Obituaries

Graveside services for Kenneth Eugene Deatherage, 61, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2015, at Free Union Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Deatherage died at 5:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at his home.

He was born April 5, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Mines Ray Deatherage and Vada Louise Hoggatt Deatherage.

He is survived by one son, Ronny Deatherage; one step-daughter, Trina Bamberg; two grandsons, Cole and Landon; two step-grandchildren, Seth and Tristan; one brother, Roe Deatherage; two sisters, Eva Lois Todd and Belle Yeager, husband, Steve; one sister-in-law, Betty Deatherage; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one sister, Cathy Deatherage, one brother, Lawrence Deatheraage, one brother-in-law, Leon Todd and one sister-in-law, Cathy Deatherage, precede him in death.

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

A celebration of life service for James “Jamie” Allan Heath, 39, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Faith Assembly Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jamie passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at 8:45 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 23, 1976, at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Jerry and Donna Heath.  He attended the State School in West Plains from 1989 until graduation in 1997.  During those years he formed many lasting friendships with his teachers and classmates.  Following his time at the State School, Jamie attended Let’s Go training center in West Plains until November of 2014.  Jamie was a very tender hearted boy who loved everyone.  Every girl he met instantly became “his girl”.  He loved going to school each day and seeing his friends and teachers.  Jamie was a member of Faith Assembly and attended faithfully.  He could always be heard saying amen and lifting his voice in praise to God.  Many lives were touched by his joy and genuine love.  Jamie always had a smile on his face and was quick to kiss the hand of everyone he saw and say “I love you”.  He loved serving at the hospitality booth with his parents each Sunday at church greeting new guests.  Jamie loved his family very much.  He was very close with his sister Renee’, who lives in Troy, Missouri and loved her reading books to him via skype.  Jamie was his older brother’s shadow growing up and loved listening to Jerry Wayne preach.  He always insisted on walking up onto the platform with Jerry Wayne following each service.  His niece and nephew, Kaitland Taylor and Corbin Jaxon, were his favorite play mates.  They were always wrestling together and spending time at his house.  He loved attending their ball games and yelling their names.  Jamie loved his sister-in-law, Bethany Ann, and loved giving her kisses.  Jamie was loved so much by his parents, Jerry and Donna, who faithfully cared for him day in and day out.  He loved getting McDonald’s with “jerry the dad” and was very protective of “momma Donna”.  Jamie could always be found holding his Ernie toy and his favorite toys were “noise toys”.  Jamie loved all his friends, family and extended family and was loved by all.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Donna Heath, of the family home; one sister, Renee’, Troy, Missouri; one brother, Jerry, wife, Beth, West Plains; niece and nephew, Kaitland Heath and Corbin Heath, West Plains; and many aunts, uncles and cousins around the nation.

Jamie had many physical challenges in his lifetime, including his recent battle with liver cancer.  During the last six months, his life was blessed with the presence of two loving nurses, Jessica Andrews and Cassie Smith.  Despite the many obstacles Jamie faced in his lifetime, he and his family saw many miracles and answers to prayer.  During the last year many churches and believers all across the nation came together to pray for the healing of a boy most had not had the privilege to meet.  Jamie left a legacy of love that will live on in many hearts.

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

Funeral services for Earl “Keith” Bash, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in West Plains under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Earl “Keith” Bash was born June 24, 1941, in Monticello, Missouri, and died peacefully at home surrounded by family June 27, 2015. He accepted Christ at an early age, and professed his faith his entire life. After moving to West Plains, his early years were spent in attendance, with his family, at The Christian Church, where he held many fond memories. Upon returning from the service, he rededicated his life, and was baptized at The First Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended for 50 years.

He was the only son of Earl (Spider) and Mary Virginia Bash. He attended West Plains High School and graduated with the Class of 1959, where he developed friendships that would deepen throughout his lifetime. After returning from the United States Navy in 1963, he worked alongside his father in the dozing business.

