Obituaries

Funeral services for Lynn M. Hixon, 90, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Hixon died at 1:25 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014, at Willow Springs, Missouri, surrounded by his close family.

He was born September 23, 1923, at Uniontown, Kansas, to Rolla Hixon and Bernice Boileau Hixon. On September 22, 1942, he was married at El Dorado, Kansas, to Katy Wadsack, who preceded him in death on March 25, 2009. He was a member of the Church of Christ since his burial in baptism on November 9, 1947, and was the current minister of Pomona Church of Christ. He preached over sixty-six years in the pulpit and radio work for over fifty-eight years. He ministered at gospel meetings in many states including brush arbor and television.

He is survived by two children, Rita Jane Turpin, Willow Springs, Missouri and Lynn Hixon, Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Independence, Missouri. He was a grandfather with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Roberta Davis and husband, Warren, Fort Scott, Kansas; his nieces and nephews; and his church family and friends.

His parents, wife and a little brother, William Herbert Hixon, precede him 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 Willow Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Church of Christ Disaster Relief Fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A graveside service for Raymond E. Leathers, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2014, at Dexter City Cemetery.

Mr. Leathers died at 1:40 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born January 21, 1924, at Parma, Missouri, to James Leathers and Elizabeth Bruce Leathers. On April 18, 1974, he was married at Sullivan, Missouri, to Juanita Brent. Mr. Leathers was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict and was a member of American Legion Post of West Plains. He worked as an iron ore and coal miner for twenty-seven years.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Leathers, of the family home; twelve children, Ronnie Leathers, Cathy Garrison, husband, Merle, Brenda Elfrank, husband, Les, Joe Leathers, wife, Judy, Donna Green, husband Bob, Mark Leathers, wife Cindy, Mike Willig, Jane Wilson, Carol Shinberger, Karen Judd, husband, Calvin, Kelly Brixey and Cindy Vavrinek, husband, Kevin; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Loretta Berent; and several nieces and nephews .

His parents, two sons, one daughter, two sisters and six brothers, precede him in death.

Graveside services for Walter Joseph Klock, 75, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014, at Ball Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Klock died at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at NHC Healthcare.

He was born April 23, 1939, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter Klock and Edna Mae Markham Klock. On September 5, 1997, he was married near West Plains, Missouri, to Roberta Shipley. Mr. Klock was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. Before his retirement, he was a truck driver for Arlee Home Fashions and from 2000 to 2007 was a co-owner/operator of North and South Café, Vanzant, Missouri. Mr. Klock was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Ball Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Klock, of the family home; two daughters, Vicki Barton, husband, Gene, Alton, Missouri and Cheryl Strong-Carroll, husband, Scott, Castle Rock, Colorado; three grandchildren, Codie Pendergrass, Gepp, Arkansas, Greyson Carroll, Castle Rock, Colorado and Cole Barton, West Plains, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Holli Pendergrass, Gepp, Arkansas; mother-in-law, Opal Shipley, Dora, Missouri; sister-in-law, Donna Epley, husband, John, Dora, Missouri; and brother-in-law, Monte Shipley, wife, Susan, Dora, Missouri.

His parents and one sister, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home, Ball Cemetery or the Family, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Robert Lee Collins, 49, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2014, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Collins died at 7:37 p.m., Monday, July 21, 2014, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born June 18, 1965, at Shawnee Mission, Kansas, to Robert Lee Collins, Sr., and Joan E. Long Collins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family or a charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Gracie M. Gould Tucker, 73, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014, at Dripping Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Tucker died at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2014, at daughter’s home in Spring Hill, Kansas.

