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.
Funeral services for Ricky Dale Henry, 54, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ricky passed away at 6:10 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 5, 1968, at West Plains, Missouri, to Raymond LeRoy Henry and Malinda Sue Miller Henry. Ricky was a kind, loving and caring young man; very thoughtful of others. He helped his father for several years in the family business of laying carpet. He was always so kind to animals. He had a special bond with his cousin, Nathan, who was always so good and kind to him. His love for his mom, dad, sisters, nephew and niece ran deeply in his heart. When his niece and nephew, Dylan and Delani visited him in the nursing home his face was filled with joy. In the last several years Ricky longed for Heaven and he certainly wasn’t shy about making this known, repeatedly. He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice that Ricky’s Heavenly body knows no restrictions or bonds as was here on earth. Our hearts smile as we picture him with his brother, sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Ricky we say, see you at the Gate Ricky Dale!
He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Sue Henry; one sister, Sherry Collins, and husband, Larry; one niece, Delani; one nephew, Dylan; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to his caregiver, Cindy Wolf, who went above and beyond in her care giving!
His brother, Harvey Henry, his sister, Shawna and grandparents, Glen and May Henry and Harry and Bertha Miller, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Bennett Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Bennett Chapel Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
James Noel Thompson, 71, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
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.
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.