On June 26, 1965, he was married to Kaye Jean Talley. His final day was spent celebrating his 50th Anniversary. To this union two sons were born: Keegan Bash and wife, Lori, and Kaenan Bash and wife, Kristi. After the death of his sister, Judy Wheat, they were given the privilege of being a part of Dennis, Michael and Tracy Wheat’s lives. Michael would continue to live in their home until he left to attend college.

Keith spent the next 30 years working for the telephone company, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. At that time, he began working alongside his wife in their business, A & K Interiors, until the business was sold in 2004.

His sons and nephew blessed him with seven grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Poppy”. They include: Denby, Kemper, and Brinkley Bash, Kathryn Vonallmen Bash, Braydon Bash, and Andrew and Sarah Wheat.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife’s parents, Truman and Lorene Talley; sister, Judy Wheat; brothers-in-law, Harry Penn, Gordenceia and Menard Talley, and his nephew, Gordenceia Talley, Jr.

Keith’s life was characterized by a devotion to his family and those he encountered in need and was expressed in many ways. After his father’s stroke, he and Kaye Jean lovingly cared for him in their home for several years. His children and grandchildren were always his top priorities. Their hobbies and interests became his hobbies and interests so that he was able to spend quality time and make many priceless memories with them. The family’s cabin on the river was a very peaceful place to him, and he looked forward to sharing it with family and friends. Keith enjoyed a lifelong love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and rode many miles with a special group made up of family and friends. He always looked forward to taking Kaye Jean and his sons on many family vacations, and in later years enjoyed several cruises and trips with Kaye Jean. He lived a life of thankfulness and remained positive until the very end. His friends remembered him as someone who was fun-loving and witty.

He is survived by his wife; his sons, their wives and grandchildren; his sister, Debbie Penn, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Keith Bash is scheduled for 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in the Langston Street Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial contributions in Keith’s honor be mailed to Ozarks Christian Academy, P.O. Box 1620, West Plains, Missouri, or left with the staff at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Kimber Elise Hughston, 18 day old infant daughter of Derek and Jordan Hughston, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Dripping Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Kimber Elise Hughston was born June 4, 2015, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Derek Hughston and Jordan Denise Sheldon Hughston and went to be with the Angels at 10:10 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2015, at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

She is survived by her parents, Derek and Jordan Hughston; her sister and brother, Madison and Abel Hughston; paternal grandparents, Janice Hughston and David and Deidre Hughston; maternal grandparents, Sharon Walsh and Tom Sheldon; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

Graveside services for Harvey Lee Strong, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2015, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Strong died at 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Brooke Haven Health Care.

He was born July 23, 1922, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Robert Bess Strong and Vada Verona Luna.  He graduated from Gainesville High School with the Class of 1937.  Mr. Strong was a veteran, having served with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in Germany.  He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940’s.  On December 20, 1946, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Evelyn Marie Heard, who preceded him in death on February 7, 1989.  On March 11, 1991, he was married to Nona Ellen Stanley Clarke on their pontoon boat at Udall, Missouri.   He was a member of the West Plains Lion’s Club; having received a 30 year Diamond Award in 1997.  Harvey helped organize the South Howell County Ambulance Service and served on the board for twenty-three years.  For many years he was a contractor of school buses for West Plains R-7 Schools; after the school purchased the buses, Harvey drove for the school system until his retirement.   He loved to fish and enjoyed bluegrass music and attended many bluegrass festivals.  Mr. Strong was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Central Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Nona Strong; one step-son, Allen Clarke, wife, Jeannie; three step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and several cousins, including Jean Thompson and Ronnie Luna.

His parents, first wife and step-daughter, Connie Henry, precede him in death.

