Obituaries




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
James L. Armbrust, 56, Dunnegan, died at 10:26 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 25,
1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Oct. 7, 1943, in Collins
to John William and Elizabeth Marie Armbrust. He worked in assembly at
Enterprises Unlimited and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his
wife, Beulah, of the home; two stepsons and daughters-in-law, Claude and
Teresa Johnson and Thomas and Deborah Wallen; a stepdaughter and
son-in-law, Mildred and Nolan Hosmann, all of Dunnegan; and a nephew,
George Armbrust of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were Tuesday, Dec. 28, in PItts Chapel with Bro. Norman
Culbertson officiating. Jewell Culbertson provided music. Pallbearers were
Brent Ballinger, Pearl Rucker, Jerry Johnson, Claude Sanders, Donny McNatt
and Claude Johnson. Burial followed in Dunnegan Cemetery.

From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
James Leroy Armburst, 56, Dunnegan, died Dec. 25,1999, in his home. He was
born Oct. 7,1943, in Collins to John William and Elizabeth Armburst. James
loved to fish and spend time with his family and friends. He loved to work
and be outdoors. He was employed at Enterprises Unlimited. James attended
the Baptist Church of Dunnegan. He was united in marriage to Beulah Mae
Wallen on April 10, 1981, in Elkland. He was preceded in death by his
parents; one sister, Dorothy Marie Armburst; and a brother, Melton
Armburst. Survivors include his wife, Beulah, of the home; three children,
Claude Johnson and his wife, Terry, Lee Wallen and his wife, Debbie, and
Mildred Hosmann and her husband, Nolan, all of Dunnegan; nine
grandchildren and a nephew, George Armburst, of Springfield. James was a
wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by all.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Cecil Banks, 84, Bolivar, died at 8:29 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 29, 1915, in Matthews to
Collie and Alice Banks. He is survived by his sister, Darline Parish of
Pleasant Hope, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were
Thursday, Dec. 23, at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield, with
burial following in Pleasant Hope Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Delores Marion Braun, 79, Osceola, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1999, at Cedar
County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs. She was born May 17, 1920,
to George and Laura Forrest. On Oct. 26, 1946, she was united in marriage
to Paul A. Braun. She was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary Post No. 4197
of Osceola. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul,
in 1991; several brothers and one sister. Survivors include one son, Gary
Braun of Osceola; one daughter, Karen Stanley of Hermitage; and four
grandchildren, Kami Macias of Columbia, Bryce Stanley of Atlanta, Ga.,
Carla Braun of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Danny Braun of Kansas City. A
memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Sheldon
Funeral Home Chapel in El Dorado Springs.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Edward Parker "Nub" Calhoun, 69, died Friday, Dec. 10, 1999, at his home
north of Flemington where he had resided since 1994, moving there from
Dimmitt, Texas. The son of Robert and Dona Tharp Calhoun, he was born Feb.
7, 1930, at Palestine, Texas. On Sept. 17, 1950, he married Hazel Oralee
Coleman in Clovis, N.M. They were the parents of five children. He was a
member of the Weaubleau First Baptist Church and a veteran of the Korean
Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. He drove a truck for more than 40
years for several companies, the last being Wal-Mart, from which he
retired in 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert; a
brother, Ernest Lee Calhoun; a sister, Ruby Nell Wood; and two
grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Hazel, of the home; four
children, Kathy Lindsey and her husband, Andy, Gruver, Texas, Tammy Lay
and her husband, Tim, Tampa, Fla., Donna Newton and her husband, Donnie,
Coahoma, Texas, and Keith Calhoun and his wife, Judy, Alanreed, Texas;
nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services were Monday,
Dec. 13, in Foskey-Lilly-McGill Funeral Home, Dimmitt, Texas. Burial was
in Castro Memorial Gardens. Local arrangements were under the direction of
Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. Memorial contributions may be made to
the America Cancer Society or St. Clair County Hospice, Osceola.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Frank C. Caruso, 89, died at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, 1999, at Colonial
Springs Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 27, 1910, in Kansas City and had
lived most of his life in that area before moving near Stockton Lake in
September 1984. He had worked in the maintenance department for Bendix,
now known as Allied Signal, before retiring. Survivors include his wife of
64 years, Irene Caruso; two daughters, Joann Edwards of Pleasant Hope and
Dorothy Lackland and her husband, Ed, of Olathe, Kan.; a son, Steve
Robinson of Springfield; two brothers and a sister, Joesph Caruso of
Kansas City and Stephen Caruso and Mary Leech, both of Gladstone; six
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, Dec. 6,
in Green Lawn Cemetery, Kansas City.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Blanche Mary Chisam, 95, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at Parkview
Health Care Facility. She was born Oct. 20, 1904, at Parsons, Kan. She
grew up and worked in the Kansas City area, where she met and married
Herman Reagin on Dec. 29, 1928. To this union four children were born:
Betty, Mary, Marketa and James. She was preceded in death by her husband
Herman on Nov. 16, 1961; her daughter, Sue, on May 19, 1987, and her son,
James, in February 1980. She is survived by two daughters and their
husbands, Mary and Jack Cauk of Joplin and Marketa and Dr. Monte Kahler of
Bolivar; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandhcildren. On Nov. 21, 1964,
she married William Chisam, becoming stepmother to four stepsons, Eugene
Chisam (deceased), Bill Jr. and Marvin, both of Kansas City, and Denny and
his wife, Judy, of Holt, and three stepdaughters, Roberta and her husband,
Clarence Deckman, Delores Hillhouse of Chillicothe and Lillian and her
husband, Jerry Breedew of Kansas City; several step-grandchildren and
step-great-grandchildren. In 1969 she and her husband Bill moved to
Bolivar, where she joined the First Baptist Church and was very active in
Sunday school, missionary and prayer groups until her health no longer
permitted her to be active. Services were Friday, Dec. 17, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Burial with graveside services
was Saturday, Dec. 18, in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens, Independence, with the
Rev. Vincel Lambert officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the
First Baptist Church of Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Mary Cline, 79, Weaubleau, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999, in her home. She
was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Monegaw Springs to Charles and Dona Quick. She
was a member of Antioch Christian Church at Pittsburg. Survivors include
four children, Judy Osborn and her husband, Junior, of Buckner, Kathy
Eldridge and her husband, Clarence, of Weaubleau, Mike Cline and his wife,
Sherry, of Wheatland and Tony Cline of Independence; one brother, Homer
Quick of Weaubleau; three sisters, Mabel Bastion of Hermitage, Opal Welch
and Ruby Lightle, both of Weaubleau; seven grandchildren, seven great
grandchildren and a special friend, Estel Cox. Services were Tuesday, Dec.
7, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Marvey Beach officiating.
Pallbearers were George Welch, David Welch, Jerry Welch, Leroy Raymond,
Robert Williams and Jerry Ross. Interment was in Antioch Cemetery at
Pittsburg.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Addie Novela Cortner, 83, Bolivar, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999, at St.
