HOWELL COUNTY MOGenWeb OBITUARIES - C

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Heather Rose Smotherman Cadenbach Born Aug. 9, 1972, in West Plains and died May 20, 2008, at her home. Heather attended West Plains public schools. She graduated from SCCC as an LPN December 2000 and worked at local nursing homes and the Willow Springs Clinic. May 2004, she graduated from MSU with an Associates in Nursing. Following graduation, she worked for OMC in various departments, including Hospice and the extended care unit. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rose Lee Smotherman, and a brother-in-law, Jamie Hensley. She is survived by her husband, David Cadenbach, and her sons, Gage Smotherman and Jesses Smotherman; mother, Jayne, and stepfather, Terry Craig; brother, Michael Howerton; sisters, Sarah Harris and Stormie Brockett; her in-laws, Greg and Joann Cadenbach; uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She was loved very dearly and will be missed deeply by all. She never realized what a blessing it was for us to know her. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Rachel Faye Johnston Cadanau Passed from this life Feb. 19, 2009, at her home in Springfield, Mo., with her family beside her. She was born March 19, 1935, in Sutton, Ill., to Irwin J. and Hazel K. (Becker) Johnston, who along with five brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Rachel met her life’s partner and dearest love Richard while he was in the Navy. After his discharge, they were married April 21, 1956, in Corpus Christi, Texas. They were blessed with three children, three granddaughters, a great-grandson, and two great-grandchildren on the way. Rachel operated a switchboard early in life and carried this skill forward in life as a focus for communication among her widely extended family. For many years, she and Richard lived in in Willow Springs, Mo., and ran a small restaurant there. Her greatest joy and honor was being a homemaker, wife, mother, grandma and GiGima. Rachel enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting, writing, traveling, playing her organ, listening to music, laughter and her family. She gave of these skills in many volunteer outlets, such as Hospice, St. Ann’s Guild, the American Legion Auxiliary and her church. Commitment to her family and her legacy is reflected in her family’s choices, lives and accomplishment. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard D. Cadanau Sr.; their children, Richard Jr. and wife of 33 years, Debbie, Rod and wife of 26 years, Sydney Hoeltzli, and Rhonda Axtell and husband of 25 years, Russ; granddaughters: Karen Miller and husband of six years, John, Kristina Smith, the newlywed at five months with husband, Joshua, and youngest granddaughter Lucy Cadanau; great-grandson Eian Miller; one brother, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services for Rachel will be held Feb. 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, St. John’s Church, or American Cancer Society.
Icy Lorene Webb Callahan Age 86, West Plains MO - Graveside services were held Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at the South Fork Icy Lorene Webb Callahan - Age 86, West Plains MO - Graveside services were held Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at the South Fork Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Callahan died 5:39 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Pleasant Valley Manor. She was born Jan. 9, 1922, in Moody, Mo., to William Riley and Essie Iowa Newberry Webb. On Dec. 8, 1945, she was married at West Plains, Mo., to Paul Clyde Callahan who preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 1993. Mrs. Callahan was a member of the Bakersfield Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed cooking, baking and entering her work at the Heart Of The Ozarks Fair. Mrs. Callahan was a member of the First United Methodist Church of West Plains. She is survived by two children, Shirley Eleson of Ocala, Fla., and William Paul Callahan of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Casey Eleson of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Rochelle Boring and husband, Scott, of Meridian, Idaho; one great-grandchild, Dakota Boring; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, one sister and six brothers precede her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to South Fork Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
SOPHIA ELIZABETH HEINRICH DOWNING CALLAHAN Age 82, West Plains - Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. today in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. James Sharp officiating. Mrs. Callahan, a former resident of South Tower Apartments, died at 10:10 p.m. Saturday in West Plains Memorial Hospital. She was born May 3, 1899, in Moody, the daughter of Jacob and Amanda Jane Nicks Heinrich. She attended the Prairie Grove School in Howell County. IN 1917 she was married to John Harvey Downing, who preceded her in death Oct. 16, 1943. In 1945 she was married at West Plains to William Callahan, who preceded her in death April 3, 1970. Mrs. Callahan had been active in the Amy Union Workers, the South Fork Ladies Aid and the China Church Ladies Aid for many years. She was of the Methodist faith, having been a member of Amy Union Church since young womanhood. Survivors include three daughters and one son, Evelyn West, Dorothy Hayes, Audrey Bunch and Carl Downing, all of West Plains; one stepson, Paul Callahan, one step-daughter, Fern Easley, both of West Plains; 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, one brother, Lowell Heinrich, Caulfield, and a number of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husbands, on son, Chester Downing, four brothers, two sisters, one granddaughter and two great grandsons. Burial was in Amy Union Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
CHLOE COTTER CAMERON Age 95, West Plains, formerly of Bakersfield MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at the Full Gospel Church, Bakersfield MO, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Cameron died 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, in Brooke Haven Healthcare.  She was born Oct. 7, 1913, near Ott AR, to John Albert and Alpha Pearl Johnson Cotter.  She received her education in the schools of Union Ridge and Viola AR, and on Dec. 24, 1938, was married at Vidette AR, to Henry Russell Cameron, who preceded her in death on Jan. 11, 1986.  Mrs. Cameron was active in Home Extension clubs, was a wife and homemaker.  She was a member of the Assembly of God Church at Bakersfield MO, and attended the Full Gospel Church at Bakersfield MO. She is survived by a niece, Janice Tackitt; four nephews, Howard Cotter, Gary Cotter, Dean Cotter and Dane Cotter; and several nieces and nephews from Russell Cameron’s side of the family. Her parents; husband; and two brothers, Elvis Cotter and Desmon Cotter, precede her in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hurst Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Leonard Earl 'Kip' Campbell, Jr. Age 47, Mountain View MO - Died Apr. 5, 1998 at St Francis Hospital Mountain View Howell Co MO. He was born Jun. 9, 1950, the son of Leonard Earl Campbell, Sr. and Irma Huff.  He married Linda Loeffel Mar. 4, 1972 at St Louis MO. They had four children. Kip and his family moved to Mountain View in 1982 where he was employed with Mountain View Fabricating as an inspector. Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Mountain View; three daughters, Laura Pruett and husband Ron; Kathy Campbell and Jennifer Campbell, all of Mountain View, and son Steve Campbell, who recently moved to St Louis MO; his mother, Irma Campbell, High Ridge MO; four sisters, Patricia Bahr and Peggy Wennker of High Ridge MO, Paula Green of Granite City IL, and Robin Dallaire of Chicago IL; and five grandsons. He is preceded in death by his father, grandmother and one uncle. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Apr. 8, 1998 at Yarbert Mortuary Mountain View with Rev. Bill Apple officiating. Burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery Mountain View under the direction of Yarber Mortuary.
BERNIECE RISNER CANTRELL Born February 17, 1913 in Randolph County, AR to Ray and Willie Fernimen Risner and departed this life December 22, 2001 in St. Charles, MO at the age of 88 years. She was united in marriage May 25, 1935 in Myrtle, MO to Floyd Hanford Cantrell. Survivors include her husband; 3 children, Floyd Hanford Cantrell, Jr., Shilrey Williams, and Saundra Skiles; 1 sister, Mickey Bell; 1 brother, Tony Risner; 8 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Geneva Johnson and Pauline Risner; 3 brothers, Ferrell, J.W., and Herbert Risner. She was of the Freewill Baptist Faith. She was devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services were held December 26, 2001 at the Carter Funeral Chapel in West Plains, MO with Rev. Rick Dement and Rev. Lonnie Skiles officiating. Obituary printed by Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, MO.
Floyd Hanford Cantrell Son of Javan Cantrell & Clara Sorrell, was born May 10, 1916 in Myrtle, MO and passed away December 4, 2005 in St. Charles, MO at the age of 89 years. He was united in marriage to Berniece Risner May 26, 1935 in Myrtle, MO. He survived by 1 son, Floyd Cantrell, Jr.; 2 daughters, Saundra Skiles and Shirley Williams; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Neva Britton; He was preceded in death by his wife, Berniece; his parents; 1 sister, Meda Sisk; and 4 brothers, Noval, Noel 'Bill', Virgil and Hubert. In 1941 Floyd and Berniece moved to St. Louis, MO where he worked for the Old Reliable Candy Factory, Shingle Plant, and the Small Arms plant. In 1944 he was called to the Army in World War II. He served in the Philippines in Manila till 1945. On returning from the army Floyd went to work as a carpenter and continued until his retirement. He has been a faithful member of several Freewill Baptist Churches. He was ordained as a Deacon in Myrtle's church in 1937. He was always active building churches, 3 in St. Louis and 2 in Flordia. He served on Church Boards for many years. He seamed to be the Jack-of-all trades. He accomplished much with his 8th grade education and the Lord being his greatest teacher. He also loved writing poetry and had a way about him to make people laugh with his many jokes and stories. Obituary printed by Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, MO.
Burdette Cape Age 91, departed this life Nov. 1, 2008, at the Hospice Care Center in Little Rock, Ark. He was born Jan. 23, 1917, in Steelville, Mo., the son of James Wilbur and Flora (nee Hibler) Cape. On Oct. 18, 1941, Burdette was married to Reba Hall in Thayer, and they made their home in West Plains. Reba preceded him in death Sept. 25, 2003. During World War II Mr. Cape was a sergeant in the U.S. Army with expertise in radar repair. The campaigns and battles where he served included the Normandy invastion and Battle of the Bulge. He received other military honors and decorations but preferred not to talk about the war upon his return home. Following World War II he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in West Plains for many years. After retirement he enjoyed caning chairs, weaving baskets and collecting antique glassware. Mr. Cape was a longtime member of the Curry Street Church of Christ where he served, at one time or another, as deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and in various other capacities as needed. He even pinch-hit as preacher and song leader when needed. In the 1950s he would preach at smaller congregations of the Church of Christ in surrounding areas on Sunday afternoon after attending the Curry Street services in the morning. Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (Dr. Michael) Ledbetter, Little Rock, Ark., and Barbara (Leigh) Collins, Menomonee Falls, Wis.; two grandchildren, Anne (Jeff) Collins-Reed, Waupaca, Wis., and James (Amy) Collins, Oshkosh, Wis., and two great-grandsons, Zachary Collins and Connor Collins, Oshkosh, Wis. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant daughter, Reba Elaine Cape;  four brothers, James, Russell, Norman and Gerald; one sister, Theresa Cape Eshwieder; and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, with Evangelist Keith McNeely officiating. Burial will be held in the family plot at Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains. Military rites will be performed by the West Plains Honor Guard and the Missouri Funeral Honors Program.
Ron Caplinger Age 63, Springfield MO - Ron’s battle in the world ended Saturday morning, May 24, 2008, when he died peacefully in his sleep. Ron was born Aug. 4, 1944, in Wichita, Kan., to Donnis Cearley Caplinger, while his father, Arnold O. Caplinger, was serving in the Army during WWII. Upon his return, Pop moved the family to their native Missouri that Ron dearly loved and spent the rest of his days exploring with friends and family. Aug. 20, 1967, Ronnie married Nancy Dodge, daughter of H.L. and Virginia Judd Dodge. He is survived by Nancy; son, Matthew Clark Caplinger, his wife, Jennifer Price Caplinger, and their two children, Deegan Patrick Cessna and Lucy Dodge; daughter, Kate Caplinger Andrews, her husband, Rick Andrews, and their son, Colin Caplinger Andrews; brother, Kent Caplinger, and wife, Kathy; sister, Robin Mustion, and her husband, Richard; sister-in-law, Saundra Dodge Carter and Leonard H. Johnson; nieces, Robin Horne, husband, Vaune, and daughter, Hallie; Jessica Luraas, husband, Adam, and son, Noah; Jennifer Fraley and husband, Lee; nephews, Scott Carter and Brent Carter and children, Aaron and Caroline, and best friend Sugar Dog. Ron loved his extended family and many friends. Preceding him in death are his parents and his dear nephew, Ted Mustion. Ron was stricken with polio rounding third base at the age of 4. He was treated at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Louis, after which they returned to West Plains where he graduated high school. Ron enrolled as the first student in a wheelchair at the University of Missouri. He attended Washington University where he lived in St. Louis for two years before making Springfield his home. His career in the import-export business required foreign travel, which he loved, but he was always eager to come home. He managed national accounts for several different companies over a 30-year period before starting his own family business, SourceLink Ltd., and Dry Creek Furniture specializing in wholesale distribution of leather furniture and sporting goods. No didn’t work for Ron – he loved to fix things and just make it happen. Ron loved his family and friends, his St. Louis Cardinals, the Mizzou Tigers, fishing, being in the woods, deer camp, and Ozark Greenways. He enjoyed countless hours playing cards, cooking, drinking wine, listening to music, and just talking with his friends and family. He was always interested in what was going on with each and every one of you. The greatest example for us all was the way Ron lived, overcoming his physical challenge, in every way with no quarter. He accepted no limits.  What will we do without him? A memorial celebration was held at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 27, at King’s Way United Methodist Church. “Do not go gentle into that good night,
“Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Dylan Thomas.
Junior L. 'Bill' Carey Born March 23, 1938 in Spooner, MN the son of Levi and Bessie Grose Carey. He passed away on May 16, 2006 in Springfield, MO at the age of 69. He moved to Marion, IN at the age of 6 months and spent most of his life on the farm until joining the U.S. Navy in 1954. Junior was united in marriage to Shirley Russell and to this union two sons were born: Dennis Wayne and Rodney Lee. In 1968 Junior married Carol Kost Sills in Waukegan, IL and was blessed with three more children: Robert and Edward Sills and Robin Sills – Nicholson. In 1973 he retired from the Navy and went to work for Kiazer Steel in Napa, CA. He was an electrician with many talents. He moved to Birch Tree, MO in 1078 and loved his farm in Birch Tree. In 2001, Junior moved to O Hwy. He was employed by Current Electric in West Plains, Mo from 1991 until 2005. Junior is preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Bessie Carey; one son, Dennis Wayne; one granddaughter, Leslie Morgan; two brothers, Charles and Kenneth Carey. He is survived by his wife, Carol of the family home; one son, Rodney of Clinton, AIN; his step-children, he loved them all, Robert Sills and wife, Kathy of Kendallville, IN, Ed Sills and wife Sharon of Mountain View, MO and Robin Nicholson and husband Patrick of Summersville, MO; two sisters, whom he loved dearly, Allie and husband Dr. Edsel Reed of Jeffersonville, IN and Annie Kimmell of Debary, FL; ten grandchildren he loved so much; 13 great grandchildren; and many, many friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at Yarber Chapel in Mountain View, MO with Bro. Carl Younger officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, MO. Arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, MO.
Margaret E. Gustafson Carlson Age 94, of Willow Springs, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, of congestive heart failure at Willow Care Facility, Willow Springs, Mo. Margaret was born March 2, 1914, to Walter and Alma Gustafson, who farmed in the Smolan area.  She attended Smolan Grade School and graduated from Smolan High School and was confirmed in the Salemsborg Lutheran Church.  She was married to Hans Carlson, and they had two children, Sam and Sonya.  In the mid-1950s, they moved from Smolan to Lindsborg.  Margaret worked at the Lindsborg High School cafeteria and Hans was employed at Bethany College.  Hans preceded her in death in 1978. After retirement, she moved to Willow Springs where Sam and his wife, Betty, live. Margaret enjoyed her life there, traveling with them and Dollie Waters, who was Betty’s mother and Margaret’s best friend. Margaret lived a long and interesting life.  During her early adult years, she was a talented vocalist who sang professionally.  She also hosted and sang on her own weekly live radio program on KSAL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hans Carlson; her parents, Walter and Alma Gustafson; her brother, Wesley Gustafson; and her sister, Edith Rodine. Survivors include her son, Sam, and his wife, Betty, of Willow Springs, Mo., and her daughter, Sonya Carlson Smith, and her husband, Cotton, of Mission Hills, Kan.; four grandchildren and their spouses, Derek and Tiffany Carlson, Scott and Cynthia Smith, Laura and Owen Faulkner, Stephanie and Rob Kissick; and seven great-grandchildren, Alex and Brady Carlson, Katie, Bobby and Maggie Kissick, Gus and Jesse Faulkner.  Also surviving are two nieces and two nephews. A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Salemsborg Lutheran Church Cemetery in Salemsborg, Kan., with Rev. Donald Hawk officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either the Willow Springs Scholarship Fund or the Willow Springs Public Library.  Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home in Willow Springs.
Euell F. Carpenter Age 88, died Dec. 13, 2008, at West Vue Nursing Home in West Plains, Mo. He was born June 11, 1920, to William and Cora Carpenter in Lafe, Ark. Mr. Carpenter retired from Carnation Can Division in Mt. Vernon, Mo., in 1977 and served in the U.S. Army and CCC Corps. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Banning and husband, Don, of West Plains, Mo.; two granddaughters, Jennifer VanOrden and husband, Kurt, of Draper, Utah and Michelle Kruse and husband, Brad, of Willow Springs, Mo.; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mae Dalton of Campbell, Mo. and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary E. Carpenter; two brothers, Olin Carpenter and Everett Carpenter; and two sisters, Thelma Eagan and Velma Smith. Private burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Campbell, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Arrangements were under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
JERRY E. CARPENTER Born August 10, 1940 to Charles Carpenter and Stella Cottner Carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri. Jerry passed away May 11, 2006 in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 65 years. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Charles Carpenter and Stella Cottner Carpenter and one sister Charlotte Gray. He is survived by his wife Anna Carpenter of Mountain View, Missouri; three sons Russell Carpenter of Birch Tree, Missouri; Danny Carpenter and wife Brenda of Burfordville, Missouri; David The Boy Carpenter and wife Beth of Mountain View, Missouri; two daughters Tammy Castello and husband Kevin of St. Louis, Missouri; September Gray of Festus, Missouri; one brother William 'Bill' Humphrey of Antonio, Missouri; one sister Delores Hendricks of Wentzville, Missouri; his ten grandchildren, Jon, Echo, Sara, Tony, Joey, Mandy, Amber, Katie, Johnie, and Breanna, and many other family and friends. Jerry will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services were held Monday, May 15, 2006 at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Mountain View, Missouri with Father Ernie Marquart officiating. Interment was held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, Missouri under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home in Mountain View, Missouri. [Courtesy of The Current Wave.)
JOHN WILBURN CARROLL Born Mar. 20, 1898 at Atchison Atchison Co KS; died Jul. 26, 1956 at Willow Springs Howell Co MO.  Married Roxy Edna York in Howell County, Mo. abt 1930. Father to 8 children: Charles, Neta, Clifford, Richard, Shirley, Helen, David, and John Wendell. His mother died shortly after his birth. His father was a railroad worker and took John to his grandparents who were instrumental in raising him. At age 14, John left home, and with his uncle Cyrus Carroll went on the road doing odd jobs and searching for adventure. He ended up in Howell County where he met Roxy York at Hutton Valley. They were married shortly thereafter. John worked for various farmers and businessmen. He suffered a severe back injury in the 30's that left him somewhat disabled. He then began painting signs. He was a talented artist and some of his paintings from the early 20's remain in the family today. He was a self-taught musician who played the violin and piano. His disability became worse as he got older and the last few years of his life he was confined to a wheelchair and finally bedfast. He died at home just outside of Willow Springs and is buried at Willow Springs City Cemetery.
RICHARD S. CARROLL Passed away early Saturday morning (Oct. 25, 2003) of a heart attack in Branson. Mr. Carroll was born April 18, 1942, in Willow Springs, Mo., and was married to Margaret Flannery on September 26, 1965. They enjoyed 38 years together. They have four children, Charles of San Diego, Calif., Stephanie Castillo of Phoenix, Ariz., Michael of Springfield, Mo., and Susan Buttenob of Austin, Texas; and five grandchildren. Richard attended SMSU and spent five years in the U.S. Army serving overseas in Europe. Mr. Carroll spent 32 1/2 years working for the Missouri Highway Patrol as an electrical field engineer in Troops G, E, D, and General Headquarters in Jefferson City. In his spare time he enjoyed amateur radios, reading, researching the Internet and traveling with his wife to see his grandchildren, family and friends. He was a member of the AARP, Amateur Radio League, a charter member of the Willow Springs Lions Club, National Rifle Association and the Missouri State Troopers Association. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Roxie Carroll; a sister, Neta; and a brother, David. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; four children; five grandchildren; brothers, Charles of Willow Springs, Mo., Cliff of Newton, Kan., and Wendell of Pampa, Texas; and sisters, Shirley Custer and Helen Hoffman, both of Peoria, Ill. Visitation is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today in Willow Springs Funeral Home. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday in United Methodist Church, with interment in Willow Springs City Cemetery following the service.
LINNA CARSON Died Sep., 1977 - Graveside services for Linna Carson, Morris IL, formerly of West Plains, were held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery with Reader Bill Bowen officiating. Mrs. Carson died Saturday at Morris IL. Persons attending from out of the area included Mr. & Mrs. Hevelin Carson and Caroline, Markham IL; George Leroy Carson, Sauk Village IL, and Mr. & Mrs. Kenrick, Berryville AR. Interment was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains.
Addison Carter

