Obituaries

Funeral services for Lillian Miram Phelps, 91, Pacific, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Phelps died at 7:15 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Meramec Bluff Nursing Home, Ballwin, Missouri.

She was born September 19, 1923, at West Plains, Missouri, to Phillip Riley and Ola Hudlow Riley.  She began her teaching career at the age of seventeen at Vienna School, near West Plains, Missouri.  Lillian earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree from Peabody Teachers College, Memphis, Tennessee (now known as Vanderbilt College).  She was a member of Business and Professional Women’s Club of St. Louis, National Teachers Organization, National Art Association, Lioness Club, Eastern Star, St. Louis Art Museum and Red Hat Ladies.  Lillian enjoyed traveling and visiting all of the major art museums.  She was a Christian.

She is survived by her son, Larry Anderson, wife, Jean, Pacific, Missouri; two grandchildren, Erica Anderson and Scott Anderson and one great-granddaughter, Annabella Guidorzi.

Her parents, husband, Phillip S. Phelps and one brother, Cecil Riley, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until service time of 2:00 p.m. Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Irene Pierce, 76, Flippin, Arkansas, died at 5:24 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Brooke Haven Health Care.

She was born July 29, 1938, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Herbie Otto Pearson, Sr. and Bernice Lucille Elizabeth Petes.  She was married in 1956 at St. Louis, Missouri, to Kenneth Pierce, who preceded her in death on August 17, 1996.  Before her retirement she worked as a dietary supervisor in hospitals and nursing facilities all over the country.  She enjoyed reading.  Mrs. Pierce was a Christian and attended His Place of Worship.

She is survived by five children, Mickey Pierce, wife, Diana, Clever, Oregon, Kenny Pierce, Mountain View, Missouri, Patty Strain, Flippin, Arkansas, Sherry Brannon, husband, Kevin, Arnold, Missouri and Larry Pierce, wife, Sherry, West Plains, Missouri; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Herbie Pearson, Jr., wife, Barb, St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one grandson, Josh Brannon and one sister, Diane Richards, precede her in death.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Susan Komen Breast Cancer Research and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Austin Wayne Clark, 20, Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Clark died April 29, 2015, at his home.

He was born June 2, 1994, at West Plains, to Clifford Wayne Clark and Evelyn Jeannette Woods.

He is survived by his father, Clifford Clark, Springfield, Missouri; his mother and step-father, Jeannette and Michael Shockey, West Plains, Missouri; brothers and sisters, Ashley Clark, West Plains, Alexander Clark, Springfield, Andrew Evins, West Plains and Adrian Evins, West Plains; grandparents, Grace Mann, Springfield, Harold Woods, Caulfield, Missouri and Marvin and Wilma Shockey, Willow Springs, Missouri; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

His grandparents, Hearl Clark and Betty Reed, precede him 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 Howell Valley Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Xander Ryan Payne Pilkington, stillborn infant son of Gregory Pilkington and Ashley McKenzie Elson, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Babyland in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Xander went to be with the Angels on April 30, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born April 30, 2015, at West Plains, Missouri, to Gregory Pilkington and Ashley McKenzie Elson.

He is survived by his parents, Greg Pilkington and Ashley Elson; grandparents, Viola Pilkington, Chris Haddock, Rob Pilkington and Sherry McKenzie; great-grandparents, Sidney Marvin McKenzie, II, Grandma Marilyn, Clyde and Marcia Ballenger and Billy and Joann Haddock; aunts and uncles, William Scott Pilkington, Robert Edward Pilkington, Ashley Haddock, P.J. Haddock, Tasha Haddock, Marc McKenzie, Cynthia McKenzie and Holly Romee; cousins, Sadie, TyLane and Tyler Thomas, Peyton McKenzie and Jacob and Shelby Romee; and special friends, Autumn Chamberlain and Yerick White.

His grandfather, Sidney Marvin McKenzie, III and one uncle, Stephen Pilkington, precede him in death.

A Memorial Service for Derek Lee Collins, 31, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at First Baptist Church, South Campus.

Mr. Collins died at 11:40 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2015, at his home.

