Obituaries

Graveside services for Eric Dwain Lewis, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2023, at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Lewis passed away at 6:58 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born September 12, 1943, to Donald Lewis and Lois Tyree Lewis.  On July 24, 1962, he was married at Moko, Arkansas, to Opal Earlene Holloway.  Mr. Lewis was a member of the Church of Christ and had been a Preacher for over 50 years.  He loved to play bluegrass music on his guitar and was involved in several bluegrass bands.  Eric was the founder of the George D. Hay Society; he formed it to preserve the history and the love of bluegrass music.

He is survived by his wife, Opal Earlene Lewis, of the family home; three daughters, Jeannie Lewis, West Plains, Evette Prill, Pomona, Missouri and Erica McMillian and husband, Tatum, West Plains; four grandchildren, Ashley Painter and husband, Jared, Nicole Bennett, Megan Cale and Logan McMillian, all of West Plains; eight great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Danny Lewis and wife, Linda, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Lanny Lewis and wife, Dee, West Plains; one sister, Sherry Martin and husband, Bill, Mountain View, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one sister, Beverly Noble and one brother, Ken Lewis, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Robert (Bob) Lee Henry, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:53 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

He was born January 30, 1943, at West Plains, Missouri, to Troy Pett Henry and Mable Carter Henry.  Mr. Henry was a long time farmer.  Farming, raising cattle and being outdoors was his passion.

He is survived by four children, Delorise Stephens, Denise Brewer, Debbie Burnett and Don Henry and wife, Sarah; several grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents and all of his siblings preceded him in death.  

Services will be announced at a later date.

Funeral services for Gladys Naomi Shipley, 89, Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Shipley passed away at 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at New Mark Care Center, Kansas City, Missouri.  

She was born August 30, 1933, at Portia, Arkansas, to Reverend Robert and Ruth Miller. On August 25, 1955, she was married at West Plains to the love of her life, Elbert Shipley. They were married for 50 years. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Shipley was a longtime member of Smith Chapel Congregational Methodist Church and was the church pianist for many years. She enjoyed gospel music and was an active musician her entire life. Music was her passion.

She is survived by her son, Kim Shipley and wife, Sandy, Kansas City; very special sisters, Joann Click and husband, Sam, West Plains, and Judy Hubbard, West Plains; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends, especially her Church family.

Her parents, husband, Elbert Shipley, one sister, Roberta Good and one brother, Danny Miller, precede her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Ball Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A celebration of life service for Roy Lee Jones, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Jones passed away at 11:50 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.    

He was born September 6, 1943, at Fremont, Missouri, to Richard Jones and Mamie Weaver Jones.  On October 5, 1968, he was married at Briar, Missouri, to Sharron Kelso.  Mr. Jones was the owner/operator of Beltone Hearing Center for 45 years and dedicated his life to helping others hear; he passed the business on to his daughter, Angela Jones.  Roy was drafted into the military after college, where he served his country for two years alongside his twin brother, Larry Jones in the United States Army.  He loved to paint and enjoyed fishing and camping.  Mr. Jones was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Sharron Jones, of the family home, two children, Angela Jones, West Plains,  Missouri, and Michael Jones and wife, Melinda, Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Ethan and Noah Jones; two brothers, Gene Jones and wife, Edith and twin Larry Jones and wife, Marilyn; one sister, Juanita Reed; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one brother, Kenneth (Buster) Jones, infant sister, Faye Jones and brother-in-law, Burt Reed, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m., Saturday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be held at a later date at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association or any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Stanley A. Billings, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Billings passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Cedarhurst West Plains, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 31, 1944, at Burlison, Tennessee, to Alfred Andy Billings and Bernice Cousar Billings. On May 30, 1981, he was married at Hoxie, Arkansas, to Debra Grissom. He was a graduate of Munford High School (Tennessee), Class of 1962. Mr. Billings began working for Sears Roebuck & Co. at the age of 17, shortly after graduating. He was the owner and operator of the Sears store in West Plains for several years in the 90’s. He held several other jobs throughout his life and retired from the United States Postal Service in 2017. He believed in the importance of hard work and instilled this value in his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and was a car enthusiast. He loved his family and his two dachshunds, Kiefer and Beau, very much, and was looking forward to the upcoming birth of another great grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Billings, of the family home; three daughters, Tara Billings, West Plains, Stacy Prewett and husband, Joe, West Plains, and Angela Stasney and husband, Jason, West Plains; four grandchildren, Mallory Snodgras and husband, David, Alex Prewett and wife, Kate, Tatum Stasney, and Bridgette Stasney; five great grandchildren, Hollis Snodgras, Myles Prewett, Brady Gaines, Emma Gaines, and Isabelle Snodgras; sister-in-law, Pam Mullen; nephews Zach Mullen, Mike Billings, Ken Billings, and niece, Debbie Billings; special cousin, Charlotte Woods; and many other relatives and friends.

