Obituaries

Funeral services for Casey L. Holloway, 28, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Holloway passed away at 11:41 p.m., Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.

He was born January 27, 1993, at West Plains, Missouri, the son of Darrell Holloway and Susan Hall.  Mr. Holloway enjoyed Pokémon, WWE, and spending time with his family.  He loved his mom very much.

He is survived by his mother, Susan; two brothers, Coty Holloway, West Plains, Missouri, and Layne Katzenmaies, Mountain Home, Arkansas; two sisters, Shachawna Collins, Mountain View, Missouri, and Laura Hooper, West Plains, Missouri; five nieces; and two nephews.

His father and grandparents preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Oak Mound Cemetery. 

Mark Allen Lemons, 62, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021, at his home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Wanda Va Minge, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Moody Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Minge passed away at 6:10 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.

She was born April 4, 1928, at Moody, Missouri, to Bedford Oden Cameron and Marie McElmurray Cameron.  She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1944.  She married Lehman Mitchell Minge, and to this union five children were born.  Mrs. Minge was a seamstress at Tri-County Shirt Factory at Salem, Arkansas, for a number of years.  She enjoyed quilting and cooking, and she loved her family.  She was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church at Moody, Missouri.

She is survived by two children, Larry Minge and wife, Judy, Moody, Missouri, and Karen Summers and husband, Bill, Bakersfield, Missouri; three daughters-in-law, Joan Minge, Johnnie Minge, and Susan Minge; eleven grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren, plus five on the way; one brother, Leroy Cameron and wife, Jewell; one sister, Irene Judd; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, three sons, Lonnie, Gary, and Ronnie Minge, two granddaughters, Beth Ann Summers and Rhonda Minge Piland, one brother, Charles Cameron, and one brother-in-law, Thomas Judd, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Minge will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Moody Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Cemetery or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Lewis Laverne Callahan, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Callahan passed away at 9:07 a.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.

He was born November 16, 1932, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Zenephan Hickman (Hick) Callahan and Bertha Fox Callahan.  Mr. Callahan was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  On May 14, 1955, he was married to Pansy Hayes, who preceded him in death July 17, 2013.  In September 2014, he was married to Sharron McTompson.  Mr. Callahan was a fireman, a carpenter, and a farmer.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and helping anyone, especially his family.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Sharron, of the family home; four grandchildren, Scott Pringle and wife, Jessica, Mountain View, Missouri, Jeff Ledbetter and wife, Brittany, West Plains, Missouri, Shawn Pringle and wife, Valene, Mountain View, Missouri, and Sarah Ledbetter and fiancé, Chad French, West Plains, Missouri; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Mickey Callahan and wife, Louise, Crider, Missouri; one sister, Betty Jo McGoldrick, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, Pansy, two daughters, Sherry Pringle and Joyce Ledbetter, one grandson, Jason Ledbetter, and six brothers and sisters preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Rose Chapel.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for Casus Claud Baird, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021 at First Christian Church, under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Baird passed away at 10:34 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Springfield, Missouri.

