HOWELL COUNTY MOGenWeb OBITUARIES -M

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M N O P Q R S T U W XYZ

MARVIN ALBERT OAKS, SR. - Jul. 6, 1924, Pottersville - Oct. 8, 2005, West Plains - Son of Clarence Everett Oaks & Laura Emmaline Ledbetter. Married Mildred Arlene Collins Apr. 8, 1944 at Austin, TX. Father of Carol Ann, Arlene and Marvin Albert, Jr. Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retiring as Lt. Col. after 30 years. He served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Member of AmVets. He enjoyed genealogy, golf, travel, flowers and gardening. He was of the Baptist faith.  (WEST PLAINS DAILY QUILL, 10/Oct/2005)
ZEKE WALTER OBERZALEK - Born December 20, 1910 in Chicago, IL the son of Zeke and Frances CHERVENKA OBERZALEK and departed this life on February 21, 1992 at St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View, MO at the age of 81 years. He was united in marriage to Virginia Maxine DENTON on May 29, 1942 at Tulsa, Oklahoma and to this union four children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Stanley Gene. He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Birch Tree, MO; two sons, Franklin D. OBERZALEK of Tacoma, Washington; and Robert Zeke OBERZALEK and wife Claudia of Birch Tree, MO; one daughter, Linda SMOTHERMAN and husband Jack of Mountain View, MO; two sisters, Frances KNUTSEN of Ashville, North Carolina; and Helen HARRIS and husband, William of Sarasota, Florida, one niece, Diane KNUTSEN; five grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Zeke was a member of the VFW post of Mountain View and a member of the First Baptist Church of Birch Tree. “Sometimes the road to life seems long as we travel through the years, and with a heart that's broken and eyes brimful of tears; we falter in our weariness and sink beside the way, but God leans down and whispers, ‘Child, there'll be another day’. And the road will grow much smoother and much easier to face, so do not be disheartened, this is just a resting place. Until we meet again, Dad and see your loving face.” Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 25, 1991 at 1 pm in the First Baptist Church at Birch Tree with Rev. Truman PULLIAM officiating. Interment was in Oak Forrest Cemetery under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Birch Tree.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave.
LONNIE ODOM- Age 71, West Plains - Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, with Rev. Lester Bradford officiating. Mr. Odom died at 11:30 p.m. Saturday in St Francis Hospital at Mountain View. He was born Mar. 22, 1908 at Brownsville TX, the son of the late Lester J. Odom and Mrs. Jenny Stanbury Odom, Hillsboro TX. He came to the West Plains area in 1931 to make his home where he was engaged in farming and for 13 years prior to his retirement was employed with the county as a truck driver. On Apr. 7, 1929, he was married at Hillsboro TX,  to Vivian Marie Goodman. Mr. Odom was a member of the Poe Hill Mount Zion Church and had served that church as a deacon since 1949. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Jenny Odom, Hillsboro TX; his wife, Mrs. Vivian Odom, West Plains; three daughters and one son, Mrs. Wanda Forbuss, Mrs. Eleanor Upton, Mrs. Kay Alverson, all of West Plains; Doyle Odom, Joplin; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; four brothers and three sisters, Virgil Odom, Forest Odom and Robert Odom, all of Fort Worth TX; Estelle Odom, Hillsboro TX; Vannie Odom, Hubbard TX; L. J. Odom, state of Mississippi; and Eva Sheppard, Terrell TX. His father, on e son and one daughter preceded him in death. Interment will be in Mount Zion Cemetery at Poe Hill under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains.
James Odle - Son of Jeremiah Odle and Sarah Smith, was born Jan. 15, 1834 at Macoupin Co IL, and died Apr. 11, 1917 at Howell Co MO. He married Mary Sherrell February 14, 1856 in Macoupin Co IL. They had three children: Sarah, Milly & Nelson. He married Letitia Melvina 'Lue' Carter May 19, 1864 in McCracken Co KY. They had three children, George Washington, Anna & Ellen. He married Sarah E. Hicks February 25, 1895 in Batesville, Independence Co AR. They had no children. James Odle was a Union Civil War veteran of Co. H, 122nd. ILL Inf. Regiment as a private. He died from lobar pneumonia fever.
DWIGHT L. 'DUB' OLIVER - Age 93 - Son of the late Roy Oliver and Alice Balter Oliver, was born August 4, 1913 in Midland TX and died October 2, 2006 in West Plains MO with his wife and children by his side. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Cottrell who preceded him in death. He was later married to Inez Hammond York at Moody MO on December 10, 1971. He is survived by his wife, Inez Oliver, of the home, West Plains MO; two children, Betty Cowan, husband Don, Topeka KS and Wayne Sullivan, Topeka KS; two stepchildren, Charles Leon York, wife Keaka, West Plains MO, and Brenda Lipper, husband Bob, West Plains MO; one sister, Marna Karr, Pharr TX, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two brothers, Bill and Leotis Oliver, two stepchildren, Don York and Junior York, one son-in-law, Denver Mead, and one grandson, Mike York. He served during WWII in the Philippines as Staff Sergeant with the 112th Signal Radio Intelligence Company of the United States Army. He was mayor of Benton KS, and he, along with City Fathers, brought water and electricity into the town. He was a Mason since 1952 with Towanda Lodge No. 30 A.F. and A.M. in Augusta KS, and twice had served as Master Mason. He was a carpenter by trade, having built several houses in the West Plains area, later moving here in the 1960s. He built the house that served as home for him and Inez. He was a member of the Amy Union Chapel Church, Howell Co MO. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather.  SERVICES: Masonic Rites, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006, 2:00 p.m., Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains MO. MINISTER: Rev. Neal Myers. MUSIC: Taped selections. PALLBEARERS:  Mitchell York, Chuck York, Bob Lipper, Donald York, Jeff Trantham, Adam Lipper. MILITARY RITES: West Plains Honor Guard, Missouri Military Funeral Honors. INTERMENT: Amy Union Cemetery, Howell Co MO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains MO.
