Obituaries

A visitation service for Dr. S.E. Gardner, 89, West Plains, Missouri will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Dr. Gardner died at 1:46 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at his home.

He was born March 23, 1925, at Macomb, Illinois, to Harrison Edwin Gardner and Grace Westerdale Gardner. Over a span of nineteen years, he attended college at Western Illinois College, Macomb, Illinois, College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho and College of Optometry of Northern Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, graduating in 1949. On August 2, 1952, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Dorothy “Joyce” Hopke, who preceded him in death on January 6, 2001. Dr. Gardner, was a veteran, having served in the United States Army air Corps during World War II. He was a well-known Optometrist having long standing practices in both West Palins and Mountain View, Missouri. Dr. Gardner retired in 2003. He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge and served as a past Grand of the Oddfellows.

He is survived by three daughters, Judith Ann Wildman, husband, Mark, Columbia, Missouri, Claudia Beyer, husband Brian, St. Clair, Missouri and Beverly Roberts, husband, Charlie, West Plains, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Jan Gardner Armitage, husband, John, Chestnut Ridge, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Jeremy, Maigan, Jennifer, Michael, Matthew, Jessica, Joshua, Jenna, Seth, Jerica, Emily and Isaac; nine great-grandchildren, Teagan, Hannah, Ava, Emma, Maddox, Ellie, Alaina, Jordan and Jaycee; and one brother, James Bruce Gardner, wife, Ellen, Yuma, Arizona.

His parents, wife, one son, Greg Gardner, one granddaughter, Sarah Joyce Roberts and two brothers, Harrison Mac Gardner and Claude Arthur Gardner, precede him in death.

Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Harold “David” Wood, 66, Koshkonong, Missouri died at 9:32 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2015, at his home.

He was born January 19, 1948, at Olden, Missouri, to Lester Joseph Wood and Faye Burgin Wood Bennett. On May 29, 1964, he was married at Memphis, Tennessee, to Ginger Nicholson. Before his retirement, he was employed with DRS, formerly known as Southwest Truck Body for thirty-seven years. Mr. Wood was a hard worker, always keeping busy and in his spare time he enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger Wood, of the family home; one son, Harold Wood, Jr. “Crockett”, of the family home; three grandchildren, Robbie Wood, Samantha Bunch and Tommy Mowery; two great-grandchildren, Holli Wood and Lane Bunch; one brother, Elroy Wood, Pomona, Missouri; three sisters, Pat Holloway, West Plains, Missouri, Bonnie Johnson, Osage Beach, Missouri and Emma Powers, Cape Girardeau; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one daughter, Cathy Wood, one son, Joe Wood, one brother, Bill Wood and two sisters, Norma Williams and Freda McAmis, precede him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Connie Sue Acklin, 73, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Acklin died at 8:05 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born November 8, 1941, at Eminence, Missouri, to Paul W. Hunt and Creado Bell Hunt. On February 8, 1963, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert Acklin. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts and puzzles and loved to play golf and watch others  golf.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Acklin, of the family home; three children, Jerry Acklin, wife, Diana, West Plains, Missouri, Deborah Acklin, Phoenix, Arizona and Michael Acklin, wife, Anita, Hale, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Chad, Elizabeth, Donovin, Robert, Laureen, Tyler, Alivia, Hannah, Jaci, Alexy and Tristyn; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Bobby Hunt, Huntsville, Alabama; her twin sister, Bonnie Purdy, husband, Russell, Pleasanton, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one brother, Paul Hunt and one sister, Darlene Snipes, precede her 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 Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stroke Help Association or American Cancer Society, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Marian Eileen Reichardt, 93, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Reichardt died at 5:08 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born March 25, 1921 at Salem, Arkansas, to Harry Ferguson and Lillie Annabelle Woods Ferguson. On January 1, 1938, she was married to Archie Johnson and on September 25, 1961, she was married to Charlie Reichardt. Mrs. Reichardt enjoyed spending time with her family and was of the Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by four children, Bonnie West, Scott City, Kansas, Gary Johnson, wife, Sally, West Plains, Harry “Fuzzy” Johnson, wife, Rose, Kinsley, Kansas and Linda Polzin, husband, Marvin, West Plains; twelve grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack Ferguson, wife, Margaret, Wynnewood, Oklahoma; one sister, Madge Westfall, Great Bend, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husbands, two brothers, Bob Ferguson and Earl Ferguson and two sisters, Inez Lamons and Martha Snyder, precede her in death .

