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Funeral services for Melvin Ray Bradley, 77, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bradley passed away at 6:05 a.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born December 3, 1943, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lawrence Ruel Bradley and Hazel Irene Thompson Bradley.  On June 9, 1962, he was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Christine Sanders.  Mr. Bradley was a fabrication engineer at DRS for forty-five years.  He loved farming, hunting, fishing, and trapping, and he enjoyed camping and going on float trips with his family.  He loved his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and his wife.  Mr. Bradley was a member of First Assembly of God, Pomona, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, of the family home; four children, Tammy Bradley, Peace Valley, Missouri, Cynthia Bradley and Mike Edwards, Anchorage, Alaska, Sherry Bradley, Springfield, Missouri, and Saundra Bradley, Peace Valley, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one brother, Martin Bradley and wife, Stella, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Richard Sanders, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Doy Ray Richardson, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Shirley Burns, Texas; and several  nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

His parents and one brother, Kenneth Bradley, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Rose Chapel.  Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Ministries at First Assembly of God, Pomona, Missouri, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Janice Kay Duggins, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Janice passed away peacefully at her home on Nov. 30, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 19, 1953 in West Plains, Missouri, to Charles “Eldon” and Ella Roberson. She was a beloved mother, friend, and Mimi.

She grew up extremely loved as the baby of a large family. She spent a great deal of time with her father at the service stations he owned. She remembered fondly how he would always give away free candy to the children who stopped by the station. Her parents instilled in her a lifelong commitment to generosity and caring for others. It was also during her time at the station that she developed a love for cars as evidenced by her beloved Mach 1 Mustang that she used to cruise through town. Most importantly, it was at this station that she met a young Army lieutenant named Gary who stopped by for gas on his way to the lake. He was filling up his coolers of ice when she boldly introduced herself. He invited her to join him and to his great surprise and delight, she arrived at the lake later with chocolate chip cookies in tow.  Gary returned to his assignment in Huntsville but the two stayed in close contact, running up long-distance phone bills. While on a trip back home to visit, he proposed, but just one month later, he was posted to the war in Vietnam. The two considered postponing the wedding, but decided not to wait. Gary came home and during a two-week leave from the war they were married on Sept. 9, 1972. That Christmas, Gary came back to the states for good. The two settled in Kansas at Fort Riley, but soon were homesick for Missouri and their family. They returned to West Plains where they opened a boat dealership. They spent much of their free time on the water and when Sherrie came along in 1976, they taught her to water ski at the age of four. In 1982, Shandi was born. After selling the boat business, Janice became a homemaker. She was the definition of super mom, volunteering at school, president of the PTA, and supporting her daughters in all they did. When they were in plays, Janice was at every performance. She never missed a concert, sporting event, or opportunity to volunteer. Once the girls were in school, Janice’s active participation in the school led to a position as a special education aide. She loved her work with elementary and middle school students and had a deep commitment to helping children. In the summers, Janice loved nothing more than her yearly summer vacations, usually to the beach. Many trips were spent at Sanibel Island and Gulf Shores, making memories to last a lifetime. The beach was a tradition that continued for as long as her health allowed, eventually adding her children’s spouses and grandchildren. She loved watching them play in the water and was the first to dig her toes in the sand and build a castle. On shopping trips, she delighted in surprising all of her girls with trips to pick out whatever purses their hearts desired. As much as she loved summers at the beach, her true favorite time of the year was Christmas. She went all out for the holidays with decorations, food, candy, and gifts. Her children and grandchildren have never purchased socks because each year, their stockings were full of this traditional gift. Her presence will be greatly missed but always remembered most during the Christmas season. Janice retired from education in 2005, shortly before her first grandchild was born. She once again stepped into the role of cheerleader for those she loved. When her health allowed, she attended every basketball, soccer, football game, recital, play and science fair for Izzy, Jonah, Emmy and Marat. Her grandchildren provided the most precious moments of her life and leaving them was her greatest sadness in departing this earth.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Gary Duggins; daughters Sherrie Hamner, husband, Matt, and Shandi Brinkman, husband, Allen; her four grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Isabella Hamner, Emery Hamner, Jonah Brinkman, and Marat Brinkman. She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law and dear friends, Johnnie and Beverly Duggins; sister-in-law Barbara Alsup; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Cecil and Donna Duggins, her siblings, Don Alsup, Georgie Driver, Charles Roberson, Carrie Hale, Marie Ramsey and her best friend, Linda Squires.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bridges, a program to assist students, a befitting tribute for someone who cared so much for others, especially children in need. Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  The family invites all friends and family to celebrate Janice’s life with them at the service and at a light lunch to follow at the Historic Post Office.

