A memorial service for Joseph (Mike) House, 79, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Elijah Church of Christ.
Mr. House passed away at 12:15 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at his home.
He was born May 6, 1944 at Elijah, Missouri to Ray House and Edna Bowen House. Mike started grade school at Fairview, then attended Bakersfield school and graduated with the Class of 1962. On July 15, 1967, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Linda McGoldrick, who preceded him in death on December 22, 2016. He worked at Reed Harlin in West Plains Missouri for several years as a foreman. He then moved on to working at Southwest as a forklift operator for 24 years. Mike was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved to hunt and fish. Mr. House was a member of the Elijah Church of Christ.
He is survived by one son, Jason House; and one granddaughter Jaidyn House.
His parents, wife and two sisters, Bonnie House and Wanda McCullough proceeded him in death.
Burial will be at Elijah Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for Shane Lee Willard, 49, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains. Visitation will be from 1:30 – 2:00.
Shane passed away at 1:59 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2023. He was born October 9, 1973 to Terry and Joy (Crabtree) Willard.
Shane grew up in West Plains and graduated with the Class of 1992. He worked for Cawvey Electric and Lazy W before purchasing Sesson Street Apartment Complex. Shane was a Christian with membership in First Baptist Church of West Plains. He had a kind heart and helped so many people; he always saw the best in everyone.
He was preceded in death by his father Terry, and his grandparents Vibert and Rogene Willard and Seth and Vivian Crabtree.
Shane is survived by his mother, Joy; his Aunts and Uncles, Steve and Susie Taylor, Lee and Judy Scott; cousins,Terry Willard, Tammy Braddish, Kent Taylor and Linda, Eddie Scott and Lisa and Wendy Kay; great-nephews, Weston Scott and David Kay; and great-nieces, Hope Scott and Jessica Kay.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John 3:16 Ministries and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Joan Garner Minge, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Bakersfield Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Minge passed away at 6:18 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at NHC HealthCare.
She was born February 5, 1952, at Vidette, Arkansas, to Olan Garner and Winnie Ellen Rhine Garner. On June 1, 1968, she was married at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Gary Oden Minge, who preceded her in death on September 12, 1995. Joan had been employed at the Old Time Café in Bakersfield for several years. She enjoyed working as a waitress there which allowed her to be very social. Joan was very meticulous about her yard and always had it looking immaculate. She loved attending Church at Hawkins Ridge. Occasionally she would sing with her sister, which she enjoyed immensely.
She is survived by one son, Gary Oden Minge, Jr., and wife, Carrie, Caulfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Keesha Plumb and husband, Koby, Barry Piland and Kody Minge; three great-grandchildren, Noah Minge, Landon Minge and Avery Minge; two sisters, Janice Engles and Lyndal Morris and husband, Harold; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter and one sister, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Michael Dean Swenhaugen, 76, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Pottersville Cemetery.
Mr. Swenhaugen passed away at 6:47 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at NHC HealthCare, West Plains, Missouri.
He was born December 6, 1946, at Westbrook, Minnesota, to Arnold Swenhaugen and Nina Taarud Swenhaugen. Michael graduated from Westbrook High School in 1964. Following high school in 1965, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. He worked various jobs driving trucks and retired from West Plains Charcoal. On June 30, 1990, he was married at Emerald Point, California, to Sharon Ruth Smith, who preceded him in death on May 7, 2020. The couple moved to Missouri and made their home in Pottersville. Michael enjoyed camping with his wife, feeding deer in his yard, sitting on his back porch listening to music and petting his dog, Rowdy.
He is survived by two step-children, Louwanna Smith and significant other, Bruce Drussell, Willow Springs, Missouri and Raymond Smith, Twin Bridges, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kevin and wife, Nikki, Felicia and husband, Tracey Mock, Delaney Smith and significant other, Steve and Luther Smith and significant other, Brook Griffin; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Grace and Emily; one sister, Karen Schaufler and husband, Richard, Grand Meadow, Minnesota; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for Kenneth Wayne Thies, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2023, at First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
Ken went home to glory on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born October 17, 1958. He attended Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in fine Arts with an emphasis in Theater in 1983. Ken was active in community and church theater in West Plains and Willow Springs. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. Ken exuded joy, love, and passion for his Savior Jesus Christ, theatre, his family, and life! He was also a talented writer and playwright who used his gift to bring laughter and to proclaim his Savior! Ken changed the lives of those he met by his joyful, generous, and Godly spirit! His life fulfilled the lyrics at the end of the song “For Good” from Wicked, “I do believe I have been changed for the better. Because I knew you, I have been changed for good!”
