Obituaries

Graveside services for Frances Elizabeth Bray, 77, Lampe, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Galloway Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Bray passed away at 6:17 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

She was born December 22, 1946, at Redland, Oklahoma, to Robert and Armelda Johnson Bridgers.  On November 29, 1986, she was married at Fort Smith, Arkansas, to James Webster Bray, Sr., who preceded her in death on July 18, 2023.  Fran enjoyed garage sales.  She loved her family, her country and her friend, Terre.  Mrs. Bray was a member of the AmVets Women’s Auxiliary. 

She is survived by one step-daughter; two sisters, Joanna Bray and husband, Jerry, Lavaca, Arkansas and Nancy Shaw and husband, Steve, Newalla, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one brother, David Robert Bridgers and one sister, Sarah Sue Calhoun, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, 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. 

Graveside services for Samuel Thomas Click, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Mackey Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Click passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at West Vue Whispering Pine Place, West Plains, Missouri.  

He was born September 24, 1929, at Pomona, Missouri, to Albert and Sarah Click. On July 1, 1955, he was married at West Plains to JoAnn Miller. They were married for sixty-eight years. He was the owner of West Plains Fabric Center and JoAnn’s Bridal and Formal for more than forty years. Mr. Click was a member of First Assembly of God Church for many years.

He is survived by his son, Mark Click and wife, Cathy, Collierville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Erin Greenfield (Bob), Eric Click, Nathan Bryant (Heather), and Joshua Bryant; fifteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His wife, JoAnn Click, parents, daughter, Jeanne Renee Summers, brothers, Chester, Sidney, Clarence, and Herschel, and sisters, Esma Brown and Pauline Ogle, precede him in death.

Burial will be at Mackey Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mackey Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Eleanor Rayline Aikens, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed peacefully from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of August 9, 2024.  Surrounded by her family, she stepped into the glorious eternal home she so eagerly awaited her entire life and received a complete healing from her long battle with dementia.   

She was born October 12, 1941, to Frank and Ida Mae (Miller) Faircloth in Martinsburg, West Virginia; she was one of thirteen siblings and several half-siblings.  Eleanor was the wife of Charles L. Aikens for sixty-three years during which she was his devoted help-mate and homemaker.  In April of 2004, they moved to West Plains, Missouri and she set to making it their new home.  She enjoyed dancing, singing old time gospel and using her feisty personality to keep those she loved in line.  She was known to many but those who knew her as honey, mom, nanny and memaw will miss her most and look forward to the day when we will be together again.

She is survived by her husband, Charles (Skip) Aikens, West Plains; three children, Kimberly Martin and husband, Brad, Rover, Missouri, Crystal Denunzio, Northern Virginia and Charles (Chuck) Aikens, Jr., Rover, Missouri; five grandchildren, Kendra Artz and husband, Tommy, West Plains, Jay Martin and wife, Marcela, West Plains, Charles (Trip) Aikens, III and wife, Felicia, Brandsville, Missouri, Tasha Lewton and husband, Joel, Northern Virginia and Joey Aikens, Morehead City, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Remington and Bryson Artz, Alex Lewton, Maia Martin and Annika Aikens; one brother, Junior Faircloth and wife, Alice, Martinsburg, West Virginia; as well as numerous  nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, eleven siblings, three angel babies and a daughter-in-law, preceded her in death.  

A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, Rover, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Alice Malinda Coats, 61, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Coats passed away at 4:30 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2024, at her home. 

She was born December 7, 1962, at West Plains, Missouri, to David Woodrow Surritte and Magdalene Collins Surritte.  On June 14, 2014, she was married at Judsonia, Arkansas, to William Coats.  Alice was a very strong woman and was a survivor of stage 4 throat cancer.  She was a beloved mother, wife and grandmother.  Alice enjoyed playing yahtzee, June’s Journey, cooking, quilting, hunting, fishing and raising horses.  She loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren; her family was her life.  Mrs. Coats was a member of the AmVets and was president of her gaming group, Relaxing Beaches.  She was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was washed in the blood.

