Private Graveside Services for Isom Sherwood Vaughan, 83, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Vaughan died 1:35 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2020 at his home. He was born November 18, 1936 at Leota, Missouri to Oliver Vaughan and Ozella Alexander Vaughan. On November 25, 1961, he was married at Alpaugh, California to Nina Cox. Mr. Vaughan was a veteran having served with the United States Army. He enjoyed golf, working puzzles, doing his blog on politics, gardening and fishing. Mr. Vaughan was a member of the West 160 Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Vaughan, of the family home; two daughters, Rhonda Hatley and husband, John, West Plains, Missouri and Sonja McClain, Viola, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Summer Vaughan, Cody McClain, Shain Baile, Kaylee Hatley and Kaycee Hatlley; one brother, Max Vaughan and wife, Elaine, Bakersfield, Missouri; and Bonnie Carlile, West Plains, Missouri.
His parents, three sisters, Marjorie Cockrum, Maxine Vaughan and Opal Hicks, three brothers, Bob Vaughan, Otis Vaughan and Orvis Vaughan and one great-granddaughter, Journey Starr, preceded him in death.
Marjorie Helen Kelly, 77, West Plains, Missouri, departed this life Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Ozark Medical Center.
She was born March 5, 1943 in Margaretville, New York to Albert and Winifred (Roberts) Wickham. Marjorie was raised on a large dairy farm and attended Margaretville High school. She had four siblings Gayle, Frances, George and Gary all preceding her in death. Marjorie united in marriage to Carl Dalton Kelly Sr., March 1966 and had three children Catherine Anne Kelly, Carl Dalton Kelly Jr., and Craig Dallas Kelly.
Marjorie was a quick witted, friendly and loving person who held deep affection for the military and all things supportive of America. Throughout her life she served as a Soldier in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), a senior administrative assistant in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department and a technical administrative analyst for the U.S. Army. She enjoyed animals (especially dogs), reading, games of chance (I.e. slots/bingo), participating in supportive initiatives for the Republican Party, spending time with friends/family, and late in her life painting/crafts. Marjorie was the rock of her family and would always be there to guide and help those in times of need. She held firm in her faith/beliefs and did not back down if challenged in either. She is remembered as a loving and loyal wife and an exceptional mother, sister, staunch patriot and friend to all.
She is survived by her son Carl D. Kelly Jr. (Colonel USA retired), his wife Gretchen and their two daughters Logan and Tatum; her grandchildren Amanda Grayson her husband Gray and their sons Dalton and Corben; Amber Jones and her children Andrew, Kyler and Harlie; Stephen Rosas; Lauryn (Sutton) Kelly her fiancé John and their son Kastor; Jayda Graham and her husband Alex; Amethyst Rich and her husband Jacob.
Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband Carl Sr., her daughter Cathy and her son Craig.
The family will hold a private graveside service at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Due to the current social distancing restrictions, attendance is only for immediate family and designated loved ones. The family will not hold a gathering afterward but intends to conduct another memorial service sometime this Spring/Summer in order to provide full military honors and celebrate the reinternment of her husband Carl Sr., next to her. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer any donations be made to the Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation in Marjorie’s name.
Celebration of Life Services for Jeanette Ann Duke, 46, Hot Springs, Arkansas will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Duke died 8:45 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2020 at National Park Hospital, Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born July 19, 1973 at Piggott, Arkansas to Aderon Joe Gray and Donna Guthery Gray. Mrs. Duke was an insurance sales person and was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by three children, Cody Duke and wife, Megan Hall, Aaron Duke and Brandon Duke, all of Caulfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Melody, Macie, Lydia and Addie; her parents, Joe and Donna Gray two brothers, Nathan Yandell and Donnie Yandell; two sisters, Laura and Pamela Gilmore; several nieces and nephews; and her fiance, Jeff Howe and his daughter, Savannah Howe.
Lawrence Lee Goure, 67, Peace Valley, Missouri, passed away at 7:03 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at his home.
