Obituaries

Graveside services for Judy Ann Scott, 72, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Bakersfield Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Scott passed away at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2019 at her home.

She was born October 24, 1947, at Leota, Missouri, to Buddie Guy DeLarm and Elsie Mae Ritchey DeLarm.  On August 8, 1964, she was married at Sanger, California, to Homer Edwin “Ed” Scott, Jr., who preceded her in death on October 2, 2002.  Mrs. Scott enjoyed gardening and puzzles.

She is survived by three children, Jeffrey Scott and wife, Shelly, Bakersfield, Missouri, Michael Scott and wife, Amy, Caulfield, Missouri and Janine Hutchison and husband, James, Douglas, Georgia; six grandchildren, Dakota Hutchison, Douglas, Georgia, Camella Wade and husband, Robert, St. Charles, Arkansas, Janell Pryor and husband, Andrew, Bakersfield, Missouri, Nathan Scott, Caulfield, Logan Scott, Caulfield and Gavin Scott, Bakersfield; five great-grandchildren, Kiana Pryor, Arden Wade, Layton Wade, Joanna Pryor and Trystan Pryor; three brothers-in-law, Ed Carter, Russell Edwards and Byron Hanson; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband and two sisters, Joyce Carter and Carolyn Edwards, preceded her in death.Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Bakersfield Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation services for Peggy Ann Jeffery, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2019, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ms. Jeffery passed away at 11:35 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

She was born December 24, 1948, at Kennett, Missouri, to Ralph James Johnson and Cecil Mary Tackitt Johnson.  Ms. Jeffery was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by two children, Wayne Kindstrom and wife, Ruth and Michael Jeffery and fiancé Desriee Wheeler, all of Mountain Home, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Wayne Kindstrom, Jr., Hannah Kindstrom and Randall Kindstrom; two brothers, Guy Johnson and wife, Norma, Rockford, Illinois and Tony Johnson, Bakersfield, Missouri; two sisters, Dortha Johnson, West Plains and Sue Keil and husband, Don, Bakersfield, Missouri;  and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and two brothers, Claude and Joe Bill Johnson, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.   

Funeral services for Sondra Sue Talburt, 67, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Trinity Worship Center, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ms. Talburt passed away at 1:55 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2019 at her home.

She was born May 2, 1952, at Pekin, Illinois, to Amos John Talburt and Lavada Dixon Talburt.  Sondra graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1970.  In 1974 she received a Bachelor’s degree from School of the Ozarks where she loved to play softball and held records in track and javelin.  She began her teaching career in Houston, Missouri, teaching there for three years before moving to Steelville, Missouri, where she taught for seventeen years.  Ms. Talburt then relocated to Doniphan, Missouri, where she remained teaching until she retired; during her time at Doniphan she started the cross country team.  After her retirement, she began selling real estate in Doniphan and later in West Plains.  Ms. Talburt was a member of Trinity Worship Center where she loved being active within the church, playing guitar and singing with the Praise Team and Women’s Group.

She is survived by her mother, Lavada Talburt, West Plains; three brothers, Hal Talburt, West Plains, Rad Talburt and wife, Joanne, Doniphan, Missouri and Wayne Talburt, and wife, Ramona, Tecumseh, Missouri; seven nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and friends.

Her father preceded her in death.

Ms. Talburt will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Trinity Worship Center.  Burial will be in the Moody Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Worship Center and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Charlie Homer Provow, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Provow passed away at 11:35 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 at his home.