She is survived by her husband, William Coats; two children, Caleb Fish (Cheyenne Busbey) and Lori Coats; six grandchildren, Randalynn, Raelyn, Leona and Charlie Fish and Cameron and Tanner Sanders; one brother, Doyle Surritte and wife, Linda; one sister, Rosa Mae Anderson; one brother-in-law, Ray Shunk;  and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, one daughter, Amanda Lynch, one sister, Barbara Shunk and two brothers, Donald and Glen Surritte preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of 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. 

Phyllis Sue Fox (Nana), 72, of West Plains, Missouri passed away on Monday, July 29th, 2024. She was born on June 17th, 1952 in Yuma, Arizona. Nana’s roots and Native heritage were grounded in Arizona, where many of her loved ones reside. At only 21 years old, she embarked on an unknown adventure and found herself in the small town of West Plains, Missouri. Nana was always known to be a wandering spirit, searching for something far greater than herself. She married Oscar Howell Jr. on December 13th, 1975 and they had one daughter, Olivia Johnson, on January 21st, 1976. Nana was mostly a stay at home mom and worked many hospitality jobs throughout her life. However, her most special and honorable role was being a Nana. In caring for and raising her grandchildren, it can be said that Nana found what was far greater than herself. She knew how to beautifully hold space for her grandchildren and always had just the right words of both comfort and wisdom. Her heart-warming embrace was one that always quieted the worries and consoled deep anguish. Nana’s presence felt like a guiding light, in the midst of generations who were wandering spirits themselves. That was her legacy – making sure her tribe did not have to walk this earth unaccompanied nor suffer in isolation. Nana was the testament of strength and resiliency, which was evident in her ability to burden her loved one’s sorrows and afflictions. Her heart and soul were embedded with the whispers of those closest to her, which she held close to her until her very last moment.

Phyllis is survived by her brother Calvin (Gobacki) Hayes Sr. who resides in Phoenix, Arizona; her nieces Laura Soto Miranda (Arturo), Lydia Soto, and Lisa Soto Esquerra who resides in Somerton, Arizona, who knew her as “Miggie.” Her legacy also lives on in her child, Olivia & Michael Johnson; her grandchildren: Elissa & Tristan Bodiford, Damian & Devin Smith, Alexzander Smith, Laura & Andre Dominque, & Claire Johnson; and her great grandchildren: Mia, Gabriel, Micah, & Eden Smith. Phyllis’s daughter and grandchildren exemplify the strength and compassion she had for others, while honorably continuing her legacy throughout their own lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Lillian Hayes and Pete Hayes, and her siblings: Cyril Mills Sr., Rudy Hayes, Victor Hayes Sr., Everette Hayes, Raphael Hayes Sr., Paul Hayes, Mildred Hayes, Deborah Hayes, and Janice Hayes.

Nana’s presence will forever be irreplaceable for many and for those closest to her, will feel there is a piece of themselves which left with her. However, parts of Nana are rooted into their existence and sketched into their memories. Nana’s family described her as: vibrant, a free-spirit, warm-hearted, gracious, nurturing, trusting, selfless and above all else, loved her family fiercely.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 17th, at 2:00 pm at United Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, MO. Memorial contributions can be made to the “Go Red for Women” organization in support of Women’s Heart Disease. Flowers and other memorial contributions may be sent to United Free Will Baptist Church, 607 Lanton Road West Plains, MO 65775.

Funeral services for Ronald Eugene Moran, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Moran passed away at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

He was born June 5, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Donald Earl Moran and Elizabeth Laverne (Betty) Riley Moran.  Ronald enjoyed hunting and fishing and liked to trade guns.

He is survived by three brothers, Roger Moran and wife, Donna, West Plains, Randy Moran and wife, Shirley, Alton, Missouri and Rick Moran and wife, Ann, Canadian, Texas; special friend, Debbie Helm, West Plains;  special friend, Doyle Wood, who was like a brother; several nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends. 

His parents 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 Howell Valley Cemetery.  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. 