He is survived by his wife, Tamora (Elting) Thies, West Plains; his mother, Juanita Radcliff, Rising Sun, Indiana; brothers, Cliff Thies, Rising Sun, Indiana, and Doug Thies, Rising Sun, Indiana; sister, Jackie Griffen, Lawrenceburg, Indiana; and many nephews and nieces. He deeply loved and was loved in return by his great-nephews and great-niece who lived in West Plains.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church West Plains Children’s Ministry or The Avenue Theatre in West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Rodney Mark Bell, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bell passed away at 8:25 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at his home.
He was born September 9, 1958, at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Bell and Betty McFarland. On April 11, 1980, he married Marilyn Cropper Bell. Two children were born from this union – Mandy and Jacob. Mark’s pride and joy were his two grandsons, Isaac and Easton Harrison, whom he loved very much. They were his special grandsons. Mark was the owner of Bell’s Body Shop for over 42 years. He built the business up and it was his passion. His son, Jacob, now runs the family business. Mark was involved with the community, was a board member of West Vue Nursing Center, a board member at Howell Valley School for many years, was a member and president of the Optimist Club and helped for several years with Mighty Mites, city league basketball throughout the years and loved to farm. Mark was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. He was a member of First Baptist Church, West Plains where he served in many ways, including a Deacon, special Sunday school teacher as well as many other areas. He loved Jesus Christ his Savior and was baptized. Mark loved God first; his family has peace and joy in knowing this. His loving and giving heart will be a beacon of light for the whole community.
He is survived by his wife of 43years, Marilyn Bell; one daughter, Mandy Harrison and husband, Dustin; one son, Jacob Bell and Audrey Scott; one sister, Pat Patillo and husband, Bill; one brother, Terry Bell and wife, Diana; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Mike Bell and one sister, Mary Christine Bell, preceded him in death.
Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Group and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for JoAnn Click, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Click passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at West Vue Whispering Pine Place, West Plains, Missouri.
She was born July 24, 1936, at Portia, Arkansas, to Reverend Robert and Ruth Miller. On July 1, 1955, she was married in West Plains to Samuel Click. They were married for 68 years. She was the owner of West Plains Fabric Center and JoAnn’s Bridal and Formal for more than forty years. Mrs. Click was a longtime member of First Assembly of God Church and was the church organist for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Samuel Click; one son, Mark Click and wife, Cathy, Collierville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Erin Greenfield (Bob), Eric Click, Nathan Bryant (Heather) and Joshua Bryant; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Judy Hubbard, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, daughter, Jeanne Renee Summers, two sisters, Roberta Good and Gladys Shipley and two brothers, David and Danny Miller, precede her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mackey 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 Stephen Michael Harris, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at New Hope Baptist Church.
Mr. Harris passed away at 8:16 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at his home.
He was born June 18, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Eugene Harris and Bertie VonAllmen. On August 8, 1975, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to LaDonna Sue Fore. Throughout the years, Mr. Harris worked for Morrison Lumber, International Shoe Company, and Marathon Electric, and he retired from Missouri State University – West Plains as a custodial supervisor in 2021. He enjoyed traveling and had been to thirty-nine states. Mr. Harris also enjoyed hunting, spending time with his kids and grandkids, and helping his church family, serving as a deacon for several years.
He is survived by his wife, LaDonna, of the family home; three daughters, Christina Summers and husband, Nathan, Pottersville, Missouri, Billie Welch and husband, Joshua, West Plains, Missouri, and Tonia Lundry and husband, Joshua, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Ace Summers, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Savannah Harrison and husband, Taylor, Springfield, Missouri, Riley Summers and special friend, Sophie Walker, Pottersville, Missouri, Jade Welch and fiancé, Timothy Patton, West Palins, Missouri, Austin Welch and fiancé, Andrea Atchison, West Plains, Missouri, Alex Welch, West Plains, Missouri, Gracie Lundry, and Landon Lundry, West Plains, Missouri; one great-grandson expected in December; one brother, Glen Harris and wife Cecile, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Marie Thatcher and husband, Wayne, Iva, South Carolina, and Alma Harris, West Plains, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Gary Fore and wife, Cappy, West Palins, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, James Michael Harris, one sister, Carol Wilson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Billy and Donna Fore, and one brother-in-law, Johnny Wilson, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery or The Gideon’s and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Gregory Allen Olson, 72, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away July 22, 2023, from Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome which he suffered from for many years.
