Obituaries



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Don O. Banker, 65, Harrisonville, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 1998, in Cass
Medical Center, Harrisonville. The son of John William and Olive Bullard
Banker, he was born March 24, 1933, at Rolla, Kan. He was married to Helen
Baker Oct. 22, 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1956. He was
a test lab technician for Allied Signal Co. in Kansas City, retiring after
32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jim
and Robert Banker. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; two
children, Todd Banker of Harrisonville and Donna Stearns of Kansas City;
three sisters, Bernadine O'Neal of Eudora, Kan., Jackie Collins of Dumas,
Texas, and Nan Mattern of Cadiz, Ohio; three brothers, Carl Banker of
Hermiston, Ore., Ed Banker of Kent, Wash., and Walter Banker of The
Dalles, Ore.; and four grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, Dec. 29, in
Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Don Covington officiating.
Pallbearers were Brandon Banker, Mike Stearns, Carl Banker, Ed Banker,
Walt Banker, Bill Baker, Buzz Baker and Art Mattern. Interment was in
Alder Cemetery, west of Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Inous Pauline Broyles, 80, Fair Play, formerly of Stockton, died Thursday,
Dec. 31, 1998. She was born May 10, 1918, in Cedar County, the daughter of
Morris and Mary Hayward. On Aug. 20, 1933, she was united in marriage with
John Broyles. She was converted at the Needmore Church on Feb. 21, 1942,
and baptized in the San Larenzo River near Santa Cruz Calif., a year
later. She was a member of the Stockton Assembly of God Church. She was
preceded in death by an infant daughter in 1936; her parents in 1963 and
1965; her husband, John Broyles, on June 2, 1980; a great-grandson, Scott
Broyles, in 1996; and a former daughter-in-law, Shirley Broyles Mick, in
1998. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Dwain and Donna
Broyles, Fair Play; James and Betty Broyles, Anchorage, Alaska; and
Delores and George Shaw, Crockett, Texas; two brothers, Jack Hayward,
Stockton, and Joe Hayward, Rogers, Ark.; 10 grandchildren, Rick Broyles
and Vicky Doeden, Stockton; Danny Broyles, Springfield; Lori Eye,
Rockville; Tim, Aaron and Kelly Paul Broyles, Anchorage, Alaska; Penny
McPherson, Belton, Texas; Cindy Shaw, Irving, Texas; and Johnny Shaw,
Grapeland, Texas; seven great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild. Services were Sunday, Jan. 3, at the Stockton
Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Steve Zemanek and the Rev. Randy
Hayward officiating. Music was provided by Carolyn Tucker. Pallbearers
were Danny Broyles, Kelly Paul Broyles, Rick Broyles, Kirby Doeden, Dennie
Eye and Jimmy Tucker Interment was in the Lindley Prairie Cemetery under
the direction of Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Jon M. Buckmaster, 41, Fair Play, died at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1998,
in the emergency room at Citizens Memorial Hospital after suffering an
apparent heart attack at his business in Fair Play. He was born March 2,
1957, in Marquette, Mich., the son of John Stanton Buckmaster and Nancy
Lou Paavola. He had been a resident of Gulfport, Miss., for several years,
moving to Fair Play about three years ago. He was the owner and operator
of the Fair Play Tire Shop. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist
Church in Saucier, Miss., as well as the Bolivar Masonic Lodge No. 195 AF
and AM, the Lake Stockton Shrine Club, York Rite, Scottish Rite and the
Mizpah Chapter No. 230, Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving is his wife,
Kelly, of the home; one daughter, Casey Buckmaster, and two sons, Keith
and John Buckmaster, all of the home; his father, John S. Buckmaster, Fair
Play; his mother, Nancy Lou Paavola, Marquette, Mich.; four sisters, Karen
Goodall of Long Beach, Miss., Robin Snell of Madison, Wis., Kelly Hawkins
of Kansas City, Kan., and Margaret Young of Bolivar; and two brothers,
James Buckmaster of Long Beach, Miss., and Rod Snell, state of Wisconsin.
Services were Saturday, Dec. 12, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with
Johny Sconce officiating. Lodge services were conducted at the conclusion
of the funeral service. Private interment will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions to his wife and children may be sent in care of
Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar, MO 65613




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Carl Brown Clymore, 82, Humansville, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in Big
Spring Care Center. The son of Eugene and Maude Brown Clymore, he was born
in Hickory County, near Pittsburg, Dec. 5, 1916. During World War II he
served in the U.S. Army for five years. He was a farmer and he raised and
trained registered quarter horses. He was a member of Hogle's Creek
Masonic Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star. Surviving are two sisters,
Ruby Lipe, Humansville, and Faye Samples, Urbana; a nephew, Jerry Lipe,
Canyon Lake, Texas; and a niece, Carmetta Hutchison, Urbana. Services were
Monday, Dec. 28, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating. Pallbearers were Bert Chaney, James Gordon, Donald Pitts,
Gene Turner, Carl Lee Turner and Kenneth Floyd. Interment was in Pittsburg
Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Christopher Lance Coen, 23, Pittsburg, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1998, at
St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was born Dec. 15, 1975
in Independence, the youngest of three children of Rnadall L. and Diana M.
Coen. He grew up in Hickory County and was a member of Hermitage First
Baptist Church. During high school he was senior class president,
vice-president of Future Business Leaders of America, a member of Future
Homemakers of America and captain of the basketball and baseball teams. He
graduated from Hermitage High School in 1994 and from Wentworth Military
Academy in 1996. He was a student at Southwest Missouri State University,
working toward a degree in industrial management, and was to graduate in
May 1999. He was a member of the Society of Manufacture Engineers. For the
past three years he had worked nights at United Parcel Service in
Springfield as a preloader. He is survived by his parents, Randall L. and
Diana M. Coen of Pittsburg; a brother, Rodney, and a sister, Angela; his
great-grandmother, Juanita Casey; two grandmothers, Betty J. Coen and
Imogene Fisher, all of Independence; one brother-in-law, one
sister-in-law, three nephews, two nieces and many friends. He was preceded
in death by two grandfathers, Robert J. Coen and Harold J. Fisher, and one
uncle, Vincent C. Coen. Services were Sunday, Dec. 27, at
Hathaway-Peterman Fneral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Roger
Easter and the Rev. Jeremy Hostettler officiating. Burial was in Antioch
Cemetery, Pittsburg. Pallbearers were Mark Rapp, Jason Gunter, Benji Hill,
Dave robertson, Jimmy Willimas and Robin Crocket. Honorary pallbearers
were Jason Sikora and Brian Wright. Memorial contributions to Southwest
Missouri State University may be sent in care of his parents.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Harold Eugene "Hank" Cox, 32, Tunas, died at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29,
1998, in his home following a sudden illness. He was born Jan. 19, 1966,
in Clinton to Harold K. and Maxine Woods Cox. Survivors include his
parents, Harold and Maxine Cox of Bolivar; five brothers, Kenneth Cox of
Pennsylvania, Chris Smith of El Campo, Texas, Connely Brewer of Clinton,
Terry Brewer of Appleton City, and Drake Parker of Davenport, Iowa; and
four sisters, Karen Stevens of Warsaw, Lila Law of Collins, Norma Fischer
of Bryan, Texas, and Shelly Parker of Davenport, Iowa. Services were
Saturday, Jan. 2, at Mount Zion Methodist Church in Mount Zion with Harvey
Woods officiating. Music included "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "Amazing
Grace." According to the family wishes, his body has been donated to
medical science. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of
Health Sciences, Kansas City, and left at the funeral home. Arrangements
were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Lorraine deVilliers, 88, Bolivar, died at 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, 1998,
at Parkview Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She was born
Sept. 22, 1910, in Pecan Gap, Texas, the daughter of George Thomas and
Hattie Lee Mann Castle. She was the widow of Herman E. deVilliers, who
preceded her in death in 1989. She had been a longtime resident of
Sherman, Texas, moving to Bolivar in 1993. She was a retired cosmetologist
and a veteran of World War II in the Women's Army Corps. Surviving is a
sister, Lucille Peterson, Altus, Okla., and a niece, Lou Kemp, Bolivar.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, in the Oak Ridge
Cemetery in Honey Grove, Texas, with Dr. Ronald Kemp officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Eunice C. Dunseth, 93, Half Way, died Monday, Dec. 7, 1998, in Dallas
County Care Center, Buffalo, following a long illness. She was born Dec.
28, 1904, in Polk County to Joseph and Emma Swartz Schick. On Dec. 9,
1923, she was united in marriage to Harry E. Dunseth. A lifelong resident
of Half Way and Polk County, she was a homemaker and a member of Schofield
Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons and
daughters-in-law, David and Rosie Dunseth and Donald and Barbara Dunseth,
all of Half Way, as well as three grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in Schofield Missionary
Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Music will be by the
Schofield choir. Burial will follow in Schofield Cemetery. Arrangements
are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Visitation will be from 7 to 8
p.m. this evening (Wednesday) in the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Laverne Albert Evans, 74, Bolivar, died at 1:52 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14,
1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born
Sept. 23, 1924, near Buffalo, the son of Albert H. and Eva Bell Lambreath
Evans. A former longtime resident of Buffalo and Springfield, he was a
retired construction worker and farmer. He attended the Maranatha Baptist
Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lillian Evans, of the home; three
daughters, Phyllis Evans of Bolivar, Barbara Graves of Independence and
Patsy Estell of Acworth, Ga.; four grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, Leaford Evans, state
of Texas, and one sister, Hazel McGinnis, state of Oklahoma. He was
preceded in death by his parents, one son, one daughter, a brother,
Russell Evans, and a sister, Evelyn Eagon. Services will be at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James
Robbins officiating. Music will be provided by Bill Yeargain and Diedre
Schexnayder. Burial will follow in the Schofield Cemetery southeast of
Half Way. Casketbearers will be Russell Evans Jr., Randy Graves, Brian
Graves, Jeff Estell, Dennis Eagon and Paul Euler.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Carl D. Fowler, 77, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1998, in Parkview
Health Care Facility. He had been a resident of the facility for six years
and had suffered with Parkinson's disease for 23 years. He was born Jan.
18, 1921, in Dallas County to Orla Ray and Sannah Rife Fowler. He left
school at age 14 to work on cars, which became his lifelong vocation.
During World War II he worked in the shipyards in Oakland, Calif., and he
also worked for a short time in Kansas City. He and his wife, Minnie, were
residents of Urbana and Tunas before moving to Pleasant Hope to be nearer
their children. He was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Masonic
Lodge. He had moved his membership to the Pleasant Hope Lodge. He was
preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Minnie McGee Fowler in 1994; a
grandson, Keith Andrew Maness; and a sister, Reva Swigert. He is survived
by three daughters and their husbands, Linda and Jack Crawford, Sandra and
Don Manes and Brenda and Bill Adams; a son, Larry Fowler; four
grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, two great-grandsons, three
step-great-grandsons and three step-great-granddaughters; a sister, Zelpha
Collins of Wichita, and two brothers, Chester Fowler of Kansas City and
Orla Ray Fowler of Tunas. Also surviving are a brother-in-law and
sister-in-law, Carl and Faye McGee. Masonic services were Friday, Jan. 1,
at Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo. Graveside services were
Saturday, Jan. 2, in Mission Ridge (Lone Post) Cemetery south of Urbana
with the Rev. Pete Davidson officiating.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Mildred Norma Jones Green, 85, Nixa, died Monday, Dec. 21, 1998, at Mercy
Villa Nursing Home, Springfield. She was born Sept. 7, 1913, at Wheatland,
the daughter of the Rev. J.E. and Zella Mae Maberry Jones. She was a
retired school teacher, having taught at Wheatland, Bolivar and
Springfield. She was a member of the Methodist Church. She was preceded in
death by her parents; her son, Timmy; her husband, Roy; and three
brothers, the Rev. Wayne Jones, Dr. Z. Glenn Jones and John R. Jones.
Survivors include a daughter, Bette Steele of Nixa; a sister, Zenith
Newell of Clinton; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral
Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Ernest Foltz officiating. Burial
will follow in Crutsinger Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2
p.m. Saturday afternoon prior to the service at the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Fern Iola Gregg, 86, Collins, died at 10:55 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, in
Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola. The daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Mayetta
Teeter Holmes, she was born Feb. 10, 1912, at Arcadia, Neb. She was
married to Charles Orville Gregg Dec. 8, 1932, at Ord, Neb. He preceded
her in death March 15, 1998. A resident of Collins since 1959, she was a
homemaker and a member of the Church of the Brethren. She was preceded in
death by two sons, Charles and David, a brother, Ivan, and two grandsons,
James David Bodenhamer and Leonard Dean Gregg. Survivors include 12
children, Thomas Gregg, North Loup, Neb.; Frank Gregg, James A. Gregg and
Allona Case, all of Collins; Audrey Bodenhamer, Humansville; Colleen
Johnson and Charlene Johnson, both of Warsaw; Marilyn Richey, Sedalia;
LaDawn Burson, Calhoun; Ramona Bredthauer, Hastings, Neb.; Naomi Martin,
Green Ridge; and LoQueeta Stultz, Mora; three brothers, Earl, Alvin and
Dale Holmes, all of Arcadia, Neb.; a sister, Velma Jackson, Ord. Neb.; 39
grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services were Thursday, Dec. 17, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Bro.
Marshall Henderson officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Allen Rice,
Raymond Gregg, Mark Kimber, Loren Case, Jesse Case, David Burson, Brian
Burson, Roy Martin, Steven Martin, Alvin Bredthauer, Shannon Johnson,
Damion Gregg, Deylon Gregg, Donovan Gregg and Benjamin Stultz. Pallbearers
were William Bodenhamer, Troy Gregg, Michael Richey, Robin Kimber, Myron
Case, Bob Burson, Tony Martin and Dustin Gregg. Interment was in
Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery west of Collins.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Jimmy Dale Gunnels, 37, Flemington, died at 6:23 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27,
1998, at his parents' home in Bolivar after a battle with cancer. He was
born July 25, 1961, in St. Louis to Aubrey Clayton and Gloria Joyce
Wheeler Gunnels. A lifelong resident of the Bolivar and Polk County area,
he had been employed at the Springfield Remanufacturing Company,
Springfield. Surviving are his wife, Tina K. Gunnels, of the home; a son,
Shawn Gunnels, Springfield; a daughter, Coyeatta Gunnels, a stepson,
Christopher Overall, and a stepdaughter, Mary Lopez, all of the home; his
parents, Aubrey and Gloria Gunnels, Bolivar; and a sister, Lisa Mitchell,
Independence. Services were Tuesday, Dec. 29, in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom officiating. Musical selections were
"Master of the Wind," "I Found the Lilly in my Valley" and "Sweet Beulah
Land," sung by Randy and Connie Matheny. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Casketbearers were Gary Gunnels, Gordon Gunnels, Kevin Gunnels, Paul
Gunnels, James Wheeler and Joey Milam.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Richard Harold Terrell, 76, Humansville, died Monday, Dec. 21, 1998, at
the home of his daughter, Paula Keller. The son of John D. and Georgia
Nesmith Terrell, he was born July 7, 1922, at Sand Creek, Okla. He grew up
near Wewoka, Okla. Joining the U.S. Army in 1941, he served in the 821st
Tank Destroyer Battalion Medical Corps until 1945. He was married to
Dorothy Lee Irwin in November 1941. They were the parents of four
children. In 1948, Richard moved his family to southern California where
he worked for Union Oil Co., retiring after 30 years. He had resided in
Crescent City, Calif., since 1980. He was a member of the International
Footprint Association, Gasquet American Legion, DAV, Crescent City VFW and
the Crescent City Seniors. Preceding him in death were his parents, his
wife, two children, four sisters, two brothers and a great-granddaughter.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Robert Keller,
Humansville; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard L. and Glenda Terrell,
Grass Valley, Calif.; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a
sister, Ila Stewart, Oklahoma City, Okla., and a brother, Orville Terrell,
Hot Springs, Ark. Funeral Mass was Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in St.
Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with the Rev. David Holsof presiding. A
second service will be today (Wednesday) in Wier Mortuary, Crescent City,
Calif., with interment in Del Norte County Veterans Cemetery, Crescent
City, Calif. Local arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral
Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Lorraine Hembree Herbert, 73, Bolivar, died at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28,
1998, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Faility following a long illness.
She was a longtime resident of Bolivar, being born here on Oct. 1, 1925,
to Charles Lee and Jewel Parscale Hembree. On Aug. 15, 1942, she was
united in marriage to Robert Lee Herbert, who preceded her in death on
Jan. 7, 1995. She was of the Assembly of God faith. She had been a member
of the Women's Auxiliary of the D.A.V. and was a past Lioness. Survivors
include a son, Bobby Ray Herbert, Bolivar; a daughter, Sherry A. DeAtley,
Bella Vista, Ark.; a sister, Nancy Jenkins, Raymore; four grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will
follow in Greenwood Cemetery.