David “Dago” Lee Fox, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:22 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at his home. 

He was born March 15, 1954, in West Plains, Missouri, to Hershel Corbin Fox. David was raised in West Plains by his “Mom” Kelley and “Pop” Earl Kelley.  He graduated from West Plains High School in 1972.  David was affectionately called by the nickname, “Dago”, by many he was close to.  He was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  David was a patriot and very proud of his military service where he received Honorable Discharge December 1985.  He earned his Diploma as a Biomedical Equipment Specialist from the Academy of Health Sciences, US Army, and worked in the medical equipment field for many years. David was a member of Calvary General Baptist Church, West Plains, where he was baptized.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.  David enjoyed tinkering and had the ability to fix almost anything.  He was loyal to his friends, considered his club as brothers and was never too far from his “partners in crime”, Mike Demoss and “Bub” Kelley.  His beloved dog, Dixie, could always be found by his side.  

He is survived by one uncle and two aunts who considered him their little brother; Darrell “Bub” Kelley, Donna Phelps and Peggy Wright; four children, son Bryan Fox and wife, Penny, Glenwood, Arkansas, son Derek Fox and daughter Desiree’ Fox, both of Springfield, Missouri, and step-son Rodney Hunt and wife, Krista, Walnut Shade, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kaydra and Dillon Fox (Bryan) and Aubreauana and Kayden Fox (Derek), along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel Corbin Fox,  “Mom” Clara Kelley and “Pop” Earl Kelley, and uncle, Herlin Fox.

Family welcomes friends to join them at the graveside service, to be held at Union Grove Cemetery on Sunday, August 11 at 4:00pm located at 8563-8599 State Rte AD, West Plains, Missouri.  Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Inez Evelyn Freeman Pahlmann passed away peacefully on August 6th, around 6 a.m., surrounded by her loving family. Inez was born on December 21, 1944, in Sycamore, Missouri. Inez was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and business owner. 

Inez graduated from West Plains High School in 1961 and went on to become a Realtor/Broker/Owner. Firstly, she joined alongside her father, William Verl Freeman, in the real estate business. Eventually, she went on to open her own business, United Country Missouri Ozarks Realty. Inez’s daughter, Kim Grennan, moved back to the West Plains area, and they both joined forces and worked alongside one another for the past 19 years. Inez dedicated over 50 years to helping families with their real estate goals, where she touched the lives of countless families with her driving passion, unwavering dedication and generous heart. 

Besides being a proud owner/broker of United Country Missouri Ozarks Realty West Plains Inc., Inez was heavily involved within the West Plains Community. She was also an ambassador of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Missouri State University Women’s Philanthropic Group, West Plains Board of Realtors and Inez and her husband were awarded the Honorary Members for Life Award by The West Plains Chamber of Commerce in 2023. 

Inez is survived by her husband of 35 years, John William Pahlmann; her daughter, Kimberly (Ron) Grennan; Her granddaughter, Sydni Layne Miller; Her step-grandson, Riley Grennan; Her nieces she helped raise as her own children; Michelle (Jim) Lightner and Tonya (Andy) Hennier; Her nephews and nieces, Joseph (Karla) Lightner, Jessica Ecton, Chandler Lightner, Paige Ecton, and Ty Ecton; Her sisters; Sue Jett, Sherrel Ann Baker and her brother Tom (Sharon) Freeman; and her step children; John Pahlmann, Melanie Pahlmann and Lea (Kevin) Koon. 

She was predeceased by her parents, William Verl Freeman and Floy Lorene Freeman, and her sister, Janice Louise Freeman. 

An open funeral service will be held on Friday, August 9th starting at 12:30 pm at the First Church of God of West Plains. Following the service, there will be a private family graveside ceremony in Pomona. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration of life in honor of Inez at the West Plains Country Club starting at 3:00 pm and ending 5:00 pm. There will be food and drinks available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ozarks Healthcare Foundations in Inez’s memory.  