He was a man who answered to a lot of names.  Most people — students, teachers, parents — knew him as Mr. Baird.  His church family and his close friends knew him as Casus. If you grew up with him in the small town of Hardy, Arkansas, or were one of his five brothers and sisters, he went by Sonny, a name that phonetically matched his disposition.  In the hours after his passing, the phone rang with offers of condolences. And multiple callers gave him another name, Best Friend. Three people were lucky enough to call him Dad. You’d think a little three-letter word would stay simple and consistent. But, depending on their ages, whether they were pleading to stay out past curfew, or straining to run downstairs on Christmas morning, it could sound so different and take on a whole world of meaning.  And, one, got to call him husband. Her name is Helen, but most times, across almost 53 years he could be heard calling her Hon. Theirs was not a Hollywood love. In those movies the lights come up as soon as the first kiss is delivered. Nor was it the kind that makes a novel sizzle, filled with jealousy and betrayals. It was quiet. It was deep. It was real. It’s the kind of love that was summed up in an offhand comment he made during the recent Thanksgiving holiday, “We’ve been together all these years, we know what works, and we’re still having fun together.” Everyone should be so lucky.  He had another love, and for that love he received three more names — first teacher, then principal, then superintendent. That love was Howell Valley School. (A few students sent to his office because of a tussle on the playground or after back-talking a teacher, might have had other names for him, but as this is a small-town paper, we’ll omit those from the public record.)  Knowing that the world doesn’t sleep and competition is always increasing, he worked constantly to raise the standard of education. By the early 1980s, at a time when less than 2% of the country owned a computer, Howell Valley had its first PCs. Later, in 10 of his last 11 years as superintendent, the school was “Accredited with Distinction,” one of the highest honors a school district can receive.  Great accomplishments are the result of even greater commitment. Over the years he mopped and waxed the floors; tended to skinned knees and bee stings; cut the grass; moved furniture and fixtures; swung a hammer; cooked; played catch; shot a basketball; prayed earnestly for his community; and thought often of those students who were beyond his help. His footprints mark the hallways. The students he touched reach around the world.  

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Helen Baird of West Plains, Missouri; two sons, John Baird and wife, Melissa, Seattle, Washington, Daniel Baird and wife, Megan, Honolulu, Hawaii; one daughter Sarah Coats and husband, Andy, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two granddaughters Katie and Emma Coats; one brother, Lee Baird, and wife, Debbie of Williford, Arkansas; four  sisters, Anna Jane Quinn of Olympia, Washington; Deanna Kern and husband, Tom, of York, Pennsylvania;  Marvine Kudis and husband, Gary, of Rockville, Maryland; Susie Buchanan and husband, Vincent, of Livingston, Texas; brothers-in-law, Johnny Leyland and wife, Kay, of Herman, Missouri, Danny Leyland and wife, Phyllis, of Sparta, Missouri and Davy Leyland and wife, Cindy, of Gladstone, Missouri; a special Uncle, Thomas Baird of Searcy, Arkansas, and several cousins, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Casus Baird who died when Casus was 11, and mother Jessie Marie Baird.

He always had a smile. A big laugh. And an even bigger heart.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Two called him Gampy. One more, who’ll be arriving in about four months, his firstborn grandson. It’ll be a few years before he can pronounce his unique first name. We’ve decided to call him Casus.

Mr. Baird will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Rose Chapel.  Burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery.  Family, friends, community members, and the Howell Valley community including alumni, teachers, and students are invited to a reception/celebration of life from 4-6 p.m. at Howell Valley School in the new Howell Valley Gymnasium.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to:  Community Foundation of the Ozarks, c/o Howell Valley School Foundation, 1378 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains, MO 65775, with checks made payable to Casus Baird Memorial Fund.  Memorial contributions may also be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Joyce Marie Burgess, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Mount Zion Cemetery, Olden, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Burgess passed away at 8:51 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2021, at her home.

She was born January 9, 1959 at West Plains, Missouri, to Albert Lewis Drumright and Betty Rae Personette Drumright.  On October 4, 1974, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Daniel Burgess.  Mrs. Burgess worked at Regal Beloit.  She enjoyed her flowers, and she loved her family, kids, and grandkids.  She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband, Danny, of the family home; one daughter, Michele Schach and husband, Brian, Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Brady Smith.  Braxton Cunningham and husband, Zach, McKinze Slaton, and husband, Cody, and Caleb Burgess; three great-grandchildren, Hunter and Remington Smith, and Eliana Slaton; two brothers, Joe Drumright and wife, Barbara, and Donnie Drumright; seven sisters, Helen Fox and husband, Donald, Lillian Lunn and husband, Olan, Mildred Andrews and husband, Robert, Rhonda Spencer and husband, James, Wilda Gibson and significant other, Glendal Johnson, Catherine Stockton and husband, Larry, and Margaret Tackitt and husband, Curtis; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one son, Michael Burgess, four brothers, Lloyd, David, Clifford, and John Drumright, and one sister, Shirley Kay Drumright, preceded her in death.  

