Sandra Marilyn Wheeler, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, at her home.
She was born November 13, 1942, at Riverside, California, to William Oscar Bass and Mary Opal Speakes Bass. On April 4, 1959, she was married at San Bernardino, California, to Bobby Wheeler, who preceded her in death on July 4, 1990. Mrs. Wheeler loved her family, especially her grandkids.
She is survived by three children, Sabrina Mondy and husband, Curtis, Desiree Wheeler and fiancé Michael Jeffery and Robert Wheeler and wife, Corrie; forty-three grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Elby Wheeler and Jeffrey Scott Wheeler, two daughters, Bobbie Wheeler and Dawn Visich and two brothers, Jay Bass and Elby Bass, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Joe Wayne Burnett, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Burnett passed away at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born January 20, 1938, at Jefferson City, Missouri, to Reverend Elbert (Pete) Burnett and Sophia Francis Newberry Burnett. He was a graduate of West Plains High School Class of 1956. Mr. Burnett was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. Before his retirement, Wayne had been a truck driver and a diesel mechanic at Earl’s Sales & Service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stock car racing and watching NASCAR. Wayne loved his family and Jesus dearly. He was a very giving person and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He never knew a stranger. Mr. Burnett was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri, where he served as a song leader for many years.
He is survived by three children, Debra Burnett, State of California, Terry Burnett, West Plains, Missouri and Kristy Cunningham and husband, Tim, Bourbon, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Brittanie, Jessie, John Wayne, Valerie, Mariah, Tiffany, Cheyenne, Sharla, Bethany and Timmy; seventeen great-grandchildren; one brother, Itsy Burnett, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary Anne Smith and husband, Ron, State of West Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Ralph Burnett, one sister, Sandra Wheat, three brothers, Larry, Norman and Jackie Burnett and his sidekick, Mackie, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Langston Street Chapel. Burial will be at McElmurry Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Lodge Ralph Burnett Memorial Scholarship Fund, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Nancy Teresa Dykes, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:23 a.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service for Brenda Louise Webb, 73, Dora, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Brenda passed away at 4:31 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at her home.
She was born January 4, 1952, at Fort Hueneme, California, to Doyle Rudolph Webb and Geneva Louise Riddle Webb. Brenda enjoyed gardening, feeding her hummingbirds, cooking and fishing. Her grandkids and great-grandkids were her heart and soul. She worked in fire rescue for over thirty years and taught many courses for EMT, firefighter 1 and 2. She worked closely with Burlington Northern in Hazmat and LP training. One of her many achievements was raising the funds to purchase the jaws of life for the Koshkonong Fire Dept. Brenda was very involved in her community and enjoyed bringing the community together through parties, haunted houses and Christmas parades. Brenda loved her family and was always willing to help in any way that she could.
She is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Duvall and fiance’ Jeremy Inman, Dora, Missouri and Andrea Lunn and husband, Michael, West Plains, Missouri; eight grandchildren including Leah Farmer, Miranda Smotherman, Natalie Lockhart, Kevin Potter and Jaxson Duvall; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Doyle Webb, Jr., and wife, Elaine, State of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Charles Webb, 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 Street, West Plains, MO 65775.
Gary Ray Carter, 75, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born July 14, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Cleve Carter Jr., and Betty Talley Green. Mr. Carter was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. On December 26, 1969, he was married at Hocomo, Missouri, to Cheryl Lair. Gary enjoyed electrician work and liked to tinker; he loved to hunt and fish. He had worked at Baxter Lab, was a mechanic and installed satellite dishes.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Carter, of the family home; three children, Ty Carter, Melissa Looney and Kody Carter and wife, Angie; grandchildren, Tyla, Cody, Summer, David, Shawnee, Mason and Noah; eight great-grandchildren, Creed, Raylynn, Haisley, Tinsley, Tymber, Amber, Kendra and Nevaeh; his mother, Betty Green; one brother, Larry Carter and wife, Janice; and several nieces and nephews.
His father, two step-fathers, Glen Cook and Kenneth Green and one brother, Mike Carter, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Carolyn Sue Gibson was born August 12, 1952, and passed away Friday, February 28, at the age of 72. She was born to Edwin Lindeman and Selma Gliedt Lindeman in West Plains, Missouri, where she lived her entire life.