Graveside services for Addison Allissa Carter, stillborn infant daughter of Josh Carter and Dessa Judd, were held Friday, April 24, 2009, at the Myrtle Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Addison was called to be with the angels on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. She is survived by her parents, Josh Carter and Dessa Judd of Myrtle, Mo.; grandparents, Don and Marie Carter of Springfield, Mo., Cathy Sorrell of Myrtle, Mo., and Randy and Cheryl Judd of Rover, Mo.; great-grandparents, Junior and Margarett Judd, Bob and Mary Lou Sorrell, Danny and Myra Douglas and Danny and Lois Carter; aunts and uncles, Emilee Carter, Mikaela Carter, Adrieanna Carter, Abigail Carter, Aaron Judd, Eli Judd, Kayla Judd and Hope Judd; and one cousin, Korra Judd. (Howell County News, 4/29/09)

Carl Vern Carter Sr. Carl Vern Carter Sr., 74, of Kansas City, Mo. died Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Research Medical Center. Carl was born on June 23, 1934, to Eldon and Pansy Carter of Twin Bridges, Mo. After serving in the military, he went on to work for Siemens Mfg., Skelly Oil, and he retired from Consolidated Freightways after more than 25 years of service. As a youth, he was a member of the Big Spring Missionary Baptist Church. Through the years, he was also a member of several area churches, including Michigan Avenue, Loma Vista, Swope Park and most recently, South Kansas City Baptist Church. He was active in Boy Scout troops 131/631 and 421 and he was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was also a member of the Machinists Union (IAM)-Local 778. Carl is survived by his wife of 52 years, Oma Rose; four children, Sharol Thompson and husband, Curtis, and their daughters, Twila, Jennifer and Casie, of Liberty, Carl Jr. and wife, Melody, and their children, Adam and Carli, of Raytown, Lena Carter and son, Johnathan, of Kansas City, and Jackie Brown and husband, Dan, and their daughters, Tracy and Lori, of Raytown; and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind three brothers and five sisters. (Howell County News, 4/08/2009)
Frances Carter

Funeral services for Frances Irene Carter, 80, West Plains, were Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Carter died at 11:50 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2009, at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born Oct. 16, 1928, at Harvard, Neb., to Henry and Zora Mullins Skinner. In May of 1948, she was married at Las Vegas, Nev., to Ross Lee Carter, who preceded her in death on Dec. 18, 1998. Mrs. Carter had been an inspector for Coca-Cola Bottling Company and was a greeter at Wal-Mart. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and also loved spending time with friends and family. Mrs. Carter was of the Pentecostal faith. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Carter, wife, Jeanette, Farmington, Mo.; five grandchildren, Stephane Young of West Plains, Jeff McDaniel and special friend, Olivia Elliott, Tara Orr, husband, Jason, of West Plains, Kyle Carter, wife, Jenna, of Perryville, Mo., and Tasha Carter of Springfield, Mo.; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tom Skinner, wife, Marie, of Gamaliel, Ark., and Bob Skinner, wife, Beth, Pomona, Mo.; four sisters, Delora Johnson, Birch Tree, Mo., Helen Blair, Elsinore, Calif., Wilma Tom, husband, Charles, of West Plains and Rosemary Burgess, husband, Royce, Willow Springs, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; husband; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Rick McDaniel; one brother, Henry “Bud” Skinner; and one sister, Edith Rainey, precede her in death. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (Howell County News May 06, 2009)

