Obituaries

Graveside services for Uni “Rachel” Pruiett, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pruiett died Sunday, February 15, 2015 at her home. She was born April 19, 1925 in the State of Tennessee to Abe Harbin and Rosa McMullen Harbin.  On October 20, 1942, she was married at Caruthersville, Missouri to Charlie C. Pruiett who preceded her in death on September 9, 2001.  Mrs. Pruiett was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by eight children, Charlene Church, husband,Ed, North End, Colorado, Doug Pruiett, Carthage, Missouri, Judith Hill, Cabool, Missouri, Joe Pruiett, wife, Michelle, St. Clair, Missouri, Mary Hicks, husband, Duaine, Pomona, Missouri, Bill Pruiett, Marty Pruiett and Sandy Moss, all of West Plains, Missouri; thirty-one grandchildren; sixty-five great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Debbie Pruiett, West Plains, Missouri and Julia Pruiett, Granby, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; and several other relatives.

Her parents, husband, three sons, Rickie Pruiett, Freddie Pruiett and her infant son, Ernest Pruiett, three brothers and three sisters, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverways Hospice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Lowell Sherman Keeler, Sr., 83, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Dry Creek Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Keeler died 11:08 a.m., Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Ozarks Medical Center. He was born December 26, 1931 at Willow Springs, Missouri to Robert J. Keeler and Bessie Mae McClellan Keeler.  He attended the Dry Creek School and the Lower-Burnham School and on September 8, 1978,  was married at Pomona, Missouri to Kathy Ellison.  Before his retirement, Mr. Keeler was a truck driver and had been a farmer in the Pomona, Missouri area.  He was a member of the Dry Creek Church.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Keeler, of the family home; three children, Sherman Keeler, Jr., girl friend, Amanda Fox, Pomona, Missouri, David Alin Keeler, wife, Megan, State of South Dakota and Wanda Sue Keeler; five grandchildren, Jadon L. Keeler, Jacob R. Keeler, Nathaniel Fox, Tyler Fox and Jayden R. Keeler; two brothers, Robert Noble Keeler, Belton, Missouri and Cecil Keeler, Independence, Missouri; one sister, Clara Mitchell, Lexington, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joann and Arnold Wiese, Sheryl Ford, Merline  and Jerry Luton, David and Krista Wiese and Dane and Emma Wiese.

His parents, one brother, Marvin Keeler and one sister, Pat Wade, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Family or Dry Creek Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Thomas “Tommy” Edward Cockrum, Jr., 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Langston Street Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Cockrum died 4:30 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015 at his home. He was born December 3, 1925 at Custer, Arkansas to Thomas Edward Cockrum, Sr. and Blanche Edith Geary Cockrum.  On August 5, 1946, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas to Marjorie Vaughan. Mr. Cockrum was a veteran having served with the United States Navy and was owner and operator of Cockrum’s Iron and Metal of West Plains.  He loved to fish and enjoyed flying. Mr. Cockrum was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Cockrum, of the family home; six children, Dennis Cockrum, wife, Kathy, Udall, Missouri, Veta Blair, husband, Harlie, Deanne Cockrum, Loran Cockrum, wife, Barbara, Geary Cockrum, wife, Vernetta and Mark Cockrum, wife, Fawn, all of West Plains, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; two brothers, Charley Cockrum, wife, Eva, West Plains, Missouri and Harvey Cockrum, wife, Francis, Harrison, Arkansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents, one daughter, Mary Sue, two brothers, Jim Cockrum and Henry Cockrum and one sister, Mary Lamb, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Langston Street Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Free Union Cemetery, Leota, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Free Union Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Helen Louise Henry, 80, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2015, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Henry went to be with her Lord at 12:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Brooke Haven Health Care.

She was born April 9, 1934, in the Irish Wilderness near Fremont, Missouri, to Jack and Lucy Mayberry. Louise received her education at Winona and Birch Tree, Missouri. She was employed at Angelica Uniform Company, Rawlings Sporting Goods Factory, Eaton Corporation and finally retired in 1996 from the Jefferson City, Missouri Housing Authority as the Manager of Senior Citizen Housing. Louise returned to West Plains to enjoy her retirement with her family and friends. Her favorite hobbies were reading, sewing, gardening and traveling. Louise had been a member of the First Christian Church, West Plains, Missouri, since 1996.

