A visitation service for Robert Keith (Bob) Gazzola, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Gazzola passed away at 2:38 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Funeral services for Marjorie Pearl Lovelace, 82, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Lovelace passed away at 2:57 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2022, at her home.
She was born August 4, 1939 at Moody, Missouri, to William Taft and Gathel Pearl Gabbert Collins. On January 24, 1958, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to her sweetheart, Jerry Lovelace. Mrs. Lovelace became a member of the Eastern Star in 1966, becoming a charter member. She was District Deputy Grand Matron from 1975 to 1985. She loved to cook, garden, crochet, and fish. She loved to bird watch and had a large collection of Redbirds, her favorite. She especially loved taking care of her grandkids and was so excited to be a great. Mrs. Lovelace was a charter member of Faith Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry, of the family home; one daughter, Leedawn Douglas and husband, Jimmy, Peace Valley, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Kim Lovelace, Melbourne, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Alisha Shipley, and Ashton Shipley-Hambleton and Kasey; two bonus grandchildren, Ashley Douglas and Emiley Francis; five great-grandchildren, Andilynn, Tayt, and Brailyn Hambleton, Rylan Gore, and Evalee Pearl Francis; one sister, Cathy Earls; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Johnson and Lois Carpenter; several nieces and nephews, including special ones, Treba and Joe Neuschwander; Tafton and Shanna Earls, Bill and Brenda Lovelace, and Kenneth and Janet Lovelace; and special great-nieces and great-nephews, Dillon and Shelby Neuschwander, Dausen and Megean Neuschwander, Dracen Neuschwander, Braxton Earls, Braitton and Kelsi Earls, and Brooklyn Earls.
Her parents, one son, Randall Lovelace, one sister Ruby May Joice, and two brothers-in-law, Dillon Earls and Donald Lovelace, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. 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.
Homer Barton (Corky) Farra, 74, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Richard Dean Bates, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2022, at Huddleston Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bates passed away at 9:43 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born July 4, 1950 at Thayer, Missouri, to Lyle and Elsie Morrison Bates. Mr. Bates loved to coon hunt and just being outdoors.
He is survived by two children, Brandon Bates and wife, Jody, and Brian Bates and wife, Jessica; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Boyd Bates, Floyd Bates and wife, Carol, and Danny Bates and wife, Judy; three sisters, Sally Sisco, Pat Hahn and husband, Gary, and Cathy Ridenhour and husband, Gary; several nieces and nephews; and lots of friends and family.
His parents, one son, Ricky Bates, one sister, Anita Wilcox, and three brothers, Mac Bates, Joe Bates, and Bobby Bates, preceded him in death.
Inurnment will be at Huddleston Cemetery.
Graveside services for Patrick Timothy (Tim) DeShazo, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. DeShazo passed away at 8:04 a.m., Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at his home.
He was born December 12, 1943, at West Plains, Missouri, to Henry Taylor DeShazo and Margaret Elma Donahue DeShazo. Patrick, better known as P.T. or Tim, grew up in West Plains where his father owned and operated H.T. DeShazo Truck Lines—a truck line comprised of about 5 to 7 trucks used to haul livestock and grain throughout the Midwest. During high school and college, P.T. worked for his dad earning money by hauling grain, feeder calves, and pigs into Iowa or Illinois. Patrick graduated in 1965 from Missouri State University-Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in Business/Economics and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. After completing college and a couple of years working for the government, he decided to return to the family business. After all of P.T.s many adventures and many years in the trucking industry, he finally decided to retire from trucking in 2010 to sell cars for Earl’s Dodge and fix old trucks, and attend ATHS shows around the country.
He is survived by his two daughters, Lori DeShazo and Jennifer Burtrum and husband, Robert, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Bo Burtrum, West Plains, Hunter Burtrum, Springfield, Missouri and McKenzie Burtrum, West Plains; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, Judy DeShazo, and son, Patrick Timothy (Timmy) DeShazo, Jr., preceded him in death.
Burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains High School Quarterback Club and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Karen Sue Prine, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Prine passed away at 4:33 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2022, at NHC Healthcare.
She was born April 1, 1944 in California, to John and Claudine Palmer. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and dancing with the dance company out of Alaska. Karen loved to play cards with her special friend, Bonnie. She also loved to sing and spend time with her family. She was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by her son, David Denton and fiancé, Rhonda, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one sister, Nancy Smith, and David’s father, Paul (Red Paul) Denton, preceded her in death.
Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Kenneth Ray Peeler, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:45 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Priscilla Ann Wadlow, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 2:04 a.m., Sunday, January 23, 2022, at her home.
She was born July 21, 1946 in Marianna, Arkansas, to Bennett Eugene Cupp and Jane Moore Cupp. On January 9, 1966, she was married in Pomona, Missouri, to John Wadlow, Sr. Mrs. Wadlow was an instructor, floor lady, at International Shoe Company for a number of years. She later became a realtor, and then a real estate appraiser. She had served as president and vice president of the West Plains Board of Realtors. Priscilla’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She enjoyed going to Springfield Cardinals baseball games, time at the beach, quilting, camping, fishing, and boating.
She is survived by her husband, John Wadlow, Sr., of the family home; one son, John Wadlow, Jr. and wife, Cindy, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kimberly Lunday and husband, Aaron, Clever, Missouri, Stefan Wadlow, Springfield, Missouri, and Brandon Wadlow, West Plains, Missouri; one great-grandson, Henry Lunday, Clever, Missouri; two sisters, Carol Wright and husband, Joe Bill, West Plains, Missouri, and Lisa Loomis and husband, Bill, Camp, Arkansas; one brother, Dell Cupp, West Plains, Missouri; one brother-in-law, James Wadlow and wife, Dollie, West Plains, Missouri: one sister-in-law, Jackie Dixon and husband, Gene, Eminence, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one son, Michael Wadlow, one infant granddaughter, Sarah Wadlow, one sister, Neva Forrester, and one nephew, Randy Dixon, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
P. D. Kintner, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:08 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Mr. Kintner was born March 31, 1939 at West Plains, Missouri, to Alva Roy and Sybil Dorothy Perkins Kintner. He was married to Bertie Taylor, who preceded him in death August 28, 2015. Mr. Kintner was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. He was a carpenter by trade. Hunting, playing guitar, and visits from his great-grandchildren are some of the things Mr. Kintner loved.
He is survived by four children, Brenda Smith, Yellville, Arkansas, Cindy Coats and husband, Tony, West Plains, Missouri, Kevin Kintner and wife, Dawn, West Plains, Missouri, and Christi Collins and husband, Graham, West Plains, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Alva Kintner; and two sisters, Bonnie Collins, and Tammy Burgess and husband, Gerald.
His parents, one great-granddaughter, Paisley Brotherton, three sisters, Joan, Jeanie, and Barbara, and one brother, Loren, preceded him in death.
Sharon Kay Sloan, 74, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:20 a.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Connie Jean Wigginton, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wigginton passed away Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born November 2, 1949 at the family home in Peace Valley, Missouri, to Charles and Ina Brotherton. Connie met the love of her life, Larry, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, when she was eleven years old. Childhood sweethearts, they married on June 30, 1967. To this union two children were born, Missy and Trisha. In 1980, Connie and Larry, along with their two children, followed their dreams and moved to what would be their forever home in West Plains, Missouri. They were the owners and operators of Northfork Saloon and Steakhouse for nearly twenty years. Connie touched so many lives during her time there, helping many people in the community celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions. She dearly loved all the customers and the friends she made there over the years. Later in life, she loved Facebook as this allowed her to keep in touch with many of those people. In her retirement, Connie enjoyed spending time volunteering at the OMC Thrift Store and Samaritan Outreach. She loved spending time with friends and family, as well as traveling. She frequented the Elks Lodge and AMVETS, where she had many great times. Connie was an amazing Grammy to all four of her grandchildren, helping to raise them all, guiding them, and sharing her experiences with them. She laughed with them and held them when they cried. She was always their biggest cheerleader and so proud of all their accomplishments. Connie was a mama to many and loved by everyone who knew her. Her deep love for Missy and Trisha was one of her life’s greatest treasures, and she often reminded them how special they were to her. For all the lives she touched, we will cherish those memories forever and know that she’ll always be with us in our hearts.
She is survived by her daughters, Missy Fugate and husband, Rick, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Trisha Logue and husband, Mike, Land O’ Lakes, Florida; four grandchildren, Dakota Fugate, Willow Springs, Missouri, Jordyn Fugate, Springfield, Missouri, Myles Wardlow, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and Mollie Logue, Land O’ Lakes, Florida; three brothers, Chuck Brotherton and wife, Jackie, David Brotherton and wife, Dierdra, and Dennis Brotherton and wife, Darla, all of West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Sherry Collins, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Betty Torrens and husband, Francis, Tampa, Florida, and Rita Mankis and husband, Nick, Tampa, Florida; and father- and mother-in-law, Mary and Bill Irwin, Tampa, Florida.
