A memorial service for Mahala Collins, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Westside Family Life Center.
Mahala passed away at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at her home.
She was born February 26, 1944, at White Church, Missouri, to Harold Shearin and Pearl Wilbanks Shearin. On May 23, 1960, she was married to Dillard Eugene Collins, who preceded her in death on June 8, 2017. Before her retirement, Mahala worked at the International Shoe Factory. She enjoyed genealogy and collecting dolls.
She is survived by five sons, Dillard Eugene Collins, Jr., Springfield, Missouri, Pernell Gordon Collins, West Plains, Roger Collins, Gravette, Arkansas, Scott Collins, Kansas City, Missouri and David Lee Collins, West Plains; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; three brothers, John, Clyde and Roy Shearin; two sisters, Stella Sharp and Mary Kirkland; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one brother, James Seals and oen sister, Angie Shearin, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Joan Christine Johnston, 78, of Willow Springs, MO, went to be with the lord on May 2, 2021, at Jacob’s Ladder Care Center in Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
She was born to William and Marie (Casey) Peterson on October 30, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin. On November 14, 1960, she was married in Fulton County, Arkansas, to William Russell Johnston. Joan was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed everything that involved family and loved having family gatherings. She was always kind and caring and had a smile on her face.
She is survived by her son William Johnston Jr.; daughter Teresa Stiebs; son Troy Johnston; daughter Ilene Chenoweth (Wayne); sisters: Elvera Walker, Jeanette Glodowski, Lois Marotz, Alice Maggio, Linda Peterson, Carol Weinmann, Marlene Germundson; grandchildren: Christina Ash, Clifford Allen, Timothy Stiebs, Tashawna McCord, William Collins, Cole Johnston, Alexandra Grogan, Casey Grogan; and several great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Johnston; her parents, William and Marie Peterson; one sister, Ilene Peterson; one brother, Willard Peterson; and one grandson, William Johnston III.
A private ceremony will be held by close friends and family.
Graveside services for Helen S. Wilborn, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Wilborn passed away at 12:30 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021, at her home at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born August 4, 1923, at West Plains, Missouri, to William Henry and Edith Moss Buren Stoke. Helen graduated from West Plains High School in 1941 and attended Jr. College of Kansas City. She was employed by General Foods Corporation and was transferred by them to Dallas in 1953 to help establish their Southwest Regional offices. On May 4, 1962, she was married at Dallas, Texas, to Sam J. Wilborn, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2020. Due to Mr. Wilborn’s business transfers, they lived in several locations in Texas. While living in Amarillo, Helen was employed in the oil industry and was a very active member of the Desk and Derrick Association. The early retirement years were spent in Austin, Texas. During these years, she and her husband spent time traveling to both foreign and domestic locations. In 2001, Mrs. Wilborn returned with her husband to West Plains. She was of the Methodist faith and during her early years was very active in the choir and young adult departments of the church.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and many friends.
Her parents, husband and one sister, Grace Lampitt, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Barbara Ruth Downen, 90, Seymour, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Downen went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 11, 2021.
She was born March 27, 1931, in Hutton Valley, Missouri, the first of seven children, to Richard Warren Myers and Gladys Neoma Webb Myers. On August 29, 1951, at First Assembly of God Church in West Plains, she was united in marriage to Teddy Paul Downen, whose home going preceded her on February 23, 1994. A graduate of West Plains High School, Class of 1949, Barbara went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She worked for nearly thirty years in West Plains and the rural schools, retiring from Fairview School in 1995. Mrs. Downen has been a member of the Assemblies of God Church since she was sixteen years old. She was also a charter member of Faith Assembly in West Plains since 1974; she and Ted were active in its organizations. After moving to Seymour, she attended the Seymour Nazarene Church, touching many lives in the community. She truly loved the Lord, her husband and her children. Her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews have always been dear to her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been a joy and delight. If grandma could be here, you would hear her say “Remember what I have told you. Love is one thing that lasts forever and even though you can’t see me, I am still eternally alive and loving you forever and ever.”
She is survived by two granddaughters, April Gillogly and husband, Shawn, Springfield, Missouri and Suzanna Smith and husband, Rowdy, Seymour, Missouri; two step-grandchildren, Scott Miller and Sandy Miller; five great-grandchildren, Isabella, Trenton and Jillian Smith, Patricia Miller and Kenneth Hicks; two sons-in-law, Raymond Miller, Peace Valley, Missouri and Danny Patterson, Seneca, Missouri; her siblings, Randal T. Myers and wife, Carrie, Decatur, Alabama, Emma Sue Hawks, Doniphan, Missouri and Joan Kruger and husband, Bill, Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, her husband of forty-three years, her three children, Gary Paul Downen, Ruth Ann Miller and Cheryl Sue Patterson, one granddaughter, Melody Ann Patterson, two brothers, Bill Myers and Reverend Frank (Vern) Myers and one sister, Rena Rivera, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Joyce Laverne Ledbetter, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 18, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Joyce passed away at 1:18 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2021, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born September 23, 1957, at Twin Falls, Idaho, to Lewis Callahan and Pansy Louise Hayes Callahan. Joyce was a Court Clerk for the West Plains Police Department for many years; she enjoyed her job and her many friends. She was a loving mother to many; her family was her greatest joy. She loved spending time with her grandkids and enjoyed watching their ball games. Joyce also enjoyed yard sales, the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, auctions and helping with carpentry projects. She was a member of Pottersville Baptist Church.
