Obituaries

Graveside services for Jessie Mac Cleveland, 83, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Elijah Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Cleveland passed away at 4:27 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born March 24, 1937, at England, Arkansas, to Grover Cleveland and Bertha Mae Ray Cleveland.  On October 4, 1980, he was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Peggy Harper.  Mr. Cleveland was a farmer and logger.  He was a hard worker and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Peggy Cleveland, of the family home; four children, Grover Cleveland and wife, Linda, Burlington, Kansas, Susie Snorgrass and husband, Les, Gary Lee Cleveland and wife, Sondra and Carl Murphy and wife, Lindsey, all of Caulfield, Missouri; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Erma Dean and husband, James, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one Aunt, Bea, preceded him in death.

Mr. Cleveland will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Elijah Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Visitation services for Keith Dorris, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Dorris passed away at 9:33 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020, at West Vue Green House Homes.

He was born May 31, 1927, at Alton, Missouri, to Gordon Pope Dorris and Reval Gladys Scott Dorris.  On July 1, 1950, he was married at Alton, Missouri, to Nean Holmes.  Mr. Dorris was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during WWII.  Keith attended college at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.  Before his retirement, he was a banker.  He was fun loving and enjoyed fishing, quail hunting, playing golf, playing pool, horses and riding.  Keith was the Patriarch of his family and will be greatly missed.  Mr. Dorris was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Nean Dorris; four children, Terry Rainier, West Plains, Jim Dorris and wife, Sherrill, West Plains, Susan Soetaert and husband, Michael, Portland, Oregon and Becky Duncan and husband, Mark, Springfield, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Shawn Brunson and wife, Kim, Jacob Brunson and wife, Brandi, Pamela Bennett, Megan Dorris, Rachel Seidelman and husband, Russell, Daniel Soetaert and wife, Sally, Eric Soetaert, David Duncan, Courtney Aycock and husband, Cody and Derrick Duncan; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Hilton, Campbell, California; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and three brothers, Phillip, David and Robert Dorris, 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 Lorene Mary Copeland, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Copeland passed away at 7:27 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born May 19, 1928, at Leota, Missouri, to Tinker Douglas and Agnes Elsie Joice Douglas.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Copeland worked in housekeeping at Ozarks Medical Center.  She enjoyed bluegrass music, singing at area nursing homes, reading western books and loved embroidery.  Mrs. Copeland attended West 160 Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Johnson and husband, Larry, Grove, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Stacy Maute and Larry Gene Johnson; five great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Tommy Douglas; two sisters, Barbara Brower and husband, Clyde and Tammy DeVault; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents and three sisters, Rosie Burgess, Maxine Burks and Hope Douglas, preceded her in death.

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

Graveside services for Orval Ambros Upton, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Upton passed away at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at NHC Healthcare.

He was born July 16, 1936, at West Plains, to John Chant Upton and Emma Spencer Upton.  Mr. Upton had served with the Missouri National Guard, was a private pilot and had been a member of Masonic Lodge 1970 in Kansas City and transferred to Mt. Zion Lodge in West Plains where he had received a 50 year Pin in 2020.  Mr. Upton was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by three children, Randall Upton and wife, Mona, Ronald Upton and Billy Upton and wife, Marlena; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Upton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Richard James Upton, four brothers, Grover, Clifford, John and J. B. Upton and two sisters, Lorene Hughes and Pauline Gann, preceded him in death.