His parents, brother, Paul Bernard Billings, mother-in-law, Virginia Bellah Grissom, and father-in-law, Edwin Doyle Grissom, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Chaos Closet or Birthday Blessings and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. 

Memorial services for William Franklin (Bill) Bush, 99, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bush passed away at 5:03 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at his home.

He was born in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1923, to Maud and Arthur Bush.  He grew up milking cows by hand on the farm near Lisle, New York.  After graduating from Whitney Point High School, William (Bill) married his high school sweetheart, Beverly, and the young couple moved to a fruit ranch in southern California, away from the cold New York winters.  Bill began working as a carpenter and earned a Building Contractor’s license.  He built many beautiful custom homes in San Diego County.  As a young man, Bill enjoyed dancing to the big bands of the ‘40s.  A date with Beverly cost $1.00 – 50¢ to get into the dance and 50¢ for all-you-can-eat spaghetti.  He also liked to square dance and round dance.  As a member of the Roundoliers, he and his second wife, Ann, were involved in many dance events and demonstrations at Balboa Park in San Diego.  He was superb at waltzing.   Bill liked to build things and work on his metal lathe.  Among the many things he created were a wood-geared grandfather’s clock, furniture, a travel trailer, a small motor home, a full-size imitation Civil War canon, a twenty-foot windmill, and three trimaran sailboats, two of which he sailed in the Pacific Ocean.  At retirement, Bill and wife, Ann, moved to West Plains, Missouri.  Bill was a volunteer firefighter for Pumpkin Center Fire Department.  He helped other volunteers rebuild a local church that had been destroyed by fire.  As Bill became a community member, he was honored by being referred to as Uncle Bill. 

He is survived by his daughter, Joan, Ava, Missouri; son, William Arthur and wife, Barbara, Honeydew, California; five grandchildren, Suzanne Wilson and husband, Don, Ridgedale, Missouri, Sharon Bennett and husband, Gorman, Buffalo, Missouri, Karen Riley and husband, Keith, West Plains, Missouri, Betta Peterson and husband, Scott, Chico, California, and Karen Jones and husband, Dave, Chico, California; seven great-grandchildren, Megan, Alexander, Logan, Abby, Emily, Keahna, and Anna; and three great-great-grandchildren, Kelli, Kiki, and newly-born Aurora, who has missed meeting her grandpa by only a few days.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert, son-in-law, Fred, and three wives – Beverly, Ann, and Shirley.

Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Hulon Verl Swink, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:10 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at NHC Healthcare.

He was born April 4, 1937, at Marmaduke, Arkansas, to Marlin Swink and Madge Lester Swink.  On January 14, 1957, he was married at Flint, Michigan, to Karen Carpenter.  Mr. Swink worked for General Motors, and he was a minister for over fifty years.  He enjoyed sitting on the golf cart on God’s green acres watching the deer.  He was a much-loved father, and a devout man of God.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, of the family home; three children, Cheryl Bryan and husband, Dana, New Era, Michigan, Lennie Swink, West Plains, Missouri, and Michael Swink and wife, Pj, Maryville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Nathan Bryan and wife, Katie, Eric Bryan and wife, Ashley, Shaina Garcia and husband, Daniel, Derek Swink and wife, Cherish, Kody Swink and wife, Katie, and Taylor Swink; twelve great-grandchildren, Zachariah and Tyler Bryan, Alara and Witten Bryan,
Noah, Isaiah, Tobias, Kesslyn Garcia, Maci and Raylee Swink, Karl and Klade Swink; two brothers, Leamon Swink and wife, Katie, and Ronald Swink and wife, Chris; one brother-in-law, Donald Faughn; one sister-in-law, Nelda Swink; extended family friend, James Holloway; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one great-grandson, Kasen Swink, three brothers, Gene Swink and wife, Geneva, Gary Swink, and Gordon Swink and wife, Evelyn, and three sisters, Ricca Liles and husband, Coy, Rebecca Light-Pruiett, and Carolyn Faughn, preceded him in death.

