HOWELL COUNTY MOGenWeb OBITUARIES - P

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Addie Penninger Padgett Departed this life at Mountain View, Missouri, on Sunday morning, February 13, 1927, at the age of 42 years, five months and eleven days. Addie Penninger was born at Craig, Illinois, July 2, 1884. Her parents moved to Mountain View when she was three years old and she grew to womanhood here. She was married to C.C. Padgett, at her home in this city on December 25, 1905. To this union three children were born, Clinton C., Ora Fay and Ralph. Besides the husband and children, she leaves to mourn her loss, her aged father, William L. Penninger, three brothers, W.J. and Ralph of Mountain View, Missouri, and Harry of Laurel, Montana, and a sister, Mrs. O.L. Taylor of Eldorado Springs, Mo. Mrs. Padgett was a true gentlewoman. God had been gracious to her. Mrs. Padgett was beautiful in character as she was in outward appearance. She was a faithful wife, a kind and indulgent mother, and a friend to everybody. She was a true follower of the great and last commandment, 'Love one another.' Let us say to the bereaved ones: 'Weep not. May God in his love and wisdom comfort you and give you strength on your sorrow. May her life be an example for you, her teachings an inspiration and a blessing, and may you be able to say, Thy will be done.' Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. Fulkerson, pastor of the Baptist church, after which she was laid to rest in the Mountain View Cemetery, Mountain View Chapter No. 146 O.E.S. of which deceased was many years a member assisting in the ceremonies. The floral offerings were many and beautiful, bearing mute testimony to the life and deeds of the deceased, and the esteem in which she was held by the host of friends in attendance. Gently, tenderly, the love of the entire community attended her to her last resting place, and as we laid her away to await the resurrection morning, and the reunion of loved ones, we heard a voice saying, 'Joy! Joy! forever, my task is done. The gates are open and heaven is won.'
Vivien Richards Padgett Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in West Plains under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Padgett passed away 7:15 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007, in West Vue Nursing Center. She was born Sept. 13, 1912, in Oakside, Mo., to Guernsey Allen and Lulu Smith Richards. She was united in marriage May 15, 1935, at Licking, Mo., to Ralph E. Padgett, who preceded her in death June 1, 1995, a few days after their 60th anniversary. Vivien was a member of many civic and fraternal organizations including PEO, West Plains Library Club and Friends of the Garnett Library. She had been District Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, having been a member of that organization since Oct. 15, 1929. She had received her 75-year pin of which she was very pleased. Vivien had been instrumental in the Girl Scouts of this area for over 30 years. She especially enjoyed young people, teaching the youth class of the First Presbyterian Church of Mtn. View for more than 25 years and serving as a camp counselor for several of those. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church of West Plains, serving as an Elder, Deacon and member of the choir. Her life span saw many changes but she remained a modern woman throughout, embracing those changes. Aunt Vivien, Mom, Gaga loved life and was truly a woman for all seasons. She is survived for two children, Jay R. Padgett, wife, Melinda W., West Plains, and Julia F. Padgett, Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Laura Padgett, Amy Thomas, husband, David, and Julia Maupin, husband, Andrew; five great-grandchildren, Keith and Allison Bodenhamer, Nathan and Emilia Thomas, and Elizabeth Maupin; one sister, Vera Farrow Evans; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; husband; one sister, Margaret Bell; and one brother, John Richards, preceded her in death. Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. today, Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Flora Isbelle Roderick Palmer Age 92, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Palmer died 9:39 a.m., Saturday in West Vue Nursing Center. She was born Dec. 9, 1915, in Nash, Okla. to John T., and Ruth Etta Walker Roderick. On May 8, 1946, she was married at Hayward, CA to Reverend Charles Merle Palmer Sr., who preceded her in death on April 30, 1986. While in high school, she was a basketball star. Mrs. Palmer was a pastor’s wife, a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Association. She was of the Southern Baptist faith and was a member of the Second Baptist Church for 22 years. She is survived by five children, Nena Kimball, husband, Kirby, West Plains, Bill Palmer, wife, Peggy, Taft, CA Diane Hanstead, Hanford, CA Richard Palmer, wife, Paula, Big Spring, Texas and Charles Palmer, Jr., special friend, Mary Bennett, Reynolds, Penn.; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Vera Dean Nees, Chickasha, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, J. T. Roderick, one sister-in-law, Jean Roderick and one brother-in-law, Charles Nees. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Lonnie Markis PalmerAge 75, Emington IL - Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday,  July 10, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Palmer died 2:06 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008, in St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac IL. He was born May 19, 1933, in Honeygrove TX, to Francis Marion and Madgie Myrtle Kennedy Palmer.  Before his retirement, Mr. Palmer was a heavy equipment operator.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason with his membership in the Livingston Lodge No. 371 AF & AM.  Mr. Palmer enjoyed fishing and gardening. He is survived by his special friend, Mary Robins; seven children, Taunia Billingsley, Robert Palmer, Heather Palmer, Marty Palmer, Trudie Musich, Susie Beasley and Mike Palmer; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Herbert Palmer, Francis Palmer and Phillip Palmer; one sister, Glenda Whirrell; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, two brothers and four sisters precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Huddleston Cemetery.

Eluzabeth Gray Parker

Elizabeth Parker

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WELL KNOWN PIONEER WOMAN DIES WAS ONE OF FEW PERSONS WHO DARED TO STAY IN HOWELL COUNTY DURING CIVIL WAR

Mrs. Elizabeth Parker, 80 years old, died at her home five miles south of West Plains yesterday morning. Death was due to senility. Mrs. Parker, who was one of the oldest pioneer residents of Howell County, was the mother of John and James Parker, who live a few miles south of West Plains. Tom Parker, a step son also lives south of town. The Parkers were among the earliest settlers Howell county. Coming here from Vichey Springs, Mo., several years before the Civil War, Mrs. Parker and her late husband John Parker, settled on a homestead south of West Plains, where they reared a large family. During the Civil War Howell county was a hot bed of skirmishing troops and bushwhackers. West Plains at the beginning of the war was a town of one-hundred and fifty or two hundred people, all of whom fled to places of safety, however, and there were but a few persons who were brave enough to remain within the county. Mrs. Parker was one of those few. Her husband and her brothers enlisted in the Union Army, and she and her small children remained on the homestead, where she fought loneliness, danger and privation, without aid.

Besides rearing her own family, Mrs. Parker later reared six motherless Grandsons, all but one of whom are now still living. They are Walter, Albert, Fred and John Dold of West Plains, and Martin Dold of Wichita Falls, Texas. One of the Grandsons, Fred Dold, returned only last week after an absence of nearly 2 years, having been in the military hospitals of France, England and the United States since the battle of the Argonne Forest, in which he was wounded. Funeral services for the aged woman are being held this afternoon and burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. February 17, 1920 Photo & Obituary Courtesy Of Maxine (Gray-Parker Descendant) Submitted by Shirley Dawson (Descendant of Gray & Coffee Family)

Kenneth Leroy Parker, JR.Aug. 4, 1942  -  Feb. 5, 2004 - Born at Baraboo Sauk Co WI, died at Mount Vernon Lawrence Co MO - Age 61 - Son of Kenneth Leroy Parker, Sr. & Beatrice Pierce. Married Katherine M. Stebbins in Baraboo WI. Veteran of US Army, serving in Vietnam; decorated. He was of the Lutheran faith. Father of Kenneth, III, Kelly, Kristopher L. and Kimberley Mencl. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Burial at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona.
LELIA FERN BALES PARVINBorn May 28, 1913 at Thomasville Oregon Co MO to Frank and Mabel (JOLLIF) BALES. She passed away April 24, 1996 at Mountain View Heath Care in Mountain Vie MO at the age of 82. She was united in marriage on December 16, 1933 at Alton MO to Arthur Elmo PARVIN and to this union three sons were born. Lelia is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one great grandson, Lukas Lane BENTSEN. She is survived by her sons, Franklin and wife Alva, Snelling CA; Leland and wife Wilma, Mountain View MO; Richard of Yuma AZ; sister Jewel PIERCE, Birch Tree MO; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Lelia will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held t 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 1996 at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View with Rev. Tommy Bernhardt officiating. Interment was in the Greenlawn Cemetery at Mountain View under the direction of the Duncan funeral Home of Mountain View.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave, May 8, 1996.
John F. Patterson, M.DAge 67, of Columbia Boone Co MO - Passed away, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held at a later date. John was born Nov. 4, 1940, in Willow Springs to the late George F. and Myrtle Pennington Patterson. Dr. Patterson was a physician and psychiatrist at Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia for 22 years. He enjoyed teaching and mentoring medicine his entire life. His hobbies included traveling, photography and reading good books. John was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by the many whose lives he touched. John is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Gloria; his two sons, Marc Patterson and his wife, Jamie, of Raytown, and Luke Patterson and his wife, Misty, of Columbia; his brother, Danny Patterson of Abilene, Texas; as well as four grandchildren, Tad, Tyler, Kaden and Kobe. The family request memorials to the Willow Springs High School Scholarship Fund, 214 W. Fourth St., Willow Springs, Mo., 65793. Online condolences can be extended to John’s family at www.heart landcremation.com.
Mary Ruth Parrott PattersonBorn March 9, 1935 in Thomasville, MO to Jesse and Helen (Judd) Parrott. She went to rest on Saturday June 28, 2008 at West Plains, MO at the age of 73 years. She was united in marriage to Oliver Andrew Patterson on April 16, 1955 at Mountain View, MO, and to this union six children were born. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Helen Parrott; three sisters, Elizabeth Moser, and two infant sisters; one infant brother; one daughter, Judy Ann Patterson; one son, Oliver Eugene Patterson; and one granddaughter, Denise Nicole Patterson. She is survived by her loving husband, Oliver, of Mountain View, MO; one son, Michael Patterson and friend, Patti Phipps, of Mountain View, MO; three daughters, Rebecca VanWinkle and husband, David, of Winona, MO; Sarah Schweighauser of Springfield, MO; and Anna Carnefix and husband, Dave, of Mountain View, MO; twelve grandchildren Jerrin, Doug, Tiffany and Jacob Patterson; Andy and Daniel Patterson; Michelle, Jamie and Chelsie VanWinkle; DJ and Rosie Schweighauser; and Olivia Carnefix; two great-grandsons, Kaiden Cole and Kamden Eugene VanWinkle; one great-granddaughter, Makya May Schweighauser; one sister, Billie Gean Carter and husband, Cyrus, of Pomona, MO; and a host of other family and friends. Mary Ruth and Oliver moved to St. Louis in 1955 and lived there until they returned to the area in 1967. In 1969, they opened Patterson Café in Mountain View, which they operated at several locations in Mountain View until 1975. She and Oliver owned and operated Patterson Wood Products in Teresita, MO from 1976 until 1999. Mary Ruth and Oliver also owned and operated Save-U Foods in Mountain View from 1995 to 1999. Mary Ruth was a member of the United Methodist Church of Mountain View, MO. Mary Ruth loved going to the beach and enjoyed the sand and water. She enjoyed embroidery, gardening, traveling, and a good book. Visitation for Mary Ruth Patterson was held Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 6-8 PM at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View, MO. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View with Rev. Ross Marshall officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View.
Roy Dean PattersonBorn to Zachariah and Miranda McKee Patterson, January 14, 1893 in Davis County Iowa and departed this life on April 13, 1971 at his home, Route two, Pomona, Missouri, at the age of 78 years, two months and twenty nine days. He received his education in the Rural schools of Iowa. On January 14, 1912 he was married to Josie Spilman. To this union one son was born, Walter Patterson, of Nevada Iowa. He was converted at the age of 16 and united with the Methodist Church, later transfering his membership to the First Christian Church of Bloomfield, Iowa. After moving to Missouri he placed his membership in the First Christain Church at Pomona. He was the last of a family of four boys and one girl. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and leaves to mourn one son, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Ever since coming to Missouri he has made his home with his sister in law, Wilma Spilman. Ministers were Don Brower and Keith Cunningham. Pomona Quartet, Bob Hinds, Jackie Hinds, Clinton Hinds and Goldie Hinds, sang at his funeral accompanied by Buelah Caton. Active pallbearers were George Marcum, Don Nielsen, Jerry Christopher, Lavern Miller, Orval McClellan and Lester Burgess. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Carver, Oran White, Elwell Pierce, Tom McCullough, Leslie Dean and George Green. Interment in the howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Travis Richard PatilloAge 88, West Plains - Died 7:38 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2006, at Ozarks Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Helping Hands Therapeutic Riding Program and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Robert David PayneSon of the late John and Alta Laura Hollis Payne. He was born September 21, 1926 in Oregon County, MO and passed away April 20, 1989 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 62 years, 6 months, and 29 days. He was united in marriage August 19, 1948 in Myrtle, MO to Eulah Mae Wisehart. He survived by his wife, Eulah; 4 children, Patricia Ann Barger, Marsha Kay Harter, Kenton Dale Payne, and David Ketih Payne; 1 brother, Hanford Payne; 1 sister, Gladys Snodgrass; 1 half-sister, Alma Faye Dooms; and 6 grandchildren, Tricia Dawn, David Mark, and Stephen David Barger, and Jennifer Erin, Jamie Elizabeth, and Jeffrey Eric Harter. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother, Howard Payne. He was born and raised in Oregon County, MO. He lived in Kansas City area for 11 years and then liced in El Dorado Springs, MO for 23 years before moving to West Plains in 1988. He was a life and health insurance salesman and a member of the BMA All Stars and the Million Dollar Roundtable. Obituary printed by Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, MO.
Lois J. Pedigo