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the TV/38 Light the World Ministries, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service for Linda Joyce Kelch Wagner, 67, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Ms. Wagner died at 12:12 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2015, at NHC Healthcare.

She was born October 12, 1947, at Mason City, Iowa, to George Michael Kelch and Phyllis Marie Studer Kelch. She graduated from Marquette-McGregor High School in Iowa with the Class of 1965. She was an honest, dedicated hard worker and was self-employed in the farming and pallet industries. Linda enjoyed gardening and canning which started in her childhood days of being in the 4-H program. She also enjoyed dancing, gambling, socializing and anything outdoors, especially fishing, camping and 4-wheeling at Cloud 9 Ranch. Linda was always eager to help with the charities of the Elks Lodge, especially Christmas for Kids project that gave her great joy. She cherished time with her kids, grandkids and her wonderful close friends. Ms. Wagner was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by three children, Terri Braynard, husband, Shane, West Plains, Troy Witte, wife, Vikki, West Plains and Tony Witte, wife, Staretta, Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Audie Russell, Paris Witte, Elijah Witte and Caleb Witte; three sisters, Norma Mason, husband, Charlie, Lollie Kelch, all of State of Iowa and Karen “Tootie” Schafer, husband, Howard, Branson, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

Her parents and one brother, George Michael Kelch, precede her in death

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until service time at 11:00 a.m. followed by a dinner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A guest book is available for signing at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Ms. Wagner will be laid to rest in the South Fork Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Christmas for Kids program or Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Jackie Darrell Judd, 82, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Judd died at 7:07 a.m., Sunday, January 11, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born September 6, 1932, at Rover, Missouri, to Alva Judd and Alice Bridwell Judd. He attended Bales Elementary School and graduated from Thomasville High School with the Class of 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed at Babenhausen, Germany. Following his military service he attended Molar Barber School in Kansas City, graduated in 1956 and began a career that spanned fifty-four years. He opened his first barber shop in West Plains on Washington Avenue in 1958. In 1965, he built a shop on Jefferson Avenue, owning and operating that shop until 2010. Jack loved his work. He looked forward to every day at his barber shop. He was dedicated to his customers and was pleased to have had the opportunity to cut the hair of five generations of several families in this area. He provided the first haircut for numerous youngsters who then became faithful customers through the years. Jack grew a large garden as long as his health permitted and was always happy to share corn and tomatoes with friends and neighbors. One of his greatest pleasures was spending his spare time on his tractor, plowing or mowing his land. Jack became a Christian at age thirty-three. His faith was strongly woven through the fabric of his days. He attended Howell Valley Church. He was a strong, quiet and gentle man who loved his Lord, his family and his friends. In 1976, Jack was married to Catherine Henry Judd; they celebrated their 38^th Anniversary on April 18.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Judd, of the family home; one brother, Junior Judd, wife, Margaret, Koshkonong, Missouri; two sisters, Shirley Jett, Rover, Missouri and Kay Johnson, husband, Dale, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Wanda Crow, husband, Gary, Juanita Walker, husband, Jim, all of Pomona, Missouri and Freda Tate, husband, Randall, West Plains, Missouri. He was Uncle Jack to Michael, Paula, Randy, Marilyn, Melva, Bruce, Tina, Regina, Ramona, Brandon, Nathan, Tawnya, Kyle and Kevin. He was Pa-Pa to Sam, Jonathan, Robert and Josh and a dear friend to Jack and Wanda Littlejohn.