Janie Jarman, 66, Springfield, died at 9:25 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, in
Balanced Care East, Springfield. A retired cashier, she is survived by a
daughter, Linda Adams, Pierce City; a son, Steve Price, Calcord, Okla.;
two sisters, Virginia Lee HIcks, Springfield, and Gloria Pursley, Willard;
a half-sister, Elizabeth Sons, Clovis, Calif.; a brother, William Laurel
Randolph, Pratt, Kan.; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were Tuesday, Dec. 8, in Rivermonte Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North,
Springfield.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Louise Lavern Scarborough Johnson, 77, Bolivar, died Friday, Dec. 11,
1998. She was born Aug. 23, 1921, in Nacogdoches County, Texas, to William
Henry and Essie Mae Scarborough. She was the youngest of three daughters.
She married John Clifton Johnson on Nov. 26, 1938, in Lofkin, Texas. She
is survived by her husband, John, to whom she was married for 60 years;
three daughters, Barbara Vest and her husband, Jack, of Bolivar, Susan
James of Independence and Carol Ellingsworth and her husband, Clint, of
Highlandville; one son, John Jr. and his wife, Patsy, Bolivar; ten
grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; one sister, Roberta Hansen, Pine
Prairie, La.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was
preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Frankie Simmons. Services
were Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Pitts Funeral Home with the Rev. Danny Vance
officiating. Burial was in Mount Olive Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Joe K. Johnson, 70, Kansas City, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, at Baptist
Medical Center from complications due to diabetes. He was born Dec. 8,
1927, in Elkton, the third son of Herman C. and Iva Johnson. He lived in
the Adonis area of Polk County until the family moved to Jefferson City in
1942. He attended Jefferson City High School, served in the U.S. Army in
Germany during the Korean conflict and was a member of the Baptist faith.
He moved to Kansas City in 1953 and was employed by the Missouri Pacific
and Union Pacific railroads until his retirement in 1983. He was preceded
in death by his father on Aug. 11, 1948; his mother on June 16, 1981; and
one brother, William Herman, on April 21, 1995. He is survived by his wife
of 23 years, Ruth E. Johnson, of the home; two stepsons, Richard and
Robert Sewell, both of Raytown; one brother and his wife, Charles and
Yvonne Johnson, Bolivar; one sister-in-law, Ruth E. Johnson, Jefferson
City; one nephew and four nieces. Graveside services were Tuesday, Dec. 8
at the Oak Grove Cemetery with Bro. Junior F. Ingram officiating.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Earl Gene McColm, 64, Bolivar, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 1998, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness. He was a lifelong resident
of Polk County, being born here on Aug. 21, 1934, to Joe Gene and Eva
Elizabeth Burks McColm. He graduated from Bolivar High School with the
class of 1952 and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He was saved
at a revival at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and he was a charter
member of Southside Missionary Baptist Church. On June 4, 1955, he married
Barbara Joan Platt, and to this union two children were born, Steve and
Lisa. He was retired from Southwest Electric Coop, having worked there for
29 years. Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; a son and
daughter-in-law, Steve and Deni McColm, a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa
and David Brown, and his mother, Eva McColm, all of Bolivar; two sisters,
Donna Young and her husband, John, of Sarcoxie, and Kay Davis and her
husband, Larry, of St. Peters; and three grandchildren, Jacob, Haleigh and
Hannah Brown. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Gene McColm.
Services were Sunday, Dec. 27, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot
officiating. Music was by Lisa Jarvis, Charley Ealy, Mary Childress, David
Barham, Alan Roberts, Mike Rowan and Nathan Hoffer, and included "I Know
Who Holds Tomorrow," "Amazing Grace" and "Beulah Land." Burial was in
Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shannon Hancock, John Young,
David Young, Fred Young, Dennis Hancock and Mick Hood. Honorary
pallbearers were Johnny Spurlock, Max Roweton, Jim Brown, J.C. Meador,
Johnny Hancock, Billy D. Lightfoot, Larry Davis, Charley Ealy, Ralph
Childress, Johnny Pennell and Darell Fleeman. Memorial contributions may
be made to Southside Missionary Baptist Church or the Polk County Humane
Society.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Phyllis Marie McCurry, 86, Bolivar, died at 4:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14,
1998, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility after a lingering illness.
She was born Jan. 17, 1912, between Pleasant Hope and Fair Grove, the
daughter of Samuel B. and Ethel Fausett McCurry. She had been a longtime
resident of Pleasant Hope and had lived for many years in the state of
Connecticut before returning to this area. She was a retired professional
music teacher and concert pianist. She was also a U.S. Army Women's Air
Corps veteran of World War II. Surviving is one sister, Gladys Watson of
Pleasant Hope. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Graveside
services will be at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) in the Pleasant Hope
Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will be
under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Ozella M. Moffitt , 77, Hinton, Okla., died Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, in the
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Oklahoma City, Okla. She was born Oct. 26,
1921, in Polk County to Clifford and Minnie Woods Lockhart. She attended
Sickles and Bolivar High School. On Jan. 15, 1941, she married Carl
Moffitt in Buffalo, and they lived in Norwalk, Calif., for 55 years. To
this union was born one son, Carl Dennis. She was a member of the Rebekah
Lodge and the Norwalk Gun Club. She was also a member of the Four Square
Church in Norwalk, Calif., and later attended the Pentecostal Holiness
Church in Hinton, Okla. She was preceded in death by her son, Carl Dennis,
in 1990; her mother, Minnie Courtney; her father, Clifford Lockhart; three
sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Carl, of the
home; her stepfather, Alonzo Courtney, Hinton, Okla.; her stepmother, Ruby
Lockhart, Bolivar; three sisters, Jo Ross of Hinton, Okla., Berdina
McKinley of Bolivar and Margie Folsom of Arapaho, Okla.; seven brothers,
Butch Courtney of Hinton, Okla., Joe Lockhart and Wayne Lockhart, both of
Bolivar, Donald Courtney and Paul Courtney, both of Kingston, Okla.,
Albert Courtney of Norman, Okla., and Bill Courtney of Oklahoma City,
Okla.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services
were Monday, Dec. 14, in Pentecostal Holiness Church, Hinton, Okla., with
the Rev. Paul Underwood officiating. Graveside services were Tuesday, Dec.
15, in Mount Olive Cemetery, Bolivar, with the Rev. Wendell Folsom
officiating. Local arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral
Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Marie Marceline Bruce Moore, 56, Fair Play, died at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, Dec.
6, 1998, at the home of her daughter in Springfield. The daughter of Roy
and Betsy Taylor Bruce, she was born Jan. 20, 1942, at Orange, Calif. She
had been employed by Hammons Products in Stockton for the past 16 years.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Orange, Calif. She was
preceded in death by her father, Roy Bruce, and grandparents Archie
Taylor, Roy H. and Neppie Bruce. Survivors include her daughter and
son-in-law, Pamela and Neal Polallis, Springfield; her mother, Betsy
Bruce, Fair Play; her grandmother, Daisie Taylor, Fair Play; two brothers,
Steven L. Bruce and Ronald Bruce, both of Fair Play; three grandchildren
and several nieces and nephews. Services were Tuesday, Dec. 8, in Murray
Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Pallbearers were
Steve Rutledge, Tom Rutledge, John Crawford, Brian Hammons, Rick Hamlet
and Gus Rutledge. Interment was in Akard Cemetery, Fair Play. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Akard Cemetery, in care of Shirley Shook,
Fair Play, MO 65649.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Alta Faye Mosier, 77, Aldrich, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, in her home
following a short illness. She was born in Aldrich Sept. 7, 1921, the
daughter of Sam and Lora Owens Davis. A lifelong area resident, she was a
homemaker, and she owned and operated the Little Sac Country Store at
Aldrich. She was a member of the Aldrich Christian Church. Seh was
preceded in death by her husband, Frank Mosier; one sister, Frances
Stiles; and one brother, Leon Davis. She is survived by a daughter, June
Riley, Springfield; three grandchildren, Rick Barnhouse of Bolivar, Dagny
Hall of Fair Play and Jeff Barnhouse of Greenfield; eleven
great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois
Box, Basehor, Kan.; and special friend Bob Teegarden of Aldrich. Services
will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 1998, in Aldrich Christian Church
with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Private inurnment will be in
Pleasant Ridge Cemetery under the direction fo Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral
Home, Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Rosa Marceline Pitts, 77, Lake Mary, Fla., died Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998. She
was born Oct. 15, 1921, in Violet. A retired bookkeeper, she was a member
of Homeswood Baptist Church in Kansas City. Graveside services will be at
10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Orlando, Fla.
Arrangements are under the direction of Family Funeral Care, Oviedo, Fla.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Pauline Byrd Rabel, 96, formerly of Bolivar, died at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 16, 1998, at the Heritage Manor in Chillicothe, Ill., after a
lingering illness. She was born Oct. 25, 1902, the daughter of John Allyn
and Mary Byrd. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late Jesse Rabel.
Surviving are one daughter, Muriel C. Lile, Chillicothe, Ill.; two sons,
Donald L. Rabel, Tulsa, Okla., and Norman L. Rabel, Canton, Ill.; six
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements are incomplete at
this time but will be announced by Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Marie Renne, 77, Bolivar, died Friday, Dec. 25, 1998, in St. Edward's
Hospital, Fort Smith, Ark. The daughter of Homer and Neta Stuck VanSkike,
she was born June 12, 1921, at Jacksonville. She was employed for 20 years
at the Safeway store in Moberly. A resident of Bolivar for the past six
years, she was a former resident of Camdenton and Moberly. She was a
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bolivar. She was married to
William Renne in February 1979. Preceding her in death was her husband,
Estlle LaForce, and and a son, Melvin LaForce. Survivors include her
husband, William Renne, of the home; one daughter, Sue Ryan of Gridley,
Ill.; one stepson, William Renne Jr. of Olathe, Kan.; four stepdaughters,
Rose Nudson of LaVant, Kan., Ruby Camp of Overland Park, Kan., Barbara
Bradfield of Wichita, Kan., and Peggy Holloway, Kansas City; one sister,
Peggy Cline, Mexico; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Liturgy
of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Sacred Heart
Catholic Church with the Rev. David Hulshof presiding. Pallbearers will be
Sam Swihart, William Glester, Joseph Cox, Mark Stanek, Charles Stanek and
Cletus Heirigo. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Gardens under the
direction of Murry Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1405 W. Fair Play, Bolivar MO 65613.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Elmer Leslie Rowan, 87, Aldrich, died at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31,
1998, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He was born July 8, 1911,
in Dade County to Elmer and Carrie Boyd Rowan. He was united in marriage
to Anna Lee O'Neill Aug. 26, 1933. They celebrated their 65th anniversary
in August 1998. He lived on a farm near Aldrich until October 1998,
raising hogs and cattle. He was a member of the Aldrich Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Theo Rowan.
Survivors include his wife, Anna Lee, and a sister, Ruth Taylor of
Aldrich. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and
great-nephews. Services were Sunday, Jan. 3, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel
with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery, Aldrich. Music was provided by Lon Killingsworth, soloist, and
Martha Hite, pianist, and included "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou
Art." Casketbearers were Gary Nickels, R.J. Serls, Gene Taylor, Brian
Taylor, Sam Bowman and Randy Ankrom.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Wilma Russell, 64, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Polk County on
Jan. 10, 1934, to William and Edna Cates Sanders. On March 9, 1956, she
was united in marriage to James A. Russell. A homemaker, she was a
lifelong resident of Bolivar and Polk County and was of the Pentecostal
faith. Survivors include her husband, James, of the home; four sons, Bill
Wolf and his wife, Brenda, Mike Russell, John Russell and Daniel Russell
and his wife, Jeanie, all of Bolivar; three daughters, Debbie Russell,
Patsy Gilden and her husband, Jim, and Mary Long and her husband, Randy,
all of Bolivar; as well as 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and three sisters.
Services were Saturday, Dec. 5, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Norman
Culbertson officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Music
was provided by Bro. and Mrs. Norman Culbertson. Pallbearers were her four
sons. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at the
funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
James Dickinson Shelton, 83, Bolivar, died Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, in his
home following a long illness. He was born April 6, 1915, in Dade County
near Pilgrim, the third and youngest child of Douglas Jopes Shelton and
Myrta Lora Dickinson Shelton. As a young man, James accepted Christ as his
Savior. Later he and his wife, Evelyn, rededicated their lives to Christ
following the death of their daughter, Anna Louise, as members of the Bona
Church of Christ, where James attended as long as his health permitted.
James also served his country during World War II in the army for a period
of just over four years in North Africa and Italy. Following his years in
the service, he married Evelyn and farmed in Dade county until 1961. At
that time, he became a rural letter carrier at Aldrich, later being
transferred to Bolivar, where he retired and lived until his death. He was
preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas Randolph Shelton;
his sister Miriam Lucille Shelton Jarrett; and a daughter, Anna Louise
Shelton. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, his stepdaughter, Martha
Jones, and his stepson, Bob Jones, and wife, Arletta, all of Bolivar; his
son, James Douglas Shelton, and wife, Shareen, Albuquerque, N.M.; his son,
William Pierce Shelton, and wife, Mary, Bolivar. Also surviving are three
nieces, two nephews, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many
friends. He was a faithful husband and father and will be greatly missed
by his family members who loved him dearly. Services will be at 11 a.m.
today (Wednesday) in Bona Church of Christ under the direction of Pitts
Chapel. Friends and family may call at their convenience in the funeral
home. 




