Obituaries

Graveside services for Gary Wayne Johnson, 72, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at Mt. Zion Cemetery (Poe Hill), under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Johnson passed away 8:52 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2020 at his home.

He was born December 30, 1947, at West Plains, Missouri, to Carroll Johnson and Dorothy Baser Johnson.  He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1966 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University.  On May 23, 1998, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Linda Beach.  Mr. Johnson was a claims adjuster for Shelter Insurance.  He was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, St. Louis Cardinals, playing golf, checking game cameras, traveling, riding on dirt roads and dancing.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson; two children, Kristi Lansdown and husband, Doug and Stephanie Pierce and husband, Dugan; two step-children, Cody Stone and Rebecca Robinson and significant other, Scottie Hunter; his parents, Carroll and Dorothy Johnson; ten grandchildren, Kelsey and husband, Reg, Jaylen, Katelen and husband, Hunter, Kaylee, Jadon, Hayden, Karsen, Tiffany and husband, Luke, Lyndsey and Lauren; six great-grandchildren, Aubree, Benjamin, Kaci, Fisher, Kaiden and Khloe; one brother, D. D. Johnson; one sister-in-law, Carol Freeman; one nephew, Brandon Johnson and one niece, Schanda Steele and husband, Mackenzie.

His infant son, Ronald Johnson, paternal grandparents, Ray and Edith Johnson, maternal grandparents, Raymond and Georgia Baser, one uncle and aunt, Darroll Johnson and wife, Joyce, preceded him in death.

Mr. Johnson will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House or Ozarks Honor Flight and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Ruby Delorise Pliler, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pliler passed away 2:45 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2020 at her home.

She was born April 14, 1945, at Springfield, Missouri, to Preston Williams and Genoba Barnett Williams.  She was married in 1962 to Bob Henry.  On May 28, 1987, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Dallas Ivan Pliler, who preceded her in death on May 24, 2012.  Ruby loved her family, her grandkids and her dog.  She enjoyed flowers and gardening.

She is survived by four children, Delorise Stephens, Denise Brewer and husband, Dennis, Debbie Burnett and mother’s dog, Rosie, all of West Plains, Missouri and Don Henry and wife, Sarah, Dexter, Missouri; ten grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one brother, Rick, Springfield, Missouri; and three sisters, Brenda and Thelma of Springfield, Missouri and Barbara of Paducah, Kentucky.

Her parents, husband, one granddaughter, Melissa; one brother, Charley and one sister, Pauline, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Enoch Tilson, 90, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at Ledbetter Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Tilson passed away 5:07 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center.

He was born February 20, 1930, in Howell County, Missouri, to Alfred “Jack” Tilson and Vada Etchel Ledbetter Tilson.  On January 9, 1954, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Pauline Hudlow.  Enoch and Pauline loved each other greatly and had a wonderful life together.  He loved their gardens, fishing, Cardinals baseball, bluegrass music and just being together.  Enoch attended Pleasant Point School and West Plains High School.  Mr. Tilson was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines in Korea.  He received a Purple Heart for the injuries he received while serving our country.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Tilson; one brother, James Nevin Tilson and wife, Imogene, Park City, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one sister, Kate Robinson and two brothers, Irvin Tilson and J. B. Tilson, preceded him in death.

Mr. Tilson will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    Memorial contributions may be made to Ledbetter Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Dale Henry Mitchell, 72, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at his home. 

He was born December 17, 1947, at Elijah, Missouri, to Q. L. Mitchell and Georgia Gertrude Casey Mitchell.  On October 19, 1968, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Patsy Ann Kesner.  Mr. Mitchell worked at Baxter Lab before his retirement.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and talking with people; he loved his grandkids, kids and his wife.  Mr. Mitchell was a member of Fowler Chapel Church; he was a faithful Christian and loved the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Mitchell, of the family home; two children, Daphne Stokes and husband, Donald, West Plains, Missouri and Liz Clements and husband, Jeff, Mountain Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Tyler Williams and wife, Jaden, Caulfield, Missouri, Nate Williams, Caulfield, Missouri, Olivia Clements, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Lincoln Clements, Mountain Home, Arkansas; two great-grandchildren; Kabella and Kreed; one sister, Carolyn Joy Brown and husband, David; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Dorothy Louise Corwin, 97, Sanford, Florida, formerly of Pomona, Missouri, will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Corwin passed away 9:25 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2020 at Healthcare & Rehab of Sanford, Sanford, Florida.