Greg attended First United Methodist Church. He was from Minnesota where he had owned Lakes Auto & Glass. He loved to hunt, fish, work on cars, and the juke box. The family would like to thank those who befriended Greg during his time in West Plains.
Graveside services for Jesse James Brotherton, Sr., 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Fowler Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Brotherton passed away at 4:05 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
He was born September 9, 1942, at Homeland, Missouri, to George Brotherton and Oga May McDaniel. On November 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Gloria May King. Jesse was a farmer by trade, and worked for David Stewart for thirty-five years. He loved playing horseshoes, bowling, and mowing his yard. He was loved by everyone who knew him. If Jesse wasn’t joking or teasing, you knew something was wrong. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria; two sons, Scott Brotherton, Sr. and wife, Malenda, and Jesse Brotherton, Jr., all of West Plains; one daughter, Brenda Collins and husband, David, Branson, Missouri; nine grandchildren; Scott Brotherton, Jr. and wife, Dee, Chianne Brotherton, Andy Brotherton, Blake Brotherton, Shaelee Edwards, Kasi Branstetter, Katherine Brotherton, Kayla Amburgy, and Tara Hos; and several great-grandchildren, including Sophie, River, Renlee, Kevin, McKenzie, Charli, Abbie, and Hailie.
His parents, one daughter, Kitty Bell, his step-dad, Captain George Farewell, and uncles, Archy and Marian McDaniel, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life for Kenneth Ray Combs, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Combs passed away at 4:35 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 9, 1957, at Saint Louis, Missouri, to Ruben Combs and Mary Lou Pierce. On December 12, 1980, he was married at Royal Oak, Missouri, to Renita Provow. Mr. Combs was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a logger and a woodsman, and he was also a great welder. An avid sportsman, Mr. Combs loved to hunt deer. He also enjoyed watching John Wayne westerns. But above all, he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Renita, of the family home; two children, Miranda Lowry and husband, Jesse, West Plains, Missouri, and Mitchell Combs and wife, Vanessa, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Rylan Combs, Addison Combs, Ruben Brawley, Lynlea Brawley, and Dawson Combs; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and two sisters, Diane White and Gloria Walker, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Ronald Edward (Ronnie) Osborn, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Osborn passed away at 10:40 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 16, 1947, at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Melvin (Bud) and Ollie Faye Collins Osborn. Mr. Osborn was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and he was stationed in Panama. On September 15, 1978, he was married at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Janice Collins. They were married for forty-four years. Mr. Osborn was a logger and a farmer. He loved working with his brother, running a dozer, taking care of his cattle, farming, and working at the cabin. He also loved to eat, but he especially loved aggravating his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Janice, of the family home; five children, Beth Ann Osborn, West Plains, Missouri, Jason (Jake) Clinton and wife, Jenni, Willow Springs, Missouri, Angie Hunter and husband, Kelly, West Plains, Missouri, Dalen Crossley and husband, David, South Fork, Missouri, and Derek (Pup) Osborn, and wife, Gwen, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donnie Osborn and wife, Jeanne, Pomona, Missouri, and Randy (Pete) Osborn, Twin Bridges, Missouri; and one sister, Marilyn Weaver, Willow Springs, Missouri.
His parents, one sister, Glenna Green, and one nephew, Kenny Lowe, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Thornton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Thornton 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 Lawrence Albert Murphy, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Center of God Church.
Mr. Murphy passed away Monday, July 17, 2023.