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ozarks Healthcare Hospice and for Inez’s specialized caretakers for their compassionate care during Inez’s final days. Inez will be recalled for her kindness, generosity, and steadfast love for her family, friends and community. Inez will also be remembered through the lives she impacted, the places she enriched and the causes she supported and helped grow. She has planted seeds throughout her family and her legacy will continue to grow and live on forever.

Funeral services for Leroy Collins, affectionately known as Pa, 79, of Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Collins passed away on August 4, 2024, following a sudden massive stroke. Born on March 7, 1945, Leroy devoted his life to his cherished family and the land he loved. He married Linda on June 12, 1965, and their enduring love and partnership were an inspiring example to all who knew them. Leroy was also a dedicated member of the Ball Church of Christ. A true embodiment of the hardworking farmer, Leroy’s career was marked by his tireless efforts in agriculture. His commitment to farming was unwavering, from milking cows to operating heavy machinery like dozers, graders, backhoes, tractors, and combines. He could usually be found on the tractor or in the field checking cows, but he would always stop what he was doing if you needed something. His dedication extended beyond the farm, evident in his role at MODOT, where he worked from 1969 to 2001demonstrating the same strong work ethic. While working at MODOT, he milked cows and farmed before and after work and on weekends. Even on the day of his stroke, Leroy was actively mowing yards on his farm. Known for his resilience, Leroy was often seen with his dusty cap and overalls, starting his day with the sunrise and working until sunset. He took great joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as taking his grandchildren on four-wheeler rides, watching them play, and being surrounded by his beloved family. Leroy’s legacy lives on through his family.

Leroy’s legacy lives on through his family. He and Linda built a beautiful life together over 59 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children: Doug and his wife Tammy, Scott and his wife Retta, and Shana and her husband Shawn, all of Dora, MO. Leroy’s legacy continues through his nine grandchildren: Keena Vandiver (Joey), Derik Collins (Alex), Dillan Collins (Molly), Dakota Collins (Megan), Davin Hambelton (Zoey), Kylie Leavitt (Quinn), Riley Collins, Kaitlin Hambelton, and Lathan Smith, as well as many great-grandchildren: Kynslee, Kolt, Kansys, Titus, Leroy, Brooke, Braxston, Braylar, Kaden, Parker, Dwight, Shayne Marie, Mack, and Marley Lou: other special ones, Chelsey, Taylor, and Sydney. He is also survived by one brother, Gary, and one sister, Juanita.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Leemon and Bertha Collins, and Linda’s parents, Lee and Helen Collins, who were like his own and Bessie Freeman.

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Ball Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Lyle Thurman Collins, 82, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 6:15 am.

He was born on May 14, 1942, in Roosevelt, Missouri.  Lyle graduated from Dora High School in 1960. He worked in various trades throughout his life, including auto repair and in the railroad industry. He spent his final years with his constant and loyal companion, Buddy, his dog, by his side.  Lyle had a deep love for spending time with his family and friends, always surrounding himself with loved ones, whether it was over a meal or an outdoor adventure. His joy for life was infectious, and he never met a stranger. He had an incredible talent for making everyone he met feel special and valued. Lyle could make anyone laugh with his warm spirit and natural charm.  Music was another of Lyle’s passions, and he enjoyed sharing his love for it with those around him. His garden was a testament to his hard work and love for nature, producing the best watermelons and the fullest flower beds. Lyle spent years searching his ancestry and learning his family history.  He enjoyed sharing that information with his children, whom he called daily.

Lyle is survived by his sister Lula Wheat and brother Paul Collins.  His legacy also lives on in his children: Rodney (Starr) Collins, Stanley Collins, Keith (Kathy) Collins, Sherry (Steve) Sullivan, Tammy Sickmiller, Crystal (Mel) Ladd, Gregory Young, Paula (Mike) Moore, Francesca Domingo, Jonathan (Madison) del Rosario and Philip (Ashley) Collins. He was a proud grandfather to 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Lyle’s children reflect the love and kindness he shared, each carrying forward his spirit in their own lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albro and Barbara Collins, brother Roe Collins, and sister Vaunda Brown.

