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Memorial services for Joseph Will Davis, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri with a visitation to follow in the fellowship hall.

Mr. Davis passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Joe, the son of the late Hilliard and Elinore Davis, was born on September 18, 1951 in Springfield, Missouri. On May 22, 1976, Joe married Kathy his “Sweet Pea”, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, a union of forty-six years. The first thing they bought as a married couple was an aluminum canoe. This started their passion for adventure and travel together that led them near and far.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; two children, Katie and Ty Davis; one granddaughter, Elinore “Nellie” Dudden; one brother, Dr. Michael H. Davis of Springfield, Missouri; two nephews, Phil and Paul Davis of Springfield, Missouri.

In 1969, Joe graduated from West Plains High School. In 1973, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in special education. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity while at Mizzou. In 1977, he graduated from Arkansas State University with a Master’s of Science degree in special education. In 2005, he received a Specialist Degree in Mental Health from the University of Missouri.

Joe held jobs as a teacher, coach, school administrator and businessman; a career path that reflected his father, Hilliard, who he greatly admired. In 1973 Joe’s teaching and football coaching career began at the Highland School District in Hardy, Arkansas. Joe returned home in 1977 to teach in the West Plains School District. After four years of teaching Joe transitioned careers in 1982 to work for Davidson Insurance Agency as an insurance broker. After 15 years in the insurance business, Joe felt called to return to the field of education. In 1997 he resumed his teaching career at the West Plains Middle School.

In 2005, Mr. Davis created the S.W.A.T. (Students Working at Transition) Program. The S.W.A.T. Program was designed to help individuals with disabilities gain work experience in the community while attending West Plains High School. A major goal of the S.W.A.T. Program was to help students gain post graduation employment and increase independence for individuals with disabilities. The S.W.A.T. Program continues to be an integral part of the Special Education Department for the West Plains School District. In 2011, Joe retired from the West Plains R-VII School District where he was a respected special education teacher, football and track coach, and administrator. His career as an educator spanned over 38 years.

In the 1880s, the first Davis family ancestors settled in West Plains, Missouri. Mr. Davis was proud of his Howell County roots and gave back by serving on many organizations throughout his life including the West Plains Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) President for two years, West Plains Chamber of Commerce board member, Southern Missouri Community Health Center board member, Howell Valley School District board member, Court Appointed  Special Advocates (CASA) board member, University of Missouri Alumni Association, Black and Gold Chapter, Scholarship Chairman, Old Time Music Festival Steering Committee and volunteer, Ozarks Preservation, Inc. (OPI) Cultural Tourism project, SB 40 Board of Howell County secretary and Co-chairman, West Plains United Way board member and Missouri State-West Plains Friends of the Garnett Library board member.  Joe’s work of serving his community did not go unnoticed. He received the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year Award from Ozark Independent Living in recognition for his sustained actions over a period of many years that have promoted the plight and worth of disabled persons and improved their dignity, respect and potential; the 2011 Community Service Award from the West Plains Rotary Club for development of the SWAT program between the West Plains R-7 School District and Ozarks Medical Center in helping provide daily living skills for members of the community.

Joe had many hobbies which included quail hunting, training bird dogs, fishing, exploring rivers, studying the history of the Ozarks, Zizzer athletics, Mizzou athletics, photography, attending church, playing his acoustic guitar, and listening to his vinyl record collection. Most importantly Joe loved his family. He enjoyed bringing his family together by cooking them dinner. This brought the family together around their dining room table with love and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Schools S.W.A.T. program and made payable to the West Plains R-7 School District and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Samuel Rex Bragg, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Bragg passed away at 12:40 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, at NHC HealthCare.  

He was born June 13, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Victor Eugene Bragg and Mary Louise Abney Bragg.  Mr. Bragg was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.  He collected old cars and guitars, enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and loved his cat, Francis.   