He was born June 9, 1952, at Greeley, Colorado, to Floyd Goure and Belva Ball. On December 27, 1998, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Linda Barry. Mr. Goure was the owner of Supreme Kitchen & Bath. He loved his family and enjoyed riding motorcycles and looking for antiques.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Goure, of the family home; three children, Shawn Goure, West Plains, Missouri, Amy Batterton, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Claudia Leaver and husband, Ken, Flippin, Arkansas; his mother, Belva Trebilcock and husband, Robert, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Michael Goure and wife, Annette, Koshkonong, Missouri; and one sister, Karen Gruender, West Plains.
His father, one son, Robert Goure and one brother Gary Goure preceded him in death.
A private family graveside service for Walter Eugene Botzenhart, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Union Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Botzenhart passed away 6:38 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at his home.
He was born September 17, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to George Botzenhart and Hermine Moerschel Botzenhart. On September 4, 1965, he was married at Huntsville, Arkansas, to Kay Rideout. He enjoyed going on cruises, playing golf, fishing and watching sports. Mr. Botzenhart attended Brandsville Pentecostal Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Botzenhart; one daughter, Kimberly Ann McCartney and husband, Kevin, Sardis, Georgia; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one daughter, Kathleen, two grandchildren and one brother, George, preceded him in death.
Mr. Botzenhart will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A private family celebration of life service for Christopher Jeff Girdley, 33, West Plains, Missouri, will be held in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Girdley passed away at 6:04 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2020, at his home.
He was born August 23, 1986, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jeffrey Girdley and Karen Hunt Avey. Mr. Girdley was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. Christopher loved his kids and enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles.
He is survived by three children, Joseph, Chloe and Madeline Girdley; his father, Jeffery Girdley and wife, Heather, West Plains, Missouri; his mother, Karen Avey and husband, Jeff, Fortuna, Missouri; three brothers, Andrew Girdley, Andrew Garner and Joshua Avey; four sisters, Amber Girdley, Abbigail Garner, Allison Garner and Heather Steward; and his grandmother, Jackie Hunt.
His grandparents and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at a later date for John Ray Justus, Jr., 71, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Justus passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 2, 1948, at Eminence, Missouri, to John Ray Justus and Martha Gregory Justus. On June 22, 1985, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Colleen Ficken. He was of the Lutheran Faith and was very active in his church. John owned and operated A&A Enterprizes, a transportation brokerage. He also was a bookkeeper for E.H. Carrol Sand and Gravel. John was a Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was quick with a joke and had lots of friends. He was loved by many and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen Justus; one son, Darren Summers and wife, Kristy, and their three children, Henry, Beau and Reid; his daughter, Kimberly Daggett and husband, Jake, and their son, Pierson and a baby on the way; one sister, Betty Algeo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents, one sister, Dorothy Lewis and one brother, Leroy Justus, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The elevator fund at Immanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Karen Kathleen Davis, 79, Udall, Missouri, passed away 12:54 a.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born July 29, 1940, at Tecumseh, Missouri, to Eldon Pitcock and Linnie Marie Crawford Pitcock Ingram. Karen graduated from Gainesville High School with the Class of 1958. On November 5, 1959, she was married at Knob Noster, Missouri, to Lawrence David “Dave” Davis, who preceded her in death on February 22, 2020. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Karen never met a stranger and always put others first. She held a pilot’s license, was a great cook and enjoyed going to flea markets, traveling and feeding wildlife.
She is survived by two children, Lisa Keller and Dana Taylor and husband, Chet; one daughter-in-law, Chris Davis; six grandchildren, Keith Davis, Tara Hendrickson and husband, Jeremy, Cindy Hensley, Jonathan Mitchell and wife, Amanda, Jessica Mitchell and Ben Mitchell and wife, Jessica; twelve great-grandchildren; her mother, Linnie Ingram; two brothers, Marlyn Pitcock and wife, Charlene and Lyndon Pitcock and wife, Linaia; one sister, Kris Luebbert; and several nieces and nephews.