He was born August 17, 1983, at West Plains, Missouri, to Darrell Lee Collins.  Derek lit up the room with his bright, beautiful smile and charming personality.  He was guided with love by his daddy, his ma and his pa throughout his life.  As a child you could always find Derek with a basketball in his hands, if they weren’t too greasy from rebuilding fox body mustangs.  Cars and basketball were his passion until he held his newborn children in his arms, from that moment on he devoted his entire life to his children.  In April of 2011 Derek said “I do” to his beautiful wife whom he loved dearly, as she adored him.  He prided himself in providing for his family by running his own construction business, Professional Home Improvement from 2005 to current.   He expressed a strong faith in Jesus Christ, Our Savior.

Derek is survived by his beloved wife, Kristeen Alisha Collins and their son, Brenton Collins, of the family home; step-children, Austin Jacobs, Andrew Jacobs and Abby Jacobs, of the family home; sons, Bricen and Braden Collins and their mother and his friend, Danielle Fox-Collins; ma, Ina “Faye” Collins; sister, Jackie Collins; brother, Chris Collins; adoptive sister, Sarah Mae Hall, husband, John “Curby” and their son, Jackie Dale Collins Hall; mother-in-law, Allison Harris, husband, Tony; father-in-law, Ron Plante; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless loving friends.

His daddy and pa, Jack Collins, precede him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Shirley Gracelyn (Clayton) Kiger, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 3, 2015, at First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Kiger passed away peacefully on April 19, 2015 at Ozarks Medical Center, with loved ones at her side.

She was born February 17, 1930 at Beeville, Texas to Barton and Grace (White) Clayton. She graduated from Corpus Christi High School and Del Mar College before continuing her education at Texas A & I in Kingsville, Texas where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in English.  Shirley married Paul Alan Kiger on July 7, 1951. Together they raised six children. She worked as a school librarian and English teacher from 1965 until 1983. Shirley served her church, First Baptist Church of West Plains, in various capacities. She was also involved in the Women’s Library Club II, Friends of the West Plains Library and Missouri Council of the Blind. She served for many years as a volunteer at First Baptist Church Food Bank, Ozarks Medical Center and the OMC Thrift Store.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Barton Leroy and Clara Grace (White) Clayton.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Paul Kiger, of the family home; six children, James Alan Kiger and wife Vicki, John Clayton Kiger, Jeffrey Lee Kiger and wife Maryann, Joel Chandler Kiger, Jeremy Charles Kiger and wife Brandy and Janet Stevenson and husband Mitch; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at a later date in Beeville, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Annie Armstrong Missions, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Joe W. Minge, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Minge died at 3:20 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born September 30, 1924, at Cumi, Arkansas, to John Ezra Minge and Ollie Wright Minge.   His mother passed away in 1927 and in 1929 his father married Sara Tackett.  Joe received his education in and around Bakersfield, Missouri and in 1942 he moved to Wichita, Kansas with his father and step-mother.  On September 3, 1947, he was married at Winfield, Kansas, to Lena Cantrell, who preceded him in death April 4, 1997.   On July 17, 1999, he was married at the First Baptist Church, Myrtle, Missouri, to Eureta Cantrell Chester.   Before his retirement, Joe worked in research and development at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita for forty-one years.  Joe was an avid golfer and his favorite golf partner was his grandson, Jeff Minge.  Joe also loved watching baseball games.  He was a member of the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge, Wichita, Kansas.  Mr. Minge was a member of the First Christian Church, West Plains, where he served on the board and as a deacon.  Joe was a good neighbor and devoted husband.  He loved his church family, his own family and his many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Eureta Minge, of the family home; the children of Joe and Lena: Don Minge, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and Brenda Minge, St. Louis, Missouri; step-children, Tom Hill, Jr., wife, Nancy, Wichita, Kansas and Barbara Dunn, husband, Ron, Wichita, Kansas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ann Burchett, Greenville, Texas and Pat Baker, Oakland, Arkansas; and Eureta’s family and friends, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

His parents and wife, Lena, precede him in death.

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

Funeral services for Ruth Ann Townley, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Townley died at 2:47 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2015, at NHC Healthcare.

