Funeral services for Allen Dale Thompson, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Thompson passed away at 2:44 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born April 23, 1952, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ralph Dale Thompson and Ruby Mae Bryson Thompson. On November 27, 2006, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Linda Brotherton. Mr. Thompson was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He loved fishing, hunting and camping and enjoyed supporting Veteran functions and was a member of the Elk’s lodge. Mr. Thompson was a member of the Elk Creek Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Thompson; two children, Jarid Allen Thompson and Melinda Wonders and husband, Dan; three grandchildren, Wade Thompson, Abbey Wonders and Hunter Wonders, his parents, Ruby Thompson and Dale and Ellen Thompson; one brother, Dan Thompson and wife, Mary; two sisters, Lisa Robertson and Shelly Thompson and friend, Mark Hitson; and several nieces and nephews.
His grandparents, Ralph and Bernice Thompson and Jack and Opal Bryson, nephew Shane Coble and sister-in-law, Glenda Brotherton, precede him in death.
Mr. Thompson will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Leota Faye Crawford, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Crawford passed away at 5:40 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 8, 1929, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Johnnie Allen Osborn and Dorothy Bushong Osborn. On July 11, 1946, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Harlin Robert Crawford, who preceded her in death on October 27, 2008. She was a homemaker and was a great companion, working with her husband on their farm and rental property. She enjoyed working with plants and had a green thumb; she also enjoyed time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren. Mrs. Crawford was a Christian since early womanhood and was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ for sixty-two years.
She is survived by two daughters, Loretta Metzger and husband, Don and Kathy Stine and husband, Bill, all of West Plains; two grandchildren, Traci Metzger Willison and husband, Shane, Thayer, Missouri and Matthew Stine and wife, Erika, West Plains; eight great-grandchildren, Mayce, Kale, Jackson and Griffin Willison and Gwynievere, Trent, Reyannan and Tolliver Stine; one brother, William “Morton” Osborn, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Evalee Gunter and husband, Bill, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, Randall Osborn, two sisters-in-law, Jean Osborn and Rita Osborn and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Mary Crawford, precede her in death.
Mrs. Crawford will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A visitation service for James Wesley Grisam, 27, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Grisam passed away at 11:55 a.m., Monday, August 8, 2016 at his home.
He was born April 3, 1989, at Indianapolis, Indiana, to Glenn Wesley Grisam and Gabriele Lora Simons Grisam. Mr. Grisam was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines and had worked at Invensys and Ruby Tuesday’s. Mr. Grisam had a wonderful heart and was a good uncle. He enjoyed reading, computers and video games.
He is survived by his fiancé, Courtney Vess; his parents, Glenn and Gabrielle Grisam; one sister, Angela Osborn and husband, Jared; two nephews, Adian Lankford and Josiah Lankford; one niece, Lillian Osborn; two uncles, James McKee and wife, Christy and Harry Joe McKee, Jr., and wife, Christy; and one aunt, Mary Lee Vanouver.
His grandparents, Glenn and Mildred Grisam and Harry McKee, precede him in death.
Funeral services for Ralph Donavan Saunders, 87, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Saunders passed away at 12:10 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2016 at Brooke Haven Health Care.
He was born September 29, 1928, at Peach Creek, West Virginia, to Ollie Saunders and Martha Estep Saunders. Mr. Saunders was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. On December 16, 1952, he was married at Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Frances Jean Casto, who preceded him in death on April 11, 1998. Before his retirement, Mr. Saunders was a computer programmer at National Cash Register Company. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time at the Gulf. He was a Mason, a member of the Gideon Bible Society and was active in prison ministry. Mr. Saunders was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his life companion of many years, June Lewis; three children, William “Don” Saunders and wife, Kathy, Canal Winchester, Ohio; Dewight Edwin Saunders and wife, Nancy, Benton, Kansas and Jennifer Frank, Wichita, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Melissa Johnson, Jessica Saunders, Christina Frank, Brian Saunders, Jeff Saunders, Kari Saunders and Taylor Blumanhourst; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; three sisters, Alice Fricke and husband, Arthur, Marlene Casto and Mable Little and husband, Carl; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one brother, Homer and one sister, Wilma, precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Kenny B. Skaggs, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Kenny passed away at 7:35 a.m., Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Brooke Haven Health Care.
