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.
Graveside services for Sylvia Geneta Bryson, 77, Springfield, Missouri, were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bryson passed away at 6:22 a.m., Friday, January 7, 2022, at Springfield, Missouri.
She was born January 27, 1944 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the daughter of Clyde E. and Hazel I. Joplin. Geneta, the name she chose to go by, received her education in the West Plains Public School System and graduated with the Class of 1963. On September 8, 1964, she was married at Marshfield, Missouri to Boyd Bryson, who preceded her in death April 4, 2005. She enjoyed music, baking, and traveling with her family. Mrs. Bryson was a member of the United Freewill Baptist. She was an outstanding and loving caregiver to her mother for twelve years.
She is survived by one son, Brent Bryson, Hazlehurst, Georgia; three grandchildren, Joshua Bryson and wife, Ashley, Hannah Bryson, and Caleb Bryson; her sister and brother, Arleta S. Joplin, and Ken Joplin and wife, Sandra; and many nieces and nephews.
Her husband (2005), her father (1984), and her mother (2015), 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.
Jerry Lee Stephens, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:25 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2022, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Lucia Jean Riggs, three month old infant daughter of Travis Dewayne Riggs and Megan Allia Murphy, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Lucia went to be with the angels at 5:20 a.m., Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born September 30, 2021 at West Plains, Missouri. She loved her elephant toy and watching football. Lucia had a large extended family and was loved by many.
She is survived by her parents, Travis Riggs and Megan Murphy; three brothers, Jeremiah, Jordan, and Kyler; grandmothers, Sandy Shaw and Becky Cain; great-grandmother, Carla Nelson; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald Hosue and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
James Dale Lashley, Sr., 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his home. Arrangements are pending under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Jerry Douglas Honeycutt, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Dripping Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Honeycutt passed away at 12:49 a.m., Sunday, January 9, 2022, at his home.
He was born April 21, 1946 at Marked Tree, Arkansas, to Herbert Ford Honeycutt and Ruby Marie Hill. On April 28, 1969, he was married at San Luis Obispo, California to Janis Hensley. Mr. Honeycutt was a driver for county government. He enjoyed watching Westerns.
He is survived by his wife, Janis, of the family home; four children, Tim Honeycutt and wife, Rebecca, Arcadia, Kansas, Scot Honeycutt, Batesville, Arkansas, Rusty Honeycutt and wife, Michelle, West Plains, Missouri, and Travis Honeycutt and wife, Corinne, West Plains, Missouri; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Gene Honeycutt and wife, Sharon, Brookland, Arkansas; two sisters, Karen Doyle, Brookland, Arkansas, and Janice Newcom and husband, Weldon, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two brothers, Joe Honeycutt and Larry Honeycutt, preceded him in death.
Burial will be at Dripping Springs 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.
Kaden David Gariepy, 18, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 10:00 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2022, at his home.
Mr. Gariepy was born April 24, 2003 at Cape Coral, Florida, to Kyle and Valeen Pritchard Gariepy. He liked to hunt, fish, and shoot guns. He loved to work on his truck, and to sing and listen to music. Kaden especially loved his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Riverlynn Gariepy, and her mother McKenzie Moss, West Plains, Missouri; parents, Kyle and Valeen Gariepy, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Ciera Gariepy, Caulfield, Missouri; grandparents, Kirk and Mary Gariepy, Cheney, Kansas, and David and Marie Pritchard, Salina, Kansas; uncle and aunts, Dylan and Tiffanie Gariepy, Cheney, Kansas, and Janelle Schartz, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two nephews, Oakley Gariepy and Daxe Rogers; and two cousins, Grace Gariepy and Avery Gariepy, Cheney, Kansas.
Waydene Bishop, 93, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:23 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born July 29, 1928 at Agnos, Arkansas, to L. D. and Cliffee Ellis Duke. In November 1948, she was married at Salem, Arkansas to Ray Bishop, who preceded her in death October 23, 2005. Ray and Waydene were married for fifty-eight years. They made their home in Salem, Arkansas before moving to Pontiac, Michigan. Waydene was employed as a cashier and an office manager for twenty-eight years with the Kroger Company. Ray was employed by General Motors for thirty years. After their retirement, they moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, where they lived for two years. They always longed to move back home. In 1986, they moved to West Plains. After returning home, Waydene enjoyed socializing with friends, and numerous activities at the Senior Center. She was an avid Bingo player and loved reading. Waydene was a loving wife to Ray, and a loving, caring mother to two daughters, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
She is survived by two daughters, Dona Coatney and husband, Jim, West Plains, Missouri, and LaJune Castro, Dunedin, Florida; three grandchildren, Gina Hannah, Clearwater, Florida, Brent Gruno and wife, Tiffany, Saint Louis, Missouri, and Brandon Coatney and partner, Kati, Nixa, Missouri; five great-grandchildren, Andre Hannah, San Diego, California, Rogan Coatney, Willow Springs, Missouri, Kynlee Hodge, Nixa, Missouri, Adalynn Coatney, Nixa, Missouri, and Grayson Coatney, Nixa, Missouri; and one sister, Cora Vallee, Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Her parents, husband, Ray Bishop, three brothers, and one sister, preceded her in death.