Mrs. Burgess will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Melvin Ray Bradley, 77, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bradley passed away at 6:05 a.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born December 3, 1943, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lawrence Ruel Bradley and Hazel Irene Thompson Bradley.  On June 9, 1962, he was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Christine Sanders.  Mr. Bradley was a fabrication engineer at DRS for forty-five years.  He loved farming, hunting, fishing, and trapping, and he enjoyed camping and going on float trips with his family.  He loved his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and his wife.  Mr. Bradley was a member of First Assembly of God, Pomona, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, of the family home; four children, Tammy Bradley, Peace Valley, Missouri, Cynthia Bradley and Mike Edwards, Anchorage, Alaska, Sherry Bradley, Springfield, Missouri, and Saundra Bradley, Peace Valley, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one brother, Martin Bradley and wife, Stella, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Richard Sanders, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Doy Ray Richardson, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Shirley Burns, Texas; and several  nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

His parents and one brother, Kenneth Bradley, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Rose Chapel.  Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Ministries at First Assembly of God, Pomona, Missouri, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Janice Kay Duggins, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Janice passed away peacefully at her home on Nov. 30, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 19, 1953 in West Plains, Missouri, to Charles “Eldon” and Ella Roberson. She was a beloved mother, friend, and Mimi.

She grew up extremely loved as the baby of a large family. She spent a great deal of time with her father at the service stations he owned. She remembered fondly how he would always give away free candy to the children who stopped by the station. Her parents instilled in her a lifelong commitment to generosity and caring for others. It was also during her time at the station that she developed a love for cars as evidenced by her beloved Mach 1 Mustang that she used to cruise through town. Most importantly, it was at this station that she met a young Army lieutenant named Gary who stopped by for gas on his way to the lake. He was filling up his coolers of ice when she boldly introduced herself. He invited her to join him and to his great surprise and delight, she arrived at the lake later with chocolate chip cookies in tow.  Gary returned to his assignment in Huntsville but the two stayed in close contact, running up long-distance phone bills. While on a trip back home to visit, he proposed, but just one month later, he was posted to the war in Vietnam. The two considered postponing the wedding, but decided not to wait. Gary came home and during a two-week leave from the war they were married on Sept. 9, 1972. That Christmas, Gary came back to the states for good. The two settled in Kansas at Fort Riley, but soon were homesick for Missouri and their family. They returned to West Plains where they opened a boat dealership. They spent much of their free time on the water and when Sherrie came along in 1976, they taught her to water ski at the age of four. In 1982, Shandi was born. After selling the boat business, Janice became a homemaker. She was the definition of super mom, volunteering at school, president of the PTA, and supporting her daughters in all they did. When they were in plays, Janice was at every performance. She never missed a concert, sporting event, or opportunity to volunteer. Once the girls were in school, Janice’s active participation in the school led to a position as a special education aide. She loved her work with elementary and middle school students and had a deep commitment to helping children. In the summers, Janice loved nothing more than her yearly summer vacations, usually to the beach. Many trips were spent at Sanibel Island and Gulf Shores, making memories to last a lifetime. The beach was a tradition that continued for as long as her health allowed, eventually adding her children’s spouses and grandchildren. She loved watching them play in the water and was the first to dig her toes in the sand and build a castle. On shopping trips, she delighted in surprising all of her girls with trips to pick out whatever purses their hearts desired. As much as she loved summers at the beach, her true favorite time of the year was Christmas. She went all out for the holidays with decorations, food, candy, and gifts. Her children and grandchildren have never purchased socks because each year, their stockings were full of this traditional gift. Her presence will be greatly missed but always remembered most during the Christmas season. Janice retired from education in 2005, shortly before her first grandchild was born. She once again stepped into the role of cheerleader for those she loved. When her health allowed, she attended every basketball, soccer, football game, recital, play and science fair for Izzy, Jonah, Emmy and Marat. Her grandchildren provided the most precious moments of her life and leaving them was her greatest sadness in departing this earth.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Gary Duggins; daughters Sherrie Hamner, husband, Matt, and Shandi Brinkman, husband, Allen; her four grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Isabella Hamner, Emery Hamner, Jonah Brinkman, and Marat Brinkman. She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law and dear friends, Johnnie and Beverly Duggins; sister-in-law Barbara Alsup; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Cecil and Donna Duggins, her siblings, Don Alsup, Georgie Driver, Charles Roberson, Carrie Hale, Marie Ramsey and her best friend, Linda Squires.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bridges, a program to assist students, a befitting tribute for someone who cared so much for others, especially children in need. Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  The family invites all friends and family to celebrate Janice’s life with them at the service and at a light lunch to follow at the Historic Post Office.