He was born June 3, 1960, at West Plains, Missouri, to Kenneth Skaggs and Carole Sue Kimberland Skaggs. He loved music and enjoyed being a spectator at sporting events his sisters participated in when they were in school. Kenny liked going to church and attended several different churches throughout the years.
He is survived by his father, Kenneth Skaggs, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Cindy Franks and husband, Daniel, Peace Valley, Missouri and Tammy Kinder and husband, Terry, Sturkie, Arkansas; his nieces and nephews, Nathaniel Franks and wife, Ashley, Matthew Franks and wife, Kayla, Dr. Terra Kinder and Jesse Kinder; two great-nieces; and two great-nephews and one on the way.
His mother precedes him in death.
Mr. Skaggs will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Jane Horsman, 82, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 11, 2016, at the First Christian Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Horsman passed away at 8:56 a.m., Sunday, August 7, 2016 at her home.
She was born November 21, 1933, at Toledo, Ohio, to Benjamin Harrison Bernath and Harriett Lillian Bernath. On November 11, 1963, she was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Lehman Leon “Mickey” Horsman. Jane worked as a homemaker and helped run a family farm. When her children were raised, she worked as a department store clerk and later for the Diet Center, which she later became a co-owner of the franchise in West Plains. Jane was an avid reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast and enjoyed playing games and cards with her children and grandchildren. She and her husband followed Cardinal baseball and enjoyed watching games together. Before moving to Springfield in 2013, Mrs. Horsman was a member of Genesis Church, West Plains.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Lehman Leon “Mickey” Horsman, of the family home; seven children, Stephen Horsman and wife, Angelica, William Steimer, Phillip Steimer and wife, Bobbie, Jill Holstine, Jamie Jolliff and husband, Bill, Jon Steimer, Sr. and wife, Harriet and Jennifer Barnett and husband, Brian; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Harrison Benjamin Bernath; three sisters, Joan Bowman, Julie Coyle and Joy Robinson; one sister-in-law, Jana Orton; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two brothers, one sister and one step-son, precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Faye Ball, 68, Vanzant, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ball passed away at 11:23 a.m., Sunday, August 7, 2016 at her home.
She was born June 18, 1948, at Rea Valley, Arkansas, to William Clarence Baker and Delphia Marie Middleton Baker. On June 3, 1994, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Larry G. Ball. Faye graduated from Nursing School as a Registered Nurse at Harrison, Arkansas in June of 1976. She had a love of helping people and worked in various hospitals, doctor’s offices and nursing homes for forty years. Faye was saved in the Rea Valley Community Church near Flippin, Arkansas and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed living on a farm and loved helping raise cattle.
She is survived by her husband, Larry G. Ball, of the family home; one son, Eddie Dwayne King and wife, Tracy, West Plains, Missouri; one daughter, Nancy Marie King Whitworth and husband, Keith, Springfield, Missouri; one step-son, Ron L. Ball, Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Matthew Whitworth and Megan Muncie; one sister, Patsy Baker Chaney and husband, Larry, Flippin, Arkansas; special nephew, Travis Chaney; and special friend, Eva Clark.
Her parents precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Moody Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Trilby Catherine Benton, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Benton passed away at 6:36 p.m., Monday, August 8, 2016 at NHC Healthcare.
She was born November 29, 1919, at Doniphan, Missouri, to George W. Cook and Almeda Hall Cook. On December 30, 1948, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to John Wilborn Benton, who preceded her in death on March 22, 1990. Mrs. Benton held a Cosmetologist license and worked in accounts receivable at Reed-Harlin Wholesale for seventeen years. She enjoyed making special cakes for children, loved to garden and can produce. Mrs. Benton was a member of the First Christian Church.