She was born January 1, 1941, at Chandler, Oklahoma, to Clinton Angus “Bud” Gould and Edith Josephine Turner Gould. On September 5, 1987, she was married at Springfield, Missouri, to Fred Tucker. She was a drum majorette in high school and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1959. She enjoyed horses and in her younger years was a member of a saddle club. Mrs. Tucker was of the Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Tucker, Mt. Vernon, Missouri; four children, Teressa Lincoln, husband, Darren, Aurora, Missouri, Connie Smith, friend, J. J. Johnson, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Cynthia “Cyndy” Doyle, Liberty, Missouri and Judy Lynn Dosher, husband, Paul Sr., Spring Hill, Kansas; ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clifford Gould, wife, Kay, Viola, Arkansas and Ron Gould, wife, Linda, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters, Velma Rieck, husband, Wilfred, West Plains, Missouri, Cledith Hawkins, special friend, Larry Harris, West Plains, Missouri and Tempa Worsham, Viola, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and two brothers, Clinton Alvin Gould and Denny Gould, precede her in death.

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

Funeral services for Rickie Coleman Pruiett, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Pruiett died Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born July 13, 1946, at Caruthersville, Missouri, to Charlie C. Pruiett and Rachel Harbin Pruiett. On January 15, 2001, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Deborah Smith. Mr. Pruiett was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy and was employed at Regal-Beloit.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Pruiett, of the family home; six children, Jon Coleman Pruiett, wife, Joyce, Hayti, Missouri, Leah Michell Roberts, husband, Scotty, Kennett, Missouri, Aaron Thomas Pruiett, wife, Kerri, West Plains, Missouri, Tony Prater, wife, Amber, Dodge City, Kansas, Beverly Jones, Dyersburg, Tennessee and Jamie Fowler, Dyersburg, Tennessee; fifteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild and one on the way; his mother, Rachel Pruiett, West Plains, Missouri; four brothers, Joe Pruiett, wife, Michelle, St. Clair, Missouri, Billy W. Pruiett, West Plains, Missouri, Doug Pruiett, wife, Lula, Carthage, Missouri and M arty Pruiett, West Plains, Missouri; four sisters, Charlene Church, husband, Ed, Denver, Colorado, Judith Hill, Cabool, Missouri, Sandra Moss, West Plains, Missouri and Mary Hicks, husband, Dewayne, Pomona, Missouri; sister-in-law, Julia Pruiett; and several nieces and nephews.

His father, one brother, Freddie L. Pruiett and one infant brother, Ernie Pruiett, precede him in death.

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

Funeral services for Kim Peterman, 54, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Curry Street Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Peterman died at 4:55 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at her home.

She was born July 30, 1959, at West Plains, Missouri, to Floyd Edward Fox and Della Fay Callahan Fox. On June 30, 1979, she was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to Jim Peterman. Mrs. Peterman was the service desk manager at Walmart. She loved her grandkids very much. Mrs. Peterman was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Curry Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Peterman, of the family home; three children, Jessica Jackson, husband, David, West Plains, Missouri, Jared Peterman, wife, Jessica, West Plains, Missouri and Joshua Peterman, wife, Elizabeth, Appleton, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Payton, Pierson, Preston, Whitney, Lindsey, Abby and Valerie; two brothers, Max Fox, wife, Lisa, Caulfield, Missouri and Stephen Fox, wife, Trish, Pottersville, Missouri; two sisters, Rita Robinson, husband, Don, Crider, Missouri and Thelma Batesel, husband, Berlin, Willow Springs, Missouri; mother-in-law, Sylvia Peterman; sisters-in-law, Juanita Peterman, Joy Harris, Joan Richardson and Judy Rice; brothers-in-law, Jack Peterman, Jerry Peterman, Jeff Peterman, John Peterman and Jolly Peterman; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Floyd Edward Fox and Della Fay Callahan Fox, father-in-law, Ivan Peterman and brother-in-law, Joe Peterman, precede her in death.

The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ledbetter Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Belinda Sue Bryant Williams, 43, Caulfield, Missouri, died at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at her home.

She was born March 30, 1971, to Bobby Bryant, Sr. and Barbara Vandre. On July 23, 1990, she was married to Dewayne Williams.

She is survived by two sons, Chase Williams and wife, Tressa and Skylar Williams; two grandchildren, Maecyn and Sawyer Williams, all of Caulfield, Missouri; three brothers, Bobby Bryant, Jr., and wife, Regina, West Plains, Missouri, Brad Bryant and wife, Melinda, San Antonio, Texas, Jimmy Haslett and wife, Jami, Lawson, Missouri; and one sister, Tiffany Weintraub, San Diego, California.