She is survived by one son, Jeffrey Ledbetter and wife, Brittany, Pomona, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Sarah Ledbetter and significant other, Chad French, West Plains; eight grandchildren, Wyatt, Cheyanne, Toby, Westin, Brody, Paisley, Grady, Ruby and many “extra” grandchildren; her father, Lewis Callahan and step-mother, Sharon; two nephews, Shawn and Scott Pringle; and many other family and friends.
Her mother, one son, Jason D. Ledbetter and one sister, Sherry Pringle, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Janet Sue Thompson, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Janet passed away at 12:30 a.m., Monday, June 14, 2021, at her home.
She was born August 2, 1956, in Springfield, Missouri, to Charles James Thompson and Velma Jean Russell Thompson. After graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Harding University. Janet worked in sales for the Ozark Horse Trader. She was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by one sister, Margaret Looney, Springfield, Missouri; one nephew, Nathan Looney and wife, Laura, Searcy, Arkansas; and one great-nephew, Bennett (C.J.) Looney.
Her parents, brother-in-law, Jerry Looney and grandparents, Charles Edward and Ivy Thompson and George William and Lois R. Luna Russell, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Valmon Jennings Holloway, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Holloway passed away at 4:20 a.m., Sunday, June 13, 2021, at his home.
He was born November 14, 1949, at Little Rock, Arkansas, to Valmon Holloway and Eva Mae Burns Holloway. On June 5, 1983, he was married at West Plains, to Jerrie Yarbrough. Mr. Holloway worked for a number of years at DRS and was a volunteer firefighter with the Lanton Fire Department. He loved his grandbabies and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and camping.
He is survived by his wife, Jerrie Holloway, of the family home; two daughters, Jeanna Jenkins and Rachel Holloway and close family friend, Patricia Martin; ten grandchildren, Ashley Palmer, Brittany Teitsort, Tiffany Robinson, Gwendolyn Howell (special granddaughter), Alison Brooks, Kristen Brooks, Cheryl Holloway, Christian Hawkins, Kameron Bratcher and Jordan Bratcher; eighteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Allen Holloway, Paragould, Arkansas and Frankie Holloway, Ash Flat, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, two children, Joseph Holloway and Candi Gilliam, three sisters, Doris, Verlin and Jo and two brothers, Charles and Rayburn, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Ruth Ann Edwards, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Glenda B. Davis, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 11, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Velma Clarissa Hayes, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hayes passed away at 3:30 p.m., Monday, June 7, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born May 18, 1932, in Howell County, Missouri, to Hobart and Della Collins. On October 2, 1975, she was married at Miami, Oklahoma, to Roy Lloyd Hayes, who preceded her in death on October 3, 2007. Velma loved her family and her family loved her.
She is survived by two sisters, Shirley Collins and Donis Davis and husband Clark, all of Springfield, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and two sisters, Deloris Stubbs and Lorene Marcum, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
GraceLynn Elizabeth Nikole Anstine, five month old infant daughter of Emily Dawn Anstine and Randy March, passed away at 8:59 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She was born December 12, 2020, at West Plains, Missouri, to Emily Dawn Anstine and Randy March.
She is survived by her parents; step-father, Gerald Maclin; grandparents, Destiny Anstine, Leroy Meadows, Dennis March, Carina March, Jim Maclin and Tina Maclin; great-grandmother, Della Maclin; uncles, Nathaniel Meadows and Thomas Maclin; aunt, Sabrina Maclinand great-uncle, Michael Wellington; great-aunt, Danielle Kreis; great-great-uncle, William Woody.
Her great-grandparents, Vada Ann Sue Woody, Edward Woody and Tosh Maclin and one great-uncle, David Maclin, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Herbert Eugene (Pedro) Palmer, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Palmer passed away Friday, June 4, 2021, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.
He was born August 19, 1936, at Honey Grove, Texas, to Francis Marion Palmer and Madgie Myrtle Kennedy Palmer. On June 2, 1956, he was married at Wilmington, Illinois, to Barbara Jean Faust, who preceded him in death on July 25, 2018. Pedro enjoyed fishing, camping and taking care of his family.
He is survived by six children, Fred Palmer and wife, Suzanne, Herb Palmer, Danny Palmer and wife, Lisa, Jesse Palmer and wife, Bobbi, all of Rover, Missouri, Anthony (Tige) Palmer and wife, Melissa, West Plains and Loretta Lopez and significant other, Patrick Roberts, Webb City, Missouri; twenty grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Glenda Nell Whirrell, Washburn, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, five brothers and four sisters, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Huddleston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Huddleston Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Alan Darrel McGhee, 64, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. McGhee passed away at 12:40 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021, at his home.