Her parents, her husband, Larry Wigginton, and two nephews, Dennis Lapekes and Tommy Sheldon, preceded her in death.
Wanda Lou Laxton, 76, Springfield, Missouri, passed away at 2:55 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at her home. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
She was born September 19, 1945 at West Plains, Missouri. On May 16, 1964, she was married at West Plains to Dwight Jennings Laxton, who preceded her in death October 5, 2016.
Mrs. Laxton is survived by two children, Mark Laxton and significant other, Renee Payne, Owensboro, Kentucky, and Jennifer Carter and husband, Mike, Mansfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Kristine, Camden, Cal, Hannah, and Parker; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Gavin; two brothers, Ronnie Strong and wife, Mary, and Robert Van Vleck and wife, Janie; one sister-in-law, June Roberts and husband, John Emmett; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Leshia Laxton, and two brothers, Danny Van Vleck and Gary Strong, preceded her in death.
Graveside services for Danny Edward Bean, Jr., 55, Charles City, Iowa, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2022 at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bean passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 25, 1966 at Rockford, Illinois, to Danny Edward Bean, Sr. and Karen (Robinson) Turner. He attended school in Belvidere, Illinois, graduating from Belvidere High School in 1984. After graduation, he began his lifelong career in carpentry. On October 12, 2002, he was united in marriage at Elijah Church of Christ in Elijah, Missouri, to Kristina Klusman. The couple made their home in Charles City, Iowa, where Danny continued his carpentry work. He loved to hunt, fish, and coach softball (even coaching kids other than his own). Danny was a member of Forces of Fire, an organization that has a mission to provide a safe outdoor recreational experience for any disabled/combat veteran, firefighter, or law enforcement officer and their families, where they can enhance their strengths and independence as a family.
He is survived by his wife, Kristina Bean; eight children, Cassandra Remele (Tyler), Ashley Cash, Daniel Carey (Whitney), Amanda Klusman, Helen Carey, Alexis Bean, Aydan Bean and Danny Bean III; ten grandchildren, Ethan, Dominic, Logan, Noah, Jovany, Alyana, Erik, Sofia, Genesis and Emiliano; mother, Karen Turner; two brothers, Donnie Bean (Jessica) and Joey Horner; two sisters, Kimberly Standard and Monica Grettilate; and several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
His father, paternal and maternal grandparents, daughter, Lauren Carey, son, baby Bean, and brother, Douglas Bean, preceded him in death.
Burial will be at Elijah Cemetery.
Funeral services for Johnny Lee Dancer, 54, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Dancer passed away at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 17, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born April 10, 1967 at West Plains, Missouri, to Louis Lee and Mary Frances Guilliams Dancer. Mr. Dancer was a supervisor at Pace Construction. He worked hard all his life, and he instilled that work ethic into all of his kids. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he meant what he said. He had a passion for old cars, especially his ’53 Chevy pickup, and he was a member of the Lake of the Ozarks Corvette Club. Mr. Dancer loved NASCAR and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a great dad and grandpa. John was of the Baptist faith and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior in 1989.
He is survived by four children, Michael Dancer and wife, Melissa, West Plains, Missouri, Katrina Bacus and husband, Brandon, Highlandville, Missouri, Jacob Evans and wife, Danni, Pomona, Missouri, and Nathan Evans, Tecumseh, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren, Camdyn, Coldyn, Carter (six-day-old grandson that he hadn’t yet met), Cambria, Caitlyn, Calista, Weston, Adalee, Kayleigh, Riley, Ashlynn, Zayden, Bryson, Zachary, and Jaxon, and one on the way; one great-grandchild, Christian; his mother, Mary Frances Dancer, Willow Springs, Missouri; one brother, Bud Dancer and wife, Tammy, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Angela Jackson and husband, Jeff, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His father and one brother, Steven Marshall Dancer, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Aaron Mitts Thomas, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mitts went to be with his Lord and Savior January 15, 2022, in the comfort of his home.
