Obituaries

A memorial visitation for Allen Wayne Severin, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Severin passed away at 6:33 p.m., Monday, October 4, 2021 at Ozarks Healthcare.  

Allen was a simple man that was loved, is missed, and will always be remembered.  His story starts in September 1961, as the youngest of nine children born to Albin and Lavon Severin.  Allen was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and spent his childhood and early adult life there.  It is also where he would meet the love of his life, Mary Kay Rogers.  Allen & Mary Kay were married at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church June 19, 1993.  They spent many years building their home, traveling, riding motorcycles, and being entrepreneurs. They had one son, Arron, born in 1996, and a family dog, Comet.  Allen spent many years feeding his daredevil tendencies, whether on snowmobile, dirt bike, or fast car.  He had a love for speed and enjoyed a good NASCAR race.  Visiting their home, you would find a new house project in process, NASCAR or a Packers game on TV, Allen’s hands sanding some new woodworking project, and lots of love from their pets. If not at home, Allen was likely on the golf course.  In 2013Allen, Mary Kay and Arron purchased land in Pomona, Missouri, just outside of West Plains.  They began construction of their new home, a passive solar house that is made of both nature and upcycled materials.  This effort fed their compassion for sustainability and natural living with a low carbon footprint.  There, they grew their family by the addition of ducks and a new pet dog named Lily.  Allen got a job at Caterpillar, and the family spent several years building their new home before moving into it in 2017.

Loved ones that will miss Allen until they meet again are his son Arron; brothers, Lester Severin, Leslie Severin, and Gordon Severin; sisters, Janet (Ralph) Johnson and Pearl Hanson; mother-in-law, Lorraine Rogers; sister-in-law, Becky Rogers; and many nieces and nephews,

Passing before Allen were his wife, parents, siblings, Dolores (Frank) Lila, Debra Severin, and Larry (Joan) Severin, and nephew, Brett Severin.

A service in Wisconsin will be held at a future date.

Graveside services for James Ray Mitts, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Mitts passed away at 6:57 a.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at his home.  

He was born March 7, 1942 at West Plains, Missouri, the son of Ray Mitts and Ella Ledbetter Mitts.  On January 16, 2002, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Nita Gipson, who preceded him in death July 10, 2014.  Mr. Mitts enjoyed wagon riding, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by two children, Leon Mitts and Melissa Wright, both of West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Dustin Wright and wife, Carol, Viola, Arkansas, and Jesse Wright, West Plains, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Braxtin Wright, River Wright, Bayler Wright, and Breanna Wright; and two sisters, Fern Welker and husband, Max, and Rosa Thomas, all of West Plains, Missouri. 

His parents and his wife preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be from 6;00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.   

Funeral services for LaVonne Emma Chappell, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Chappell passed away at 2:41 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born December 23, 1931, in Cedar County, Iowa, to Charles Britcher and Emma Lange Britcher.  On March 6, 1948, she was married at Clarence, Iowa, to Harvey Chappell, who preceded her in death on December 11, 1994.  LaVonne enjoyed talking, mingling and making friends; she loved her volunteer work at Ozarks Medical Center and First Baptist Church.  She raised her five children and enjoyed cooking and caring for them and always provided them with food, clothing and a loving home.  She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her bread and wacky cake.  Mrs. Chappell was a member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by four children, Connie Knutsen and husband, Gene, Mechanicsville, Iowa, David Bradford Chappell and wife, Donna, Camdenton, Missouri, Dot Brown and husband, Everett, Mountain View, Missouri and Kathy Croney and husband, Ray, West Plains, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Alecia Meyers, Stanwood, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews 

Her parents, step-father, Edward Meyers, husband, ,one infant son, Randy, one son, Walter Chappell, one grandchild, Dedrick Gray and one brother, Roland Meyers, preceded her in death.    

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

David Allen Anderson, 56, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, at his home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for William Ralph Hall, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Hall passed away at 11:10 a.m., Sunday, October 3, 2021, at NHC HealthCare.  

He was born September 25, 1930 at Huntland, Tennessee, the son of William Henderson Hall and Clara Pearl Luttrell Hall.  On February 18, 1950, he was married at Rossville, Georgia, to Mary Elizabeth Wynne, who preceded him in death March 25, 2012.  Mr. Hall was a hard worker.  He was a shoe machinist, a farmer, and a part-time employee at West Plains Bank; and he worked in over thirty states.  He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Olden, Missouri.  Mr. Hall was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.   He was a devoted husband and father, and he cared for his family and friends. 

