Obituaries

Graveside services for Robert Lee Judd, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery, 10298 County Road 8530 south of West Plains.  

Mr. Judd passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, at his home.  

He was born January 15, 1970, to Francis and Wanda Judd, the youngest of six children.  Robert was a kind and loving man.  He always had a smile and never met a stranger.  Robert loved his music and tinkering with lawn mowers.  His greatest joy in life was his children, Shala Dawn and James Lee.   Prior to becoming disabled, he worked at Newton’s Group Home caring for others. 

He is survived by his children, Shala Dawn Judd and James Lee Judd, of the family home; his mother, Wanda Judd; five siblings, Margaret Collins, Frank Judd, Marilyn Lair (Michael), James Judd (Kelly) and Kathy Young (Dennis); the mother of his children, Melissa Daily; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

His father, maternal and paternal grandparents, preceded him in death.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help defray burial costs and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A Celebration of Life, with Military Honors, for Richard Benedict Dold, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Richie was born July 22, 1936, to Alois and Veronica (Froni) Mondlock Dold, in the small town of St. Martin, Minnesota.  His faith became sight on March 22, 2022, when he at last saw the face of his redeemer.  He passed away at home after a year-long battle with cancer.

High school years were spent at St. John’s Prep Boarding School in Collegeville, Minnesota, where Dick, aka “Buck”, was a four-year letterman on the championship football team.  He was always proud of being a Johnnie.  Joining the Air Force in 1956 as an Airman Basic, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before earning his college degree in History and becoming a new 2^nd Lieutenant in 1970.  He spent his career in California, Guam, Arizona, Iceland, New Mexico, France, Alaska, and Colorado.  Following his retirement from the Air Force as Captain in 1980, he became a civilian employee of the Air Force Reserve Center, retiring a second time in 1998.  The day after his retirement, he moved to West Plains, Missouri.  Season ticket holders for the United States Air Force Academy football team for twenty years and Sponsor Parents for over a dozen cadets were two of his favorite pursuits.  After graduation, some cadets still considered the Dolds another set of parents.  A life-long bowler, Dick always wanted to bowl a 300 game, and he came within a hair’s breadth of accomplishing his goal.  Dick was a true bibliophile and delighted in loaning books to his friends.  He enjoyed his new home in the Ozarks and served as Chairman of the West Plains Pride Committee for three years.  He was responsible for the “Welcome to West Plains” sign at Highway 63 and Preacher Roe Boulevard.  Dick loved his church and held several positions, including President of the Methodist Men.  His Sunday School class was special and he considered each member a personal friend.  The church membership and our family friends have been great support throughout his illness.  Special thanks to Ozarks Healthcare Hospice for their loving care.

Dick and Jan (Howard) Dold were married December 12, 1970, in Alamogordo, New Mexico.  They raised two children, Bridget Dold Miller of Aurora, Colorado, and Eric (Robyn) Dold of Battle Ground, Washington.  He adored his three granddaughters, Megan (Mike) Dold-Nowack, Alexis Miller, and Camryn Miller.  He would spend hours playing cards with “the girls”.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Veronica, father, Alois, and brothers, Bert and Clem Dold.

In lieu of flowers, the family (including their precious Foxy, a ten-year-old rescue) asks that you make a donation to a shelter of your choice or to the First United Methodist Church.  Memorial contributions may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Fred LaFever Jr., 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. LaFever passed away at 10:40 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born March 24, 1931 at West Plains, Missouri, to Fred LaFever Sr. and Frances Evelyn Martin LaFever.  On June 19, 1954, he was married at Van Buren, Missouri, to Melba Elizabeth Louise Rainwater, who preceded him in death August 21, 2000.  Mr. LaFever assisted with job placement at Ozark Action.  He was a longtime member of the Lion’s Club.  He was also a 32^nd Degree Mason.  Mr. LaFever enjoyed fishing and hunting for arrowheads, and he loved the numerous dogs that he had throughout the years.  He also loved his grandchildren very much and made many trips to Ohio to spend time with them.  Mr. LaFever was a member of the First United Methodist Church for fifty years.