She was born July 29, 1948, at Kokomo, Indiana, to George Allen Wells and Ruth Haney Wells.  Mrs. Townley worked as a caregiver for handicapped and was a very loving and caring person.  She was good with crafts, macramé, anything with her hands and especially enjoyed making jewelry with her sister. Mrs. Townley was a Christian and attended Faith Assembly of God Church.

She is survived by two children, Tammy Parker, husband, Marshall and Teresa Rojas, husband, Abel, all of San Jose, California; five grandchildren, Ashley, Alex and Alyssa Parker and Monique and Andres Rojas; one great-grandchild, Destiny Huerta; her mother, Ruth Wells, West Plains, Missouri, one sister, Pam Dattilo, husband, Chuck, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Steven Wells, Sonoma, California; one niece, Donna Uveda and one nephew, Larry McCular, both of Santa Maria, California.

Her father and one brother, John David Wells, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for David Leon Riley, 32, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2015, at First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Riley died at 4:35 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2015, near West Plains, Missouri.

He was born December 24, 1982, at Amarillo, Texas, to Danny Lee Riley and Cindy Lynn David Riley.  He graduated from West Plains High School and on March 31, 2007, he was married at West Plains, to Katelyn Elizabeth Jolliff.  David worked as a technician for Dish Network.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting.  David was of the Pentecostal faith and he loved the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Katelyn Riley, of the family home; two children, Macy and Brantley, of the family home; his parents, Danny and Cindy Riley, Moody, Missouri; two brothers, Danny Riley, wife, April, West Plains and Dennis Riley, wife, Chrissy, Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Daelyn Riley, West Plains; grandparents, Russell and Beverly David and Alma Fowler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rick and Sherri Jolliff; brother-in-law, Rick Jolliff, Jr., wife, Melanie; two sisters-in-law, Kayla Cobb, husband, Aaron and Christa Franks, husband, David; and nieces and nephews, Haley, Alana and Hudson Riley, Rylie Eskew, Shelli, Addie, Kensley, Aaron and Brayton Cobb, Aaron  Jolliff, Christopher, Courtney and Jessica Franks.

His grandmother, Naomi Clark, grandfather, Leon Riley, papa, J. D. Jones and one infant sister, Danyell Riley, precede him in death.

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

Graveside services for Louise Ellison, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2015, at Bean Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ellison died at 4:19 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

She was born February 11, 1930, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Earl Watts and Nellie Davidson Watts.  On July 11, 1957, she was married at West Plains, to Bob Ellison.  She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1951 and was a member of the Christian Women’s Club and Moody Helping Hand Club.  Mrs. Ellison was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Ellison, of the family home; two children, Cindy Tyree, husband, Lynn and Stan Ellison, special friend, Jean Ann Dickson, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Ashley Hamby, husband, Josh, Luke Tyree and Kate Tyree; one great-granddaughter, Ellie Tyree; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and three brothers, James, Bob and Dale Watts, precede her in death.

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

Graveside services for Brittany Kay VanDrimmelen, infant daughter of Kenny Cee VanDrimmelen and Katherine Brittany Joice, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Brittany went to be with the Angels April 21, 2015, at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

She was born April 18, 2015, at Batesville, Arkansas.

She is survived by her parents, Kenny VanDrimmelen and Katherine Joice, Mountain View, Arkansas; her siblings, Sheyenne, Shelby and Kenny; grandparents, Rex and Danita Wolf; great-grandparents, Don and Georgia Ellison and Max VanDrimmelen; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her paternal grandparents, Kendell and Darlene VanDrimmelen, one brother, Samuel Ray Joice and one sister, Stacie LeAnn Joice, precede her in death.

Memorial Contributions may be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Funeral services for Clarence Edgar Crabtree, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 23, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Crabtree died at 6:20 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2015, at his home.

He was born April 20, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to William Henry Crabtree and Edna Perry Crabtree.  On July 2, 1954, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Billie Jean harrison, who preceded in death on June 24, 1994.  Before his retirement, he worked at Southwest Truck Body for forty-five years and at Cloud Oak Flooring for nineteen years.  He enjoyed the outdoors.