He is survived by one daughter, Brenda M. (Hall) Smith and husband, Kevin, West Plains, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Sherri (Dobbs) Hall, Hermann, Illinois; three granddaughters, Jessica Rene’ (Smith) Sandfort and husband, Jason, St. Charles, Missouri, Andrea Nicole (Smith) Gaither and husband, Andrew Devin, Fairview Heights, Illinois, and Ericka Lynn (Hall) Packer; six great-grandchildren,  Henry, Philip, and Jacob Sandfort, Andrew Caden and Alexander B. Gaither, and Katie Packer; one brother, Clyde Ellis Hall, McCordsville, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews 

His parents, wife, one son, Randall Allan Hall, three brothers, Charles Edward Hall, Howard Leon Hall, and Marian A. Hall preceded him in death.  

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

A memorial service for Keith Samuel Abrams, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Abrams passed away at 7:11 a.m., Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

He was born March 11, 1956 at St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Philip Abrams and Marilyn (Sudee) Dill Abrams.  He graduated from Parkway West High School, and studied Business at Northeast Missouri State (Truman State).  After graduation, Mr. Abrams found his calling in sales.  On March 24, 1990, he was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Sandra Walker.  Gifted in the art of gab, he never met a stranger.  This innate ability allowed him to have a lengthy career in auto glass sales before retiring to raise his children.  A father, husband, and friend to many, Mr. Abrams was a man who lived by his terms.  An avid outdoorsman, he explored all the wonders this earth had to offer.  From the plains of Africa to the coast of South America, he left no rock unturned.  He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Abrams; and two sons, Taylor and Alex Abrams. 

Funeral services for Jacob (Jack) Maurice Hays, 75, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Hays passed away at 9:11 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021, at his home.  

He was born July 27, 1946, at West Plains, Missouri, to Leavitt Hays and Gertrude Wentz Hays.  On October 20, 1984, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to Patricia Wood.  Before his retirement, Mr. Hays was a truck driver for Howell County.   Jacob (Jack) was a child of God and wonderful son, brother, husband and father.  Everyone he spent time with knew he was a fun, joking, giving and loving spirit. He is now with the Lord after losing his battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hays; five children, Jacob (Jackie) Hays, Jr., James (Jim) Hays, Erine Smith, Joseph Smith and William (Travis) Stillwell; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Martha Henderson and Mary Hays; and several nieces and nephews .

His parents and two brothers, John and Tom Hays, preceded him in death.  

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

Graveside services for Michael Lynn Bell, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 4, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bell passed away at 9:44 a.m., Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Ozarks Health Care.  

He was born September 27, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Ezarine Bell and Betty Louise McFarland Bell Sullivan.  On December 26, 1982, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Mona Franklin.  Mr. Bell was a Veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He loved his grandkids and taking care of his animals.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Mona Mattes; two children, Matthew Bell and wife, Brittni, West Plains, Missouri, and Michael Bell and wife, Ambre, Traskwood, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Khloe, Aiden, Ethan, Logan, Hayden, and Kaylee; two brothers, Terry Bell and wife, Diana, West Plains, Missouri, and Mark Bell and wife, Marilyn, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Pat Patillo and husband, Bill, West Plains, Missouri; and six nieces and nephews, Richard Patillo, Chris Patillo, Shane Bell, Jamie Bell, Jacob Bell, and Mandy Bell Harrison.

His parents, grandparents, and one sister, Mary Christine Bell, preceded him in death.  

Mr. Bell will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

A memorial service for James Edward Walsh, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Walsh passed away peacefully at 10:59 a.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at his home, with his family by his side.  

