Obituaries

A Celebration of Life Service for Brenda Elaine Guilliams, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events, 9240 County Road 9190, West Plains, Missouri under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Brenda passed away at 10:23 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at her home.

She was born October 18, 1951, at Risco, Missouri, to Dewey “Duane” Hensley and Marie Sawyer Hensley.  On November 14, 1970, she was married at West Plains, to James “Jim” Guilliams.  Brenda was the office manager for over thirty years at Jones Eye Center, a job that she loved and was very committed to.  She loved spending time with her family and the outdoors; her grandkids were her life.  She hated to cook!  Her beautiful smile will be missed by all.

She is survived by  her husband, Jim Guilliams, of the family home; three children, Mary Ann Kenslow and husband, Scott, West Plains, Sarah Janchyshyn and husband, Michael, Greenwood, Missouri and James Adam Guilliams and wife, Allison, New Market, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Isaac, Avery, Caleb, Connor, Addison, Heidi and soon to be, James David; her mother, Marie Hensley, West Plains; one sister, Lois Frazier and husband, Rick, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.

Her father preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains or The Shriners and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. Because of Brenda’s big heart and concerns for others, feel free to wear a mask and social distance at your own discretion. 

Ronald Wayne Carlson, 77, of West Plains died on Saturday, August 29 at the Mountain View Medical Center in Mountain View, MO. He had been in declining health for the past two years, and he passed away in his sleep from heart failure.

Ronald was born into the Baptist faith on March 13, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND. Father Ernest W. Carlson (1889-1979), Mother Clara A. Johnson (1894-1990), older sister Rosemary, and Ronald lived on Union Avenue in Fergus Falls, MN. Ronald first graduated from Fergus Falls High School in May of 1961 and then with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Moorhead State College, Moorhead, MN in June of 1965. He then started teaching in South Washington County schools (MN), where he met his future wife Karen Lucia Gilthvedt. They met while working at the same school, and Ron said to Karen at their first introduction, “Your last name is complicated, you should change it to something easy like Carlson.” Ron and Karen married a short time later on 26 Jun 1966 in Roseau, MN (hometown of his bride). Ronald then volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War and in 1968 went to training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. This is where Ronald appreciated the mild winters in Missouri compared to his time in Minnesota. He then served in the Arm’s 101st Airborne, Administrative Division until his discharge in 1970 as a Specialist Five. While in the army, he earned the Army Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. After his discharge, he returned to Moorhead State College to earn a Master of Science degree in Education. Ronald and Karen had two children – son Thad (b. 1971, Roseau, MN) and daughter Sari (b. 1973, St. Paul, MN). Ronald retired from teaching after 20 years and opened a small business called “Eagle Lake Lumber” near Ashby, MN where he supplied building materials to local carpenters. Not long after the death of his wife Karen in 2001, Ronald remembered the mild winters in southern Missouri and moved to West Plains, MO where he resided at 2304 Burke Avenue until shortly before his death. He was active with the West Plains Senior Center and the Community Garden. Ronald liked to fish and hunt ducks, pheasants, and deer younger in his life, and later in life, he liked to garden at home, read books, and brew his own beer. His favorite places to eat in West Plains were Colton’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Pizza Shack. Ron Carlson was a patriot and the best America has to offer. He was a respected family man, was strong in his faith, got an advanced degree in education, was a teacher, a combat veteran, and a small business owner.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother-in-law Gary Gilthvedt. 

He is survived by his sister Rosemary and her husband Dean Colness, children Sari and Thad, brother-in-law Ron Gilthvedt and his wife Dr. Elizabeth, and by several nieces and nephews.

Ron’s final wishes were to be cremated, and for his ashes to be spread in Otter Tail Lake (MN), where his family had a cabin from his younger years until he had a family of his own. His headstone marker will be placed in the Northwood Cemetery off the Moose River Road in northwest Beltrami County, MN alongside his wife’s final resting place.

