A memorial service for Ronald Arthur Stephens, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Stephens passed away at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born November 11, 1944, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Arthur and Betty Sue Stephens. Mr. Stephens was a proud veteran, having served with the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam with the Seabees. Ronald owned his first race car in high school and developed a love for racing; it was during this time he acquired the nickname “Heavy Duty” that lasted his entire life. He loved being outdoors, playing golf, camping, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed traveling and reading. Later in life he was a dedicated Teamster negotiator in Washington, D.C. Mr. Stephens was the type of person that would do anything for anyone. He also loved to have fun and could be quite ornery. Mr. Stephens was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kansas City and had been a member of the Elks Lodge for many years.
He is survived by two sons, James Charles Stephens and Christopher Robert Stephens, both of Harrisonville, Missouri; three grandchildren, R.T. Stephens, West Plains, Haddie Sue and Lana Rose Stephens, of Harrisonville, Missouri; two brothers, Greg Stephens and wife, Renee and Terry Stephens and wife, Sharon, all of West Plains; two sisters, Karen Garner and husband, Bob and Jodie Haynes and husband, Donnie, all of West Plains; one aunt. Mary Jo McManus, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Kim Baker and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
A private burial will be at Stuart Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stuart Union Cemetery, Shriners Hospitals for Children or 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.
Edith Alberta Druce, 91, Alton, Missouri, passed away at 2:40 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born March 8, 1932, at Greenfield, Ohio, to Ralph and Jesse Helterbrand. In 1968, she was married at Greenfield, Ohio, to Thomas Ellsworth Druce, who preceded her in death on May 15, 2020. Before her retirement, Mrs. Druce was a nursing aid. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed having family gatherings and get togethers with friends. She loved living in the country, where she lived all of her life.
She is survived by four children, Donna Mercer, Greenfield, Ohio, Kevin May, Washington Courthouse, Ohio, Gary Druce and wife, Ann, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Thomas Druce, Alton, Missouri; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Helterbrand, Maryville, Tennessee and Leonard Helterbrand, Greenfield, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Steven and Michael May, four sisters, Dorothy VanDyke, Imogene Pough, Maxine VanDyke and Thelma Taylor and one brother, Daniel Helterbrand, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Druce will be laid to rest at Dunkard Ridge Cemetery, Elmsville, Ohio. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home,
Funeral services for Charles Lee Williams, 68, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 17, 2023, at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Williams passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, at his home.
He was born December 5, 1954, in West Plains, Missouri to Angus and Eunice Williams. On June 13, 1975, he was married at Elijah, Missouri to Susie Tackitt. Charles Lee was a lifelong farmer, equestrian, coyote and deer hunter. However, for the last 18 years, much of his free time was chasing his four grandchildren, cheering them on at any trap shoot, swim meet, baseball game, football game, basketball game, volleyball game, horse show and even a tumbling recital that he could make. Charles Lee had many names including Brass, Chaz, Charlie and Daddy, but he was most proud to be called “Papa.” Even being a busy Papa, there never was a day Charles Lee did not visit with a friend, go hunting or ride a horse. Charles Lee was known to be a man who couldn’t sit still and never wasted a day. To know him was to love him. And to love him was to know that you were loved back. Charles Lee was a member of the Gospel Hill Church of Christ. In his earlier years, he was the president of the Twin States Horse Show Association for more than 10 years and is now a member of the Ozark Quarter Horse Association. He earned 27 points with the American Quarter Horse Association after he won his last point on October 21, 2023, in Carthage, Missouri. He was a member of the Cloud 9 Ranch in Caulfield, Missouri and visited the King Hollow Fox Pen in Ava, Missouri on a regular basis. Charles Lee was an active volunteer at the Caulfield Community Building. He farmed beef cattle for many years and was sought after to combine the fescue fields of various landowners in and around Howell County. Charles Lee retired from Southwest Truck Body (now DRS Technologies) after 28 years. He then owned and operated Williams Hilltop Kennel full-time. He never boasted about his career accomplishments, because he felt his greatest accomplishments were those of his girls.
