Obituaries

A Memorial Service for Herman Clyde Byrd, Jr., 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Byrd passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 at his home.

He was born October 13, 1951 at Knoxville, Tennessee to Herman C. Byrd and Dorothy (Nitchmann) Byrd.  On August 25, 1973 he was married to Wanda West.  Herman graduated from McCluer High School in 1970 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Central Methodist University in 1974.  He completed his Master of Science in Education Degree at Missouri State University in 1979, where he was graduate assistant to Robert M. Scott in the Band program.  Herman taught band in the public schools of Blair Oaks (1974-1975), Vienna (1975-1978), Potosi (1979-1981), Salem (1981-1985) and West Plains (1985 -2004) where his bands consistently received Honor ratings   at state music contests.  Since retiring from full time teaching in 2004, Herman has served as a festival judge and clinician throughout the state.

Herman is a member of professional organizations including NAfME/MMEA, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu.  In 2001 he received the first John East Spirit of Orpheus   Award.  He enjoyed fly fishing and hunting whenever he could.  He was active in the United Methodist Church, serving as Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Music Director at Open Door Worship Center.  He loved attending Heartland Ecumenical Camino Weekends.

He is survived by his wife Wanda of the family home; one daughter, Allyson Tipton and her husband, Curtis, Springfield, Missouri; one son, Bryan Byrd and his wife, Christin, Tecumseh, Missouri; four grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Quincy, Ella and Tess Tipton and Caleb Byrd; one brother, Jim Byrd, West Plains, Missouri; and many loving family members, friends, students, and colleagues.

His parents and grandparents precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Herman Byrd Music Scholarship Fund for Central Methodist University or the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for BryceLynn Catherine-Murree George, two month old daughter of Jeremy and Brittany George, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2016 in Babyland at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

BryceLynn went to be with the Angels at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2016 at her home.

She was born August 26, 2016, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jeremy Wayne George and Brittany Michelle Higgs George.

She is survived by her parents, Jeremy and Brittany George; two brothers, Justice Daniel-Ray George and Bentley Mykhael-Lou George; one sister, Syrenitee Maime-Michelle George; her maternal grandparents, Stormie Higgs and Clarence Higgs; her paternal grandparents, Jenifer Weaver-Melvin and Ray Melvin; aunts and uncles, Josh and Cattie George, Billy and Larissa Higgs, Nathan and Kimberly Shafer; and multiple cousins.

Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Madge Brown, 97, Ozark, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Brown passed away at 5:20 a.m., Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Ozark Nursing & Care Center, Ozark, Missouri.

She was born March 16, 1919, at Sturkie,  Arkansas.

She is survived by her son, Glenn Brown, Ozark, Missouri and nephew, Jess
Atkinson and wife, Patsy, West Plains, Missouri.

Her parents, husband, one sister and two nephews, precede her in death.

A memorial service for Nathan Gary Goure, 34, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at ­­­­­­­­­­­10:00 a.m., Friday, November 18, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Goure passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at his home.

He was born June 25, 1982, at Denver, Colorado, to Gary and Carolyn Goure.  Mr. Goure enjoyed playing baseball and co-ed softball; he lived his life for St. Louis Cardinals, he didn’t miss watching the games and attended some as well.  Nathan also enjoyed spending time with friends on the river and being with his best friend, Missy, who was a big part of his life.

He is survived by his sister, Becky Goure, Springfield, Missouri; cousins, Chad Heston and Ashley Heston, West Plains, Missouri; grandparents, Bob and Belva Trebelcock, Caulfield, Missouri; grandmother, Jean Heston, Springfield; two nephews, Landon Goure and Peyton Heston; niece, Libby Heston; aunts and uncles, Larry Goure and wife, Linda; Mike Goure, wife, Annette all of West Plains; Dirk Heston, Springfield, John Heston and wife, Linda, State of Virginia; Kirk Heston and wife, Sheila, State of Nevada, Bart Heston, Springfield, Karen Grunder, West Plains and Joani Heston, Springfield; and several cousins.

