Mitchel (Leon) Peck, youngest son of Debra Peck and brother of Spencer Peck, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 46 years, 10 months and 24 days.
Leon was born February 24, 1977, at Nevada, Missouri, to Debra Peck. Leon attended school at Dora, Missouri and went on to graduate from the welding academy in Nevada, Missouri in 2003. One of his proudest achievements was his certificate for K-9 training. Leon was a father of four and cherished each of his children. He was proud to be an Ozarkian; his heart belonged to the forests, hills, hollers and especially the rivers and creeks. He enjoyed fishing and swimming; the water was his solace and comfort. Leon had an interest in landscaping and gardening. He had a green thumb and grew amazing plants. He enjoyed all types of music, loved people, had a quick wit and could make everybody smile. When you befriended Leon, you had a friend for life. Leon is in peace, dancing to the beat of his own drum. Always in our hearts.
He is survived by his mother, Debra Peck, State of Missouri; three children, Nate Dennis, State of Ohio, Mahaylee McDaniel and Alyssa Peck, both of Missouri; one grandson, Carter Luttrell, of Ohio; one brother, Spencer Peck and wife, Amanda, of Missouri; two nephews, Austin Peck and wife, McKenzie and Cayden Peck; one niece, Eden Peck; one uncle, Kenny Dean and wife; and four cousins, David Peck, Robert Miller, Chase Dean and Brad Davis and their families.
His son, Jacob Mitchel Peck, grandfather, Earl D. Peck, grandmother, Ruth Dean, two aunts, Peggy Miller and Linda Barton and one cousin, Mathew Peck, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Charles (Chaz) Christian Coats, 13, West Plains, Missouri, went to be with the Angels at 6:53 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 26, 2010, at West Plains, to Charles Christopher Coats and Misty Upton Coats. Chaz was a student at West Plains Middle School where he was a three year member of the S.E.A.R.C.H. program for gifted students; he was also a member of the West Plains Middle School Chess Club and West Plains Middle School Chorale. He enjoyed watching MMA and began training in jiu-jitsu at Team Fusion in June where he was advancing quickly. He had a great passion for astronomy and spent countless late nights gazing at the stars and planets. His collection of 17 Rubik’s cubes was impressive with only one that he was unable to solve. He enjoyed the challenge of a difficult Lego set. Chaz loved playing piano, enjoyed theatre and was in several plays. Chaz attended Boys & Girls Club since preschool. He was talented in many ways and was very humble. Chaz loved his family and was a child of God. His contagious smile and unique sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Misty Coats; his father, Chris Coats, one brother, Carstyn Coats; one sister, Grace Rhoads; his grandparents, Charles & Dianne Coats, Ron Upton, Jackie and Cliff Webb and great-grandfather, Stephen Petrey, all of West Plains; his aunts and uncles, Traci Deems and significant other, Tim Danielson, Des Moines, Iowa, Shawna Fillmore and significant other, Craig Corbett, Yellville, Arkansas, David Coats and wife, Dawn, West Plains and Rachel Albin and husband, Trett, Nixa, Missouri; many cousins; and special teacher, Sylvia Hershenson.
His cousin, Dakota Coats preceded him in death.
Charles will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date. A private burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Middle School Band, Middle School S.E.A.R.C.H. Club, Team Fusion, Boys & Girls Club or Avenue Theatre and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Theodore Louis Hoversen, 79, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 30, 1944, at Brooklyn, New York, to Theodore and Lucille Gentile Hoversen. On October 16, 2005, he was married at Key West, Florida, to Kathy McIntyre. Before his retirement, Mr. Hoversen was a customs agent. He enjoyed collecting antique cars and loved driving race cars. His last race car was an outlaw modified, which he drove as a team with his son, Lance. He loved traveling around and competing in Cowboy Action Shooting with his wife, Katie; they were members of the Single Action Shooting Society. Theodore had a large collection of guns, bayonettes and other memorabilia from pre-revolution through WWII. He also enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Katie) Hoversen, of the family home; five children, Lance Hoversen, and wife, Cece, Key West, Florida, Elizabeth Phillips, Brooksville, Florida, Jasmyn Acevedo, Boca Raton, Florida, Ryia Mendoza and wife, Morgan, Rogersville, Missouri and Jeremy Case and wife, Danielle, La Porte, Indiana; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Hoversen; nephew, Thomas Hoversen; and niece, Kristen Hoversen.