Her parents precede her in death.

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

Funeral services for Nita Ray Mitts, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mitts died at 3:40 a.m., Thursday, July 10, 2014, at her home.

She was born August 22, 1940, at Hartman, Arkansas, to Floyd M. Gipson and Etta L. Riley Gipson. On January 16, 2002, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James R. Mitts. Before her retirement, she worked at Marathon Electric, now known as Regal. Mrs. Mitts was a Christian and was baptized on August 3, 2003.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Mitts, of the family home; two children, Leon Mitts, West Plains, Missouri, and Melissa Wright, West Plains, Missouri; two grandsons, Dustin Wright, wife, Carol, Viola, Arkansas and Jesse Wright, wife, Miranda, West Plains, Missouri; three great-grandsons, Braxtin, River and Bayler; one great-granddaughter, Breanna; one brother; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, seven sisters, including a twin sister and three brothers, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery, Children’s Miracle Network or Three Rivers Hospice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Pauline Wilbanks, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wilbanks died at 12:30 a.m., Sunday, July 6, 2014, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born November 18, 1920, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Monroe Wood and Mary Viola Kiser Wood. On May 16, 1940, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to George A. Wilbanks, who preceded her in death on March 23, 1963. Mrs. Wilbanks worked as a sales clerk at a department store in Mountain View, Missouri and later worked at Missouri Home Care. She was a life time member of the VFW Auxiliary. Mrs. Wilbanks enjoyed quilting; having recently placed in a quilt show at West Vue Nursing Center. She loved to travel and was a St. Louis Cardinal fan. She also loved animals and was a supporter of the Humane Society. There were five generations in her family; her family was her life and she especially enjoyed time spent with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wilbanks was a member of the Pomona Christian Church.

She is survived by two children, Connie Perkins, husband, Harry D., West Plains, West Plains, Missouri and Margaret “Marge” Bond, Palmyra, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kent Perkins, West Plains, Missouri, Kelly Kranawetter, Jackson, Missouri, Paul Eric Bond, wife, Carrie, Palmyra, Missouri and Michael Bond, wife, Jody, Bakersfield, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Agnes Brixey, West Plains, Missouri, special friend, Carol Gore; and several nieces and nephews, including three special nieces, Anita, Pat and Barbara.

Her parents, husband, son-in-law, Paul Bond, three brothers and four sisters, 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 Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or West Plains Regional Animal Shelter, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Curtis Daniel Killinger, 31, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Killinger died Saturday, July 5, 2014, at Cox South Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born October 20, 1982, at Springfield, Missouri, to Thomas Richard “Tom” Killinger and Shirley J. Lenardi Killinger. On October 15, 2011, he was married at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Danielle Stoops. He worked at Donahue Roofing and previously at Ozarks Medical Center. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, was active in sports. Curtis loved to hunt, fish, play cards, golf, music and guitar. He adored his niece and nephew. He was a kind hearted gentle soul and was a joy to be around. Curtis had made his wishes known to his family to be an organ donor. Mr. Killinger had attended Pomona Assembly of God Church.

He is survived by his wife, Danielle Killinger, of the family home; parents, Tom and Shirley Killinger, West Plains, Missouri; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tim and Trish Stoops, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers, Luke Killinger, wife, Chrystal and their children, Addison and John, Springfield, Missouri and Zak Killinger, West Plains, Missouri; brother-in-law, Ethan Stoops, West Plains, Missouri, grandmother-in-law, Mary Stanley “Nana”, Pomona, Missouri; one aunt, Carol Lenardi, West Plains, Missouri; one uncle, Tony Lenardi, wife, Paula; and cousins, Frank, Anthony and Michael Lenardi.

His grandparents precede him in death.

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

A farewell to this world for Wanda Bridges, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Mrs. Bridges went to the Kingdom of God for her eternal life of youth, health and glory on July 5, 2014. She was extremely happy, pain free and peaceful in her last days with her family. She was sound asleep in her home when the Lord brought her to Heaven. The Holy Spirit comforted and cradled her as she was going through her transition to eternal life.

