Obituaries

A memorial service for Thomas Edward Eagleman, 49, Bryan, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2020, at First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven, West Plains, Missouri.  The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2020, at First Church of God.  

Tom passed away July 5, 2020 in Oklahoma. 

He was born August 3, 1970, at West Plains, Missouri, to Arthur Thomas Eagleman and Katie Lynn Hensley Eagleman.  Tom graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1989.  He was an Account Executive at American Home Patient.  He enjoyed bird hunting with family and going fishing. He also loved woodworking and making things from leather.

He is survived by one sister, Wendy Dixon and husband, Ron, West Plains; two nephews, Zack Dixon and wife, Cecilia, Springfield, Missouri and Derrick Dixon and wife, McKenzie, Diggins,  Missouri; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to any Animal Shelter of choice.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Funeral services for Ernest Beljean, 89, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Beljean passed away at 1:35 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020, at his home.

He was born February 17, 1931, at Holtville, California, to Herman Beljean, Sr. and Sophia Wolfsenberger Beljean.  On January 14, 1956, he was married at Chula Vista, California, to Patricia Arnold.  Mr. Beljean was a member of the California National Guard for several years, was a member of Knights of Columbus and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.  He was a hard worker.  Mr. Beljean was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Patricia Beljean, of the family home; seven children, Martin Beljean and wife, Linda, West Plains, Missouri, Conrad Beljean, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Eric Beljean, Pomona, Missouri, Gloria Warrens and husband, John, Knoxville, Tennessee, Agnes Roberts and husband, Ron, Big Bear, California, Walter Beljean, Pomona, Missouri and Zack Beljean, West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Brandi Groves, Marcus Beljean, Sonia Beljean, Christina Beljean, Trisha Warrens and Rachel Warrens; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edward Beljean and wife, Ernestine, Prescott, Arizona and Walter Beljean and wife, Miti, San Obispo, California; one sister, Mary Funnell, Tucson, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, daughter-in-law, Sandy Beljean, two grandchildren, Samantha Jo and Crystal Beljean, one sister, Gertrude Pritchard and one brother, Herman Beljean, Jr., preceded him in death.

Mr. Beljean will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Pregnancy Resource Center, Mountain Grove, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Mary L. Johnson, 95, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Willow Springs City Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnson passed away at 5:20 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2020, at Glendale Gardens Nursing & Rehab.

She was born September 25, 1924, at Weldon, Illinois, to Bert Harrison Carr and Ruth Yochum Carr.  She graduated from High School at Farmer City, Illinois in 1942.  In 1943, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Alfred Otto Siegrist, who preceded her in death in 1987.  Before her retirement, she worked at Singer Sewing Machine and Stephens College Gift Shop.  She was a former member of the Methodist Church in Willow Springs and had attended Pomona Christian Church and Burnham Baptist Church.

She is survived by three children, Gary Siegrist and wife, Sharon, Springfield, Missouri, Tom Siegrist, Willow Springs, Missouri and Ruth Hall and husband, Bill, Springfield, Missouri; son-in-law, Don Pruitt; nine grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Kent, Curt, Becky, Randy, Robert, Sandy and Sherry; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one daughter, Ginny Pruitt, two grandchildren, Keith and Ronnie and one brother, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Johnson will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A graveside service for June Elaine Alsup, 87, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2020, at Burnham Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Alsup went into the open arms of her Savior on April 10, 2020.

She was born June 9, 1932 in New London, Connecticut to Carl Oscar Freeman and Carin Sundt Freeman.  June married Donald Lewis Alsup in New London, Connecticut on October 27, 1951 and they had 54 years together prior to his death in 2005. June had a second life love at the age of 78 with John Jenkins of Clever, Missouri, who preceded her in death in 2016. She is also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margaret Freeman and her brother Ralph Freeman.

June was a loving wife, homemaker and mother. After raising her family, she graduated from LPN School in 1976. She loved music, sewing and traveling. June was a member of the West Side Family Life Center and her love of God was evident in how she raised her family and in the care she gave to her patients.

June is survived by her brother, David Freeman of Augusta Montana and five children: Mark Alsup (Dorothea) of Springfield Missouri, Deborah Stratton (Kenny) of Springfield Missouri, Susan Winkelmann (Robert) of Columbia Missouri, Donna Alsup (Ken) of Pomona, Missouri and Barry Alsup (Cathleen) of Pomona, Missouri. June is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Rob, Chris, Jill, Eric, Molly, Maggie, Luke, Matthew, Jesse, Adam and William as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

June’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful care June received at the Manor at Elfindale during her later years with a special thank you to Janna, Angela and Bobby. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the employee assistance program at the Manor at Elfindale in Springfield, Missouri. 