Perry L. Hayes, Sr. was born on April 1, 1934, on a farm near Bakersfield, Missouri.  He was the son of John Dale and Anna Sorrell Mullins Hayes.  He received his education from the Bakersfield R IV school district, graduating with the Class of 1951.  After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and, after twenty years of service, retired as Master Sergeant in June of 1971.  During his military career he received numerous awards and medals.  Upon retiring, he brought his family to the farm where he was born.  In April of 1974, he went to work at Mountain Home, Arkansas, for Baxter Lab.  He worked in the warehouse as a forklift driver, retiring again in 1994.  Perry also farmed from 1971 until 2014 when his health forced him to slow down.  Perry joined the Masonic Lodge of Missouri at Bayou Lodge #365 in August of 1955.  He was a sixty-six year member of the lodge.  He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin, and Eastern Star #432 of Gainesville.  On May 25, 1961, he married the love of his life, Peggy Joyce Mitchell, who followed him wherever the USAF sent him, making a home for their family.  Perry attended Frontier Baptist Church at Pontiac, Missouri, as long as his health would allow.  He loved his church family and was proud of the impact that little church made on the world.

Perry is survived by daughter, Terry Hayes Wood and husband, Gerald; granddaughter, Emily Wood; grandson, Seth Wood, all of Caulfield. It was a group effort providing care for him at home the last seven years, honoring his wishes to remain at home.  He took great joy in Emily being his roommate.  Survivors also include sons-in- law, Verl Terry and Darrell Hensley; great-granddaughters, Abbie and Zoey; nephew, Gregory Grayham and wife, Joanna; Masonic Brother, Wayne Krouse; and dearly loved dachshund, Ginger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy, daughter, Peggy Hensley, grandson, Jamey Hensley, daughter, Barbara Terry, sister, Toreva Grayham, brother-in-law, George Grayham, and niece, Cathy Grayham.

He received full military honors in a private service at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson Drago Funeral Home.

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

Allen Dale Titsworth, 68, Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away at 10:35 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born July 26, 1953, in Illinois, the son of Horace Titsworth and Bonnie Greene.  On August 18, 1987, he was married at Grand Gulf, Missouri, to Nancy Vandiver.  Mr. Titsworth was a painter for Camcorp Manufacturing.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved to mow the yard and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the family home; four children, Scott and wife, Heidi, Mansfield, Missouri, Steve and wife, Stephanie, Mansfield, Missouri, Misty Williams, South Fork, Missouri, and Shelby and wife, Jessica, Nixa, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Titsworth and wife, Lynn, Koshkonong, Missouri, and Bill Titsworth, Hawaii; one sister, Felicia Gwaltney and husband, Danny, Agnes, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Graveside services for Ellen Marie McKee, 86, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. McKee passed away at 9:15 p.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born October 13, 1935, in Howell County, Missouri, to Ellis Fox and Ethel Collins Fox.  On October 14, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to James P. McKee, who preceded her in death on November 14, 2013.  Mrs. McKee was an excellent cook and enjoyed flowers, gardening, canning, sewing and making rugs. 

She is survived by six children, Joyce Ledbetter, Keith McKee, Jo Unruh, Kelly McKee, Kevin McKee and wife, Carol Shinberger and Kerry Dean McKee; seventeen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bobby Joe Fox and wife, Laverne and Donald Fox and wife, Helen; six sisters, Lena Story and husband, Glen, Shirley Collins and husband, Charles, Bonnie Tackitt and husband, Kenneth, Dixie Leroy and husband, Bill, Imogene Tilson and husband, Nevin and Vanetta Sexton and husband, Don; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Pamela Sue, one son, James Kenneth McKee and two brothers, Leonard Fox and David Dwight Fox, preceded her in death.  