She is survived by three children, Charlene Murrell, husband, Johnny, West Plains, Vicki Hanley, West Plains and Michael Roy Henry, wife, Debbie, Mountain View, Missouri; one grandson, J. W. Murrell; six granddaughters, Ann Murrell, Michelle Minge, Codi Hudson, Chelsey VanWinkle, husband, Ryan, Lace Dana and Leslie Ann Pierce, husband Dash; four great-grandsons; four great-granddaughters; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Her parents, one son-in-law, Jerry Hanley, two sisters and five brothers, precede her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center or First Christian Church, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Inis McClellan, 87, Harrison, Arkansas will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. McClellan died at 3:35 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Hospice of the Hills, Harrison, Arkansas.

She was born September 22, 1927, at Trail Hollow, Missouri, to Ruben and Nina May Trail Young. On February 14, 1948, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Albert Chalmer McClellan, who preceded her in death on April 1, 1999. She enjoyed gardening and taking country drives and especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and seeing their accomplishments. Mrs. McClellan was of the Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by six children, Jessie McClellan, wife, Glenda, Gale McClellan, and Barbara Hendricks, husband, Bud, all of Harrison, Arkansas and Donnie McClellan, wife, Alice, Jerry McClellan, wife, Gayla and Betty Deweese, all of West Plains, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Kevin McClellan, Shannon McClellan, wife, Krystal, Sue Brashers Conerly, Micheal Howard, Mitchell Hendricks, Amy Howell, Amanda Fox, Shawn McClellan, Eric Deweese, wife, Alesha and Kent Deweese; twelve great-grandchildren; three brothers, Eb Young, West Plains, Jessie Young, wife, Mige, West Plains and Les Young, Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Bessie Warren, husband, Don, Tallahasee, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sons, Billy Joe McClellan and Ronald Gene McClellan and seven siblings, precede her in death.

Mrs. McClellan will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Hills, Harrison, Arkansas, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for Lyle Elmer Eastman, 86, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Lyle Elmer Eastman, son of the late Ethel Eastman, was born in Wichita, Kansas on August 6, 1928 and passed away January 26, 2015.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Judy Eastman, of the family home; his children, Gina Richardson, husband, Dan, Bellevue, Washington, Brian Baldus, wife, Kim, St. Paul, Minnesota, Steve Baldus, wife, Lisa, Independence, Missouri, Kathy Zipp, St. Joseph, Missouri, Bruce Eastman, wife, Quan Ying, Boise, Idaho and Stephanie Spikoski, husband, Kenneth, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was an only child but had many brothers and sisters in faith.

After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and set sail upon the high seas, bound for the Pacific. After his service to his country, he came home and met his wife, Betty. After thirty years of marriage, Lyle lost Betty to cancer. He and Judy were married on January 29, 1983. Together Judy and Lyle built a thriving insurance business. He not only took pride in this business, but also truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, as an honorary member of the Optimist Club, Lyle helped with the Mighty Might Football program as well as many other community outreach opportunities. He was an enthusiastic member of the Missouri Cattleman’s Association. As an avid golfer, he was always looking for a good place to play a round of golf. He spent many days and walked many miles on the courses throughout the country. He also enjoyed the relaxation of fishing. He served God and attended the Washington Avenue Church of Christ. He always had a strong faith and knew that no matter the circumstance, God was looking out for him. It was his wish that those who remember him would take a moment to reminisce the good times as their lives crossed. His final goal was to love and have fun and to live in his belief that “Life is good.” As he struggled with cancer over the past twenty years, his faith never wavered; in fact, it only became stronger. He always had a smile and a handshake ready, the fear of his mortality never shown on his face. He was always confident God would see him through and he did. After years of cancer, two heart attacks and congestive heart failure, this man walked on. When it seemed, even to his Doctors, he would not make it; he would find the strength in God and in Family to pull through. In the end, with his family and friends around him, he spoke of things we could not see and assured us everything would be all right, as he had done a thousand times before. When his time finally came, he was at peace and with his darling wife by his side; he went to meet his God. As one last gift, he donated his body to medical research through the Genesis program.