Lois J. Pedigo, a long time resident of Willow Springs, passed away unexpectedly while at her residence due to a tragic accident early Monday morning, May 11, 2009. Born May 24, 1939, to Russell and Alice Gardner in Carney, Neb., she was 69 years old. Lois was raised in Salem, Ore., since the age of five. She met and married her husband Harold Pedigo. To this union, four children were born. In 1984, Lois met Dean Perkins in Coos Bay, Ore. In 1989, they packed everything up and moved to Willow Springs. Lois loved animals. It was said that animals always come to her; she would talk to them and they would get in her lap and fall asleep. She had many hobbies and enjoyments in her life; however, she especially enjoyed crocheting, sewing, singing, and being a homemaker. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Allen Pedigo. She is survived by her children, Barbara Hall and Kelly Phillips of Coos Bay, Ore.; and Terri Taylor and her husband Charles of Poplar Bluff, Mo. She is further survived by her sisters, Linda and Judy, both of Oregon. Nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews further survive. Funeral services for Lois and Dean were held Friday, May 15, at the First General Baptist Church, with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. Interment followed Friday’s services at the Clear Springs Cemetery in Willow Springs. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.  (Howell County News, May 20, 2009)

Grace Louise Pelate born Feb. 9, 1932, in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of Ernest Thomas and Evelyn Louise (Seaman) Demster. She departed this life on June 16, 2009, at her home in Mountain View, Mo., at the age of 77 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, three daughters, one son, one son-in-law and one sister. Survivors include four sons, Ernest Pelate and wife, Barbara, Stockton, Calif., Charles Pelate and wife, Dana, of Birch Tree, Mo., Stephen Pelate and wife, Kelly, of Mountain View, Mo., and Christopher Pelate and wife, Joyce, of Mountain View; three daughters, Delores Martin of Ill., Sharon Lee and husband, David, of Houston, Mo., and Sue Barnes and husband, Billie, of Birch Tree, Mo.; one son-in-law, Kerry Lawson of Mountain View; four brothers, Arthur Leroy Demster of Eldorado, Mo., Lawrence Jean Demster of Texas, Claude Demster of Humansville, Mo., and Ernest Thomas Demster of Springfield, Mo.; 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Grace worked as a licensed practical nurse for more than 40 years. She was known for her hard work and for loving and caring for others. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting, baking and sewing. Grace was of the Baptist faith. Arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Mo. (Howell County News, June 23, 2009)
Infant PenningtonThe infant son of James Pennington and wife was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery Wednesday.~ The Postman Aug 21 1903.
Ruby Lee Davis PennAge 91, died May 30, 2008, at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, MO. Ruby was the daughter of Oscar Davis and Elsie Claxton Davis, and was born in Morning Lake, TN. She is survived by a son, Jim Penn and wife, Linda, Ozark, MO.; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Penn, San Antonio, TX; a sister, Alvada Modesette, West Plains; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Penn; a son, Harry Penn; and a sister, Ruth Butcher. Mrs. Penn was an avid golfer most of her life and was a retired antique furniture dealer. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
William Lazarus PenningerBorn on a farm in Johnson county, near Anna IL, on February 18, 1850, and died in Mountain View MO., on December 16, 1929, at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 28 days. He was of American pioneer parentage, his ancestors coming to America from Holland previous to the Revolutionary War, and settling in the Carolinas. He was married to Artimitia Roberds in Johnson Co IL, on February 19, 1874, and to this union were born seven children, Nora, Jesse, Addie, Edna, Harry, Ethel and Ralph, all of whom grew to man and womanhood except Ethel and Edna, who died in the third year of their lives. Addie died at the age of 42 and the other four children survive. His wife, Artimitia, preceded him in death, passing away May 8, 1918. He is also survived by a brother and several sisters, who reside in Illinois. When a young man he joined the Masonic Lodge and remained a member for many years, dropping his membership after an injury, which almost destroyed his hearing. He joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church sometime about the time the present local church, which he helped to finance and build, was constructed. With his family he moved to Mountain View 44 years ago, being one of the first retail merchants to locate in Mountain View, in the old town site before the town was moved to its present location. He was very active in the development of the present town site and being the first to build a business building in the present business district. He later built the house where resided at the time of his death. Along with his retail business, he owned and operated sawmills, planing mills, and tie and lumber camps. During this time he was very active in helping to establish churches and schools to their present locations. A serious injury in a railroad wreck in 1902, while living in Arkansas, hampered his activities during his latter years; but he was always interested and helped to promote the welfare of this community to the best of his ability. For several years he has been president of the Bank of Mountain View. He was a very active, hard working man, knowing very little of sickness until the last year of his life. His death will mean a severe loss not only to his family, but also to his other relatives, business associates and friends. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Charles S. Harpe of this city at the Presbyterian Church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, after which interment was made in the city cemetery (Mountain View).
Rosalie Huff PenningtonAge 77, of Mountain View MO - Departed this life on Sept. 8, 2008. She was born in Greer, Mo., on Jan. 26, 1931, to the late Charlie and Nellie Earls Huff. Rosalie was united in marriage to Lewis A. Pennington on Oct. 3, 1951, in Pearisburg, Va., and to this union three sons and one daughter were born. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lewis, of Mountain View; her parents, Charlie and Nellie Huff of Mountain View; three brothers, Floyd Huff of Mountain View, Melvin Huff of Theodosia, Mo., and Doyle Huff of Rockford, Ill.; sister, Mildred Havens of Willow Springs, Mo.; three infant siblings; and one great granddaughter, Kaia Jade Pennington of Mandan, N.D. She leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Mary Beth Aring of Parkville, Mo.; her children, son Roger Pennington and wife, Geneva, of Saint James, Mo., son Rodney Pennington and wife, Tricia, of Ozark, Mo., son Ronnie and wife, Brenda, of Mountain View, and daughter Vickie Jernigan and husband, Thomas, of Mountain View; grandchildren, Missy, Shelly, Wayne, Josh, Lewis, Travis, Samantha, Amanda and Bailey. Rosalie also leaves twelve great grandchildren. Funeral services for Rosalie were held Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View with Brother Henry Mitchell officiating. Interment was in Bailey Cemetery, Alton, Mo., under the direction of Yarber Mortuary.
Billy Wayne Peoples74, West Plains, died at 10:20 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Brooke Haven Health Care. Mr. Peoples was born Dec. 6, 1934, in Jasper, Ark., to Arthur and Mae Davis Peoples. On Sept. 25, 1955, he was married at Norborne, Mo., to Ruth Ann Rockhold. Before his retirement, Mr. Peoples was a service representative for A.M.F., Inc., Bowling Division. He was of the Southern Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Peoples, of the family home; two sons, James Craig Peoples, wife, Caroline, of Newton, Kan., and Donald Wayne Peoples of West Plains; five grandchildren, Nicholas Peoples, James Alyn Peoples, wife, Tisha, Andrew Peoples, wife, Jennifer, Lindsey Peoples and Kyle Peoples; one great-grandchild, Cassandra Price; one brother, Jim Peoples, wife, Brenda, of West Plains; one brother-in-law, Eugene Rockhold of Carrolton, Mo.; one niece; and five nephews. His parents and two brothers, Dale and Johnnie Peoples, precede him in death. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James Carl 'Jim' PercyBorn Aug. 12, 1941 at Patterson Wayne co MO; passed away Jan. 14, 2001 at Springfield Greene Co MO. Son of William and Gertrude Mungle Percy. Married  Jewell Plummer Mar. 31, 1961, at Birch Tree MO. Children Terry Lynn and Joyce. He was preceded in death by his father, one son, one brother, four half-sisters, and one half-brother. He is survived by his wife, Jewell, his mother, Gertrude; one daughter Joyce Capeder; four grandsons, Zachary, Jacob, Jordan, and Kaleb Capeder; one brother, Ed Percy; and one half-sister, Della Faulkner.
David PerishoAge 70, West Plains - Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Perisho died 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 200,8 at his home.  He was born July 16, 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Paul Elias and Thelma Pearl Hadley Perisho. On Nov. 22, 1958, he was married to Judy Grow. Before his retirement, Mr. Perisho had been a banker, an insurance agent, surveyor, rancher and golfer.  He had been a member of the Optimist Club and the West Plains Country Club. Mr. Perisho was an avid woodworker, a gourmet chef and a really good friend and neighbor to everyone. He truly loved life. Mr. Perisho was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Judy Perisho, of the family home; three children, Randal Perisho, wife, Carol, and their sons, Josiah and Nathan, Jonnette Triplett, husband, Dale, and their children, Scott Hendrickson, Lauren Hendrickson and Rebecca Triplett and Thomas Perisho, wife, Carla, and their children, Matthew Perisho, wife, Rachel, Kristin and Kelly Cantrell; one great-grandson, Braedon; one brother, Ronald Perisho, wife, Sharon; and several nieces and nephews. His parents and one brother, Neal Perisho, precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m., at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Tee To Green and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dorrel Dean Perkins