Her father, Eldon Pitcock, husband, Lawrence David “Dave” Davis and one son, Lawrence David “Larry” Davis, II, preceded her in death.
A memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. Davis will be held at a later date.
A private family graveside service for Joan Violet Woods, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Woods passed away 6:51 a.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home.
She was born December 19, 1933, at Norwich, England, to Arthur Elgood and Alice Selina Pond Elgood. On November 24, 1951, she was married at Norwich, England, to Robert Woods. Mrs. Woods enjoyed knitting and loved taking care of her home and family.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Woods, of the family home; six children, Steven Woods, Naples, Italy, James Woods and wife, Vicky, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, Michael Woods and wife, Debra, West Plains, Julia Hoover and husband, Randy, West Plains, Rebecca Eckman and husband, Bob, Thayer, Missouri and David Woods and wife, Rhonda, San Antonio, Texas; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one brother, Peter Elgood, Norwich, England; one brother-in-law, Larry Woods and wife, Evie; and two sisters-in-law, Ena Elgood and Nancy Flannigan.
Her parents, one daughter-in-law, Angela Woods, one brother and one sister, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Woods will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James Guy O’Dell, Jr., 60, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:10 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born February 7, 1960, at Albuquerque, New Mexico, to James Guy O’Dell and Betty Lou Vandagriff O’Dell.
He is survived by his mother Betty O’Dell; sister Kathy Parker along with Victor Parker, son Casey Parker and wife Michelle and children Peyton, Caden and Ren; one brother David O’Dell and wife Lily and daughter Cassie O’Dell all of West Plains.
He is preceded in death by his father, James G. O’Dell.
Roger Allen Berger, Sr., 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:57 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Eileen Turner Blacksher, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mrs. Blacksher passed away 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at her home.
She was born June 16, 1943, at Pasadena, California, to John Turner and Ruth May Vincent Turner. On December 31, 1978, she was married at Etiwanda, California, to Hershel Ray Blacksher, who preceded her in death on August 16, 2010.
She is survived by seven children, Paula, Glenn, Donna, Dale, Christina, Eric and Tammy; five step-children; forty-three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sisters and two brothers, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Pare Daily “Ace” Baker, Jr., 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Baker passed away 7:59 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home.
He was born December 15, 1932, at Batesville, Arkansas, to Pare D. Baker, Sr. and Rebecca Mae DePriest Baker. On March 15, 1957, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Mary Jo Smith. Mr. Baker was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Before his retirement he was the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of West Plains. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting and gardening. He never met a stranger. Ace loved his children, grandchildren and the love of his life, Mary Jo.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Baker, of the family home; two children, Vicky Deatherage and husband, Dr. Ted Deatherage and Kenny Baker and wife, Jackie, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Corey, Jazlynn, Kayla, Tim, Tonya and Alec; four great-grandchildren, Makenna, Haily, Mikah and Ellaina Jo; one sister-in-law, Sherrel Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and three brothers, Homer, Joe and James “Red” Baker, preceded him in death.