Lyle’s warm spirit and his ability to touch the lives of everyone he met will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, August 8th, at 1:00 pm at Big Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial  contributions may be made to Big Springs Missionary Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Rose Teresa Womack, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Womack passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center. 

She was born March 20, 1927, at Manhattan, New York.  On January 25, 1948, she was married at New York, New York, to the love of her life, Lawrence Calvin Womack, who preceded her in death on January 12, 2005.  Mrs. Womack was a volunteer at Ozarks Medical Center for several years and was very active in the ladies auxiliary group at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She loved children and enjoyed babysitting.  Her hobbies were dancing, knitting and baking.

She is survived by three children, Linda Keys and husband, Bryan, Anna Hendershot and Bruce Womack; her grandchildren, Leland (Stephanie), Brandi (Eric), Justin (Sara) and Morgan (David); and her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Corbin, Leland Jr., Elizabeth and David. 

Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Richard and her son-in-law, Richard Hendershot, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2024at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for George Gilbert Hunsucker, 77, Highlandville, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Hunsucker passed away at 2:28 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born March 18, 1947, at Corpus Christi, Texas, to Boyd Columbus Hunsucker and Berah Beatrice Driver Hunsucker.  On August 30, 1969, he was married at Sunnymead , California, to Sharon O’Neal.  Mr. Hunsucker was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.  Before his retirement, George was a dispatcher at Howell-Oregon Electric Coop for forty-one years.  He was a runner for thirty years and loved attending his granddaughters track meets and watching them run.  George was a singer and a music director over the years as well as in quartets; he loved southern gospel music.  Mr. Hunsucker enjoyed watching old westerns and crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hunsucker, of the family home; two children, David Hunsucker, Springfield, Missouri and Mike Hunsucker and wife, Amanda, Spokane, Missouri; two grandchildren, Lexi and Lily Hunsucker, Spokane, Missouri; two brothers, Jim McConnaughy and wife, Theresa, Gainesville, Missouri and Duane Hunsucker and wife, Sue, West Plains; two sisters, Donna Miller, Corpus Christi, Texas and Lucille Williams, Houston, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and three brothers, Roy McConnaughy, Billy McConnaughy and Henry Hunsucker preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Bethel Baptist Church or American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Jimmie Lawrence Hicks, Sr., 76, Thayer, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Hicks passed away at 6:45 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2024, at Shady Oaks Healthcare Center. 

He was born August 28, 1947, at Brighton, Arkansas, to Lawrence and Evelyn (Golf) Hicks.  On May 20, 1978, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Shirley Jo Hambelton.  Mr. Hicks enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping, but he especially loved playing music.  He started playing music at five years old at Winks in Paragould, Arkansas, and he played in several bands throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jo Hicks; four children, Jimmie Lawrence Hicks, Jr. (Brianna), West Plains, Missouri, Tina Douglas, Paragould, Arkansas, Michelle Ladon Bateman (Wesley), Paragould, Arkansas, and Victoria Diane Burke, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Dustin Lawrence Hicks (Autumn), Sawyer Fox, Ryder, Nikki Hicks, Krystle O’Hara (Doug), Bradley Douglas (Darian), Rylan Combs, Addy Combs, Amber Lancaster, Deric Bateman, and Sarah; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Diane McCradic and Linda Newboles; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, James Carelton, and one sister, Maxine Huckabee, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Rosetta A. Helm, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Helm passed away at 8:04 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

She was born March 5, 1935, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Ezra and Maggie Lane Marshall.  On September 12, 1953, she was married at Freeport, Illinois, to Jack Helm who preceded her in death on June 29, 2020.  Rose enjoyed cooking, taking walks, collecting tea pots and caring for her grandchildren.  She was well loved by those who knew her.  She loved her family, friends and especially her grandchildren.  Mrs. Helm was a member of United Free Will Baptist Church for over thirty years.