He is survived by one son, Larry Crabtree, significant other, laurie Edwards; three grandchildren, Michael James Crabtree, wife, Kim, Larry Edgar Crabtree, Jr. “Bubba”, wife, Mary, and Brandi Nicole “Sissy”Anderson, husband, Austin; two great-grandchildren, Katie and Sydnee Crabtree; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife and one sister, Frances Bell, precede him in death.

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

A private graveside service will be held at Howell Valley Cemetery, for James Raymond Beam, 60, Pomona, Missouri.

JR departed from this earth to start his heavenly journey at 3:50 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

James Raymond Beam was born September 29, 1954, at Akron, Ohio, to Joseph Franklin Beam and Nellie Kathryn McBee Beam.  JR was a Christian.  He was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  On July 1, 1994, JR wed his best friend, Tracy Brown.  They were happily married for twenty-one years.  A hard working man, JR made his living driving a truck for Transland Trucking Company, Springfield, Missouri for twenty-one years, until his cancer prevented him from continuing the job he loved.  JR enjoyed many things that included working on his 1961 Thunderbird, yard work, BBQ’s with family, and above all, spending time with his wife.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Tracy; four children, Jim Beam, wife, Diane, Joey Beam, fiancée Jennifer, James Young, Daniece; special daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Joe Howell; eleven grandchildren, Patrice, James, Kaitlynn, Hunter, Mikayla, Peyton, Kylie, Lily, Dylan, Morgan and Jacob Ray “a/k/a Little JR”; two sisters, Renee Beam and Gail Klein; mother-in-law, Pat Brown; sister-in-law, Tara Brown, special Friend, Willie; brother-in-law, Troy Brown, wife, Mary; several nieces and nephews; and co-workers at Transland Trucking Company.

His parents, one brother, John and father-in-law, Merle Brown, precede him in death.

A special thank you to Dr. Spurling and staff at Ozark Family Care for the excellent care JR received.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Holly “Lynn” Lawrence, 71, West Plains, Missouri passed away peacefully Friday, April 10, 2015 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.  Lynn fought an uphill battle for six weeks after complications following heart surgery.

She was born in Meshoppen, Pennsylvania and spent most of her childhood and young adult life in Southern Florida until 1979.  Lynn and husband Bob moved their family to a farm near Alton, Missouri where their children attended school at Thayer.  Even though Lynn loved many things about living in Missouri, her heart truly never left Florida.  She met her true love and best friend, Robert Lawrence in 1968 and they were married in 1969.  Lynn and Bob shared a lot of laughter and tears during their forty-six year marriage.  Up until Lynn’s last moments with us Bob was still kissing her cheek and assuring her this was not the end but just the beginning and thanked her for being a wonderful wife, mother, nana, sister and friend.  All that knew Lynn would agree with Bob.  Lynn’s first and foremost priority was taking care of her family and friends.  Some consider cooking a job, however in Lynn’s eyes it brought her great joy.  Both daughters, Chrissy and Jessica are both blessed with many recipes, but most valued are the memories of kitchen time with mom. Lynn worked at Ozarks Medical Center for twenty-two years as a Clinic Technician.  Until her retirement in 2008 she assisted numerous Physicians and Nurse Practitioners.  Lynn will live in the hearts and laughter of people she shared her opinions with on politics, gardening, growing flowers and plants.  Her love for her hobby of “junkin” as she called it provided a source of playful teasing by family of what items she would haul home (sometimes hiding the item and not revealing it until just the right time).  No matter what shape or despair her treasure was in when it was brought home she could always breathe life back into it and produce a gem.  More times than not the joke was on those who teased her.  Each summer while vacationing in Florida time was spent “junkin” with her sister, Rachel.  This is the only time Lynn could not hide her treasures from Bob since he had to load and then unload them.  Lynn had a great love for the ocean and beach.  Some of the happiest times for Lynn was exploring what types of shells, sand dollars or mysteries that washed up on the beach with her family.  And let’s not forget her favorite food of all, seafood.  Although her children where loved deeply by Lynn, grandchildren Taylor and Sophie held a very special spot in her heart. Nana as they called her was that cool grandmother that never got upset over spilled milk, taught them nick names for squirrels “Chester” and Red Birds “Rex” and showed her true sense of humor by telling jokes and pulling pranks. Sophie says, my Nana always danced in the kitchen when I was having a bad day to make me feel better.

