Obituaries

Graveside services for William Ronald (Bill) Harrill, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Harrill Cemetery, Stoutland, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Harrill passed away at 11:50 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

He was born February 11, 1935, in Stoutland, Missouri, to William and Lou Ella Pearcy Harrill.  On August 25, 1956, he was married at Lebanon, Missouri, to Sue Carolyn Payne, who preceded him in death on November 9, 2020.  Soon after he and Sue were married, they moved to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, where he managed Puritan Dress Factory for many years.  Ready to start his self employment, he bought the Dog ‘N Suds Drive-In in West Plains.  From there he owned car washes and Laundromats in town.  After those adventures, he operated his own successful real estate business for over 30 years.  He loved meeting and helping people start their new lives as homeowners.  Mr. Harrill was a very active faithful member of the Gideon’s Bible Society and the West Plains Car Club.  Bill had many wonderful friends over the years.  Like his sons, his greatest passion was his many cars; he loved to talk about them.  Bill was a wonderful faithful husband and father.  He was a joy to be around by all that knew him.  Bill will be missed by many, especially his family.  We will miss you every single day, Dad.  All our love forever!

He is survived by two sons, Alan Harrill and wife, Terri, West Plains, Missouri and Steve Harrill and wife, Donna, Ozark, Missouri; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 

His parents, wife and one son, Micheal Wayne Harrill, preceded him in death.  

The family gives special thanks to Ray Smith, a special friend, that never failed to visit Bill every week.  Thank you to Three Rivers Hospice for the wonderful care and visits and Thanks to West Vue Nursing Center and their Green Houses and staff for the care given to Bill. 

Mr. Harrill will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society or Three Rivers Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Marianne Louise Matejek, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:19 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  

She was born June 25, 1946, at North Redding, Massachusetts, to Edward and Alice Neudeck Stevens.  Marianne loved her family more than anything; she always put her children and grandchildren first.  She especially loved going to visit her sister and spending time at the beach.  Mrs. Matejek was a lifelong Christian with unwavering faith.  Accordingn to her children, her mission in life was Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.”

She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Frank Matejek, West Plains; two children, John Matejek and wife, Ashley and Christina Matejek, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Isabel, Mason, Easton and Ashlen Matejek, all of West Plains; one brother, Edward Stevens and wife, Renee, Gainesville, Georgia; one sister, Laurie Bresson and husband, Fred, Blairsville, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Visitation services for James Shawn Hines, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Shawn Hines, a beloved science teacher and cherished member of the community. He departed this world on Wednesday, July 12^th, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, inspiration, and love.

Born on December 14th, 1967 in Wichita, Kansas, Shawn dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the education of young minds. He had an unwavering passion for nature, science, and an extraordinary ability to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm in his students. His classrooms were filled with the wonders of science, as he nurtured a love for exploration and discovery. Shawn was known for his innovative teaching methods, encouraging students to think critically and develop a deep understanding of the world around them.  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shawn was loving and devoted to family. He leaves behind his wife, Josie Hines, who deeply loved Shawn throughout their incredible journey together. Their unwavering love and support were the foundation of their beautiful family.  Beyond the classroom, Shawn was always willing to lend a helping hand. He volunteered his time and expertise to his fellow teachers and friends, inspiring countless individuals beyond his students. Shawn will be remembered for his humor, kindness, compassion, and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.  Shawn will be deeply missed but forever remembered as an extraordinary teacher, devoted to his family, and a beacon of joy and light to anyone around him. We know that it was his wish to impart his life motto to all his friends, family, colleagues, and students, “Live long, and Prosper”. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.

Shawn is survived by his four children, Bonnie Townzen-Westfall, James Quinton Hines, Madison Davidson, and Darby Reeves, who were the source of immense pride and joy in his life. He instilled in them the values of kindness, resilience, and the importance of education. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams and embraced their unique talents and interests. Shawn was not only a loving father but also a doting grandfather to his five grandchildren, Brody Townzen, Oakleigh Townzen, Sabor Davidson, Nellie Davidson, and Toullie Ann Reeves. His love for them was immeasurable, and he relished in the fun and happy moments with them, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

During the visitation, family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives were touched by his presence are invited to pay their respects and share their memories.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Cabool High School’s Science Program, as a testament to Shawn’s passion for education and his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge.  Donations may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, Missouri, 65775.