Graveside services for Lena Kate Isom, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2020 at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Isom passed away at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2020, at West Vue Green House Homes.

She was born May 24, 1940, at Hickory, North Carolina, to William Andrew Cornett and Blanche May Cornett.  On September 12, 1959, she was married at Waldorf, Maryland, to William “Bill” Isom.  Lena was an avid bowler.  Mrs. Isom was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher; she loved teaching the Senior Ladies Class.

She is survived by two children, Angela Meyer and husband, Bruce and Jeffery Isom and wife, Holly, all of West Plains; two grandchildren, Ashley Taylor and husband, Kory and Andrew J. Isom; two brothers, Harry Cornett and wife, Marlene, State of Virginia and James Cornett, State of Maryland; five sisters, Lois Adams and husband, Glen, State of Texas, Patricia Langley and husband, Rob, State of Virginia, Carolyn Moore and husband, Skip, Lynn Zindler and husband, Marty and Ellen Pancake and husband, Johnny, all of State of Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one sister, Mary Southard and her mother-in-law, Hallie Isom, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Isom will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon Bible Society or New Hope Baptist Church 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 Scott Duane Weatherford, 50, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Genesis Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Scott Duane Weatherford left this life on August 17, 2020. Although Scott left this world much too early, he leaves behind a multitude of friends and family whom he loved dearly. Scott lived life to the fullest and his hobbies often became his passions. This started at a young age when he was a member of the Purple Dragons speed skating team at Skateland of West Plains. Scott went on to spend several years employed at Skateland as one of the DJ’s.  Another hobby that began when he was very young was his love of model railroading. Both these hobbies continued to be something he enjoyed even as he got older.  His experience as a DJ at Skateland quickly became a new career as he worked on-air under the radio name Scott Casey. Scott could be heard on KKDY in West Plains, 99 Hit FM in Springfield and KHOM The Train. Scott also spent a great deal of time working in his family’s business, Thayer Gas. He began dabbling in his next career during his downtime at Thayer Gas, fabricating custom rail cars for 1/8 scale train enthusiasts. Scott’s Trains came to be a way for him to turn his love of trains into a career that allowed him to touch the lives of so many people across our great nation and even other countries across the globe. His attention to detail and artistic talent quickly made Scott a sought-after builder of scale train models. If one were to travel to any major train club in the United States, and yes there are many, chances are good that you will find at least one example of Scott’s craftsmanship, if not many. This career allowed him to travel the country to train events, where Scott gained many friends who became family. When Scott met the love of his life, his wife, Cindy, in 2015, she would join him on his travels and share his love for the hobby and all the people who make it such a wonderful community. There are so many places that hold special memories for Scott. Frog Rapids Camp in Sioux Lookout, Ontario was an annual summer vacation spot where Scott was able to spend time fishing with his family and friends. Scott’s train hobby also made Train Mountain in Klamath Falls, Oregon another cherished place to visit. Many people will tell you that Scott and Cindy shared more adventures in the short time they were together than many people have in a lifetime.  Even though all those things were an important part of Scott’s life, the most important to him was his family.

He was born on December 17, 1969, in West Plains, Missouri to Jerry and Linda Weatherford. Linda left this world two years ago but was waiting in heaven to meet Scott. Jerry Weatherford, Scott’s constant source of unconditional love and good advice, lives in West Plains with his wife, Deborah. Scott is also survived by his wife Cindy, whom he met at their church home, Genesis of West Plains. Scott left behind three wonderful children; Holly Elijah and husband, Rich, of Springfield, Missouri, his only son, Chey Collins, of Springfield, Missouri, and Kasey Weatherford of Cabool, Missouri.  Scott’s greatest source of joy was his two grandchildren, Liam and Lilly, who knew him as “PawPaw”. Scott also gained his step-children, Brooke Clarke, Allie Tooley, Katie Tooley and Austin Tooley when he married Cindy. Scott leaves behind his two beloved sisters, Sherri Chapman and husband, Gary, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas and Shelley Wichern and husband, Jon, of West Plains, Missouri. He had four beautiful nieces, Jordan, Katherine, Samantha and Melissa and two handsome nephews, Josh and Hunter from his sisters. Through marriage, Scott gained a father-in-law and mother in law, Ken and Judy Hanshaw of West Plains, Missouri, a sister, brothers, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, along with many other additional blessings in the family.