He was born January 10, 1957 at West Plains, Missouri to Aaron and Rosa Thomas. He continued to call West Plains his home through his entire life. Mitts had four children in his lifetime: two sons, Jimmy and Jason Thomas, while married to his first wife, Marietta (Harper), and step-son, Nathan Moss, and step-daughter, Kimberly Clinton, while married to Janice (Dawson). He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, raising cattle and farming, stockcar racing, and teaching/spending time with his grandkids. He attended church at the Pottersville Baptist Church. Mitts was a devoted son, husband, father, papa, and friend. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.
He is survived by Janice Thomas; sons, Jimmy Thomas and wife, Jonnah, and Jason Thomas; step-son, Nathan Moss and wife, Khara; step-daughter, Kimberly Clinton and husband, Gary; grandchildren, Colton Thomas, Luke Helt, Caleb Thomas, Britney Helt, Colby Thomas, Sadie Roberts and husband, McGwire, Ty Lane Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Aaron Cooper Thomas, Ethan Moss, Brody Moss, and Gary Clinton; his mother, Rosa Thomas; two sisters, Sharon West and husband, John, and Sandy Whitworth and husband, Bobby; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.
His father, brother, maternal grandparents, Ray and Ella Mitts, and paternal grandparents, Eugene and Hazel Thomas, 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 Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Aaron Thomas and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Melvin LeRoy (Nick) Nichols, age 86 of West Plains, Missouri, entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Melvin was born on January 4, 1936 on the family farm located along the banks of Barren Fork Creek in Thomasville, Missouri.
Two themes characterize Melvin’s life: strength and loving sacrifice. His early days on the farm were filled by working, fishing and hunting alongside his brother Charles. His physical strength, strong work ethic, love of family, and penchant for telling a good story came from working the fields, baling hay, and attending public school in Thomasville.
As a high school standout, switch-hitter, Melvin was offered a full scholarship to the University of Missouri. His humble, hardworking nature, instead, led him to begin earning money working for the Union Pacific Railroad in Kansas. On a return visit, while driving the back roads of southern Missouri, he had a providential meeting with a girl in search of blackberries named Wilma who was riding in the back of a pickup truck. The truck stopped in front of the post office where a soda was shared leading to a long distance, letter-writing relationship with his first envelope simply addressed to “Wilma Kildow/Dalton, Arkansas.” Melvin and Wilma were married in Hamil, Arkansas on January 5, 1959 after a courtship of only 13 dates.
In 1968, the bootstrap business “Nick’s” was founded in West Plains with sales of Vietnam-era military surplus. The storefront was initiated with a small amount of cash, a truckload of combat boots, and an abundance of determination. Within months, Melvin relocated the thriving business to a historic building on Washington Avenue. His expanded inventory featured an eclectic mix of musical instruments, western boots, and diamond jewelry. Melvin’s honesty, trading skills, and keen eye for unique and useful items led to a large base of loyal customers, many of whom stopped by just to “visit awhile with Nick.”
Many locals have fond memories from the 1970s of playing on Nick’s sponsored youth and adult city-league sports teams. There are also teammates of Melvin’s who will remember the opposing players calling out, “Walk this one!” or “Move back to the fence!” when he would come up to the bat.
Shortly after retiring, Melvin made family and community memories with his restoration of the 1896 cast iron molasses mill used by his father and grandfather. Howell Valley students, including his own grandchildren, were invited to witness a horse-drawn method of molasses making, with the sorghum cane being grown, milled, and cooked on his own farm. Melvin was an expert gardener who shared his massive harvests.
In the family home, Melvin provided a strong nurturing legacy. He never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s school plays, concerts or sporting events. He often took his children and grandchildren on wonderful adventures, whether fishing at the creek close by or camping at National Parks far away, including a month-long, camper van trip to Alaska. He was a demonstrative supporter of others’ passions and pursuits. His gifting of musical instruments, lessons, art supplies, animals, or sporting equipment launched happy and successful lifelong pursuits for his children and grandchildren.
At 70 years of age, despite recently recovering from a heart attack, Melvin designed, planned, and constructed a lovely, practical home to share with the love of his life and companion of 63 years. The family finds comfort in knowing he lived a long, mostly healthy life. His signature sendoff involved a firm loving hug followed by a breathtaking, hearty “Papa-pat” on the back.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Wilma Nichols, of the home; three children, Rhonda Richter, Mark Nichols (wife Kristy) of West Plains, and Janet Godon (husband Ken) of Columbia, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Philipp Richter (wife Erica), Kelly Pompei (husband Kyle), Alexandra Richter, Ransom and Justin Nichols, Lauren and Lucas Godon; two great-grandchildren, Nolan Richter and Landon Pompei; brother, Charles Nichols; along with many nieces and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Nellie Nichols, and son-in-law, Juergen Richter.
