Obituaries

A Celebration of Life Service for John Stoner Wade, Jr., 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021 at The Bridge Church of West Plains.

Mr. Wade passed away at 10:57 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his home. 

He was born July 21, 1945, at Amery, Wisconsin, to John Stoner Wade and FloraBelle Davidson Wade.  On September 5, 1981, he was married at Delafield, Wisconsin, to Sandra Quandt.  Mr. Wade was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  He enjoyed painting, hunting, fishing, bowling and playing golf.  He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous and was a life time member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars.  

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Wade, of the family home; two children, Elizabeth Smart, Phoenix, Arizona and John Stoner Wade III, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Jolie Higgins, Watertown, Wisconsin and John Stoner Wade IV, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; one sister, Patricia Wade, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; four sisters-in-law, Barb Hocking and husband, Roy, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Diane Richards, Juneau, Wisconsin, Cindy Clausen, Plainfield, Illinois and Debbie Quandt and husband, Matt Renner; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one granddaughter, Yvonne Smart, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Howard and Beverly Quandt and one sister-in-law, Kathy Hintz, preceded him in death. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Salutes Veterans Shelter, Light the World Ministries TV38 or Lake Area Club, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Cynthia Louise Hathcock, 55, Kansas City, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2021 at Gospel Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Cindy passed away March 21, 2021, in Hospice at North Kansas City Hospital. 

She was born January 4, 1966 in North Kansas City, to Hadley Van Hathcock and Mary L Roberts Hathcock.  Cindy was a Christian attending Nashua Church of Christ, she was a sweet, kind, gentle person, who liked to be with her friends and family.  She will be greatly missed by her mother Mary, brother Darin, sister-in-law, Brandi and their children and friends.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Hathcock, one brother, Darin Hathcock and wife, Brandi; one niece, Nixon; and two nephews, Marston and Vandyl; whom she loved very much, they were special to her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hadley Hathcock and two brothers, Michael Hathcock and Brant Hathcock.

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 Joseph Elward Arnold, 79, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Arnold passed away at 4:50 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas. 

He was born December 6, 1941, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Nelson Arnold and Frankie Robinson.  On March 1, 1968, he was married at Crider, Missouri, to Phyllis Mullins.  Mr. Arnold was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  Before his retirement, he worked as a technician at Baxter Lab.  Joe loved his grandchildren and enjoyed going to their ballgames; he also loved to hunt and fish. 

He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Phyllis Arnold; four children, Shane Arnold and wife, Amy, Harrison, Arkansas, Heath Arnold and Wendy, Bakersfield, Missouri, Nichole Marsh and Kenny, Bakersfield, Missouri and Doralee Garrison and husband, Anthony, Thayer, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Amanda Hinten and husband, Donnie, Emily Clark and husband, Waylan, Kristin Arnold, Keean Marsh, Elizabeth Arnold, Klayton Marsh, Shelby Foster, Ethan Arnold, Kaitlin Marsh, Cailee Garrison and Camryn Garrison; two great-grandchildren, Finley Mack Clark and Rynnleigh  Jo Marsh; two sisters, Joyce Young and husband, Thomas, Crider, Missouri and Johnnie Kay Minge, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one brother, Mickey Arnold, one sister, Jean Bratton and two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe Bill and Hazel Bales and Mack and Mary Ann  Mullins, preceded him in death. 

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 Glen Earl (Skip) Downen, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2021 at Ball Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Downen passed away at 5:55 a.m., Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

He was born November 2, 1932, at West Plains, Missouri, to Roy Bertis Downen and Stella Lorrine Fine Downen.  Skip graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1950.  On November 21, 1955, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Ina Shipley.  He was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy as Communications Officer during the Korean War.  Mr. Downen retired as a supervisor from the International Shoe Factory.  Skip enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, bluegrass music and traveling.  He never met a stranger.  Mr. Downen was a long time member of The Primitive Baptist Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Ina Shipley; two sons, Gary Downen and wife, Kate and Dan Downen and wife, Sheila; four grandchildren, Aubry Downen, Emily Downen, Amanda Coleman and Dustin Downen and wife, Jami; three great-grandchildren, Katie, Lucas and Kelcee; one sister, Christine Brewer; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one brother and one sister, preceded him in death. 

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

Visitation services for Louis (Lou) Kimble, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Kimble passed away at 7:25 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at his home. 