There will be no graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Avenue Church of Christ, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Loretta May Burgess, 72, Seligman, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Burgess died at 2:00 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born November 26, 1942, at Pomona, Missouri, to Harlow Guy Thompson and Dorothy Angelena Rainier Thompson. On January 4, 1963, she was married at Pomona, Missouri to Tommy Burgess. Mrs. Burgess attended Beauty College at Springfield, Missouri, worked for the United States Postal Service a total of twenty-eight years, including West Plains as a clerk and carrier, assistant post master at Pomona and retired as post master at Seligman, Missouri. She was also the Treasurer of Seligman Chamber Commerce for twelve years. Mrs. Burgess was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Olden, Missouri.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Burgess, of the family home; two children, Angela Marti, husband, Terry, Springfield, Missouri and Melissa Appleton, husband, Claude, Seligman, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brad Appleton, wife, Ashlee and Alisha Reese, husband, Jacob; two great-grandchildren, Braxton and Asher Appleton; one sister, Shirley Pitman, husband, Gerald, Ozark, Missouri; special friend, Cleta Stanley; special cousin, who was like a sister, Nann Albin, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and one brother, Richard Thompson, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Robert Hugh Russell, 79, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2015, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Russell died at 10:30 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born September 25, 1935, in Oregon County, Missouri, to Dorse Ulice Russell and Ruby Edna Lewallen Russell. On August 15, 1958, he was married at Gladstone, Missouri, to Wilma Lea Johnson. Mr. Russell was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed for over thirty-five years with the Missouri-Pacific Railroad.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Russell, of the family home; two children, Stephen Russell, West Plains and Robert Russell, State of California; two grandchildren, Craig Russell and Scott Russell; former daughter-in-law, Barbara Russell, Kansas City, Missouri; four brothers, Glen Russell, wife, Barbara, George Russell, wife, Jackie and Elmer Russell, wife, Kathy, all of Thayer, Missouri and Donnie Russell, wife, Marla, Mountain View, Missouri; two sisters, Coralie Lemcke, Middleton, Wisconsin and Hazel Brewer, husband, J. C., Thayer, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, Gene Russell and one infant brother, Leroy Russell, precede him in death.

Kaisius James Crase went to be with the Angels at 3:05 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center. He was born February 10, 2015, to Kevin James Crase and Kedra Michelle Thompson Hale.

He is survived by his parents, Kevin Crase and Kedra Hale; one brother, Raiyden Alexander; one sister, Kyndall Raye; his grandparents, Paul Hankey, Jr., Lance Thompson and Gloria Thompson; great-grandparents, Neal Woody, Brenda Huddleston, Tommy Thompson, Audra Hankey and Paul Hankey, Sr.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

His paternal grandparents, Christine Hankey and Dewayne James Crase; two uncles, Bryce Gamblin and Christopher Crase, and great-grandparents, Sarah Marie Woody, Lena Grandstaff, Lester Grandstaff, Reva Buckman-Woody, Vada Woody and Pete Woody, precede him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Cora Imogene Mitchell, 87, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mitchell died at 11:35 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born March 22, 1927, at Elijah, Missouri, to William “Bill” Evans and Emeline Dodson Evans. She attended school at Mineral Point in Ozark County, Missouri. On November 20, 1957, she was married at Gainesville, Missouri, to Robert Franklin Mitchell, who preceded her in death on June 18, 2002. She enjoyed quilting and loved to cook. Mrs. Mitchell was a member of Amy Baptist Church.

She is survived by four children, Delbert Evans, wife, Donna, Bakersfield, Missouri, Richard Mitchell, significant other, Amanda, Caulfield, Missouri, Peggy Tyler, husband, John, West Plains, Missouri and Donald Mitchell, significant other, Lisa, Tecumseh, Missouri; two stepchildren, David Mitchell, wife, Mary, Jessup, Georgia and Laverne Dunkin, Portia, Arkansas; eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dale Evans, wife, Jackie and Clifton Evans, Linda, all of Caulfield, Missouri; three sisters, Lillie Moss, Thelma Johnson, husband, Larry and Pat Carrico, husband, Bill, all of West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, three brothers, Jr., Dallas and Benny and one sister, Artice Brown, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday 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.

Funeral services for Rex G. Carlson, 89, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Carlson died peacefully at his home on February 6, 2015, with his family at his side.