His parents preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James “Jim Sr.” Harvey Jolliff passed away at his home in West Plains, Missouri on January 11, 2024, at the age of 87 after a life wonderfully lived in a world well-traveled. He was born on July 4, 1936, to Cecil and Mattie Sharp Jolliff within their home in West Plains. Official records list his year of birth as 1937 due to the physician forgetting to submit his birth certificate until the next year. This filing error later led to his mother needing to sign her permission for him to join the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 to begin basic training. He also trained as a Hospital Corpsman, which led to him working as a Surgical Ward Corpsman at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA in 1956. After which he continued to serve as a Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class until the year 1962.
In the year 1959, he married “the love of my life, Patricia Anne Duggan” on May 30th. Together they had three sons, Jim Jr., Mark, and Ty. He believed without doubt in the Lord’s unfailing love and mercy and placed all hope in Him. Because of this, he had a strong commitment to his love for his family. He was a husband, father, and grandfather and never failed to love us all with tenderness, patience, and intention. We knew without fail that he would be there supporting us through every accomplishment in our lives, and that he was a safe place to come rest our hardships and worries. He was so incredibly proud of his three boys and his favorite way to spend his time was with them, being involved in every aspect of their lives. Jim Sr. and Pat recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. A few years back he wrote, “she has stuck by me and supported me throughout all of our ventures in life, she is my rock and has been for 59 years”. Their continued love and devotion to each other is an inspiration to the whole family.
He valued education and during his life graduated from the Masters in Elementary and Secondary Education Program with his PhD, completed a Doctorate degree in Education and Curriculum Development, and developed the first State/Federal Special Education Compliance Plan. His passion was teaching, and one of the things that he loved to share most with his students was his love of aviation through field trips to the West Plains Regional Airport and Salem, Arkansas Airport, where he would have his Cessna aircraft ready and waiting. He treasured every single one of his students in his 58 years within the education system.
Greeted in Heaven with open arms by his loving parents, Cecil and Mattie Jolliff, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Billie Duggan, his older brother, Bob Jolliff, and younger sister, Barbara Jolliff Cook, her husband Jim Cook, nephew Mike Cook, and sister-in-law Linda Duggan.
He is survived in life by his beloved wife, Pat Jolliff; and their three adult children Jim Jolliff, Jr. and wife Teresa, Mark Jolliff and wife Tina, Ty Jolliff and wife Melynni; his grandchildren, Chad Jolliff and wife Taylor, Nathan Jolliff and wife Jessica, Kelsey Jolliff Roe and husband James, Logan Jolliff and wife Ashley; his great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Rhilyn, Reed, Grayson, Tristan, Nola, Logan, and Arthur; his many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors that he loved and considered family.
He asked that there not be a funeral, but on a later date when there is a beautiful day for his family to gather to celebrate his life together as the great grandchildren run and play and he watches over us all.
Before he passed, he asked us to express his thankfulness to the town of West Plains and the community that he felt so blessed to be a part of; the Richards School District, West Plains R-7 School District, Southwest Missouri State University, Howell Valley School, and all the other school systems within the area and state. He cherished every moment working side by side with all of you and had so many wonderful stories to share. To all his students, you brought so much joy to his life. To this year, he could still remember the name of every single one of you. The Aircraft Owners Pilot Association and West Plains Regional Airport, he was so thankful for all the memories you made together sharing in your love of aviation. He looked forward to his monthly meetings with his classmates where all of you would gather to reminisce and catch up with each other’s lives. To the Valley View Community Church, he felt beyond blessed to be a part of your congregation. He loved worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with everyone there. To the kind-hearted doctors and nurses within our community; from the depths of our hearts we thank you all for giving such care and attention to him. He had the utmost respect for you all.
High Flight
by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Priscilla Marie Owsley, 51, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Owsley passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at her home.
She was born June 3, 1972, at West Plains, Missouri, to Dave and Joyce McKee Ledbetter. On October 19, 2012, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Matt Owsley. Priscilla enjoyed her flowers, gardening, sewing and crafts.