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

Billy Ray Stiner, 57, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:00 a.m., Thursday, November 25, 2021, at his home.  

He was born February 11, 1964, at Houston, Missouri, to John Stiner and Bonnie McCleary Stiner.  Mr. Stiner worked at Fox Sawmill.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching the Chiefs and NASCAR; he loved spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his significant other, Sherry Barfield; one son, Andrew Hayes; one grandson, Andon Hayes; four brothers, Ralph Stiner and wife, Deborah, Donnie Stiner and wife, Debbie, Frank Stiner and wife, Dawn and Benny Stiner and wife, Heather, all of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two sons, Billy Stiner, Jr. and Brandon Hayes and three brothers, Bo, Jessie and Ronnie Stiner, preceded him in death.   

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Lloyd F. Best finished his life on this earth and went to his eternal home in heaven on November 28, 2021.  Lloyd was born on February 11, 1940 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Owen and Helen Best.

He graduated from Thayer High School in May, 1959.  He joined the United States Navy where he was stationed on the Destroyer USS John R. Pierce.  He married Katherine Hackett on February 9, 1960.  After discharge, he eventually returned to Missouri, purchasing Best Shoe Store in 1968 and then added The Shoe Rack in 1971.  Lloyd was in business thirty-five years in Thayer, and always worked hard for the betterment of his community.  He was active as President of Chamber of Commerce and President of Thayer School Board.  He enjoyed going to work every day and truly missed seeing his customers after retiring in 2003.  Lloyd loved people and lived a full life.  He enjoyed trail rides, turkey hunting with friends, and had a good time bowling at West Plains and Mountain Home.  He loved to watch football, especially the THS Bobcats, and was proud to be a “Bob Codger”.  Lloyd was a member of the First Baptist Church and had a true servant’s heart.  He drove many people to the doctor or the hospital and was ready to help wherever he was needed.  He spent many hours working on the church grounds, and worked with the Baptist Disaster Chainsaw Group during the ice storm of 2009.  Life was simple to Lloyd, you did what needed to be done, treat others as you want to be treated, and laugh often.  He did enjoy a good story and laughed heartily at himself. 

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Katherine, of sixty-one years; daughters, Margaret Jane Simer and husband, Danny, and Suzanne Elizabeth Langley and husband, Greg; beloved grandchildren, Jessica Nichole Smith and husband, Jonathan, and Samuel Alan Simer and wife, Annalise; precious great-grandchildren, Bayleigh Addison McGuire, Ethan Daniel Simer, Jenner Keith Smith, Jemma Katherine Smith, Jude Kensington Smith, and Lloyd Stephen Simer; siblings, Herbert Best and wife, Gloria, Mary Best, Leon Best and wife, Dora, Helen Jeanne Hass, Pat Saenger and husband, Leo, and Margaret Unze and husband, Wayne; and sisters-in-law, Jane Romines and husband, Ken, and Pat Best.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Tyler Owen Simer, sister, Theresa Cortner, brother, Paul Best, brother-in-law, Bill Hass, two nephews, and his parents.

Arrangements are planned for a celebration of Lloyd’s life after the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his life with a donation to “Best Foot Forward” where funds will be used to purchase shoes for the children in our area who need them.  Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Southern Bank or any Best family member, or to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Casey Nivelle Work passed from this world November 24, 2021, at 12:35 a.m.  He was born the youngest son of Orval Ellsworth Work and Neva Jane Welton Work, August 18, 1932, in Fresno, California.