He was born February 11, 1933, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Numie T. Provow and Martha L. Roberts Provow.  On March 4, 1957, he was married at West Plains, to Kathryn F. Tatum.  Mr. Provow was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy and was assigned duty to USS Bremerton.  Charlie retired from Cassens Transport in Belvidere, Illinois in 1995 and moved to West Plains, Missouri, in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Provow; two children, Billy D. Provow and wife, Linda and Debra J.  Lambert and husband, Douglas; four grandchildren, Corey D. Lambert and wife, Chantell, Alichia A. Boshears and husband, Derek, Felicia L. Julian and husband, Weston and Charlie Lampley and wife, Melanie; five great-grandchildren, Kylar Lambert, Tristyn Lambert, Kallie Julian, Charles Lampley, Jr. and Kenzi Perkins; one brother, Roy Provow and wife, Mona; one sister, Celia Hart;, and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, one sister, Allie Davidson and three brothers, Frank, Erbie and Eugene Provow, 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 Howell Memorial Park 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 Gladys Lorene Hayes, 86, Calico Rock, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hayes passed away at 6:50 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at White River Healthcare.

She was born September 15, 1933, at Bakersfield, Missouri, to Lloyd Bean and Clara Melvina Smith Bean.  On May 10, 1951, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Bobby Kenneth Hayes, who preceded her in death on March 3, 2014.  Mrs. Hayes was a member of The American Legion, Calico Rock, Arkansas.  She loved simply and deeply and was very devoted to her family and friends; she was a hard worker and a great cook.  Mrs. Hayes attended Bakersfield Assembly of God.

She is survived by two children, Mark Hayes and wife, Paige and Bobbie Rush and fiancée Larry Hazel, all of Calico Rock; three grandchildren, Victoria Branscum, Grant Hayes and Casey Rush; two great-grandchildren, Rosalynne Cantrell and Emmi Branscum; one sister, Freda May and husband, Milford; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, two sisters, Florence J. Orf and Clarace Bean; and five brothers, James R. Bean, Leon Bean, Leaman Bean, Lloyd Bean, Jr. and Paul Ray Bean, preceded her in death.

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

William Glenn Wagberg, 56, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:16 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2019 at his home.

He was born January 12, 1963, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Lynwood Wagberg and Carol Bischof Wagberg.  Bill was an outstanding father, a loving husband and PaPa.  He loved his family and his family loved him.  He was the family comedian and was a pro at grilling; he was a lifetime foody.  Mr. Wagberg always gave to people in need.  He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Packers fan.  Bill was an engineer at Huhtamaki Corporation.  Mr. Wagberg was of the Methodist faith.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Wagberg; his wife, Colleen Schmidt; four children, Maura Wagberg, Jacob Schmidt, Josh Schmidt and Rachel Schuler; two grandchildren; two brothers and three sisters.

His father and one brother preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Howard Eugene Smith, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Smith passed away at 7:10 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Brooke Haven Healthcare.

He was born August 26, 1938, at West Plains, Missouri, to Earl Smith and Lorene Burris Smith.  On August 28, 1958, he was married at Peace Valley, Missouri, to Naomi Kimbrough, who he has loved and cherished for sixty-one years.  Before his retirement, Mr. Smith was a truck driver.  Howard loved his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids with a passion.  He enjoyed going to the sale barn and talking to friends; everyone that met Howard, became friends with him.  He enjoyed watching baseball games and was an avid Cardinals fan.  Mr. Smith attended Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Naomi Smith, of the family home; two daughters, Mechele Duke and husband, Junior, West Plains,  Missouri and Melissa Jens and husband, Steve; Hillsboro, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brandon Jens and Ryan Williams and wife, Renee; three step-grandchildren, Larry, J. B. and Jason Duke; two great-grandchildren, Haley and Keegan Williams; one sister, Mary Ann Swacker and husband, Gus, Imperial, Missouri; his dog, Yadi; and many nieces and one nephew.

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 Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Wilma Jean Jewell, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Jewell passed away at 8:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2019 at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born December 16, 1940, at West Plains, Missouri, to Herbert Eugene White Reid and Olive Bonnie Brixey Reid.  On March 30, 1959, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to James Ralph Jewell, who preceded her in death on November 11, 2008.  Before her retirement, Wilma had worked at the International Shoe Factory and for a number of years at Ramada Inn.  After retirement she owned and operated a rental business and helped her husband with Jewell Trucking; she enjoyed the many trips they shared together.  Mrs. Jewell enjoyed cooking, taking care of her family and going to and having yard sales.  Wilma loved visiting with friends and family while having coffee and was known for her brown beans, cracklin’ corn bread and pig pickin’ cakes.

