Graveside services for Leroy Robert Trone, Sr., 74, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Minnesota, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Union Woodland Cemetery, McGregor, Minnesota.
Mr. Trone passed away at 9:47 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his home.
He was born October 7, 1948, at Redwing, Minnesota, to Archie Godfried Trone and Alice Eleanor Fellows Trone. Leroy graduated from McGregor High School. Mr. Trone was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam where he was awarded a bronze star. He retired from Ford in St. Paul. He loved hunting and fishing.
He is survived by two children, Leroy Trone, Jr. and Tanya Catlin; two grandchildren, Grace Weldon and Riley Weldon; one brother, Arvid Eugene Trone; three sisters, Judy Trone, Donna Sobaszkiewicz and Karen Larson; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and five brothers, Merril, Melford, Darrel, Dwayne and Allan Trone, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Charles Zajicek, 86, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:03 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
On October 2, 2023, longtime West Plains resident and civic leader, Newton Clyde Brill, Jr., 87, died at his home with wife Carolyn by his side. Mr. Brill was born on March 10, 1936 in Mountain Grove, MO in the home of his grandmother Olive Young. The attending physician was Mr. Brill’s great-grandfather, Dr. Samuel Hubbard who practiced medicine in Wright County, Missouri for sixty-four years.
In 1940, Brill and his parents, Newton Clyde Brill, Sr. and Marie Young Brill, moved to West Plains where Newt attended elementary school and high school. For several years, the family lived on Cass Avenue in a cottage at the end of their block. At the other end, just across the street from the city park, lived the family of Joe and Josephine Saunders including daughter Carolyn and son Tom. A warm friendship developed between the two families, and Newt, his brother Jim, Carolyn, and Tom played together nearly every day sharing many adventures.
At West Plains High School Newt played Zizzer football and basketball and ran track. At that time, he also began courting childhood friend Carolyn Saunders. Newt graduated from high school in 1954, and from 1954 to 1958, attended the University of Missouri, Columbia on a Naval ROTC scholarship. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, and the following month he and Carolyn were married at First Baptist Church in West Plains.
Following officers’ training in Quantico, Virginia, Newt trained as an artillery officer at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California and received additional training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and at Twentynine Palms, California. During this same period, Brill also trained as a nuclear warfare officer at the Nuclear Warfare College on North Island at San Diego. His two daughters, Julia and Margaret, were born at the naval hospital in Oceanside.
After three years of active duty in the Marine Corps, Brill served as a captain in the reserves while also attending law school at the University of Missouri where he was assistant editor of the Missouri Law Review. Desiring to make their permanent home in West Plains, upon Newt’s graduation, Newt and Carolyn returned to their hometown where Newt joined the law practice of Richard D. Moore. In 1968, son Joel was born in West Plains.
In the early years of his law practice, Newt handled all kinds of cases including family law, criminal law, and litigation. Eventually he specialized in business law, corporate law, estate planning, probate law, and real estate. From 1971 to 2002, Brill owned and operated Kellett-Landis Abstract Company, later known as Brill Title Company.
One of the more colorful episodes in Newt’s practice of law took place in New Orleans in 1968 when he and Dick Moore were representing the Rural Electrification Association at a convention. At their hotel, following a day of meetings, Newt was held at gunpoint as thieves demanded his wallet which he had left in his room. During a scuffle with his assailants, the gun discharged, and Newt was shot in the hip. Thankfully, the wound was superficial. His assailants fled and were never heard from again (at least not in connection with this incident).
Over his lifetime, Brill served his community of West Plains in many capacities, most notably in the fields of health care, elder care, and banking. In 1965, a year after he and Carolyn returned to West Plains, Newt began serving on the West Vue Nursing Home Board of Directors and was elected president of that board the following year, a position he held for nearly fifty years. During that time, he oversaw the establishment of a Practical Nursing School at West Vue and the opening of West Vue Apartments, Pleasant Valley Manor, Pleasant Valley Village, West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the West Vue Green House Homes.