She was born March 6, 1923, at Oakland, Texas, to Albert Sciba and Agnes Kubena Sciba.  On August 16, 1986, she was married at White Church, Missouri, to Robert Douglas Corwin, who preceded her in death on September 21, 2012.  Mrs. Corwin was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, White Church, Missouri.

She is survived by one son, Dale Wiebe; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, one daughter, Daria and one sister, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Corwin will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Juanita Dixon, 99, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Union Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Dixon passed away 2:22 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2020 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born August 30, 1920, at Elk Creek, Missouri in Howell County, to Nellie King Morgan and Charley King.  Nita received her education at West Plains High School and graduated in 1939.  On February 14, 1942, she was united in marriage to Fent Dixon.  Mr. Dixon preceded her in death in 2001 after being married for fifty-nine years.  Nita Dixon captured the true spirit of the Greatest Generation that she was a part of for almost a century.  She was a high school athlete, captain of the volley ball team, who was both kind and beautiful.  She followed her husband across the country while he was serving the Army during World War II.  After her children were a little older, she went to work in county government until her retirement age of sixty-five.  She also enjoyed working as an election judge in Howell County for many, many elections.  Nita enjoyed cooking for her family and church community.  She was famous for her Howell County blue ribbon fudge and pickle relish.  She churned out the best homemade ice cream for gatherings at the Brandsville Church of Christ and her family enjoyed her iron skillet fried chicken at picnics and holidays.  Her grandchildren loved it when she played her harmonica or ball games with them.  She will be sadly missed by so many.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary Ellen Havens and husband, Clinton, Ozark, Missouri and Nancy Joneshill, Searcy, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Vicky Smith and husband, Karl, Dane Joneshill and wife, Hannah, Clint Dallas Havens and wife, Ashley and Chelsea Etheridge and husband, Caleb; twelve great-grandchildren; and one sister, Aloth Driskell, Toquerville, Utah. 

Her parents, husband, infant son, John Patrick Dixon, sister, Lorene Bray and son-in-law, Barry Joneshill, preceded her in death.

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

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date for Roger Dale Harris, 67, Pomona, Missouri. 

Mr. Harris passed away at 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2020 at his home.

He was born October 10, 1952, in Oregon County, Missouri, to Gilbert Harris and Irene Combs Harris.  Dale had worked at Invensys and DRS.  He loved fishing, hunting and playing pool.

He is survived by his special friend, Sharon Hale; three children, William Dale Harris and wife, Christy, West Plains, Missouri, Adam Eugene Harris, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kaylynn Kramer and husband, Matt, Buffalo, Missouri; four grandchildren, Austin Harris, Logan Harris, Lincoln Kramer and Khloe Kramer; three brothers, Ronnie L. Harris and wife, Joy, West Plains, Richard Dean Harris and wife, Gina, Ash Grove, Missouri and Jay Roy Harris, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one sister, Janet Bennett and one brother, Randall Keith Harris, preceded him in death.

George Henry Roberts, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:54 a.m., Sunday, April 19, 2020, at his home. 

He was born September 10, 1949, in Howell County, Missouri, to John E. Roberts and Mable Coble Roberts.  On February 23, 2018, he was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Sonja Holloway.  Mr. Roberts had worked at Amyx Manufacturing and Bruce Hardwood Flooring.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his family and grandbabies.  He was a man that had the biggest heart and a smile that would brighten any day.

