A memorial service for Margaret Balough, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri.
Ms. Balough passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at West Plains, Missouri.
She was born August 25, 1922, at Massillon, Ohio.
A visitation will precede the service at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Josiah Howell SAR Chapter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Kevin Paul (Boo) McKee, 61, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. McKee passed away July 18, 2024.
He was born August 1, 1962, at Rupert, Idaho, to James Paul and Ellen Marie Fox McKee. Mr. McKee owned his own sawmill, McKee Logging. He was a master gardener, and he enjoyed playing music with his friends.
He is survived by three children, Misty Lucas and husband, Jeremiah, West Plains, Missouri, Kristy Andrews and husband, Gregory, West Plains, Missouri, and Dakota McKee, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Krasten Lucas, Kylie Lucas, Kaleb Lucas, and Katie Lucas; three brothers, Keith McKee, Brixey, Missouri, Kelly McKee, Crider, Missouri, and Kerry Dean McKee, Brixey, Missouri; two sisters, Joyce Ledbetter, West Plains, Missouri, and Jo Unruh, Brooksville, Mississippi; several nieces and nephews; and special friend of forty years, Carol Shinberger.
His parents, one brother, Kenneth McKee, one niece, Priscilla Owsley, and one nephew, Shawn McCord, preceded him in death.
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.
Eric Todd Jones, 57, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away July 15, 2024, at his home.
He is survived by one daughter, Nicole Jones, Koshkonong, Missouri; one grandson, Castin Watson; his mother, Sharon Hayes, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Kim Baldridge, Myrtle, Missouri; one niece, Keshia Howell; great-nephews, Brian Howell, Lucus Howell, and Colt Campbell; one great-niece, Oakley Shed; one aunt, Loretta Spies, Elsberry, Missouri; his longtime friend, Dell Cupp; his special friend, Candy Hall; and his Cloud 9 family.
Funeral services for Florence Bonnell (Spake) Hobbs, 94, Ozark, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Bonnell passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born in Hardy, Arkansas, on August 28, 1929 or September 28, 1929 (according to her mother), to Cora and JW Spake. She attended Thomasville High School (‘47) and Draughon Business School. Bonnell married Robert Hobbs on June 11, 1950, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She and Robert lived in Bakersfield, California, where she worked for her uncle’s bakery until they moved to Summersville, Missouri, where her dad purchased a telephone company, thus starting her long career and love of telephones. She worked as a directory coordinator for Contel Telephone Company (GTE/Verizon). She and Robert had two children, Gary Lee and Marcia. She enjoyed square dancing, painting, telephone collecting, crocheting, collecting Ty Beanie puppies, and her family and church. Bonnell was a proud member of the Contel Club, First Baptist Church, and Red Hats.
Bonnell is survived by her daughter, Marci Joy and husband, Lane; daughter-in-law, Leadon; grandchildren, Joe (Kristi), Barbara (Jason), and Patrick (Misty); and great-grandchildren, Madison, Ryan, Devilynn, Micah, Abby, David, Megan, PJ, Tessa, Carter, Kinslie, Paxton, Heston, and Audrey.
She was predeceased by her parents, JW and Cora Spake, husband, Robert, son, Gary, grandson, Robbie, and several cousins.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Summersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Autism Speaks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Michael Dean Anderson, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 21, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Anderson passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born February 22, 1961, at West Plains, Missouri, to Donald Anderson and Rosa Mae Surritte Anderson. Mike was a truck driver for thirty-nine years and had drove for Lamar Owens, Barlow, Hicks, Transland, Garnett Wood, Charlie Coats and J Trans. He enjoyed working on vehicles and going to monster truck shows. Mike loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by three children, Justin Anderson, Dustin Anderson and wife, Sara, and Heather Farrar and husband, Christopher; sixteen grandchildren, Austin, Kassidy, Khaleesi, Rylie, Thomas, Connor, Emily, Hailey, Jacob, Wesley, Athena, Body, Justin Jr., Catelynn, Ryder, and Riley; his mother, Rosa Mae Anderson; two brothers, Richard Anderson and wife, Joy, and Dale Anderson and wife, Crystal; two sisters, Nancy Little and husband, David, and Susan Roberts; and many nieces and nephews.
