Funeral services for Curtis Allen Barber, 50, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Curtis passed away at 10:30 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born January 28, 1972, at West Plains, Missouri, to Clarence Barber and Roberta Phippenney Barber. Curtis graduated from State School #18 before working at Ozark Sheltered Workshop for twenty-eight years, when he retired for health reasons. He enjoyed swimming and watching pro wrestling. Curtis attended First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, Clarence and Roberta Barber; one brother, Jeff Barber and wife, Rhonda; one niece, Alexis Barber; one nephew, Andrew Barber; special aunts, Frances Brackett and husband, James and Ida Perkins; several cousins, great-cousins and great-great-cousins who were all very special to Curtis; and a host of friends and special people who assisted him during his illness.
His grandparents, Harold and Bessie Barber and Charles and May Atkinson, uncles and aunt, Jim and Helen Barber and Junior Barber, preceded him in death.
Curtis will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held Thursday from 12:30 p.m., until service time at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Curtis Barber OCA Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Rodney Vaughn Smith, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away at 8:26 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022, at West Plains.
He was born July 31, 1961, at Sedalia, Missouri, to Earl Vaughn Smith and Virginia Etta Pryor Smith. He was the oldest of three children. On September 2, 2000, he was married at West Plains, to Cheryl Shannon, the love of his life. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and enjoyed collecting trains, Coleman lanterns and International Tractors.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Shannon Smith; five children, Tyler Smith, Jeremy Smith, William Chant Upton, Jr., and wife, Chasity, Christopher Upton and wife, Lynsie and Corey Upton; seven grandchildren, Caden, Megyn and husband, Levi, Sadie, Ethan, Kaysen, Jackson and Mackenzie; his parents, Vaughn and Virginia Smith; one sister, Tara Hunziker; three sisters-in-law, Janice Rice and husband, Mike, Brenda Warren and husband, Doug and Laura Reid and husband, Chet; one brother-in-law, John Shannon Jr.; and several nieces and nephews .
His grandparents, Arva and Maude Smith and Charley and Mabel Gertrude Pryor, one brother, Ronald Smith, one brother-in-law, Donald Hunziker and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna Mae Shannon, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Wilene Harris, 91, Canton, Illinois, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harris passed away at 11:22 p.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at Red Oaks Estates, Canton, Illinois.
She was born November 3, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Wiley Ross Wright and Wilma Vivian McIrvin Wright. On December 15, 1946, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Doffless R. Harris, who preceded her in death on March 8, 2016. Before her retirement, Wilene was a Beautician. She was also an antique dealer, an avid seamstress and kept herself busy. She loved time spent with her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Harris was a member of Amy Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Vicki Whiteman and husband, Butch, Cuba, Illinois, Ronald Harris and wife, Melody, Canton, Illinois and Jeanine Mautner and husband, Jay, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Tracy Walker and husband, John, Billy Whiteman, Josh Barnhardt, Amy Plunk and husband, Ralph, Preston Harris and wife, Keyla, Courtney Poremba and husband, John, Christopher Randall, and Tim Randall and wife, Stephanie; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Joe Bill Wright and wife, Carol, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Marilyn Wilcoxen, one brother, Bruce Royce Wright and three sisters, Cora Lea Davidson, Beverly Johnson and Mona McAnally, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Harris will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Shelby Amos Adkisson, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Adkisson passed away at 5:00 a.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at NHC Healthcare.
He was born October 29, 1929, in Izard County, Arkansas, to Thomas Jefferson Adkisson and Addie Dell Bruce Adkisson. He received his early education in the schools of Izard County, Arkansas and in later years received a GED certificate from West Plains High School. On March 20, 1954, he was married at Melbourne, Arkansas, to Evona Moser. Mr. Adkisson was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. Shelby served in the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for and retired from International Shoe Factory and did part time work in Howell County elections, West Plains Motor Speedway, Auction sales and delivering vehicles to some car dealers in the West Plains area.
He is survived by his wife, Evona; two sons, Regan Adkisson and wife, Patti, Country Club, Missouri and Darin Adkisson and wife, Michele, West Plains; four grandchildren, Julianne Strasser and husband, Kent, Ethan Adkisson, Kansas City, Lakan Perkins and husband, Brayton, West Plains and Zakry Adkisson, Bentonville, Arkansas; five great-grandchildren, Reid, Rhett and Everly Strasser, Kansas City, Weldon and Rush Perkins, West Plains; one sister, Ernestine Doss and husband, Don, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Eudene Holt, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Ernest Adkisson, one infant brother, Junior Ardell Adkisson and one sister, Rachel Murray and husband, Glenn, preceded him in death.