She is survived by husband, Robert Lawrence of the family home; three children, Jamie Lawrence, West Plains, Chrissy Walker, husband, Jerry, West Plains and Jessica Denton, husband, Jon, Akron, Ohio; five grandchildren, Taylor Ryan, Sophia Walker, Logan Lawrence, wife, Summer (great grandchildren Everli Slade and Kaber), Jordan Lawrence, Springfield, Missouri, Whitney Lawrence (great grandchild Chandler); one sister, Rachel Snyder Hartmann, West Palm Beach, Florida; one nephew, Beck Hartmann, wife, Kim, and daughter Ashley; one niece, Heather Hartmann Vanderplate, husband, Jake.

No services will be held out of respect for Lynn’s final request which was for her family to surround her with love as she embraced her journey to heaven.  After being cremated she wanted her ashes spread in the Ocean where other members of her family have been placed. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service was held for Herbert Metzger, 98, West Plains, Missouri, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Metzger died at 8:49 a.m., Sunday, April 19, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born January 24, 1917, at Aurora, Illinois, to George E. and Ethel Clinger Metzger.  On July 17, 1946, he was married at Lexington, Kentucky, to Norma J. Cox.  Herbert liked to work with his hands; by the age of ten, he could tear down and rebuild model T’s.  He has fond memories of the Kentucky farm where he worked for several years.  As a young man he broke horses on the farm and from that received a leg injury, but did not let the injury keep him from working.  He held many other jobs.  After moving to West Plains, he was employed at Cloud Oak Flooring Company as a foreman for several years.  He was also the owner of J. I. Case Tractor Company.  In 1964, he and Norma moved to California and did lots of traveling in their motor home.  After retiring in 1988, they moved back to West Plains.

He is survived by his son, Don Metzger and wife, Loretta; one granddaughter, Traci Willison and husband, Shane; great-grandchildren, Mayce, Kale, Jackson and Griffin Willison; and daughter Jean Eby and husband, Richard, Argos, Indiana.

His parents, wife, one son, Herbie Metzger, one brother Paul and one sister, Edna Hansen, precede him in death.

Graveside services for Reggie Tackett, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Ledbetter Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Tackett died 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2015 at his home.  He was born February 20, 1957 at West Plains, Missouri to James Freeman Tackett and Doris Flo Fox Tackett.  On June 10, 1978, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Rhonda Kaye Pliler.  Mr. Tackett was an electrician having been employed with White Electric.  He enjoyed camping and hunting and loved spending time on the river with his son and friends.

He is survived by his son Regan Tackett; his parents, James and Doris Tackett; one sister, Rhonda Hollingshad, husband, Hershel; and numerous, aunts, uncles and cousins.

His grandparents precede him in death.

Mr. Tackett will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 20th until 12:00 (noon), Tuesday, April 21, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ledbetter Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for James Louis Jacobs, Jr., AOC, USN, Retired, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at10:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2015, at Pomona Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Jacobs died at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at his home.

He was born June 10, 1935, at Dayton, Ohio, to James Louis Jacobs, Sr. and Lily Ben Torgeson Jacobs.  On November 29, 1957, he was married at Phoenix, Arizona to Jacqueline Carol Sharff.  Mr. Jacobs was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  He also retired as a groundskeeper with the West Plains R-7 school district.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, working with his hands, being outdoors and was a strong supporter of the Republican Party.  Mr. Jacobs was a member of Pomona Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Jacque Jacobs, of the family home; five children, Jeanie Bondy, husband, Doug, Portsmouth, Virginia, Juana Lee Deal, husband, Andy, Suffolk, Virginia, Hank Jacobs, wife, Sharon, Portsmouth, Virginia, Jill Rich, husband, Rick, West  Plains, Missouri and Jenny Olson, husband, Robert, Viola, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren and three on the way; one brother, Randy Jacobs, wife, Pat, Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters, Mabel “Punky” Slack, husband, Karl, Richmond, Indiana and Genny Madison, husband, Larry, Ontario, California ; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one infant sister and two infant great-grandchildren, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  A private burial will be at a later date at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Pomona Christian Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Kenneth Clifford Blake, 76, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Blake entered into eternal rest at 3:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2015 after battling diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

