Graveside services for Matias Remington Hoyer, eighteen-month-old son of Ethan Hoyer and Zoe Brooke Parrish, Tecumseh, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Matias, our precious gift from God, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 23rd.
Tias, as he was called by those who loved him, was born March 18, 2021, to his wonderful mother, Zoe Parrish, and two amazing fathers, Tyler Parrish and Ethan Hoyer. He had one sister Bella Parrish, and a brother Micah Parrish, and an unborn sister on the way. He has joined heaven with an angel sibling that preceded him in passing. If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever. His laughter and smiles, ten fingers and toes, blonde hair and vibrant blue eyes, could fill the darkest of days with the most sunshine in your life. His innocence and wonderment of the world around him brought such joy and happiness to his family. Tias was proof, every day, of God’s love. He loved SpongeBob, anything with wheels no matter the size, and all kinds of foods, especially toast. And when it came to music, he was dancing non-stop. He also loved his puppies, and to be on the go. Tias had a massive sense of adventure to be so young.
Matias is survived by his maternal grandparents, Jason Fisher and spouse, Maggie, and Kristin Pilcher and spouse, Charles; great-grandparents, Cindy and Tim Wilkins, Michael and Sharon Essary, and Mike and Debbie Pilcher; great-great grandparents, Nolan and Lillian Wilkins; paternal grandparent, Jason Post; and great-grandparents, Barbara Post, and Darlene Niederbrach. He was also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends who loved him as their own.
Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Matias Memorial Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775, or may be left at Simmons Bank.
Funeral services for Wilma June Weatherford, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Weatherford passed away at 10:35 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2022, at her home.
She was born November 2, 1939, in Howell County, Missouri, to William K. Kimbrough and Faye Jolliff Kimbrough. Wilma graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1957. She was married to Kenneth Lindeman for thirty-four years before his passing. On March 31, 1995, she was married at West Plains, to Raymond Weatherford. Wilma worked at the International Shoe Factory for thirty-seven years. She loved being with family and enjoyed playing cards and fishing with her husband and friends. Mrs. Weatherford was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond Weatherford, of the family home; one son, Michael K. Lindeman and wife, Tansy, Springdale, Arkansas; three step-sons, Dennis Weatherford and wife, Linda, West Plains, Darin Weatherford, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Lynn Weatherford and wife, Karri, St. Louis; two grandchildren, Jonathon Lindeman and wife, Melissa and Ian Lindeman; two great-grandchildren, Izaak and Amelia Grace; four step-grandchildren, Melissa, Amber, Lori and Kristian; one sister, Mary Ann Artz, St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, first husband, three brothers, Leamon, Tom and Gary Kimbrough and one sister, Artie Jean Sullivant, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church 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 Jeanette Kellett Grisham, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 30, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Grisham passed away at Monday, September 26, 2022, at her home.
She was born April 26, 1927, at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, the younger daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Catron Kellett. She spent her childhood in the two-story red brick house at 905 West Main, better known to Missouri State University-West Plains students and faculty as Kellett Hall, the university’s first building and a campus and community landmark.
She graduated from West Plains High School in 1945 and received the prestigious honor of Best Citizen during graduation ceremonies. After high school, she attended the Gulf Park College for Women in Gulfport, Mississippi, where she was elected Miss Gulf Park, the top honor awarded. Jeanette then attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for two years where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She left college to return to West Plains to marry a young livestock dealer named Jerry Grisham. The two made a handsome couple and were married April 12, 1950, in the First Presbyterian Church of West Plains. Mr. Grisham preceded her in death in 2008.
Mrs. Grisham had a long and storied West Plains lineage. Her great-grandfather, O.H.P. Catron was an important developer of West Plains in the 1880s, served as the first mayor of West Plains and owned the Catron Opera House, which remains a downtown West Plains landmark to this day. Her father was also a civic leader and served many years as president of First National Bank. Her mother was the first woman driver in West Plains. The Kelletts and their children, Mary-Alice, Jeanette and an adopted son, Jack McFarland, were prominent citizens of West Plains.