He was born June 11, 1925 at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Andrew G. Carlson and Phoebe Newport Carlson. At an early age he moved to Staten Island, where he attended public schools, graduating from New Dorp High School with the Class of 1943 as class Valedictorian and winner of both the Latin and Math Awards. Immediately following high school, Rex enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for four years, attaining the rank of First Class Petty Officer in the field of Aviation Electronics. On October 10, 1945, he married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Margaret Mary O’Donnell, who preceded him in death on October 16, 2013. Rex was a loving and devoted husband for sixty-eight years. Rex had a long and successful career in electric engineering with Bell Telephone Laboratories, a job that took him from New York City to Holmdel, New Jersey, to Naperville, Illinois, to Denver, Colorado. He retired in 1983 and shortly thereafter moved to West Plains, Missouri to be near family.

He is survived by three children, Bill Carlson, wife, Michelle, West Plains, Missouri, Audrey Kaufman, husband, Peter, Marquette, Michigan and John Carlson, Dallas, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Bryan Carlson, Sean Carlson, Megan Carlson Brown, Karin Shady, Carl Anderson, Jonathan Carlson and Christopher Carlson; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Judy Adams, husband, Boyd, Staten Island, New York; and one brother, Roy Carlson, wife, Helen, West Palm Beach, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

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

The family would like to thank Rex’s caregivers and Riverways Support Service and Hospice for their exceptional and loving care.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Wounded Warrior Project, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Lura Mae Bromley, 92, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Redburn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bromley died at 2:31 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born May 23, 1922, at Thomasville, Missouri, to George Ross and Mattie Barnes Ross. In 1940 she was married to Thomas William Spurgeon, who preceded her in death in 1955. In 1956 she was married at Seattle, Washington to Elmer Elton Bromley, who preceded her in death March 17, 1982. Mrs. Bromley enjoyed cooking, gardening, going to yard sales and loved to take road trips.

She is survived by four children, Shirley Jenkins, husband, Danny, Peace Valley, Missouri, Rhonda Hamby, husband, Rod, West Plains, Roger Spurgeon, West Plains and C. D. Spurgeon, West Plains; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Her parents, husbands, one son, James Spurgeon, one grandson, George Jenkins, one great-grandson, Wesley Jenkins, one sister and six brothers, precede her in death.

Mrs. Bromley will lie in state from 4:00 pm Friday until 12:00 Noon Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Redburn Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Cledith Maxine Hawkins, 77, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2015, at Dripping Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hawkins died at 8:56 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

She was born September 18, 1937, at Seminole, Oklahoma, to Clinton Angus “Bud” Gould and Edith Josephine Turner Gould. Mrs. Hawkins attended Crowder College where she obtained an Associate’s Degree. She was the owner and operator of Hawkins Bookkeeping for forty-nine years, was a member of the Am Vets Ladies Auxiliary and a board member of Dripping Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Hawkins was a longtime member of Dripping Springs Church.

She is survived by her significant other, Larry Harris, West Plains, Missouri; two children, Wendell Hawkins, significant other, Dena Doolin, Caulfield, Missouri and Gordon Hawkins, wife, Tambra, Moody, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jesse Hawkins, Natalie Hawkins, William David Hawkins, Mitchell Allen Barton and wife, Ashley, Tonya Renee Fare, husband, Matthew and Justin Wayne Hawkins, and significant other, Jessica Parker; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clifford Gould, wife, Kay, Viola, Arkansas and Ron Gould, wife, Linda, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Velma Rieck, husband, Wilfred, West Plains, Missouri and Tempa Worsham, Viola, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, two brothers, Clinton Alvin Gould and Denny Gould and one sister, Gracie Mae Tucker, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Dripping Springs Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Memorial service for William Dale Wake, 71, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wake died at 8:40 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at his home.

He was born November 16, 1943, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Manuel T. Wake and Rosie A. Collins Wake. On November 15, 1969, he was married at Springfield, Missouri, to Kathryn Byrnes. Before his retirement, Mr. Wake was employed with Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Mr. Wake was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by two children, William James Wake, wife, Marisa and Lorree Allen, husband, Bryan, all of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kaitlynn Keller, Kelsey Wake, Gavin Allen and Camden Wake; four brothers, Ernest T. Wake, wife, Mabel, Leslie L. Wake, Leroy Wake, wife, Joan and Jim Wake, wife, Jeanne, all of Cabool, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Linda Wake, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, Doyle Wake, one sister, Julie A. Moore and one brother-in-law, Herman Moore, precede him in death.

Mass of Resurrection for James Walter Schmidt, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Schmidt died at 9:25 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at South Baldwin Medical Center, Foley, Alabama.

