Carol Jean Wilson, 77, Pottersville, Missouri, passed away at 8:23 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born June 26, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to Eugene Harris and Bertie VonAllmen. On May 1, 1970, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Johnny Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was a physical therapist at West Vue. She loved going fishing with her husband and going to yard sales. She also loved to spend time with her family. Mrs. Wilson was a member of Pottersville Baptist Church for fifty-three years.
She is survived by her husband, Johnny Wilson, Pottersville, Missouri; four children, Vera Collins and husband, Danny, Pottersville, Missouri, Liz Harris, Conway, Arkansas, Brian Wilson, Pottersville, Missouri, and Crystal Frazier, West Plains, Missouri; a bunch of grandchildren; a few more great-grandchildren; two brothers, Glen Harris and wife, Cecile, West Plains, Missouri, and Steve Harris and wife, Sue, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Marie Thatcher and husband, Wayne, South Carolina, and Alma Harris, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home
Graveside services for Mary Ruth Kirkland, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kirkland went to be with the Lord at 5:05 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born in 1944 to Marion Taylor and Minerva Beard Taylor. On March 7, 1970, she was married in Ozark County, Missouri, to Kenneth Kirkland, who preceded her in death on September 3, 2017. Mrs. Kirkland worked at the West Plains Bank for 26 years, as well as helping Kenny on their farm near Caulfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Clinton Taylor and Dennis Taylor, her two sisters, Velma Taylor and Louise Climer, one sister in law, Lucy Taylor and one nephew, Clinton Taylor Jr.
She is survived by eight nephews, Jimmy Taylor (wife Debbie), Vigil Goodwin (wife Azira), Joe Taylor (wife Arlene), David Climer (wife Suzanne), Glenn Climer (wife Jane), Mathew Taylor, (wife Becky), Shannon Taylor (wife Erin) and Cahen Taylor; two nieces, Sally Hunt and Courtney Bledsoe (husband Gary); and all her great-nephews and great-nieces she loved and tried to spoil.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Patricia Ann Chopski Kinder, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, with a viewing after the service, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Reverend David Ball will officiate.
Mrs. Kinder passed away at 10:32 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born September 14, 1930 in Dewey, Oklahoma, to Nicholas Adam Chopski and Anna Mae Easley Chopski. She was married December 18, 1948 in Sturkie, Arkansas to Paul Dean Kinder who preceded her in death on April 19, 1990.
She is survived by one son, Paul David Kinder, West Plains; two daughters, Erma Harris (Tom), West Plains and Nancy Menningen, Lake of the Ozarks; a son-in-law, David Murphy; ten grandchildren, Trista Mendenahl, Derek Menningen (Meredith), Ray Murphy (Amy), Bryan Harris (Ginger), Ted Harris (Kristina), Joel Harris (Leslie), D.J. Surritte (Jessica), Cassie Kinder, Tessa Carlson (Erik) and Evan Kinder (Lorrin); twenty-two great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Due (Manuel “Red”) West Plains; one brother, Donald Chopski (Nellie) Springfield; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in law. Doyle Surritte and Christy Dowell remain special members of her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters, Myrna Sue Surritte and Brenda Murphy, one son-in-law, Monte Menningen, four infant grandchildren, her father-in law and mother-in-law, Thomas Roscoe Kinder and Grace Kinder, and several brothers/sisters-in-law.
Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Claudette Louisa (Frankie) Yoder, 81, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at Fowler Cemetery.
Mrs. Yoder passed away at 1:34 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at her home.