In addition to devoting her life to her family and husband and their activities, Mrs. Grisham was a 75-year member of the philanthropic women’s group PEO, served on the Drury University Board of Trustees, was part owner of the West Plains Daily Quill and was a member emeritus of the Missouri State University-West Plains Development Board. In the 1990s, she and her family donated the Avenue theater building to the Arts on the Avenue Board, providing a permanent home for theatrical productions in the community. She was a member of First Baptist Church of West Plains.
Mrs. Grisham’s generosity and graciousness were unmatched, her kindness all inclusive. Her ministry and calling were sending beautifully handwritten notes each day to friends and acquaintances to acknowledge their celebrations, their losses or their contributions. In her later years, she eagerly embraced technology and sent up to 30 text messages daily to family and friends who looked forward each day to her correspondence. No one loved Christmas and gift giving more than Jeanette, and each family member felt special when they received a note or card from her always signed, “Love you bestest.”
She is survived by four children, Deborah Wehrman (David) Centralia, Robert Bruce Grisham (Libby) West Plains; Jan Akin (Hudson) Nashville, Tennessee, and John Alan Grisham (Emily) West Plains; a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bennett (Drew) Rogers, Arkansas; she was a beloved “Mimi” to twelve grandchildren, RB Grisham (Jackie) Springfield, Amy Grisham, West Plains, George Nelson Crow III (Cindy) Austin, Texas, Emily Williams (Hudson) Birmingham, Alabama, Catherine White (Ryan) Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mary-Louise Nash (Taler), West Plains, Margaret Schloss (Jason) Fayetteville, Arkansas, Courtney York (Colin) Frederick, Colorado, Laura Grisham, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sarah Grisham, Denver, Colorado, Philip Grisham, Columbia, Missouri and Greta Grisham, Columbia, Missouri; fourteen great-grandchildren, Robert and Kellett Grisham, George, Hunter and Emma Caits Crowe, Jack and Hazel Williams, Sophia, Caroline and Mary-Claire White, Frances and Samuel Schloss, Eleanor Tollenaar and Theodore York; first cousin, Cynthia Catron Pierce; several nieces and nephews; and she leaves behind a very special friend, Helen Stanley, who the family thanks for her many years of loyal devotion and care. The family also thanks Debbie Tollenaar for her friendship and care during these recent months as well as the Ozarks Health Care Hospice team.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister, Mary-Alice Manny, her husband, Gerald Edward Grisham and one son, Samuel Howard Grisham.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Friday, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jeanette Kellett Grisham Scholarship Fund at Missouri State University-West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Dwayne Anthony Oliver, 59, Bakersfield, Missouri, passed away at 12:05 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He was born February 24, 1963, at Sandwich, Illinois, to Gerald Oliver and Judy Lambert. He loved working on cars and enjoyed hunting mushrooms and fishing. Mr. Oliver loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his significant other, Renay Witt, Bakersfield, Missouri; four children, Curtis Hastings and wife, Jamie, Udall, Missouri, Kayla Oliver, Bakersfield, Missouri, Cody Oliver and wife, Jessica, Caulfield, Missouri and Desiree Collins and husband, Richard, South Fork, Missouri; nine grandchildren; his mother, Judy Temple, Mountain Home, Arkansas; and one brother, Jim Lambert and wife, Carole, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
His father and grandmother, Ida Lambert, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Louise Harris, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harris passed away at 4:28 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born July 19, 1930, at Couch, Missouri, to H. O. Blankenship and Ruby Ella Pope Blankenship. On December 27, 1951, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Mearl Harris, who preceded her in death two years ago on September 24, 2020. Louise worked at the International Shoe Factory for thirty years. She loved her family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Louise enjoyed gardening and was an amazing cook. She published her own cook book. Mrs. Harris was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ where she had served as a Sunday school teacher.