He was born July 17, 1956, at Long Beach, California, to Henry Coy (Hank) McGhee and Gayla Hughes McGhee. He was the grandson of Gladis Hughes and Art Sivers. Alan was a master mechanic for thirty plus years, which he enjoyed. He loved his family and friends. The Lord took him too soon; he had a lot more he wanted to do. He loved the mountains, snow skiing, water skiing and riding his motorcycle. Alan enjoyed anything outdoors. He will be missed very much. Love you to the moon and back, Sweetheart. I will see you again, count on it.
He leaves behind his wife, Donna McGhee, Springfield, Missouri; three daughters, Misty McCracken, West Plains, Missouri, Dusty Simmons, Brandsville, Missouri and Megan Podber, State of New Jersey; one son, Shannon Alan McGhee, State of Texas; two step-sons, Christopher Meadows and James Meadows, State of Arkansas; two sisters, Sue McGhee, West Plains, Missouri and Charlene McGhee, State of Arizona; three brothers, Steve Ingram, State of California, Rick Ingram, State of California and Danny McGhee, State of Arizona; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, West Plains, Missouri.
His parents and two brothers, Wayne McGhee and Roger Ingram, preceded him 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.
Graveside services for Jaxxon Taylor Clarke, stillborn infant son of Logan Clarke and Stephany Poczik, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Moody Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jaxxon went to be with the Angels at 2:10 p.m., Friday, June 4, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He is survived by his mother, Stephany Poczik; his father, Logan Clarke; two sisters, Violett Hernandez and Chloee Clarke; and grandparents, Anndrea Epley and Daniel Wilbanks.
His grandparents, Steve and Renee Poczik, preceded him in death.
Anita Lynn Woodburn, 57, Birch Tree, Missouri, passed away at 12:37 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021, at her daughter’s home in West Plains, Missouri.
She was born April 30, 1964, at Quincy, Illinois, to Lorn Anderson and Shirley Parrish Rice. Anita enjoyed painting, drawing and was an avid rock enthusiast.
She is survived by two children, Kimberly Moore and friend, Chad Hernandez, West Plains and Danielle Goff and husband, Evan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Thayden, Adrian and Creedence; and two brothers, Bob Rice, Springfield, Missouri and Roy Anderson, Kansas City, Missouri.
Her parents, step-father, David Rice and one son, Jonathan, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Allen E. Edge, 83, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Moody Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Edge passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021.
He was born to the late Clyde and Minnie Edge on April 25, 1938 in Kendalia, Texas. Allen worked hard all his life. As he would say, he was a jack of all trades and master of none. Many would disagree. He could work a backhoe with a precision few could master. If he didn’t know how to do something, he learned. He mentored many young men that worked for him. He never met a stranger. He loved to visit with people. It didn’t matter if he knew you or not, he would chat with you.
He is survived by his wife, Andra Beth Kinser Edge; daughter, Alandra Edge Baggett, (son-in-law, Dennis Baggett); son, Kent Edge; granddaughters Kendra Beth Miller and Kellen Brooke Puskar; grandsons, Alex Troncale and Zachary Howell; sister, Alleen Wagner; and sister-in-law, Kara Nell Hall. Mr. Edge also shared his life with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kelly; brothers, Eldon, Ted, Carroll and Lyle Edge; sisters-in-law, Shirley Edge and Ida Edge; and brothers-in-law, Warren Wagner and Larry Hall.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Ronald Dale Martin, 73, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at his home. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Eva Watson Cockrum, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cockrum passed away at 7:03 a.m., Monday, May 31, 2021, at her home.
She was born February 8, 1927, at Fanchion, Missouri, to Rufus and Edna Smith Combs. Eva graduated from Thomasville High School with the Class of 1944; she then attended Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College and Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, graduating from Drury College. Mrs. Cockrum taught for 33 years in the schools of Oregon and Howell Counties with 22 of those years in the West Plains R-7 District. Fifth grade was her favorite. She was a member of the National, State and Local Retired Teacher’s Associations. Mrs. Cockrum was of the Baptist Faith. On December 29, 1948, she was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Le Roy Watson, who preceded her in death on December 5, 1969. On June 23, 1972, she was married at West Plains to Charley Cockrum.
She is survived by her husband, Charley Cockrum, of the family home; one son, Charles A. Watson and wife, Vicki, West Plains; two granddaughters, Amber Cook, Portland, Oregon, and Lawren Dupler, Moody, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Dru and Marlee Dupler; two step-children, Dwayne Cockrum and family, Chickasha, Oklahoma and Barbara Mitchusson and family, Bradley, Oklahoma; and her son-in-law, Ed Alley and family, Bradinton, Florida.
Her parents, first husband, one daughter, Dianna Carolyn Watson and one brother, Vernon Lee Combs, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, 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.
Jason Shane Dunn, 45, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021, near Peace Valley, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