Graveside services for J. C. Taylor, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Taylor passed away at 8:54 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at his home.

He was born January 10, 1925, at Hoxie, Arkansas, to George Taylor and Mary Coats Taylor.  On November 25, 1945, he was married at Hoxie, Arkansas, to Bonnie Jean Pierce, who preceded him in death on August 6, 2019.  Mr. Taylor was a WWII Veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  He was an ordained Assembly of God Minister, a Home Builder and a Master Carpenter.  J.C. enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his flower beds and roses.

He is survived by two children, Chet Taylor and wife, Dana, Gainesville, Missouri and Joyce Taylor, West Plains; special friend whom he and his wife helped raise, Mary Milligan and husband, David, Dallas Texas; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Georgia Craddick, Fort Worth, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, eight brothers, Nick, Lawrence, Chell, Luther, Carl, Frank, Charlie and Ernest DeLanie Taylor and two sisters, Flawn Lewis and Rosie Pickney, preceded him in death.

Mr. Taylor will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  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 Ricky Lee Croney, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the New Hope Cemetery, Gentryville, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Croney passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 at his sister’s home in Clarksville, Tennessee. 

He was born June 20, 1960 in Harrisonville, Missouri to William “Bill” Croney and Evelyn Heath Croney. 

He is survived by four children, Ronnie Croney and wife, Amy, Ricky Duane Croney and wife, Jennifer,  William Croney and wife, Tina and Elizabeth “Sissy” Croney;  two sisters, Tammy Spencer and Angela Gay McCarver and husband, Randall; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents.  

Mr. Croney will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, 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.

Graveside services for Dennis Ray Fox, 66, Holly Springs, Mississippi, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Fox passed away at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at his home in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

He was born May 12, 1954, at Kansas City, Missouri, to Murl Elvis Fox and Wilma E. Oaks Fox. He was a Master Mason, Shriner and loved to hunt and fish. Dennis was a Millwright and had a career in Industrial Plant Maintenance. Mr. Fox was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by two children, Dennis DaRay Fox and wife, Lisa Marie and Daniel Ray Fox and wife, Tolise; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Murl Hudlow; five sisters, Janice Henley and husband Travis, Linda Purvis, Denise Fox, Sharon Fox and Brenda Sue Fox; eight nieces; and four nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

Mr. Fox will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, 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 Dennis Wayne Smith, 71, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Smith Gunter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Smith passed away at 7:58 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at his home.

He was born December 1, 1948, at Exeter, California, to William “Ivan” Smith and Betty Lou Gunter Smith.  Dennis was a custom home builder; he took great pride in his work and had built many beautiful homes.  He also had played for the Kansas City Royals baseball team.  Mr. Smith loved his family very much and was an avid hunter.

He is survived by his wife, his love of over twenty years, Deborah Terry-Smith; seven children, Dawn R. Kahl and husband, Jeremy, Travis W. Smith, Dustin G. Smith and wife, Julie, Erinn Tanner, Angela Edwards and husband, Lyman, Lissa C. Siemers and Marcus “Ryan” English; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, David A. Smith and wife, Joyce and Danny Smith and wife, Beth; one sister, Kimberly Hall and husband, Russ; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents and two brothers, Larry and Gary Smith, preceded him in death.

Mr. Smith will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Buck Snort Lodge and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Anna Jean McCutcheon, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Siloam Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. McCutcheon passed away at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020, at her home.

She was born November 14, 1933, at West Plains, Missouri, to William and Effie Collins.  On November 18, 1959, she was married at Cave Creek, Arkansas, to William Johnnie “Bill” McCutcheon, who preceded her in death on June 12, 2009.  Before her retirement, Mrs. McCutcheon was the head of housekeeping at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.  She was a very loving, caring and giving person; she would give anything to someone in need.  She loved her family and was the best mother a child could ask for.  Anna helped many and touched many people’s lives.

She is survived by one son, Rickey McCutcheon and wife, Debra, West Plains; six grandchildren, Crystal Shoemaker, Stephanie Phelps and husband, Steven, Jessica Owens and husband, Randy, Nicholas McCutcheon and wife, Jenny, William Collins and Kevin Collins; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, two infant daughters and two sons, William Collins and Ronnie McCutcheon, preceded her in death.

Mrs. McCutcheon will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Siloam Springs Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Graveside services for Bobby Joe Whitmire, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Whitmire passed away at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020, at his home.