Vernon Eugene Roberson, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:14 p.m., Monday, July 10, 2023, at NHC HealthCare, West Plains, Missouri.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Alice Wanita Mae Dockins, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning, July 12, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born December 13, 1934 “down on the river” at Greer, Missouri to George Millard Huff and Ora Bell Sisk Huff. On September 4, 1953, she was married in Dubuque, Iowa to Gerald Dockins; Wanita and Gerald were married for 68 years at the time of his passing last year, and their love and devotion was a gift and example to all who had the pleasure of knowing them. Mrs. Dockins was a member of First Baptist Church. She was a woman of fierce conviction and believed that all people deserved dignity and care. She welcomed people into her home to stay and receive care on more than one occasion. During the summertime she would deliver excess produce from her garden to the “old folks” and food pantry in town. As Alzheimer’s caused her mental acuity to decline, it didn’t stop her from finding happiness in her husband, family, new babies, beautiful flowers, the sun shining, ham and cheese roll ups, and hugs. As Wanita often said, “Hugs are no good until you give them away.” Her legacy will continue on through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by two children, Mary McGee and husband, Jim McGee, West Plains, Missouri and Michael Dockins, Republic, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jacob McGee and wife, Anna, West Plains, Jaime Grisham and husband, John, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Shannon Chen and husband, Stone, West Plains and Chris Dockins and wife, Rose, Republic, Missouri; and nine great-grandchildren Ezra, Edith, Alice, Josephine, Lydia, Lincoln, Bentley, Liam, and Zoey.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Dockins, mother, father, three brothers, one sister, mother-in-law, and infant son, Jeffrey.

A graveside service will be held at Bailey Cemetery, Alton, Missouri 1t 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023. Visitation services will be held at the home of her grandson, Jacob McGee, 307 Hynes, in West Plains, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bailey Cemetery in Alton, Mo or First Baptist Church Food Bank and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Sharon Lea (Dye) Talley, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Talley passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Cox Health Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born June 10, 1947 in West Plains, Missouri to James and Naomi Dye. On December 9, 1966, Sharon was married to Bill Talley in West Plains, Missouri; they were married for 56 years.  Sharon worked for the Howell County Division of Family Services and retired from there after 28 years of service. After retiring, she worked as a concierge at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge in Branson, Missouri for 15 years, where she won the company’s highest awards for excellence. She served for many years in the West Plains Business and Professional Women’s Club, and has been an active member of the Church of Christ for her entire adult life. She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ in West Plains, and the Hollister Church of Christ while living in Branson. She loved her family fiercely, and loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in every sport and activity they pursued. Just last week she caught several fish while fishing with her grandsons and whole family in Branson. She traveled throughout the United States, from coast to coast. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bill Talley, of the family home; two children, Crystal Talley, Boston, Massachusetts and Jennifer (Talley) Maloney and her husband Larry, Branson West, Missouri; two grandchildren, Tyler Maloney, and wife Haley, Bolivar, Missouri and Parker Maloney, Branson West, Missouri; two brothers, Ronald Roberson and Allen Dye and wife, Debbie, West Plains; two sisters, Karen Linderman, and husband, Leonard and Kim Kingsland and husband, Dean, Bentonville, Arkansas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or 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 Cheyanne Brooke Ryan, 19, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Cheyanne passed away at 2:41 a.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  

She was born July 10, 2003, at West Plains, Missouri, to April Ryan and Kenneth Kirsop.

She is survived by her parents; one brother, Deekan; Mama Dorothy; aunts and uncles, Shana and husband, Jason, Misty, Billy and wife, Pam, Tracy and husband, Byron and Daniel and wife, Drucilla; and several great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins. 

Her Papa Paul Ryan, Great-grandparents, Golden and Maxine Brewer, Fred and Aileen Williams and Sylvia Nick, one aunt, Lateresa, one uncle David and one cousin, Amanda, preceded her in death.  

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 Rhonda Faye Huck, 54, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 17, 2023, at First Church of God, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Rhonda passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at her home.  

She was born March 17, 1969, at Sparta, Illinois, to James Tyler and Wilma Volner Tyler.