Mr. Strong will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. Thursday until 12:00 noon Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Bobby Lee King, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. King died at 4:10 p.m., Sunday, June 21, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born January 22, 1947, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Calton Edmon King and Alice Pauline Willard King.  On May 20, 1966, he was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Judy Faye Moss, who preceded him in death on December 12, 2008.  Mr. King retired from the Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Springfield, Missouri.  He enjoyed his dog, Sissy, hunting and fishing with his brothers and raising roses.  Mr. King was a Christian.

He is survived by two grandchildren, Jamie Chapman, husband, Joseph and Jeremy Riddle, wife, Schyleur; five great-grandchildren, Selena, Heidi and Donaven Chapman and Zeek and Echo Riddle; four brothers, Don King, wife, Jan, Rick King, wife, Leslie, John King, wife, Donna and Joe King, wife Melinda; four sisters, Shirley Moritz, husband, Jim, Elizabeth Watkins, husband, Ted, Jean Johnson, husband, Larry and Gloria Brotherton, husband, Jess; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one daughter, Karen Riddle, two brothers, Clarence and Othel King, one sister, Deanna Vandiver and his twin sister, Carolyn Marie, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Elk Creek Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (bile duct cancer research) and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Dorotha LaGene Reavis, 84, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of West Plains under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Dorotha passed quietly into the arms of the Lord at 1:37 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at West Vue Nursing Center. She was born June 23, 1930 at Strawberry, Arkansas to Estes Lee Newberry and Velma House Newberry; the family moving to West Plains in 1936. As a young adult, Dorotha accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and faithfully served the First Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, church historian and records keeper.

Dorotha eloped and on March 5, 1948 married her high school sweetheart, Edward Lee “Harry” Reavis, who preceded her in death on October 4, 1999.

She is survived by many cousins, special friends, David and Sandy Evans and family, Susie Whitsell, Beverly Richardson, and niece, Brenda Reavis, as well as a large “adopted” family of co-workers, church members and others blessed by her kindness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughters, Cheryl Reavis and Patricia Reavis, her infant son, Jackie Lynn Reavis and her brothers-in-law, Charles and Frank Reavis.

After graduating from West Plains High School, Dorotha began her professional career at age 16 working as a secretary for the school. She later worked several years with her father and then her husband as a welder at Newberry Welding. As a female working as a welder, Dorotha was proud to have earned the respect of many local farmers and mechanics for her welding skills. In 1958, she began her life’s career working in law enforcement and later with the courts. She began as a secretary for the West Plains Police Department and over the years, worked as a part time dispatcher, jailer, police matron, full time meter maid and eventually, as full time municipal court clerk for the City of West Plains. Dorotha continued her education becoming a certified court administrator in Missouri.

In 1998, she became the Chief Clerk for Divisions II and III of the Howell County Circuit Court where she worked until her retirement in 2012 at the age of 82. At her retirement, she was presented the “key” to the City of West Plains and was recognized by the Missouri Supreme Court for her dedicated and outstanding service to the judiciary system.

Dorotha is well known locally as a Howell County and West Plains historian and genealogist, and is author of Pictorial History of Howell County. She also wrote numerous articles for the Gazette, helped in preserving historical records, regularly gave local West Plains historical bus tours and repeatedly spoke to groups and classes about Ozark history.

Over her lifetime, Dorotha willingly volunteered in her community extending a hand of friendship and fellowship to anyone in need. She assumed many different volunteer duties including serving as a Red Cross community volunteer and supervisor for travelers’ aid and itinerant funds. She also helped organize and served as a Regent for the local Daughters of the American Revolution, volunteered at the Old Time Music Festival and Haunting in the Hollows and was a long time Grizzly Booster and supporter of Missouri State University.

Dorotha will be deeply missed by her many friends and family. She will always be remembered by her beautiful smile, her integrity and her unwavering faith.