Carolyn graduated from West Plains High School with the class of 1970. She continued her education to achieve a bachelor’s degree in education in 1975 from Southwest Missouri State University, where she was a member of the Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority. A lifelong learner, she continued her education throughout her career, attending the University of Missouri, the University of Utah and Southwest Missouri State University.
Carolyn pursued her love for education by becoming a teacher. She served as a classroom aide for the West Plains R-7 School district while earning her degree. She went on to teach in elementary classrooms for 25 years in the Glenwood and Dora school districts until her retirement in 1999. She was a lifetime member of the Missouri State Teachers Association and served in many roles for local and state certified teaching associations.
After her years in education, Carolyn worked in the activities department of West Vue Nursing Center where she met many new friends. She loved working with children in her teaching years as much as she enjoyed working with the seniors at West Vue. Devoted to her family, she retired full time in 2002 to care for her grandchildren.
Carolyn was of the Lutheran faith and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, both of West Plains. She served congregations through Sunday School leadership and teaching, multiple council positions, and enjoyed participating in the church vocal and handbell choirs.
She is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Miller (Chris) and one son Eric (Emily), both of West Plains; three grandchildren, Samuel and Hanna Miller, and Jack Gibson; her sister Bernice Decker; nieces, nephews, and many cousins and friends.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Patricia Lindeman, Juanita Lindeman, and Ruth Ann Lindeman; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 6th at 6-8 PM at the Langston Street Chapel, and funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Friday, March 7, with burial at Howell Valley Cemetery to follow, all under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Bridges program and may be left at Robert-Drago Funeral Home.
Diana Lynn Woolever, 57, Mammoth Springs, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born January 8, 1968, at Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Dave Ames and Winnie Bolin Ames. On August 28, 2023, she was married at Butte, Montana, to Karl Woolever. Diana was very creative and enjoyed drawing and working with her hands. She had a great sense of humor. Diana was very proud of her children and loved her family more than they could imagine. She also loved animals; had a huge heart and wanted to help anyone that she could.
She is survived by her husband, Karl Woolever; five children, Jimmy Thorarensen, Angela Catron, Jessica Green, Amanda Jenks and husband, Justin and James Stephenson; five grandchildren, Akiah Catron, Ayla Catron, Peyton Price, Zuliana Foreman and Lannon Green; one sister, Dela St. John; her step-father, Ray White; and two nieces, Julie Oliver and Kay Frye.
Her parents and one sister, Rebecca Stockton, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for James Leon Cockrum, 70, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Caulfield Community Building.
Mr. Cockrum passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025.
He was born September 21, 1954, in Howell County, Missouri, to James A. Cockrum and Mary Lou McGoldrick Cockrum. On July 7, 1977 (intentionally 7-7-77 so he wouldn’t forget), he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ruth Ann Vaughan. Leon drove a semi for thirty-five years. He went over eight million miles, one accident and many high spend awards, as he called them. He will tell you how to get to every feed store and every cattle feed lot in the country. He worked at Southwest Truck Body (now DRS) for several years, off and on as well as working in construction with his father. He was a jack of all trades. Mr. Cockrum spent time planting trees and building steel buildings. In his retirement years woodworking was his passion; he made beautiful furniture that will be cherished forever. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and singing with Ms. Molly. In Leon’s younger years, he loved showing horses, hunting coyotes and deer, camping and fishing at the lake. He and his wife lived at Pottersville, Missouri for almost fifty years. Shortly after moving to Thayer to be closer to his family, he suffered a massive stroke. He had hoped to enjoy and work on the farm before his sickness; he even had a mower and tractor picked out. Even though the stroke took his mobility, he was able to keep his humor, which helped his family to deal with the situation. He kept them on their toes. Mr. Cockrum would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it; he never knew a stranger. If you ever lost him in a crowd, you could just stop and listen and you would hear him telling a story or laughing over everyone. He could tell the best stories.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Cockrum, of the family home; three children, Jamie Cockrum-Soles and husband, Micheal, Springfield, Missouri, Leigh Ann McKee and husband, Cory, Thayer, Missouri and Courtney Cockrum and husband, Joey, Bakersfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Mattie Ann Butler, Kylie, Teagan, and Tucker Lewis, Elizabeth Clark, Nicole Cockrum-Hunter, Alexis Little and Logan Cockrum-Hunter; six great-grandchildren; one sweet great-nephew, Little David; and may cousins, nieces and nephews.