For nearly sixty years, beginning in 1966, Brill worked on behalf of Ozarks Healthcare (known earlier as West Plains Memorial Hospital and Ozarks Medical Center). He served on its board of trustees, its board of directors, and the OMC Foundation Board, later known as the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation.
Brill was also active in the West Plains banking industry, serving on the boards of First National Bank, Centerre Bank, and Boatman’s Bank. In 1997, he was a founding board member of Community First Banking Company, retiring from that role in 2022.
Brill served on many other boards including the West Plains Schools Board of Education, the Board of Trustees of Southwest Baptist University, the Board of Governors of the Missouri Bar Association, the board of Legal Services of Southern Missouri, the board of the West Plains Housing Authority, and the board of Downtown West Plains. In 2005, he was a founding member of the West Plains chapter of the Marine Corps League.
Throughout his life, Brill was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, the Purcell Professional Award from the Missouri Bar Association, the Trustee of the Year Award from the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging, and the Distinguished Zizzer Alumni Award, to name a few.
Newt was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church where he served for many years as chairman of the deacons, president of the church corporation, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of other committees.
Outside of his career, Newt was an outdoorsman. As a youngster, he attended Boy Scout camp where, one year, caught up in the moment, he succumbed to the temptation of a Mohawk haircut. When he returned home, his dismayed mother demanded that he wear a stocking cap to church. In the days when Newt was raising his family, he often went quail and dove hunting with his father-in-law Joe Saunders. For many years, Newt and a group of close friends enjoyed annual fishing trips on the Buffalo River. The high point of each day was returning to camp to fry their day’s catch and share stories over an open campfire. On one such trip, they were awakened during the night as a tornado roared through the area adjacent to their camp. Newt and his friends always returned from these trips relaxed, jubilant, and full of exciting tales.
Two of Newt’s other great passions were food and travel. An accomplished cook, Newt relished trying new recipes and recreating dishes he had enjoyed in restaurants or in the homes of friends. He could whip up any number of outstanding gourmet meals, but he will be best remembered for his light, fluffy pancakes and his mouthwatering cheeseburgers.
The many trips that Newt planned for his family created a lifetime of treasured memories. On one such vacation to the United Kingdom in 1978, Newt rented a car and piloted his family throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. Some highlights of the trip included tea at a castle in the Scottish Highlands, a picnic lunch on the banks of Loch Ness, and a misty, cloud-shrouded walk among the ancient ruins of Stonehenge in the days before a barrier kept the stones at a safe distance from curious pilgrims. Over the years, Newt and Carolyn visited France many times where they were magnificently entertained by Carolyn’s brother Tom who had homes in Paris and Provence.
The one constant throughout Newt’s long life was his beloved wife Carolyn to whom he was married for sixty-five years. Newt is survived by wife Carolyn, daughter Julia Frohlich and husband David of Oakton, Virginia; daughter Margaret Tao and husband Tony of Shawnee, Kansas; son Joel Brill of Springfield, Missouri; grandson Joel Frohlich and wife Katharina Landgrebe of Tübingen, Germany; granddaughter Rachel Tao of Kansas City, Missouri; brother Jim Brill and wife Penny of West Plains, and three nieces including Aimee Webb and husband Bill of West Plains, Carrie Collins and husband Kevin of St. Louis, and Stacy Pyle and husband Joey of Columbia, Missouri.
Mr. Brill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Thomas Saunders, and his nephew Jamie Brill.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to service time from 1:00 until 2:00. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ozarks Healthcare Development Foundation, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Patricia Marie Farris, 80, Dayton, Ohio, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Farris passed away at 1:50 a.m., Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Spring Hills Singing Woods Nursing Center, Dayton, Ohio.
She was born February 28, 1943, at New Plymouth, Idaho, to William Pelc and Freda Viola Harsin Pelc. On September 28, 1963, she was married at White Church, Missouri, to James Martin Farris, who preceded her in death in 2020. Mrs. Farris enjoyed sewing and quilting and was an avid rock collector. She was a livestock and horse 4-H advisor in Preble County, Ohio for twenty years; worked as a Preble County Humane Officer for five years and was a member of Gammil Gem Club for almost twenty years.