She is survived by her son, Michael Benton and wife, Tammy; two grandchildren, April Muenks and husband, Shawn and Phillip Benton and wife, Mikayla; special friend, Norma; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, Thomas Carter Cook and Wayne Cook and one sister, Ethel Rerry, precede her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Brian “Muffin” Massey, 47, Oilton, Oklahoma, formerly of West Plains, Missourui, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Massey passed away at 7:51 a.m., Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Hillcrest Hospital, Cushing, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family.
He was born October 26, 1968 at Mountain Grove, Missouri to Keith Massey and Lora Mae Freeman Massey. Brian’s youth was spent growing up and working on the family farm. This is where Brian grew into the avid outdoorsmen that he was. He had a great passion for horses. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and brothers while hunting and fishing. He also took great pride in gardening and spent many hours helping his mom can and tend to the garden. Brian held many jobs in his adulthood: Arkansas Electric, MFA, and Garst Seed Company. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge 2418. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and his loved ones.
Brian is survived by his daughter, Rileigh Maekay Massey , Marshall, Missouri; his mother Lora Mae Massey, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters: Kathy Collins and husband, James, Willow Springs, Missouri, Brenda Cherry and husband, Tim, West Plains, Missouri and Patricia Massey and Mike, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; one brother, Tim Massey and wife, Jamie, Oilton, Oklahoma; one uncle Dale Massey and wife, Corky, Ava, Missouri; special family friend, Renee Stephens, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Brian is preceded in death by his son Peyton Brian Massey, his father Keith Massey, two brothers, Ronnie Massey and Randy Massey, paternal grandparents, Gid and Lois Massey and maternal grandparents, Elmer and Nellie Freeman.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Blanche Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Bertha Dana Willard, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 4, 2016 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Willard passed away at 2:47 a.m., Monday, August 1, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born November 14, 1922, at Rover, Missouri, to Elmer Franklin VonAllmen and Nora Belle Jolliff VonAllmen. On June 10, 1941, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Dr. Joseph Ira “J.I.” Willard, who preceded her in death on November 11, 1999. J. I. was a pastor in churches in Oregon, Howell, Vernon and Jackson Counties in Missouri. Bertha was a supportive wife and a vital part of his ministry, teaching, counseling and mentoring families in their churches.
She is survived by four children, Joyce Hancock and husband, Dr. Steve Hancock, Cicero, Indiana, Wilda Pingel and husband, Robert, West Plains, Missouri, Mary Jo Freeman and husband, Dr. Roger Freeman, Independence, Missouri and Mark Willard and wife, Pam, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Stefani Hancock, Scott Hancock, Wesley Freeman, Melissa Cunningham, Aaron Freeman, Charles Pingel, Dr. Caleb Pingel, Heather Gallant, Alison Dueker and Hilary Wheeler; thirty-two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Dean VonAllmen, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Jane Willard, Chatsworth, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Her parents, husband, five brothers and two sisters, precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Jolliff Cemetery.
Funeral services for Betty Ann Atkinson, 83, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday August 3, 2016 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Atkinson passed away at 6:45 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at her home.
She was born September 20, 1932, in the West Plains, Missouri area, to John “Henry” Bailey and Ruth Crow Bailey. On May 20, 1950, she was married at the Methodist Church, Hardy, Arkansas, to Everett E. Atkinson. Mrs. Atkinson was of the Methodist faith and was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over sixty years. She attended West Plains High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. Betty always enjoyed school, her teachers, classmates and school activities; she held several class offices and was a member of the National Honor Society both her Junior and Senior years. After graduation, she was secretary to the Vice-President of auditing and Roy R. Wilson of McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft, St. Louis, Missouri for several years. She and her husband were co-owners of Atkinson Real Estate & Investments, Inc. Betty obtained her Real Estate Brokers License in 1963 and was a Certified Real Estate Appraiser for several years; she was one of the organizers and Charter Member of the West Plains Board of Realtors and served as interim Secretary during the formation of the Board. After 40 years and her husband after over 50 years, bot h retired from the real estate business in June, 2002. Mrs. Atkinson was a life member of the V.F.W. and served on he Board of the George G. Hayes Society of West Plains. Betty enjoyed playing the fiddle with the Bluegrass group at the Civic Center. With her parents and families throughout her childhood and with her husband of sixty-six years, she always enjoyed home, the Ozarks scenery, live-water streams and wildlife. She spent a lot of time on the farms of her parents and grandparents.