A celebration of life service for Virginia Averill Ruch, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery officiated by Pastor Rick Rutledge. 

Mrs. Ruch passed away at 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Whispering Pine Place, West Vue Green House Homes.  

She was born December 21, 1921, at Buffalo, New York, to Felix Eugene Averill and Susanah Lois Strauss Averill.  Virginia grew up and attended school in upstate New York until the family moved to Maryland.  She graduated from George Washington University, Washington D.C. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  She also attended on a scholarship the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C.  As WWII was then in progress, Virginia studied occupational therapy and began working in Army hospitals until the war was over.  On September 13, 1947, she was married at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to the love of her life, Avery Gordon Ruch, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2007.  The couple lived in Albany, Missouri for a few years, spent time in Kansas and New Mexico before settling down in the then thriving mountain town of Del Norte, Colorado.  It was there that Avery established his watch and jewelry store and Virginia spent ten years as a stay at home mom.  She was later employed by the County to work in child welfare supervising foster homes and helping families with adoptions.  The family moved after twenty years; Virginia loved that country and was heard to say that part of her was still there.  In 1973 the family moved back to West Plains, Missouri.  Avery continued his work and Virginia worked in occupational therapy at West Vue Nursing Center, the only such facility in town at that time.  She later continued at what is now known as Brooke Haven.  Mrs. Ruch retired at the age of 76 to enjoy her many interests and hobbies.  She read extensively, painted and entered many art shows; she loved taking long walks in the parks and around town, exploring the beauty and history of the Ozarks.  Mrs. Ruch was a long time member of the First Christian Church of West Plains.

She is survived by one daughter, Marianne Mock, Springfield, Missouri; one step-daughter, Barbara Starr, King City, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jonathon Mock, Benjamon Mock, Elizabeth Mock-Cass and husband, Dustin, Ariel Ruch, Nathan Ruch, Sylvia Jenner and husband, Jesse; four great-grandchildren, Josephine Jenner, Taylor Ruch, Joshua and Allison Mock; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, her husband of 59 years, three sons, Gary Allen Ruch, Daniel Avery Ruch and David Wayne Ruch, one grandson, Levi Mock, one brother, Felix Eugene Averill and wife, Dorothea, one sister, Lois Elizabeth Ellis and husband, Emmerson, preceded her in death.    

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Lillian Kay Pritchett, 78, St. Louis, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Kay passed away at 7:40 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

She was born February 18, 1945, at Pomona, Missouri, to Howard C. McMullen and Ruby G. Kildow McMullen.  Kay attended schools in West Plains and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1963.   Shortly after graduating, she moved to St. Louis to work for the State of Missouri Division of Family Services.  She lived in St. Louis for 60 years.  Kay loved to travel and was able to take several bus trips.  She had been at West Vue Nursing Center for only five days before she passed away.

She is survived by one daughter, Melanie, St. Louis, Missouri; one brother, Bob Kildow, Largo, Florida; one sister, Lois Drumright and husband, Gorden, West Plains; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends in St. Louis. 

Her parents, one son, Jacob Pritchett, the father of her children, Jesse Pritchett, and two brothers, John Kildow and Jim McMullen, preceded her in death.  