He is survived by his wife, Sonja Roberts; three daughters, Marie, Donna and Teresa; three sons, Bill, Tim and Jeremy; one sister, Betty; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His parents and two brothers preceded him in death.

The family is planning a memorial service for a later date, for more information feel free to contact them.

Denny Wayne Calhoun passed away April 18, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri after an unrelenting, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born August 15, 1948 to Edman (Bill) and Neoma Calhoun in Henry County Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Randall and Eddy Dean.

Surviving are his wife Sydney, two daughters, Jennifer Trigg of St. Charles, Missouri and Miranda Vaccaro of Winfield, Missouri and one brother, Ronald of Raymondville, Missouri.

Denny was incredibly intelligent and talented. He was an indispensable engineer for his employer of 29 years. He could repair any motor vehicle set in front of him. He rebuilt many over his nearly 72 years with us. His pride and joy, a 1966 Ford Mustang currently stored in his garage. He was able to do anything. While living in O’Fallon, Missouri, he was always available to help neighbors. He was a plumber, electrician, roofer, carpenter, and landscaper. He was a successful investor and able to retire at a very early age. He enjoyed taking motorcycle road trips with his family. At heart he was a farm boy and was able to enjoy the last few years of his life living on a small acreage in Summersville, Missouri. His first year in Summersville, he proudly bought himself a tractor for Christmas.  Many enjoyed his exuberant laugh and affectionate nicknames. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Per his request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation rites are entrusted to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains, Missouri. 

A Celebration of Life Service for James Dale Barnett, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date. 

Mr. Barnett passed away 6:10 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2020 at his home.

He was born April 8, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Fern Fyffe and James Barnett.  He married Linda Ruescher and had two daughters, Denise Barnett and Jamie Holt.  Mr. Barnett retired from DRS after working for twenty-eight years.   He was a father, brother, grandpa and friend.  James was a hardworking and dedicated man.  He couldn’t just sit and do nothing; he always had something to tinker with.

He is survived by his significant other, Cindy Ross; two daughters, Denise Barnett and significant other, James Achenbach and Jamie Barnett and significant other, Rob McLucas; a brother, Rick Barnett and two other brothers; five sisters, Kernie Covey, Shelley Cozoil, Millie Maxwell, Jamie Sue Harper and Mary; five grandkids, Austin, Damon, Kayla, Sean and Shayla; six great-grandkids, Madilyn, Braxton, Abel, Grasyn, Brantley and Isabelle and one on the way; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

It is with the deepest regret and heartbreak that we must share the passing of our beautiful mother, Mary Eldalie Stephens Kintner, at her West Plains, Missouri home in the early hours of April 16, 2020.   She was 93 years old, and had been ill and cared for by family and Riverways Hospice for the last few months. Her loss cuts deep, and no one will ever fill the huge hole in the hearts of this community. We are grateful, though, that she is out of pain and at peace with her late husband, Clifford Eugene Kintner, Junior, who passed away in 2002. 

Mary was born in Pottersville, Missouri on August 24, 1926, to Orval Hartford and Annie Nell Stephens.   She was a graduate of West Plains High School and took nurses training at the old Christa Hogan Hospital in town.  She later married Clifford and together they traveled cross country with his job in the Navy.  After his retirement from the service, they returned home to West Plains in 1976.

She is survived by her three children, Stephen Kintner, Carmen (Kintner) Barry, and Teresa Kintner Gunderson, and grandsons Christopher, Clifford and Gabriel.

When we are able to gather in large groups again there will be a celebration of life service. She will be interred with her beloved husband in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, 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 W. Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

A private graveside service for Harvey Walter Coldiron, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Coldiron passed away at 11:47 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2020 at his home.