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Kenneth Duane Shields, 74, Bolivar, died at 5:32 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3,
1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Simon Peter and Pearl
Jacques Shields, he was born March 2, 1924, at Council Grove, Kan. He
graduated from Council Grove HIgh School in 1941. Serving in the U.S. Army
from 1943 to 1945, he saw action at Normandy, the Rhineland, northern
France and central Europe. On April 20, 1947, he was married to Iney
Margaret Arnold. She preceded him in death Nov. 18, 1989. He was also
preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Selvin Shields, and a son,
Francis Rice. A retired farmer, he had lived in Bolivar sincn 1989. He had
attended First Church of God in Bolivar. Survivors include two daughters,
Linda Shikles, Bolivar, and Diane Zigler, Wichita Falls, Texas; a sister,
Nadine Watson, Leavenworth, Kan.; 10 grandchildren and many
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday,
Dec. 6, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. James O. Friend
officiating. Interment was Monday, Dec. 7, in Memorial Park Cemetery,
Sedalia.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Jerry Allen Slagle, 56, died Monday, Dec. 7, 1998, in Cox Medical Center
North, Springfield, following a short illness. He was born Nov. 28, 1942,
in Kansas City and grew up in the Dadeville area, graduating from
Dadeville High School in 1961. He was a construction inspector with C.N.S.
Contract Service and a member of Combat Controllers, serving seven years
in the U.S. Marine Reserves. He was saved at an early age at Pleasant
Ridge Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Keith
Slagle, on Sept. 2, 1969, and by his mother, Marjorie, on Nov. 10, 1982.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Susan Slagle, and
daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Joe Cave, all of Springfield; six
grandchildren, Christopher Griffin, Shayla and Jessica Slagle, Zackary,
Chelsea and Jordan Cave; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Sue
Slagle of Lockwood and Jack and Linda Slagle of Mexico; one sister and
brother-in-law, Glenda and Olen King of Danbury, N.C.; and several nieces,
nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. Services were Thursday, Dec. 10, at
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Aldrich, with the Rev. Joe Crooks
officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery under the direction
of Wilson Brim Daniel FUneral Home, Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Ashley Elizabeth Smith, 14, Buffalo, died at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 1998,
at the University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, of injuries
sustained in a car accident near Sedalia. She was a freshman at Buffalo
High School. Survivors include her mother, Cheryl Sharp, Buffalo; her
father, Randy Smith, Louisburg; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Smith
of Buffalo and Bobby and Glenda Jenkins of Louisburg; her
great-grandmother, Ethel Vest, Long Lane; and two stepbrothers, Evan and
Colton Smith. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, in the First
Baptist Church of Buffalo with interment following in the Benton Branch
Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Montgomery Viets Funeral
Home, Buffalo. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening at the
funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo HIgh School.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Ruth Marie Smith, 84, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, at the home
of her daughter from complications associated with cancer. She was born
Sept. 19, 1914, in Greene County, the daughter of Fred Gideon and Ida
Augusta Bryan Sage. She was saved at the age of 10 in Springfield. On Aug.
12, 1932, she was united in marriage to Hershel Smith. To this union were
born one daughter, June, and one son, Gail. She attended First Assembly of
God Church, where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible school for
many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband,
Hershel, her son, Gail, and a granddaughter, Patty Lemmon. Surviving is
her daughter, June Lemmon, and her husband, Joe, Bolivar; her
daughter-in-law, Bonnie Smith, Roach; nine grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, Dec. 5, in First Assembly of
God Church with Danny Hitchcock and Roy Harms officiating. Music included
Penny Brandt, Pam Grider, Jackie Hitchcock, Sheila Crockett and Sherill
Cowden singing "Eastern Gate" and "What a Day That Will Be" with Myrna
Walker, pianist, and Danny Hitchcock singing "Amazing Grace."
Casketbearers were Jody Lemmon, Jerry Lemmon, J.J. Lemmon, Dennis Smith,
Darren Smith and Jason Cooper. Memorial contributions may be made to
Citizens Memorial Hospital Hospice.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Noble H. "Ted" Stansbarger, 94, Bolivar, died Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 4, 1904, in Horton, Kan. He
and his wife, Myrtle Ruth, were married 55 years. They lived in Kansas
City during the 26 years he was employed by Kansas City Power and Light
Company. After his retirement in 1969, he and his wife made their home in
Pleasant Hill and in 1970 moved to their home on Pomme de Terre Lake,
where they lived until her death in 1992. In 1994 he moved to Parkview
Health Care Facility. He is survived by a son, William H. Stansbarger,
Kansas City, and two granddaughters and their husbands, Gail Stansbarger
and Kon Glee, Overland Park, Kan., and Pam and Ken Courson, Leawood, Kan.
His daughter, Betty Foster, preceded him in death. The body will be
cremated, with memorial services to be announced at a later date. Memorial
contributions may be made to Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road,
Kansas City, MO 64108.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Karen M. Stehr, 78, Anchorage, Alaska, died at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12,
1998, in the Dade County Nursing Home. She is survived by her husband,
Gilbert Stehr, and one son, Steven Stehr, both of Anchorage, Alaska; two
brothers, Mel Sparr, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Edward Sparr, Ogden, Utah;
two sisters, Ruth Mather, Portland, Ore., and Greta Bailing, Camas, Wash.;
three grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Helen Brumley, Morrsiville.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Funeral Home. Details will
be announced at a later date.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Elva Jarman Swigert, 83, died at 3:54 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1998, in the
Parkview Health Care Facility. She was born Oct. 11, 1915, the daughter of
William T. and Fannie M. LaRose Landreth. A homemaker, she was a native of
Polk County and was a lifetime resident of Bolivar. Elva was saved at an
early age and was a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in
Bolivar. She remained a faithful member as long as her health permitted.
On Jan. 20, 1934, she was united in marriage to Alva Jarman. To this union
were born eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husbands, Alva Jarman and Lonnie Swigert; one daughter, Hallie; three
brothers, two sisters, a stepson, A.J. Jarman; and an infant
granddaughter, Cheryl Jarman. Survivors include two daughters, Ruth Lloyd
and her husband, Donnie, Willard, and Donna Dickson and her husband,
Wayne, Springfield; five sons, Dee Jarman and his wife, Jerry, Kansas
City; Allen Jarman and his wife, Peggy, Raytown; Bill Jarman and Mike
Jarman, both of Bolivar; and Rick Jarman and his wife, Marsha,
Springfield; also 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and Niki III,
as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Elva was a wonderful friend and
neighbor, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed going to the rodeo in
Oklahoma with her friend Harry Smith. She loved being at the sale barn on
Saturdays to visit with everyone. One of her favorite things to do was
sing "Happy Birthday" to anyone she knew on the radio, where she was known
as "Biscuits and Gravy." Services were Friday, Dec. 11, in the Butler
Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Norman Culbertson officiating. Music was
provided by Norman and Jewell Culbertson. Burial was in the Bolivar City
Cemetery. Casketbearers were Dee Jarman, Allen Jarman, Mike Jarman, Rick
Jarman, Wayne Dickson and Garry Allen Mattox. Honorary casketbearers were
Johnny Jarman, Kenneth Meadors, Garold Mattox and Robert Wright.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Alva Imogene White, 68, Bolivar, died at 6:40 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12,
1998, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility after a lingering illness.
She was born at Trenton, the daughter of Wilmuth L. Hunt and Mabel Imogene
Clark Hunt. She was the widow of Charles White, who died in 1997. She had
been a clerical worker in the accounting department for a department
store. Surviving are two daughters, Pamela Hodge of Pittsburg and Patty
Kidwell of San Diego, Calif.; a brother, Dewey Hunt of Kansas City, Kan.;
two sisters, Barbara Coleman of Kansas City, Kan., and Evelyn Griffin,
Kansas City; and three grandchildren. Arrangements are incomplete at this
time and will be announced by Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Dianne Denise Williams, 44, Kansas City, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998, in
Baptist Medical Center, Kansas City. She was born at Salina, Kan., the
daughter of Robert and Eileen Brumbaugh Dietrich Haston. Surviving are her
husband, Bobby Williams; a son, Jason Mathias, and a daughter, Cydney
Jane-Ann, both of the home; her mother, Eileen Haston; a brother, Robert
Dietrich; and her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brumbaugh.
Services were Sunday, Dec. 27, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Donnie
Lightfoot officiating. Burial was in the Missionary Baptist Cemetery,
Pittsburg.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Dec 1998:
Dorothy M. Wright, 86, Pittsburg, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28,
1998, in her home following a long illness. Arrangements were incomplete
at press time but will be announced by Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Sarah Ruth Arnote
Sarah Ruth Arnote, 84, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 23, 1998, in the home of
her nephew following a sudden illness. She was born Aug. 26, 1914, in
Dearborn to Elijah and Ruby Kelly Stagner. She was a former resident of
St. Louis, St. Joseph and the state of Texas before moving to Bolivar two
years ago. She is survived by three nephews and their families, Harry
Taylor of Kearney, Donald Stagner of Warsaw and James Stagner of Bolivar;
and a brother, Milton "Kelly" Stagner of Dawn. She was preceded in death
by her parents and by her husband of 46 years, Jackson A. Arnote. Services
and disposition will take place at a later date in the state of
California. Local arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Ruby Cowden, 76, Bolivar, died at 2:55 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born March 6, 1922, in Polk County,
and she was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of the Bolivar area. She
is survived by two daughters, Shirley McCormick of Bolivar and Debra
Barton of Fordland; six sons, Oren "Junior" Cowden, Bolivar; Robert
Cowden, Springfield; Richard Cowden, Lee's Summit; Roger Cosden, Belton;
Jimmie Cowden, Flemington; and Mike Cowden, Bolivar; four sisters, Rhoda
Porter, Ventura, Calif.; Beulah Lobaugh, Olatha, Colo.; Betty Beck, Truth
or Consequences, N.M.; and Mary Earwood, Las Vegas, Nev. Other survivors
include one brother, Luther Standley, Bolivar, nine grandchildren and 12
great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in
Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating.
Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Aldrich. Visitation
will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Richard Derossett, 71, Springfield, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998, in Cox
Medical Center South, Sprngfield. He was born at Burns on May 27, 1927.
Even as a youngster he loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and
the farm. He was a member and president of the Bolivar FFA. An
accomplishment that Richard and his family were very proud of was that he
attended all 12 years of school without being tardy or missing a single
day. He was given a silver dollar in elementary school which he still has
today. He joined the Navy just a few weeks prior to graduation and his
diploma was presented to his parents, Lynn and Rose Derossett at the class
graduation. After leaving the Navy, Richard went to work at Fedral
Engineers, Stringing Line in Greenfield. He later went to wrk as a lineman
for City Utilities, Sprngfield. Richard was given an award from City
Utilities in 1987 for 40 years without a lost itme accident. Richard later
retired as a superviosr with City Utilities after 44 years of service.
Richard Derossett and Frances Pickett were married in Springfield in 1947.
To this union were born two children, Vicki Derossett Burk and Ricki
Derossett. Since retirement, Richard and Frances were avid SMS Lady Bear
basketball fans. They attended all of the Lady Bear gaems and traveled as
far away as South Carolina to cheer their team on. Richard, like his dad,
loved building and carpentry. He loved building on the barn for horses at
his daughter Vicki's or helping Vicki and her husband, Geral, take their
horses to the fairs and parades. He quickly knew all the members of the
Haflinger Draft Pony Club and could be seen helpng whenever he could.
Richard is survived b 6tyu his wife, Frances, of the home; a daughter,
Vicki, and her husband, Gerald Burk, of Spokane; a son, Rick, and his
wife, Elaine Derossett, of St. Louis; one sister, Mildred, and her
husband, H.E. "Buck" Seiner, of Bolivar; and grandchildren, Jeff and
Shelley Alexander and Tyler Alexander of Sprngfield and Jessica, Lauren
and Joshua Derossett of St. Louis. Service were held Monday, Nov. 16 in
the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis E. Spear officiating.
Musical selections were "God Walks the Dark Hills," "Daddy's Hands" and
"Amazing Grace." Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Rick Derossett, Doyle Barham, Jeff Alexander, Tyler Alexander, Tony
Beasley and Richard Marley. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Pleasant Hill Cemetery Fund in care of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
James A. Emory, 81, Bolivar, died at 12:40 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 1998, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. A lifelong
resident of Polk County, he was born Oct. 3, 1917, in Goodson to James
Harmon and Nancy Catherine Payne Emory. He was a farmer and a member of
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. On Dec. 25, 1938, he was united in
marriage to Helen M. Deane. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the
home; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Jesse Emory of Ventura,
Calif.; J.L. and Gladys Emory of Santa Paula, Calif.; and Johnny and Betty
Emory of Independence; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Willetta and
Carl Reser, Ica Scrivener, Roxie Rush and Anna Mashburn, all of Bolivar;
as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. today
(Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Scrivener officiating.
Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery. Musical selections will be provided
by Ben Deane and Haley Hawkins. Pallbearers will be Franklin Mashburn,
Jerald David Emory, James Rush, Rick Deane, Carl Reser and Leslie Roberts.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ova Scrivener, Olen Black, Ralph Lawrence,
Olen Scrivener and Albert Roberts.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Lyndell Chloe Freeze, 88, Aldrich, died Monday, Nov. 30, 1998, in the Dade
County Nurshing Home. She was born Dec. 20, 1909, in Dadeville to Hailey
and Mattie Pyle Maze. A graduate of Dadeville High School, she was a
homemaker and a member of the Bona Church of Christ. She married James
Riley Freeze April 4, 1933, in Greenfield, and he preceded her in death in
October 1973. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Anna
Freeze; two brothers, Powell Maze and George Maze; and two sisters, Louise
Stever and Mazine Mangels. Survivors include three sons, Jack Freeze of
Aldrich, Jimmy Freeze of Dadeville and Joe Freeze of Fair Play; one
daughter, June Beach of Arcola; three brothers, Dick Maze of Visalia,
Calif., and Claude and Everett Maze, both of Exeter, Calif.; eight
grandsons, Jackie Freeze of Springfield, Jay, Robbie and Brian Freeze, all
of Dadeville, Ken Freeze of Aldrich, Gary Beach of Kansas City, Mickey
Beach of Brookfield and Joe Dee Beach of Brighton; 12 great-grandchildren,
six step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services were
Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Bona Church of Christ with Jim Poland
officiating. Burial followed in Bona Cemetery under the direction of the
Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair
Haven Childrens' Home or the American Cancer Society.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Cordie V. Henson, 77, Nevada, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, at Balanced
Care, Nevada. She was born Oct. 27, 1921, in Humansville, the daughter of
Melvin and Inez Ross Hensley. On Sept. 11, 1940, she was married to
Stanley Henson in Polk County. She had been a resident of Vernon County
since 1947. She was employed at the Nevada State Hospital for 33 years,
retiring in 1985. After retirement, she volunteered with Hospice for a
time. She was a member of the Community Christian Church. Survivors
include her husband, Stanley Henson, of the home; one son, Dale Henson,
Nevada; four daughters, Mary O'Hair, Deerfield; Margie Thron and Debbie
Hilt, both of Nevada; and Barbara Gordon, Moundville; one sister, Joan
Goodman, Nevada; one brother, Harry Evert Hensley, Bolivar; 16
grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She
was preceded in death by three brothers, Ben, Lanny and Billy Hensley, and
three sisters, Annis Brenner, MayBelle Richards and Wanda Hensley.
Services were Friday, Nov. 6, at the Evergreen Memorial Chapel, Nevada,
with Pastor Wes Anderson officiating. Burial followed in Salem Cemetery,
Cliquot. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Christian
Church in care of the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
John Holton, 87, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 2, 1998, in his home following
a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Bolivar and Polk County,
born here on Nov. 1, 1911, to James and Laura Ellen Copeland Holton. He
worked for many years at Polk County Electric and was of the the Assembly
of God faith. On Jan. 3, 1946, he was united in marriage to Belva Combs.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an anti-tank gun
crewman, participated in the Guadalcanal campaign and Northern Solomons
campaign and received an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze
Stars. He was an excellent woodcarver and has work on display at the