His father, wife, Diana Richards, and one grandson, Wesley Anderson, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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 Vicki Lynne Warren Martin, 42, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Martin passed away at 6:31a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at her home.
She was born February 16, 1982, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Mark R. Warren and Jean M. Kleinschmidt Warren. On August 25, 2007, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Seth Martin. Vicki was passionate about the Harlin Museum, where she was President of the Board. She was very creative. She loved her family, her friends and her dog, Bella. Vicki struggled her entire life with kidney disease; her father donated a kidney to her when she was nine years old. She began dialysis at the age of eighteen. Her husband, Seth, remained by her side through it all.
She is survived by her husband, Seth Martin, of the family home; her parents, Mark R. and Jean Warren, Pomona, Missouri and Jr. and Rena Martin, Mountain Home, Arkansas; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her sister, Carrie A. Gentry, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harlin Museum of West Plains or National Kidney Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Wanda E. Edmonston, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Edmonston passed away at 1:13 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born March 5, 1940, in Howell County, Missouri, to Leslie Lewis Bennett and Opal F. Surritte Bennett. On June 8, 1957, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to George Oliver Edmonston, who preceded her in death on October 3, 2012. Wanda enjoyed sewing crocheting, quilting and ceramics.
She is survived by two daughters, Tara Miller and husband, Dan and Lisa Forsyth, all of West Plains; two grandchildren, Cheyanna Rains and husband, Mitchell, Heber Springs, Arkansas and Sydney Miller, Little Rock, Arkansas; two brothers, Herman Bennett and Robert Bennett and wife, Beverly, all of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, four brothers, Harley Lewis, Harold, David and Freddie Bennett and one sister, Bettie Bennett, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Richard Gerald Bonham, 77, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bonham passed away at 7:20 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 5, 1946, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Herbert Ruland Bonham and Doris Donna Jean Tackitt Bonham. Richard graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1964. On August 14, 1970, he was married at Wasco, California, to Leslie Joan Tallon. He was a truck driver for over fifty years. Richard started driving in California, hauling hay for his uncle, J.B. Tackitt (Tackitt Trucking). The last twenty years, he drove for 4-F Trucking and had recently retired from driving. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Richard enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play ball; he especially loved fishing with his grandkids. Mr. Bonham loved the Lord and was a member of the Bakersfield Church of Christ, where he enjoyed leading song services. He was a loving family man and cherished time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, of the family home; four children, Linda Fisk and husband, Mike, Harrisonville, Missouri, David Bonham, Carter Lake, Iowa, Rebecca Foster and husband, Kenneth, Caulfield, Missouri and Erin Rogers and husband, Scott, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Kandi Shelton and husband, Cody, Paige Fisk, Kraig Foster and wife, Lacie, Brett Foster and wife, Shala, Megan Rogers Smith, Taylor Rogers, Rylee Rogers and Tucker Rogers; three great-grandchildren, Farris, Miles and Lainey Foster; six siblings, Tommy Bonham and wife, Beverly, Harry Bonham and wife, Wanda, Mike Bonham and wife, Gail, Patty Sturgeon and husband, Gary, Blake Bonham and wife, Debbie and Cindy Martin and husband, David; one uncle, Billy Joe Tackitt; sister-in-law, Naomi Grontkowski; brother-in-law, Lowell Tallon; sister-in-law, Judy Tackitt, and husband Jerry; brother-in-law, Joe Belt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Lizzie Tallon, sister-in-law, Ramona Belt, brother-in-law, Joe Grontkowski and one nephew, Nicholas Grontkowski, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Elijah Church of Christ. Burial will be in Elijah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Kenneth Crow of Pomona, Missouri passed away quietly in the evening of July 5th, 2024, at age seventy-three.