She is survived two children, Debbie Helm and Alan Helm; three grandchildren, Jessica Pace and husband, Walker, Matt Helm and wife, Brandy and Lacey Flora; thirteen great-grandchildren, Makayla, Davyn, Ashton, Paylee, Taylor, Allie, Kileigh, Grecyn, Preston, Haley, Kendra, Jaxlynn and Haiven; three great-great-grandchildren, Ruby, Mila and Ezra; one sister-in-law, Bobbie Carter; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, three brothers, Merle, Floyd and Gene Marshall and three sisters, Earlene Gilmore, Norma Crites and Othela Mascal, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  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 James Roosevelt Hollingshad, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Hollingshad passed away at 9:18 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born April 15, 1945, at Hastings, Nebraska, to James Mitts and Bertha Bernice Cash Hollingshad.  On June 25, 2016, he was married at White Mountains, Alaska, to Venita Lair.  James was larger than life and a remarkable human being.  He graduated from high school at Dora, Missouri.  He joined the United States Army on July 9, 1963, serving in the Vietnam War.  After serving in the military, he traveled the world with his family and career as an aviation specialist, living in South Korea, West Germany, Savannah, Georgia, and North Pole, Alaska.  Later in life, he enjoyed splitting his time between Missouri and Alaska.  James was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He had a big heart for everyone he met.  He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and adopted father, and he was everyone’s favorite uncle.  James was baptized at nine-years-old at Twin Bridges by Alva Bennett of the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church after hearing Pastor Preston Maggard preach.  He remains a member of the Big Springs Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Venita Hollingshad, of the family home; three children, Jim Hollingshad (Jayson Zielinski), Nashville, Tennessee, Donald Chamberlin, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Dora Michele Krause (Max), San Antonio, Texas; five step-children, Brenda Kimball (John), Pomona, Missouri, Linda Jackson (Lonnie), Pomona, Missouri, Darrin Reed (Reta), West Plains, Missouri, Ricky Hall (Sherry), Pomona, Missouri, and Micky Hall (Lisa), Pomona, Missouri; one grandchild, Mia Fern Brown (David), Dora, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Olivia Brown, David Brown, Jr., and Micah Brown; two sisters, Carolyn Gresham (William), Salem, Missouri, and Diana Wyble (Ron), Salem, Missouri; two brothers, Rodney Allen (Patty), Nucla, Colorado, and Edward Allen (Susan), Arma, Kansas; and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

His parents, first wife, Olivia Fern Hollingshad, one brother, Jerry Hollingshad, four sisters, Reba (Jackie) Jennings, Donna Allen, Judy Perkins, and Dorma Pry, and one stepson, Scotty Reed, preceded him in death.  

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

A celebration of life service for William Lewis Janzen, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2024, in the main room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Janzen passed away at 5:42 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2024, at his home. 

He was born January 16, 1939, in Howell County, Missouri, to Chester Janzen and Ruth Galloway Janzen.  On November 26, 1960, he was married at Wichita, Kansas, to Wanda Adams.  Mr. Janzen was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He was very proud of his mule teams and enjoyed them.  Mr. Janzen enjoyed being a cattle farmer and took pride in it.  He enjoyed helping his neighbors with their repairs and especially starting their equipment in the cold weather; if he couldn’t fix it, you needed a new one.  Mr. Janzen was a family oriented man that would call or visit whenever possible.  He enjoyed telling and hearing a good story.  Mr. Janzen loved his wife of nearly 64 years and his family.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Janzen, of the family home; two children, Angela Littleton, State of Florida and Daniel Janzen and wife, Leslie, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; six grandchildren, Katie, Amy, Melissa, Juliette, Evan and Levi; three great-grandchildren, Penelope, Miles and Jace; two sisters, Kathleen Ege, Seattle, Washington and Betty Montague, Kansas City, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two sisters, Imogene Stapleton and Luella Pamperien and four brothers-in-law, William Stapleton, Neil Pamperien, Donald Ege and Gene Montague, preceded him in death.  