Dunnegan Gallery of Art. He is survived by his wife, Belva, of the home,
and relatives Jean Goodman of Lenexa, Kan.; Dema Dougherty of
Crawfordsville, Ind.; Lloyd and Olivia Combs of Joplin; the Rev. Joe and
Ada Combs, Houston; Tate Combs of Hollister; and a host of nieces and
nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two
sisters. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with
the Rev. Joe Combs officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jack Glendenning, George Glendenning, James C.
Faulkner, Leon Holton and Denny Austin.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Frank Huser, 86, Lockwood, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, in the Dade County
Nursing Home. He was born June 20, 1912, in Berne, Ind., to the late Peter
and Lillie Gerber Huser. He married Evelyn McCoy on Sept. 30, 1939, in
Greenfield. He was a member of the Lockwood First Baptist Church, where he
served as a decon for many years. He was a tractor mechanic for 37 years
before retiring. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of the home; one son,
Carl Huser, Bolivar, and one daughter, Kay Blom, San Jose, Calif.; two
grandchildren, Cary Wayne Huser and Catheryn Kay Huser; two brothers, John
Huser, Golden City, and Lawrence Huser, Lockwood; and two sisters, Betty
David, Kansas City, and Ada Merrill, Canyon City, Colo. Services were
Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Lockwood First Baptist Church, with the Rev.
Cameron Moles and the Rev. Gordon Rhodes officiating. Burial followed in
Lockwood Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Lockwood
Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Memorial
Bible program or to the Lockwood First Baptist Church.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Cecil Wayne Jenkins, 82, Dunnegan, died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, at the home
of his daughter, Sharon Truitt. The son of Harley and Bessie Greer
Jenkins, he was born Dec. 13, 1915, at Dunnegan.With the exception of five
years in California, he lived in Polk County all of his life. He was a
farmer and a member of Dunnegan Community Bilbe Church. He was preced in
death by a son, Ronald Jenkins, who died in infancy; and a sister, Burnell
Hammons. Survivors include five children, Wayne Jenkins of Stockton,
Janice Chaney of Flemington, Sharon Truitt of Bolivar, Tommy Jenkins of
Dunnegan and Deryl Jenkins of Bolivar; three brothers, Lyle Jenkins of
Stockton, Greer Jenkins of Bolivar and Keith Jenkins of Independence; two
sisters, Ruth Nottingham of Redlands, Calif. and Rowene Mead of Fair Play;
a special friend, Pauline Broyles of Stockton; 10 grandchildren; and 18
great-grandchildren. Service are 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Dunnegan
Community Bible Church with the Rev. Bill Levergood officiating. Music was
by Barbaa George and Anna Lee Lower. Interment was in Dunnegan Cemetery
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Donnie Gene Kessler, 25, died at 6:23 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998. He was
born March 13, 1973, in Springfield, the son of Ronald and Nina Reeves
Kessler. For the past 19 years he had resided at Mashburn Residential
Center. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry L.
and Margaret Kessler, and his maternal grandfather, Glenn Reeves.
Survivors include his parents, Nina and Ron Kessler, Morrisville; a
brother, Dustin, and a sister, Melinda, both of the home; his maternal
grandparents, Melvin and Reva Bell, Morrisville; and many aunts, uncles
and cousins. Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 21, at Brighton
Cemetery with the Rev. Terry Hartley officiating. Arrangements were under
the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Viola Catherine Shrock Kropf, 88, Buffalo, died Friday, Nov. 20, 1998, at
her home from heart complications. She was born near Shelbyville, Ill., on
Jan. 14, 1910, to William and Laura Miller Shrock. On Jan. 1, 1931, she
was united in marriage to Allen Kropf at Shelbyville, Ill. The family
moved to Buffalo in 1965, then to Mena, Ark., in 1971 and back to Buffalo
in 1981. Survivors include three sons, Wayne Kropf and his wife, Barbara,
Half Way; Ervil Kropf and his wife Carol, Half Way; and Charles Kropf and
his wife, Anna, Vandalia; one daughter, Beulah Headings; one brother,
William Shrock, Tampico, Ill.; one sister, Lela Hostetler, Deer Grove,
Ill; 30 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in
death by her parents; six brothers, Russell, John, Paul, Melvin, Leo and
Carl Wilbur; one sister, Esther Kropf; one grandson, Richard; one infant
granddaughter, Ellen; and one great-grandson, Jacob. Services were
Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Pleasant View A.M. Church under the direction of
Cantlon Funeral Home, Buffalo. Burial was in Pleasant View A.M. Cemetery,
Buffalo.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Eugene Luster Lane, 82, Aldrich, died Monday, Nov. 30, 1998, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Kansas City, the son of
John and Sara Pyle Lane. He was a retired general contractor who had lived
for many years in the Kansas City area before moving to Aldrich 21 years
ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy.
Survivors include two sons, Darrell D. Lane, Blue Springs, and Dale E.
Lane, Huntsville, Ark. Also surviving are six grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in
Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating.
Music will be provided by Joni Lane. Burial will be at a later date in
Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Lawrence Clifford Lemmon, 91, Willard, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, in
his home following an extended illness. He was born near Walnut Grove on
July 25, 1907, the son of John and Pernie Wilson Lemmon. He was a lifelong
resident of the Walnut Grove, Morrisville and Willard area. He was a
retired farmer. On Nov. 28, 1928, he was united in marriage with Blanche
Buresh, and they were together more than 47 years. To this union three
children were born. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche, on Nov.
8, 1976; his son, Robert, on Feb. 15, 1998; his parents; one brother,
William Lemmon, and three sisters, Maxine Gallatin, Pauline Goodnight and
Laura Cowden. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John and
Glenda Lemmon, Walnut Grove; his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Dick
Fortner, Willard; two grandsons, Tim and Patrick Lemmon; one granddaughter
and her husband, Diana and Jim Lower; three great-grandchildren, Tori
Lemmon, Lindsey and Luke Lower; one brother, Gene Lemmon, Stockton; and
several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Nov. 28, in Wilson
Brim-Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Revs. Ed Long and Bill Nichols
officiating. Burial was in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Willard.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
The Rev. Austin McGinnis, son of Earl and Ethel Hawkins McGinnis, was born
Feb. 13, 1920, in Polk County, Iowa. The famiy moved to Bolivar when
Austin was very young where he continued to live until he departed this
life Nov. 12, 1998, at 12:15 a.m. at Cox South Medical Center,
Springfield. He was united in marriage to Winifred Hensley April 20, 1939.
To this union was born one daughter and one son. Austin was saved at the
age of 15 at Mitchel Camp Ground near Aldrich. He was called to preach in
1942 and was ordained to the ministry DEc. 15, 1946, at Slagle Creek
Missionary Baptist Church. For the past 56 years, he has devoted his life
to the work of the Lord. He has pastored 24 churches, officiated at 400
funerals and perfomred countless weddings. His evangleistic work took him
to Oklahoma, Arkansas, California, Oregon and Idaho. He was moderator of
the Polk County Missionary Baptist Association for 24 years. D uring his
ministry he was instrumental in the formation of several churches, the
latest being Southside Missionary Baptist Church in 1990 where he was a
member. His prupose in life was to lead people to a true experience of
salvation. He loved popel and spent many hours visiting hospital sand
nursing homes cheering the sick and elderly and comforting the bereaved.
Despite his failing health for hte last three years, he continued his work
as the pator of Southside Chruch until the time of his death. He was
preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Survivors
include his wife, Winifred, of the home; one son, John McGinnis, and his
wife, Linda, of Nevada; one daughter, Connie Presley, and her husband,
Wayne, of Bolivar; three grandsons, Jeff Wells and Kevin Wells and his
wife, Lori, Bolivar; Dan McGinnis, Nevada; one granddaughtyer, crystal
Brown, and her husband, Kenny, Moberly; three stepgrandchildren, Dan
Presley, Stan Presley and Teresa Cutler; one great-grandson, Austin Wells;
and one great-granddaughter, Emily Wells, Bolivar; six
step-great-grandchildren; two sister, Mary Jo Watson and Carol Sue Holt,
Bolivar; and numerous nephews and nieces. Services were Sunday, Nov. 15 in
Pitts Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Dennis Spear, the Rev. Marshall
Henderson and the Rev. Joe Sprague officiating. Music was provided by Lisa
Jarvis, Charley Ealy, Ora Lee Cornell, Babbara and Rodney McMurren and was
accompanied by Mary Childress. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery,
Bolivar. Pallbearers were Jeff Wells, Kevin Wells, Dan McGinnis, Kenny
Brown, Dan Presley, Don Redman and Jerry Childress. Honorary pallbearers
were Austin Wells, Ralph Childress, Wilbur Hensley, Ralph Redman, Bobby
Miller, Earl McColm, Willard Choate, Mick Hood, Buck Seiner, Clyde Watson,
Jim Watson and Homer Tankesley. He was loved by many, misunderstood by
some, but respected by all. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather
and friend and will be sadly missed.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Ethel Agnes McKenzie, 92, Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 1998, in
Parkview Health Care Center following a short illness. She was born in
Polk County near Walnut Grove, the daughter of Clayborn and Clara Jane
Brown Wilson. She was a graduate of Walnut Grove High School and attended
college. On Jan. 19, 1929, she was united in marriage to Olaf Derrick
McKenzie in Ozark. They spent more than 42 years together before he
preceded her in death Oct. 23, 1971. She resided in the state of
California for many years before moving back to the Bolivar area in 1978.
She was a retired secretary from the Los Angeles County Health Department
after 40 years of service. She was a member of Eudora Baptist Church and
was active with Sweet Adelines and Lady Elks of Lancaster, Calif. Also
preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Nellie Hayter and
Martha Mackey; two half brothers, Mack Millican and Marvin Millican; two
half sisters, Zelma Palmer and Emma Jackson; and several nieces and
nephews. Services were Saturday, Nov. 7, in Eudora Baptist Church with the
Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Eudora Cemetery
under the direction of Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Norma Lee Miller, 55, Marshfield, died at 3:43 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 1998,
in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. She was born Nov. 18, 1942, in
Greene County, the daughter of Paul Alonzo and Ida Mae Denney. She was a
homemaker who had lived in Springfield for many years before moving to
Marshfield seven years ago. She is survived by her husband, John Eldon
Miller, of Marshfield; one son, John Brent Miller, his wife, Nicole, and
their newborn son, Dalton John Miller, all of Novato, Calif.; a sister,
JoAnn Crighton and her husband, John, of Springfield; and two brothers,
Charles Denney and his wife, Helen, Republic, and Bob Denney and his wife,
Margaret, Pleasant Hope. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, a
great-niece and many friends. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov.
12, in Calvary Christian Center of Bois D'Arc with the Rev. E. Catron
officiating. Music will be provided by Becky Paschal. Burial will follow
in Barren Creek Cemetery west of Bolivar under the direction of Butler
Funeral Home. Casketbearers will include Steven Plank, Keven Plank, Harold
Reed and Brent Paschal. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. this evening
(Wednesday) at the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Veyne Pierce Mitchell, 79, Marietta, Ga., formerly of Jerico Springs, died
Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home in Atlanta,
Ga. He was born in Jerico Springs Dec. 1, 1918, the son of Ora and Willie
Stamps Mitchell. He graduated from Jerico Springs High School in 1936 and
joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1950. He served as a medic in the U.S.
Army in Europe in World War II, and he was a hardware sales representative
for many years with Shopleigh and Bellnap Hardware. He retired in 1978.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred Mitchell, Bolivar; a daughter, Jo
Ellen Remole, Atlanta, Ga.; a son, Jim Mitchell and his wife, Betty, Iowa
City, Iowa; and four grandchildren, Clifton and Clayton Remole and Ashley
and Adam Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and two
brothers. Graveside services were Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Anna Edna Cemetery,
Jerico Springs, under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
John Alan Moody, 23, Springfield, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1998. He was born
June 14, 1975, in Leavenworth, Kan. Survivors include his mother, Cindy
Griffitts, Springfield; stepfather Greg Griffitts, Morrisville; a sister,
Judy Moody, Nixa; stepgrandparents Anna Lea and Larry Griffitts,
Morrisville; his father, James H. Moody, Brookline; and many other
relatives. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Brighton
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Missouri
Humane Society, Springfield.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Orlen William "Bill" Neuhart, 79, Houston, Texas, died at 9 a.m. Sunday,
Nov. 2, 1998, in Columbia Spring Branch Hopsital, Houston, Texas. He was
born in Taft, Calif., on Dec. 8, 1918, the son of E.D. Neuhart and Pearl
Standley Neuhart. He was a retired CPA and had been a longtime resident of
the state of California before moving to Houston recently. He is survived
by his wife, Dorothy, of Houston, Texas; a son, George Neuhart, state of
Florida; and two daughters, Donna Marie Neuhart, Houston, Texas, and
Gracia Neuhart, Eljebel, Colo. Also surviving are two brothers, Charles
Neuhart of Bolivar and Don Neuhart of Springfield, and a sister, Eleanor
Larvie of Rialto, Calif. Serivces will be Saturday, Nov. 7, with the time
of services to be announced later. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery
north of Bolivar under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Maxine Roberts, 70, Springfield, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, at 7 a.m. in
her home following a long illness. She was a longtime resident of
Springfield and had been a homemaker. Survivors include her husband,
Kenneth, of the home; a son, Jerry K. Roberts, of Kansas City; three
daughters, Cheri Jean Vanryswyk and her hasband, Jerry, of Springfield,
Gail Ann Hardin of Florida and Cherie Rinehart and her husband, Mark, of
Kansas City; as well as seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev.
Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Marjorie Elaine Rook, 72, Bolivar, died Friday, Nov. 13, 1998, at her
residence following a lengthy illness. The daughter of the Rev. Walter Lee
and Wavie L. Hunt Owen, she was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Polk County. She
resided in the Springfield area, moving to Bolivar this past year. She was
a homemaker and a nurse assistant, employed with Cox Medical Center,
Springfield for 26 years. She was converted at an early age and was a
member of the Southside Baptist Church, Springfield. Majorie and Robert
Wayne Rook were united in marraige on April 2, 1945, and to this union
four children were born. They shared 17 years together before Robert
preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1962. Also preceding her were two sons,
Ronald on May 28, 1971 and Mike on Aug. 19, 1998; her parents, the Rev.
Walter Lee Owen on Nov. 22, 1972, and her mother, Wavie L. Owen on Nov.
28, 1981; and a sister, Mollie Johnson. Survivors include a dauther and
son-in-law, Connie and George Vance, Bolivar; a son, Bobby Rook,
Springfield; five grandsons, a granddaughter; and two great-grandsons.
Services were Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove
with the Rev. Lon Killingworth officiating. Private inurnment followed in
Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Don Sexton, 59, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, in Citizens Memorial
Hospital folowing a long illness. He was born June 18, 1939, in Woodland,
Calif. to Glen W. and Zona Mae Sexton. He was a retired over-the-road
truck driver. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother,
Delbert Sexton. Survivors include eight sons, Steve Sexton of Bolivar,
Donnie Sexton, Jimmy Sexton, Kevin Valentine, Bryan Sexton, Rodney Sexton,
David Sexton and Robert Sexton; two daughters, Corina Sexton and Nadiene
Blackwell; three brothers, Jerry Sexton, Glen Dale Sexton and Robert
Sexton; as weill as 13 grandchldren and five great-grandchildren. Services
will be held at a later date in California. Arrangements are under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Elzada Marie Skinner, 79, Goodson, died Wednesday, November 11, 1998. She
was born Aug. 3, 1919 to Edward and Margie Blackwell Skinner at Hermitage.
Her wish, even as she was plagued with declining health, was to live in
her home, have a garden, have flowers on her front porch and around her
house and to have her chickens. She wanted to be self sufficient and take
care of her home until she left us. Those things were granted to her. She
spent her last day cleaning her house, getting her much planned Christmas
gifts in boxes for her chidlren and grandchildren. She sewed some, making
pillow cases and she was planning Thanksgiving dinner. She told us she
wasn't able to cook much this year for Thanksgiving, she wasn't going to
tire herself so much. She told us, "Now kids, I'm only going to make
turkey, dressing, rolls, green beans, pies and the cakes and you will have
to bring the rest. Zada didn't travel far during her life journey, but she
touched a lot of lives with her kind, loving ways. She grew up on the
Wheatland Prairie. Our dad said they had spent their entire lives
toghether. They played together as young children, went to school together
and the remainder of her life as man and wife, separated only for a short
time when Bill went to California as a young man. They spent the last 34
years living in Goodson. She spent 63 years of her life showing total
devotion to her family and friends. Her pride of accomplishment was her
home, to prepare meals for her family and friends. Her health allowed her
to continue this tradition until her death. In the summer months if you
passed her house you would find her in the garden or taking care of her
