Obituaries

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.

Funeral services for Clifton Luna, 91, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Dora Saddle Club Arena, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Luna passed away at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2016 at his home.

He was born March 21, 1925, at Dora, Missouri, to Homer Luna and Dorothy Warren Luna.  On November 27, 1948, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Flora Mae Thornton.  Mr. Luna was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Twining.  He was a farmer and the owner and operator of Luna Sawmill, a family operation where most all of his family had worked at some point.  Mr. Luna enjoyed his mules and cattle.  He was a member of the West Plains Wagon Club where he was a past President, member of Gee & Haw Wagon Club, member and past President of Dora Saddle Club and was a past member of Dora School Board.

He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty-eight years, Flora Luna, of the family home; five children, Bob Luna and wife, Pam, Terry Luna and wife, Amy, Mike Luna, Sharon Fox and husband, Kelvin, all of Dora, Missouri and Kelly Luna and wife, Cherie, Zanoni, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman Luna, and wife, Jean, Tecumseh, Missouri and Burnie Luna and wife, Wanda, Elizabethtown, Kentucky; two sisters, Elouise Morton, Vanzant, Missouri and Rozelle Partida, Bentonville, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Charles Luna and two sisters, Nadine Luna and Maxine Collins, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Jackson “Jack” Cook, 78, Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Cook passed away at 2:50 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2016 at Hospice House, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He was born December 13, 1937, at Paddy, Missouri in Ozark County, to Robert Lee Cook and Nancy Jane Hopkins Cook.  On April 7, 1956, he was married at Senatobia, Mississippi, to Barbara Lenora Fox, who preceded him in death on March 12, 2008.  Mr. Cook was a self-employed body shop operator.  He enjoyed traveling and jug fishing.  Mr. Cook was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by two daughters, Lila Nix and husband, Tim, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Lesa Riegle, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brandi Nix and Kristine Laxton; three great-grandchildren, Cristian Nix, Gavin Young and Landon Young; and special friend, Linda Griffin, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

His parents, wife, and six brothers, Fred, Everett, Charles, Elmer, Melvin and Robert Cook precede him in death.

Mr. Cook will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Amy Camille Spence, 39, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Amy passed away at 5:25 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at her home after a courageous battle against Melanoma Cancer.

She was born October 20, 1975, at Memphis, Tennessee, to Carlene Hill and Larry Spence. She graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1994 and graduated from Missouri State University-West Plains in 2004 with a degree in Accounting. Amy was a strong advocate in the fight against Melanoma. In her spare time Amy enjoyed spending time with her boys, Chase and Gavin and also her beloved animals, Bubba, Ruby, Spot and Miss Kitty. She enjoyed floating the river, camping, attending concerts and spending time with family and friends. Amy was a Christian and gave her heart to God.

She is survived by two sons, Chase and Gavin York, West Plains; mother, Carlene Hill, West Plains; father, Larry Spence, Memphis, Tennessee; one brother, Rodney Hill, wife, Pam and their kids, Ballwin, Missouri; special cousin, Kevin Lyles, Jonesboro, Arkansas; aunt and uncle, Joyce Rushin, husband, Adell, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and best friend, Casey Trent, husband, Sean, West Plains. Amy will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Her step-father, Richard Hill, maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation in memory of Amy, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Franks, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Franks passed away at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, October 9, 2016 at her home.

She was born January 21, 1931, at Kingfisher, Oklahoma, to Roy H. Skinner and Edna Marie McIntosh Skinner.  She was married June 4, 1954 in the State of California to Delman “Del” Franks.  On October 27, 1991, she was married at Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, to J. Thelbert Franks, who preceded her in death on September 21, 2016.  Betty worked in the Food Industry her entire adult life.  She assisted with blood drives at the Veteran’s clinic, was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and of Downsizers.  Mrs. Franks was a member of the First Church of God.