Andrew 'Andy' Olsen - Born March 6, 1912, in San Francisco to Christen and Sophie Olsen. He was educated in the San Francisco school system, graduating from Polytechnic High School on Dec. 20, 1929. While in high school he was a member of the 1927-28 championship track team. Upon graduation he went to work in his father’s restaurant for several years. In 1942, he took the civil service test for the transit system. Two weeks later he started employment as a street car motorman. While employed as a motorman he met his wife, who was also working as a motorette. They married in 1945. In 1950, both became interested in the Scouting movement. Andy had a son, Paul, from a former marriage, who lived with Laura and Andy. He became an Eagle Scout at 14, a proud day for the Olsens. In 1968, they retired and moved to Laura’s hometown, Alton Mo. He always said it was the best move he ever made. In 1986, they moved to West Plains and enjoyed life until his beloved Laura passed away on March 6, 1994. Andy leaves behind several nieces and nephews and a cousin. His son and grandson now live in England. His ashes were scattered at McCormack Lake.
Debra Traw Pingleton Olson- Born June 22, 1957, in Mexico, Mo., the daughter of Roy Traw and the late Alice Traw, and departed this life Aug. 31, 2008, at her family home in Webb City, Mo., after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Larry; adopted son, Kyle; one daughter, Shelly Bradshaw and husband, Paul; one grandson, Paul Jr.; three brothers, Nicky Traw and wife, Treda, Jacky Traw and wife, Jeanne, and Jimmy Traw; two sisters, Janet Cunningham and husband, Robert, and Tammy Mayham; one special niece, Jeanette Gwaltney; and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at Flint Cemetery, Wirth, Ark., with Rev. Merle and Nathan Dixon officiating.
John P. Oravec - Age 83, Willow Springs MO - Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Mountain View, with Father Ernest Marquart officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Mr. Oravec died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at his home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery at Mountain View under the direction of Yarber Mortuary.
Jesse Dale Orchard, Sr.- Born October 20, 1939 in Teresita, MO the son of James Otto and Sybil Juanita Cochran Orchard. He passed away on January 3, 2007 in Springfield, MO at the age of 67 years. He was a dairy farmer for over 40 years and was also a custodian at Liberty High School. Jesse attended Pleasant Grove Church. Jesse loved to go golfing and fishing and hanging out with his very good friends Bob Acklin and Jim Daniels. He really enjoyed the time he spent with all of his grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. Jesse is survived by the mother of his sons, Carol Orchard of Mountain View, MO; three sons, Dale Orchard and Sheri of Mountain View, MO, Duane Orchard and wife Marie of Springfield, MO and Doug Orchard and wife Sheila of Mountain View, MO; three brothers, Kenneth Weaver and wife Faye of Granite City, IL, Jim Orchard and wife Donna of West Plains, MO and Clark Orchard and wife Wanda of Mountain View, MO; two sisters, Ella Margaret Orchard and Ruby Smith and husband Dennis all of Mountain View, MO; grandchildren, Amanda and Aaron Orchard of Springfield, MO, Meagan Fiedler and husband Aaron of Peace Valley, MO and Toby, Randa and Koel Orchard all of Mountain View, MO; one great-grandson, Jesse James Fiedler of Peace Valley, MO; extended family, Danielle Pyatt, and Dustin, Jessie, Brittney and Whittney Lind. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Yarber Chapel in Mountain View, MO with Pastor David Fowler officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Teresita, MO.