She is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Singletary and husband, Dan and Jody Henson and husband, Jim, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Chad Jewell and wife, Ashley, Brandi Anderson and husband, Trey, Dustin Jewell, Coty Henson and wife, Missy, Dalton Henson and wife, Carlena and Evan Singletary; ten great-grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Jake, Laken, Hannah, Halle, Mason, Makenna, Camden and Waylon; five brothers, Tom Reid and wife, Mary, Ted Reid and wife, Barbara, Jim Reid and wife, Sharon, Don Reid and wife, Lisa and Kim Reid and wife, Christy, all of Peace Valley, Missouri; one sister, Bessie Busbey, West Plains; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Jewell and wife, Brenda and Larry Jewell and wife, Velita, all of West Plains; one sister-in-law, Terre Hicks and husband, Don, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, Ricky Jewell, two brothers, John Reid and Robert “Butch” Reid and infant brother and sister, David and Nora, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Jewell will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service for Cherry-Ann Fite, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Cherry-Ann Fite, loving wife and mother of five children, passed away in the care of her family Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, after a long illness.

She was born Aug. 12, 1938, in Cardiff, Wales, U.K. to George Percy Reece and Irene Emily (Hopkins) Webster. On June 7, 1973, she married her “true love” James B. Fite in West Plains. Together they raised five children, relishing in all their achievements. Together they have 10 grandchildren, four great grandchildren (with two more on the way!), plus numerous beloved nieces and nephews, near and far. Born at the beginning of World War II, she endured the tribulations of war time until she reached seven years. Educated in Europe she attended an all-girls school and college before she arrived in the United States. With the encouragement of James, she became a citizen of these United States, never foregoing her right to vote. She earned a degree in Public Health and an MBA. Most of her life’s work was in health, first with local physicians, West Plains Memorial Hospital (OMC), the Missouri Department of Health and eventually undertook the challenge to create a Howell County Health Department. She succeeded in securing state funding and wrote grants to support a full-service health department; ultimately developing a plan to establish local funds for a permanent county health department. The people of Howell County voted “Yes” in all precincts to establish it. During these years, the grants she wrote were in excess of a million dollars and provided county and city law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance services, 911, and other entities with much needed equipment, training, technology and trail walks. One of the largest grants provided funds for a Geographic Information System (GIS) and new property mapping for Howell County. Grants were also written to provide health education, family planning, heart health, maternal and child health services in a multi-county area. She was proud of the South Central Public Health and later Howell County Health Department professional staff and the services they provided. Before she retired at the age of 69, she spent four years as Acting Director/Grant Coordinator of the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Gainesville while managing the previous grants she wrote. She was involved in many professional organizations and was recognized for her contributions to improving public health. Cherry volunteered with the Miss Missouri/Miss America Scholarship Program for nine years. It was her joy to provide college scholarships to young ladies in the community as well as encourage their professional abilities, self-esteem and provide a showcase for their talents. Cherry was intelligent, elegant and artistic. She had a great eye for design – both interior and fashion – and was an excellent seamstress, as many can attest to during the short period she owned “Chellz” Formal and Bridal Wear. She also delighted in the wildlife at their home on -JF Ranch in Southfork. Spending time with James, her family and friends brought her great happiness and joy. She will be remembered for her patience, for her quiet leadership which lifted up those around her, and her concern, support and love for her family, friends and the people of Howell County.