John's Regional Health Center in Springfield. The daughter of the late
John and Emma Lynch, she was born in Lebanon on Feb. 18, 1916. At an early
age she was baptized in the Christian Church of Bolivar. She was united in
marriage to Albert Cortner on Sept. 21, 1947. They resided in Bolivar for
the past 52 years. Surviving are her husband, Albert Cortner; two sons,
Charles Clark and his wife, Marie, of Seymour and Sherley Clark,
Springfield; two granddaughters, Brenda Clark and Janet Mosier and her
husband, Jim, all of Springfield; two sisters, Goldie Hawkins of
Marshfield and Arevenna Cortner and her husband, Bob, Half Way ; one
brother, Voris Lynch and his wife, Irene, Mulvane, Kan.; as well as
several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John
and Emma Lynch; a brother-in-law, Ira Hawkins; and a daughter-in-law, Lou
Ann Clark. Services will be at ?? today (Wednesday) at Murray Funeral Home
with the Rev. William Hooper officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim Mosier,
Jim Black, Robert Cortner Jr., Morgan McCarty, Jimmy Copeland and Glen
Copeland. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Gardens.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Raymond Crites, 84, Bolivar, died at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999, in
his home. He was born June 13, 1915, in Cliquot to George and Loretta
Coberly Crites. On Aug. 24, 1935, he was united in marriage to Irene
Mitchem, and to this union five children were born. He was a mechanic and
a member of Barren Creek Church. Survivors include his wife of 64 years,
Irene, of the home; four sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell and Donna
Crites, Larry and Margaret Crites, Dwight and Judith Crites and Rick and
Becky Crites, and one daughter and son-in-law, Donna and David Ballard,
all of Bolivar; 10 grandchildren, Darrell D. Crites, Keavin Crites,
Shannon Crites, Larry W. Crites, Steve Crites, Gary Crites, Rick Crites
Jr., Ron Crites, Justin Ballard, Brian Ballard, Clint Ballard, Cheryl
Sneed, Vickie Manes, Stephanie Childers, Sunilyn Howard, Tanya Dresher,
Nathon Bodine, Branden Bodine and Rick Fanning; 25 great-grandchildren and
three great-great-grandchildren. His parents and three sisters preceded
him in death. Services were Monday, Dec. 6, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev.
Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. John Spencer officiating. Music was
provided by David Barham, Nathan Hoffer, Alan Roberts and Mike Rowan.
Burial followed in Crestview Memorial Garden Cemetery. Pallbearers were 12
of his grandsons.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Heber Tony Gott, 92, Half Way, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1999, in Colonial
Springs Health Care, Buffalo, following a short illness. He was born May
17, 1907, in Dallas County, the son of Harvey W. and Dora Lipe Gott. He
was a graduate of Southwest Baptist College and taught school in one-room
schoolhouses in Polk and Dallas counties for 20 years. On Nov. 8, 1930, he
was united in marriage to Opal Irene Dodd, and to this union two children
were born. He had been the office manager of Southwest Electric in Preston
for a number of years. He was a member and deacon of Providence Missionary
Baptist Church and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge of Pleasant
Hope. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Toney Allen and Janet
Gott of Half Way; a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Rowena Gott of
Elkland; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Leona Pettit, Roseabeth and
Hershel Pettit and Sylvia Snodgrass, all of Elkland; two sisters-in-law,
Virginia Gott and Ruth Gott, both of Springfield; a brother-in-law, Leo
Dodd of Springfield; four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host
of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents;
his wife, Opal, in 1992; a daughter, Priscilla Gott; two brothers, Wilbur
Gott and Herman Gott; a grandson, Bradley Gott; and two brothers-in-law,
Glen Snodgrass and James Pettit. Services were Saturday, Dec. 11, in Rock
Prairie Church with Bro. Donnie Lane officiating. Music was provided by
Providence and Rock Prairie Church choirs with Louise Dukes as pianist.
Burial followed in Rock Prairie Cemetery. Arrangements were under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Doran Griffitts, 83, Brighton, died Tuesday, December 28, 1999, in his
home. He was born June 18, 1916, in Brighton to Perry and Jessie Lender
Griffitts. He was a member of Brighton Baptist Church and had retired from
Zenith as a security guard. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law,
Thelma and Johnny Brown of New Meadows, Idaho; a sister, Juanita Robertson
of Brighton; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lawrence Griffitts; and five
sisters, Odetta Edge, Fern Edge, Lillian Duke, Nell Loven and Ann Bacon.
Graveside services were Sunday, Jan. 2, in Brighton Cemetery with Pastor
Mitch Fisher officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Everett Robert Grissom, 68, Humansville, died Saturday, Dec. 11, 1999, in
his home. He was born Dec. 4, 1930, in Webb City. After a 21-year career
in the U.S. Navy, he settled in the Kansas City area where he was an
electrician for the Santa Fe Railroad before retiring to Humansville. His
wife, Mary Louise, preceded him in death in 1985. Survivors include his
children and their spouses, Rob and Jackie Grissom of Kansas City, Alan
and Cinde Grissom of Hot Springs, Ark., Todd and Karen Grissom of Blue
Springs, Gail and Andy Manning of Hot Springs, Ark., and Dawn Alleman,
Springfield; his grandchildren, Paul, Chris, Tiffany, Amanda, Grant,
Shiloh, Shaleen, Austin, Aaron, Scott, Greg, Samantha, Angela and Rebekah;
his great-grandchildren, Kelcei, Trae, Keylei and Izabel; his three
brothers, Gary Girssom of Webb City, Dee Grissom and Gerald Grissom, both
of Oronogo; and his sister, Violet Kay Thurman, Carterville. Services will
be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.
Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery at Leavenworth, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospice, 1500 N.
Oakland Ave., Bolivar MO. 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Mildred Faye Gunn, 95, Fair Play, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999, at Parkview
Health Care Facility. She was born Oct. 9, 1904, near Fair Play, the
daughter of Samuel and Pearl Underwood Smith. She lived her entire life in
the Fair Play area and was a member of the Fair Play United Methodist
Church. On Oct. 30, 1927, she was married to Charles O. Gunn, and they had
two children, William A. and Mamie Ruth. She was preceded in death by her
husband, her children, her only brother, Morris Smith, and a
great-grandson, Jansen Lynn Roberts. Survivors include her son-in-law,
Charley York of Fair Play; her daughter-in-law, Dorene Gunn of Temple,
Texas; one niece, Gerry Studebaker, state of California; seven
grandchildren, Randy York of Springfield, Roger York and Lori Roberts,
both of Bolivar, Ricky Gunn, Kyle Gunn, Charles Gunn and Ronald Gunn, all
of Temple, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in
Murray Chapel with the Rev. Scott Carlton officiating. Pallbearers will be
Ricky Gunn, Randy York, Kyle Gunn, Charles Gunn, Roger York and Ronald
Gunn. Interment will be in Akard Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday
from 1 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Paul David Hamilton 45, Pleasant Hope, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1999, in his
home. He was a member of the Pleasant Hope Fundamental Baptist Church, and
he loved to rebuild old vehicles. He is survived by his parents, the Rev.
Lester W. Sr. and Alberta Hamilton, of the home; two sisters, Sharon Sisco
and her husband, Jerry, Pleasant Hope, and Jeanette Wells and her husband,
Jack, Springfield; two brothers, Lester W. Hamilton Jr. and his wife,
Sally, Pleasant Hope, and the Rev. Gary Hamilton and his wife, Amber,
Marshfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be
from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Greenlawn Funeral Home North,
Springfield. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, in
Clear Creek Cemetery west of Springfield with the Rev. Grant Stokes
officiating. The family wishes to thank special friends Richard Gott, John
Noblett, Verle Bacon, Johnny Hillenburg and Junior Vineyard, who were
always there for David. Thanks also to the Pleasant Hope Fire and Rescue
Department, who have helped us many times in the past. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hope Fire Department in care of
David Agee, 5324 S. 235th Road, Pleasant Hope MO 65622.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Willard Clay Hargis, 92, Bolivar, died at 11:39 a.m. Friday, Dec. 24,
1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He was born Sept. 18,
1907, on the farm near Bolivar to Benjamin Clay and Lucy Ellen Welch
Hargis. On June 25, 1931, he was united in marriage to Beulah Nell Walden.