Mr. Upton will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Shirley Louise Nichols, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nichols passed away at 9:36 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

She was born April 5, 1942, at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Kenoth Vandergriff and Irene Sparlin Vandergriff.  On June 20, 1958, she was married at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Charles Nichols.  Shirley enjoyed camping, fishing, sewing and music parties.  Mrs. Nichols was a member of the Pentecostal Revival Center.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Charles Nichols, of the family home; one daughter, Pam Nichols, West Plains, Missouri; one grandson, Brian Nichols, West Plains; one sister, Wanda Smith, Ravenden Spring, Arkansas; one brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Wilma Nichols, West Plains; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, two brothers, Elvis (Pete) and Bill Vandergriff and one sister, Helen Schafer, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Nichols will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pentecostal Revival Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Rose Ann (Roseana) Jordan, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Jordan passed away at 10:40 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born July 7, 1950, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Troy Benjamin Martin and Blanche Della Cochran Martin.  On February 13, 2000, she was married at West Plains, to Joseph Jordan.  Mrs. Jordan was an LPN and enjoyed her job.  She also enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, dancing, Thanksgiving and spending time with her family, especially her kids and grandkids.  She was loved dearly by everyone that knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Jordan, West Plains; two children, Benny Bratcher and wife, Linda Ann, Lafayette, Louisiana and Cathy Chandler, Licking, Missouri; five grandchildren, Troy Bratcher, Casey Bratcher, Quinn Bratcher, Heather Kestler and Eric Kestler, II; two great-grandchildren, Ezekiel and Samson; two brothers, Jessie Martin, Lenexa, Kansas and Robert Martin and wife, Cheryl, Phillipsburg, Missouri; one sister, Deloris Johnson, Alton, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, two brothers, George Henry Martin and Lester Paul Martin and three sisters, Thelma Mae Martin, Katherine Lou Baysinger and Joyce Sue Craig, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Jordan will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Lenora Belle Harper Frazier, 88, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Ball Cemetery under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Frazier passed away at 2:20 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at her home near Dora. 

She was born February 4, 1932 at Caulfield, Missouri to Ray Harper and Elsie Lawing Harper.  Mrs. Frazier attended the schools of Bakersfield, Missouri and on May 4, 1949, was married at West Plains, Missouri to Dallas Ray Frazier who preceded her in death on May 2, 2005.  Before her retirement, she was employed at Baxter Lab.  Mrs. Frazier was a great cook, loved gardening, keeping a neat yard and enjoyed spending time with her family.  She was a member of the Ball Church of Christ, Dora.

She is survived by four children, Janella Crites and husband, Jack, Dallas Frazier and wife, Jackie, Connie Decker and husband, Joe, all of Dora, Missouri and Mark Frazier and wife, Mary, West Plains, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Jeff Crites and wife, April, Amanda Munson and husband, Ryan, Donny Frazier and wife, Deanna, Shauna Lockett, Melenda Frazier, Shawn Frazier and wife, Tiana, Timmy Frazier, Josh Frazier and wife, Brandi, Kyle Decker and wife, Crystal and Kody Decker and wife, Holden; twenty-one great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sue Lair, Jeannie Morris and husband, Steve, and Sharon Moore and husband, David, all of West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two great-grandchildren, Keanon Frazier and McKayla Frazier, one brother, Glen Harper and wife, Lois, two sisters,, Kay Rhine and husband, Ray and Adele Wells and husband, J. T. and one brother-in-law, Jerry Lair, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Frazier will lie state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Loyal James Belcher, 61, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, near West Plains, Missouri.

He was born July 9, 1959, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Theodore Belcher and Alma Beulah Collins Belcher.  On August 9, 1983, he was married at West Plains, to Waynette Hensley.  He loved his family and enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and working on cars and trucks.

He is survived by his wife, Waynette Belcher, of the family home; three children, Chris Belcher and girlfriend, Megan Johnson, Thayer, Missouri, Andrea Weisbrod and husband, Tyler, West Plains and Dustin Belcher and wife, Andrea, Ozark, Missouri; ten grandchildren, including Landon Belcher, of the family home; one brother, Freddy Belcher; four sisters, Shirley Welch, Ruby Collins and husband, Allan, Sherry Smith and husband, Bill and Loretta Evans and husband, Eddie; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents and two brothers, Marvin and Leroy Belcher, preceded him in death.