She is survived by her husband James; their five children, Steven Cupples and his spouse Melanie of Brighton, Michigan; Forest Cupples and his spouse Judy of Aurora, Colorado; Bryan Cupples and his spouse Blanca of Milton, Georgia; Karla (Fite) and her husband Dave Tiefenthaler of Salem, Missouri; and Farrah Fite and her spouse Gus Wagner of Jefferson City, Missouri; her half-sisters Margaret (Reece) Andrews and Sandra (Reece) Baggot; James’ loving siblings Helen Brixey, Robert Fite and his wife Vera, Shirley (Fite) and her husband Jerry Surritte, and Bonnie (Fite) and her husband Ronnie Hardin; and many special friends.

Her father and mother, 11 half-siblings, her sister-in-law Naomi Inlow, and brother-in-law Cecil Brixey, all preceded her in death.

Family, friends and the community are invited to gather to express gratitude. A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Family and dear friends are invited to join as she is laid to rest following the service at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Southfork. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund or the Community Hospices of America Foundation in appreciation of the services of Compassus Hospice of Jefferson City are welcome and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Colten Levi Smith, 18, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the West Plains High School Gymnasium, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Colten left us at 9:13 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born September 25, 2001, at West Plains, Missouri, to Jody Cook Nix and Terry Smith.  Colten was a Junior at West Plains High School.

He is survived by his mother, Jody  Nix and husband, T.J., West Plains; his father, Terry Smith and wife, Ila, Rover, Missouri; his brothers and sisters, Skye Smith, Emily Nix, Audrey Nix, Shari Smith, Emery Smith, Tina Aranda and Felicia Buncker; his grandparents, Roger Cook, Alton, Missouri, Sally Sisco, Alton, Missouri, Freddie and Sharon Smith, Rover, Missouri and Joe and Barb Nix, West Plains, Missouri; his girlfriend, Madison “Baby Girl” Harper; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by one uncle, Terry Durbin and family pet, Grander.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ronald McDonald House and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Linda Marie Lindsey, 71, West Plains, Missouri, died 8:30 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains.  Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Michael Healy, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2019 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Healy passed away at 6:19 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at his home.

He was born May 8, 1943, at Chicago, Illinois, to Melvin Healy and Janess Bennett Healy.  On September 21, 1963, he was married at Palos Heights, Illinois, to Madonna Mickey Healy, who preceded him in death on April 9, 2019.  He was a salesman and was the former owner and operator of Mike’s Italian Villa; he enjoyed fishing and traveling.  Family was his life.  Mr. Healy was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He is survived by two children, Kim Pond and husband, Terry and Karrie  Henderson; five grandchildren, Tiffany Busbey and husband, Justin, Brandi Mills and husband, George, Tyler Pond and wife, Monique, Lacee Reno and husband, Rickey and Levi Henderson and fiancé Tiffani; ten great-grandchildren, Madi, Gunnar, Olivia, Camden, Ella, Emily, Kayden, Jeremie, Ryin, Sophia and two on the way; two sisters, Tina Kingery and Patti Swanson and husband, Mark; his mother-in-law, Faith Mickey; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, and one brother, Steve Healy, preceded him in death.

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

Graveside services for Thelma Lou Johnson, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2019 at Evergreen Cemetery.

Mrs. Johnson passed away at 3:45 a.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at NHC Healthcare.

She was born January 30, 1939, at Elijah, Missouri, to John William Evans and Emeline Dodson Evans.  In July of 1987 she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Larry V. Johnson.  Thelma always loved her family and put them first in her life; she was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for family gatherings.  She also enjoyed fishing and going to auctions with her sisters.  Mrs. Johnson was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband, Larry V. Johnson; three children, Jerry Beach and wife, Vicky, Pottersville, Missouri, Terry Grace, Joplin, Missouri and Gary Beach, Pomona, Missouri; five grandchildren, Brandon Beach and wife, Theresa, Renae Phenix and husband, Nathan, Jennifer Grace, Lindsey Grace and Noah Beach; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Dale Evans and wife, Jacque, West Plains; two sisters, Pat Carrico and husband, Bill and Lillie Moss, all of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, five brothers, Junior, Dallas, Delbert, Ben and Clifton and two sisters, Imogene and Artice, preceded her in death.

