Obituaries

Graveside services for Jesse James Brotherton, Sr., 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Fowler Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Brotherton passed away at 4:05 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.  

He was born September 9, 1942, at Homeland, Missouri, to George Brotherton and Oga May McDaniel.  On November 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Gloria May King.  Jesse was a farmer by trade, and worked for David Stewart for thirty-five years.  He loved playing horseshoes, bowling, and mowing his yard.  He was loved by everyone who knew him.  If Jesse wasn’t joking or teasing, you knew something was wrong.  He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; two sons, Scott Brotherton, Sr. and wife, Malenda, and Jesse Brotherton, Jr., all of West Plains; one daughter, Brenda Collins and husband, David, Branson, Missouri; nine grandchildren; Scott Brotherton, Jr. and wife, Dee, Chianne Brotherton, Andy Brotherton, Blake Brotherton, Shaelee Edwards, Kasi Branstetter, Katherine Brotherton, Kayla Amburgy, and Tara Hos; and several great-grandchildren, including Sophie, River, Renlee, Kevin, McKenzie, Charli, Abbie, and Hailie.

His parents, one daughter, Kitty Bell, his step-dad, Captain George Farewell, and uncles, Archy and Marian McDaniel, preceded him in death.  

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

A Celebration of Life for Kenneth Ray Combs, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Combs passed away at 4:35 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri.  

He was born March 9, 1957, at Saint Louis, Missouri, to Ruben Combs and Mary Lou Pierce.  On December 12, 1980, he was married at Royal Oak, Missouri, to Renita Provow.  Mr. Combs was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He was a logger and a woodsman, and he was also a great welder.  An avid sportsman, Mr. Combs loved to hunt deer.  He also enjoyed watching John Wayne westerns.  But above all, he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Renita, of the family home; two children, Miranda Lowry and husband, Jesse, West Plains, Missouri, and Mitchell Combs and wife, Vanessa, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Rylan Combs, Addison Combs, Ruben Brawley, Lynlea Brawley, and Dawson Combs; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents and two sisters, Diane White and Gloria Walker, preceded him in death.  

Funeral services for Ronald Edward (Ronnie) Osborn, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Osborn passed away at 10:40 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  

He was born March 16, 1947, at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Melvin (Bud) and Ollie Faye Collins Osborn.  Mr. Osborn was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and he was stationed in Panama.  On September 15, 1978, he was married at Twin Bridges, Missouri, to Janice Collins.  They were married for forty-four years.  Mr. Osborn was a logger and a farmer.  He loved working with his brother, running a dozer, taking care of his cattle, farming, and working at the cabin.  He also loved to eat, but he especially loved aggravating his grandkids. 

He is survived by his wife, Janice, of the family home; five children, Beth Ann Osborn, West Plains, Missouri, Jason (Jake) Clinton and wife, Jenni, Willow Springs, Missouri, Angie Hunter and husband, Kelly, West Plains, Missouri, Dalen Crossley and husband, David, South Fork, Missouri, and Derek (Pup) Osborn, and wife, Gwen, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donnie Osborn and wife, Jeanne, Pomona, Missouri, and Randy (Pete) Osborn, Twin Bridges, Missouri; and one sister, Marilyn Weaver, Willow Springs, Missouri.

His parents, one sister, Glenna Green, and one nephew, Kenny Lowe, preceded him in death.  

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

A Celebration of Life for Lawrence Albert Murphy, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Center of God Church.  

Mr. Murphy passed away Monday, July 17, 2023.  

He was born November 5, 1951, at Mountain View, Missouri, to Seldon and Bea Murphy.  On September 1, 1973, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Bonnie Ruth Bennett, and to this union two daughters were born.  Larry served as pastor of the Congregational Methodist Church for nine years and traveled extensively as an evangelist, holding revivals in many churches and street church in any town he felt God was leading him to.  He did mission work in Guatemala, Honduras, and Russia, and traveled to New York City to help plant the Times Square Church under the late David Wilkerson.  Later in life, he gave up formal ministry from a pulpit, but continued ministering to anyone God would send to him.  People would call or come to visit, and he would share Jesus with them from his living room chair.  He kept his love for Jesus and the Gospel ‘til the end.  Larry held several jobs in the West Plains area, and then in 1989, he left his job to pursue a lifelong dream of being a barber.  He barbered in the West Plains area for twenty-four years, twenty of which he owned and operated Murphy’s Barber Shop until his retirement in 2013.  Larry enjoyed playing music, writing poetry, playing pool, and wood carving.  He left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the family home; two daughters, Lorrie Murphy, West Plains, Missouri, and Jennifer Haynes and husband, Richard, Mountain View, Missouri; three grandchildren, Clayton Haynes, Galena, Missouri, Mandy Haynes, Republic, Missouri, and Sarah Turnbull and husband, Chris, West Plains, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Lyla Turnbull; one brother, David Murphy, West Plains, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Ruth Bennett, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Jim Bennett and wife, Charlotte, West Plains, Missouri, and John Bennett and wife, Rena, Waynesville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jimmy Carl and Gene, his father-in-law, Harold Bennett, and two sisters-in-law, Brenda Murphy and Jan Bennett. 

