John Franklin Lairson, 83, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 1:51 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Rock Point Nursing Center, Birch Tree, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Steven Ray Ellis, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2021 at Green Mountain Cemetery, Mountain Grove, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Steven passed away at 1:05 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at his home at Green Acres.
He was born January 6, 1962, in Texas County, Missouri, to Lounell Delcour and Jonnie Lee Ellis. He was one of five siblings. Steven was raised on a family farm in Graff, Missouri. He was always a happy fellow and had an infectious smile that could light up a room. He loved to arm wrestle and win. Steven loved his dogs on the farm and would sit with them for hours. After his parents passed away he went to live at the group home Green Acres, where he made very close friends. This would be his final home. Stevie and his mother adored each other, she was the light of his day; he will now be with her in Heaven. He will be missed by his family that is left behind.
He is survived by his brother, Coby Ellis; sister, Sara Ellis, nieces and nephews, Sharrona Larue, Joey Ellis, Kira Ellis and James Hutsell; great-nieces and great-nephews, Kaylee, Matthew, Constance, Jacob, Joseph and Wynter; his Aunt, Sara Lear; and many cousins.
His parents and two brothers, Jackie and Rocky Ellis, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Green Acres and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Jacqueline Louise (Jackie) Hunt, 74, Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Hunt passed away at 6:41 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Golden Age Living Center, Stover, Missouri.
She was born November 14, 1946, at Lemon Cove, California, to William Jackson Brazeal, Jr. and Margaret Marcum Brazeal. Before her retirement, Jackie was a bookkeeper at Evans Building Supply. She loved being a mother and grandmother and enjoyed puzzles.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Avey and husband, Jeff, Fortuna, Missouri; two grandchildren, Amber Girdley, Fortuna, Missouri and Andrew Girdley and wife, Stephanie, Eldon, Missouri; two step grandchildren, Heather Steward and husband, Daniel and Joshua Avey, all of Fortuna, Missouri; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry Brazeal and wife, Isabel, Beebe, Arkansas and Delmar Borders and wife, Betty, Rainier, Oregon; one sister, Darlene Graff of the State of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one grandson, Christopher Girdley and one sister, Barbara Butler, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Mervin Lazeski, 87, West Plains, Missouri, died peacefully in his home on May 23, 2021. Mervin was a longtime resident of West Plains and was well known in the glass industry for his skilled craftsmanship, integrity and longstanding friendships. He enjoyed hockey, fishing and visiting his native home of Canada. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his friends and family. His celebration of life will be held at the Ozark Café Friday May28th from 5-7 pm. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Edith Evelyn Uphaus, 103, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Uphaus passed away at 7:15 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at her home.
She was born October 9, 1917, at Koshkonong, Missouri, to Daniel Edward Lasater and Katie Victoria Fisher Lasater. On November 21, 1934, she was married at Jackson, Michigan, to Floyd Fredrick Uphaus, a WWI Veteran, who preceded her in death on January 3, 1972. She loved the beauty of roses and so her rose gardens were the most beautiful. She had the greenest thumb, the purest heart and an unwavering faith and because of these three things, everything and everybody in her life were blessed beyond worth. Her soul belongs to God and is resting well in His presence today and forever. She became a wife, a mother and a bonus mother to many other children at a very young age and during the war. She was widowed by the greatest man she’d ever known. Her life cleared and shined a path for others to see the pure love of Christ. Mrs. Uphaus lived a life according to a strong faith in God. She was a loving mother and grandmother. A woman who lived her faith and passed it along to her family and everyone she knew. She provided love and nurturing and a safe place to everyone. A warm, loving and kind woman and made everyone feel they were her “favorite”.
She is survived by two children, Gordon Floyd Uphaus and Shirley Evelyn Uphaus Cochran; six grandchildren, Ronnie Uphaus and wife, Shelly, Terry Julian and husband, Gayle, Vance Cochran and wife, Charlotte, Jack Cochran and wife, Skyla, Sylvia Hershenson and husband, Chris and Amanda Schoonover and husband, Tim; fifteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, Johnny Robinson, six brothers, Harry, Herbert, Rayburn, Oran, Byron and Virgil, two sisters, Gladys and Irene and one son-in-law, Russell Cochran, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Joann Eagleman, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Eagleman passed away at 10:38 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born January 15, 1945, at Rover, Missouri, to Daniel (Paul) Harrison and Helen Clark Harrison. On March 17, 1962, she was married at Leota, Missouri, to Ronnie Eagleman. Mrs. Eagleman was a bookkeeper for Ron’s Auto Trim and was a supervisor at Garton Upholstery in Kansas City, Kansas for several years. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds, coloring and playing bingo during her time at West Vue. Joann loved her husband and her daughter, Vicki, dearly. Mrs. Eagleman was a member of the Church of Christ and had attended Curry Street Church of Christ for over thirty-seven years.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Eagleman, West Plains; one daughter, Vicki Oberdorf and husband, Eric, West Plains; two granddaughters, Tiffany Finlay, Newport Richey, Florida and Felicia Prevatt and husband, J.R., Land O’Lakes, Florida; one great-grandson, Marcus Sawyer; and one great-granddaughter, Jasmine Prevatt.