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

Steven Jay Danielson, 72, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 5:47 p.m., Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Fulton County Hospital, Salem, Arkansas.

He was born March 19, 1947, at Hackensack, New Jersey, to Robert Jay Danielson and Althea Firehock Danielson.   Steve was raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey and graduated from High School in Iowa with the Ridgewood High School Class of 1965; he received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Central College in Iowa.  On December 31, 2002, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Cindy Howell.  Mr. Danielson was an insurance agent and enjoyed trout fishing and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Danielson, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Susan Brunelle and James P. Richards, Milford, Connecticut; his nephew, Ryan Brunelle and wife, Julie, and their two daughters, Taylor and Alexis, Monroe, Connecticut and his niece, Kelly Reed and husband, David, and their daughter, Hensley, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

His parents and one nephew, Kevin Brunelle, preceded him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Clinton Lawrence “Clint” Allen, 91, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Clint Allen, Wright Brothers Master Pilot, certified flight instructor, A&P Mechanic, aerobatic showman, and accomplished entomologist called “wheels up” for the last time Saturday, October 12, 2019 in West Plains, Missouri, as he peacefully joined his guardian angel and wife of nearly 63 years, Marge.

Clint would have been 92 years old in just a few weeks. He is survived by daughter Janis Bartlett and husband, David, of Corpus Christi, Texas, son Larry Allen of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Anne Marie Cleveland and husband, Jeff, of Milner, Georgia and Matthew Allen Jarvis; four great-grandsons; one great-great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Lou Anne Kirby and Margee Shaffer and husband, Richard.

He was born November 14, 1927 in Tucson, Arizona and grew up on a family-homesteaded cattle ranch in Paige Canyon in the Rincon Mountains southeast of Tucson. Led by the creative and tenacious spirit of his mother, Elizabeth Taylor Allen, and the practical, Texas-style wisdom of his father, Daniel Allen, Clint grew to be a strong, handsome leader.  He graduated from Benson Union High School in 1945. Although Clint did play on the 6-man football team (there were only 14 total in his graduating class), he would always freely admit that he wasn’t much of an athlete. He went on to graduate from the University of Arizona (BS Agriculture) in 1950, and earned his MS (in Entomology) from that same university in 1960.  On March 23, 1951, he married the love of his live, Marjorie (Marge) Sonnenschein. He and Marge shared 63 years together, until her passing in February 2014. During that time they raised their two children, Larry and Janis, and steadfastly supported each other.  In the 1960’s, Clint worked for Farmers Investment Company (FICO). Originally a company dedicated to growing cotton, Clint investigated the potential for and directed the planting of the first pecan trees in the hot Arizona desert south of Tucson. These fist efforts would eventually lead to establishment of the largest irrigated pecan orchard in the world.   Of all that could be said about Clint, three things stand out most strongly. He loved his wife, Marge. He loved the Ozarks. And, he loved flying.  Marge and Clint spent their early years in Arizona. First in the mining towns of Douglas and Bisbee, where Clint worked doing agricultural research for the mining company, Phelps Dodge, and then in Tucson, as Clint became a leader in the agricultural diversification of southern Arizona. Later, they would live in Mineral Wells, Texas; Lafayette, Louisiana; Ft. Worth, Texas; and finally West Plains, Missouri.  Clint grew up in the rugged Rincon Mountains, where scrub oak and cactus were the primary vegetation. But, he dreamed of the gently rolling hills, oaks, and walnut trees of the Ozarks. In the mid-60’s, Clint and Marge found their piece of Clint’s dream in West Plains. Together, they put blood, sweat, and tears into creating a homestead. During one summer, they lived in a tiny travel trailer (with an outdoor shower) while they cleared land and built the barns and buildings that would shelter their cattle. Later, in the early ‘90s, when they finally retired to West Plains, Clint bought cattle (Marge named them all).  Clint built fences and cleared pastures. Marge raised the goats and made a warm, cozy home for her and Clint. But, every time Clint looked out, to the beautiful pasture that sloped down from the back of their home, he saw a landing strip.  Flying was on many people’s minds in 1927 when Clint was born. Charles Lindbergh had made the first solo transatlantic flight, and it almost seems as if Clint Allen was born with that same spirit of adventure. Money was tight but, as a young college student, Clint convinced the flight school administrator to trade work washing the training planes for hours of instruction. Soon Clint was in the air!   There may be those who learn to fly, but never really LOVE it. But a PILOT… a pilot is BORN to fly. Clint Allen was a true PILOT! Despite his successes, he enjoyed agriculture because it kept him in contact with people who flew, the crop dusters. The lands owned by FICO stretched from the Mexican border north to Phoenix. An Aeronca Champ was the sensible pilot’s solution! Take off at sunup; work all day; land at dusk…a great life! In the mid ‘60s, with the Vietnam War in full swing, he got word that the military was hiring civilians at its Primary Helicopter School in Mineral Wells, Texas. Clint’s wheels were up and, with his family, he headed to Mineral Wells.   Four years later, with the war over, the call came from Petroleum Helicopters, in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Clint would spend the next several years flying men and equipment to the offshore oil rigs. Back, with his feet firmly on dry land, he worked at Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters SAS) in Grand Prairie, Texas as their only flight-rated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. Having earned and maintained single engine and multi-engine fixed wing ratings, he also earned and maintained instrument, instructor, and A&P ratings for both fixed wing and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft.  During his entire flying career, more than 65 years, Clint was never involved in a single recordable flying incident. However, these many accomplishments pale compared to the love he, aided by his many friends from the EAA Chapter 1218 and the Missouri Pilots Association, put into building the 3/4 scale Curtiss Jenny biplane that was delivered to and displayed at the Springfield-Branson Airport in May of 2016. The only sadness was that his copilot of 63 years, Marge, was not able to see it happen.  Clint has new wings now. He and Marge are together, and those wings will have no tethers!