His parents, two brothers, David and Danny and one sister, Caroline, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for William Joe Romans, Sr., 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Romans passed away at 7:35 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born October 11, 1935, in Oregon County, Missouri, to William Clinton Romans and Lola Alice House Romans. Bill enjoyed reading his Bible, playing music, singing, hunting and family reunions. He also enjoyed stock car racing with his sons and son-in-law. Most of his life he was a carpenter and a Minister.
He is survived by the mother of his children, Marylene Wade Romans, West Plains; five children, Mary Jo Romans Croney and husband, Jerry, West Plains, Randall Dean Romans and wife, Teresa, West Plains, Trena Yvonne Romans Parker and husband, Lee, West Plains, Teresa Veronica Romans Jolliff and husband, Jim, West Plains and Billy Romans, Jr., and wife, Christina, Republic, Missouri; one son-in-law, Cal Hutchings, Pottersville; one sister-in-law, Betty Lou Romans, State of Kansas; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents, parents-in-law, Clyde and Elsie Wade, one infant son, William Clyde Romans, one daughter, Ruth Romans Hutchings, one son, Delbert Romans, one grandson, Samuel Paul Romans, one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Croney, six brothers, and two sisters, preceded him in death.
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.
Funeral services for James Eugene Johnson, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James Eugene Johnson, a West Plains native and devoted family man, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and unwavering faith.
He was born in West Plains on November 23, 1948 to Gene and Helen Johnson, James was raised with strong values that would shape his life and career. His early years were further enriched by the loving influence of his special step-father, Ray “Woody” Dean Wood, who entered his life and became a steady source of guidance and support. In September 1968, James began a new chapter when he married Sherry Lynn Herbolsheimer. Their life together was filled with love and adventure, and they were blessed with two sons, Brian and Brad. After a brief stint in Kansas City—where James worked in the automobile industry—the couple returned to the welcoming embrace of West Plains, drawn back by the familiar faces and the comfort of home. Back in his hometown, James joined his father and uncles at Roe Roofing, a foundation that would later lead him to work at F&J Roofing. Driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship and a commitment to excellence, he eventually founded West Plains Roofing. Over the years, he built a business known for its quality and reliability, a testament to the dedication he brought to every project. James took immense pride in the reputation he cultivated, and his success served as a cornerstone for his family and the community.
Beyond his professional achievements, James found joy and solace in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid deer hunter who eagerly anticipated his annual deer camp outings with his sons and his best friend, Ervin. These trips were more than just a pastime; they were cherished moments of bonding and reflection in the great outdoors. James also had a fondness for friendly competition. He spent countless evenings in Tunica, where he played the Flaming Sevens—a game he humorously claimed to always win, despite the costs that sometimes accompanied his victories.
In his later years, James embraced a quieter life, one focused on the warmth of family and the comfort of home. He delighted in the company of friends and loved ones, always taking the time to listen to and celebrate the stories of his grandchildren. His son Brian recalled that, “Dad didn’t always have a lot to say, but when he did, we listened.” It was in these moments that James’ gentle soul shone through, revealing a man who valued connection and compassion above all else. As he grew older, his Christian faith became an even more central part of his life, providing strength and guidance through life’s challenges.
James is preceded in death by his father, Gene, mother, Helen, his step-father, Ray, his wife, Sherry, and his beloved aunt and uncle, Raymond and Glendora Johnson.
He is survived by his son, Brian Johnson and his wife, Shelly, and his son Brad Johnson, both of West Plains. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Colten Johnson and his wife, Bailey; Cassidy Johnson; Camryn Johnson; and Briar Johnson and wife Aileen; and his great-grandchildren, Espy Tae, Mac and Utah. He is also fondly remembered by his special cousins: Barbara Smith; Terry Johnson and wife Teresa; Denise Philpot; Marisa Wilkening and husband Ted; and Lavina Wilkening and husband Charley.