She is survived by her husband, Matthew Huck, West Plains; one son, Skyler Cochran, West Plains; six sisters, Marcella Whitesell and husband, Steve, Villa Ridge, Missouri, Linda Dickens, Corning, Arkansas, Debbie Sigelnski and husband, Bill, Collinsville, Illinois, Sharon Winter, Marissa, Illinois, Carol Cahoon and husband, David, Wasola, Missouri and Shelby Blume and husband, Paul, Campbell, Missouri; two brothers, Terry Powel, Coulterville, Illinois and Bill Tyler and wife, Dawn, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, three sisters, Brenda Cobb, Kathy Harless and Cheryl Kopp and one brother, Carl Ellison, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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 Johnnita Michelle Hall, 53, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Johnnita passed away at 9:53 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born March 28, 1970, at Wynne, Arkansas, to Elmer Hall and Ruth Brady Hall.  On August 8, 2021, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Loretta Page.  Johnnita was the office manager at Southern Sass.  She loved her family and friends and enjoyed fishing.

She is survived by her spouse, Loretta Page, Willow Springs, Missouri; one sister, Carol Kathy Pierce and husband, Richard, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, two brothers, Dale and Wade Wigginton and three nephews, Daniel Wigginton, Billy Pierce and Rowdy Gatewood preceded her in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Richard Allen Andrade, 69, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:26 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.  

He was born September 8, 1953, at Coleman, Texas, to Miguel Andrade, Sr., and Maria Adame Andrade.  Richard was born, raised and lived in Coleman, Texas for many years.  He had many long time friends and enjoyed spending his time at Hidalgos or the café drinking coffee and catching up with them.  He was a founding member of Jesus Saves Ministry, where he served on the board.  He also had an active role in the community.  Mr. Andrade was a Gideon, did missionary work for over twenty years and actively served the local jail through ministry and translation work.  Richard was a member of the Coleman County Rodeo Association for many years.  After relocating to West Plains, Missouri, he became a member of His Place House of Worship where he continued to serve the Lord for five years.  Richard had a passion for livestock shows; he loved teaching his kids and children in the community how to raise and show animals.  He also enjoyed watching sports, especially when his grandkids or nieces and nephews were playing.

He is survived by two children, Michele Perkins and husband, Bennie, West Plains and Zach Andrade and wife, Jennifer, State of Georgia; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Madisyn, Haley and Jacob Perkins, all of West Plains and Zoey and Jordyn Andrade, both of State of Georgia; one brother, Salvador (Sal) Andrade and wife, Alice, Abilene, Texas; and his nieces and nephews, Erin, Charlie, Evan, Elizabeth and Erica. 

His parents and three brothers, Sammy, Jimmy and Mike Jr., preceded him in death.  

Burial will be at Coleman City Cemetery, Coleman, Texas.

A memorial service for Kenneth (Kenny) Max Ragan, 77, Thayer, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Ragan passed away at 10:03 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born December 17, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to Max Ragan and Virginia Chaney Ragan.  On January 18, 1975, he was married at Charleston, Missouri, to Vicki Warren; they were married for 48 years.  Kenny worked for Dodds Truck Line and retired from Chevron Oil Company in Louisiana.  For 15 years, he served on the Rural Fire Board for Oregon County and for the last 12 years he has been chairman of the board.  He never lost his curiosity about how things worked or how he could fix something when it needed to be repaired.  Kenny could build anything out of metal and built many things for neighbors and people in the Thayer area.  He loved to watch his children and grandchildren in all of their activities and interests.  He will be remembered for being a caring husband, dad, grandpa and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Ragan, of the family home; two children, Marie-Alana Ragan (Joe Mobley), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Eric (Courtney) Ragan, Gothenburg, Sweden; two grandchildren, Glady and Jackson Ragan, Gothenburg, Sweden; sister-in-law, Judy Smith, Charleston,  Missouri; brother-in-law, David Warren and family, Florence, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one sister, Rhonda Butler, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Faye and Jimmie Warren and one brother-in-law, Jim Warren, Jr., preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until service time at 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Kenny’s name or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Eric Ragan’s name and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Deborah Lynn (Debbie) Haynes, 66, Dora, Missouri, passed away at 4:42 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born November 8, 1956 to Lenard and Faye Janes in Oregon County, Missouri.  Debbie retired from a long career at Air Evac Lifeteam. In her spare time she enjoyed going to concerts with her friends, playing with her dog CoCo, and traveling all over watching her grandchildren play sports. She was a loving mother, Nana, and friend who will be missed by all that knew her.