She is survived by three children, Michelle Niswonger, Eaton, Ohio, Cynthia Brown and husband, Dave, Brownsville, Oregon and Andrew Farris and wife, Dee, Silver Creek, Georgia; eleven grandchildren, Kyle, Kelsey and Levi Niswonger, Katheryn, Jessica and Rebecca Crane, Eli, Miranda and Lauren Farris, Alex Beckett and Kylie Cooper; two great-grandchildren, Braxton and Emilia Lipscomb; four brothers, Jim, George, Joe and Mike Pelc; four sisters, Shirley Baria, Rosie Hergesheimer, Barbara Pelc and Margaret Poe; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, five brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Rachel Ann Squire, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Squire passed away at 8:55 a.m., Sunday, September 24, 2023, at her home.
Rachel was born March 15, 1930, at Viola, Arkansas the daughter of W. Homer and Dora Bell (McElmurry) Green. She was married on December 11, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri to Kenneth G. Squire who proceeded her in death on March 8, 2012.
Rachel’s life was surrounded by children. For several years she was a foster parent and then was a bus driver for the West Plains R-7 Schools. After the school purchased the buses, she cared for children in her home which included children of the employees of Boatmen’s Bank. She was also able to care for her Great-Grandsons, Mason and Jax, since they were babies. She enjoyed piecing quilts, hand quilting them and giving them to family and donating them to raise funds for special causes. She also loved crocheting and sewing. She made her daughter’s school clothes and her son’s shirts. She also had a passion for gardening, canning, and cooking.
Rachel is survived by her daughter, Linda Squire, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Leslie Squire, Branson, Missouri and Krista Lair and husband, Heath, West Plains, Missouri; six great-grandchildren, Kourtney, West Plains, Missouri, Hunter, Branson, Missouri, Brett, Connor, Mason and Jax, West Plains, Missouri.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Jan Squire, two brothers, James David Green and Noble Green, and two nephews, Gary Neal Green and Billy Don Green.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Moody Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for Billy (Bill) Wayne Pruiett, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Pottersville Baptist Church, 9815 County Road 7290, Pottersville, MO 65790.
Mr. Pruiett passed away September 19, 2023, at Ozarks Health Care.
Bill was born July 16, 1955 to Charlie and Rachel (Harbin) Pruiett in Caruthersville, Missouri. Bill retired from the City of West Plains Parks and Recreation Dept after 27 yrs of service. He loved camping, fishing, and smoking meat with his family and friends.
Bill is survived by his five children, Gwendolyn Wadkins and husband, Tim, Kearney, Missouri, Jason Pruiett, Jessica Bates and husband, Brian, belonging to Teresa Pruiett. Also Jaime Welker, and Amanda Frazier and husband, Jesse, belonging to Charlotte Bruesch, all of West Plains; seventeen grandchildren, Shelby and Austin Smith, Ryan Wadkins, Riley Wadkins, Marcus Pruiett, Hannah Pruiett, Ashley Ingram, Bailey and Steven Steele, Grace and Preston Eagleman, Brianna Bates, Briggs Gunter, Beau Bates, Jessica Welker, Jennifer Welker, Jorgiah Welker, Jacqueline Loomis, Nicholas Loomis, and Emilee Frazier; seven great-grandchildren, Maddie Rae, Oakley, Daniel, Lincoln, Stetson, Watson, and Eleanora; two brothers, Doug Pruiett, Carthage, Missouri and Marty Pruiett, West Plains; two sisters, Charlene Church and husband, Ed, North Glenn, Colorado and Mary Hicks and husband, Duaine, Pomona, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Debbie Pruiett, West Plains and Michelle Pruiett, St. Clair, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Special friends, Peggy and Jerry Hopper, Granby, Missouri.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Rickie, Freddie, and Joe Pruiett, infant brother Ernie Pruiett, two sisters, Judith Hill and Sandra McCracken, three sisters-in-law, Julia, Lulla, and Jan Pruiett and two brothers-in-law, Mike Bryan and Mike McCracken.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service for Joyce Ann Mauldin, 91, West Plains, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Central Calvary Baptist Church, West Plains.