He was born September 13, 1940 at Richmond, Indiana to Richard Charles Schmidt and Helen Maxine Dixon Schmidt. On January 8, 1966, he was married at Greensburg, Indiana to Mary Ann Edgeller; they moved to West Plains in 1967. Mr. Schmidt was a veteran having served with the United States Army from 1963 to 1969. He was employed with Richman Oil for eleven years and with MFA Oil Company for twenty-three years retiring in 2001. Mr. Schmidt enjoyed NASCAR, fishing, traveling and coin collecting. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Plains and the Council #7442 Knights of Columbus in Willow Springs, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Schmidt, of the family home; four daughters, Linda Anderson, husband, Jon, Cindy Wadlow, husband, John Wadlow, Jr. Christy Quinn, husband, Jesse, all of West Plains, Missouri and Sandy Smith, husband, Derek, Ozark, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Amy Wood, husband, Brandon, Joseph Quinn, Ava Anderson, Jessica Quinn, James Anderson, Brandon Wadlow, Logan Smith, Lilly Smith, Luke Smith, Kim Lunday, husband, Aaron and their son, Henry, and Stefan Wadlow; one sister, Claudia Franke, husband, Harvey, Osgood, Indiana; brother-in-law, John Edgeller, wife, Ruth, West Plains, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friends, Jerry and Linda Weatherford.

His parents, infant son, James Edward, infant granddaughter, Sarah Wadlow and one brother, Bud Schmidt, 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 St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery or Juvenile Diabetes Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for James Edwin Barrett, 83, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Barrett died at 12:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born November 20, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to Grace (Clark) and James Fred Barrett. James grew up in West Plains and helped support his family after the death of his father when he was 9 years old. He enlisted in the United States Air Force with special permission from his mother at the age of sixteen years to continue to help the family. Several years later while attending church in West Plains during leave, he met Mary Joyce Thornberry.  They fell in love and were married on May 17, 1950, and lived in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he was stationed.  He re-enlisted in the army and proudly served his country in the Korean War on the front line. Despite the dangers, he served a warm breakfast as the chief cook to the men in the trenches, and “Whitey” (nicknamed for his blond hair) became their favorite. During this time, Mary had a daughter, Dianne (Glovatsky).  After the war, James was stationed in France, and Mary and Dianne joined him for two years. He completed his tour of duty, and they returned to Jefferson City where he built houses for a living. Then Simpson Tobacco Company hired him as a salesman in Louisiana, Missouri, where he worked for many years. During this time, their family was completed by their son, Jerry. After resigning from the company, James bought a farm near Bowling Green, Missouri, and they enjoyed living in the country. In 1996 they retired to West Plains.  The Laughary’s moved next door and became part of the family.  James and Mary enjoyed babysitting, providing transportation, and teaching the children music.  James seemed to enjoy life and wanted people around him to have fun, too. He made people smile with his stories and jokes. Many enjoyed his good cooking, bread, and produce from his garden. He is deeply missed as our beloved father, grandfather, and friend.

James is survived by his daughter Dianne; son, Jerry and wife Colleen; sister-in-law, Lynne (Thornberry) Lee; and eight grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, son-in-law, Elmer Glovatsky and grandson, Brandon Glovatsky.

Mr. Barrett will lie in state from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Community Garden or any charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Nancy Gail Allen, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2015 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Allen died 7:25 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born September 10, 1951 at Gideon, Missouri to Robert Calvin Bragg and Iva Lucille Tabor Bragg. On May 29, 1970, she was married at Sibley, Missouri to Arthur Allen, Sr. Before her retirement, Mrs. Allen was employed with Macy’s Department Store. She enjoyed puzzles and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Allen was a Christian.

She is survived by three children, Arthur (Butch) Allen, Jr. and Mary Ewers, West Plains, Missouri, Angie Bristow, husband, Richard, West Plains, Missouri and Robert Allen, wife, Darla, Harrisonville, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Andrew, Darian, Kayla, Kirsten, Alyssa, Nicole, Becca, Nathan, Kylan and Tristan; three great-grandchildren, Avah, Eli and Bailey; her father, Robert Calvin Bragg, Sibley, Missouri; two brothers, Jeff Bragg, wife, Kathy, Independence, Missouri and Curtis Bragg, wife, Kelly, St. Peters, Missouri; one sister, Paula St. Clair, Independence, Missouri; her step mother, Bobbie Bragg; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her mother, one nephew, and several aunts and uncles precede her in death.