He is survived by his wife, Susie Williams of Caulfield, Missouri; two daughters, Chrisy Barnes and husband, Matt, of Pomona, and Melody Hubbell and husband, Marc, of Caulfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Broc Barnes, Brylee Barnes, Charlie Hubbell and Lucy Jo Hubbell; one sister, Wanda Bonham and husband, Harry, of Pottersville, Missouri; one aunt, Donna Evans of Bakersfield, Missouri; sister-in-law, Sandra Williams of Pottersville; his father-in-law, Billy Joe Tackitt of Caulfield; sister-in-law Ruthie Lee and husband, Craig, of West Plains; sister-in-law, Missie Tackitt of Caulfield; brothers-in-law Bailey Tackitt and Windell Tackitt, both of Caulfield; many nieces, nephews and cousins; his friends with the Ozark Quarter Horse Association and the circle of friends throughout the years hunting and chasing coyotes.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Eunice Williams, one brother, Delbert Williams, his mother-in-law Patsy Tackitt, his brother-in-law, Freddie Tackitt, five uncles and five aunts.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Gospel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gospel Hill Cemetery or Friends of Kids with Cancer and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Carl Freeman Trantham, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Trantham passed away at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Pekin, Illinois surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 4, 1933 in Koshkonong, Missouri to Hade and Clara (VonAllmen) Trantham. Carl married Virginia Lee McIntyre on July 14, 1955 in Peoria. He later married Norma Jean Tucker on October 29, 1976 in Groveland. She died September 21, 2005. He also was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Goldman Lee Trantham.
Surviving are two daughters, Carla Pettett of Creve Coeur and Diana (Rick) Evans of Pekin; three grandsons, Jason (Nichole) Smith, Court (Courtney) Evans and Justin Evans; one sister, Pauline Judd of Washington and two special friends, Joyce Peabody and Patricia Slack.
Mr. Trantham was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War. Carl formerly owned and operated a filling station in East Peoria and also had worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in parts and welding. He later worked for Kroger driving a semi and also had worked for C.A. Powley running heavy equipment. A singer, songwriter and entertainer since the age of 8, Carl played various night clubs in the Peoria and surrounding areas most of his life. He has a number of recorded singles including one most popular oversees, “Where There’s a Will There’s a Way” and “I’m A Caterpillar Man”, which is well known in the Peoria area. Carl had even entertained troops while in the military and traveling aboard ships. Carl was a person of faith and had attended several protestant churches in the West Plains and Rover areas. He loved family, musical entertainment, antique cars, watching bluegrass/gospel shows, songwriting and deer hunting.
Visitation services will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Further visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains, Missouri. Burial will be at Jolliff Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ozark Medical Center Hospice in West Plains, CenterWell – Home Health, Respite Care in West Plains, Serenity Point Hospice in Canton and Visiting Angels in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A private burial for James Ray Ramsey, 78, Pomona, Missouri, was held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
James Ramsey, God’s servant and Army veteran, died Monday, November 6th, 2023 at Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, Missouri while surrounded by his loving family. He was a servant at heart. His mantra was service to God, service to country, service to family, and service to others.
James was born on September 13, 1945, in West Plains, Missouri to parents Ray and Bertha Ramsey. He graduated high school from Willow Springs in 1964 and joined the Army in 1966. He met the love of his life, Jeanne Ramsey (Colbert), in 1969 and they married in 1972. They stayed together until his recent death, having been married for 51 years. James was a decorated soldier who served 40 years combined in the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard. He served a year in Vietnam and retired in 2005 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the National Guard, James worked as a Technician at OMS 11 for 27 years.
Following his retirement, he was a member of the Post 23 American Legion in West Plains for 15 years and held the position of Adjutant. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Willow Springs where he served as a deacon for 35 years. His hobbies included genealogy and fixing antique Farmall tractors.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Fay Ramsey, of the family home; two children, Julieanna Ramsey Kohls, Pomona, Missouri, and Joshua R. Ramsey, Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren, Taylor Kohls, Zachary Kohls, Eli Ramsey and Grace Ramsey; one brother, Roy John Ramsey, Branson, Missouri and his nieces and nephews, Ginny and Jason Young, John Ramsey, Joseph and Angela Ramsey and Leah and Ben Brewer.
His parents preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Post 23 American Legion, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Nola Ruth Ritchey, 92, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ritchey passed away at 2:44 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born April 28, 1931, at Hocomo, Missouri, to Cecil and Leona Butcher Cooper. She loved puzzles and taking care of her family. Mrs. Ritchey was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri.