She is survived by one son, Ronnie Harris and wife, Doris, Pomona, Missouri; four grandchildren, Tracy Johnson and husband, Mike, Melissa Givens and husband, Carl, John Randall Harris and wife, Emily and Alicia Pulley and husband, David; eight great-grandchildren, Brett Johnson, Logan Johnson, Cody Givens, Kylie Givens, Finley Pulley, McKayla Pulley, Eli Randall and Aspen Harris; nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Marie Hilliard, Conway, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Randall Harris, one great-granddaughter, Chelsea Johnson and one sister, Marguerite Weatherford, 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.
Funeral services for Charlotte Ann Huff, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Huff passed away at 11:32 a.m., Monday, September 19, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born September 24, 1943, at Evansville, Indiana, to Ralph Jones and Dorothy Yates Jones. On May 2, 1981, she was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Jim Huff, Sr., who preceded her in death on April 20, 2017. Mrs. Huff worked as a Hairdresser for fifty-two years. She loved her family, animals (especially her dog, Houser), the outdoors and spending time at the river. She enjoyed hunting rocks, gardening and cooking.
She is survived by three children, Todd Vanatter and wife, Robyn, West Plains, Jason Vanatter, State of Missouri and Leah Wilkins, Pomona, Missouri; three step-children, Jim Huff and wife, Julia, Diana Huff and partner, Dennis Roche and Julia Cook and husband, Kenny; five grandchildren, Ashlynn, Dillon, Deseree’, Tori and Suzi; two step-grandchildren, Jimmy and Jake; and two sisters, Dee Abbott and husband, Don and Corena Black and husband, Jim all of State of California.
Her parents, husband, and one brother and sister-in-law, Harmon and Judy Jones, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Judith Ann Thornton, 79, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Thornton passed away at 5:28 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born August 16, 1943, at Spring Valley, Illinois, to Geno Passini and Denise Poret Passini. On May 31, 2008, she was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to William Thornton. Before her retirement, Mrs. Thornton was a Registered Nurse at Ozarks Medical Center. She was always taking care of people and enjoyed her hummingbirds, her animals and gardening.
She is survived by her husband, William Thornton, of the family home; two daughters, Denise Gallon and husband, Ken, Joplin, Missouri and Diane Aldrich and partner, John Nutt, Mountain Grove, Missouri; three grandchildren, Caitlyn Wiegand and fiancé Matt Tolliver, Kyle Wiegand and wife, Demittra and Morgan Aldrich; one great-grandchild, Adley; and one brother, Dave Passini and wife, Jeannie, West Plains, Missouri.
Her parents, one sister and two brothers, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the 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.
Funeral services for Darla Jane Terry, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Terry passed away at 4:35 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born August 31, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Harley Sylvester Miles and Virgie Marie Houseman Miles. On October 15, 1960, she was married at Morley, Missouri, to Arther Lee Terry. Mrs. Terry was a homemaker and had worked at a clothing factory. She loved music, played piano and had an extensive record collection.
She is survived by her husband, Arther Lee Terry, of the family home; five children, Michael Lee Terry, Brooksville, Florida, Deborah Jane Terry-Smith, Dora, Missouri, Elaine Terry Vaughan and husband, Don, West Plains, Pamela Kay Wheat, Dora, Missouri and Matthew Wayne Terry and wife, Brandi, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Chris McKay Vaughan, Marcus Ryan English, Brittney Chantelle Terry, Lissa Corinne Siemers, Cameron Matthew Terry, Hannah Dawn Wainwright and Hunter James Lee Wheat; six great-grandchildren, Whitney McKay Vaughan, Robert Logan Siemers, Lorelai Destiny Vaughan, Lilith Rosella Mae English, Ethan Gray Billows and Serenity Rose Vaughan; one brother, Jackie Wayne Miles and wife, Sharon; two sisters, Nancy Jones and Kathy Coatney; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one daughter, Jennifer Dawn Terry, two brothers, Gary Joe and Stephen (Beaver) Miles and one sister, Jean Milam, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Terry will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at the South Fork Cemetery.