Casey came from a long line of California pioneers, ranchers, and farmers, and whose stories and adventures can be found in the Tulare County history books.  One of Casey’s jobs growing up was helping his Aunt Angie, the Dunlap, California, postmaster, have a cat round-up.  At age twelve or so, his weekly job was to hike up the mountain about five miles and clean out the two springs to water the cattle.  He took along a .22 rifle, in case the old bear came ‘round he’d fill his belly full of lead.  He helped his Uncle Claud tear down a house in the valley and re-build it up on the mountain.  It was built with square nails.  The family grazed their cattle in the National Forest, and controlled burns were the boys’ jobs as well, something that should remain in practice today instead of uncontrolled fires.  Casey didn’t own a pair of shoes until he started high school.  After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS McKean, the “Mighty Mac”, a destroyer, in the Korean War.  Even though he was just a Third Class Seaman, he was the Captain’s go-to for keeping things running.  After service to his country came marriage to Marion Joyce Stanley, and two children, Janet Lynn Work Harrison and Kent Casey Work.  Casey was an ace at mechanics and welding, and fabricated a lot of his own equipment.  Casey was masterful at running bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators.  His love of hunting took him to some of his favorite places in the country with some of his favorite pals.  Oh, the stories!  Casey was one tough character.  There was one day, working on the side of a mountain running a backhoe, the backhoe turned over, trapping Casey under it.  He dug himself out, his leg was broken, set his own leg, and drove himself to the hospital.  He did lots of work in the National Park, including running TV station cable up Big Baldy, to engineering and rebuilding the washed out Weston Meadows in the Kings Canyon National Park, restoring it to its natural beauty.  A family of wild geese raised their young under his kitchen window every year.  Some of his dearest friends were the nuns at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Monastery.  They kept him in goat milk soap that they made.  Casey was most famous for “witching wells”.  Cooperate farmers would fly or drive hours to pick him up to “witch” a well, success every time.  Casey stood up for what was right and just and wasn’t afraid to fight to win every time.  When the county wanted to tax the people’s well water, they came upon a big, block wall . . . Casey!!

Casey leaves behind his baby sister, Darlene A. Work Simpson and family, daughter Janet and all her crew, and many friends and family that won’t forget what determination looks like.

No service to be held.

Graveside services for Morgan Douglas Collins, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Collins passed away peacefully at 9:35 a.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born October 20, 1954, at West Plains, Missouri, the son of Ival Wendell Collins and Mary Francis Owen Collins.  On June 25, 1977 he was married to Terry Lee Richardson in Ozark County, Missouri.  He was a retired Boilermaker.  Morgan was a loving husband, precious son, best brother, and a Special Daddy to his children, as well as a great ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Morgan holds a special place in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him as a selfless, giving, patient and truly gentle soul.  His love for fishing (all night with only a bite), deer and turkey hunting, which he willingly and patiently shared with his children and grandchildren, thrilled him so.  He was of the Church of Christ faith.

Morgan is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Terry Lee Collins, of the family home; his Precious Mama Mary Francis Owen Collins; three children, Crisi Hadley and husband, James, Douglas Collins, Leigh Collins and Thomas McGoldrick; seven grandchildren, Victoria McKee, Nicholas Hadley, Kyle Hadley, Zeriah Jones, Kailee Collins and Willow Collins; a very special great-granddaughter, Scarlett Collins (Little Starlett to Morgan); one brother, Galen Collins and wife, Margaret; two sisters, Teresa Goodpasture and Terena Hudson and husband, Lionel; four brothers-in-law, Charles Richardson and wife, Phyllis, Doyle Richardson and wife, Joan, Jerry Richardson and wife, Vicky, and Gary Richardson and wife, Janet; one sister-in-law, Sherry Pemberton and husband, Rocky; and many family and friends who were also family to Morgan.

He is preceded in death by his Daddy, Ival Wendell Collins, several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews – too numerous to name, but always in our hearts and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Cancer Organization of Choice and left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  

Graveside services for Brent Edward Easley, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Easley passed away at 9:54 a.m., Thursday, November 25, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born August 1, 1961 in West Plains, Missouri to Evelyn Kelsey and the late Truman Easley Jr. He was of the Christian faith.  He was united in marriage to Debbie Stubblefield Stanton of Alton, Missouri on May 25^th, 2013 and they made their home in West Plains, Missouri. They loved traveling, going to the movies, fishing and just enjoyed life together.  Brent grew up most of his life in West Plains and graduated from West Plains High School in 1979. He went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned several degrees, including a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a BS in Business Management and BS in Industrial Management. After graduating, he went to work for Loren Cook as an engineering draftsman for several years, then decided to go back to school and attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. After graduating in 1994, he moved back to West Plains and went to work for Dr. Wiehe in his chiropractic office, later buying the practice and establishing his own practice from 1994 until his death.  Brent was a member of the West Plains Optimist Club, served on the board of the Christos House and on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Missouri Chiropractors for many years. He went on mission trips to Panama for 9 years and, along with chiropractors Sandy Abrams and Kathy Keith, hosted the annual Easter Egg Hunt for 20 years.  His office manager and assistant, Joey Whitlock, who worked for Brent 27 years also helped with the Easter Egg hunts and was an invaluable asset to Brent.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, of the family home; his mother, Evelyn Kelsey; two sisters, Carolan Hand and Brenda Burden; one brother, Brian Easley; and five nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Truman Easley, Jr., his grandparents, Truman Easley, Sr. and Ina Easley, Mary Hill, his aunt, Barbara Weaver, and his uncle, Richard Hill.