Scott was a member of the West Plains Model Railroad Club and frequently spoke of his concern about the future of model railroading as a hobby. It was very important to him that the hobby was promoted to young people who might become as passionate for the hobby as he was. For this reason, memorial donations on Scott’s behalf may be made to the club so that the love of model railroading may continue to be shared with the West Plains area. Donations may be left at or mailed to Robertson Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO 65775 or mailed to West Plains Model Railroad Club, 1404 Southern Hills Center #229, West Plains, MO 65775.

Graveside services for Ruby Iliene Newberry, 97, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2020 at McElmurry Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, with Reverend David Ball officiating.

Mrs. Newberry passed away at 2:06 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center. 

She was born June 25, 1923, at Sedalia, Missouri, to Henry Richardson and Della Mitchell Richardson. Mrs. Newberry was married to Benjamin Morrison in 1945 and had two children, Rick Morrison and Cheryl Counts.    On December 2, 1968, she was married at Sedalia, Missouri, to Ed Newberry, who preceded her in death on January 19, 1984; together they adopted a son, James Newberry.  Before her retirement she had worked as a nursing aid in schools and hospitals, was a cook for West Plains Head Start and operated a Daycare in her home for many years. Ruby loved children, playing games, cards, music, dancing and was an avid joke teller.  She lived her life smiling.  She is now dancing with the angels and probably telling them a joke or two.

She is survived by two children, Rick Morrison and wife, Linda, Parker, Texas and James Newberry and wife, Marla, Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Glenda Franke, Kansas City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.    

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Cheryl Counts and one brother, Donald Richardson, preceded her in death.

 Mrs. Newberry will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Meals on Wheels or the West Plains Senior Center, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Jewell Grace Brixey, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2020 at Union Grove Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Brixey passed away at 6:20 a.m., Monday, August 17, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born October 4, 1918, in Howell County, Missouri, to Shelt Collins and Anvilene Robinson Collins.  On July 3, 1934, she was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Buster Brixey, who preceded her in death on May 15, 1980.  Mrs. Brixey had worked at Ozarks Medical Center, Dr. Wiles’ office and as a CNA at West Vue Nursing Center.  She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.  She will be truly missed by family, friends and her community.

She is survived by two children, Junior Brixey and wife, Betty and Patsy King and husband, Alan; seven grandchildren, Debbie Adams and husband, Dennis, Vonnie Thompson and husband, Clay, Christy Hillhouse and husband, Roger, Angie Hamby and husband, Joe, Mike King and wife, Nancy, Carla King and Eric King and wife, Amy; fourteen great-grandchildren; and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, one granddaughter, Vickey Dunnihoo, five brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Brixey will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery.  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 Sebastian Anthony Russell, 20, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Jolliff Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Russell passed away at 8:26 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020, near Scott City, Missouri.

He was born February 8, 2000, at West Plains, Missouri, to Christopher Columbus Russell and Corrine Lynn Seelye Russell.  Sebastian was a farmer and loved the outdoors, riding four wheelers, hunting, fishing and driving dirt roads.

He is survived by his father, Christopher Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri; two brothers, Chris Russell, Jr., Koshkonong, Missouri and Kyle Russell and wife, Amanda, Big Springs, Texas; four sisters, Tammy Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri, Wendy Forrester, Thayer, Missouri, Christina Collins, Lanton, Missouri and Chasitidy Mibbs, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

His mother preceded him 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, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Darlis Irene Harris, 86, Queen City, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harris passed away at 2:57 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Kirksville Manor, Kirksville, Missouri.