His parents, grandfather, Wayne Heston, one aunt, Jacklyn Heston and one cousin, Robert Goure, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Dalone “Bobby” Swartz, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Union Grove General Baptist Church.

Mr. Swartz passed away at 2:40 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at his home.

He was born August 3, 1945, at York, Pennsylvania, to Howard Swartz and Sylvia Elizabeth Fishel Swartz.  He graduated from Hereford High School, Parkton, Maryland and on September 5, 1964, he was married in Baltimore County, Maryland, to Joan Cooper.  He enjoyed farming, building, restoring equipment and loved traveling. Before his retirement, Mr. Swartz was employed with John Deere Distribution Center, formerly of Timonium, Maryland and Harley-Davidson, York, Pennsylvania.  He was a former member of Stablers United Methodist Church, Parkton, Maryland, Green Mount United Methodist Church, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania and a current member of Union Grove General Baptist Church, Crider, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Joan Swartz, of the family home; his canine buddy, Spanky; two brothers, including William Swartz and wife, Pat, Boaz, Alabama; brother-in-law, Lewis Cooper and wife, Janice, Conyers, Georgia, special cousin, Joe Woodring and wife, Ann, York, Pennsylvania; special friends, Don Albright, Dover, Pennsylvania and Amy and Ron Gantz, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania; and four nieces and four nephews.

His parents and beloved brother Donald Swartz, Sr. preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Terrance M. “Terry” Carroll, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 2800 Christie Drive, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Carroll passed away at 10:15 a.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at his home on Flying R Ranch, Douglas County, Missouri.

He was born January 7, 1953, to Carla Butler Carroll Johnson and the late Clyde Carroll, at Chillicothe, Ohio.  He married the love of his life, Pamela Keltner on June 3, 1994.  As the founder of Carroll and Sons, Terry spent many years in the construction business.  As of May, 2011, Terry and Pam opened Flying R Ranch and have welcomed guests throughout the country, appeared on three nationally televised episodes of Tom Seay’s Best of America on Horseback and have been the source of entertainment for horse and outdoor enthusiasts.  As an avid supporter of  Boy Scouts, Girls’ Camp and as a youth leader for the LDS Church, Terry was concerned about teaching and loving all who came to know him.  When asked how he was doing Terry’s typical response was, “Better than I deserve to be”.  Certainly knowing Terry Carroll has made us all feel better – may he now rest in peace.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Carroll, of the family home; and their children, Rachael Ertel and husband, Martin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Aaron Carroll and wife, Heidi, Pleasantville, Ohio, Simon Carroll and wife, Amanda, Waldport, Oregon, Kevin Carroll, West Plains,  Missouri, Cindy Kilian and Dale Brower, West Plains, Missouri, Kymmi Ware, Willow Springs, Missouri and Kari Isham and husband, James, Peyton, Colorado; fourteen grandchildren, Rebecca Kaseman, Columbus, Ohio, Delanie Kilian and Crista Oritz, West Plains, Logan Lewis, Cottonwood, Arizona, Haley Windust, Waterford, Michigan, Corinna, Zachary and Parker Ertel, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Savannah and Seth Carroll, Pleasantville, Ohio, Deacon Carroll, West Plains, Danner Carroll, Cottonwood, Arizona and Caleb and Cody Henderson, Enid, Oklahoma; one great-grandchild, Jaylee Cross, Waterford, Michigan; his mother, Carla Carroll Johnson; his siblings, Eric Carroll, Willow Springs, Missouri, Karalee Hartley and husband, Gary, St. George, Utah, Andrea Harmon and husband, Tom, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Elisa Evans and husband, Scott, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Timothy Carroll and wife, Renee, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Alex Carroll and wife, Jackie, Buckeye, Arizona, Rex Carroll and wife, Lynn, Irving, California; and Kyle Carroll, Newark, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

His father, one daughter, Collette, one brother, and Kevin Carroll, one sister-in-law, Shelly Carroll, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Little Zion Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Donna Sue Amyx, 89, Pensacola, Florida, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November12, 2016 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Amyx passed away November 5, 2016 at her home on Perdido Bay in Pensacola, Florida.