Mr. Baker will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Claude Edward “Eddie” Richards, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Richards passed away 9:40 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born April 10, 1936, at West Plains, Missouri, to Claude Earnest Richards and Edna Hill Richards. He received his elementary and high school education in West Plains, graduating from West Plains High School in 1953, where he was one of the most recognized athletes in West Plains history. Eddie participated in football, basketball, track, baseball and golf. He was the only athlete to ever letter in five sports in a single season. In the fall of 1953, Eddie enrolled at the University of Missouri and graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he established many close friendships that lasted his entire life. He was also a member of the University of Missouri Tigers basketball team for his four years in college, which remained an important part of his life and developed his avid love of Tiger sports. After graduating college, he entered the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged in 1959. It was during this period that he met the love of his life, Coretta Thomas. They were married on September 19, 1959 and were happily married for sixty years. They had two children, John and Laura. He returned to West Plains and joined the family business, Richards Brothers, where he worked his entire life. Eddie took over the feed and farm division of Richards Brothers and grew it into one of the area’s leaders in agriculture. Under his guidance, Richards Brothers became one of the most recognized dealerships for Purina Mills and was awarded as a top dealership many times. His work was more than business to him, as he took a genuine interest in his customers, many of which became close friends. Eddie loved being at the feed store every day, seeing customers and friends and keeping active in the business. Eddie was an active supporter of many local organizations and believed in always helping the community grow and prosper. He was a lifetime member of the Heart of the Ozarks Fair Board and served as president multiple times; he was a strong believer that the county fair was not only a showcase for our local farmers but a real community event to be shared by everyone. He was a key organizer of the National Feeder Pig Show. He served as President of the West Plains Country Club and served on the board of directors of West Plains Bank and Trust Company. Eddie was also a Shriner and had been a Mason for over fifty years Mr. Richards supported many organizations, but was especially fond of those that promoted youth activities, such as FFA. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including water skiing, boating, field trails and of course, basketball. However, you could mostly find him pursuing his two favorite pastimes, golf and quail hunting. Eddie had an outstanding career in amateur golf playing in many tournaments, including the Missouri Amateur and Senior Amateur and was the West Plains Country Club men’s champion multiple times. His joy of quail hunting established a special relationship with his many hunting dogs over the years and they would spend long afternoons together out in the quail fields. In his later years, Eddie became active in deer and turkey hunting. He bought a “farm” in the 1980’s to pursue his hunting passions and one of the real joys in life was spending time on his farm and working on it; it became a special place to him and he loved having friends and family join him there and would spend hours showing off the work he had done there. Eddie loved spending time with his friends and family; he was a true believer in enjoying life and sharing those moments with the people he loved. His favorite holiday was Christmas and he always believed it was a special time for his family to be together. He was very proud of his family. He took pride in watching his two children grow up and for the last several years the real joy of his life was his two granddaughters and watching them grow and being able to be a part of their lives.
He is survived by his wife, Coretta, West Plains; his son, John Richards, West Plains; and daughter, Laura Parker and husband, Steve; Kansas City; two granddaughters, Jessica and Anna Parker, Kansas City; his sister, Dorothy Alexa and husband, Jay, Harrison, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Claudine Richards, Kansas City; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Lynn Richards and several aunts, uncles and cousins, preceded him in death.
Mr. Richards will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2020, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of West Plains or OMC Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Sharon Kay Gosseck, 75, Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Bridges Creek Missionary Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Gosseck passed away at 4:20 a.m., Sunday, March 15, 2020 at her home.
She was born October 13, 1944, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Marlin Gus Lane and Rachel Frankie Twilley Lane. Sharon was very strong willed and was an amazing cook; she enjoyed flowers, casinos, bingo and country music.
She is survived by three children, Angela K. Sexton, Susan Nichols and husband, Robert and Jason Blackwell and wife, DeAnne; nine grandchildren, Jessica Teel, Shawna M. Myers and husband, Brad, Ron Teel, Amanda Honeycutt, Cheyanna Szudajski and husband, Gavin, Haley Murrill, Shelby Jeffery and husband, Ethan, Ty Blackwell and Abbie Blackwell; six great-grandchildren and one on the way; four sisters, Dixie Bayless and husband, Gerald, Linda Swadley and husband, Bill, Carol Cook and husband, Jim and Mona Gay Arnett; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Rick Lane, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery or American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for John Michael Lang Mahan, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mahan passed away 6:35 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Pleasant Valley Manor.
He was born on October 18, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana to John Burl Mahan and June Marie Lang. Mr. Mahan served in the United States Army as a Cryptologist before his 42 year career with Continental Airlines. On January 27, 1984, he was married in Denver, Colorado to Margo McIntosh. John had a passion for trains, aviation, and Arby’s. He never missed an opportunity to chase a train or share his knowledge. His love of history provided many travels for him and his family. His conversations with his grandchildren brought him the most joy.