Funeral services for Sheryl Lynn Womack, 61, Panama City, Florida, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Womack passed away on September 12, 2022.
She was born to John and Eileen Sanders on October 28, 1960, in East St Louis IL. She will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Sheryl is proceeded in death by her parents, father-in-law Don Womack, grandparents, and many other unforgotten family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Craig Womack, daughter Jennifer Kennedy, Mother-in-law Lee Womack, her sisters Susie Campbell and husband Dave , Darlene Jones, Denise “Shorty” Davis, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, Sister-In-laws, and many many friends.
Sheryl worked her entire life in the food service industry as a server. She was very enthusiastic and talented at her position She greatly enjoyed touching lives in the brief interactions of the patrons. Sheryl highly valued those that she had the pleasure of serving on multiple occasions and the “regulars”. Sheryl loved music and enjoyed attending rock concerts as often as possible. She looked forward to the annual rock and roll cruise “Shiprocked” and started her countdown to the next one as soon as she got off of the boat. Sheryl loved to travel and experience new things. Sheryl was always up for a road trip- especially the unplanned, spur of the moment kind. Sheryl devoted her life to helping others and spreading joy. She loved to host elaborate parties where she would showcase her amazing cooking skills and had the honor of bringing people together. Sheryl had a huge heart and was always eager to help solve any problem. Sheryl made a difference in the life of every path she crossed. She always was there any time someone needed advice or even just someone to vent to. She was very compassionate and wanted to help fix anything that caused pain. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held in both Panama City Florida and in West Plains Missouri.
Visitation service will be at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be in South Fork Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Platelet Disorder Support Association – for People with ITP – Home (pdsa.org) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for John Stuart Edgeller, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 19, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Edgeller passed away at 2:15 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born June 16, 1926, in Omaha, Nebraska, to John William Edgeller and Vivian Antoinette Lilly Edgeller. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Omaha Technical High. Mr. Edgeller was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during World War II, fighting in the Battle of Okinawa. After his honorable discharge, he moved to the West Plains, Missouri area and worked for the City and Colonial Bread before becoming the co-owner of the Junction Café with Curtis Huff. Later he co-owned the OTASCO store with his brother, Vincent Edgeller. John joined the Missouri National Guard in 1948 and was Company Commander of the West Plains unit from 1958 to 1970. He retired in 1986 attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Edgeller was a member of the Kiwanis for many years and was a loyal, long time member of Elks Lodge where he served as Exalted Ruler. He was also a member and commander of AMVETS Post 98 for a number of years. Mr. Edgeller was a life time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Edgeller; four children, Rhonda Head, Springfield, Missouri, Bruce Edgeller and wife, Linda, West Plains, Bill Edgeller and wife, Carol, Platte City, Missouri and Susan Tiehen and husband, Pat, Shawnee, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Matt Head, Josh Head and wife, Beth, Springfield, Missouri, Charlene Smith and husband, Jerico, Hardy, Arkansas, John Edgeller and wife, Jennifer, West Plains, Jacob Tiehen, Overland Park, Kansas, Alex Tiehen, Shawnee, Kansas, Scott Edgeller, Kansas City and Craig Edgeller, San Jose’, Costa Rica; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Schmidt, West Plains, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
His parents, two brothers, Vincent and Thomas Edgeller, one son-in-law and one brother-in-law, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery 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.
Jack Lyndel Barnett, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:58 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2022, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born September 24, 1935, in Ripley County, Missouri, the oldest child of Clarence Leonard Barnett and Verda Mae Gwaltney Barnett. Jack graduated from Bentley High School in Burton, Michigan. On May 31, 1959, he was married at Flint, Michigan, to Sandra Hartman, who preceded him in death on September 27, 2017. Mr. Barnett lived in the Flint, Michigan area from three years old until 2018, then he moved between Flint, Michigan and West Plains, Missouri. During their retirement years, Jack and Sandy enjoyed several homes throughout the country including Tucson, Arizona, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Sebewaing, Michigan. Jack began working in the appliance repair business at a young age. He became a partner in the same business and eventually became the sole owner of Saginaw Valley Service. This business continues to live on with his son being the owner now. Jack was an avid golfer, hunter and gun collector. Several of his hobbies have been passed down to his children and grandchildren, He made many lifelong friends through his activities. His love of his Labrador retrievers were shared by both him and Sandy; you would never see them without their dogs. The last dog, Zora, was loved by the entire community where they lived in Tucson. They used to tell stories of how the Zora would go from one house to another greeting the residents. Mr. Barnett was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains. He will be missed by family and friends.