He was a 1929 graduate of Bolivar HIgh School and a member of Mt. Gilead
Methodist Church. He worked at the MFA for many years and retired as
assistant manager in 1965. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Price
Walden and his wife, Marie, and several nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beulah, on Jan. 9, 1997; three
sisters, Grace Fullerton, Nell Koon and an infant, Georgia Hargis; and
three brothers, Gene Hargis, Gus Hargis and Link Hargis. Services were
Monday, Dec. 27, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating. Music was provided by Mary Nell Koon, accompanied by Carol
Krueger. Pallbearers were Don Fullerton, Jeff Fullerton, Gus Hargis, Glenn
Stewart, Terry Stewart and Jerry Stewart. Burial followed in Mt. Gilead
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer
Society or Mt. Gilead Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Leola May Hawkins, 91, Bolivar, died at 1:29 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, 1999,
in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born May 4, 1908, in
Polk County, the daughter of Phennis V. and Addie J. Holt Stewart. On Dec.
24, 1924, she was united in marriage to Russie Hawkins and moved to a farm
in Goodson. She was a homemaker and a cook for Goodson Elementary School
and Southwest Baptist University for many years. She was also a member of
the Halfway Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband, Russie; two brothers, Olen and Homer Stewart; and
three sisters, Opal Gamel, Atta Campbell and Irene Carneal. She is
survived by her brother, Melvie Stewart, and his wife, Juanita, of
Bolivar; her sister, June Boyd of Springfield; her sister-in-law, Okla
Stewart of Bolivar; Erma D. Roundtree Spann of Tulsa, Okla., whom she
raised as a daughter; and many other nieces and nephews. Services were
Saturday, Dec. 4, in Butler Chapel with Brother Gary Campbell officiating.
Music was provided by Jim and Ethel Mae Tennis. Casketbearers were Darrell
Ashlock, Dennis Stewart, Victor Stewart, Larry Gamel, Larry Boyd and Noel
Boyd. Burial was in Mount View Cemetery in Polk. Memorial contibutions may
be made to CMH Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Lela Pearl Seiner Hayden, 94, Bolivar, died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.
15, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born Nov. 12,
1905, in Polk County to George Leo and Eliza Jane Baird Seiner. She was
one of 12 children, with six brothers and five sisters. She went to school
at Oak Grove Country School, graduated and then taught for a couple of
years in the same school. She attended Draughn's Business College in
Springfield and later moved to Kansas City after working a while in
Springfield. She attended Evangel Temple Assembly of God Church in Kansas
City and became very much involved in the youth work. She then felt a
definite call to come back to Bolivar to help the Rev. Pauline Mastries to
assist in ministering to the people of Bolivar. She later returned to
Kansas City and worked in almost every department of the church under the
Rev. A.A. Wilson, where she taught a very large class of women and became
Women's Ministry Director, both locally and in the Kansas City Section.
Until her moving from Kansas CIty, she remained faithful in raising money
for the needy and ministering on the phone to needy people. She often told
of the old cow who stuck her head through a hole in the wall of the
make-shift church and mooed as if to say, "I glorify God, too!" She was
preceded in death by her husband, Carl K. Hayden, in March 1999; her
parents; five sisters, Sadie, Marie, Bess, Annie and Nora; and four
brothers, Cecil, Jim, Oscar and Ernest. Surviving are two brothers and
their wives, H.E. "Buck" and Mildred Seiner and Cameron and Juanita
Seiner, all of Bolivar. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews,
great-nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Services
were Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Evangel Temple Assembly of God Church in
Kansas City with Pastor John Krans officiating. Music was provided by
Darlene Allen and John Krans as soloists and Linda Bixler as accompanist.
Graveside services were Saturday afternoon in Greenwood Cemetery with
Pastor Mark Summers, the Rev. Stewart Robinson and the Rev. Pauline
Mastries officiating. Musical soloists were Danny Hitchcock and John
Ramirez. Burial was under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Evangel Temple Assembly of God Church,
Kansas City.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Arthur Cletis Henry, 71, Humansville, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, in St.
Luke's Hospital, Kansas City. The son of George Arthur and Pearl Taylor
Henry, he was born May 10, 1928, at Stockton. A U.S. Army veteran, he
served during the Korean Conflict. He had been a resident of Humansville
for the past 10 years, moving from Overland Park, Kan. He was preceded in
death by his parents and three brothers, John, Ronnie and Richard.
Surviving are one sister, Polly Henry, Springfield, and one brother,
Robert Henry, LaHarpe, Kan. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today
(Wednesday) in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Capps, Jerry Jose, Don Besser, Roy
Miller, Jeremy Capps and Billy Morgan. Interment will be in Alder Cemetery
near Stockton.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Grace V. Hoffman, 95, Bolivar, formerly of Polk, died at noon Tuesday,
Dec. 21, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility after a short
illness. She was born Feb. 28, 1904, in Eaton County, Mich., to Simeon
Peter and Louella A. Battorf Wells. On Feb. 6, 1929, she was united in
marriage to Hilbert Hoffman, and to this union two children were born. She
was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Surviving is her daughter,
Roberta Renshaw of Bolivar. She was preceded in death by her parents; a
son, Marlin Hoffman; her husband, Hilbert, on Dec. 28, 1990; and two
grandsons, David Douglas Renshaw on May 5, 1964, and Larry David Renshaw
on Dec. 15, 1991. Services were Friday, Dec. 24, in Pitts Chapel with the
Rev. Charles Hufft officiating. Burial followed in Mt. View Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ed Cahoj, Vernon Dickey, Lloyde Countryman, Denzil
Roberts and Randy Clark.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Sarah Kathryn Coar Parkman Johnston, 97, Bolivar, died Monday, Dec. 20,
1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born Oct. 12,
1902, in Burtonsville, Md., daughter of the late William T. and Mary E.
Burton Coar. In 1922 she married George H. Parkman. In 1951 she married
Thomas L. Johnston. She moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in 1966 and to
Bolivar in 1988. She had been a resident of Citizens Memorial Health Care
Facility since August 1996. She was a member and church organist of the
Liberty Grove Methodist Church for many years and was active in many
church and community services. She was founder of the Burton Family
Society, Burtonsville, Md., former member of the Eastern Star and of the
Descendants of Mareen Duvall Society. She retired from the David Taylor
Model Basin, Navy Dept., Carderock, Md., after many years of employment.