She was born January 18, 1931, her 83 years of physical life where many have been touched by her humor, zest for life and her fighting spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Bridges whom she celebrated 63 years of marriage on April 28^th; also survived by her daughter, Cathy “Blondie” Bridges, grandson Peter Bridges and his family, wife Samantha, great-granddaughters, Jaclyn 13, Katlyn 18, Ashlyn 23 and great-great-granddaughter, Mikala, 3; granddaughter, Brandy Bridges Parker, great-granddaughters, Elizabeth 14, Macy 20, Shealy 22 and great-great-granddaughter, Amilia, 2 and granddaughter, Danielle all of New Iberia, Louisiana; her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and John Arnold of Carmi, Illinois; nieces, Teresa of Illinois, Linda of Oklahoma City, Alicia of Wichita; nephews, Randy and Mike of Illinois, Rodney of New Orleans, Larry, Dennis and Randy of Florida.

Final resting place will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery at Olden, Missouri, where her body will be placed with her son Terry, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Amos and Ruby Bridges and many family members that have gone before her.

The family will be celebrating her life with friends and family from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

She was an avid gardener and loved all of nature; however her thoughts were that flowers and plants belonged in the ground; therefore, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery where she spent many hours clearing grass from family headstones and was always so happy when the grass was freshly cut. Memorial contributions may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Her spirit will live on through us all.

Funeral services for Adele Wells, 77, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Mrs. Wells died at 5:55 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2014, at Hospice of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

She was born October 11, 1936, at Caulfield, Missouri, to James Raymond “Ray J.” Harper and Mary “Elsie” Lawing Harper. She attended the schools of Oak Grove and West Plains High School and on March 12, 1955, was married at West Plains, Missouri, to J. T. Wells. She worked at International Shoe Company, Baxter Lab, was a waitress and retired from Cloud 9 Ranch after many years. Mrs. Wells enjoyed her family and treasured the time she spent with them. Adele was a member of the Bakersfield Church of Christ for many years. She was a wonderful lady that enjoyed life and loved to smile and laugh. J. T. was the love of her life. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, J. T. Wells, of the family home; three children, Ronnie J. Wells, wife, Susan, Ronda K. Ledbetter, husband, Joe, all of West Plains, Missouri and Billy R. Wells, wife, Kellie, Bakersfield, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Dustin W. Ledbetter, wife, Brandi, Ashley D. Cotter, husband, Greg, John R. Wells, Kassi J. Dupler, husband, Bo, Gretchen J. Noon, husband, Jeff, Taylor L. Wells and Caleb W. Wells; eight great-grandchildren, Adie and Layne Dupler, Ellie Wells, Eli and Eden Cotter, Reece and Heidi Ledbetter, Libby Noon and one on the way; four sisters, Lenora Frazier, Dora, Missouri, Sue Lair, husband, Jerry, Jeannie Morris, husband, Steve and Sharon Moore, husband, David, all of West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Lois Harper and Jackie Wells, both of West Plains, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and special friends Betty Meeks and Verlene Halford.

Her parents, one brother, Glen F. Harper, one sister, Kay Rhine, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Flossie Wells and three brothers-in-law, Truman H. Wells, Dallas Frazier and Ray Rhine, precede her in death.

Mrs. Wells will lie in state from 4:00 p.m., Wednesday until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Fowler Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fowler Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Bernice Pauline (Walsh) Gibson, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Gibson died 5:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at West Vue Nursing Center. She was born October 29, 1927 to the late John J. Walsh and Ida M. Grable Walsh in Mitchell, Nebraska.  Bernice was married to Glen Robert Gibson in Torrington, Wyoming on April 15, 1950. To their union were born three children, Cecil Robert, Arthur William and Mary Annell Gibson.