Ms. Pritchett will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Kay loved animals and was “mom” to many over the years.  In lieu of flowers her family requests Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A Memorial Service for Thomas Neil Harris, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 2:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born April 25, 1954, at the family home near Pottersville, Missouri, to Winifred and Loretta Grace Hopkins Harris.  On October 4, 1975, he was married at West Plains, to Erma Kinder; they were blessed with three sons.  Thomas was a graduate of the West Plains High School Class of 1972.  During high school he was a bass singer in a double mixed quartet which received a number one rating in the State competition.  He also attended Southwest Missouri State, West Plains.  Tom was baptized at the age of 18 at the Curry Street Church of Christ.  He was a talented singer and often led singing at services and revivals at several Church of Christ congregations in Arkansas.  He also preached at many services throughout the years and had a special love for the Hardy Church of Christ congregation where he preached for fourteen years.  Tom, Erma and their growing family lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa for five years where they attended the McPhearson Avenue Church of Christ.  While there, he grew in faith and maturity through lessons by Bill Stewart, Mark Foor and Barge Elmore.  Those lessons increased his love for the Gospel and when Tom and his family moved to Salem, Arkansas in 1981 he used that love and his speaking talent to teach to Gospel.  Tom loved stock car racing and spent many Saturday nights at speedways in the area watching his brother, Larry Piper, race.  Tom and members of the notorious “Spring Creek Gang” had their own version of a stock car for a while, but stories told through the years blamed a wild driver named John Bennett for ending their short career.  In reality, they were teenagers without extra money to spend on a stock car.  Tom began a long time hobby during his teens when he announced beside Murray Brown at the speedway north of town.  As an adult, he was an announcer at West Plains Speedway and Batesville Speedway and was often a guest announcer in Arkansas and Mississippi.  He helped the Gibson’s market the first Show Me 100 and continued producing special and weekly programs for many years.  His sons spent those years alongside him at the races, selling programs and learning to take photographs.  Tom spent all of his working years as a salesman; first as a tire and retread specialist and later as a newspaper and radio advertising salesman.  Tom and Erma established the first legal subscription newspaper in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, called The Easy Living News, which won many state wide honors from the Arkansas Press Association.  Later he began Harris Printing Designs.  Shortly before retiring due to his health, he began The Buzz Shopper which Yancey and Lena Yates own and operate today.   Tom served his communities as a Vice-President and President of the Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce, was on the Advisory Board of Ozarka College, secretary of the West Plains Lions Club and a volunteer for the Missouri Conservation in West Plains.  During his years as a newspaper publisher he was a member of the Arkansas Press Association and the National Newspaper Association.  He was a coach for many Little League ball teams and helped promote the Coca Cola Classic tournament for several years.  In July of 2012, Tom’s life changed drastically when he began dialysis for end stage renal failure.  Because of the efforts and knowledge of Dr. Daniel Valachi, as well as the nurses at the Mountain Home Dialysis Center, Tom was able to beat a rare and almost always fatal disease of kidney patients called Calciphylaxis.  For almost six months Tom was in hospitals, rehab centers and nursing homes where he along with his family, fought this painful disease.  He was given six months to live, but managed to turn that into eight years.  Shortly before his death he beat Calciphylaxis once again.  The nurses, doctors and staff at DCI in West Plains referred to Tom as their “miracle man” as he continued to overcome the odds as an end stage renal patient.  Tom lived with his disease for over 13 years.  During that time, according to Erma and his DCI nurses, he never complained and met each day with a positive spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Erma; three sons, Bryan Harris and wife, Ginger, West Plains; Ted Harris and wife, Kristina, Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and Joel Harris and wife, Leslie, Nixa, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Alex Harris and Brittnay Nicodin, Jade Krislen Lee, Nathan Harris and Katie Elliott, Alexa Turner and husband, Brenden, Dalaney Woolridge and husband, Rustin, Aniston, Henley and Crosby Harris; two great-grandchildren, Brantley Luke Turner and  Prairie Jo Woolridge; one brother, Mike Harris; one sister, Wendy Dunkin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joyce Piper, David Lynn Murphy, Doyle Surritte, David Kinder and Nancy Menningen; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents and their spouses, Winifred and Judy Harris and Loretta and Oral Ball, one brother, Larry Piper, two sisters-in-law, Myrna Surritte and Brenda Murphy and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Pat Kinder, preceded him in death.  

The family will receive their friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Evelyn Elizabeth Hull, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Hull passed away at 9:39 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born June 30, 1935 at Chicago, Illinois, to Julius and Lottie Lipinski Penzak.  On April 2, 1996, she was married at Seattle, Washington, to Ralph Hull.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Hull was a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, which she loved and had owned Serendipity book store.  She was best in the country.  Evelyn enjoyed arts, crafts and traveling.  She loved her family very much.  Mrs. Hull was a member of Pomona Christian Church.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Hull, of the family home; three children, Greg Kraft and wife, Deborah, Dallas, Texas, Chris Kraft and wife, Debbie, West Plains and Mike Kraft, West Plains; Ralph’s children, Karen Peterson and husband, Scott and Katherine Totaro; six grandchildren, Justin Kraft and wife, Haley, Jared Kraft, Marc Totaro and wife, Destiny, Chloe Emmans, Cody Hull and J.D. Walker; six great-grandchildren, Stetson, Aspen, Adabelle and Magnolia Kraft and Lylia and Rosalie Totaro; and special friend, Marla Tokarz Gutknecht. 