Our beloved mother, Nina Stafford, went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2020.  She was born October 15, 1942 at Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ferd Ennis Toone and Willie Merle Johnson Toone.  She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ and lived out her faith to all who knew her.  She retired from teaching, but never stopped teaching.  She started the West Plains Red Hat Chapter over 20 years ago, she was a member of the Library Club, volunteered both at OMC and Brooke Haven Healthcare.  She loved to read, journal, shop, cook, travel, shoes and enjoyed conversations with her friends.  She is dearly loved and will be missed beyond what words can express.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Connie Stafford and her grandson, Tommy McLaughlin. 

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Stacy Stafford (Jeff Barley) Stephanee (Joe) Valencia; two grandchildren, Ryan McLaughlin and Stacy Stafford-Pena; and three great-grandchildren.  

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to her nurse David Osborn.  He went above and beyond in providing both excellent care and friendship to her. 

Regretfully we are unable to have a service due to the recent outbreak of COVID.  In lieu of flowers, we would respectfully request donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  All of these organizations were very dear to her heart and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

Momma you’re on your eternal trip now, as we know your love of travel.  May you find sweet rest in the arms of Jesus and soar on eagle’s wings, until we meet again. 

Graveside services for Argie Lou Heinrich, 86, Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Heinrich passed away at 9:11 a.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway, Arkansas.

She was born September 14, 1934, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Argol Rudolph Meeks and Cuba Pansy Davidson Meeks.  On November 28, 1959, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Melvin E. Heinrich, who preceded her in death on May 8, 2015.  She attended grade school at Gamaliel, Arkansas and graduated from Bakersfield High School.  Argie had worked for thirteen years at International Shoe Factory and ten years at St. Regis Paper Bag Company in Kansas City, Missouri; she was also a homemaker and enjoyed helping on the family’s farm.  She loved her grandchildren and was a strong Christian woman. 

She is survived by her son, Chris Runion and fiancé, Spring Newton, Branson, Missouri; four grandchildren, Scott Runion and fiancé Angelina Romine, Brittany Helms, Katrina Brinkley and husband, Caleb and Mikeala Runion; five great-grandchildren, Berkley and Brayson Helms and Eli, Justin and Belle Runion; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, and two brothers, Harold and Tommy Meeks, preceded her in death.

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

Dr. C. Franklin Smith, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:40 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