She is survived by her husband, Everett E. Atkinson; several cousins; and many life-long friends.
Her parents and one infant brother precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Evergreen Cemetery and may be left at Robertson -Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Graveside service for Carrol Anne Spears, 70, West Plains, will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Dripping Springs Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Spears passed away at 12:43 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at her home.
She was born September 1, 1945, at Stockton, California, to Fred Dill Bentzel and Rebecca Girdley Bentzel. On May 26, 1979, she was married at Joplin, Missouri, to Rodney Warren Spears, who preceded her in death January 28, 2006. She enjoyed cross stitch, reading, family gatherings and spending time with her family.
She is survived by three children, Stacy Whiteside and husband, Robert, Elizabeth Williams and husband, Wayne and Justin Spears and wife, Trena; five grandchildren, Annetta Overstreet and husband, Clay, Austin Williams, Clay Rucker and wife, Kari, Audrey Drumright and husband, Hayden and Blake Spears; four great-grandchildren, Alessa Overstreet, Maci Overstreet, Jamison Drumright and Zayden Rucker; one brother, Craig Bentzel; mother-in-law, Joyce Steele; several nieces and nephews; and many special cousins and friends.
Her parents and husband precede her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Dripping Springs Cemetery and may be left at Robertson Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Derek Gene Belcher, 32, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Bethany Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Belcher passed away at 4:45 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2016 at his home.
He was born December 20, 1983, at West Plains, Missouri, to Freddy Gene Belcher and Lisa Ann Roberts Belcher. On December 12, 2012, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Lacey Ann Stafford. Mr. Belcher was a logger and loved cutting timber. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, hunting and being outdoors. He will be missed by his loved ones. Mr. Belcher was saved and baptized and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lacey Belcher; three children, Kenneth, Duane and Valarey Ann Belcher; one step-son, Brayden Lee Perkins; his parents, Freddie and Lisa Belcher; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Lisa Stafford; two brothers, Craig Belcher and fiancé, Jen and Ethan Belcher; brother-in-law, Cody Stafford and fiancé, Mandi; grandmother-in-law, Betty Sage; three nieces, Haley and McKenzie Stafford and Mallorie Shaw; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
His grandparents, Kenneth and Maxine Roberts, Theo and Alma Belcher and grandfather-in-law and grandmother-in-law, Tony and Irene Stafford, precede him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Charles Lee Hall, 81, Houston, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 29, 2016 at Homeland Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hall passed away at 11:52 a.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born June 22, 1935, at West Plains, Missouri, to Melvin Hall and Ora Brower Hall. On September 25, 1954, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ruby Lung. Before his retirement, Mr. Hall worked at Missouri Highway and Transportation.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Hall; one brother, Leroy Hall; one sister, Norma Hilburn; sister-in-law, Martha Diamond; and several nieces and nephews, including Andi Hilburn-Vaini.
His parents, one brother, James Edward Hall, brother-in-law, Larry Hilburn and sister-in-law, Ella Hall, precede him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Thurlow Donald Collins, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2016 at Wanda Cemetery, Granby, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 1:48 a.m., Monday, July 25, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born September 19, 1935, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elmer and Esther Collins. On May 25, 1954, he was married at Kansas City, Missouri, to Wanda Moffett. Before his retirement, Mr. Collins worked for the Forestry Department. He enjoyed coon hunting, fishing and gambling.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Collins; four children, Allen Collins and wife, Ruby, Steve Collins and wife, Nancy, Tony Collins and Marvin Collins; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin Collins and wife, Linda and Dewald Collins and wife, Norma; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Chris Collins, one sister and two brothers, precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Siloam Springs Volunteer Fire Department and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Robert Allen Kingsolver, Sr., 84, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2016 at Fowler Chapel Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Kingsolver passed away at 10:23 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born August 23, 1931, at Clayton, Ohio, to Charles Derrick Kingsolver and Lily Lenore Abbott Kingsolver.