Perry L. Hayes, Sr. was born on April 1, 1934, on a farm near Bakersfield, Missouri.  He was the son of John Dale and Anna Sorrell Mullins Hayes.  He received his education from the Bakersfield R IV school district, graduating with the Class of 1951.  After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and, after twenty years of service, retired as Master Sergeant in June of 1971.  During his military career he received numerous awards and medals.  Upon retiring, he brought his family to the farm where he was born.  In April of 1974, he went to work at Mountain Home, Arkansas, for Baxter Lab.  He worked in the warehouse as a forklift driver, retiring again in 1994.  Perry also farmed from 1971 until 2014 when his health forced him to slow down.  Perry joined the Masonic Lodge of Missouri at Bayou Lodge #365 in August of 1955.  He was a sixty-six year member of the lodge.  He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin, and Eastern Star #432 of Gainesville.  On May 25, 1961, he married the love of his life, Peggy Joyce Mitchell, who followed him wherever the USAF sent him, making a home for their family.  Perry attended Frontier Baptist Church at Pontiac, Missouri, as long as his health would allow.  He loved his church family and was proud of the impact that little church made on the world.

Perry is survived by daughter, Terry Hayes Wood and husband, Gerald; granddaughter, Emily Wood; grandson, Seth Wood, all of Caulfield. It was a group effort providing care for him at home the last seven years, honoring his wishes to remain at home.  He took great joy in Emily being his roommate.  Survivors also include sons-in- law, Verl Terry and Darrell Hensley; great-granddaughters, Abbie and Zoey; nephew, Gregory Grayham and wife, Joanna; Masonic Brother, Wayne Krouse; and dearly loved dachshund, Ginger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy, daughter, Peggy Hensley, grandson, Jamey Hensley, daughter, Barbara Terry, sister, Toreva Grayham, brother-in-law, George Grayham, and niece, Cathy Grayham.

He received full military honors in a private service at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson Drago Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Allen Dale Titsworth, 68, Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away at 10:35 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born July 26, 1953, in Illinois, the son of Horace Titsworth and Bonnie Greene.  On August 18, 1987, he was married at Grand Gulf, Missouri, to Nancy Vandiver.  Mr. Titsworth was a painter for Camcorp Manufacturing.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved to mow the yard and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the family home; four children, Scott and wife, Heidi, Mansfield, Missouri, Steve and wife, Stephanie, Mansfield, Missouri, Misty Williams, South Fork, Missouri, and Shelby and wife, Jessica, Nixa, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Titsworth and wife, Lynn, Koshkonong, Missouri, and Bill Titsworth, Hawaii; one sister, Felicia Gwaltney and husband, Danny, Agnes, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Graveside services for Ellen Marie McKee, 86, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. McKee passed away at 9:15 p.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born October 13, 1935, in Howell County, Missouri, to Ellis Fox and Ethel Collins Fox.  On October 14, 1950, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to James P. McKee, who preceded her in death on November 14, 2013.  Mrs. McKee was an excellent cook and enjoyed flowers, gardening, canning, sewing and making rugs. 