Burial will be at Amy Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Mt. Zion at South Fork Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Jerry Neal Keith, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Keith passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

He was born December 24, 1939, at Moody, Missouri, to Othel Lee (Bill) Keith and Opal May Davis. Jerry was born and raised in Moody.   On April 2, 1982, he was married at West Plains, to Donna Maxine Graham, who preceded him in death on April 19, 2022.  He was formerly married to Eileen McMurray, the mother of his children. Mr. Keith worked for a number of years doing road construction with Howard’s Construction and was the owner and operator of Keith’s Café.  He was well known in the West Plains area as an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was an expert cook and was known for his pies.  He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns and loved going to Gospel and Bluegrass singings.  Mr. Keith was always willing to help anyone and never met a stranger.  Mr. Keith was a member of Good News Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by four children, Gary Keith and wife, Amy, Marshfield, Missouri Dwayne Keith and wife, Brenda, Panama City Beach, Florida,  Greg Keith and wife, Debbie, Poplar Bluff and Eric Keith and wife, Jennifer, Piedmont, Missouri; three step-children, Robert Wood and wife, Julie, Fulton, Missouri, Theresa Smith and husband, Richard, Nixa, Missouri and Tammy Adrian and husband, Keith, West Plains, twenty-four grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, one stillborn infant daughter, Angela Bernice Keith and one sister, Billie Ruth Worsham, preceded him in death.  

Burial will be in Moody Cemetery.  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.

A Celebration of Life Service for Tamara Lynn Grisham, 64, Dora, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Michael James Price, infant son of Michael Eugene Price and Audray Shaw, Winona, Missouri, was born July 25, 2024 at West Plains, Missouri.  Michael went to be with the Angels July 25, 2024. 

During pregnancy Baby Michael did not like it when Momma ate meat, he only wanted vegetables; it was evident that he wanted to be a vegetarian.  His nick name was Gummy Bear.  Although you are not here with us Michael, you made us smile and laugh.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Clyde Lawrence Napier (Jot), 94, Mount Vernon, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, July 29, 2024 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri. 

Clyde passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at 9:15 am Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri.

He was born February 16, 1930 in Pine Hollow, a rural part of Shannon County, Missouri to William and Grace Napier. Clyde was married to Maxine Foster in 1957. They have lived in West Plains, Springfield, Noel, Republic and Ozark, Missouri. For the last 2 years, Clyde has lived at the Veteran’s Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri.  Clyde was inducted into the United States Army in 1951 and served in Korea from 1952 through 1953 and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during his service.  Clyde was actively involved in church in many capacities throughout his life. He was known for thinking of others first, serving in many, many ways.  Early 2024, Clyde published a book of his life story, “Seventy Wasn’t Enough”. This book highlights his family history, his early years growing up on the farm, military service, marriage and family.

He leaves his sister, Lola Napier, Kansas City, MO; son, Mark Napier and wife, Marijo, Grove, OK; daughter, Shelley Napier, Springfield, MO; one grandson, Bryan Napier and wife, Amy; two granddaughters, Sara Foster and husband, Matt, and Emily Baker and husband, Dustin; one bonus granddaughter, Tonya Logsdon and husband Jacob; eleven great-grandchildren, Dacey, Ashlyn, Alayna, Lincoln, Hannah, Silas, Samuel, Jake, Josh, Jadyn, Jordyn; nieces, Becky Bruner Barnett and husband, Randy; Susan Fox, Leat Stanley, Nawassa Greenwell, Loyah Vannicolo and husband Mike, Liauna Metscher and husband Troy and Nephews Jimmy Brown and wife Earlene, Steve Napier and wife Rita, Jairus Yates and wife Kim, and Preston Yates.

Clyde’s parents William Ashford and Grace Ernestine Napier, wife Maxine (Foster) Napier and siblings Fern Redburn, Laverne Thompson, Billy Napier, Evelyn Napier, Barbara Yates, and nieces Carolyn Trimble and Donnamae Spencer preceded him in death. 

Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Monday, in the Rose Chapel. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Eagles’ Wings Ministries of the Ozarks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.  Clyde’s book, “Seventy Wasn’t Enough”, may be purchased at this URL https://mixam.com/print-on-demand/663512fc3b903843ba6fd18c