She is survived by two children, Verna Mcilvenna, Springfield, Missouri and Beverly Pasley and husband, Bryan, Moody, Missouri; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two nephews; and one niece.
Her parents, her husband, Bernie Ritchey and one brother, Russell Cooper, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Mindy Marie Curbow, 43, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:39 a.m., Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She was born March 28, 1980, at Springfield, Missouri, to Carol Hewitt. Mindy enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and floating. She loved her family and cherished spending time with her loved ones; she also loved animals.
She is survived by her fiancée, Ricky Gibson, Bakersfield, Missouri; four children, Dalton Hewitt and wife, Carrie, West Plains, Charity Hewitt, State of Illinois and Mikayla Walker and Everett Walker, both of West Plains; eight grandchildren; one sister, Tamra Wright and husband, Rickey, West Plains; nieces and nephews, Anthony Croney and wife, Michaela, Austin Croney, Emmalynn Fisher and Lilyth Wright; and two great-nieces, Sophia and Moana Croney.
Her mother, one grandson, Silas Bowers, one niece, Elizabeth Croney and her grandmother, Neva Weaver, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Steven Wayne Watson, 68, Thayer, Missouri, passed away at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his home.
He was born July 23, 1955, to Amos Watson and Jacqueline Pierce Watson. Mr. Watson worked as a butcher at 10 Box. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially on the farm. He loved wild life and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Watson was of the Christian faith for many years.
He is survived by his significant other, Marcia Tavakoli, Thayer, Missouri; one son, Eric Watson, Thayer; one granddaughter, Maddison Watson, Thayer; his mother, Jacqueline Watson; one brother, Keith Watson, State of Colorado; four sisters, Catherine Watson and Caroline Simpson, both of Overland Park, Kansas, Norma Duncan and husband, J.D., Nixa, Missouri and Peggy Kingsley and husband, Donnie, Overland Park, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
His father and one sister, Linda Huddleston, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in the Spring.
Funeral services for Bonnie Ellen Sullivant, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Sullivant passed away at 2:48 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born October 21, 1931, at Delaware, Missouri, to Odell and Nettie Epperson Napier. On June 2, 1951, she was married at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Norval Lee Sullivant, who preceded her in death on May 3, 2014. Before her retirement, Bonnie was the owner/operator of Sullivant Shoe Store and Junction Hill S-Mart; she also worked with the Howell County Clerk assisting in voter registration. Bonnie was spontaneous and loved adventure. She and Norval would often go for a drive, even without a destination in mind. The drive would always include a stop at a favorite restaurant. Bonnie was never too busy to take time to enjoy the simple things in life; visiting with family and friends, appreciating the beauty of each day that God gave her or simply enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee. She was a steady support for all of her family and friends; you always knew you could call upon her and she would be available to give help or a kind word. Bonnie was the kind of person who would always think of others before herself. She was loved by everyone. Bonnie was one of the founding members of The Birthday Girl Society, which is still going today. Mrs. Sullivant was a member of First Baptist Church of West Plains for many years where she sang in the church choir.
She is survived two children, Dirk Sullivant and Jill Pietroburgo and husband, Philip, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Jesse Pietroburgo and wife, Madee, Deland, Florida, Grace Schierling and husband, Malachi, West Plains and Samuel Pietroburgo, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Earl Clemons and Nondes and Charles Good, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Eagles’ Wings Ministries and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Vernetta Bell Collins, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at West 160 Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Collins passed away at 7:45 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born September 18, 1937, at Elijah, Missouri, to Arvil and Jewell Tackitt. On March 28, 1963, she was married at Elijah, Missouri, to Loren Donald Collins who preceded her in death on March 3, 2014. She was baptized into the Church of Christ at a young age and remained faithful her entire life. Vernetta worked at Simplicity Shirt Factory in Mountain Home, Arkansas when she first married and then at the International Shoe Factory in West Plains for thirteen years. The remainder of the time she was a home maker. Vernetta loved children and cared for many over the years; they all adored her. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, embroidery, quilting, fishing, berry picking, watching wildlife and many other activities.