flowers. She spent the who lsummer canning and freezing for the winter
months. Zada has a wonderful talent to creat handiworks. She embroidered,
crochet and made us all wonderful quilts. She blessed us with many loving
memories of the beautiful quilts she made us. Each tiny stitch she made
was pure love. Our mother never accumulated much earthly wealth, but she
was a person to be envious of. She never wore new dresses or fancy shoes
but she had a great wealth. She was a kind, gentle loving person to all
she met. Zada was a wonderful wife, a devoted mother and a doting
grandmother. Zada is survived by her husband, Bill, of the home; a son,
Jack of Hollister; a son, Jim and wife, Kay, of Goodson; a son, Bob and
wife, Donna Sue, of Bolivar; and a daughter, Margie Pearl Keith and
husband, Lloyd, of Bolivar; Zada also left 19 grandchildren and their many
spouses, along with 22 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends
who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister,
Dorothy; three brothers, VE "Gene" Skinner, George "Bud" Skinner and Al
"Alf" Skinner; a brother-in-law, Walter "buster" Rash; and a
sister-in-law, Flossie Skinner. Her final resting place wil be in Cross
Timbers Cemetery under the direction of Pitts Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Robert Thomas "Bob" Slagle, 63, Morrisville, died at 1:45 p.m. Friday,
Nov. 6, 1998, at Cox Medical Center North after a short illness. He was
born June 12, 1935, in Polk County to Raymond F. "Shug" and Josie M.
Redman Slagle. He attended Lee School and graduated from Pleasant Hope
High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. On Aug. 27,
1960, he was united in marriage with Lavanna B. Stevens, and to this union
three sons were born. Other than a few years spent in Minnesota, he lived
the rest of his life in Polk County. He retired in June 1997 from truck
driving. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church. Survivors include his
wife, Lavanna, of the home; three sons, Charles and his wife, Belinda, of
Bois d'Arc, James "Jim" and his wife, Linda, of Springfield, and Jerry and
his wife, Royce, of Bolivar; one sister, Betty L. Schroeder, of West
Plains; nine grandchildren, one niece and two nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents and his older brother, Spencer. Services were Monday,
Nov. 9, at Pitts Chapel with the Rev. David Lingo officiating. Burial was
in Slagle Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gary Greer, Mike Greer, Floyd "Bub"
Carpenter, Robert Schroeder, David Schroeder and Donald Redman.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Mabel Hester Williams, 92, Mountain Grove, died Nov. 8, 1998, in the
Autumn Oaks Nursing Home, Mountain Grove, after a short illness. She was
born Jan. 28, 1906, in Ozark County, the daughter of Carl and Florence
Harris Edwards. She was married to W.W. Hicks in 1923. Three children were
born to this union. He preceded her in head in 1935. She later was married
to Riley Fred Williams in 1948, who also preceded her in death in 1969.
She was baptized into the Church of Christ at a young age and was faithful
to attend church as long as her health permitted. She was a longtime
member of the Cabool Church of Christ. She enjoyed the outdoors,
especially whent tending to her garden and to her flowers. She was an
accomplished seamstress and was known for her quilting. She also liked to
cook for her family and friends. Besides her husbands, she was preceded in
death by her parents; one son, Troy Hicksin 1997; two brothers; and one
sister. She is survived by one sone, Doyne Hicks, Mountain Grove; one
daughter, Lorene Forrest, Bolivar; 12 grandchildren; 24
great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and other
relatives and friends. Services were Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the
Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Chapel with Don Eubanks officiating. Ronald and Wilma
Turner, accompained by Letha Franklin sang "Amazing Grace," "In the
Garden" and "Stroll Over Heaven." Pallbearers were Ray Tool, Bill Page,
Buddy McCarty, Don Curry, Dan Harvey and Darrel Lindsey. Burial was in
Souder Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, Nov 1998:
Robert "Bob" R. Wilson, 77, Pleasant Hope, died at 2:20 a.m. Friday, Nov.
20, 1998, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. The son of Lon and
Lois Burdette Wilson, he was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Pleasant Hope and
lived his entire life there. He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School
and attended Draughon's Business College. He married Dixie Lee LaRew in
December 1950. He was a retired postmaster for the Pleasant Hope Post
Office, and he had been a loan officer for the Polk County Bank in
Bolivar. He also ran a beef cattle operation. He was a member of the
Pleasant Hope Methodist Church, a life member of the DAV and a 52-year
member of the Bolivar American Legion. He had been a charter member of the
Pleasant Hope Lions Club. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II,
serving for four years in the Persian Gulf Command. Survivors include his
wife, Dixie Lee; two sons, Dr. Gene Ray Wilson, Jefferson City, and Monte
Joe Wilson, Bolivar; two sisters-in-law, Alice Wilson, state of
California, and Morine Wilson, Pleasant Hope; one niece and seven nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Fae Kirby, Mae
Steele, and Johnnie McCoy; and two brothers, Doran Wilson and Joe Wilson.
Services were Monday, Nov. 23, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson and the Rev. Keith Lee officiating. Music was by Becky
Paschall and Coralie Lee. Burial was in Pleasant Hope Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Smith Calhoun, Jack Frost, Mickey Hillenbury, David
Stutenkemper, Lonnie Weatherly and Jerrell Wilson.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Doris I. Baker
Doris Irene Baker, 82, Dunnegan, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1998, at her
home. The daughter of John William and Rhoda May Watts Gannaway, she was
born May 20, 1916, in Cedar County. She was married to Athel Baker in
August 1931. Three children, Helen, Bill and Buzz, were born to this
marriage. She was a homemaker and housewife, and she worked alongside her
husband in the fields. She was preceded in death by her husband, Athel;
her parents; four brothers, Lonnie, Floyd, John and Oris Gannaway; and
four sisters, Rose Stoll, Delphia Sheeks, Ethel Hammons and Dolly Whitner.
Surviving are her three children, Helen Banker of Harrisonville, Bill
Baker of Lincoln and Buzz Baker of Dunnegan; nine grandchildren, 15
great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services were
Saturday, Oct. 10, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Don
Covington officiating. Interment was in Alder Cemetery, west of
Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Bernice L. Baumgardner
Bernice Lucille Baumgardner, 83, Dunnegan, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 1998,
in Parkview Health Care Facility. The daughter of Elijah Floyd and Lula
Belle Rumans Summers, she was born Sept. 18, 1915, near Dunnegan. On Dec.
27, 1937, she was married to Earl Baumgardner, who preceded her in death
Nov. 24, 1986. She was also preceded in death by two children, Sharon Sue
Baumgardner and Royer Dale Baumgardner, and a sister, Dorles Carter. A
lifelong resident of Polk and Cedar counties, she was a member of Ross
Memorial Presbyterian Church in Stockton. She taught for many years in the
rural schools of this area and in the Stockton School. She is survived by
two granddaughters, Teresa Winchell, Lamar, and Sharon Dickey, Maize,
Kan.; one brother, Carl Summers, Bolivar; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were Saturday, Oct. 17, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Robert E.
McGinnis officiating. Pallbearers were Bob Butcher, Kevin Butcher, Adam
West, Jerry West, Mike Summers and Harl Johnson. Interment was in
Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Ruel Eugene Bruce
Ruel Eugene Bruce, 92, formerly of Bolivar, died at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct.
30, 1998, in the Colonial Springs Health Care Facility, Buffalo. He was
born Feb. 14, 1906, in Dade County. On Aug. 18, 1928, he was united in
marriage to Irene Degraffenreid, and to this union three sons and two
daughters were born. He was a longtime farmer and carpenter in the Bolivar
area. He was saved at an early age and united with Campbell Grove
Missionary Baptist Church. In later years he was a member of the Calvary
Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and
five brothers. Survivors include his wife, Irene, of Colonial Springs
Health Care Facility, Buffalo; three sons, Charles Eugene and his wife,
Minnie, Des Moines, Iowa; Kenneth, Brighton; and George and his wife,
Marie, Urbana; two daughters, Mary Bruce, Bolivar, and Evelyn Camp,
Fullerton, Calif.; a brother, J.C. Bruce, Fair Play; eleven grandchildren,
three step-grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, nine
step-great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces
and nephews and many other relatives and friends. Services were Monday,
Nov. 2, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Austin McGinnis
officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Robert Kifer, Jim Kirby, John Polk Campbell, Don Roberts, Cliff Bruce and
Carrie Bruce.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Sarah E. Brumfield
Sarah Elizabeth Brumfield, 55, Flemington, died at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct.
18, 1998, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. The daughter
of John and Dorothy Dew Keller, she was born May 30, 1943, at Urich. She
was a homemaker and a Flemington resident since 1990. On June 11, 1994,
she was married to Dean Brumfield. She was preceded in death by her
parents and three sisters, Virginia Keller, Charlene Keller and Annie
Morrison. Survivors include her husband, Dean, of the home; two children,
Rob Gillispie, Osage City, Kan., and Terry Allen, Independence; three
stepchildren, Mike Brumfield of Elkland, Cheryle Straw and Donna Straw,
both of Sarcoxie; four brothers, Bill Keller of Browning, Charles Keller
of Holden, Jim Keller of Chilhowee and Don Keller of Clinton; four
grandchildren and seven stepgrandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m.
today (Wednesday) in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim Yates, Mark Straw, Mike
Brumfield, Bill Spears, Ray Brumfield and Zack Straw. Interment will be in
Rondo Cemetery, east of Humansville. Memorial contributions may be made to
the American Heart Association.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Irene M. Ditton
Irene M. Ditton, 81, Humansville, formerly of Bolivar, died at 3:39 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a long
illness. She was born Jan. 6, 1917, in Greeley, Colo., to Leslie and Betty
McGrahahan Waller. She was united in marriage to Marion W. Ditton on April
28, 1935. She had been a nurse and had attended Mt. Gilead Methodist
Church. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Leroy and Jane
Ditton, Oak Harbor, Wash., and Charles and Artie Ditton, Kansas City; and
a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Paul Price, Tunas. Graveside
services will be at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Mt. Gilead Cemetery with
the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements are under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Lloyd K. Ervin
Lloyd Kenneth Ervin, 90, formerly of Lincoln, died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1998,
at the Parkview Health Care Center. He was born near Red Willow, Neb., on
May 11, 1908, the son of Elmer E. and Clara Bell Ervin. He grew up on a
farm in Red Willow County, Neb., and attended the University of Nebraska.
In 1941 he was united in marriage to Mary A Piper. On June 18, 1942, he
was inducted into the U.S. Army, and he served overseas in the Pacific
during World War II. Following his discharge he returned to the Nebraska
farm where he raised corn and wheat. In 1953 he moved his family to
Lincoln, where he owned and operated a dairy farm until 1965. He then
attended Sedalia Business College and sold federal crop insurance to
farmers. He has been a nursing home resident since 1987. His wife, Mary,
died in January 1989. He was also preceded in death by two brothers,
Ernest Ervin of McCook, Neb., and Carl Ervin of Omaha, Neb., and one
grandson. He is survived by two sons, John E. Ervin, Indonesia, and Tom
Ervin, Dunnegan; one daughter, Alice Marie Schawo, Columbia; nine
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, John Willis
Ervin, Evergreen, Colo.; two sisters, Verda Ervin and Lois Boson, Rocklin,
Calif.; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Services were Saturday, Oct. 17, at the First Baptist Church in Lincoln
with the Rev. Wayne Isgriggs and the Rev. David Schawo officiating. Burial
was in the Lincoln Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Milford L. Fisher
Milford L. Fisher, 40, Bolivar, died at 1:48 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 1998,
in St. John's Regional Health Care Center, Springfield, following a short
illness. He was born Oct. 23, 1958, in Sedalia to Milford and Wanda McNeal
Fisher. On July 18, 1998, he was united in marriage to Lori Blair. He was
employed as a printing pressman, and he was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Lori, two sons, Richard Fisher and Caleb
Fisher, and one daughter, Rachael Fisher, all of the home; two brothers,
Daniel Fisher, Sedalia, and Tim Aldrich, Lawrence, Kan.; five sisters,
Tammie Peters of Lawrence, Kan., Vickie Bradshaw of Jefferson City, Kathy
Roobel and Latrisha Jennings, both of the state of Alaska, and Connie
Fisher, Sedalia. Services with Masonic rites were Sunday, Nov. 1, in Pitts
Chapel with the Rev. James Lawley officiating. Graveside services and
burial were Monday, Nov. 2, in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Syracuse. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Joe David Goldsberry
Joe David Goldsberry, 20, Bolivar, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998, in his
home. The son of David and Janice Goldsberry, he was born Nov. 30, 1977,
in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. He was a graduate of Marion C.
Early High School, Morrisville, class of 1996. Survivors include two
sisters and brothers-in-law, Tina and Doug Morgan, Bolivar, and Cheryl and
Larry McCarthy, Buffalo; one brother, Mike Goldsberry, Bolivar; a
grandmother, Juanita Butler, Bolivar; two nieces and four nephews.
Services were Sunday, Oct. 25, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev.
Ronald D. Day officiating. Burial was in New Bethel Cemetery, Half Way.
Casketbearers were Chris and Rick Love, Peter Edwards, Patrick Sikes,
Steve Simmons, Kraig Jones, Warren Burr and Travis Ash.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Russie Greer
John Russie Greer, 91, Bolivar, died at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998, in
Parkview Health Care Facility. Russie was born July 13, 1907, in Greene
County, the son of John R. Greer and Ora A. Moore Greer. He was a longtime
resident of the Goodson community, where he was a farmer. He also owned
and operated school busses for the Half Way school district and owned and
operated a Surge dealership in Bolivar with his son John. On June 27,
1926, Russie married Ressie Corlus Jones. To this union six children wer
born. The marriage lasted 58 years before Ressie preceded him in death in
December 1983. Russie was remarried in 1985 to Mary Bybee, who also
preceded him in death. Russie was a very spiritual man. He loved his God
and lived his life as close to the teaching of the scriptures as any human
could have. He was a longtime member and deacon of his church, Lindley
Creek Missionary Baptist Church northeast of Goodson. In addition to his
parents and wives, he was preceded in death by his older brother, Hershal,
and a grandson, Frank Foster Vincent. He is survived by his children,
Betty Parker and her husband, Alden, Golden City; Joyce Crowl and her
husband, Dean, Buffalo; JoAn Vincent and her husband, Bill, Goodson; Linda
Bacon and her husband, Jim, Bolivar; John Greer and his wife, Shirley, and
Jim Greer and his wife, Judy, all of Goodson. He is also survived by one
brother, Arthur "Buck" Greer of Goodson, and 12 grandchildren, 15
great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services were
Saturday, Oct. 31, in Butler Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Bybee
officiating. Burial was in Lindley Creek Cemetery northeast of Goodson.
Casketbearers were John Robert Greer, Jay Greer, Jimmy Greer, Dean Crowl,
Gus Acreback and Sia Hemmat.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Leda Belle Grisham
Leda Belle Grisham, 95, Pittsburg, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998. She was
born April 4, 1903, the daughter of John Christopher and Etta Jane Snow
Richards. She had one brother, Christopher, who was nine years younger. At
the age of 14, she joined the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church. She
was united in marriage with Garrett Lee Grisham on Sept. 14, 1933. To this
union was born one son, James Lee Grisham. She was the oldest living
member of the Pittsburg Southern Baptist Church. She was preceded in death
by her parents; her husband, Garrett Lee Grisham; and her brother,
Clifford Richards. Survivors include her son, James Lee Grisham, and his
wife, Ramadean; one granddaughter, Shirley Evans, and her husband, Melvin;
one grandson, James Michael Grisham, and his wife, Shawna; five
great-grandchildren, Airanna Lee Kinslow, Billy Joe Evans, Patricia Sue
Evans, Dalton Michael Girsham and Samantha Dale Grisham; and one
great-great-grandson, Austin Lee Kinslow. Services were Saturday, Oct. 24,
in the Cantlon Funeral Chapel, Urbana, with the Rev. Doug Earls
officiating. Teresa Mabary accompanied herself and sang "I'll Fly Away"
and "Amazing Grace." Escorts were Ivan Breshears, Gene Truner, Dale Pitts,
Ron Wallace, Joe Huber and Jessie Eidson. Interment was in the Pomme de
Terre Missionary Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Pearl Mae Hendrickson
Pearl Mae Hendrickson, 80, Bolivar, died at 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21,
1998, in Maranatha Manor, Springfield, following a long illness. She was
born March 31, 1918, in Sedalia to W.M. and Clara A. Allen Hines. On Dec.
12, 1936, she was united in marriage to Forrest Hendrickson, who preceded
her in death in March 1989. She had worked in a clothing store as a clerk
and had been a member of Mt. Gilead Methodist Church. Survivors include a
daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Tim Scroggins, Springfield; a
brother, Bill Hines, Mountain Home, Ark.; two grandchildren and their
spouses, Dan and Alice Scroggins and Cindy and Kelly McCormack; three
great-grandchildren, Jessica and Katie McCormack and Nick Scroggins.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three
brothers, Elmer Hines, Dale "Curly" Hines and Richard Hines; and a sister,
Eveleen Hines. Services were Saturday, Oct. 24, in Pitts Chapel with the
Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Gilead
Cemetery. Music was provided by Allen Hines and Charlie Long. Pallbearers
