Obituaries

Larry Collins,  71, West Plains,  Missouri passed away at 5:40 p.m., Saturday,  February 22, 2020.  Arrangements are pending under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Graveside services for Rhonda Ann Minge Piland, 51, Mountain Home,  Arkansas,  will be held at 2:00p.m., Sunday,  February 23, 2020 at Bakersfield Cemetery,  under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Rhonda passed away at 6:14 a.m., Friday,  February 21, 2020 at her home. 

She was born September 23, 1968, at West Plains,  Missouri to Gary and Joan Garner Minge.  She graduated from Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1986.  Rhonda loved people and making them laugh. 

She is survived by two children,  Keesha and Barry Piland; her mother, Joan Minge; one bother, Gary Minge, Jr., and wife, Carrie; her grandmother,  Wanda Minge; and her significant other, Curt Gott.

Her father and grandparents preceded her in death. 

Funeral services for Mabel Louise Wilson, 99, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2020 in the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wilson died 1:03 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2020 at her home near West Plains.  She was born December 16, 1920 at West Plains, Missouri to Harvey Henry Holbrook and Syble Ellousie Bacon Holbrook.

On July 29, 1939, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to Oliver Leslie Wilson who preceded her in death on December 24, 1983.  Mrs. Wilson loved quilting, cooking, and farming.  She enjoyed volunteering at her church which included the many church dinners and child care. Mrs. Wilson was of the Pentecostal faith and attended the Faith Assembly of God Church and Spring Creek Church.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by two granddaughters, Margie Rogers and husband, Ronald and Josie Hines and husband, James, all of West Plains, Missouri; six great-grandchildren, Bonnie Westfall, James Q. Hines, Madison Davidson and husband, Josh, Wilson Darby Reeves and husband, Isaiah, Rebecca Banaka and husband, David and Rhonda Rogers; seven great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Nora Wilson, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, son, Leslie Wayne Wilson, three sisters and two brothers, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23rd, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Interment will be in the Homeland Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Homeland Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Dennis Regan Williams, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2020 in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Williams died 7:45 a.m., Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center.  He was born January 2, 1962 at Houston, Missouri to Leon Benjamin Williams and Sharon Kay Lawrence Williams.  Mr. Williams was a Christian.

He is survived by two brothers, Greg Williams and wife, Jill, Buffalo, Missouri and Michael Leon Williams and fiancee, Niki, Lebanon, Indiana; aunts and uncles, Shirley Olson and husband, Bob, Alcoa, Tennessee, Linda Kline, Milford, Iowa, Donna Hicks and husband, Wesley, West Plains, Missouri, Peggy Jarvis DeShazo, Moody, Missouri, and Jackie Williams and wife, Lexie, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents and grandparents, Fred and Minnie Williams and Flay and Esta Lee Lawrence, preceded him in death.

Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to Barnes Children’s Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Simon Meikle Drewery, stillborn infant son of Matthew Meikle Drewery and Allison Joan Garner, went to be with the Angels at 4:09 a.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Heather Girdley, Jeff Girdley, Sarah Self, Sandra Drewery, Roger Turnbull and James Drewery; great-grandparents, Judy Pierce, Stephen Pierce, Norine “GiGi” Lunsford and Howard Yates; great-great-grandmother, Joan Tetreault; and his aunts and uncle, Andrew Garner, Abbigail Garner and Madyson Turnbull.

His uncle, Tanner Lager, preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Daniel George Mallek, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Mallek passed away at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2020 at his home.

He was born April 21, 1949, at Downers Grove, Illinois, to Peter Joseph Mallek and Winifred Lee Page Mallek.  Mr. Mallek was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy.  He worked as a logger and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends playing games, hunting and fishing.  His laugh and smile was contagious.