A future public celebration of life will be planned. Burial will be privately observed with family at Howell Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at Robertsondrago.com. Be kind and take care of each other.
Visitation for Melba Louise Bates, 74, Pomona, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 17, 2022 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bates passed away at 12:15 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2022, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born April 14, 1947 in Butler County, Alabama, to Louis Henry and Jewel Christine Bennett Coburn. On January 9, 1965, she was married at Andalusia, Alabama, to Keith Ronald Bates. Mrs. Bates worked in the housekeeping department at West Vue, Inc.
She is survived by her husband, Keith Bates, of the family home; two children, Debra Bergeron and husband, Richard, Marrero, Louisiana, and Kimberly Sanders and husband, Robert, Round Rock, Texas; five grandchildren, Dana Comeaux, Randy Bergeron, Landon Sanders, Logan Sanders, and Payton Sanders; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Christina, and Espen; and three sisters, Betty Kindrick, Evelyn Eddins, and Cynthia Clemmons.
Her parents, one great-grandson, Rodney Bergeron, five brothers, James Coburn, Bill Coburn, Robert Coburn, Ronald Coburn, and Joseph Coburn, and one sister, Jeanett Ina Coleson, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for James Dale Lashley, Sr., 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022 at Curry Street Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Lashley passed away at 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his home.
He was born November 22, 1935 at West Plains, Missouri, to Roy Edward and Nelma Lela Workman Lashley. Mr. Lashley graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1954. He was very active in sports in high school and went on to receive the All-Star State Award in basketball. On September 8, 1956, he was married at Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Emma Lou Wheeler. They were married for sixty-five years. Mr. Lashley worked for Hiland Dairy for thirty years as a route supervisor. He was a member of the National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed basketball, and hunting and fishing with his family. Mr. Lashley was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Lou Lashley; two sons, Mark Edward Lashley and wife, Rhonda, and Brent Lashley and wife, Cindy; six grandchildren, Jonathon Lashley and wife, Leigha, Melissa Hadley and husband, Brian, Rayce Lashley and wife, Gabrielle, Reggie Lashley and friend, Katie, Chance Lashley, and Courtney Lashley and friend, Kaleb; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Gary Lashley and wife, Jo; three sisters, Peggy Uphaus and husband, Gordon, Debbie Welch and husband, David, and Judy Horn and husband, C.W.; and one sister-in-law, Sharon Lashley.
His parents, one son, James Lashley, Jr., one daughter-in-law, Renee Lashley, three great-grandchildren, Jacob Conner Lashley, Braylen Dean Due-Lashley, and Angel May Due-Lashley, one brother, Carl Lashley, and one sister-in-law, Elva Delores Wheeler, preceded him in death.
Mr. Lashley will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Steven Wayne Covington, 70, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 7:11 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Travis Lee Collins, 48, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Travis went to his heavenly home at 10:10 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2022, at Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
He was born June 14, 1973 at Springfield, Missouri, to Ronald Lester and Linda Sue Barnett Collins. On July 8, 1991, he was married at First General Baptist Church of West Plains, to his high-school sweetheart, Marla Kay Weisbrod. Travis and Marla were married for thirty years. From an early age, Travis enjoyed anything outdoors. He enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, coon hunting, and working on the family farm. He especially loved spending time with family and friends. He worked as a machinist for over twenty-five years, ten of which he co-owned and operated RNT Machine & Welding with his brother. But his true passion was preaching God’s Word at China Union Church, his second family whom he loved dearly. Travis had been an ordained minister since 2014, which to his family and friends was no surprise since he never knew a stranger. His enthusiasm and love for the Lord infected everyone who had ever met him or heard him preach. And everyone who ever met Travis said that he always made them feel he had always known them. His ability to light up a room will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Marla, of the family home; his mother, Linda Collins, West Plains, Missouri; his father-and-mother-in-law, Ed and Rita Weisbrod, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Nathan Collins and wife, Teresa, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Prewitt and husband, Rodney, West Plains, Missouri, and Jessica Weisbrod, West Plains, Missouri; and five nieces and nephews, Ashton Collins, Victoria Collins, Logan Maffei, Megan Maffei, and Austin Prewitt.
His father and grandparents, Dewey and Alene Barrnett, and Lester and Ethel Collins, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at State Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the local Honor Guard and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.