Mrs. Reavis will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, June 22nd at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until service time at the First Baptist Church, Tuesday, June 23rd. Burial will be at the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Missouri State University Grizzly Athletics or American Diabetes Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Angela Violette Pickerell, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the Oak Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pickerell died 6:23 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at West Vue Nursing Center. She was born December 19, 1945 at Ottumwa, Iowa to Denzil Barnhill and Violette Angela Bradford Barnhill. On July 14, 1999, she was married at Ottumwa, Iowa to Charles Keith Pickerell, Sr. who preceded her in death on July 18, 2012. Before her retirement, Mrs. Pickerell was employed as a secretary with Edward Jones in the State of Iowa.

James Fannon Mertz, 81, West Plains, Missouri, was born June 9, 1934 at Oak Park, Illinois to Vernon Hamilton Mertz and Martha Ann Fannon Mertz. He passed away at 5:15 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Blue Bird Mountain, West Plains, Missouri.

James grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where he went to the Roosevelt High School. He was very talented and ambitious. In the spring of 1950, he married Bonnie Balintine at Bethany, Missouri. He was 15 and she was 14 and so much in love. Jim and Spanky were married 49 years. She passed away on August 7, 1998; they had one son, James David Mertz who was born on October 10, 1950 and passed away on October 30, 2002.

Jim had 2 brothers, John Mertz and wife, Phyllis, Des Moines, Iowa and Jerry Mertz, who passed away, and his surviving wife, Mary, Tampa, Florida; and several surviving nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his wife, Janet Lattion Marshell Mertz, two step sons, Matthew Marshell and Mark Marshell, wife, Amber; five grandchildren, Brittany and husband, Darrell Eason, Zena, Cooper, Katy and Dallas of West Plains; one great-grandchild, MacKenzie.

Captain Jim was a very strong man, a special person, very charming, witty, always could recite a jingle or make up one, well mannered. He went from a Fuller Brush salesman to 3rd in command at Terminal Transport Trucking Company. He loved the ocean and sailed the world, returning back to be dock master at Grove Isle Marina, Coconut Grove, Florida. There he rode out hurricane Andrew, saving many yachts. He enjoyed his sailboat and the Spanky Cruiser which he used to take people over to Bimini, Bahamas. Later, he owned and operated a 101 seat restaurant, the El Segundo, in Miami, Florida.  Captain Jim was well known for his fine food and hospitality. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He and Old Baldy (the airstream) traveled many miles across the nation, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a great hunter, both with guns and bow, practiced quick draw pistols, kick boxing, scuba diving and was a master chef and entertainer. He had impeccable character standards.  After Bonnie passed, Captain Jim moved to his Blue Bird Mountain in the Ozarks and on September 8, 2007 began a new life with Janet Lattion Marshell.  Jim was a Christian and said prayers many times a day.  Captain Jim had many friends near and far; three special friends, Darrol Huffman, Charlie Pendergrass and Bob Houston, who visited him faithfully several times a week.

A special thank you to Dr. Charles Morgan and all the Riverways Hospice staff, nurses, aids and volunteers.

Jim didn’t want a funeral service but memorial contributions may be made in his honor to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or Riverways Hospice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Graveside services for Mary Ellen Snethern, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Snethern died at 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born July 16, 1943, at Vichy, Missouri, to Joseph Arthur Cook and Louise Bailey Cook.  On August 5, 1961, she was married at Vichy, Missouri, to J. C. Snethern, who preceded her in death on July 8, 1999.  Mrs. Snethern had worked as a cook in restaurants and was a homemaker.  She enjoyed dancing, eating in restaurants and was devoted to her family.