He was born March 15, 1935 at Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles Walsh and Lucille Seiberling Walsh.  Jim attended White Church Catholic School for his first five years, then Columbia, Missouri, and Rangely, Colorado, where his mother and step-father, Lawrence Champieux, had a photography studio and gift shop.  The family moved back to West Plains and he attended West Plains High School where he was a Zizzer, graduating with the Class of 1953.  On June 11, 1982, he was married at Mt. Home, Arkansas, to Judy Gay.  Mr. Walsh entered the Border Patrol at El Paso, Texas, in 1958, and advanced to ranks of United States Immigration Inspector, Investigator and Officer in Charge, serving in Miami, Detroit, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Reno, Las Vegas, and Oklahoma City.  He loved his career in law enforcement.  He was a good and kind boss, and he helped promote many of his subordinates.  He cared deeply about justice and just treatment of all.  Jim loved meeting with his Border Patrol Academy classmates, when possible, to talk about the good times they each had during their careers with the Department of Justice.  He was a good man, husband, and father.  Mr. Walsh loved his family and his country; he was a farm boy at heart.  He enjoyed his time as a Boy Scout Leader, and loved traveling and exploring new places.  After his retirement, he and Judy moved to Dora, Missouri, where they renovated the old farm house and raised cattle.  They moved to West Plains and built duplexes with his brother-in-law, and dear friend, Dick Watkins.  Mr. Walsh was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy; two children, Jessie Walsh, Bradenton, Florida, and Matthew Walsh, West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, John, Blanding, Utah; one sister, Christy Stephens, Trabuco Canyon, California; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Gay and wife, Cyndy, Minden, Louisiana; many nieces and nephews; and his “big boy”, Petey.

His parents and one son, Ed Walsh, preceded him in death.  

A private inurnment service for the immediate family will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Loretta Grace Hopkins Ball, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 2021 at New Liberty Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Ball passed away at 5:40 p.m., Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at her home, with her loving family around her.  

She was born November 25, 1924 at Arondale, Oklahoma, to Thomas Alfred Hopkins and Artie Mariah Tilson Hopkins.  She graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1943 and was always proud to be a Zizzer.  On November 21, 1987 she was married to Oral (Zeke) Ball, who preceded her in death July 17, 2006.  He was the love of her life, her soul-mate.  Mrs. Ball was a mother and homemaker most of her life.  She loved her children and multiple generations of grandchildren.  They were her world, and she was actively involved in anything they did.  She also loved her St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.  Mrs. Ball was a Christian and attended Central Church of Christ until her health prevented her from going.

She is survived by three children, Thomas Harris and wife, Erma, Michael Harris and wife, Doris, and Wendy Harris Dunkin and Heath; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Piper; four step-children and their families, Barbara Robinson and husband, Scott, Kenneth Ball and wife, Antelia, Judy Beckett, and Linda Boji; fourteen grandchildren, Bryan Harris and wife, Ginger, Ted Harris and wife, Kristina, Joel Harris and wife, Leslie, Misty McCrackin and husband, James, Dusty Simmons and husband, Jim, Michael Dunkin, Chris Piper and wife, Sheri, Tina Piper, Joshua Harris and Amber, Joseph Harris and Amanda, Rhonda Crowell and husband, Gordon, Lisa Walker, Kevin Reece and wife, Elizabeth, and Jackie Elliott and Zyvonne: thirty-six great-grandchildren; fifty-eight great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Bennett (who was an angel on earth that helped care for her); one sister-in-law, Mary Hopkins; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, step-father, Ira Briscoe, husband, fathers of her children, Clarence Piper and Winifred Harris, one son, Larry Piper, one great-granddaughter, Alissa Piper, one great-great-granddaughter, Camber Piper, two brothers, Warren Hopkins and Jerry Briscoe, and two sisters, Juanita Mahan and Rae Rhyne preceded her in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society, V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary, or the West Plains Senior Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

 Janice Kay Jeffery, 71, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:34 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021, at her home.  

She was born April 4, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to William Emerick and Nola Bennett Emerick.  On September 4, 1970, she was married at West Plains, to Stan Jeffery.  Jan was a devoted wife, mother and friend.  She had a servant’s heart and thought of others before herself.  Mrs. Jeffery was a devout member of First Church of God where she served as secretary for over thirty years. 

She is survived by three children, Jay Jeffery and wife, Linda, Amy Murphy and husband, Ray and  Holly Hawkins and husband, Dustin, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Camdon, Lakelen, Hayden, Eli, Tucker, Maylee and Reed; one brother, Norman Emerick and wife, Marilyn, Galesburg, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Kay Jeffery, Davis, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband of fifty years and parents-in-law, preceded her in death.  

No memorial service will be held; Jan will be cremated per her wishes and instructions.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Cleo Mahoney, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Lone Pine Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Mahoney passed away at 8:30 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born January 1, 1936, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Clare Cross and Lela Tool Cross.  On July 25, 1952 she was married at Hardy, Arkansas, to Richard James (Dick) Mahoney, who preceded her in death on November 23, 1985.  Cleo loved her grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them.  She was an animal lover and cared for her dogs and cats.  Mrs. Mahoney also enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, watching mysteries and true crime programs.