SARAH EMALINE TURNER CARVER Daughter of David Alexander Turner and Julia Ann Dodd Turner, was born Oct. 24, 1879 at Siloam Springs MO and departed this life Dec. 29, 1979 at West Plains MO at the age of 100 years, 2 months, and 5 days. She was united in marriage Jul. 4, 1900 at West Plains MO to Robert L. Carver, who preceded her in death Oct. 23, 1964. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Edna Evans and Mrs. Madge Weatherford, West Plains, and Mrs. Marie Chritton, Willow Springs MO; two sons, Fred Carver, Independence OR, and Frank Carver, Pomona MO; 20 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 4 half-sisters, 2 half-brothers and one son, Howard Carver. She was a member of the Pomona Christian Church. ~  Funeral services were held Jan. 2, 1980 for Sarah Emaline Carver, 100, who died Saturday at West Vue Home in West Plains, with Rev. Keith Cunningham officiating. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home of West Plains.
Juanita M. Dobbs Cary Age 84, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2007, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Cary died 7:58 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2007, in West Vue Nursing Center. She was born May 15, 1923, in Lone Pilgrim, Mo. to Noah Dobbs and Jane Samples Dobbs. She was married to Vernon Moyer and later was married to Lee Cary. Before her retirement, Mrs. Cary was employed as a receptionist and bookkeeper for West Plains Veterinary Supply. She was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Thom, husband, Vic, Cardiff By the Sea, Calif.; two grandchildren, Rebecca Cramer, husband, David, Aliso Viejo, Calif., and Abagail Wallace, husband, Jon, Encinitas, Calif.; one great-grandchild, Evan Cramer; brother-in-law, Dean Boyd, West Plains; sister-in-law, Vinita Hendrickson, Knob Noster, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; husbands; one sister, Watseka Boyd; and two brothers, Kenneth Hendrickson and Mendel Hendrickson, preceded her in death. Mrs. Cary will lie in state noon Saturday until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Arlis Eugene Case Son of Archie Case and Eula Martin Case on March 13, 1941, in Mammoth Spring AR, and departed this life July 4, 2008, in West Plains, Mo., at the age of 67 years. He was united in marriage on Aug. 21, 1982, in Highland AR, to Charlene Manasco. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Case of the home in West Plains MO; one son, Rene Case, Las Vegas NV; one daughter, Harley Lawson, West Plains MO, four brothers, Troy Case, Mammoth Spring AR, Harlin Case, Hardy AR, Orlando “Sonny” Case, Mammoth Spring AR, and Theo Case, Independence MO; one sister, Anna Bowers, Thayer MO; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Arlisa Case; one sister, Audrey Porter; and one brother, Roy Ray Case. Arlis lived and enjoyed a full life. As a young man, he started out picking cotton in Arkansas. Through hard work and determination, he was a college graduate, earning a degree in criminal knowledge. He was a helicopter pilot, an expert in fingerprinting and was employed by the Anaheim Police Department in California for many years. Arlis was a diplomat for the International Optimist Foundation and once served as lieutenant governor and president. He was active in the organization of the gun shows, receiving many awards, including the award for recruiting over 100 new members into the West Plains Optimist Club. Mr. Case proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving on the USS Yorktown. Arlis was a member of the First Baptist Church in West Plains. He was devoted to his family, and especially enjoyed fishing trips with his brother-in-law, Paul Clark. Arlis will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, brother, foster parent and a friend to all. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today, Monday. Burial will be in Hurst Cemetery near Mammoth Spring AR, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., of Thayer.
Helen Jewell Hicks Cash Longtime resident of Willow Springs, was born on July 24, 1933, to Bill and Katie Marie Hicks; she passed away while at Willow Care Nursing Home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, after a long illness; she was 75 years old. Helen Helen was raised in the Dora, Mo., area and married Dallas Cash on June 30, 1949. Four sons were born to this union: B.J., Ted and Eddie “Sonny.” One son passed away at birth.  In 1968, Helen went to work for the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Willow Springs as a stenographer. Helen enjoyed working for the patrol for nearly 40 years and retired only after her illness prevented her from continuing to work. She was very dedicated to her family. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sons. She is survived by her two sons, B.J. Cash and his wife, Becky, Willow Springs, and Sonny Cash and his wife, Diane, Jefferson City; one sister, Burnice Riley, Mountain Grove; two nephews and one niece; four grandchildren, Chris Cash and his wife, Leann, Jefferson City, Carson Cash, Springfield, Amanda Rodgers and her husband, Heath, Vanzant, and Jasmine Cash, Cabool; and six great-grandchildren. A graveside funeral service for Helen will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2008,  at the Willow Springs City Cemetery  on DD Highway in Willow Springs, with Pastor Tommie Boles officiating. A family night/visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Willow Funeral Home, 106 E. Third St., Willow Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Hosea Carl Cates Age 71, Alton MO - Born July 13, 1937, in Oregon County, Mo., and passed away Sept. 29, 2008, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Mo. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of the home; one daughter, Regina Barton and husband, Greg; one son, Jeff Cates and wife, Sondra; his mother, Lois Cates; one sister, Helen Holmes; four grandchildren, Erin Melby and husband, Heath, Whitney Chadwick and husband, Chase, Jon Barton, Alyssa Cates; one great-grandchild, Jadeyn Melby; and numerous other relatives and friends. Preceded him in death were his father, Corwin Cates; one brother, Herman Cates; and one infant sister. Services were held Oct. 2, 2008, in Bailey Free Baptist Church, with Brother Darrell Strain officiaing. Interment was in Smith Cemetery under the direction of Clary Funeral Home, Alton, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Canyon Country Freewill Baptist Church building fund.
Nova 'Papa Pete' Cearley Age 82, Pomona MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Cearley died 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his home. He was born June 6, 1925, in Douglas County, Mo., to Virgil and Lula Upshaw Cearley. When he was a baby, Mr. Cearley’s family moved to West Plains where he attended Galloway School. On March 14, 1946, he married the love of his life, Oralee Brixey, at Olathe, Kan. They celebrated 62 years together and had three daughters. Mr. Cearley followed construction, working in California, Idaho and Columbia, Mo.; he moved back to West Plains in 1965 where he built several houses. He was a farmer, raising cattle, hogs and hay. Mr. Cearley loved to make a garden and share the produce with his family and friends. When he was younger, he loved to coon hunt and he enjoyed playing cards with his friends. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play ball. Everyone called him “Papa Pete” or 'the Tootie Roll Man.' Mr. Cearley was baptized into the Christian Church as a child and was a member of the First Christian Church for many years. He is survived by his wife, Oralee Cearley, of the family home; two daughters, Barbara Ledford, husband, Jim, Viola, Ark., and Carolyn Hoover, West Plains; three grandchildren, Brian Hoover, wife, Jodie, Christy Hoover ,and Adam Ledford, wife, Ashley; five step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, Marcus Hoover, Tanner Hoover, Colly Hoover, Brett Wilbanks and Mason Wilbanks; one brother-in-law, Fred Brixey, wife, Agnes, West Plains, Mo.; one sister-in-law, Eleanor Brixey, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews, and many friends. His parents; one daughter, Sharon Dollins; two brothers, Elza (Chub) Cearley and Eldon Cearley; and one sister, Doris Matherly, precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Riverways Hospice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
CHESTER 'CHET' CHAMBERLAIN Age 74, Willow Springs Howell Co MO - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 24, 1980) in the Pomona Christian Church with the Rev. Keith Cunningham officiating. Mr. Chamberlain died Feb. 21, (1980) at h is winter home in Zapata TX. He was born Oct. 10, 1905 at Sycamore KS, the son of the late Clark Chamberlain and Ida Whitten Chamberlain. He was married Apr. 4, 1930 at Salem, Fulton Co AR, to Sybil Nevels. Mr. Chamberlain was the former owner and operator of the Chamberlain Motor Company in Willow Springs. He was a member of the Pomona Christian Church, Ingomar Lodge No. 536 AF and AM, Willow Springs, the York Rite Commandry, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, Springfield, the Willow Springs and West Plains Saddle Clubs, the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Willow Springs Development Corporation. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Sybil Chamberlain of the home,  and several nieces and nephews. Burial was in the Willow Springs City Cemetery under the direction of the Burnes-Mackey Funeral Home of Willow Springs.
Peggie Mallion Chance Age 83, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Longwood Cemetery, Ponca City, Okla., at 4:00 p.m. Monday, June 30. Mrs. Chance died 5:32 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008, at her home. She was born Jan. 5, 1925, in Beulah, Mich., to Louis Alex and Dorothy Moser Mallion. She moved to Traverse City, Michigan, at 4 months of age where she attended Grand Traverse Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1944.  On Nov. 14, 1944, Peggie and Jack S. Chance were married in Traverse City, Mich. In December, 1945, they moved to Mojave, Calif., before moving to Ponca City, Okla., in June of 1947. Jack and Peggie were blessed with four children – three sons and one daughter. In younger years, she enjoyed camping and fishing with her family, as well as watching her sons play basketball and baseball. Peggie loved to travel – going on trips to China, South America and to Europe several times.  She also took several cruises to the Islands and traveled to all but three of the states in the USA. Most of her life, Peggie was a homemaker. She went to work for Continental Oil Company in 1978 in Building Operations and Services in Ponca City, Okla. She retired in 1985.  Peggie moved to West Plains in 2000. Peggie is survived by her four children and their families: Bob and Mary Ann of Ozark, Ark.; Juan and Ron McGowen of Manor, Texas; twin boys, Larry Chance and wife, Delores of West Plains, Mo., and Terry Chance and wife, Linda, of Evansville, Ind.; and seven grandchildren: Bart, Barry, Nikki, Dane and Kara Chance, Jack and Tomey McGowen. She also is survived by two sisters, Coramae Pierce of Traverse City, Mich., and Jodie and husband, Ted Dietz of Ocala, Fla.; and two brothers, Bill and wife, Dee Mallion, of North Little Rock, Ark., and Delbert and wife, Helen Mallion, of Traverse City, Mich.; and like-a-sister, Linda Wise, of Traverse City, Mich. Peggie’s husband, Jack, preceded her in death on July 24, 1976.  She also was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Lou, Bob, Bart, and Rex Mallion; two sisters, Doris Mae Mallion and Nora Mae Dewar; and one half-brother, Maurice Mallion. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
JAMES H. CHANEY Son of Robert S. Chaney & Katherine Smith. Born Dec. 12, 1931; died Mar. 10, 2004 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. He was married to Nancy Jean Pruitt in Texas County. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict. Children: Larry, Kenny Ray, Terry Andrew, Dorthea Darlene Irish, Denise Larae Tinnin, Jimmy. Brother of Robert Chaney. Services held at the Willow Funeral Home; interment at Willow Springs City Cemetery.
NETTIE LOU BOLES CHASTAIN Age 79, Burbank OK, formerly of this area - Private burial services will be held at a later date at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Ore., under the direction of Trout Funeral Home of Ponca City OK. Mrs. Chastain died Monday, April 7, 2003, at Burbank.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Sarah Ellen Cobb Christian Born in Marion county, Missouri, September 30, 1848. She was married to Thomas M. Christian December 4, 1817, to this union seven children were born, four of which survive her, two sons and two daughters. She was converted very early in life and united with the Missionary Baptist church at Warren, Marion county, Missouri. She afterwards came to Howell county, Missouri and united with the Baptist church at Chapel Hill. She was a devoted, companion a kind and loving mother. She was loved and admired by all who knew her; and as a neighbor none ever appealed to her in vain. She departed this life January 9, 1919, at the age of 70 years, 3 months and 9 days, after an illness of only about 3 hours. She leaves two sons, two daughters, nine grand children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She has gone to her reward in Heaven above, to be forever with friends who have gone before. May God bless and comfort the sorrowing loved ones in their hour of grief. The funeral was conducted by Rev. M.P. Smotherman at Chapel Hill on the day following her death, after which she was laid by the side of her husband, who preceded her several years ago.
INA 'IVALEE' RICHMOND CHRISTOPHER Passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2008 while at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Mo. Born on March 13, 1934, in Mountain Grove, Mo., to George and Freda Richmond, she was 73 years old. Ivalee was raised in Dawson, Mo., and graduated from Mountain Grove High School. On Sept. 5, 1952, Ivalee married John T. Christopher in Mountain Grove, Mo., and the couple eventually settled in Willow Springs. Ivalee had many enjoyments in her life such as crocheting, golfing, and camping at Bidwell Point in Mountain Home, Ark.; however, she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and was described as a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed on Friday's at Toby D's for her weekly beauty appointment and lunch afterward with her granddaughter Chrissy. Ivalee was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John T. Christopher on Oct. 31, 2005; and a son, Harold Max Christopher on May 26, 2003. Mrs. Christopher is survived by her daughter, Brenda 'Sue' Kidwell and her husband Bob of Willow Springs; grandchildren Kyle Kidwell of West Plains; Chrissy Crudgington and her husband Jeremy of Willow Springs, and Shirley Brown of West Plains. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren Austin Kidwell of West Plains; and Wyatt, Landon and Aspen Crudgington, and Paisley (who is on the way) all of Willow Springs. Ivalee will be dearly missed by her special friend and domino partner Opal Pierce. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Willow Funeral Home, located at 106 E. Third Street in Willow Springs. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Westside Family Life Center, located at 1274 County Road 5270 in Willow Springs. Burial will follow Thursday's service at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home in Willow Springs.
JOHN F. CHRISTOPHER Age 74, Pomona MO - Services held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 1969, at the Pomona Christian Church with  the Rev. Keith Cunningham officiating. Burial in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Robertson Funeral Home. Mr. Christopher died at his home Aug. 5, 1969, after a long illness. He was born Feb. 9, 1895 and had spent most of his  life in the Pomona area. He was veteran of WWI, having served in France. He was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church from 1930 to 1953 when he moved his membership to Pomona Christiana Church. Survivors include his wife Maude, a daughter, Pauline Maile, South Pekin, IL, two sons, Junior and Jerry, both of Willow Springs, six sisters, Fassie Summers, Joey Wilbanks, Elsie Smith, Linda Turner, all of Pomona, and Fay Hachetl, California, and Lola Bennett, Oregon, brothers Charley and Fred of Independence, eight ____ grandchildren and four great grandchildren. (Part is missing).
Sarah Frances Martin Christy Born November 15, 1901 at Montier, MO, the daughter of Simon and Matilda Hamma Martin and departed this life on October 18, 1979 at 2 p.m. in the Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs, MO at the age of 77 years, 11 months, and 3 days. She was united in marriage to Thomas Edward Christy on October 7, 1922 and to this union ten children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons. She leaves to morn her passing, three sons, Carl and Dale of Colorado; Melvin of West Plains, MO; five daughters, Nadia Jackson of Pomona, MO; Dorothy Lourance of Ash Grove, MO; Loeta Dowell and Pauline Reese both of Mountain View, MO; and Lucille Rikard of Texas; also one brother, Joe Martin of Birch Tree; and three sisters, Mary Beavers of Birch Tree; Lizzie Allen of Topeka, KS, and Louvina Martin of Mountain View, MO; also 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. She professed her faith in Christ in the late thirties and lived faithfully until her death. She was a charter member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Mountain View. Services were held Monday, October 22, at 1 p.m. in the Church of God of Prophecy in Mountain View. Obituary printed by Duncan Funeral Home in Mt. View, MO.
Thomas Edward Christy Oct. 4, 1891 - May 24, 1957) - Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Christy, departed this life May 24, 1957 at 3 p.m. Mr. Christy was born at Huntsville Randolph Co MO in 1891. Prior to coming to Howell County in September, 1956, he lived on a farm at Fremont, MO in Carter County. In 1922 he was united in marriage to Sarah Frances Martin who survives him. To this union 10 children were born. Two sons preceded their father in death in infancy. He is survived by eight children: Sfc Carl L. Christy of the U.S. Army Advisory Group, St. Louis, MO; Melvin Christy, St. Louis, MO; A-B Irvan D. Christy of the U.S. Air Force, Lackland, TX; five daughters, Mrs. Nadia Jackson, Pomona, MO; Mrs. Dorothy Lourance, Mountain View, MO; Mrs. Loeta Dowell, Mountain View, MO; Mrs. Lucille Annis, Butte, MT; Miss Pauline Christy of the home. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.
Charles Christopher ‘C. C.’ Church Longtime resident of Willow Springs, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, while at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs.  Born on April 29, 1941, in Tyrone, Mo., to John and Sadie (Neel) Church, he was 67 years old.  Mr. Church grew up in Tyrone, Missouri, and later moved to Olivehurst, Calif.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 before moving to Willow Springs 47 years ago.  Mr. Church worked as a truck driver for more than 32 years for 7-Up Bottling Company in Willow Springs. Mr. Church said that he 'dearly loved every minute' of his work for 7-Up. Mr. Church enjoyed watching television and playing casino video games, however; he especially enjoyed playing pool and snooker with his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters; Melba Frame, Rebecca Yancy, and Carmelee Church; and his brothers; Noah and Francis Church.  Mr. Church is survived by his wife, Betty Church of Willow Springs; his children, CC Church and his wife Jamie of Willow Springs; Rick Church and Melissa of Rolla; Bobby Jackson and Jenny of Conway; and Debbie Pulley and Virgil of Willow Springs.  Eighteen grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Evelyn Rust of Cabool and Letty Sue Horton of North Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews further survive. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Willow Funeral Home, located at 106 E. Third Street in Willow Springs.  Burial with military honors will follow Wednesday’s service at the Lost Camp Cemetery in Pomona, Mo.  Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, Willow Springs.
‘Frankie’ Church Graveside services for Frankie Church, 39, West Plains, were Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Howell Valley Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Frankie died at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2009, at St. Bernard’s Hospital, Jonesboro, Ark. He was born Sept. 27, 1969, at Alton, Mo., to Alva C. and Barbara J. Lyons Church.  He graduated from the Couch High School and on Aug. 9, 1997, was married at West Plains, Mo., to Brooke Mathis.  For the last 12 years, Frankie lived in West Plains at Lamplight Village being cared for by Mike and Sheila Newton, all of their wonderful staff, and Debbie Holland of the Poplar Bluff Regional Center, Department of Mental Health. He worked at Ozark Sheltered Industries for many years. Frankie will be missed by many, many friends, as Frankie was not a stranger to anyone, whether he met them on his many walks around the square or his forays at the police station.  At Lamplight, he was called their own little policeman because of his vigilance of righteousness.  He was a fan of NASCAR racing, his favorite driver being #8.  Frankie was a little guy with a big heart.  He will be missed by all who knew him and by those who loved him, especially by the people whose lives were blessed by the chance to become the family he held so dear. He is survived by his wife, Brooke Church, West Plains; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Beth Mathis, West Plains; sister, Janet Church, Doniphan, Mo.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jessica and Donald Snyder and their sons, Lane and Robert; nephew, Robert Snyder; foster mother and foster father, Bonnie and Allen Hackley; and foster brother, J.R. Hackley. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (Howell County News 4/29/09).
Bruce Ronald Clark Age 70, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, with Brother Bill Bales officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, West Plains. Family visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2005. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Charles Carpenter Clarke Age 77, Pomona MO - A Celebration Of Life was held Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Clarke died 10:50 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at Ozarks Medical Center. He was born March 23, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., to Vearl and Elsie Hooper Morris. He graduated from the West Plains High School and on March 21, 1957, was married to Lavergne Voelke. Mr. Clarke was a veteran having served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Before his retirement, he was employed as a truck driver. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lavergne Clarke, of the family home; five children, Debra M. Burnham, Sherry Sulek and husband, Jeff, Charles D. Clarke, Donald M. Clarke and Terry Wilder; eight grandchildren, Sherry Medina, Justin Sulek, Michelle Sulek, Nina Burnham, D.J. Clarke, Chad Clarke, Noah Clark and Jackie Wilder; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Ed Morris; and one sister, Vicki Daniels. His parents; two sons, Randy Wilder and John W. Clarke; one brother, Donald M. Clarke; and beloved dog, Taco, precede him in death. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Fern Corena Luton Clark Age 65, of Cabool Texas Co MO - Passed away Saturday, May 31, 2008, at her home. She was born on Nov. 7, 1942, in Douglas County, Mo., the daughter of Melvin and Essena (Collins) Luton. She was united in marriage to Lester Clark in 1968. Fern dedicated her life to her family, especially her grandchildren. She was always the happiest when she was able to spend time with them. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Madeline Smith. Fern is survived by her husband, Lester of the home; her sons, Bodie Luton and wife, Susy and Randy Clark and wife, Heather; her daughters, Tammy Scott and husband, Don and Teresa Bell and husband, Junior; 16 grandchildren, Travis Luton, Dana Luton, Daniel Luton, Shaun Luton, Teasha Clark, Trenton Scott, Tabby Scott, Tara Scott, Christina Bell, Ashley Bell, Brandon Turnbull, Chelsea Clark, Keri Clark, Anthony Nauge, Zack Ruff and Alisa Ruff; two great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Estel Luton and wife, Maxine, Donnie Luton and wife, Cathy, Jerry Luton and wife, Merline, Verlin Pogue and husband, Sam and Steve Luton and wife, Sandy; as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Services were Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at the Blue Buck Church with the Rev. John Emery and Rev. Terry Brown officiating. Pallbearers were Gary Gregory, Ricky Pogue, Randy Clark, Brandon Turnbull, Trenton Scott and Junior Bell. Honorary pallbearers were Paden Hendrix, Don Scott and Richard Feldman. Interment was in the Flat Rock Cemetery in Douglas County under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, Mo.
NORMAN J. CLARK Age 61, West Plains died Thursday, Jan. 14, 1993. He was born Feb. 7, 1931, near Iberia to Norman E. and Hester Berry Clark. On April 10, 1954, he was married at Tuscumbia to Shirley Eads of Vienna. She survives. Mr. Clark was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the US Army. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Norman W. Clark and Ryan L. Clark, both of Mountain Home, Ark., and Terry L. Clark of Mt. Vernon; two daughters, Deborah D. Collins and Teresa S. Clark, both of West Plains; six grandchildren; three brothers, Lamar Clark of Belton, Kirt R. Clark of Sacramento, Calif., and James A. Clark of Boonville; and two sisters, Niona G. Kuegele of Kansas City and Ellen N. LaFountain of Ft. Worth, Tex. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains with the Rev. Ival Tooley officiating. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in West Plains. - Miller County Autogram-Sentinel, January 1993.
Georgia Clatterbuck 92, of Omaha, Neb., died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1995, at the Lindenwood Nursing Home in Omaha, Neb. She grew up in the Auxvasse area. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.m. Friday at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, with the Rev. Jerry Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Callaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fulton. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from noon until time of the service. The family suggests memorials be made to the Dry Fork Baptist Church of Guthrie, where she was a lifelong member. Ms. Clatterbuck was born Sept. 20, 1902, in West Plains, to Douglas and Annie Messersmith Clatterbuck. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Jim, (Maybl) Bell, and brothers, Hubert, Lee and Harold Clatterbuck, all of Omaha, Lyle Clatterbuck of Sioux City, Iowa, Donald Clatterbuck of Stratford, Wis, and Dale Clatterbuck of Lexington, Neb. She was preceded in death by sister, Rowena; and a brother, Reid Clatterbuck. > Ms. Clatterbuck taught school in Jefferson City prior to moving to Washington, D.C.., to accept a government post with the Department of Defense in 1942. (Feb 9, 1995, Mexico Ledger)
H. L. "Lindsey" Clements
84, Peace Valley, MO was born the son of the late Johnny Dallas Clements and Eunice Slaughter Clements on Jan. 25, 1925, in Eastland County TX, and died July 3, 2009 in Peace Valley, MO, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Virgil Romans. He was united in marriage March 1, 1951, in Mineral Wells, TX to Evelyn Shelton, who preceded him in death Jan. 17, 1989. He is survived by two daughters, Cyndi Romans, husband, Virgil, Peace Valley, MO, and Janice Lindley, West Plains, MO; one sister, Annie Belle Stice, Tahoka, TX; one brother, William Clements, wife, Pauline, Eastland, TX; four grandchildren, Travis Romans, wife, Paulette, Peace Valley, Dusty Romans, Moscow, ID, Rhett Miller, wife, Ginger, Lubbock TX, and Doug Miller, wife, Kara, Mountain View, MO and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one brother, J. D. Clements; four sisters, Willie Maud Hughes, Frances Willoughby, Cleo Halford, and Eddie Lee Fisher; one grandson, James Miller; and one great-grandson, Aaron Middleton. He was a farmer. He served his country in the United States navy on the USS Columbia during WWII, and was active in the USS Columbia Association, having served as past president and memorial chirman. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, MO. (West Plains Daily Quill, July 05, 2009)
Lucille Clement Age 89, West Plains - Died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at Springfield. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Home, Inc., West Plains.. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at Victory Family Worship Center, West Plains, with Rev. Steve Sinor and Rev. Thomas Morris officiating under direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains. Family visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home. 
Joy Laverne Michel Clermont Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, on February 29, 2008 of St. Charles MO, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 76 years of age. Mrs. Clermont was born and raised in Hartshorn MO. She attended Summersville High School. From 1949 until her death, Joy lived in St. Louis and St. Charles MO. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. for 33 years, where she retired as a unit manager from the Ferguson branch. She also worked in the general office for Mr. Zane Barnes, President of Southwestern Bell. She was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, where she served as a treasurer and a Community Activity Chairperson. She was on the Board of Managers of the YMCA of North County, a former Secretary of the Ferguson-Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, and served as president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One Auxiliary, where she was able to raise thousands of dollars for union members; she was also a member of the St. Louis Labor Council, and a member of the St. Louis Label and Service Trade Council. Beloved wife of Bernard (Benny) Clermont; dearest mother of three daughters, Mrs. Sandra Stewart (Wil) Rollins, St. Charles MO, Mrs. Pamela (Tim) Hauk, St. Peters MO, and Mrs. Vicki (Gary) Koenig, St. Charles MO; two sons, David (Leta) Sutherland of Wright City MO, and Stephen (Karen) Sutherland of Warrenton MO; three stepsons, Dennis (Kim) Clermont of St. Peters MO, Wayne (Jill) Clermont of St. Charles MO, and Chris (Sheila) Clermont of O’Fallon MO; two stepdaughters Mrs. Sharon Dalton of St. Peters MO and Mrs. Debbie Alles of Oakville MO. Dear sister of June Michel of St. Louis MO and the late Charles W. (Nadine) Michel of Hartshorn MO. Our dear grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 7 MOther-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend to many. Visitation was held at Baue Funeral Home in St. Charles MO on Monday, March 3, and at St. Cletus Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 4. A funeral mass was also held Tuesday, March 4. Burial was at St. Josephs Catholic Church Cemetery in Cottlesville on March 4, 2008.
Iona Elizabeth Ross Close Age 91, Pomona MO - Memorial services were held Monday, May 12, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Close died at 3 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2008, in Ozarks Medical Center. She was born March 18, 1917, in Carrollton, Ill., to Richard and Mattie Perison Ross. She is survived by her daughter, Viola Crew and husband, Hardie, of Pomona, Mo.
Leonard Russell Cloud Age 68 - Passed away after a long illness at 5:05 p.m. Wed., Aug. 29, 2007 at St John's Hospital Springfield Greene Co MO. He was born Oct. 13, 1938 at Kansas City Jackson Co MO, the son of Neva L. Cloud. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1957; was an Army veteran during the Korean Conflict; was employed with Carnation Can Company, Mount Vernon, from 1973 until 1977; was employed with Paul Mueller Company, Springfield, from 1977 until 1983; was a paramedic for Cox Hospital from 1983 until 2000. He also was a reserve police officer for Monett and Republic, and was a member of the Boot Kickers Country Western Dance Club. He was of the Christian faith. He marriedRaylene Clarkson May 9, 1992 at Monett. She survives. Also surviving are daughter Linda Johnson and husband Rick, Marionville; sons Scott Cloud and wife Roxanne, Carl Junction, and Jim Cloud and wife Kelley, Monett, and eight grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his mother and one son, Joey Cloud. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Sat., Sep. 8, 2007, at the Kingsway Christian Church, Mount Vernon, with Rev. Jim Taylor officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Making a Difference Riding Center (therapeutic riding for the handicapped) in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.fossettmosherfuneralhome.com.
Jesse F. Coatney A long time resident of Willow Springs, quietly passed away late Monday night, Feb. 23, 2009, while at St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View due to natural causes. Born Dec. 28, 1916, to William A. and Martha E. (Wonnel) Coatney in Texas County, Mo., he was 92 years old. Having grown up during the Depression era, Jesse went to work at an early age. He worked his whole life and knew the meaning of hard work. As a result, he developed a strong work ethic that he later instilled in his children. He never took things for granted and knew how to 'make due.' In fact, it was said that he would use things until they just gave out; then would rebuild or fix them and reuse them again and again. Mr. Coatney didn’t just know the meaning of hard work, but also the meaning of commitment and taught his children the importance of it also through example. He always said, 'It was easier to keep up than to catch up.' Mr. Coatney was a bricklayer by profession and was a proud member of the Bricklayers Union #10 and the Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasterers International Union of America. However, he was described as an excellent handyman who could build or fix just about anything. All he had to do was look at something and he could build the same thing out of scraps or junk and, much to people’s surprise, it would work, too. Mr. Coatney also had many enjoyments in his life and was described as an avid outdoorsman who liked to hunt and fish. However, he especially loved to work in his many gardens. It was said he never had less than three gardens at a time. He grew so much produce, he used to give it away to his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Mr. Coatney was preceded in death by his daughter Beula Coatney; his parents; and six brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Ruby Z. (Johnston) Coatney of Willow Springs and his children, Evelyn McReynolds and her husband, Lewis, of Willow Springs; Della Stolba and her husband, Dale, also of Willow Springs; Carolyn Lawson and her husband, Dale, of Cherokee, Kan.; and Delmar Coatney and his wife, Margaret, of Willow Springs. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Jesse were Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at the Westside Family Life Center in Willow Springs, with Pastor David Lovan officiating. Interment was at the Howell Memorial Park in Pomona. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
EDWARD H. COATS Funeral services were held in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Robert Core officiating. Mr. Coats died at West Vue Nursing Home. Honorary pallbearers were Austin Lambert, Arthur Skinner, Lee Miller, Paul Schwegman, Frank Farrar, Dan Gohn, John Dold, Aubrey Rouintree, W. J. 'Bus' Barrett, Ernest Clinton and Bernard Smith. Active pallbearers were Dean McCrackin, Steve Coats, John Coats, Charles Coats, Myron E. Council and Hubert Warner. Persons attending from out of the area included Col. and Mrs. Marvin E. Kay and daughter, Springfield VA; Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Mayhew, St Louis MO; Ed and Ferol Summers, Independence MO; Mr. & Mrs. Hubert Warner and Jane, Pekin IL; Marion Roach, Forsyth MO; Mrs. Teddy D. Bunch, Maple Shade NJ; Mr. & Mrs. Myron E. Council, Springfield MO; Mrs. Loryn McQuerter, Springfield MO; Mrs. Grace Penninger and Joe Penninger, Mountain View MO. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. (No dates provided)
Clayton Cole Cobb Age 8 months, Caulfield MO - Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at the Free Union Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Clayton died 6:17 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at the Ozarks Medical Center. He was born Nov. 19, 2007, at West Plains, Mo., to Robert Cobb and Amanda Roark. He is survived by his parents, Robert Cobb and Amanda Roark, of the family home; one brother, William Cowens, of the family home; paternal grandparents, Robert Cobb of West Plains, Mo., and Darla Cobb of Moody, Mo.; maternal grandfather, William Roark of Pottersville, Mo.; paternal great-grandparents, Clara Cheshire of West Plains, and Hazel Hall of Moody, Mo.; maternal great-grandparents, W.D. “Dub” and Mary Roark of West Plains, Dale Lane and wife, Debra, of Huntsville, Ark., and Shirley Sisney and husband, Junior, of Gainesville, Mo.; maternal great-great-grandmother, Emma Ohm of Gainesville, Mo.; and several aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles and cousins.
John Warren Cobb Age 78, Willow Springs - Passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, at Willow Health Care in Willow Springs. Born on Dec. 22, 1929, to John S. and Margaret (Davis) Cobb, in Salem, Mo. Mr. Cobb was raised in Salem, Mo., where he attended school before leaving for Kemper Military Academy in Boonville, Mo., for his junior and senior years of high school. He married Jo Goshen in 1952 and to this union, two children were born. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army before his honorable discharge in 1954 due to a medical condition. In 1959, he married Mary Louise Sass and managed the Lanai Apartments in Lakeland, Fla. He later worked as a security consultant and coordinator for the Plaza of the Palm Beaches in Dade County, Florida. After his retirement, Mr. Cobb relocated to Willow Springs in 1990. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Cobb; his wife, Mary Louise (Sass) Cobb; and his two sisters, Juanita Cobb-Crow and Norma June Cobb-Cottrell. Mr. Cobb is survived by his children, John Randel Kays of Lakeland, Fla.; and Christina Gail Dedebant of Metairie, La. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Charles Stuart of Springfield, Mo.; Buddy Stuart of Carrolton, Texas; Pat Stuart of Willow Springs, Mo.; Carl Stuart of St. Joseph, Mo.; and Matthew Ross of Brighton, Colo. Mr. Cobb leaves his grandchildren, Jarrett Kays of Conroe, Texas; Sean Dedebant of Metairie, La.; and Nikki Wake of Willow Springs, Mo. Two sisters, Mildred Dalton of Salem, Mo., and Helen Downing of Sanbornton, N.H., also survive. Funeral services were on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at the United Methodist Church of Willow Springs, located at 311 N. Harris Street. Burial followed Friday’s service at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, Mo. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. 
Mary Charlene Reed Cobb Age 57, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, with Gene Bench officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, West Plains. She was born the daughter of the late Charles Edward Reed and Mary Ellen Sloan Reed on Dec. 25, 1949, in Thayer , Mo. , and died Sept. 3, 2007, in West Plains. She was united in marriage May 31, 1980, in West Plains to Aron Jack Cobb. She is survived by her husband, Jack Cobb, of the family home, West Plains; one daughter, Joanna Branson, husband, Jesse, Oran, Mo.; one son, Aaron Jesse Cobb, wife, Cassy, West Plains; two grandchildren, Shelli Cobb and Kensley Cobb, West Plains; one sister, Shirley Miller, husband, Wesley, Caulfield, Mo.; mother-in-law, Wilma Cobb, West Plains; four brothers-in-law, James Cobb, wife, Anna, St. Louis, Mo., Aubrey Cobb, wife, Anita, Strafford, Mo., Dewayne Cobb, wife, Juanita, West Plains, and Vernon Cobb, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Shirley Cobb, Gainesville, Mo.; one special nephew, Chris Miller, wife, Jennifer, their son, Sam, West Plains, and several other nephews, nieces, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Throughout her life she was a role model of strength, hope and unconditional love. Those who loved her will greatly miss her unwavering, positive attitude, and the ear she always lent to listen. We are so grateful for the time she had with us, and the continuing impact she will have on our lives. Until we meet again, we have her dear memory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven’s Children’s Home, and can be left at the funeral home. Family visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, at Carter Funeral Home, West Plains. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemtery, West Plains, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Bernice 'Lucille' Coble Age 83, West Plains MO - Died 7:30 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2006, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Funeral services for Bernice Lucille Coble, 83, West Plains, Mo., will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2006, at First Baptist Church of West Plains, with the Rev. Richard Wright officiating under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bibles and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Family visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Daisy May Bauer Coble Age 82, West Plains - Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Coble died at 5:07 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at Brooke Haven HealthCare. She was born May 19, 1926, at Pomona, Mo., to John Henry and Amanda Bauer. On Oct. 1, 1941, she was married at West Plains, Mo., to Bert Coble. Mrs. Coble was a member of Veterans Of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church for 20 years. She is survived by her husband, Bert Coble, of the family home; his granddaughter, Cynthia Collins, West Plains; two great-grandchildren, Daniel Collins and Shontay Collins, both of West Plains; one nephew, John Cincotta, Peace Valley, Mo. Her parents, two brothers and one sister precede her in death. Burial was at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Hamey Vernon Coble Age 70, Hartville MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Coble died at 5 a.m, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, at his home. He was born March 2, 1938, in Cassville, Mo., to Ray and Ruby Barrett Coble. On Aug. 7, 1957, he was married at Senatobia, Miss., to Ama Lou Mayfield. Mr. Coble was a veteran having served with the United States Army. Before his retirement, Mr. Coble was a truck driver and farmer. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his family. Mr. Coble was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Ama Lou Coble, of the family home; six children, Vernon Lee Coble, wife, Laura, Ruby Stuteville, Freda Wallin, husband, Charles, James Coble, wife, Teresia, Ray Coble, wife, Jenny, and Brandon Coble; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and one on the way; one sister, Fern Loveall; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; one son, Terry Coble; two grandchildren; one brother, Warren Coble; and one sister, Rosa Lea Lovan, precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Dripping Springs Cemetery.
Hilda Elois PHELAN Shephard Cochran Of Corning, Ark., born June 6, 1925, departed this life Sept. 9, 2007, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould, Ark. Mrs. Cochran was a homemaker who delighted in her extended family which included sons, Bill Shephard and his wife, Loma, of Millersville, Mo., Jim Shephard and his wife, Charlotte, of Eads, Tenn.; and daughter, Barbara Sears and her husband, David, of Springfield, Mo. Her grandchildren and their families are Mark and Shelby Sears and children, Michael and Maddie, of Springfield, Mo.; Teri and John Taylor and children, Austin and Zane, of Jackson, Mo.; Jon-David and Stephanie Smith Sears of Yellow Springs, Ohio; William Shephard of Republic, Mo.; Amy and Ryan Milzarek and children, Joshua, Rachel and Joel, of Bartlett, Tenn.; Jason and Rachel Shephard of Memphis, Tenn.; Joe Sears and his girlfriend, Tracy, of Springfield, Mo.; and Sam and Kelly Sears of Springfield, Mo. Mother and Nanny will be greatly missed by a family who loved her very much. Mrs. Shephard is also survived by sisters, Helen Easterwood, Corning, Ark., Dorothy Gerber, Poplar Bluff, Mo., Doris Shephard, Jones, Okla., JoAnn Kamerman, Corning, Ark., Virginia Brumfield, Corning, Ark., and Wilma Bauschlicher, Corning, Ark.; brothers, Jack Phelan, Jackson, Mich., and Bob Phelan, Corning, Ark.; and her sister-in-law, Dois Jean Phelan, Corning, Ark. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Marcus Shephard, deceased, 1976, and Charles Cochran, deceased, 1987; her parents, William Henry Phelan and Eathel Charity Gleghorn Phelan; and her brother, Billie Phelan. Services for Mrs. Cochran will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, at Ermert's Funeral Home, Corning, Ark., with Pastor Michael Archer officiating. Visitation will be 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Internment will be at 2 p.m. at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, West Plains, Mo., with Rev. David Sears officiating. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Corning First Baptist Church sent to Ermert Funeral Home, P.O. Box 65, Corning, AR 72422.
Jewell Cochran