were Lucky Jenkins, Calvin Sisco, Keith Hines, Allen Hines, Charlie Long
and Don Hendrickson.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Robert E. Hoskins
Robert Eugene Hoskins, 48, Humansville, died Monday, Oct. 12, 1998, in Cox
Medican Center South. He was born Feb. 1, 1950, at Springfield. He served
in the U.S. Army for five years, and he was employed for many years at the
Ford Motor Co. assembly plant near Kansas City. He moved to Humansville in
1985 from Independence and was a member of the Fair Play Missionary
Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, B.J., of the home; his
parents, Robert and Aileen Hoskins, Humansville; three children, Katrina
L. Koskins of Independence and Robert E. Hoskins II and Eric L. Hoskins,
both of Fort Campbell, Ky.; a sister, Patricia Lee, Kansas City; a
brother, Mark Hoskins, Humansville; and two granddaughters. Services will
be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the
Rev. Obie Harrup and the Reb. Joe Campbell officiating. Honorary
pallbearers will be Cameron Melton and Les Melton. Pallbearers will be
Aubry Maples, Bobby Hoskins, Eric Hoskins, Dennis Schrock, Chucky Mingus
and Donald Allen Keithley. Military rites will be conducted at graveside
by Amvets Post No. 114. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. this evening (Wednesday) in the
funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Henry M. McKinney Jr.
Henry Merle McKinney Jr., 73, Humansville, died Friday, Oct. 16, 1998, at
his home west of Humansville. The son of Henry M. and Anna Rhodd McKinney,
he was born in Mayetta, Kan., on July 6, 1925. He served in the U.S. Army
from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. He was a retired employee of the
Lake City Munitions Plant near Kansas City. He was preceded in death by
his parents; two brothers, Lowell and Sandy McKinney; and a sister, Bam
McKinney. Survivors include his wife, Mary Anne, of the home; two
stepsons, Randy Hartley, Humansville, and Donald Hartley, U.S. Army,
stationed along the DMZ in South Korea; four brothers, Lucian McKinney,
Mayetta, Kan.; Dwight McKinney, Horton, Kan.; Oran McKinney, state of
Arkansas; and Donald McKinney, Leavenworth, Kan.; four sisters, Adelia
Gutierrez, Jeanette Fowsher and Itis Milton, all of Horton, Kan., and Gwen
Burns, Kansas City, Kan.; and five grandchildren. Services were Monday,
Oct. 19, in the McKinney family home with the Rev. Gregory E.J. Zatina
officiating. Military rites were conducted at graveside by Amvets Post No.
114 Honor Guard. Interment was in Tinker Cemetery, west of Humansville,
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Leo J. Leicht
Leo Jacob Liecht, 77, Fair Play, died at 7:42 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998,
in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was born May 26, 1921, in
Dickinson, N.D., the son of John Leicht and Barbara Meier Leicht. He was a
retired steam fitter and had lived in the Fair Play area for the past 20
years. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Survivors
include two sisters, Barbara Bush of Springhill, Fla., and Kathryn Heilich
of St. Louis; two brothers, Andy Leicht of Los Angeles, Calif., and John
Leicht of Las Vegas, Nev.; and one sister-in-law, Anna Lyon of Fair Play.
Services were Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Private family interment will be at a
later date.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Helen V. McGinnis
Helen V. McGinnis, 79, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1998, in her home
following a short illness. She was born June 3, 1919, in Cane Hill to Tom
and Pearl Yost Hayward. She moved to Bolivar in 1965 from the state of
California and had been a seamstress. Survivors include a son and
daughter-in-law, Mike and Gelnda McGinnis, Macks Creek; two brothers and a
sister-in-law, Ernest Hayward, Fair Play, and Herbert and Betty Hayward,
Darlington; a sister, Melissa Dean, state of California; and one
granddaughter. Burial will be in Lindley Prairie Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Patricia C. Morgan
Patricia C. Morgan, 60, formerly of Polk, died Oct. 23, 1998. She had
resided in Lowell, Ind., with her daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons
for the past five years. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie A. James
Vinson; three grandsons, Wesley, Lee and Kent Vinson; one sister, Peggy
Kiegert and her husband, Mike, of Loathe, Kan.; one foster sister, Patty
Hurd and her husband, Ed. of Alsip, Ill; two brothers, Edward French and
his wife, Carol, and Fred French and his wife, Jackie, all of Varna, Ill.;
and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Arthur E. Morgan; her mother and father, Evelyn and George French; and her
foster father, Lloyd Niggle. A small memorial service will be held at
Springfield National Cemetery, Springfield, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June
30, with the Rev. Donnie Lightfoot officiating.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Juanita Neill
Juanita McDowell Neill, 68, Independence, formerly of Bolivar, died
Monday, Oct. 12, 1998, in Independence Regional Hospital. She was born
Sept. 21, 1930, in Osage Beach, the daughter of Clyde and Frances Keeran
McDowell. She was a member of the Bolivar First Christian Church.
Survivors include a son, Blane Neill and his wife, Terry, Bolivar; two
daughters, Gloria Neill, Kansas City, and Brenda Hadlock and her husband
Merle, Grandview; a brother, Clyde Eli McDowell and his wife, Juanita,
Shawnee Mission, Kan.; a sister, Betty Holt, Independence; and three
grandchildren, Jacob, Jesse and Amanda. She was preceded in death by her
parents. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Buckner
Hill Cemetery under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Buckner.
Visitation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral
home.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Orlen William "Bill" Neuhart
Orlen William "Bill" Neuhart, 79, Houston, Texas, died at 9 p.m.,
Thursday, Oct. 29, 1998, in Columbia Spring Branch Hospital, Houston. Bill
was born Dec. 8, 1918, in Taft, Calif., the son of E.D. Neuhart and Pearl
Standley Neuhart. The family returned to Bolivar soon after his birth. He
attended North Ward and South Ward Elementary Schools and Bolivar High
School. He graduated from Southwest Baptist College and then attended
Southwest Missouri State University and graduated summa cum laude,
receiving a bachelor of education degree in mathematics and science. Bill
joined the military service July 1942, and served in the European, African
and Middle Eastern Theatres of Operation. He was awarded two Bronze Stars
and a Silver Star. After discharge from active duty in May of 1946, he
remained in the Army Reserve until April of 1967 when he retired as a
Major. Upon Bill's return to civilian life, he pursued an accounting
career in Los Angeles, becoming a licensed public accountant, retiring at
age 62 from Monolith Portland Cement Company as head accountant. Wile in
the military service, Bill met Dorothy Darrock in Los Angeles, they were
married in Santa Barbara on June 23, 1943, and were together for 55 years.
They lived in the Los Angeles area until moving to Houston in September of
1996. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Orlen Neuhart Jr;
and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Neuhart. Bill is survived by his wife,
Dorothy of Houston, Texas; one sone, George Neuhart and wife Phyllis of
Pembroke Pines, Fla.; two daughters, Donna Neuhart Jamison and husband
Jerry of Houston, Texas, and Gracia Neuhart Madrigal and husband Victor of
Aspen, Colo.; two brothers, Don Neuhart and wife Beula of Springfield, and
Charles Neuhart of Bolivar; and a sister, Eleanor Larvie and husband
Douglas of Rialto, Calif. Also surviving are threee grandchildren, Brian
Neuhart and wife Lisa of state of New Jersey; Shonna Neuhart of Coral
Springs, Fla. and Kristen Neuhart Ford and husband Richard of San
Francisco, state of California; two great-grandchildren, Eric Deal, son of
Shonna Neuhart and Tyler Neuhart, son of Brian and Lisa Neuhart. Funeral
servcies were held Saturday, Nov. 7 in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
REv. Danny Neuhart with Betty Warren, pianist. Burial was in Mt. Olive
Cemetry, northeast of Bolivar. Military honors were conducted by Howard S.
Keeling American Legion Post No. 138 of Bolivar and AMVETS Post No. 114
Honor Guard of Galmey. Casketbearers were Brian Neuhart, Jerry Jameson,
Ralph Richner, Eddie Neuhart and Victor Madrigal. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
James R. Phillips
James R. Phillips, 84, Bolivar, died at 3:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 1998,
in his home following a long illness. He was born July 23, 1914, in
Centerville, Iowa to Daniel B. and Fanney Klum Phillips. He was retired
from the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of the home; a son
and daughter-in-law, John R. and Mary Phillips of White, Penn.; a brother,
Daniel B. Phillips of Temple, Texas; a sister, Mary Charles, state of
Missouri; as well as one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Graveside
services were Sunday, Oct. 18, in Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Eleanor Schultz
Eleanor Schultz, 84, Bolivar, died at 11:33 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1998,
in Parkview Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was
born June 13, 1914, in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of Frank B. and Mary
Winiecka Schultz. She was a retired nurse and a member of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church. Survivors include two sisters, Josephine Barczak and
Agnes Hennel, both of Baltimore, Md.; dear friends John and Betty
Vandeveer, Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian
Burial was held Friday, Oct. 23, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the
Rev. Gregory E.J. Zatina, Celebrant. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery
under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
John W. Singer
John William Singer, 84, Billings, Mont., died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1998. He
was born Aug. 30, 1914, in Steeleville. He was raised in that area and
with his brothers and father owned and operated flour mills, including the
mill in Aldrich. In 1942 he married Dimple Stroud Hodge in Little Rock,
Ark. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed on Guadalcanal
during the last years of World War II. After the war he returned to his
career as a flour miller in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
He retired in 1990 at the age of 77 from the Gilt Edge Mill in Richmond,
Utah, and returned to Aldrich, where he resided until 1997, when he moved
to Billings, Mont. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dimple, in 1971
and his son, Tom, in 1988. He is survived by his children, John Hodge and
his wife, Pat, of Melba, Idaho; Jim and his wife, Lurline, of Mozambique,
Africa; Janet of Billings, Mont.; his daughter-in-law Gloria of Spokane;
his brothers, Harry of Kansas City and David of Deland, Fla.; his six
grandchildren, Lance, Bret, Bruce, Sherry, Cody and Kristina; and two
great-grandchildren, Lias and Taigon. Graveside services were Wednesday,
Oct. 14, in Terrace Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made
to the Saint Vincent Foundation, P.O. Box 35200, Billings, Mont. 59107.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
John F. McGarity Sr.
John F. McGarity Sr., 68, Bolivar, died Friday, Oct. 23, 1998, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital emergency room following a short illness. He was born
Nov. 21, 1929, in Meadow Grove, Neb., to Ben and Florence Schinck
McGarity. He had been an over-the-road dairy truck driver. A member of
Zion Lutheran Church and the Disbled American Veterans, he was a longtime
resident of Bolivar and Polk County, moving here from Texas. Survivors
include his wife, Jeanette, of the home; six sons, John F. McGarity Jr. of
Bolivar, J. Michael McGarity of Springfield, Jeffrey McGarity and Phillip
McGarity of the state of Texas, Pat Hennager of Aldrich and Randy Hennager
of Bolivar; four daughters, JoAnn Schaffer and her husband, Bill, Theresa
Melton and her husband, Randy, and Susan Burns and her husband, Danny, all
of the state of Texas, and Teresa Hennager, Bolivar; his mother, Florence
McGarity, Bolivar; two brothers-in-law, Paul Hennager and Kenneth Lamb; a
sister-in-law, Joyce Kelberer; nine grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. Services were Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Pitts Chapel with the
Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Lawrence Ahart, Ronnie Cook, Danny Hubbard, Keith Smith,
Harold Hobbs and Junior Davis. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion
Lutheran Church to provide hearing-impaired sound systems.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Freida M. Stark
Freida M. Stark, 87, Carrollton, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1998, at the
Carrollton Nursing Center. She was born in Carroll County on Feb. 1, 1911,
the daughter of Boyd and Estella Taggart Weicher. She attended rural
schools and worked as a companion to elderly ladies in their homes. She
was first married to James Edgar Crockett. To this union two daughters
were born. He preceded her in death. She later married George Stark, who
also preceded her in death. She attended the Baptist and Assembly of God
churches. Survivors include two daughters, Dixie Bradshaw and her husband,
Everett, of Mexico, Mo., and Donna Hensley and her husband, Harry, of
Bolivar; four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Besides her
husbands, she was also preceded in death by her parents, one brother and
one sister. Serivces were Friday, Oct. 30, at the Gibson Funeral Home in
Carrollton. Burial was in Wharton Cemetery, Bosworth. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church in care of the
funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Frances Stiles
Frances Stiles, 81, Fair Play, died Monday, Oct. 12, 1998, in Everett,
Wash. She was born Aug. 10, 1917. She was a homemaker and the widow of
Leonard P. Stiles Sr. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law,
L.P. Stiles Jr. and his wife, Susan, of Drumwright, Okla., and John J.
Stiles and his wife, Lavon, Everett, Wash.; a daughter and son-in-law,
Retta Turley and her husband, Joseph, Everett, Wash.; two sisters, Lois
Box, Bashor, Kan., and Alta Mosier, Aldrich; six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband; two sons, Sammy Clark Stiles and Delbert Lee Stiles; and a
brother, Leonard Davis. Graveside services were Monday, Oct. 19, in
Pleasant Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Johnson officiating. Pallbearers
were John Stiles, L.P Stiles Jr., Joseph Turley, Perry A. Krootzko, Fred
Box and Charles Box. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Irene Stull
Irene Stull, 75, Bolivar, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, in Cox Medical
Center South following a short illness. She was born Dec. 21, 1922, in
Aldrich, the daughter of Eli F. and Lillie McGinnis Cornell. She had lived
in Bolivar since 1985. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, James W. and Wilma Stull,
Brighton, and Larry and Donna Godfrey, Moses Lake, Wash.; five daughters
and sons-in-law, Kay and Michael Dodd of Walnut Grove, Annette and David
Gray of Morrisville, Becky and Ralph "Bud" Savard of North Little Rock,
Ark., Carolyn and Jimmy Cossins of Brighton and Alice and Ernie Baugh of
Reeds; a brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Marjorie Cornell, Bolivar; 17
grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, Joe Godfrey (father of Alice and
Larry) and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband, J.W. Stull; a grandson, Larry Wayne Godfrey, and his mother,
Rosemary; four sisters and four brothers. Services will be at 11 a.m.
today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth and the
Rev. Jim Tolliver officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery near Aldrich. Pallbearers will be Timmy Cossins, Shawn Cossins,
Troy Stull, Toby Stull, Mark Swinson and Kerry Dunn. Honorary pallbearers
will be Nathaniel Dodd, Darren Gray, Levi Godfrey, Quade Godfrey, Dave
Smith and Matt Baugh.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Edith Louise Syphert
Edith Louise Syphert, 79, Bolivar, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 1998, in her
home. She was born Sept. 14, 1919, in Graham County, Kan., to Fred and
Millie Morris Ambrosier. On Dec. 20, 1941, she was married to Sherman
Syphert. One daughter and four sons were born to this union. She was
preceded in death by her parents, two infant sons and her husband.
Survivors include a daughter, Evelyn Cossins, Bolivar; two sons, Vern
Syphert, Bolivar, and Johnny Syphert, Louisburg; a brother, Lee Ambrosier,
Hanston, Kan.; two sisters, Inez Hawk, Nampa, Idaho, and Elsie Cotton,
Ellis, Kan.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside
services were Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Mission Ridge Cemetery, Urbana, with
the Rev. Dave Barger officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of
Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Helen L. Tilghmon
Helen Lucille Tilghmon, 85, Humansville, died Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, in
Parkview Health Care Facility. She was born July 19, 1913, at Sedalia, the
daughter of Abe and Minnie Rogers Siard. A longtime resident of Kansas
City, Kan., she was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She had resided in
Humansville since 1976. Survivors include a daughter, Earlene Nash,
Humansville; two grandchildren and their spouses, Helen and Bert Gallardo,
Independence, and Bill and Alice Bailey, Buckner; three
great-grandchildren, Paul Stumph and her husband, Randy, Kansas City,
Patrick Beldsoe and his wife, Robin, Fort Hood, Texas, and Jim Bailey,
Buckner; and three great-great-grandchildren, Nikki, Randy and Miranda
Stumph, Kansas City. Graveside services were Monday, Oct. 5, in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan., with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating.
Services were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Dorothy E. Wilkinson
Dorothy E. Wilkinson, 74, Kansas City, died Friday, Oct. 9, 1998, in her
home following a long illness. She was born January 18, 1924, in Aldrich
to Willis A. and Estella E. Stiles Mann. On Dec. 23, 1943, she married
Eugene Wilkinson and moved to the Kansas City area. She was of the Baptist
faith and a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Eugene, of the home;
two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Jerry Jones of Deepwater and Sharon
and Ken Miller of Brownington; a brother, Willis E. Mann, Concord, N.C.; a
sister, Grace Mustain, Springfield; six grandchildren and 15
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, five
brothers and one sister. Services were Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Guy Lawyer officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery near Aldrich. Pallbearers were Kris Miller, Mike Day Jr., Ed
Jones, Phillip Betterton, Bryan Bagley and Steve Hawkins.