He was born September 26, 1949, at Corona, California, to Paul Westley Kimble and Cora Mae Houston Kimble.  On July 18, 2001, he was married at Pontiac Michigan, to Veronica DeConick, who preceded him in death on April 1, 2008.  Mr. Kimble was a veteran, having served with the United States Army for thirty-eight years.  He was a Professor at Missouri State University, was a Master of Sales, a 32^nd Degree Mason, a long time Elk’s member and a world traveler. 

He is survived by two children, Phillip DeConick and wife, Jacqueline and Victor DeConick, all of Farmington  Hills, Michigan; one brother, Kenneth Kimble and wife, Cherie, St. Robert, Missouri; one sister, Joanne Maxwell and husband, George of State of Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents and wife preceded him in death. 

Burial will be in the State of Michigan.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk’s Lodge and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

James Alvin Duke, 64, West Plains, Missouri, went home at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021, at his home.  He entered this world November 7, 1956, born to Lois Cook Duke and Alvin Duke in Los Angeles, California.  James grew up and went to school in Prairie Village, Kansas.  For many years he was an environmental driller in Texas and Arizona.  After moving to West Plains, he became an over the road truck driver. 

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Lois and Paul London, West Plains; one brother, Terry Duke, Beloit, Wisconsin; four sisters, Lisa Stark, Eldon, Missouri, Rhonda Gregg, Olathe, Kansas, Debra Duke Albuquerque, New Mexico and Susan Siesco, Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

A celebration of life service for Billy Gene Basinger, 86, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021, at AmVets Post 98 Back Hall in West Plains.  All family and friends are invited.   

Mr. Basinger passed away at 8:26 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Magnolia Square Nursing Center, Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born august 5, 1934, at Baldknob, Arkansas, to Orval Basinger and Ida Baxter.  Mr. Basinger was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 – 1953.  Bill was a charter member and lifetime member of AmVets Post 98 in West Plains.  He was an iron worker in Peoria, Illinois for several years and after moving to Missouri, he was a bartender for many years.  Bill enjoyed a good game of pool and shuffle board, fishing, blackberry picking, deer hunting, dirt road riding and having a cold one.  He was of the Christian faith.  He was widower of two wives, Catherin Martin Basinger, to their union they had three girls, Brenda, Pauline and Wanda; his next marriage was to Paulette Anderson Basinger and to their union they had three children, Tina, Billy and Michelle. 

He is survived by his children, Brenda Tackitt and husband, Keith, Pauline Basinger, Waunda Lamore, Tina Branscum, Billy Basinger, Jr., and wife, Linda and Michelle Knight and husband, Charles; his siblings, Mona Basinger and husband, Tod, Don Basinger, Jerry Basinger and wife, Donna, Jan Lamore and husband, Bill, Roger McCord and Ervin McCord and wife, Debbie; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many special cousins and friends. 

His parents, wives, one brother, Charles Basinger, one sister, Sue Henry and special friend, Mary Ann Hanson, preceded him in death. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family or 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 Nellie Louise (Dorothy) Snavely, 94, Kansas City, Kansas, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 20, 2021 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Snavely passed away at 9:50 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021, at her home. 

She was born November 8, 1926, at Fairfax, Oklahoma, to Alva and Jewell Raney.  She was the eldest of five children.  The family moved to Tulare, California where she graduated from Tulare High School in 1945.  The family then moved to Norwood, Missouri, where Dorothy met Ralph E. Snavely.  They were united in marriage on September 9, 1946.  Nellie and Ralph had four daughters.  Their home was in Kansas City until they retired.  Mrs. Snavely was a devout Christian and spent many years teaching Sunday School.  She had lots of hobbies, including, sewing, gardening and cooking.  She was active in Rhythm Choir and their church and led a Blue Bird group.  After years of being a homemaker Nellie started working as an office manager at TG&Y.  After retiring, the couple moved to Forsythe, Missouri, where Nellie enjoyed taking care of a yard full of irises.  When Ralph became ill, they moved back to their hometown of Norwood, Missouri.  After Ralph’s death, Nellie moved to West Plains, to be near her sister, Ruby.  She and Ruby enjoyed living together for fifteen years and could be seen about town dressed to the “nines”.  They were under the watchful eye of her niece, Sheila Newton, who kept a close eye on them. 