His parents, two sisters, Maxine and Emogean Judd, brother-in-law, Sam Jett, one niece, Tammy Jett, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Geneva Henry and two nephews-in-law, Everett Crow and Chase Johns, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Redburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon Bible Society or Redburn Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Martha Eva Myers, 84, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Bethel Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Myers died at 10:45 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born August 30, 1930, at Irondale, Missouri, to John Charles Muller and Ethel Ramsbottom Muller. On December 19, 1948, she was married at Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Dr. Neal Myers. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California and was a school teacher for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1983. She loved playing piano, enjoyed her flower gardens and was a fan of St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. She was always involved in church activities and missions. Mrs. Myers was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Neal Myers, of the family home; four children, Joe Neal Myers, wife, Carrie, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Martha Jo Moore, husband, Clark, West Plains, Missouri, David Joe Myers, wife, Danielle, Silver Springs, Nevada and DeeEdrah White, husband, Kevin, Reno, Nevada; twelve grandchildren, Ryan Myers and wife, Amber, Joel Myers and wife, Jordan, JoDee Hickerson, Rebekah Porter and husband Andrew, Bradley Myers, Michelle Myers, Dustin Myers, Nathaniel Myers, Bo White and wife, Stephanie, Elaine Mullins and husband Micaiah, Sarah Haeck and husband Tristen and Austin White; twenty-two great-grandchildren, including Evanna Jackson, of the family home; and one sister, Minnie Koester, husband, Al, Wright City, Missouri.

Her parents, one grandson, Nicholas Myers and her twin sister, Mary Neva Bell, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the North American Mission Board, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mary Joyce Thornberry Barrett, 84, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barrett died at 5:25 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born December 1, 1930 at Jefferson City, Missouri to Ray Thornberry and Mildred Joyce Clark Thornberry. She met her husband of sixty-four years, James Edwin Barrett while living in West Plains. They married May 17, 1950, at Rapid City, South Dakota and had one daughter, Dianne Glovatsky and later adopted a son, Jerry. They lived in Louisiana and Bowling Green, Missouri until retiring to West Plains.

Mary is survived by her husband, daughter, son and eight grandchildren.

Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Public Library, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Danny Deluna, 52, Caulfield, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Deluna died at 1:42 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born August 4, 1962, at Bakersfield, California, to Ovedio Deluna and Mary Fowler Deluna. On February 14, 1983, he was married at Lake Village, Arkansas, to Betty Bartlett. Mr. Deluna was a carpenter and enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing Santa for his grandkids. He loved time with his family and his restored Mustang. Mr. Deluna was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Deluna; nine children, Danny Bartlett, Billy, Russell, Richard, Chris, David, Tommy, Cathy and Curtis Deluna; and twenty grandchildren.

His parents precede him in death.

A Memorial Service for Richard Morrison Cochran, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2015, at the First Christian Church, 422 West Main Street, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A lifelong resident of West Plains, Richard Morrison “Rick” Cochran, son of the late Russell Van and Dulcie Morrison Cochran, was born July 24, 1941, at Cottage Hospital and surrendered his soul to Heaven’s keeping January 6, 2015. Rick was married to Connie Garner in 1963 and had two children from that union, Richard and Gretchen. Rick married again on March 22, 2003, to his wife Pam, who survives him, along with stepchildren Brandi, Brittney and Becca. His two brothers, Russ and Michael, also survive.

In addition to his family, the loves of Rick’s life were hunting, fishing and guitar picking. As a young man, he developed a reputation as one of the area’s most savvy turkey hunters, spending countless pre-dawn hours in the woods long before the season opened, honing his calling technique while tracking the elusive birds’ movements. The many gobbler beards displayed on the walls of his music room are a testament to his skills as a hunter. His dad was also an avid outdoorsman, and the two of them kept the family supplied with a bounty of quail, dove, turkey, venison, wild duck and fish.