He is survived by his wife, Margo Mahan; his three children, Paul Jerome Mahan and wife, Stefanie, Gilbert, Arizona, Andrea Elizabeth Stephenson and husband, Mike, Centennial, Colorado and Patrick John Mahan and wife, Erin, Commerce City, Colorado; and six grandchildren, Mackenzie, Sophia, Mason, Avery, Ashley, and Madelyn.
His parents preceded him in death.
Mr. Mahan will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Lora Kay Parks, the daughter of the late Bob DeGroat and Glenda McGoldrick DeGroat, was born March 3, 1951, in Howell County, Missouri. She entered into eternal rest March 5, 2020, at the age of sixty-nine years.
Lora loved all animals, dairy farming and fishing.
She is survived by one sister, Millie Moss and husband, Alvin, Mountain Home, Arkansas; one brother-in-law, Ken Crow, Pomona, Missouri; two uncles, Ken McGoldrick and wife, Lynn, Alton, Missouri and J. L. McGoldrick and wife, Tina, Mountain Grove, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, grandparents and two sisters, Jean Ann Wagnon and Irene Crow, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2020, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Larry Armstrong, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Armstrong passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 8, 1943, at Paris, Missouri, to Nelson Armstrong and Vella Dee McCreery Armstrong. On April 7, 1963, he was married at Shelbina, Missouri, to Deanna West. Mr. Armstrong began working for West Plains Bridge and Grading Company in 1979 and retired as Vice-President in 2008. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed time spent at Cloud 9 Ranch. Mr. Armstrong was of the Assembly of God faith and was an active member of The Bridge Church.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna Armstrong, of the family home; two children, Wesley Armstrong and wife, Angell, Springfield, Missouri and Nick Armstrong and wife, Linda, Ava, Missouri; four grandchildren, Ashley Dlouhy and husband, Michael, Abby Stoltzfus and husband, Josh, Tyger Armstrong and wife, Lauran and Lexy Armstrong; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Dale Armstrong and wife, Teresa, Joplin, Missouri; one sister, Carol Dean, Monroe City, Missouri; dear friend, Renee Rhine, West Plains, Missouri; brother-in-law, Joe Loeber; sister-in-law, Patty Blair; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
His parents, three brothers, Kenneth, Davey and Donnie Armstrong and two sisters, Linda Hendrix and Lana Loeber, preceded him in death.
Mr. Armstrong will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Vicky Ann Cockrum, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cockrum passed away 4:04 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, with her companion of many years, Robert Acklin by her side.
She was born November 14, 1947, at Lebanon, Missouri, to Ezra Esco Loyd and Vera Carr Loyd. Vicky worked as a CNA at Kindred at Home. She loved her family and enjoyed gardening, golf, crafts, making scrap books, quilting and anything outdoors.
She is survived by her companion, Robert Acklin; three children, Frankie Lee Cockrum, Cheri Lynn Clark and husband, Tim and Benjamin Morgan Cockrum and wife, Keyera, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Morgan James Clark, Deshia Lynn Ford, Casey Joe Clark, Tristin Blake Clark, Adrian Lee Cockrum and Kaylee Dawn Cockrum; two great-granddaughters, Eris Jade Ford and Emberly Grace Clark; two brothers, Richard Lee Loyd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Leland Wayne Loyd and wife, Nan, Mount Vernon, Texas; several step-children and step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two sisters, Nancy Jean Goans and Carol Jean Vanderford, four brothers, Dale Leroy Garritson, Orval Ray Garritson, Eugene Gerald Loyd and Robert Esco Loyd and three nephews, Gregory Allen Loyd, Nathan Christopher Loyd and Wesley Loyd Brown, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, 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 American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Chester (Chet) Lee Click of West Plains, Missouri passed from this life to reunite with his wife, family and friends in Heaven on Sunday, March 1, 2020, as the result of a severe stroke he suffered on February 12, 2020. He was 93 years old.
He was born on May 24, 1926 in Pomona, Missouri, the son of Albert Sidney and Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Allen. He received his elementary education in the Modrall School District near Pomona and graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1943. He excelled in mathematics and music and was a Hall of Fame football player for the Willow Springs Bears.