She is survived by six children, Joyce Ledbetter, Keith McKee, Jo Unruh, Kelly McKee, Kevin McKee and wife, Carol Shinberger and Kerry Dean McKee; seventeen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bobby Joe Fox and wife, Laverne and Donald Fox and wife, Helen; six sisters, Lena Story and husband, Glen, Shirley Collins and husband, Charles, Bonnie Tackitt and husband, Kenneth, Dixie Leroy and husband, Bill, Imogene Tilson and husband, Nevin and Vanetta Sexton and husband, Don; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Pamela Sue, one son, James Kenneth McKee and two brothers, Leonard Fox and David Dwight Fox, preceded her in death.  

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

Billy Ray Stiner, 57, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:00 a.m., Thursday, November 25, 2021, at his home.  

He was born February 11, 1964, at Houston, Missouri, to John Stiner and Bonnie McCleary Stiner.  Mr. Stiner worked at Fox Sawmill.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching the Chiefs and NASCAR; he loved spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his significant other, Sherry Barfield; one son, Andrew Hayes; one grandson, Andon Hayes; four brothers, Ralph Stiner and wife, Deborah, Donnie Stiner and wife, Debbie, Frank Stiner and wife, Dawn and Benny Stiner and wife, Heather, all of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two sons, Billy Stiner, Jr. and Brandon Hayes and three brothers, Bo, Jessie and Ronnie Stiner, preceded him in death.   

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Lloyd F. Best finished his life on this earth and went to his eternal home in heaven on November 28, 2021.  Lloyd was born on February 11, 1940 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Owen and Helen Best.

He graduated from Thayer High School in May, 1959.  He joined the United States Navy where he was stationed on the Destroyer USS John R. Pierce.  He married Katherine Hackett on February 9, 1960.  After discharge, he eventually returned to Missouri, purchasing Best Shoe Store in 1968 and then added The Shoe Rack in 1971.  Lloyd was in business thirty-five years in Thayer, and always worked hard for the betterment of his community.  He was active as President of Chamber of Commerce and President of Thayer School Board.  He enjoyed going to work every day and truly missed seeing his customers after retiring in 2003.  Lloyd loved people and lived a full life.  He enjoyed trail rides, turkey hunting with friends, and had a good time bowling at West Plains and Mountain Home.  He loved to watch football, especially the THS Bobcats, and was proud to be a “Bob Codger”.  Lloyd was a member of the First Baptist Church and had a true servant’s heart.  He drove many people to the doctor or the hospital and was ready to help wherever he was needed.  He spent many hours working on the church grounds, and worked with the Baptist Disaster Chainsaw Group during the ice storm of 2009.  Life was simple to Lloyd, you did what needed to be done, treat others as you want to be treated, and laugh often.  He did enjoy a good story and laughed heartily at himself. 

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Katherine, of sixty-one years; daughters, Margaret Jane Simer and husband, Danny, and Suzanne Elizabeth Langley and husband, Greg; beloved grandchildren, Jessica Nichole Smith and husband, Jonathan, and Samuel Alan Simer and wife, Annalise; precious great-grandchildren, Bayleigh Addison McGuire, Ethan Daniel Simer, Jenner Keith Smith, Jemma Katherine Smith, Jude Kensington Smith, and Lloyd Stephen Simer; siblings, Herbert Best and wife, Gloria, Mary Best, Leon Best and wife, Dora, Helen Jeanne Hass, Pat Saenger and husband, Leo, and Margaret Unze and husband, Wayne; and sisters-in-law, Jane Romines and husband, Ken, and Pat Best.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Tyler Owen Simer, sister, Theresa Cortner, brother, Paul Best, brother-in-law, Bill Hass, two nephews, and his parents.

Arrangements are planned for a celebration of Lloyd’s life after the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his life with a donation to “Best Foot Forward” where funds will be used to purchase shoes for the children in our area who need them.  Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Southern Bank or any Best family member, or to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Casey Nivelle Work passed from this world November 24, 2021, at 12:35 a.m.  He was born the youngest son of Orval Ellsworth Work and Neva Jane Welton Work, August 18, 1932, in Fresno, California.