Mrs. Mauldin passed away September 18, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born April 26, 1932, at Fairfield, Illinois, to Charles “Chub” and Louise McGuire Joslin. Joyce accepted Christ as a teenager while attending Garden Grove High School, California, where she graduated in 1949. She moved back to the area in the 1960’s and has many friends and acquaintances. Joyce wore many hats in her lifetime which included a nurse’s aide, med tech, wife, mother, EMT, bowler, well-known seamstress and she retired from Ozark Action in 1996 as a Health Coordinator.
Joyce had four children, Kathy Smith of Springfield, Jeff Smith (Sheila) of West Plains, Bev Smith Esterline (Alan) of Inola, Oklahoma, and Cindy Schoenhofen (Ed) of West Plains; seven grandchildren and their families including many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Joyce also included many others as her family, too. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Lee Martin Joslin, two nieces and their families, and her beloved furbaby, Buddy.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Howard “Bud” Joslin, and her husband Tom Mauldin.
A celebration of Life Service for Mary Ann Leroy, 77, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Family Life Church, Dora, Missouri.
From her family home, the cowgirl rode away to receive her Crown of Glory on September 15, 2023.
She was born August 14, 1946, at Dora, Missouri, to John O. Freeman and Velma Freeman. Mary Ann attended school in Dora and on July 4, 1964 was married to Dwaine Warren; two boys came from their union. Mary Ann was united in marriage on December 8, 2001, to Ronnie Leroy, who had two boys. She was a dedicated factory worker in West Plains. Mary Ann was a baptized believer and a member of Family Life Church, Dora, Missouri. She enjoyed the simple things in life from trail rides to horse shows and living life on the farm with her husband. Time with family was important to her. Mary Ann had an intense love of nature and animals, especially her dogs and horses. As a Wife, Mother, Grammer and Friend, Mary Ann walked the talk. Happy Trails until we see you again.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie, Dora, Missouri; two sons, Mark Warren, Dora, Missouri and Vince Warren, State of Connecticut; two step-sons, Ronald Leroy and wife, Kari and David Leroy and wife, Crystal, all of Dora; special friend, who Mary loved like a daughter, Deanna Frazier and husband, Donny, Dora; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, Weston Warren and wife, Ally (Langston), Kendra Shankle and husband, Justin, (Remi and Kimber), Garrett Warren, Andalyn Warren and husband, Jared Rauso, (Mylan and Marigold), Kianna Warren and Dustin Reynolds (Kiegan and Nolan), Brianna Newton and husband, Shannon, (Kolton), Dylan Leroy and wife, Jessica, (Adylan and Lauren), Nicole Griffin and husband, Jonathan, (Jaxton), Clayton Leroy, Morgan Melvin, (Kayson) and Caleb Frazier.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sweeton Pond Cemetery, Family Life Church or Dora FFA and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Ivan Edward Carrell, 85, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Carrell passed away at 7:45 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at his home.
He was born March 14, 1938, at Amy, Missouri, to Aulce and Arlene Peterman Carrell. Ivan was baptized at a young age and attended Egypt Grove Baptist Church throughout high school. On May 19, 1956, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Imogene Holloway. For many years Ivan worked construction before moving his family back to West Plains. He owned and operated Valley Park Muffler Shop for over thirty years. Family was his greatest treasure. He spent most of his time outside, hunting, fishing and playing corn hole with his grandchildren; he loved each of them dearly.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Imogene Carrell; four children, Jean Hanson and husband, Phil, Sam Carrell, Sherry Brotherton and husband, John and Dennis Carrell and wife, Maria; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Orbie Gunter; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Lena Holloway, two brothers, Orin and Aaron Gunter and one grandson, Robert Lucas, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, South Fork Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospitals and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life Service for Judy Lorene Palmer, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023, in the Dogwood Room at the West Plains Civic Center.