Mr. Adkisson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park 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.
Graveside services for Wilma Jean Lyday, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Lyday passed away at 3:13 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Cedarhurst.
She was born January 28, 1939, at Dora, Missouri, to Cleda and Eulah Wood Grisham. She graduated from Dora High School with the Class of 1956. On February 14, 1992, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Reverend Chester Edward Lyday, who preceded her in death February 3, 2010. Mrs. Lyday worked in retail throughout her life, most notably at Debbie’s Children’s Fashions, Butler Furniture, and Inland Printing. She loved visiting with her family and friends. Mrs. Lyday was a member of Calvary General Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Debbie Horn and husband, Ricky, West Plains, Missouri, Michael Pierce and wife, Samantha, West Plains, Missouri, and Kim Highfill and husband, Kevin, Jefferson City, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Ashley Horn, Angela Smith, Robbie Pierce, Stephanie Ellison, Louie Pierce, Kyle Highfill, Kacy Highfill, and Kourtney Highfill; six great-grandchildren; and one nephew, Jim Smith and wife, Connie.
Her parents, husband, and one sister, Marjorie Smith, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Lyday will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemtery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Carol Ann Gatz-Turner, 64, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:20 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at her home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dennis Larry Trantham, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:21 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022, at NHC HealthCare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Randall Elton Gann, 69, Pottersville, Missouri passed away at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his home.
He was born August 8, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elton Joshua Gann and Virginia Huff Gann. On October 31, 1995, he was married at Toledo City, Philippines, to Chona Sabellaga. Mr. Gann was self employed in lawn service and produce sales. He was a member of Smith Chapel Church.
He is survived by his wife, Chona Gann; four children, Elton, Charles and Brittany Gann and Evitt Sabellaga; three grandchildren; Weston, Oakley and Jackson; two brothers, Mike Fisher and Gary Gann; one sister, Mickey; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two sisters, Jane Ann Stephens and Linda Weatherford preceded him in death.
A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Judith Ann Bentley, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bentley passed away at 9:11 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2022, at her home.
She was born August 19, 1941, to Joe T. Faulkner and Margaruite Marie Brasher Faulkner Cole, in Paragould, Arkansas. Judy moved to West Plains while in junior high, becoming a Zizzer like her two older brothers, K. Don and Joe E. Faulkner. Her mother, Marie Cole, was the owner of the Cinderella Café on the Square at that time, a popular gathering place and location of many good memories. She graduated in 1959 and married her high school sweetheart James (Jim) Royce Bentley on January 24, 1960. Judy worked at Brill Title Company in West Plains and had several similar jobs in Rolla, Missouri, while Jim completed his civil engineering degree. After Jim’s graduation, they returned to West Plains where he worked for the Missouri Highway Department until an opportunity with the Army Corps of Engineers took them and their two small daughters, Pam and Jennifer, to Memphis, Tennessee. Judy managed the household as they raised the girls and added son Christopher in 1970. In 1977, Jim, Judy and family moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Jim worked for the Lower Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps. Judy became an avid bird watcher and enthusiast, developing a life-long interest in all things to do with Birds – even joining a local birding group named the “Vicksbirders”. Throughout Jim’s long career with the Corps of Engineers, Judy accompanied him on many river trips and outdoor events, traveling extensively and adding to her Life List of bird sightings. After their three children graduated from Mississippi State University, Judy fulfilled her goal of attending college herself, completing her Bachelor’s Degree in English, with honors, from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She was an enthusiastic volunteer in her community, from working with special needs children to chairing church committees and food drives. Judy was known for her kind and generous heart, for reaching out to others who needed anything with which she could assist. After Jim’s retirement in 1995, the couple moved back to their beloved West Plains, where they reconnected with many dear friends and relatives. Jim passed away in 2007, and Judy then focused on her volunteer efforts, her family and her friends. Her heart was filled and her faith made stronger by her membership at First United Methodist Church, where she worked with such projects as Vacation Bible School and Christ’s Kitchen, a particular labor of love for her. She also volunteered at Ozarks Medical Center, providing hospice companionship and working at the Thrift Store. Her most recent personal project was to provide a greeting card ministry to any and all people who might need to receive a “hug” or acknowledgement in their mailbox. Judy also loved to receive mail herself, and was especially grateful for the hundreds of cards and messages she received during her long, final health battle. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter CM, through which she gained many treasured friendships.