Casey came from a long line of California pioneers, ranchers, and farmers, and whose stories and adventures can be found in the Tulare County history books.  One of Casey’s jobs growing up was helping his Aunt Angie, the Dunlap, California, postmaster, have a cat round-up.  At age twelve or so, his weekly job was to hike up the mountain about five miles and clean out the two springs to water the cattle.  He took along a .22 rifle, in case the old bear came ‘round he’d fill his belly full of lead.  He helped his Uncle Claud tear down a house in the valley and re-build it up on the mountain.  It was built with square nails.  The family grazed their cattle in the National Forest, and controlled burns were the boys’ jobs as well, something that should remain in practice today instead of uncontrolled fires.  Casey didn’t own a pair of shoes until he started high school.  After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS McKean, the “Mighty Mac”, a destroyer, in the Korean War.  Even though he was just a Third Class Seaman, he was the Captain’s go-to for keeping things running.  After service to his country came marriage to Marion Joyce Stanley, and two children, Janet Lynn Work Harrison and Kent Casey Work.  Casey was an ace at mechanics and welding, and fabricated a lot of his own equipment.  Casey was masterful at running bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators.  His love of hunting took him to some of his favorite places in the country with some of his favorite pals.  Oh, the stories!  Casey was one tough character.  There was one day, working on the side of a mountain running a backhoe, the backhoe turned over, trapping Casey under it.  He dug himself out, his leg was broken, set his own leg, and drove himself to the hospital.  He did lots of work in the National Park, including running TV station cable up Big Baldy, to engineering and rebuilding the washed out Weston Meadows in the Kings Canyon National Park, restoring it to its natural beauty.  A family of wild geese raised their young under his kitchen window every year.  Some of his dearest friends were the nuns at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Monastery.  They kept him in goat milk soap that they made.  Casey was most famous for “witching wells”.  Cooperate farmers would fly or drive hours to pick him up to “witch” a well, success every time.  Casey stood up for what was right and just and wasn’t afraid to fight to win every time.  When the county wanted to tax the people’s well water, they came upon a big, block wall . . . Casey!!

Casey leaves behind his baby sister, Darlene A. Work Simpson and family, daughter Janet and all her crew, and many friends and family that won’t forget what determination looks like.

No service to be held.

Graveside services for Morgan Douglas Collins, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Collins passed away peacefully at 9:35 a.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born October 20, 1954, at West Plains, Missouri, the son of Ival Wendell Collins and Mary Francis Owen Collins.  On June 25, 1977 he was married to Terry Lee Richardson in Ozark County, Missouri.  He was a retired Boilermaker.  Morgan was a loving husband, precious son, best brother, and a Special Daddy to his children, as well as a great ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Morgan holds a special place in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him as a selfless, giving, patient and truly gentle soul.  His love for fishing (all night with only a bite), deer and turkey hunting, which he willingly and patiently shared with his children and grandchildren, thrilled him so.  He was of the Church of Christ faith.

Morgan is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Terry Lee Collins, of the family home; his Precious Mama Mary Francis Owen Collins; three children, Crisi Hadley and husband, James, Douglas Collins, Leigh Collins and Thomas McGoldrick; seven grandchildren, Victoria McKee, Nicholas Hadley, Kyle Hadley, Zeriah Jones, Kailee Collins and Willow Collins; a very special great-granddaughter, Scarlett Collins (Little Starlett to Morgan); one brother, Galen Collins and wife, Margaret; two sisters, Teresa Goodpasture and Terena Hudson and husband, Lionel; four brothers-in-law, Charles Richardson and wife, Phyllis, Doyle Richardson and wife, Joan, Jerry Richardson and wife, Vicky, and Gary Richardson and wife, Janet; one sister-in-law, Sherry Pemberton and husband, Rocky; and many family and friends who were also family to Morgan.