She is survived by four children, Julia Patton, Craig Collins and wife, Georgia, West Plains, Donnie Collins and wife, Amy and Glen Collins, of Kansas City, Kansas; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Hollis Tackitt and Mark Tackitt; one sister, Carol Richardson; one brother-in-law, John Collins; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Bryan Collins and a stillborn son in 1965, one sister, Francie Hardin, three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Tackitt, Alice Collins and Nancy Tackitt, one son-in-law, Kenneth Patton and several nieces and nephews, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Royce Burke Hopkins, Sr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at New Liberty Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Hopkins passed away at 3:22 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home.
He was born March 26, 1939, at West Plains, Missouri, to Burke Hopkins and Ilene Bridges Hopkins. On June 19, 1965, he was married at West Plains, to Julia Erzinger. Mr. Hopkins was a veteran, having served with the Army National Guard. He was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed old cars, trucks and Farmall tractors; he especially loved 1957 Chevys. Mr. Hopkins was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church for over 70 years.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Hopkins, of the family home; four children, Royce Burke Hopkins, Jr., and wife, Priscilla, Batesville, Arkansas, John Hopkins and wife, Elvie, Thomasville, Missouri, Will Hopkins, West Plains and Victoria Elizabeth Bell and husband, Derrick, Nixa, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Caleb, Abbi (Nellie), Jarred and Joshua Hopkins, John Matthew Corporal, Burk, Jasmine, Daniel, Teresa and William Hopkins and Zachary and Heather Bell; and one sister, Greta Pruett, West Plains.
His parents, one sister, Judy Kay Hopkins and two grandsons, Kyle and Elijah Hopkins, preceded him in death.
Mr. Hopkins will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at New Liberty Baptist Church. Burial will be at New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Liberty Cemetery, Gideon Bible Society or to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Dorval James Dollins, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Collins Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Dollins passed away at 2:12 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, at his home.
He was born December 30, 1942, at West Plains, Missouri, to Aubrey James Dollins and Hazel Collins. Mr. Dollins graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1961. On December 21, 1963, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Harriet Patricia Lindsey, who preceded him in death on July 24, 2015. On October 18, 2023, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Deborah Long. Mr. Dollins was a welder and worked at DRS. He loved to hunt and fish, and he loved to joke around. He also loved his family very much. He never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Dollins, of the family home; two children, Diane Dollins, West Plains, Missouri, and Cindy Dollins Crow and husband, Michael, Mountain Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Michael Crabtree and wife, Kim, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Larry Crabtree, Jr. and wife, Ariel, West Plains, Missouri, Brandi Nicole Anderson, West Plains, Missouri, and Christopher Crow, Mountain Home, Arkansas; four great-grandchildren, Katie Kreuser and husband, Dayne, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Sydnee Crabtree, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Dallas Anderson, West Plains, Missouri, and Tyler Anderson, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Calvin Dollins and wife, Shirley, West Plains, Missouri; and one brother-in-law, Tom Bunch, West Plains, Missouri.
His parents, first wife, Pat Dollins, and sister, Patsy Bunch, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Collins Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Helen Marie Collins, 86, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Collins passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas with her family by her side.
Helen Marie (Mullins) Collins was born July 26, 1937, in Howell County, Missouri, to George and Verba (Garner) Mullins. Helen graduated High School from Bakersfield, Missouri in 1955. Her father, George Mullins, was the superintendent and had the honor of presenting Helen her high school diploma. Helen continued her post-secondary education at Southwest Missouri State College (Missouri State University). On May 11, 1957, she was married at Hernando, Mississippi, to James Norris Collins “Shorty”, who preceded her in death on July 26, 1992. In the 60’s Helen worked at Franklin Tax Service in West Plains, Missouri for 10 years, which was located on the square. She later moved to Caulfield, Missouri and began working at Baxter Healthcare (the Lab) for 18 years until reaching retirement. While at Baxter Healthcare (the Lab) she made many lasting friendships. During her vacations and weekends, it was usually mandatory to go camping or travel the U.S. with her husband, Shorty. They always welcomed friends and family members to tag along which made the precious memories that we carry with us today. Bluegrass music was a staple in the home and a necessity on road trips. The moment she retired, she placed a sticker on a piece of luggage that read “Spending my children’s inheritance”, and set off to travel the world. Many souvenirs were carried home and each souvenir was given to someone she had thought of along her travels. She was finally able to complete her traveling bucket list. At this point, Helen began working as an election official at the Bakersfield voting precinct. At the election precinct she worked alongside her dear friends, Verlene Halford, Alice McKee, Elma Gargione, and Sue Orf. Helen was able to see her children, grandchildren and even her great grandchildren exercise their right to vote. Coming from a military family this was important to her. She may not have liked who they were voting for, but every time one of them walk through the precinct door, she would have a big smile on her face and literally glow with pride. Helen was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Bakersfield. For many years, Helen had worn many different hats throughout her membership at the First Baptist Church. She assisted with multiple Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday potlucks, Valentine dinners, Christmas programs, and most importantly instilling and teaching the word of God to many generations.