Dorrel Dean Perkins, a long time resident of Willow Springs, passed away unexpectedly while at his residence due to a tragic accident early Monday morning, May 11, 2009. Born June 24, 1933, to William and Anna Perkins in Finley, Mo., he was 75 years old. Dean proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a mechanic from 1951 to 1957. While being stationed in Greenland, he met his wife Josephine McDonald. To this union, five children were born. In 1984, Dean met Lois in Coos Bay, Ore. In 1989, they packed everything up and moved to Willow Springs. Dean was described as a good father and friend to all. He never met a stranger and would gladly do anything he could to help someone in need. He had many enjoyments in life; however, he especially loved “tinkering” out in the yard and to “wheel and deal” with people. He was also a proud member of the Clear Springs Volunteer Fire Department and had been since its inception. Dean will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Florence, Tiny, and Mildred; and brother Tom Perkins. He is survived by his children, Melvin D. Perkins of Willow Springs; Patricia J. Perkins of Coos Bay, Ore.; Thomas A. Perkins of Oregon; Daniel A Perkins and his wife, Candy all of Willow Springs; and Marisa A. Perkins of Eugene, Ore. He is also survived by his brother, Lorin Perkins and his wife, Jackie of Kansas and by his sisters, Alvena Culey of Kansas City, Kan.; Dovie Starnes of Ozark, Mo.; and Dollie Garrison of Carthage, Mo. Nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews further survive. Funeral services for Dean and Lois were Friday, May 15, at the First General Baptist Church, with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. Interment followed Friday’s services at the Clear Springs Cemetery in Willow Springs. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. (Howell County News, May 20, 2009)

