Obituaries

Funeral services for John Calvin Connor, 89, Henderson, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 8, 2015 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Connor died 8:15 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He was born January 3, 1926 at Georgetown, California to Hiram Harrington Connor and Katherine Margaret Hanny Connor.  He attended the Lone Pine School near West Plains, Missouri.  Mr. Connor was married to Lorene Russell who preceded him in death and later was married to Dixie Smotherman.  He was a veteran having served with the United States Navy during World War II.  After service in the military, Mr. Connor returned to West Plains and went to work as a lumber grader for Cloud Oak.  He started Connor’s Auto Sales and Salvage as a hobby while working at Cloud Oak, operating the business for sixty-two years; after his retirement, Mr. Connor went to stay with his daughter, Donna.  He believed in giving to his community; he provided cars which were used for training of the Jaws of Life equipment and car parts for the automobile classes at the local high schools.  Mr. Connor loved animals, especially dogs.

He is survived by his former spouse and friend, Dixie Smotherman, six children, Johnny David Harrington Connor, Donna Armstrong, husband, Kurt, Becky Hankins, special friend, Mike Murrell, Betty Hockman, husband, Steve, Tammy Hite, husband, Tom and Micah McKemie; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katherine Smith and Hellen Mathias; and a host nieces, nephews and friends.

His parents, first wife, daughter-in-law, Pamela Connor and brother, Harry Connor, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Animal Shelter and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Clarence Phillip Green, 79, Overland Park, Kansas, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Green died at 8:04 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Hospice House of Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.

He was born September 1, 1935, at Thomasville, Missouri, to Charles Layton Green and Nancy Perkins Green.  On April 9, 1953, he was married at Thomasville, Missouri, to Virginia Tackett.  Before his retirement, Mr. Green was employed with General Motors for forty-six years.  Phil and Virginia were “snowbirds” and traveled to southern Texas for the winter months.  He enjoyed traveling, camping and photography.  Phil was very talented; his talents included silversmith work, stained glass and jewelry making.  He made jewelry pieces for all of his family members, which they will forever cherish.  Mr. Green was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Virginia Green; one son, Phillip Green and wife, Leana; one granddaughter, Heather Montgomery and husband, Stephen; three great-grandchildren and one on the way, Courtney, Christopher and Caitlyn; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, Patrick Green and four sisters, Virginia Leitner, Ellen Chenopolis, Dessie Harris and Jewell Desota, 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 Huddleston Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice House of Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Randall Eugene Harris, 57, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 6, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Harris died at 4:02 p.m., Monday, August 3, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born May 7, 1958, at West Plains, Missouri, to Mearl Harris and Louise Blankenship Harris.  On January 24, 1998, he was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Carla Lair.  Mr. Harris was employed with Ozark Action for twenty-four years.  He loved spending time with his family, camping, basketball, playing with his son, fishing and turkey hunting.  He was a good carpenter and enjoyed fixing things for others.

He is survived by his wife, Carla Harris; one son, John Randall Harris and girlfriend, Emily Sexton; one daughter, Alicia Pulley and husband, David; one grandchild, Finley Pulley; his parents, Mearl and Louise Harris; one brother, Ronnie Harris and wife, Doris, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Sherrie Guffey and husband, Danny and Bruce Lair; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Sue Lair; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and his Ozark Action family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Amy Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to OMC Foundation for Shaw Cancer Center Expansion and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Edward Neal Thornton, 81, Raytown, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Thornton Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Thornton died at 1:35 a.m., Sunday, August 2, 2015, at Kansas City Hospice House.

He was born November 6, 1933, in Douglas County, Missouri, to John Leston Thornton and Lucy Lillian Collins Thornton. Mr. Thornton was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. On December 31, 1954, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Marilyn Gilbert. Before his retirement, he worked as a branch manager of Trail Mobile Trucking Company. Mr. Thornton was a member of Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Marilyn Thornton, of the family home; one son, Edward Neal Thornton, Jr., wife, Alauna, Tonganoxie, Kansas; one daughter, Sandra Marie Thornton Spaeth, husband, Russell, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; three grandchildren, Joshua Robert Spaeth, Justin Russell Spaeth and Kayla Jean Thornton; one brother, William Ant Thornton, wife, Judy, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one brother, Adolph Thornton precede him in death.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Nevaeh Jade Swanson, infant daughter of Christopher William Swanson and Jasmine Dawn Bullock, was born August 3, 2015, at West Plains, Missouri, and was called to be with the Angels on August 3, 2015, at West Plains, Missouri.