She was born March 25, 1942, at Lewiston, Maine, to Reginald Martin and Violet Dulac Martin. On February 25, 1966, she was married at Bristol, Indiana, to Jerry Yoder. Frankie enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening and bird watching. Her favorite pastime was aggravating her husband and children. She had a wonderful personality and never met a stranger. Mrs. Yoder attended First Christian Church for several years.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Yoder, Caulfield, Missouri; six children, Stephanie Lynn Pearson and husband, Robert, Caulfield, Scott Yoder and wife, Pat, Augusta, Kansas, Stacey Ledbetter and husband, Steve, Shelley Bean and husband, Billy, Shane Yoder and Suzette Moss and husband, Charles, all of Caulfield; twenty grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one brother, John Martin, State of California; three sisters, Jeanette Brown, State of Michigan, Annette DuLaney, State of Texas and Bernadette Milmoore, State of California; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one great-granddaughter, Maddie Pearson, three brothers, Victor, Richie and Lester and one sister, Reggie, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
John Charles Kosin, 62, West Plains, Missouri, passed away April 26, 2023, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation services for Burton John Ory, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, in the Main Room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Major Burton John Ory was born July 8, 1950, in Reserve, Louisiana, to Raymond Ory, Sr. and Claudia Ory and departed this life on April 25, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pitcock Ory; two daughters, Julie Ory, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Melissa Ory Suarez and husband, Alex, Allen, Texas; his blessing of five grandchildren; three brothers, Ronald Ory and wife, Linda, Brandon, Florida, Raymond Ory and wife, Susan, Katy, Texas and Rodney Ory and wife, Lynn, LaPlace, Louisiana; one sister, Kathy Ory Snage and husband, Alex, High Point, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Burt always had a love of law enforcement. He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a Master’s degree in criminology and began his career with an internship with the FBI. He joined the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1972, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. While there he quickly worked his way up the ranks, being promoted to lieutenant, captain and major. Mr. Ory served his community for thirty-two years. Burt was also a veteran, having served with the United States Marines for eight years before he was honorably discharged. He was in the Marine Reserves from 1972 – 1980.
He was an avid fisherman and loved to rebuild antique and classic cars. There was always a car in his garage that he was working on. Burt also loved cooking and was frequently asked to prepare his great pots of jambalaya for local community functions. He loved sharing his cooking and if you ever visited him, you always left with something special from his freezer.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Louisiana at a later date. 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.
Graveside services for Betty Sue Chronister, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at Hickory Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Chronister departed this life on April 27, 2023, at West Plains, Missouri.
She was born July 26, 1933, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Earl and Ethel Gold. Sue graduated from elementary and high schools in St. Louis, Missouri. The family attended Tower Grove Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where she met Robert “Bob” Chronister, her future husband. After high school, Sue attended college in Bolivar, Missouri. During that time, Bob was enlisted in the Air Force. While he was enroute to a new assignment near Seattle, they were married on June 11, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri. They lived in the state of Washington until he completed his enlistment, then they returned to the St. Louis area. They lived in Crestwood, Missouri, where their two sons, Craig and Brian, were born. In 1976, they relocated to Alton, Missouri. While living in Alton, they attended Alton First Baptist Church where Bob served as a deacon and Sue taught Sunday school for several years. Sue also worked for the Alton school district as a secretary. In 2020, they relocated to West Plains, Missouri, to be closer to their family. Sue enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and contributing to local church cookbooks. She also enjoyed gardening and crafts.
She is survived by her two sons, Craig Chronister and wife, Angie, and Brian Chronister, all of West Plains; sister-in-law, Carolyn Belt, Alton; brother-in-law, Vernon and wife, Joyce, West Plains; nieces, Terry Belt, Arlington, Virginia, and Jill Bruyr and husband, Keith, Thayer, Mo; nephews, Richard Chronister and wife, Regena, West Plains, and Andrew Chronister and wife, Kimberly, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and many cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, of nearly sixty-nine years, her parents, Earl and Ethel Gold, parents-in-law, E.J. and Ina Chronister, uncles, aunts, and cousins, as well as beloved dogs, Barney & Blackie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Grove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Roger Steven (Steve) Cockman, 72, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family will hold a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Center of God Church, 4474 State Route K, West Plains. Family and friends are invited to a gathering at 4Corners Store, KK & AD Hwy after the conclusion of the graveside service.
Mr. Cockman passed away early Tuesday morning, April 25, 2023 from complications from COPD and emphysema after a three year battle with cancer.