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.

Jay Vernon Cross, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:52 a.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 31, 1951, at Arlington, Virginia, the son of Vernon Francis Cross and Audrey Hendrix Cross.  He proudly served as Deputy Sheriff of Volusia County, Florida, for twenty-five years.  Mr. Cross was a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.  He loved drinking coffee every day at the Downtown Antiques Mall, and he also loved spoiling his grandkids and his dog, Josey.

He is survived by four children, Ben Cross and wife, Hope, Houston, Missouri, Rene Cross, Cabool, Missouri, Rachel Wilson and husband, Lee, Deland, Florida, and Jesse Cross and wife, Carmen, Nampa, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Audrey, Dallas, Gabe, Lawson, Rylee, Jude, and Gabi; and one sister, Barbara Gionfriddo, North Carolina.

His parents, Vernon and Audrey Cross, preceded him in death.  

Funeral services for Wayne Eldon Talburt, 62, Sycamore, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at First Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Talburt passed away at 2:52 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born February 14, 1959, at Mountain View, Missouri, to Amos Talburt and Lavada Dixon Talburt. On August 11, 1992, he married to Ramona Cline. Mr. Talburt graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1977, received a Bachelor of Science degree from College of the Ozarks in 1981, majoring in Criminal Justice, Corrections and Sociology, and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University Springfield in 1993. He worked for the Missouri State Water Patrol beginning in January of 1981, and retired in July of 2016 at the rank of Lieutenant. During his work as a public servant, he served as the following: dive team supervisor, dive team instructor, academy instructor, and criminal investigations instructor. He had numerous teaching experiences during his service: Missouri State Water Patrol Dive Team instructor, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, Missouri State Water Patrol Academy, Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, Missouri State Conservation Department Academy, St. Charles Police Academy. Professional certifications include: P.O.S.T. Certified Generalist Instructor, F.B.I. Law Enforcement Instructor Development, P.A.D.I. Master Scuba Diver Instructor, First Responder instructor, Defensive Tactics and Physical Fitness Specialist Instructor, and 8 Course Certifications for FEMA and Homeland Security; Honors and Awards: National Silver Finn Award (Highest award a dive team can internationally win), Missouri Peace Officers Association Officer of the Year, Missouri State Water Patrol Meritorious Service Citation and Colonels Commendation, for putting his life in perilous danger the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lifesaving Award, State Employee of the Month Award, National Association of Boating Law Administrators State Officer of the Year, Governor’s Achievement Award, Red Cross Volunteer of the Year, and the 1980 National Man of the Year Award. Other Accomplishments include: College of the Ozarks Associates Board- 2015 to present, Member of the Missouri State Water Patrol Underwater Recovery Team for 26 year with the last 16 of those years as supervisor, Dora School Board from 2000 to 2006.

In his personal life Mr. Talburt attended Dora Family Life Church, and was a strong man of faith, Jesus Christ was most important to him. Wayne raised his boys to be Godly men. He loved his family, and especially his wife, Ramona. Wayne mowed yards and took care of the local widows. Wayne was the backbone of the family. He loved his water patrol brothers as if they where family. He enjoyed reading, diving, spending time with family, and loved taking in the beauty of the Ozarks. Wayne felt that diving was what God created him to do to provide comfort and closure to the surviving families by recovering and praying over the body of their loved one. Wayne saw his job as a witness of Christ. It is because of his dedication of having God in his job that Wayne was referenced throughout the nation for law enforcement advice, and his dive team was one of three dive teams in the nation to be called upon by homeland security in times of disaster.