Funeral services for Donna Mae Spencer, 90, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Spencer passed away at 6:27 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home.  

She was born March 7, 1933, at Elijah, Missouri, to Tommy Spoon and Snowy Tackitt.  On April 28, 1948, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to William Lewis Spencer, who preceded her in death on September 7, 1986.  Mrs. Spencer worked at Baxter Lab.  She enjoyed crafts, especially sewing.  She also liked to deer hunt and fish.  Mrs. Spencer was a member of Elijah Church of Christ for over eighty years, and she attended Pomona Church of Christ for the past two years.

She is survived by four children, Bobby G. Spencer and wife, Chuquita, West Plains, Missouri, Vicki June Parker and husband, Marvin, Caulfield, Missouri, Donald Joe Spencer, Elijah, Missouri, and William Boyd Spencer, Elijah, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Emily Joice and husband, Donald, Caulfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Dwayne Spencer, and one sister, Hasel Asher, preceded her in death.  

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

The Last Ride for Tommy Allen Gale, 67, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, beginning at West Plains Civic Center and ending at the Hwy. 14 junction.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Mr. Gale passed away at 11:50 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at CoxHealth, Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born October 29, 1955, at West Plains, Missouri, to Delphia Collins Gale.  Some of Mr. Gale’s favorite pastimes included watching the wildlife, hiking, and tinkering in his shop.  He also enjoyed riding his Harley, as well as dumptrucking and the “Old Blue Ford”.  Mr. Gale loved to laugh, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his life partner, Cheryl Butler; two children, Lacey Roby and husband, Russell, and Casey Gale and wife, Jessica; seven grandchildren, Brandyn, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, Kayden, Austin, Daegin, and Davyn; one brother, Eddie Gale and wife, Barbara; and several nieces and nephews.

His mother, three brothers, Thurman (Gene) Croney, Jerry Croney, and Gary Gale, and two sisters, Elsie Croney Cowens and Dorothy Croney Saucea, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

A memorial service for Jessica Ann Mitchell, 39, Elkhart, Indiana, and formerly of Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Family Life Church in Dora, Missouri.  

Ms. Mitchell passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023, at her home.  

She was born February 26, 1984, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jerry Beach and Christy Mitchell Davis.  Jessica graduated from Dora High School.  She liked animals and she loved to write.  She also loved being outdoors, especially camping and spending time at the river. 

Jessica is survived by three children, Emily Toon and husband, Caleb, Farmington, Colorado, Destany Massey, Dora, Missouri, and Brady Massey, Dora, Missouri; one grandchild, Harlow Toon, Farmington, Colorado; her mother, Christy Davis, Dora, Missouri; two brothers, Jonathan Mitchell and wife, Amanda, Crestview, Florida, and Benjamin Mitchell and wife, Jessica, Dora, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her dad, Larry Davis, her father, and her grandparents preceded her in death.  

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

Funeral services for Nondes Oleta Good, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Good passed away peacefully at her home on July 19, 2023.  

She was born April 27, 1927, at Hutton Valley, Missouri, to Odell and Nettie Epperson Napier.  Most of her childhood Nondes lived in the small community of Delaware (near Alley Springs).  She attended Pine Hollow School and had many fond memories of that time.  She enjoyed making trips back there with her sisters throughout the years.  Nondes graduated from West Plains High School in 1945 and received her teaching degree from SMSU (now MSU) in Springfield, Missouri.  On July 27, 1958, she was married at West Plains, to Charles Good, who preceded her in death January 17, 2023; they were married for 64 years.  Mrs. Good was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She taught school for 37 years, retiring in 1988.  She began teaching at Riggs (which was a one room school house) and ended her teaching career with 24 years at Junction Hill School.  Nondes became a Christian at age 14 and was a long time member of First Baptist Church, West Plains.  She taught Sunday school, helped with Bible school and sang in the adult choir.  Mrs. Good was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and was a nominee for the 2012 Distinguished Retired Teacher of Missouri.  She volunteered at Ozarks Medical Center for 25 years.