She is survived by two sons, Bruce Collins (Ronda), and Brian Collins, all of Caulfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jamie Hardin (Robby), Caulfield, Missouri, Amanda Parker(Read), Huntington Beach, California, Taylor Collins (Mandi), Caulfield, Missouri and Emilie Anderson (Aaron), Clarkridge, Arkansas; 9 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary (Mullins) Durham, Swartz Creek, Michigan; 2 nephews, Alan Durham, Decatur, Georgia, and John Durham, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
Her parents, husband, one brother-in-law, Jack Durham and one niece, Debbie Pratt, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Collins will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at First Baptist Church, Bakersfield, Missouri. Burial will be at Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Bakersfield and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Erma Jean Good, 91, Branson, Missouri, and formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Good passed away at 6:55 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Shepherd Hills Living Center, Branson, Missouri.
She was born February 5, 1932, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to James Counts and Mary Henrietta Henry Counts. On September 24, 1965, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Paul Good, who preceded her in death on December 21, 2017. Mrs. Good was a teller at West Plains Bank for over twenty years. Prior to her employment at the bank, she was a manager at Montgomery Ward. Mrs. Good loved singing, especially with her husband, Paul. She also loved her family, and she was a fantastic cook. Her favorite activities were playing bingo and watching the Saint Louis Cardinals. Mrs. Good was a member of First General Baptist Church in West Plains for over fifty years.
She is survived by her son, Brent Good and wife, Kim, Walnut Shade, Missouri; three granddaughters, Emily Ezzell and husband, Jackson, Madison Good, and Katelyn Good; one sister, Juanita Teeple; three sisters-in-law, Rose Ann Riley and husband, Bob, Evelyn Ousley, and Faye Kaufmann and husband, Jack; special nephews, Raymond Counts and Terry Woods; and many other nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, three brothers and their wives, Cecil and Oneida Counts, Dwight and Sylvia Counts, and Harold Counts, four sisters and their husbands, Lola and Tom Woods, Esther and Wallace Oney, Hazel and Eugene Charles, and Bessie and Norval Stubbs, and one brother-in-law, James Teeple, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Barnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Barnett Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life for Daniela Elizabeth Thompson-Smith, 34, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Thompson-Smith passed away at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at her home.
She was born March 23, 1989, at Fort Benning, Georgia, to Jeffrey Thompson and Christa Stadler Thompson. Daniela was the only girl out of four kids. She was an outgoing, spontaneous, and just a one-of-a-kind person. She loved to camp and spend time with her family and friends. Daniela loved her kids and made them the center of her world.
She is survived by her spouse, Michael Griffin; five children, Jackson Smith, Reagen Smith, Lena Smith, Abigal Smith, and Dominic Griffin, all of West Plains, Missouri; her mother, Christa Thompson, West Plains, Missouri; three brothers, Jens Thompson and wife, Nicole, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dustin Thompson, West Plains, Missouri, and Aaron Thompson and wife, Latisha, West Plains, Missouri; grandparents, George and Linda Thompson, West Plains, Missouri; two aunts, Gail Smith and husband, Richard, West Plains, Missouri, and Teresa Ward and husband, Jeff, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her father, grandmother, Karen Moore, grandfather, Wille Stadler, and many others preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Lena Blanche Harden, 101, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harden passed away at 8:21 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2023, at her home.