He is survived by four children, Brandy Bragg and significant other, Paul Dunbar, St. Louis, Missouri, Gretchen Davis, Heather Croney and husband, Travis and Nathan DeShazo and significant other, Whitney Slaughter, all of West Plains; twelve grandchildren, Kory and Kayla Noble, Jaxyn and Shelden Bragg, Nicole Ely, Ruby Snethern and Willbilly Snethern, Bud and Megan Collins, Isaac and Toby Luck and Starr DeShazo; one brother, Victor Bragg, Kansas City, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

His parents and two sisters, Marcella Day and Debra Collins preceded him in death.  

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

Harold (Dean) Harring, 72, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, at his home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Irene Judd, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Judd passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Shepherd’s View Assisted Living, Alton, Missouri.  

She was born December 15, 1933, at Viola, Arkansas, to Bedford Oden Cameron and Mable Marie McElmurry Cameron.  On August 8, 1953, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Thomas Lee Judd, who preceded her in death on July 29, 1993.  Irene was an avid quilter, she loved the St. Louis Cardinals and was a member of the Helping Hands Club.

She is survived by one daughter, Nancy Cline and husband, Terry, Koshkonong, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jennifer Riley and husband, Bill and Tiffany Williams and husband, Justin; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Leroy Cameron and wife, Jewell, Viola, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Samuel, one brother, Charles Cameron and one sister, Wanda Minge, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Judd will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A visitation service for Robert (Gene) King, 46, Pomona, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. King passed away at 9:45 a.m., Friday, February 17, 2023, at his home with his mother, Colleen and Uncle, Dana by his side.

He was born November 16, 1976, at Rockford, Illinois, to Doyle D. King and Colleen Dauenbaugh King Simmons.   Before becoming disabled with kidney and heart disease, Gene worked at Invensys for several years.  He loved his family and friends deeply and appreciated everything that was done for him.  Gene enjoyed RC cars, computers, playing cards and board games, planting flowers and watching wildlife.  Gene loved his best friends who were like brothers, Matthew Phenix, Matt Erickson, Brent Maddox, Sean Smith, David Steele, Cami, Joe, John and Aaron; the visits and phone calls meant a lot to Gene.  Thank you for being such great friends. 

He is survived by his mother, Colleen Simmons; one half-sister, Sylvia King;  several aunts, uncles and cousins; and a very special friend he called Auntie Linda. 

His father and step-father, Ulyess Simmons, preceded him in death.  

In lieu of flowers, please plant a flower in your yard or put up a bird feeder in Gene’s memory.  The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the DCI and Fresenius Dialysis Clinic for the extra special care and Dr. Jones for saving Gene’s eyesight so that he was able to still enjoy life as it was for him during the last year and a half.  Gene had a special gift of loving each person for who they were and was a very down to earth person; he will be greatly missed.  Rest in peace my darling loving son. 

A memorial service for Jerry Dee Foster, 79, Viola, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Viola Solid Rock Assembly of God Church, 10750 US 62, Viola, Arkansas.      

Jerry Dee Foster, son of Clifford Dewitt Foster and Easter Lilly “Talley” Foster was born in Norfork, Arkansas, January 7, 1944, and entered into eternal rest February 14, 2023. 

Mr. Foster was a veteran, having served with the United States Army from 1963-1969. He then served with the United States Postal Police in Memphis, as a policeman in Norman, Oklahoma and retired as a United States Postal Clerk at Mountain Home Post Office in 2008 after 38 years of service with them.   Jerry was an avid gun enthusiast, teaching concealed handgun classes for 23 years. He was ranked 23rd in the US as a hand-gun speed shooter in 1976. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Duke, Bobby and Mac Foster.

He was survived by his widow, Jeanne “Williams” Foster; four children, Brian Foster and wife, Heather, Doug Foster and wife, Christy, Erin Kimbrough and husband, Chuck and Mike Foster and wife Cindy; one brother, Terry Foster and wife, Anita; six grandchildren, Kyle and Abbey Kimbrough, Colton and Ty Foster, Ian and Kye Foster and William Foster; and many nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Howard Keith Larsen, 101, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 11:58 a.m., Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Mountain View Health Care, Mountain View, Missouri. 