She was born August 3, 1927, to Earl “Arkie” and Lana Anderson.  Donna was married to Orin M. Amyx.

Donna was the bookkeeper for fifteen years at Amyx Industries in West Plains, Missouri and volunteered for twenty years at Baptist Hospital Gift Shop after moving to Pensacola, Florida in 1985. She enjoyed playing golf and other social activities at West Plains Country Club and Perdido Bay Country Club.

She is survived by two children, Cheryl L. Amyx, Pensacola, Florida and O. Kim Amyx and wife, Nancy, Ozark County, Missouri; five grandchildren, Matthew Amyx, Dallas Texas, Lisa Barslow and husband, Judd, West Plains, Missouri,  Samantha Cooper and husband, Darren, West Plains, Missouri, Eric Amyx and wife, Ashlee, Blue Springs, Missouri, and Tof McWilliams and wife, Beth, Buckner, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren;  brother-in-law, John Adams, Twin Bridges, Missouri; and her nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Gene Anderson and one sister, Sandy Adams.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Regency Hospice of Pensacola or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Special thanks are given to Donna’s home health care providers: Susan Stewart, Mary Ann Torres and Dusti Sharp for their care, compassion and friendship through these last few months.

Services for Robert Truman Harris, Jr., 42, Mountain View, Missouri, formerly of Gamaliel, Arkansas, will be held at a later date.

Mr. Harris passed away at 12:30 a.m., Monday, October 31, 2016 at his home.

He was born August 3, 1974, at Charlotte, North Carolina, to Robert Truman Harris, Sr. and Charlotte Anne Newman. He attended Henderson State University where he majored in English and Psychology and played baseball and football (#33). He worked as a carpenter with his dear friend, Van Leach. Mr. Harris was an excellent guitar player, a fan of Grateful Dead and enjoyed baseball. He was a free spirit who loved the break of dawn and would want everyone he knew to drink a Guinness Stout in his honor.

He is survived by his former wife, Heidi Harris, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Gretchen Harris, Reston, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Rhonda Deanna Tetrick, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Tetrick passed away at 8:46 a.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at West Plains, Missouri.

She was born September 12, 1964, at Kirkwood, Missouri, to Dennis Darrell Shipley and Lena Belle Carter Shipley.  She was married on July 20, 1988, at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Lee Tetrick.  Mrs. Tetrick worked at T.J. Swifthouse.  She loved going to the river, camping, floating and spending time with her family and friends.  Mrs. Tetrick was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband, Lee Tetrick, of the family home; two children, Casey Tetrick and fiancé, Watawna Brashers and Kyle Tetrick and fiancé, Alicia Thompson, all of West Plains; three grandchildren and one on the way, Janelee Tetrick, Kalven Thompson and Abigail Tetrick; her mother, Lena Shipley, Dora, Missouri; two brothers, Royce Shipley and wife, Diane, Port Orange, Florida and Rodney Shipley and wife, Debra, Dora, Missouri; one sister, Robin Smith and husband, Gary, Oakland, Tennessee, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dwight and June Tetrick; sister-in-law, Barb Reynolds and husband, Greg; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her father, one grandchild and brother-in-law, Owen Tetrick, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of the Life of Reva V. Simpson, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Reva (Honeycutt) Simpson, daughter of the late Everett Alvin and Anna Mae (Martin) Honeycutt, was born June 9, 1926 near Winona, Missouri. She dedicated her life to Jesus as a young woman, and entered into eternal rest October 29, 2016 at the age of 90 years.  Reva spent her early years working along-side her parents and siblings in the family’s business ventures. She attended Winona Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1946. Her high school classmates voted her most athletic, prettiest eyes, and most likely to succeed.  She met the love of her life, Floyd Simpson, and the two were wed on July 2, 1947. Their union spanned just over 66 years. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters; Cheri (Simpson) Beavers, Dianna (Simpson) Weaver, and Debra Simpson. Reva spent the early years of her marriage raising their daughters and making a home. In 1956, she began working at Rawlings Manufacturing Company where she was employed for twenty-five years. She formed lasting friendships during her working years.  Reva cherished her membership in the Order of the Eastern Star where she was a faithful member for more than 50 years. She served in many offices and was appointed as District Deputy Grand Matron in 1986. Reva was a committed servant of the Lord through her membership at First Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. After her retirement, she delighted in fishing and camping with her family and friends. Reva possessed the gift of hospitality and prepared delicious home cooked meals often for guests and family. She anticipated holidays and birthdays with great preparation and tremendous joy and love.