He was born December 2, 1935, at West Plains, Missouri, to Walter Irvin Coldiron and Carmel Wilma Dykes Coldiron.  On April 30, 1980, he was married at Alton, Missouri, to Patricia Hannah.  Mr. Coldiron was a hard worker and owned Service Master for thirty-two years.  He loved his family and his dogs.  Harvey loved to fish and hunt; he was great with shooting guns, some say he was a sharp shooter.  Mr. Coldiron attended Central Church of Christ

He is survived by his wife, Pat Coldiron, of the family home; three children, Lee Coldiron and wife, Chrissy, Ozark, Missouri, Zona Starr, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cheryl Butler and husband, Benny, West Plains; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, one son, Earnest Ray Coldiron, one granddaughter, Nichole Coldiron and one brother, Paul Coldiron, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hatfield Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Donald Lee Provow, 68, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at Mt. Zion (Olden) Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Provow passed away 6:29 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2020 at his home.

He was born January 6, 1952, at West Plains, Missouri, to Erbie Light Provow and Loraine Pearl Keith Provow.  He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1971.  On July 7, 1978, he was married at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pomona, Missouri, to Brenda Burgess.  Mr. Provow worked at Marathon Electric (now known as Regal).  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and working on small engines with his grandkids.  Mr. Provow was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Provow; one child, Amanda Crawford and husband, Les; three grandchildren, Gavin, Aiden and Nash; one step-grandson, Lane Crawford and wife, Merissa; two sisters, Anna May Arnold and significant other, Harold Branscum and Joann Provow; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, step-mother, Lillian Provow, one brother, Ronnie Provow and wife, Barb and one sister, Carolyn Johnson and husband, Jim, preceded him in death.

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

Private Graveside Service for Purna Mae Roberts, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Clear Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Roberts passed away 2:55 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2020 at NHC Healthcare.

She was born February 22, 1934, at Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to Charley Everett Pitcock and Leila Ellen Beard Pitcock.  Purna graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1953.  On July 8, 1954, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to John Henry Roberts, Sr., who preceded her in death on January 3, 1991.  Mrs. Roberts enjoyed doing crafts and was proud of her education.  She was a member of the Central Church of Christ, West Plains, Missouri.

She is survived by eight children, Glenda Brooks, John Roberts, Jr., and wife, Judy, Everett Wayne Roberts, Jack Roberts and wife, Greta, Patricia Birdsong and husband, Roger, Wesley Roberts and wife, Marcie, Brenda Miller and husband, Tommy and Connie Roberts; thirty-four grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Betty Davis and Mona Anglin; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two daughters, Sharon Graham and Janice Roberts, four grandsons, Christopher Roberts, Dalton, Dylan and Jason Kuhlman; one brother, Everett Pitcock, Sr. and three sisters, Bonnie Burnley, Gertrude Gregory and Norma Grisham, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Roberts will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Clear Springs Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

John Oddis Ellis, 86, Alton, Missouri, passed away at 7:50 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A private graveside service for Sharon Jean Baney, 66, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at Free Union Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Sharon passed away 9:18 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at NHC Healthcare.

She was born August 26, 1953, at Hocomo, Missouri, to Claude Eugene Strain and Mable “Joann” Hall Strain.  She was married to Jesse H. Baney, who preceded her in death on August 6, 2010; to this union one child was born, Angela Joann Baney.  Sharon was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Evie Elizabeth Harmon and Joe Michael Harmon; two sisters, Kathy Harper, Caulfield, Missouri and Connie Bales, Bakersfield, Missouri; one aunt, Glenna Hall, West Plains; one uncle, Charles Strain, Moody, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, husband, and daughter, preceded her in death.

Ms. Baney will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 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 W. Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Marsha Jan Cawvey, 65, West Plains, Missouri, was reunited with her sister, Sheila and brother, Craig on April 14, 2020.  While we are very saddened she is no longer with us, we can’t help but be envious of their reunion.