Robert Allen Kingsolver, Sr.
Mr. Kingsolver was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force as a B-29 top gunner during the Korean Conflict. On September 28, 1963, he was married at Clarksville, Ohio, to Velma “Esther” Pugh. He held a teacher’s certificate and was a school teacher in Ohio for seven years. He worked as a truck driver for Hiland Dairy and was a Learjet machinist in Wichita, Kansas. Bob enjoyed playing horseshoes and was a world and state champion horseshoe pitcher. Mr. Kingsolver was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Fowler Chapel Church.
He is survived by his wife, Velma “Esther” Kingsolver; five children, Robert Allen Kingsolver, Jr., Patrick William Kingsolver and wife, Lori, John David Kingsolver and wife, Jamie, Leah Dale Clapp and husband, Bob, Chris Barclay Kingsolver and wife, Gere; twenty-one grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special family friend, Renee James; one brother-in-law, Elmer Pugh and wife, Cheryl; five sisters-in-law, Fern Carpenter, Norma Barnes, Bertha Dyer, Janie Kingsolver and Audrey Sallee; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, two sisters, Rosemary Combs and Iva Jeanne Elswick and one brother, Joseph Kingsolver, precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Baptist Hill Cemetery.
Funeral services for Charles Royce Fugate, Sr., 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Fugate passed away on July 22, 2016, at his home in West Plains, Missouri, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. Royce was born on August 13, 1935, in Pomona, Missouri, the only child of Charles “Ted” and Margaret Fugate. He was raised both in Kansas City, Missouri and on the farm of his maternal grandparents, George and Marcella Eidson. He attended St. Joseph grade school in White Church, where he first noticed his future spouse and partner in life, Rita. Royce attended Rockhurst High School and Rockhurst College in Kansas City Missouri and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1959. Two days after graduation, he began in Kansas City a 38-year career with the Missouri Department of Transportation, eventually holding the key positions of Division Engineer for Research, Development, and Technology; District Engineer for District 9 Willow Springs; Assistant District Engineer for District 4 Kansas City; and the first Value Engineering Administrator for the state. On July 10, 1965, he married Rita Sharon Gilliam at St. Joseph Church in White Church. His career took them to homes around the state (Jefferson City, Macon, Independence, Blue Springs, Willow Springs). On April 6, 1967, they welcomed their son, Charles Jr., into their life. In 1996 Royce “retired” to a second, 15-year career as City Administrator/City Engineer for the City of West Plains. Under his direction, the city undertook numerous major accomplishments and upgrades, including: expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, new aquatic center and public library, additions to the West Plains Civic Center, construction/expansion of a new City Hall, a new central water treatment plant, and installation of two peaking power generators which provide essential and surplus power to the community. Royce loved the City of West Plains and continued to be its promoter, champion, and friend after retiring in 2011. He served one term on the City Council. Among his many professional and civic accomplishments: membership and leadership roles in Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Public Utility Alliance (recipient of Distinguished Service Award 2011), Rotary (West Plains, Willow Springs, Jefferson City), Advisory Committee for Ozarks Medical Center, and many more. In 2005, Royce was appointed by the governor to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects, where he served for eight years. He was a mentor to countless people in engineering, civic work, leadership, and life. In April of this year, he was inducted into the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers Hall of Fame. Royce was a devoted lifelong Catholic and a current member of St. Mary’s Parish in West Plains. He served on church councils in nearly every city in which he resided. He was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, a charter member of Assembly 3196, a past Faithful Navigator in Fourth Degree and past Grand Knight. He was an avid quail hunter, bird dog enthusiast, golfer, and KU fan.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father.