She is survived by her husband, Matt Owsley, of the family home; six children, Mason McCormick, Kansas City, Missouri, Aaron Reyes, Springfield, Missouri, Joseph Reyes and wife, Taylor, Bolivar, Missouri, Sabrina Reyes, Springfield, Missouri, Ezra Reyes, Springfield, Missouri and James Owsley, West Plains; two grandchildren; her parents, Dave and Joyce Ledbetter, West Plains; two brothers, Shane Ledbetter and Jason Ledbetter; her mother-in-law, Pat Owsley; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her grandparents, James (Pod) and Marie McKee and Jack and Virlean Ledbetter, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Marlys Wilhelmina Downen Miller, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Miller passed away at 5:50 a.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born July 27, 1937, at McGrath, Minnesota, to Orin Johnathan Parrott and Mary Wilmine Dinger Parrott. On October 16, 1954, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Leroy Earl Downen, who preceded her in death January 9, 1978; from their union they were blessed with three children, Romona, Rhonda and Tommy Downen. In February of 1979, she was married at Smith, Tennessee, to Virgil Thomas Miller, who preceded her in death on June 23, 2007; from their union they were blessed with a son, Steven Miller. She loved her family and going to family reunions. Marlys was an artist and enjoyed painting and drawing. She loved her animals and raised award winning goats; she enjoyed going to shows and fairs. Mrs. Miller worked with children teaching them to take care of animals and how to show them in competitions. Before her retirement in 2006, she loved working at Wal-Mart and helping customers find what they needed. She loved people.
She is survived by four children, Romona Romans and husband, Johnny, West Plains, Missouri, Rhonda Perry, Lewisberg, Missouri, Tommy Downen and Cathy Welker, Pottersville, Missouri and Steven Miller and Chrissy Sullivan, Nashville, Tennessee; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, four brothers, Orin Jr., Bill, Gerald and Roger Parrott and two sisters, Barbara Charles and Clarice Bradshaw, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Liberty Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Blanche Ruth Cozort, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Dean Pence Proffitt, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dean went home to be with the Lord on January 8th, 2024 at NHC Healthcare.
A lifelong resident of Howell County, Dean grew up on a dairy and sheep farm in Pottersville, the son of Hubert and Jesse Pence Proffitt. He and his twin brother, Don were born on October 14, 1934 and attended a little country school, walking a mile and a half though the woods and pastures everyday to get to school. They always used to worry about the mean cows and had to hurry home after school to milk. For a time, they lived in Columbia while Hubert worked for the University. Dean graduated from West Plains High School in 1952, where he was active in FFA and played football. After graduation, Dean attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was a member of FarmHouse fraternity, worked on the University dairy and swine farms, and graduated with a BS in Agriculture in 1956. He was a lifelong supporter and fan of Mizzou, receiving recognition for his lifelong support of the University Extension office as well as the Agricultural Leadership Award in 1996. Dean married his wife, June, on January 26, 1978, and enjoyed a life of service, love, and commitment for nearly 46 years. Dean had a lifelong love of agriculture and operated Proffitt Farms Dairy for several years, bottling pasteurized milk in glass jars and selling it though Proffitt’s Milk Jug in West Plains and later, to local grocery stores. They also raised hogs and beef cattle, and for a brief time raised chickens and sheep. After Dean retired from farming in 1996, they moved to West Plains where he worked as a real estate agent and for his son, Jeff, in excavating and trucking. He also taught many people how to drive a truck through the South Central Career Center Truck Driver Training program.
Dean believed in the importance of community service and leadership. He had a servant’s heart throughout his life, and taught his children and grandchildren the importance of giving back to this community. He served on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit. He was a member of the Fair View school board for 18 years, served as President of the Missouri School Board Association, and was a member of the National School Board Association. Dean served as Howell County Southern Commissioner and Presiding Commissioner, where he was integral in bringing 911 to Howell County. He also was a board member of Ozark Action, recognized for his service from the Chamber of Commerce with a Chairman’s award for his role in Hurricane Katrina relief, and with the Honorary Member for Life Award in 2019. He was also President of Rotary Club, and served with many other organizations. Dean was always ready to help anyone at any time. Dean was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains, where he attended faithfully for over 60 years and sang in the church choir until the decline of his health. He served there on many committees, worked tirelessly on many mission trips, and loved every member of his Seekers Sunday School class.