He is preceded in death by his Daddy, Ival Wendell Collins, several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews – too numerous to name, but always in our hearts and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Cancer Organization of Choice and left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  

Graveside services for Brent Edward Easley, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Easley passed away at 9:54 a.m., Thursday, November 25, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born August 1, 1961 in West Plains, Missouri to Evelyn Kelsey and the late Truman Easley Jr. He was of the Christian faith.  He was united in marriage to Debbie Stubblefield Stanton of Alton, Missouri on May 25^th, 2013 and they made their home in West Plains, Missouri. They loved traveling, going to the movies, fishing and just enjoyed life together.  Brent grew up most of his life in West Plains and graduated from West Plains High School in 1979. He went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned several degrees, including a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a BS in Business Management and BS in Industrial Management. After graduating, he went to work for Loren Cook as an engineering draftsman for several years, then decided to go back to school and attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. After graduating in 1994, he moved back to West Plains and went to work for Dr. Wiehe in his chiropractic office, later buying the practice and establishing his own practice from 1994 until his death.  Brent was a member of the West Plains Optimist Club, served on the board of the Christos House and on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Missouri Chiropractors for many years. He went on mission trips to Panama for 9 years and, along with chiropractors Sandy Abrams and Kathy Keith, hosted the annual Easter Egg Hunt for 20 years.  His office manager and assistant, Joey Whitlock, who worked for Brent 27 years also helped with the Easter Egg hunts and was an invaluable asset to Brent.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, of the family home; his mother, Evelyn Kelsey; two sisters, Carolan Hand and Brenda Burden; one brother, Brian Easley; and five nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Truman Easley, Jr., his grandparents, Truman Easley, Sr. and Ina Easley, Mary Hill, his aunt, Barbara Weaver, and his uncle, Richard Hill.

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.

Jay Vernon Cross, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:52 a.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 31, 1951, at Arlington, Virginia, the son of Vernon Francis Cross and Audrey Hendrix Cross.  He proudly served as Deputy Sheriff of Volusia County, Florida, for twenty-five years.  Mr. Cross was a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.  He loved drinking coffee every day at the Downtown Antiques Mall, and he also loved spoiling his grandkids and his dog, Josey.

He is survived by four children, Ben Cross and wife, Hope, Houston, Missouri, Rene Cross, Cabool, Missouri, Rachel Wilson and husband, Lee, Deland, Florida, and Jesse Cross and wife, Carmen, Nampa, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Audrey, Dallas, Gabe, Lawson, Rylee, Jude, and Gabi; and one sister, Barbara Gionfriddo, North Carolina.

His parents, Vernon and Audrey Cross, preceded him in death.  

Funeral services for Wayne Eldon Talburt, 62, Sycamore, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at First Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Talburt passed away at 2:52 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born February 14, 1959, at Mountain View, Missouri, to Amos Talburt and Lavada Dixon Talburt. On August 11, 1992, he married to Ramona Cline. Mr. Talburt graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1977, received a Bachelor of Science degree from College of the Ozarks in 1981, majoring in Criminal Justice, Corrections and Sociology, and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University Springfield in 1993. He worked for the Missouri State Water Patrol beginning in January of 1981, and retired in July of 2016 at the rank of Lieutenant. During his work as a public servant, he served as the following: dive team supervisor, dive team instructor, academy instructor, and criminal investigations instructor. He had numerous teaching experiences during his service: Missouri State Water Patrol Dive Team instructor, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, Missouri State Water Patrol Academy, Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, Missouri State Conservation Department Academy, St. Charles Police Academy. Professional certifications include: P.O.S.T. Certified Generalist Instructor, F.B.I. Law Enforcement Instructor Development, P.A.D.I. Master Scuba Diver Instructor, First Responder instructor, Defensive Tactics and Physical Fitness Specialist Instructor, and 8 Course Certifications for FEMA and Homeland Security; Honors and Awards: National Silver Finn Award (Highest award a dive team can internationally win), Missouri Peace Officers Association Officer of the Year, Missouri State Water Patrol Meritorious Service Citation and Colonels Commendation, for putting his life in perilous danger the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lifesaving Award, State Employee of the Month Award, National Association of Boating Law Administrators State Officer of the Year, Governor’s Achievement Award, Red Cross Volunteer of the Year, and the 1980 National Man of the Year Award. Other Accomplishments include: College of the Ozarks Associates Board- 2015 to present, Member of the Missouri State Water Patrol Underwater Recovery Team for 26 year with the last 16 of those years as supervisor, Dora School Board from 2000 to 2006.