He was born February 23, 1951, at Greensboro, North Carolina, to Hubert Cockman and Stella Johnson Cockman. Before his retirement, Steve worked at University of Arkansas, Little Rock. He loved spending time with his daughter and grandkids, cutting and raking hay every season and helping his neighbors mend fences and work cattle.
He is survived by his domestic partner of twenty-five years, Carol Bishop; son, Joseph Steven Williams, Mount Vernon Arkansas; daughter, Lisa Terry, West Plains; and four grandchildren, Nehemiah Bishop, Lexus Kamm, Coral Kamm and James Kamm.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Earl Lee Gulley, 80, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023 at South Fork Cemetery.
Mr. Gulley passed away at 6:56 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born March 24, 1943, at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Charles Gulley and Dora Pervis Gulley. On October 10, 1980, he was married at Bedford, Indiana, to Donna Marie Harvey, who preceded him in death on February 20, 2022. Before his retirement, Mr. Gulley worked at DRS. He enjoyed carving; he participated in martial arts at an older age, winning a championship at the age of 65. He was a Chaplain at Ozarks Medical Center and the Sheriff’s Department. He started a local clown ministry that lasted for more than 10 years. Mr. Gulley was a member of the Farmer’s Market, Moose Lodge of Indiana and the North Arkansas Woodcarver’s Association. Mr. Gulley was a member of South Fork Community Church for 25 years.
He is survived by seven children, Rhonda George and husband, Marty, Bedford, Indiana, Darlena Parish, Bridgeport, Illinois, Regina Hardy, Rolla, Missouri, Michelle Krouse, Aurora, Indiana, April Johnson, West Plains, Missouri, Dennis Hudson and wife, Shawna, West Plains, Missouri and Travis Gulley and wife, Victoria, Pottersville, Missouri; numerous grandchildren; an abundant amount of great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles Gulley and wife, Mildred and Jimmy Gulley, all of Bedford, Indiana; one sister, Charlene Childers, Lawrenceburg, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife and two sons, Jimmy and Tony Gulley, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for James Robert Summers, 72, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Summers passed away at 11:43 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born December 27, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to William Summers and Vera Downen Summers. On April 10, 1971, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Sharon Vanderpool. Before his retirement, Mr. Summers worked at Regal Beloit. He loved spending time with his grandkids, woodworking, and sitting on the front porch in his rocking chair petting Dukey La Poo.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the family home; two sons, Jason Summers and wife, Amie, West Plains, Missouri, and Nathan Summers and wife, Christina, Pottersville, Missouri; five grandchildren, Cailynne Henry and husband, Cole, Pierce Summers, Ace Summers, Savannah Summers and fiancé, Taylor Harrison, and Riley Summers; two great-grandchildren, Adalynn Henry and Kinsley Henry; two brothers, Dale Summers and wife, Loise, Watervliet, Michigan, and William Summers and wife, Karen, Bakersfield, Missouri; one sister, Hazel Harris, Pottersville, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Doris Harper, two brothers-in-law, Bill Harper and Bobby Harris, and one niece, Beth Ann Summers, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to JDRF or St. Louis Children’s Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Judy Kay Hergesheimer, 74, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. Joseph Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hergesheimer passed away at 7:47 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at her home.
She was born December 24, 1948, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to William Pelc and Freda Harsen Pelc. On June 28, 1969, she was married at Rockford, Illinois, to Larry Hergesheimer. Before her retirement, Mrs. Hergesheimer worked at Regal Beloit. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and quilting and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Hergesheimer was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, White Church, Missouri.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Hergesheimer, of the family home; two children, Mark Hergesheimer, State of Illinois, and Amie Summers and husband, Jason, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Cailynne Henry and husband, Cole, Pomona, Missouri, Pierce Summers, Katara Corp, and Nicole Wingler and husband, Damon, all of West Plains; four brothers; six sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two sisters, and five brothers preceded her in death.
Visitation services for Mary Francis Jones, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Jones passed away at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at her home.
She was born January 27, 1952, at North New Jersey, to Henry Franklin Campbell and Winifred Aldelaide Wilcox Campbell. Before her retirement, Mrs. Jones was the bakery and deli manager at Country Mart. She enjoyed her yard, flowers and garden. Mary enjoyed her computer and watching TV. She was the Boss.