He is survived by one son, Mark LaFever, Ashland, Ohio; three grandchildren, Destiny LaFever, Ashland, Ohio, Dawson LaFever, Columbus, Ohio, and Dylan LeFever, Ashland, Ohio; one sister, Rosemary Birmingham, Springfield, Missouri; and four nieces and nephews.

His parents, Fred and Frances, and his wife of forty-six years, Melba, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Janet Kay LaFevers, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. LaFevers passed away at 10:10 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  

She was born February 1, 1942, at West Plains, Missouri, to Benjamin Chandler Hollingshad and Jewell Golden McClintock Hollingshad.  On April 11, 1970, she was married at West Plains, to William Henry (Bill) LaFevers, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2006.  Mrs. LaFevers enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandkids; she was a social butterfly and loved her dogs.

She is survived by four children, Dana Frost, West Plains, Douglas LaFevers and wife, Shelia, West Plains, Daniel LaFevers and wife, Karen, Mountain View, Missouri and Debra Finley, West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Michael Frost, Ashley Matejek, Abigail, Hunter, Quentin, Holden and Logan LaFevers, Zack and Allison Finley and Sydnee and William Ryder LaFevers; and eleven great-grandchildren, Izzy, Mason and Easton Matejek, Blake Frost, Quinlee and Quincey LaFevers, Jerin Bland, Watson Pleshka, Sutton, Jaxson and Benton Decker; and several nieces and nephews .

Her parents, husband, two sons, Deric Alexander LaFevers and William David LaFevers, one son-in-law, David Finley and one brother, Carroll Lee Hollingshad, preceded her in death.    

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the New Liberty Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to New Liberty Cemetery 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 Shirley Marie Wood, 50, West Plains, Missouri, will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 pm prior to services at the church.

Shirley passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born October 28, 1971 in West Plains, Missouri, the daughter of Justus Mark and Dorothy Ann Ball.  Shirley loved the adventure of growing up on the farm with a big family. She attended Koshkonong School and was valedictorian of her graduating class. While in school, she earned the opportunity to run cross country in Europe. From an early age, she was very skilled and enjoyed spending time sewing. She was able to continue this hobby even while undergoing cancer treatments and donated her work to the Ronald McDonald House and the cystic fibrosis benefit auction. She always raised a big garden and canned the produce. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years and homeschooled her children. She then worked as a secretary at West Plains Middle School and West Plains High School, where she enjoyed building relationships with the students. She then moved jobs to Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, where she worked for 8 years. She loved her job there, and the people she worked with became family. Her faith in Jesus was very important to her and helped carry her through tough times during her life. She attended First Baptist Church in West Plains for many years and treasured the friendships she made there. She also loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, parents, siblings and their families. She was thankful to be able to live close to many of her family members. Her family was very special to her.

Shirley is survived by one son, Jeremy Wood and wife, Melanie, Strafford, Missouri; one daughter, Danielle Eidson and husband, Josh, Camdenton, Missouri; two grandchildren, Adalyn and Kaden; her father, Justus Ball, Koshkonong; seven brothers, Mark Ball and wife, Ann, Batesville, Arkansas, Mike Ball and wife, Exey, Hereford, Texas, David Ball and wife, Terri, West Plains, Jim Ball and wife, Rhonda, West Plains, Kenny Ball and wife, Diana, Koshkonong,  Bobby Ball and wife, Janet, Koshkonong, and Charley Ball and wife, Angie, West Plains; one sister, Lorie Jenkins and husband, Ryan, Thayer, Missouri; one uncle, Virgil Bruner (Marge Booten), Louisburg, Missouri; one aunt, Florence Heck, Perry, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Frankie, mother Dorothy, infant sister Patricia, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Burial will follow services at Wayside Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hope 4 CF and Ronald McDonald House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry Lee Moss, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Fairview School Gymnasium.

Mr. Moss passed away at 4:02 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at his home.  

He was born October 28, 1948 at Elijah, Missouri, to Curtis Lee Franklin Moss and Inis Sue Gunter Moss.  On December 31, 2000, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Janice Croney.  Mr. Moss enjoyed fishing and family get-togethers.