Known to his family and friends as Ken, he was born to Dave and Allene Crow on September 12, 1950, and grew up in West Plains, Missouri. He graduated from West Plains High School and went on to attend Southwest Missouri State where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. After a short career as a salesman, Ken started his own business, Howell County Termite Company, and began a long career as it’s owner and operator. Along with his father Dave, Ken also operated a family cattle farm in Pomona. Ken eventually retired from his career as a small businessman but maintained the cattle farm until his death. Ken married his wife Irene Crow and they settled on their farm in Pomona, Missouri. Together they shared a fun loving and joyful approach to life until Irene’s untimely death. An avid hunter and fisherman, Ken enjoyed hunting seasons and spent time at lake Norfolk where he boated, swam and fished. Yet as much as Ken relished his time in these pursuits, for Ken the true joy of conservation sports lay in swapping stories about hunting and fishing with family and friends. Tales about hunting and fishing trips, be they successes or failures, were touchstones in his life that he savored again and again with those who knew him.
Ken is survived by his brother, Dr. David E. Crow, Sr. (Ed) and his wife Joan A. Crow, of Glastonbury, CT, his nephews, Dr. Scott D. Crow of Gainesville, Florida and David E. Crow, Jr., Esq and David’s family of his wife Rosa M. Crow and their three children Joshua C. Crow, Rachael T. Crow and Jacob C. Crow, of Orange, CT. Ken’s family, on behalf of Ken, would especially like to recognize Kate Mullins (Irene’s daughter), Bub Kelly, Sam Taylor and Brett Henry, all of whom held special places in Ken’s heart and were an integral part of Ken’s life.
Ed and his family would like to invite all of Ken’s relatives, friends and well-wishers to attend visiting hours at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., West Plains, Missouri on Monday July 15, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relatives, friends and well-wishers are also invited to attend a graveside ceremony officiated by Pastor Brandon Harris of the First Baptist Church at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery (5804 US-63 Pomona, MO) on Tuesday July 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM.
In conclusion, to Ken’s relatives and friends we send this message. While we share your sorrow at his passing, we ask that you take solace in the memory of Ken’s easy charm, his ready smile and hearty laugh, and urge you to celebrate his life with a drink, a smile and a happy story. Know that he passed away a happy man, surrounded by family and friends, and is now embraced by the circle of family and friends that went to the other shore before him. For those of us still on this shore, Ken lives on in our hearts and the joyful stories about him we tell among ourselves until, in God’s good timing, Ken greets us in the next life.
We love you, Ken. God speed, and rest in peace.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Veva Imogene Cobb Denton, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Denton passed away at 2:10 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at NHC Healthcare.
She was born July 10, 1935, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Henry and Myrtle Jones. On June 27, 1980, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James R. Denton, who preceded her in death on March 26, 2018. Mrs. Denton loved having company. She was an avid gardener and she loved to cook. She enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Jim. But more than anything else, she loved her friends and family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids who were the highlight of her life. Mrs. Denton was of the Baptist faith, and she was a member of First General Baptist Church of West Plains for over fifty years.