Reva is survived by daughters, Cheri Beavers and husband, Richard, Dianna Weaver, and Debra Simpson; her granddaughters, Erica Walker and husband, Kyle, Sara (Weaver) Dockins and husband, Michael, and Tara Weaver; her great-grandchildren, Gracelyn and Brett Walker, and Benjamin Weaver; brother, Ralph E. Honeycutt and wife, Vina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, her sisters, Mildred Lockman Cooley, Edna Martin, her brothers, Kenneth and Dale Honeycutt, her son-in-law, Michael Weaver, and two infant grandsons, Rhett and Ryan Weaver.

Reva took great joy in her family and was happiest when surrounded by the ones she loved. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Her loss leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled, but we rejoice in the woman she was and celebrate her heavenly homecoming.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, October 31, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Reva’s memory to First Baptist Church Food Pantry, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Mills, Kelly Mills, Physician Assistant, Nursing Staff of Ozarks Medical Center, ICU, Anna Michel and staff of NHC, especially the nursing staff of A Hall, David Ball, Minister of Music, First Baptist Church and Pastor John King.

Funeral services for Earnest Ezra Pond, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the Victory Family Worship Center under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Pond died 12:20 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016 at his home. He was born October 18, 1931 at Corning, Arkansas to Ezra Pond and Agnes Bennett Pond. On December 10, 1949, Mr. Pond was married at Corning, Arkansas to Ruth Whelchel. Before his retirement, he had been employed at the International Shoe Company, Marathon Electric and was a long time farmer in the West Plains area. Mr. Pond was proud of the Black Angus cattle that he raised; he enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting and trout fishing. He was a member of the Victory Family Worship Center.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Pond, of the family home; three children, Rick Pond, wife, Margaret, Gilliam, Missouri, Vickey Collins, husband, Lloyd and Terry Pond, wife, Kim, all of West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Richie Pond, wife, Debbie, Scott Pond, Brandi Mills, husband, George, Tyler Pond, wife, Monique, Lloyd Collins and Dustin Collins; and five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Cory, Maci, Camden and Oliva.

His parents, one brother, Allen Pond and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Will and Ethel Whelchel, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1st, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Dorothy Tilson, 91, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Tilson passed away early morning, Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Brooke Haven Health Care, West Plains, Missouri.

She was born July 27, 1925 near Pottersville, Missouri to Clint Pease Hudlow and Frances Hall Hudlow.   She then grew up in Howell County and attended the Crider School. On January 14, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Irvin Jack Tilson who preceded her in death on April 15, 2000; to this union six children were born.   Before her retirement, Mrs. Tilson had been employed at the Kansas National Linen Company and the Wichita Royale Hotel.

She is survived by five children, Eugene Hudlow, wife, Beverly, Moody, Missouri, Kay Liggin, husband, Tony, Locksburg, Arkansas, Larry Tilson, wife, Joyce, Tecumseh, Missouri, Bobbie Jack Tilson, Andover, Kansas and Betty Robinson, husband, Loyd of Illinois; son-in-law, Donnie Vann, Gillham, Arkansas, and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Edna Marie Vann, and three sisters, Mildred Cook, Edna Sexton and Brica Fox, precede her in death.

