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.
A private graveside service for Billy V. Carter, 86, Antioch, Tennessee, will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Carter passed away 12:36 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born February 3, 1934, at Gainesville, Missouri, to John Carter and Nell Bratcher Carter. Billy graduated from Davenport High School. On September 2, 1955, he was married at Davenport, Iowa, to Rosalee McGoldrick. Mr. Carter was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines in Korea. He retired from AT&T in 1968 after working for fifteen years as a test man. He enjoyed fishing with his three sons and was a member of D.A.V. Mr. Carter was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalee Carter; three children, Dennis Carter and wife, Trisha, David Carter and wife, Angel and Daniel Carter and wife, Charisse; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two half-brothers, Mike McGoldrick and wife, Judy and Johnny Carter and one half-sister, K. N. Wilburn.
Private graveside service for Zerel Dewayne Mullen, 73, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at Moody Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mullen passed away 10:55 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born March 13, 1947, at Batesville, Arkansas, to Willis G. Mullen and Chloe L. Clark Mullen. On September 29, 2001, he was married at Moody, Missouri, to Carol Garske. Mr. Mullen attended Bakersfield High School and the Highway Patrol Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri. He worked as a truck driver and a police officer for the City of West Plains. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Mullen was a member of Moody Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Mullen, of the family home; two children, Dewayne Mullen and special friend, Shirley, Caulfield, Missouri and Jerry Mullen and wife, Janolyn, West Plains; six grandchildren, Chelsea Falwell and husband, Cody, Monique Pond and husband, Tyler, Gaige Moss and fiancé Baylee, Gannan Moss, Chloie Mullen and Halen Mullen; five great-grandchildren, Addison, Ellie and Casen Falwell and Camden and Elle Pond; Carol’s daughter, Susan Rickert, granddaughter, Kaelee Duncan and great-granddaughter, Aiden Duncan; and one sister, Norrine Knight; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, daughter-in-law, Debbie Mullen, one brother, Gerald Mullen and one sister-in-law, Maxine Mullen, preceded him in death.
Mr. Mullen will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Private graveside services for Mary Ina Bird, 97, Dora, Missouri, will be held at Parsons Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bird passed away at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Ozark River Manor, Ozark, Missouri.
She was born February 14, 1923, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Walter Green Collins and Flossie Lillian Paul Collins. Ms. Bird lived most of her life in the Dora area and acquired her education at the Collins School in Ozark County, close to where she grew up. On October 5, 1940, she was married at Gainesville, Missouri, to James William Bird, who preceded her in death on March 10, 1989. Unto this union four children were born. Mrs. Bird enjoyed making quilts and rugs and sharing them with others. She loved her family and her church family. Mrs. Bird had been a member of the Ball Church of Christ for many years.
She is survived by four children, Nita Tetrick and husband, Ferd, Dora, Missouri, Velvie Thornton and husband, Charles, Ozark, Missouri, Linda Wheat and husband, Kenneth, Sparta, Missouri and Tony Bird and wife, Cindy, Rogersville, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Mark Tetrick, Brenda Harris and husband, Frank, Alan Thornton and wife, Anne, David Thornton and wife, Dena, Kim Anderson, Lisa Gann and husband, Milan, Laura Jacks and husband, Billy, Leslie Neal and husband, Aaron, Joshua Bird and wife, Kara and Tyler Bird and wife, Sarah; thirty-five great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; twenty great-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Helen Collins, Pottersville, Missouri and Alice Collins, Republic, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