Her parents, and one sister, Beverly Hicks, preceded her in death.
Burial will be in the Free Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Wendell Troy Francis, 72, West Plains, Missouri, were held Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Francis Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Francis passed away at 11:53 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born June 24, 1948, in Howell County, Missouri, to Troy Francis and Lora Emily DeBoard Francis. Mr. Francis had served with the Missouri National Guard and was a carpenter. He was there for both of his parents. Wendell enjoyed gardening, fishing and elk hunting. Church was a big part of his life.
He is survived by five sisters, Carolyn VonAllmen and husband, Charles, West Plains, Missouri, Carol Ruth Miller and husband, David, Salem, Missouri, Janella Schafer, West Plains, Janet Lovan and husband, Dallas, Dora, Missouri and Lenore Stubbs, West Plains; special cousin, Rick King and wife, Leslie; and many nieces and nephews and their children that were very special and important to him.
His parents, and one nephew, Bradley Stubbs, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Robert DeWayne Parker, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Parker passed away at 11:40 a.m., Sunday, May 16, 2021, at his home.
He was born October 21, 1960, at Sebring, Florida, to Robert Junior Parker and Lola Belle Carter Parker. On April 20, 2019, he was married at West Plains, to Laura Eichelberger. Mr. Parker was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a truck driver. Mr. Parker loved his grandsons, riding motorcycles and spending time on the river.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Parker; seven children, Tony Parker, Shane Parker, Shannon Parker, Brandon Parker and wife, Sarah, John Farmer, Michael Farmer and Taylor Jones; two grandchildren, Clayton and Caleb; his parents, Robert and Lola Belle Parker; two sisters, Pam Tillman and Donna Padgett; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to End 22 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A private memorial service for Minnie (Joyce) Brown, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Brown passed away at 2:22 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born April 11, 1935, in eastern Douglas County, to Malissie and Charles Turnbull. Joyce graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1952. She married Bill Brown in 1952. Mrs. Brown spent most of her life working as a clerk for the U nited States Postal Service in Springfield, Missouri. After 25 years of service, she and Bill moved back to Douglas County. She lived her life according to her strong faith in God. Joyce enjoyed gardening, antiquing and traveling, especially to bluegrass music festivals. She was a long time supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
She is survived by her husband, Bill, a daughter, Sharlene, a son Terry and his wife Terri, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her best friend, her dog Jack.
Her parents, two sisters, Fay and Ruby and one brother, Orin, preceded her in death.
Graveside services for Clifford (Dean) Brown, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021 at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Brown passed away at 11:33 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Mr. Brown was born July 3, 1944, to Clifford Eugene Brown and Helenn Lorella Brower Brown. On June 6, 1970, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Doris Jo Lashley, who preceded him in death on June 23, 2002. Mr. Brown worked for the City of West Plains before retirement. Mr. Brown enjoyed playing cards, reminiscing with others but spending time with his loved ones was a highlight of his day.
Mr. Brown is survived by one daughter, Hetta Marie Brandon; two grandchildren, Helen Marie Brandon and Brandon Howard Brandon; his longtime companion, Barbara Jackson. Mr. Brown was equally proud of his family that he gained with his longtime companion, which includes Barbara’s children, Kathy Miller and husband, Sam, Sherman Jackson, Nancy Jackson-Bean, and Louise Vagenas and her grandchildren and their family: Toby and Nikki Tune and their four children Sophie, Ruby, Laynie, and Leo; Jonathon and Tara Jackson and their three children, Rosie, Bryan, and Dominic; and Kasandra Vagenas and Karl Ramirez and children Aiden and Carson. Mr. Brown proudly told others that Barb’s family was his family.
His parents, wife and one infant daughter, Deanna Brown, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Ola Mae Marshell, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at First Church of God, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Marshell passed away at 3:36 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born December 16, 1932, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Chester Provow and Rebecca Jane Butcher Provow. Ola Mae graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1951. On December 23, 1954, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Roy N. Marshell. She loved her family, flowers and was active in Church. Mrs. Marshell attended First Church of God.