He was born October 26, 1921, at Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to William Larsen and Ruth Matson Larsen.  On April 8, 1944, he was married at Chicago, Illinois, to Frances Saverino.  They were married for twenty-seven years. Howard owned and operated a Gulf Service Station in Anaheim, California for 30 years.  Mr. Larsen was a WWII Veteran, having served with the United States Navy in Hawaii.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, football and NASCAR.   Mr. Larsen was a member of Journey Church for 10 years; he loved his church family.  Howard lived in Floyd, Virginia  close to his brother, David and his brother’s wife Gaynell for 12 years. Floyd is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was customary for them all to meet at the Blue Ridge Cafe in Floyd for breakfast every morning to discuss the days events and life’s happenings.  These were fond memories in his life. The last 20 plus years of his live he lived close to his daughter, Cheryl and her husband in Pomona, Missouri.

He is survived by three children, James Larsen and significant other, Judie Rex, Brea, California, Robert Larsen and wife, Joy, Placentia, California and Cheryl James and husband, Russell, Pomona, Missouri; six grandchildren, Brent Harris and wife, Shawna, Woodstock, Georgia,  Michelle Larsen, Fullerton, California, Michael Larsen and wife, Emily, Canyon Lake, California, Heather Cleek and husband, Jeremiah Nixa, Missouri and Kristi Hughey and husband, David, Poplarville, Mississippi and Shaun James, Pomona, Missouri ; five great-grandchildren, Tanner, Hayden, Elijah, Riley and Reagan; two brothers, Chris Larsen and wife, Thelma, Omaha, Nebraska and David Larsen and wife, Gaynell, Floyd, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two brothers, George and James Larsen and one sister, Shirley Loveland, preceded him in death.  Later in life he married Karen Ham, who preceded him in death in March 1990.

Per his wishes, Mr. Larsen’s cremains will be spread over Blue Ridge Mountains, a place he dearly loved.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Michael Bennett Johnson, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:56 a.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born October 10, 1947, at New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard Greer Johnson and Mildred Irene Bennett Johnson.  On November 21, 1975, he was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Linda Rush.  Mr. Johnson was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  Before his retirement he was the State Fire Marshal Investigator.  

He is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson; four children, Michael Johnson, Jr. and wife, Elise, Amanda Aikulola and husband, Juwon, Justin Johnson and Jessica McKee and husband, Cody; nine grandchildren, Nathanial, Amanda, Alexander, Kaden and Taylor Johnson, Faye and Eric Aikulola and Millie and Maren McKee; and two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Liam Johnson; one sister, Patricia Tilley; one nephew, Kyle Swallow; and one niece, Lauri Hammontree. 

His parents and one daughter, Jennifer, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Bonnie Lee James, 86, Joplin, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Bonnie L. James left this earth on February 14, 2023 to join her heavenly Father, her beloved husband and other loved ones.  She leaves a legacy of loving friends and family who will miss her dearly.

Bonnie was born November 19, 1936 to Allen Tilson and Alice Lawing Tilson at the family home in Cureall, Missouri. 

She was married to the love of her life, Herbert Charles James, at Cureall, Missouri on April 26, 1957.  They were blessed with over 56 years together prior to his passing. 

Mrs. James attended and graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1955.

Mrs. James was an assistant to West Plains dentist Dr. Skelton before being employed in the office of Richard Brothers West Plains for many years. Her last 20+ years of employment were spent with Missouri State Family Services Division West Plains as a case worker where she was employed until her retirement.

Bonnie was a longtime member of First Baptist Church West Plains where she served alongside her church family.  She also served with her husband, who was a Lions Club member, as a Lioness in the West Plains chapter of the organization to promote awareness and raise funds for the various causes supported by the Lions Club. 