She was born June 18, 1934, at Metz, Missouri, to James Hubert Jones and Lydia Mae Roush Jones.  On June 29, 1951, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to John Riley Harris, who preceded her in death on October 18, 2016.  Mrs. Harris worked at International Shoe Factory before her retirement.  She enjoyed crafting and sewing and was an exceptional cook.  Mrs. Harris was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church, West Plains.

She is survived by one son, John H. Harris and wife, Kathryn; four grandchildren, John H. Harris and wife, Debbie, Matthew Harris and wife, Ashlie, Darla White and husband, Jason and R. D. Allen; nine great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Arianna, Benjamin, Josiah, Rebekah and Joseph; one sister, Kay Decker, West Plains; and one sister-in-law, Norma Cooper, Hocomo, Missouri.

Her parents, husband, twin daughters, Vona Freeman and Vonda Wilbanks and one grandson, Brian Ledwa, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Harris will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ten Mile Baptist Church Cemetery Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Lehman Rolland Adkisson, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Adkisson passed away at 11:18 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 2, 1929, at Gid, Arkansas, to Lewis G. Adkisson and Abbie Bruce Adkisson.  Lehman attended schools at Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas.  On May 7, 1949, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Glenda Virginia Wetzel, who preceded him in death on May 12, 2018.  Mr. Adkisson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army; he received several medals including Korean service medal with three bronze stars, United Nations service medal and good conduct medal.  Mr. Adkisson worked at International Shoe Factory for twenty-nine years, worked with Special Road District, Howell-Oregon Water District and was the owner and operator of West Plains Fence Company for thirty years, retiring in 1992.  He enjoyed bluegrass music and was a founding member of HOBA Bluegrass Park.  He enjoyed being outdoors and deer hunting.  Lehman loved his family.  Mr. Adkisson was a member of Victory Family Worship Center.

He is survived by four children, Brenda Montgomery and husband, David, Willow Springs, Missouri, Ron Adkisson and wife, Becky, Panama City Beach, Florida, Randy Adkisson and wife, Charlotte, West Plains, Missouri and Robin Wray and husband, Bart, Greenbriar, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Erik Montgomery and wife, Katie, Elaina Martin and husband, Chad, Trevor Hatfield, Kendra Gleghorn and husband, Chad, Nicholas Wray, Spenser Adkisson and Jackie Holliman and husband, Jeremy; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife and two sisters, Lillian Brooks and Gladys Cooper, preceded him in death.

Mr. Adkisson will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to HOBA Bluegrass Park and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Shirley Laverne Blackburn Tyler Goodman, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Shirley passed away at 7:30 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2020, at her home.

She was born November 9, 1937, at Portia, Arkansas, to Alfred William Blackburn and Gladys Mae Shaw Blackburn.  Shirley graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1956.  Before her retirement, she had worked at International Shoe Factory and as a CNA at Pleasant Valley Manor.  She loved her family, especially her grandkids and her dog, Pixy.  Shirley enjoyed NASCAR and watching westerns.

She is survived by three children, John Tyler and wife, Peggy, West Plains, Kelley Tyler and wife, Kristina, West Plains and Kevin Tyler and wife, Niki, Thayer, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Ricky Tyler, Travis Tyler and wife, Niki, Dereck Tyler and wife, Rose, Kelley “Kadie” Tyler, Brady Tyler and wife, Courtney, Laiken Bailey and husband, Ricky and Landon Tyler; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Dwaine Blackburn and wife, Thresa; two nephews, Derrick and Shawn; and many cousins and friends.

Her parents preceded her in death.

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

Anthony “Tony” Verdico left this world on August 3, 2020. 