Funeral services for Jewell Geran Cochran, 89, Indianapolis, Ind., will be at 10 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Cochran died at 8:20 p.m., Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Community Hospital East, Indianapolis, Ind. He was born July 2, 1919, at Union, Ark., to Burton “Burt” and Bessie Moore Cochran.  On Nov. 18, 1939, he was married at Viola, Ark., to Lois Harbour who preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 2005.  Before his retirement, Mr. Cochran was employed by the Chrysler Corporation.  He was of the Baptist faith with his membership in the Freewill Baptist Church for many years. He is survived by three children, Don Cochran, wife, Sheron, Mooresville, Ind., Joe Cochran, wife, Shirley, Indianapolis, Ind., and Kathryn Lueck, Clayton, Ind.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, wife, one brother and one sister precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (Howell County News May 06, 2009)

John Patrick Cody, III Age 59, West Plains MO - Visitation will be from 6 until 7:30 p.m., with Elks Services at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Cody died 11:10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at his home. He was born Oct. 19, 1947, in St. Louis, Mo., to John Patrick Cody Jr., and Martha Elizabeth Brown Cody. Mr. Cody attended St. John Vianney High School, St. Louis and received a bachelor of science in general studies. On Dec. 21, 2002, he was married at West Plains, Mo., to Elizabeth Ford. Mr. Cody was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army. He was a claims representative with the Social Security Administration and was a member of the Elks Lodge and Am-Vets. Mr. Cody was of the Catholic faith. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Cody, of the family home; three children, Amanda Dills of West Plains, John Patrick Cody IV of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Katherine Elizabeth Cody of St. Louis, Mo.; and two sisters, Mary Leipzig, husband, Peter, of McKinleyville, Calif., and Sally Cody of Brunswick, Ga. His parents precede him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Howell Co News 10-01-07.

MADISON CODY

Madison Cody, Three Months

Age 3 months - Caulfield MO - Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Madison left this world at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2009 at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born Sep. 18, 2008 at West Plains MO to Archie 'D. J.' Cody and Crystal Pearson. She is survived by her parents and brother, D. J., Crystal and Trey Cody, Caulfield MO; grandparents Robert and Stephanie Lynn Pearson, Caulfield MO; Archie Cody, Sr., Lubbock TX; Sheila Cody, Clovis NM; and Thomas and Leslie Jolliff, Benwheeler TX; great-grandparents Jerry and Frankie Yoder, Caulfield MO; Ray and Naoni Pearson, Bakersfield MO; John and Anna Martin, Palm Springs CA; and Joyce Wolf, Clovis NM. Also surviving are uncles, Jerry Pearson, wife Marrisa and children Izabella and Gavin; Jason Pearson and daughter Hayden; and John Pearson; aunts Melody Jeffcoat, husband Wesley and daughters Nicole, Jennabea, Molly, Caitlyn and Andie; and Angel Cody, all of Clovis NM. She is loved by many great uncles, great aunts and cousins. One sister, Shelley Cody, precedes her in death. Although Madison was here for only a short time, she is loved and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Elijah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Miracle Network and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
REV. ROBERT FRANKLIN COLBERT Age 70, Pomona - Funeral services were held Sunday (Mar. 2, 1980) at 2:30 p.m. in the Carter Chapel of Carter Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Golden Hampton and Rev. John Pyles officiating. Mr. Colbert died at 10:40 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 1980, at the West Plains Memorial Hospital. Mr. Colbert had lived in this area most of his life. He was born Apr. 5, 1909 in Howell County, the son of the late Rev. John Hall Colbert and Ethel McThompson. Mr. Colbert was married Apr. 29, 1930 to Jemima Dodson. A minister for 43 years before his retirement, Mr. Colbert was currently a member of Immanuel Baptist Church at Pomona. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jemima Colbert, Pomona; six daughters, Mrs. Bobbie Jean Havens, Pomona; Mrs. Claudette Smith, Warrenton; Mrs. Geneva Jo Flood, Willow Springs; Mrs. Alice Mae Miller, New Hartford NY; Mrs. Carol Stroud, Kansas City KS, and Mrs. Patricia Ann Collins, Peace Valley; three sons, Robert Hall Colbert, Kansas City KS; Dwight David Colbert, West Plains, and Truett William Colbert, Caulfield; two brothers, Leon Colbert, West Plains, and John Hall Colbert, Jr., North Little Rock AR; three sisters, Mrs. Gladys Poe, Pacific MO; Mrs. Jewell Howard, Oxford KS, and Mrs. Marguerite Joice, West Plains; 34 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Active pallbearers were grandsons and honorary pallbearers were nephews. Persons attending from out of the area included Cheryl Hart (missing), Mrs. Gladys Poe, Pacific; ____ Ramsey, Little Rock AR; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Joice and family, St Charles; Joe T. Colbert and family, North Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. Don Smith, Warrenton; Mrs. Alice Miller, New Hartford NY; Mr. and Mrs. Don Stroud and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Colbert and son, Kansas City KS; Amos Aldridge, Salem AR; David Fore, Donald Fore, Mountain Home AR; Ruby Fore, Gepp AR; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howard, Mrs. Darline Hall, Harold Howard, Sam and Janice Waltz, Oxford KS; and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Poe, Villa Ridge MO. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
George J. Coldwell Age 77, Mountain View - Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003, in Chapel Hill Church, with the Revs. Lawrence Nevils and Paul Ordway officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Mr. Coldwell died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003, at Cox Walnut Lawn Hospital, Springfield. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery under the direction of Yarber Mortuary. 
ERIC NEIL COLE (1985 - 2007) - Age 22, of Pomona MO - Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. He died at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo., at 8:04 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. He is survived by his mother, Betty Tate; his beloved girlfriend, Ashley Henderson; a son, Dylan Cole; brothers Bobby Cole and Tommy Cole; sisters Amanda Spencers, Summer Truskett and Sarah Truskett; special cousin Sherrie Guy; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents and one sister, Crystal Cole. Eric was a loving son, father, brother and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed listening to music. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials may be left for the family at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (West Plains Daily Quill.)
Floyd Neil Cole Age 72, West Plains MO - Died at 1:45 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Anna Arvilla (Madden) Ross, 76, Thayer. Died Aug. 5, 2008, at her home. Clary Funeral Home, Thayer. Rosa Leah Spencer, 54, West Plains. Died at 1:09 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Funeral Services for Joyce Briggs, age 70, a resident of the Summersville/Hartshorn area will be held Saturday, Aug 16 at 10 AM at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held Friday evening, from 6 to 8 PM.
Elwanda May Collier Age 74, West Plains - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2007, at the Second Baptist Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Collier died at 7:40 p.m., Sunday, April 1, 2007, in Ozarks Medical Center. She was born on Sept. 18, 1932, in West Plains, Mo., to Troy O. and Beulah Bridges Nichols. Before her retirement, Mrs. Collier had worked at Dean’s Natural Food for several years and was active in planning her high school reunions. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church, where she had been very active in church activities. She is survived by her daughter, Pam Pruett and husband, Keith, of West Plains; two grandchildren, Annette Jones and husband, Quinten, and Tyler Pruett; two great-grandchildren, Sunshine Jones and Autumn Jones; one niece; and one nephew. Her parents; stepmother, Hester Nichols; one granddaughter, Renee Pruett; and one brother precede her in death. Burial was held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Amil Collins Cabool MO - Passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Mo., following a long illness at the age of 66. He was born on Sept. 30, 1942, at Twin Bridges, Mo., the son of the late Lonel and Claracy (Johnson) Collins. Amil grew up in the Ellington, Mo., area. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was united in marriage to Barbara Smith on Jan. 30, 1966, in Midwest, Okla., and to this union, two sons were born. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served overseas in the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan, Thailand and Fairbanks, Alaska. The last eight years of his service career, he was stationed in Plattsmouth, Neb., where he served with the SAC Airborne Command Post, better know as “The Looking Glass.” After retiring in 1981, the family moved back to Cabool where he went to work at the shoe factory in Mansfield for a period of time. He then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service, where he was a rural mail carrier in Cabool until transferring to Springfield in 1998. Amil was saved as a young boy in a small Baptist Church in Ellington, Mo., where his mother would walk him and his brothers and sisters every Sunday. After having a massive heart attack, they moved back to the farm near Cabool and had just recently sold the farm and moved to town. Amil loved the outdoors and hunting with his boys, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Amil was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Jerry, Lonel, Harold and Norman; and two sisters, Vivian Smith and Virginia Roe. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of Cabool; two sons, Tom and wife, Shelly of Tuscola, Texas, and Dustin and wife, Linda of Rogersville, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kayla, Melissa, Alli, Sammi and Aaron; three brothers, Oren of Willow Springs, Mo., Hubert of Littlefield, Texas, and Arnold of St. Louis, Mo., and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the Kabul Nursing Home and St. John’s Regional Health Center for their professional loving care. Graveside services were Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at the Cabool Cemetery with the Rev. Terry Brown officiating. Burial was in the Cabool Cemetery with full military rites provided by Whiteman AFB. Arrangements were under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, Mo.
Basil Durant Collins Age 82, West Plains, died Oct. 12, 2004, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, MO. He is survived by his wife, Rosa, of the family; one son, Jerry Collins and wife Sally, West Plains, and one daughter, Ginya Moore and husband William W., Springfield; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers. Funeral services will be Oct. 15, 2004, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona. - (Springfield News-Leader Oct. 14, 2004.)
Chet O. Collins Age 91, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2007, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Collins died 9:15 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2007, at Ozarks Medical Center. He was born Aug. 11, 1915, in Ash Flat, Ark., to Joseph Aaron and Vergie Mae Horton Collins. On June 15, 1940, he was married at Gainesville, Mo., to Helen Adell Colvin. Before his retirement, Mr. Collins was employed for 45 years with Coca-Cola. He loved to read and was a collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Mr. Collins was a member of Curry Street Church of Christ for 57 years. He is survived by his wife, Helen Collins, of the family home; his son, Joe Tom Collins, wife, Dolores, West Plains; two grandchildren, Renae Williams, husband, Steve, West Plains, and Rodney Collins, Springfield, Mo.; four great-grandchildren, Jennifer Coursey, husband, Justin, Brandi Bell, husband, Micco, Brennen Wood and Tasha Williams, all of West Plains; four great-great-grandchildren, Dagen, Trista, Lathen and Kylee; one sister, Bernice Trout, Hastings, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews.
CLYDE COLLINS Funeral services were held in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Gerald Bruner officiating. Mr. Collins died at the West Plains Memorial Hospital. Pallbearers were Kenneth Collins, Eldon Hudlow, Buster Collins, Melvin Fox, Gary McCrackin and Duane Collins. Persons attending from out of the area included Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Borwn, Julie, Danny and Allen, Houston MO;Mr. & Mrs. Al Smith, Helen and Stacy, Kansas City MO; Mrs. Earl Bradford, South Gate CA; Mr. & Mrs. Fred Collins, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Collins, Karlas and Kenya; Mr. & Mrs. Bob Rowden and children, all of Eminence MO; Mr. & Mrs. Steve Counts and Angela, Imperial MO; Mr. & Mrs. Don Collins, Houston MO; Mrs. Wayne DeGase, Wasola MO: Mr. & Mrs. David Parrott and family, St Louis MO; Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Anderson, Paducah KY; Inez Shockley, Richard Thompson, Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Clinton, Mr. & Mrs. Dale Collins, all of Willow Springs MO; Mr. & Mrs. Nick McMahan, Adam Turner, Del Burgess, Bernice Wales, Beulah Lowe, Fay Bennett,all of Pomona MO; Mr. & Mrs. Orsdell Langston, Caulfield MO; Mr. & Mrs. Wills Blickensderfer, Coffeyville KS; mr. & Mrs. Ermal Garrett and Martha, Pottersville MO; Mr. & Mrs. Eldon Decker, Dora MO; Burl Farmer, Tulsa OK; Mr. & Mrs. E. C. Brant, Cabool MO; Mr. & Mrs. Donald Collins, Joplin MO; Mary Lee Honeycutt, Pearl Sconce and Thelma Bressler, all of Eminence MO. Interment was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. (No dates provided).
Crystal Dawn Collins Age 35, Dora MO - Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, at Siloam Springs Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Crystal died 6:59 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at her home, She was born Aug. 15, 1972, in Kansas City, Mo., to Larry Delane and Debra Ann Hale Collins. She enjoyed riding 4-wheelers, loved listening to music and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children. She is survived by her companion and the father of Newt and Emily, Ewing Collins, Dora, Mo.; four children, Dustin York, West Plains, Grace Burnett, Pomona, Mo., Emily Collins and Newt Collins, both of Dora, Mo.; two brothers, Michael D. Collins and Lucas Hale, West Plains; one sister, Stephanie D. Collins, West Plains, and several nieces and nephews. Her grandfather, Roy Hale;, her parents; and one son, Kanyon Press Collins, preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
DELMAR C. 'COONIE' COLLINS

Funeral services for Delmar C. “Coonie” Collins will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Collins died 2:20 a.m. Sunday, July 27, 2008, in Ozarks Medical Center. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Friends and family of “Coonie” Collins are invited to a celebration at the Union Grove Church after his funeral services. Also, the family invites everyone to wear blue, Mr. Collins’ favorite color.