Surviving are two daughers, one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law,
Lorraine Kincaid of Bolivar, Eleanor and Dick Park of Chester, Md., and
Isabelle Parkman of Laurel, Md.; two grandsons, Chester Kincaid and his
wife, Stacey, of Bolivar, and Richard and Becky Parkman of Laurel, Md.; 13
great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are
two stepdaughters, Grace Gall and Lula Johnston, both of the state of
Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her son, George Parkman; a
son-in-law, William Kincaid; six grandchildren and two stepdaughters,
Florence Johnston and Eleanor Slagle. Services and burial will be in the
state of Maryland. Local arrangements were under the direction of Murray
Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial
Health Care Facility Stroll Garden, 1218 W. Locust St., Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Douglas Warren Bel Jr., 71, Bolivar, went to be with the Lord on Thursday,
Dec. 30, 1999. He was born Aug. 15,1928, in Springfield to Douglas Warren
and Margaret Kelly Bel and was married Sept. 6, 1952, to Carolyn Ann
Conrad. Doug served more than19 years in the U.S. Navy, during which he
graduated from Officer's Candidate School and served tours of duty in the
Korean and Vietnam wars. He ended his military career at the rank of
lieutenant. He also was a graduate of the Maritime Institute of Technology
and Graduate Studies, where he earned his captain's license. He was a
retired merchant marine. Always one to encourage and guide his family,
especially by example, Doug was a firm believer in the lifelong pursuit of
knowledge. He had completed the course of study of surveying. He also had
several years of study at the university level, working toward becoming a
financial planner. Doug was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Bolivar. He was also a secular Franciscan and a fourth degree
member of the Knights of Columbus. However, what he would most want his
family, friends and all who knew him to remember about him was his
spirit-filled belief in the sanctity of life for everyone, especially for
those unborn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife,
Donna; their infant daughter; two brothers and one sister. He is survived
by his loving wife of 47 years, Carolyn; nine children, Kryschell Bel of
Bolivar, Laura and her husband, Randy Lips, of Tickfaw, La., Douglas W.
Bel III and his wife, Jenny, of Eugene, Ore., Denise and her husband, Max
Baer, of Bolivar, Teresa and her husband, Thomas Gidus, of Oviedo, Fla.,
Matthew Bel of Bolivar, Mary and her husband, Frank Lopinto, of Amite,
La., Frances and her husband, Kenny Haralson, of Bolivar, Patricia and her
husband, Robert Price, of Bolivar; 33 grandchildren; and two sisters,
Imeldia Bunselmeyer of Ozark, Ala., and Carolina Decker of Republic.
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2).
This is how he lived his life and would want those who loved him to also
live.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Tissue Mabel Keightley, 88, McMinnville, Ore., died Tuesday, Dec. 14,
1999. She was born Oct. 15, 1911, in Wheatland, the daughter of Robert and
Viola Miller Staten. She grew up and went to school in Quincy and
Wheatland. On June 27, 1928, she was married to Rudy Lee Keightley in
Osceola, and they made their home in the area and farmed for 30 years.
They moved to the state of Oregon in 1958. She was a member of the Seventh
Day Adventist Church. Surviving are her 11 children, Loren Keightley of
Wheatland, Jean Thatch of McMinnville, Ore., Ann Burton of Ontario,
Calif., Robert W. Keightley and Lindel Keightley, both of Humansville,
Barbara Dobson of Bolivar, Edsel Keightley and Fern Dodge, both of
Sherwood, Ore., Jim Keightley of Clackamas, Ore., Bonnie Walters of Salt
Lake City, Utah, and Denna Lewis of Portland, Ore.; 31 grandchildren, many
great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Rudy, on Dec. 7, 1989, and an infant
son, Kenneth Oren Keightley, in 1931. Services were Friday, Dec. 17, in
Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, Newberg, Ore., with Pastor Lynn Bryson
and Pastor Tim Mayne officiating. Interment followed in Mountainside
Cemetery, Scholls, Ore. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Cancer Society or the Adventist Disaster Relief in care of the funeral
home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Jesse Rayburn Keith, 90, Humansville, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Perry Hussie and Beulah Tomblin
Keith, he was born at Caplinger Mills Nov. 11, 1909. On Sept. 30, 1933, he
married Dova Baumgardner in Bolivar. For 20 years he was a machine
operator for Santa Clara Packing Company in San Jose, Calif. After
returning to Humansville, he worked as a carpenter for many years. He was
preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George Keith, and a sister,
Mabel Bacon. Surviving are his wife, Dova, of the home; his son and
daughter-in-law, Vance and Darlene Keith of Springfield; a sister, Marie
West of Stockton; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many
other relatives and friends. Services were Sunday, Dec. 19, in Murray
Chapel, Humansville, with Bro. Dale Beaty officiating. Honorary
pallbearers were Rex Brown, Jim Baumgardner, Doug Baumgardner, Bruce Keith
and Bob Keith. Pallbearers were Rodney Stokes, Lee Beaman, Mike Scheid,
Vance Lee Stokes, Jeremiah Beaman and Matt Beaman. Interment was in Alder
Cemetery west of Humansville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Betty Lindsey, 72, Bolivar, formerly of Springfield, died at 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 26, 1999, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield from injuries
suffered in a car accident. She was born Aug. 23, 1927. She was a former
employee of the Springfield Garment Manufacturing Co. and attended First
Assembly of God Church in Bolivar. Betty fought a courageous battle with
emphysema. She was a wonderful mother who devoted her life to raising her
children by herself. She is survived by three children, Bernard Null Jr.,
Pauleah Minix and her husband, Clinton, and Angela Roth and her husband,
Robert; two brothers, David Burtnett and Frank Burtnett and their wives;
two sisters, Bertha Black and Edith Wright and her husband, Earl; 10
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be after 5
p.m. today (Wednesday) at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions
may be made to The Kitchen in Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Dale Wayne Marler, 65, O'Fallon, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999, in St.
Joseph Health Center East, St. Charles, after a lengthy illness. The son
of Oscar and Lola Mae Parton Marler, he was born June 24, 1934, at Pilot
Knob. He entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean Conflict. He
retired from National Venders of St. Louis after 37 years and was a member
of the Masonic Lodge of Clayton. He was united in marriage to Gladys I.
Wheeler on July 25, 1959, and to that union one son was born, Jeff Wayne
Marler. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his
father-in-law and mother-in-law. Surviving are his wife of 40 years,
Gladys, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Annette Marler
of Eolia; a step-grandson, Tim Hackmeyer of St. Louis; four brothers and
their wives, Paul and Laverne Marler of San Pedro, Calif., Kenneth and
Betty Marler of St. Louis, Gene and Dorothy Marler of Ironton and Don and
Kim Marler of Muscatine, Iowa; two sisters, Helen King of Tempe, Ariz.,
and June Mayes of Ironton; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and
Dorothy Wheeler of Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews and other
family and friends. Services were Saturday in the Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with Pastor David Lingo officiating. Music was provided by Bill and
Opal Yeargain. Burial was in the Payne Cemetery north of Polk.