He is survived by his wife June, of West Plains; daughters, Amanda (Justin) Rutledge of West Plains, Pam (Gene) Rowland of Dexter, Kelli (David) Allen of West Plains; sons, Jeff (Juanita) Proffitt of Pottersville and Kyle (Becki) Hogue of Wentzville; nine grandchildren Allison, Anna, Ashlyn, Emily, Jack, Jammie, Jon, Maddy, and Noah; ten great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Don (Carolyn); and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Kirk Hogue and one brother and sister-in-law, Perry Alfred Proffitt and his wife, Gwen, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at First United Methodist Church. A private burial will be at Pottersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or West Plains High School FFA Dean Proffitt Scholarship and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for Richard Neil Sharp, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Sharp passed away at 2:18 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born June 2, 1941, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lloyd Sharp and Charlene Shadwell Sharp. Before his retirement, Richard worked at International Shoe Factory and he honorably served in the Missouri National Guard for thirteen years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved shooting pool and won multiple pool tournaments at the Senior Center. He enjoyed riding and repairing bicycles. Richard pulled the chains at West Plains High School Zizzer football games for many years and even won an award for it. He also kept score at Howell Valley basketball games for many years.
He is survived by two daughters, Teresa Taylor and husband, Christopher, Montgomery, Texas and Tammy Shrable and husband, Troy, West Plains; four grandchildren, Zachary Shrable, West Plains, Brandy Knapp and husband, Hunter, Mountain Home, Arkansas, Sarah Taylor, Omaha, Nebraska and Conlan Taylor, Bangor, Maine; one great-grandchild, Olive Knapp; three brothers, Leroy, Kenneth and Thomas Sharp, all of West Plains; one sister, Mary Good; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one brother, Gerald Sharp, preceded him in death.
A private burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Vadna Geneva Bench, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Pottersville Baptist Church, 9815 County Road 7290, Pottersville, Missouri.
Mrs. Bench departed to Heaven on December 24, 2023.
She was born January 13, 1931, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Pete and Faye (Hughes) Fore. Vadna grew up in Bakersfield, Missouri with her sister Frankie, and brother Bill. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1950. She started working at the West Plains International Shoe Company in 1952. She was married to Floyd Bench Jr. on August 30, 1956. She loved serving her Lord Jesus Christ and family. She also enjoyed baking, quilt making, hunting, and fishing alongside Floyd. She and Floyd retired from the shoe factory in 1993. Shortly after retiring they spent 20+ years in southern Texas during the cold months in West Plains in which they met and became friends with so many people from all over the US and Canada.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd Bench Jr., West Plains, Missouri, her daughter and husband, Brenda and Brad Bergeson, Prairie Village, Kansas, her granddaughter and husband, Cassie and Derrick Mitchell, and great-granddaughters Addison and Noelle Mitchell, all of Lenexa, Kansas, along with her niece, Sue Harris, West Plains, Missouri and nephew, Gary Fore and wife Cappy, West Plains, Missouri, and their families.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, son Steven Bench, her sister Frankie and husband Eldon Tyree, her brother Bill and wife Donna Fore, and her niece’s husband Steve Harris.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com
Funeral services for Johna Louise Hanshaw, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hanshaw passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
Johna most recently resided at West Vue Sleepy Oak Green House; the family would like to thank the West Vue staff for their loving care that was given to her.
She was born August 22, 1926, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Ralph M. Roberts and Emo Louise McCulley Roberts. Johna was preceded in death by the love of her life Bob Hanshaw. They were married in Salem, Arkansas along with Dorothy Hanshaw and Orville Gilliam on August 22, 1943 after her mother suggested “Today would be a good day for a wedding”. To this union two children were born, Barbara Jean and Kenneth Dwayne. Johna was saved at a tent revival at a young age. She served her Lord for the rest of her life. She was very active at Berean Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, the crafty person for VBS, Church Clerk and other positions as needed, until health reasons no longer permitted her to attend. She loved her church and the people that went there. Johna worked at Woolworth Department Store in West Plains, Bohrer Drug Store, and Wilke Drug Store as Cosmetic Technician. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren with all her heart. Always interested in what they were doing. Johna loved to do crafts, sew and crochet; making many afghans for the family and others and to donate to Cystic Fibrosis. Johna and her brother-in-law, Orville Gilliam, were the originators of the famous Hanshaw Reunion that lasted for over 49 years until Covid changed our lives. Johna spent her life giving to others; she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by two children, Kenneth Hanshaw and wife, Judy and Barbara Brown, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Jason Brown and wife, Trish, Jeff Hanshaw and wife, Melinda, Jodi Morrison and husband, Brian, all of West Plains and Cindy Beck and husband, Brandon, Springfield, Missouri; twelve great-grandchildren, Tabi Ollar, Austin, Texas, Zach Brown, West Plains, Niki Winder, Springfield, Missouri, Jonathan Hanshaw, West Plains, Heather Poindexter, West Plains, Allie White, Strafford, Missouri, Brandon Cuna, West Plains, Katie Tooley, Rolla, Missouri, Jacob Hanshaw, West Plains, Afton Morrison, West Plains, Austin Tooley, Springfield, Missouri and Alec Morrison, West Plains; her beloved sister-in-law, Dorothy Hanshaw Gilliam, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews, all very special to her.