She is survived by four children, Brenda Dunn and husband, Gary, West Plains, Missouri, Pamela Coffman and husband, Larry, West Plains, Missouri, Sandra Johnson and husband, Tim, Pottersville, Missouri, and Danny Cobb and wife, Sharon, Peace Valley, Missouri; six grandchildren, Justin Hicks, Lacey Coffman-Galvan, Zachary Cobb, Lance Coffman, Henry Cobb, and Patrick Cobb; six great-grandchildren, Lane Hicks, Cameron Judah, Mia Galvan, Lukas Coffman, Cooper Coffman, and Mattie Tulgetske; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, first husband, Danzel Cobb, second husband, James Denton, one brother, Leamon Jones, two sisters, Oliadeen Tabor and Ruedeen Pliler, and an infant brother preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bennett Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Stephanie Montgomery, 46, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Stephanie Montgomery was an adored daughter, wife, and sister. She was born June 7th, 1978 in Springfield, Missouri. Stephanie lived most of her life in Lexington, South Carolina, but moved to West Plains 6 years ago where she achieved her lifelong dream of returning to where her parents were raised. It’s hard to describe someone that was bigger than life. Stephanie had an infectious smile, a happy go lucky outlook, and ability to make anything into a joke. To know Stephanie was to love Stephanie. She lit up a room with her sparky personality. Stephanie had a love for many things but especially music, history, and art. Stephanie was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. No matter the problem, big or small, she would always be there for you.
Stephanie was proceeded in death by her Mother Phyllis Montgomery, Father William Montgomery, Maternal Grandparents Cecil and Virginia Riley, Paternal Grandparents Gerald and Flora Lee Montgomery, and Uncles Richard Eakin and Tom Prevett.
She is survived in death by her husband Jason Brad Reese, Sister Jessica Goss, Niece Anna Goss, Nephew Stone Goss, Aunt Jean Ann Looney and husband Jaime Looney, Uncle Mark Riley and wife Yvonne Riley, Aunt Barbara Eakin, Aunt Pat Wake and husband Johnny Wake. Stephanie also had many cousins that she loves dearly.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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 Bobby Gene Spencer, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Dora High School, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Spencer passed away at 5:53 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his home.
He was born December 4, 1951, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Lewis Spencer and Donna Spoon Spencer. Mr. Spencer received his Master’s of Education Degree from Missouri State University. On June 3, 1972, he married the love of his life, Rosa Leah Story Spencer. They were married for thirty-six years. From this union they had three children and seven grandchildren: Freddy Spencer and wife, Jessica, their two children, Emma and Paxton of Harrisburg, Missouri, Darla Spencer and two children, Morgan and Madison, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas and Susan Spencer Howard and husband, Ronnie and their children, Spencer, Cooper and James of Dora, Missouri. He was a preacher at Pomona Church of Christ for ten years and taught Sunday school his entire life. Bobby was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to white bass and walleye fish. He loved fishing in his lakes at his farm; he also enjoyed bow hunting, turkey, deer, elk and squirrel hunting. Bobby enjoyed playing golf with his loved ones, floating the river and snorkeling. Mr. Spencer was a blueberry farmer and loved to grow and pick berries. His true love was coaching basketball; he loved yelling at his kids to arch the ball. When he was coaching you could frequently hear him say things like “Not harder, higher” or “nothing but net” or his catch phrase “Arch the Ball”. Mr. Spencer was a school teacher for forty-two years and had taught at Richland, Koshkonong, Lutie, Viola, Mountain View, Bakersfield and Dora. He was awarded Teacher of the year. On June 13, 2009 he married the other love of his life, Chuquita Spencer. They enjoyed fifteen years of marriage together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Chuquita Spencer, of the family home; three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with one on the way, Freddy Spencer and wife, Jessica, Harrisburg, Missouri, their children, Emma and Paxton, Darla Spencer, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and her children, Morgan and Madison, Susan Spencer Howard and husband, Ronnie, Dora, Missouri, and their children, Spencer, Cooper and James; two brothers, Joe Spencer and Boyd Spencer, both of Elijah, Missouri; one sister, Vickie Parker and husband, Marvin, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Jan Dennis and husband, Randall, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, first wife, Rosa Leah Story Spencer, one brother, Dwayne Spencer and one sister-in-law, Joy Spencer, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rosa Leah and Bobbie G. Spencer Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Darren Michael Martin, 31, Gamaliel, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Martin passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024.