He is survived by three children, Jack Bradley Barnett (Brenda), Clio, Michigan, Sheila Barnett, Flint, Michigan and Lisa Barnett Eskew (Bill), West Plains; six grandchildren, Melissa Eskew Blagg (Tye), West Plains, Matthew Eskew (Hallie), West Plains, Michael Eskew (Abby), Springfield, Missouri, Breanna Barnett, Midland, Michigan, Bradley Barnett, Fenton, Michigan and Jacob Barnett (Baylie), Flint, Michigan; seven great-grandchildren, Lillian Blagg, Mariah Blagg, Rylie Eskew, Aliyah Eskew, Audrey Eskew, Oliver Barnett and Ezra Eskew; two sisters, Shirley Barnett Hockin and Joyce Barnett Burt; one brother, Douglas Barnett; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Curtis Allen Barber, 50, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Curtis passed away at 10:30 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born January 28, 1972, at West Plains, Missouri, to Clarence Barber and Roberta Phippenney Barber. Curtis graduated from State School #18 before working at Ozark Sheltered Workshop for twenty-eight years, when he retired for health reasons. He enjoyed swimming and watching pro wrestling. Curtis attended First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, Clarence and Roberta Barber; one brother, Jeff Barber and wife, Rhonda; one niece, Alexis Barber; one nephew, Andrew Barber; special aunts, Frances Brackett and husband, James and Ida Perkins; several cousins, great-cousins and great-great-cousins who were all very special to Curtis; and a host of friends and special people who assisted him during his illness.
His grandparents, Harold and Bessie Barber and Charles and May Atkinson, uncles and aunt, Jim and Helen Barber and Junior Barber, preceded him in death.
Curtis will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held Thursday from 12:30 p.m., until service time at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Curtis Barber OCA Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Rodney Vaughn Smith, 61, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away at 8:26 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022, at West Plains.
He was born July 31, 1961, at Sedalia, Missouri, to Earl Vaughn Smith and Virginia Etta Pryor Smith. He was the oldest of three children. On September 2, 2000, he was married at West Plains, to Cheryl Shannon, the love of his life. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and enjoyed collecting trains, Coleman lanterns and International Tractors.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Shannon Smith; five children, Tyler Smith, Jeremy Smith, William Chant Upton, Jr., and wife, Chasity, Christopher Upton and wife, Lynsie and Corey Upton; seven grandchildren, Caden, Megyn and husband, Levi, Sadie, Ethan, Kaysen, Jackson and Mackenzie; his parents, Vaughn and Virginia Smith; one sister, Tara Hunziker; three sisters-in-law, Janice Rice and husband, Mike, Brenda Warren and husband, Doug and Laura Reid and husband, Chet; one brother-in-law, John Shannon Jr.; and several nieces and nephews .
His grandparents, Arva and Maude Smith and Charley and Mabel Gertrude Pryor, one brother, Ronald Smith, one brother-in-law, Donald Hunziker and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna Mae Shannon, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Wilene Harris, 91, Canton, Illinois, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harris passed away at 11:22 p.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at Red Oaks Estates, Canton, Illinois.