Casketbearers were Tim Hackmeyer, Donnie McBride, Bud Trammel, Chuck
Keith, David Creech and Burley Gott.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Wilma Fay Mashburn, 77, Humansville, died Thursday, Dec. 2, 1999, at her
home. The daughter of John and Una Ball Webster, she was born Sept. 22,
1922, in Cedar County west of Humansville. She graduated from Humansville
High School in 1942 and moved to Kansas City later that year. In 1943 she
married T.J. "Ted" Masburn. A son, J.T. "Jay," was born to this union. She
was employed by AT&T in Kansas City, retiring after almost 30 years of
service. Her parents, her husband and a brother preceded her in death.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Cheryl Mashburn of
Humansville; two sisters, Marjorie Hamilton and Freda Watt and her
husband, Junior, all of Humansville; two step-granddaughters, two
step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Graveside
services were Monday, Dec. 6, in Robinson Cemetery east of Collins with
the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Arrangements were under the direction
of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
William Ralph McColm, 72, Half Way, died at 12:34 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 23,
1999, in Cox Medical Center South. He was born June 13, 1927, in Half Way
to Howard and Millie Bass McColm. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a
retired commercial electrician. He was a past Worshipful Master of the
Magnolia-Euclid Lodge No. 626 and a member of the I.B.E.W. Local No. 1 and
the American Legion Post, all of St. Louis. He was a member of Pleasant
Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter and
son-in-law, Linda and Don Trolinger of Cuba; three stepdaughters and a
son-in-law, Mary and David White of Shepherdsville, Ky., Loetta Gallagher
of Tulsa, Okla., and Debbie Weems of Memphis, Tenn.; three sisters and a
brother-in-law, Jean and Vernon Carter and Willa Ryan, all of Half Way,
and Ruth Bonner of Bolivar; 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a
host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his
parents and by his wife, Ruby, on Aug. 25, 1972. Services were Monday,
Dec. 27, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Joe Spear officiating. Burial followed
in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Masonic services were Sunday evening, Dec. 26,
prior to visitation. Pallbearers were Mike Carter, Vernon Carter, Mitch
Dane, Tom Redd, Floyd Farmer and Josh Trolinger. Honorary pallbearers were
Michael Lee Carter, Larry Covert, Troy Sutt, Jason Foster, Todd Graves,
Chad Graves, G.Y. Bonner, Raymond Francka and Don Trolinger. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Helen Matilda McCarthy Orndorff, 87, El Paso, Texas, died Sunday, Dec. 19,
1999, in her home. She was born Sept. 12, 1912, in Bolivar to Jack and
Emma McCarthy. She moved to El Paso, Texas, and worked for the Southern
Pacific Railroad. She then retired from teaching school. Survivors are a
son, Seth Orndorff of Fort Worth, Texas; two granddaughters; two brothers,
Bob McCarthy of Lompoc, Calif., and Richard McCarthy of Half Way; a
sister, Alice Hensley of Bolivar; and a host of other relatives. In
keeping with her request, no funeral services were held.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Prim Giles Parish, 85, Bolivar, died at 11:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 1999,
in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He was born Dec. 6, 1914, in
Corinth, Miss., the son of Hardy and Laid Parish. He was united in
marriage to Inez Trober in 1942. They had lived in Corinth, Miss., Osceola
and the Kansas City area before moving to Bolivar in 1978. He was a member
of the Bolivar First Assembly of God Church and was retired from the
shipping department of the Fairband and Maris Pump Manufacturing Company.
He is survived by his wife, Inez Parish of Bolivar; one brother, Junior
Parish of Blytheville, Ark.; and four sisters, Clair Haney of Memphis,
Tenn., Doris Moore of Blytheville, Ark., Dean Chislim of Zenith and Vivian
Parish of Sikeston. Services were Monday, Dec. 13, in Butler Funeral Home
with Pastor Mark Summers and Pastor Ken Robinson officiating. Music was
provided by soloist Danny Hitchcock and pianist Greg Ankrom. Casketbearers
were Ed Lancaster, Reg. Hoover, Arthur Stephens, Russ Batten, Bob Brown
and Ray Choate. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Zola L. Pendergrass, 67, Pleasant Hope, died at 3:49 p.m. Dec. 22, 1999,
in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was preceded in
death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her
husband, John, of 49 years; her children, Joan Gerard and her husband,
Dale, of Pleasant Hope, Chris Keen and Dwight of Fair Grove, Melissa
Denney and Steve and Melinda Gelsheimer and Bill, all of Springfield,
James Pendergrass and Gwen of Pleasant Hope, Tim Pendergrass of
Springfield, Michelle Pendergrass of Pleasant Hope and Zack Skelton of
Republic; grandchildren Chad Gerard, Baton Rouge, La., Leland Grand and
Amanda Grace Keen of Fair Grove, J.R. Gelsheimer and April Beeman, Joey
Gelsheimer, Josie A. Hoover and Steve Mattox, all of Springfield; three
sisters, Delpha Scott of Rogersville, Zona Mae Sackett of Port Orford,
Ore., and Norma Jean Mathis of Springfield; two brothers, Phillip Campbell
of Crane and Elgin Campbell of Sparta; several nieces and nephews and a
host of friends and co-workers at Woodland Manor. Services were Monday,
Dec. 27, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial in
Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Helen Maude Pitts, 92, Adrian, died December 30, 1999, at Bates County
Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born Aug. 10, 1907, at Pittsburg to
Henry "Bud" and Nell Roy Houser. She was a member of Antioch Christian
Church. On December 31, 1927, she married Cecil L. Pitts. They were the
parents of three children, Arnold Pitts, Dan Pitts and Patricia Pitts
Arnold. She lived her entire life in Missouri, living over 50 years in
Humansville. Most recently she had lived at Adrian. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Cecil Pitts; a brother, Frank Houser; and a sister,
Gladys Galbum. She is survived by three children, Arnold Pitts and his
wife, Jo, of Kansas City, Kan., Dan Pitts and his wife, Laura, of Mexico
and Pat Arnold and her husband, Tom, of Adrian; seven grandchildren, Mike
Pitts and his wife, Mary Ellen, Diane O'Malley and her husband, Dennis,
all of Kansas City, Kan., Karen Polacek and her husband, Kevin, Scott
Pitts and Susan Pitts, all of Mexico, Lydia Arnold and Paul Arnold of
Adrian; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a
brother, Bill Houser of Yuma, Ariz.; and two special nieces, Frankie
Walker and Carol Rohrer. Services were Monday, Jan. 3, in Antioch
Christian Church with the Rev. Ron Anderson officiating. Music was by
Susan Davis. Pall bearers were Junior Watt, Earl Ball, Mike Pitts, Dennis
O'Malley, Scott Pitts and Kevin Polacek. Interment was in Antioch Cemetery
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Merrill Richard Pratt, 90, Fair Play, died Dec. 25, 1999, at his home. He
had been ill for four months. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on July 27,
1909, the son of Edward Alonzo Pratt and Ellen Jane Berhle Pratt. He was
preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nelly McCarty and Gladys
Clutter; four brothers, Harold, Lewis, Don and Kenny Dewayne; and one
great-granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Miller. He met his wife, Anna June
Walker, in Kansas City and was married to her for 62 years. Merrill and
June printed and edited the Bolivar Herald in 1966-1967, using the offset
method of newspaper printing for the first time in Polk County. In 1968
the paper was consolidated with the Bolivar Free Press and the Polk County
Times, leaving one paper in Bolivar. At that time, he and his wife founded
the Twin Lakes Press Commercial Printing Co. and operated that business
until it was sold in 1980. They retired to Fair Play and opened a small
discount store, which they operated until their health made them close it
and take time to enjoy the fishing and hunting. Merrill was a family man
and loved all sports and ball games of all types. He is survived by his
wife, Anna June of the home; one son, Allen Marion Pratt of Fair Play; and
one daughter and son-in-law, Merilyn June and Carl Miller of Springfield.
Also surviving are six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well
as a host of other relatives and many friends. Services were Tuesday, Dec.
28, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jack C. Smothers
officiating. Music was provided by Chris Taylor. Burial was in the
Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south of Aldrich.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Leila Pauline Pritchard, 81, Bolivar, died at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 25,
1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of Francis Asberry
Moffitt and Nannie Belle Brooks Moffitt, she was born May 18, 1918, in
Half Way. She was a homemaker in the Goodson community for may years. She
loved gardening and doing yard work. Leila was a member of the Goodson
Missionary Baptist Church. Her greatest joy was to spend time with her
family. She delighted in preparing and sharing meals with those she loved.