Her parents, husband, one grandchild, one great-grandchild, father-in-law and mother-in-law, A.E. and Cora Hanshaw, son-in-law, Doyle Brown, one brother, Roy Roberts, one sister, Ann Ogle Aid, three sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law and three nephews, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Hanshaw will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Agnes Brixey, 105, St. Peters, Missouri, formerly of West Plains and Kansas City, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Brixey passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, while at the Chestnut Glenn Memory Care Facility in St. Peters, Missouri.
She was born October 17, 1918, in Pomona, Missouri to Monroe Wood and Mary Viola Kiser Wood. She attended school in Howell County. On March 15, 1942, she was married at West Plains to Fred Brixey who preceded her in death on November 18, 2009. They were married for 67 years, and spent most of their lives in Kansas City, Missouri where she and Fred welcomed two sons, Ronald James Brixey and Dennis Gene Brixey, both deceased. Agnes survived two pandemics, two world wars, and a host of many world changes too numerous to mention. Agnes devoted her life to her family and taking care of their son, Ronnie. Ronnie had severe down syndrome and lived to be 67 years old. She took pride in the care she gave to Ronnie and attributed his longevity to the safekeeping she provided him. Agnes was a big fan of the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs, even received a personal visit from the Mascot Hall of Famer, KC Wolf mascot, Dan Meers, author of the book: “Wolves Can’t Fly.” She enjoyed baking and trying new recipes, reliving stories from years ago, and always enjoyed a good laugh! She was very proud to claim that she never smoked nor took a drop of alcohol in her whole life. Agnes enjoyed the entire staff and all the residents at Chestnut Glenn and always boasted of being the eldest in the house. She always commented on how nice and kind everyone was to her. She loved every person in that facility, and that love was mutual.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews, great, and great great nieces and nephews.
Agnes will be missed by the many friends she made while at Chestnut Glenn and by her remaining family members who will miss her dearly and all the stories she shared from long, long, ago. Those stories, mostly funny, are also too many to mention.
Rest in Peace dear Aunt Agnes.
Preceding her in death is her husband, Fred Brixey, sons Dennis and Ronald Brixey, seven siblings, Dale Wood, Dorothy (Wood) Cobb, Paul Wood, Frances Lorene (Wood) Morris-Worth, Pauline (Wood) Wilbanks Henry (Bud) Wood, and Audrey (Wood) Oliver, and her loving sister-in-law, Oralee (Brixey) Cearley, of West Plains.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life service for Rickey Wayne Johnson, 75, Springfield, Missouri, will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Johnson passed away at 3:30 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 21, 1948, at San Francisco, California, to Robert Harold and Alma Madge Wilson Johnson. Mr. Johnson was raised in Hocomo, Missouri, and attended West Plains High School. On May 17, 1969, he was married at Alexandria, Virginia, to Andrea Henn. Mr. Johnson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army from August 1968 until September 1970, serving in the Vietnam War. He was one of the founders of Ozarks Technical Community College and had teaching certificates in three states: Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri. He was rated as one of the top ten diesel mechanics internationally. Mr. Johnson never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. He was fully disabled as a result of Agent Orange. He loved his family and friends. According to his family, he was the world’s greatest grandpa. Mr. Johnson was a strong Christian and was a member of Amy Union Chapel for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea, of the family home; one son, Rick Harold Johnson and wife, Kathy, Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Tonya Taylor and husband, Richard, Republic, Missouri, and Levi Johnson, Springfield, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Tuck Taylor, Vivian Taylor, and Justice Taylor; two brothers, David Sloniker and wife, Sharon, West Plains, Missouri, and Terry Johnson and wife, Cindy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Terry Andrew Johnson, and three sisters, Shirley Rubio, Maxine Olinger, and Marion Jean Johnson, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Suicide Prevention Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Melvin Bales, 80, Birch Tree, Missouri, passed away at 9:05 p.m., January 1, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born December 2, 1943, at Fanchon, Missouri, to Lawrence and Beulah Reid Bales. Mr. Bales loved collecting unique items, and he enjoyed getting together with his friends and family.