She is survived by three children, Sarah Johnson, West Plains, John Reinoehl, West Plains and Charles Reinoehl, Atlantic City, New Jersey; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank Campbell and wife, Donna, West Plains; two sisters, Ann Zellman and husband, Edward, West Plains and Kathy Gann, State of New Jersey; and three nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Jenie preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Kevin Dale Henderson, Sr., 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Henderson passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, at his home.
He was born January 19, 1971, at West Plains, Missouri, to Robert and Pat Henderson. On May 30, 2015, he was married at West Plains to Georgina (Gina) Vaughn. Kevin enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and grandkids. He loved raising children and driving his wife crazy.
He is survived by his wife, Gina Collins-Henderson; three children, Kevin Henderson, Jr., and wife, Briana, Overland Park, Kansas, Jennifer Vaughn and Kendrick, Jonesboro, Arkansas and Jaycob Collins, West Plains; five grandchildren; his parents Robert and Pat Henderson; three brothers, Donald Henderson and wife, Julie, Stanley Henderson and Brandy and Robert Henderson, all of West Plains; one sister, Tammy Lewis and husband, Kenton, Moberly, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His granddaughter, Joclyn and one niece, Ashley, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or 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.
Frances Ann Collison, 87, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:11 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2023, at her home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Dennis Lee Collins, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Collins Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Collins passed away at 5:28 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born January 22, 1951, at West Plains, to Lee Otis Collins and Alice Marlene Javaux Collins. Dennis loved his family, especially his grandchildren; he also loved his dog, Teddie. He enjoyed fishing and was a collector of stamps and coins.
He is survived by two children, Greg Collins and wife, Raegan, Gamaliel, Arkansas and Gloria Macy and husband, Trevor, West Plains; two special children, Lana Snodgrass and Darrin Tucker; nine grandchildren, Brandon Collins, Harley Bales, Danielle Collins, Jayden Bales, Alexander Macy, Apollo Macy, Emily Tucker, McKenzie Peck and Isabelle Snodgrass; six great-grandchildren; five brothers, Rufus Collins and wife, Debbie, West Plains, David Collins and wife, Terri, Rover, Missouri, Roy Collins and wife, Donna, Koshkonong, Missouri, Clifford Collins and wife, Vonda, Koshkonong, Missouri and Billy Collins, West Plains; five sisters, Neva Hegge and Mary Gomez and husband, Joe, both of Corcoran, California, Annie Mitchell, West Plains, Rose Collins and significant other, Lonnie Garrett, Big Piney, Missouri and Margaret Collins, Springfield, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Donna Russell, two infant brothers and special friend of many years, Diana Jo Tucker, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of 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.
John James Senchak, Sr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:58 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, at NHC Healthcare.
He was born November 1, 1938, at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to John Senchak and Bertha Metzger Senchak. On October 5, 1974, he was married to Lois Arner. Mr. Senchak was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Before his retirement he was an analyst for RCA.
He is survived by his wife; eight children; twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to National MS Society or American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Elizabeth Marie Barks, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at First Assembly of God Church, Pomona, Missouri.
Mrs. Barks passed away at 1:15 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born October 22, 1941, at Hampton, Iowa, to Edward Lincoln Harrison and Leatha Marie Harrah. Elizabeth lived in several places, including Geneva, Iowa, Marcell, Minnesota, Orange Vale, California, Redwood City, California, Porterville, California, Sonoma, California and lastly West Plains, Missouri. Before her retirement in January, 2000, she worked as a Psychiatric Nurse and Shift Lead Unit Supervisor for the State of California. On October 17, 1978, she was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Donald R. O’Bannon, who preceded her in death February, 2004. On May 14, 2010, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Vainis Barks, who preceded her in death December, 2020. She loved to cook, was a lifelong domestic arts addict and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, spinning and sewing. She learned most crafts before age 10. She owned a full service spin shop for 10 years and sold wool from her own flock of sheep. She loved to volunteer, help with activities and teach adults to read through the literacy program. Elizabeth worked in the OMC Gift Shop and Thrift Store for 5 years. She demonstrated spinning at multiple craft shows in The Ozarks and made hats and mittens for homeless for many years. Elizabeth had been a member of the Odd Fellows Rebekah Fraternal Organization, California jurisdiction. Mrs. Barks was a member of First Assembly of God Church, Pomona, Missouri.