Her parents, husband, one great-granddaughter, Mary Afton Jeckstadt; five brothers, two sisters, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Bird will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A private graveside service for Nellie Elizabeth Eldringhoff, 77, Rolla, Missouri, will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Eldringhoff passed away 10:45 p.m., Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Rolla Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born May 26, 1942, at Clayton, New Mexico, to Oscar Robert Havens and Mildred Elaine Huff Havens. On September 19, 1964, she was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Stephen Conrad Eldringhoff, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. Before her retirement, Mrs. Eldringhoff worked at Missouri Home Care and West Vue Nursing Center. She was a volunteer at CASA and American Red Cross, Howell-Oregon Chapter. Mrs. Eldringhoff was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by five children, Theresa Wilson, Vivian Pearson and husband, Terry, Electa Kean and husband, Bob, Sharon Dering and Donald Eldringhoff and wife, Stephanie; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; four brothers, Charles, Lester Ray, Melvin and Tommy Havens; one sister, Elsie Amore; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one infant son and one brother, James Havens, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Kidney Foundation may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Virginia Manning, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Manning passed away 4:00 a.m., Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born September 27, 1932, at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Edward B. Sadlowski and Stella R. Pisiewski Sadlowski. Virginia graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1950. She was a skilled secretary and was employed by Eaton Paper Company. Mrs. Manning was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy where she was stationed in Washington D.C. from 1952 – 1956. On January 25, 1956, she was married at Arlington, Virginia, to Sanders Walker Manning, who preceded her in death on March 29, 2004. She resided in Arlington, Virginia and also lived in Hawaii and Pennsylvania, but settled in Connecticut to raise her children. Here, she was employed by the former Seaside Regional Center and the State of Connecticut. In 1975 she moved to Missouri with her family. Virginia had a love of gardening and there wasn’t anything that she could not successfully grow. No matter the genre, her greatest passion was reading. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and working on family history. The best and most memorable talent she left behind was her delicious, superb pie making. She loved her family dearly but she shared a most special bond with her grandchildren, Brian, Megan and Heather. Mrs. Manning was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Thomas) Hennes, Gordon, Alabama, Stephen Manning, Plainfield, Indiana, Peter (Kristine) Manning, New Whiteland, Indiana, Susan Manning, Mesa, Arizona and Marion Barker, West Plains, Missouri; grandchildren, Emily Hennes (Tyler Borkesch) St. Cloud, Missouri, Jack (Minh Tam) Hennes, Thorton, Colorado, Natalie (Jeff) Broekhoven, Sean Manning, Bloomington, Indiana, Sara (Samuel) Colledge, Las Vegas, Nevada, Brian (Megan) Barker, West Plains, Missouri, Megan Collins (John Lan, fiancée), West Plains, Missouri, Heather Collins (Jeremy) St. Charles, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Pippa, Ci and Clay Broekhoven, Marika, Lavell and Augustus Colledge, Las Vegas, Nevada, Hayden and Wyatt Barker, Ryan Hawkins and Trinity Lan, West Plains, Missouri; siblings, Kathryn Danis, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Edward J. (Jan) Sadlowski, Port Orange, Florida, Patricia Huffman, Vancouver, Washington, Eugene (Lynne) Sadlowski, Yuba City, California, Theresa (William) Trainor, Milton, Florida, Lorraine (Larry) Hodge, Weatherford, Texas, David Sadlowski, Madison, Alabama, Christine (Don) Deno, Ruskin, Florida, Margaret Sadlowski and Kenneth Sadlowski, Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, granddaughter, Valerie D. Manning and sister, Maryann C. Sadlowski, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Alzheimer’s Research or to an organization of your choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Private graveside services for Keaton James Harris, 7 day old son of Josh Harris and Chelsea Huckabee, will be held at Babyland in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Keaton James Harris went to be with the Angels at 2:09 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2019, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born March 20, 2020, at West Plains, Missouri, to Josh Harris and Chelsea Huckabee.
He is survived by his parents, Josh Harris and Chelsea Huckabee; his siblings, Kace Eugene McCloud and Kaidence, Jaiden, Tori and McKala Harris; grandparents, Pamela Huckabee, Roger Huckabee and Terre Hicks; two aunts, Kaitlyn Huckabee and Misty Smith; and one cousin, Kaeden Huckabee.
His paternal grandparents, Randy Harris and Vicky Ann (Collins) Burmingham, preceded him in death.