He is survived by his wife, Janice (Croney) Gunter-Moss, of the family home; children, Neal Moss, Justin Moss and wife, Jill, Sarah Branstetter and husband, Terry, David Gunter, Tammy Schulz and husband, Ricky, Regina Skinner and husband, Lee, Levi Gunter, and Lacey Brotherton and husband, Casey; fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenny Moss and wife, Ginger; one sister, Karen Rickard and husband, Cliff (Skip); one uncle, Lee Moss; thirty-two nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

His parents, grandparents, sister, Judy Burris, brother, Donnie Moss, and son-in-law, Troy Pistole, preceded him in death.

Graveside services for Edna Mae Epley, 84, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Epley passed away at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Ozarks HealthCare.

She was born August 12, 1937 at Springdale, Washington, to Joseph John Schmeller and Bertha Elizabeth Hubert Schmeller.  On June 24, 1957, she was married at Kansas City, Kansas, to Bobbie Lee Epley, who preceded her in death February 24, 2006.  Mrs. Epley was a farmer, and she also worked at Baxter Lab.  She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and crocheting.  Mrs. Epley was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by two sons, Stan Epley and special friend, Lisa Shields, Pottersville, Missouri, and Dean Epley and wife, Terry, Crider, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Logan Clarke, Raymond Epley, Caleb Clarke, Daniel Epley, Cody Epley, Dalton Epley, Elton Gann, and Charles Gann; five great-grandchildren, Weston, Oakley, Lilly, Riley, and Payton; and one sister, Esther Brown.

Her parents, husband, one son, Lee Epley, four brothers, and two sisters, preceded her 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 Ledbetter Cemetery. 

Ruby June (Hill) Rand was born on February 20, 1931 and slipped into the waiting arms of Jesus on March 20, 2022 as the hymn Amazing Grace was ending in the chapel services at West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains, Missouri.

She was born to Elam Jonathon Hill and Annis Matilda (Bush) Hill.  Ruby was the baby in her family with 9 older siblings, 5 sisters and 4 brothers. She graduated from Teachers College High School in Cedar Falls on May 20, 1948. 

Ruby married George Vernon Rand on January 20, 1951 and raised 7 children. Sheryl (Joseph) Beenken, Jerald (Sandra) Rand, Sandra (Nicholas) Truog, Cindy (Thomas) Wells, Mickey Rand, Merlene Freet, and Lynn (Kevin) Heckmann who blessed her life with multiple grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved every one unconditionally and prayed for us all the time, and we all knew it. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her son Mickey and his daughter Laura, a step granddaughter Cassie, and all siblings except a brother. 

She loved listening to Christian music, reading her Bible, gardening, baking, and watching the birds. Her baked bread was the best!  In one of her Bibles she recorded the date of her salvation as January 11, 1987. She loved the Lord and was a great example of how to work hard, love and serve others unconditionally, and not let life get you down. She taught everyone so much about life and kept everyone in line as much as possible, even up to the end. What an awesome legacy!!  Since 2018 she lived at West Vue Nursing Center. We were blessed as a family to know the caregivers loved our mom as their own and took great care of her. They were all like family to us when we visited. Their love and care for our mom and for us in those last three days are deeply appreciated. We watched them lose a loved one as well and that is something we could not have ever imagined.  Ruby was a fitting name as it is a very precious gem – and so was she! We were blessed with the best mom ever. She will be greatly missed and just like a gem, she will continue to be cherished by all that had the honor of crossing her path till we meet again.

Cremation is taking place and her cremains will be buried with George in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa at a later date. No formal funeral services will be held. Family will gather to celebrate and honor her with all their fond memories at a date to be determined.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Andrew Hughes Parsons, 84, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 10:50 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at his home.  

He was born April 13, 1937, at Washington, Pennsylvania, to Andrew Parsons and Edna Linton Parsons.  On July 3, 1990, he was married at Yucaipa, California, to Margaret Wiginton.  Mr. Parsons was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement, he drove a city bus in Riverside, California.  He loved his family and enjoyed fishing and being outdoors.  He also loved to play cards and win.  Mr. Parsons was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Parsons, of the family home; five children, Daniel Parsons and wife, Amy, Phoenix, Arizona, Katie Lemme and husband, John, Glendale, Arizona, Cindy Lawrence and husband, Phil, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michael Darrow and wife, Heidi, Springfield, Missouri and Andy Darrow, Pomona, Missouri; ten grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. 