Mrs. Tilson will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 31st, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Grove Cemetery and may left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Steven Joe Harris, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 12:40 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016 at his home.

Steve was born May 6, 1964, at Newport, Arkansas.  He was the son of Lowell Bart Harris and Jane Lois Hubbard Harris.  He was married on September 24, 2016, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lisa Nevills.  Steve was a load supervisor at Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He worked at other jobs, his first job was with Coca-Cola, then he went on to West Plains Vet Supply, Heartland Trucking, Yellow Trucking and he eventually went back to the job he really enjoyed at Coca-Cola.  He enjoyed playing golf.  Mr. Harris was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Harris, of the family home; one son, Dunde Harris, Houston, Texas; one sister, Cindy Cole and husband, Steve, Caulfield, Missouri; nieces, Shylah, Kaylah and Whitney Cole; great-nephew, Jase Cole; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and special friends, Don and Louise Lockman and Gary and Shelly Collins.

His parents and grandparents precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Foundation or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Nicole Jean Hunter Mostafa, 33, of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, formerly of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Koshkonong High School, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Nicole departed this earthly life on October 23, 2016, at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with her husband, Saleh and her mother, Emma Hunter at her side.

She was born August 20, 1983, at West Plains, Missouri, to C. W. Hunter and Emma Tellez Hunter.  On July 30, 2011, she was married at Springfield, Missouri, to Saleh Mostafa.  Nicole graduated from Koshkonong High School, earned two Bachelor’s Degrees at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, two Master’s Degrees from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri and was finishing her Doctorate at Kansas State University where she was a teacher and assistant professor.  Nicole enjoyed writing on her blog “the same rainbow’s end” where she brought people together from all around the world.  She loved educating the minds of the young and old.  Nicole was always smiling.  She had a warm and loving heart and was always thoughtful. Caring for others was important to her.  Nicole has touched many people all around the world during her lifetime and she will be loved and missed forever.

She is survived by her husband, Saleh; two daughters, Lavender and Juliet; her parents, C. W. and Emma Hunter; one brother, Carl Hunter and wife, Brittany and their two children, Cole and Jaycee; her other parents, Mohammed Mostafa and Salwa Sabri; one sister, Walaa; one brother, Suleiman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her grandparents, Carl and Phyllis Hunter and Phillip and Adeline Tellez and one uncle, Jerry Hunter, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at Koshkonong High School.  Burial will be in the family’s cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Nicole Hunter Mostafa Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Evelyn Katherine Burgess, 92, Harrison, Arkansas, formerly of Pomona, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Burgess passed away at 1:03 a.m., Friday, 21, October, 2016 at her daughter, Karen Shipley’s home.

She was born January 27, 1924, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer and Olive Wood.  She was united in marriage August 4, 1941 at Salem, Arkansas, to Lester O. Burgess, who preceded her in death on April 13, 2006.  She was a homemaker, and enjoyed raising large gardens, canning the fruits and vegetables for the family.  Mrs. Burgess loved to hand quilt, she could make the tiniest stitches and was a loving, caring person.  Her children, family and friends will miss her.  Evelyn accepted Christ and was baptized as a young girl and was a very active member in the church for many years at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Olden, Missouri.

She is survived by her six children, Betty Boyer, Apple Valley, California, Royce Burgess, Kathy Foster and Marvin Burgess and wife, Marla, all of Willow Springs, Missouri, Karen Shipley, Harrison, Arkansas and Keith Burgess and wife, Ernie, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; four brothers, Kenneth Wood and wife, Ruth, West Plains, Neil Wood and wife, Edith, Willow Springs, Missouri, Junior Wood, Washington, Illinois and Raymond Wood and wife, Mildred, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, June Fitzpatrick, Wenatchee, Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Ronnie Dwayne Burgess, one granddaughter, Emily Nakata and one sister Virginia Rittmiller, precede her in death.