He was born July 26, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Rocco and Esther Verdico.  Tony was married on July 21, 1965, at Chicago, Illinois, to Ellie Talsma.  They have two sons, Mark and John Verdico.  Tony had one step-daughter, Sandi Starr and husband, Randy.  Tony was the oldest of ten brothers and sisters, Marie Moore, Rocco Verdico and wife, Ginny, John Verdico and wife, Delores, Teresa Urbanek and husband, Jim, Phyllis Verdico, Aggie Edwards and husband, Don, Frank Verdico and wife, Diane and Carmel Verdico.  He was the uncle of many nieces and nephews, lots of great-nieces and great-nephews, one great-great-niece and one great-great-nephew.

Mr. Verdico was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy and Army Reserves for a total of eighteen years.  He was also a volunteer at the West Plains Senior Center for many years.

His parents, one sister, Lola Verdico, one nephew, Reggie Watson and one great-great-nephew, Langston Bartlett, preceded him in death.

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

Graveside services for Roger Jack “Jackie” Burnett, AKA “Elvis”, 66, Charleston, West Virginia, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020 at McElmurry Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  The family requests that those attending use social distancing guidelines and masks be worn.

Jackie passed away Friday, August 7, 2020, at CAMC Charleston Memorial Hospital after a short illness.  He went home to join his mother and daddy in Heaven.

He was born in West Plains, Missouri on August 14, 1953.

Although Jackie had Downs Syndrome he lived a full and blessed life, participating and excelling in Special Olympic events such as Baggo (corn hole). Jackie loved playing the guitar, singing, playing corn hole and dancing his heart out at all dances. He loved his hot wheels, Elvis and Dr. Pepper.  He never met a stranger and touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Jackie is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend and Mrs. E. R. Burnett, one sister, Sandra K. Wheat and two brothers, Larry and Norman Burnett.

He is survived by one sister, Mary Anne Smith and husband, Ron; two brothers, Wayne Burnett and Itsy Burnett and wife, Judy; and numerous nieces and nephews, who are all “his favorites”.

Jackie will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Hubbard House in Charleston, West Virginia and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Hervel Leon Bunch, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Bunch passed away at 8:50 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2020, at his home.

He was born September 14, 1940, at Pomona, Missouri, to Anton James Bunch and Lillie Maye Brixey Bunch.  On March 30, 1963, he was married at West Plains, to Belva Lee Falwell, who preceded him in death on March 9, 2003.  Before his retirement, Mr. Bunch worked at Howell-Oregon Electric Co-op for over forty years.  He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by two children, Randall Leon Bunch and wife, Pam, West Plains, Missouri and Scott Lee Bunch, Pomona, Missouri, four grandchildren, James David Bunch, Logan Scott Bunch and wife, Hailey, Hallie R. Bunch and Hanna Bunch; two great-grandchildren, Kolby and Anton Bunch; one brother, Charles Bunch, Pomona, Missouri, special friend, Janella Madden; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife and several siblings preceded him in death.

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

Linda Kay Williams, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:20 p.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

She was born June 11, 1947, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Frank Willison and Gladys Todd Willison.  On June 13, 1968, she was married at Lanton, Missouri, to Darrel Williams. 

She is survived by her husband, Darrel Williams, of the family home; two brothers, Virgil Willison and wife, Colleen, Thayer, Missouri and Darrell Willison and wife, Brenda, Salem, Arkansas; one sister, Ester Eldried, Glencoe, Arkansas; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond Williams and wife, Peggy, Wiser, Idaho and Jacqueline Evans and husband, Dale, Hocomo, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, three brothers, James, Joe and Mike Willison and two sisters, Hattie Owens and Grace Willison, 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, West Plains, MO  65775.

Sue Garner Hall, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:30 a.m., August 8, 2020, at West Plains, Missouri.

She was born in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on December 21, 1940 to Noel and Bernice King Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jerry Garner.