She is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Ann Creek and husband, Gary, Deborah K. Dyche and husband, Bob and  Lori B. Ranallo and husband, Greg; six grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Snavely; one brother, Earnest Raney; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. 

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Kathryn Bell, one brother, Gene Raney and one sister, Wanda Hanks, preceded her in death. 

 Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Thomas Cemetery, Norwood, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society for lung cancer research and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Leah Elizabeth Moore, 27, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Leah passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, March 14, 2021, at her home

She was born on April 4, 1993 in Whittier, California the daughter of Troy and Lisa Moore.  Leah was a beautiful, loving and compassionate person.  Leah loved her family, friends, and most of all her two beautiful children, Ryder and Mia. She had a beautiful smile that would light up the room and an infectious laugh that warmed your soul.  Leah loved spending time with her family and truly enjoyed the company of her kids, most of her time was spent with them.  Leah’s greatest gift was that she was an exceptionally loving, patient, and caring mother. She loved and adored her children and cared for them exceptionally, she was naturally maternal and knew how to nurture them instantly.  Ryder and Mia were her world.  Leah wanted nothing more for them than to have a wonderful life.

Leah is survived by her beautiful children, Ryder Watts and Mia Moore; mother, Lisa Moore; father, Troy Moore; siblings, Laura Moore, Jackson Moore, and Cooper Moore; grandparents, Charles and Barbara Wolfe, and Regina Cherry; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Leah will lie in state from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christos House and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO  65775.

A celebration of life service for Susan F. Parks-Hardin, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Buck Park.  A potluck will follow.

  Susan went to be with family in Heaven on March 14, 2021.  She passed away on a rainy night, her favorite. 

  She was born June 13, 1954, at Kennett, Missouri, to Refard Hubert Parks and Deloris Virginia Ellison Parks.  Susan worked as a nurse, but her most important job was a Mom and Nana, which always came first.  She was a one of a kind; sweet, sassy, sarcastic and ornery as the day is long.  Susan had the best sense of humor.  She would often leave you scratching your head; she had a way with words that would make you wonder if she was complimenting or insulting you and would do so with such grace and a sweet smile that you would take it with a laugh.  She was loved and her presence will be missed by many. 

 She is survived by her son, Tim Hardin and wife, Sarah, Peace Valley, Missouri; her daughter, Tender Ramsey and husband, James; three grandchildren, Jasmine Hoover and husband, William, Jesse Hardin and Mason Ramsey; two brothers, Alva Parks and wife, Teresa and Wesley Parks; three sisters, Sandy Rees and husband, Mark, Rayetta Beach and husband, John and Marie Henry; and several nieces and nephews. 

 Her parents, one son, Johnny Ray Hardin and one grandchild, Ashton, preceded her in death. 

 In typical Susan fashion, wanting the last laugh, she wanted to spend eternity in a moonshine jug, so her wishes will be met.  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 Verba June Endicott, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Gospel Hill Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Endicott passed away at 5:39 a.m., Sunday, March 14, 2021, at her home.

She was born September 25, 1937, in Ozark County, Missouri, to Elmer (Shorty) Roberts and Emma Fore Roberts.  She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1957 as Valedictorian.  On October 17, 1958, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Denzil Endicott. Mrs. Endicott enjoyed crocheting and collecting bells.  She was a member of Gospel Hill Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Denzil Endicott, of the family home; one daughter, Anjeana Hatley and husband, Ernest, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Clarissa Hatley, Springfield,  Missouri and Chloe Handley and husband, Haston, Fulton, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Gwinda Roberts, West Plains, Missouri and Shirley Boyd, Phoenix, Arizona; one brother-in-law, Bill Endicott and wife, Carolyn, Independence, Missouri; three nieces, Melody Kenslow, Angie Berry and husband, Donnie and Kayla Miller and husband, Sam; special cousin, Vadna Bench and husband, Jr.; and many other extended family members.

Her parents, two infant grandsons, Dustin and Justin Hatley, one brother, Larry (Bo) Roberts, two infant brothers and one brother-in-law, Jim Boyd, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Gospel Hill Cemetery.  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.