She was born November 3, 1930, at West Plains, Missouri, to Wiley Ross Wright and Wilma Vivian McIrvin Wright. On December 15, 1946, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Doffless R. Harris, who preceded her in death on March 8, 2016. Before her retirement, Wilene was a Beautician. She was also an antique dealer, an avid seamstress and kept herself busy. She loved time spent with her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Harris was a member of Amy Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Vicki Whiteman and husband, Butch, Cuba, Illinois, Ronald Harris and wife, Melody, Canton, Illinois and Jeanine Mautner and husband, Jay, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Tracy Walker and husband, John, Billy Whiteman, Josh Barnhardt, Amy Plunk and husband, Ralph, Preston Harris and wife, Keyla, Courtney Poremba and husband, John, Christopher Randall, and Tim Randall and wife, Stephanie; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Joe Bill Wright and wife, Carol, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Marilyn Wilcoxen, one brother, Bruce Royce Wright and three sisters, Cora Lea Davidson, Beverly Johnson and Mona McAnally, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Harris will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. 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.
Funeral services for Shelby Amos Adkisson, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Adkisson passed away at 5:00 a.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at NHC Healthcare.
He was born October 29, 1929, in Izard County, Arkansas, to Thomas Jefferson Adkisson and Addie Dell Bruce Adkisson. He received his early education in the schools of Izard County, Arkansas and in later years received a GED certificate from West Plains High School. On March 20, 1954, he was married at Melbourne, Arkansas, to Evona Moser. Mr. Adkisson was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. Shelby served in the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for and retired from International Shoe Factory and did part time work in Howell County elections, West Plains Motor Speedway, Auction sales and delivering vehicles to some car dealers in the West Plains area.
He is survived by his wife, Evona; two sons, Regan Adkisson and wife, Patti, Country Club, Missouri and Darin Adkisson and wife, Michele, West Plains; four grandchildren, Julianne Strasser and husband, Kent, Ethan Adkisson, Kansas City, Lakan Perkins and husband, Brayton, West Plains and Zakry Adkisson, Bentonville, Arkansas; five great-grandchildren, Reid, Rhett and Everly Strasser, Kansas City, Weldon and Rush Perkins, West Plains; one sister, Ernestine Doss and husband, Don, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Eudene Holt, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Ernest Adkisson, one infant brother, Junior Ardell Adkisson and one sister, Rachel Murray and husband, Glenn, preceded him in death.
Mr. Adkisson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Wilma Jean Lyday, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Lyday passed away at 3:13 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Cedarhurst.
She was born January 28, 1939, at Dora, Missouri, to Cleda and Eulah Wood Grisham. She graduated from Dora High School with the Class of 1956. On February 14, 1992, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Reverend Chester Edward Lyday, who preceded her in death February 3, 2010. Mrs. Lyday worked in retail throughout her life, most notably at Debbie’s Children’s Fashions, Butler Furniture, and Inland Printing. She loved visiting with her family and friends. Mrs. Lyday was a member of Calvary General Baptist Church.
She is survived by three children, Debbie Horn and husband, Ricky, West Plains, Missouri, Michael Pierce and wife, Samantha, West Plains, Missouri, and Kim Highfill and husband, Kevin, Jefferson City, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Ashley Horn, Angela Smith, Robbie Pierce, Stephanie Ellison, Louie Pierce, Kyle Highfill, Kacy Highfill, and Kourtney Highfill; six great-grandchildren; and one nephew, Jim Smith and wife, Connie.
Her parents, husband, and one sister, Marjorie Smith, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Lyday will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemtery. 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.
Carol Ann Gatz-Turner, 64, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:20 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at her home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dennis Larry Trantham, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:21 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022, at NHC HealthCare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Randall Elton Gann, 69, Pottersville, Missouri passed away at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his home.
He was born August 8, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elton Joshua Gann and Virginia Huff Gann. On October 31, 1995, he was married at Toledo City, Philippines, to Chona Sabellaga. Mr. Gann was self employed in lawn service and produce sales. He was a member of Smith Chapel Church.
He is survived by his wife, Chona Gann; four children, Elton, Charles and Brittany Gann and Evitt Sabellaga; three grandchildren; Weston, Oakley and Jackson; two brothers, Mike Fisher and Gary Gann; one sister, Mickey; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two sisters, Jane Ann Stephens and Linda Weatherford preceded him in death.