Age 85, West Plains MO - Mr. Collins died 2:20 a.m., Sunday, July 27, 2008, at Ozarks Medical Center. He was born Jan. 21, 1923, near Crider, Mo., to Shelt and Anveline Robinson Collins. On April 19, 1942, he was married at West Plains to Bernadean Byers, who preceded him in death on Dec. 11, 1986. Mr. Collins was a livestock dealer and cattle farmer. He had been a member of the CCC Camp and was a member of the Missouri Fox Trotters Association. Mr. Collins was a Christian and attended Union Grove Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He is survived by two sons, Duane Collins of West Plains, and Max Collins and wife, Loretta, of West Plains; four grandchildren, Kip Collins and wife, Jodie, Duanella Roe and husband, Chris, Kevin Collins and wife, Shannon and Kimberly Collins; 16 great-grandchildren, Shelton Collins, Kelsey Roe, Ashtin Collins, Katelynn Roe, Kassidy Roe, Jordan Collins, Nacona Watkins, Grady Madorie, Ceder Collins, Kelby Madorie, Kendra Collins, Ravin Collins, Nakiya Roe, Hayden Collins, Peta Collins and Peyton Collins; one sister, Jewell Brixey of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; wife; four brothers, Herb, Harry, Webb; and Sterling and three sisters, Ethel Fox, Goldie Collins and Clara Kelly, precede him in death. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Donald Eugene Collins Age 63, West Plains MO - Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008 at the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Donald, known by many as 'Indian', passed away at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2008 at his home. He was born Jul. 26, 1944 at Dora MO, the son of Erman Collins & Irene Freemon. He graduated from Dora High School with the class of 1962. On Jul. 8, 1983 he was married to Sherry Lynn Brotherton at West Plains, sharing five children and a little dog, Taco. Mr. Collins loved camping, fishing and woodworking. He retired from Southwest DRS after 34 years, with many friends. He is survived by wife Sherry, of the home; five children, Jeff Collins and wife Trisha, Dennis Lapekes and wife Cindy, Robin Collins, Tommy Sheldon and Doug Collins and wife Michelle; five grandchildren, P. J. and wife Morgan, Juston, Sheana and husband Tye, Lee and David; five great-grandchildren, Kayley, Kay Don, Little Bo, Braxton and Triton; one brother, Glen Dale Collins and wife Lea; one sister, Leana Howard and husband Verlin; brothers-in-law Chuck Brotherton and wife Jackie, David Brotherton and wife Karen, and Dennis Brotherton and wife Darla; sister-in-law Connie Wiggington and husband Larry; and his father-in-law Charles Brotherton. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Doyle and Doyne Collins, sister Ruby Thompson and his mother-in-law Ina Brotherton.
Doyle Collins Funeral services for Doyle Ray Collins, 63, Olden, Mo., will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Collins died at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009, at his home. He was born April 14, 1946, at Twin Bridges, Mo., to Larkin McKinley and Ida Blanche Roper Collins. On May 22, 1965, he was married at Salem, Ark., to Christina Faye Collins. Mr. Collins worked all his adult life in the logging and sawmill business until he no longer was able. He enjoyed reading, cock fighting and loved the outdoors and going hunting and fishing, when possible. Doyle was a loving husband, devoted father and a friend to all who knew him. He was loved with all our hearts and will be missed ever more He is survived by his wife, Christina Collins of the family home; eight children, Rodney Lynn Collins, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Allisa Christine Collins of West Plains, Mo., Carmen Renae McCrone, husband, Jeff, of Birch Tree, Mo., Betty Lahoma Sweezer, husband, David, of Mexico, Mo., Freida Doylene Brott, husband, Randy, of Branson, Mo., Steven Collins of Willow Springs, Mo., Alfred Matthew Collins of Mountain View, Mo., and Bradley Aaron Collins, wife, Melissa, of Pomona, Mo.; 20 grandchildren, Jamie Brown, Clifton Brown, Leann Brown and their father, James Brown, Willow Springs, Mo., Joseph Stark, Jacob Stark, Nichole Stark and their father, Joe Stark, of Birch Tree, Mo., David Sweezer of Mexico, Mo., Jason Collins of Branson, Mo., Gwen Brott, Brandon Brott, Sierrah Brott, and their father, Bob Brott, Branson, Mo., Telonna Brott, Ashley Brott and Levi Brott, all of Branson, Mo., Austin Collins, Candice Collins, Maleiya Collins, Darrick Collins and Taylor Collins, all of Mountain View, Mo., and Hope Collins of Pomona, Mo.; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Paul M. Collins, Pomona, Mo., Roger L. Collins, wife, Harrieta, of Bakersfield, Mo., and Ival Collins, wife,
Mary, Caulfield, Mo.; two sisters, Loeta White and Naomi Painter, both of West Plains, Mo.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. His parents, one grandson, Michael Brott and two brothers, Leon and Alonzo Collins, precede him in death. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. (Howell County News, June 17, 2009)
Duane Cline Collins

Funeral services for Duane Cline Collins, 65, West Plains, were Wednesday, May 13, 2009, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Collins died at 8:10 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2009, in NHC HealthCare.  He was born Sept. 21, 1943, in Grimmett, Mo., to Delmar Cline (Coonie) and Bernadean Byers Collins.  Mr. Collins was a farmer, cattle dealer and served as Howell County Assessor for eight years.  He was a member of the Missouri Fox Trotters Association, loved to cook and enjoyed hunting.  Mr. Collins loved company and was a great father, grandfather and friend.  He was of the Church of Christ faith. He is survived by two children, Duanella Roe, husband, Chris and Kip Collins, wife, Jodie, all of West Plains; 13 grandchildren; and one brother, Max Collins, wife, Loretta, of West Plains. His parents and several aunts and uncles precede him in death. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Stroke Foundation and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (Howell County News, May 20, 2009)

Elfa Mae Russell Collins Born Sep. 27, 1905 at Dora MO, departed this life on Apr. 7, 1972, having reached the age of 66 years, 6 months and 11 days. On Oct. 22, 1922 she was united in marriage to Andy J. Collins at Dora MO. To this union one daughter was born, Mrs. Joan Myree Anderson of Van Buren MO. She trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior on Jun. 14, 1950 and became a charter member of the Friendship Baptist of West Plains MO, in which she served her Lord and Master faithfully through the years. Surviving are her husband, Andy Collins, one daughter, Mrs. John Anderson, two granddaughters, Debbie and Dyann Anderson, all of Van Buren MO, one sister, Mrs. J. S. Collins of West Plains MO, one brother, Mr. Arlis Russell of Springfield, two half brothers, Arthur Fields and Artis Fields, both of West Plains MO. She was prece3ded in death by her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Russell of West Plains, and one sister, Miss Delphia Russell of Dora MO. She will be missed by those of the family, her church and her many, many friends more than words can express. SERVICES: Sunday, Apr. 9, 1972, 3:00 p.m. Carter Chapel, West Plains MO. MINISTERS: Rev. H. G. Braynard, Rev. Robert Brotherton. QUARTEST: Friendship Baptist Church. PALLBEARERS: Active - LeRoy Brown, Wayne Vonallmen, Bill Hardcastle, Butch Fine, Jim Lewis, Bill Fore. Honorary - Lindsay Briscoe, Melvin Ford, L. T. Kissinger, Gerald Bruner, Bill Tulk, Paul Hoover, Hoover McClintock, Ray Smith. INTERMENT: Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Leland Carter Funeral Home, West Plains MO.
Flora Adeline Thompson Collins Born June 24, 1931, to Frank and Caroline Thompson, in Dora, MO, and died Oct. 30, in Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. The family settled in the West Plains area where she met and married Everett Collins in 1947. They were married for 44 years and to this union, 11 boys and six girls were born. Flora had worked some, but caring for her family and raising her children was her main focus. Ms. Collins is survived by her children, Carolyn Moffett; Edward "Randy" Collins (& Betty); Mildred Harmon (& Mark); Thelma Caldwell (& Quinn); Nancy Sympson (& Fred); Tommy Collins (& Robin); Orville "Dean" Collins (& Schelia); Steavy Collins (& Cathy); Belinda Kuntz (& Bob); Ranol Collins (& Michelle); Mikel Collins (& Chris); Bruce Collins; and Ronald Collins. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Margie Collins, and by a son-in-law, Ralph Turnbull, four sisters-in-law, 34 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Flora was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, her husband, one daughter, three sons and one son-in-law. She was of the Pentecostal Faith and a homemaker. Services will be Nov. 2, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, with burial at Buff Cemetery in Howell County. Visitation will be Nov. 1. (WEST PLAINS DAILY QUILL, 31/Oct/2008)

Frances Morgan Collins

Frances Morgan Collins

Age 83 West Plains - Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the First Baptist Church with the Revs. Lester Bradford and Wendell Page officiating. Mrs. Collins died Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. in West Plains Memorial Hospital. She was bon Feb. 4, 1894, near Grimmett MO, the daughter of the late Dr. Thomas Benton Morgan and Mar Lane Morgan. She had spent her entire life in this area, receiving her education in the schools of Howell County, and for many years taught in the rural district here. On Aug. 3, 1912, she was married at West Plains to Thomas M. Collins, who preceded her in death March 4, 1966. Mrs. Collins had been of the Baptist faith since early womanhood with her membership being in the First Baptist Church of West Plains for many years. She was instrumental in starting the Bethany Sunday school class of that church and taught the class for several years. For many years she served as secretary of the Howell County Baptist Association. She also served as Republican committee woman for Siloam Springs for a number of years. Survivors include three children, Glen Collins and Mrs. Flossie Hoplins, West Plains, and Edward Collins, Collinsville IL; ten grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and a brother, Leroy Morgan, West Plains. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, a son, Gale L. Collins, an infant son Paul, and four sisters. The family will be at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. to receive friends. Interment will be beside her husband in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains.
Helen Louise Collins Age 79, West Plains MO - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. today, Monday, July 7, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Collins died 1:45 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2008, in West Vue Nursing Center. She was born Sept. 19, 1928, in Howell County MO, to Burley and Gladys Hicks Collins. On April 27, 1947, she was married at West Plains MO, to Darrell Collins, who preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 1980. Mrs. Collins had worked at Marathon Electric and had been employed as a CNA at West Vue Nursing Center. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, raising flowers and loved her family. Mrs. Collins had attended the Lighthouse Church. She is survived by four children, Don Collins, Willow Springs MO, Mary Uchtman, husband, Billy, Clifford Collins and Wilma Goodman, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Clifford 'Bozo' Collins Jr., Mandy Bean, Leigh Ann Collins and Angie Deckard; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Cheyenne Cassidy, Ciara and Hollis; three brothers, Basil Collins, wife, Pat, Pomona MO, Leslie Collins, wife, Naomi, and Charles Collins, wife, Janice, both of West Plains; two sisters, Wanda Hill, Pomona MO, and Mable Collins, West Plains; a sister-in-law, Trilba Wheat; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents; husband; two brothers; three sisters; and one son-in-law, Ron Goodman, precede her in death. Burial was in Siloam Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Howard Donald Collins Age 76, West Plains - Graveside services were held Sunday, December 14, 2008, at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Collins died 8:15 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at his home. He was born Dec. 18, 1931, in Willow Springs, Mo., to Oliver Lee and Edna Mae Dooms Collins. On Jan. 7, 1954, he was married at Kansas City, Mo., to Violet Marie Nute. Mr. Collins was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army. He was employed for 43 years with Caterpillar, retiring on December 1, 1991. Mr. Collins was a member of the American Legion Post #23, West Plains, and a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Violet Collins, of the family home; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Collins and his wife, Violet, raised nine foster children; and their children called him “Keyki” and Keeke.” His parents and grandparents precede him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, SNAP or West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jackie Warren 'Big Jack' Collins Age 68, West Plains - Departed this life at 11 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. He was born Jan. 11, 1941, at West Plains, Mo., to Elvin D. and Bessie Hunter Collins. Mr. Collins attended school in Howell County, Mo., and moved to California in 1960. He was employed as a roofer until 1972 and currently was employed at the Public Water Supply District #2, having worked there for 20 years. On Oct. 3, 1958, he was married at West Plains, Mo., to Faye Pliler; they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2008. Mr. Collins was a very kind, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was important to him and he always took care of everyone. He is survived by his wife, Faye Collins, of the family home; three grandchildren, Derek Collins, wife, Danielle, Chris Collins and friend, Heather Bennett and Jacklyn Dawn, of the family home; great-grandchildren, Bricen, Braden, Brenton, Cole and Emily; a brother, Jerry Collins, and wife, Carla; a special 'adopted' daughter, Sarah Collins, of the family home; an aunt, Darlene Collins; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Young, husband, Jessie and Karin Collins; four brothers-in-law, Ted and Brenda Pliler, Bill and Lois Ellison, Dallas and Ruby Pliler and Gary and Bev Pliler; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, patrons and co-workers of the Public Water Supply District #2. His grandparents, parents, one son, Darrell Lee Collins, two brothers, Jimmie Collins and Leonard Collins and one sister, Judy Smith, precede him in death. Friends and neighbors may sign a register book at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
James Eugene Collins Age 56, Mountain View AR, entered in to rest on Nov. 10, 2008, at Mountain View. Mr. Collins was born July 1, 1952, in Willow Springs MO to Ira and Lucille Collins. He was a self-employed carpenter. He is survived by his wife, Dianna Ford Collins of the home; sons, Aaron, Bo, Brad Collins, James Welch and Donnie Henry; daughters, Toni Collins, Sharon Henry, Shonna Rishton; brothers, James, Charles, Rodgers Collins and sister, Mary Ann Ellis; 32 grandchildren Aunt Evelyn, Linda and Lynn and many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. There is no visitation. A memorial service is 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at Roller Coffman Chapel Mountain View AR Roller Coffman Funeral Home in Mountain View AR, is in charge of the arrangements.
Lewis Collins Age 84, West Plains - Funeral services were held in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains with Rev. Charles McFarland officiating. Mr. Collins died at West Plains Memorial Hospital. Interment beside his wife in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. (No dates provided)
Margaret Ann Sisney Collins Born May 10th 1898 to William Jefferson Sisney and Mary Elizabeth Turley at Ava Mo. She passed away at the age of 108 years, 2 months, and 28 days. Margaret was united in marriage to William David Collins on August 1, 1916, and to this union were 11 children. Melvin, Lloyd, Burl, Junior, and Lucille Collins who preceded her in death. She is survived by 2 sons Marvin and Vernon Collins. 4 daughters Marie Collins Alcorn, Gladys Collins Haynes, Bonnie Collins Stephenson, and Janice Collins Gregory. 32 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren,96 great-great- grandchildren. Her husband William David Collins preceded her in death December 3 1982 .
Phyllis Lou Sloan Collins Age 61, West Plains MO - Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains. She was born the daughter of Alma L. Howell Sloan and the late Aubrey J. Sloan on June 24, 1945, in Koshkonong , Mo. , and died June 16, 2007, in West Plains. She was united in marriage in July 1971 in Willow Springs , Mo. , to Earnest Collins, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her mother, Alma L. Howell Sloan, West Plains; two brothers, Dennis Sloan and wife, Millie, West Plains, Jay Sloan of West Plains; one sister, May Ott and husband, J.W., Flippin, Ark.; two nieces, Monica Osborn and husband, Michael, Flippin, Ark., Melissa Tyler and husband, Mike, West Plains. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Collins; her father, Aubrey J. Sloan; and one brother, Harold Sloan. She was a Christian of the Baptist faith and was a home caregiver. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the family to help defray the cost of the service. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Rose Mae Boles Collins Age 84, West Plains, died November 29, 2005, at her home. She is the daughter of Elisha Britin Boles and Lula Etta (Wilson) Boles. She married Basil Durant Collins. She is survived by her children, Ginya Moore and husband, William, Springfield and Jerry Collins and wife, Sally, West Plains; three grandchildren; one step- granddaughter; three great grandchildren; one sister; and two brothers. Funeral services will be Dec. 2, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, West Plains. Springfield News-Leader Dec. 1, 2005.
Sherry Lea Brim Collins Lovingly referred to by family and friends as 'Pixie' or 'Big'en', was born February 7, 1966 to Carl Otis Brim and Eula Mae Stringer Brim and passed away in her home November 27, 2007, making her age 41 years 9 months and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her father Carl Otis Brim, 2 brothers, Carl Eugene Brim and James Ashmore, 1 sister Sandra Diana Labbee, 2 nephews, Bryan Stewart and Brad Kinserlow, 1 niece Mariah Stark, her grandmothers, Minnie Atchison and Dollie Stringer, her father-in-law Charley Collins, and her grandmother-in-law Margaret Sysney. She was united in marriage to Steven Lee Collins on June 8, 2003. They shared their lives with 4 children, Brandon Brim, Cole Brim, Laura Collins, and Shachawna Collins and 3 grandchildren, Daycia, Hunter and Wyatt. Due to Sherry's thirst for knowledge and new experiences, she enjoyed many occupations, including Beautician, Nurses Aid, Welder, and Truck Driver. While Sherry enjoyed many hobbies, her greatest joy in life came from spending quality time with family and friends doing the things she loved, like camping, swimming and fishing. Left to mourn her passing are her husband Steven Lee Collins, 2 daughters, Laura and Shachawna Collins of the home, 2 sons, Brandon Brim of Yukon, and Cole Romines, of Mountain View, her mother Eula Brim of Hartshorn, 6 brothers, Ronnie Brim of Mountain View, Donnie Brim of Illinois, Larry Labbee of Hartshorn, Bobby Labbee of and wife Rhonda of Elk Creek, Billy Labbee and wife Sharon of Hartshorn, and Tim Labbee and wife Donna of Elkland, 1 sister Rhonda Shoults and husband David of Hartshorn, 3 grandchildren, Daycia, Hunter and Wyatt; her Godparents, Bud and 'Froggie' Hawkins, along with many aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces and nephews that all carry very special memories of their Aunt Big'en in their hearts. Sherry filled our lives with gifts of love and laughter and we pray that the memories we are left with now, will sustain us 'til we meet again in Heaven. Services were held on Friday, November 30th 2007 at 11:00 Am at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel in Summersville with Rev. Donald Fisher officiating. Interment was in the Collins Family Farm Cemetery near Mountain View, MO under the care of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville.
Thelma Mae Collins born Feb. 9, 1933, in Three Brothers, Ark., the daughter of Virgil Lewis and Opal (Spoon) Lewis. She passed away March 31, 2009, in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 76 years. She was united in marriage to Vernon Collins on April 18, 1953, and to this union, six children were born. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Charlie Collins; one daughter, Beverly Sue Collins; two sisters, Ruby Rishell and Lena Anderson; one half brother, Leestel Miller; in-laws William Dave Collins and Margaret Ann Collins; and several brothers and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Vernon Collins of Mountain View, Mo.; one son, Duke Collins of Mountain View, Mo.; three daughters, Jennett Haynes and husband Bobby of Mountain View, Mo., Kathy (Sue) Thompson and husband Glenn of Mountain View and Debra (Dee) Dooley and husband Brian of Mountain View, Mo.; two sisters, Betty Collins and husband Marvin of Mountain View, Mo., and Lizzie Barnett and husband Willard of Sedalia, Mo.; and 25 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Thelma liked to go to church and spend time with family. She enjoyed gardening and loved her flowers. Thelma also loved hunting, fishing, swimming and camping. She was baptized on Oct. 21, 2007, and was a member of the Mountain View Christian Church. Thelma touched so many lives and was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held Friday, April 3, 2009, at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View, Mo., with Pastor Brian Ingalls officiating. Interment was in Forest Dell Cemetery in Mountain View, Mo., under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View, Mo.

Thomas E Collins

Thomas E Collins

born on August 29, 1944 in Howell county Missouri at the family homestead to Arlan & Anna (Schwarz) Collins. He died on March 18, 2013 in Fairbury, NE. Thomas is survived by his Wife: Linda, Children: Chrissy & Husband Alan Hellbusch, John Paul Bradley, Jr. & Wife Kelly, Nathan Bradley, Jacob Brookshire & Wife Tiffine, Grandchildren: Adam & Logan Hellbusch, Shyanna & Bryce Barber, Bree & Jenna Bradley, Noah Bradley, Malacki & Brady Brookshire, Sisters: Mary Tune of Wichita, KS., Lorene Lowe & Husband Troy of Willow Springs, MO., Joyce Hibner of Paducah, KY., numerous Nieces & Nephews. He was preceded by Parents, Sister Genevive Bunch & Husband Roy, Brothers Franklin "Bud" Collins, & Arlie Ray Collins, Brother-in-law Jim Tune & Claude Hibner. Tom attended school at Liberty County School, & Willow Springs MO. High School. Tom was a hard working man keeping usually several jobs at a time. He was employed by Harlan trucking, Jones Candy CO., & various filling stations in Willow Springs, MO., Endicott Clay Brickyard - Endicott, NE. as well as mowing lawns throughout the summer. Tom left his beloved Ozarks & moved to Fairbury, NE. in 1981. He married Linda Hanson Bradley on August 28, 1981 in Fairbury, Together they raised three children. Tom loved family gatherings, especially when food was involved, which was almost always. He enjoyed local racing events, NASCAR, southern gospel music, as well as tinkering with his lawn mowers. Tom collected caps, tools, & lots of friends & was always ready to add to any of these collections. Although he always stayed true to his beloved Ozarks, he did become a Husker convert, often wearing Husker red & watching Husker football games. Tom will be missed by all who knew him. Services were Friday March 22, 2013 at the Four Square Church in Fairbury, NE., with Pastor Brooks Bryan officiating. Burial in the Fairbury Cemetery - Fairbury, NE. Memorials to the Family's Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury are in charge of arrangements. 