Rick and his brothers shared a great admiration for Chet Atkins that inspired all three to become guitar players. The Cochran brothers made numerous trips to Nashville together to spend time with their hero and indulge in various adventures, often attending the annual meeting of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society with close family friend, Dennis Crider. His store, Rick’s Music, a fixture on The Square in the 1980s, was a picker-friendly meeting place for professional and amateur musicians alike. Weekly Thursday night jam sessions in Rick’s at-home music room were a long-standing local tradition that included musicians from all around the area. Rick welcomed one and all, from young beginners with hand-me-down acoustics to virtuoso guitar, fiddle and banjo players, giving them a space to share and enjoy making music for the pure fun of it.

A 1963 graduate of Arkansas State College, Rick taught biology at MSU-West Plains for nearly 30 years, making a lasting impact on thousands of students with his unpredictable teaching style and an ability to make learning easy, enjoyable and applicable to real life. The year of his retirement he was keynote speaker at the university’s commencement ceremony. In his speech he used the metaphor of growing gourds (one of his hobbies) and how every gourd is different to illustrate the path to a fulfilling, individual life. When the graduates accepted their diplomas, each one also received a packet of gourd seeds with written instructions for how to sprout them.

Rick was a creature of habit, and for many years you could find him eating lunch at the original Ozark Café on Washington Avenue or the Red Apple Grill on The Square. Waitresses all over town knew that Picky Ricky, as he came to be known, wanted his “toast burnt” and his “milk cold.” Wherever he went he was glad to shoot the breeze with friends and strangers alike.

Rick’s generosity shone most brightly at Christmastime, when he often bought gifts in bulk (one year buying nearly 100 Daisy Red Rider BB guns), distributing them to friends and family with glee. Endearingly eccentric, Rick was exceptional in most every way, and his life was filled with learning and humor.

The family wishes to thank the staff at West Vue Nursing Home for their devoted care during his final days, which were spent with the company of family and many, many friends. He was a part of the spirit of his beloved hometown, and greatly loved. His like will not be seen again.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in his name to the Wild Turkey Federation or the Sierra Club and they may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service for Lee Eugene Keck, 90, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2015, at First United Methodist Church.