From the Bolivar Herald Free Press, Oct 1998:
Darlene Wooten
Darlene Wooten, 51, Bolivar, died at 12:19 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 1998. She
was born Oct. 6, 1947, in Bolivar to Everett and Pearl West. She was
united in marriage to Terry Wooten and moved with him to Kansas City. This
union ended in divorce, but her marriage was blessed with the birth of
three children. She returned to Bolivar and became an active member of
Berean Baptist Church, where she had been saved at an early age. She was
preceded in death by an infant son, Jeffrey Wooten, and a brother, Evan
West. She is survived by a daughter, Tonetta Beard, and her husband,
James, Bolivar; a son, Carl Wooten and his wife, Melissa, Seymour; her
parents, Everett and Pearl West, Bolivar; two sisters, Anna Marie West of
San Jose, Costa Rica, and Christine Brich, her husband, Garland, and their
son, Aaron; as well as four grandchildren, Cody and Samantha Phillips and
Jessica and Kayla Wooten. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in Butler Funeral Home Chapel wil Bro. Ernie Presley officiating. Burial
will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Music will be provided by Bill
Yeargain, soloist, and Josh Yeargain, accompanist. Additional music will
be by the Slagle Church choir. Casketbearers will be Eugene Ervin, John
Meese, Kenneth Winfrey, James Lewis, Jeff Shelenhamer and Paul McKnight.