She is survived by two children, Randy Good, West Plains and Melody Temple and husband, Marvin, Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren, Nikki Kelso and husband, Halston, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tara Phelps and husband, Chris, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mandi Howard and husband, Jeff, Branson, Missouri and Brandon Barlow and wife, Ashley, Springfield, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Baylor Howard, Marin Phelps and Olivia Howard; one sister, Bonnie Sullivant; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ousley, Faye Kaufmann and husband, Jack, Rose Ann Riley and husband, Bob and Erma Good; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband and one sister, Jean Clemons, preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at First Baptist Church.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

The family would like to thank to Hospice Compassus for their special care given to Mrs. Good.

Graveside services for Deborah Ruth Vigdal, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Vigdal passed away at 1:59 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at her home.  

She was born July 18, 1955, at Pomona, Missouri, to Bud and Helen Brower.  On July 15, 2000, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James Charles Vigdal, who preceded her in death on February 14, 2016.  Debbie was the loving mother to four children.

She is survived by her children, Leland Collins and wife, Carrie, West Plains, Michael Collins and wife, Beth, Pottersville, Heather Kirkendoll and husband, Adam, West Plains, and Nicole Thompson and husband, Jay, Thayer; four grandchildren, Aiden Stewart, Tyler Stewart, Michael Kirkendoll, and Landyn Henderson; three honorary grandchildren, Khloe Smith, Isabel Smith, and Guinevere Smith; two brothers, Doug Brower and wife, Jo, and Louie Brower and wife, Tami; two sisters, Janice Fritts and husband, Kenneth, and Virginia Mitchell; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Blackjack Collins.

Her parents, husband, four brothers, Pete, Ronnie, Gerald, and George Brower, and four sisters, Karen Havens, Becky Lake, Marcella McMurtrey, and one infant, preceded her in death.  

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

Funeral services for James Webster (Jim) Bray, Sr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bray passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.  

Jim was born in West Plains, Missouri, to Carl and Lula Bray of West Plains, and was one of the last survivors of sixteen children.  He was raised in Greely, Colorado, and joined the United States Air Force in 1956 at the age of seventeen.  Jim had three children with his first wife and re-married to Francis Bridgers in November of 1986.  Jim loved his country, his nation, but most of all he loved his family.  While in the Air Force, Jim traveled all around the world to just about every country.  He flew in many of the best aircraft Cargo Carriers, including his favorite as Chief Load Master of the C141 Star Lifter, along with having over 200 jumps, one where he exchanged a snake in mid-air bringing him and another to safety.  Jim was a lifetime member of the Am Vets Post 98 here in West Plains, as well as District Commander.  He was a helpful hand in bringing the Honor Guard to West Plains, the Am Vets Memorial, and many other special events for this community.  Jim also loved his sports, coaching golfing, softball, and volleyball in the Military.  As all of us know Jim grew up in the church and decided to give his heart to the Lord a few years ago, having been one of the oldest ever to be baptized at Endurance Church.  He gave his all to his Country, our Veterans, and to his family.  He wanted all to know that he was feeling the best he’d ever felt in life, and, of course, we all knew he was so full of life.  He was so proud of the accomplishments he had made, and if he could do it, that anyone else could do it, too.  His love will be in our hearts forever, as well as the memories we cherish.

Jim is survived by one daughter, Dora Ellen Bray of Branson; three granddaughters, Brittany K. Harper of West Plains, Haley Marie Sheets of Branson, Missouri, and Victoria Summer Magilke of Atmore, Alabama; and four great-grandkids, Aubrey, Kambri, John Thomas, and Holdyn Marie, with another one expected to be here this year.

He is preceded in death by two children, Robin Renee Bray and James Webster Bray Jr., his mother, Lula Eldora Porter-Bray, his father, Carl Coatney Bray, nine brothers, and six sisters.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Galloway Cemetery.

Funeral services for Marjorie Ellen Kesling, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Ms. Kesling passed away at 8:35 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023.  

One of six children, she was born May 30, 1938, at Moline, Illinois, to Basil and Grace Parris.  Marge loved to travel and to experience new locations in the USA and abroad.  She was an avid reader who started her day at home with a coffee in the morning and Chips Ahoy with a glass of milk in the evening.  Marge retired as office manager from Great Rivers Distributing in West Plains.  She was involved in numerous national, state, and local organizations in the West Plains area, most recently with Toys for Tots and the Greater Ozarks Marine Corps League.  Lovingly nicknamed ‘Marge the Sarge’, she was very detail-oriented and well organized in everything she did.

She is survived by four children, Sharon Thomas and husband, Bill, Loveland, Colorado, Clyde Kesling and wife, Sally, McKinney, Texas, Jim Kesling and wife, Shanna, Caulfield, Missouri, and Mike Kesling and wife, Abby, Shawnee, Kansas; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Basil Parris, Gainseville, Missouri.

Her parents, one daughter, Tracy King, one grandson, Bradley King, one sister, Dorothy Parris, and three brothers, Albert LeRoy Parris, Danny Parris, and Norman (Butch) Parris, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

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.