Judy is survived by her three children, Pamela Dale and husband, Brad, of Tecumseh, Missouri, Jennifer Booher and husband, Michael, of Hernando, Mississippi and James Christopher Bentley and wife, Ivonne, of Collierville, Tennessee; her much-loved grandchildren, Shelby Dale Martin and husband, Brent, of Cato, Mississippi, Samuel Booher and wife, Laura, of Hernando, Mississippi, Jackson Bentley and partner, Veronica Bristol, of Madison, Tennessee, and Sophia Bentley, of Collierville, Tennessee; two great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, Millie Grae Martin and Maddyx Claire Martin, of Cato, Mississippi; a very dear and special friend, Donna Hall, of West Plains, provided much love and support for Judy when it was most needed; one brother, K. Don Faulkner, of Fort Myers, Florida; four sisters, Lucy Maples and husband, Larry, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Carolyn Maples and husband, Wally, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Nancy Northern and husband, Donnie, of Hermitage, Tennessee and Mary Ann Hull, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one brother, Joe E. Faulkner, preceded her in death.
Many prayers of gratitude are given for the support and love from Judy’s many friends and relatives throughout her illness, as well as the caregivers and medical personnel who helped her so graciously and with such expertise.
Following the service, a celebration of Judy’s life and reunion of friends and relatives will be held at her West Plains residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shaw Cancer Center of Ozarks Healthcare or Ozarks Healthcare Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A graveside service for Jack McNevin, 98, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
World War II veteran, former Postmaster and lifelong West Plains resident, Jack Neal McNevin, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 11, 2022 at the age of 98. Jack always had goals in his life and his most recent goal was to make it to age 105 and be shot in the back by a jealous husband.
He was born in Burkburnett, Texas to Charles Frederick and Mae Gertrude Renfrow McNevin on October 1, 1923. He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1942. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and immediately left for World War II. He put his life on the line for his fellow Americans during the war, and while serving was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury sustained during the battle of Saipan. Jack married Marian Josephine Benefield on June 24, 1946 in Hernado, Mississippi; they were married for 70 years until Marian’s death in March, 2017. They were blessed with 4 daughters. Upon returning from the war, he began his United States Postal Service career. Jack worked for 33 years at the West Plains Post Office and retired at age 55 in 1979 as Postmaster. He loved to tell people that he had been retired longer than he ever worked. Jack was an active member and president of the Missouri Postmaster Association and was an active member of the National Postmaster Association during his tenure with the postal service. Being involved with the Missouri Postmaster Association and National Postmaster Association allowed Jack and Marian the opportunity to travel throughout the United States. One such event they attended was the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter. In 2012, Jack along with Marian, enjoyed being a part of The Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial. In December of 2021, The West Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Jack as Veteran of the Month. Jack served as a Rotarian, an Elder at the First Christian Church, and was a member of the local Marine Corps League. He was honored by the Marine Corps in 2010 for his work with Toys for Tots. In 2011 NHC of West Plains recognized Jack by naming a wing of the facility in his honor. Jack was the named 2016 Distinguished Zizzer Alumnus; and in 2018 he was awarded an honorary Associates Degree from Missouri State University-West Plains. He was given a key to the City of West Plains for his involvement in the Marine Corps and was recognized by the West Plains Board of City Pride for keeping West Plains a litter free community. Jack was an advocate for education by supporting the endowed scholarship that he and Marian established at Missouri State University-West Plains in 2006. Because of their significant financial contributions, Jack and Marian were awarded membership in the Missouri State University’s Founders Club. Jack attended First Presbyterian Church in West Plains and was an active member of The Friends of the Garnett Library, the MSU-West Plains Grizzly Booster Club and the West Plains Zizzer Athletic Booster Club. Jack worked his entire life for the betterment of his favorite town, West Plains. After retirement there were many family roadtrip vacations taken with children and grandchildren. He was an avid weekly patron of the West Plains Public Library where he was treated like family. If Jack couldn’t be found at the library or Walmart, he could easily be seen on the fairways of the West Plains Country Club sporting the most vibrant pants. Jack took great pride in being the oldest member of WPCC. Golfing with the 12:30 Gang was always enjoyed by Jack until the age of 95.