James Johnson’s life was a quiet celebration of hard work, family, and faith. His contributions to his community, his business, and his family have left an indelible mark on West Plains. In remembering James, we honor not only the achievements of a remarkable man but also the enduring spirit of a community that values compassion, connection, and the simple joys of life. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, reminding us that true greatness is measured not in grand gestures, but in the love and care we show one another.
Burial will be in Pottersville Cemetery. 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.
Jay Roy Harris, 69, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his home.
He was born September 13, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Gilbert and Irene Combs Harris. Jay was a beautician. He enjoyed fishing, horses, munchkin cats, dogs and chicken. In his younger years, he taught disco dancing.
He is survived by two brothers, Richard Harris and wife, Gina, Ash Grove, Missouri and Ronnie Harris and wife, Joy, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, two brothers, Randy Keith Harris and Dale Harris and one sister, Janet Bennett, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Stephen Glen Fox, 61, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Fox passed away at 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home.
Steve was born November 23, 1963, at West Plains, Missouri, to Floyd and Della Callahan Fox. He enjoyed being outdoors, collecting arrowheads, hunting with his kids, and creating art sculptures, and he loved Mountain Dew. He also loved animals. Steve was a thrill seeker, enjoying sky diving and similar activities. He was always willing to help his neighbors, and he really enjoyed visiting with others. He left an impression on everyone he met. Steve loved his family, especially his children. He was a member of Gospel Hill Church of Christ.
He is survived by two children, Garrett Fox and Ainsley Fox, both of Caulfield, Missouri; one brother, Max Fox and wife, Lisa, Caulfield, Missouri; two sisters, Thelma Batesel and husband, Berlin, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Reta Robinson and husband, Don, Dora, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Jim Peterman; five nieces, Elizabeth Wake, Lola Whetstine, Stephanie Pugh, Shelly Uphaus, and Jessica Jackson; and six nephews, Bruce Batesel, Jason Robinson, Jared Peterman, Joshua Peterman, Zachary Fox, and Lucas Fox..
His parents, one sister, Kim Peterman, and one nephew, Tim Batesel, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday, at Gospel Church of Christ. 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.
Scott Everett Erzinger, 51, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 2:36 a.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born September 3, 1973, at West Plains, Missouri, to George and Linda Weber Erzinger. Scott was a master at masonry, and his work is displayed on many businesses throughout West Plains, such as Wendy’s and the nearby strip mall, Auto World, and many more. He also rocked many multimillion-dollar homes in the surrounding area, including his dream project, a beautiful home near Mountain Home, Arkansas. Scott enjoyed farming and putting up hay, and he loved his family.
He is survived by his parents, George and Linda Erzinger, West Plains, Missouri; his wife, Deanna Muszynski, West Plains, Missouri; one son, Tyrell Everett Erzinger and wife, Jessica, West Plains, Missouri; one granddaughter, Signey Marie, West Plains, Missouri, and another on the way; one sister, Georgia Collins and husband, Craig; one nephew, Wyatt Collins and wife, Kaylee; one great-nephew, Everett; one great-niece, Mabel; one niece, Jaden Collins; and one stepchild, Stephanie Miller.
His grandparents, one nephew, and one cousin preceded him in death.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marcia Elizabeth (Midge) Corson, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:53 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born November 6, 1945, at Wilmington, Delaware, to Russell A. Williams and Edith Jameson Williams. On May 25, 1966, she was married at Wilmington, Delaware, to Clifford Dallas Corson, who preceded her in death on September 28, 2014. Mrs. Corson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army; she was a member of the AmVets Post of West Plains. She was a very hard working person with a strong work ethic. She worked for Amoco/Citi group for over thirty years and was very fond of her time there and the friends she made throughout her career. Midge loved making quilts and blankets for others. She was active in horse riding and did trail rides throughout Missouri and Illinois. She was an excellent baker and enjoyed baking cakes for friends and family.