Vida PerkinsAge 96, West Plains - Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains. She died 1:29 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, at West Vue Nursing Center, West Plains.
Gaylon Orwin Perryman- Viola AR - Son of the late John Darrel Perryman and Velma Rainey Perryman, was born March 16, 1931, in Viola, Ark. He died Aug. 8, 2008, at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 23 days. He was united in marriage to Georgia Lee Sears on Aug. 11, 1949, in Pineville, Ark. To this union, two children were born. He was a farmer. He was in the horse business all his life and had horse sales in Salem and Mtn. Grove, Mo. He was a member of Byron Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Georgia, of the family home; his son, Gary Perryman and fiancee, Jeanne Welch, Viola; his daughter, Gayla Hamby and husband, Joe, Viola; his sister, Charlotte Kankey and husband, Billy, Viola; grandchildren, Josh Hamby and fiancee, Ashley Tyree, and Courtney Hamby-Wise and husband, Luke; soon-to-be great-grandson, Drake Wise; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Doyne Ray Perryman; and his father and mother. Services were 10 a.m. today, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, at Cox-Blevins Chapel, Salem, Ark., with burial in Byron Cemetery under the direction of Cox-Blevins Funeral Home, Salem.
Gladys Marie Dykes PerryBorn Feb. 13, 1930, in Koshkonong, Mo., departed this world Oct. 1, 2008, at the family home following a lengthy battle with lupus. Marie was married to Homer C. Perry in 1947 in West Plains. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ with her membership at Central Church of Christ in West Plains. Many people found Marie to be an inspiration because of her attendance and participation in the church. She enjoyed being with her many friends and loved ones, especially at family and class reunions. Travel was a tremendous joy to her and she often spoke of the places she had visited and the places that she wanted to see. Marie also enjoyed cooking, nature and keeping up on current events. Marie is survived by the love of her life, Homer Perry, of the family home; son, Dennis Perry, and wife, Karen, of Camdenton, Mo; granddaughters, Dr. Alicia King, and husband, Tom, and daughter, Jessica, of Overland Park, Kan., Allison Elam, and husband, Derek, St. Louis, Mo; one sister, Sally Ford, and husband, Henry, West Plains; one nephew, Mike Ford, and wife, Carol, West Plains; one niece, Nancy Chamberlain, and husband, Danny, Springfield, Mo. Marie is also survived by a brother-in-law, Lewis Perry, and wife, Mary, West Plains; nephew, David Perry, and wife, Regina, West Plains; sisters-in-law, Dorotha Holloway and Anna Lou Brown, both of Russellville, Ark.; and many other nephews and nieces, including Wendy Perry, Wade Murray, Marilyn Lee, Michael Perry, Phyllis Kendrick, Sharon Proast, Glenda Roach, Bruce Atwood, Anita Harris, Roger Sephus and Stella Sephus. She is also survived by many great-nieces, nephews and cousins. Marie is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bud and Ruth Sills Dykes, one son, Danny Carl Perry, who died in 1994, one brother, and one nephew who died at infancy. Marie has given the greatest gift that one can leave the world. She has donated her body to Genesis: The Gift Of Life Program, for medical education and research to help others.  This precious gift will reach out and affect the lives of millions around the world, and give them a better chance at life. A memorial service to celebrate Marie’s life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, at the Central Church of Christ in West Plains. To be announced at a later date, interment will be at Mint Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a memorial contribution may be made to the Lupus Foundation, Riverways Hospice, or Mint Springs Cemetery and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Raymond 'Boyd' PetersonAge 79, West Plains MO - Funeral services for were Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Petersen passed away at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at his home in West Plains, surrounded by his family, following a long illness. He was born Aug. 1, 1929, in Pinedale, Ariz., to Raymond Niels and Thelma Web Petersen. On June 7, 1958, he was married at Mesa, Ariz., to Laura Lee Brewer. Mr. Petersen had been in the trucking business most of this life, which he always enjoyed; and he was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army. He was a talented worker of wood, creating many beautiful and useful pieces which adorn the homes of his family members and friends. Also, having been blessed with a beautiful voice, he has enjoyed singing barbershop and other types of music, and has a fine collection of music collected throughout his life. Mr. Petersen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with his membership in the West Plains Ward for 15 years, served in many capacities, including a missionary to the southern states. He is survived by his wife, Laura Petersen, of the family home; four children, Sterling Petersen, Clark Petersen and wife, Carrie, Shannon Tuttle and husband, Rick, and Shirley Hutchison and husband, Harlin, all of West Plains; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, three sisters; and several nieces and nephews. His parents precede him in death. A quiet, friendly man, Mr. Petersen earned the love and respect of all who have known him, and is honored by his family and friends as a great man who will always be looked up to as an example of what a father, brother and friend should be. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James C. 'Jim' PetersAge 84, West Plains MO - Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Mr. Peters passed away 2:45 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at NHC HealthCare in West Plains, Mo. He was born June 14, 1924, in Nevada, Mo., to James and Florence Peters. After losing his father at the age of 9, Jim and his family lived in several towns in Kansas and Arkansas, moving where his mother found opportunities to work. Later in life, this gave Jim the excuse to attend numerous class reunions, which he enjoyed greatly. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, first as an aerial navigator and later in naval intelligence on the Island of Guam. After his discharge from the Navy in 1949, he enrolled at Drury College in Springfield, where he played basketball; among his teammates was West Plains native Bill Virdon. At Drury, Jim met the love of his life, fellow student, Nell Curtis. The two were married in 1951, and the family was blessed with a son, Jim, and daughter, Sherry. After graduation from Drury, Jim began the first of two successful careers. His first career was that of a high school educator and basketball coach, beginning at Halfway, Mo., then Mountain Home, Ark., and finally at West Plains for nine wonderful years. Jim’s Zizzer basketball teams amassed a career record of 231-46, a winning percentage of over 80 percent. Highlights along the way included five straight championship playoffs, a home winning streak of 72 straight games, winning 52 of 53 games between 1959-61, coaching seven All-State players (five from West Plains) and contributing 13 players to college programs. As a result, Jim was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2000. Jim’s second career began in 1961, when he became the West Plains area’s first full-time State Farm Insurance agent. It was a position he held for 40 years, until retiring in 2001. Through both his coaching and insurance careers, hundreds of long-lasting relationships were created and were a valued part of Jim’s life. Community involvement included Jim’s appointment to the Southwest Missouri State University Board of Regents, as its first representative of the West Plains Residence Center, now known as Missouri State University-West Plains; he served the board as vice president. A long time member of the Kiwanis Club, Jim served as the District’s lieutenant governor and spent many happy hours serving hamburgers, flipping pancakes and selling peanuts along with fellow members. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and horses, all of which were pursued with passion. Jim genuinely enjoyed his membership and participation in the Pioneer Saddle Club. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. Jim Peters is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nell Peters; son, Jim and wife, Beth, of West Plains; and daughter, Sherry Underwood of Springfield. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Andrew Peters of West Plains, Julie Gower and husband, Jeffrey, of Springfield, and Courtney Jensen and husband, Tom, of Kansas City, and three great-grandchildren, Ella Grace Gower, and Audrey and Hunter Jensen. His parents, brother, sister and one grandchild precede him in death. Burial was at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim and Nell Peters Endowed Scholarship at MSU-West Plains or the West Plains R-7 Educational Foundation and may be mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, Mo. 65775.
John Michael 'Mike' PettitAge 53, Caulfield MO - Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Pettit died at 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital, Columbia, Mo. He was born Dec. 17, 1954, at West Plains, Mo., to Beryl Robert (Bud) and Betty Exline Pettit.  On July 2, 1976, he was married at Vanzant, Mo., to Darrah Collins and to this union his only son, Dustin Michael Pettit, was born on Sept. 20, 1980. Mr. Pettit was later married to Linda Paul.  He was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.  Mr. Pettit had worked as a lineman with the telephone company, and was a heavy equipment operator and contractor. He is survived by his son, Dustin Pettit, Mtn. Grove, Mo.; his mother, Betty Pettit, Caulfield, Mo.; two brothers, Steve Pettit, wife, Carol, Pottersville, Mo., and Pat Pettit, wife, Bev, Caulfield, Mo.; one sister, Diane Hambelton, husband, Broya, Dora, Mo.; and his nieces and nephews, Craig Pettit, Cherrie Kelley, Darrick Pettit, Greg Hambelton, Chancey Hambelton and Sylvia Pettit; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. His father and grandparents precede him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Cora Lee PhelpsAge 79, Mountain Home, Baxter Co AR - Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, with Bill Dillion officiating. Mrs. Phelps died 8:40 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003, at her home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Home, 5515 Old Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR 72450.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Mammoth Spring, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home Inc. of Thayer.
Dwight Edwin Phelpsborn Sept. 1, 1942, to Goldman and Gladys Phelps in Birch Tree, Mo., and passed away May 27, 2008, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo. He is survived by his wifeof 49 years, Elda, of Mountain View, Mo.; two daughters, Debbie and Jim Lowe of Thompson Station, Tenn., and Terri Phelps of Bristol, N.H.; two granddaughters; two grandsons; three great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Loren Devore and Ted Phelps; and two sisters, Donna Adkins and Jackie Henry. Dwight served in the Army and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was in the lumber business in Kansas City for many years as a lumber grader, purchaser and vice president of Stark Lumber Company. He was very dedicated to his work and family. He will be greatly and always missed. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Mo.