Mr. Keck died at 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born August 5, 1924, at Bern, Kansas, to Christian F. and Gertrude Ellen Keck. He was married June 19, 1949, at Chapman, Kansas, to Beverly Jean Loy. Lee graduated from Sabetha Kansas High School with the Class of 1942 and served in the United States Army Air Corp. from 1943 to 1946, including a tour of duty as a cryptographer in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Kansas State University where he graduated with a degree in journalism in 1950. While at Kansas State University he was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, the honorary journalism fraternity and was twice winner of the “K” award for outstanding journalistic work. In January, 1950, Lee and his wife moved to Friend, Nebraska, where he published and edited his first weekly newspaper, The Friend Sentinel. After selling his interest in that paper in December, 1951, the couple purchased the Delaware County Journal in Jay, Oklahoma. He built this small newspaper into an outstanding publication for the County before selling it fifteen years later. On April 1, 1967, Lee and Beverly purchased the Palmyra Spectator and Century Press in Palmyra, Missouri from the Sosey family who had founded the paper and commercial printing business in 1839. It is the oldest weekly newspaper west of the Mississippi River. He wrote a weekly opinion column called “Lee’s Side,” and was an early adopter of offset printing technology and computers. In 1982 he purchased the Ralls County newspapers, combined the two small papers into a county publication and sold that enterprise in 1992. Two years later he sold the Palmyra Spectator to Mark and Patty Cheffey and continued operating the Century Press commercial printing business until retiring several years later. Lee was a leader in his community. In the 1980’s he spearheaded the establishment of the emergency 911 system for Marion County and served on the E911 board. He was a charter member and president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Lions Club, Palmyra Chamber of Commerce and the Northeast Missouri Press Association. He served as president and district lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Club, co-chair of the Palmyra Sesquicentennial Committee, and was a member of the Marion County Democratic Committee and executive board of the Mark Twain Lake and Cannon Dam Association. He also was a charter member of the Palmyra Chamber of Commerce Industrial Committee, serving as chairman for a number of years. For his support of youth, Lee received the Friends of 4-H award from the Missouri 4-H Foundation, was an honorary member of the Palmyra FFA, and presented the Palmyra Junior Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Service award. He also served on the advisory board of the Girl Scouts, was a member of the Masonic Lodge and an active member and leader of the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Beverly Keck; three daughters and their families, Marsha Keck Deavers, her husband John Deavers, and their son Atticus of Elkton, Virginia, Beth Keck, her husband Ken Leonard, and their daughter Sasha Keck of Bentonville, Arkansas and Beckie Legler, her husband Bob Legler of West Plains and their children Kristin Wages and her husband, Chris of Centerton, Arkansas, Matt Legler and his wife Heather, of West Plains and Eric Legler and his wife Desirae of West Plains; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Kathryn Brummitt of Sun City Center, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for James Joseph Henry, 93, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Henry died at 5:17 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2015, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1921, at Mountain View, Missouri, to James Henry and Leona Green Henry. In 1946 he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Mary Briggs. Mr. Henry was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. He worked as a police officer for the City of West Plains. Mr. Henry was a member of the Church of Christ and attended the Curry Street Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Henry, of the family home; three children, Alice Henry, Springfield, Missouri, Carolyn Mercer, husband, Steve, Tawakoni, Texas and Ron Henry, State of Nevada; one grandson, Jimmy Henry; two nieces, Edith and Louise; and one nephew, David.

His parents, seven brothers and two sisters, precede him in death.

Mr. Henry will lie in state from 4:00 p.m., Thursday, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Serenity Nicole Barton, infant daughter of Charles Kenneth Barton and Renita Nicole Decker Hergesheimer will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Union Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Serenity went to be with the Angels December 26, 2014.

She is survived by her parents, Charles Kenneth Barton and Renita Nicole Hergesheimer, of the family home; four sisters, Zaydee May, Lydia Marie, AnnaSue Rose and her twin, Shyla Rayne; grandparents, Larry and Anita Peoples, Kenneth Barton; great-grandmothers, Deloris Jean Decker, Anna Barton and Shirley Achenbach; and aunts and uncles, Trista Decker, Christopher Barton, Dalton Peoples and Keisha Barton..

Her grandmother, Peggy Sue Tharp Barton, great-grandmother, Winnie Rose Hankins, great-grandfathers, Ralph Decker and Charles Tharp, and great aunt, Beverly Carroll, precede her in death.

Funeral services for Michael Fulton Acklin, 53, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeal Home.

Mr. Acklin lost his courageous battle against renal cancer at 7:09 am Tuesday December 30, 2014 at Barnes Jewish Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO. He was born November 13^th, 1961, the son of Donald Acklin and Alice Brotherton Acklin. Mike was a wonderful, caring, sensitive man who loved, nurtured and supported his family and worked hard to make sure that they were well taken care of. He never gave up and fought his disease with every ounce of determination and will power that he had. He endured physical pain every day during his illness yet he continued to work and care for his family. He is loved so very much by his family and there will always be a void that can never be filled. Mike was employed by the City of West Plains and was supervisor of the Parks and Recreation Department. He took great pride in serving the community in his role. He had a profound passion for his job and found great satisfaction in his nearly 20 years of service to the city. As a teenager, he was employed by the Parks Department through summer work programs and was involved in some of the early park and ball field developments. In his spare time, Mike loved spending time outdoors, gardening, reading and spending time with his family.