He is survived by his wife, Ramona Talburt, of the family home; three children, Grant Talburt and wife Clancy of West Plains, Seth Talburt and wife Kirsten of Ava, Missouri, and Susan Howard and husband Ronnie of Dora, Missouri; his mother, Lavada Talburt, West Plains; father-in-law, Danny Cline, West Plains; two brothers, Hal Talburt of West Plains and Rad Talburt wife Joanne of Doniphan, Missouri; brother-in-law, Scott Cline and wife Tina; sister-in-law, Monica Tate and husband Brandon; several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, Elissa Tate, Madison Cline, Caleb Cline, Shayne Talburt and wife Stephanie, Bryce Talburt and wife Shelby.

His father Amos, sister Sondra Talburt, and mother-in-law Donna Cline, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., to 1:00 P.M. Burial site will be at Huddleston Cemetery of Royal Oak, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to College of the Ozarks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.

Memorial services for Marvin Lee Polzin, 79, and Linda Eileen Polzin, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. and Mrs. Polzin passed away at 10:45 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at their home.

Marvin was born November 17, 1942, at Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Edward and Ethel Smith Polzin.  He owned Polzin Upholstery in Great Bend, Kansas, and West Plains Used Furniture and Upholstery in West Plains, Missouri, and was well-known as a master upholsterer.  After closing his upholstery shop, Mr. Polzin became a designer at Arlee Home Fashions.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, canning, and a good meal.

Linda was born January 19, 1946, at Kinsley, Kansas, to Archie Johnson and Marian Eileen Johnson Reichardt.  She was a homemaker, and she enjoyed collecting Coke items and working puzzles.  She also enjoyed her cats and her dog, Sadie.

On August 19, 1962, Marvin and Linda were married at Kinsley, Kansas.

They are survived by four children, Christine Nemnich and husband, Bradley, Great Bend, Kansas, Sherry Bowen and husband, Randy, Durand, Michigan, Michael Polzin, West Plains, Missouri, and Misty Dobbs and husband, Kenneth, West Plains, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Shawn, Nicole, Derek, Megan, Leanne, Ashley, Shane, Jesse, Amber, Kelsey, Kendra, Deven, Kaylee, and Ashlynn; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Marvin is also survived by one brother, James Polzin; and one sister, Jewell Lewis, and husband, Gerry.

Linda is also survived by two brothers, Gary Johnson and wife, Sally, and Harry Johnson and wife, Rose; and one sister, Bonnie West.

Marvin’s parents and three infant siblings preceded him in death.  Linda’s parents 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.

Funeral services for Donald Everett (Don) Lancaster, 66, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Lancaster passed away at 7:16 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born December 19, 1954, at Thayer, Missouri, to Billy Lee (Bill) Lancaster and Shirley Ruth Anderson Lancaster of Koshkonong, Missouri.  He attended Koshkonong Elementary School and then later, after the family moved to West Plains in 1965, attended West Plains Junior High School and then West Plains High School, from which he graduated in 1972.  In 1974, he married Janet Lea Marshell of West Plains, and the couple welcomed their son, Donald Everett (D.) Lancaster, Jr, in 1978.  After his graduation, Don began working at Meek’s Lumber Company at its West Plains yard.  In the forty-five years that he worked for Meek’s, both at its West Plains and Mountain Grove facilities, he served in many roles, including manager and, for many years prior to his death, as manager of the contracting office, working with and getting to know thousands of customers, contractors, tradespeople, and vendor representatives.  His work was important to him, as were the many men and women he worked alongside at the business.  Don enjoyed living in the south-central Missouri Ozark region that he called home all of his life, working on his farm, hunting, fishing, and serving at church.  He loved being with his family, especially during Christmas and the Fourth of July, visiting his son and family at their home in Indiana, camping at Alley Spring and Norfork Lake, and making many memories over the years with his immediate and extended family.  He openly chose Jesus as his Savior at an early age and attended the Brandsville Church of God, where he had many wonderful friends.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Ruth Lancaster; his wife, Janet Lancaster; one child, D. Lancaster and wife, Shelley, Covington, Indiana; three grandchildren, D. W. Lancaster, Faith Bodine and husband, Clayton, and Quinton Lancaster, all of Covington, Indiana; one brother, Dennis Lancaster and wife, Rita, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Charlotte Lancaster Cochran and husband, Vance, South Fork, Missouri.; his father-in-law, Roy Marshell, West Plains, Missouri.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins on both the Lancaster and Anderson side of the family.