She is survived by two step-sons, Doyle Franks and wife, Kathy and Daniel Franks and wife, Cindy, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Shawna Cogar and husband, Steven, Chyrise McCall and husband, Rex, Ryan Lyda and wife, Jody and Brooke Franks; four step-grandchildren, Tara Riley and husband, Will, Randa Hugg and husband, Josh, Nathaniel Franks and wife, Ashley and Matthew Franks and wife, Kayla; eight great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Roberta Dress and husband, Harry and Mary Lou Peake and husband, Michael, all of Manistique, Michigan; one brother-in-law, Randall Franks and wife, Elaine, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, Thelbert Franks and two children, Deborah Marie “Debbie” Lyda and Del Alan “D.A.” Franks, precede her in death.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God Audio Visual Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Monna Ann Farmer, 100, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2016 at Smith Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Farmer went to her heavenly home at 11:35 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016 at The Maples, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born September 17, 1916, at Gainesville, Missouri, to William Fred Freeman and Liddie Durham Freeman.  Monna Ann Farmer lived a long and full life.  Her 100 years and 19 days on this earth touched hundreds of people, brought many to Christ and made life joyful for all who knew her. She was married to Coleman T. Watson for thirty-two years until his death on May 21, 1971. Monna was married to Ess C. Farmer on July 28, 1992 until his death on December 3, 1994. Monna was a devoted and faithful wife.  She was a Christian woman baptized at the age of 13 in 1929. She was a member of the Lord’s body at Kansas Expressway Church of Christ in Springfield, Missouri.  She gave loving and excellent care for 22 years in the nursing profession at Myers Clinic in Rolla, Missouri.  Monna received her education in Ozark County Missouri and held an honorary diploma from Gainesville High School.  She was the matriarch of the family and led each one through good times and tough times.

Monna was a wonderful mother to Darlene L. Smith of Springfield, Missouri (husband Lyman Smith-deceased) and step-son Keith Farmer of Branson, Missouri; She was an exceptional grandmother to Debi and Art Robinson (deceased), Teresa and Eric Clark, Kenneth Paul Smith (deceased), Kevin and Tammy Smith, Angela and Mike Moody and Shane Farmer. She mentored and loved her great-grandchildren: Robin and Will Kennedy, Darrin and Emma Robinson, Terra Davis, Shanna Castillo, Lana O’Hara, Nathan Hardesty, Marcus Clark, Coleman and Jenna Smith, Kaleb Moody (deceased), Morgan Moody and Angelica Cisneros. She loved her great- great-grandchildren with all her heart: Mariah, Miranda and Mikayla Kennedy, Lily and Niya Robinson, Isaiah Robinson, Jaden Green, Alijah Davis, Lexi Castillo, Madeline O’Hara, Daniella Cisneros and Sylas Mantle.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers Merl and Verl Freeman and sisters Lola Newton, Flo Sanders, Farol Routh, Doris Thornton and Dorothy Stephens.

Mrs. Farmer will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Smith Chapel Cemetery or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Charles Theodore “Chuck” Pirkle, 83, Brandsville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at Brandsville Pentecostal Mission, Brandsville, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, and officiated by Brother Kelsey Villines.

Mr. Pirkle left this world peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his family Tuesday morning, October 4, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born March 2, 1933, in Sparta, Illinois, to Theodore and Geraldine Pirkle.  Mr. Pirkle was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict.  After the war, he moved his brothers and sisters to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a civilian firefighter and trainer at the Litchfield Naval Air Facility.  On May 10, 1957, he married Betty Joy Younger in Phoenix, Arizona.  They moved to Missouri in 1966, where they owned and operated a dairy farm until they moved to Brandsville, where he served as Mayor for 18 years.  One of his major accomplishments during those years was to bring public water service and a water tower to his community.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Betty Pirkle; two daughters, Susan Nemec and Denna Boardsen and husband, Dr. Dan Boardsen; four grandchildren, Katharine Manuel and husband, Michael, Scott Nemec and wife Liana, Stephanie Jackson, and husband, Luke and Jennifer Poole and husband, Jordan; and five great-grandchildren, Rose Nemec, Joy Horton, Lucien Horton, Vincent Jackson and Louis Jackson.

His parents, three brothers and three sisters, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Ricky James Jewell, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ricky passed away at 2:32 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Regional One Health, Memphis, Tennessee.