A Celebration of Life service for Dewayne Beach Callahan, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 20, 2021, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Callahan passed away at 9:27 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born December 29, 1930, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Edward Emmanuel Callahan and Vesta Lawing Callahan.  He was married to Shirley Hensley.  Mr. Callahan was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict.  Before his retirement, he worked as a machinist, at Cloud Oak Flooring and at Southwest Truck Body, now known as DRS.  He loved to do woodworking.  Mr. Callahan was a member of Smith Chapel Church.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Callahan, of the family home; two children, Tansy Lindeman and husband, Michael, Springdale, Arkansas and Kevin Callahan and wife, Faunda Lee, Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jonathon Lindeman and wife, Melissa, Ian Lindeman, Joshua Callahan and wife, Lindsay and Jordan Cowherd and husband, Reece; two great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Verbal Callahan and wife, Laureen and Leolen Callahan and wife, Lisa, all of State of Nebraska; one sister, Loverne DeShazo and husband, Mike, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, five brothers, Charles, Ermal, Larry, Fabin and Leon Callahan and three sisters, Vivian Robinson, Deloris Belt and Murline Peterson, preceded him in death.

Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Kidney Foundation or American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Robert George McAlvey, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away March 3, 2021 at Riverways Manor Nursing Home, Van Buren, Missouri.  

John Irvin Jenkins, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:22 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021, at West Vue Nursing Center.

A memorial service for Judy Belle North, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. North passed away at 12:45 p.m., Monday, March 1, 2021 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, after a brave fight with Covid.

She was born October 7, 1945 at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri, to Virgil Henry (Herk) Ingold and Betty Sue Willett Ingold. On August 15, 1975 she was married at Salem, Missouri to James Edwin (Ed) North, the love of her life.  Judy worked for the City of West Plains for many years. She retired as City Clerk in 1980 only to return to the City Council and Mayor pro tem in later years. She truly loved seeing the City of West Plains flourish and she was a mother hen to the City Employees. She loved them dearly, as she had been in their shoes.  The most important thing in Judy’s life was her family. Not only blood family but those friendships that so easily developed into family! This woman truly had a heart of gold and loved everyone.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Lisa; her cherished granddaughter, Zoi Elyse; her sister, Martha Watson and husband, John; her cherished nephew, Jon and great-nephews, Dalton, Dillon and Bentley; “niece” Carla Kincheloe, all of West Plains Missouri; and her Ingold and Willet family from all over.  Her Christmas list was long.

Her parents, husband and one brother Gary (Buster) Ingold preceded her in death.

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.

Alice Louise (Lipscomb) Widener Haney, 77, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away May 19, 2017, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. 

She was born February 4, 1940, in Alleghany County, Virginia, to Pleasant T. Lipscomb and Liola Mary Fink Lipscomb.  On February 14, 2001, she was married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Roy Haney.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Haney was the manager of a dry cleaning business.  Alice loved to crochet, knit and garden. 

She is survived by her husband, Roy Alva Haney of Willow Springs, Missouri.

Arrangements were handled by Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Sharley Darlene McKinney, 84, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:11 a.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021 at her home at Southview Assisted Living, West Plains, Missouri. 

She was born August 8, 1936, at Caulfield, Missouri, to Charlie and Letha Majors.  Darlene was married to Ed McKinney, who preceded her in death on August 13, 2017.  Mrs. McKinney was loved by her daughter and was adored and known as “Grandma” by the residents and staff of Southview.

She is survived by one daughter, Darla McKinney.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Burial will be in the Elijah Cemetery.   

A graveside service for Paul David Ryan, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Gospel Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Ryan passed away at 7:38 p.m., January 21, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 30, 19 53, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Bobby Ryan and  Maxine Brewer.  On December 16, 1978, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Marie Williams.  Paul was baptized at Mammoth Spring Church of Christ and was attending Pomona Church of Christ.  He loved to hunt, fish and tinker with old cars and trucks.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of the family home; six children, Tracey, David, Shana, Misty, April and Billy; thirteen grandchildren, Cordell, Taylor, Cheyanne, Deekan, Lilly, Jaycee, Katlyn, Chase, Jeffory, Kerztyn, Dalton, Austin and Cora; one great-grandchild, Henry; one brother, Bobby Ryan; four sisters-in-law, Jaylene Ryan, Nancy Langston, Marsha Harris and Carrie Porter; three brothers-in-law, Sam Langston, George Harris and Dale Porter; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, stepfather, Golden Brewer, one daughter, Lateresa Samples and one niece, Amanda Ryan, preceded him in death.

Joyce Portincaso, 78, Moody, Missouri, passed away at 4:27 p.m., Monday, March 8, 2021, at her home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.