(Published in The Wichita Eagle on March 28, 2013)

Wilbert Collins son of Bert and Dovie Collins, was born on June 29, 1932, at Siloam Springs, Mo. He entered into eternal rest at the age of 76. He was married to Alene Thomas Collins May 23, 1962, at West Plains, Mo., and they were married for 42 years. They had four children: Bobby Collins of Kansas City, Mo., Tammy Thomas of Springfield, Mo., Debbie Smith and husband Jerry of Cabool, Mo., Dale and Audrey Collins of Dora, Mo., Randy and Cindy Collins of West Plains, Mo. He married Janice Brown June 26, 2002, at Harrison, Ark. Janice and her three children survive, Tammy and Eric Raspberry of Riverside, Mo., Darlena and Tim McDaniel of Willow Springs, Mo., and Sethanie and Stewart Breeds of Willow Springs, Mo. Grandchildren are Matt Collins, Kenneth Shawn Thomas, Crystal Smith, Ashley Collins, Bradley Smith, Tory Collins, Kaige Collins, Harley Collins, Gracie Collins, Ryan Wood, Cody McDaniel, Checotah McDaniel, Whitley McDaniel, Haley Raspberry and Amelia Raspberry, Zeke Breeds. Great-grandchildren are Isaac Thomas and Kaley Collins. A memorial service for Wilbert Collins was on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at First Church of God. The officiating ministers were Barbara Crouch, pastor of First Church of God, and Wallace and Sherri Quibodeaus of Summersville, Mo., from Rivers of Living Water. Wilbert went to school mostly at Siloam Springs. He served in the military in the Korean War. Wilbert worked at General Motors in Kansas City seven years and then moved back to the Willow Springs area where his three children attended Willow Springs schools. One of his favorite jobs was cutting and selling wood in the West Plains area and then in his later life, he loved driving cars for Morlan Shell Ford Garage in West Plains and Bailey Chevrolet in Willow Springs. Wilbert had a strong belief in the Lord. He enjoyed life, talking to friends, and going places and seeing friends and a good meal out at a restaurant. He was described by his family as a strong-willed person with a positive attitude. He had cancer in his later life and fought a great battle at the end. He loved and was so proud of his children and grandchildren and will be missed greatly by them and all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burt and Dovie Collins, wife Alene Collins, and several brothers and sisters. Surviving sisters and brothers are Marie, Ruby, Maxine James and Otis. (Howell County News, 4/29/09)
Mariko Johnson Collison A resident of Springfield, Mo., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, due to natural causes. Born Oct. 21, 1962, in Iwakuni, Japan, she was 44 years old. Mariko was married to John T. Collison of Springfield, Mo., on July 7, 1983. To this union, one child was born. She was described as a hard working person who most recently worked for the 'Korea House' in Springfield as a cook until she suffered a stroke and was unable to return to work. Throughout her life she had many enjoyments such as collecting glassware, trap shooting, and working in her flower garden. However, she loved and enjoyed spending time with her pet Chihuahuas, especially 'Selena.' Mariko was described as the type of person who was 'generous to a fault.' She was always putting others before herself and her own needs. Bringing others happiness in any way she could was of utmost importance to her. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mariko is survived by her loving husband John T. Collison and her son James Iver Collison of Springfield and by her parents Iver and Rae Johnson of Mountain View. She is further survived by her brother David A. Johnson and his wife Merciliza and their children Kristine, Daniel, and Ryan all of Dayton, Ohio. A graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Greenlawn Cemetery located at E. Third and Bay Streets in Mountain View with Pastor Kathy Osiel from the United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Virgil Henry Colter Born October 20, 1928 at West Plains, MO the son of James Curtis Colter and Lillie (Holden) Colter. He departed from this life May 9, 2008 at Mountain View, MO at the age of 79 years. He was united in marriage to Lois Randolph and to this union three children were born. He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, four brothers Sammy, Everett, Seborn, and Earl Chester; and two sisters Imogene and Letha. He is survived by his two sons Rexall Colter of Mountain View, MO and Randy Colter and wife Brenda of Mountain View, MO; one daughter Rachel Thomure and husband Brad of New Hamburg, MO; three sisters Stella Tapley of Mountain View, MO; Mary Gall of Mountain View, MO; and Clara Jean Nicklin of California; six grandchildren Brandi, Becca, Ryan, Stephanie, Trina, and Deana; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and many good friends. Virgil received his education at Oak Ridge School near the Eleven Point River. He served in the United States Army from February 1948 until February 1952 when he was honorably discharged. During his time in the United States Army he received the Occupation Medal (Japan). He enjoyed many hobbies. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and working in the garden. He loved spoiling his grandkids and spending time with family and friends most. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services were held Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10AM at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View, MO with Rev. Brian Ingalls and Punkie Stevenson officiating. Interment with Military Honors was in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View, MO.
Ervin Lester Conner, Sr. Born December 19, 1924, the son of Sparrow Green (Jim) and Medie Bandy Conner, and passed away February 14, 2007 at the age of 82, in Mountain View, Missouri, after an extended stay in the hospital. He attended Flat Rock Elementary and Summersville High School. He then served in the United States Army and belonged to VFW. Ervin was united in marriage to Rosa Mary Henry on October 4, 1963 in Mountain View, Missouri. He was saved and baptized in Flat Rock, Missouri and attended Little Zion Baptist Church in Trask, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Rosie; six children, Ervin Lester Conner, Jr., Webb City, Missouri; Richard Reeves, Ron Reeves, Kevin Conner, Shirley Selvey, all of Mountain View, Missouri; and Lynette Conner, Amarillo, Texas; one brother, Darrell Conner, Florence, Colorado; eighteen grandchildren, Amy Reese, Charles Reeves, Joshua Reeves, Beth Reeves, Joy Buckner, Michelle Bryant, Jenni Lopez, Alicia Martinez, Patty Uveges, Reggie Selvey, Dewayne Nagel, Cheryl Reed, Chad Conner, Linsey Conner, Holly Conner, Kaitlin Conner, Jackson Conner, and Kore Duncan; twelve great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ervin was retired and enjoyed working his farm of 43 years, traveling and seeing the country, and spending time with his family. He loved to joke around and was a friend to all. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007 in Yarber Chapel, Mountain View, Missouri with Rev. Harold Smith officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, Missouri under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View.
V. Mae Cook Age 97, West Plains - Died 2:55 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2006, in West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Cook will lie in state 2 p.m. Wednesday until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
CLARK ALEXANDER COOPER JUDGE COOPER, 88, DIES FOLLOWING LENGTHY ILLNESS - Long-Time Resident Was Former Associate Judge of Howell County Court - Judge Clark Alexander Cooper, 88, a resident of Howell County since 1888 and former associate judge of the County Court, died yesterday afternoon at his home, 1019 Renfrow Avenue, after a long illness during which he had been bedfast for the last two years. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 in the First Methodist Church with burial in New Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Robertson Funeral Home. Mr. Cooper was born Dec. 15, 1862 at Big Sandy TN, and came to Howell County as a young man and began teaching in the rural schools here. He first taught at South Fork and then in other schools of the county for a total of eleven terms. He and his wife, the former Ida J. Bolin, who survives him, would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary next July 31st. - Rural Mail Carrier - He was a rural mail carrier for 11 years until his health forced him to retire, then went into farming and livestock raising for a number of years. In 1926 he was elected associate judge of the county court from the northern district. He took pride in the progress made in building better roads in the county during his term on the court. While he was on the court, the plans for the present courthouse building were selected and approved. He and his family resided at Peace Valley, then at Pomona, and moved to West Plains in 1949. He was a member of the First Methodist Church here. Besides his wife, he is survived by seven sons and daughters: Mrs. Guy Wood of the family home, Jack Cooper, West Plains, T. J. Cooper and Mrs. E. B. Ward of Kansas City, Mrs. Frank Paul of Muskegon MI, Mrs. Eddie Myers, Davenport IA, V. E. Cooper, Lebanon MO, also by one brother, S. T. Cooper of Miami FL, and one sister, Mrs. Ella French of Corpus Christi TX. All of the children are expected to be here for the services. ~ West Plains Daily Quill June 1 1951.
ERVIN LESTER CONNER, SR. Born December 19, 1924, the son of Sparrow Green ‘Jim’ and Medie BANDY CONNER, and passed away February 14, 2007 at the age of 82, in Mountain View MO after an extended stay in the hospital. He attended Flat Rock Elementary and Summersville High School. He then served in the United States Army and belonged to VFW. Ervin was united in marriage to Rosa Mary HENRY on October 4, 1963 in Mountain View MO. He was saved and baptized in Flat Rock MO and attended Little Zion Baptist Church in Trask MO. He is survived by his wife, Rosie; six children, Ervin Lester CONNER, Jr., Webb City MO; Richard REEVES, Ron REEVES, Kevin CONNER, Shirley SELVEY, all of Mountain View MO; and Lynette CONNER, Amarillo TX; one brother, Darrell CONNER, Florence CO; eighteen grandchildren, Amy REESE, Charles REEVES, Joshua REEVES, Beth REEVES, Joy BUCKNER, Michelle BRYANT, Jenni LOPEZ, Alicia MARTINEZ, Patty UVEGES, Reggie SELVEY, Dewayne NAGEL, Cheryl REED, Chad CONNER, Linsey CONNER, Holly CONNER, Kaitlin CONNER, Jackson CONNER, and Kore DUNCAN; twelve great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ervin was retired and enjoyed working his farm of 43 years, traveling and seeing the country, and spending time with his family. He loved to joke around and was a friend to all. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007 in Yarber Chapel, Mountain View MO with Rev. Harold SMITH officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View MO under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Sources for this information: The Summersville Beacon.
EVERETT GREEN CONNER Son of James and Medie BANDY CONNER, was born January 27, 1927 at Flat Rock MO, and passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield MO on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at the age of 76 years, 2 months and 13 days. He was united in marriage to Dorothy COOLEY and to this union two children were born, Barbara and Keith. He later married Maxine YOUNGER HODGE and to their union she brought two daughters, Lorna and Lana. Everett served in the armed forces in World War II. He worked in the log woods in the western states as well as in Shannon County and loved it. He also worked in a dairy farm in Willard MO. In later years he built fence for many people in the area, but there was nothing Everett loved more than to work a good mule. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Medie CONNER. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Maxine CONNER, of Mountain View MO; his children, Keith and wife Barbara CONNER of Mountain View MO; Barbara and husband Wes ALBERS of Minden NE; Lorna and husband Gary GARRISON of Ellington MO; Lana CYPRET of Stafford MO; sister, Marie JONES of Mountain View MO; brothers Ervin CONNER and wife Roxie of Mountain View MO, and Darrell CONNER and wife Rose of Florence CO; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and a host of friends he made during his walk on Earth. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Bradford Funeral Home with Rev. Bud and Rev. Carl YOUNGER officiating. Interment was in Flat Rock Cemetery near Summersville MO, under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville. Sources for this information: The Current Wave, April 23, 2003.
WANDA LEONE YOUNGER CONWAY Age 76, former resident of Birch Tree, MO died Tuesday, December 11, 2007 in Independence Jackson Co MO. She was born February 8, 1931, the daughter of Ollie and Edna YOUNGER, at Montier Shannon Co MO. She and her husband, William CONWAY, were married April 12, 1950 in Salem Fulton Co AR. She was employed by Brown Shoe Co. and Tobin Hamilton Shoe Co. from 1969 to 1983 before becoming bookkeeper for her husband's trucking company until 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. CONWAY, both of her parents, and a brother, Doyle L. YOUNGER. Wanda was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy at Birch Tree Shannon Co MO. She also enjoyed home-making, quilting, crocheting, and embroidering. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Becky CONWAY of Mountain View Howell Co MO; a daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and James TOWNSEND of Odessa MO.; a sister, Winita PREWETT of Verona MO.; and 7 grandchildren; James TOWNSEND, Tim TOWNSEND, Dalton Brake, Nick TOWNSEND, Brett CONWAY, Kelsey TOWNSEND, and Brook CONWAY. Services were held Saturday, December 15, 2007 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Birch Tree, MO., with Bro. Roger SMITH officiating. Interment was held in Oak Grove Cemetery in Birch Tree, MO under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, MO.
Susan Ann 'Susie' Coobs Age 59, West Plains MO - Died June 30, 2007, Knoxville TN. A service honoring the memory of local graphic artist and web designer Susie Coobs will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Yellow House Community Arts Center . A reception will follow.
DOROTHY NAOMI MORTON COOPER Daughter of Francis Marion Morton and Naomi Bell Street was born in Haffner, Missouri, February 16, 1915 and passed away at the St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View, Missouri on Thursday morning January 5, 2006 at the age of 90 years, 10 months and 19 days. At the age of 24, Dorothy was united in marriage to Eli Cooper at Summersville , Missouri on February 8, 1938 making their union together 43 years before Eli passed away September 16, 1981. To their union one son Jimmy Dale Cooper was born and passed away shortly. She and Eli farmed near Summersville, after Eli passed away she sold the farm and moved to Summersville where she lived until she became to ill to stay at home. She moved to the Mountain View Health Care where she resided until she passed away. She like to piece quilts, and she loved to grow flowers in her yard and did so until she moved to the nursing home. Dorothy was saved and baptized at the age of 83, and attended the First Baptist Church in Summersville as long as she was able. Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents, Francis and Naomi, husband Eli, son Jimmy Dale, and 11 brothers and sisters, Millie Myrtle, Martha Helen, Lucinda 'Cinda'; Aaron Abraham, Manda Anna, Lilburn Elis, Emma Jane, Bertha Magdalean, Marion Ernest, Pearl, Rachel Inez. Dorothy is survived by nieces and nephews; Edith Lavern Crocker and James of Summersville, Missouri; Mabel Sykes and Thurman of Summersville and Wayne and Joyce Morton of Hartshorn, Missouri, Evelyn & Don Hart of Maryland Heights; Venita & husband of Texas; Carl Jordon of Texas; Ruby & Von Wilson of Colorado Springs; and a host of other nieces and nephews. Dorothy was tenderly loved by her nieces and nephew who lives in Summersville. Services were held Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel in Summersville with Rev. Phil Jester officiating. Interment was in Summersville City Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home. [Courtesy of The Current Wave.]
Loretta Patricia 'Pat' SMITH BUCKNER Cooper Born to William Bueford and Leanore Pugh Smith on July 11, 1939 in Shannon County, Missouri. She passed away January 18, 2007 at Mountain View Health Care at Mountain View, Missouri at the age of 67. Pat was united in marriage to Ernest Clinton Buckner on December 7, 1957 and to this union three children were born. Terri Dianne Grosze, Andrea Dawn Wright and William Mark Anthony Buckner. On December 6, 1977 she was married to Norman Aaron Cooper. She was preceded in death by her parents; one step-daughter, Kasey Cooper; one grandson, Isaac William Grosze, and one step-grandson, Brian Michael Wright. Pat is survived by her husband, Norman Cooper; her three children, Terri Grosze and husband, Gary of Mountain View, MO; Andrea Wright and husband, Ed of Mountain View, MO and Mark Buckner and Tammy Riegle of Cassville, MO; step-sons, Dean Cooper and wife, Karen of Strafford, MO; Steve Cooper and wife, Nina of Glendale, AZ; and Tony Cooper and wife, Krista of Birch Tree, MO; Grandchildren, Hannah Henry, Sarah Buckner, Michele Grosze, Jacob Buckner, Audrey Grosze, Cynthia Wright, Seth Cooper, Curtis Cooper, Anthony Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Evan Lee, A.J. Lee, Cody Lee, and Christopher Wright and six great grandchildren. She spent 20+ years as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital. She enjoyed working in her garden and one of her favorite past times was going to auctions. Graveside services were held Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Teresita, MO.
Murrel Henry Otto Cooper Murrel Henry Otto Cooper Born on the old family farm north of Birch Tree, Missouri on June 27, 1936, the son of Mack Arnold Cooper and Dona Pearl (Derryberry) Cooper. Murrel passed over January 9, 2008 at Birch Tree Place, Birch Tree, Missouri. Murrel was united in marriage March 11, 1958 to Lula Mae Sechrest. To this union, one daughter was born, Kathy. This union also gave him a stepdaughter, Rhonda Pittman, who he raised as his own daughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Daniel Archie Cooper and Paul Arnold Cooper; one sister, Dorthy Christine Norris; and one brother-in-law, Ed Etherton. Murrel is survived by his wife, Lula Mae Cooper, of the home; one daughter, Kathy Kolbe and husband, Bruce, of Birch Tree; one stepdaughter, Rhonda Bradshaw of Birch Tree; three grandchildren, Kerri (Kolbe) Vermillion and husband, Audy, of Mountain View, Missouri, Timothy Bradshaw and wife, Priscilla, of Summersville, Missouri, and Daniel Bradshaw and companion, Jami Sickmeier; three shining stars who brought light and joy to Murrel, his three great grandsons, Dalton Vermillion, Gabriel Bradshaw, and Evan Bradshaw; one step great granddaughter, Jessica Vermillion; four sisters including twin sister Pearl Isabell Etherton, Juanita Jane Wood and husband, Bob, all of Birch Tree, Norma Jean Pohl of St. James, Missouri and Rosalie Nix of DeQueen, Arkansas; a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Murrel was a kind and gentle man who touched many lives. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2008 at Church of God of Prophecy, Birch Tree, Missouri with Bro. Roger Smith officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri.
STANLEY M. COOPER Age 73, Salem AR - Died at 7 a.m. at his home. Born Aug. 19, 1902 in Larkin AR, the son of the late Lynn and Minerva Hare Cooper. He was married Jun. 19, 1927, at Oxford AR to Margie Clay. He was a member of the Baptist Church and had been a minister for 48 years. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Margie Cooper, Salem AR; one son, Rex Cooper, Arkadelphia AR; two sisters, Mrs. Ardeth Smith and Mrs. Joyce Hanley, West Plains; one half brother, Paul Gene Cooper, Salem AR; one half sister, Mrs. Barbara Hickinbotham, Salem AR; his stepmother, Mrs. Nellie Cooper, Salem AR and four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and three sisters. Interment was in the family plot at Dripping Springs Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains.
Wilma Fern Cooper Wilma Fern Cooper was born Dec. 14, 1945 in Birch Tree, Mo., the daughter of Jess and Violet (French) Crabtree. She departed this life on Oct. 25, 2009, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 63 years. Wilma graduated from Birch Tree High School in 1964. She was united in marriage to H. Leon Cooper on April 18, 1964, in Bartlett, Mo. To this union, four children were born, Angela Gwyn, Douglas Leon, Heath Jerome and Aundrea Fern. Preceding her in death were her parents and one sister, Marilyn Needles. She is survived by her husband, Leon, of Henderson, Ark.; children, Angela Fisher and Jack of Springfield, Mo., Doug Cooper and wife, Nancy of Henderson, Ark., Heath Cooper of Benton, Ky., and Aundrea Cooper of Mountain View, Mo.; one sister, Judy L. Barnes of Birch Tree, Mo.; and one grandson, Sidney Fisher. Wilma was employed as office manager of the Mountain Home Horse Trader office. She enjoyed nature – going on journeys, flowers, trees and rocks. Wilma was a woman of God, always loving and caring. She was a voice of reason to her children and not only a mother, but a friend. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in Apostolic Temple Church, Birch Tree, Mo., with Pastors Rick Rutledge and Rayburn Druey officiating. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, Birch Tree, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Mo.
Marion Francis 'Pete' Copeland Age 85, West Plains - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, at First Presbyterian Church, West Plains. Mr. Copeland died at 5:25 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains. He was born June 25, 1919, in Winona to Albert and Rozella Medley Copeland. He married Marowayne Cooper. Mr. Copeland was a member of First Presbyterian Church, West Plains. He worked for many years as a lumber grader and buyer for Cloud Oak Flooring and before his retirement was employed by Midwest Walnut Company. He was a wood craftsman and many people in this area enjoy the grandfather clocks he has crafted. Mr. Copeland is survived by two children, Shirley Butler and husband Larry, West Plains, and Lindel Copeland and wife Linda, Springfield; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Golda Moats, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; his wife; three brothers and two sisters precede him in death. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday in First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Howell Memorial Park, Pomona, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church and may be left at the funeral home.
Jennie Marie Kooy Cope Age 94, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007, at Curry Street Church of Christ under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Cope died 5:05 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Brooke Haven Healthcare. She was born May 5, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA., to Everett and Agnes Chervek Kooy.  On May 6, 1933, she was married at Detroit, Mich., to Ishmael Cope, who preceded her in death May 7, 1985. Mrs. Cope was employed as a nurse for Dr. Rollin Smith and before her retirement taught at the State School for the Handicapped for 15 years. She was a member of the Stitch and Chatter Club. Mrs. Cope was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ since 1948. She is survived by three children, Patricia Roxie Hudson, husband, S.P., Grove Hill, Ala., Donald Ishmael Cope, wife, June, St. Peters, Mo., and Maxine Mae Collins, husband, J.D., West Plains, Mo.; special foster daughter, Carol Moss; nine grandchildren, David Collins, wife, Pam, Tim Latham, wife, Julie, Jeff Collins, wife, Linda, Jeff Cope, Sherry Platt, husband, Larry, Tammy Parker, husband, Scott, Cindy James, John Latham, wife, Brooksie, and Lois Latham; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Collins; 27 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Paul E. Cope, wife, Marie, St. Charles, Mo.; sister-in-law, Winnie Mae Ellis, Steele, Mo.; several nieces and nephews; and many special “children” from the State School. Her parents; husband; one grandson, Jonathan Collins; one son-in-law, Ray Latham; and three brothers precede her in death. Mrs. Cope will lie in state from 1 p.m. Saturday until noon Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Howell Memorial ParkCemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Charles Marion Cory Age 71, Willow Springs MO - Born December 24, 1936, in Staples, Minn., and died Thursday, September 11, 2008. He was born to Charles Simon Cory and Marie McCoy Cory. Before his retirement, Mr. Cory was an appliance repairman. Mr. Cory is survived by his brothers, Bob Roy Cory, of Staples, Minn., and Donald Charles Cory of Motley, Minn. Arrangements were handled by the Neptune Society in St. Louis, Mo.
Dwight Vance Counts Son of James W.  Counts & Mary Henrietta 'Etta' Henry, born January 31, 1927 at Willow Springs, MO. He entered into eternal rest April 23, 2006 at the age of 79 years. On February 19, 1949, he was married at Mountain Grove, MO to Sylvia H. Baker. Mr. Counts was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States and Germany with the United States Army with the rank of Provost Sergeant. Before his retirement, he was employed by Midwest Walnut and Conaway Winters, Inc., Willow Springs, MO, Chalmers and Borton, Lincoln, NE. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Counts became a Christian at a young age; he was a member of the General Baptist Church, Cabool, MO and read his Bible a lot. Mr. Counts is survived by his wife, Sylvia Counts, of the family home; four children, Judy L. Wesley and husband, Jim, West Plains, MO, Barbara K. Counts, State of Florida, Tim Counts, West Plains, MO, and Robert Counts and wife, Missy, Raytown, MO; fourteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one brother, Cecil Counts, Willow Springs, MO; two sisters, Erma J. Good and husband, Paul, West Plains, MO and Juanita Teeple, Ocean Springs, MS; and several nieces and nephews. His parents, one grandson, Brandon Counts, and four sisters preceded him in death. Services were held April 27, 2006 in the Rose Chapel at the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains, MO with Revs. Bill Bales and Harold Smith officiating. Obituary printed by Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains, MO.
Don Coursey Age 69, West Plains MO - Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, June 2, 2007, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, with Pastor Debra Johnston officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains. He was born the son of the late Eugene Coursey and Laura Thorpe Coursey, on April 4, 1938, and died May 30, 2007, in Springfield, Mo. He was united in marriage Nov. 7, 1960, in Clayton County, Mo., to Etta Collins. Mr. Coursey is survived by his wife, Etta Collins Coursey, of the home, West Plains; three children, Penny Palmer and Jimmy Ledbetter, West Plains, Kathy Hardin, husband, Gene, West Plains, and Donnie Coursey, wife, Valerie, West Plains; nine grandchildren, Matthew Palmer, wife, Mary Beth, Joshua Palmer, wife, Hannah, Ashley Hardin, Sam Hardin, Roman Young, Hannah Young, Rachel Coursey, Caitlyn Coursey and Shelby Coursey, all of West Plains; two great grandchildren on the way; two brothers, Jim Coursey, wife, Linda, Springfield, Mo., and Hollis Crowe, Cherokee Village, Ark., and one sister, Irene Norman, Colorado Springs, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. Mr. Coursey was a pastor at Pomona Full Gospel Church, Pomona, for eight years. He was a foreman at Chrysler in Fenton, Mo., for 11 years and was the night manager of Price Chopper in West Plains for 12 years. He loved to hunt and fish, and work in his flower beds. He loved sports, especially basketball. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and can be left at Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Milton Price Hooks Courtright Son of the late Clyde Onto Hooks and Ruby Willie Brooks Morrow Hooks Courtright, was born Aug. 8, 1940, in Amarillo, Texas, and died July 26, 2008, at St John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 67 years. He was united in marriage Dec. 24, 1966, in New York, N.Y., to Margie Mee Yuen Wong. He is survived by his wife, Margie Mee Yuen Wong Courtright, of the home, West Plains, Mo.; and two brothers, Lloyd and Terry Courtright. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Merle Coutright Sr. and Ruby Willie Brooks Morrow Hooks Courtright. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Vietnam War.  He was a managing news editor for FOX Channel 5 in Washington, D.C., and later was a managing editor for NBC Network News in Washington, D.C. He was cremated today, Aug. 8, 2008, at Springfield Mortuary Service in Springfield, Mo.
Alice Rebecca Cowen Alice Rebecca (Harris) Cowen was born Dec. 4, 1919, at Mountain View, Mo., the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Harris and Hattie (Davis) Harris. She passed away March 9, 2010, at St. John’s St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View, Mo., at the age of 90 years. She was united in marriage to Ellis Zimri Cowen on March 6, 1937, in Van Buren, Mo., and after his death later married Leo Cowen in 2005. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Ellis Zimri Cowen and Leo Cowen; eight brothers David Harris, Vard Harris, Elvis Harris, Leonard Harris, Claude Harris, Bill Harris, Howard Harris and John Harris; three sisters Pauline Orton, Hildred Hines and Mildred Kelley. She is survived by one sister, Aleda Dorothy Pruitt, and husband Raymond of Oxford, Miss., and numerous nieces and nephews. Alice loved quilting, crocheting, gardening and spoiling all who came to visit her. Although our hearts are broken, there is a joyful reunion and a great celebration in honor. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View, Mo., with Rev. Roger Smith officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, Mo., under the direction of Duncan Funeral Homes
Helen Lucille Lovan Cox A native Willow Springs resident - Quietly passed away early Friday evening, Nov. 14, 2008, while at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains from natural causes.  Born June 29, 1925, to Otho Ray and Iva May Cox Lovan in Willow Springs, she was 83 years old. Helen married Charles M. 'Don' Cox in 1940 in Salem AR. To this union, five children were born.  She spent her entire life in Willow Springs with the exception of two years when she lived in Oregon due to her husband Don’s employment. She was primarily a homemaker and she took great pride in raising her children and keeping her home a loving and warm environment for her family and friends.  It was said she never met a stranger. Once she met you, she considered you family and loved you unconditionally.  She had such love and a desire to make others happy that she took more than 197 children in her home through foster care and she adopted six. She had many enjoyments in her life such as quilting, camping, traveling and cooking.  However, what gave her the greatest joy was being surrounded by her family. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don on March 6, 1984; her son, Donald R. Cox; her daughter, Brenda L. Cox; and by two sisters and one brother. She is survived by her sons, Larry Cox and his wife Shirley of Cabool; Frankie Cox of Willow Springs; and David Cox and his wife Bea also of Willow Springs.  She is further survived by her grandchildren, Julie Orvac and her husband John of Willow Springs; Dale Lee Cox and his wife Sherry of Mountain View; Paula Gross of Licking; Craig Cox and his wife Debra of Cabool; Nicole Steely and her husband Eddie of Bucyrus; Kenny Cox and his wife Angela of Willow Springs; Tammy Raspberry and her husband Eric of Kansas City MO.; Darlena McDaniel and her husband Tim of Willow Springs; Sethanie Breeds and her husband Stewart of Willow Springs; Kay Kay Cox of Willow Springs; Jackie Cox and his wife Allison of Willow Springs; Jody Shaw and her husband Tommy of Nixa; Shannon Cox of Willow Springs; Lori Cox of Norwood; Tony Cox of Mountain View; Shellie Collins and Raymond Sharp of Cabool; and Todd Cox and his wife Yvonne of Willow Springs.  She further leaves her brother, Bob Lovan and his wife Nancy of Willow Springs, as well as 35 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many others she truly considered family. Funeral services for Helen were Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at the Westside Family Life Center located at 1274 County Road 5270 in Willow Springs with Pastor David Lovan officiating. Burial followed Tuesday’s services at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Larry Dale Cox Age 62, Cabool MO - Peacefully ascended to heaven on Feb. 13, 2009, at the Harry S. Truman Medical Center in Columbia, Mo. Larry was born on Jan. 19, 1947, in Willow Springs, Mo., the son of Charles and Helen (Lovan) Cox. He grew up on the family farm and on his 17th birthday, he boarded a bus headed for St. Louis to join the U.S. Army. Larry proudly served his country, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and later was assigned to Fort Hamilton, N.Y., and then to the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. While in the Army, he received the National Defense Service medal, the Sharpshooter medal and recently was awarded the Vietnam War medal and medallion.