She was born August 26, 1922, at Lavaca, Arkansas, to Willis and Martha (Hill) Tackitt, the fifth of eleven children. Blanche was baptized at a young age into the Church of Christ at Elijah, Missouri, and maintained membership there until her death. On August 24, 1938, she married Elbridge Langston at Dawt, Missouri, and they remained married until his death in 2000. Elbridge and Blanche had six children. In 2003, she married her childhood friend, Richard Harden, and enjoyed their life together, traveling and fishing, until his death in 2009. Blanche stayed active throughout her life and was seen fishing and taking care of family, friends, and her very large yard, even at 100 years of age. She was often sought out by members of the family and community to obtain information. Blanche remained in charge of these precious memories until her death.
She is survived by five children, Ramona Joice and spouse, Earl, Caulfield, Missouri, Sam Langston and spouse, Nancy, Thayer, Missouri, Jack Langston and spouse, Donna, West Plains, Missouri, Dennis Langston, Caulfield, Missouri, and Anita Turner and spouse, Randall, El Dorado, Kansas; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; twenty-one great-great-grandchildren; three great-great-great-grandchildren; double-nephews, Jim Langston and spouse, Lea, Gassville, Arkansas, and Neil Langston and spouse, Reta, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Billy Joe Tackitt, Caulfield, Missouri; and nephews, nieces, and cousins too many to count.
Her parents, husbands, son, Terry E. Langston, great-granddaughter, Madison P. Frisbie, siblings, Jewel Tackitt, Snowie Spoon, Esther Langston, Katherine Tackitt, Myrtle Hensley, J.B. Tackitt, Doris Bonham, Lee Olen Tackitt, and Pauline Bean, and double-nephew, Gary Lyle Langston, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Harden will lie-in-state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Dr. Patrick Henry Casey, 91, Millington, Tennessee, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Central Church of Christ in West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Pat passed from this life into eternity from his home in Millington on Friday, October 20, 2023.
He was born January 22, 1932, to Alfred and Edith Casey near Pottersville, Missouri. He graduated from Bakersfield High with the Class of 1949. In 1951, he met the girl that he loved, Shirley Brotherton, and on January 8, 1953, they were married at Hardy, Arkansas, while he was serving in the United States Air Force. Three days after their marriage, they were baptized and devoted the rest of their lives serving in the Lord’s Church. In 1958, Pat left the International Shoe Company and entered Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He was an avid student and remained such until his illness in 2016. He received degrees from Harding and Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee (while at Freed he preached for the Estes church). Summer sessions were Abilene University in Abilene, Texas, and Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He received his doctorate from the Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1967, Pat was asked to become the pulpit minister in Millington, Tennessee, where he worked and served for thirty-three years. While in Millington, he saw a need to teach the many children of military parents; therefore, a Joy Bus Ministry was begun which brought in from 500-600 children each week for Sunday School. In the 70s and 80s, he traveled extensively helping other churches in revivals, evangelism, and bus ministry workshops. Pat enjoyed church history, and one year was a special Sunday at the Cane Ridge, Kentucky, restoration church building and he was asked to preach that Sunday which was an honor for him. He also visited the cemetery where some of the reformers were buried.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of seventy years, who was also his secretary; two daughters, Ann McCorkle and husband, Jack, and Lareea Taylor and husband, Cliff; three granddaughters, Casey, Karrie, and Kala; three great-grandchildren, Haley, Amberlyn, and Wilder; a dear friend, Robert Wharton, all from the Memphis/Millington area; a kind niece, Diana Pace and husband, Mike, West Plains, Missouri, who checked on him weekly; a nephew, Jason Johnston, a Funeral Director in Memphis who assisted at the time of death; and Jason’s mother, Janice, Memphis, Tennessee.
Preceding Pat in death are his parents, two brothers, Melvin and Fred, and three sisters, Beulah, Freda, and Gertie.
Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Patrick and Shirley Casey Endowment – Harding School of Theology, 1000 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee, 38117, or the Children’s Home in Paragould, Arkansas. Contributions also may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life for Dacus Paul Bowles, 38, Odessa, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Dawt Mill, Tecumseh, Missouri.