Elmer 'Bud' PhelpsAge 82, West Plains MO - Funeral services were Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Phelps died 3 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in Brooke Haven HealthCare. He was born Feb. 14, 1926, in Salem, Ill., to Jack L. and Maggie Pale Phelps. On May 22, 1955, he was married to Donna Fox. Before his retirement, Mr. Phelps was employed as a forklift operator at Southwest Truck Body. He was a honorary member of the Kinsmen and enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, fishing and hunting. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Mr. Phelps was of the Pentecostal faith and was saved at the Crossroads Church. He is survived by his wife, Donna Phelps, of the family home; three children, Michael DeMoss and wife, Carol, Donna “Midge” Dawson and husband, Ron, and Elmer “Stoney” Phelps, all of West Plains; six grandchildren, Michelle Blake and husband, Bert, Warrenton, Mo., Rusty Shipley and wife, Karen, Jaime McGhee and husband, Darrell, Ethan DeMoss, all of West Plains, Earl Maynard Phelps, Carlsbad, N.M., and Brandi DeMoss, state of Utah; five great-grandchildren, Tristan, Tucker and Turner Blake, Warrenton, Mo. and Myles and Alexis “Madi” McGhee, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; 25 brothers and sisters; and Tinker, who was Bud's friend and constant companion for the last seven years, precede him in death. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jessie Lee PhillipsAge 92, Thayer - Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Thayer Cemetery, with the Rev. David Case officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home of Thayer.  Mrs. Phillips died 2 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2003, at Shady Oaks Healthcare,  Thayer.
Cora Elizabeth Moore PhippsBorn Dec. 22, 1912, in Mountain View, Missouri, the daughter of John Nelson and Martha Ellen (Roberds) Moore. She departed this life on Feb. 8, 2009, in Mountain View Healthcare, Mountain View, at the age of 96 years. Cora was united in marriage to Carl Phipps on March 4, 1931, in West Plains, Mo. To this union three children were born, Alice, Jerald and Carl. Cora was a charter member of the Mountain View Church of God. She clerked at the Ben Franklin store in Mountain View for many years. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. Her hobbies also included reading Christian books and the Bible. Cora truly loved and enjoyed being with her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, four sisters, one son-in-law, and one great grandchild. Survivors include her children, Alice Ussery and husband, Ed, of Bonner Springs, Kan., Jerald Phipps and wife, Edna, of Mountain View, and Carl Phipps and wife, Joyce, of Mountain Grove; seven grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, in Yarber Chapel with Pastor Leonard Madigan and Pastor Randy Brooks officiating. Interment will be in Veterans Cemetery, Mountain View, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View.
ATHA DOYNE 'HAM' PIERCEAge 92. Son of Ralph Pierce & Lula Mildred Kirby. Born Nov. 2, 1915 at Jonesboro AR, departed this life Jun. 25, 2008 at West Plains MO. A. D. grew up in Jonesboro AR and graduated from Jonesboro High School. Following graduation he went to work for Frisco Railroad and moved to Thayer. He spent 50 years working as a conductor on freight trains between Thayer and Memphis. He was united in marriage Nov. 20, 1938 to Marguerite Stewart at West Plains. She preceded him in death Feb. 9, 2003. After his retirement A. D. 'Ham' Pierce served as mayor of the City of Thayer for 12 years. During his tenure in office he worked to bring about many improvements to the city. Throughout his life he served on many boards and committees, including Chairman Emeritus of the South Central Council of Governments, Chair of the South Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Thayer City Council (4 years), Missouri State Board of Health, Ozark Action Board, Chairman of the Oregon County Health Department, and he served on the Oregon County Democrat Committee since 1945. He was awarded the Man of the Year Award in 1983 from the Elks Club and the Outstanding Service Award from Thayer Chamber of Commerce. A. D. was a lifelong Democrat and spent countless hours helping Democrats get elected to office. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Clifton Masonic Lodge No. 463, and was a Shriner. A. D. was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marguerite, son Doyne Dudley, brother Max Pierce, and sister Wilma McCarty. He is survived by his daughter, Druscilla Hyde Martin of West Plains; four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; Rusty Hyde and wife Debbie and children Jennifer and Jordan, of Thayer; Ronnie Hyde and wife Anne and children Laura Jane and Jake of Bloomington IN; Ramona Roberts and husband Kimber and children Joh, Emily, Seth and Zach of Couch MO, and Ricky Hyde and wife Jennifer and children Kaden and Teagen of Mount Vernon AR. A. D. spent his life in service to his family, friends and hometwon. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 28, 2008 at Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer with Rev. Jason Roberts officiating. Burial was at Thayer Cemertery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. of Thayer.
Harry 'Bud' Pierce Sr.Age 82, West Plains - Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, CR 9830, off east U.S. 160, 9-1/2-miles from West Plains. Mr. Pierce died Thursday, July 10, 2003, at a VA hospital in St. Louis. Funeral services for Harry 'Bud' Pierce Sr., 82, West Plains, were July 13, 2003, at Elk Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church near West Plains, with Pastor Dale Brown officiating.  Mr. Pierce died July 10, 2003, at Veterans Administration Hospital, St. Louis.  He served in the U.S. Army 3rd Division as a medic during World War II. St. Louis Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements
VELDA BELL BRADFORD PIERCYAge 86, West Plains - Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Carter Chapel in West Plains with Rev. Lester Bradford and Rev. Claude Fowler officiating. Mrs. Piercy died at 6 p.m. Monday at West Vue Nursing Home. She was born Jul. 15, 1893 at West Plains, the daughter of the late William Bradford and Elizabeth Shubart Bradford. She was married to Daniel Webster Piercy, Sr. on Sep. 15, 1909 at West Plains. He preceded her in death Sep. 18, 1965. She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include 11 children: Leona Foster, Crocker MO; Della Ward, Tulsa OK; Orville Piercy, Everett WA; Evelyn Wilkins, Yakima WA; Etta Plaster, Eureka MO; Rella Lunsford, Grand Junction CO; Faye Montover, New Castle CO; Monroe Piercy, Everett WA; Marie Hoke, Yakima WA; Dan Piercy, Los Angeles CA; Ben Piercy, Peoria IL; two brothers, Rev. Lester M. Bradford, West Plains, Hershel Bradford, Tampa FL; three sisters, Truda Sparks, El Dorado AR; Meta Tiner, St Louis MO; Gineth Carroll, Canoga Park CA; 27 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, Virginia, one brother, Otto Bradford, and one grandson, Billy McElmurry. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Carter Chapel, West Plains. Burial will be in South Fork Cemetery under the direction of the Carter Funeral Home of West Plains.  (1980?)
Ruby Lena Crow PiggottAge 100, of West Plains MO - Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at Hilltop Chapel Church under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Piggott died at 5:50 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, in National Health Care. She was born on Dec.5, 1906, in West Plains, Mo., to Thomas and Mary Green Crow. She received her education at the Orchard Grove School and on Oct. 6, 1944, was married at Salem, Ark., to Delmar Lewis Piggott, who preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 1982. Before her retirement, Mrs. Piggott was employed as a clerk at the Farmer’s Exchange. She was a member of the Hilltop Chapel Church and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She is survived by one sister, Ruth Presley and husband, Charles, of Iverness, Fla.; her nieces and nephews, Mary Stone and husband, Ray of West Plains, Don Freel and wife, Maxine, of West Plains, Jean Singh and husband, Joe of Iverness, Fla., and Tammy Jeter and husband, Haskell, of Knoxville, Tenn.; several great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews; and her brother-in-law, Lester Smith of West Plains. Her parents; husband; two sisters, Gladys Smith and Goldie Freel; and one brother, Bill Crow, precede her in death. Burial was held at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Clarence Leroy PiperAge 81, of West Plains, Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Piper died at 5:20 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2006, at National Health Care. He was born on March 27, 1925, at West Plains, Mo., to William 'Pat' and Beulah McCracken Piper. On July 1, 1989, he was married at West Plains, Mo., to Nelma McCarty. Before his retirement, Mr. Piper was a truck driver and he loved music. He is survived by his wife, Nelma Piper, of the family home; two sons, Larry Piper and his wife, Joyce, of West Plains and Lee Piper Jr. of Loveland, Colo.; four stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law; and one nephew. His parents and two brothers precede him in death. Burial was held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adult Day Care Center and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Edwina Nadine Bottom PiperAge 91, Durham, N.C., formerly of West Plains - Died 6:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2005, at Durham Regional Hospital. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Oak Lawn Cemetery under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Urban Ministries or Habit for Humanity of Durham, N.C., and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ted Bill PirnackAge 88, West Plains - Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Pirnack died 8:20 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in Brooke Haven Healthcare. He was born Dec. 11, 1918, in West Plains, Mo., to Chris Herman and Nora Gladys Moody Pirnack.  Mr. Pirnack was a graduate of West Plains High School, and on Jan. 2, 1937, was married at Houston, Mo., to Awilda Gertrude Endicott, who preceded him in death on March 2, 2003. Mr. Pirnack was a veteran having served as a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army during World War II. He opened the Ted Pirnack's Store on Washington Avenue, retiring from the store in 1955. In 1966, he became manager of the West Plains Savings and Loan and served as a director and president until his retirement. Mr. Pirnack was a former member of the West Plains Lions Club and West Plains Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid deer and quail hunter and also enjoyed growing and sharing roses from his garden. Mr. Pirnack was a member of the First Christian Church since 1948, having served as a Deacon, Trustee, head of the property committee and was in charge of building the Education Building. He is survived by his son, Dr. Dean Bill Pirnack, wife, Brenda; two grandchildren, Dean Bill Pirnack Jr., wife, Annie, and Tedra Deann Jewell, husband, Ernie; and three great-grandchildren, Christian Pirnack, McKenzie Jewell and Logan Jewell. His parents; wife; and one brother, Buddy Dean Pirnack, precede him in death. Mr. Pirnack will lie in state from 2 p.m. Monday until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ethel Mae Davis PittsAge 68, of Mountain View, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 30, 2008 in St. John’s Regional Health Center, Springfield, Missouri. She was born November 17, 1939 in Mountain View, Missouri, the daughter of Charles Edward and Mary Caroline Buff Davis. Ethel married Harold Pitts on April 25, 1957 in Mountain View, and to this union three children were born, Wanda Fay, Leonard, and Carol. Ethel was previously employed at Pete’s Drive In for 14 years, where she made many special friends. She also did babysitting and was known by 'Ma' to many children. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and watching hummingbirds. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, Harold; one son, Leonard L. Pitts and wife, Tammy, Marshfield; two daughters, Wanda Fay Fisher and husband, Larry, and Carol S. Atkins, and husband, Johnny, all of Mountain View; three brothers, Leonard Davis of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jim Davis of Saratoga, Wyoming, and Virgil Davis of Mountain View; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 in Yarber Mortuary with Pastor Larry Yarber officiating. Interment was in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Mountain View under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View.