Melvin is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Joann Bales; five children, Sheldon Turner (Becky), Anna Lockett, Amanda Tetrick, Anita Tackitt (Jesse), and Melvin Bales, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one sister, Imogene Lovell (Thomas).
He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one granddaughter, and two sons-in-law.
Funeral services for Nancy Marie (Dedic) Bryan, 88, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Pomona Christian Church with Pastor Marcus Allen officiating, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bryan left to be with her Heavenly Father, January 4, 2024. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Nancy was born September 15, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Anna (Bohac) Dedic. When she was three years old, her mother died, and Nancy was raised by her father and paternal aunt, Bessie Dedic. Nancy was a 1953 graduate of Lindblom High School. During her senior year, she began her first job at Woolworth’s Five-and-Dime. She worked as a service representative with Illinois Bell Telephone Company for 13 years. There, she formed lifelong friendships, and was introduced to her future husband, Bobbie Bryan. She married Bob June 29, 1957 at Chicago United Methodist Church. Bob and Nancy adopted two children, and in 1970, the family moved from Chicago to Pomona, Missouri. She discovered farm life, and learned to garden and preserve food from her mother-in-law, Sybil Bryan. Nancy paused her career to raise her children, then worked 21 years for West Plains School District, where she retired in 1999. Nancy was generous with her sense of humor. Her jokes and quick, sassy wit shared the gift of laughter with everyone around her. Friends and family will remember her as the life of any gathering, and as the keeper of lists, dates and details. If you couldn’t remember what year someone graduated, moved or had a baby, Nancy knew. If you were one of her people, she probably had all your life events, surgeries and your last 5 addresses, all carefully recorded in her famous ‘Black Book.’ Nancy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter and three grandchildren: Leann (Garrett, Erin); Anthony Bryan; her sister Patsy Drengacz and husband, Stanley; sisters-in-law, Martha Carter, Maxine Casey and Sue Bryan; many nieces and nephews; two great-grandchildren; several ‘chosen family’; and a large church family.
Nancy is reunited in Heaven, with her parents, her aunt Betty, her brother Frank, her son, Frank and her grandson, Tyler.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Pomona Christian Church. Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Rock Garden Christian Camp in Pomona, Missouri, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Vicki Lynn Cooper, 69, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Cooper passed away at 3:47 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born July 12, 1954, at Fort Benning, Georgia, to James Henry and Norma Lee Harris Cooper. She graduated from West Plains High School in 1972 and was the loving mother to her children L.J. and Kala. She had numerous jobs that she loved throughout her life including Centerre Bank, Bakersfield School, and TJ Maxx, but her most rewarding and satisfying job was being Nana to her grandson Cooper James. He was her world and brought so much happiness to her in her final years here on Earth. Vicki was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Kala LeeAnn Trantham and husband, Bryan; one grandson, Cooper James Trantham; her aunt, Lola Brown; Leland Tackitt, Cooper’s Papa; and many cousins and friends.
Her parents and son, L.J. Tackitt, preceded her in death.
Ms. Cooper will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Amy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Elk Creek Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Patsy Ann Mullins, 60, of Mableton, Georgia, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 8, 2024, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Mullins passed away Friday, December 29, 2023 at Wellstar Hospital, Kenasaw, Georgia.
She was born February 17, 1963, at Atlanta, Georgia, to Joe Mullins and Winnie Holland. Patsy graduated from South Cobb High School, Austell, Georgia. She worked as an office clerk at Georgia Auto World. Patsy enjoyed music, movies, going out to eat and playing bingo. She loved watching her daughter’s basketball games and playing with her daughter’s dog.