His father, Billy Lee (Bill) Lancaster, and his mother-in-law, Ola Mae Marshell, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons or Brandsville Church of God and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Susan Marie Blair, 64, Thayer, Missouri, passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021, at her home.

She was born September 11, 1957, at Beloit, Wisconsin, to Clifford Carl Vigdal and Beverly Ann Pearsall Vigdal.  Susan was a head cook most of her life.  She loved to spend time with her family and friends.

She is survived by three children, Rick Blair, Jr., Buck Blair, and James Blair; two grandchildren, James Blair II and Braxton Jacobson; three brothers, Joe Vigdal and wife, Sue, Jake Vigdal and wife, Sassy, and Buck Vigdal; two sisters, Sandy Vigdal and Sharon Collins, one sister-in-law, Debbie Vigdal; a special cousin, Diane Ishee; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her parents, husband, Rick Blair, Sr., two brothers, John Vigdal and Jim Vigdal, and one sister, Sonia Wetenkamp, preceded her in death.  

Funeral services for Hester Hasseltine (Shrable) Pendergrass, 99, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Central Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Pendergrass passed away at 12:54 p.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born July 9, 1922 at Vidette, Arkansas, to Ralph Emerson Shrable and Lillie Leeann Worsham Shrable.  On January 29, 1938, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Roy Lester Pendergrass, and to this union eight children were born.  They made their home in the Bakersfield, Missouri, community.  Roy was a farmer, barber, and schoolteacher.  Hasseltine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker to her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Hasseltine still resided on the family farm until her departure, spending many wonderful hours with her immediate family of seventy-five plus members.  She was a member of the Central Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri.  As the matriarch of a huge family, her greatest legacy to her present and future generations will be the Christian examples of her daily walk with her Lord.  She studied her Bible and followed God’s commandments, and was ready for her long-awaited reward.  Hasseltine loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart.  She had the ability to make each individual feel very loved and spoiled them as much as she dared do.  Spending countless hours in the country on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa, the grandchildren will be able to reminisce about requesting their favorite grandmother signature foods consisting of cocoa (chocolate) gravy and chocolate rolls.  As they shared grandma and cousin time, they will remember afternoon popcorn breaks, swimming in the creek, playing games, feeding the birds and endless kittens, and adventures on the farm.  Perhaps most of all, they witnessed Grandma’s undying love for their grandpa, and her love for Jesus and her family.  Hasseltine also leaves behind her treasured caregiver, Shawn Kimbrough.  She loved Shawn with all her heart, and Shawn remained faithful to Hasseltine to the end.  The Pendergrass family enveloped Shawn as one of their own.  Today we lost a core staple that we have known our entire lives, leaving us with a massive heartbreak.  However, she leaves us with her faith, wisdom, and precious memories to last a lifetime.

Hasseltine is survived by six children, daughter Helen Harber and husband, Russell, Battlefield, Missouri, daughter June Campbell and husband, Joe, Raymore, Missouri, son R.A. Pendergrass and wife, Connie, Bakersfield, Missouri, son Larry Pendergrass and wife, Carol, Caulfield, Missouri, daughter Joy Holloway and husband, Dan, West Plains, Missouri, and daughter Cathy Baird and husband, Jackie, Rogersville, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and spouses; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Lessie (Shrable) Clay, Joyce (Shrable) Hodges and husband, Leon, and Jodie (Shrable) Sutherland and husband, Ronnie, all of Viola, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law, Wanda (Pendergrass) Shurtleff and husband, Ross, Marysville, Washington, and Faye Shrable, Lawrence, Kansas; and son-in-law, Darrell Ricky Davidson. 