She is survived by two daughters, Melody Madison, Waterloo, Iowa and Lela Kilkenny and husband, Robert, Johnson City, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Ajay, Stephanie and Zoe; one great-granddaughter, Sybil; three sisters, Clela Borysiewicz, San Diego, California, Patricia Adey, Altoona, Iowa and Marge Cross, West Plains, Missouri; brother-in-law, Dave Cockrum; and several nieces and nephews .

Her parents, husband, one sister, Kathleen and six brothers, Bud, Jack, Bernie, John, Ted and Delbert, preceded her in death.    

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

Graveside services for Lora Mae Massey, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Blanche Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Massey passed away at 7:07 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Ascension St. John’s Hospital, Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  

She was born August 18, 1937 at Dora, Missouri, the daughter or Elmer Freeman and Nellie Hicks Freeman.  On March 16, 1956, she was married at Drury, Missouri, to Doyle Keith Massey, who preceded her in death June 2, 1997.  To this union seven children were born.  Mrs. Massey loved fishing, gardening, and flowers of all kinds.  She especially loved to decorate her home, inside and out, for all the holidays.  But, most of all, she loved her family.

She is survived by four children, Kathy Collins and husband, James, Willow Springs, Missouri, Brenda Cherry and husband, Tim, West Plains, Missouri, Patricia Massey and husband, Mike Moore, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Tim Massey and fiancé, Melenda Frazier, Oilton, Oklahoma; twenty grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in law, Dale Massey and wife, Cora; one very special sister-in-law, Eula Mae; a very special cousin, Carolyn Sue; a special family friend, Renee Stephens; and several nieces and nephews 

Her parents, husband, three sons, Randy Massey, Ronnie Massey, and Brian Massey, two grandsons, Peyton Massey and Devon Massey, and one sister, Anna Lou Caudell, preceded her in death.  

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

Graveside services for Elvis Allen Fox, 91, Battlefield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Fox passed away at 4:25 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at James River Care Center, Springfield, Missouri.  

He was born August 3, 1930 at Crider, Missouri, to Grover Cleveland Fox and Artie Eve Fox.  On August 29, 1953, he was marred at Filer, Idaho to Lena Faye Williams, who preceded him in death September 13, 2017.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Mr. Fox was a member of the Church of Christ.   

He is survived by six grandchildren, Bonnie Brice and husband, T.J., Ozark, Missouri, James Fox and wife, Alaina, Nixa, Missouri, Steven Fox, Cross Timbers, Missouri, Joshua Fox, Springfield, Missouri, Charles Fox, Nemo, Missouri, and Nathan Fox, Bolivar, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim Williams and wife, Verna, Tecumseh, Missouri, and Ron MaWhiney and wife, Lela, Nixa, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, two sons, one daughter, and all eight siblings preceded him in death.  

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

Sandra Kay Phillips, 56, Peace Valley, Missouri, passed away at 3:13 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at Mercy St. Francis Hospital, Mountain View, Missouri.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Genieve Gentry, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at South Fork Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mrs. Gentry passed away at 1:44 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  

She was born August 30, 1930, at Amy, Missouri, to John Edmon (Edd) Callahan and Alpha Easley Callahan.  She was married to Bill Gentry and together they raised four children.  She was truly loved by all.

She is survived by four children, Janet Green, Debbie Dority, Rusty Gentry and David Gentry; one sister, Lea Langston; many nieces and nephews, including special nephew, John Callahan; brother-in-law, Gerald Hall; and sister-in-law, Faye Warren. 

Her parents, husband, six brothers, Omer, Earl, Jack, Hayden, Winfred and Donnie Callahan and three sisters, Agnes Hunt, Ella Drumright and Dona  Hall, preceded her in death.  

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

Graveside services for Steven Irvin Williams, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021 at Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Williams passed away at 12:36 a.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, after a hard and brave fight against COVID-19, with his wife, Nay (Renae) by his side.  