Mrs. Palmer passed away at 5:28 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born November 1, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lloyd and Lorene Callahan Thomas. Judy was an avid Cardinals fan. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and was her daughter, Angie’s biggest fan. Judy spent her free time playing games with her grandchildren or watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
She is survived by one daughter, Angie Barton and husband, Larry, Salem, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kylar Monds, Columbia, Missouri, Kasen Monds, Rolla, Missouri and Kevan Monds, Salem, Missouri; two brothers, Tom Wilson and wife, Connie, Springfield, Missouri and Larry Wilson, West Plains, Missouri; three sisters, Betty Perkins and husband, Donnie, Koshkonong, Missouri, Sue Hicks and Edith Laverne Wilson, both of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two sisters, Patsy Miller and Jane Robinson, one brother, Terry Lynn Wilson and two brothers-in-law, Johnny Hicks and Robert Robinson, preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Life Service for Michael Wayne Eldried, 67, Alton, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Eldried passed away at 8:15 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at his home.
He was born September 24, 1955, at Kansas City, Kansas, to Albert and Bernice Webb Eldried. Michael enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his daughter and his grandchildren.
He is survived by his significant other, Brenda Green, Alton, Missouri; one daughter, Tasha Turner and husband, Jason, Competition, Missouri; four grandchildren, William Turner and wife, Amiya, Isaac Turner, Jason (J.B.) Turner and Jacob Gammon, all of Competition, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Calliopee; two aunts, Linda and Shirley; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two brothers, Paul and James Eldried, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral Services for Sergio J. Navarrete, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Navarrete passed away at 12:53 p.m., Monday, September 4, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born May 7, 1965, at Bogota, Colombia, to Jose Vicente Navarrete and Lucia Jurado Molina. On January 16, 2022, he was married to the love of his life, Sherry Harper, which completed his family with the addition of two daughters and eleven grandchildren. Sergio was a very proud United States Army Veteran. He loved his family and spending time with his wife. He enjoyed dirt biking and all things about soccer: playing, watching, coaching and especially loved watching the Legler boys play. He was known by many as the Karaoke King; he loved singing karaoke and having a good time. On March 14, 2019 Sergio accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Harper-Navarrete, of the family home; three children, Emilio Navarrete and wife, Chelsea, Logan, Utah, Desirea Hubbard and husband, Jeff, West Plains and Danae McGowan and husband, Glenn of Western Australia; thirteen grandchildren, Josiah, Landen, Seth, Kole and Kellan Legler, Isabella and Audrey Sopolinski, Gracie, Kayden, Maxx and Eva McGowan and Beckham and Brynleigh Navarrete; one special sister, Sandra Gallaro and husband, William Arias, currently in Longwood, Florida from Brooklyn, New York and their sons, Joseph and Sebastian Arias; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Colombia, South America.
His parents and one brother, Oscar Navarrete preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains High School Soccer Team, El Fuego Traveling Team-Randa Hugg, West Plains Soccer Association, or Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Jason Thomas Vanatter, 54, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Vanatter passed away at 5:19 a.m., Monday, September 4, 2023, at his home.
He was born August 30, 1969, at Redondo Beach, California, to Thomas Vanatter and Charlotte Ann (Jones) Huff. Jason worked in construction and enjoyed tinkering and fixing things. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors.
He is survived by two daughters, Suzy and Tori Vanatter, along with their mother, Pat Vanatter; one brother, Todd Vanatter and wife, Robyn; one sister, Leah Wilkins; one step-brother, James Huff II and wife, Julia; two step-sisters, Diana Huff and partner, Dennis Roche and Julia Cook and husband, Kenny; and nieces and nephews, Ashlynn, Dillon, Deseree’, Jim Huff III, Jake and Emily.
