the garden to the assisted living apartments in West Plains, purchasing groceries on a list for a neighbor on a fixed income. Groceries, whose prices never rose during the inflation of the 70’s. Her family remembers her for great fried chicken, a talent for saving money, her love of the TV game show Jeopardy and The Andy Griffith Show. Her favorite flower was the carnation and her favorite actor was John Wayne.
She is survived by four children, Jackie Henderson, Teresa Mitchell-Horder, Cheryl Ann Finke and Linda Sue Vannattan; four step-children, LaDonna Kersten, Mark Culton, Charles Culton and Amy Christopher; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband and one son, James L. Robinson, III, precede her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery. Donations may be made to the American Stroke Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Cathy Rae Duke, 48, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 7:38 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born September 24, 1967, at West Plains, Missouri, to Blake Hoopes and Sharon Johnston Hoopes. On September 2, 2005, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Earl Duke. She loved animals and enjoyed playing croquet. Mrs. Duke attended South Fork Church.
She is survived by her husband, Earl Duke; step-son, Cameron Duke; her mother, Sharon Wells; mother-in-law, Ivory Duke; grandmother, Sally Hoopes; one brother, Joby Hoopes and wife, Kimberly; one sister, Heather Ogden and husband, Colby; aunt, Cathy Downen; nieces and nephews, Shavahn Boyle, Tiffany Hale, Keegan Hoopes and Evin Wake; great-aunts and great-uncle, Mary Ann Barks, Anna Mae Shannon and Steve Johnson; and one great-niece and two nephews.
Her father, maternal grandparents, Cecil and Freda Johnston; paternal grandfather, George A. Hoopes, uncle, Joe Johnston, father-in-law, Marlin Duke, Sr. and brother-in-law, Marlin Duke, Jr., precede her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Marcella Louise Day, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Day passed away at 1:56 a.m., Monday, May 2, 2016 at Peppi’s House, Tucson, Arizona.
She was born December 16, 1947, at West Plains, Missouri, to Victor Eugene “Gene” Bragg and Mary Louise Abney Bragg. She enjoyed her yard, fishing, camping and playing golf. Mrs. Day loved the outdoors. Family was important to her; she loved spending time with all of her family.
She is survived by two children, Danielle Gerken and husband, Michael and Misty Hartley and husband, Chris; six grandchildren, Morgan, Taylor, Lindsey, Cosi, Marlowe and Colton; four great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Victor Bragg, Jr. and Samuel Bragg; one sister, Debra Collins and husband, Gaylen; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Her parents precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Bruce Wayde Ledford, 54, Clarksville, Tennessee, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ledford passed away at 2:29 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in Clarksville, Tennessee.
He was born August 2, 1961, at Pomona, California, to James H. Ledford and Edith Tuck Ledford. He enjoyed being around children and was happy when he was outdoors, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed operating heavy equipment.
He is survived by his father, James Ledford and wife, Barbara, Viola, Arkansas; his mother, Edith Shields, Eugene, Oregon; one son, Ethan Ledford, West Plains, Missouri; three brothers, Ted Ledford, Viola, Arkansas, Bryan Ledford and wife, Amy, Caulfield, Missouri and Adam Ledford and wife, Ashley, Viola, Arkansas; two sisters, Elizabeth Johnson and husband, David, Carnation, Washington and Linda Marshall and husband, Jeff, Clarksville, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and two special great-nephews, Zander and Javon.
Funeral services for Robert Lawrence Jones, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Jones passed away at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at his home.
He was born August 7, 1938, at Pisgah, Iowa, to Raphael Oren Jones and Ethel Mae Hicks Jones. On December 5, 1971, he was married in the State of California, to Martha Baughman. Mr. Jones was a retired veteran, having served with the United States Army, United States Air Force, Army National Guard, United States Navy and was a Seabee. He was a life time member and had served as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post and Disabled American Veterans. Being a member of the American Legion Post he enjoyed cooking many breakfasts and working at the Heart of the Ozarks Fair for many years. He loved reading Louis L’amour books; having read several books many times and had a large collection. Mr. Jones was a member of the Brandsville Church of God.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Jones; three children, Max Jones and wife, Vicki, James Ginn and wife, Julie and Gloyd Ginn; seven grandchildren, Alan Jones and wife, Kim, Alesha Jones, Kyle Ginn and wife, Crystal, Oren Ginn and wife, Breanna, Alisha Mattingly and husband, Ian, Jessica Woodard and husband, Brandon and Anita Kimbell; eleven great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, David Jones; two sisters, Anna McDonald and husband, Michael and Mary Wenzler; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Kenneth Ginn and one brother, Richard Jones, precede him in death.