She is survived by her husband, Roy Marshell, of the family home; three children, Janet Lancaster and husband, Don, Koshkonong, Missouri, Carol Roberts and husband, Kent, Hollister, Missouri and Valorie Wilson and husband, Jason, Olathe, Kansas; one daughter-in-law, Tammy Marshell; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Olen Ray Provow, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, one son, Roger Marshell and one sister, Virgie Belle Provow, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Linda Jewell Lynn Warren, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2021 at Ball Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Warren passed away at 8:42 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born February 15, 1942, at Dora, Missouri, to James Lynn and Orpha Morrison Lynn. She loved her children and grandchildren very much; spoiling them was her greatest joy. Her children were her world. Linda enjoyed sewing, reading and spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and those that knew her.
She is survived by two children, Robert Warren and wife, Debbie, Yellville, Arkansas and her baby, Connie Belt and husband, Ronnie, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several very special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, the father of her children, Jerry Warren, two sisters and three brothers, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ball Cemetery.
Graveside services for Leona Ruth Willard, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Willard passed away at 10:59 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021, at her daughter’s home. Her daughter, granddaughters and great-granddaughters were at her side.
She was born February 28, 1939, at Birtha, Missouri, to Everett Driskell and Nellie Trail Driskell. On August 11, 1956, she was married to Norman Willard, who preceded her in death on March 30, 1994. Before her retirement, Leona worked at International Shoe Factory for sixteen years. She was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Willard Barnes; one brother, Doin Driskell and wife, Linda; one brother-in-law, Junior Hunt and wife, Vonda; one niece, Pam Sletten and husband, Neil; one nephew, Randy Hunt and wife, Karen; three grandchildren, Amy Lipford and husband, Marcus, Eric Brown and wife, Rachel, and Mindy Ipock and husband, Ron; and twelve great-grandkids, Courtney, Maddie, Abby and Tori Lipford, Drew Brown, Hayley Ross, Kourtnee McDaniel, Hunter Ipock, Broc, Brylee, Natalie and Toby Barnes; and her best friend, Elsie Kosemond.
Her parents, husband, Norman Willard, son-in-law, Roger Barnes, one sister, Jean Hunt, one brother, Donald Driskell and one nephew, Brian Driskell, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Curry Street Church of Christ and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Rose R. Thomas, 82, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:28 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for JoAnn Pauline Jones, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Jones passed away at 4:13 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born August 11, 1937, at Vienna, Missouri, to Paul Ihler and Silvia Branson Ihler. On September 10, 1954, she was married at Dixon, Missouri, to Boyd Jones, who preceded her in death on December 18, 2003. She loved her husband of 49 years; together they owned a taxi service in Harvard, Illinois, which she enjoyed very much. JoAnn loved her children, grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoyed yard sales. JoAnn loved going to Church.
She is survived by four children, Carla Lambeth and husband, Mike, West Plains, Missouri, Carmen Bennett and husband Scott, Harvard, Illinois, Bradley Jones, Ash Grove, Missouri and Melissa Jones, West Plains, Missouri; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; one brother, Mike Hilton, Willow Springs, Missouri; ten nephews; and two nieces.
Her parents, husband, one grandson, Nathan Johnson and two brothers, Carl Ihler and Doug Helton, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
William J. Prokopovich, 83, Pottersville, Missouri, passed away at 5:41 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021, at his home.
He was born April 26, 1938, at Peabody, Massachusetts, to John and Jenny Kushkowski Prokopovich. On December 14, 1963, he was married at Hawthorne, California, to Cary Cannon. Mr. Prokopovich was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Before his retirement, he was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. William loved Jesus, his family and his dogs. He was a proud Grandfather of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he went from Big Bad Bill to Sweet William. Mr. Prokopovich attended Pottersville First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Cary Prokopovich, of the family home; three children, Leo Prokopovich and wife, Lynn, Atkinson, New Hampshire, Nadia Watson and husband, David, Pottersville, Missouri and Viktoria Griffin and husband, Brian, Boxborough, Massachusetts; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Victor Prokopovich, Stow, Massachusetts; and one sister, Lydia Coombs, State of New Hampshire.
His parents, and one son, Ivan Micah Prokopovich, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Alianya (Debbie) White, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. White passed away at 8:52 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021, at her home.
She was born July 3, 1962 in the State of Pennsylvania, to Lowel James Crownover and Phyllis Duty Crownover. Debbie was a member of The Bridge Church. She loved her friends and family deeply and enjoyed genealogy and Native American History.