At an early age Sue and her parents moved to West Plains where she would live the rest of her life except for a short time in Fort Ord, California, when her husband Jerry was in the Army.  Sue grew up with three younger brothers and a father who were intensely interested in athletics. Growing up she could never walk down the hall to her bed room without navigating basketball defense moves by her brothers. All the practice paid off as the brothers played basketball at West Plains High School and one brother, Gary, played for Missouri University and went on to coach college level basketball winning the NCAA Division II National Championship for Fort Hayes State in Kansas. Her youngest brother Roger was the Zizzer baseball coach for many years and the other brother, always referred to as Jerry Garner, remained an avid fan of the sport seeing as many as three or four games a day upon retirement. Sue also had athletic ability but girls in the fifties were not encouraged to develop it. She had to settle for amazing her son Daniel with her ability to water ski and glide into shore without getting her hair wet. She was also an avid tennis player. It was not surprising when Sue married a basketball player, her high school sweet-heart, Jerry Hall. Jerry played four years for what is now Missouri State University. Jerry and Sue were married August 27, 1960. They were avid Grizzly Boosters and could always be seen at the Grizzly Games rooting for the home team.  Jerry and Sue have two sons, David Garner Hall and Daniel Lee Hall. Daniel and his partner Eyal Haim live in San Francisco and David and his wife Dana live in West Plains. David and Dana have two sons, Samuel and Andrew, who enjoyed the full attention and pride of their grandmother “GiGi,” as the boys called her. She had a special voice, never heard by her sons, used only for Samuel and Andrew. The special voice was never demanding or harsh but kind and only “suggested” when it was time to get out of the swimming pool and go home.  Family was a priority in Sue’s life. She enjoyed family reunions and especially the opportunity to spend time with her King cousins at the reunions in Calico Rock.  Some of her fondest memories were of the early morning walks with her long-time friend, Kay Garrett. After her mother passed away, Sue became a mainstay in the remaining years of her father Noel’s life.  Sue was an excellent cook and was especially known for her custard pies and lasagna. She appreciated tidiness and seeing numbers lined in straight columns. This skill was put to good use in the many years she worked in the office of the family business. Her working career ended with a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. She met this challenge with the grace and stoicism of her nature. Her caretakers found her always kind, appreciative and non-demanding. Her husband Jerry was constant in his attention to her care by going to help feed and care for her every day until Covid-19 caused him to halt his visits to the Greenhouse at West Vue. The staff continued to give her kind and considerate care until her death.  Sue’s last few years were difficult for her, her family and friends. She has now found peace through her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a long time and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains.

Due to the pandemic there will be no service, but a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Garnett Library or the Jerry and Sue Hall Grizzly Endowed Scholarship at MSU, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Larry Dale French, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at  1:31 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020, at the Ozark Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri.

He was born April 24, 1952, at Davenport, Iowa to Genevieve Stark French  and James French.  Larry loved his children as well as his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his son, Cory French and wife Lori of Dodge City, Kansas, His Daughter Valerie Wilson and husband Shawn of West Plains, Missouri and a Step-son Scott VonBurge  of Trenton, Missouri, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. 

His parents, one brother Joseph French and one nephew Joey French, preceded him in death. 

Graveside services for Sandra Lee Huckabey, 64, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, White Church, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Huckabey passed away at 7:40 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at her home. She was born November 10, 1955 at Oak Park, Illinois to Rudolph”Rudy” Eck and Goldie Delplan Eck.

Mrs. Huckabey graduated from the West Plains High School and on August 13, 1977, was married at White Church, Missouri to Joseph Huckabey.  She enjoyed the farm and being out of doors.  Sandra loved her husband, children and grandchildren.  Mrs. Huckabey was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Huckabey, of the family home; two children, J. L. Huckabey and wife, Christy, Peace Valley, Missouri and Catherine Cyr and husband, Lucas, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kimber, Tymber and Colt; and many nieces.

Her parents and one sister, Debbie, preceded her in death.

A Graveside services for Norma Jeanne Adams, 83, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Adam died 4:08 a.m., Sunday, August 2, 2020 at West Vue Nursing Center.  She was born March 15, 1937 at Hickman, Kentucky the daughter of William Paul Pierson and Mary Alice Mast Pierson.  On June 2, 1955, she was married at Hernando, Mississippi to Eugene (Gene) Adams who preceded her in death on August 31, 2013.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Adams was employed as a bookkeeper at Burton Creek Pharmacy.  She loved to watch college basketball, Cardinal’s baseball and reading.  She loved her family, especially her grandkids.