A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Judith Ann Bentley, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bentley passed away at 9:11 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2022, at her home.
She was born August 19, 1941, to Joe T. Faulkner and Margaruite Marie Brasher Faulkner Cole, in Paragould, Arkansas. Judy moved to West Plains while in junior high, becoming a Zizzer like her two older brothers, K. Don and Joe E. Faulkner. Her mother, Marie Cole, was the owner of the Cinderella Café on the Square at that time, a popular gathering place and location of many good memories. She graduated in 1959 and married her high school sweetheart James (Jim) Royce Bentley on January 24, 1960. Judy worked at Brill Title Company in West Plains and had several similar jobs in Rolla, Missouri, while Jim completed his civil engineering degree. After Jim’s graduation, they returned to West Plains where he worked for the Missouri Highway Department until an opportunity with the Army Corps of Engineers took them and their two small daughters, Pam and Jennifer, to Memphis, Tennessee. Judy managed the household as they raised the girls and added son Christopher in 1970. In 1977, Jim, Judy and family moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Jim worked for the Lower Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps. Judy became an avid bird watcher and enthusiast, developing a life-long interest in all things to do with Birds – even joining a local birding group named the “Vicksbirders”. Throughout Jim’s long career with the Corps of Engineers, Judy accompanied him on many river trips and outdoor events, traveling extensively and adding to her Life List of bird sightings. After their three children graduated from Mississippi State University, Judy fulfilled her goal of attending college herself, completing her Bachelor’s Degree in English, with honors, from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She was an enthusiastic volunteer in her community, from working with special needs children to chairing church committees and food drives. Judy was known for her kind and generous heart, for reaching out to others who needed anything with which she could assist. After Jim’s retirement in 1995, the couple moved back to their beloved West Plains, where they reconnected with many dear friends and relatives. Jim passed away in 2007, and Judy then focused on her volunteer efforts, her family and her friends. Her heart was filled and her faith made stronger by her membership at First United Methodist Church, where she worked with such projects as Vacation Bible School and Christ’s Kitchen, a particular labor of love for her. She also volunteered at Ozarks Medical Center, providing hospice companionship and working at the Thrift Store. Her most recent personal project was to provide a greeting card ministry to any and all people who might need to receive a “hug” or acknowledgement in their mailbox. Judy also loved to receive mail herself, and was especially grateful for the hundreds of cards and messages she received during her long, final health battle. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter CM, through which she gained many treasured friendships.
Judy is survived by her three children, Pamela Dale and husband, Brad, of Tecumseh, Missouri, Jennifer Booher and husband, Michael, of Hernando, Mississippi and James Christopher Bentley and wife, Ivonne, of Collierville, Tennessee; her much-loved grandchildren, Shelby Dale Martin and husband, Brent, of Cato, Mississippi, Samuel Booher and wife, Laura, of Hernando, Mississippi, Jackson Bentley and partner, Veronica Bristol, of Madison, Tennessee, and Sophia Bentley, of Collierville, Tennessee; two great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, Millie Grae Martin and Maddyx Claire Martin, of Cato, Mississippi; a very dear and special friend, Donna Hall, of West Plains, provided much love and support for Judy when it was most needed; one brother, K. Don Faulkner, of Fort Myers, Florida; four sisters, Lucy Maples and husband, Larry, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Carolyn Maples and husband, Wally, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Nancy Northern and husband, Donnie, of Hermitage, Tennessee and Mary Ann Hull, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one brother, Joe E. Faulkner, preceded her in death.
Many prayers of gratitude are given for the support and love from Judy’s many friends and relatives throughout her illness, as well as the caregivers and medical personnel who helped her so graciously and with such expertise.
Following the service, a celebration of Judy’s life and reunion of friends and relatives will be held at her West Plains residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shaw Cancer Center of Ozarks Healthcare or Ozarks Healthcare Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