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research, 110 E. 42^nd St. 16th Floor, New York, New York  10017 and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Visitation services for Kenneth M. Renner, 89, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2019 in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri, followed by a Graveside Service at McElmurry Cemetery, Moody, Missouri.  There will be a Memorial Service held Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 p.m., in the west meeting room at Springfield Botanical Gardens, Springfield, Missouri.

Mr. Renner passed away September 30, 2019 at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born June 5, 1930, in Howell County, Missouri, to Clifford William Renner and Elsie Lillian Newberry Renner.  Kenneth graduated from West Plains High School in 1948 and went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University for two years before joining the Marine Corp.  He served four years with the United States Marines before returning to complete his undergraduate degree in education in 1955.  In 1961, he completed a Master’s degree in education at Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado.  In 1953, Kenneth married Darlene Bryson of Howell County, Missouri.  He taught Industrial Arts and Math in Cabool for two years starting in 1955 and taught for another two years at School of the Ozarks.  In 1959 Mr. Renner began teaching in the Springfield Public School district, remaining there until his retirement in 1987.  Kenneth had interests in nature, traveling, fishing, electronics and gardening, but his passion was woodworking, making furniture, toys and other items for his family and friends.

He is survived by his former wife, Darlene Bryson Renner; his children, Ann Renner and husband, John Luther, Ellen Renner and husband, William Richardson, Susan Purvin and husband, Gary; and his grandchildren, Kit Richardson, Katherine Purvin and Eric Purvin.

His parents and two brothers, William Tolbert Renner and Richard Vernon Renner, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dickerson Park Zoo, 3043 N. Fort, Springfield, MO 65803, McElmurry Cemetery Fund, (May be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home) Missouri Institute of Natural Science, 2327 W. Farm Road 190, Springfield, MO 65810, Springfield Nature Center c/oMissouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, PO Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0366, Ozarks Public Television, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897 or Veterans of Foreign Wars 406 W. 34^th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111; any memorial contributions may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Patricia Sue Hight, 72, West Plains, passed from this earth at 3:30 p.m. on September 11, 2019 from complications related to metastatic breast cancer. She died at home surrounded by loving family and friends who sang her on her way.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 120 Langston Avenue, West Plains, Missouri. Refreshments and visiting will follow the service.