   
Murl Emmaline Spellman Orr- Passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at the age of 87. She led an exceptional life and leaves behind dozens of family members and friends who loved her very much. Born Oct. 29, 1920, to Wilber Rilen and Katie Jane (Marks) Spellman, Murl and her twin sister, Mary, joined five other siblings. The family home on Fay Street in north Springfield was a special place.  She attended Williams Elementary and graduated from Springfield High School in 1937. One of her early achievements was being selected as a member of the Kilties. She continued her education at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, earning her degree in 1941. Her first teaching assignment was in Niangua, and she later taught in Mtn. Grove, Lubbock, Texas, and West Plains schools. In 1942, Murl married Ted Kelley. He lost his life later that year while serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In September 1945, Murl was married to Norman Orr of Mtn. Grove. The two shared 48 wonderful years until his passing in 1993. Their greatest joy was the arrival of their children. Becky was born in 1952 and Richard followed in 1956.  Murl spent the next several years enjoying her role as Mom and homemaker in Mtn. Grove. When the family moved to Texas in the 1960s, Murl resumed her teaching career at McKenzie Junior High in Lubbock. Their return to Missouri brought them to West Plains, where she delighted in taking her high school girls’ tennis teams to state competition. Murl and Norman retired to a lake home in Kimberling City in 1986, and this was truly one of the best times of her life. She loved boating and fishing and meeting so many great new friends. When Norman died, she moved to Springfield and bravely embraced a new life, spending more time with her siblings and making new friendships in her neighborhood. Her three granddaughters were especially precious to her. he was a terrific cook and enjoyed her bridge club, gardening, long walks and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the MSU basketball teams.  She leaves behind her son, Richard, and his wife, Polly Van Doren-Orr, of Ozark. Daughter Becky Morrison lives in Branson. Her granddaughters are Melissa Hillis and husband, Eric, of Twentynine Palms, Calif., Haley Smith of Chicago, and Kathryn Orr of Columbia, Mo. Her brother Leonard Spellman and twin sister, Mary Haymes, survive her, as do several nieces, nephews and many other extended family members.  Her departed siblings were Blanche Dobbs, Wilbur Spellman, Leola Spellman, Florence Bray and Louise Earnhardt. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, with Reverend Andy Bryan of Campbell United Methodist leading the service. Memorial contributions may be made to National Glaucoma Research or to Campbell United Methodist.
Eatho Mae Ousley - Age 87, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at Ball Church of Christ, Dora, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Ousley died 9:50 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at her home. She was born May 22, 1920, in Dora, Mo., to James Homer and Minda Collins Luna. She attended Ball Grade School, Dora High School, graduated from the Bakersfield High School and attended Draughon’s Business School, Springfield, Mo. On June 22, 1942, she was married at Ava, Mo., to Eugene Marvin Ousley, who preceded her in death Sept. 10, 1994. Mrs. Ousley enjoyed music, cooking, raising flowers, quilting, was an avid gardener, and helped her husband raise beef cattle for many years. Mrs. Ousley loved the Lord and was active in her faith by being a Bible School teacher, teaching locally and Bible correspondence. She assisted her husband in teaching the gospel throughout their 52 years of marriage. She was baptized at age 14 and was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. with her membership currently at Central Church of Christ of West Plains. She is survived by three daughters, LuEllen Kay Farrar, husband, Lucian, Tulsa, Okla., LaDonna Faye Elmore, West Plains, and Cheryl Jean Magee, husband, Dennis, Attleboro, Mass.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Yvonne Joplin, Bono, Ark.; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Wilma Strong; and many friends. Her parents; husband; and one brother, Kenneth Luna, precede her in death. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Edward ‘James’ Owens Funeral services for Edward “James” Owens, 78, Sycamore, Mo., were Monday, April 13, 2009, at the Ball Church of Christ, Dora, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Owens died at 5:20 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009, at West Vue Nursing Center. He was born May 11, 1930, at Lawndale in Ozark County, Mo., to Edward Alvin and Laina L. Howard Owen. On April 18, 1959, he was married at Springfield, Mo., to Rosemary Lee. He was a local historian and was deeply involved in the history of the old grist mill known as the Aid Hodgson Water Mill. Also, Mr. Owens was well known for his interest in antiques, especially early American primitives. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Owens, of the family home; six children, Stephen Owens, wife, Grace, of Pensacola, Fla., Ronald Owens of McAllen, Texas, Kenneth Owens, wife, Martha, of Branson, Mo., Laina Owens of Kansas City, Kan., James Joseph Owens, wife, Penny, of Reno, Nev., and John Owens, wife, Elizabeth, of Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren, Scott Owens, Michael Owens, Keith Owens, Janelle Alahmad, Karen McQueary and Erica Buckingham; four brothers, Archie Owen of Clever, Mo., Sam Owen of Battlefield, Mo., Jerry Owen of Rogersville, Mo., and Larry Owen of Pocahontas, Ark.; two sisters, Anna Barton of St. Louis, Mo., and Sonya Mitchell of Springfield, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. Mr. Owens loved and was devoted to his family. Burial was at Ball Cemetery near Dora, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Riverways Hospice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
JOSIAH WESS 'JOSH' OWENS - Born Sep. 22, 1855 Ozark Co MO; died 1903 Dora Ozark Co MO. Son of William Owens (b. 1837 in KY) and Mary Ann Russell (b. 1 Sep 1839 in TN). He married on 21 Aug 1873 in Ozark Co., MO, Prudence Elizabeth Bird b. 3 Jun 1849 in Franklin Co., AL, (buried at Lost Cem., Hulbert, OK), daughter of Joshua West Bird b. 4 Feb 1813 in TN and Elizabeth Ellis b. 9 Alug 1819 in KY. They had the following children" Mary Jane, William Wesley, James Henry, Nancy Elizabeth, and Alvis Pinkney Owens. Burial at Willow Springs City Cemetery.
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