In March 1987, Mike met and fell in love with his soul mate and best friend, Diana J. Acklin. In October 1990, they wed and to this union three beautiful daughters were born.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Diana Acklin, of the family home; three daughters, Emily Stirn, husband Mike, Layla Acklin, fiancé Kenny Collins and Shelby Acklin; his precious granddaughter, Rayne Zylie Collins; his father Don Acklin and special step-mother, Georgia; four brothers, Donnie Acklin, wife, Lynda, Terry Acklin, Larry Acklin, wife, Karen and Craig Acklin; two sisters, Pam Freeman, husband, Ted and Ann Acklin and significant other, Kerry Vehawn; two sisters-in-law, Joanna Brown and Linda Armstrong , husband, Nick; several nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews he loved as his own, Fraley Boss, husband Jay, Jordan Owens, Elijah Romans and Poppy and Daisy McKinney.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Acklin, his mother-in-law and father- in- law, Loretta and Ross Carter and his grandparents.

The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mike will be laid to rest in the Dripping Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Riverways Hospice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Carol Sue Asberry, 69, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Asberry died at 12:55 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born August 29, 1945, at Piedmont, Missouri, to Charles Allen Brewer and Erma Elizabeth Maybury. On June 25, 1966, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Tony Asberry. Mrs. Asberry received her Associate’s degree from Three Rivers Community College and a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Missouri State University, formerly known as Southwest Missouri State University. She was a teacher and before her retirement in 1999 had taught remedial reading and math at Dora , West Plains and Howell Valley schools. Mrs. Asberry was a member of the Missouri State Teacher’s Association and the Gideon’s Auxiliary. She was well loved by everyone. Mrs. Asberry was a member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Tony Asberry, of the family home; two children, Karen Riel, husband, Jason, Garden City, Missouri and Amy Conway, husband, Mark, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; six grandchildren, Zachary Riel, Jacob Riel, Tymon Conway, Andrew Conway, Joel Conway and Stephanie Conway; one sister, Georgia Brown, Las Vegas, Nevada; three nephews; and many cousins.

Her parents and one sister, Judy, 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 Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society or First Baptist Church, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Velma Katherine Walker, 78, Pottersville, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2015, at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Walker died at 3:20 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born April 12, 1936, in Howell County, Missouri, to Justin Eli Perkins and Elma Narciss Bridges Perkins. She graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1954. On October 16, 1954, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Charles “Dewayne” Walker, who preceded her in death on January 10, 1989. In 1962Velma and Dewayne bought The Crider Store, which they owned and operated for several years. Then they operated a dairy farm together. Velma was one of the hardest working women God made. She spent countless hours working in her yard which was filled with many beautiful flowers. Velma’s favorite past time was fishing, especially if her grandchildren went with her. No matter how bad she felt, she never passed up a fishing trip. She truly had a heart of gold; her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Mrs. Walker was a member of the Crider Church of Christ.

She is survived by four children, Danny Walker, Crider, Missouri, Bobbi Sue Fox, husband, Danny, West Plains, Missouri, Keith Walker, Crider, Missouri and Mark Walker, wife, Mickey, Crider, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jaime Cockrum, Amy Walker, Ashley Franks, Danielle Fox Collins, Robert Walker, Bailey Dawn Walker, Riley Dewayne Walker and Ellie Jo Walker; eighteen great-grandchildren; four brothers; seven sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one granddaughter, Danae Fox Woodard and one brother, Justin Eli Perkins, precede her in death

Mrs. Walker will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Betty Jo Hall, 93, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hall died at 8:40 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born July 19, 1921, at Brandsville, Missouri, to Thomas Martin Kinnaird, Sr. and Hazel Ordelia Betts Kinnaird. Mrs. Hall attended Mount Pleasant School, graduated from West Plains High School and attended college in Marionville, Missouri where she received her teaching certificate. In her early years she taught in a one room school, then worked as a secretary and retired from Cen-tel Telephone Company. Mrs. Hall was instrumental in founding the West Plains Farmers Market and The Community Garden. She enjoyed raising her own garden and was involved in Church, Community and School activities. Mrs. Hall attended Brandsville Church of Christ.