Marsha was born October 6, 1954, in Mansfield, Missouri, to Marshall LaVaughn and Janet Lou (Bridgman) Cawvey.  She was the eldest sibling of six children.  Marsha was of the Baptist faith and attended First General Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri.  She attended school at Glenwood and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1972, where she made lifelong friends.  Marsha had a big heart and a love for people.  She worked for many years as a CNA at local nursing homes and most recently retired from Jones Eye Center in October 2019, after more than twenty-five years of working with the public.  Marsha never met a stranger; her home was always filled with love, music and laughter.  She was always tapping her foot to her own melody; she loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.  She loved to craft and enjoyed sewing, the outdoors, traveling and especially enjoyed spending Wednesday nights with the “Jello” gang.  Her greatest joy was being Memaw to Bianca, Ronnie and Andi and her fur grandbabies, Maisie and Pulse.

She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Fink and husband, Chris, Warsaw, Missouri and Jenni Collins and husband, Jeremy, Willow Springs, Missouri and their three children, Bianca, Rondall and Andalinn; her father and mother, Marshall and Janet Cawvey, West Plains; one brother, Von Cawvey and wife, Jan, Anchorage, Alaska; two sisters, Robin Torretta and husband, Terry, Farmington and Terri Tomlinson and husband, Brian, Caulfield, Missouri; sister-in-law, Tammy Keith and husband, Jeff, State of Hawaii; brother-in-law, Bob Boggess, State of Hawaii; special sister-in-law, Linda Calhoun; many nieces, nephews, cousins and two very large extended families from previous marriages.

Her brother, Craig Cawvey and sister, Sheila Boggess, preceded her in death.

At Marsha’s request, no services will be held.  The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the overwhelming amount of phone calls, prayers, cards, flowers and messages during this difficult time.  The family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care provided to Marsha by Hospice Compassus.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Private Graveside Services for Sue Marsh, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at  Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Marsh died 10:28 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2020 at West Vue Nursing Center.  She was born July 11, 1935 in Ozark County, Missouri to John Parker Wheeler and Effie Lawrence Wheeler.  On June 25, 1954, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Reathel Dean Marsh who preceded her in death on February 22, 2008.  Mrs. Marsh had been employed at Kloz Klozet; she enjoyed cooking, making quilts and family gatherings.  She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by four children, Ronda Owens, husband, Ray, Becky Rutledge, husband, Rick, Nita Judd, husband, Lonnie and Kelly Marsh; ten grandchildren, Jason Watkins, wife, Rhonda, Alicia Watkins, Keith Owens, Kelli Palmer,  Brian Judd, wife, Courtney, Terry Hammond, Andrea Rothove, husband, Jeremiah, Lindsey Murphy, husband, Carl, Justin Rutledge, wife, Amanda and Misty Rutledge; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Brixey, husband,Junior and Emma Lashley, husband, Jim; one brother, Johnny Wheeler, wife, Sue, two brothers-in-law, Jerry Marsh and Don Marsh, wife, Joan; one sister-in-law, Janet Parker, husband, Darrell; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, Reathel Marsh, one brother, Marvin Wheeler, one sister, Elva Wheeler, one sister-in-law, Mary Beth Marsh and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy  and Cecil Marsh, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Marsh will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 13th, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Shaw Cancer Treatment Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Private graveside services for Elmer Darrel Wilbanks, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilbanks passed away at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born July 8, 1925, at Pomona, Missouri, to Elmer Owen Wilbanks and Fannie Devere Hartman Wilbanks.  On August 2, 1949, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Mary “Norma” Edwards, who preceded him in death on January 28, 2019.  Mr. Wilbanks was a WWII Veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement he was a clerk at Richards Bros.  He enjoyed dancing, yard work and cutting wood.  Mr. Wilbanks was a member of Berean Baptist Church.

He is survived by two children, Janet Simpson, Grove Springs, Missouri and Lynn Wilbanks, West Plains; eleven grandchildren, Kenny Wayne, Jeanie, Kevin, Vanessa, Keith, Tony, Christal, Tiffany, Chassity, Justin and Preston; forty-three great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

His parents, wife, one great-great-grandson, one great-great-granddaughter and two sisters, Helen Elizabeth Drumright and Wilma Lee Anderson, preceded him in death.

Mr. Wilbanks will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.