Bonnie is survived by her two children, Beverly James and Shawn Hensley of Glendale, Arizona, Keith James and Melissa of Joplin, Missouri and six loving grandchildren, Nicole Lopez and husband Mark of Laguna Hills, California, Roger Bradford and wife Jennifer of Phoenix, Arizona, Samantha Daum and husband Greg of Eagle River, Alaska, Lindsey James of Webb City, Missouri, Beau James of Webb City, Missouri and Kylie Davis of Carl Junction, Missouri; as well as seven great-grandchildren, Kanoa, Makai and Leia Bradford, Evan and Landon Lopez, Lola James and Lauren Daum; sister-in-law Louise Tilson of West Plains, Missouri and sister-in-law Sue Roop and husband Jack of Grandview, Missouri as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herbert C James, two brothers , Blaine Tilson and Glen Tilson,  two sisters, Evelyn Lambeth and Juanita Williams and daughter-in-law Evelyne James.

Besides being passionate about and caring for her family, Bonnie was a gifted seamstress.  Through the years her perfectly stitched creations included prom dresses, sports coats, men’s leisure suits, beach jackets for the boat ride back after water skiing at Norfolk Lake, majorette baton uniforms for the Christmas parades, costumes for school performances, outfits for her grandchildren, quilts and draperies.  One of her favorite activities in retirement was camping and riding ATVs at Cloud 9 Ranch in Caulfield, Missouri.  Always with an edge about her, Bonnie’s grandchildren are confident she passed on February 14 in order to be the Valentine’s Day gift for their Pop Pop/Grandpa.

Mrs. James will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Lions Club  to support vision enhancement and eyeglass distribution in the local area and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

She told us to tell everyone……”Well Anyway….”.

Funeral services for Betty Joyce Stanley, 79, Tecumseh, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  In memory of Betty, the family has asked that those in attendance wear something with flowers or bright colors.

Mrs. Stanley passed away at 1:36 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2023, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born August 3, 1943, at Lufkin, Texas, to Reverend J.E. and Ruby Brock Harrell.  On April 9, 1965, she was married at Lufkin, Texas, to John Lee Stanley, to whom she was married for almost fifty-eight years.  Betty made the most of her seventy-nine years.  She was the Women’s Editor of Lufkin Daily News and the office manager of the business she and her husband owned.  After moving to Missouri, she worked in the communications department at Ozarks Medical Center, was the editor of Ozark County Times, and was currently the pastor at Needmore Church of God, serving in that capacity for more than twenty years.  She loved gardening and sowing seeds, not only sowing seeds in her garden, but also sowing the seeds of Christ.  Betty’s number one focus was her church, especially the children of the church.  Her home was a sanctuary for strays, including pets and people.  She firmly believed there was hope for every soul.

She is survived by her husband, John, of the family home; one son, Robert Stanley and wife, Gina, Topeka, Kansas; one granddaughter, Vicki Singer and husband, Zach, Saint Louis, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Clara Singer, Saint Louis, Missouri; one sister, Zella Bunch, Fairfield, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Her parents, three brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Needmore Church of God and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Brenda Kay Wiklund, 67, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:48 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation services for Jimmy Wayne Conyers, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Conyers passed away at 8:25 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at his home, with his wife, Jessica by his side.  

He was born September 9, 1942, at West Plains, Missouri, to Dale Conyers and Mellie F. Weaver Conyers.  Mr. Conyers was a veteran, having served eight years with the United States Navy on the USS MOALE as an aviation electronics technician.  He followed that with a career in telecommunications.  On May 18, 2002, he was married at Gentryville, Missouri, to Jessica Martin.  Mr. Conyers loved God, his family, nature and his critters.  He enjoyed going to the lake and fishing.   

He is survived by his wife, Jessica Conyers; one daughter, Crystal; many grandchildren; and one sister, Ginger. 

His parents, one daughter, Kimberly, two brothers, Denny and Tom and two sisters, Dixie and Faith, preceded him in death.  

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.

A private memorial service for Gary Lynn Groves, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Groves passed away at 1:43 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, at his home.  

He was born July 13, 1954, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Bruce Groves and Doris Greene Groves.   On January 19, 2014, he was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to Kayla Henry.  Mr. Groves was a truck driver.  He loved to drive his Peter Built Truck.  Gary loved his family, friends, Harley Davidson motorcycles and his two dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Kayla Groves, of the family home; seven children, Shane Groves and wife, JoAnna, Blue Springs,  Missouri, Jerod Groves, Pomona, Missouri, Nathan Rodman, Pomona, Missouri, Samantha Groves, Salem, Arkansas, Morgan Groves, Shelby Vega and husband, Jay and Shirley Brown, all of West Plains; and many grandchildren. 