In the fall of 1943, Chester moved with his family (mother, older sister and younger brother – his father had previously passed) to Kansas City. He attended machinist school and then worked for North American Aviation helping to build bombers for the WWII war effort. Two weeks before his 18th birthday in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on a Landing Ship Medium (LSM 328) in the Pacific Theatre moving equipment to islands in the Pacific preparing for the anticipated invasion of Japan. After the surrender of Japan, his ship was one of the first to enter Tokyo Bay. He witnessed the formal surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri from the deck of his ship which was docked nearby. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on April 18, 1946 as Petty Officer/Storekeeper 3rd class.
After his discharge from the United States Navy, Chester returned to the family farm near Pomona where he met the love of his life on a neighboring farm whose family had recently moved to the area from northern Missouri. After a brief courtship, he married Norma Joyce Lattimer on September 14, 1946 in Gainesville, Missouri. They had been married one month shy of 70 years when she passed away on August 23, 2016. They had two sons, James (Jim) and Randall.
After his return from the U.S. Navy, he worked briefly for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Kellett Studebaker Agency. Having finished a correspondence course in accounting/bookkeeping from LaSalle University in Chicago, Illinois, he accepted a position at Richards Brothers in West Plains in November of 1946 as a bookkeeper. He remained there until his retirement on December 31, 1987. During this time he was named manager of Richards Brothers and eventually became part owner of the store. In 1984, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the West Plains Saving & Loan Association and served as Chairman for a number of years until his retirement from the Board in 2014 after 30 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the John T. Kirk VFW Post 1828. He was baptized in 1939 and was a member of the Antioch Christian Church until he joined the First Christian Church of West Plains in 1952. He served in many capacities at the First Christian Church as Deacon, Elder and Chairman of the Board. In 2013 he was named Elder Emeritus.
Chester and Joyce loved to travel and traveled throughout the United States both before and after their retirement. They thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Hawaii except for the jet lag. They enjoyed all sports, especially football and The Kansas City Chiefs and were avid St. Louis Cardinals fans as well as supporting the local Zizzers and Grizzlies. They also enjoyed spending time with family, extended family and friends. They lived all of their married life in West Plains.
Chester was a loving husband, father, special father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He will be missed, but knowing that he is no longer in pain or suffering from the debilitating stroke, provides comfort to his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Betty, his wife, Joyce, three brothers, Sidney, Clarence and Hershel, two sisters Pauline Ogle and Esma Brown and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his two sons, James Lynn Click and wife, Linda Lasswell Click, of Bloomington, Illinois and Randall Lee Click and wife, Shirley Williams Click, of Monett, Missouri; four granddaughters, Wendy Lucke and Michael Barnes, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Sarah Bollman, and husband Matthew, of East Peoria, Illinois, Stephanie Carlson and husband, Greg, of Olathe, Kansas and Angela Click of Bloomington, Illinois; five great-granddaughters Sierra Golubski and husband, Jon , Kaitlyn Lucke and fiancé, Kyle McCallister, Taylor Lucke and friend, Nick Barnett, Madelyn Carlson and Eloise Bollman; one great-grandson, Tyler Carlson; three great-great-granddaughters, Aaliyah, Lakelynn, and Emberly Golubski; one great-great-grandson, Maverick Barnett; one brother, Samuel Click and wife, Jo Ann, of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation rites and other arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Inurnment will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Mackey Cemetery east of Pomona on N Highway. Military rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Christian Church in West Plains on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Rick Rutledge presiding. The family will greet friends after the service at First Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the First Christian Church of West Plains, Mackey Cemetery or any charity of choice.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to his primary care doctor, nurses and staff for their ongoing care, the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at Ozark Medical Center for the immediate care Chester received after his stroke and during his stay at the hospital and to the doctors nurses, aides and staff at the West Vue Nursing Home for the continuing care he received until his passing.