He is survived by four children, Gretchen Mallek and significant other, Darrin Tucker, West Plains, Missouri, Crystal Barnard and husband, Chris, West Plains, Sylvia Wilson and husband, Mitch, Willow Springs, Missouri and Danielle Bettis and husband, Tony, West Plains; eleven grandchildren; one brother, Peter Seven “Steve” Mallek; two sisters, Darlene Jolliff and husband, Bob and Joy Anderson and husband, Richard; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral services for Wilbern Eugene Hicks, 79, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Hicks passed away 11:17 a.m., Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born September 24, 1940, at Belle, Missouri, to Floyd Hicks and Nova Counts Hicks Cox.  On April 11, 1972, he was married at Birch Tree, Missouri, to Eileen Scott.  Mr. Hicks was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement, he worked at Marathon Electric.  He enjoyed fishing and loved his family and helping people.  Mr. Hicks was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen Hicks, of the family home; five children, Will Hicks and wife, Sue, Pevely, Missouri, Jennifer Porterhouse and husband, Thomas, Hillsboro, Missouri, Emma Jean Heard, Bismarck, Missouri, Eddie Hicks and wife, Patricia, Springfield, Missouri and Michael Hicks and wife, Elizabeth, Huntsville, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, Zachary Hicks, Kyle Herrington, Devin Herrington, Thomas Herrington, Dusty Herrington, Zack Clark,  Josh Clark, Scott Polsley, Savannah Brickmann, Trinity Ritzenthaler, Brooke Ritzenthaler , Summer Ritzenthaler, Amanda Ritzenthaler and Jenna Hicks; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon Gould and husband, James, Mountain View, Missouri and Phyllis Brown and husband, Harold, Eldon,  Missouri; and six nieces and nephews, Rusty, Danny, Tammy, James, Bobby and Clyde.

His parents, step-father, Lester Cox, two sisters, Anna Carpenter and Barbara Tune, one grandson, Justin Clark and two nephews, David Carpenter and Joey Rhine, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Valley Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Patricia June Fisher, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Fisher passed away 10:10 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2020 at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born March 19, 1942, at Ravenden, Arkansas, to Arthur Thomas Ehrhardt and Vernie Lou Mary James Ehrhardt.  Mrs. Fisher enjoyed fishing and dancing.

She is survived by one son, Jimmy Sisco; two grandchildren, Jason Lewis Sisco and Elizabeth LaRhonda Sisco; two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Terry; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, two brothers, Millard and Lehman Ehrhardt and four sisters, Dorothy Smith, Doris Deckard, Geneva Ehrhardt, Audrey Ehrhardt and Lossie Moore, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  

Funeral services for Terry Leowen Von Allmen, 61, Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Von Allmen passed away Monday, February 10, 2020 at his home.

He was born January 18, 1959, at Peoria, Illinois, to Marlin Leowen “Leon” Von Allmen and Joyce Anita Huddleston Von Allmen.  Terry worked as the Inventory Control Manager at Mega Motorsports in West Plains for a number of years.  Big laughs, big stories, big heart.  Terry was the guy that wanted to fill the room with laughter and joy.  His stories were fun, sometimes a stretch, but if he got you to smile it was a job well done.  His laughter was recognizable from a mile away.  His love for his sons and granddaughter was so strong and true.  He couldn’t go a second without bringing up his little Gracie and bragging about his boys.  We can hear you now Terry, in Heaven, making all the Angels laugh and sing with joy.

He is survived by his former wife and best friend, Freeda Von Allmen; his two sons, Lee Von Allmen and wife, Claire and Lucas Von Allmen, all of Springfield, Missouri; his granddaughter, Gracie; his father, Leon Von Allmen, Koshkonong, Missouri; one sister, Renea Von Allmen Alsup and husband, Brent, Rover, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

His mother and nephew, Brody River, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Jolliff Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Jolliff Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date for Joseph George Gerig, 92, West Plains, Missouri.

Mr. Gerig passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at his home.

He was born August 29, 1927, at Wainwright, Oklahoma, to Henry Gerig and Gladys Alma Smith Gerig.  He was married to Alta Lorene Sexton, who preceded him in death.  Joe enjoyed watching birds and loved spending time with his family.  In his younger years he broke horses and was a project superintendent in the construction industry.  Mr. Gerig was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by three children, Alicea Goldberg and husband, Bo b, Phoenix, Arizona, Darice Roha and husband, Frank, West Plains, Missouri and Brad Gerig, State of Arizona; fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Henry Gerig, Las Vegas, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one son, Robert Gerig and five brothers and sisters, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Peggy June Upton, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at her home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mary A. Boze, 74, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:15 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at her home.  Arrangements are pending under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Patsy Ilene Winberry Joyce, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Joyce passed away 7:18 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020 at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born November 26, 1944 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Herbert T. Winberry and Frances Ilene Gray Winberry.  On March 15, 1963, she was married at Nimmons, Arkansas, to William Rex Montgomery.  To their union three children were born.  On October 23, 1993, she was married to the late Bobbie Jack Joyce at South Lake Tahoe, California.  Patsy worked as a beautician and in real estate for many years.  She was a beautiful person inside and out.  Patsy loved her music and it would show whenever she sang or played the piano.  Mrs. Joyce was of the Baptist faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of West Plains.