Bernice and Glen moved from Wyoming to Colorado, where they lived for several years before moving the family to Alton, Missouri in the late 60’s. Bernice worked at the Alton Bank for many years until her retirement. She and Glen enjoyed their friends in Alton. After her retirement, Bernice and Glen moved to Mansfield where she enjoyed volunteering at the Library, many friends and their daily walks to the Post Office before moving to West Plains in 2007.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Glen Robert Gibson, her daughter, Mary Annell Sippy, and her son, Arthur William Gibson.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Miller, husband, Christopher, Eric Gibson, wife, Emily, all of West Plains, Marcus Sippy, Dallas, Texas, David Sippy and Deidra Sippy, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her great-grandchildren, Samuel and Hanna Miller and Jack Gibson; son, Cecil Robert Gibson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Gibson; son-in-law, Mark Sippy; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and her special family at West Vue.

Mrs. Gibson will lie in state from 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 5th until noon, Sunday, July 6th at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for John Ralph McConnell, 75, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 30, 2014, at Full Gospel Church, Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. McConnell died at 4:50 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born March 27, 1939, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to James Floyd McConnell and Jewell Comelia Farel McConnell. On May 3, 1980, he was married at Belvidere, Illinois, to Carol Shook. Before his retirement he was a design engineer at Comcar Division of Textron, Inc. in Belvidere, Illinois. He was a great storyteller and loved wildlife; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. McConnell was a member of Full Gospel Church, Bakersfield, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Carol McConnell, of the family home; three children, Pam Thornton, husband, Butch, State of Florida, Sue Tolsma, State of Illinois and Mary Lee, Bakersfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Tara Kenyon, Adam Lee, Ashley Lee and Sherri Taylor, husband, Shawn; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Clyde Ray McConnell, wife, LaVila, Capron, Illinois; one sister, Mona Ann Brown, husband, Billy, Bakersfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Janice McConnell, State of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one daughter, Jean and one brother, Mike McConnell, precede him 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 Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon Bible Society or Baptist Hill Cemetery, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Gavin Edward Max Shipley, stillborn infant son of Aaron Shipley and Adawn Aiton Shipley, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday at Babyland, Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Gavin went to be with the Angels June 24, 2014, at Baxter Regional Health Care, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He is survived by his parents, Aaron and Adawn Shipley, West Plains, Missouri; paternal grandparents, Chris and Sheryl Shipley, West Plains, Missouri; maternal grandparents, Autie and Toni Aiton, West Plains, Missouri; paternal great-grandparents, Charlotte Shipley, West Plains, Missouri and Wayne and Marjorie Morgan, Pomona, Missouri; maternal great-grandparents, Ben and Priscilla Glinn, West Plains, Missouri; aunts and uncles, Ben and Victoria Aiton, West Plains, Missouri and Amanda and Vaughan Ward, Springfield, Missouri.

Funeral services for Juanita Rose Wideman, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2014, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wideman died at 10:45 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2014, at her daughter’s home.

She was born June 27, 1924, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Otto William Level and Margaret Mary Elizabeth Schupfer Level. On December 29, 1945, she was married in St. Louis County to Elven James Wideman, who preceded her in death on August 29, 2010. Mrs. Wideman was a homemaker and loved her family dearly. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. At the age of thirteen she was baptized at Point Breeze Baptist Church in St. Louis Missouri. For the past forty years, Mrs. Wideman was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where she was a member of the Women’s Missions.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary M. Lewis, husband, John, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Laura Stewart, husband, Lowell, West Plains, Missouri and Tammy Lair, Bakersfield, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren, Alan, Caleb, Randy, John, Lauren, Brooke, Austin and Cayden; one great-great-grandchild, Lowell; one brother, Wayne Level, wife, Grace, State of Florida; two sisters-in-law, Vivian Nelson, husband, Edward, Bonne Terre, Missouri and Marilyn Level, Black, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sons, Kenneth James Wideman and John David Wideman, one brother, Larry Level and three sisters, Dorothy Wind, Eileen Cane and Yvonne Eckstein, precede her in death.