Alice Joann Maynard, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:00 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born January 13, 1942 at Newark, New Jersey, to Charles Elsworth and Ann Reiter Kohler. On March 21, 1997, she was married at Orlando, Florida, to Gary Maynard. Mrs. Maynard was a vet assistant, and she enjoyed working with horses and dogs. She also enjoyed reading. She was a member of Good News Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Gary, of the family home; two daughters, Diane Alphin and husband, Leonard, Winter Springs, Florida, and Donna Reeves and husband, Ken, Spartanburg, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Ashley Rosser and Kenworth Reeves; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Pete Kohler and wife, Myra, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; one niece; and two nephews.
Cherie C. Vaughan, 76, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:00 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Landmark Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mary Ann Turnbull, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Little Zion Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Little Zion Cemetery. Services under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home
Mary Ann passed away at 2:05 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born August 7, 1958, at Springfield, Missouri to Abra and Lola Turnbull. Mary Ann had seven brothers and relished being the only sister. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye and her mother’s tomboy. She loved deeply. Her family was her world. She tried to mother her brothers, not that they accepted it well from their baby sister. She loved camping, especially with her nieces and nephews. She taught them to build fires, hunt, fish, and tent building. She also taught them about the constellations and was involved in their daily lives. Although she had no children of her own, she helped raise many. Mary Ann really enjoyed her independence. That was evidenced by her enjoyment found in riding her motorcycle, living in the home at New Life on Bryant Creek and the freedom her cars, including Gertie, gave her. Mary Ann was a devoted Christian and enjoyed teaching the children in Sunday school and praying for and with people. Her faith in God took her through many hardships and trials in life. Mary Ann was artistically talented and drew many drawings using colored pencil as her media. All her drawings were given away to family and friends but deserved being published. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds and made some quilts, too. She loved people and loved to help people. One way this was evidenced was by how deeply affected she was by an Indian History class in high school. She also read and collected Louis L’Amour books, was a Star Trek and Loretta Lynn fan. She was fun loving, active, outgoing and loved the outdoors. One of her greatest joys was children which was shown and well received in her interactions with them. She truly had a heart for all children, was full of life, spunk and her faith in the Lord.
She is survived by two brothers, Clarence Turnbull and wife, Rhonda, Drury, Richard Turnbull and wife, Mary Jane, Mountain Grove; her sisters-in-law Lois Turnbull, Marionville, Tangula Turnbull, Twin Bridges, and Marcia Turnbull, Mansfield; her nieces and nephews Connie Hooton, Randy Turnbull, Darren Turnbull, Wanda Meiners, Johnny Turnbull, Bonnie Delk, Carla Hoffman, Darla Turnbull, Angela Brownfield, Rex Turnbull, Sherri Trail, Robin Colbert, Angela Parker, Jennifer Bourgeois, Cory Turnbull, Richard, Turnbull Jr, Cody Turnbull and Steven Turnbull; and many great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, James “Pete” Turnbull, Bobby Turnbull, John “Tod” Turnbull, Jerry Turnbull and Bill Turnbull; a sister-in-law, Shirley Turnbull; nephews and niece, Kenneth Turnbull, Ross Turnbull and Annetta Turnbull.
Memorial contributions may be made to Little Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Hallie Lelly Laurin, 57, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:36 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born July 21, 1964 at Clearwater, Florida, to Florian Ferdinand (Ryan) Laurin and Norma Jacqueline Chouinard Laurin. Hallie lived in Clearwater until the age of five, when she moved to West Plains. She graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. While growing up, her interest was in Thoroughbred horses, English equestrian riding, showing, and jumping, winning her share of trophies and awards. After college, she proceeded to get her Real Estate Broker’s License and worked with her mother in real estate until deciding she wanted to be a Real Estate Appraiser. She continued working almost until her death. She was a member of the Rotary, some clubs, and other organizations through the years. Her second business was farming and raising cattle; and always taking care of a very large vegetable garden, never having much time for anything else. All her dogs, horses, and other animals were her family, and she took care of them like a parent would their child. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, friends, NASCAR racing, football, and hunting.
She is survived by her lifetime special friend and partner, Randy Johnson; two sisters, Suzanne Crownover (Darrell), and Linell Raulerson (David); and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Her parents, Ryan Laurin and Norma Laurin, one brother, Robin Laurin, one nephew, Michael Ransom, and grandparents, uncles, and aunts in Canada, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2021, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA 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 Jimmy Joe Taylor, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, with Brother Bobby Brazeal officiating, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Taylor passed away at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains.