She is survived by one daughter, Rexanna Smith and husband, Keith; two sons, Jon Montgomery and wife, Bobbey and Terry Montgomery and wife, Angela; nine grandchildren, Brad Vannada and wife, Ashley, Patrick Montgomery, Logen Montgomery, Zach Schutte, Tommy Burk, Doyle Smith, Lauren Montgomery, Andrew Schutte and Walker Burk; five great-grandchildren, Kiera, Heavenly, Hollison, Kye and Freya; four brothers, Lanny Winberry and wife, Toni, Kerry Winberry and wife, Diane, Ed Winberry and wife, Julia and Bryan Winberry and wife, Lisa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Glenn Ernest Patterson, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Bailey Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Patterson passed away 4:17 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020 at his home. 

He was born January 22, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ernest Simeon Patterson and Mamie Friend Patterson.  On December 23, 2016, he was married in Branson, Missouri, to Renee Miller.  Mr. Patterson loved helping people; he respected veterans and police officers and picked up their meal tabs every chance he got.  Glenn could fix anything.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and camping.  Mr. Patterson attended Endurance Church.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Patterson; one son, Chris Patterson; two step-children, Kim Wake and husband, Kelly and Jeff Brown and wife, Lori; one granddaughter, Lydia Patterson; and one brother, Lawrence Patterson and wife, Melinda.

His parents and one brother, Thomas Patterson, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society (Melanoma Foundation) and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Hazel Ruth Thomas, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Pottersville Baptist Church. 

Mrs. Thomas passed away 9:30 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2020 at her home.

She was born January 18, 1940, at E. St. Louis, Illinois, to Hayden Rhodes and Bertha Wheeler Rhodes.  On April 7, 1978, she was married at Las Vegas, Nevada, to Daniel Lee Thomas, who preceded her in death on January 25, 2019.  Mrs. Thomas was a homemaker and a retired mail carrier.  She enjoyed flowers, going to the ocean, birds, singing and spending time with her grandkids.  Hazel loved yard sales and was an avid Cardinals fan.  She enjoyed her lunches at the West Plains Senior Center, visiting with her many friends.  Mrs. Thomas loved the Lord and was a member of Pottersville Baptist Church.

She is survived by six children, Susan Reynolds and husband, Kenny, Bakersfield, California, Peggy Moon, Denton, Texas, Laura Traffanstedt, West Plains, Del Traffanstedt and wife, Charmaine, Odessa, Texas, Brandon Thomas, St. Louis, Missouri and Roseanna Tackitt and husband, Paul, Caulfield, Missouri; nineteen grandchildren, James, Lisa, Kimberly, Crystal, Danny, Jordan, Oliver, Mariah, Taylor, Tyson, Mary, Connie, Seth, Matthew, Rayna, Suzy, Jessie, Jaron and Skyla; sixteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Will “Dusty” Rhodes and wife, Joan, West Plains and Sam Rhodes and wife, Staci, Ballwin, Missouri; two sisters, Virginia “Sandy” Arroyo, Vacaville, California and Linda Schmidt and husband, Mike, Brownsville, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter and two sisters, Pat Herchenroeder and Roberta Blake, preceded her in death.

A private burial will be in the Fowler Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Baptist Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Susanna Rhoads, 75, Viola, Arkansas, formerly of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rhoads passed away at 3:53 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at her home.