She is survived by four children, Leslie “Jane” Pingleton and husband, Larry, West Plains, Missouri, David Adams and wife, Lisa, Fenton, Missouri, Karen Toellner and husband, Bil, Fort Worth, Texas and Sharon Adams, Columbia, Missouri; five grandchildren, Billy “Bud” Toellner, Mat Toellner, Courtney Woodruff, Seth Pingleton and EmmaCarter; one brother, Jim Watson and wife, Debbie, State of Florida; two sisters, Beth Moore, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Dixie Barnett, Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sisters, Billie June Black and Betty Sue Sizemore and one brother, Earnest Pierson, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and may be left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Family and friends of Terry “Bo” Pace, 68, West Plains, Missouri are invited to a reception beginning at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the West Plains Country Club.

Terry “Bo” Pace passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, after a brief illness.

He was born to Brack and LouVenia Hogsed Pace on April 2, 1952 at home on the Pace Family Farm; therefore creating a love of agriculture from the very beginning.

A 1970 graduate of West Plains High School, he enjoyed representing his school as an athlete in football, basketball and baseball.  While playing on the football team his senior year as co-captain, the team earned the first undefeated season and first time in state playoff competition for the Zizzers. He also enjoyed playing basketball and being a member of the 1970 undefeated baseball team for the Zizzers.  He was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, attended Boy’s State, and was a member of many other clubs.

On October 15, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Sunie McNevin in West Plains, Missouri.  To this union they were blessed with their daughter, Suzannah.

The couple made their home in West Plains where Bo started his career as a lifelong salesman working for West Plains Veterinary Supply and the Ozark Horse Trader from where he retired in 2014.  Knowing Bo could not sit still for long and continuing his appreciation of agriculture he began seasonal work for Tyree Fertilizer.  He always looked forward to his Tuesday and Wednesday trips to the sale barn, Thursday golf outings with his buddies and spending time on the lake with friends. He never met a stranger and always greeted you with a big smile and a joke.

Bo was a true champion in his support of West Plains.  In his lifelong selfless service to his community through his involvement with such organization as the West Plains High School FFA Alumni Association, University of Missouri Extension Council, Cystic Fibrosis Association of West Plains.  He also served 12 years on the West Plains R-7 School Board holding the position of Vice President at the time he left the board.  In addition, he served as a board member on the Missouri School Board Association.  He was most recently serving as a delegate for MFA Oil District 8-Mid South.  He was currently serving as a member of the Committee on Ministry for the John Calvin Presbytery.  He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in West plains where he was an elder and was currently serving as treasurer. Bo spent may years serving on the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Booster Club Executive Board of Directors where he served as president along with being involved in many other MSU-West Plains committees and events.

Bo’s work of serving his community did not go unnoticed. He received the 2004 Chairman’s Award from the Greater West Plains Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his public service and support of the West Plains community; the 2006 Grizzly Track Award for his enthusiasm and support of Grizzly Athletics; and the 2015 Distinguished Zizzer Alumnus award for being a positive role model for students and for having made a positive contribution to West Plains.

He is survived by his wife, of 47 years, Sunie, one daughter, Suzannah, two brothers, Mike Pace and wife, Diana, and Randy Pace and wife Sherry, father-in-law, Jack McNevin, sisters-in-law, Susie Warden, Sandy McNevin and Sally Watkins; and many nieces and nephews along with other relatives and friends.

His parents, grandparents, Thomps and Martha Pace, H. J. and Vida Hogsed, and mother-in-law, Marian McNevin , precede him in death.

Private family memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020

Memorial contributions in memory of Bo Pace may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of West Plains or the West Plains High School FFA Alumni Association and maybe left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.