Obituaries
Obituaries
Zuniga, Lopez, Martinez, Padron, Avila, Orellana From Bismark, ND Tribune: Highway patrol identifies victims of crash near Jamestown December 27, 2012 4:25 pm By Jenny Michael The North Dakota Highway Patrol says the six men killed in a crash west of Jamestown on Wednesday were from Missouri. Martin Zuniga, 47, was the driver of the pickup that left the westbound lane of Interstate 94, went through the median and was struck on the passenger side by an eastbound semitrailer. Zuniga and his five passengers were killed in the crash. The other men were identified as Mayolo Lopez, 51, Albino Galicia Martinez, 43, Epitacio Acosta Padron, 50, Jose Isabel Avila, 54, and Herson Orellana, 34. Lopez, Galicia Martinez, Acosta Padron and Avila were from Springfield, Mo., Zuniga was from Republic, Mo. and Orellana was from Nixa, Mo. The North Dakota Highway Patrol said none of the men were wearing a seat belt. The patrol reported Thursday that the interstate was extremely icy in the Jamestown area Wednesday morning when the crash occurred. The driver of the semitrailer was Stuart Hauge, 23 of Glen Ullin. He was taken to Jamestown Medical Center for injuries. Hauge was wearing a seat belt. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, 167 people had died on North Dakota roads this year prior to Thursday. That far surpasses the totals from recent years. Last year, 148 people died on roads in the state, 105 died in 2010, 140 in 2009, 104 in 2008 and 111 in 2007. From Yahoo News: Six Southwest Missouri Men Killed in One Car Wreck in North Dakota Men Sought Work in Area Yahoo Contributor Network By William Browning December 28, 2012 12:47 PM An icy interstate highway near Jamestown, N.D., caused the deaths of six men from southwest Missouri traveling in the same vehicle Wednesday morning. A white Chevrolet pickup truck carrying the men went through the median of Interstate 94 and struck an eastbound Freightliner semi truck. The Springfield News-Leader reveals several of the deceased attended the same Catholic church in Springfield, Mo. * Dead are Martin Zuniga, 47, of Republic, Mo., and his brother, Jose Isabel Avila, 54. Zuniga was driving. Three Springfield residents were also killed: Mayolo Lopez, 51, Albino Galicia Martinez, 43, and Epitacio Acosta Padron, 50. The youngest of those killed was Herson Orellana, 34, of Nixa, Mo. Names of the dead were released a day after the crash. * The men were in North Dakota going to a construction site for work. Zuniga owned a small construction company. Yolanda Lorge of Grupo Latino Americano in Springfield told the News-Leader, "They found a job there ... You have to find work wherever you can." * None of the occupants of the truck were wearing seat belts, according to a North Dakota Highway Patrol news release given to the media outlet. The driver of the semi, 23-year-old Stuart Hauge, had minor injuries and was released from a nearby hospital. * Forum Communications of North Dakota reports the crash happened around 10:25 a.m. near mile marker 258. Patrol investigators told the media outlet the pickup truck driver lost control on an icy road, went through the median and then the semi struck the pickup on the passenger side at a right angle. * Alcohol was not involved in the crash. It is not known yet how fast the pickup was going. * Forum Communications also quoted Capt. Brian Niewind of the North Dakota Highway Patrol who said, "There is nothing (the semi driver) could do. There's no evasive action he could have taken." * Lorge told the News-Leader the Zuniga family lost two other relatives in a car crash earlier in 2012. Zuniga himself came to Springfield around 25 years ago as one of the first Hispanic families to make a living in the city. * Several of the deceased were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Springfield. The church offers a liturgy in Spanish on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Funeral plans have yet to be made public. * Jamestown is about 100 miles due west of Fargo on Interstate 94 in eastern North Dakota. The city's population is nearly 15,500 people. The urban area is known as "The Buffalo City" for its huge statue of an American bison. From the United Kingdom's Daily Mail: His last words were 'I love you': Son's anguish after his construction worker dad and five co-workers killed in horror collision with semitrailer on their way to work in North Dakota By DAILY MAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 14:34 EST, 29 December 2012 | UPDATED: 12:14 EST, 30 December 2012 Life cut short: Martin Zuniga, the owner of a small construction company who was killed in a tragic crash, was described by his 23-year-old as a hardworking man who was devoted to his work Life cut short: Martin Zuniga, the owner of a small construction company who was killed in a tragic crash, was described by his 23-year-old as a hardworking man who was devoted to his work Six Missouri men killed in a crash on an icy North Dakota interstate were looking for work in the area, a family friend said. Yolanda Lorge, president of the Hispanic advocacy organization Grupo Latino Americano in Springfield, Mo., said the driver, Martin Zuniga, owned a small construction company. He and the five men with him were headed to a work site, she said. ‘That's what they were doing there,’ Lorge said. 'They found a job there or something. You have to find work wherever you can.' The men were killed at around 10.25am Wednesday when Zuniga lost control of his 2002 Chevrolet pickup on the icy road, crossed the median on westbound Interstate 94 near Jamestown and was struck by an eastbound semitrailer, according to a North Dakota Highway Patrol news release. The 2006 Freightliner semi pulling a trailer hit the pickup’s passenger-side door at a right angle, sending it into a ditch, The Jamestown Sun reported. Also killed were Zuniga's brother, Jose Isabel Avila, 54; Mayolo Lopez, 51; Albino Galicia Martinez, 43; Epitacio Acosta Padron, 50; and Herson Orellana, 34. All of the men were from Springfield except Zuniga from Republic and Orellana from Nixa. None was wearing seat belts, police said. From the Ozark County Times, 15 Feb 2008: Graveside services for Jerry Eugene Hannaford, 70, of Gainesville, were held Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the Brushy Knob Cemetery with Dale Roberts and Van Williams officiating. Mr. Hannaford died Feb. 5, 2008, at the Gainesville Health Care Center. He was born May 31, 1937, the son of Elvis and Loma (Shanks) Hannaford. He and Janet Sanford Jan. 21, 1959. He loved his family. He also enjoyed talking and visiting. He and his brother Robert owned the Gainesville Tire Shop for almost 20 years. He recently also worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Mr. Hannaford is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Kent Hannaford of Pontiac and Chris Hannaford and his wife, Robin, of Lebanon; one daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hannaford of Gainesville; two grandsons, Kenny Hannaford and Kyle Hannaford, both of Gainesville; two exchange granddaughters, Lena and Larisa of Lebanon; three brothers, Robert Hannaford and his wife, Carol, of Mountain Home, Ark., Kenneth Hannaford and his wife, Pat, of Pontiac, and Dwain and his wife, Lisa, of Gainesville; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Hannaford of Mansfield and Coneta Hubbard of Rockaway Beach; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Hubbard of Marble Rock, Iowa, and Eddie Sanford of Mountain Home, Ark.; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill; and one brother-in-law, Larry Sanford. Pallbearers were Donnie Miller, Norman Hannaford, Gerald Hannaford, Eddie Woodward, Fallis Frazier and Ronnie Hambelton. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Hannaford, Kyle Hannaford, Wally Goode and Bill Cockrum. Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, directors. From the Ozark County Times, 15 Feb 2008: Funeral Service for Luther E. “Pete” White, 86, of Howard’s Ridge were held Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Kirby and Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home, Ark., with Pastors Gail Wooten and Joe Gaddy officiating. Burial was in the Howards Ridge Cemetery. Mr. White died Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House in Mountain Home, Ark. He was born May 22, 1921, in Hardenville, the son of William Ray and Bertha (Beard) White. He and Lorene Trivitt were married Nov. 3, 1945, at Mountain Home, Ark. He worked as a retail businessman and farmer He also was a concrete worker and superintendent on the Norfork, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry, Canyon Ferry (Mont.) and Sam Rayburn (Texas) dams. He was a member of the Concrete Finishers Union in Springfield and a lifetime resident of Howard's Ridge. Mr. White is survived by his wife, Lorene; one son, Lester White and his wife, Roberta, of Mountain Home, Ark.; four daughters, Edna Uchtman and her husband, Wilbern, Linda Watson and her husband, Bob, and Barbara White, all of Howard’s Ridge and Beverly Uchtman and her husband, Lonnie, of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren; one brother; and one sister. Pallbearers were Jason Watson, Lyle Uchtman, Wes Uchtman, Barry Adams, Joe Staney and Daniel Sawyer. Memorials may be made to the Mountain Home American Legion Baseball program or the Howard’s Ridge Cemetery Association. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Mountain Home, Ark., directors. From the Ozark County Times, 15 Feb 2008: Funeral services for Mollie Dean Taylor, 79, were held Saturday, Feb. 9 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with David Shipley officiating. Burial was in Smith Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Taylor died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. She was born Feb. 25, 1928, in Sycamore, the daughter of Fred and Nora (Hutchison) Sanders. She and Chester Taylor were married Sept. 4, 1949, in Mountain Home, Ark. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Taylor is survived by her husband, Chester; three sons, Lane Taylor of Willow Springs, Shaun Taylor of Ozark and Darvin Taylor of Sycamore; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Max Sanders of Springfield; and one sister, Delores Thornton of Dora. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and four sisters. Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, directors. From the Ozark County Times, 15 Feb 2008: Mildred A. Shipla, 93, of Gainesville died Feb. 10, 2008 Mrs. Shipla was a homemaker. She had lived in the area for 30 years, having moved from Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Shipla is survived by one daughter, Janet Evans of Gainesville. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Mountain Home, Ark., directors. From the Ozark County Times, 15 Feb 2008: Funeral services for Elmer Buel Bartlett, 88, of Maysville, were held Thursday, Feb. 7 at Bram Funeral Home in Maysville. A graveside service was held Friday, Feb. 8 at Thornfield Cemetery. Mr. Bartlett died Feb. 5, 2008, at the Sunset Home in Maysville. He was born Oct. 29, 1919, in Ozark County, the son of Luther and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Shipley) Bartlett. He and his wife Gladys were married in May 1941 in Ava. He and his wife of 67 years spent most of their early married life in the Springfield area, moving to Kansas City in the early 1960s and to Maysville in 1970. They owned an upholstery business in Maysville. Mr. Bartlett was a self-taught fiddler and was known as “the smiling fiddler.” In his early years, he played in honky-tonks to help support his family. After moving to Maysville, he played weekends at various functions and won many fiddling contests. For eight years, he performed weekly at the Wagon Wheel in Pattonsburg. His performances were broadcast from the KMRN radio station in Cameron. Mr. Bartlett is survived by his wife, Gladys; one daughter, Audrey Willoughby of Kansas City; two sons, Gale Bartlett and Curtis Bartlett and his wife, Jackie, all of Kansas City; five grandchildren, Josh Willoughby, Brooke Jameson, Rachel Cauthon, Kristen Wright and Caroline Storey, all of Kansas City; four sisters, Gladys Keller of Davenport, Iowa, Leota McClary of West Plains, Edith Warrick of Branson and Maxine McMillan of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or DeKalb County Nutrition Center. Bram Funeral Home, Maysville, directors. Canyun Camaro Smith, infant son of Mark and Angie Smith, Bolivar, Mo., passed away February 14, 2008, at his home at one month of age. Among survivors are his parents, a sister, Shae, and a brother, Easton, all of the home; his paternal grandparents, C.A. and Peggy Smith of Collins, Mo.; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Brenda Price; and maternal great-grandparents, Roland and Mary Lean of Humansville, Mo. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 16, at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Bolivar. Burial will be in the Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery, rural Collins, under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. The family suggests contributions to the Canyun C. Smith Scholarship Fund in care of the Sheldon Funeral Home or the Smith's Restaurants in Bolivar or Collins, Mo. From the Ozark County Times, 8 Feb 2008: Linnie Elizabeth (Shaw) Evans, 91, died Jan. 21, 2008. She was born Sept. 24, 1916, in Pontiac, the daughter of David and Nancy (Mahan) Shaw. Mrs. Evans lived in Tulsa and worked for Douglas Aircraft and was a ‘Rosie the Riverter’ during World War II. In 1953, she moved to San Jose, Calif., and worked for JC Penney until she retired at 78. Mrs. Evans is survived by one son, Jack Evans of California; one daughter, Sue Robinson of San Martin, Calif.; five grandchildren, all of California; 12 great-grandchildren, all of California; and one great-great-grandchild, all of California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Bryon Evans. From the Ozark County Times, 8 Feb 2008: Funeral services for Leon Kelley, 73, of Tahlequah, Okla., were held Wednesday, Feb. 6 in Tahlequah, Okla. Burial was in Floral Haven Cemetery in Tulsa, Okla. Mr. Kelley died Feb. 1, 2008, in Tulsa, Okla. He was born Jan. 16, 1935, in Theodosia, to Luie and Etta Mae (Pellham) Kelley. Hart Funeral Home, Tahlequah, Okla., directors. From the Ozark County Times, 8 Feb 2008: Funeral services for Jerry DeVaul, 65, of Gulfport, Miss., formerly of West Plains, were held Thursday, Jan. 31 in the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial was in Sims Cemetery. Mr. DeVaul died Jan. 27, 2008, in Cannon Hospice in Gulport, Miss. He was born May 8, 1942, in Kansas City, the son of Richard E. and Beulah (Landers) DeVaul. He and Linda Cook were married Oct. 4, 1964. He and Joni Fallo were married Dec. 31, 1995, in Gulport, Miss. He was a truck driver with A-1 Trucking in Gulfport, Miss. Mr. DeVaul is survived by his wife, Joni; one daughter, Debbie Lee of West Plains; one step-daughter, Dene Mitzel and her husband, Fritz, of Biloxi, Miss.; one granddaughter, Jami Pitti and her husband, Matt, of West Plains; three step-children, Jonae, Cabel and Kolby, all of Biloxi, Miss.; one brother, Myron DeVaul; and many aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Roy and Louisa Landers. Memorials may be made to Akula Foundation or Sims Cemetery and can be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, directors. Melva (Swearengin) Hailey Melva Hailey, age 97, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2008, in Webco Manor in Marshfield, Mo. Melva was born in Christian County near Union Chapel, and has lived in Marshfield since 1938. In her younger days, Melva was an active volunteer in the Marshfield First Baptist Church, Webster County Democrat Women's Club, American Red Cross, Cub Scouts, Little League Baseball, PTA, and the Older American Center. For years she was Democrat Committee Woman for East Ozark Township and the Vice Chairman of the Webster County Democrat Central Committee. She was preceded in death by her husband J.H. "Hat" Hailey; parents, Henry and Sarrah Ellen (Bookout) Swearengin; brothers, Everett, Earl, and Arnold Swearengin; and sisters, Edna Clevenger, Bertha Pirtle, and Neva Cantrell. Melva is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Jim Bouldin of Pensacola, Fla.; son Joe Hailey of Marshfield, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law James and Pam Hailey of Springfield; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. A visitation will be held in Day Funeral Home in Marshfield on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 2 p.m., in the funeral home. Interment will be in Marshfield City Cemetery. From the Ozark County Times, 25 Jan 2008: Memorial services for Denise Darlene Young-Rulo, 38, of Theodosia, will be Friday,Jan. 25, at First Baptist Church in Gainesville with Mike Dillon officiating. Burial will be in Sims Cemetery in Gainesville. Ms. Young-Rulo died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, at her residence. She was born Aug. 11, 1969, in Coffeyville, Kan., the daughter of David and Alta Young. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1988 and spent her whole life in Ozark County. Ms. Young-Rulo is survived by her fiance, Lonnie “Pete” Rulo; two children, Randy Lee McCullough-Wages and Ayla Lynn McCullough; her mother, Alta Young of Gainesville; three sisters, Donna Young-Hall of Norfork, Ark., Dorene Wages of Caulfield and Debora Myers; three brothers, Douglas Young and Daniel Young, both of Tennessee, and David Young Jr. of Virginia; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, David Young Sr.; and one sister, Deanna Young. Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, directors. From the Ozark County Times, 25 Jan 2008: Funeral services for Faye I. Phillips Clark, 86, of Centertown, were held Monday, Jan. 14 at Weber Funeral Home Chapel in California, Mo., with Pastor Tom Mustain officiating. Burial was in Centertown Cemetery. Mrs. Clark died Jan. 11, 2008, at her home. She was born May 15, 1921, in Gainesville, the daughter of Arthur and Celeste (McGuinnes) Holmes. She and William E. Phillips were married Jan. 19, 1945, in Jefferson City. After his death, she married Victor Clark. She was a member of the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in California. She was a cook for several years at the Centertown school. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Clark is survived by two sons, Wayne Phillips and his wife, Janelle, of East Peoria, Ill., and Kevin Phillips of Centertown; one daughter, Janet Gilles and her husband, Jerry, of Mannford, Okla.; 25 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three brothers, Boyd Holmes and James Holmes, both of Gainesville, and Glen Holmes and his wife, Deloris, of Grandview; and two sisters, Reba Moreau and her husband, Junior, of Fulton and Madge Early of Eugene. She was preceded in death by both husbands, William Phillips and Victor Clark; her parents; one son, Delbert Phillips; two sisters, Wilma Jean Holmes and June Holmes; and one brother, Merle Holmes. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of America. Weber Funeral Home, California, directors. From the Ozark County Times, 25 Jan 2008: Funeral services for Pat Long, 69, of Springfield, formerly of Ozark County, were held Friday,Jan. 18, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with Doug Irwin officiating. Burial was in Hart Cemetery. Mrs. Long died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at her daughter’s residence in Springfield. She was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Riverside, Calif., the daughter of Bert and Barbara (Eslick) Stewart. She and Hurble Long were married Jan. 23, 1957, in Mountain Home, Ark. After her husband died in 2001, Mrs. Long moved from Ozark County to Springfield to live with her daughter, Shana. Mrs. Long is survived by three sons, Jim Long and his wife, Sissy, of Midway, Ark., David Long and Stephen Long and his wife, Wanda, all of Gainesville; one daughter, Shana Zahn and her husband, Eric, of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Jodi Price and her husband, Jeff, Joshua Long and his wife, Brandi, and Michelle Williams and her husband, Jess, all of Mountain Home, Ark., Stephen Port Long, Krista Miller and her husband, Ben, Karl Zahn and Kendra Zahn, all of Springfield, Juanita McClure and her husband, Rob of Gainesville and Mandy Zahn and her fiance, Zach Miller, of Fair Grove; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandy Schofield and her husband, Kermit, of Theodosia; and two brothers, Carl Stewart and his wife, Margaret, of Applegate, Ore., and Dale Stewart and his wife, Sharon, of Utah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hurble, in 2001; her parents; one brother, Paul Stewart; and one grandson, James Daniel Long. Pallbearers were Joshua Long, Jeff Price, Stephen Port Long, Rob McClure, Karl Zahn, Zach Miller and Ben Miller. Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, directors. From the Ozark County Times, 25 Jan 2008: Billy Wayne Call, 32, of Isabella, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, at Theodosia. Mr. Call was born Dec. 8, 1975, in Mountain Home, Ark., the son of Lawrence David Call and Virginia Dianne (Hogue) Sewell. He was a construction laborer. Mr. Call is survived by his mother, Virginia Sewell of Isabella; one daughter, Cassidy Ann Call of Branson; and one sister, Amy Miller of Isabella. He was preceded in death by his father. Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, directors. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Clifford L. Bilyeu, 70, Bolivar, died Thursday, May 3, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born July 20, 1930, in Republic to William Homer and Lillie Pearl Bangs Bilyeu. He was united in marriage to Gloria K. Williams on Sept. 10, 1951, and to this union four children were born. He served in the United States Navy for four years and was a member and pastor of Cardwell Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Gloria of the home; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Phillip K. Bilyeu of Strafford, and Mark L. and Carol Bilyeu of Republic; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia R. and Mark Anderson, and Natalee D. and Frank Smith, all of Springfield; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Betty L. Morgan of Richland, and Doris Lene and Charles Ramsey of Republic; a brother-in-law, Milburn Williams of the home; eight grandchildren, Johnny Copeland, Shawn Davis, Dusty Anderson, Cody Anderson, Dustin Smith, Jordan Booher, Travis Booher and Samantha Smith; two great-grandchildren, Shondra Davis and Clayton Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law. Services were Sunday, May 6, in Pitts Chapel with burial with military honors following in Rock Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Phillip K. Bilyeu, Mark L. Bilyeu, Mark Anderson, Frank Smith, Dusty Anderson, Cody Anderson, Jordan Booher and Travis Booher. Honorary pallbearers were his nephews and Milburn Williams. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Tamara Leann Cochran Tiana Lorena Cochran Karla Jeane Cochran, 30, Tamara Leann Cochran, 8, and Tiana Lorena Cochran, 8, Fordland, died Saturday, May 12, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at the intersection of Mo. 83 and Mo. 13 one mile south of Bolivar. Karla Cochran was born Feb. 22, 1971, in Kansas City, Kan. A former resident of Kansas City, Kan., she was a clerk at Underwood Texaco in Rogersville. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her mother, Jacqueline Cochran Rhodes, preceded her in death. She is survived by a daughter, Tara Lynn Cochran, Kansas City, Kan.; her father and stepmother, James and Karen Cochran, Kansas City, Kan.; one brother and his wife, Stephen and Tina Cochran, Kansas City, Kan.; one sister and her husband, Kellie and Jay Hildebrand, Fordland; two stepbrothers and their wives, Kenny and Becky Collins, Kansas City, Kan., and Kevin and Bianca Collins, Fort Drum, N.Y. Tiana and Tamara Cochran were born May 18, 1992, in Kansas City, Kan. They were third grade students at Rogersville Elementary School. In addition, Tiana and Tamara Cochran are also survived by their father, Michael Tod Hurtado, Kansas City, Kan.; their paternal grandparents, Tom and Judy Hurtado and Carolyn and Bob Barkley; their great-grandmother, Ofelita Richards; and two aunts, Tina Fields and Tammie Ybarra and her husband, Tony, all of Kansas City, Kan. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Bishop Dale Sergent officiating. Cremation will follow services. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19, in Dooley Bend Cemetery near Hermitage under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Floycie Sarah Louise Eidson Crain, age 91 years, 8 months and 9 days, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2001, in Springfield Health Care Center. She was born at the family home located in northeast Polk County, four miles from Goodson, on Aug. 30, 1909, to John and Ida Jump Eidson. On Dec. 22, 1935, she was united in marriage to Audie Crain, and to this union five children were born. Floycie was saved in a revival meeting helped by Sherman Bybee and later joined the Lindley Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by her five children, her dedicated caregiver daughter, Audra Crain of the home, Claudui and Jamie Erven of Goodson, Jerry and Diana Crain of Lebanon, Ben and LeAnne Crain of Springfield, and Paulene and Mike Midles of Flemington; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Michele and John Thiesfeld and their children, Lauren, Lindsey and Megan; Bob and Maria Midles and their children, Hannah, Hailey and Alex; Aaron and Teresa Erven and their children, Spencer and Tiara; Karla and John Spear and their children, Jake and Ashley; Gina and Ray Burroughs; Beth and Kirk Reynolds and their child, Brooke; Brian Crain and his fiancee, Robbi Hutson; Vance and Julie Crain; Amy and Jon Menges; nephews Willard, Wilbur, John and Wayne and nieces Ida, Mary, Erma Lee, Maxine and Marjie; a sister-in-law, Earlie Eidson of Bolivar; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Audie Crain; brothers Lloyd Eidson, Bert Eidson and Ray Eidson; a sister, Jewel Schooley; and a niece, Wanda Jean. Services were Saturday, May 12, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Doyle Mayfield and Bro. Doug Skinner officiating. Burial followed in Lindley Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons Bob Midles, Aaron Erven, Vance Crain, Brian Crain, John Thiesfeld, John Spear, Kirk Reynolds, Ray Burroughs and Jon Menges. Honorary pallbearers were her nephews Wayne Schooley and John Eidson. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: John William Dennis, 84, Pittsburg, died at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at the Christian Health Care West in Springfield after a lengthy illness. He was born Nov. 7, 1916, in Pittsburg, the son of John Price Dennis and Helma Louise Johnson. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker for many years and had served for two terms as the presiding judge in Hickory County. He was a member of the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church at Pittsburg. Surviving is one son, Gary L. Dennis of Springfield; a sister, Lillian Bell Jackson of Independence; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, May 11, in the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Keelsey officiating. Burial was in the Pittsburg Baptist Cemetery north of Pittsburg under the direction of Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Armand F. Desgagnes, 79, Bolivar, died at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2001, in Citizen's Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a short illness. He was born on Nov. 17, 1921, in Hatton, N.D., the son of Vincent and Alma Champeux, during childbirth his mother died and Armand was adopted and raised by his stepparents Herman and Anna Desgagnes. Armand spent his childhood in North Dakota, and shortly after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Armand spent time in the European Theater assigned to an infantry unit. He was wounded and sent home to the states. During his time in the Army he met and was united in marriage to Virginia Boyd, in Ventura, Calif., on Feb. 4, 1943, and to this union two children were born, Gary and Sherry. After the war he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and Northwest Airlines for a short period of time, but later moved to the milder climate of California in 1950, settling in Ojai and remaining there until his retirement. During his time in Ojai, he worked as a baker and with the Ojai School District for several years. He later took employment with the Ventura River Municipal Water District as a construction foreman, and ultimately finishing his career with the City of Ventura as a foreman for the Parks and Recreations Department. He retired in 1979 and moved to the Bolivar area to be near his wife's parents. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Desgagnes of Bolivar; one son, Gary Desgagnes of Camarillo, Calif.; one daughter, Sherry Dusinski of Parker, Colo.; a half-sister, Adeline Erickson of the state of Minnesota; three grandchildren, David, Derek and Arin; and three great grandchildren, Devin, Anthony and Zachery. Services for Mr. Desgagnes were Tuesday, May 29, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial was in Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Bolivar. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, C/O Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Herbert Hadley Dixon of Bolivar was born Nov. 25, 1908, in Eudora, the second child of Lloyd and Jerema Sell Dixon, and enjoyed living his entire life in Polk County. He passed away on Wednesday May 30, 2001, at 12:10 p.m. in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility, Bolivar, at the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 5 days. Hadley graduated from Scaritt-Morrisville Academy in 1925 and Marion C. Early High School in 1927. He attended Drury College in Springfield during the 1927-1928 school term. His grandson, Jack, would graduate from Drury 60 years later. Hadley was united in marriage to Esther M. Alexander on Feb. 12, 1929, and to this union two sons were born, Jackie Alex and John Lloyd. Hadley owned and operated a milk route for nine years serving the Aldrich, Karlin, Pleasant Hope and Morrisville communities. He also drove a school bus for a few years. Together, Esther and Hadley owned and operated a dairy and then stock farm in the Morrisville community for 38 years. Hadley served as Polk County Assessor from 1958 until his retirement in 1973. He was president of the State Assessor's Association during part of his public tenure. In 1960 and 1961 Hadley was chairman of the Missouri State Legislative Committee in Jefferson City. Over his long lifetime, Hadley enjoyed quail hunting, fishing, interacting with nature, and playing cards and checkers. He was the Polk County Checker champion and district runner-up in the early 1950s. Hadley accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, and at the time of his death was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Esther M. Dixon. Hadley is survived by his two sons, Jack Dixon of Rogersville and John Dixon of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Jack Dixon II, Sherry Jorgensen, Gail Upp, Cindy Thomas, Chris Lill, and Sharon Davis all of Springfield, David and Mike Dixon of Bolivar and Jerri Whitecar of Seaside, Calif.; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, June 1, 2001, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. Music was provided by Arvil and Carol Krueger. Burial was in the Hickory Grove Cemetery south of Morrisville. Casketbearers were Mike Dixon, Jack Dixon II, David Dixon, Chris Upp, Jay Upp, Jeromy Thomas and Todd Elder. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Grove Cemetery in care of Butler Funeral Home, PO Box 11, Bolivar MO 65613. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Madelyn Rachelle Duby, age four months, died at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2001, in her home. She was born Jan. 7, 2001, in Springfield, the daughter of Shawna Duby. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a sister, Katelyn Marie Duby; her maternal grandmother, Shirley Jones and Jerel Brittain of Hollister; her maternal grandfather, Michael Duby and his wife, Kay, Hastings, Okla.; two aunts, Mieka Duby of Hastings, Okla., and Shelly Bassham and her husband, Jay, of Pleasant Hope; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Morrisville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert McGinnis officiating. Burial will follow in Morrisville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ayre-Goodwin-Lee Funeral Home at Rivermonte, Springfield. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: William H. Evans, 71, Springfield, formerly of Hermitage, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at Manor Care, Springfield. He was a retired insurance broker. He had lived at Kansas City and Hermitage several years prior to moving to Springfield four and a half years ago. He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Springfield and a former member of the Pomme de Terre Golf Club. He was born April 19, 1930, at Little Rock, Ark., the son of Edward Sidney and Marguerite Linziner Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Stephen E. Evans. Survivors include his wife, Roberta "Bobbie" Evans of Springfield; one grandson, Brent A. Evans of Warrensburg; and one sister, Georgia A. Klein of Port Huron, Mich. Services were Saturday, May 5, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with Pastor William Marler officiating. Burial was in Dooly Bend Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Richard Lee Fillman, 58, Wheatland, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, in his home, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Monmouth, Ill., on March 18, 1943, to Lawrence Paul and Esther Marie Fillman. He was a manager for a lumber company and baptized member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth, Ill. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; his father, Lawrence Fillman of Illinois; his mother, Esther Hays of Illinois; two daughters of Illinois; and two brothers of Illinois. Also surviving are two stepsons; four stepgrandchildren, Tyler Steele, Amber Steele, Britney Steele and Bailey Waddell; and many special friends. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel in Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Edith Lucille Graves, 84, Half Way, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, in Citizens memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born in Polk County on Nov. 24, 1916, to Archie Julen and Addie Golden Waggoner Childress. On April 28, 1935, she was united in marriage to Loren Silas Graves and to this union two children were born. She was a homemaker and a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Jerrell Graves of the home; a brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Carolyn Childress of Springfield; a sister, Velma Tummons of Elsworth, Kan.; three stepsisters, Thelma Graves of Flemington, Helen Shanahan of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Sylvia Wilson of Half Way; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bro. Loren S. Graves; an infant daughter, Zelda Graves; three brothers, Arthur Childress, Ralph Childress and Richard Childress; three sisters, Crystall Bell Childress, Fern Childress and Geneva Childress; a stepmother, Macy Fulk; and a stepbrother Cecil Fulk. Services will be Thursday, May 24, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Red Ankrom officiating. Burial will follow in New Bethel Cemetery. Music will be provided by the Providence and Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church choirs with mary Childress as accompanist. Pallbearers will be Randy Childress, Doug Childress, Glenn Childress, Kenneth Childress, Bob Tummons and Terry Childress. Honorary pallbearers will be Clifford Childress, Donald Lee Tummons, Sam Tummons and Greg Childress. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: William Ronald "Ron" Griffin, age 52, Bolivar, passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2001, at 3:30 p.m. in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a short illness. He was born on Dec. 4, 1948, in Springfield, the son of Billy Harding and Daisy Marie Akins Griffin. Ron worked as a carpenter and was in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam Era. Ron spent many happy hours drinking coffee with his friends at Hannahs Store. He loved to fish, tinker with cars and trucks and took great pains with his carpentry. Ron was a hard worker at any job he did. Ron took great joy in his family. He was always quiet, kind and loving, and he always put others first. He was a wonderful husband, loyal and patient son, loving father, grandfather, brother, and helpful friend. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Griffin of Fair Play; one son, Bryan Griffin of Fair Play; one daughter, Bethany McGuire of Overland Park, Kan.; his mother, Daisy Marie Griffin of Bolivar; one brother, Terry Griffin of Fair play; his mother-in-law, Marie Brakebill of Bolivar; and one grandson, Luke McGuire of Overland Park, Kan. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) May 30, 2001, in Butler Chapel with Bro. Jack G. Brakebill and Bro. Harlan L. Graham officiating. Burial will be in New Bethel Cemetery. Casketbearers are Donald Sterling, Jeff Shover, Terry Vines, Rodney Fleeman, James Robert Fleeman and Jerry Sukovaty. Honorary Casketbearers are Dusty Garzee, Joe Freeze, Ron Drake, Lonnie Dorth, Kyle Fleeman, Jack McGuire and Clyde Gibson. Services are under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Frank D. Grisham, 64, Pleasant Hope, died at 2:39 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2001, in Springfield. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He had worked for Dayco for 10 years. He loved auctions. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Tessie Grisham, and two brothers, Milford and Willard. Survivors include his wife, Patty; two children and their spouses, Allen and Amy Grisham of Springfield, and Glenda and Phil Hamilton of Kenosha, Wis.; a stepson and his wife, Larry and Connie Robertson of Fair Grove; six grandchildren, Kayla and Calley Roberston, Justin and Kevin Grisham, and Gregory and Jordan Hamilton; and many friends. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 8, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Ruby Louise Hyder, 81, Fair Grove, died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2001, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born June 12, 1919, at Coldwater, Kan. The first born of Robert and Calla Guyer Keesee. She was the retired manager of the Fair Grove High School Cafeteria. During her life she had been a member of the Fair Grove United Methodist Church and the Marshfield Eastern Star, a homemaker and a professional seamstress and quilt maker. She married Joseph Lorenza Hyder Jr. on Nov. 27, 1937. He preceded her in death April 15, 1988. She is survived by one son, Donald D. Hyder and his wife, Nancy, of Bolivar; one daughter, Polly Ann Williamson and her husband, Jim, of Springfield; three granddaughters, Dawn Shive and her husband, Allen, of Mt. Hope, Kan., Mary Ellis and her husband, Doug Terry, of Fair Grove, and Sheila Swihart and her husband, Kurt, of Bolivar; a grandson, Jody Wilson and his wife, Lisa of Springfield; six great-grandchildren, Ruby Grace Shive, Sydnee Ruth Shive, Joey Wilson, Rachel Swihart, Ashley Swihart and Seth Swihart; two sisters Opal Hoffman and Dorothy Kyser, both of Wichita, Kan.; and 19 nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Services were Saturday at the Fair Grove United Methodist Church. Burial followed at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetary, Fair Grove. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Gilbert O. Warnick Jr., 40, Half Way, died Saturday, May 5, 2001, in Springfield as the result of a homicide. He is survived by three sisters, Enid Taylor of Arcadia, Kan., Debra Tennon of Kansas City and Julie Warnick of Half Way; and one brother, Robert Keener of Livingston, Texas. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Mulberry, Kan., and had served in the U.S. Army. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Burial will be at a later date in Springfield Veterans' Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Ella Lona McShane, 97, Humansville, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, in Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The daughter of Alonzo and Laura Wilson Kearney, she was born Sept. 5, 1903, at Collins. She married Neil McShane Sept. 15, 1923. He preceded her in death Sept. 21, 1982. She was preceded in death by a son, Wendell McShane; a great-grandson, Brian Eppinger; three sisters, Elsie Simrell and two who died in infancy; and four brothers, Vora Kearney, Fred Kearney, Dewey Kearney and Wilson Kearney. A homemaker, she and her husband lived on a farm south of Flemington. She was a long-time member of the Flemington United Methodist Church, later joining the Humansville United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Jim Peters, Indian Wells, Calif.; five grandchildren and their spouses, Sandra and Ed Eppinger, Patsy and Mike Sprowls, Wendy and Billy Garver, Kenny and Deb McShane and Kathy Hill; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Dan Good officiating. Music will be by Jon Neill accompanied by Arlene Lear. Pallbearers will be Troy McShane, Tyler McShane, Jeff Sprowls, Tyler Lear, Barry McCoy, Nathan Garver and Cody Garver. Interment will be in Flemington Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Visitation will be today (Wednesday) from 7 to 8 p.m. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Glen Dwight Lee Orrell, 57, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City after a lengthy illness. He was born February 23, 1944, to William Lee and Amanda Elizabeth Robertson Orrell. Dwight served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1963. He then went to Kansas City where he worked as a drywall finisher for over 30 years. He was a member of Howard S. Keeling American Legion Post. His parents and three brothers, Lloyd Junior Orrell, Delmer Gene Orrell and William Ralph Orrell, preceded him in death. Survivors include a son, John Allen, Hemet, Calif.; two daughters, Monica Gail, state of Arizona, and Yvonna Faye, state of Arkansas; two brothers, Kenneth Dean Orrell, Bolivar, and Charles Arthur Orrell, Collins; four sisters, Ruth Rowan, Springfield, Vonda Truelove, Holland, Texas, Norma Smith, Van Buren, and Velma Gilmore, Half Way; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services were Saturday, May 5, at New Bethel Cemetery, south of Half Way, with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Amvets Post No. 114 Honor Guard conducted military rites. Services were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Patricia Mae Petersen, 76, Humansville, died at 10:10 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2001, in her home. The daughter of Walter and Charlotte Lasater Babbitt, she was born at St. Louis May 1, 1925. She married Wallace D. Petersen Sept. 24, 1948, in Kansas City. A homemaker, she had lived in Humansville since 1978, previously living in Colorado for 15 years. Survivors include her husband, Wallace of the home; three daughters, Patricia A. Hudgens and Nancy L. Webster, both of Humansville, and Lynn M. Fisher, Denver, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. No services are planned. Her remains will be scattered in Colorado at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Phillip E. "Phil" Pursley, Bolivar passed away on Friday, May 18, 2001, at 6:35 a.m. in his home after a short illness, at the age of 80 years, 7 months and 20 days. Phil was born Sept. 28, 1920, in Bolivar the son of Harry H. and Vera Johnson Pursley. He was united in marriage to Marie Davidson in March of 1942 and to this union three daughters were born; Phyllis, Dixie and Freddie. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Bolivar, where he attended until the time of his illness. Phil served his country in World War II, being stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. He was Honorably Discharged from service in 1943. He had worked as an electrician for more than 50 years. Phil was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great papa. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Marie Pursley, three daughters and their husbands; Phyllis and David Davis, and Dixie and Danny Hitchcock, of Bolivar, and Freddie and Larry Moore of Polk. Also a sister, Avonell Strader of Springfield, and a brother, Lano Pursley and his wife Pauline of Walnut Grove. Nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law and her husband, Vinnie and Bud Bridges. Funeral services were Sunday, May 20, 2001, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Finis R. Roberts and Pastor Mark Summers officiating. Music was provided by the Parsons Sisters, with Donna Cole as the pianist. Phil's request for musical selections were: "The Everlasting Arms," "The Last Mile Of The Way" and "In The Garden." Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Gary Parsons officiating. Full Military Honors were conducted by the Galmey V.F.W. Post No. 9638. Casketbearers were Frank Kepes, L. D. Silvey, Jerry Carson, Robert Breshears, Dudley Huckaby and Jerald Hofstetter. Honorary Casketbearers were Lavern Moore, Allen Capehart, Danny Breshears, Rusty Lashinske and Gerald Wistance. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Joe B. Richards, 70, Kansas City, Kan., died Friday, May 11, 2001, at his home. He was born in Sentinel and had lived in kansas City, Kan., for the past 48 years, moving from Bolivar. He was a self-employed barber in the Kansas City stockyards for 44 years after graduating from barber college in California. He was a corporal in the Marine Corps serving in the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion and the Last Man's Club. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Richards, in 1998 and his father Joe Richards, in 1930. He is survived by his wife, Sue of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, John Joseph and Karen of Linwood, Kan.; a daughter and son-in-law, JoBeth and Steve Roper of Kansas City, Kan.; a sister, Mari Frances Andrews of Ojai, Calif.; an aunt, Alice Hicks of Bolivar; his brothers and sisters-in-law; six granddaughters and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Services were Wednesday, May 16, at the Highland Park Funeral Home with burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Camerino Rivera Crescencio Rivera, 23, and Camerino Rivera, 21, both of Kansas City, Kan., died Saturday, May 12, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident one mile south of Bolivar at the intersection of Mo. 83 and Mo. 13. The sons of Crescencio Rivera Montero and Modesta Suriano Mauricio, they were born in Acayucan, Vera Cruz, Mexico. Crescencio was a printing company machine operator and Camerino was a farm laborer. They were Roman Catholic. Survivors include their parents, Crescencio Rivera and Modesta Suriano, Acayucan, Vera Cruz, Mexico; two brothers, Beato Rivera and Fabian Rivera, both of Kansas City, Kan.; and one sister, Ana Luz Rivera, Acayucan, Vera Cruz Mexico. Services and burial will be in Acayucan, Vera Cruz, Mexico. Local arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: James F. Rogers, 55, Pleasant Hope, died at 8:10 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2001, at his home. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corp. Graveside services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Lena Scott, 53, Flemington, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was a homemaker and had moved to the Flemington area in 1983. Survivors include her husband of 25 years, John E. Scott of the home; two sons, John Scott Jr. of Ozark and Christopher Scott of the home; a daughter, Reva Spencer of Osceola; a sister, Mona Harrison of Carl's Junction; and three grandchildren. Services were Saturday, May 26, 2001, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Larry Sherman officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, north of Elkton. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Venna Lavon Seamster, age 67 of Polk, died at Noon, Sunday, May 6, 2001, at Citizen's Memorial Hospital in Bolivar after a sudden illness. She was born in Jamesport to Robert D. Barnes and Jewell Simpson Barnes on April 15, 1934. She lived most of her childhood in Polk. She was saved and baptized into Sentinal Missionary Baptist Church at a young age where she remained a member. She was united in marriage to Alvie K. Seamster on Nov. 11, 1950, and they spent most of their lives together in Wichita, Kan., where Venna made a career as a merchandiser and Alvie as a carpenter. They returned to Polk in 1998. Surviving is her husband, Alvie K. Seamster of the home; a daughter, Sandra Schmidt and her husband, Mick, of Rogersville; and two sons, Alan Seamster and his wife, Karla, of Yates Center, Kan., and Leslie Seamster of Polk; two brothers, Grimes Barnes of Polk, and Ronald Barnes of Aiken, S.C.; her eight grandchildren, James Seamster of Oklahoma, Jeremy Dale Seamster, Tracy Anderson, Sheri Resser, and Shane Skelley all of Wichita, Kan., Samatha Seamster of Yates Center, Kan., and Stasha Schmidt and Angela Schmidt of Rogersville; and five great-grandchildren, Cody Resser, Jacob Seamster, Christian Seamster, Keisha Anderson and Angela Anderson, all of Wichita, Kan. Venna was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Darrel Barnes; and a grandson, Chad Seamster. Venna knew no stranger. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to all. She had many young people who also called her grandma. She loved and accepted each of them as if they truly were her grandchildren. She loved the new house Alvie so lovingly built for them. Her family was very special to her. She had a precious gift of knowing just the right things to do and say that made each family member feel the love she had for each of them. Venna loved working outside with her flowers, watching the birds, and also spent many hours crocheting or embrodering gifts for others. She will be missed tremendousley by all who knew her, but knowing she is with the Lord and reunited with her parents, brings some comfort to her loved ones. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot officiating. Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace," "Precious Memories," and "I'll Fly Away." Burial will be in the Payne Cemetery north of Polk. Casketbearers will be James Seamster, Jeremy Seamster, Shane Skelley, Dave Anderson, Leroy Seamster, Randy Barnes, Gary Seamster and Bobby Monier. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Glenn Eldon Sell was born may 12, 1935, in Claremore, Okla., the son of Oscar Eldon and Elsie Inez Blackwell Sell. He grew up and attended school in Piper, Kan., where he excelled in basketball, football and track. He graduated from high school in 1954. Glenn served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. After his honorable discharge, he traveled around. He made his home in Kansas City during the 1950s and '60s where he founded Edcore Safety and served in the Kansas City Police and Fire Department. From Kansas City, he moved to Detroit where he worked in sales. He moved to Bellville, Texas, in 1976 and had made his home in Sealy, Texas, since the early 1980s where he owned and operated Town and County Real Estate until his death. He enjoyed coin collecting and computers. Although he enjoyed rodeoing and saddle bronc riding, Glenn used to say, "There's got to be a better way to make a living than this." He passed away suddenly Saturday, May 26, 2001, in Houston, having celebrated his 66th birthday. He is survived by his aunt Elva Blackwell of Bolivar; nieces and nephews, Mildred Frances Sell of Kansas City, Rebecca Martens of Chicago, Ill., Carolyn Sell Zinn of Elkland, David A. Sell of Peculiar, John F. Sell of Poteau, Okla., Donald Wayne Sell II of Kearney, jeffrey F. Sell of Lancaster, Kan., Tracy Keeling of Overland, Kan., Tammy Sell of Cummins, Kan., Deborah Sell Kordes of Osage, Okla., and Sissy Bass of Bellville, Texas; great-niece, Shawn M. Hunt of Springfield; and numerous other great-nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one nephew. Funeral services for Glenn E. Sell were held Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Bellville, Texas, with the Rev. Tom Knight officiating. Graveside funeral services were Saturday, June 2, in the Flemington Cemetery in Flemington under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial gifts to the Glenn Sell Memorial Fund may be made in care of The National Bank of Bellville, 100 E. Main, Bellville TX 77418. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Arlington Ernest "Arlie" Sherrard, Bolivar, was born on Feb. 24, 1922, in Lohrville, Iowa, the son of Robert Marshall and Blanche McCready Sherrard. He passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2001, at 10:08 p.m. in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a brief illness, at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 7 days. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Arlie spent his working career in Federal Aviation, most of it at LaCrosse, Wis. He had enjoyed retirement for about 20 years. Arlie was happiest out in his shop working on small motors. Once in a while he would take time out to go fishing, but he couldn't wait to get home and work on those motors. Arlie had a couple of hobbies that he really enjoyed and they were weather watching and trap shooting. On July 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Avis and they had two lovely children (twins), Connie and Ronnie. They met because his mother had Avis picked out for him before he got out of the service, so when he came home, she introduced him to a special girl, and mom did a good job. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Lavern and Claude West, and his brother, Robert Sherrard. He is survived by his wife, Avis Sherrard; one son, Ronald Lee Sherrard; one daughter, Constance Lynn; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Eskee of Buffalo, Dolores Heizelman of Columbia and Dorothy Sherrard of Northwood, Iowa; a brother-in-law and his wife, Roger E. and Clarice Miller of Bellevue, Neb.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, June 3, 2001 in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. Burial will be today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m. in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, Iowa. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Gerald "Jerry" David Smith of Dunnegan, formerly of Lockwood, eparted this life on Monday, May 21, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Gerald was born on Aug. 28, 1921, in Golden City to Herbert and Maude Greely Smith. He was married to Billie Georgia Kelly on May 4, 1941, in Greenfield. Billie preceded Gerald in death on Aug. 30, 2000. Mr. Smith served his country in the Navy in World War II. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 61 and had received his 50 years Gold card. He had been a dstrict chairman. Preceding him in death are his father and mother; his wife, Billie Smith; five brothers, Loren, Max, Al, Bob, and Milton "Mip" Smith; and one sister, Denzel. Survivors include one daughter, Becky Sue Smith of Dunnegan; one sister, Clarice Selvey of Webb City; a host of nieces and nephews and other family. He will be greatly missed by all. Services were Thursday, May 24, in Lockwood Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Danny Decker officiating, with military rites by Lockwood American Legion Post No. 372. Burial followed in Lockwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Dennis Edward Spear, was born February 10, 1924, in his family's home near Louisburg, MO. He was the son of Joe and Nora (Harris) Spear. He departed this life at 5:55 AM, Friday, May 4, 2001 at the age of 77 years, 2 months, and 24 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy, his five children; Denise Jessen and her husband Don, Neosho, MO; Diane Clark and her husband Norm, Alamosa, CO; Donna Gaynor and her husband Gaylord, Pleasant Hope, MO; Doyle Spear and his wife Ronda, Halfway, MO; and Denelle Spear, Halfway, MO. Eight Grandchildren, Jeff Jessen, Christine Regan, and her husband Tony, Sarah Rovenstine and her husband Chuck, Holly Jessen, Steven Gaynor, Melinda Jones and her husband Casey, Michael Spear and Morgan Spear. Also three great grandchildren, Justin and Jarrett Rovenstine, and Cassidy Opal Regan. Other survivors include his two brothers, Marion and Joe, and two sisters, Merlee Parker and Wanda Fastle, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Dennis graduated from Emma D. High School at Goodson, and later joined the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific. Dennis was saved at Lindley Creek Church when he was a boy between the age of 12 and 13. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was ordained by Lindley Creek in 1957 and pastored churches in Polk, Dallas, Jasper and Hickory counties for over 40 years. He held numerous revivals and drove many, many miles preaching the gospel and serving God. Dennis and Dorothy were married September 21, 1947, at their home near Louisburg. They made their home there until 1956 when they moved north of Halfway, where he resided until his death. Dennis loved farming and always worked hard at whatever he did, whether it was farming or serving God. He was always willing to help a neighbor or anyone else in need, and he made friends everywhere he went. He loved his family very much, and truly enjoyed the time they spent together. He will be sadly missed and often remembered by his family and friends. Funeral services for Dennis E. Spear were held on Sunday, May 6, 2001 at 2:00 PM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Doyle Mayfield and Bro. Joe Sprague officiating. Musical soloist was David Barham, with Janice Barham as the Pianist. Gene Agee was the Songleader. Burial was in the Ragsdale Cemetery northeast of Halfway under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers were: Jeff Jessen, Tony Regan, Chuck Rovenstine, Steven Gaynor, Casey Jones, and Michael Spear. Memorial contributions may be give to the American Cancer Society or the Community Hospices of America-Southwest Missouri. Donations may be sent to Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11-Bolivar, MO 65613 From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Tessley "Red" D. Swearengin, 57, Collins, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. He was an automobile mechanic, working several years for Bill Roberts Chevrolet in Bolivar, and was a long-time area resident of Collins. He was born Nov. 18, 1943, at Theodosia, the son of Roy L. and Alaska Herd Swearengin. Survivors include two sons, Keeton Swearengin of Wheatland and Billy Swearengin of Collins; three daughters, Karmin Giroua of Wichita, Kan., Chris Swearengin of Cross Timbers and Kelle Huntsman of Wheatland; his parents, Roy and Alaska Swearengin of Collins; two brothers, Lesley Swearengin of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and Darrell Swearengin of Stockton; two sisters, Wanda Cassell and Thelma Underwood of Stockton; and eight grandchildren. Services were Saturday, May 19, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Kent Parson officiating. Burial was in Holsapple-Freeman Cemetery in Collins. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Amanda Marie Walden, 88 of Bolivar died on at 5 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Facility in Bolivar after a short illness. She was born on Sept. 16, 1912, in Dallas County, the daughter of Walter David and Rebecca Jane Gann Wilkerson. In 1956 she was united in marriage to Price Baker Walden, and had been a Polk County resident for the past 44 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. Marie is survived by her husband of 44 years, Price Baker Walden; two daughters, Doris and her husband, William L. Hooper, of Bolivar and Helen Marie Gill of Ozark; one brother, Fred Otis Wilkerson of Springfield; three sisters, Violetta Craig of Springfield, Edna Ewing of Roaoke, Va., and Hazel Broad of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Services were Tuesday, May 29, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. William L. Hooper officiating and a reading by Donna Nelson. Music will be provided by George and Susan Baker. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Springfield. Casketbearers were Bill Hooper Jr., Rick Hughlett, Steve Hughlett, Kelly Wester, Mark Duree and Gene Nelson. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Donald Clay Whitlock, 53, Pleasant Hope, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2001, in his home after an extended battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 2, 1948, in Springfield to Scotty Clay and Mildred Elene Freeman Whitlock. Both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Laurie Marie Albright on Feb. 6, 1971, and to this union two sons were born, Justin Clay and Jim Ellis. Don grew up on his family's farm and was active in FFA. After graduating from Pleasant Hope High School in 1966, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a rural mail carrier for the Pleasant Hope Post Office on Feb. 2, 2001, after 22 years of service. He was a member of the Methodist Church and served his community as a school board member, member of the rural fire department board and city council. He earned his private pilot's license in 1983 and enjoyed flying, building and restoring airplanes. He also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing and playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; two sons, Justin and hsi wife, D'Nette, of Amarillo, Texas, and Jim of Springfield; two grandsons, Austin and Coltin; three brothers, Dave and his wife, Janet, and Darrell, all of Pleasant Hope, and Dale and his wife, Sheila, of Amarillo, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services were Friday, May 11, in Klingner Mortuary Chapel, Springfield, with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. Keith Lee officiating. Burial was in Mount Comfort Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wes Campbell, Bob Harralson, Mickey Hillenburg, DonKimble, Larry Skidmore and Mike Stokes. "In the Garden," "Amazing Grace," "It is Well With My Soul" and "Open My Eyes" were sung by Theresa Hillenbuug and Connie Robertson with Gail Devore as pianist. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Southwest Missouri. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: William P. "Pete" Wright went to meet the Lord on Friday, May 18, 2001. He walked on this earth for 90 years. He was a former teamster construction worker in Kansas City and retired to Bolivar in 1973 with his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruby L. Wright of the home; six children, Joyce Wright, Diane Floyd of Bolivar, Linda Browning of El Dorado Springs, Buddy Wright of Grandview, Gregory Wright of Bolivar and Jana Wright of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Brenda Spruance and Kenny Floyd, both of Springfield, Shane Floyd of Bolivar, Debbie Peres of Overland Park, Kan., Sharri Hacker of Independence, and Amber Clark and Tracy Wright, both of Grandview; four great-grandchildren, Dylan Spruance and Brady Spruance, both of Springfield, and Melinda Hacker and Jessica Hacker, both of Independence. In honoring Mr. Wright's request, his body has been cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery. The family requests that anyone reading this take a moment to tell someone you love them and are grateful for their presence in your life. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 2001: Jackie Howard Wrinkle, 65, Rolla, died Wednesday, May 9, 2001, at his home after a lingering illness. He was born in Bolivar on Feb. 13, 1936, to Willard Thomas and Augusta Alberta Ammerman Wrinkle who preceded him in death. He attended Bolivar public schools until 1953 when his family moved to California. After completing his high school education, he joined the U.S. Navy and retired after 20 years as a Chief Naval Officer. After retiring, he served as a Naval Recruiter in the Rolla and Springfield area for some time. Survivors include his wife, Jean of the home; one son, Richard of Redding, Calif.; two daughters, Sandra Kurts or Eureka and Tracy Beavers of Dow, Ill.; one stepdaughter, Shanna Deardorf; two stepsons, Darin and Tom Deardorf; five grandsons, three granddaughters and one stepgranddaughter; one aunt, Eunice Payne of Springfield; two brothers, Baryl Gene Wrinkle of Stockton and Willard Thomas Wrinkle of Redding, Calif.; and four sisters, Dixie Loui Payne of Goodson, Shirley Ann Church and Sharron Kay Bradley of Shasta Lake City, Calif., and Norma Lee Culbertson of Weed, Calif. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were held in Kordes Funeral Home in Rolla on Friday, May 11, with burial in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with full military honors. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Luella Anderson, 86, Bolivar, died Monday, March 5, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was born March 15, 1914, to Frank and Golden Beason Reynolds near Bolivar. She was a graduate of Bolivar High School. She was united in marriage to Marvin R. Anderson. She had been a homemaker and a medical secretary as well as a member of the Woodlawn Willing Workers Club and Barren Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She is survived by a sister, Anna Carson of Bolivar; a brother-in-law, Aubrey Anderson of the state of Missouri and two sisters-in-law, Mildred Schlap and Margaret Gregory, both of St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Marvin, in April 1995. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Virgil Kearney officiating. Muisc will be provided by Dr. David Hacker. Burial will follow in Barren Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time this afternoon in the funeral home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Bertha Bays, 50, Half Way, died early Thursday morning, March 8, 2001, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield after a brief battle with cancer. Bertha was born and raised in Polk County on her father's farm. On April 4, 1968, she was united in marriage to Clarence Larry Bays, and to this union five children were born; Leonard Clarence, Larry Dale, Matthew Jacob, Mark Lee and Timothy John Bays. Bertha was saved in 1972 at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in a revival meeting. She then joined and was baptized into the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church on April 23, 1972, where she remained a faithful member until her death. Bertha worked at Southwest Baptist University for 18 years, and upon leaving the University she joined the local Wal-Mart team in November of 1992. She continued working at Wal-Mart until her death. Bertha enjoyed practicing her quilting skills which she had learned from her mother before her death. Bertha enjoyed walking with her friends and coworkers at Southwest Baptist University. You could catch her walking everyday with someone on campus. She participated in the MS walk, as well as the Cancer walk each year. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and all other family members and friends. She was a very loving mother. Bertha had many friends that she made during her years at the university and Wal-Mart. She enjoyed spending time with them and helping them in any way that she could. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lorene Mincks; two infant sons, Larry Dale and Mark Lee Bays; two brothers, Earl and Gene Mincks; and both sets of grandparents. Bertha is survived by three sons and their wives, Leonard and Megan Bays of Half Way, Matthew and Donna Bays of Fair Play and Timothy and Bonnie Bays of Pleasant Hope, and their father, Clarence Larry Bays; five grandsons, Dylan, Andrew, Adam, and Austin Bays and Bailey Jacobs; her father, Leonard Mincks; four brothers and their wives, Garley and Edna Mincks of Shallotte, N.C., Lloyd and Ginger Mincks of Pleasant Hope, Jeff and Angel Mincks of Bolivar and Scott Mincks of Bolivar; five sisters and their husbands, Joyce and Bill Ingram of Bolivar, Charlot Thompson of Springfield, Lenna and Charles Wilson of Half Way, Lena and Charles Pierpont of Ellsworth, Maine, and Linda and Billy Tosh of Muleshoe, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Bertha enjoyed every precious day of her life. Services were Sunday, March 11, at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot, Bro. Donald Bybee and Bro. Mike McCurry officiating. Music was provided by the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church Choir, with Linda Jarman as pianist and Lucinda Crouch as soloist. Casketbearers were Earl Mincks Jr., Todd Hamilton, Lloyd Mincks, Jeff Mincks, Scott Mincks, Bill Ingram and Charlie Wilson. Burial was in the Payne Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Morris Blanton, 74, Bolivar, died Friday, March 23, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. He was born Dec. 4, 1926, in Hickory County. He was united in marriage to Wilma L. Harris on July 2, 1945. He was a self-employed hay and wood deliverer. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, a daughter, Christina Blanton, and a brother, Albert Blanton. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of the home; five sons, Morris Blanton Jr. of Oak Grove, Robert Blanton and Bobby Blanton, both of Springfield, and James Blanton and Ronald Blanton, both of Bolivar; a daughter, Ruby Clark of Strafford; a half brother, Bill Blanton of Independence; and 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, March 25, in Pitts Chapel. Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery, Polk, with Bro. Leon Meadows officiating. Pallbearers were Glenn Lemmon, Lyle Barber, Bill Ethridge, Curtis Lockhart, Rick Lemmon and Gary Lockhart. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Dalton J. "Tony" Brown, 84, Walnut Grove, died at 11:19 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South following a short illness. He was born near Walnut Grove and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a retired farmer and stockman and was active with the National Farmers Organization, Greene County Farmers Association, Greene County Planning and Zoning Board and Greene County Soil and Water Distribution. He graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1935 and from the Springfield College of Commerce. He was a longtime member of the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. He was a 50-year member of the O'Sullivan No. 7 Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M. of Walnut Grove, the Walnut Grove Chapter No. 72 of Order of the Eastern Star and a longtime member of the Billie McMehen V.F.W. Post No. 5333. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army for 39 months and receiving five Bronze Stars. He was active in Democratic party politics, being a member of the Greene County Democratic Committee and former Committeeman of Walnut Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mattie Bridges Brown; four sisters, Marina Rummel Steeley, Minnie Murray, Nora Brown and an infant sister; and five brothers, Ralph, Willard, Dillard "Scotty," John Howard and Leonard E. Brown. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Edna E. Brown of Springfield; two nieces, Kay Ann Sherill and Ann Glenn; three nephews, John Rummel, James Murray and Kevin Brown; and several great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, with military honors under the auspices of the Missouri Military Honors "Bravo" Team of Springfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. The body will lie in state in the family home this morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Bonnah Avis Burton, 86, Pleasant Hope, died at 10:10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2001, in Greene Haven Nursing Home. Graveside services were Tuesday, March 6, in Reed Cemetery, Half Way. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Allona Fae Case, 60, Collins, died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Arcadia, Neb., the daughter of Charles Orville and Fern Holmes Gregg. A resident of Collins since 1983, she was a homemaker and member of the Humansville Congregation of Jehovah's Witness. Her parents, two brothers, Charles Gregg and David Gregg, and a sister, Audrey Bodenhamer, preceded her in death. Survivors include her childern, Margo Richards, Myron Case, Loren Case and Jesse Case, all of Collins; 10 grandchildren, Janet Case, Amanda Caudill, Jessica Case, Ryan Boyles, Mercedes Richards, Justin Richards, Brittany Beaushaw, Brianna Beaushaw, Christopher Case and Brandon Smith; three brothers, Thomas Gregg, North Loup, Neb., and Frank Gregg and James A. Gregg, both of Collins; six sisters, Colleen Johnson and Charlene Johnson, both of Warsaw, Marilyn Richey, Sedalia, LaDawn Burson, Calhoun, Ramona Bredthauer, Hastings, Neb., and LoQueeta Stultz, Mora; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Services were Friday, March 23, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Wilton Jeter officiating. Honorary pallbearer was Raymond Johnson. Pallbearers were Nick Johnson, Charlie Martin, David Burson, Robin Kimber, Bob Burson and Bart Godfrey. Interment was in Freeman Holsapple Cemetery west of Collins. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: On March 10, 2001, at 3:25 a.m., Lowell Churchman left this world for eternal rest. He had been a resident of Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility in Bolivar for the past year. Lowell was born Sept. 13, 1915, at Aldrich, the son of Thomas Alexander and Nancy Elizabeth Vincent Churchman. He and Frances Williams were married Jan. 21, 1940. They were the parents of four daughters who survive him, Elizabeth Weaver and her husband, Roger, of Springfield, Mary Cullers and her husband, Don, of Springfield, Rebecca Churchman of Houston, Texas, and Marcie Vance of Springfield. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Michael Gibson and his wife, Debbie, of Topeka, Kan., Rachel Weaver of Houston, Texas, Rodney Weaver and his wife, Joy, of Springfield and Addison Vance of Springfield. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Loren Churchman; and two half-sisters, Adrian Nichols and Maymie Pfeiffer. A member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Lowell graduated from Bolivar High School in 1933. He was active in FFA; a highlight was for him was to attend the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City. He did not have a high degree of formal education, but was very intelligent and could "figger" in his head when others had to rely on a calculator. Lowell served on the Polk County ASCS committee for several years. His lifework was that of a farmer. He can be remembered tilling the bottomland with a team of mules or draft horses. The cornrows were straight, and the short rows were hoed by hand. A lover of and good judge of horses, he later raised Missouri Fox Trotters and Tennessee Walking Horses. Another favorite pastime with numerous memories was coon hunting with long-eared black and tan hounds. He also raised Hereford cattle, all of which he knew by name or an identifying mark. Lowell will be remembered as a man of integrity and compassion; a man who had a strong work ethic, and a man with pretty brown eyes about which people often commented. We thank him for all he taught us. We will carry on and see him at the supper table after the sun goes down. A special thank you is extended to the staff of the nursing home who not only cared for him but also ministered to his needs. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south of Aldrich with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Visitation will be from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor's choice. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Elwin Burr Crumrine, 75, Willard, died at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2001, in his home. He was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Jewell County, Kan. He was an auto body man and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post No. 11 in Willard and the D.A.V. of Springfield. He was a lifetime resident of the Willard and Miller area and a member of the Parkview Christian Church. He married Mary Francis Barker on Sept. 14, 1946, at Pittsburg, Kan. She died Jan. 9, 2000. Survivors include four daughters and their husbands, Mary and Don Sterling of Uniontown, Ark., Deidra and Jerry Fields of Morrisville, Debra and Joe Ryker of Bois D'Arc and Cristie and Greg Cain of Willard; three sons and their wives, Elwin and Fern Crumrine of Springfield, Mike and Ruth Crumrine of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Allen and Kecia Crumrine of Brighton; his father, Fred Crumrine of Willard; 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his constant companion, Buttons. Graveside services were Thursday, March 8, in Goss Cemetery southwest of Miller with the Rev. Tharell J. Boulware officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Morris Leiman Mosher Funeral Home, Miller. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Cancer Society or American Diabetes in care of the funeral home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Marjorie Jane Davison, 81, Greenfield, died Friday, March 16, 2001, in the Dade County Nursing Home in Greenfield after a brief illness. She was born Jan. 17, 1920, in Los Angeles, Calif., the daughter of John and Isabella Anderson, and she had attended and graduated school in California. In 1937 she was united in marriage to Clifford C. Davison and to this union two children were born, John and Jeanne Davison. Clifford and Marjorie had moved back to Missouri in 1973. Marjorie had attended First Assembly of God in Bolivar, and most recently, Lighthouse Christian Center in Stockton. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clifford, sister Audrey Smith, and great-granddaughter Lindsey Dawn Knoll. She is survived by one son, John and his wife, Anne, Davison of Sanford, Fla.; one daughter and her husband, Darell and Jeanne Jagdfeld-Heaton of Greenfield; two brothers, Wallace S. Anderson of Agoura Hills, Calif., and Frank E. Anderson of Costa Mesa, Calif.; one granddaughter, Jeannene Elizabeth Knoll and her husband, Mark, of Stockton; three grandsons, Gregory Stuart Jagdfelt of Columbia, Blair Courtney Davison and his wife, Robin, of Gainsville, Fla., and Brent Vincent Davison and his wife, Linda, of Eustis, Fla.; four great-grandsons, Michale Allen, Malachi Austin and Madison Andrew Knoll, and Patrick Morgan Langston. Services were Tuesday, March 20, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Knoll officiating. Music was provided by Jeanette York and Judy Rinker. Casketbearers were Carl Blomenkamp, Brad Wommack, James Fleeman, Chad Knoll, Gary Rice and Benny York. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Bessie Kay Dennis, 80, Pittsburg, died at 7:25 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Hermitage, Chapter No. 99, and the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church, Pittsburg. Survivors include her husband, John W. Dennis of Pittsburg; one son, Gary L. Dennis of Springfield; one brother, Virgil Phillips of Crosstimbers; three granddaughters, Robin Vaughn of Pleasant Hope, Renee Asby of Springfield, and Julie Dennis of Half Way; five great-grandchildren, Dustin Asby, Danielle Vaughn, Jan Vaughn, Cazy Vaughn and Chance English. Services were Sunday, March 18, 2001, in the Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church in Pittsburg with Rev. Don Keesler and Rev. Kent Parson officiating. An Eastern Star service was held by the Hermitage Chapter No. 99 Order of the Eastern Star. Casketbearers were Lewis Retherford, Kenneth Phillips, Gerald Phillips, Victor Phillips, Darren Vaughn, Estel Suiter, Dough Loehr and Dustin Asby. Burial was in the Pittsburg Baptist Cemetery, under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory County Fire and Rescue. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Russell Dean Euliss, 37, Springfield, died Wednesday, March 21, 2001, at his home. He was born June 27, 1963, in Springfield. He was a graduate of Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville. A welder and carpenter, he had a great love for the outdoors. He was saved at a revival service at Eudora Baptist Church in June 1974, and recently joined Evergreen Church at Springfield. On February 14, 1992, he was united in marriage to Nancy Heath and they were married nine years. His grandpa, Paul Hensley, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, and her two children and their spouses, Angela and Chris Garrett, Clever, and David and Amy Dickenson, Republic; two grandchildren, Caleb and Austin Garrett; his parents, Jerry and Sue Euliss, Morrisville; one brother, Brad Euliss and his wife, Diana, and their children Stephanie and Jared, Morrisville; one sister, Annette Turner and her husband, John, and their children, Devin, Justin and Josh, Morrisville; and his grandparents, Cecil and Helen Euliss, Morrisville, and Martha Hensley, Bolivar. Funeral services were Saturday, March 24, 2001, in Evergreen Church, Springfield, with Rev. Scott Killingsworth officiating. Music was by Amy Dickenson, and Lon and Maxine Killingsworth. Honorary pallbearers were Nick Maas, Steve Cribbs and Gerald Sergent. Pallbearers were Chris Garrett, David Dickenson, Jerry Bruegman, Kevin McKinzie, Mike Chaney and Junior Hickman. Interment was in Enon Cemetery, southwest of Bolivar, under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Robert Stewart Gilliam, 82, Bolivar, died at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Robert was born Oct. 25, 1918, in Rocky, Okla., the son of William Barton Gilliam and Vasser Davis. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and a retired floor foreman with General Dynamics Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Gladys J. Gilliam, of Bolivar; one son, Robert L. Gilliam, of Bolivar; and a sister, Betty Blake, of Olathe, Kan. Services were Friday, March 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, Bolivar, with graveside services Saturday in Barbee Cemetery, Dublin, Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to Citizens Memorial Helath Care Facility Aquarium Fund. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Grace Marie Hall, 83, Willard, died at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday March 28, 2001, in Willard Care Center following an extended illness. Grace Shelton was born in Polk County, near Morrisville, and was a life-long resident of the Willard and morrisville areas. She was a homemaker and had been a sales clerk with the Sacville Store. She was a member of the Rose Hill Baptist Church north of Willard. She was united in marrage to Adron L. Hall on Feb. 25, 1938. To this union three children were born. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Freda kay Hall, on Aug. 5, 1996, and a son, Kenneth Hall, on Aug. 7, 1998; a great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Fuller, in Sept. 1997; her parents; two brothers, Ray and Ralph Shelton; and two sisters, Ruth Cox and Wilma Emmert. She is survived by her husband, Adron, of the home; one son and two daughters-in-law, Ron and Shirley Hall of Aldrich and Jean Ann Hall of Willard; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Joe Ben Shelton, and one sister, Wanda Smith, both of Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Rose Hill Baptist Church, Willard, with the Revs. Ed Long and Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral Home of Walnut Grove. Memorial contributions can be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, Willard. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Jewel Bernard Hammond, 94, Weaubleau, died at 4:30 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2001, at Parkview Health Care Facility, Bolivar. She was a long-time area resident of Weaubleau before moving to Bolivar a few years ago. She was a homemaker and worked as a cook for several years. Survivors include one son, Keet Hammond and his wife, June, of Carthage; one daughter-in-law, Freda Hammond, of Weaubleau; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, April 2, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Kent Parson officiating. Burial was in Bernard Chapel Cemetery, north of Quincy. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Howard P. Hembree, 84, Greenfield, died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was born Feb. 2, 1917, in Dadeville to Willis and Louella (Dolly) Sweet Hembree. He married Vernice Opal Marshall Dec. 28, 1940, and to this union three children were born. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Yokohama, Japan. He retired from the Missouri State Highway Department in 1980 after 39 years. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and garden. He loved his family and being with them. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Dolly Hembree; one brother, Herbert, and his wife, Martha; and one nephew, Don. He is survived by his wife Vernice; one daughter, Sue Divine of Bolivar; two sons, Johnny Hembree and Joe Hembree and his wife Patsy of Greenfield; nine grandchildren, Magen, Jerad, Jordan and Jade Montana, Wayne and Christine Hembree, Danny Divine, Russell Divine and his wife, LaDon, and Kim Williams and her husband, Jeff; five great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Jimmy Olsen, McKenzi and Skylor Divine and Cassidy Williams; two sisters, Martha Kitchen of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Frances Hudspeth and her husband, Bill, of South Greenfield; one brother, Hugh Hembree and his wife, Carolyn, of Lincoln, Neb.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Services were Friday, March 23, at the Greenfield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gene Clack officiating. Burial was in the Greenfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Greenfield. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Patrick M. Hyer, 60, Humansville, died Friday, March 2, 2001, at his home. The son of James O. and Bernice Cernas Hyer, he was born Feb. 21, 1941, in Jackson County. A resident of Humansville the past 30 years, he was a brick mason and U. S. Army Vietnam War veteran. A member of Amvets Post No. 114, he served with the Amvets Honor Guard. Preceding him in death were his father, James, and his wife, Rebecca, on Nov. 23, 1999. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Troy and Marie Hyer of Humansville and Matt and Robin Matthews of Collins; his mother, Bernice Hyer, Chicago, Ill.; two grandchildren, Rebecca Marie Hyer and Cody James Hyer; and two brothers, Jim Hyer and Jerry Hyer, both of Chicago, Ill. Services were Tuesday, March 6, at the Amvets Post No. 114 in Flemington. Inurnment was in Souders Cemetery north of Humansville under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Salvatore Mario LaTorre II, 66, Flemington, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South. The son of Salvatore M. and Marie DeCole LaTorre, he was born March 2, 1935, in New York City, New York. He moved to Flemington nine years ago from Pine Bush, New York. A retired electronic switching technician for Ninex Telephone Company, he was a member of Communication Workers of America Local No. 1101. He was Catholic. His parents and two brothers, Dominik and Iggy LaTorre, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; six children, Dorothy Marie LaTorre of the home, Maria J. Huebner of Stockton, Marisa Goldfarb of Peekskill, N.Y., Susan Zabowski of Dover Plains, N.Y., Joseph E. LaTorre of Wimama, Fla., and Salvatore M. LaTorre III of Pine Bush, N.Y.; a brother, Joseph LaTorre, Boca Raton, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, April 1, 2001, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bill Levergood officiating. Cremation followed the service under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Walter H. Kates, 59, of Bolivar was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Bolivar and died March 26, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South after a long illness. He was born affected with Downs Syndrome and was able to live his entire angelic life at home. He was a special little guy who touched all who opened their hearts to him. He will be sadly missed. He is survived by one sister of the home,Treva Orrell and her husband, Kenneth, and one brother, Danny Kates and his wife, Cherie, all of Bolivar, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Walter A. and Altha Kates. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Doyle Mayfield officiating. Music will be provided by the church choir and will include "We Shall Meet," "Gathering Home" and "I'll Fly Away." Pallbearers will be Doug Roberts, Lee Kates, Gene Kates, Arnold Wilson, Charlie Wilson, Terry Fox and Kenneth Orrell. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Marilyn B. Kunkel, 77, Bolivar, died at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2001, at the Parkview Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She was born Sept. 4, 1923, in Wheaton, Ill., the daughter of Harry Joseph and Lucille Adeline Leverenz Barnard. She was a retired clerical office worker in county government and was a U.S. Army Wave veteran of World War II. She had been a resident of Wheaton, Ill., for many years, moving to Bolivar more than two years ago. Surviving are two daughters, Barbara J. Essex of Bolivar and Cathy Lynn Schmieding of Woodstock, Ill., and a son, Roy C. Kunkel of Lovelock, Nev. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. At her request, the body is being cremated and her remains will be placed in the St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church Columbarium in Miami, Fla., at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Thelma Lynn, 89, Bolivar, died Wednesday, March 7, 2001. She was born on a farm near Pleasant Hope on Jan. 14, 1912, to Edgar and Alice Smith. She was the youngest of three children; her brother, Elmer Smith, and her sister, Ada Purlsey, both preceded her in death. Thelma was raised on the farm and attended a one-room school close to the farm. After consolidation she attended Pleasant Hope schools, often rooming in Pleasant Hope during bad weather. During the Depression of the 1920s, Edgar temporarily moved the family to California. This was one of the most exciting times in Thelma's life. She often told stories of the trip and her experiences living there. While in California she learned to ride a motorcycle, which was quite scandalous at the time. Upon returning to Missouri she married R.L. "Roy" Lynn on Sept. 13, 1930, and moved to his farm, which remains in the family to this day. To this marriage came two sons, James and Keith. As she followed Roy in his career as a school superintendent, she lived in Dadeville and Richards. Even with these moves, they always maintained and worked their family farm. When Roy became the superintendent at Half Way and later Pleasant Hope, they lived on the farm full time until his death in 1969. She remained on the farm following his death. Thelma was a faithful wife and mother, often having to do the farmwork of milking, putting up crops and feeding animals by herself as Roy's work often kept him away from home until late at night. She greatly enjoyed her sons' participation in sports and followed them closely. Thelma was a 58-year member of the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hope. Following a period of declining health which included a broken pelvis and cancer surgery, she moved to Butterfield Retirement Center in Bolivar where she remained until her death. Surviving are her son Jim and his wife, Carolyn, of McAllen, Texas; her son Keith and his wife, Laura, of Norman, Okla.; five grandchildren, Shannon Lynn and his wife, Anita, and Charese Cozad and her husband, Terry, all of Pleasant Hope, and Jordan Lynn, Cory Lynn and Larissa Lynn, all of Norman, Okla.; one great-grandson, Skyler Cozad; plus numerous nieces and nephews living in California. Services were Saturday, March 10, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Neil Graham officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Casketbearers were Mark Bilyeu, Mickey Hillenburg, Shannon Lynn, Jordan Lynn, Terry Cozad and Jerry Francka. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hope. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: John C. Martin, 80, Buffalo, died Thursday, March 29, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 10, 1920, in Flomit, Texas, to Claude and Florence Freyer Martin. He was united in marriage to helen Kwet on Feb. 2, 1943, in Casper, Wyo., and to this union three children were born. He served his country in the Air Force during World War II. He was a retired rancher. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; one son, John C. Martin Jr. of Gainesville, Texas; two daughters, Jeannette Ray of Lancaster, Calif., and Celeste Burdette of Pleasant Hope; one sister, Kathryn Russell of Matador, Texas; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mae Dell Woods, and Four brothers, Louis Martin, Quinn Martin, Norman Martin and Glenn Martin. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Pitts Chappel with Fr. Patrick Wissman officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Gerald "Lee" Montgomery, 78, Aldrich, formerly of Springfield, died at 7:42 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. He was born Sept. 27, 1922, in Aldrich to Forrest and Tina Tygart Montgomery. He worked for Frisco Railroad for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Humansville, American Legion in Bolivar and the Elks Lodge in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his wife, Ellen. He is survived by two sons, a granddaughter, two great-granddaughters and many cousins. Services were Tuesday, March 13, in Gorman-Schaprf University Chapel with the Rev. Frank Childers officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Food Harvest, 615 N. Glenstone, Springfield MO 65802. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Arnold Gaston Oldaker, 62, Humansville, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, March 18, 2001, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on Jan. 23, 1939. He lived at Lake Shores Residential Care Center in Humansville. He is survived by his mother, Onia Sybil Oldaker, of Stockton; three sisters, Georgia McBurks of Urich, Jeanie Dudley of Harrisonville and Stella Shook of Stockton; and one brother, Emory Oldaker of Kansas City. No services are planned at this time. Cremation was under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Helen Ruth Pruitt Parker died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She was born on Oct. 14, 1926, in Decatur, Ala., and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pruitt. After graduation from Riverside High School in 1944, she attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tenn., from 1944-46. She was married to her husband, Charles G. Parker of Decatur, Ala., for 54 years. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Ala., for 68 years. During her years of ministry in Decatur she sang with her trio in radio and evangelistic services, served at Central Baptist as a member of the adult choir, and assisted for over twenty years in the special education department of the Sunday School. She served the legal profession as an executive secretary for more than 25 years. After moving to Oklahoma City in 1995, Helen Ruth and Charles became members of the Surrey Hills Baptist Church where they sang in the adult choir. She also joined the Surrey Hills Garden Club, and enjoyed playing games with her neighborhood game club as well as substituting for her daughter's Bunco group. Her parents, four brothers and two sisters, and one son-in-law preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Charles; three children, Cheryl (Parker) Scroggins of Oklahoma City, Okla.; the Rev. Richard G. Parker and wife Cindy of Perry, Ga.; and Dr. Gregory B. Parker and wife Lori of Bolivar; grandchildren Brad and Scott Scroggins of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Andrew and Hannah Parker of Perry, Ga.; and Alex and Brianna Parker of Bolivar. Additional survivors include one brother, Robert H. Pruitt of Topeka, Kan.; one sister, Catherine Marie (Pruitt) Watkins of Decatur, Ala.; one brother-in-law, J. Pat Brock of Decatur, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Saturday, March 24, at the Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Ala., with Roselawn Memorial Funeral Home officiating. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2,9 at Surrey Hills Baptist Church, 12421 North Mustang Road, in Yukon, Okla. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen Ruth Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund at Southwest Baptist University, Development Office, 1600 University Avenue, Bolivar MO 65613-2597. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Arthur H. Proehl, 89, Bolivar, died Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born April 1, 1911, in Parker's Prairie to Henry and Ida Johnson Proehl. On Sept. 12, 1941, he was united in marriage to Mary Zeithhamer and to this union two sons were born. Together they dairy farmed in Minnesota until 1962 when they moved to Bolivar and farmed until retirement in 1972. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Karl Proehl in November of 1996, and an infant great-granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Linda Proehl of St. Cloud, Minn., and two grandchildren. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Paul Edward Rains, 71, Humansville, died March 9, 2001, at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. He was born March 17, 1929, in Humansville to George and Stella Henry Rains. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Fisher on March 18, 1961, in Humansville. They lived in the Independence area before moving to the Humansville area in 1974. They engaged in dairy farming for 15 years after returning to Humansville. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Clifford Rains, Gaylord Rains and Alfred Rains; three sisters, Marie Routh, Lois Meredith and Neva Kenny; and his stepmother, Ida Rains. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, of the home; four daughters, Debbie Klein and her husband, Greg, of Sibley, Paula Zachary of Twin Falls, Idaho, Patty Chaney and Bill Fogler of Humansville, and Pamela Sellers and her husband, Todd, of Humansville; one sister, Marge Goodwin and her husband, Doug, of Humansville; one stepsister, Pauline Price of Bolivar; 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, lots of nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Services were Monday, March 12, 2001, at Humansville First Baptist Church. Interment was in Tinker Cemetery, Humansville. Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: M. Imogene Cunningham Young Reed, 82, Webb City, died at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2001, at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis after a short illness. She was born July 8, 1918, in Carthage. She had lived in Jasper County her entire life and was a 1935 graduate of Carthage High School. In 1982 she retired as a case worker from the Division of Family Services. As a member of the Liberty Baptist Church in Webb City, she spent many years as church pianist, organist and Bible teacher. For many years she and her husband served as volunteers for youth and adult camp activities at Baptist Hill Assembly near Mt. Vernon. They were also members of Campers On Mission For Christ, a group involved in building and renovating small churches. For many years she was a member of the American Business Women's Association in Carthage. She formerly served as a project leader for the 4-H Club near LaRussell and was active in Extension Club work. She married Charley Young Jan. 22, 1938. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1968. On May 28, 1981, she married I. Lee Reed, who preceded her in death on Sept. 18, 1992. Also preceding her in death were her parents, J.O. and Lela Tilton Cunningham; a daughter, Helen Young; a son, Pat Young; two grandchildren; a brother, Clem Cunningham; and a sister, Helen Kelley. Survivors include three sons, Andy Young of Sedro Wooley, Wash., Ed Young of Clinton, and George Young of Florence, Ala.; two stepsons, Jim Jacobs of Coweta, Okla., and Tim Reed of Tulsa, Okla.; four daughters, Jean Campbell of LaRussell, Sue Howard of Alba, Judy Brown of Columbia, and Mary Allen Miller of Bolivar; two stepdaughters, Bettye Warden of Carthage, and Karen Champeau of Little Chute, Wis.; one brother, Alvin Cunningham of Carthage; 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday at the Hedge-Lewis Chapel with the Rev. Gene Needham and the Rev. Ron Woody officiating. Burial was in the Harvey Cemetery near LaRussell. Pallbearers were her grandshons, Jeff Howard, Greg Howard, Brad Howard, David Howard, Brandon Collins, Michael Allen and Chuck Young. Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church of Webb City. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Gordon Hunter Robinson, 86, Bolivar, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at 7:24 p.m. in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 13, 1914, in Owensboro, Ky., the son of John William and Hazel McCloud Robinson. After living in Owensboro for two years, Gordon's parents moved to Bolivar. To them a second child was born, Mary Jean, on April 13, 1917. Gordon was a long time resident of Polk County and retired owner of Robinson Neon. In Bolivar, his parents purchased a variety store, "The Fair Store," located on the Bolivar square. They lived in many houses throughout Bolivar including ahome on Walnut Street, one that faced Pike Street just south of the North Ward School, and then a home on Chestnut where Gordon grew up. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1932 and from Southwest Baptist College in 1934. Gordon had also attended Drury College, taking engineering and drafting classes. While in college, he sang in the Men's Quartet, and during vacation, he traveled with Dr. Counts Redford and the other members of the quartet to many cities and churches in Missouri and surrounding states raising funds for Southwest Baptist College. Gordon had also been called many times to sing at funerals and fund-raisers. He entered the U.S. Army in September, 1942, and spent three years in North Africa, Sicily and Italy working in the map department. After being honorably discharged, he entered a neon engineering school in Louisville, Ky. In June, 1947, he was united im marriage to Ruth Harper of Springfield and to this union three sons were born, Keith, Gary and Dale. Gordon joined the Bolivar Rotary Club in 1946, in which he served as president in 1959-60. He was recently honored by the Rotary Governor as the oldest member still active in Rotary in Bolivar. He was also a member fo the local V.F.W and the Howard S. Keeling American Legion Post no. 138. As members of the Bolivar United Methodist Church, both Gordon and Ruth have served many offices within the church. He was superintendent of the Sunday School when the Builders Class was organized, and was an active member of that class until his death. The church was one of his favorite organizations. Besides contantly visiting on behalf of the church, he donated the sign on the front lawn of the church. His contributions were not limited to the United Methodist Church, but included donations of signs to many other churches. While engaged in the work of the church, he was also serving his community in many other ways, including visiting nursing homes, holding public office, such as city alderman, and taking care of peop's needs throughout his life. He was also active in Boy Scout Leadership, Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce and several other community projects. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Ruth L. Robinson, of the home; three sons, Dale Robinson and his wife, Deborah, of Bolivar, Gary Robinson and his wife, Margaret, of Bellaire, Texas, and Keith Robinson and his wife, Mary, of Sedalia; one sister, Mary J. Neely of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren and one stepgranddaughter. Services were Friday, March 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Adkison and Rev. Bill Maggi officiating. Music was provided by David Hacker, soloist, and Louisiana Mastin, pianist. Casketbearers were Charlie Miller, Milton Dickensheet, Carl Huser, J.V. Wommack, Scott Gallivan and Jeff McClelland. Honorary Casketbearers were Karen Tweed, John Playter, Gordon Mastin, Keith Parminter, Don Jump, Cameron Seiner, Charles Neuhart and Jack Hacker. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Mary Lee Shook, 92, Des Moines, Iowa, died at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Mercy Hospital, Des Moines. The daughter of Ernest and Jenny Miller, she was born April 12, 1908, at Fair Play. She lived at Fair Play and Aldrich for many years, living in Des Moines the past 19 years. A retired teacher, she taught in several area schools including Aldrich, Fair Play and Dunnegan. She was a member of the Aldrich United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and pianist. Her parents; her husband, Rev. Brooks Shook; her daughter, Betty Sue Bolton; and three brothers, Harmon, Charles and Kelton Miller, preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter, Jenny Shook, Des Moines, Iowa; two sons and their wives, Bill and Shirley Shook, Fair Play, and Joe and Dora Shook, Fenton; six grandchildren and their spouses, David and Karen Bolton, Mundelein, Ill., Ann and Bob Filip, Columbus, Ohio, Paula and Bobby Evans, Fair Play, Darin and Christi Shook, Urbana, Sarah and Kevin Brown, Wichita, Kan., and Jared and Retta Shook, Fort Scott, Kan.; and 17 great-grandchildren. Services were Sunday, April 1, in the Aldrich United Methodist Church with David Stunkel officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, south of Aldrich, under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Mary Alice Dexheimer Snyder, 79, Sedalia, passed away in her home at 5:10 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2001, after a short illness. She was a lifelong resident of Pettis County, having been born March 22, 1921, about seven miles southwest of Sedalia, the oldest daughter of Harry and Hazel Gorrell Dexheimer. She attended the one-room Glover School, where she completed grades one through eight in eight years, which was very difficult due to the amount of time she spent helping on the family farm. In 1939, she graduated from Green Ridge High School and later attended Central Business College until beginning work at Inter-State Studio at 601 W. 16th St. in Sedalia on July 7, 1941. On Dec. 31, 1952, she married Guy M. Snyder, whom she loved and worked with side by side until his death on Aug. 14, 1988. To this union were born a daughter, Giana Marie Snyder Andrews of Bolivar, and a son, Aric Nelson Snyder of Sedalia. Also surviving are a stepdaughter, Aileen Elizabeth Snyder Yuille; a son-in-law, Jerald Andrews; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Linhardt Snyder; seven grandchildren, two stepgranddaughters, six step-great-grandchildren, six step-great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Melvin "Bud" Dexheimer; one sister, Ruth Hazel Hamby; and a nephew, Harry Hamby. Mary Alice was saved Friday night, Sept. 13, 1935, at Camp Branch Baptist Church and was a member there until joining New Hope Baptist Church in Sedalia in 1956, where she taught Sunday school and was Sunday school secretary until 1989. At New Hope she established a scholarship fund that enabled many young people to attend college. She also loved to attend Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar when she visited her four granddaughters there. Mary Alice was very supportive of her children and grandchildren and their friends and was very active in Sedalia PTA, serving in various positions of the PTA, including several terms as president. She devoted her entire career to Inter-State Studio, where she started in the bookkeeping department and later worked in virtually all manufacturing areas before holding the position of CEO. Mary Alice was the ultimate "people" person. She could remember maiden names, relationships, marriages and deaths often times better than the people she interviewed for positions at Inter-State while serving as human resources administrator. She gave credit to the lifelong friends she made at Inter-State for "keeping her going" through difficult times and for keeping her active and motivated through almost 60 years at Inter-State. Mary Alice continued to work at Inter-State every day until early December 2000, when her health prohibited her active involvement with the company. Her guidance, support and love are irreplaceable, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate to have been blessed to know her. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at Heckart Gillespie Funeral Home, Sedalia. Pallbearers will be Ed Sanders, Rick Pettit, George Bain, Herb Houston, Jim Rissler, John Schmidt, Warren Preuitt and Ken Buchanan. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Don Anderson, Bonnie Utt, Wynona O'Neill, Ethel Wallen Ruth Edwards, Wanneta Smith, Mary Nye, Colleen Mazzella, Nancy Curtiss, Marion Scott, Donna Linhardt, Connie Bjur, Neil Dodge, Bob Burke and Sharon Hollaway. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia. Visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Childrens' Therapy Center, Sedalia; New Hope Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, Sedalia; or Hospice of Sedalia. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Gwendolyn L. Sokolik, 59, Polk, died Friday, March 9, 2001, in her home following a sudden illness. She was born Sept. 18, 1941, in Nebraska City, Neb., to Harold O. "Tobe" and Lorene Herman. On Jan. 5, 1966, she was united in marraige to Marvin J. Sokolik. She was a production worker for Teters Floral Products and a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Bolivar. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, of the home; four sons and their wives, Douglas and Kathy Rakes of Blue Springs, Neb., Marvin Jr. and Dawn Sokolik of Rolla, Dale and Paula Sokolik of Buffalo and Ton and Nikki Sokolik of Polk; as well as 13 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Roger Herman; and a grandson. Services were Monday, March 12, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor Rod Campbell officiating. Burial followed in Rondo Cemetery. Pallbearers were Don Jump, Charles Bailey, Gary Lowe, Lawrence Knickerbocker, Joe Sokolik and John Seippel. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Opal Ann Thompson, 89, Elkhart, Ind., died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, in the Valley View Health Cehter in Elkhart, Ind., after a long illness. She was a longtime resident of the Polk County community of Van and a member of the Walnut Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. She was the widow of the late Lyman Thompson. Surviving are a daughter, Peggy Delaney of Elkhart, Ind., four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, March 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom and Bro. Carroll "Red" Ankrom officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Opal Ann Hensley Thompson, 89, Elkhart, Ind., died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, at the Valley View Health Center in Elkhart after a long illness. Opal was born July 4, 1911, in Brighton, the daughter of William Mose and Artie Hensley. She was saved at an early age in Wishart and later joined the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Van, where she was still a member. On Sept. 16, 1933, Opal was united in marriage to Lyman "Fat" Thompson, and to this union one daughter was born, Peggy Marlene. Opal and Fat spent most of their married life together on their dairy farm east of Bolivar before retiring and moving to the Van community. They enjoyed fishing and running trotlines together. They could usually be found on Pomme de Terre Lake. After the death of her husband in 1980, she moved to Elkhart, Ind., where she was cared for by her daughter and wonderful son-in-law who helped care for her for the past 20 years. She made many longtime friends there, but she always considered Polk County her home. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fat; two sisters, Grace Ankrom Trader and Edna Utley; and two brothers, Lonnie Hensley and Calvin Eugene Hensley. Opal leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Bob Delaney; one grandson and his wife, Rick and Helen Brown; three granddaughters and their husbands, Debra and Ken Pearcy, Tami and Rick Dorman, and Anita and Ricky Dickson; nine great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services were Friday, March 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Ankrom and Bro. Carroll "Red" Ankrom officiating. Music was provided by Gary, Greg and Charles Ankrom, and a special song by her great-granddaughter Amanda Waterman. Casketbearers were Shannon Hancock, Nathaniel Brown, Todd Waterman, Ricky Dickson, Rick Dorman, Cody Dorman, Rick Brown, and Ken Pearcy. Burial was in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Garsa Elizabeth Edwards Vest, 78, Brighton, died at 3:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Facility after a five-year battle with cancer. Garsa Elizabeth Demott was married to Leonard N. Edwards in June 1941. Following the death of Leonard, Garsa Edwards was united in marriage to Leslie R. Vest Sr. on Sept. 27, 1986. She was a retired cashier for Woods Super Market, and she and Leslie managed campgrounds in Branson. She was saved at an early age, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morrisville. She is survived by her husband, Leslie R. Vest of the home; one son, Avery Edwards, and his wife, Linda, of Grand Junction, Colo.; three daughters, Phylis Mathis and her husband, Karl, of Morrisville, Lois Reed of Fordland and Dixie King and her husband, Gary, of Bolivar; four stepsons and their wives, Bob and Nina Vest of Shallotte, N.C., Charles and Sharon Vest of Tonganoxie, Kan., Ray and RuthVest of Ozark, Ark., and Leslie R. Jr. and Patty Vest of Bolivar; five stepdaughters, Sue Stauch and her husband, Jerry, of McCloud, Kan., Pat Kitr of Pittsburg, Edna Mincks and her husband, Garley, of Shallotte, N.C., Carol Ripley and her husband, Jack, of Springfield and Sharon K. Hill and her husband, John, of Chanute, Kan.; 45 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Shuler officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Robert McGinnis, Bill Mathis, Kenny Reed, Jim Redman, James Reed and Tony Stauch. Honorary casketbearers will be Roger Williamson, Danny Coffey, Calvin Milam, Roma Morris, Lloyd Cates and Ron Hale. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the CMH Hospice of Bolivar. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Ernest C. "Junior" Watt, 66, Humansville, died at 9:33 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in Cox Medical Center South. He was the owner and operator of Watt Service Station in Humansville. The son of Ernest C. and Gertie Bishop Watt, he was born April 17, 1934, in Cedar County. He married Freda Webster March 27, 1959. His father and a sister, Wilma Watt, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Freda, of the home; his daughter, Marty Watt, Springfield; his mother, Gertie Watt, Humansville; and two sisters, Blanche Good and Betty Degraffenreid, both of Humansville. Services were Saturday, March 31, in Murray Funeral Home, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Ruth Welshhon, 82, Richland, formerly of Dunnegan, died Friday, March 9, 2001, at her home in Richland. She is survived by two sons, Joe and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Hoxie, Kan., and Stephen and his wife, Trisha, of Joplin; two daughters, Jan Welshhon of Stoutland and Joyce Welshhon of the home; three brothers, John, Ephriam and Marvin Hess, all of the home; two sisters, Edith Davenport of Butler and Louise Buschmann of Sigourney, Iowa; one granson, Ryan Welshhon of Lawrence, Kan., and one granddaughter, Kim Welshhon of Colby, Kan. Services were Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at First Baptist Church in Hume, with burial in Independence Cemetery at Hume, under the direction of Colonial Funeral Chapel of Richland. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: John Michael West, son of the Reverends John and Ruth West, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He is survived in addition to his parents by one son, Shawn Michael, a daughter-in-law, Tina West, and grandchildren Grace Leigh and John Mason of Humansville; a sister, Theresa King of Sulphur, Okla.; two brothers Christopher West of Kansas City, and Stephen West of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a member of St. Alban's in the Ozarks Episcopal Church in Bolivar. A Mass of Thanksgiving for the life of Michael will be celebrated at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at St. Alban's, 201 S. Killingsworth, Bolivar. The Right Rev. Barry Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri, will be the celebrant. The Rev. Lawrence Lewis will give the homily. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Alban's. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Ewing Kay Williams, 81, Aldrich, died at 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Center following a short illness. He was born in Franklin, Ark., in Izard County, and was a longtime resident of the Aldrich area. He was a retired prominent farmer and stockman and belonged to the Baptist church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was united in marriage to Frances Holman on Sept. 19, 1947. To this union one son was born. They shared more than 31 years together until Frances preceded him in death Feb. 4, 1979. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ewing and Grace Kaye Williams, and two brothers, Gorman and Dudley Williams. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kay and Lorelei Williams, and two grandchildren, Alexander and Alicia Williams, all of Aldrich. Services were Friday, March 16, in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, March 2001: Logan Andrew Zahn, 94, Bolivar, died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2001, at the Parkview Health Care Facility in Bolivar after a lingering illness. He was a retired music teacher and supervisor of music and a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Krongard, of Sunnyvale, Calif., a daughter-in-law, Mary Zahn, of Juneau, Alaska, and three granddaughters. Services were Monday, March 19, 2001, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. burial was under the Direction of Butler Funeral Home.
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