She is survived by three children, David Corson and wife, Michelle, Altoona, Iowa, Russell Corson and Clifford Alan Corson, both of Urbandale, Iowa; two granddaughters, Pamela Corson, State of Florida and Chelsea Corson, State of Iowa; two brothers, Richard Williams and wife, Marlyn, Hodgesville, West Virginia and Denny Williams and wife, Diane, Wilmington, Delaware; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
David Brian Groves, 59, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:26 a.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was born February 26, 1965, at Kirkwood, Missouri, to Gerald Groves and Loretta Benz. On May 25, 2012, he was married at Union, Missouri, to Ann Topliff. David loved to work, and he especially loved his wife and family. His dog, Jethro, was his best buddy.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Groves, of the family home; and two brothers, Barry Groves, state of Florida, and Kurt Groves, Fenton, Missouri.
His parents and father-in-law, Robert Topliff, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marberry Ross (M R) Burnes, Jr., 72, passed away at 1:01 p.m.., Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born on November 5, 1952, to Marberry Ross Burnes and Barbara Rosa (Rehacek) Burnes in Columbus, Georgia. He was the second oldest child of seven children born to this union. The oldest child, Barbara Gene, was stillborn, so he was actually considered the oldest child.
At around age eleven, the family settled down in West Plains, Missouri, where his father raised six children. M R, being the oldest, was the spoiled one. He loved to play and was good at it. He gained a passion for baseball (destroying the family home in the process). He started pitching at a young age and earned a full four-year scholarship to University of Hawaii. While playing for Hawaii, he pitched a shutout no-hitter against the team from Tokyo. On his second year of playing, he hurt his shoulder and returned home to West Plains.
He then joined the United States Army and went through Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After Jump School, he was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. After leaving the military, he decided to stay in Alaska. He then started a job in the post office where he worked for two years. While working at the Post Office, he talked his younger brother into joining him there. There, he showed his brother how to survive in the cold. They both enjoyed their time together there and learned how to depend on each other and made a lot of good memories.
M R then moved back to West Plains where he was able to buy the family farm. He met his wife, Julie (Tucker), and got married May 8, 1987. They had two daughters, Summer (Burnes), born November 15, 1997, and Melissa (Burnes), born July 27, 2001. His grandson, Bellamy Joseph Rowlett, was born September 8, 2022.
He loved fishing, hunting, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, history, storytelling, baseball, and being out on his boat, among other things. He was of the Christian faith and loved telling others about Jesus.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Julie (Tucker) Burnes; daughter, Summer (Burnes) Surface; son-in-law, Logan Surface; daughter Melissa (Burnes) Rowlett, son-in-law, Johnathan Rowlett; grandson, Bellamy Joseph Rowlett; sisters, Margaret Viola (known as Missy) Magnes of Knoxville, Tennessee, Stella Altman of Gassville, Arkansas, Jamie (Eugene) Shatswell of Carthage, Missouri, Bernice Kathleen (known as Kathy) (Bob) Woods and Rocky (Kim) Burnes of Lampe, Missouri; and a host of nephews and nieces.
M R was preceded in death by his infant sister, Barbara Gene Burnes, his mother, Barbara, father, Marberry Ross Sr., and loving Aunt Bernice and Uncle Howard Heier.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Alice Jane Turner, 64, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Turner passed away at 1:49 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her home.
She was born August 3, 1960, at Caraway, Arkansas, to Eddie McKee and Emma Haynes. Ms. Turner loved yard sales and bright colors, and she especially loved her family.
She is survived by two children, Mary Ann Keeling and husband, Chris, Delaplaine, Arkansas, and Chrissy Redden, Willow Springs, Missouri; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her mother, Emma Faye Skiba, West Plains, Missouri; four brothers, Jerry McKee, Grady, Arkansas, Sammie McKee, Black Oak, Arkansas, Roy McKee, West Plains, Missouri, and Shane Lambert, Warrior, Alabama; two sisters-in-law, Cathy McKee, Caulfield, Missouri, and Drayanna Lambert, Warrior, Alabama; and many nieces and nephews.
Her father, Eddie McKee, husband, Claude Turner, and one brother, John McKee, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 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.