He is survived by four daughters, Susie Warden of West Plains; Sandy McNevin of Wellington, Kansas; Sally Watkins of West Plains; and Sunie Pace of West Plains; one brother, Donald Paul “Pat” McNevin, Bloomfield, Indiana; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceeded in death by his wife, Marian, parents, along with brothers Charles, Bill and Tom, and sisters Lois Cormier, Mary Belle McNevin, Dorothy Hammond, Pauline Chesnut, Norma Jean Leader, and son-in-law, Bo Pace.
Jack’s wishes were for his body to be donated to Genesis for medical research. A private family service will be held Saturday, April 9. A Celebration of Jack Mac’s life with a reception sharing two of Jack’s favorite things, friendship and memories, will be held from 1 to 4 pm at 204 East Main in West Plains at the Historic Post Office, where his postal career began.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Public Library or the McNevin Endowed Scholarship at Missouri State University-West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Mattea Angel Pettyjohn, 3 week old daughter of Scott Pettyjohn and Amber Brim, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2022 at Babyland in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mattea went to be with the Angels at 12:30 a.m., Thursday, August 25, 2022, at her home.
She was born August 4, 2022 at West Plains, being 7 pounds 9 ounces and 20 ¾ inches long. Mattea loved her toy puppy that was gifted by her siblings and watching Peppa Pig.
She is survived by her parents, Scott Pettyjohn and Amber Brim; her siblings, Wiatt Pettyjohn, Trenton Brim, Neveah Pettyjohn, Autumn Pettyjohn, Madilynn Burnett and Sydney Brim; her grandparents, Scott and Lori Pettyjohn, Connie Bettis and Eunice Boyer; aunts and uncles, Alisha Bettis, Brandy Pettyjohn, Joe Wheeler, Ryan Lee, Kim Toten and Chase Cunningham; and many cousins.
Her grandparents, Rhonda and Ronald Lee and Junior Pettyjohn and great-uncle, Ronald Cunningham, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for James Gregory Isaac, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Isaac passed away at 12:10 p.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born October 4, 1960, at Fort Worth, Texas, to Ray Isaac and Miley Clounch Isaac. Before his retirement, Mr. Isaac was a flight agent for thirty-two years with American Airlines. He was a Master Botanical Gardener and spent many hours enjoying the work and wonder of his labor. He enjoyed antiquing and traveling. Interior design was a serious interest. Greg loved spending time with family and friends. Mr. Isaac was a member of Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle.
He is survived by one brother, Billy Isaac, Roanoke, Texas; three sisters, Betty Jacobs and Barbara Jester and husband, Jody, all of Roanoke, Texas and Tricia Hight Martin and husband, James, Anchorage, Alaska; and his beloved nephews and nieces, Mike and Kim Isaac, Melinda and Rusty Finnell, Dennette Jacobs, Joy Hanna, Shawna and Charlie Wilson and Chuck and Wilma Isaac, all of the State of Texas.
His parents, two brothers, Edward and David Isaac and two nephews, Kelley Jester and Shawn Isaac, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bourland Cemetery, Keller, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Armentia Jane Reno, 70, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Reno passed away at 1:49 p.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at her home.
She was born January 6, 1952, at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Harry Earl Miller and Bertha Malindia Owens Miller Leach. On November 24, 1972, she was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Mark Stanley Reno, who preceded her in death on September 11, 2019. Before her retirement, Jane worked at Ozarks Medical Center in the office of Heart Care Services. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, shopping, quilting and crocheting. She loved her family and grandchildren. Mrs. Reno was a member of The Bridge Church of West Plains, Missouri.