Mr. Jones will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shaw Cancer Treatment Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Waneta Magee McCracken, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2016 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. McCracken passed away at 7:18 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born April 8, 1924, at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert Magee and Della Fuller Magee Lile. On July 3, 1941, she was married at Hardy, Arkansas, to Ralph Leon McCracken, who preceded her in death on March 4, 2003. Mrs. McCracken had worked as a clerk at Cole’s Dress Shop and along with her husband was owner/operator of McCracken RV Sales. She attended First Christian Church, Pomona, Missouri.
She is survived by one daughter, Karen Mitts Denney and husband, Donald, Koshkonong, Missouri; two grandchildren, Leon Mitts and Melissa Wright; two great-grandsons, Dustin Wright and wife, Carol and Jesse Wright and wife, Miranda; four great-great-grandchildren, Braxtin, River, Bayler and Breanna; and several nieces, nephews and other special family members.
Her parents, husband and three brothers precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Billy Ray Smith, 69, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away at 3:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Mercy St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born January 3, 1947, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Ray Smith and Dollie Trail Smith. On November 30, 1963, he was married at Gainesville, Missouri, to Nelda Smith. Mr. Smith was the owner/operator of Smith Pump Service.
He is survived by his wife, Nelda Smith, of the family home; two sons, Kevin “Red” Smith, Dora, Missouri and Gary Smith and wife, Robin, Oakland, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Janna Hayes and husband, Chris, Audrey Killion and significant other, Brad Kelso, Chad Smith and significant other, Jessica and Coldan Killion; two step-grandchildren, Chris Sheets and Anthony Sheets; four great-grandchildren, Davin, Ethan, Bailey and Kylie; one brother, Paul Smith and wife, Becky, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Milly Hall, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one daughter, Cherie Sheets, precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Melvin Roy Schuler, 76, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, located on West 160 Highway, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Schuler passed away at 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2016 at his home.
He was born November 11, 1939, at Cherry Valley, Missouri, to Edith Coffman and the late Monroe Otto Schuler. On April 22, 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Billington, at Arnold, Missouri. Melvin was baptized into the Jehovah’s Witness faith in April, 2000. He was a retired boilermaker.
He was a loving father to nine children, Aaron, Sharron, Donnie, Ronnie, Theresa, Monroe, Raymond, Klinton and Wendy. Also, he was a wonderful father-in-law to all of his children’s spouses. Melvin has thirty-one grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Pat Saylor and is preceded in death by four siblings, Ray, Nadine, Rene and Vicky.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Wilmer “Dale” Clark, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Clark passed away at 6:31 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at NHC Healthcare.
He was born June 9, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Cordis “Ray” Clark and Bertha Leona Hall Clark. On April 1, 1950, he was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Betty Marsh, who preceded him in death October 4, 1969; to their union three children were born, Sandra, Jim and Bill. On February 27, 1970, he was married at Alton, Missouri, to Agnes Tilda Carter, who preceded him in death December 30, 2007. Mr. Clark was a truck driver for Kansas Power & Light Company. He enjoyed woodworking and loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Mr. Clark was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years.
He is survived by three children, Sandra Null, Peel, Arkansas, Jim Clark and wife, Cathy, Edgerton, Kansas and Bill Clark and wife, Renee, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Alma Story and husband, Hillard, State of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wives and one infant brother, precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the South Fork Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Fork Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Reverend Joey Dale Hight, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2016, at the West Plains Civic Center, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Reverend Hight passed away at 8:24 a.m., Sunday, April 17, 2016, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born December 23, 1954, at Anna, Illinois, to James “Pete” Hight and Pauline Rose Hayes Hight.
Reverend Joey Hight’s ministry began on July 18, 1975, and soon after was invited to travel with evangelist Terry Bowling of Franklin, Ohio, during the summer to minister in music and song at various Youth Camps. It is from this invitation, that Reverend Hight’s ministry would develop into a full time evangelistic ministry, that included many churches, in many states, traveling many miles.