She is survived by her parents, Christopher Swanson and Jasmine Bullock; one brother, Jace Swanson; one sister, Anna Belle Bullock; and her grandparents, Brenda Gist, Brett DuVall, Jason Fish, Lisa and Wesley Maggard, William Swanson and Kellie Omar.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A visitation service for Moises Perez, Jr., 46, Dora, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2015, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Perez died at 7:20 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at his home.

He was born March 29, 1969, at Newark, New Jersey, to Moises Perez, Sr., and Luz Celenia Martinez Perez.  On March 11, 2009, he was married at Chicago, Illinois, to Diana Sanchez.  Mr. Perez attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Sanchez Perez, two children, Genesis Perez and Luzbeth Perez; two step-children, Cheyenne Watkins and Dajana Lee Watkins; his parents, Moises Perez, Sr., and Luz Celenia Perez; one sister, Marisol Acosta; and one brother, Richard Perez.

Funeral services for Russell Lee Cox, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Russell went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, July 28, 2015.

He was born October 26, 1923, to Herbert Ray Cox and Effie Mae Wagoner. Upon his mother’s death at a young age, Russell was raised by his step-mother, Lula. On September 22, 1942, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Nadine Smith. Mr. Cox was a Veteran, having been drafted into the United States Army on March 5, 1943 and served his country proudly until December 25, 1945. He began working for the Central Telephone Company as a brush cutter and worked his way up to general manager in West Plains; he was promoted from that position to commercial manager over the state of Missouri and held that position until his retirement in 1978. He then went to work for the Public Service Commission as assistant manager of engineering in the Utility Division where he retired for the final time. Russell was an active member of the First General Baptist Church, until his health prevented him from attending.

He is survived by his wife of almost seventy-three years, Nadine Cox; one daughter, Beverly Duggins, husband, Johnnie; one son, Howard Cox, wife, Connie; three grandsons, Shaun Duggins, wife, Andrea, David Cox, wife, Jessica and Michael Cox, wife, Crissie; thirteen great-grandchildren, Taylor, Tyler, Macie, Mia and Tayt Duggins, Sophia, Kellett, Nathan, Richard, Mary-Eva, Mattie-Miller, Whit and Catron Cox; and one sister, Mary Ann Feldman.

His parents, three brothers and one sister, precede him in death.

Mr. Cox will lie in state from 12:00 Noon on Friday, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to West Plains Christian Clinic or Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation services for Earl Gene Allcorn, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Allcorn died at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015, at his home.

He was born November 3, 1930, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Floyd Earl Allcorn and Ruby Kernilia Sanders Allcorn.  On October 17, 1980, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Robin Martin.  Mr. Allcorn was a veteran, having served in the United States Army.  Before his retirement, he worked as a maintenance engineer.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Allcorn; nine children, Gary Allcorn, wife, Sue, Bobby Allcorn, Beverly Crunk, Debbie Hutchens, significant other, Mark, Crystal Allcorn, Rita Harmon, Allen Allcorn, Jennifer Allcorn, significant other, Justin and Rex Allcorn; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Vernetta Smith, husband, Ronald and Reta Fore, husband, Howard; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one sister, Fern Fyffe, one brother, Donald Lee Allcorn and one niece, Ruby Mae Allcorn, precede him in death.

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

Harriett Patricia Dollins, 70, West Plains, Missouri, died at 9:50 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born June 1, 1945, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Marion Lindsey and Edith Johnson Lindsey.  On December 21, 1962, she was married at West Plains, to Dorval Collins.  Mrs. Dollins was a homemaker and retired from Taco Bell as assistant manager.  She enjoyed flowers, video games and puzzles.  Harriett was a “night owl” and an avid collector of cookbooks.

She is survived by her husband, Dorval Dollins; two daughters, Diane Sanders, husband, Greg and Cindy Crow, husband, Mike; five grandchildren, Michael Crabtree, wife, Kim, Christopher Crow, Larry Crabtree, Jr., wife, Mary, Brandi Anderson, husband, Austin and Magnus Sanders; and two great-grandchildren, Katie and Sydnee Crabtree.

Her parents precede her in death.

A celebration of life with family and friends will be Friday, July 31, 2015, starting at 4:30 p.m., at the Dollins Family Farm located off Highway 14, north of West Plains.  Memorial Contributions may be made to OMC Foundation Shaw Cancer Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Olivia Fern Hollingshad, 68, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Fern passed peacefully in her sleep on July 17, 2015, while vacationing in Alaska with her husband of forty-nine years, James R. Hollingshad.