In his personal life Mr. Talburt attended Dora Family Life Church, and was a strong man of faith, Jesus Christ was most important to him. Wayne raised his boys to be Godly men. He loved his family, and especially his wife, Ramona. Wayne mowed yards and took care of the local widows. Wayne was the backbone of the family. He loved his water patrol brothers as if they where family. He enjoyed reading, diving, spending time with family, and loved taking in the beauty of the Ozarks. Wayne felt that diving was what God created him to do to provide comfort and closure to the surviving families by recovering and praying over the body of their loved one. Wayne saw his job as a witness of Christ. It is because of his dedication of having God in his job that Wayne was referenced throughout the nation for law enforcement advice, and his dive team was one of three dive teams in the nation to be called upon by homeland security in times of disaster.

He is survived by his wife, Ramona Talburt, of the family home; three children, Grant Talburt and wife Clancy of West Plains, Seth Talburt and wife Kirsten of Ava, Missouri, and Susan Howard and husband Ronnie of Dora, Missouri; his mother, Lavada Talburt, West Plains; father-in-law, Danny Cline, West Plains; two brothers, Hal Talburt of West Plains and Rad Talburt wife Joanne of Doniphan, Missouri; brother-in-law, Scott Cline and wife Tina; sister-in-law, Monica Tate and husband Brandon; several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, Elissa Tate, Madison Cline, Caleb Cline, Shayne Talburt and wife Stephanie, Bryce Talburt and wife Shelby.

His father Amos, sister Sondra Talburt, and mother-in-law Donna Cline, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., to 1:00 P.M. Burial site will be at Huddleston Cemetery of Royal Oak, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to College of the Ozarks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.

Memorial services for Marvin Lee Polzin, 79, and Linda Eileen Polzin, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. and Mrs. Polzin passed away at 10:45 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at their home.

Marvin was born November 17, 1942, at Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Edward and Ethel Smith Polzin.  He owned Polzin Upholstery in Great Bend, Kansas, and West Plains Used Furniture and Upholstery in West Plains, Missouri, and was well-known as a master upholsterer.  After closing his upholstery shop, Mr. Polzin became a designer at Arlee Home Fashions.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, canning, and a good meal.

Linda was born January 19, 1946, at Kinsley, Kansas, to Archie Johnson and Marian Eileen Johnson Reichardt.  She was a homemaker, and she enjoyed collecting Coke items and working puzzles.  She also enjoyed her cats and her dog, Sadie.

On August 19, 1962, Marvin and Linda were married at Kinsley, Kansas.

They are survived by four children, Christine Nemnich and husband, Bradley, Great Bend, Kansas, Sherry Bowen and husband, Randy, Durand, Michigan, Michael Polzin, West Plains, Missouri, and Misty Dobbs and husband, Kenneth, West Plains, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Shawn, Nicole, Derek, Megan, Leanne, Ashley, Shane, Jesse, Amber, Kelsey, Kendra, Deven, Kaylee, and Ashlynn; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Marvin is also survived by one brother, James Polzin; and one sister, Jewell Lewis, and husband, Gerry.

Linda is also survived by two brothers, Gary Johnson and wife, Sally, and Harry Johnson and wife, Rose; and one sister, Bonnie West.

Marvin’s parents and three infant siblings preceded him in death.  Linda’s parents preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.