Private Graveside Services for Virgil Eugene Wilson, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilson died 12:40 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2020 at NHC HealthCare, West Plains. He was born August 10, 1931 at Brandsville, Missouri to Charles Ruben Wilson and Alta May Willard Wilson. On June 15, 1956, he was married at West Plains, Missouri to Rosie Faith Strickland. Mr. Wilson was a veteran having served in the United States Navy SeeBees. Before his retirement, he was employed with Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois for thirty years. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Faith Wilson, of the family home; sisters-in-law, Shirley Wilson, Hope Heselton, Lela Langston and husband, Jared, Doane Vaughan and husband, Howard, Joan Vaughan and husband, Harold and Virgie McCannon and husband, Marion; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Kathryn Anderson and two brothers, Fred Wilson and James Wilson, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Free Union Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A private family graveside service for Charles Grant Thompson, 70, Dora, Missouri, will be held at Pleasant Mound Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Thompson passed away 6:16 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2020 at Willow Care Nursing Home.
He was born February 22, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to John Lee Thompson and Floralee Lovan Thompson. He enjoyed deer hunting, and tinkering with old tractors. Mr. Thompson took much pride in his registered Angus cattle.
He is survived by longtime family friend, Robert Storment; one uncle, Bill Thompson; and many cousins, including, Jearld Collins and wife, Vivian, Stanley Collins and wife, Rita, Diana Carter and husband, Larry, David Collins, Jim Moritz and wife, Shirley, Joe Bill Thompson, Ron Lovan, Ann Smith and husband, Don, Kathy Hudson and husband, Ron and Susie Fry and husband, Chris.
His parents, one brother, Steve Lee Thompson and cousins, Jane Taylor and Jerry Moritz, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Mound Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
This will not be a conventional obituary because these are not conventional times, and the man about whom this is written was not a conventional man.
Steven Kent Thompson, 61, West Plains, Missouri, beloved father of Buddy Ray Thompson, entered into eternal rest on Thursday morning, March 26, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and ministers of the Christian faith.
In life, Steven might have been regarded as a simple man, but to think that was the sum of him would be a mistake. He was a complex soul whose complexity may have been easily hidden or overlooked except by those who knew him best. Without an advanced degree, he was a marvel of a mechanical engineer. There was nothing he could not ponder and study and figure out the workings of. He was a deliberate and studious man, but he did not often study in books. In life, some might have regarded Steven as unchurched, but he lived and breathed every day in the natural cathedral God created. He had a special appreciation of God’s world and the creatures in it and enjoyed a remarkable bond with his animal companions. He loved doing almost everything that a person can do outdoors. He had gifted hands to do the bidding of his mind.
Steven was born on Monday, August 25, 1958, at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri, the son of Laurel Ray and Margaret M. Thompson. From an early age, he shadowed his maternal grandfather, from whom he learned the basics of carpentry, and his dad and adored uncles. His imagination was filled with bulldozers and diggers and other big machines. He spent long hours and hot summer days operating imaginary machinery in the yard, until he began working on real machinery such as his bicycle and, later, an ancient Cushman scooter he rebuilt from the frame up, then a Honda motorcycle, and later still, his 1982 3/4-ton Chevrolet truck. That old truck was the last machine he worked on before he fell ill. Steven was never afraid of hard work. His first job was delivering newspapers for the West Plains Daily Quill, back when paper boys were a chattering, yelling, ink-smeared subculture of our community, those boys who popped wheelies on their bikes outside the newspaper building as they waited for the day’s news to be ready to stuff and roll into tight cylinders to be thrown on front porches all over town. He made life-long friends in his years at the Quill, both among his co-workers and the subscribers he served. Much to his parents’ relief, Steven graduated with the West Plains High School class of 1976. Auto-body and shop classes were probably the only things that got him through those high school years. Decades later, he was likely the only graduate who not only still owned, but could still wear, the plaid sport coat that he wore then (never mind the polyester pants). Without question, Steven lived by the maxim “waste not, want not” or, better, “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” It was just in his nature. Metal odds and ends, nuts and bolts, odd engine parts, and pieces of angle iron were filled with possibility for him and might one day be useful. Often, they were. He was a mechanical visionary. Following his paper-boy years, Steven worked as a parts man at Smith Auto Parts, on the line at International Shoe Company, in various positions at Marathon/Regal-Beloit, and as a self-employed small engine repairman and welder. Sometime in his manufacturing years, he became known for wearing cut-off jean shorts (the pockets hanging down below the cut) with combat boots. He cut quite a figure, as he always did have legs prettier than any man deserves. As a self-employed mechanic and artisan, he kept many lawnmowers and a lot of landscaping equipment and lawn tractors in service. He made feed bunks. He crafted wind chimes. He welded fencing for private homeowners and a local church. He even built the forms for a coral reef display in a far-away aquarium. He kept careful accounts, but it is certain the numbers in his notebook never reflected the full value of his work. He was a reliable and steadfast friend, ready to help when and where needed, asking nothing in return. He was steady, gritty, and fiercely independent. He kept his own schedule and his own counsel, attributes that were as endearing as they were sometimes frustrating to others. He never told a story in a hurry. His accounts were filled with deliberative silences bridged by small portions of abundant detail delivered in a slow drawl. A phone conversation with Steven could be an exercise in mindfulness, focus, and patience. He was always himself and he was dearly loved.