Mrs. Burgess will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Church and Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Etta Ruth Johnston, 76, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnston passed away at 5:37 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at her home.

She was born January 9, 1940, at West Plains, Missouri, to John David Sylvester Willard and Lilith Day Tilman Willard.  She graduated from West Plains High School.  On July 4, 1982, she was married at West Plains, to Cecil Johnston, who preceded her in death on September 10, 1999.  Mrs. Johnston worked at Bank of America, formerly known as Boatmen’s Bank and Centerre Bank, for many years.  She also was a personal accountant, owned a service station with her husband, played organ and piano at Southern Hills Baptist Church and sold Avon, which she enjoyed very much.  Mrs. Johnston’s greatest joy was taking care of everyone.  She collected clocks, Elvis memorabilia and recipe books; she was known for being a magnificent cook.  Mrs. Johnston was a member of Church of God.

She is survived by three children, Rick Kerley and wife, Melody, Moody, Missouri, Robert Kerley, Jr. and wife, Michele, Winona, Minnesota and David Kerley and wife, Jamie, Branson, Missouri; son-in-law, Al Hensley; seventeen grandchildren, Kimberly Kerley, Kayleigh Nanney and husband, Zack, Adam Kerley and wife, Tammy, Rebecca Feyen and fiancée Tom Linville, William Kerley, Nathan True, Clayton Spencer, Amanda Spencer, Andrew Phillips, Rebekah Jones, Harley Kerley, David Tyler Kerley, Amber Kerley, Harmony Stewart, Gavin Magnuson, Zane Barbrow and Mackenzie Barbrow ; sixteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Herbert Willard and wife, Pat, St. Louis, Missouri and Ralph Willard, Dallas, Texas; three sisters, Mary Downing, Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Lola Bixler and husband, Pastor Bob Bixler, Victorville, California and Ethel Willard, Anderson, Indiana; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including a special niece, Zanetta Willis.

Her parents, husbands, Robert Kerley, Sr. and Cecil Johnston, one daughter, Lily Ruth Hensley and two brothers, James Eldean Willard and Elbert Lee Willard, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of West Plains and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Mary Lou Lind, 62, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Thayer, Missouri.

Mrs. Lind passed away at 1:13 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born October 26, 1953, at Monterrey, California.  She graduated from Kennedy High School, Chicago, Illinois with the Class of 1971.  On April 24, 1988, she was married at Des Moines, Iowa, to Robert Lind.  Mrs. Lind enjoyed her pets and farm animals.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Lind; her mother, Lillian Mary Foster Hamilton; two children, Samantha York and husband, Brian, Springfield, Missouri and Judith Whitcher and husband Scott, State of Arkansas; one sister, DeAnna Bembenek and husband, Gary, Des Moines, Iowa; her half-brother and half-sister, Cora Wiegel and Robert Fierce, both of State of Oregon; four grandchildren, Mark Hoggatt, Jeremy Hoggatt, Brittanie Schwartz and Brandon York; and two great-grandchildren.

Her father, Arthur Elliott Hamilton and one brother, Robert Hamilton, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for John Riley Harris, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 9:32 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born June 15, 1927, at Rover, Missouri, to John L. Harris and Bessie Agnes Huddleston Harris.  He was married June 29, 1951 at Salem, Arkansas, to Darlis Jones.  Mr. Harris was a Veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  Mr. Harris worked at the International Shoe Factory until his retirement in 1989.  He loved fishing and hunting and was very good at working on anything mechanical.  Mr. Harris attended First Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Darlis Harris, of the family home; one son, John H. Harris and wife, Kathryn, Queen City, Missouri; four grandchildren, John H. Harris and wife, Debbie, Matthew Harris and wife, Ashlie, Darla White and husband, Jason and R. D. Allen and wife, Ashley, eight great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Arianna, Benjamin, Josiah and Rebekah; one sister, Norma Cooper, Hocomo, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Kay Decker, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, twin daughters, Vona Freeman and Vonda Wilbanks and one grandson, Brian Ledwa, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of the Life of Michael Lee Weaver, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Weaver was promoted to sweetest angel status October 16, 2016.