Debbie is survived by her significant other Richard Rudd of Dora, Missouri; two sons, Brad Haynes of Springfield, Missouri and Brandon (Nicole) Haynes of Thayer, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ashelyn, Brayden, Hattie, Hudson, Hallie, and Haven Haynes; two sisters, Rosie Ramsey of Thayer, Missouri and Wilma Rogers of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceeded in death by her father and mother- Lenard and Faye Janes.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date.

A memorial service for Betty Jane Slaughter, 89, of West Plains, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Slaughter passed away at 9:10 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Copper Rock Healthcare, Rogersville, Missouri.  

She was born December 19, 1933, at West Plains, Missouri, to Earl Red Hall and Lola Wagoner Hall Brant.  On March 2, 1954, she was married to Charles Daniel (C. D.) Slaughter, who preceded her in death.  Betty enjoyed reading and spending time with friends and family who she loved dearly.

She is survived by two children, Kent Slaughter and wife, Joanie, Rogersville, Missouri and Mark Slaughter and wife, Alicia, San Diego, California; five grandchildren, Julie Davis (Paul), West Plains, Adam Slaughter (Cecily), Osage Beach, Missouri, Ethan Slaughter (Cassie), Rogersville, Missouri, Tristan Slaughter and Savanna Slaughter, both of San Diego, California; three great-grandchildren, Brylee Ehrhart, Courtney Duke (Anthony) and Paydan Clayton (Jason); and six great-great-grandchildren, Aryk, Korbyn and Jase Clayton and Gavin, Willa and Vivie Duke, all of West Plains.

Her parents, husband, one son, Daniel Glen Slaughter, one granddaughter, Lisa and step-father, Walter D. Brant, preceded her in death.  

A private burial will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, West Plains, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Vetress Marie King, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. King passed away at 4:08 p.m., Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.  

She was born August 30, 1944, at West Plains, Missouri, to Hershall Bunch and Audrey Downing Bunch.  On April 18, 1964, she was married at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Wilburn King.  Vetress was very outgoing; she loved gospel music and her family.  She was a passionate Christian and told everyone she came in contact with about Jesus.  Mrs. King was a member of The Bridge Church.

She is survived by her husband, Wilburn King; three children, Fonda Thornburg and husband, Shane, Silver Creek, Nebraska, Daryl King and wife, Kaycee, West Plains, Missouri and Kevin King and wife, Sherry, Pomona, Missouri; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Amy 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.

Karen Solis Mejia, 49, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 8:34 a.m., Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at her home.  

She was born February 13, 1974, at Libertyville, Illinois, to Joseph Hopkins and Marian Mankowski Hopkins.  Karen enjoyed going to the river, where she spent a lot of her time.

She is survived by three children, Rosemary Mejia, West Plains, Missouri, Devin Solis and Ryan Flores, both of the State of Illinois; four grandchildren; her parents, Joseph and Marian Hopkins; and one sister, Laura Hopkins, State of Florida. 

Funeral services for Ray Ed Ellison, 41, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Ellison passed away at 1:02 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.  

He was born May 21, 1982, at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert Dale Ellison and Debra Belcher.  Mr. Ellison was a mechanic.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his fiancé and boys.  He always enjoyed visiting his best friend, Lenny Johnson.  Ray also enjoyed going to Silver Dollar City with his family, his sister, Pam and nephew, Kaase.

He is survived by his fiancé Stacey O’Banion; three children, Kenneth, Tyler and Jacob Ellison; his mother, Debra Trott; two sisters, Pamela Johnson and Rebecca Ellison; his best friend, Lenny Johnson; and his nieces and nephews, Dakota and Kaase Johnson, Christian Hord, Kenneth D., Devin, Araina, Dominic, Steven, Justice, Zoey, Rylon, Peyton and Colson Ellison. 

