James Edward Barks

Funeral services for James Edward Barks, 73, Pomona, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Barks passed away at 12:24 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025, at his home. 

He was born May 4, 1951, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ona Barks.  On October 1, 1999, he was married at Benton County, Missouri, to Geraldine (Geri) Dugger.  Mr. Barks worked for Howell-Oregon Electric for many years, as well as Crown Tractor and Marathon Electric.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, traveling, cooking and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.  He loved spending time with his grandkids.  Mr. Barks was a member of the Optimist Club and was very involved with the Mighty Mites program.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Geri) Barks, of the family home; three children, Cary Gates (Charissa), Waynesville, Missouri, Jamie Barks, West Plains, Missouri and Steven Gates, Independence, Missouri; son-in-law, Jamie Simpson; seven grandchildren, Chelsey Waterson (Matt), Salt Lake City, Utah, Andrew Gates, Nixa, Missouri, Abby Gates, Nixa, Missouri, Chloe Simpson, West Plains, Bree Ponce, Bryson Gates and Braxton Gates, all of Waynesville, Missouri; one brother, Bruce Owens, Salem, Missouri; two sisters, Ginger Collins, Salem, Arkansas and Joy Melton, West Plains; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Dugger (Shirley), Grove Spring, Missouri and James Dugger, Hartville, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and two special buddies, Avery Dugger and Butch Baird. 

His mother, one daughter, Christy Simpson, one brother, Benny Owens, in-laws, Bob and Della Dugger and several aunts and uncles that played a big role in his early life, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.