Larry was married to his loving wife, Shirley, on Aug. 14, 1971, and together they made their home in Cabool. He was previously employed by Frisco Railroad, which later merged to become Burlington Northern. However, he truly enjoyed working for the Watson family on their farm.

Although Larry may have never painted a Picasso or climbed Mt. Everest, he definitely surpassed these events by achieving the status of a loving husband, a remarkable father and a faithful friend. However, his greatest accomplishment in life was being an outstanding grandfather. The love he held for his grandchildren was easily seen and felt by all. Larry was also known for opening his heart and his home for those in need. He always said, 'We may never have much but we’ll always be willing to share.' He never met a stranger and was always eager to just sit and visit. He was never at a loss for words and usually somewhere in a conversation you would hear him say, 'My Daddy always said.' He had a variety of interests and hobbies; however, the most notable would be his love of camping, hunting and the outdoors. Seldom would a summer pass without a few visits to Blue Springs or Norfork Lake. In his younger days, Larry with his beloved horse, Little Red and his brother, David with his horse, Joe Buck would participate in several fun shows and small rodeos. He would often recall stories of how David would spur his horse, causing Little Red to lunge forward and giving him quite an exciting ride. Larry and his brother-in-law, Kenny Martin, made it a personal quest to conquer every Chinese restaurant in the Midwest. It’s a known fact that the army of two frequently traveled to distant lands such as Arkansas and Oklahoma just to try a different buffet. One can rest assured, they always got their money’s worth. Greeting Larry as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven were his parents; his grandparents, Otho and Ivah Lovan; an older brother, Donald Cox; a younger sister, Brenda Cox and others that he held close to his heart, such as Don McFarland, Geneva Cooper and Herschel Martin. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; three daughters, Juli Oravec and husband, John of Willow Springs, Mo., Paula Gross of Licking and Nikki Stilley and husband, Eddie of Bucyrus; two sons, Dale Cox and wife, Sherry of Mountain View, Mo., and Craig Cox and wife, Debra of Cabool, Mo.; two brothers, Frank Cox of Willow Springs, Mo., and David Cox and wife, Bea of Willow Springs, Mo.; and six adopted brothers and sisters, Ann, David, Amanda, Rodney, Chance and Chase. Larry is also survived by his grandchildren, who knew him as Pa Pa. They are Kayla Cox, Clay Cox, Trevor Oravec, Trey Oravec, James Cox, LaTosha Cox, Danny Gross, Matt Gross, Kyle Gross and Cody Stilley; one great grandchild, Sarina Cox; and a host of other relatives and friends. Larry accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized at an early age. Realizing that his life on earth may be short, he rededicated his life to God weeks before passing at Westside Family Life Center, where he was a member. Services were Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at the funeral chapel with Pastor David Lovan officiating. Pallbearers were Craig Cox, Dale Cox, James Cox, Clay Cox, Eddie Stilley, John Oravec, Kyle Gross and Matt Gross. Honorary pallbearers were Trey Oravec, Trevor Oravec, Cody Stilley, Danny Gross and Shannon Cox. Interment with full military honors was at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Cabool, Mo., under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, Mo. The family has requested memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; those donations may be made at the funeral home or by phone (1-800-873-6983), mail (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or online at www.stjude.org/donate.

Laura Mae Shelburn Cox Age 78, of Springfield, died November 10, 2005, in Maranatha Village. She was born February 2, 1927, in Springfield, to John and Mae Shelburn, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Bobby Lee Cox; and three daughters, Brenda Young and her husband, LeRoy of Buffalo, Missouri, Linda Bradley and her husband, Terry of Chapin, Illinois, and Sherry Keonig and her husband, Lewis of the state of Oregon; one son, David Cox and his wife, Tammy of Willow Springs, Missouri. Also surviving are are her brother, Jerry Shelburn and his wife, Helen; a sister, Mary Winkler; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, November 14, 2005, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Willow Springs City Cemetery in Willow Springs, Missouri.
LINDSEY COX Age 77, West Plains - Funeral services held in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Connie Puckett and Rev. Robbie Holcomb officiating. Mr. Cox died at West Plains Memorial Hospital, suffering from a heart ailment. He was born in Marshall IL, Sep. 17, 1898, the son of the late Perry and Matilda Lankenbaker Cox. He came to the West Plains area more than 20 years ago and for the past 18 years has been employed with the Earl 'Red' Hall Auctioneer Company as a clerk. In 1920 he was married to Sadie E. Elliott. In 1937 he was married to Zona Slane. Mr. Cox was of the Assembly of God faith. Survivors include three children, DeVane Cox, West Terre Haute IN; Weldon Cox, Richardson TX, and Delcie Jean Cox, Decatur IL; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Lula Huddleston, Yale IL, and Mrs. Effie Barker, West Union IL. Preceding him in death are his parents, two brothers and one sister. (No dates provided; the rest is missing).
Gwendolyn Southard 'Gwen' Cozort Age 94, of West Plains, MO, was born Nov. 13, 1909 in Glencoe, AR, the daughter of the late John Polk Southard and Loma Ann Vail Southard. She died Sept. 26, 2004, in West Plains, MO. She was married on Jan. 6, 1929, in Glencoe, AR, to Walter Curtis Cozort, who preceded her in death April 23, 1961. She was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. She taught school for several years and drove the school bus. She spent her life on the farm and was an avid gardener. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother and will be missed by those who knew and loved her. Survivors include seven children, Herbert W. Cozort and wife, Wilma, of Nixa, MO; Conrad Cozort and wife, Blanche, of West Plains; Curtis Cozort and wife, Anita, of West Plains; Norris Cozort and wife, Ivene, of West Plains; Johnny Cozort, of West Plains; Kirby Cozort, and wife, Penny, of Broken Arrow, OK, and Rose Ann Bales and husband, Joe 'Buddy' of West Plains; three sisters-in-law, Launita Southard of Melbourne, Cleta Southard of Salem, and Nova Gault of Newport; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Orby Southard, Roby Southard, Bert Southard and Hobart Southard; three sisters, Ruth Mullins, Maxine Lundy and Tressie Brawley and one grandchild. The funeral service was Sept. 29 at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains with Evangelists Joe Spangler and Neale Phipps officiating. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home of West Plains. (SOUTH MISSOURIAN NEWS, 07/Oct/2004)
Floyid Harold Crabtree Born May 3, 1931 in Hartshorn, MO to Charley L. and Martha Ellen Spencer Crabtree. He passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at Mountain View Healthcare in Mountain View, MO at 75 years of age. He was united in marriage to Neva Christine Plummer on August 23, 1950 in Birch Tree, MO. Floyid was a faithful member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Mountain View. He attended very faithfully until his illness prevented him from going. He enjoyed gardening and collecting miniature cars. Floyid loved working at Town and Country grocery store were he was employed for many years and met many friends. He also liked going to yard sales and flea markets. Floyid loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He had a big heart and cared about everyone he knew. Floyid is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Carrie Pendergrass, Stella Jackson, Beatica Stark and Loretta Brown; two brothers, Arvel Crabtree and Rufus Crabtree; two infant brothers; and one son-in-law, Terry Tharp. He is survied by his wife of 56 years, Neva Crabtree of the home; three daughters, Darline Tharp and husband Garry, Sr. of West Plains, MO, Janet Tharp of Mountain View, MO and Judy Green and friend Joe of Omaha, AR; one brother, Jesse Crabtree of Owensville, MO; two sisters, Pauline Hicks and husband Bob of Gerald, MO and Grace Stark of Raymondville, MO; eight grandchildren; four great-grandsons; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Yarber Chapel in Mountain View, MO with Bro. John Benning officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, MO. Arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, MO. 
Vivian Crabtree Age 87, West Plains - Died 7:37 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, in West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Funeral services for Vivian Crabtree, 87, West Plains, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at First Baptist Church under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
FRANKLIN CRAIG Born the son of Gilbert H. Craig and Mary Frances Chandler Craig on Jan. 23, 1934, in Scottsboro AL, and died Nov. 2, 2008, at his home in Myrtle MO, at the age of 74.  He was united in marriage to Ann Risley July 11, 1977 at Rockford IL. He was an industrial plater, working for Park Plating Company in Loves Park IL for 21 years. He was of the Free Will Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife Ann, of the home in Myrtle; three children, Kris Johnson and husband Lee of Lake Havasu AZ; Franklin Michael Craig and wife Tina Ann of Alton MO, and Sherry Goetting of Myrtle; eight grandchildren, Jessica and Nicole Johnson, Rebecca See, Preston Morgan, Luke Craig, Colten, Cody and Cameron Goetting; three sisters, Juanita McClure and Louise Sullivan of Rockford IL, and Shirley Ruminer of Doniphan MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Teresa May Craig, one son Herbert Craig, one brother Hobert 'Pee Wee' Craig and one sister, Della May. Funeral services were held Nov. 6, 2008, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, with Rev. Ralph Douglas officiating. Burial followed in Cotton Creek Cemetery near Myrtle MO, with arrangements by Carter Funeral Home of Thayer. Thursday, November 13, 2008
LOUIS VERLIN KINCHELOE CRAIG Born January 23, 1914 at Mountain View, MO to Louis Verlin Craig, Sr. and Renda Buff Craig. He later took the name of his stepfather who raised him, Dolph Craig. Lewis passed away on December 21, 1992 at the Birch View Nursing Center at the age of 78 years. Louis was united in marriage to Nellie Muriel Norris on July 5, 1935 at Eminence, MO and to this union four children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Earline; two brothers, Dean and Champ; and one sister Delphia. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Nellie of the home; one son Ted Craig and wife Ruby of Winona, MO; two daughters, Glenna Lane of  Winona, MO and Evanell Newman and husband of Jerseyville, IL; one brother, Jack Craig of Saratoga, WY; three sisters, Lu Eva Linley of Kelso, WA; Alice Butler of Longview, WA; and Betty Neff of Klamath Falls, OR; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Louis lived and worked in this country all of his life.  He worked in sawmills and hauled logs.  He truly loved the sport of fox hunting, and will be greatly missed by his fox hunting buddies. Louis accepted Christ as his Savior several years ago and lived his life for the Lord. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 23, 1992 at 2 p.m. at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Winona with Rev. James Eskew officiating. Interment will be in the Horner Cemetery at Winona under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Winona.
NELLIE MURIEL NORRIS CRAIG Passed away at her son's home with loved ones by her side on March 4, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. Nellie was born to Nancy Elizabeth JONES NORRIS and Louis Jiles NORRIS on May 3, 1916 at Winona MO. She married the love of her life, Louis Verlin KINCHELOE CRAIG on July 5, 1934 at Eminence MO. She was 83 years, 20 months and one day at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis V. CRAIG, one daughter, Earlene CRAIG, her mother and father, six sisters and four brothers, and many nieces, nephews and other family members. She is survived by one son, Ted CRAIG and wife Ruby of Winona MO; two daughters, Glenna LANE of Winona and Evanell and husband Tim NEWMAN of Jerseyville IL; one brother, Oscar L. 'Brownie' NORRIS and wife Norrine of Winona, and many nephews and nieces; 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She gave her life to the Lord Jesus at an early age and attended Munsell Chapel until her death. Nellie was a special person, with love for everyone. She had a gift of making you feel as if you were her 'favorite'. She lived for her family and they were her life. She will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2000 at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Winona with Archie TAYLOR officiating. Interment was in Horner Cemetery under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Winona.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave.
Huldah L. Woodward Crain

Daughter of Samuel Woodward & Sarah Mead. She married 1st William McCollum Apr 16, 1856, Perry County, Illinois. Married 2nd William Stilts Apr 10, 1862, Perry County, Illinois. Married 3rd James Crain Jan 24, 1883, Jackson County, Illinois.