Mrs. Wideman was a woman of great strength and was a source of encouragement to her family and all who know her. She had a deep belief and faith for the many trials that life gave her. This time the Lord has called home one of his strongest stars.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the South Fork Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Kenneth James Wideman, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Birvon Lincoln Strong, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2014, at Patrick Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Strong died at 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born January 2, 1925, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Samuel Strong and Martha Smith Strong. Mr. Strong was a veteran having served in the United States Navy. On September 2, 1948, he was married at Sidney, Iowa, to Garnet LuEtta Younger, who preceded him in death on November 17, 2005. Mr. Strong worked for thirty-nine years for the City of West Plains, retiring as the City Scales Manager. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Mr. Strong was a Christian.

He is survived by three children, Patsy Atkinson, husband, Jesse Fred, West Plains, Missouri, Mike Strong, wife, Margret, Alton, Missouri and Jeanette Fraley, husband, Dan, Alton, Missouri; four grandchildren, LeAnn Barnard, husband, Tom, Birvon Strong, II, wife, Lara, Jill Roberts, husband, Donald and Crystal Crowder, husband Danny; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, wife and brothers and sisters, precede him in death.

Mr. Strong will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Donnie Ray Jennings, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 23, 2014, at the First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Mr. Jennings died at 1:51 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014, at his home.

He was born April 9, 1941 at North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to Vernon Elvis Jennings and Eula Marie Walker Jennings. On April 24, 1959, he was married at Atlanta, Georgia, to Charlotte Robinson. Mr. Jennings was a veteran having served in the United States Army. He worked as a business owner and a nursing home administrator; he began his career in 1970 building his first facility in Chanute, Kansas, later built the Bethesda Nursing Center in Chanute, later owned and operated several residential care facilities in Missouri; lastly the South View Residential Care Facility in West Plains. He loved his family. Mr. Jennings had a love for flying and was a flight instructor. He also enjoyed shooting. Mr. Jennings was a member of the First Baptist Church, West Plains.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Jennings, of the family home; four children, Kenneth Jennings and wife, Cindy, West Plains, Missouri, Keith Jennings and wife, Treasa, St. Clair, Missouri, Kandace Miller, West Plains, Missouri and Sheila Tiller and husband, Jeff, Loganville, Georgia; eleven grandchildren, William Jennings, Tara Miller, Kristin Mustion and husband, Casey, Sarah Wright and husband, Jeff, Thomas Fleming, Emily Jennings, Garrett Jennings and wife, Clarissa, Jeffrey Cowsert and wife, Allie, Jay Tiller, Thomas Jennings and Kyle Tiller; two great-grandchildren, Brodhi and Malcolm; five brothers, Elvis, Charles, Fred, Thurman and Sam Jennings; three sisters, Margie Hackney, Mary Carswell and Dorothy Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, two sisters, Sarah Huie and Bonnie Slack and one infant brother, Duane Jennings, precede him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2014 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Loganville, Georgia.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Gum Creek Baptist Church, Loganville, Georgia, under the direction of Tim Stewart Funeral Home followed by burial in the Gum Creek Cemetery in Loganville, Georgia. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Floyd Thomas Frommel, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Willow Springs, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Frommel died at 5:11 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014, at his home.

He was born July 8, 1928, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Hugh Leslie Frommel and Lena Elizabeth Wilson Frommel. On July 4, 1954, he was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Marian Clarene Green. Mr. Frommel was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. Before his retirement, he worked as a salesman at Holsum Bread Company. Mr. Frommel was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Frommel, of the family home; one son, Mike Frommel, wife, Denise, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kristan Frommel, Kala Moulton, husband, Kirk, Ashley Frommel and Matthew Frommel; three great-grandchildren, Azlee Zimmer, Haydn Zimmer and Teigan Frommel; three brothers, George Frommel, West Plains, Missouri, Franklin “Pete” Frommel, wife, Lisa, Freemont, California and Ronald Frommel, wife, Linda, Willow Springs, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Thomas D. Frommel, one granddaughter, Tabitha Frommel, two brothers, Hugh Frommel, Jr. and Willard Frommel and two sisters, Helen Bartlett and Erma Johnson, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.