On April 2, 1977 he would marry Tricia Isaac of Fort Worth, Texas; their first home was a 1968 Holiday Rambler travel trailer. They began their first revival together in Idabel, Oklahoma and from that time forward, they saw their ministry blossom into a nationwide influence in the Holiness Pentecostal Fellowship. Over the years he preached at over 100 youth and adult camps. Reverend Hight was known for his illustrated sermons that captured the attention of the congregation. He was also known for his great talent playing the tenor saxophone, ministering to so many people over the years. To quote the Hight’s, “We are nothing now, nor were we something in the years past, except for the fact that God has HIS hand on our lives.” Their ministry, in years past, also included being a Youth Pastor and Pastors. Their first pastorate was at Florence Holiness church in Keller, Texas, then nine months as Youth Pastor at the Pentecostal Highway of Holiness Church in Hamilton, Ohio. Their next pastorate was in Jonesboro, Illinois, that lasted two years. For the past 25 years, they pastored the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle in West Plains, Missouri. During their pastorate, the Church saw many advances including a finishing of a multi-purpose building, evangelist apartment, Children’s Church, remodeling of the sanctuary and foyer, as well as purchase of additional property.
Pastor Hight loved his Church babies and children. He loved baby dedications and often titled his sermon, “The Gospel According to ….” and would insert the baby’s name. Pastor and Sister Hight were also very involved in the Ozark Holiness Youth Camp and Adult Camp. Pastor Hight was known for “walking guard” in those early morning hours at the Youth Camp.
Pastor Hight’s influence in the community involved having served as Chaplain with Ozarks Medical Center for ten years, as well as Chaplain to the West Plains Police and Fire Departments since 1995. He had a great love for the Emergency personnel of our City and County and was highly respected by the community.
Pastor Hight has left behind a great legacy of love for ministry, family values, and compassion for community.
He is survived by his wife, Tricia Hight, of the family home; his mother, Pauline Hight, Karnak, Illinois; one brother, Marlan Hight and wife, Barbara, Grand Chain, Illinois; nephew, Corby Hight and wife, Kara; niece Taffy Halvorsen and husband, Shane; four great-nephews and two great-nieces, all of Grand Chain, Illinois.
His father precedes him in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the West Plains Civic Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle Church Medical Fund, these funds will go directly to Reverend Hight’s medical expenses and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date in Karnak, Illinois.
Funeral services for Charles Edward Ward, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ward passed away at 9:25 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2016 at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born March 16, 1933, at Kansas City, Kansas, to Elizabeth Ward McGoldrick. Charles was an only child and at the age of eight years old, his parents moved the family to Peace Valley, Missouri, where he graduated from Peace Valley School. On December 19, 1952, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Marylyn Louise Young, who preceded him in death on June 13, 2008. He met Marylyn while working at the Shoe Factory in West Plains. Mr. Ward was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Korean War. After he finished his tour of duty in 1955 he started working as a milkman. He was a Milk Hauler for Dairy Farmers of America (Mid-America Dairymen, Inc.) for the next forty years; he drove two different milk trucks and had two pup trailers. He enjoyed on occasion taking his daughters on his route with him and would stop in at the store at Peace Valley to treat them to a chocolate soldier (now known as a Yoo-Hoo!). Mr. Ward enjoyed riding motorcycles, bowling and traveling. He also enjoyed listening to country music, with Ferlin Husky and Roy Acuff being some of his favorites. Mr. Ward was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Curry Street Church of Christ.
He is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Bennett and husband, Jim, West Plains and Amber Turner, Kansas City, Kansas; three grandchildren, Matt Bennett and wife, Angie, Kansas City, Kansas, Meghan Turner, Columbia, Missouri and Michael Turner, Rolla, Missouri and one cousin, Bob Ward and wife, Sylvia, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
His mother and wife precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Robert Eugene Wood, 80, Liberty, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wood passed away at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at his home.
He was born January 12, 1936, at Pomona, Missouri, to Russell Wood and Lola Dollins Wood. In 1957, he was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Barbara Hankins. Mr. Wood worked for Ford Motor Company and was a member of the United Automobile Workers Local 249 Teamsters Union. He loved to hunt, fish and watch baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals. Mr. Wood was a member of Liberty Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wood, of the family home; two daughters, Debra Sharp and husband, Marty, Stockton, Missouri and Pamela Campbell and husband, Anthony, Greenville, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Christopher and Casey Faircloth and Corey, Connor and Caitlin Campbell; one step-granddaughter, Ashley Sharp, one brother, Doyle Wood and wife, Terri, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Doreen Bridges and husband, Danny and Sue Bridges and husband, Gene, all of West Plains, Missouri; brother-in-law, Claude Hankins, Marshall, Missouri; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hankins, Farmington, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Evelyn Bunch and his father-in-law and mother-in-law precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