FORMER WEST PLAINS WOMAN BROUGHT HERE FOR BURIAL
(From Thursday's Daily Quill)
The body of Mrs. Hulda Crain of Buckhart, in Douglas County, who died in Buckhart yesterday morninig following a illness of only a few days, was brought here late yesterday afternoon for burial in Oak Lawn cemetery. Mrs. Crain, who lived in West Plains for several years, was the widow of the late James Crain of West Plains, who died here seventeen years ago, and also was buried in Oak Lawn. She was the fourth wife of Mr. Crain. Since the death of her husband she had been living in Douglas county, making her home with a step-daugher, Mrs. Ira Woodward. The aged woman is survived by several step-sons and step-daughters, and step-grandchildren.

JIMMY RAY 'J. R.' CRAWFORD Age 61. Born Dec. 12, 1946, died at 1:40 p.m. Monday, Jul. 14, 2008 at St John's Hospital at Springfield. Visitation was Thursday, Jul. 17, 2008 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Willow Springs Church of Christ. Funeral services 3:00 p.m. Friday, Jul. 18, 2008 at the Church of Christ under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Mary Amelia Yocum Craven 105, of West Plains Graveside services were held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at Oak Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Craven died at 11:32 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006, at West Vue Nursing Home. She as born on Oct. 13, 1900, in Trenton, Neb., to Augustus Caesar and Hattie Amelia Green Yocum. On June 6, 1923, she was married at Kirksville, Mo., to Thomas Harold Craven, who preceded her in death on Sept. 30, 1995. Mrs. Craven was a member of the First Christian Church of West Plains. She is survived by two nieces, Janice Kiel of Las Vegas, Nev., and Joyce Bowen of McKeam, Va.; many other relatives at Clarence, Mo.; and two special friends, Jack and Emma Lou Emerick of West Plains. Her parents; husband; one son, Warren Craven who was killed in a plane crash in 1957; three brothers; and one sister precede her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Harlin Robert Crawford Age 84, West Plains - Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Crawford died 12:52 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, in Brooke Haven Healthcare. He was born Jan. 26, 1924, at Mammoth, Mo., to Robert and Mary Anderson Crawford. On July 11, 1946, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Leota Osborn at Mtn. Home, Ark. In the early 1950s, the family moved to West Plains where Mr. Crawford spent most of his life being self-employed as a farmer and owner of rental property. He was a member of the Church of Christ and for 54 years, had his membership at the Curry Street Church of Christ, West Plains. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leota Crawford, of the family home; daughters, Loretta Metzger, husband, Don, West Plains, and Kathy Stine, husband, Bill, West Plains; grandchildren, Traci Metzger Willison, husband, Shane, Thayer, Mo., Matthew Stine, wife, Erika, West Plains; great-grandchildren, Mayce, Kale, Jackson and Griffin Willison, Gwynivere, Trent, and Reyannah Stine; brother-in-law, William Osborn, wife, Rita; sisters-in-law, Evalee Gunter, husband, Bill, and Jean Osborn; and several special nieces and nephews. His parents; three brothers, Truman, Marshall and Woodrow Crawford; one sister, Eunice Messick; one brother-in-law, Randall Osborn; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnnie and Dorothy Osborn, precede him in death. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Harlin Robert CrawfordAge 84, West Plains MO - Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Crawford died 12:52 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, in Brooke Haven HealthCare. He was born Jan. 26, 1924, at Mammoth, Mo., to Robert and Mary Anderson Crawford. On July 11, 1946, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Leota Osborn at Mountain Home, Ark. In the early 1950s, the family moved to West Plains where Mr. Crawford spent most of his life being self-employed as a farmer and owner of rental property. He was a member of the Church of Christ and for 54 years, had his membership at the Curry Street Church of Christ, West Plains. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leota Crawford, of the family home; daughters, Loretta Metzger and husband, Don, West Plains and Kathy Stine and husband, Bill, of West Plains; grandchildren, Traci Metzger Willison and husband, Shane, of Thayer, Mo., Matthew Stine and wife, Erika, of West Plains; great-grandchildren, Mayce, Kale, Jackson and Griffin Willison, Gwynivere, Trent and Reyannah Stine; brother-in-law, William Osborn and wife, Rita; sisters-in-law, Evalee Gunter and husband, Bill, and Jean Osborn; and several special nieces and nephews. His parents; three brothers, Truman, Marshall and Woodrow Crawford; one sister, Eunice Messick; one brother-in-law, Randall Osborne; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnnie and Dorothy Osborn, precede him in death. Burial was at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home
Ryan Lee Crewse Willow Springs resident, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 14, 2007, in Springfield as a result of an automobile accident. Born March 3, 1989, in Mansfield, Mo., to Randy and Dana Crewse, he was 18 years old. Ryan grew up in Willow Springs, where he attended school. He was a proud graduate of Willow Springs High School's class of 2007. He was preparing to embark on his career in college before his untimely death. Ryan was described as outgoing, caring, and hardworking. His family further stated that he was 'a simple kid who didn't ask for much' – always willing to give and expecting nothing in return. As a result, he was extremely well liked by his peers and adults alike, as evident by the outpouring of love and support by the community at large. Ryan had many enjoyments in life which included playing football, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his friends. However, he especially enjoyed being with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. Ryan is preceded in death by his brother Austin Grindstaff in 1996. He is survived by his mother, Dana White, and her husband, Billy, of Willow Springs; his sister, Jessica Crewse of Waynesville, Mo.; and his brother, Billy Joe White of Willow Springs. He is further survived by his paternal grandparents Bill and Janice White and maternal grandparents Gary and Marlene Grindstaff, all of Willow Springs. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles Danny Sprague, Donny and Rhonda Grindstaff, Mike and Mandy Grindstaff, all of Willow Springs, and Mike and Kathy Childress of Kansas. Funeral services for Ryan will be held Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the First General Baptist Church in Willow Springs with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona. Family night will be held Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Willow Funeral Home, located at 106 E. Third Street in Willow Springs. Memorial contributions in Ryan's name may be made at the First National Bank in Willow Springs to help defray funeral costs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Eunice M. Crider Born May 29, 1924 at Summersville MO the daughter of William Othel Crider and Maude Lee (Williams) Crider. She passed away March 12, 2008 at Cabool MO at the age of 83 years. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by numerous cousins and friends. Eunice was raised in the Summersville area and graduated from Summersville High School in 1943. She moved to St. Louis and worked at Carter Carburetor from March 1945 until she retired after 36 years in August 1981. She was a retired member of United Auto Workers Local 819 in St. Louis MO. Eunice was a member of the Summersville First Baptist Church. Eunice was a faithful prayer warrior. She loved the youth of the church and told them constantly that she was praying for them. She took an active part in discussion in the Training Union Class and studied her Bible faithfully. She enjoyed gospel music, Sunday night singings and purchased special books for the choir to use. She enjoyed providing cookies for the children at Vacation Bible School. Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Summersville MO with Rev. Tommy Boyd officiating. Interment was in  Summersville City Cemetery under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Summersville.
HERMAN E. CRIDER Age 71, West Plains - Funeral services held in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains with Evangelist Neale Phipps officiating. Mr. Crider died at West Plains Memorial Hospital. He was born at West Plains on Aug. 11, 1904, the son of the late Daniel Webster and Bessie Tate Crider. He had spent his entire life in this area and had worked as a meat cutter for a number of years and was engaged in farming and stock raising. Since his retirement he had operated a small fruit farm at his home. Mr. Crider received his education in the schools of Howell County. On Dec. 23, 1928, he was married in West Plains to Edith Mahan. He had been a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ for a number of years and had served as director of the Oak Grove School Board for a number of years. He served as a district commissioner of the special road district in Howell County and was president of Dripping Springs Cemetery Association. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Edith Crider of the home; two children, John Paul Crider and Mrs. Joan Jones, both of West Plains; two grandsons, Sgt. John David Crider, presently stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army; Michael Everett Crider, West Plains; a granddaughter, Billie Jo Jones, West Plains; a great grandson, John David Crider, Jr., West Plains; four step grandchildren and two brothers, Lynn Crider, Butler MO, and Cleo Crider, Truman AR. Preceding him in death are his parents, an infant son and three sisters. Interment was in the family6 plot at Dripping Springs Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral home, West Plains.
Raymond Lee Croney Graveside services for Raymond Lee Croney, 84, West Plains, were held Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the Stuart Union Cemetery near West Plains under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Croney died at :15 p.m., Saturday, July 4, 2009, at his home. He was born Dec. 23, 1924, at Dora, Mo., to Lewis S. and Dolly Fields Croney. On June 28, 1947, he was married at Jonesboro, Ark., to Mary Bernice Gunter who preceded him in death on March 4, 2006. Before his retirement, Mr. Croney was employed at Uphaus Sawmill. He regularly had attended the Stuart Union Church and Davis Creek Church. He is survived by eight children, Fay Swink of Marmaduke, Ark., Ruth Morris, husband, Ed, of
Pomona, Mo., Ray Croney, wife, Kathy, Neal Croney, Mary Ellen Smith, husband, Don, May Schmitt, husband, Joe and Randy Croney, all of West Plains and John Croney, wife, Debbie, Caulfield, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Audrey Collins and Estie Birdsong, both of West Plains and Dorothy Richardson, husband, Dalton, Heber Springs, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Edna Moffis, husband, Pat and Margie Gunter, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; wife; four grandchildren; three brothers, Lloyd, Chester and Delbert Croney; and one sister, Ruby Croney, precede him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to Stuart Union Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (Howell County News, July 8, 2009)

Billy Keith Cropper Age 79, of West Plains - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.Mr. Cropper died at 8:25 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007, in Brooke Haven Healthcare. He was born on March 1, 1927, in Bakersfield, Mo., to Goldman and Ocal Meeks Cropper. On Dec. 18, 1946, he was married at Mountain Home, Ark., to Marzie Imogene Durham who preceded him in death on June 20, 2005. Mr. Cropper was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. Before his retirement, he was manager of Empire Gas Company. Mr. Cropper’s God and family were his life, and he was an avid fisherman. He was a member of the Church of Christ since childhood and for more than 30 years, was a member of the Curry Street Church of Christ. He is survived by four children, Judy Hawkins and husband, Jack, Randy Cropper and wife, Cris, Marilyn bell and husband, Mark, and Carolyn Whittingham and husband, Rob, all of West Plains; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His parents, wife, one brother and one sister precede him in death. Burial will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Ronald McDonald House and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marie Culbertson Crouch Born on September 8,1921, to John Washington Culbertson and Bertha Ann Eubanks , near Pomona, Mo. The oldest of ten children. She loved pulling pranks on them. She attended Lost Camp School and Church, where she gave her heart to the Lord. She often reminisced about teaching a children's 'card class' there. She married Charles W Crouch on August 12 1941, at Pomona and gave birth to three children, whom she loved dearly. Twenty-seven years of her life were devoted to caring for the needs of her second daughter Lorene Fern. She especially enjoyed cooking, raising flowers, watching soap operas, and spoiling her grandchildren, while living at Pomona, Willow Springs, Tyrone, Summersville, West Plains and Mountain View. In September 2005 , due to health problems, Marie moved from her home into Park Place Apartments in Mt. View Mo where she met several dear friends. Marie lost her parents; her daughter Lorene; her husband Charles ; brothers James and Robert Culbertson, and sister Ruth Johnson before her death on July 26,2006 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Mo at 84 yrs of age. She is survived by one daughter Melba Stewart of Mablevale, Ark; one son Charles E Crouch and wife Barbara of Mt View Mo,; Three granddaughters; Annetta and husband Harold Hill of Springfield, Mo; Janetta Lee of Ozark Mo; and Mary Lynn Dick and husband David of Alexander Ark. Her great-grandchildren include Anthony and Misty Mathis , Arial and Tyler Lee, Kierstin Ernst; Jeremy, Breanne, Shelby and Alexandria Hill; plus an unofficial granddaughter; Carol Lee husband Robert, and children Jesse, Rebecca and Dakota of Mt. View Her surviving siblings include Ella Bryan of West Plains Mo ; Andy Culbertson and wife Sandy of Mt Vernon Mo ; Emma Havens and husband Wayne of Waynesville Mo ; Mary Mullaney of Milsboro Del.; George Culbertson and wife Verda of Port Allen La. and John Culbertson of Waynesville, MO plus many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Monday July 31 2006 at Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View Mo with Pastor Randy Brooks Officiating. Interment was in Lost Camp Cemetery at Pomona Mo.
Telsa Lorene Crouch Born August 3, 1917 in St. Louis, Missouri to Harvey O. Ferguson and Alice Ferguson. She passed away June 28, 2006 in Fremont, Missouri at the age of 88 years. Telsa is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cecil Crouch, three sons Billy Crouch, Floyd Ray 'Jack' Crouch and Jim Crouch and one daughter Alice Enloe. Telsa is survived by seven children Harvey Crouch of Fremont, Missouri; Elizabeth Vaughn and husband Wayne of Morrilton, Arkansas; Evelyn Schulte and husband Michael of St. Charles, Missouri; Linda Haney of Fremont, Missouri; Patricia Rives and husband William of St. Charles, Missouri; Terry Crouch of Hazelwood, Missouri and David Crouch and wife Brandi of Centralia, Missouri; one brother Leonard Watson of Iowa; 28 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Telsa will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held July 1, 2006 at Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View, Missouri with Jimmy Gilbert officiating. Interment was in the Old City Cemetery in Mountain View, Missouri under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home.
Rebecca Ann Crowe Age 52, West Plains - Died 10:21 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at her home. Mrs. Crowe was born Nov. 17, 1955, in Lepanto, Ark., to Charles Edward and Ida Mae Burrow Crowe. She is survived by two children, Shelly Ary, husband, Steve, Mountain Grove, and Shane Lovorn, wife, Kristy, West Plains; four grandchildren, Preston Ary, Ian Ary, Savana Lovorn and Gracie Lovorn; three brothers, Charles Elvin “C.E.” Crowe, wife, Linda, Marion, Ark., Michael Cleveland Crowe, wife, Pam, Tulot, Ark., and James Edward Crowe, wife, Anna, Salem, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and one sister, Jerita Kaye Crowe, precede her in death. Mrs. Crowe loved her family and enjoyed her time with her grandchildren. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
OLA M. HULLUM DE LA CRUZ Age 79, Pomona - Funeral Mass will be read at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St Joseph's Catholic Church by Father Oliver Clavin of Willow Springs. Prayer services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains. Mrs. De la Cruz died at 5:11 p.m. Sunday in St Francis Hospital at Mountain View. She had been in ill health for the past two years. She was born Jul. 25, 1899 in Caldwell Co TX, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hullum. On Jul. 20, 1945 she was married at Kansas City to Lupe De la Cruz. She was a communicant of St Joseph's Catholic Church at White Church. Survivors include her husband, Lupe De la Cruz; four daughters and one son, Dorman Lee Culton, Liberty; Mary Charlene Walker, Grand Junction CO; Adelia Jane Polley, Odessa TX; Billie Marie O'Rear, Tyler TX; Kay Frances Brynt, Blanco TX; 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one brother and a sister, J. Y. Hullum and Mattie Woodland, both of Austin TX. Preceding her in death are her parents, one daughter, one son, two brothers and two sisters. Interment will be in St Joseph's Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains.
George Roger Cumberland Age 80.  Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, while at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains.  Born on Nov. 29, 1927, in Harris, Mo.  George was the eldest son of George H. and Nellie Cumberland, both of whom preceded him in death. George proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for five years.  He worked for over 34 years for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, retiring in 1986, as a lieutenant from Troop G in Willow Springs.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a 50-year member of the Mason’s, recently receiving his 50-year pin.  After his retirement, George and his wife enjoyed traveling, much of which was done on his motorcycle. George was described as a fair, honest, admirable and devoted family man.  He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. George is survived by his wife, Norma, of Willow Springs.  He is further survived by his son, Robby and his wife Kris of Baytown, Texas; his daughter, Rhonda Cumberland of St. Charles, Mo.; step-children, Terri Bryan and her husband Michael of Cherokee Village, Ark.; Kelli Gegg and her husband Gene of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; and Kevin Glaser and his wife Sandy of Sikeston, Mo.  George is further survived by his granddaughter Michelle Cumberland of Houston, Texas; step-grandchildren include, Lt. Kirstin Glaser, U.S. Air Force, Sgt. Tyson Glaser, U.S. Army, and Lynette Collins and her husband Kennith of Willow Springs; and step-great-grandchildren Wesley and Tyler Collins, both of Willow Springs.  George is survived by his brother Dean Gerald Cumberland and his wife Mary, of Tucson, Ariz.; and two sisters Geraldine Cumberland of Tucson, Ariz.; and Leanna Cumberland of Phoenix. Friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of George’s Life” on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Willow Funeral Home, located at 106 E. Third Street in Willow Springs.  In lieu of flowers his family requests that contributions be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Missouri, 1500 South Glenstone,Springfield, MO 65804.  Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
IDA NADINE CLARK CURL Born to Claudsey M. Clark and Ella Mae Birdsong Clark April 25, 1918 at Meda in Miller County, MO. She passed away at the Mountain View Health Care in Mountain View, MO Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 making her age 88 years 2 months and 10 days. She was united in marriage to Ervin Curl, June 1, 1946 in South Dakota. Ida worked at the Summersville Angelica Uniform Factory for several years. She loved to garden and care for her flowers. She attended Oakside Community Church as long as her health would permit her to attend. After she became to ill to stay on the family farm she moved to the Mountain View Health Care. Ida is preceded in death by her husband Ervin Curl, her parents, Claudsey and Ella, one son Robert Bob Townsend. Ida is also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Surviving are her sons, Allen Townsend and wife Alice of Mountain View, MO; Vernon Townsend and wife Pat of Auburn, Washington; Richard Townsend of Mountain View, MO; and daughter-in-law Pauline Townsend of Mountain View, MO; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Ida also leaves many friends to mourn her passing. Services were held Saturday, July 8, 2006 at 10:00 Am at Oakside Church with Rev. Homer Stuart officiating. Interment was in Oakside Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home off Summersville, MO.
Marna M. Curtis Mrs. Marna M. Curtis passed away on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at her Willow Springs home. Born on Aug. 19, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Minn., to John C and Edna (Torrence) Martin, she was 78 years old. Mrs. Curtis grew up in Minnesota where she lived until moving to Willow Springs in 1980. She married Gerald L. Curtis in October of 1952 in Minnesota. She enjoyed knitting, word puzzles, cross-stitching and was an avid reader She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald L. Curtis on July 12, 1988; sisters, Sandra Curtis in 1965 and Ramona Curtis in 2000; and a brother, Leslie Martin in 2009. She is survived by her children, George Curtis of Malaka, Minn.; Ralph Curtis and his wife Theresa of Florida; Darla Dorman of Pomona, Mo.; Scott Curtis of Willow Springs, Mo.; Stephen Campbell Curtis of Florida; and Russell John Curtis and his wife Gayle of Sanford, N.C. She is further survived by 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Her brothers Robert Martin of Florida and Dr. Donald Martin of Sonoma, Calif., further survive. Remembrances may be made in her name to the Disabled Veterans Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.
Dennis Rayburn Curtner Age 15, West Plains, Mo., died 12:45 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2008, in West Plains. He was born Sept. 14, 1992 in Jonesboro, Ark., to Solene M. Doolittle. Dennis attended the A.L.C. School. He enjoyed skateboarding and being with his friends. He is survived by his mother, Soline Doolittle; three brothers, Nick Doolittle, Adam Vermillion and Wes Young; one sister, Nikita Parker; one nephew, Quincy Doolittle; one niece, Hailey Parker; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
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