He was born June 16, 1938, at Terre Haute, Indiana, to Kenneth and Lydia Mae Bowers Blake.  Kenny attended Viola High School where he met the love of his life.   On June 6, 1956, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Flossie Marie Minge, who preceded him in death on March 18, 2013.  Mr. Blake was a proud veteran, having served with the United States Marine Corps.  He was a farmer and had worked at Baxter Lab.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, woodworking and spending precious time with his grandchildren.  Mr. Blake was a Christian with a strong belief in everlasting life and eternal peace.

He will be deeply missed by his two children, Deborah Mahan, husband, Mike and David Blake, all of Bakersfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Micheal Mahan, wife, Tracy, Lisa Bean, husband, Bobby, Clifford Blake and Cruise Blake; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Logan and Mason Mahan and Bo and Luke Bean; one sister, Ellen Bales, husband, Rufus, Blue Springs, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His grandparents, William and Leota Bowers, mother, wife, one great-grandson, Jaxon Mahan and one brother, Gary Blake, and a special niece Sandy Bales precede him 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 Fluty Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Fluty Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Sylvia “Louise” Andrews, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Andrews passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015, at her home, after a long, courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

She was born June 18, 1944, in West Plains, to James and Ada Bale.  Louise graduated from West Plains High School in 1962. She met a young man and love of her life, Gordon Andrews, at her father’s (Howell and Oregon) County Line Grocery. They were married June 29, 1963.  Louise accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age at Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church where her father was an elder. She served Elk Creek as a faithful member who truly loved the Lord. She was the pianist for many years.  She spent five years after high school working at the West Plains Cheese Company. When her children were little, she was a homemaker. Then Louise spent eighteen years as a secretary for the West Plains R-7 school district.  Louise enjoyed doing for others, putting others first, traveling with Gordon in their numerous motorhomes, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving father, James Bale, her beloved mother, Ada Bale, two brothers, Charles Bale and Jimmy Bale (infant) and one brother-in-law, Al Baker.

Louise is survived by her husband and caregiver of 51 years, Gordon Andrews; two daughters and their spouses, Sheri and Joe Lammert and Tina and Marvin Hatley; two sisters, Barbara Baker, Marie Skinner and her husband, Tom; a sister-in-law, Betty Bale; five grandchildren, Peyton Lammert, Drew Lammert, Ethan Hatley, Josiah Hatley and Elias Hatley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends who will miss her very much.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Elk Creek Cemetery or The Gideon Bible Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for Anna Jennine Beltz, 48, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2015, at Clear Springs Cemetery, Texas County, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Beltz died at 8:23 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2015, at her home.

She was born March 24, 1967, at West Plains, Missouri, to Larkin Leon Collins and Patricia Ann Colbert Collins.  On June 29, 1985, she was married at the Oak Lawn Church of God at Clear Springs, to Wayne Beltz.  Anna had worked as an inspector at Invensys, in her earlier years worked at Roho and her favorite job was dairy farming.  Anna loved her family and enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with her family, friends and especially her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed camping, yard sales and reading.  Mrs. Beltz was a member of Maness Memorial Baptist Church and had previously been a member at Faith and Hope Church.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Beltz, of the family home; three children, Jennifer Compton, husband, Chris, Willow Springs, David Beltz, wife, Nicole, West Plains, and Russell Beltz, wife, Julia, Willow Springs; six grandchildren, Payton Compton, Madyson Beltz, Kay Anna Compton, Jazmine Beltz, Jake Alan Beltz and Allison Beltz, and one granddaughter on the way, Tori Rae Beltz; two brothers, Kevin Collins, wife Kileene and Lyle Collins, wife, Patti, all of West Plains; two sisters, Marlena Upton, husband, Billy, West Plains and Leona Kerns, husband, Kyle, Mountain Home, Arkansas; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Her parents and one nephew, Keagan Collins, precede her in death.

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