Dacus was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania where we lived in the shadow of the hospital on Med Center grounds. He was a highly prized first son to Judy and Richard and an automatic plaything and companion for curious active gentle older sister Jolene. From Hershey the family of four migrated to West Plains, Missouri where they were in due course joined by two more roly-poly baby boys and the family entered what to Dacus was a fine ole time. The Kidpowers were complete. They had each other, the outdoors, friends, trampolines, stock tank pools, blob pools, rivers, cliffs, good schools and zip lines. More than once looking back Dacus was heard to say, “Whatever else happens you can never say we didn’t have a great childhood.”
When he left West Plains it was to play football for William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri after being all state in high school. He ended his football career after injury and was recruited to the cheer squad. He was dismissed from college for grades but fought back and graduated in Jewell’s Scottish tradition the same day as his cousin Kate with a Theater major. His ability to memorize Shakespeare was unparalleled. For a semester he was hired as Professor of Ballroom Dance at Jewell. Oh to see him dance again. At a college function in Kansas City when a waltz started to play he approached an unsuspecting wall flower, bowed and extended his hand. “No I can’t dance,” she demurred. “Can you follow…” his goodwill eyes aglow and his friendly graceful hand expectantly cradling hers. Off they glided, round and round the dance floor. Like pros.
He became a steady school sub in the greater Kansas City area and lived in Lexington, Missouri. His Penmac employer called Dacus their best. “Everyone wanted Dacus, including the students.” He became a self-styled musician specializing in Irish shanties.
Only Justin Brill could make a deer hunter out of Dacus. Dacus leaves behind his crippled pet squirrel Littlefellow whom he rescued from the roadside two years ago and who loved to ball up in any of Dacus’s places.
Dacus loved the huge family reunions at Windermere on Lake of the Ozarks. He was THE most popular attendee year in and year out. The big reason being that all the siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles wanted The Dacus to blob them. Even Great Aunt Mary Lou.
Among Dacus’s biggest heroes and influences were his grandfathers, Delano Robertson and Richard Bowles Sr. He shared Jewell football and ballroom dancing so meaningfully with Richard Sr. Of all the people with whom Dacus came into contact on this earth, Delano is the one to whom he could relate the best. Though they started far apart on the political spectrum, they were getting closer.
It was difficult to know precisely how deeply Dacus felt. When he was four he was looking at a medical journal and kept asking, “What’s this?” He turned the last page and looked unsatisfied. Then with all the innocent curiosity of youth, “Show me a picture of the feelings.”
He kept a calm non-aggressive demeanor to a fault. It is hard to overstate how much he cherished his friends. What he enjoyed the very most was being with Jolene, Beau, and Del, and in more recent years, niece Daisy and Jolene’s Daniel.
Good bye Dacus. You know we love you.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Glenda Goehring, 76, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2023 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Our beloved Glenda Lee Goehring was born on March 31, 1947 in Scotland, South Dakota to loving parents Elsie and Harold Goehring. She was a beautiful little sister to her siblings, Merle Goehring, Lloyd Goehring, George Goehring, Judy Butler, and Larry Goehring.
Although she faced developmental challenges from a young age, Glenda lived her life with both positivity and perseverance. She maintained a youthful curiosity, as well as a spirit of gentleness and kindness throughout her life. Glenda had a heart of gold – she cared deeply for others and found joy in helping whenever she could. She loved entertaining her many nieces and nephews with toys and crafts. An imaginative soul, Glenda spent hours crafting doll clothes, painting beautiful pictures, and tending to her garden. Glenda found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a green thumb and a passion for gardening, cultivating beauty in her surroundings. Even a leisurely walk to the mailbox brought her delight, appreciating the little things in life. Glenda’s birthday was a cherished occasion, and she adored the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree with tinsel and garland, creating warm, festive memories for her loved ones. Glenda found wonder in the simple things. Whether she was marveling at a yellow sunflower that matched her favorite color or laughing while watching one of her favorite movies like The Red Green Show, Home Alone, and Ice Age, she found joy in every moment. For Glenda, staying busy with crafts, games, or her garden wasn’t just about filling time; it was how she made the most of every day.
Glenda grew up in the Missouri Avenue Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri, a foundation that influenced her values and perspectives. She formed a lifelong bond with her dear friend, JoLita Duffel. Throughout her life, Glenda was an embodiment of kindness and generosity. She had a special gift for making those around her feel loved and valued. Her warm heart and giving nature left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Glenda loved her Polaroid instant camera. Every snapshot she took over the years went straight into her cherished photo albums. For her, every photo was a memory and piece of her heart she loved sharing.