Floyd Curtis 'Buzz' Pitts

Son of the late Bert Allen Pitts and Jessie (Honeycutt) Pitts was born July 24 at Hartshorn, MO; and went to be with the Lord Thursday morning June 26, 2008 at his home in Summersville, making his age 74 years, 11 months, and 2 days. Buzz was united in marriage to Louise Howell and later divorced. To their union four children were born; James Curtis, Richard Dewayne, Sherri Louise, and Michele Mildred. Buzz was baptized in 1967 at Valley Center Baptist Church and attended the Christian Church in Summersville in his later years. He was a devoted member of the VFW Post 7222 serving as Quartermaster, and doing any job or service that need to be done. He served in the Unites States Navy for 4 years, from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict, serving in communications. He enjoyed doing many things, coin collecting, bird watching, and the VFW Opry, especially the Blue Grass Music. But most of all he loved spending time and talking with his grandchildren. He could tell you where all 13 of his grandchildren were at any given time; he kept up with their travels. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Jesse Pitts; brothers, Lyle (Bob) Pitts, Carl (Sonny) Pitts; two children, James Curtis Pitts and Sherri Louise (Pitts) Norton. Buzz is survived by two children, Richard Dewayne Pitts and wife, Margy, of Oro Valley, Arizona; Michele (Pitts) Bartleson and husband, Richard, of Wylie, Texas; one sister, Shelby Olene Duncan of Richmond, Washington; one brother, Harold (Pete) Pitts and wife, Ethel, of Mountain View, MO; thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Buzz is also survived by his many friends.  Memorial Services will be held Saturday July 5, 2008 at 3:00 PM at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel with rev. Rev. Gary Steelman officiating.
Jerry Plachy Jr.Age 44, Spokane WA Died June 15, 2006, at Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital, Spokane. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at Free Union Church of Christ at Leota Mo. with burial in Union Cemetery Leota Howell Co MO.
HILTON PLANKAge 70, Willow Springs MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at the Curry Street Church of Christ, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Plank died 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008, at West Plains. He was born May 29, 1938, in Dent County, Mo., to Herman and Alma Elizabeth Stafford Plank.  On May 24, 1959, he was married at Salem, Mo., to Melba Medlock.  Mr. Plank was a veteran having served with the National Guard. Before his retirement, he was employed at the MoDOT as a special maintenance supervisor. Mr. Plank was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and he loved hunting, fishing and horseback riding. Mr. Plank loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandson and friends. Most of all, he loved God and was a very active member of the Willow Springs Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Melba Plank, of the family home;  one son, Michael Plank and fiancee, Stacy Masterson, Willow Springs, Mo.; three grandchildren, Wade Hilton Plank, Brandi Creps and Levi Masterson, all of Willow Springs, Mo.; two brothers, Hobert Plank, wife, Helen, St. Louis, Mo., and Howard Plank, Tiffin, Ohio; three sisters, Reba Bingham, Anutt, Mo., Dortha Lee Conley, Anutt, Mo., and Marietta Lawson, husband, Carl, High Ridge, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and one infant sister, Leota Plank, precede him in death. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at Curry Street Church of Christ. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Willow Springs Church of Christ Building Fund and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Pearl Nadine Morris Plowman - Age 84, Willow Springs, Mo., died 4:02 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2008, in Willow Care Nursing Home. She was born June 4, 1924, in Bethany, Mo., the daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Morris.  Before her retirement, Mrs. Plowman was employed at Wal-Mart. She is survived by three children, James Plowman, wife, Elaine, West Plains, Vic Plowman, wife, Amy, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Toni Fordyce, Chillicothe, Mo.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her parents and one brother precede her in death. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Etta Belle Douglas PoeAge 78, Bakersfield MO - Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Fowler Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Poe died 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Gainesville Health Care. She was born June 23, 1929, in Mineral Point, Mo., to Walter and Maggie Douglas. In 1950, she was married to David Charles Poe Sr., who preceded her in death in 1989. Mrs. Poe was of the Catholic faith. She is survived by six children, David Charles Poe Jr., wife, Myrla, William Poe, wife, Corrina, Lawrence Poe, wife, Sandy, all of St. Louis, Mo., Albert Poe, and Patricia Head, husband, Charles, both of Bakersfield, Mo., and Phillip Poe; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, one great-grandson, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
Theodore Wilson Pollock Apr. 1, 1914 - Mar. 19, 2001. Born at Kansas City Wyandotte Co KS; died at Caulfield Howell Co MO.  Theodore W. Pollock, age 86, he was a carpenter and worked for Jackson & Shearer as a home builder for over 40 years. After his second marriage he moved to California. Due to illness, he moved to Caulfield, Mo. He was survived by two daughters Helen M. Wright, and Wilma Vincent and two grandchildren. Burial at Fowler Cemetery.
Benny PoolAge 71, Ava MO - He had been a member of Booger County Bluegrass for 15 years. Mr. Pool died Monday, Aug. 4, at his home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at the Needmore Church of God under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Burial will be at Eaton Cemetery, east of Ava.
Martha Jane smith PoppitzAge 76, Willow Springs, Mo., Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Pomona Christian Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Poppitz died 6:15 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2008, in Brooke Haven Healthcare. She was born June 19, 1931, in Black Oak, Ark., to Harlin and Sarah Corter Smith, the oldest of 13 children. On June 14, 1968, she was married to Charles Wilson. On Oct. 6, 1983, she was married at Willow Springs to David Poppitz. Mrs. Poppitz was a C.N.A., had worked at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, was a member of the Willow Garden Club and was a rest home volunteer. She helped operate the Poppitz Orchard, giving the field trips and tours of the orchard. Mrs. Poppitz was a member of Pomona Christian Church where she was active in the Ladies Aid Program. She is survived by her husband, David Poppitz; three children, Floyd Henson, wife, Diane, Billie Ruth Hutchings, husband, Jim, and Shelly Jane Wilson and friend, Nathen Grogan; seven stepchildren, Rick Poppitz, wife, Yvonne, Craig Poppitz, wife, Teresa, Teresa McElyea, husband, Terry, Doug Poppitz, Richard Wilson, James Dal Wilson, wife, Debbi, and Roy Wilson; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four brothers; six sisters; and a host of nieces and nephews. Her parents; her first husband, Charles Fredrick Wilson; two brothers; and one stepchild preceded her in death. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mackey Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
BETTY LOU MATTISON PORTERDaughter of the late Tude and Lula (Hooberry) Mattison was born November 25, 1927 at Arroll , MO. She passed from this earth Friday, September 14, 2007 in Springfield , MO at the age of 79 years. She was joined in marriage to Edward William Porter on March 13, 1947 in Mountain View , MO and to this union two children were born Ð Melvin and Naomi. Together the two of them raised their children in the Pleasant Grove Community. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Edward; her parents Tude and Lula; four sisters Julia Conaway, Olive Plank, Electa Martin and Bonnie McCulloch; and three brothers Bertis, Carl and Leota Mattison. She is survived by her two children Melvin and wife Barbara Porter of Mountain View, MO and Naomi and husband Chuck Carr of Springfield, MO; her grandchildren Kenny Porter of Mountain View, MO; Jamie Porter and wife Cindy of Mountain View, MO; Kurtis Buckner of Nixa, MO; Kevin Buckner and wife Kim of Ozark, MO; Loren Carr and wife Ashley of Rogersville, MO; granddaughter-in-law Denise Buckner of Nixa, MO; step granddaughter Charolette Horn of Houston, MO; Step grandson Hans Dempsey of Manhattan, NY; Great Grandchildren Daniel and Bryan Porter of Mountain View, MO; Brooke, Dustin and Ryan Buckner of Nixa, MO; Megan, Cole and Andrew Buckner of Ozark, MO and was awaiting the arrival of baby Landis Carr; one brother Turner Mattison and wife Iva of Summersville, MO; two brothers-in-law Everett Plank of Mountain View and Victor Evans of Wichita, KS; sisters-in-law Veda Mattison of Mountain View, MO; Mary Ellen Porter of Omaha, NE; one aunt Goldie Burks of Vandalia, IL; and a host of nieces and nephews. Betty was a vital part of her community. She was active in the F.E.E.D. program. She also volunteered at Mountain View Healthcare and enjoyed spending time with the residents. Betty was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and a devote member of the United Methodist Church of Mountain View, MO. As Betty loved her community and the community loved her. Through the years Betty adopted many people into her heart and family. She will be fondly remembered in the community as Mom or Grandma Betty, and even though our hearts are saddened we are all blessed by many happy memories. The family would like to express their appreciation to all those who have shared precious memories and good times with Grandma Betty. Visitation was held at Duncan Funeral Home in Mountain View on September 16, 2007. Funeral Services were held Monday, September 17, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Mountain View with Pastor Kathy Osiel officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery with Rev. Emmett Bradford officiating under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View.  [Courtesy of The Current Wave.]
ALTA ROSE POWELLDaughter of the late John and Margaret Nicholas Powell, was born Oct. 1, 1920, in the rural West Plains area close to Bakersfield, and died at Golden Living Center in Bloomfield on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at the age of 87. Miss Powell was an original resident of the Golden Living Center, the 23rd admission to the Center, living there almost 30 years. Alta was baptized at the Bakersfield Church as a young woman. Church was always the center of her life. She received 20 perfect attendance pins from the Baptist Church at Marble Hill while she lived in that community and was a loved and loyal member of the St. Joe Idalia for many years. Alta suffered from cerebral palsy all her life but was a courageous fighter to live life normally. She believed in hard work and in spite of her disabilities she washed tables at the nursing home as a volunteer as well as running bingo by using her tape recorder when there was no activities director. Alta is survived by her nieces Paula Spereno of West Plains, Diana Danford of Joplin, and Jean Newland of Union; one nephew, Harold Danford of Olathe, Kan.; an adopted granddaughter, Kira Evans; many church and nursing home friends. She was the bravest person we ever knew. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007, at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Rev. Dan Sitze officiating. Interment followed in the Oak Lawn Cemetery at West Plains.   Daily Statesman, Dexter, MO; Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Jerry Leslie PowellBorn September 27, 1941 at Atlanta, GA the son of Walter Brian Powell and Thelma Elizabeth (Mason) Powell. He passed away May 10, 2008 at Mountain View, MO at the age of 66 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Sue Powell. He is survived by his former wife Margaret Powell of Willow Springs, MO; one son Jess Porter of Willow Springs, MO; five daughters Leslie Ann Powell of Woodstock, GA, Renee Powell-Heirs and husband Thomas of Newnan, GA; Kathy Ann Frommel of Mountain View, MO; Deborah Lynn Hall and husband Harold of Fayetteville, GA; and Debora Marchesini of Springfield, MO; one brother Roger Powell of Mountain View, MO; six grandchildren Lesly Wilterding and wife Summer, Sara Truax and husband Darren, Dillon Porter, Jeramie Hall, Sarah Hall, and Shelby Hall; five great grandchildren Haley Wilterding, Olivia Wilterding, Jonah Wilterding, Heidi Truax, and Madison Truax; and a host of other family and friends. Jerry graduated from high school and attended vocation school. He served in the United States Navy from September 1962 until October 1968, and then transferred into the Naval Reserves. During his time in the US Navy, Jerry served aboard the USS Boxer, where he worked as a flagman. Jerry worked at Southwest in West Plains, MO until he retired. He was of the Baptist faith. Jerry had a sense of humor, which could sometimes be dry, and he was always laughing. He was one of the handiest men in the world. He was most creative, and was talented in oil painting and drawing. He was also very talented working with wood, including carving, and building furniture. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Jerry was a great provider and worked very hard all of his life. He was a great father, and a wonderful grandfather. Jerry will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Service arrangements are pending. Arrangements were under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View, MO.
John Allen Kelse PowellFor years a prominent farmer at Bakersfield but who for many years has made his home in West Plains and Poplar Bluff. He was a native of Phelps County having been born at Rolla in 1870. He and his family moved to Bakersfield in 1902 and continued to make their home on a farm at that place until 1934. Since then they have lived in Poplar Bluff, Seymour and West Plains. returning to West Plains. Surviving are the widow Margaret Powell, eight daughters, Mrs. Anna Byrd of Tarkio Mo. Mrs. Ray Carrol of South Fork, Mo. Mrs. Mae Scoligh, Miss Alta Powell, one son John K. Powell all of West Plains  (missing text) ... or August. Also surviving are three sisters Mrs. S. E. Brown, Miss Anna Powell and Miss Eulie Powell all of Rolla and six brothers, Finley C. of Georgetown, Ill, Robert Powell of Springfield, Mo., W. T. Powell of Rolla, Alvin A. Powell of Okmona, Okla., A. W. Powell of Chillicothe, Mo., and Arthur L. Powell of Rolla. The son and all of the daughters with the exception of the (missing text) ... California and the one in  (missing text) ... were here at the time Mr. Powell passed away. The brothers in Springfield also arrived last night and other relatives, including a daughter from Tarkio, are expected to be here tonight or tomorrow. Mr. Powell had been a member of the Baptist church for 35 years. NOTE: Harold Danford at Findagrave.com has posted the dates Jul. 15, 1871 - Jan. 7, 1940; born at Adair Co KY; died at West Plains. According to this obituary he was born in Phelps County in 1870. MO Death Cert.#2538 has dates Jul. 14, 1870 - Jan. 7, 1940.
MARY 'JO' SMITH BARTON POWELLBorn February 18, 1937 in Star City, AR. She passed away March 21, 2007 at Mountain View Howell Co MO. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Pearlie SMITH, who precede her in death. Also preceding her in death is her husband Don POWELL, her brother-in-law, Mack COKER; and granddaughter, Michaela POWELL. On October 12, 1957 she married James Shelby BARTON and to this union one son, Larry Dean BARTON was born. On January 24, 1976 she married Donald Williams POWELL of Birch Tree, MO. Jo lived and worked in and around Birch Tree and Mountain View, Missouri for man years including Richards Brothers Grocery in Mountain View. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and was a member of the Mountain View Christian Church. Mary ‘Jo’ POWELL is survived by her son, Larry Dean BARTON, of Jefferson City , MO, stepdaughter, Peggy STANLEY of Lawson MO, and stepson Mike POWELL of Warrenton MO. She is also survived by three brothers, Cecil SMITH and Doris of Crossett, AR, Hardie HOUSTON and Marlene SMITH of Macon, GA, and John and Janice SMITH of Byron, GA; one sister, Frankie SMITH COKER of Wilmar, AR, as well as grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends, and neighbors who mourn her passing. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 24 2007 in the Yarber Mortuary Chapel, Mountain View with Pastor Phil JESTER officiating. Interment was in Oak Forest Cemetery, Birch Tree, MO. Contributions in memory of Jo POWELL may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave.