He was born August 6, 1934, at Alicia, Arkansas, to Kenneth Whitmire and Mildred Light Whitmire.  Mr. Whitmire was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  Before his retirement, he was a foreman at Amyx Manufacturing.  Mr. Whitmire enjoyed woodworking and had a collection of Bluegrass music.  He was a Christian.

He is survived by two children, Bobby G. Whitmire and wife, Kristen, Billings, Missouri and Kathy Bauer and husband, Ken, West Plains; the mother of his children, Louise Whitmire, West Plains; four grandchildren, Jordan Thomas Whitmire, Anna Caitlan Whitmire, Dalton Lee Day and Valerie Matheson; one great-grandchild, Jessie Whitmire; one sister, Linda Johnson, Black Rock, Arkansas; and several nephews.

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

Mr. Whitmire will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association or Ronald McDonald H ouse and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Robert Edward Lucas, 34, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2020 at the West Plains Armory under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Lucas died at 3:07 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020 at his home. 

He was born June 24, 1986 at Pensacola, Florida to Terry Lee Lucas and Camellia Jean Carrell Lucas-Hanson.  Mr. Lucas owned and operated the Lucas Automotive and Restoration.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, skydiving and cars.   Mr. Lucas loved his family, especially his mother, step-dad, sister, brother, niece, grandparents and several other family members.  Mr. Lucas was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his mother and step-dad, Jean Lucas-Hanson and Philip Hanson; brother, Colton Lucas-Hanson, Jefferson City, Missouri; sister, Kristi Lucas, West Plains, Missouri;  his favorite niece of all time, Lauren “Doodle Bug” Davis; maternal grandparents, Ivan and Imogene Carrell, West Plains, Missouri;  several aunts and uncles; and too many others to mention. 

His father, Terry Lucas and paternal grandparents, Dixie and Terry Lucas, preceded him in death.

Mr. Lucas will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, Missouri 65775.

Gary B. Ramsey, 66, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at NHC Healthcare.  Arrangements are pending under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Bobby Gene Burtrum, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Burtrum passed away at 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at West Vue Nursing Center.

He was born April 18, 1933, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Fred Burtrum and Pearl Magnolia Ashley Burtrum.  On September 4, 1953, he was married at Baptist Hill Church, to Anna Lee Price, who preceded him in death on March 2, 2014.  Bob graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1951.  Mr. Burtrum was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Korea.  He retired as county director with the United States Department of Agriculture, had worked at Central Cash & Carry until closing and had a cow calf operation for many years. After his retirement, he enjoyed his work at Broken Bow Archery alongside his son, Robert and grandson, Bo.  Mr. Burtrum served many years on the West Plains City Council, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and was a member of West Plains Bass Club.  He loved quail hunting and fishing and was a fan of Cardinal baseball.  Mr. Burtrum was a member of First Baptist Church.

He is survived by two children, Robin Wagy and husband, Roger, Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Robert Burtrum and wife, Jennifer, West Plains, four grandchildren, Bo, McKenzie and Hunter Burtrum and Ryan Wagy; two nieces and three nephews.

His parents, wife, one sister, Elma Chilson and two brothers, Woody and Tommy Burtrum, preceded him in death.

Mr. Burtrum will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Bob Burtrum Scholarship Fund or Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Leon Allen Ford, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Ford passed away at 5:14 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 8, 1951, in Howell County, Missouri, to David Ford and Laverna Mary “June” Judd Ford.  On June 20, 1972, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Vicky Stokes.  Mr. Ford was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He was a well driller and a mechanic.  Leon enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles.  Mr. Ford was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Ford, of the family home; two children, Amy Wood and husband, Chris, West Plains, Missouri and Anna Bayona and husband, Michael, Joplin, Missouri; three grandchildren, Zachary, Samuel and Wesley; his father, David Ford, West Plains; one brother, David V. Ford, West Plains; three sisters, Victoria Hansen, Thayer, Missouri, Doris Collins and husband, James, Peace Valley, Missouri and Donna Ford, Peace Valley, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

His mother preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to OMC Cancer Treatment Center or Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Graveside services for Mary Jane Decker, 92, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Decker passed away at 12:05 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2020, at The Arbors at Lakewood facility in Springfield Missouri.

She was born August 25, 1927, in Neelyville, Missouri to George Washington Mitchener and Julia Mae Holder Mitchener. On January 18, 1963, she was married at Corning, Arkansas, to Charles Leroy Decker, who preceded her in death on November 28, 2015.  Mrs. Decker loved to farm, cook and sew. She enjoyed going to the lake with her family in the summer. Mrs. Decker was a Christian.