She is survived by five children, Charlotte Bray, husband, Gene, Jeff Snethern, wife, Anita, Curt Snethern, wife, Tammy, Candie Holden, husband, Galen and Crystal Courtney, husband, Trent; eight grandchildren, Dillon and Megan Smith, Courtney and Jessy Snethern, Barent and Kiara Holden and Daxton and Isla Courtney; five step-grandchildren, Ravin Hale, Robin Bray, William Johnson, Belinda Burroughs and Crystal Wilson; one brother, Gary Cook, wife, Mary Jo; three brothers-in-law, Jerry Snethern, wife, Joyce, J. B. Snethern, wife, Andi and Tony Greeson; two sisters-in-law, Louise Robertson, husband, Ronnie and Ruby Snethern; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one grandson, Little Paul Marshall, three brothers, Billy, Danny and Donnie Cook and two sisters, Dorothy Cox and Treasa Happle, precede her in death.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Virginia Young Fite, 85, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Amy Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Fite died at 1:57 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born May 5, 1930, at Albany, Texas, to James Loren Young and Clevola Lora Rhoads Young.  On May 29, 1949, she was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Mack Merlin Fite, who preceded her in death on August 1, 2004.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Fite was employed at Baxter Lab, Mountain Home, Arkansas.  She was a member of Amy Union Workers, Helping Hand Club and Bakersfield American Legion Auxiliary.  Mrs. Fite was a member of the Amy Baptist Church.

She is survived by two children, James Fite, wife, Laurie and Gerald Fite, significant other, Jeff Yielding; four grandchildren, Tiffanie Markus, husband, Ken, Sara Luna, husband, Jeff, Patrick Fite, wife,  Jessica and Gina Donaldson, husband, Tracy; seven great-grandchildren, Xavier Fite, Emma Markus, Allison Luna, Brayden Thompson, Daniel Fite, Lillian Fite and Matthew Donaldson; one sister, Jewel Gardner; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Young and Treva Fite; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one brother, James O. Young and one sister, Sarah Katherine, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Amy Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Billy Gene Hardcastle, 84, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Hardcastle died at 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born February 19, 1931, at Hocomo, Missouri, to Benjamin Glenn Hardcastle and Gale G. Cherry Hardcastle.  Mr. Hardcastle was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  On November 11, 1956, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Omma June Stephens.  Before his retirement, Mr. Hardcastle was an accountant at Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.  Mr. Hardcastle was a member of Amy Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Omma Hardcastle; two children, Billie Lynn Bassham and Kevin Hardcastle, wife, Natalie; and two grandchildren, Lauren Hardcastle and Ryan Hardcastle.

His parents precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Amy Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be held for Robert “Bob” D. Jeffery, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, Pottersville, Missouri.

Bob entered into eternal rest at 9:45 am Friday, June 5, 2015, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born May 15, 1940, to Viola Jeffery Schuler, at Calico Rock, Arkansas. He was married to Brenda Kay Roberts of Pottersville in 1976, and had one daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; one daughter, Pam Sletten, husband, Neil, West Plains; seven grandchildren, J.R. Puckett, West Plains, Jordan Collins, husband, Ray, Koshkonong, Holly Bise, West Plains, Victoria Aiton, husband, Ben, West Plains, Jordan, Justin and Dakota Sletten, all of Willow Springs; seven great-grandchildren all of whom he loved dearly, Isaac Puckett, Kadrin Aiton, Wesson Collins, David Puckett, Havyn Aiton, Lilly Puckett and Ruger Collins; one sister-in-law, Denise Roberts and her children, Blake Roberts, Billye Williams, and Brent Roberts; three sisters, all of whom he loved with his whole heart, Sue Richardson, husband, Gaston, Elizabeth, Arkansas, Brenda Mackey, husband, Bill, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Paula Flippin, husband, Gary, Gassville, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Gospel Hill Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Gospel Hill Cemetery fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass for Carolyn Sue Gross, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Gross passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Friday, June 12, 2015, at her home, surrounded by family and friends.