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

Funeral services for Clifford Allen Mumert, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2015 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Mumert died 10:31 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2015 at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born October 1, 1923 at Wakeeney, Kansas to Thomas Mumert and Effie Marts Mumert. He received his education at the Pleasant Ridge School in Pottowatomie County, Kansas near Havensville and graduated from Havensville High School. On June 27, 1948, Mr. Mumert was married at Havensville, Kansas to Audrey Kolterman. Mr. Mumert was a veteran having served with the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the Merchant Marine Ship S.S. Richard W. Dixie and the U.S. S. Rawlins and received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. After serving with the Navy, Mr. Mumert returned home and worked for Neale Construction Company in Topeka, Kansas from 1947 to 1955. In 1955, the family moved to Rover, Missouri and then to West Plains when Mr. Mumert went to work for Western Light & Telephone Company from 1956 to 1978. During that time, he was construction foreman, equipment repairman and local manager. Also, he and his wife, Audrey, owned and operated Audrey’s Antiques & Gifts from 1967 to 2004.

For many years, Mr. Mumert served on the Board, was a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and church treasurer while attending Rover Assembly, Rover, Missouri and First Assembly, West Plains, Missouri. While a member at First Assembly, he organized the first Royal Ranger group for young boys at the church and also served as Commander of the Group. While Mr. Mumert attended Faith Assembly of West Plains, he served on the Board.

He loved God, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; he enjoyed traveling, collecting and people.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Mumert, West Plains, Missouri; three children, Linda Moss, husband, Roy, Pottersville, Missouri, Stephen Mumert, wife, Phyllis, Springfield, Missouri and Roger Mumert, wife, Karen, Sherwood, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Allen Moss, wife, Elisha, Charles Moss, wife, Suzette, Diana Moss, Michael Mumert, wife, Nikki, David Mumert, Jeniffer Jefferson, husband, Kris and Jessica Purvis, husband, Chris; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Anna Mae Brown, husband, Fred, Topeka, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, three brothers, one sister, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Funeral services for David “Glen” Surritte, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2015 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Surritte died 8:10 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015 at his home.

He was born January 8, 1948 at Cureall, Missouri to David Woodrow Surritte and Magdalene “Maggie” Collins Surritte. He was a veteran having served with the United States Army for twenty-five years. Before his retirement, Mr. Surritte was employed with the Sanitation Department for the City of West Plains. He liked to junk and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Surritte was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by three children, Christina Adelsberger, husband. Tom, Kimberly Surritte and R. L. Kocher, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Corey Adelsberger, Cody Adelsberger, Corina Adelsberger, McKenzie Surritte, Abbigail Beck and Bella Beck; one brother, Doyle Surritte, wife, Linda, West Plains; two sisters, Rosa Mae Anderson, West Plains and Alice Coats, husband, Bill, Peace Valley, Missouri; sister-in-law, Carolyn Surritte; brother-in-law, Ray Shunk; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one brother, Donald Surritte, one sister, Barbara Shunk, brother-in-law, Donald Anderson and one niece, Amanda Lynch, precede him in death.

Visitation will be from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pottersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pottersville Cemetery or the Arthritis Foundation and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mildred Edith Parrish, 95, West Plains, Missouri, died 10:20 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2015 at NHC Health Care.

Mrs. Parrish was born February 24, 1919 at Dalton, Arkansas to James Thomas Aspray and Selia White Aspray. She graduated with honors from the Ravenden Springs, Arkansas high school in 1938.  On July 24, 1943, she was married at Ravenden Springs, Arkansas to James William Parrish who preceded her in death on March 27, 1980. In 1948, Mrs. Parrish, along with her family, moved to West Plains where she resided until her death.  She was baptized in the Assembly of God Church in 1979 by Brother Holcomb.

She is survived by two sons, Glen Parrish, wife, Nancy, Rogersville, Missouri and Douglas Parrish, wife, Carol, West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Kelly Parrish, Dana Hall, Stacy Whiteside, Whitney Adams, Amy Green and Zachary Parrish; five great-grandchildren, Samuel and Andrew Hall,  Hayden and Daegan Green and Annetta Overstreet; four great-great grandchildren, Kelton and Reese Adams and Alessa and Maci Overstreet; and one nephew. Steve Wammack.

Her parents, husband, one son, James Parrish and one sister, Reva Wammack, precede her in death.

In accordance with Mildred’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.