Leila was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert Elvis
Pritchard; a sister, Margaret Nelson; and two brothers, Kenneth and Earl
Moffitt. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Ben Gorden,
her grandchildren, Christa Owens and Brian Gorden, and
great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Kassidy Owens, all of Half Way; and two
brothers, Carl Moffitt of Hinton, Okla., and Orville Moffitt of Clinton,
as well as many other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed by
all who knew her. Services were Monday, Dec. 27, in the Butler Funeral
Home Chapel with Elder Jerry Crain officiating. Music was provided by
David Barham and Cindy Francka with Janice Barham as pianist. Burial was
in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Randy Barham, David Barham, Mike
Greer, Gary Greer, Ross Rantz and Harold Entrop.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Phillip Jackson "Jack" Riedesel, 72, Fair Play, died at 7:55 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1999, at his home after a battle with cancer. He was
born Feb. 23, 1927, in Nevada, the son of Phillip Marcus and Susie Eberle
Riedesel. They moved to the Polk County area in 1937. He was united in
marriage to Effie Marie Rotramel on Dec. 22, 1948, and to this union were
born one son and three daughters. An entrepreneur and self-made man in the
construction business, he gave to many charities, some of which included a
trust fund for the Fair Play School District, the Riedesel Charitable
Trust for Community Services and, most recently, a donation of funds for a
new senior citizens center in Bolivar. He was preceded in death by his
parents; one sister, June Riedesel Pitts; and one daughter, Helen Louise
Riedesel. Survivors include his wife, Effie Riedesel of the home; one son,
Ed Riedesel and his wife, Barbara, of Goodson; two daughters, Sandra Parks
and her husband, Owen, of Fair Play and Sherry Riedesel and her husband,
Daniel Kauffman, of Otis, Ore.; five grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, Dean Riedesel and his
wife, Alyce; and three sisters, Maxine Christian and Gertrude Fellows of
Bolivar and Harriet Edmondson of Eureka, Kan. In keeping with his request,
his body was donated to the University of Health Sciences, Kansas City. No
services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens
Memorial Hospital Hospice. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Theresa Sue Riley, 54, Dayton, Texas, died Monday, Dec. 27, 1999, at her
home. She was born in New Hall, Calif. She was a homemaker and mother, a
nurse's aid and a member of the Midway Baptist Church, Dayton, Texas. She
was preceded in death by a brother, Artie McGowen. Survivors include her
husband, Clifton Riley; two sons, Darrell Riley of Norfork, Va., and Lynn
Riley of Dayton, Texas; her father, Arlie McGowen of Walnut Grove; her
mother, Callie McGowen of Aurora; two brothers, Wesley McGowen of Aurora
and Daniel McGowen of Mustang, Okla.; one sister, Katie Rust of
Springfield; and her mother-in-law, Marie Cooper Kendrick of Dardanelle,
Ark. Graveside services were Friday, Dec. 31, in Brearley Cemetery under
the direction of Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle, Ark.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Gordon "Con" Robertson, 52, Stover, died Friday, Dec. 24, 1999, in St.
Louis. He was born Sept. 26, 1947, in Bolivar, a son of the late Willard
Carl and Betty Jo Gordon Robertson. He was married June 10, 1977, in
Versailles to Karen Opal Brown, who survives of the home. He served in the
U.S. Air Force. At the time of his death he was employed as an
over-the-road truck driver with Potter Transport. He was the 1996 Driver
of the Year and received an award for 3,000,000 miles accident-free. He
was a member of the Stover First Baptist Church. Also surviving are two
sons, Rodney Foushee Sr. and his wife, Judy, of Versailles and Jason
Robertson of Springfield; one daughter, Roslyn Cook and her husband,
Damien, of Laurie; two brothers, Jimmy and Donnie Robertson, both of
Stover; two sisters, Clara Bumgardner and her husband, Cliff, of Stover
and Ann Stevenson and her husband, Dale, of Kingsville; and four
grandchildren, Rodney Jr., Josh, Justin and Sarah. He was preceded in
death by one sister, Carletta Dority. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today
(Wednesday) at the Stover First Baptist Church with Dr. James Henderson
officiating. Interment will be in the Stover Cemetery with Walter Draffen,
Vernon Zurmiller, Gary Henderson, Larry oder, James Crockett and Jim Gross
as casketbearers and Harry Profit, Kenny Campbell, Gail Fitzpatrick and
Randy Potter as honorary bearers. Arrangements are under the direction of
the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home, Stover.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Anna Lee Routh, 66, Humansville, died December 30, 1999, in Big Spring
Care Center, Humansville. She was born March 26, 1933 in Humansville to
Bert and Opal Mitchem. She was a graduate of Humansville High School. On
March 22, 1952, she married Raymond Junior Routh. They were the parents of
three sons, Chipper, Terry and Larry. Moving to Kansas City in 1952, they
returned to live near Humansville in 1974. She had been a member of the
Humansville First Baptist Church since April 25, 1976. For several years
she managed the Corner Quick Stop in Humansville. Her father, Bert
Mitchem, preceded her in death. Surviving are her husband, Junior, of the
home; her sons, Chipper Routh and his wife, Sherri, Terry Routh and Larry
Routh, all of Humansville; her mother, Opal Mitchem, Shawnee Mission,
Kan.; three grandchildren, Joani Anne Routh, Matthew Paul Routh and Luke
Raymond Routh; three sisters, Norma Jean Mayo, Kansas City, Berta
Mottesheard and Betty Crozier, both of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; and many
other relatives and friends. Services were Sunday, Jan. 2, in Murray
Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Soloist was
Ashley Tucker, accompanied by Sandra Routh. Honorary pallbearers were
Matthew Paul Routh and Luke Raymond Routh. Pallbearers were Tom Wilson,
Mike Crozier, Bill Mayo, Gary Routh, Don Haling and Mike Routh. Interment
was in Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Zula M. Sicard, 87, Fair Play, died at 8:38 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 1999, in
Cox Medical Center South from injuries received in an automobile accident.
She was born Sept. 27, 1912, in Masters to Granville and Cleo Mase. She
was a retired telephone company supervisor and a member of First Baptist
Church of Fair Play. Survivors include a son, Granville "Lee" Sicard of
San Jose, Calif.; a brother, Clyde Mase, state of Illinois; as well as six
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her parents and a brother
preceded her in death. Services were Friday, Dec. 10, in First Baptist
Church of Fair Play with Dr. Russell Adams officiating. Burial was at a
later date in Lake Cemetery, Lamar. Memorial contributions may be made to
the Fair Play Athletic Boosters in care of Fair Play High School.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Robert O. "Bob" Sikes, 83, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a lengthy illness. He was
born Jan. 13, 1916, in Pawnee, Okla., to Sid and Ida Deshazier Sikes; he
was one of seven children. He was saved as a young man in Oklahoma City,
Okla. He and his wife, Veta, moved to Bolivar in 1940 and have lived here
ever since. He was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church and for
several years served as Sunday school superintendent at Mt. Etna Baptist
Church and as a decon at First Baptist Church in Morrisville. For several
years he worked as a construction worker, then in 1961 he joined the
Southwest Baptist University maintenance department, where he worked until
his retirement in 1976. He was an avid fisherman all of his life.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Veta, of the home; three sons and
two daughters-in-law, L.C. and Twyla Sikes of Bolivar, Kenneth Sikes of
Creighton and David and Donna Sikes of Humansville; three daughters and
sons-in-law, Carolyn Sue and Ron Vote of Bolivar, Darlene and Roy Stalker
of St. Charles, Ill., and Teresa and Paul Rauch of Bolivar; a sister,
Gertrude House of Bolivar; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, one
great-great-grandson and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, his eldest son, Bobby
Sikes, and a great-grandson. Services were Saturday, Dec. 11, in Pitts
Chapel with the Rev. Ed Long and the Rev. Joe Rouse officiating. Burial
followed in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were six of his grandsons, Tim
Sikes, Greg Sikes, Keith Sikes, Stacey Sikes, Mike Vote and Andy Rauch.
Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Loren J.D. Murray Sr., 92, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Elmer S. and Exonia Brockus Murry,
he was born at Pleasant Hope April 22, 1907. He married Opal M. Lyman
April 21, 1929. She preceded him in death April 9, 1985. He later married
Clara Newland Schaefer on Nov. 19, 1988. She preceded him in death Oct.
28, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents and three brothers,
Maynard, Lotis and Delbert Murray. He graduated from Southwest Baptist
College and received his undergraduate and master's degrees in business
and public administration from the University of Missouri. He began his
career in education as a teacher, later serving as superintendent of
schools at Cross Timbers, Wheatland, Liberal, Clever, Morrisville and Fair
Play. He was a member of the Bolivar First Baptist Church. Surviving are
two children, Yolanda Palmer and her husband, Robert, of Glencoe and Loren
Murray Jr. and his wife, Esra, of Bolivar; seven grandchildren, 11
great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Services were
Saturday, Dec. 18, at Bolivar First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray
Leininger officiating. Pallbearers were Clark Palmer, Shelby Palmer, Scott
Palmer, Steve Sickmeier, Douglas Love and Bo Russell. Interment was in
Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial
contributions may be made to Bolivar First Baptist Church, 316 N. Main
Ave., Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Anna Lorrainne Stiles, 82, Humansville, died Friday, Dec. 31, 1999, in St.
John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. The daughter of Harry and
Lucille Mann Fench, she was born Oct. 4, 1917, in Kansas City. A former
resident of the state of Washington, she moved to Humansville five years
ago. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; two
sisters, Zella and Frances; and a son, Donnie Mead. Survivors include her
husband, Douglas, of the home; six children, Jim Mead of Springfield,
Bobby Mead of Edwardsville, Kan., Thomas C. "Chuck" Mead of Mound City,
Kan., Betty Messick of Urbana, Mary Engleken of Englewood, Colo., and
Barbara Rains of Humansville; four sisters, Sylvania Hopkins of Kansas
City, May Cunningham of Louisburg, Kan., Ruth Miller of Clinton and Nina
Wilson, of Lancaster, Calif.; 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and
three great-great-grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, Jan. 4, in Murray
Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Cremation
followed the services under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Beverly Sue Cates Stratton, Bolivar, was born on March 23, 1953, in
Springfield, the daughter of Myrtle Farmer and Ralph J. Cates. She
departed this life to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 27, 1999, at the
age of 46 years, 9 months and 4 days. Sue was a very loving mother,
grandmother and friend to everyone she met. Her loving nature endeared her
to her family and all her friends. Sue was saved as a young girl at the
Brown Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield. She was preceded in death by
her father and grandparents, M.C. and Bessie Cates and Gentry and Cora
Farmer. Surviving are her mother, Myrtle M. Phillips of Bolivar; her son,
Jerry Perry of Hollister; her daughter, Sherry Perry of Bolivar; her
grandchildren, Colt Perry, Brittney Perry and Sammy Ryan; four brothers
and their wives, Jim and Wilma Cates of Fair Play, Johnny and Denise Cates
of Albany, Ga., Eric and Sandy Phillips of Bolivar and Norman and Naomi
Phillips of Branson; three sisters and their husbands, Delsia and David
Smothers of Beacher, Ill., Teresa and Bennie Lentz of Colorado Springs,
Colo., and Debra and David Hadley of Morrisville; as well as a host of
nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. She has enriched
our lives and will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends. Earth
is poorer, but Heaven will be much richer for her presence. We will miss
you! Services will be at 1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Butler Funeral
Home Chapel with the Rev. David Lingo officiating. Music will be provided
by Bill Yeargain with Opal Yeargain as the pianist. Burial will be in the
Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Bolivar. Casketbearers will be David
Hadley, Bennie Lentz, Johnny Cates, Jerry Perry, Jimmy Cates and Eric
Phillips.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Mildred Youdean Taylor, 73, Bolivar, died at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born March
16, 1926, in Humansville to Charley Eddie James and Retta Martin Lewis.
She was a graduate of Humansville High School. On Nov. 21, 1951, she was
united in marriage to Coy Taylor in Humansville, and to this union seven
children were born. Mildred was a loving mother and homemaker. She was a
member of Mt. Etna Baptist Church and had taught Sunday school at High
Point Church before she married. Survivors include four sons, John Wesley
Taylor, Sidney Joe Taylor, David Lee Taylor and Russell Dean Taylor, all
of Bolivar; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Lula Bell & David Daniel
of Bolivar, Rose Marie Thompson of Fair Play and Betty Lou and Jim Badders
of Rondo; a sister, Viola May Lewis of Springfield; two sisters-in-law,
Penelope Lewis of Bolivar and Marcella Lewis of Dunnegan; I I
grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Annie Bell Lewis, in 1964, her
father in 1966, her husband in 1976, her mother in 1987, a brother,
Forrest Nolan Lewis, in 1997, a brother, Ralph Faye Lewis, in 1993 and a
grandson, Bradley Taylor. Services were Saturday, Dec. 11, in Pitts Chapel
with Father John West officiating. Burial followed in Bolivar City
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
William Isaac Vander Veen, 88, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Abraham and Rinska Dowma Vander
Veen, he was born June 18, 1911, in Leewarden, Holland. He was married to
Almira Green on Oct. 11, 1934. She preceded him in death in 1986. A son,
Charles William Vander Veen, also preceded him in death. He was a mechanic
for Union Pacific Railroad for many years and later worked for the state
of Utah. A resident of Bolivar since 1987, he was a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Surviving are his daughter, Janet
Cox, Bolivar; eight grandchildren, Dawna Lawson, Brian Nebeker, Lance
Nebeker, Kerry Nebeker, Gorden Wells, Helen Wells, Jerry Lynn Wells and
Edward Wells; and 26 great-grandchildren. No services are planned.
Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, December 1999:
Alberta Annie Brich Whalen, 82, Bolivar, died at 2:45 a.m. Dec. 12, 1999,
in Citizen's Memorial Hospital. She was born Feb. 20, 1917, on the family
farm north of Bolivar, the third youngest of 15 children of Milos Louis
Brich and Mary Svoboda Brich. She went to the Heydon School and graduated
from Bolivar High School in 1935. She was a homemaker and a nurse's aid
for more than 15 years. She returned to Bolivar in 1976 after 40 years in
the Chicago area. She lived at Rose Park and recently was a resident of
the Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was preceded in death by
her parents, 13 brothers and sisters, and her husband, Gerald Whalen, in
1988. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Gerald Pottebaum
of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; her son and daughter-in-law, Rodger and Lisa Whalen
of Seattle, Wash.; her grandsons and their wives, David and LeAnn
Pottebaum of Lake Zurich, Ill., John and Catherine Curtis Pottebaum of
Wheaton, Ill., and Jason Pottebaum of St. Charles, Ill.; her
great-grandson, Noah Pottebaum; one brother and his wife, Marion and Betty
Sue Brich of Anderson, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Marge Brich of Hotchkiss,
Colo.; and 20 nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at a later
date. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 919 N.