His parents, and step-father, James Huff, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Celebration of Life services for Beryl Estell Colvin, 95, Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2023, in the Main room of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Colvin passed away at 3:06 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at her home in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She was born November 20, 1927, at Perth, West Australia, to Percival Lynch and Mary Ellen Debnom. She was also raised in Australia and met the love of her life there, a United States Navy Soldier named Charles. On November 11, 1944, Beryl was married at Subiaco, Australia, to Charles Duncan Colvin, who preceded her in death on February 5, 1977. Their son Barry was born in Australia. In 1945, Beryl and her son came to America on a war bride ship. Her passion was to make apple cakes to share with her friends and family, a tradition that she passed down to her daughter, Terri. She truly loved her family and cherished her friends. Beryl enjoyed being at the pool and dancing.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Williams, Pottersville, Missouri, and Terri Summers, Mountain Home, Arkansas; one son, Barry Colvin, Mountain Home, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Bob Summers and wife, Lori, Crystal Colvin, and Brian Groves; one special great-granddaughter, Caily Beavers Roork; and several other great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, beloved granddaughter, Sherry Summers, two sons-in-law, Jim Williams and Mike Groves, one daughter-in-law, Beverly Colvin, and her little dog, Foxy, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cureall Cemetery or Hospice of the Ozarks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Sharon Kay Tetrick Wilkins, 55, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Eaton Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Wilkins passed away at 8:11 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at her home.
She was born May 6, 1968, at West Plains, Missouri, to Kimon (Casey) Tetrick and Noma Newton Tetrick. In 1989, Sharon married Donnie Wilkins, and of that marriage two beautiful daughters, Casi Wilkins and Hunter Wilkins, were born. Sharon was devoted to her family and their happiness. She loved spending time with them, whether just visiting or having a picnic on the riverbank. She also enjoyed genealogy and researching the family ties in older pictures she discovered. Being raised by an avid hunter, she developed a love of dogs and foxes.
She is survived by two daughters, her oldest, Casi Wilkins and her two children, Preslee and Waylon, and her youngest, Hunter Wilkins, all of West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Randy Hayes, West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Gary Hayes, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Elsie Marie Kosemund, 82, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Ball Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Kosemund passed away at 2:15 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born March 30, 1941, at Dora, Missouri, to Elmer Walter Trail and Thelma Laura Smith. Elsie dedicated her life to her family and friends. She is survived by three children, Rita Maria Smith and husband, Robert of St. Louis, Missouri, Valdean Leah Kosemund , and Scott Frank Kosemund of West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren, Brad Kosemund, Cody Roberts, Jasmine Bennington and husband, Adam, Andrew Smith and wife, Becca, Ariella Smith, and Adam Smith; five great-grandchildren, Rylee Kosemund, Ethen Kosemund, Maxx Bennington, Nathan Smith, and Nicholas Smith; two brothers, Walter Trail of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Thomas Trail and wife, Paulette of Atlanta, Georgia; several nieces and nephews, and many beloved cousins.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 4, 2023 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, Langston Street Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Jack Lee Cauldwell, 90, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Pine Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Cauldwell passed away at 3:35 a.m., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Kabul Nursing Home.
He was born May 22, 1933, at Madison, Kansas, to Herschel Beal (Bud) Cauldwell and Sophie Blanck Cauldwell. Mr. Cauldwell was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Korean War. On August 6, 1955, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Viola Ruth Edwards, who preceded him in death on October 22, 2015. Mr. Cauldwell worked for forty-three years at Howard Construction; having retired in 1998. He was also the owner and operator of Willow Springs Skelly Gas Station. After retirement he enjoyed working and restoring old tractors and being on his farm.
He is survived by three sons, Michael and wife, Gayla, Kirby and wife, Shelly and Jack and wife, Natalie; five grandchildren, Heather and husband, Steve, Michele and husband, Daryn, Trey and wife, Courtney, Brandon and wife, Kerri and Brian and wife, Kendra; seven great-grandchildren, Harper, Piper, Canaan, Landry, Chloe, Graham and Mila; two sisters, Myrtle Irene Trogdon and husband, Gary and Carol Ann Hiler; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one infant son, Jackie Dale, two sisters, Arlene (Rene) Cauldwell and Thelma Jean Burkhart and five brothers, Johnnie Joe, Bill Junior, Herschel Dean, Robert Lynn and Larry, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children Hospitals or Pine G rove Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Jerry (Cowboy) Luton, 67, Willow Springs, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Dry Creek Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Luton passed away at 4:41 a.m., Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri with family by his side.