Pat was born July 1, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri to Mae Lavonne Jones Hight and Earl Edward Hight, and was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard “Bub” Hight and her father in law Clarence Bruenjes. Her revered elder was her Grandma Virgie.

She is survived by her wife Lois Reborne, her brother Dan Hight and his partner Sheryl Reed, longtime friend Marideth Sisco, her chosen children Jim Markley, Lisa Markley and Amy Markley Watson, grandchildren Adrianna, Alayanna, Evan and Lilah, and great-grandchildren Jaxon and Ava; and beloved family including uncle Dale Jones, cousins Bill Jones, Shelly Jones and Sue Burrell and niece Melissa Hight. She also leaves behind countless dear friends including a bevy of cherished fellow artists.

Those who knew her knew she liked hats, which was good, because she wore so many of them: Potter, Teaching Artist, Printmaker, Drummer, Feminist Humanist, Unitarian Universalist, Naturalist, Storyteller, and unabashed Progressive.

She was also a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, earning a scholarship to Washington University where she studied the History of Ideas for three years, but left when her scholarship would not support her desire to also study art. She finished her BFA degree at Missouri State University in 1985.  Some of her more far-reaching contributions include the role of founding member of both the Missouri Friends of the Folk Arts and the Midwest Wimmin’s Festival, and as a consultant to the founders of the Michigan Womyn’s Festival.  Pat was a teaching artist for more than fifteen years, working as an artist in residence in local schools. She loved to conduct raku firings for school art classes, community art fairs and for local folks either on her farm or at the Hammond Mill picnic grounds overlooking the North Fork River. She also taught as a Master Naturalist and artist, encouraging hundreds of youngsters to use a kick net in a local river to catch and identify macroinvertebrates, to make sketches of plants and bugs they found in their schoolyards, then make those into linoleum block prints, and to draw with charcoal sticks in the style of L. L. Broadfoot at the Harlin Museum.

The family extends its endless gratitude to the oncology team at OMC. Your expertise, care, and compassion made all the difference to us. Pat’s persistence and energy combined with the excellent treatment she was prescribed gave her nearly six years of life which she otherwise might never have had, where she continued to create art, grow vegetables and flowers, kayak the local rivers, travel, and enjoy the birds and trees and people she loved. You are ever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations to defray final expenses are much appreciated and may be left at Robertson Drago Funeral Home or brought to the service.

We will always love you, dear Pat. We will never forget you.

Funeral services for Larry C. Wright, Sr., 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12, 2019 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Wright passed away at 2:00 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2019 at his home.

He was born July 15, 1939, at Hocomo, Missouri, to Winsted Langston Wright and Stella Alice Jane Smith Wright.  On June 26, 1960, he was married at Spring Creek Church to Peggy Fox.  Mr. Wright was the owner and operator of Hardy Outside Wood Furnaces.  He was a member of the Missouri National Guard in West Plains for nine years and had served on the Fairview School Board, Hammond Mill Bible Camp Board, Harlin House Museum and Gideon Bible Society.  Mr. Wright adored his grandchildren.  Larry enjoyed hunting and loved a good practical joke; he never met a stranger and would take the time to talk with anyone.  Mr. Wright was a member of First Baptist Church for many years where he had retired from serving as a Deacon.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Peggy Wright, of the family home; three children, Larry “Chip” Wright and wife, Joan, Cyndi Wright and Becky Welty and husband, Robert, all of West Plains; five grandchildren, Monica, Whitney, Breanna, Gretchen and Garrett; three great-grandchildren, Ryker, Pierce and Beckham; and many friends.

His parents and one sister, Judith Wright, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Blue Mound Cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Blue Mound Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.