Graveside services for Ruby Ruth Shannon, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Shannon Residence, County Road 6620, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Shannon passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at her home.
She was born July 14, 1940, at Gainesville, Missouri, to Oscar Elliott and Elzina Ann Shockey Elliott. On July 6, 1955, s he was married at Sturkie, Arkansas, to James Osmond Shannon, who preceded her in death on December 19, 2020. Ruth faithfully attended Harbor of Hope Full Gospel Church in West Plains, where she was a diligent prayer warrior. She will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by four children, James Michael Shannon and wife, Dena, Ruth Ann Newnam and husband, James, Debra Lynn Head and husband, Jeff and Charla Kay Whiteside, all of West Plains; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, the love of her life, one sister, Eula Faye Hoggatt and one stillborn sister, Beulah Mae Elliott, two brothers, Shirley and Jason Elliott and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Michael Jay Lewis, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 22, 2024, at His Place House of Worship.
Mr. Lewis passed away at 6:14 p.m., Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born November 8, 1952, at Houston, Texas, to Jay Norman Lewis and Elizabeth Nora Visher Lewis. On October 21, 1976, he was married at Yuma, Arizona, to Anita Ortiz. Mr. Lewis was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather; he loved being a dad. Michael was a hard worker, a good father and a great supporter and teacher. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. The light of his life was his family, especially his wife, Anita. Michael enjoyed going to the races, building race cars, watching the Dallas Cowboys and building model cars. He was a long time resident of West Plains. Mr. Lewis was a member of the Church of Christ and was baptized in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, Anita Lewis, of the family home; two children, Michael Jay Lewis, Jr. and Natasha Lewis and husband, Adam Vandyke, all of West Plains; he was a father figure to Robert Jamison; thirteen grandchildren, including a special granddaughter, Tyonna Nichols; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Steven Ray Lewis, York, Pennsylvania and Alan Clay Lewis, Bristol, Tennessee; three sisters, Paula Kay Cornett, Melinda Faye Chambers and Lisa Gay Ramey and husband, Richard, all of Johnson City, Tennessee; his mother-in-law, Yvonne Reynolds, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Jay Aubrey Lewis, one grandson, Kyle Wayne Jamison and his father-in-law, William Ortiz, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life Service for Anna (Bean) Johnston, 62, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024 at His Place House of Worship in West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Anna went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family and Pastor.
She was born June 2, 1961 in West Plains, Missouri to Joe and Juanita Bean. Anna was raised in West Plains and is a Zizzer graduate. She also attended and graduated from Free Gospel Bible Institute, Export, Pennsylvania, and Ozark Bible Institute and College, Neosho, Missouri, with her Bachelor in Christian Education. She married Reverend David Johnston from Ontario, Canada June 11, 1988. She was actively involved in various types of ministry for over 35 years. Anna and her husband served as Pastors, Evangelists, Children’s Ministry Workers, Christian Education Teachers, and Missionaries to Canada. Their daughter, Courtney was also actively involved in their ministry. Anna was heavily involved in her community. She served for 10 years with the American Red Cross in West Plains, was part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Howell Rural Fire Department, and worked as a Dispatcher for South Howell County Ambulance. She was well known for supplying these entities with her famous cinnamon rolls. She loved her family dearly and was a great contributor to her family reunions. She loved to decorate, to plant beautiful flower beds, and play the piano and organ. Anna was of the Pentecostal faith and lived an abundant life in Christ.
She is survived by her husband, David; one daughter, Courtney Johnston, of West Plains, Missouri; her parents, Joe and Juanita Bean of West Plains; her mother-in-law, Ruth Chiles of Ontario, Canada; one sister, Tami Riggs and husband, Ray of West Plains; three brothers, Michael Bean and wife, Paula, of Princeton, Indiana, Tim Bean and wife, Judy of Jefferson City, Missouri and John Bean and wife, Daralena of Springfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Doris Girnus and husband Gerry of Charlotte, North Carolina; several Nieces, Nephews, Uncles and Aunts; and many Cousins.
She is preceded in death by three children through miscarriages, her paternal and maternal grandparents, her father-in-law, and step-father-in-law.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at His Place House of Worship. Burial will be at Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chosen Ministries (the Johnston’s Mission work in Canada) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