He was born October 27, 1963, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Ralph Jewell and Wilma Jean Reid Jewell.  Rick loved riding motorcycles, trading cars, his mom’s brown beans and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a proud Papa who cherished his grandkids and worked hard to take care of his family.  His loving spirit and grin will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother, Wilma Jewell; fiancé Angie Ingalsbe and their family unit, Chad Jewell and wife, Ashley, Dustin Jewell, Montana Bridges, Laiken Dotson, Britney Bean and husband, James, Whitney Ingalsbe and Autumn Tullos; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Jake, Emma, Hannah, Halle, Cheyenne, RJ and Rocky; two sisters, Rhonda Singletary and husband, Dan and Jody Henson and husband, Jim; one niece, Brandi Anderson and husband, Trey and their daughter, Laken; three nephews, Coty Henson and wife, Missy and their children, Mason, Makenna and Camden, Dalton Henson and Carlena and Evan Singletary; the mother of his two sons, Stacy Guilliams Jewell; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends.

His father and one daughter-in-law, Stephanie, precede him in death.

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

Funeral services for Jerry L. Long, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Long passed away at 12:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2016 at his home.

He was born August 31, 1943, at Spring Creek Township in Howell County, Missouri, to Homer N. Long and Alma Myrtle Wallace Long.  Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for many years up until his retirement; he then began working for his sister and brother-in-law at Dennis’ Specialty Cuts where he enjoyed helping his family as well as the customers.  He was active in the First Baptist Church as an usher as well as working with the food pantry.  Jerry was a Christian and enjoyed telling others about God.  He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

He is survived by three children, Lisa Long, Rockford, Illinois, Roger Hayes and wife, Jo, Rolla, Missouri and Josh Long and wife, Jackie, West Plains; his grandchildren, Dylan Hayes and wife, Hayley, Springfield, Missouri, Dalton and Deven Hayes, Rolla, Missouri; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Hayes, Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Sue Roberts and husband, Dennis and Renee Cawvey, all of West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one brother, John R. Long, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Long will be laid to rest in the Fowler Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or First Baptist Church Food Pantry and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Judie Ann Yates, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Clear Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Yates passed away at 12:20 p.m., Sunday, October 2, 2016 at her home.

She was born April 13, 1946, at Hoxie, Arkansas, to Charles Montgomery and Pauline Russell Montgomery.  She was married at Plant City, Florida, to William “Howard” Yates.  Judie had worked as a nurse assistant at Beverly Healthcare.  She loved to color and enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets.  Mrs. Yates was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Yates, of the family home; two children, Barbara Bland and Howard E. Yates and wife, Judy; daughter-in-law, Harriet Berger; six grandchildren, James Drewery and wife, Sandy, Crystal Floyd, Heather Karr and husband, Nathaniel, Walter Drewery and Hilary Montgomery and Jesse Johnston; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Montgomery, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary McAbee and husband, Gerald, Coldwater, Mississippi; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one infant daughter, Donna Jean, one granddaughter, Jennifer Drewery, two brothers, Gene and Ricky Montgomery and one sister, precede her in death.

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

Funeral services for LaVerne Elizabeth Hightower, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hightower passed away at 1:45 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at her home.

She was born February 24, 1932, at Siloam Springs, Missouri, to Shelt Collins and Katie Collins.  On October 1, 1954, she was married to Basil Hightower, who preceded her in death.  On October 25, 1997, she was married to Lyle Langston, who preceded her in death June 13, 2001, she later married Delphia Brooks, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2014.  She was the owner and operator of the Punkin Center Store for eighteen years, retiring in 1989.  Mrs. Hightower had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and raising flowers.  She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by two sisters, Lillian Shepherd, Wabash, Indiana and Bernice Daugherty, Imperial, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husbands, two brothers, Cleo and Billy Collins and two sisters, Imogene Goss and Norma Collins, precede her in death.

Mrs. Hightower will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sweeton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Jessie Dean Stiner, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Stiner passed away at 1:03 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at NHC HealthCare, West Plains.