He was born November 5, 1951, at Mountain View, Missouri, to Seldon and Bea Murphy. On September 1, 1973, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Bonnie Ruth Bennett, and to this union two daughters were born. Larry served as pastor of the Congregational Methodist Church for nine years and traveled extensively as an evangelist, holding revivals in many churches and street church in any town he felt God was leading him to. He did mission work in Guatemala, Honduras, and Russia, and traveled to New York City to help plant the Times Square Church under the late David Wilkerson. Later in life, he gave up formal ministry from a pulpit, but continued ministering to anyone God would send to him. People would call or come to visit, and he would share Jesus with them from his living room chair. He kept his love for Jesus and the Gospel ‘til the end. Larry held several jobs in the West Plains area, and then in 1989, he left his job to pursue a lifelong dream of being a barber. He barbered in the West Plains area for twenty-four years, twenty of which he owned and operated Murphy’s Barber Shop until his retirement in 2013. Larry enjoyed playing music, writing poetry, playing pool, and wood carving. He left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the family home; two daughters, Lorrie Murphy, West Plains, Missouri, and Jennifer Haynes and husband, Richard, Mountain View, Missouri; three grandchildren, Clayton Haynes, Galena, Missouri, Mandy Haynes, Republic, Missouri, and Sarah Turnbull and husband, Chris, West Plains, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Lyla Turnbull; one brother, David Murphy, West Plains, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Ruth Bennett, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Jim Bennett and wife, Charlotte, West Plains, Missouri, and John Bennett and wife, Rena, Waynesville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jimmy Carl and Gene, his father-in-law, Harold Bennett, and two sisters-in-law, Brenda Murphy and Jan Bennett.
Funeral services for Donna Mae Spencer, 90, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Spencer passed away at 6:27 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home.
She was born March 7, 1933, at Elijah, Missouri, to Tommy Spoon and Snowy Tackitt. On April 28, 1948, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to William Lewis Spencer, who preceded her in death on September 7, 1986. Mrs. Spencer worked at Baxter Lab. She enjoyed crafts, especially sewing. She also liked to deer hunt and fish. Mrs. Spencer was a member of Elijah Church of Christ for over eighty years, and she attended Pomona Church of Christ for the past two years.
She is survived by four children, Bobby G. Spencer and wife, Chuquita, West Plains, Missouri, Vicki June Parker and husband, Marvin, Caulfield, Missouri, Donald Joe Spencer, Elijah, Missouri, and William Boyd Spencer, Elijah, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Emily Joice and husband, Donald, Caulfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Dwayne Spencer, and one sister, Hasel Asher, 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 Elijah Cemetery. 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.
The Last Ride for Tommy Allen Gale, 67, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, beginning at West Plains Civic Center and ending at the Hwy. 14 junction. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Mr. Gale passed away at 11:50 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at CoxHealth, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born October 29, 1955, at West Plains, Missouri, to Delphia Collins Gale. Some of Mr. Gale’s favorite pastimes included watching the wildlife, hiking, and tinkering in his shop. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, as well as dumptrucking and the “Old Blue Ford”. Mr. Gale loved to laugh, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his life partner, Cheryl Butler; two children, Lacey Roby and husband, Russell, and Casey Gale and wife, Jessica; seven grandchildren, Brandyn, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, Kayden, Austin, Daegin, and Davyn; one brother, Eddie Gale and wife, Barbara; and several nieces and nephews.
His mother, three brothers, Thurman (Gene) Croney, Jerry Croney, and Gary Gale, and two sisters, Elsie Croney Cowens and Dorothy Croney Saucea, preceded him in death.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Jessica Ann Mitchell, 39, Elkhart, Indiana, and formerly of Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Family Life Church in Dora, Missouri.
Ms. Mitchell passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023, at her home.
She was born February 26, 1984, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jerry Beach and Christy Mitchell Davis. Jessica graduated from Dora High School. She liked animals and she loved to write. She also loved being outdoors, especially camping and spending time at the river.
Jessica is survived by three children, Emily Toon and husband, Caleb, Farmington, Colorado, Destany Massey, Dora, Missouri, and Brady Massey, Dora, Missouri; one grandchild, Harlow Toon, Farmington, Colorado; her mother, Christy Davis, Dora, Missouri; two brothers, Jonathan Mitchell and wife, Amanda, Crestview, Florida, and Benjamin Mitchell and wife, Jessica, Dora, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her dad, Larry Davis, her father, and her grandparents preceded her in death.
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.
Funeral services for Nondes Oleta Good, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Good passed away peacefully at her home on July 19, 2023.