His parents preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Lorene Dotson, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Dotson passed away at 1:38 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Ozarks Healthcare.

Lorene was born June 12, 1934 at Pomona, Missouri, to Clyde and Eunice Mae Shook Farmer.  She attended Willow Springs High School, graduating with the Class of 1952.  On February 11, 1956, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Robert Gene (Bob) Dotson, who preceded her in death May 14, 2001.  Mrs. Dotson was a bookkeeper.  She enjoyed reading, going on rides, sitting on her deck in her swing, and just enjoying nature.  Lorene was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains.

She is survived by three sons, Dennis Dotson and wife, Connie, Edmond, Oklahoma, Douglas Dotson and wife, Jo Beth, West Plains, Missouri and Paul Dotson and wife, Michelle, Ozark, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Callie, Tad, Kyle, Derek, Sarah, Lyndsey, Laiken, Ben, Megan, Abigail, Garrett, and Ryan; four great-grandchildren, Catherine, William, Beringer and Ketch, and one on the way; and special friend, Donna Hall.

Her parents, husband, one son, Russell Dotson and one brother, Marvin Farmer, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Veta Lee Blair, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Blair passed away at 5:42 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at her home, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Veta was born August 14, 1949 at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Thomas (Tommy) and Marjorie Vaughan Cockrum.  On June 29, 1968, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Harlie Blair.  Veta especially loved her family and spending time with her sister, Deanne.  She was a kind soul who lived a Christian life and knew the love of Jesus.  Mrs. Blair was a member of West 160 Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Harlie Blair, of the family home; one daughter, Heather (Blair) McGrath and husband, Kevin, Warrensburg, Missouri; one grandson, Gunner; one sister, Deanne Cockrum, West Plains, Missouri; four brothers, Dennis Cockrum and wife, Kathy, Bakersfield, Loran Cockrum and wife, Barbara, Geary Cockrum and wife, Vernetta, and Mark Cockrum and wife, Fawn, all of West Plains, Missouri; and several uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.

Her parents and one sister, Mary Sue Cockrum, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Blair will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Visitation will be prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday.  Burial will be at Free Union Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to West 160 Mission Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Alva Carl Kentner, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:05 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Shepherd’s View, Alton, Missouri.  

He was born January 14, 1943, at West Plains, to Alva Roy Kentner and Sybil Dorothy Perkins Kentner.  Alva worked at Amyx as a young man and worked as a farm hand in his later years.  He was a kind man, known for his generosity.  Even if he didn’t have much, he would make sure what he did have went to someone in need.  Alva looked forward to letters written to him from his sister in Texas.  He enjoyed reading the Bible and lived his life preparing for the next. 

He is survived by two sisters, Bonnie Collins, McKinney, Texas and Tammy Burgess and husband, Gerald, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews .

His parents, three sisters, Joan, Jeanie and Barbara and two brothers, P.D. and Loren, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for Frankie Jean Forester, 41, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Our sweet, beloved Frankie Jean passed away unexpectedly from this life March 14, 2022 in her family home.

She was born to Doris Eileen (Martin) Boyer on January 13, 1981 in Salem, Arkansas, at Fulton County Memorial Hospital.  Frankie Jean attended the State School for special children until she was twenty-one years old.  She enjoyed music of all kinds, the more upbeat the better.  She loved to play with her toys, the louder the better for her, maybe not for everyone else. She had a grin that could light up a room, the cutest laugh, and the brightest, prettiest blue eyes you ever did see.

She is survived by her mom, Doris Boyer; sisters, Jo Anna Perry and Angela Wright; brother-in-law, Nathan Perry; nieces and nephews, Audrey Perry, Elijah Perry, Elliott (Tucker) Perry, Jaycelyn Wright, and Zaiden Wright; aunts and uncles, Teresa Ward, Lisa Adelsberger and husband, Paul, Sandy Layman and husband, Shelley, and Gary Martin; and many cousins who are loved dearly.

Her father, Don Boyer, grandparents, Joe and Alma Jean Martin, and Eugene and Lucille (Mildred) Forester, grandmother, Freida Boyer, aunts and uncles, Patty Martin, Larry Ward, Hopie Sisco, and Ethal Sisco, and cousin, Mattie Cox, preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, 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.  