Claude Franklin Smith was born on March 19, 1934 in Fremont, Missouri, the fifth son of Leonard and Leetia (Hall) Smith. He grew up on the family farm where there was no running water or electricity until his high school years. He graduated as Valedictorian from Fremont High School in 1952 in a graduating class of 10 people. He attended the University of Missouri from 1952-1956, graduating with a B.A. in Chemistry and attended the University of Missouri Medical School from 1956-1960 where he graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine. He married Peggy Maupin Smith in 1954 after proposing to her during her senior year of high school. Frank and Peggy were introduced by Peggy’s mother, Della and Frank’s sister-in-law, Jean. To this union 6 children were born. Frank entered the service and served in the Army Medical Corps from 1960-1964 after which he moved his family to Willow Springs, Missouri to begin practicing medicine as a G.P. with Dr. Miller. When Dr. Miller retired, Dr. Smith assumed the practice. During his 47-year career, he delivered over 3,500 babies, worked as a general surgeon and served the wide rural area around Willow Springs. Dr. Smith would often be on-call 24-hours daily, seeing patients after hours in his clinic as needed and making house calls. He even once made a house call 90 miles away in Springfield, Missouri! A local West Plains nursing home, Brook Haven, named a wing in his honor and in Willow Springs a ball field bears his name. He also served as Medical Director at Willow Care Nursing Home. He had many community connections: Willow Springs Rotary Club, Willow Springs Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason, Long-Time School Board President at Willow Springs, Team Doctor for the Willow Springs Football Team, Shriner with Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. Through his career in medicine and his community involvement, he was able to share in family moments in a unique way: he handed his daughter Becky her nursing cap, he delivered two of his children and many of his grandchildren. Following the death of his first wife, Frank married long-time friend Dorothy Treaster Smith on April 30, 2005. They had 15 years of marriage together and Frank often told of the joy she brought to his later years, having never exchanged a harsh word during their time together. He was a compassionate and caring individual with a kind-heart and a patient soul. Frank was a quiet man of faith leading by example first to his younger brother and then of course to his children. He even preached at a couple of churches as a part of the M.U. Wesley Foundation while in college. Frank loved to play hymns on the piano and sing, as well as playing many other instruments including: dulcimer, accordion, harmonica and banjo. He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports. He was a craftsman enjoying woodworking, string art and stained glass art as well. He enjoyed traveling, taking his family on many exciting vacations beginning with his own children, a station wagon and a pop-up trailer. He also went to Hawaii, Spain, Germany, Cancun, Thailand, Ireland and on an Alaskan cruise. He was even a pilot and flew a small airplane. He also had a motorboat and enjoyed time on the water with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; five children, Angela Smith, Becky Dilks and husband, Bob, Nancy Lovan and husband, Martin, Lee Smith and wife, Mary, and Lance Smith and wife, Sandy; eleven grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Oliver Dilks, Rachael Dilks, Richard Smith, Emily Pipes, Austin Lovan, Thomas Smith, Lauren DiSalvo, Jared Lovan, Lacey Hoorman and Landen Smith; and five great-grandchildren, Mason, Ryan, Lillian, Rosalee and Remington; and one brother, Owen Smith and wife, Carol.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of forty-nine years, Peggy Smith, his daughter, Hollis Smith and four brothers.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Smith will lie in state from 10:00 a.m., until 12:00 Noon, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Langston Chapel of Robertson Drago Funeral Home; all are welcome to attend in celebration of Dr. C. Franklin Smith’s life. A private family graveside service will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor David Lovan will officiate the ceremony. Memorial contributions can be sent to one of his favorite charities, Navajo School Foundation,15695 S CR 210 Altus, OK 73521 and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Helen Maxine York, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. York passed away at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at NHC Healthcare, with her husband, Fred, at her side.

Helen Maxine Flottman was born June 10, 1928 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She graduated from Arkansas City Kansas High School in 1945. She worked at Kanotex refinery as a switchboard operator and stenographer until she married Fred York on March 5, 1947.  After living in Kansas, California, Louisiana and South America, they moved to Missouri in 1970.  Helen was of Northern Baptist Faith.

She is survived by her husband, Fred York; three children, Linda York Greer and husband, Dorance, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Gary York and wife, Regina, West Plains, Missouri and Amy Iven and husband, Dean, St. Charles, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Helen’s parents, Jack and Estelle Flottman, preceded her in death in 1967.

Graveside services for Sam Wilborn, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2020 at Mackey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilborn passed away at 7:48 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born August 24, 1924, at Alvord, Texas, to William Ervin and Savanna Nora Gosset Wilborn.  He was educated in the local schools graduating from Alvord High School in 1942.  Mr. Wilborn was a veteran, serving with the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre, 77^th Infantry and the 11^th Airborne Division.  He was also with the occupation forces in Japan.  He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1951 and was employed with Massey-Ferguson, Inc. in Dallas, Texas.  He was employed in sales and as District Manager.  On May 4, 1962, he was married at Dallas, Texas, to Miss Helen Stoke from West Plains, Missouri.  Due to his business transfers, the couple lived in several locations in Texas.  He retired in Austin, where he devoted time in volunteer work and was very active in the Senior Bowling League and spent time traveling both at home and abroad.  He moved to West Plains with his wife in 2001 and made their home at Pleasant Valley Village.  Mr. Wilborn was involved in volunteer work and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Wilborn; two nephews, R. D. (Bob) Wilborn and William Craig Wilborn; and one niece, Barbara Schmitt.