Born in Mountain Grove, Missouri on April 24, 1947, to Alta June and George Walter Dobbs.  She is survived by her loving husband James; her son James W. Hollingshad; her daughter Dora Michele Krause, son-in-law Max Krause and granddaughter Mia Fern Krause; her foster son Donald Wayne Chamberlin; her brother Curtis Doyle Kincheloe and sister-in-law Patty Kincheloe; and her sister Vonnie Fouts and brother-in-law Johnnie Fouts, as well as countless nieces, nephews and other loved ones.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Phyllis Wheeler and Eunice Murline Roark and her brother Edward Dale Kincheloe.

Surpassed by only her love of God the Father, family was the most important thing to Fern.   After graduating from Houston High School, she followed the family she loved around the world on countless adventures, living in South Korea, West Germany, and Savannah, Georgia before eventually retiring in North Pole, Alaska, where they have spent the last twenty-five years.

Since retiring, Fern and Jim have split their time between a family farm in Dora, Missouri and traveling the nation to visit family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Sweeton Pond Cemetery.

Funeral services for Juanita Wanda Collins, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the Ball Church of Christ, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Collins died at 2:47 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born May 24, 1933, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Lester Hambelton and Edith Patrick Hambelton.  Juanita graduated from Dora High School with the Class of 1950.  On March 14, 1953, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Neal Collins.  Mrs. Collins was a homemaker and a cook at Dora school.  She loved spending time and playing with her grandchildren, even if it meant she had to endure a camping trip.  She enjoyed flowers and taking care of her family.  Mrs. Collins was a member of the Church of Christ and attended the Gospel Hill Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Neal Collins; two sons, Gary Collins, wife, Connie and Bradley Collins, wife, Mary; one daughter-in-law, Renee Collins; eight grandchildren, Brandy Howell, Tracy Lovan, husband, Kelly, Matthew Collins, wife, Jessica, Matt Collins, Jessica Leroy, husband, Dylan, Nolan Collins, Dakota Collins and Casey Collins; fourteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marcella Brown, husband, Floyd, Bonnie June Wallace and Joan Nash; five sisters-in-law, Betty Hambelton, Mary Lou Hambelton, Helen Collins, Alice Collins and Ina Bird; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Flossie Collins, one son, Timothy Collins, one great-grandson, Brayden Collins, four brothers, Chad Hambelton, wife, Velta, Pat, Rudolph and Gerald Hambelton, one infant sister, Geraldine Hambelton, seven brothers-in-law, Earl Collins, wife, Dixie, Jim Bird, Hollis Collins, Robert Smith, James “Shorty” Collins, Richard Wallace and Joe Nash and two sisters-in-law, Maxine Johnson, husband, Marshel and Darlene Osborn, husband, Claudie, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Sherry Ann Johnson, 68, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015, at the Curry Street Church of Christ.
Mrs. Johnson died July 18, 2015, at her home.

She was born February 22, 1947, at Bessemer, Alabama, to James and Virginia Johnson.

She is survived by her father, James A. Johnson; two children, Paula Mankel (Timothy) and Paul Herring, Jr. (Kate Ellis); three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother; three sisters; many nieces and nephews; and her “Good Boy”.

Her mother and husband, Al Thompson, precede her in death.

Funeral services for James Lloyd Southards, 88, Sycamore, Missouri, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Needmore Church of God, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Southards entered his eternal reward July 7, 2015.

James grew up on a farm during the depression, he learned to value hard work.  He loved God, his family and the Ozark hills.  Throughout his life he was a skilled hunter and loved to fish.  As a young man, he served in the Pacific with the United States Army military police unit during World War II.  While stationed in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks, he was promoted to staff sergeant.  He was largely self-taught and knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects and could fix or grow practically anything.  At the age of twenty-six, he gave his heart to the Lord, changing the trajectory of his life and family.  He grew to know that the love you have for God and the love you show others is, in the end all that matters.  He was a strong man of faith.  Throughout his life he used his talents to serve others through the church, first at Rock Hill Church of God in St. Louis, then at Needmore Church of God in Dora.  He lived and worked in St. Louis for thirty-six years.  After twenty-five years with Pepsi Cola he retired to his birthplace, the family homestead on Bryant River at Sycamore, Missouri.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Betty Louise Pease Southards; one son, Eddie Southards, wife, Ruth; one daughter, Brenda Proebsting, husband, Fred; five grandsons that he was so proud of, Dr. Eric Proebsting, wife, Kelly, Tim Southards, wife, Shari, Todd Proebsting, wife, Sarah, Reverend Steve Southards, wife, Erin and Ben Southards, As “Papa” took time to instill knowledge and values, he helped shape the fine men they would become; Papa also shared the joy of nine great-grandchildren, his face would light up at the very mention of their names.  He will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and all who knew him.  He was a true representative of the “greatest generation”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Vena Southards and his siblings, Clifford Southards, Fern Tilman and Freeda Smith.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Needmore Church of God or Ball Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

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.