He was born September 6, 1957 at Houston, Missouri to John Wallace Stiner and Bonnie Faye McCleary Stiner.  Mr. Stiner was a logger and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by five brothers, Donnie Stiner, wife, Debbie, Frank Stiner, wife, Dawn, Ralph Stiner, wife, Debbie, Billy Stiner, wife, Sherry and Benny Stiner, all of West Plains, Missouri; sister-in-law, Karen (Sue) Stiner, St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His grandparents, parents, two brothers, John E. “Bo” Stiner and Ronnie Stiner, sister-in-law, Maggie Stiner, nephew, Michael Stiner and great nephew, Beau Stiner, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for James Herman Wetzel, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the South Fork Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wetzel died 8:53 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at NHC HealthCare, West Plains. He was born September 19, 1940 at West Plains, Missouri to Loren Bascom Wetzel and Delphia Florence Phenix Wetzel. On June 14, 1959, Mr. Wetzel was married at West Plains, Missouri to Lola Gilbert. He worked in West Plains, Missouri for several years, then went to Illinois and worked for Del Monte Corporation until the plant closed. Mr. Wetzel then worked for Sarah Lee Corporation in Georgia and before he became disabled in 1998, worked for FMC Transport in Willow Springs, Missouri. He loved hunting and fishing and his family. Mr. Wetzel was a member of the Church of God.

He is survived by his wife, Lola Wetzel, of the family home; three children, Judith Turner, husband, Mike, Mt. Morris, Illinois, James David Wetzel, wife, Brenda, Rochelle,, Illinois and Jerry Dean Wetzel, wife, Angela, Jacksonville, Florida; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Glenda Adkisson, husband, L.R., West Plains, Missouri, Ina Stevens Lee, Nevada, Missouri and Betty Ingle, husband, Kenneth, Marysville, California; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, three sisters, Lucy Smith, Donna Offitt and Lola Wetzel, and two brothers, Loren and Richard Wetzel, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 3rd, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Memorial services for Wendy L. Sliger, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church,West Plains.

Mrs. Sliger passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at her home.

She was born February 19, 1958 in West Plains. On July 9, 2004, she was married at West Plains, to Stephen Wayne Sliger, who preceded her in death on August 7, 2015. Wendy had worked in screen-printing for a large portion of her adult life.

She enjoyed the outdoors, her children and her precious grandchildren. She also enjoyed the company of her pets.

She is survived by her son, Tyler Duncan, and wife, Victoria, Bellevue, Nebraska; daughter Brianna Duncan-Smith and husband, Marcus, of Lafayette, Louisiana; five grandchildren, Kamryn Smith, Skye Smith, Ethan Duncan, Yasmyn Smith, and Lauren Duncan; five step-children, Angela Sliger and husband, Jason, Stephanie Sliger, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Michelle Minge and husband, Shaun, Marionville, Missouri, Justin Sliger and wife, Ashley, Nixa, Missouri, Leslie Jarvis and husband, Heath, Farmington, Missouri; one brother, Howie Lindeman, State of Texas.

Her parents, Laverna and Burl North, husband, Stephen Sliger, two uncles, Lawrence and Kenneth Lindeman precede her in death.

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

Visitation services for John August Wilkening, 85, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilkening passed away at 8:00 a.m., Sunday, September 25, 2016 at his home.

He was born May 25, 1931, at Lanton, Missouri, to Charles Theodore Wilkening and Lissie Suzette Dykes Wilkening.  He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1949 and was married on June 8, 1958, at Poynor, Missouri, to Iris Sue Cannon, who preceded him in death on February 10, 2004.  Mr. Wilkening was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.  He enjoyed farming and worked as a mail carrier.  He loved and cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by two children, Ted Wilkening and wife, Marisa and Stacy Kutter and husband, Mike, all of Koshkonong, Missouri; four grandchildren, Sheldon Wilkening, Shelbey Wilkening, Justin Kutter and wife, Sydney and Michaela Kutter; one sister, Carol Hendrix, Independence, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, three sisters, Charlene Briscoe, Doris Powell and Delores Finney and two brothers, Royce Wilkening and Jack Wilkening, precede him in death.

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