In 1966, Mrs. Rhoads married Jerry A. Rhoads in Miami Oklahoma, and to this union two children were born, James Douglas and Sarah Lisa.  Susanna was a graduate of Whittier High School in Whittier, California, and after returning to Missouri was a career bookkeeper and co-owner of Jerry’s Auto Sales for ten years. Over the years she also worked for Bill and Ben Hicks at Hicks Bros. Chevrolet in Kansas City, managed the office for Ben Hicks (Dennis Anderson) Pontiac, Cadillac & GMC in West Plains, and was also an associate for a number of years at Wal-Mart in West Plains. Her final office position in West Plains was with Hoover Farms before retiring. She was an active member in the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 98 Auxiliary and had attended Center Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, James “Doug” Rhoads and wife Gabriele of Centerville, Ohio; daughter, Sarah Lisa Fountain of Salem, Arkansas; one step-daughter, Frankie Harris of West Plains, Missouri; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her beloved parents, husband, one step-son, Jerry Don Rhoads, one great-grandson, John Carter Morris, three brothers, Ezra Ellsworth, William “Bill” Ellsworth and John Ellsworth, a younger sister, one grandson Jason Sherman and her sons-in-law, David Wayne Fountain, William “Bill” Sherman and Dwayne Harris, preceded her in death.

Burial will be at a later date in the Mt. Zion Cemetery near South Fork, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Leon Orville “Bill” Callahan, 68, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Callahan passed away 6:41 a.m., Friday, February 7, 2020 at NHC Healthcare.

He was born January 27, 1952, at West Plains, Missouri, to Emanuel Edward “Sonny” Callahan and Vesta Florence Lawing Callahan.  Mr. Callahan was known by many as “Bill” and worked as a carpenter for many years.  He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.  His family and friends were a big part of his life and he enjoyed visiting with them.  Mr. Callahan attended the Crider Church of Christ.

He is survived by one daughter, Brandi Groves; one sister, Lovern DeShazo; three brothers, Verbal, Dewayne and Leolen “Slick” Callahan; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, three sisters, Murline Peterson, Deloris Belt and Vivian Robinson and four brothers, Charles, Ermal, Larry and Fabian Callahan, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Pottersville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for Edwin Eugene Cantrell, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Gene passed away January 31, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his wife, Christel and sidekick, Tucker.

He was born March 6, 1943, as he would say he was born the day Davey Crockett died, but a few years later.  He was born in a boxcar in Hanford, California, to Kenneth and Nellie Cantrell.  Gene received his GED and went into the Army.  He was a private in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963.  Gene was a self-employed carpenter for thirty-five years.  He worked at Howell County Rural Fire District #1 as a Maintenance Man, working his way up to a Safety Officer, Lieutenant and later a Captain.  He retired March 30, 2012, after twenty-one years of service.  Gene put in countless hours to help build the department up to where it is today.  He was instrumental in helping to establish the Howell County Rural Fire Station #1 on K Highway built.  Gene also worked at the U.S. Forestry service for a few years and hauled freight with Larry Piper for a number of years.   He was a member of Elks Lodge.  Mr. Cantrell was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ.  If you knew Gene, you knew he was a jokester; he loved to joke around with his family and friends and enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling.  On May 28, 1966, he was married to Myra Lockhart, who preceded him in death October 13, 2005.  On April 5, 2008, he was married to Christel Auffert.

He is survived by his wife, Christel Cantrell, of the family home; his sidekick, Tucker George; father-in-law, Joe Auffert, West Plains, Missouri; grandmother-in-law, “Granny” Oleta Auffert, West Plains; two sisters, Sharon Hunt and husband, Bill and Joanne Spitzer, all of the State of California; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Cantrell, State of Oklahoma and Stacie Auffert, West Plains; brother-in-law, John Avila, State of California; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and several friends; and his special “Family”, Joyce Piper and family, Chris and Sheri Piper and family, all of West Plains, Larry and Kelly Carter and family, State of Arkansas and Rick and Debbie Horn and family, West Plains.

His parents, grandparents, first wife, mother-in-law, Gayla Auffert, one brother, Larry Cantrell and one sister, Karen Avila, preceded him in death.

A private burial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to family to give to various charities and events that Gene supported throughout the years, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Earl Monroe Crofford, Jr., 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2020 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Crofford passed away peacefully at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at his home.