Carol was the daughter of the late Louis H. Allen and Reta K. (Wright) Allen, and loving wife of Michael A. Gross for more than 43 years. Carolyn was born April 5, 1949, at Evansville, Indiana.  She graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Indiana in 1968, and married Michael on January 8, 1972 at St. Francis Borgia Church in Washington, Missouri. She was never known to be a quiet woman; Carol loved to dance and sing, and her laugh could infect an entire room.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Melissa and her spouse Robert, her son, Raymond, her son Gregory and his spouse Angela, and her seven grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to OMC Foundation Nurturing Hope Cancer Treatment Expansion Fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Helen I. Powell, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Powell died at 4:49 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2015, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born November 9, 1928, at West Plains, Missouri, to Harry Ingalsbe and Ella Rasmussen Ingalsbe.  On April 12, 1947, she was married at Hatfield Church of Christ, to Joe Powell.  She attended Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College and Rockford College, Rockford, Illinois.  In addition to being the owner and operator with her husband of a dairy farm and a neighborhood grocery store,  Mrs. Powell was an administrative assistant for thirty-three years at Glenwood School, where she had also been the secretary to the school board.  In 1991, she was nominated for the “Woman of the Year” award by the Business & Professional Women’s Club.  She had been a 4-H leader and educated and encouraged many young people.  She was a very caring, giving and loving person and had many friends.  Mrs. Powell loved her family and friends dearly and enjoyed time spent with her kids and grandkids.  She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed playing pitch and crossword puzzles.  Mrs. Powell was a member of the Church of Christ, having attended the West 160 Church of Christ for over fifty years and after moving to town began attending Curry Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years, Joe Powell; four children, J. Sue Wheeler, husband, Travis, Richard N. Powell, special friend, Al Urban, Joe R. Powell, Jr., wife, Carol and Karen A. Mason, husband, Jim; seven grandchildren, Jared Rutz, wife, Hanna, Lauren Rutz, Elizabeth Mason, fiance’, Brian Recktenwald, Anne Yensz, husband, Robby, Stephanie Wheeler, Travis Wheeler, Jr. and Spencer Powell; three great-grandchildren, Travis F., Savanah and Aliyah Wheeler; two brothers, James Ingalsbe, wife, Louise and Howard Ingalsbe; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Richard, John and Ed Ingalsbe and one sister, Harriett Sobin.

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

Funeral services for Hazel Inos Joplin, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 15, 2015, in the Main Room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Joplin died at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015, at her home.

She was born November 10, 1919 in Ozark County, Missouri to Ephriam and Mary Birda Collins. On February 20, 1937, she was married at Doniphan, Missouri, to Clyde E. Joplin.

She is survived by three children, S. Geneta Bryson, Kenneth L. Joplin, wife, Sandra and Arleta S. Joplin; two sisters, Bertha Mae Wilson and Jean Yates, husband, Bill; two brothers, Ervel Collins, wife, Linda and Dale Collins, wife, Helen; sister-in-law Viola Collins; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sisters, Viva Cato and husband Roy, Arlee Ormsby and husband Merton, two brothers, Hester Collins and wife Velva and Ted Collins, and son-in-law, Boyd E. Bryson, precede her in death.

Mrs. Joplin will lie in state from 12:00 noon Sunday until 9:00 a.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or OMC Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Reddick Leondis Gewin, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2015, at First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Gewin died at 10:10 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at his home.

He was born January 11, 1949, in Shelby County, Tennessee, to Edward Gewin and Eloise Arndel Gewin.  On January 11, 1977, he was married at Memphis, Tennessee, to Carol Nelson.  Mr. Gewin was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He was a truck driver and a material handler for DRS.  Mr. Gewin loved to hunt and hike and enjoyed being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Gewin, of the family home; two children, Stacey Gewin, of the family home and Brandi Frazier and husband, Josh and their son Aidan, of West Plains, Missouri; one brother; three sisters, including Rosita, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one infant son, Justin and several brothers and sisters, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service for Lula Belle “Lu” Gilliam, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2015, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Gilliam died at 3:04 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at NHC Healthcare.

She was born February 4, 1938, at Supply, Arkansas, to Claude Mae Stephens and Vergie Lee McClure Stephens.  On December 8, 1956, she was married at Mountain View, Missouri, to her high school sweetheart, John Eldon Gilliam who preceded her in death on February 2, 2012.  Mrs. Gilliam retired from West Plains R-7 Schools after working for thirty years as a bus driver.  She had a passion for her family and spent a lot of time at her kids sporting events.  Lu enjoyed playing pitch with her friends, spending time at the lake, golfing with John and traveling, especially to the beach.