She is survived by two daughters, Hazel Acklin and Helen Barcus, husband, Michael, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Attie Acklin, Austin Acklin, Hally Barcux and Mallory Barcus; one brother, Charles Eli Kinnaird, wife, Joy, Crestview, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one brother, Thomas Martin Kinnaird, Jr., two sisters, Mabel Lillian Kinnaird and Aileen Walotka, and one son-in-law, Danny Acklin, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Garden, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Maksim Liubimov, infant son of Daniel and Nina Liubimov, Elk River, Minnesota, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 5, 2015, in Babyland at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Maksim went to be with the Angels January 2, 2015, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He is survived by his parents; one sister, Emily Liubimov, of the family home; and grandparents, Vasiliy and Tatyana Gerasimov and Iuri and Lidia Liubimov.

Graveside services for Catherine Cunningham, 81, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2015, at New Liberty Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cunningham died at 7:35 p.m., Wednesday, December 24, 2014, at her home.

She was born October 6, 1933, at West Plains, Missouri, to Reverend Claude Fowler and Vivian Marie Downen Fowler. She was married in 1950 at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Ted Cunningham, who preceded her in death in 1991. Mrs. Cunningham was a homemaker and had worked at International Shoe Factory. She loved and enjoyed her family, music, singing, cooking and writing poems. Mrs. Cunningham was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

She is survived by four children, Michael Cunningham, wife, Mary, State of Washington, Sherry Detwiler, West Plains, Missouri, Steven Cunningham, wife, Rane, College Station, Texas and Renae Owens, husband, Rob, Oroville, California; eight grandchildren; Mark Cunningham, Mitchell Cunningham, wife, Charisse, Melissa Cunningham, all of State of Washington, Jason Cunningham, wife, Shannon, State of Texas, Jeremy Cunningham, State of Texas, Jimbo Detwiler, wife, Ashley, West Plains, Catherine Detwiler, West Plains and Ryley Owens, State of Washington; sixteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, James Fowler, Fort Worth, Texas; and two sisters, Alma Lea Fowler, West Plains, Missouri and Carrol Fowler, Highlandville, Missouri.

Her parents, husbands, one daughter, Rita Kay Cunningham and one sister, Mary Lue Oaks, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Margarett Ara Morgan, 90, Mountain Home, Arkansas will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Morgan died at 12:22 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2014, at Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

She was born July 30, 1924, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to John Henry Williams and Rosetta Earls Williams. Mrs. Morgan received her education in the schools at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. On June 8, 1942, she was married at Alton, Missouri, to John Calhoun Morgan, who preceded her in death on September 2, 1995. The couple moved to their farm near West Plains in 1948. Mrs. Morgan worked at a grocery store and was a dental assistant for the same Dentist for seventeen years. She also worked at Ozarks Medical Center for ten years, and after retiring began volunteering making a total of twenty-five years of service. She enjoyed her volunteer job in the gift shop and loved helping people, crafts and painting. Mrs. Morgan had been a member of First Baptist Church since 1957. She served as secretary of her Sunday school class for over forty years. Mrs. Morgan thoroughly enjoyed and was always eager to go on church trips with the seniors.

She is survived by two children, Phyllis Parrett, husband, Bucky, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Jeanne Starman, husband, Dave, Columbia, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Gay Lynne Parnell, Gregg Parrett, Steve Parker, wife, Lori, Rick Parker, Lea Anne McCormick, husband, Kent, Kyle White and Ryan White, wife, Catherine; nineteen great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Tressie Quimby; son-in-law, Roscoe Parker, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Anne Parker, two brothers and two sisters, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas or Ellis Fischel Cancer Treatment Center, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.