Graveside services for Larry Dewayne Pearson, 65, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at Bakersfield Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Pearson passed away at 8:18 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born July 15, 1959, at King City, Missouri, to Raymond Pearson and Naomi Spencer Pearson. Larry was known for his ability to fix anything, taking after his dad, Raymond Pearson, and his grandpa, Earnest Spencer. Being a mechanic, dozer operator, or a typical jack of all trades was in his blood. He loved working for Gene Summers on their farm. Larry had struggles over the years and worked hard to turn his life around. He had also accepted the Lord into his heart.
He is survived by three children, Charity Barwick and husband, Tom, Joplin, Missouri, David Pearson and wife, Rachel, Joplin, Missouri, and Debra Henderson and husband, Matt, Joplin, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Noah, Lydia, Zion, Aleyah, Rory, Naiya, Selaha, Havilah, Valor, Wisdom, Baily, Naomi, Elliana, and Elijah, all of Joplin, Missouri; his mother, Naomi Pearson, Bakersfield, Missouri; three brothers, Mike Pearson, Abilene, Texas, Robert Pearson and wife, Lynn, Caulfield, Missouri, and James (Jamo) Pearson and wife, Donna, Buffalo Gap, Texas; one sister, Cindy Pearson, Bakersfield, Missouri; three nieces and nephews, Jerry Pearson and wife, Marissa, Jason Pearson, and Crystal Thomley; four great-nieces and great-nephews, Hayden Pearson, Gavin Pearson, Izzy Pearson, and Jeremiah Pearson; and special family friend, Danny Busbey.
His father, Raymond Pearson, son, TJ (Terry James) Pearson, nephew, Johnnie Pearson, great-niece, Madison Cody, and great-great-niece, Alaina Sly, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Linda Gale Dunnihoo, 74, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born June 4, 1950, at San Antonio, Texas, to Clara Reavis Clark. On July 3, 1969, she was married at West Plains to Wayne Dunnihoo. Before her retirement, Linda worked as a quality control analyst at Eaton Corporation. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening and going sightseeing to look at fall leaves and other wonders of nature. Mrs. Dunnihoo loved her family dearly, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in West Plains; she was baptized into her faith in 1980 and was devoted to her faith for forty-five years.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Dunnihoo, of the family home; two children, Veronica Ross and husband, Tommy, Cottontown, Tennessee and Rick Dunnihoo and wife, Heather, West Plains; five grandchildren, Adrienne Ross, Springfield, Tennessee, Dakota Ross and wife, Annalisa, Cottontown, Tennessee, Chelsie Lemon and husband, Hayden, Nick Tyler and Emma Tyler, all of West Plains; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Will Clark and wife, Emme, West Plains; one niece, Tiffany Smith, Lebanon, Tennessee; and one nephew, Drew Clark, West Plains.
Her mother and two brothers, David and Ron Clark, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Deborah Lynn Austin, 66, of West Plains Missouri left to be with our heavenly father February 5th, 2025. She was born April 2nd, 1958, in Pico Rivera, California.
Preceding her in death were her husband, George Milton Austin of West Plains, Missouri, maternal and paternal grandparents, father, Thomas Martin Flikeid of Minnesota, mother, Mary Jeanette Daughhette of Pocahontas, Arkansas, and one sister, Mary Ann Marano of California.
She is survived by two children, Thomas David Hubert of West Plains, Missouri and Tonya Donner Garza of Pocahontas, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Austin Valentino Garza, and Alexandrea Garza (Heath) of Pocahontas; two great-grandsons, Brysen and Brayden Jones; two sisters, Teresa Rice Allen of Pocahontas, Arkansas and Dawn Rasmussen of Everett, Washington; nieces and nephews, Jason Rice of Arkansas, Rhonda Jones (Richard) of Arkansas, Mark (Corrina) Marano of California, Angela (Nick) Sharp of Arizona, Kurt Thode of Idaho, Misty (Wayne) Calkins of Washington, and Dustin Poteet of Washington; many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, as well as her church family and many friends.
Deborah was baptized and has been a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints of West Plains. She devoted a lot of her free time researching family trees for others as well as her own family history.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