His parents, one son, Michael Groves and many friends, preceded him in death.  

Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Willow Springs, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Ronald Ray Shemwell, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2023, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of  Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Shemwell passed away at 1:40 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, Arkansas.  

Ronald, the son of the late Clyde Shemwell and Trulla Hudson, was born on December 17, 1935, in Success, Arkansas. On January 23, 1959, he was married at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Peggy Jean Rodgers, who preceded him in death on July 9, 2012. Mr. Shemwell received his education from the Neelyville Public Schools, Southeast Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri. He was retired from the Missouri Public School system where he was a respected teacher, coach, and administrator for 30 years. His first varsity coaching job was at the age of 20 with Neelyville High School. Mr. Shemwell coached basketball, baseball, and girls basketball for the West Plains Zizzers. Upon his retirement from West Plains R-7 he was also the Athletic Director and Transportation Director. He was also retired from a second career as an insurance agent and he was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Shemwell was active in many organizations throughout his life including, the Grizzly Booster Club, Rotary Club, and the Masons. He loved basketball, baseball, fishing, and quail hunting, but most of all he loved his family and friends. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mr. Shemwell was a member of First Baptist Church.   

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Lee and husband, Monte, Bella Vista, Arkansas; son, Steven Shemwell and wife, Katie, Festus, Missouri; four grandchildren, Ryan Lee and wife, Lindsay, Centerton, Arkansas, Katie Bellamy and husband, Brett, Cave Springs, Arkansas, Anna Lee, Olathe, Kansas, Naomi Shemwell, Festus, Missouri; six great-grandchildren, Maddox Lee, Titus Lee, August Lee, Silas Lee, Brooks Bellamy, and Elsie Bellamy; One sister, Shirley Virdon, Springfield, Missouri;  and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and wife preceded him in death.   

Mr. Shemwell will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to MSU Grizzly Athletics and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Maxie Arlene Cork, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Cork passed away at 1:31 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, at her home. 

She was born May 24, 1934, in the State of Virginia, to Robert McCoy and Victoria Hammond McCoy.  On July 10, 1990, she was married at Paducah, Kentucky, to Dewayne Edward Cork, who preceded her in death on May 2, 2020.  Mrs. Cork loved her family and was the best Grandma.  She enjoyed her garden and making quilts.  Mrs. Cork was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by two children, Michael Woodruff and wife, Charmaine, Aurora, Illinois and Gerald Woodruff, Moody, Missouri; special daughter-in-law, Maria Woodruff, West Plains; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Claris Stark, Aurora, Illinois, Eula Butz, Montgomery, Illinois and Rethia McCoy, State of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one infant daughter, Sandra, one granddaughter, Jessica Woodruff Evans, four brothers, Ben, Sydney, Freddie and Bluford and two sisters, Lucille and Janie, 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 South Fork Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Zelda Bernice Beavers, 93, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Beavers passed away at 2:33 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, at her home.  

She was born March 4, 1929, at Dora, Missouri, to Claude Warren and Myrtle Garfit Warren.  On June 28, 1948, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Carl Robert Beavers, who preceded her in death on August 7, 2021.  They celebrated seventy-two years of marriage.  Zelda loved to cook; she tried to feed anyone that came into her home.  She enjoyed canning, flowers and gardening.  She especially enjoyed mowing her yard and did so until the age of ninety-two.  Zelda was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Mrs. Beavers was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Odom Church of Christ.