Survivors include his wife, Rita Fugate, West Plains; his son Charles Fugate and son-in-law Joseph O’Malley, of Overland Park, Kansas; as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church, White Church, Missouri; Knights of Columbus Assembly 3196, West Plains; Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri; or Ozarks Medical Center Foundation—The Cancer Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Lee Von Carrico, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 25, 2016 at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Carrico passed away at 1:20 a.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Gainesville Health Care Center.
He was born July 10, 1934, at Wild Cherry, Arkansas, to Austin R. Carrico and Tressie Jane Sanders. Mr. Carrico was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. On October 25, 1965, he was married at Rockford, Illinois, to Norma Jean Mundt, who preceded him in death in October of 2007. He was self-employed most of his life and was a truck driver for Wilbert Vault Company, Rockford, Illinois for nineteen years. He was a former Mason with the Masonic Temple in Roscoe, Illinois. Mr. Carrico loved to fish, watch westerns, enjoyed watching and coaching baseball, playing guitar and singing in bands. He was proud of his garden.
He is survived by two grandchildren, Mike Webb and wife, Heather and Tracy Nelson and fiancé William Wadkins; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Donnie Carrico and wife, Jackie; one sister, Oleta Mae Sanders; one sister-in-law, Rosalie Carrico; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, four brothers, Joda Mace Carrico, A. Dell Carrico, Gene Garrett and Chester Lee Carrico, precede him in death.
Mr. Carrico will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Bakersfield Full Gospel Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Linda “Joan” Gentry Rose, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 24, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rose quietly passed away at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in her home following a long and courageous battle against both lung cancer and leukemia.
Joan was born September 17, 1949 in Lyons, Kansas to June Lewis and was raised by her grandparents, Robert and Rachel Cannon. She graduated high school from West Plains Senior High in 1967. On December 25, 1976, she married David Lee Gentry and begat two children, after which the marriage conceded. She was then introduced to Lloyd Robert Rose, Jr. who courted her for twenty years until they were united in holy matrimony in 2006. Lloyd preceded her in death on April 4, 2016. During her lifetime, Joan was a respiratory therapist for thirty-five years. She loved all types of animals, making homemade jewelry, gardening, traveling and especially being a proud mother and grandmother. Joan was a loyal, longtime member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains.
She is survived by three children: daughter Dawna Gravley and husband Corbin, of Tucson, Arizona; Phillip Gentry and partner, Sonia Holt, of West Plains, Missouri; and Willie Gentry and partner, Rhonda Byers, of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by four granddaughters: Chelsie Thornton, whom she raised and who lived with her as a daughter, Shelby Cockrum, Danerys Gravley, and Alexa Gentry. Furthermore, she is survived by four siblings: Bill Lewis and wife Jan of Monroe City, MO; Brenda Griffin and husband, Ed of West Plains, MO; Walter James Lewis and wife, Sabrina of Wentzville, MO; and Jana Mayle, also of West Plains, MO. She was blessed by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Regional Animal Shelter or to the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Ronald (Ronnie) James Brixey, 67, St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2016 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ronnie died Monday, July 18, 2016, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Peters, Missouri. He was born April 23, 1949 at Kansas City, Missouri to Fred James Brixey and Agnes Wood Brixey. Ronnie enjoyed watching the re-runs of the Gomer Pyle TV shows, loved to sing and was a Kansas City Chiefs fan. He recently received a special visit by the Kansas City Wolf, the mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a jolly person, never knew a stranger and had a smile for everyone. Ronnie would salute the men, shake their hands and would kiss the ladies hands.
He is survived by his mother, Agnes Brixey, St. Charles, Missouri; his aunt, Oralee Cearley; and cousins, Barbara Ledford and Carolyn Hoover.
His father and one brother, Dennis Brixey, 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 Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