Her parents, husband, Roy Lester Pendergrass, son Roye Kenneth Pendergrass, daughter, Peggy Sue Pendergrass Davidson, eight siblings, Lorene, Rudolph, Lucille, Lehman, Curtis, Audine, Betty, and infant brother, Judgee, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Horton and Fannie Pendergrass, and special niece, Bonita Reynolds, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Pendergrass will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Bakersfield Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, because of Hasseltine’s love for children and family, memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  Memorial contributions also may be made to Bakersfield Cemetery.

Graveside services for George Daniel (Danny) Jenkins, 76, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Redburn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Jenkins passed away at 5:30 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 29, 1945, at Grapevine, Texas, to George Franklin Jenkins and Lucille Andrews Jenkins.  On December 22, 1965, he was married at Watsonville, California, to Shirley Joyce Spurgeon.  Mr. Jenkins was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  He enjoyed working on and restoring cars, hunting, and family time.  He was of the Pentecostal faith. 

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the family home; three children, Denis McCrackin, and husband, John, Peace Valley, Missouri, Daniel Jenkins and wife, Melissa, Ash Flat, Arkansas, and Shayla Jenkins, Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Viola Cooley and husband, Monroe, Patricia Payne, and Barbara Clark and husband, Freddy; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

His parents, one son, George Franklin Jenkins, one grandson, George Wesley Jenkins, five brothers, John Wesley Story, Everett Story, Charles Ray Story, Sam Story, and Johnny Jenkins, and one sister, Wanda Gail Sanford, preceded him in death.  

Mr. Jenkins will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Redburn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Katherine Louise Bray, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Bray passed away peacefully in her sleep at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021, at her home.  

She was born November 8, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Buford and Dora Johnson Skaggs.  On June 9, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Lloyd Wayne, Bray, who preceded her in death on December 16, 1998.  Mrs. Bray was an LPN and worked in the OB department at the hospital in West Plains before taking early retirement to stay home and care for her grandchildren.  She loved her job as an OB nurse and would often share fond memories of time spent with her co-workers and the babies she helped deliver.  She also very much loved her family and cherished the time they spent together working in the hay fields, checking cows and enjoying family meals during holidays or just because.  She was a member of the Trailblazers at New Hope Baptist Church, Peace Valley, Missouri and attended services at Smith Chapel, West Plains.

She is survived by three children, Linda Rhoades and husband, Frank, Willmar, Minnesota, Kathy Beaty and Lloyd Gene (Bud) Bray and wife, Catherine, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Jim Rhoades and Katherine (Justine) Bolstad, both of Willmar, Minnesota, Elaine Lippincott and husband, Todd, Sealy, Texas, Lea Ann Cozort and Kevin Bray and wife, Ashley, all of West Plains,  Keith Bray,  Kansas City, Missouri and Justin Bray and wife, Kayci, Springfield, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Jessie Rhoads, Gaborick Bolstad, Maddox Bolstad, Emilie Lippincott, Ava Lippincott, Karter Fredrick and Mason Bray; three siblings, Kenneth Skaggs, John Skaggs and wife, Gaye and Karen Henry, all of West Plains; brother-in-law, Tom Wiles, Springfield, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Her parents, husband, an infant brother, Jesse Joe Skaggs, two sisters, Vida Hall and Evelyn Gayle Wiles and one great-granddaughter, Ellie Thompson, preceded her in death.    

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

Graveside services for Dortha Lea Staggs, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 10, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Staggs passed away at 12:00 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at her home.

She was born August 9, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Edward W. Pirnack and Roxie Bean.  Dortha graduated from West Plains High School, and she attended a business college in Springfield, Missouri.  On August 13, 1955, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Earl (Wayne) Staggs, who preceded her in death September 17, 2017.  Mrs. Staggs enjoyed the floor covering business, and she and Wayne owned Staggs Floor Covering for forty years.  She also enjoyed crafts, interior decorating, and flowers, as well as fishing and the outdoors.  Mrs. Staggs was a member of the West Plains Elks Lodge #2418 Auxiliary.   She attended First Christian Church.

She is survived by two children, Paul Jolliff and wife, Lana, Metropolis, Illinois, and Bob Jolliff and wife, Darlene, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one sister, Billie Venneman and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri.

Her parents and her husband preceded her in death.