He was born December 12, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, to Irvin Joel Williams, Jr. and Florrie Lillian Gerald Williams.  The youngest of six children, Steve was a kid at heart; always ready to play a game of golf or basketball, or playing Barbies and dress up with his grandchildren, which were the light of his life.  Steve was an avid race car fan and helped his dad build and race stock cars in Augusta, Georgia.  He enjoyed attending NASCAR races and going to dirt track racing around West Plains with his wife.  Irv and Nay met in Augusta in June of 1991, Nay decided to return to her home in Missouri with her three children and Irv soon followed.  They were married July 4, 1992.  Steve was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.  He could fix almost anything, was a master sheet rocker, carpenter, power washer, vinyl siding installer and landscaper.  He worked very hard at the family owned flower shop for many years with his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe To m and Delores Collins.  In recent years he found a new passion in recycling and began working for the Tribble family at West Plains Recycling.  He enjoyed searching for metal to scrap.  Steve was always a hard worker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renae Williams, of the family home; five children, Jennifer Coursey and husband, Justin, West Plains, Brandi Bell and husband, Micco, West Plains, Brennen Wood and fiancé Teri, Springfield, Tasha Davis and husband, Brad, West Plains and Steven Williams, Jr. and wife, Lori, Augusta, Georgia; eleven grandchildren, Dagen, Trista, Lathen, Kylee, Kendra, Layla, Kaden, Dexter, Cameron, Connor and Grayson; three sisters, Esther Heath, Christine Screws and Debra Hanley, all of the State of Georgia; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe Tom and Delores Collins; and many nieces and nephews .

His parents and two sisters, Beverly Best and Annette Williams, preceded him in death.  

 The family would like to thank the Howell County Court House employees and commissioners, The Tribble Family and St. Mary’s Hospital for their loving care shown to their family.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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 Sheila Ann Keller, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2021 in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Sheila Ann Keller, was born October 17th, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of the late Harold Collins and Ora Belle Wheatley. Sheila passed on to heaven September 20th, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Sheila lived in Kansas City with her family until moving to West Plains at the age of nine. As a child, she grew up enjoying horses, baseball, and tennis. She enjoyed crafts, literature, being an artist and writing/poetry. She had significant memories of camping with her family and carried on that tradition with her own children. As a teenager, she worked at a truck stop with her mother. On July 19th, 1976 she married the love of her life, Leon and God blessed them with five children. Together they moved to the family farm and built a house. She spent her days as a wife, mother, and business partner for multiple businesses for over 40 years, including Keller’s Appliance and later, Choose to Peruse-an online book business. Overall, she devoted most of her time to her five children and later eleven grandchildren. She never knew a stranger and was known in the community as someone with a compassionate heart, and many times “gifted” those in need with material goods but most of all with kind words and prayer. She spent her later years as a youth counselor and foster parent, touching many others’ lives. Even in her retirement, she was nanny to her youngest granddaughter. Her greatest pride was that she raised Youth pastors, Business owners, Managers, Teachers and Nurses.

Sheila leaves a great legacy of children and their spouses and grandchildren, they include; Robin Colbert and husband, Matthew; Leon Keller III and wife, Cynthia; Elizabeth Keller; Philip Keller and wife Kayla; Danielle Kilbreath and husband, Benjamin; her grandchildren; Rachel Colbert; Abigail Franks and husband Matthew; Reece, Emery, and Tessa Keller; Bryce and Braden Crites; Harper Keller; Sadie, Judah, and Mason Kilbreath. She was also survived by her siblings; Judy Harden and husband, Bill; Ora Fulton; Harold Collins and wife, Karen; Sibley Collins; Joseph Collins; and a sister in law, Brenda Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews all over the world.

She was welcomed into heaven by her Savior, her parents Harold Collins and Ora Wheatley, her father and mother-in-law, Leon Sr and Ollie Keller, two brothers, Robert and Kenneth Collins, two brothers-in-law, Jerry Mize and Josh Fulton, a nephew, Harold Hutchins, a niece, Ada Shinohara and a grandson, Ezra Keller.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Fowler 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.

Cecil Wayne Carroll, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:21 a.m., Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at his home.

Mr. Carroll was born November 25, 1942, at San Diego, California, to Lloyd Carroll and Dora Prewitt Carroll.  In 1972, he was married at San Diego, California to Mary Jane “M.J.” Becker, who preceded him in death March 8, 2016.  He loved to build guitars from scratch by hand and sell them to musicians.  He was the owner of Ozark Luthiers.  Mr. Carroll loved riding horses and had a great talent for training them.  He was a former member of the Elks Lodge.

He is survived by two sons, Scott Carroll and wife, Cheryl, Castle Rock, Colorado, and Mark Carroll, West Plains, Missouri; one grandchild, Greyson Carroll; one brother, Michael Carroll, West Plains, Missouri; and one sister, Audrey June Carroll, Jackson, Missouri. 

His parents, wife, and two brothers, Richard Alton Carroll, and Raymond Lynn Carroll, preceded him in death.  

A private memorial service will be held at Hope’s Rest Cemetery.