His parents and two brothers, William Truett Wilborn and Edgar Dewitt Wilborn, preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Velma Jean Thompson, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Thompson passed away at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born March 17, 1928, at Sycamore, Missouri, to George William Russell and Lois R. Luna Russell.  On August 7, 1948, she was married at West Plains, to Charles James Thompson, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2006.  Jean enjoyed gardening and flowers.  Mrs. Thompson was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Looney and Janet Thompson; one grandson, Nathan Looney and wife, Laura; one great-grandchild, Bennett C.J. Looney; and one niece, Peggy Wild.

Her parents, husband and two sisters, Genelle Warden and Jewel Luna, preceded her in death.

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

James Allen Johnson was born September 1, 1967, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Delora Skinner Johnson and Joseph Johnson.

He passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2020.

James’ profession was in brick masonry up until a back surgery. Construction and automotive work were also two of his passions. Anything he could take apart, he could put back together.

He loved his own projects at home and working with his son. He was always the first to help his family and friends. His big welcoming smile will be remembered and missed every day. What he loved the most were his kids, fiancée, friends and animals.

He is survived by his children, Cody Johnson, Valerie Johnson and Chris Neal; his fiancée Tammie Henson; brothers, Joe Johnson, George Johnson, Louie Perkins, Bob Perkins and Bill Perkins; sisters: Dorthy Jean, Ruth Ann Perkins; along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins he also loved dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Galloway Park in West Plains, Missouri.

Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Christine Marie Tharp, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Mt. Prairie Hollow Wildlife Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

At 67 years old, Christine Marie Tharp has completed her work on earth as she went home to be with the Lord at 11:29 a.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born July 5, 1953, at Davenport, Iowa, to Charles William Neal and Florence Louise Livingston Neal. On March 1st, 1979,  she married her first love, Roger Adolphson. They remained married until his passing on April 30th, 2006. Later Christine remarried to Buck Tharp, on May 22nd, 2010. Chris was an avid church goer, and most recently attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Rover, MO.  Christine loved to sing and attend church functions. She absolutely loved to travel, one of her favorite places being Hawaii. Everyone who knew Christine, knew that she had a soft spot for wildlife and would often do anything she could to nurture an injured animal back to health. More than anything though, she loved her family deeply, especially her many grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Buck Tharp; eleven children, Jason Adolphson and wife, Katherine, Felicia Adolphson, Eric Adolphson, Jennifer Eytcheson and husband, William, Tamara Bogan and husband, Jeremy, Kyle Adolphson and wife, Anne, Lucas Adolphson and wife, Chelsea, Sean Adolphson and wife, Erica, Quintin Adolphson, Meghan Johnson and husband Mike, Justin Adolphson and many grandchildren.

Her parents, first husband, Roger Adolphson, two sons, Christopher and Gabriel and one sister, Carol Neal, 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. 

Graveside services for Robert Gideon Morrison II, 60, Edmond, Oklahoma, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Howell Valley Cemetery.

Mr. Morrison passed away Monday, July 6, 2020.  He was a cherished son, adored father and grandfather, faithful brother and friend.  

He was born February 7, 1960 at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, to Robert Gideon Morrison and Shirley Underhill Morrison. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma University in 1981. He worked at Tinker AFB as an Aeronautical Engineer for over 35 years, acting as project leader on a variety of high profile programs, including Air Force One. Bob loved a good adventure, sharing travel, camping, fishing, shooting sports and skiing with his family and friends. Community service was important to Bob. He served as a Red Cross volunteer, a Little League coach, a scout leader and was a life-long supporter of Boy’s Ranch.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Morrison, Edmond, Oklahoma; son, Zachary Morrison and wife, Emily; grandson, Louis, Houston, Texas; step-son Jeremy Elam, Midwest City, Oklahoma; and two sisters, Lori Harris and husband, Sid, Prairies Grove, Arkansas and Tina Krysiak and husband, Rick Krysiak, Dayton, Ohio.