She is survived by two children, Anthony Reno and wife, Laura, Brighton, Missouri and Alesa Reno, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Raymond Earl Miller, Peace Valley, Glen Miller and wife, Bonnie, Mountain View, Missouri, Harold Miller and wife, Sharon and Rancy Leach and wife, all of Peace Valley; four sisters, Sue Henry and husband, Raymond, Sandy Bosserman and husband, Maurice, Wilma Schwien and husband, David and Marilyn Duncan and husband, Dan, all of Peace Valley; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, Ronnie Miller and Papa Stacey Leach, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Bridge Church or Toys For Tots and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Jacqueline Kay (Jackie) Shelton, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Shelton passed away at 10:59 a.m., Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She is survived by her son Jeff Smith of West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Shelby Smith, Karsyn Smith, and Sawyer Smith of West Plains, Missouri; cousins Cathy and husband Hal Jeffrey of Battlefield, Missouri, Janet and husband Kevin Turner of Battlefield, Missouri, Bill Shelton of Carson, Washington, and Jerry Hayden of Springfield, Missouri; and longtime friends, Debbie Duff, Donna Luther, and Sara Ann Wright.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Louis Emery and Viola Jane Bay, paternal grandparents Andrew Jackson and Margaret Evelyn Shelton, and parents Edward Jackson and Ella Nadine Shelton.
Jackie graduated from West Plains High School in 1964. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University and Master’s degree from Drury University. She worked as a teacher for many years at Howell Valley, Richards, and West Plains. She also served as the librarian at West Plains High School and Elementary. She coached softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. Her grandchildren remember their “JJ” as the librarian at West Plains Elementary School. Jackie loved to read, travel, the color purple, and her grandkids. Jackie traveled to many places including Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, and Dubai. She took flying lessons and completed her first solo flight on December 12, 1982. Jackie was supportive and proud of her grandchildren for their various activities. She was always excited to see and hear about Shelby’s high school classroom, Karsyn’s softball games, and Sawyer’s golf matches. Jackie will be truly missed by friends and family.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Dorothy Mae Simpson, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 31, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Simpson passed away at 10:50 a.m., Friday, August 26, 2022, at her home.
She was born January 21, 1937, at Saverton, Missouri, to Harold Benjamin Edwin Smallwood and Lou Viola Beck. She was a sharp-shooter on her high school’s rifle team. On April 28, 1956, she was married at Liberty, Missouri, to James Edward Simpson, who preceded her in death December 5, 2011. Mrs. Simpson worked at Eaton for over twenty-eight years. She enjoyed cooking and making jelly baskets for the grandkids. She also enjoyed embroidering and bowling. Mrs. Simpson was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by four children, Brenda Brotherton and husband, Doug, Pomona, Missouri, Jimmie Simpson, West Plains, Missouri, Joe Simpson, Pomona, Missouri, and Cathy Klein, West Plains, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Gina Simpson, West Plains, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Jamie Simpson, Shane Brotherton, Shannah Wood, Brooke Robertson, Jeff Coursey, Justin Coursey, Bradley Simpson, Chase Brotherton, Jolene Lovins, Travis Simpson, Abby Halford, and Chance Barnes; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Effington, Elkton, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Joe Simpson; one sister-in-law, Margaret Simpson; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Karen Coursey, one son, Dennis Simpson, three sons-in-law, Gary Coursey, Mike Barnes, and Greg Klein, one granddaughter, Allyson Barnes, three brothers, James Smallwood, Richard Smallwood, and Gene Smallwood, and one sister, Leona Pedrow, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Simpson will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Mark Alan Lewis, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 3, 2022 at First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Dr., West Plains, Missouri with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Mr. Lewis passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2022 after a valiant fight against cancer.
Mark was born October 1, 1959, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Mills High School in Little Rock and studied ministry at Mid-America Christian University. In November 1980, he married Melody Childs. Mark worked as an insulator for many years, including at the Nuclear One plant in Russellville, Arkansas. He answered the call of the Lord and began his ministry as a Church of God pastor in 1996 in Burkeville, Texas. This led Mark and his family to Tyler, Texas, Pineville, Louisiana, back to Little Rock, Arkansas and finally West Plains, Missouri (with a short stint in Phillipsburg, Kansas). Mark loved duck hunting, fishing, going to ball games, sitting on his front porch, gardening and being a fisher of men!
He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Melody; his mother, Pat Duncan; two sisters, Terry and Janet; three children, Katie, Nathan and Marshall, their spouses, Katie and Rachel; and four grandchildren, Sabben, Christine, Jackson and Micah.
He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Lewis.
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.