He was born January 23, 1948, at Richmond, California, to the late Littleton Moore “L.M.” Weaver and Helen Juanita Vangundy Weaver.  Michael enjoyed life to its fullest. He loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, especially for Sunday dinners at his home in West Plains. Michael had a unique ability to establish long lasting, personal relationships with all those he met along the way.   Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 5, 1968 at Oakland, California and was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He completed a tour of duty arriving in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam December 28, 1969. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on September 5, 1972. From the first time Michael dove into the waters in the San Francisco Bay with his father he enjoyed scuba diving and surfing. In later years, he took pleasure in playing golf with his buddies and family. Michael enjoyed coaching and playing softball, and was particularly fond of his winning women’s softball team.   His greatest joy, however, was in his roles as husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He found much happiness spending time with his daughters and his grandson, Benjamin.  To many of his friends he was known as “Buff,” but his heart’s delight was being Daddy and PaPaw.  You could find him cheering on his daughters at piano recitals, volleyball games, and band half time shows. He took pride in their scholastic and extracurricular activities and he participated in helping them start their first business venture of washing and detailing cars.  Michael worked at Southwest Truck Body (now known as DRS) for 32 years. He began as a grinder/riveter and promoted to several jobs of high responsibility and leadership. He fostered and nurtured many close relationships during his career.

Michael is survived by his wife Dianna of 43 years; he will not only be missed by Dianna, but his daughter, Sara Dockins and husband Michael; his daughter, Tara Weaver and her son Benjamin Michael; his mother-in-law, Reva Simpson; two sisters-in-law, Cheri Beavers and husband Richard and Debra Simpson; niece, Erica Walker, and husband Kyle and their children Gracelyn and Brett.  Michael was especially grateful for his care giver Joyce McEntire as well as many other close friends whose support over the last year was so important in his fight to give us all just one more day.

His parents, two infant sons, Rhett and Ryan and his father-in-law Floyd Simpson, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to OMC Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Ozarks Medical Center, especially Dr. Alexandre Makarian, Dr.Priscilla Frase, Dr. Brett Malone, and locally Dr. Nate Swift, and Kelly Mills, Physician Assistant. Special thanks to Dr. Frank Eddleman and Sarah Moore, RN, Physical Therapists, Lee Adams, Paul Murray and Jess Loges, Speech Therapists Jeff Foes, Penny Fox Jones, Christy Kowiti, RN and Latise King,RN  and many other nursing staff and friends at NHC.

Graveside services for Naomi Kathleen Wheeler, 85, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Hutchinson, Kansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wheeler passed away at 3:08 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016 at her home.

She was born February 6, 1931, at Sturkie, Arkansas, to Marvin Shannon and Hallie Witt Shannon.  She attended High School at Salem, Arkansas and on September 2, 1950, was married to Thomas J. Moore.  On March 9, 1959, she was married at Hutchinson, Kansas, to John Wheeler and remained happily married for fifty-one years, until his death in 2010.  Mrs. Wheeler returned to West Plains five years ago.  She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, cooking and family events.  Mrs. Wheeler was of the Protestant faith.

She is survived by two sons, Larry Moore and wife, Barbara and Gary Moore and wife, Marion, all of Wichita, Kansas; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, James Shannon and wife, Ruth, West Plains; three sisters, Bertha “Tiny” Elliott, Linda Fox and husband, Riley, all of West Plains and Sandra Newnam and husband, Carroll, Peoria, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Barbara Moore, one son, Jerry Moore, four brothers, Rand Shannon, Ray Shannon, John Shannon and Doug Shannon, Sr., and four sisters, Sybil Stanley, Pearlie Mae Smith, Laura Norman and Virginia Sue Bell, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.