He was born January 12, 1993, at Springdale, Arkansas, to Steven Martin and Debbie Roberts Martin. Darren was a great writer and was in the process of writing a book series. He enjoyed playing online video games with his friends and loved to sing. He was a loving, kind hearted and generous person; he always had a smile for everyone. Darren was a wonderful son, brother and uncle.
He is survived by his parents, Steven and Debbie Martin, Gamaliel, Arkansas; one brother, Steven Heenan, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister, Brittney Wolf and husband, Kevin, Argilete, Kentucky; one niece, Allie Wolf ; one nephew, Andrew Wolf; and his beloved dog, Shelby.
His grandparents, Cledice and Helen Martin and Burl and Janet Roberts, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Elijah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Church of Christ and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ruby Sue Holstine Garner, 76, Franklin, Tennessee and formerly of Gepp, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Garner passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee.
She was born October 23, 1947, at Viola, Arkansas, to Lue Raymond Holstine and Mary Jane Hopkins Holstine. Ruby graduated from Viola High School in 1965. She attended Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Education in 1969 and later earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. On May 25, 1973, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Fields Garner, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. Mrs. Garner was a high school English teacher, instructing thousands of students in her 41 years of teaching at West Plains High School. She was a member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ for many years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, antiques and restoring furniture. She loved cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Mary Jo Holstine Baker and Bonnie Fay Holstine Spencer; four children, Gary Wayne Garner (Kristi), LeAnn Garner Tice (Greg), James Ray Garner (Lacey) and Michael Alan Garner; five grandchildren, Kaitlin Tice, Jarett Tice, Noah Fields Garner, Ella Grace Garner and Emma Rose Garner; one niece, Treva Baker Cotter (Gary) and one nephew, Adam Kyle Spencer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Doyle, and one niece, Julie Ann Baker.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in County Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Robert Alfred Parris, Jr., 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Parris passed away at 7:39 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born December 31, 1929, at Brilliant, Alabama, to Robert A. Parris, Sr. and Gladys Lawrence Parris. On May 31, 1947, he was married at Piggott, Arkansas, to Hazel Lorene Crow, who preceded him in death on June 1, 2020. Mr. Parris was a resident of West Plains for fifty-one years. He loved his family, especially his wife, Lorene of seventy-three years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and a good game of rummikub. Mr. Parris loved sitting outside and looking over his fields; he also enjoyed watching NFL Football, NASCAR and westerns and was an avid Zizzer fan. Robert valued his neighbors. Mr. Parris attended First Baptist Church and Central Calvary as long as he was able.
He is survived by five children, Stephen Parris and wife, Cheryl, Sunnyvale, California, David Parris and wife, Mandy, Olathe, Kansas, Michael Parris and wife, Denise, Marshall, Missouri, Mark Parris, Claremore, Oklahoma and Karen Bird and husband, Tom, Pottersville, Missouri; nine grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one grandson and three brothers, preceded him in death.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Ozarks Healthcare staff and Three Rivers Hospice care team for their loving support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
Harlie Marlin Blair, 78, of West Plains, Missouri, beloved father and grandfather, passed away at the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg Missouri on June 29, 2024 at 12:06am.
Harlie was born in Tecumseh, Missouri on May 10, 1946, to Homer Charles and Ina Marie Evins Blair. On June 29, 1968, he was married to Veta Cockrum who preceded him in death on March 18, 2022. Mr. Blair was a veteran and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandson. He enjoyed reading his Bible and was a faithful servant of God. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather McGrath, husband, Kevin, Warrensburg, Missouri; grandson, Gunner; two brothers, Melvin Blair, wife, Leda, Elk Creek, Missouri and Gary Blair, Valley Center, California; four sisters, Fern Hall, Republic, Missouri, Floy Lyon, husband, Larry, Sunfield, Michigan, Pearl Weaver, East Prairie, Missouri, and Minnie Burkett, husband Gordon, Vicksburg, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Blair is preceded in death by his wife, Veta, his parents, two brothers, Roy Blair, and Charles Blair and two sisters, Mona Hensley, and Earnie Green.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Free Union Cemetery.