She is survived by three children, Robert Beavers and significant other, Faye Mueller, Pottersville, Missouri, Carol Moore and husband, Ernie, Mountain Grove, Missouri and Paula Perry and husband, James, Pottersville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Robbie Beavers, Robin Morrison, Stacy Hutchinson, Jennifer Wickham, Tangela Ratliff, Jodie Prichard and Matt Worsham; four step-grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; several step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dimple Mitchell and Mary Sheers, both of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Stetson Hutchinson, three brothers, Millard, Thurman and Donald and two sisters, Velda and Sue, 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 Pottersville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation services for Stephanie Delenea Collins, 53, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Stephanie passed away at 2:13 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born September 7, 1969, in West Plains, Missouri to Larry Delane Collins and Debra Ann Hale. Stephanie attended West Plains High School and spent most of her life living in West Plains. Mrs. Collins worked as a CNA and enjoyed caring for others. Her greatest investment and joy were her family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Collins had a passion and appreciation for life, and she enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, swimming, crafting, music, and making memories with those she loved. She never met a stranger and helped anyone in need. She was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by seven children, Korey Collins and wife, Cheryl, Thayer, Missouri, Kourtney Rodriguez and husband, Adam, West Plains, Caleb Battreal and wife, Andi, West Plains, Cyle Battreal and wife, Katelyn, St. Genevieve, Missouri, Destiny, Davian, and Alexis Magnuson, all of West Plains; eleven grandchildren; two brothers, Michael and Lucas; and several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her parents and sister preceded her in death.

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

Dorman Ellett Frazier, the son of the late Jackson and Susie Frazier was born June 24, 1925, in Burnet, Texas. He passed away January 27, 2023, at the age of 97.

Dorman graduated from Marble Falls High School in 1942. At the age of 18, Dorman joined the United States Marine Corp and was stationed aboard the USS Indiana during WWII. On April 9, 1948, he married Cletta Belle Bates and they were just 10 weeks shy of celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Dorman and Cletta moved their family to Pottersville, MO in 1962.

Dorman is survived by his wife Cletta; daughter Debra Peachee and husband Tim of West Plains; son Jeff Frazier and wife Jennifer of Cabool, Missouri; daughter-in-law Linda Frazier of West Plains; six grandchildren Brad Peachee, Stephanie Frazier, Justin Frazier and wife Charlotte, Erin Peachee, Jesse Frazier and wife Amanda, and Hunter Frazier; ten great-grandchildren, Shelby, Aubrey, Kendall, Lincoln, Teagan, Jacquelyn, Nicholas, Emilee, Landon and Tinley; three great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Cleo Dulls of San Antonio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Larry Frazier.

For many years, Dorman worked in farming and as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was active in the Greater Ozark Marine Corp League. Dorman devoted countless hours helping to construct homes with Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed gardening, raising horses, hunting, and visiting with family and friends. All who knew him, knew his love of telling a good story.

A celebration of life will take place on Monday, January 30, 2023, at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, with a private family burial to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Howell County Habitat for Humanity in West Plains or the First Presbyterian Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation services for Harry Whitney Wright, Jr., 82, Theodosia, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Wright passed away at 5:14 p.m., Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn his peaceful passing.  Harry will be lovingly remembered by his wife and family.

He was born April 2, 1940, at Halls, Tennessee, to Harry Whitney Wright, Sr. and Martha Higdon Wright.  Harry was known and loved by many for being the man that he was.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.  Mr. Wright was a member of the First United Methodist Church.  He worked farming for years with his son, Whitney and was a successful real estate broker, insurance broker and was a certified real estate appraiser for a number of years.  Harry loved hunting of all kinds and he always enjoyed introducing young people to hunting.  He enjoyed his stories of the woods and experiences and hosting dove hunts with friends and family.  His first love and passion was horses; riding, showing, raising, buying, selling, trading, anything horses.  From his loving wife: He would tell me at shows…”more riding, less talking”, my groom, my friend, my cowboy, rest well until we ride again.  Happy Trails my love.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pascoe Wright; his children, Conley and Dee Wright, Elizabeth and Kyle Mahan, April Wright and Chance and Laura Cates; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several cousins. 

His parents and one son, Whitney Wright III, preceded him in death.  

Harry will be laid to rest at Halls Cemetery, Halls, Tennessee.  Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or The Missouri Foxtrot Horse Youth Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.