She is survived by three sons, Craig Gilliam, wife, Carlissa, , Park City, Utah, Chris Gilliam, wife, Denisea, West Plains, Missouri and Curt Gilliam, wife, Kim, Nixa, Missouri; six grandchildren, Chelsea Gilliam, husband, Josh Brown, Ozark, Missouri, Kennedy and Case Gilliam, Nixa, Missouri, Michael King, Thayer, Missouri, Ryan King and wife, Kayly, Thayer, Missouri and Ashley Harris, Springfield, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Carlisle and Adeline Gilliam-Brown, Braxton, Braigon and Brennan King; two brothers, Ed Stephens, wife, Joan, Highlandville, Missouri and Ken Stephens, wife, Marsh, Merrillville, Indiana; one sister, Earline Taylor, husband, Jim, Nixa, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Royce Fugate, wife, Rita, West Plains, Missouri, Karen Jones, husband, Roy, Gainesville, Missouri, Mick Gilliam, wife, Donna, Peace Valley, Missouri and Karen Gilliam, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two brothers, Bunk and Pete and four sisters, Neomia, Virginia, Melveta and Anita, precede her in death.

Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery Cemetery followed by a reception for friends and family in the Weatherford Room at the Opera House.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Bridges Program or Ozarks Medical Center Cancer Treatment Expansion and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  The family would like to thank Dr. Morgan and his staff and the staff at NHC Healthcare for their love and care.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Roy Wayne Herzog, Sr., 72, West Plains, Missouri.

Mr. Herzog died at 10:15 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born September 6, 1942, at Chicago, Illinois, to Godfred Herzog and Dorothea Wiegel Herzog.  He was married to Barbara Crandall, who preceded him in death on May 1, 2008.  Mr. Herzog was a farmer and a law enforcement officer.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed his cars, trucks, horses and working in his yard.  Mr. Herzog was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by two children, Wendy Green and husband, Roger, West Plains, Missouri and Roy Herzog, Jr., State of Missouri; four grandchildren, Tiffany Atkisson, Timothy Barlow, Gavin Loggains and Patrick Sims, and wife, Breezy; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Teralyn Hensley, Alton, Missouri; two special nieces, Robin Holman and husband, Billy and Kimberly Hensley; and two great-nephews, Tanner and Tyson Holman.

His parents, wife, one daughter, Linda Schnieders and one brother-in-law, Gary Hensley, precede him in death.

Memorial Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Cecil Wayne Taylor, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Taylor died at 1:58 a.m., Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born June 4, 1921, at Carter, Oklahoma, to Thomas Taylor and Etha Mae Grimes Taylor.  On May 24, 1957, he was married at Lordsburg, New Mexico, to Eutha Belle Williams.  Mr. Taylor was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during WWII as a Fireman First Class.  He served on different transport ships in the Philippines.  Mr. Taylor worked in the copper mines in Globe, Arizona for twenty-two years at the acid plant; he then moved to Mesa, Arizona and worked for the Arizona Public Schools in steam fitter maintenance, before retiring in 1983 and moved to Missouri in 1990.  Mr. Taylor was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Central Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Eutha Taylor, of the family home; three sons, Cecil W. Taylor, Jr., wife, Glenda, Kenneth G. Taylor, wife, Jeannie and Steven Ray Taylor, best friend, Laura Lane; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, first wife, Geraldine Lewis Vandercook, one daughter, Darlene, three brothers, Herman, J. T. and Bill Taylor, one granddaughter, Barbara Smith, one sister, Mary Vann and infant twin brother and sister, Ray and Mae, precede him in death.

Mr. Taylor will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Central Church of Christ or any charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.