She is survived by two children, Byron Decker, St. Charles, Missouri and Sherri Arnett and husband, Joe Bill, Springfield, Missouri; one grandson, Nathan Arnett; and one sister Lorene Jourdan, Great Falls, Montana.   

Her parents, husband and seven siblings, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Decker will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Dixie Lee Glasgow Himes, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 6:54 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born May 25, 1940, at Melbourne, Iowa, to Lyle Watts and Florence Edwards Watts.  Dixie was a devoted full time teacher at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  She loved caring for and teaching children and was an avid gardener.

She is survived by four children, Linda Lanette Glasgow, LaGrange, Georgia, Jamin Glasgow, Buffalo, New York, Timothy Glasgow, Bullhead, Arizona and Keenan Glasgow, State of Iowa; one grandchild; three brothers, Larry, Richard and Wayne Watts; one sister, Debbie Watts; and her special friends and family, sister, Phyllis Zeh, son, Jacob Zeh, grandson, Elijah Zeh; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and one sister, Mary Ann Blessing, preceded her in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Rick Skiles, 66, Springfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 3, 2020 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Skiles passed away at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 13, 1954, at Wichita, Kansas, to James Skiles and Ruby Tetrick Skiles.  On December 15, 2018, he was married at Branson, Missouri, to Lizabeth Austin.  Rick and Lizabeth shared the same birthday.  Mr. Skiles was a radiology technician at Cox South.  He loved horses, singing and playing the guitar.  Rick held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews.  Mr. Skiles was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Lizabeth Skiles; his mother, Ruby Skiles; three step-children, Kevin, Matt and Andrew Hill; one sister, Tammy Collins and husband, Mike; one uncle, Wayne Tetrick and wife, Ruby; two nephews, Kem Collins and wife, Ashley and Tyson Collins and wife, Sarah; and six great-nieces and great-nephews.

His father and one niece, Paisley Collins, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Sweeton Pond Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Sweeton Pond Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Funeral services for Jack Helm, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Helm passed away at 11:15 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2020, at Brooke Haven Health Care.

He was born April 6, 1927, at Gepp, Arkansas, to Curtis Dee Helm and Edna Lurinda Harvelle Helm.  On September 12, 1953, he was married at Freeport, Illinois, to Rosetta A. Marshall.  Mr. Helm was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force and Army in Japan and Korea.  He worked as an auctioneer with his step-dad, Earl “Red” Hall and retired from Southwest Truck Body after thirty years.  Jack loved to coon hunt and play pool, where he won several trophies.  Mr. Helm was a member of United Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Helm; two children, Debbie Helm and Alan Helm; three grandchildren, Jessica Pace and husband, Walker, Matt Helm and wife, Brandy and Lacey Flora; eleven great-grandchildren, Makayla, Davyn, Ashton, Paylee, Taylor, Allie, Kileigh, Grecyn, Preston, Haley and Kendra; one great-great-grandchild, Haiven; one sister, Bobbie Carter; one step-sister, JoAnn Coson; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

His parents, step-father, one brother, Harvelle Helm and one sister, Nita Watkins, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hope  Lodge of St. Louis, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775

Sara Margaret Deatherage, 89, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:16 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.

She was born February 23, 1931, at Kansas City, Kansas, to William Harrity and Grace Wylie Harrity.  Mrs. Deatherage was a Christian and loved her kids and grandkids.

She is survived by two children, John David Deatherage and Ted Deatherage and wife, Vicky, all of West Plains; three grandchildren, Samantha, Cory and Jazlynn; one great-grandchild, Makenna; one brother, Joe Harrity and wife, Donna; two sisters, Mary Lynch and Rita DeGruson; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one sister, Leona Thompson and four brothers, Fred, Harry, Robert and Mike Harrity, preceded her in death.

Most folks are unaware that our Mom suffered from profound hearing loss. As the years passed, she became more and more socially isolated. Mom saw few people in person. She went out less and fewer people stopped by to visit. That’s why she spent so much time on Facebook and emailing with her friends.  In lieu of sending flowers and cards, we ask that you think of someone like our Mom, older, alone, hard of hearing and not very mobile. Someone socially isolated but too proud to say so…. What we ask is that you make an effort to reconnect with them. Make them a little less lonely. To honor our mother’s memory, please make the effort to lift the burden of loneliness for someone else. It’s a small thing to ask but we can’t think of anything she would have thought more important.