Martin Victor Maurer, 73, Tecumseh, Missouri, passed away at 1:50 p.m., Monday, March 14, 2022, at Ozarks HealthCare.

Mr. Maurer was born October 27, 1948 at East Saint Louis, Illinois, to Rice James Maurer and Marta Bickner.  Early in life, he enjoyed riding motorcycles.  He also enjoyed fishing, and was a lover of the environment and the outdoors.  He was a writer of poetry.  Mr. Maurer was a drywall finisher for thirty years and stood by his work

He is survived by one son, Shane Maurer, Tecumseh, Missouri; one brother, Paul Maurer and wife, Denise, Phoenix, Arizona; one sister, Joyce Barr, Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

A Memorial Service for Sharon Kay Lashley, 77, Mounds, Oklahoma, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Lashley passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at St. John’s Ascension Hospital, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

She was born April 15, 1944, at Dawt, Missouri, to Lilburn Tolly Evans and Syble Beatrice Greer Evans.  Sharon grew up around Dawt, Missouri.  On June 18, 1967, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Carl Edward Lashley, who preceded her in death on September 23, 2012.  Mrs. Lashley along with her husband owned Hiland Dairy in Muskogee, Oklahoma, before retiring.  She loved fishing and had many secret fishing spots; she also enjoyed cooking. 

She is survived by three children, Lisa Lashley and fiancée Allen Hill, Mounds, Oklahoma, Tony Martin, West Plains, Missouri and Sharon Kay Warren and husband, Steve, Conway, Missouri; six grandchildren, Lindsey Lashley, Stephanie Miller, Stacie Vestal, Steve Warren, Jr., Ashley  Hill and Ross Hill; seven great-grandchildren, Kirsten, Ty, Cassie, Gracie, Raylan, Olivia, Weston, Riley and Sage; one sister, Carolyn Gangel, Olathe, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews .

Her parents, husband, three brothers, Buster, Ansel and Bill Evans and one sister, Etta Sue Uitts, preceded her in death.  

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

A Celebration of Life for Ray Hall, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Hall passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Shady Oaks in Thayer, Missouri.

He was born July 15, 1941 at West Plains, Missouri, to David L. and Zanna B. McBride Hall.  He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1960.  Upon graduation, Mr. Hall enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years, which included being aboard the USS Davis, blockading Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Crisis in 1962.  While stationed in Fall River, Massachusetts, he met and married Ellen Torngren on December 28, 1963.  They had two children:  a son, Randy, and a daughter, Karen.  After twenty-five years, he retired as Housing Manager for Crescent Park in Richmond, California.

He is survived by his son, Randy (Judy) Hall, Benicia, California, and his daughter, Karen Hall Holmes, Vallejo, California; three grandsons, Tyler and Spencer Hall, and Jonathan Holmes; one sister, Jeanne (Charles) Phelps, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, brothers, Curtis, Jay D., Ted, and Lee, sisters, Ola Mae Kirk and Aileen English, and son-in-law, Phil Holmes, preceded him in death.

Funeral services for James David Wadlow, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022, at United Freewill Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Wadlow passed away at 9:44 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2022, at his home.

He was born January 28, 1951 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Bernis Wadlow and Mary Wilda Orchard Wadlow.  On December 28, 1984, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Dollie Judd.  Mr. Wadlow was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy from 1969 to 1973.  He was a procurement manager at McClain Forest Products.  He was a dedicated blood donor.  He loved his family and farming, and he enjoyed grilling out.  Mr. Wadlow was a member of United Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dollie, of the family home; four children, Billy Roberts and wife, Lisa, Pomona, Missouri, Pamela Cox and husband, Terry, Fort Worth, Texas, Tamara Walesky, West Plains, Missouri, and Helen Faulkner and fiancé, Scott Smallwood, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Billy Joe Roberts and wife, Jennifer, Bobby Roberts and wife, Heather, Nate Cox and wife, Jess, Bethany Gill and husband, Ricky, James Bunch, Mikayla Simmons and husband, Logan, Mikenzie Anderson and husband, Dakota, and Anthony Sheets; several great-grandchildren; one brother, John Wadlow, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Jackie Dixon and husband, Eugene, Eminence, Missouri; one nephew, John Wadlow, Jr. and wife, Cindy; and extended family.