He was born May 29, 1945, at Newport, Arkansas, to Earl and Dorothy Pauline Lewis Crofford.  Earl grew up in Newport and lived for a time in Oak Dale, Louisiana, moving with his father’s job at MOPAC Railroad.  He graduated from Newport High School, with the Class of 1963.  He loved playing tennis, football, basketball and track, representing the Newport Greyhounds.  Earl attended Arkansas State University at Jonesboro, Arkansas before joining the United States Navy in 1967.  While in the Navy, he married Patricia Ann Crumpton, also of Newport, on November 18, 1967.  Earl was stationed for three years at the United States Naval Air Station, Meridian, Mississippi.  In 1970, Earl and pat were transferred to the Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia.  While at sea he was aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18) and the USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11) and completed his tour in April of 1971 with an Honorable Discharge.  Following his tour in the Navy, Earl moved to Jonesboro then to Batesville, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics.  He began his business career as the Employment Manager at Waterloo Industries, Pocahontas, Arkansas.  Earl later worked as Traffic manager at Waterloo until he went on to work as the Director of Employee Relations for the City Water and Light, Jonesboro, Arkansas.  In 1981 Earl and Pat moved to Jennings, Louisiana, where Earl worked for LeeVac Shipyard.  He loved his job there as Personnel Manager.  The State of Louisiana, the friendly people, the culture and the great good became a perfect home for the Crofford’s.  When the oil industry began moving downward, Earl knew this was going to affect the ship building trade, so in 1984, he moved to West Plains and began working at Marathon Electric (later known as Regal) and was the Personnel Manager.  The Crofford’s felt like West Plains was home, it was the same size and friendliness as their hometown of Newport.  They enrolled their children in Fairview School where they quickly made lifetime friends with students and faculty.  Earl began to learn his new job and became a member of the community and a Zizzer supporter.  Early in Earl’s college career, he had planned to get a teaching degree, but as he studied he began to learn toward a business career.  1987 saw the change toward his original love of teaching began to happen.  He became the marketing education coordinator for the South Central Area Vocational – Technical Center, where he wore many hats, including working with the students, employers, speaking before civic and industrial groups, counseled and advised students.   Earl went back to college at University of Missouri, Columbia and received his MED-Practical Arts and Vocational-Technical Education and began marketing.  While Earl was teaching, he also was the Zizzer boys’ tennis coach.  Many happy times were spent teaching young men to play and have a passion for the game.  Ann Burtrum was the bus driver for the Zizzer Tennis Team; Earl always told her that she was the good luck charm for the team – she drove and they won!  He also made many educational trips fun for the DECA students, such as trips to Dallas to see “market”, where they saw products being sold, processes of sales to shops and markups.  Education was very important to Earl; his motto was “Is it good for the students?”  He truly cared about each one of his students and how he could help them develop in the young minds a passion for education which would result in the creation of lifelong learners.  Earl was a busy guy, he also worked at Mountain Grove, OMTC, MSU and Mountain View teaching business, economics, micro and macro and business marketing, all of which he tried to make fun for his students so that they could understand, learn and succeed.  In Earl’s lifetime of working he also served and volunteered on many organizations, some included are Northeast Arkansas Safety Council, Missouri Vocational Association, American Vocational Association, Missouri State Teacher’s Association, Mountain Grove Chamber of Commerce, and United Way.  Earl gave his life to Jesus as a young man; he and his family attended Church and became members wherever they lived.  While in West Plains they were members of First Christian Church and currently First Baptist Church.  He served in many ways, including serving on boards, Deacon, Elder and Youth Group Leader.  He and his wife, Pat, were kindergarten Sunday School Teachers for many years.  Parkinson’s and dementia began to take control of Earl’s body in 2008, the year he retired.  Earl never forgot his years in the classroom; he spent many days and nights with Pat talking about his former students.  It was always a joy when any student would visit; his eyes would light up and the joy was obvious.  Tennis, golf, fishing and hunting were a few of the hobbies he loved, but being with family was the most important.  He loved his family and enjoyed being with them.  Earl was a loving son, husband, father, granddaddy and great-granddaddy.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Pat Crofford; two children, Steve Crofford and wife, Carrie and Amy Cunningham and husband, Scott; four grandchildren, Haley, Kyley, Carter and Hudson Cunningham; two great-grandchildren, Gabe and Astrid Perez; sister-in-law, Myrna Sarzotti and husband, Tony; two cousins, Carol Bowden and husband, Cookie and Bill Lewis and wife, Donna; three special nieces and nephew, Rob Crumpton, Lynn Crumpton and Sandy Lightner; and many special family members and friends..

His parents, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Martha Crumpton and one nephew, Bill Crumpton, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.