Levada Mae Potter Graveside services for Leveda Mae Potter, 82, West Plains, were Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Huddleston Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Potter died at 11:05 a.m., Monday, March 8, 2010, at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born April 18, 1927, at Walnut Ridge, Ark., to William and Elizabeth Thompson Turnbull. On July 29, 1950, she was married at Clarksville, Ark., to Harry Wilson Potter, who preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 1994. Before her retirement, Mrs. Potter was a cook for the Truckers Lodge. She was of the Pentecostal faith. She is survived by five children, Harrietta Collins of Caulfield, Mo., Gary Potter of Plainfield, Ill., Kerry Potter of the state of Illinois, Jim Cantrell of Jacksonville, Fla., and Linda Williams of Manila, Ark.; 17 grandchildren, including Michelle Williams, whom she raised; and many great-grandchildren. Her parents; husband; one daughter, Alfrieda Mae Whittaker; four brothers; and three sisters precede her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to Huddleston Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ronald Eugene 'RON' Prewett Born July 15, 1945, at Eminence, Mo., to Garrett Howard and Bessie (Stout) Prewett. He departed this life on Dec. 21, 2008, at the age of 63. He was a 1963 graduate of  Birch Tree High School. He was united in marriage in September 1963, and to this union, three children were born.  He was united in marriage to Gloria Lea Underwood July 4, 1992.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenny and Willard; two sisters, Loretta and Florene; one granddaughter, Kelsey Asplin; two sisters-in-law, Neva Prewett and Susie Dailey; four brother-in-laws, Silas Sanders, Gene Sanders, Richard Carr and Mike Atnip; three nieces, Betty Sanders, Wendy Wilkins and Brandy Wilkins; four nephews, Winnie and Lowell Sanders, and Skipper and Gary Prewett. He was survived by his wife, Gloria Lea; five children, Dion Prewett and wife, Charla, West Plains, Stacey Prewett and wife, Belva, Mtn. View, Lori Colbert and husband, Levi, West Plains, Ty Asplin and wife, Pudd, Winona, Stormie Asplin and husband, Todd Roberts, Mtn. View; seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Marissa, Brittney, Whittney, Wyatt, Kegan, and Gavin; mother-in-law, Flossie VanWinkle and husband, Dee, Winona; two brothers, Jay and wife, Lucy, Olympia, Wash., Buddy Underwood and wife, Della, Van Buren; five sisters, Ruby Sanders of Missouri, Patsy Lou Hartman of Fortuna, Calif., Mary Lou Pulliam and husband, Johnny, Birch Tree, Janet Burgener and husband, Hal of Illinois, Gail Bland and husband, Jerry, Winona; and a host of nieces and nephews. He served in the military three years, one of which was in Vietnam. He also was a member of the Mason Lodge. He was employed the last 26 years at DRS (Southwest Truck Body) in West Plains.   He was of the Pentecostal faith. Ron was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved to hunt, fish and watch all types of sports. He also enjoyed playing sports with his grandkids. He’ll be greatly missed and loved by all who knew him.  Anyone that had the opportunity to know him was greatly blessed! Funeral services were at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, in Church of God of Prophecy, Birch Tree, with Rev. Darrell Jones officiating.  Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mtn. View.
EARNEST WILLIAM PRICESon of Henry Newton PRICE and Lottie Jane DAVID, was born February 18, 1917 in the Ink community and passed away at the St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View on Wednesday, June 24, 1998 at age 81 years, 4 months and 6 days. Earnest and Theo WILKINS were married December 9, 1939 and to this union two children were born, Billy Carl PRICE and Joyce KNOLL. Earnest was an avid hunter and he enjoyed working outdoors. He worked at General Motors in St. Louis, at area sawmills and in the oil fields in Texas. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Summersville. Earnest and Theo lived in the St. Louis area from 1943 to 1959, and moved to Summersville in 1959 where he lived until he became ill. He became a resident of the Mountain View Health Center in 1996. Preceding him in death are his parents, Henry and Jane PRICE; six brothers, Edgar, Lee, Clay, John, Cecil and David; four sisters, Pearl SMITH, Maize MORTON, Ruby MCMILLIN, Mabel BUSCH; his son Billy; two grandsons, William and Blain SUMMER. Surviving are his wife Theo of the home in Summersville, daughter Joyce Kroll and son-in-law Maurice Kroll of St. Peters, MO; grandson Darin Summer of Calico, AR.; 2 brothers Roy Price of Carmi, IL; Leonard Price of Luther, OK; one sister Ethel Williams of Springfield, MO; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. Service were held on Saturday, June 27, 1998 at 10:00 am at Bradford Funeral Home in Summersville. Burial was in the Flatwoods Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave, July 8, 1998.
Frances Elizabeth PriceAge 83, West Plains MO - Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Evergreen Cemetery under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. (No dates available - died 2007 or 2008).
MILDRED STEERS PRICEGraveside service for Mildred Price was Feb. 19, 2008 at Empire Cemetery Gladden Dent Co MO, Rev. Joe Price officiating. Arrangments were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary Mountain View. Mrs. Price was born Sep. 6, 1913 at Gladden, daughter of William Eugene Steers & Mary Sullivan. She died Feb. 15, 2008 at West Plains at the age of 94. Survivors include nephew Bill Sears and wife Toni, Damiansville IL; one great niece, one great nephew, and cousins Opal Jacobs, Velma Fitzgerald and Vernon Lewis, all of Salem. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, one sister, Beulah, one half-brother, Jesse Sears, one niece, Colleen Sears, and one nephew, Michael Sears.
NOVA ETHEL BIRD PRICEBorn June 14, 1900 to MacDonald and Elizabeth BIRD, and, after a short illness, departed this life on October 6, 1984 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View MO at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 8 days. She was united in marriage to Alfred PRICE on June 22, 1918 at Eminence MO, and to this union nine children were born. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Ray and William; one sister, Dettie SARTIN; three brothers, Arvil BIRD, Jess BIRD and Emery BIRD. Nova is survived by her husband, Alfred, of the home; seven children, Juanita SMOTHERMAN, Arnold MO; Inez METZ, Sapulpa OK; Otto PRICE, Marshfield MO; Richard PRICE, Nixa MO; Olive WEIBLE, Patsy PRICE and Lee PRICE, all of Birch Tree MO; twenty six grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren; one sister, Ola Mae PRICE, and one brother, Parm BIRD, BOTH of Birch Tree MO; several nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. Nova was a good Christian woman. She accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1956. She was a devoted wife and mother; she gave generously to several charities, including orphaned children, both here and overseas, and to the Indians. Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Duncan Funeral Chapel at Winona MO with Rev. Lee WINTERS officiating. Burial was in Williams Cemetery at Winona under the direction of the Duncan Funeral Home of Birch Tree MO.  Sources for this information: Standard News, Mountain View MO, October 17, 1984.
HENDERSON 'HANK' PRIDDYAge 75, Long Beach CA - Funeral services held recently in California. Mr. Priddy, a former Olden resident, died Saturday, Oct. 4, in Long Beach CA, where he had lived for a number of years. He had been ill for several years. Mr. Priddy was a member of the Baptist Church. Surviving him are his wife, one son and two daughters, all of California, and four brothers and a sister, Mrs. Millie Fine of West Plains, John Priddy, Olden, Everett, Green Forest AR, and Paul Priddy, Bard CA. Burial was in San Pedro CA. (No year given, but believe it was 1976).
JOHN BURLEY PRIDDY Son of the late James Robert and Margery Ann Smith Priddy, was born Sep. 6, 1900 in Howell Co MO and departed this life Oct. 1, 1972 at his home at Rt. 2, Pomona MO, at the age of 72 years and 25 days. He was married May 1, 1924 at West Plains MO to Sybil Maritt. He was married Nov. 4, 1949 at Collinsville IL to Gladys Godat. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Gladys Priddy, Pomona MO; three daughters, Mrs. June Klonowski and Mrs. Jean Andrak, Chicago IL, and Mrs. Nora Scheller, South Daytona FL; seven stepchildren, Mrs. Opal Larew, Martinez CA, Mrs. Florence Collins, Collinsville IL, Mrs. Alma Jean Buschmann, Yuba City CA, Sam Jim Godat, Irondale MO, John H. Godat, Stockton CA, Ed Godat and Mrs. Beth Skinner, Pomona MO; one sister, Mrs. Mildred Fine, Pomona MO; two brothers, Everett Priddy, Green Forest AR and Paul Priddy, El Centre CA; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was a retired farmer. SERVICES: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1972, 2:00 p.m., Carter Chapel West Plains MO; MINISTER: James Kelly; ORGANIST: Mrs. E. E. Worley; PALLBEARERS: Edward Collins, Russell Douglas, Kenneth Godat, Robert Skinner, Rev. Bob Colbert, Curtis Godat; INTERMENT: Mount Zion Cemetery; FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Leland Carter Funeral Home, West Plains MO.
Sudie E. Holland PRINCE Born the daughter of Jacob Dozier Holland and his wife Mary Adelia Caldwell Holland. Both parents had been born in Alabama, but they had moved their small family to Reliance Community, Brazos County, Texas, where that family grew. Sudie was the youngest of the eleven born to the family. Unfortunately, when Sudie was about 18 months old, Jacob died. She was raised by her mother and grandmother along with her siblings. At age 17, Sudie married her Prince--Samuel Carroll Prince. They had two sons and lived outside of Houston, Texas. About 1969 Sudie and Sam moved to Missouri to live close to their youngest son, Jack Holland Prince. Left behind are her husband of over 50 years, her sons, Samuel D. Prince, and Jack H. Prince, as well as grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews. All mourn the loss of this woman they loved. Parents: Jacob Dozier Holland (1860 - 1905) Mary A Caldwell (1860 - 1939)
Carol Inez Pringle Mrs. Carol Pringle of Willow Springs, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at her home due to natural causes. Born on Sept. 9, 1934, in Ontario, Oregon, to Frank and Ruth (Davis) Steinhaus, she was 74 years old. Carol was the last surviving child of 13 children born to Frank and Ruth. She grew up in Parma, Idaho, and has lived in Willow Springs for the past 58 years. She married Sidney Pringle in Winnemucca, Nev., and to this union, five children were born. Carol was described by her family as a wonderful mother who was kind hearted and very devoted to her family. She will be missed by all of her family and friends. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Sidney Pringle in January of 2004, a daughter Vicki Taylor in July of 1999, her parents, a great-grandson, 12 brothers and sisters, a daughter-in-law Sherry Pringle, and a son-in-law, Chris Ashley. She is survived by her children, Darlene Ashley-Lopp of Willow Springs; Lloyd Pringle of Pomona; Anita Davis and her husband Joe of Hutton Valley; and Dean Pringle and his wife, Christie, of Seymour. Carol is further survived by 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Westside Family Life Center, located at 1274 County Road 5270 in Willow Springs. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow Wednesday?s service at Pine Grove Cemetery in Willow Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. (Howell County News, June 03, 2009)
William Marvin 'Bill' Pringle  Celebrated his first morning in Heaven May 9, 2008. He peacefully went to Glory from his room at Strafford Care Center. He was born Aug. 13, 1927, in Ash Grove, Mo., the son of Rev. Marvin and Delma Compton Pringle. On Jan. 20, 1949, he married Juanita Ann Keck in Harrison, Ark., after having met her and hearing her sing during a revival he led at Concord Baptist Church in November 1948. Together they shared 45 years of marriage and ministry. She preceded him in death June 14, 1994. Bill surrendered to the ministry in 1946. Over the next 55 years, he pastored churches in Polk, Lawrence, Dade, Laclede and Pulaski Counties, and held revivals at many churches. His wife, Ann, led the singing in most of his churches. He retired from Laclede Electric Cooperative as assistant manager in 1986, having served there 37 years. Survivors include his son, Ronald and wife, Mary Pringle, West Plains; two daughters, Teresa (Terry) and her husband, John Wright, Springfield, and Paula and her husband, John Fisher, Walnut Grove; eight grandchildren, Alicia Hennigh and husband Brad, Christy Grimes and husband, Christopher, Curtis Wright, Aaron Pringle, Shane Fisher and wife, Devin, Greg Pringle and wife, Tiffany, Craig Wright and Sarah Pringle four great-grandchildren, Hayden and Gunnar Fisher, Kylie Hennigh and Cameron Grimes. He is also survived by three sisters, Eula Cave, Ruth Slatten, and Wilma and husband, Roger Thorn; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Evelyn Lonon; and brother, Raymond Pringle. A celebration of his life was held at 5 p.m. today, May 12, at Greenlawn South Funeral Home, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons International or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Helen TUTOR Pruett Born Dec. 26, 1925, in Charleston, Mo., to Word and Edith Hodge Tutor. She departed this life on July 5, 2008, in Willow Health Care, Willow Springs, Mo., at the age of 82. Helen married Carl Pruett on Dec. 8, 1972. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband Carl, of the home in Willow Springs, Mo.; three brothers, W.T. Tutor of Corning, Ark., Sam Tutor and wife, Patsy, of Corning, Ark., and Donald Tutor of Doe Run, Mo.; one sister, Oneta Jones and husband, L.C., of Mt. Vernon, Texas; one grandson, Danny Rush and wife, Erica, of Seattle, Wash.; two great grandsons, Aiden and Kyle; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; son Johnny Rush; brothers Alfred, Elfred and Loyd Tutor; and sisters Novella Tutor Threadgill and Carol Deloris Tutor Rice. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in Yarber Mortuary with Rev. L.C. Jones officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, Mo., under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View.
Robert Stanley 'Stan' Pruett Died at his Willits, CA home, Wednesday, July 30, 2008. He is survived by his wife Virginia N. Pruett. Stan and Virginia, married at the West Plains courthouse in 1938 and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April 2008. Additional survivors are son Herbert and wife Sherri of Willits; son Richard and wife Gloria of Shady Cove, Ore.; daughter-in-law Karen Pruett, of Reno, NV; sister Francis Kienholz, of San Diego CA and brother-in-law Floyd Dixon of Fresno CA. Also surviving are three granddaughters, Sheila Warbasse of San Lorenzo CA; Rachelle Pruett of Modesto CA; Nephele Barrett of Ukiah CA and two grandsons, Robert 'Seth' Pruett and Jacob 'Jake' Pruett, of Reno NV. Stan leaves 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert 'Bob' Pruett of Reno NV. Stan Pruett was born Aug. 11, 1916, in the community of Nagle and Clear Springs in Texas County MO, son of Sampson 'Doc' Pruett of a large pioneering Missouri family and Clara Vollum, of Scarborough, Yorkshire, England. He spent his youth in Missouri, with summer work in the wheat fields of the Dakotas. He married Virginia Selby of Clear Springs MO in April 1938, and moved to Independence MO where they began their family of three boys. The family moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1942. Stan served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, (Atlantic and Pacific theaters) and spent his working years in San Francisco and San Leandro CA with a four-year period 'on their farm' in Missouri from 1948 to 1952. Upon retirement, Stan and Virginia relocated to Flagstaff AZ for 14 years before moving to Willits three years ago. A memorial gathering will be held for friends and family Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at 2 p.m. at St. Francis-in-the-Redwoods Episcopal Church, One North Main Street, Willits CA. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Phoenix Hospice, 100 Sanhedrin Circle, Willits CA 95490.