Her parents, late husband Joseph Kraft, Jr. and one son, Paul Joseph Kraft III, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Burial will be in 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.

A celebration of life service for Carl Eugene (Gene) Owens, Sr., 91, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Owens passed away at 11:17 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home.  

He was born April 18, 1932, at Williamsville, Missouri, to Luther Owens and Bertha Groves Owens.  On October 30, 2008, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Joan Schmidt.  Mr. Owens was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and dancing.  He loved to make homemade salsa, the hotter the better!

He is survived by his wife, Joan Owens; seven children, Donna Cherry and husband, Keith, Carl Owens, Jr. and wife, Elaine, Eugenia Bauer and husband, Joe, Marcell Wray and husband, Kevin, Linda Owens, Marcus Owens, and Melissa Bradshaw; one step-daughter, Margaret Swafford; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Melton Wideman and Frances Duncan; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Owens; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, former wife, Donna Fox Owens, one daughter, Michelle Owens, granddaughter, Cara Owens, step-grandson, Gary House, great-grandson, Nathen Stone, six brothers, Thurman, Glenn, Calvin, Jim, Bobby, and Doyle, and two sisters, Ruth and Eva, preceded him in death.

Memorial services for Jacque Jacobs, 84, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm, at Pomona Christian Church.

Mrs. Jacobs passed away at 5:02 pm, June 3, 2023 at NHC West Plains, surrounded by her family.  

She was born May 5, 1939 in Spencer, Iowa to Henry Jr. and Helen Sharff. On November 29, 1957, she married James Louis Jacobs, Jr. They spent 57 loving years together. Jacque was a lifelong homemaker. She was an avid reader and enjoyed canning produce picked from the family garden.  Most of all, Jacque enjoyed spending time with those who called her Mom, Meme and Gigi. Family gatherings would often consist of more than 30 people and 4 generations sitting around the dinner table with her. Jacque will be remembered for having strong Christian beliefs and strength, providing advice and a level head through the most trying of times.  She raised her children to be strong and caring, her grandchildren to be independent and brave, and her great-grandchildren to be compassionate and loving. Jacque believed being a homemaker also meant that you learned to become a jack-of-all-trades. She always believed in whatever wild dream you came up with and supported you through it.

She is survived by her five children, three sisters, three brothers, nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Proceeding her in her death is her loving husband James Jacobs, her parents, son-in-law Robert Olsen and great-grandsons Jordan Kinder and Issac Rupp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pomona Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A Celebration of Life for Lola Lee Duncan, 83, College Station, Texas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Duncan passed away May 18, 2023, in Texas.  Arrangements there were under the direction of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home.

She was born October 8, 1939, at Weston, Oregon, to the late Burt Wren and Della Robertson Wren.  She married the love of her life, Maurice L. Duncan, in December 1957, and they cherished fifty-three years together until his death in March 2011.  Mrs. Duncan was the co-owner of Duncan’s Deli and Lunch Box.  She was a homemaker, enjoyed singing, writing songs, playing piano, cooking, reading, and word puzzles.

She is survived by three children, Rane Cunningham and husband, Steve, Lisa Barrett, and Duane Duncan; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Nona McKinney, Spokane, Washington, and Marie Vincent, Salem, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Carl Duncan, three sisters, and six brothers preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lola’s name to Hospice Brazos Valley and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  

Graveside services for Richard Arllen Smith, Sr., 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Smith entered into eternal life on May 30, 2023.

He was born on July 28, 1931, to the parents of Sylvester and Lilly Cooper Smith in Cove, Ohio. He was married to Evelyn Kendrick on June 28, 1952.  Richard was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He was of the Christian faith and loved his family immensely. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, going out to eat, being outside, and discussing God and the Bible. In his younger years, he enjoyed wood-working, gardening, and farming, and later enjoyed passing on his knowledge and memories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his good friend, Marge Gunter; his daughter, Brenda Hammon, and his son, Rev. Richard A. Smith, Jr. and wife, Debra; seven grandchildren, Chris Smith and wife, Becky, Melissa Cooper and husband, Don, Amy Ferrel and fiancé, Robert Nitrauer, Trisha Moss and partner, Jason Nezat, Richard Hammon and wife, Shawna, Anna Bell and husband, Andrew, and Janetta Clawson and husband, Casey; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, his parents, thirteen brothers and sisters, and his son-in-law, Phillip Hammon.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran Suicide Awareness or Mission 22 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for James Dale Fowler, 93, Blue Mound, Texas, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at Shaver Campground Cemetery, Oxford, Arkansas, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Fowler passed away at 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home.