His parents, one sister-in-law, Priscilla Wadlow, and two nephews, Mike Wadlow and Randy Dixon, preceded him in death.

Mr. Wadlow will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at United Freewill Baptist Church.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Carol Jean Whisenant, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Sweeton Pond Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Carol, affectionately known as Momma Whisenant, fell asleep in the Lord and entered into the splendor of His Saints on March 6, 2022 surrounded by her family and a great cloud of love.

She was born the 10th child of Clifford and Pearl Woolf on December 7, 1945 in Dora, Missouri.  Carol was a graduate of Dora High School and was a professional stylist by training. She graduated from cosmetology school in St. Louis and earned her cosmetology license in the summer of 1972. Carol was proud to work in the beauty industry and loved interacting with her customers in the shop and throughout the community. This summer would have made 50 years that she maintained her professional license.  Momma Whisenant loved her children more than anything on earth. The love, sacrifice, and care she had for them defined her life and gave purpose to it.  Second only to her children was Momma Whisenant’s love for cooking. She was well-known for feeding family and friends both near and far. She was never shy to turn on a cooking show, and she was a master at creating home-cooked meals and sharing them with great love. Some of her favorite traditions included making her children’s favorite dessert for their birthday, making her hand pulled peanut brittle at Christmas time, and making crispy chocolate chip cookies.  Throughout her life Momma Whisenant was incredibly skillful and creative. She possessed a natural ability to learn and master new skills. From detailed crochet and macramé, to clothes making, furniture restoration, upholstery, gardening, interior painting, and even rock painting and portrait drawing; Momma Whisenant was gifted with immense talent and a knack for expressing her gift of creativity.  Momma Whisenant lived a Christian life and knew the love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus. She was a true believer in the power of prayer. The prayers of a mother are powerful and effective and her children and their wellbeing are a testament to this.  She had a special love for Second Baptist Church in West Plains and also shared a deep love for Pastor Salem and the Christian Worship Hour. If you had the privilege of getting to know her, you would know that she also had a tender heart for those suffering around the world. One of the issues she felt strongly about and was compelled to support was well creation in water deprived areas of Africa. It pained her greatly to see the struggle that so many go through just to secure daily drinking water.

She is survived by her four children, Jeffrey Collins and wife, Trish, Elizabeth, Arkansas, Robin Collins, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Douglas Collins, Nixa, Missouri and Agape Amanda Whisenant Crain and husband, Joseph, Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, PJ Collins and wife, Morgan, Justin Collins, and Sheena Collins and friend, Jon; four great-grandchildren, Kayley Staggs, Ethan Collins, Grace Collins and Aliyah Collins; two of her beloved sisters, Shirley George and husband, Ivan, Kansas City, Kansas and Sharon Seat and friend, Jack, West Plains, Missouri; her beloved brother-in-law, Tommy Rippee, Ada, Oklahoma; and her always entertaining and beloved grand dogs, Tyson, Jack, Maybelline, Hyla, Mini and Theo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leon Whisenant, her first husband and father of her three oldest children, Don Collins, her great-grandson, Braxton Staggs, four brothers, Tim, Darrell, Denton and Bob Woolf; and six sisters, Wilma Putzel, Reba Summers, Violet Summers, June Rippee, Connie Collins, and Ina Wilson.

With hope in our Risen Christ, we will see you soon, Mom. We love you!

Visitation will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Sweeton Pond Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

A visitation service for Dorotha Lee Richey, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Richey passed away at 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 14, 1932 at Joplin, Missouri, to Charles Arnold Page and Lora Veda Drake Page.  On October 8, 1950, she was married to Howard E. Richey, Sr., who preceded her in death January 17, 1993.  Mrs. Richey was a seamstress in a shirt factory.  She collected salt and pepper shakers, and she loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.  Mrs. Richey was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by four children, Howard Richey and wife, Nancy, Ruby Mattingly and husband, Jim, Leida May Lawson and husband, Ralph, and Rebecca Beverage and husband, Sheldon; fifteen grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Her parents, husband, one son, Jimmy Richey, six brothers, and three sisters preceded her in death.

Burial will be in the Kansas City area at a later date.