His father and grandparents, Ed and Ruth Ellison and Roy Peachie Hicks and Altia Hicks, 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 the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Kathryn Line Evans, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Evans passed away at 9:41 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born in Rolla, Missouri in 1935.  As a child, she and her younger sister, Carolyn, helped her parents, Kenneth and Bernice, run a local general store, and in her teens, Kathy became the family cook while her parents tended the store.   Kathy loved cooking and her culinary skills became an integral part of her adult life.  Kathy graduated with a teaching degree from Central Methodist College in 1957 and accepted a job as a physical education teacher in Fulton, Missouri.   During college, Kathy met her future husband, Steve Evans, from West Plains, and they married in August of that year.  Steve finished his accounting degree at the University of Missouri, joined the Navy as a career officer, and Kathy and Steve’s 65 year-long adventure as best friends began.  

Kathy and her family lived in 9 states and served in 2 foreign countries, but no matter where they lived, Kathy insisted they explore the region and experience the local culture.  She especially loved the warmth and passion of Philippine culture.  Kathy found great satisfaction in decorating each of the numerous homes she and Steve lived in, and her cooking and hostessing skills were admired and appreciated throughout Steve’s naval career.  It was a lifestyle she truly enjoyed and often commented that her role as a wife and mother of 2 boys, Martin and Bryan, was completely fulfilling. 

After Steve retired from the Navy and accepted a teaching position at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, Kathy and Steve moved into a house they designed and built on the St. Johns River.  In 2006, almost 40 years and 28 houses later, the Ozark’s hills called Kathy and Steve back to West Plains and to their final home together.  Kathy always felt she had enjoyed a life surrounded by a supportive and loving family, including the fellowship of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. 

She was loved by 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cats and dogs, and her devoted husband, Steve.  Kathy and Steve were a team with a truly admirable relationship.  She will be greatly missed.   

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be kindly made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

David Allan Drago, age 74, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.  David was born in West Plains, Missouri on August 30, 1948 to George R. Drago and June E. Drago. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1966.

He is survived by his daughter Anna Drago Gray, her husband Mike, granddaughter Ava of Hot Springs and his sister Dorothy Drago Brucks of Nixa, Missouri.

Gary (Gene) Winfree, 78, Udall, Missouri, passed away June 18, 2023, at his home.

He was born February 22, 1945, in Udall, the son of Claude W. and Fern A. (Carter) Winfree. On August 7, 1965, he was married to Shirley Elaine (Skinner).  Gene graduated from Rock Island High School, Rock Island, Illinois with the Class of 1963. He was a hard-working man and spent most of his life working in supervisory positions in manufacturing, where he earned the respect of those working with him.  As a young man, he liked shiny, fast cars and was specifically proud of his 1958 Chevrolet Impala. This love of cars continued throughout his life, where he proudly owned many cars, of which many were the color red… and shiny. Gene will be remembered for his sense of humor, and his ability to make those around him smile.  He enjoyed building cherished treasures out of wood, that had exceptional details. This love of woodworking began in high school with the creation of an award-winning lamp. Among the many things he created throughout the years were variegated cutting boards, jewelry boxes, laundry hampers, cedar chests and walnut handgun grips.  Gene was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting. One goal that remained unmet was his dream to go wild hog hunting in Oklahoma. He enjoyed fishing with his father as a child and this love of fishing continued throughout his lifetime, with him having the most joy being the captain of his boat while trolling for striped bass in Norfork Lake.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Betty, brother, Jerry, nephew, Cody, and beloved dog, Jackie.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Shirley, are his daughter, Sherry Taylor and her husband, Wayne, Willard, Missouri, brother, Jim Winfree and his wife, Sandra, Udall, Missouri, granddaughter, Amber Sholes, Blue Springs, Missouri, great grandchildren, Braeden and Lily Sholes, Blue Springs, Missourui, brother-in-law, George Skinner, Muscatine, Iowa, sister-in-law, Debra Streger and her husband Ron, Muscatine, Iowa, nephew and nieces: C.W. Terpenning and his wife Linzi, Nathan Skinner, Stacey Neeld and husband Terry, Laura Hannaford and husband Matt, Anna Watlington and husband Tim, Crystal Winfree, James Winfree, Jarred Fienhold, and many great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember Gene in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html or and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.