She was born April 27, 1927, at Hutton Valley, Missouri, to Odell and Nettie Epperson Napier. Most of her childhood Nondes lived in the small community of Delaware (near Alley Springs). She attended Pine Hollow School and had many fond memories of that time. She enjoyed making trips back there with her sisters throughout the years. Nondes graduated from West Plains High School in 1945 and received her teaching degree from SMSU (now MSU) in Springfield, Missouri. On July 27, 1958, she was married at West Plains, to Charles Good, who preceded her in death January 17, 2023; they were married for 64 years. Mrs. Good was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She taught school for 37 years, retiring in 1988. She began teaching at Riggs (which was a one room school house) and ended her teaching career with 24 years at Junction Hill School. Nondes became a Christian at age 14 and was a long time member of First Baptist Church, West Plains. She taught Sunday school, helped with Bible school and sang in the adult choir. Mrs. Good was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and was a nominee for the 2012 Distinguished Retired Teacher of Missouri. She volunteered at Ozarks Medical Center for 25 years.
She is survived by two children, Randy Good, West Plains and Melody Temple and husband, Marvin, Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren, Nikki Kelso and husband, Halston, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tara Phelps and husband, Chris, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mandi Howard and husband, Jeff, Branson, Missouri and Brandon Barlow and wife, Ashley, Springfield, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Baylor Howard, Marin Phelps and Olivia Howard; one sister, Bonnie Sullivant; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ousley, Faye Kaufmann and husband, Jack, Rose Ann Riley and husband, Bob and Erma Good; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one sister, Jean Clemons, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at First Baptist Church. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
The family would like to thank to Hospice Compassus for their special care given to Mrs. Good.
Graveside services for Deborah Ruth Vigdal, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Vigdal passed away at 1:59 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at her home.
She was born July 18, 1955, at Pomona, Missouri, to Bud and Helen Brower. On July 15, 2000, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James Charles Vigdal, who preceded her in death on February 14, 2016. Debbie was the loving mother to four children.
She is survived by her children, Leland Collins and wife, Carrie, West Plains, Michael Collins and wife, Beth, Pottersville, Heather Kirkendoll and husband, Adam, West Plains, and Nicole Thompson and husband, Jay, Thayer; four grandchildren, Aiden Stewart, Tyler Stewart, Michael Kirkendoll, and Landyn Henderson; three honorary grandchildren, Khloe Smith, Isabel Smith, and Guinevere Smith; two brothers, Doug Brower and wife, Jo, and Louie Brower and wife, Tami; two sisters, Janice Fritts and husband, Kenneth, and Virginia Mitchell; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Blackjack Collins.
Her parents, husband, four brothers, Pete, Ronnie, Gerald, and George Brower, and four sisters, Karen Havens, Becky Lake, Marcella McMurtrey, and one infant, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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.
Funeral services for James Webster (Jim) Bray, Sr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bray passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Jim was born in West Plains, Missouri, to Carl and Lula Bray of West Plains, and was one of the last survivors of sixteen children. He was raised in Greely, Colorado, and joined the United States Air Force in 1956 at the age of seventeen. Jim had three children with his first wife and re-married to Francis Bridgers in November of 1986. Jim loved his country, his nation, but most of all he loved his family. While in the Air Force, Jim traveled all around the world to just about every country. He flew in many of the best aircraft Cargo Carriers, including his favorite as Chief Load Master of the C141 Star Lifter, along with having over 200 jumps, one where he exchanged a snake in mid-air bringing him and another to safety. Jim was a lifetime member of the Am Vets Post 98 here in West Plains, as well as District Commander. He was a helpful hand in bringing the Honor Guard to West Plains, the Am Vets Memorial, and many other special events for this community. Jim also loved his sports, coaching golfing, softball, and volleyball in the Military. As all of us know Jim grew up in the church and decided to give his heart to the Lord a few years ago, having been one of the oldest ever to be baptized at Endurance Church. He gave his all to his Country, our Veterans, and to his family. He wanted all to know that he was feeling the best he’d ever felt in life, and, of course, we all knew he was so full of life. He was so proud of the accomplishments he had made, and if he could do it, that anyone else could do it, too. His love will be in our hearts forever, as well as the memories we cherish.
Jim is survived by one daughter, Dora Ellen Bray of Branson; three granddaughters, Brittany K. Harper of West Plains, Haley Marie Sheets of Branson, Missouri, and Victoria Summer Magilke of Atmore, Alabama; and four great-grandkids, Aubrey, Kambri, John Thomas, and Holdyn Marie, with another one expected to be here this year.
He is preceded in death by two children, Robin Renee Bray and James Webster Bray Jr., his mother, Lula Eldora Porter-Bray, his father, Carl Coatney Bray, nine brothers, and six sisters.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Galloway Cemetery.