His father preceded him in death.

Graveside services for Mearl Harris, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris passed away at 2:57 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born September 3, 1931, at Elijah, Missouri, to John Harris and Ola Roberts Harris.  On December 27, 1951, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Louise Blankenship.  Mr. Harris was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  He worked at International Shoe Factory for seventeen years and Herrman Lumber Company for over twenty years.  Mearl enjoyed gardening, camping, traveling and long drives.  Mr. Harris was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ where he had served as Elder for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Harris; one son, Ronnie Harris and wife, Doris; four grandchildren, Tracy Johnson and husband, Mike, Melissa Givens and husband, Carl, John Randall Harris and wife, Emily and Alicia Pulley and husband, David; six great-grandchildren, Brett Johnson, Logan Johnson and wife, Kaitlyn, Cody Givens and wife, Kelsey, Kylie Givens, Finley Pulley, McKayla Pulley and one on the way, Aspen Harris; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Randall Harris, one great-granddaughter, Chelsea Johnson, two brothers, Earl and Everett Harris and two sisters, Hazel Henry and Rachel Hensley, 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 Betty Jo Huddleston, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

At 86 years old, Betty’s work here on earth is now complete and God called her home on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.  While they will miss her greatly, Betty’s family and friends will hold dear to countless memories of her.

She was born November 29, 1933, to Floyd Lester Gannon and Delma Lorine McLellan Gannon.  Betty grew up in West Plains and was a member of the 1951 graduating class at West Plains High School.  On July 25, 1953, just shy of her 20^th birthday, Betty married the love of her life, Lester Huddleston.  She and Lester enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing in 1998.  Throughout her life, Betty found ways to help others.  She was thoughtful and generous, known to share whatever she had with others.  She was an excellent cook, an accomplished seamstress and very creative with crafting and handiwork.  Many friends and family members have pillows, cards, pictures and other items that were both designed and handmade by Betty.  In her late years, Betty developed a writing ‘ministry.’  She wrote to widows, shut-ins and others often.  Betty wrote as many as 40 cards and letters per month.   Her friends would say Betty’s letters would always lift them and brighten their day.  One lady told Betty that just when she was about to give up, she would get a letter from Betty, cheering her on.  Betty accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age and in her later years as she was able, she attended Victoria Mission Church where she was a member.  Six months ago, she became a resident of Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains.  Betty mentioned daily how she loved everyone there.  It seems God meant for her to be there, to encourage and help brighten the lives of other residents and staff.  In fact, she often commented, even then, “God’s got a plan” and indeed, he did have. 

Loved and cherished as Grandma Bet, Grammy, Grandma, Betty’s life was enriched over the past 12 years with the blessing of seven great-grandchildren:  Emma, Elijah and Ellie Trantham; Hudson and Cason Patillo and Jackson and Elim Huddleston.  Betty always had a drawer filled with candy for her seven greats.  The candy drawer is just one of the many delightful memories these young ones will carry forward.  The parents of these seven greats (Betty’s beloved grandchildren) are Ashley Patillo and husband, Trapper, West Plains, Amy Trantham and husband, Andy, Alton, Missouri and Nathan Huddleston and wife, Steph, Koshkonong, Missouri.  Loved and cherished as mom, sister and friend, Betty is also survived by her son, Lyndell Huddleston and wife, Nancy, West Plains and daughter, Rita  Jackson and husband, Phil, Springfield, Missouri; a beloved brother, Jack Gannon and wife, Rosalyn, New Market, Maryland; and sister-in-law, Shirley Gannon, West Plains.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Frank Gannon and Don Gannon and an infant sister, Dorothy

“Finally, brethren, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”  2 Corinthians 13:11, KJV

The family would like to thank the staff and employees of Pleasant Valley Manor for their excellent care of mom for the last 6 months, and also the medical staff at Cox Medical Center South.

Mrs. Huddleston will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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.