Funeral services for Wilma Alieen (Roxie) Miller, 95, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Miller passed away at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at her home.
She was born December 30, 1928, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Kenneth Kesner and Virginia Langston Kesner. Roxie attended school at Bakersfield. On April 7, 1947, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Paul Truman Miller, who preceded her in death on August 4, 2021. They were blessed with four children. She enjoyed living on the farm, gardening, cooking, sewing and reading poetry. Roxie prepared delicious meals for the hay haulers and everyone that came to their home; one of her favorite things to do was to prepare family dinners. She managed the farm and family while her husband worked away from home to provide for the family. Later in life she worked at Baxter Lab for many years, retiring in 1984. Her husband, Truman, was a minister and pastor at many different churches; Mrs. Miller was faithful to his calling. Roxie always had a loving shoulder to cry on.
She is survived by three children, Karen Summers and husband, Gene, Bakersfield, Missouri, Beverly Bonham and husband, Tommy, Caulfield, Missouri and Paula Crites and husband, Bill, Bakersfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Bridges and husband, Brian, Darrell Summers and wife, Trudy, Hayden Bonham and wife, Patricia, Travis Crites and wife, Tami, Valerie Lockett and husband, Thomas, Paul Summers and wife, Malisha, Natashia Crites and Dalton Crites and wife, Brandy; seventeen great-grandchildren, Lauren Newhard and husband, Justin, Cooper Bridges, Wyatt Summers and wife, Cassie, Cole Summers, Emily Alexander and husband, Konnor, Shelby Summers, Riley Summers, Ethan Crites, Zane Crites, Paige Crites, Cora Beth Epley and husband, Cody, Makadah Lockett, Levi Hollingshad, Allie Hollingshad, Layton Crites, Logan Crites and Kamrie Crites; one great-great-granddaughter, Lakelynn Epley; one brother, Owen Kesner and wife, Barbara, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Mabel Mooney, Ruby, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Truman Dwight Miller, two brothers, Dale and Wayman Kesner, one sister, Bonnie Reynolds, and several half-brothers and half-sisters, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Udall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Udall Cemetery or Hawkins Ridge Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Donald James Smith, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:24 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, in West Plains. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Margaret Myrtle Thompson, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed into eternity at her home on Sunday, June 23, 2024, one month and two days shy of her 92nd birthday.
One must begin again each day, each moment, though the moments seem heavy, ill-defined, after a loss such as this. Our beloved mother and grandmother has gone to join her beloved. Even though her passing was expected, and we are happy for her joyful reunion in heaven, we are still staggered by the abrupt divide between here and the beyond, between what was and what is. By the strength she imparted to us and the grace of God, we will go on.
Margaret was born in Laird, Colorado, on July 25, 1932, to Thomas E. and Ivy V. (Brown) Morrell. She was the seventh of seven children born into a devout, hardworking family. Her oldest sister was married and gone from home when Margaret was born; her oldest brother followed soon after. She remembered living in a small house—really two tiny homes joined together—at the base of a hill in Laird. She remembered that when it rained, her mother opened the uphill back door to sweep the runoff through the house and out the front door. Margaret was privileged to visit her first home place with some of her siblings many years after she left it.
She moved with her family to St. Francis, Kansas, at a young age and completed most of her schooling there. Her oldest sister and her oldest brother remained with their families in Colorado. Margaret liked to remember and tell stories of her life in St. Francis, where her family first lived on a farm outside of town. After a time, they moved into town where her father had a blacksmith shop and a gas station. Her mother worked alongside her father and gardened and kept chickens for eggs and meat. The family depended on selling eggs to augment their income. Life was not easy for the Morrells in those years. Margaret remembered a time when her mother did not have a penny to buy a 1-cent stamp.