Meredith Thomas Pumphrey

MT Pumphrey

Meredith Thomas Pumphrey, born November 15, 1857 in Ozark County and died in Moody, Missouri December 8, 1929:

M. T. PUMPHREY, FORMER MERCHANT OF MOODY, DIES Was Father of Mrs. Garrett McBride of West Plains, and M.T. “Pat” Pumphrey of Kirksville. Funeral at Moody Today (From Monday’s Daily Quill)

Meredith Thomas Pumphrey, 72 years old, for many years a prominent resident of Moody, in the southern part of Howell county, died at his home in Moody at 10 o’clock Sunday morning, following a short illness due to pneumonia, complicated by heart disease.

Mr. Pumphrey was the father of Mrs. Garrett McBride of West Plains, and also of M.T. “Pat” Pumphrey, formerly manager of the ready-to-wear department of the Langston-Pease Mercantile Company in West Plains. He became ill last Monday morning with an attack of pneumonia, and although the pneumonia attack was very light, the heart trouble made his condition critical from the first.

Mr. Pumphrey had been a resident of Moody for twenty-nine years, having been engaged in the mercantile business there for several years. He was born and reared in Ozark county, where he was successfully engaged in farming for many years. He was known to a host of friends in both Howell and Ozark counties.

He had been a member of the Christian church practically all of his life, and was prominently identified with the work of the church in Moody.

While living in Ozark county, Mr. Pumphrey was married to Miss Susan Ella McCandless, a young woman who had come to this section from Indiana. Mrs. Pumphrey survives him, as do also five sons and three daughters, who are Oliver Pumphrey of Wichita, Kans., Clyde F. Pumphrey of Tonkawa, Okla., E. M. Pumphrey, formerly of West Plains, but now of Kirksville, Mo., Ernest Pumphrey of Pasa Robles, Calif., Roy Pumphrey of Boise City, Ida., Mrs. Otto L. Wright of Moody, Mrs. Earl Johnson of Ponca City, Okla., and Mrs. Garrett McBride of West Plains. Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. McBride, and Clyde Pumphrey, with other relatives, were with Mrs. Pumphrey at his bedside at the time of his death. E. M. Pumphrey arrived last night.

Three half brothers, James, Jarrett, and Dell Pumphrey, all of Lead Hill, Mo., also survive.
(Submitted by Steve McBridge, Fresno, CA)

Click here to read accompanying newspaper article

Susan Punphrey

Susan Ella Pumphrey, born January 14, 1871 at Sidney, Arkansas, and died at the Christa Hogan hospital in West Plains August 8, 1942:

Mrs. James Pumphrey of Moody Dies Here

Was Mother of E. M. (Pat) Pumphrey, Roy Pumphrey, and Mrs. Garret McBride, All formerly of West Plains. Mrs. Ella Pumphrey, 71, wife of James Pumphrey, and a prominent pioneer resident of Moody, died in Christa Hogan Hospital here at midnight Saturday night, death resulting from a heart ailment from which she had been suffering the last two years.

She had been bedfast most of the time the last two months, and was brought to the hospital here one week ago, when her condition became grave.

Mrs. Pumphrey, who before her marriage was Miss Ella Susan McCandliss, was born January 14, 1871, at Sidney, Ark. She was first married to Thomas Pumphrey, pioneer resident and merchant at Moody. Following his death a number of years ago she married his half-brother, James Pumphrey, who was living at Lead Hill, Ark. at the time, but who moved to Moody.

Mrs. Pumphrey and her first husband were the parents of nine sons and daughters, seven of whom survive, and all of whom, with the exception of one son, E. M. (Pat) Pumphrey, formerly of West Plains, but now of Scotts Bluff, Nebr., were present at the funeral.

3 Daughters, 4 Sons Survive

The surviving sons and daughters are Mrs. Otto Wright of Moody, E. M. (Pat) Pumphrey of Scotts Bluff, Nebr.; Mrs. Earl G. Johnson of Ponca City, Okla.; Clyde F. Pumphrey of Miami, Fla.; Roy T. Pumphrey of Tampa, Fla.; Ernest Pumphrey of Paso Roblo, Calif.; and Mrs. Garrett McBride of Lodi, Calif. Also surviving is a stepson, Oliver Pumphrey of Wichita Kans., two sisters, Mrs. H. H. Roby of Augusta, Kans., Mrs. Ruth Yeary of Oklahoma, and 10 grandchildren. Mrs. Roby was here for the funeral, as also was Ernest Pumphrey’s wife and son, Larry, and Mrs. Earl Johnson’s husband and their daughter, Jenelle, from Ponca City and Oliver Pumphrey.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Moody, where a crowd of relatives and friends filled the Christian church, and many others who could not get inside remained outside during the service.

The Rev. B. B. Harvey, pastor of the First Methodist church of West Plains, was in charge of the services, and paid beautiful tribute to the life and character of Mrs. Pumphrey, who was much beloved in her home community. Not only was she a devoted mother and good neighbor, but she also was a life-long active member of the Christian church. The church in Moody in which her funeral was held was built by her first husband the late Thomas Pumphrey, 51 years ago.

A mixed quartet composed of Mr. And Mrs. Leonard Manze, Miss Willa Smith, and Lindsay Briscoe, sang four numbers during the service.

Pallbearers were three sons of Mrs. Pumphrey, Roy, Ernest, and Clyde Pumphrey, a step-son, Oliver Pumphrey, and two sons-in-law, Earl Johnson and Otto Wright. The floral tributes were profuse and beautiful. Many from Here at Funeral Among those from West Plains who attended the service were Mrs. Charles Jones, Mrs. C. C. McCallon, Miss Elizabeth McCallon, Mrs. Guy S. Buck, Mrs. George T. Humphries, Mrs. John Humphries, Mrs. S. J. Galloway, Mrs. Beatrice Cook, Mr. And Mrs. T. D. Clemmons, The Rev. and Mrs. B. B. Harvey and son, Charles Harvey, Mr. And Mrs. Bob Young, Mrs. Willard McCallon, Mrs. Mattie E. Young, Mr. And Mrs. Bert Pratt, Mrs. Homer Henderson, and others.

Taken from a newspaper clipping found in the Garrett and Fern McBride family records, believed to be from the West Plains Daily Quill. Only minor typos and spelling errors were detected, and no attempt was made at correcting them. Submitted by Steve McBride, Fresno, CA.

John Ules ‘Roadkill’ Pyatt  Passed away peacefully at his home in Willow Springs on Monday, May 19, 2008, surrounded by his family. Born on July 10, 1952, in Davis Crossing, Mo., to John H. and Elsie D. Coats, he was 55 years old. Mr. Pyatt grew up in the Frankclay and Leadwood areas of Missouri, where he graduated from high school. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam; he later re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy. John was known to all of his friends by the nickname of 'Roadkill.' He had a great love for animals, especially horses. He also had a great interest in Native American culture and history, and truly cherished his own Native American heritage. He was also a well-known local musician who played in a number of local bands. He will be greatly missed by his family and all whose lives he touched. John is survived by his parents, John Henry Pyatt of West Plains; his mother, Elise Dolores Coats of Willow Springs; his son, Johnathan Matthew Pyatt of Sacramento, Calif.; daughter, Chelsea Dawn Feddler of Arkansas; brothers, Mark L. Pyatt of Goose Creek, S.C., Steve D. Pyatt of Willow Springs, and Rev. Nathan E. Pyatt of Willow Springs; and a sister Connie Dolores Campbell of Grove Springs, Mo. The funeral service was Thursday, May 22, at Willow Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Adams Cemetery in Franclay, Mo. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. 
 

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