He was born December 26, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Reverend Claude Fowler and Vivian Marie Downen Fowler.  On September 24, 1949, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to LaVerne Bernice Franks, who preceded him in death December 9, 2014.  Mr. Fowler enjoyed life.  He was a truck driver and a jack of all trades.  He enjoyed tinkering and spending time outdoors.  Mr. Fowler loved his family.  He was an excellent father and a father-figure to many.

He is survived by two children, LaWanna VanderPluym, Blue Mound, Texas, and Jeffrey Alan Fowler and wife, Sally, Decatur, Texas; four grandchildren, Breanne VanderPluym, Megan VanderPluym, Heather Marie Fowler Russell, and Mandy Fowler Roberts; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob Russell, Andrew Russell, Madeline Brummet, Eleanore Brummet, Harrison Brummet, Paisley Brummet, Cadence Roberts, Colton Roberts, and Clayton Roberts; one sister, Carol Fowler, Ozark, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, and three sisters preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shaver Campground Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Faye June Jones, 87, Vancouver, Washington, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs.  Jones passed away April 26, 2023.   

She was born February 25, 1935, to Virginia and Marcus Shephard.  Faye grew up in California and lived in southern Oregon as a teenager. She came to Missouri with her father at the age of 15 where she met Loyd Jones.  Faye and Loyd were married July 28, 1951, in Long Beach, California.  They raised their family in Kalamazoo, Michigan and retired to West Plains, Missouri in 1999.  Loyd preceded her in death on December 27, 2019.  Faye lived in Washington for the last three years where she made many friends and enjoyed Bean Bag Baseball, Friday social time, decorating her apartment and visiting with fellow residents at her independent living home.  

She is survived by two children, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Daughter, Linda Finch, Granddaughter Nikkie Larsen (Jeff) Jacob and Katie Larsen, Grandson Adam Flowers, Christian and Brittany Flowers.  Granddaughter Ashley FInch (Mitchell).  Son, Larry Jones (Sally), Grandson Mac Jones (Kelly), Stephan Jones; two brothers Bill and Jim Shephard; one sister Barbara Sears; cousin, Erma Sells; and her dear friend, Lorine King. 

Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

Terry Joe Hayes, 71, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home.     

He was born May 5, 1952, at Clear Lake, Iowa, to Lloyd Walter Hayes and Margaret Elaine Keeling Hayes.  On February 8, 1982, he was married at Little Rock, Arkansas, to Laura Manson.  Mr. Hayes was the owner and operator of Hayes Bargain City for a number of years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming and loved going to town every day, drinking coffee and visiting with his friends.   

He is survived by his wife, Laura Hayes, of the family home; two brothers, Billy Hayes and wife, Karen, Pomona, Missouri and Ron Hayes and wife, Linda, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Shirley Wood and Debbie Hayes, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.    

His parents, one sister, Donna Wood, two brothers, J. R. Hayes and James Hayes, two nephews, Alex Hayes and Jason Hayes and two nieces, Teresa Wood and Carrie Wood, preceded him in death.    

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Katherine Dorine Lott, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Lott passed away at 11:09 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born September 22, 1927, at Seminole, Oklahoma, to Roy Addison Derrick and Sarah Darcus (Byrd) Hall Derrick.  She was married at New London, Connecticut to Corliss Marcel Lott, who preceded her in death on June 24, 1978.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Lott had worked at International Shoe Factory.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and flowers.  Mrs. Lott was a member of First Baptist Church for over sixty years.  She loved her family and church very much.

She is survived by three children, Debra Jorgensen, Vicky Birdsong and husband, Jackie and Steven R. Lott, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Seth Jorgensen, Anthony Ford, Carey Beach, Jarrett Beach, John Beach and significant other, Krista and Jesse Beach and fiancée Chelsie; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Bobbye Derrick, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Aybrahm Beach, one brother, J. C. Derrick, one nephew, Ronnie Derrick and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wallace and Jo Emma Lott and Jack and Ione Lott, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at First Baptist Church.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Library and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.