He was born October 3, 1955, at Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Melvin Luton and Essena Collins Luton. Mr. Luton attended Cabool School. He met the love of his life, Anna Merline Wiese in 1979 and they were married February 14, 1980; they were married 43 years. Cowboy and Anna loved children; together they had 173 nieces and nephews and helped in raising some of them: Coatney, Jesse, Sarah, Jacob, Jase, Wyatt and Kody; they were like their own children. Elijah, Mike and Harlee were special also. Cowboy was a farmer and worked on C & H Farms for many years. He also raised cattle, horses and goats; he loved his donkeys. Cowboy will be greatly missed by many people that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Luton, of the family home; three brothers, Estel Luton and wife, Maxine, Willow Springs, Missouri, Donnie Luton, Cabool, Missouri and Steve Luton and wife, Sandy, Mountain Grove, Missouri; one sister, Verlon Pogue and husband, Sam, Fredericktown, Missouri; sister-in-law, Sheryl Ford; two brothers-in-law, David Wiese and wife, Krista and Dane Wiese and wife, Emma; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
His parents, two sisters, father-in-law and mother-in-law, two nieces, one nephew, and one brother-in-law, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Dry Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Cynthia Lynn Barnard, 57, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Cynthia passed away at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at her home.
She was born February 25, 1966, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Elaine O’Brien Bibb.
Words from her children: Mom always did everything in this world for us boys; it never mattered what the situation was, we were always taken care of. It wasn’t always about having the best things, but Mom would make sure we had everything we needed, which mostly were the best things. I’ll always respect my Mother until the day I meet her again, especially for always being a strong, independent woman. She was like our super hero. Mom had ways to make sure we were happy, because at the end of the day, whatever made us happy, made her happy. It is hard playing the mother and father role as a single mother, but she made it seem very easy. Looking at us boys today, you can see what a great job she did with raising two well mannered young men. There was never a day Mom didn’t have a smile on her face. After all her pain, she is now in Heaven at peace. Now Mom will forever be our guardian angel and protect us like she did when she was a part of this earth. Mom taught so many life lessons that we will never take for granted and will hold with us for the rest of our time.
She is survived by two children, Jonathan Bibb and Billy Holloway and wife, Brooke, all of West Plains; one grandchild, Jaxon Holloway and one on the way; one brother, Jeff Bibb, Festus, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews, including Thomas, Dusty and Kyle Herrington.
Her parents, and one brother, John Bibb, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Wanda Ruth Pond, 92, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pond passed away at 8:20 a.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born May 27, 1931, at Hopson Valley near Corning, Arkansas, to Will Whelchel and Ethel Deckard Whelchel. On December 10, 1949, she was married at Corning, Arkansas, to Earnest Ezra Pond, who preceded her in death on October 28, 2016. Ruth loved her family; she enjoyed sewing and watching baseball and basketball with her husband. She was very active and always had a smile on her face. Ruth was a member of the Stitch and Chatter Club. Mrs. Pond loved going to Church and was a member of Assembly of God Church for many years. She also loved listening to Gospel music.
She is survived by three children, Rick Pond and wife, Margaret, Gilliam, Missouri, Vickey Collins and husband, Lloyd, West Plains and Terry Pond and wife, Kim, West Plains; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Richie Pond and wife, Debi, and their children, Ryan, Cory, Maci and Emmy, Sedalia, Missouri, Scott Pond, Marshall, Missouri, Brandi Mills and husband, George, and their children, Olivia and Noah, Ozark, Missouri, Tyler Pond and wife, Monique, and their children, Camden, Ella and Nora, West Plains, Lloyd Collins, Branson, Missouri and Dustin Collins, Branson, Missouri; two brothers, Homer Whelchel and Bill Whelchel and wife, Linda, all of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one sister, Ruby Ennis, Success, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, three brothers, Elmer, Ralphie and Ivan and three sisters, Beulah, Norma and Mildred, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.