Sharon Lee Cypher, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:40 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born November 28, 1946, at Paris, Arkansas, to Jacob and Pearl Tyler Schnitzius, the fifth of five children. The family was relocated to California where Sharon lived for forty-eight years. She graduated from Villa Cabrina Academy and married her high school sweetheart, Frank George Kohler, II in 1966 and had her only child, Steve, in 1968. Sharon received her RN license and spent her entire professional career in a large Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles, working in critical care, hemodialysis, plasmapheresis and education for cardiac, renal and diabetic patients. In 1988, Sharon was married to Wayne Cypher. She faced chronic health issues from a work-related injury and was unable to continue nursing and retired in 1998. Coming to a new home in West Plains, Mrs. Cypher remained an avid gardener, orchid grower, fisherwoman and self taught gourmet cook in many world cuisines. She loved running a cake shop from her home (Hummingbird House Cakery) for several years. She was widowed in 2011 and increasingly disabled, she found her last home at Pleasant Valley Manor and having outlived her entire family except for her son and a niece, she welcomed the many new friends there. A life-long Catholic, Sharon was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Pains, where a memorial Mass will be scheduled. Prayers are very much welcomed.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Carolyn Lee Hall, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hall passed away at 11:45 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born August 16, 1943, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Virgil Roberts and Helen Grisham. On March 8, 1960, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Hubert Dale Hall, who preceded her in death January 29, 2010. A licensed practical nurse, Mrs. Hall enjoyed nursing. She loved her kids and grandkids, and was dedicated to her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was affectionately known as Petsie to all the family. Mrs. Hall was a member of West 160 Church of Christ. She loved serving the Lord and singing while serving as an elder’s wife. She would sacrifice all that she had to serve others. Her hope was for all of her family to be saved and go live with the Lord.
She is survived by two children, Hubert Dale Hall, Jr., and wife, Sharon, Caulfield, Missouri, and John Brian Hall and wife, Jessica, Grandview, Texas; five grandchildren, Nickie, Cody, John, Michael, and Melissa; six great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jackie, Raylee, Troy, Mayson, and Bentley; one great-great-grandchild, Jackson; one brother, Jerry Roberts and wife, Cathy, West Plains, Missouri; and one sister, Jean Holbrook, West Plains, Missouri.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, Joe Ray Roberts and Darrel Roberts, one sister-in-law, Jean Roberts, and one brother-in-law, Bud Holbrook, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cureall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Ronald Eugene Malam, 61, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:04 a.m., Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Mr. Malam was born June 8, 1961, at Chillicothe, Missouri, to Forrest Robert (Bob) Malam and Delores Walker. On January 9, 1999, he was married at Saint Louis, Missouri, to Sarah Seeley. Mr. Malam was a meat cutter at G&W Foods. He loved the Saint Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals baseball teams, and the Kansas City Chiefs football team. He loved to hunt and fish, and he enjoyed reading westerns. He loved his wife, daughter, and son. Mr. Malam was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He is survived by his mother, Delores (Mary) Walker Malam; his wife, Sarah, of the family home; two children, Savannah Malam, Hollister, Missouri, and Ethan Malam, Peru; one brother, Larry Raymond Malam, Blue Springs, Missouri; one sister, Lori Lynne Malam, Edgar Springs, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; a few great-great-nieces; and one great-great-nephew.
Funeral services for Edward Louis Smith, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 25, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away at 9:20 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born December 4, 1934, at Lansing, Michigan, to Fred Raymond and Fannie Maude Lewis Smith. He attended West Plains High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. On June 15, 1957, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ruth Albin. Mr. Smith was a veteran, having served with the Army National Guard of Missouri as a wheel vehicle mechanic. He was a hard worker, and was the owner of Fred Smith Auto Parts. Mr. Smith loved hunting and the outdoors, and was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of the family home; two children, Sherry Bassham and husband, David, Salem, Arkansas, and Charles Fred Smith and wife, Sharina Alongi Smith, Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jacob Frank Edward Smith, Matthew Allen Coldiron, Adam Garrett Smith, Jessica LeeAnn Bassham, Laura Elizabeth Adkins, and Daniel Robert Adkins; three great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Oliver Smith; two brothers-in-law, Ben Albin and Jim Albin; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and one sister, Doris Hayes, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, National Rifle Association, or Salvation Army, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.