Although she faced trials, Glenda met life’s challenges with resilience, kindness, and hope. On October 14, 2023, our beloved Glenda passed away peacefully. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she has brightened.
She is survived by her sister, Judy Butler, and brothers Merle, George, and Larry, as well as her many nieces, nephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews. Glenda leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration.
Glenda is preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother, Lloyd.
Rest in peace, Glenda. Your memory will forever warm our hearts while you are with your mom and daddy in heaven where yellow is everywhere.
Visitation services to honor her beautiful life will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jacob’s Ladder Hospice Springfield, Missouri or Allen Supported Living in Thayer, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Peggy Jean Kissinger, 90, Ozark, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Peggy Kissinger baked the world’s best rum cakes. Of course, as a Baptist, she would always explain to the liquor store employee why she needed gallons of rum. She loved giving the cakes to family and friends, and she often donated cakes for auctions to support her many charitable organizations. Her cakes weren’t just tasty, they were symbolic of her widespread love for family and community.
Peggy entered this world in Ash Flat, Arkansas on March 10, 1933. Born to Merle and Mabel Fowler, she followed two wonderful brothers, Leman and JW. After her own mother’s passing, her Dad married Freida and added to the family were siblings Freida Jean, Gilbert, Sybil, Waymon and Keith. Peggy helped raise these younger siblings as if they were her own kids.
At the age of 18, she found the love of her life, G.V. Kissinger. He would love her for the rest of his life. Their marriage saw several moves and babies—they dearly loved those babies. Rodney was born in Batesville, Arkansas, and Bruce joined the family 2 years later in Pontiac, Michigan. Son James came along after they moved to West Plains, Missouri. Then, there was Cathy. What can we say? Cathy had her Dad wrapped around her little finger, and Peggy always showed off Cathy as the cutest thing anyone had ever seen. Peggy and G.V. worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their kids.
As life moved forward, Peggy and G.V.’s family grew. They welcomed daughters-in-law Roxane (James) and Anita (Rod). Adding great joy to life were six grandkids Matt, Andrew, Amie, Amber, Alicia, and Erin, along with three great grands–Piper, Kaden and Jack. It was a loving and nurturing family.
That family would be tested when on April 18th, 1987 G.V. lost his battle with cancer. He left Peggy much too soon, but he did not leave her alone. He left her with a caring family that would sustain her for the next 36 years.
While Peggy loved her own kids, her home was always open to others–the doors were literally never locked. Friends felt free to visit her unannounced, and you could always expect a slice of her famous rum cake.
Their home was always filled with family at Christmas and Thanksgiving, but you didn’t need a holiday to walk into the warm arms of a Peggy hug. Closely followed with her saying,
“I love you a bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap A barrel and a heap and I’m talkin’ in my sleep About you, about you.”
Peggy’s life was focused on others. She worked tirelessly to ease the burdens of families as a caseworker for the Division of Family Services and later as an Employment Specialist for the Division of Employment Security. For many years following retirement, Peggy used her joy and spunk to serve as a substitute teacher for West Plains Public Schools.
Along with loving her family, Peggy also loved her community. Her many areas of service included being a Rotary President, a Paul Harris Fellow, Library Board member, Park Board member and Missouri State University-West Plains supporter. Her community was not just local but also international as she was a foreign exchange parent to five students from Sweden, Brazil, Finland and Turkey. When Peggy moved from her home of almost 60 years in West Plains to The Baptist Home in Ozark, MO, the family found more than 25 plaques of achievement that had been presented to Peggy for her many years of community service. Her most coveted accolade was a Honorary Associate of Arts from Missouri State University-West Plains.
The last few years of Peggy’s life were a struggle as the grip of dementia took hold. She completely forgot her famous rum cake recipe. However, as memories grew cold, she continued to enjoy the warm embrace of family and friends. It was as if they were returning the many hugs she had shared through the years.
On October 14th, 2023, Peggy Jean Kissinger received her last earthly hug and walked into the loving arms of God. I’m sure she then heard the words she had so many times spoken herself—”I love you a bushel and a peck. A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
The family will receive their friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to MSU West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