She is survived by two sons, Eric Schjenken, Springfield, Missouri and Steven Schjenken, Waldorf, Maryland; three step-children, Sandra Wilson and husband, James, Viola, Arkansas, Christina Babb and husband, Bill, Moody, Missouri and Donald R. O’Bannon and wife, Sheila, Thayer, Missouri; two brothers, John Burns, Nixa, Missouri and Raymond Burns, State of Oregon; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; one half-sister; and three half-brothers.
Her parents, husbands, two grandsons, two great-granddaughters, one step-daughter, Elizabeth Ramirez and four brothers, preceded her in death.
The family of Elizabeth would like to give a special thank you to Hospice Compassus and Chaplain Mike for the care and support shown. A private burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Darrel Lynn Wilbanks, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilbanks passed away at 10:10 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born January 31, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elmer Darrel Wilbanks and Mary Norma Edwards Wilbanks. Before his retirement, Lynn had worked for the City of West Plains. He enjoyed fishing and loved his scratcher lotto tickets; he enjoyed helping the workers at all of the minimarts in town. He was known to many as “Lil Red”. He loved his kids and grandkids and was the best dad and grandpa; he had a soft and kind heart. Lynn was also known to be a jokester. Mr. Wilbanks attended Berean Baptist Church for thirty-six years.
He is survived by five children, Jeanie Simmons-Smith and husband, Randy, West Plains, Vanessa Becker and husband, Brett, West Plains, Chassity Wilbanks and partner, Kellie Silva, Crystal City, Missouri, Justin Wilbanks, State of Wisconsin and Tony Collins and wife, Anika, State of Colorado; twenty-four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Janet Simpson, Grove Spring, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one granddaughter, Jocelyn, one great-granddaughter, Violet and one brother-in-law, Charlie Simpson, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Cora Lea Sterner, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Sterner passed away at 11:40 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born January 12, 1957, at Dora, Missouri, to James Sympson and Viola Berry; she was raised by her grandmother, Edith Sympson from an early age. On May 4, 1974, she was married to Lonnie Sterner, the love of her life. Cora worked at Marathon Electric and Kentucky Fried Chicken for more than twenty years; she then co-owned and operated the family business, Sterner Towing in West Plains, for twenty-two years. She loved crafts, playing bingo and enjoyed life on the family farm. Mrs. Sterner was of the Baptist faith and was baptized at a young age. She was a former member of the Howell County Rural Fire Auxiliary.
She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Sterner, of the family home; two children, Robbie Sterner and wife, Paula and Christopher Sterner and wife, Jennifer, all of West Plains; her pride and joy grandchildren, Braxton, Candice, Halyn and fiancé Kady Lovan, Logan and fiancé Destini Clark, Ashlin and special friend, Dakota Shockley, Kinslea, Greyson and any other children who would come in her door; four brothers, Fred Sympson and wife, Nancy, Steve Rackley and special friend, Joann, Jim Rackley and wife, Juanita and Bob Berry and special friend, Mary; one sister, Virginia Green and husband, Jerry; one brother-in-law, Homer Sterner and wife, Joyce; several nieces and nephews, special friends, Mary Evans, Donna Risner and Brenda Haveron; and her special bingo buddies made over the years.
Her parents, grandparents, Edith and Wiley Sympson and Sheridan and Guster Berry; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wade and Ocia Glee Sterner, sisters-in-law, Patsy Rackley and Joyce Berry, brothers-in-law, Neal Cudworth and John Sterner, niece, Darla Anderson and nephew, Brian Rackley, 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Howell County Rural Fire Department Memorial Garden or Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