She is survived by three children, Angela Gibson, West Plains, Joshua Hicks, Dexter, Missouri and Brandon Hicks, San Francisco, California; three grandchildren, Riley Nelson, Madison Brown and Roselynn Gibson; one brother, James Crownover and wife, Jeannie, West Plains; one sister, Sandi Shaw and partner, Becky Cain, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Sherri Hollis preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mackey Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mackey Cemetery or The Bridge Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Hazel Irene Call, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Call passed away at 8:24 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at Evelyn’s House, St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born April 12, 1938, at Wynn, Arkansas, to Arthur McCammon and Sarah Coleman McCammon. On February 18, 1956, she was married at Hernando, Mississippi, to Troy Lee Call, who preceded her in death on April 25, 2017. She enjoyed singing, dancing, crafting and tending to her yard and flowers. Mrs. Call was a member of Washington Avenue Church of Christ.
She is survived by four children, Lisa Judd, West Plains, Anthony Call, Rapid City, South Dakota, Donna Call, West Plains and Paula Call, Jefferson City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Ashley Judd, Kasey Judd and Christopher Quinn; eight great-grandchildren, Kilie, Hannah, Annabella, Jackson, Breanna, Gabe, Landen and Noah; three great-great-grandchildren, Weston and Waylon and Owen due in August; four brothers, A. T., Danny, Ricky and Darrell; three sisters, Shirley, Juanita and Linda; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Heidi.
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Pamela Bonita Call, three brothers, Clarence, Ernest and Paul and seven sisters, Ruth, Dorothy, Earline, Karen, Retha, Pat and Sarah, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Monday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Girdner Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Girdner Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Julia Fay Padgett, 77, Tucson, Arizona, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Julia Fay Padgett was born March 27, 1944 to Ralph and Vivien Padgett. She grew up in Mountain View, Missouri, graduating from high school there in 1963 when they were still the Pirates. Julie graduated from William Woods College and taught in the St. Louis Parkway system for a short period before moving to Tucson where she attained her master’s degree from the University of Arizona. After serving as a counselor in the public school system there she again attended UA in pursuit of a PHD in Psychology. Upon receiving that degree she completed her education administration career at both the University of Northern Arizona and the University of Arizona. She loved the Southwest and remained there until she passed peacefully into eternal rest April 30, 2021 surrounded by a family of dear friends. Julie was very active and was always the one who knew where to fish and how to bait the hook. She could steer the canoe as well as run the ski boat. Julie was talented in fixing things around the house, enjoyed wood craft and was very creative. She loved her Westies dogs and was an avid golfer.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Robert Allen (Bob) Fite, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Fite passed away peacefully May 5, 2021, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 29, 1939, at South Fork, Missouri, to George Clarence and Edra Fern Rogers Fite. Bob attended Mount Zion Elementary School, a one room school, in South Fork, Missouri and graduated from West Plains High School in 1957. Upon graduating high school, he entered the highway construction trade. Bob helped to build federal and state highways throughout Missouri. These projects took him all over the state. He also worked on water retention projects and airport runways, like the Thayer, Missouri Airport and the West Plains Regional Airport in Pomona, Missouri. Additionally, Bob did site prep work for numerous factories in southwest Missouri. In the late 1970’s, he worked with his twin brother, James (Jim) at Twin F Construction. He worked in highway construction until his retirement in the early 2000’s. After retirement, Bob still found pleasure in running heavy equipment. Bob married his sweetheart, Vera Sue Jolliff Fite on July 28, 1960; they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. To this union were born two children, Jacquelyn and Keith. In 1976 Bob became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Shortly thereafter, he was called to ministry and preached for a number of years. He became an ordained minister for Assemblies of God and served as a deacon at Endurance Church. In addition, he was a devoted Sunday school teacher there for over thirty-five years. Bob’s life was a true example of Christian faith; he was an enormous blessing to many. Mr. Fite was actively involved in the community. He enjoyed serving on the board of Mt. Zion Cemetery for many years, the board of Hammond Mill Bible Camp and also helped with Teens for Christ. He enjoyed camping with friends, working with earthmovers and antique tractors, fishing, spending time with grandkids and great-grandkids, playing horseshoes, gardening and caring for his home and property just outside West Plains.
He is survived by his wife, Vera Fite; one daughter, Jackie Scott and husband, Ted, West Plains, Missouri; one son, Keith Fite, Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Jordan Scott and wife, Ariel, Audrey Scott and Lincoln Scott; three great-grandchildren, Isaac, Noah and Micah Scott, all of West Plains; his twin brother, James Fite, Jefferson City, Missouri; three sisters, Helen Brixey, Fulton, Missouri, Shirley Surritte and husband, Jerry, West Plains and Bonnie Hardin and husband, Ronald, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one older sister, Naomi Inlow, his brothers-in-law, Eldon Hardin and Cecil Brixey and one sister-in-law, Cherry Fite, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775