He was born March 28, 1936, at home near West Plains, the son of William O. and Pearl A. Van Wort Taylor. He received his education in the schools of Howell County and on June 27, 1964, was married at Thayer, Missouri, to Mary Jo Brewer. Mr. Taylor worked several jobs during his youth. In 1963, he began a 29-and-a-half-year career working for the telephone companies that serviced the south-central Missouri region, including Western Power, Light and Telephone; Centel; Contel; and GTE, making numerous friends and acquaintances along the way. Following his retirement from the phone company, he worked for seven years for Kimbrough Trucking in West Plains. In his spare time, Mr. Taylor enjoyed woodworking and was able to use his unique ability to envision patterns to complete many pieces of furniture for family and friends, including tables, shelves, quilt racks, beds, vanities, and china cabinets. For a time, he sold his hand-made calendar frames at Time and Talent near West Plains. Mr. Taylor was a Christian, coming to know Jesus as his personal savior as an adult. He attended First Baptist Church and First Church of God, both in West Plains, before health issues made attendance impossible.
In addition to his wife, Mary Jo, he is survived by two daughters, Vickie Driskell and husband, Kevin, West Plains, Missouri, and Stacie Carrico and husband, Jason, Harker Heights, Texas; granddaughters Taylor Carrico, Harker Heights, Texas, Gina Davis and husband, Chris, Koshkonong, Missouri, and Amanda Collins and husband, Clayton, West Plains, Missouri; three great-granddaughters, Emma and Eva Collins, and Gracie Davis; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, David Taylor; four sisters, Crystal Ellison, Earldean Cantrell, Juanita Smith, and Rosemary Taylor, and several half-siblings.
Mr. Taylor will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or Missouri State University-West Plains Annual Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Larry Lee Sands, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 10, 2022 at New Liberty Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Sands passed away at 2:13 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born December 17, 1939, at Haskins, Iowa, to Dale Cecil Sands and Velma Ruth Apple Sands. Mr. Sands graduated from High School in Winfield, Iowa. On November 1, 1958, he was married at Marion, Iowa, to Nancy Lea Huston, who preceded him in death on March 14, 2010. Before his retirement, Mr. Sands was a barber and a farmer. He enjoyed working and also had successful businesses in antiques and business supplies.
He is survived by four children, Dale Sands and wife, Cindy, Magnolia, Texas, Dave Sands and wife, Diane, Ozark, Missouri, Lori Porter and husband, Jeff, Mountain View, Missouri and Matthew Sands and wife, Laura, Spring, Texas; ten grandchildren, Jacob Sands, Sarah Thompson, Nathan Sands, Hannah Gibson, Noah Sands, Joshua Porter, Zachary Porter, Madison Porter, Kyle Sands and Ryan Sands; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Norah.
His parents, wife, one brother, Bob Sands and one sister, Linda Swailes, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Voice of the Martyrs and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life service for William Eugene (Bill) Venneman, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 at His Place House of Worship, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Venneman passed away at 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 27, 2021, at his home.
He was born February 7, 1933 at St. Louis, MO, to Joseph and Adele Venneman. Bill grew up in St. Louis and was drafted into the Army in 1953, serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and returned to St. Louis where he met the love of his life, Billie Pirnack, on a blind date. They were married on July 13,1957 and were blessed with two children, Susan and Jeff. Bill worked for the Missouri Highway Department of Transportation for thirty-two years. After retirement, Bill enjoyed his family and family activities very much. He loved a good camping trip with his family and friends. He would always have a big campfire, sit beside it, whittle and share jokes. Bill loved the Lord and enjoyed worship music. He was a man of faith and a great example to his family.
Bill is survived by his wife of sixty-four years of marriage, Billie; daughter Susan and husband, Randy Perry; son, Jeff Venneman and wife, Sherry; three grandchildren, Schanda Steele and husband, Mackenzie, Caleb Venneman and girlfriend, Kelsey Walton, and Emily Venneman; one great-grand child, Amariah Steele; four step-grandchildren, Nick Perry and wife, Kallie, Whitney Miller and husband, Seth, Colt Perry, and Luke Perry; four step-great-grandchildren, Rorie, Oliver, Ella, and Rya; one brother, Jerry Venneman and wife, Barbara; one sister, Carolyn Arteaga and husband, Eldon; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, Joseph and Adele Venneman, father-in-law and mother in-law, Ed and Roxie Pirnack, brother, Mel Venneman and wife, Virginia, sister, Mary Del Venneman, sister, Shirley Bogaski and husband, Don, and sister-in-law, Dortha Lea Staggs and husband, Wayne, preceded him in death.
Inurnment will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