Steven never wavered in his devotion to his son, Buddy, who with his wife Jama and two daughters, Braylen and Lilly, survive him. He is also survived by his parents, Laurel and Margaret Thompson, West Plains; two brothers, Jim Thompson (Sarah), West Plains, and Russell Thompson (An), Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; one sister, Vickie Petkovic, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas E. and Ivy Morrell and Earl H. and Faye Thompson; one sister, Sherrill A. Thompson; and one nephew, Jeffrey Scott Thompson.
The family plans a private graveside service, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A memorial service may be planned for a later date as circumstances allow. Though we cannot gather together now, we would love to know your memories and stories. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges, A West Plains School District Project, or charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Private Graveside Services for Isom Sherwood Vaughan, 83, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Vaughan died 1:35 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2020 at his home. He was born November 18, 1936 at Leota, Missouri to Oliver Vaughan and Ozella Alexander Vaughan. On November 25, 1961, he was married at Alpaugh, California to Nina Cox. Mr. Vaughan was a veteran having served with the United States Army. He enjoyed golf, working puzzles, doing his blog on politics, gardening and fishing. Mr. Vaughan was a member of the West 160 Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Vaughan, of the family home; two daughters, Rhonda Hatley and husband, John, West Plains, Missouri and Sonja McClain, Viola, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Summer Vaughan, Cody McClain, Shain Baile, Kaylee Hatley and Kaycee Hatlley; one brother, Max Vaughan and wife, Elaine, Bakersfield, Missouri; and Bonnie Carlile, West Plains, Missouri.
His parents, three sisters, Marjorie Cockrum, Maxine Vaughan and Opal Hicks, three brothers, Bob Vaughan, Otis Vaughan and Orvis Vaughan and one great-granddaughter, Journey Starr, preceded him in death.
Marjorie Helen Kelly, 77, West Plains, Missouri, departed this life Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Ozark Medical Center.
She was born March 5, 1943 in Margaretville, New York to Albert and Winifred (Roberts) Wickham. Marjorie was raised on a large dairy farm and attended Margaretville High school. She had four siblings Gayle, Frances, George and Gary all preceding her in death. Marjorie united in marriage to Carl Dalton Kelly Sr., March 1966 and had three children Catherine Anne Kelly, Carl Dalton Kelly Jr., and Craig Dallas Kelly.
Marjorie was a quick witted, friendly and loving person who held deep affection for the military and all things supportive of America. Throughout her life she served as a Soldier in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), a senior administrative assistant in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department and a technical administrative analyst for the U.S. Army. She enjoyed animals (especially dogs), reading, games of chance (I.e. slots/bingo), participating in supportive initiatives for the Republican Party, spending time with friends/family, and late in her life painting/crafts. Marjorie was the rock of her family and would always be there to guide and help those in times of need. She held firm in her faith/beliefs and did not back down if challenged in either. She is remembered as a loving and loyal wife and an exceptional mother, sister, staunch patriot and friend to all.
She is survived by her son Carl D. Kelly Jr. (Colonel USA retired), his wife Gretchen and their two daughters Logan and Tatum; her grandchildren Amanda Grayson her husband Gray and their sons Dalton and Corben; Amber Jones and her children Andrew, Kyler and Harlie; Stephen Rosas; Lauryn (Sutton) Kelly her fiancé John and their son Kastor; Jayda Graham and her husband Alex; Amethyst Rich and her husband Jacob.
Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband Carl Sr., her daughter Cathy and her son Craig.
The family will hold a private graveside service at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Due to the current social distancing restrictions, attendance is only for immediate family and designated loved ones. The family will not hold a gathering afterward but intends to conduct another memorial service sometime this Spring/Summer in order to provide full military honors and celebrate the reinternment of her husband Carl Sr., next to her. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer any donations be made to the Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation in Marjorie’s name.
Celebration of Life Services for Jeanette Ann Duke, 46, Hot Springs, Arkansas will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Duke died 8:45 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2020 at National Park Hospital, Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born July 19, 1973 at Piggott, Arkansas to Aderon Joe Gray and Donna Guthery Gray. Mrs. Duke was an insurance sales person and was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by three children, Cody Duke and wife, Megan Hall, Aaron Duke and Brandon Duke, all of Caulfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Melody, Macie, Lydia and Addie; her parents, Joe and Donna Gray two brothers, Nathan Yandell and Donnie Yandell; two sisters, Laura and Pamela Gilmore; several nieces and nephews; and her fiance, Jeff Howe and his daughter, Savannah Howe.
Lawrence Lee Goure, 67, Peace Valley, Missouri, passed away at 7:03 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at his home.
He was born June 9, 1952, at Greeley, Colorado, to Floyd Goure and Belva Ball. On December 27, 1998, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Linda Barry. Mr. Goure was the owner of Supreme Kitchen & Bath. He loved his family and enjoyed riding motorcycles and looking for antiques.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Goure, of the family home; three children, Shawn Goure, West Plains, Missouri, Amy Batterton, Mountain Home, Arkansas and Claudia Leaver and husband, Ken, Flippin, Arkansas; his mother, Belva Trebilcock and husband, Robert, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Michael Goure and wife, Annette, Koshkonong, Missouri; and one sister, Karen Gruender, West Plains.
His father, one son, Robert Goure and one brother Gary Goure preceded him in death.
A private family graveside service for Walter Eugene Botzenhart, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at Union Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Botzenhart passed away 6:38 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at his home.
He was born September 17, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to George Botzenhart and Hermine Moerschel Botzenhart. On September 4, 1965, he was married at Huntsville, Arkansas, to Kay Rideout. He enjoyed going on cruises, playing golf, fishing and watching sports. Mr. Botzenhart attended Brandsville Pentecostal Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Botzenhart; one daughter, Kimberly Ann McCartney and husband, Kevin, Sardis, Georgia; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one daughter, Kathleen, two grandchildren and one brother, George, preceded him in death.
Mr. Botzenhart will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Foundation and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A private family celebration of life service for Christopher Jeff Girdley, 33, West Plains, Missouri, will be held in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Girdley passed away at 6:04 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2020, at his home.
He was born August 23, 1986, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jeffrey Girdley and Karen Hunt Avey. Mr. Girdley was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. Christopher loved his kids and enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles.
He is survived by three children, Joseph, Chloe and Madeline Girdley; his father, Jeffery Girdley and wife, Heather, West Plains, Missouri; his mother, Karen Avey and husband, Jeff, Fortuna, Missouri; three brothers, Andrew Girdley, Andrew Garner and Joshua Avey; four sisters, Amber Girdley, Abbigail Garner, Allison Garner and Heather Steward; and his grandmother, Jackie Hunt.
His grandparents and several aunts and uncles, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at a later date for John Ray Justus, Jr., 71, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Justus passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born November 2, 1948, at Eminence, Missouri, to John Ray Justus and Martha Gregory Justus. On June 22, 1985, he was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Colleen Ficken. He was of the Lutheran Faith and was very active in his church. John owned and operated A&A Enterprizes, a transportation brokerage. He also was a bookkeeper for E.H. Carrol Sand and Gravel. John was a Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was quick with a joke and had lots of friends. He was loved by many and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen Justus; one son, Darren Summers and wife, Kristy, and their three children, Henry, Beau and Reid; his daughter, Kimberly Daggett and husband, Jake, and their son, Pierson and a baby on the way; one sister, Betty Algeo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents, one sister, Dorothy Lewis and one brother, Leroy Justus, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The elevator fund at Immanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