From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Julia Mae Franks, age 86, of Warsaw, passed away Thursday, November 23,
2006, at the Lincoln Community Nursing Home in Lincoln, Missouri. She was
born on November 30, 1919, in Utopia, Texas, the daughter of James Lee and
Rachel Jernigen Johnson.

She grew up in Texas and graduated from Rocksprings High School. On March
12, 1938, she was united in marriage to Hulette Gay Franks in San Antonia,
Texas. Following their marriage, they made their home on a ranch in
Rocksprings, Texas. In 1951, they moved to Benton County, Missouri, and
bought the Zenas Jones farm south of Fairfield, Missouri.

Julia taught school at Freedom School near Wisdom, Missouri and later was
employed by the Missouri Division of Family Services as a caseworker for
20 years, retiring in 1981. In 1971, they moved to Warsaw where they made
their home.

She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw,
where she was a charter member of Circle D Ladies group. She was also a
member of the Thomas Hart Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution and Warsaw Business and Professional Women’s Organization.
She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.
A favorite past-time was playing bridge and was active in several ladies
bridge clubs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gay, on January 24, 1984 two
brothers, Forrest Johnson and Roy Johnson and three sisters, Mabel Storey,
Johnnie Sweeten and Hazel Brown.


Surviving is one son, Joe Hulette Franks, and wife, Carolyn, of Maryville,
Missouri, two daughters, Leota Gay Kreisel, and husband, Dick, of Warsaw
and Adra Chastain, and husband, Kent, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, 6
grandchildren, Stanley, Clay and Richard Kreisel, Debra Isabell, Eddie
Franks and Misha Franks, 8 great-grandchildren, Matthew Stephens, Brian
Stephens, Landon Isabell, Hulette Cole Kreisel, Haeley Frances Kreisel,
Hulette Ryan Franks, Kayla Marce Franks and Kyle Edward Franks, two
step-grandchildren, Caeleb Isabell, and Maegan Isabell, and a
great-great-granddaughter, Madelyn Marie Stephens, numerous nieces and
nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services for Julia Mae Franks were held at 1:30 P.M., Sunday,
November 26, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw with
Cliff Saupe officiating. Burial was in the Shawnee Cemetery, Warsaw.





From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Irma Lee Lloyd, age 80, of Edwards, passed away Monday, October 23, 2006
at the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Mo.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2006,
at the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw, with Rev. Warren Campbell officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Therapy Center in Sedalia, care
of the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw.





From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Gerald Thomas Payne, age 68, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away Tuesday
morning, November 21, 2006, at the Harry S Truman Veterans Administration
Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was born in Ironton, Missouri, on April
10, 1938, the son of James Oscar and Nellie Cain Payne.

He grew up in the Ironton community and attended school there. On May 26,
1956, he was united in marriage to Alberta Marie Clements in Cape
Girardeau, Missouri. They made their home in St. Louis until he enlisted
in the United States Army on July 28, 1959. During his military service he
was stationed in Baumberg, Germany. He was honorably discharged from the
service on August 14, 1962.

He then returned to Missouri and they made their home in Ironton. One of
their proudest moments was on May 3, 1964, when daughter, Terri, was
born,. While living in Ironton, they owned and operated a service station
until 1965. At that time they returned to St. Louis, Missouri, and he
began driving a truck over-the-road hauling freight from coast to coast.

In 1971 they moved to St. Clair, Missouri, where they owned and operated
Payne’s Family Restaurant. In 1986 it was back to St. Louis and trucking
over the road. This time Alberta was with him traveling together for the
next four years. In June of 2000 they moved to their home near Warsaw,
Missouri.

There he worked part-time driving for BA Electric mostly for something to
do to get out of the house. Other interests included fishing the waters of
the Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake. And there was the cooking and the
big barbeque grill. To the benefit of family and friends and their church
family there was the big cook-outs with the good food and friendship.

Tom was an active and productive member of the River Church in Warsaw,
always there to lend a helping hand and participate in the fellowship and
services of the church. He was also a member of American Legion Post #217
of Warsaw.

On May 27, 2006, Tom and Alberta celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary
at the River Church with a Renewal of their Wedding Vows and a reception
for family and friends. That celebration was truly a moment in time that
they cherished forever.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jack Payne and
Clyde Payne, one sister, Jewel Driemier, and a son who died in 1968,
Michael Thomas Payne.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta, of the home, one daughter, Terri
Payne, of Warsaw, one brother, James Payne, of St. Louis, Missouri,
numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday morning, November 25,
2006, at the River Church in Warsaw with Rev. Sam & Denise Hinkle
officiating. Burial was in the Strickland Cemetery near Bixby, Missouri.





From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Gertrude J. Ray, age 78, of Kansas City, Mo., formerly of Edwards, Mo.,
passed away Monday, November 20, 2006, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas
City, Missouri. She was born on February 24, 1928, in Anamosa, Iowa, the
daughter of Edward Henry and Edna Mae Harr Vandenberg.

As a young child, she moved with her family to Climax Springs, Missouri
and she graduated from Climax Springs High School with the class of 1946.

On July 31, 1946, she was united in marriage to Dean Ray in Kansas City,
Mo. Following their marriage, they made their home in Kansas City and unto
this union, two sons and one daughter were born. Gertrude worked several
years at Sunshine Biscuit Company and later was employed by Whitaker Cable
Company as a wire splicer until the plant closed.

In the early 1980’s they moved to Edwards, Missouri where they made
their home.

Gertrude was a member of the Colony Baptist Church, the Ladies Auxiliary
of the V.F.W. Post of Edwards and the Busy Bees Club. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Dean, in August of 1998, six brothers and one
sister.

Surviving are two sons, Gary Dean Ray, and his wife, Juanita, of Edwards,
Mo., James Arthur Ray, also of Edwards, and one daughter, Vanita Rozetta
Tripp, and her husband, John, of Kansas City, Missouri, 11 grandchildren
and 5 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives
and many friends.

Funeral services for Gertrude J. Ray were held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday,
November 25, 2006, at the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw, with Rev. Robert
Walton officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Campground Cemetery near
Edwards.





From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Sandra Jean (Keightley) Stever, 42, of Springfield, Mo., passed away
Saturday, November 11, 2006.

She graduated from high school in 1982 at Cole Camp, Mo., and from St.
John’s Medical Technology School and SMSU with a B.S. in Medical
Technology. She was the Point of Care Coordinator at St. John’s Hospital
in Springfield for over 21 years.

Sandra Keightley and Greg Stever were united in marriage on September 23,
1989, in Springfield, Mo. She was a member of the Baptist Temple,
Springfield, Mo. She volunteered for the Christian Schools of Springfield
as a Librarian and in the P.A.C.E. Program. She was honored with the St.
John’s Mercy Service Recognition Award.

She enjoyed hunting, fishing, sewing, crafts and family activities.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Dimple and Roy
Stull, and paternal grandmother Alberta Keightley.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Greg Stever; parents, George and Wilma
Keightley; sons, Tanner and Trenton Stever; stepchildren, Erica Stever
Woolman and Cliff Woolman; grandchild, Landan Heithold; sister, Barbara
Keightley; paternal grandfather Floy Keightley; niece, Candice Johnson;
father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Judy Stever, Battlefield, Mo.,
sister-in-law and husband Sandra Stever Johnson and Clint Johnson,
Gonzales, La.

Funeral services were held at the Main Auditorium at Baptist Temple,
Springfield, Mo. Friday, November 17, 2006. Burial followed at Greenlawn
North Cemetery.

Whether she was cheering on her oldest son, Tanner, at his ballgames,
encouraging her youngest son, Trenton, in his art and music interests, or
enjoying the many activities they did together, Sandra’s life revolved
around her family and church.





From the Benton County Enterprise, 24 Nov 2006:
Pansy K. Wolgan, 62, of Lincoln, MO, formerly of Washington, passed away
and went on to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 7:15 AM
at her daughter’s residence.

Born on September 28, 1944 in Paragould , AR to John and Yvonne Ward
Norris, she married Rolland D. Wolgan on July 9, 1965 in Washington , IL .
He survives.

Also surviving are 3 daughters, Julie (Geoffrey) Dixon of Lockport, IL,
Wendy (Francis) DiBartolomeo of Frankfort, IL, and Mindy (Reuben) DeMent
of Raytown, MO; 2 sisters, Patricia (Carl) Bjork of Phoenix, AZ, and Carol
Miers of Georgia ; and she was the loving grandmother of 7 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 1 brother, John.

Pansy was a graduate of Washington Community High School , class of 1962.

She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were raised, and then became
Director of Records for Utilicorp in Kansas City , MO.

Pansy was a member of the New Life Baptist Church in Colecamp , MO.

A funeral service will be held at 6PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at
Deiters Funeral Home in Washington . Visitation will be held prior to
services from 4-6PM at the funeral home on Wednesday. Cremation rites will
be accorded following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart
Association or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

To send online condolences, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com.







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