When Margaret was sixteen, she moved with her parents and one brother to West Plains, Missouri. Margaret and her parents left St. Francis pulling a small travel trailer after selling off their property and belongings. They had no set itinerary but stopped here and there while looking for a new place to live. West Plains was not a planned destination, but it was the place her father found things to his liking, with farmland to buy, and they stayed. Her youngest brother joined them when he left the Navy. Two brothers and one sister remained in St. Francis and Kansas City with their own young families. We can imagine (and she did acknowledge) how difficult the move from St. Francis to Missouri was for 16-year-old Margaret. Little did she know what lay in store. It was in West Plains that Margaret finished high school and met the love of her life, Laurel R. Thompson. The couple graduated with the West Plains High School Class of 1950 and married on March 17, 1951. They lived in West Plains all their married lives except for the months they spent in Kansas City while Laurel completed technical school.
In late 1951, the Thompsons returned to West Plains where Laurel began work at KWPM and Margaret made a home out of a small four-room house. Over the next four years, Laurel and Margaret had three children. Two more children followed four and eight years after that. Margaret loved her family and took pride in being there for them. She fondly called the times when her children were small and the years in which she raised them the happiest times of her life. It surely was a challenge for her to have five children under twelve at home, yet she said she would not change a thing and she would do it all again. She loved her babies, and she was a loving Grandma to her babies’ babies. When her children grew out of babyhood, Margaret worked as a bookkeeper at radio station KWPM for 25 years. She had kept books for Smith Auto Parts on Washington Avenue as a young adult, before she married.
Throughout her long marriage, Margaret was truly the wind beneath her husband’s wings. Without her devoted love, support, and family-management skills, it is doubtful that he could have lived the life he did, and accomplished the things he did. She was his foundation, his very heart, and he was hers.
Margaret had a loving, tender heart and innate generosity not only toward her family but for her community as well. Margaret loved sewing, needlework, baking (oh, my, her raisin bread and dinner rolls!) and cooking. She liked reading and held onto treasured books she’d had since young. She gardened much of her life–a freshly sliced sun-warm tomato and a sweet blooming rose coaxed up from a cutting were equal treasures. Like her mother before her, Margaret almost always had a cat. She loved her cats, and she loved feeding and watching birds. Hummingbirds were a special joy to her. She was an avid letter writer to distant family and friends and to her kids at summer camp. She kept a journal or diary for many, many years. She loved weekends at the lake, traveling with her husband and family in an RV, and wearing a big sun hat to fish for trout on the north fork of the White River. She loved her church, and she loved her church family. She lived without regrets.
Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Laurel R. Thompson; her parents, Thomas E. and Ivy V. Morrell; her parents-in-law, Earl H. and Faye Thompson; one daughter, Sherrill A. Thompson; one son, Steven K. Thompson; one grandson, Jeffrey Scott Thompson; two sisters; and four brothers.
She is survived by three children—Jim Thompson and wife, Sarah, West Plains; Vickie Petkovic, West Plains; Russell Thompson and wife, An, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee—eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Leon Thompson, West Plains; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Margaret will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Services will be Sunday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main Street, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Verna Lynn Kowal, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kowal passed away at 12:18 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home.
She was born October 20, 1942, at Chicago, Illinois, to Matthew and LaVerne Kienzle Meyer. On January 20, 1961, she was married in Cook County, Illinois, to Michael Paul Kowal, who preceded her in death on July 2, 2022. Mrs. Kowal was a home maker and had worked at Ozarks Medical Center as a nurse’s aid. She loved crafting, sewing, quilting, gardening and the church choir.
She is survived by three children, Kerry Lynn Hunter, State of Illinois, Christopher Kowal and wife, Amy, Martinez, Georgia and Richard Kowal and wife, Jennifer, Thayer, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, James Meyer, State of Florida and Robert Meyer and wife, Wendy (Breeze), West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Michael Kowal, Jr. and David Kowal and one brother, Steven Meyer, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to 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.