Michigan Ave. Suite 1100, Chicago IL 60611 or to the charity of the
donor's choice.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Bradford Ahart, 77, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, at Cox Medical
Center South, Springfield, after a short illness. The son of Harvey and
Martha Todd Ahart, he was born March 20, 1922, in Gerster. He was saved at
an early age. On April 7, 1939, he was married to Chestine Mincks. He was
a retired truck driver for Jump Oil Co. Survivors include his wife,
Chestine, of the home; two sons, Jerry Ahart and his wife, Edith, of
Lebanon and William Ahart and his wife, Donna, of Bolivar; three
daughters, Betty Payne of Bolivar, Georgia Gaddy and her husband, Nyle, of
Fair Play and Helen Payne and her husband, Sidney, of Bolivar; a brother,
Lawrence Ahart of Bolivar; four sisters, Willa Manes, Frances Thompson and
Neta Gaddy, all of Bolivar, and Ruby Campbell of Fair Play; 16
grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. He
was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Joe Payne. Services
will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Dennis
Payton and the Rev. Neil Graham officiating. Burial will follow in Payne
Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons Tommy Ahart, Gene Ahart, Kelly
Ahart, Joe Dale Payne, Jamie Payne, Tony Hill and Jason Gaddy. Honorary
pallbearers will be Roger Cook, Le Allen Lockhart, Jim Wilson, Jeff Case,
Paul McNeil, Danny Dalton, Ricky Feast, Tom Benning and Jared Hendrickson.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Trusa Artz, 93, Bolivar, died at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999, in
Parkview Health Care Facility. She was born Dec. 23, 1905, in Sholten,
Stone County, to Jonah and Trusa Etta Hancock Wilson. She was raised by
her aunt and husband, Martha Ella and Thomas Newman, following the death
of her mother when she was 10 days old. She was a homemaker and was a
pianist for many area churches over a 50-year period. She was a member of
Morrisville United Methodist Church and a former member of the Morrisville
Garden Club. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Frank and
Barbara Artz of Walnut Grove; two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and
Bill Bell of Bolivar and Helen and George Miller of Beggs, Okla.; as well
as eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
foster parents; her husband, Peter Artz; a brother, Bueford Wilson; and a
half-sister, Georgia Horn. Graveside services were Saturday, Dec. 4, at
Marionville Cemetery in Marionville with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth
officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Emma Jane Jackson Bachtel, 105, Bolivar, died at 7:14 a.m. Tuesday, Nov.
16, 1999, at Big Spring Care Center in Humansville after a brief illness.
A longtime resident of Bolivar, she had been living in Humansville for the
past four years. She was born Feb. 17, 1894, in Kingston, the daughter of
Dan and Rebecca Reynolds Gudgell. She was a homemaker and was of the
Methodist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband Milo Jackson in
1943, her husband Archie Bachtel, her son, Lavern Jackson, in 1998 and her
sister, Coleen Bethel. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Virginia
and Emil Stanek of Bolivar; nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and
two great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday,
Nov. 18, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Pat Wissman
officiating. Musical selections will be "How Great Thou Art" and
"Whispering Hope." Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers
will be Victor Stanek, Mark Stanek, Matthew Sukovaty, Andy Stanek, Chris
Stanek and Nick Stanek.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Charles W. Barker, 81, Joplin, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, 1999, at
St. John's Regional Medical Center. He was born June 17, 1918, in Fair
Play to Frank W. and Lillian Jane Slater Barker. He graduated from Fair
Play High School and received a B.S. in business administration from the
University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1939. He was a member of Sigma Nu
fraternity. From 1941 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy as commanding
officer of minesweepers in the Pacific Ocean. In 1942, he married Earlene
Glenn (Pat) O'Flaherty, who preceded him in death in 1961. He was
president of Ellis Wholesale Drug Co. of Joplin from 1946 to 1955. He was
then owner and president of Joplin Transfer and Storage Co., which was
affiliated with Mayflower Moving and Storage. He was a member of the
former Joplin Club and Rotary Club. He was also a charter member of Twin
Hills Golf and Country Club. In 1966 he was married to Betty Meredith, who
survives of the home. Other survivors include his sister, Betty Barker
Jackson of Joplin; his daughter, Sally Barker Purvis of Atlanta, Ga., and
three grandsons, David Purvis of Atlanta, Ga., and Stephen Purvis of
Norwalk, Conn.; three stepdaughters, Janet Davis of Tulsa, Okla., Carol
Meunnig and Laura Vinyard, both of Joplin; four step-granddaughters, Carey
Davis of Phoenix, Ariz., Cebelle Scott of Tulsa, Okla., Beth DeBonis of
Littleton, Colo., and Katy Davis of Tulsa, Okla.; three
step-great-grandsons, Ossie Martindale of Phoenix, Ariz., Ian Scott of
Tulsa, Okla., and David Debonis of Littleton, Colo. The body was cremated
and a family service was held at a later date. Memorial contributions may
be made to the Rotary Community Fund Endowment, Rotary Club of Joplin, PO
Box 1771, Joplin MO 64802.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Ottavia B. Barrett, 74, Weaubleau, formerly of Kansas City, died Sunday,
Nov. 15 at 4:07 p.m. in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.
The daughter of Herbert and Nellie Breshears Mezzacasa, she was born April
16, 1924, at Houston. She worked for 15 years at Wolfermann's in Kansas
City as a cake decorator. she was a member of Eastside Assembly of God in
Kansas City. Survivors include seven children, Joe Freeland of Ava, David
Jordan of Blue Springs, Darlene Leas of Kansas City, Nellie Cox of
Weaubleau, Ottavia Carter of Lone Jack, Sandra Marsh of Independence and
Carol Cooper of Flemington; two brothers, Joe Mezzacasa of Kansas City and
Nelson Mezzacasa of Weaubleau; 17 grandchildren; and 17
great-grandchildren. She ws preced in death by a son, Delmar Freeland, and
two grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray
Funral Home, Bolivar. Burial will be in Robinson Cemetery west of
Weaubleau.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Cecil Ray Beebe, 69, Humansville, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in St.
John's Regional Health Center. The son of Cecil and Roma Moorman Beebe, he
was born Dec. 22, 1929. He was a retired court reporter, having worked for
many years in American Samoa and Honolulu, Hawaii. Survivors include his
mother, Roma Beebe, of Humansville and three children, Lynn Cole of Santa
Cruz, Calif., David McAninch of Kansas City and Joe Beebe of Seattle,
Wash. No services are planned. Cremation was under the direction of Murray
Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Louise F. Butler, 62, Buffalo, died at 2:50 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, at
St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was a home health care
worker. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Bolivar
Seventh Day Adventist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of
Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Michael Allen Cable, 53, Humansville, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, at his
place of employment in Bolivar. The son of James and Vada Parsons Cable,
he was born at Freedom, Okla., July 14, 1946. A resident of Humansville
since April, he formerly lived at Fair Play. He was employed by D & K
Automotive in Bolivar. He was a U. S. Navy veteran. Surviving are his
wife, Vickie, of the home; two sons, Kenneth Michael Cable, Urbana, and
Shane Baker, of the home; his mother and stepfather, Vada and Ed Brady,
Houston, Texas; two brothers, Tony Cable, Ulum, Texas, and Perry Cable,
Brenham, Texas; and two grandchildren, Kenneth Ray Cable and Rhader Lee
Cable. Services were Friday, Nov. 5, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with
the Rev. Joe Rouse officiating. Pallbearers were Gary Clark, Robert
Winger, Matt Routh, Steve Hornbeck, Terry Griffin and Dennis Mauck.
Interment was in Shady Grove Cemetery south of Fair Play.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Ira James Carroll, 85, Half Way, formerly of the Goodson community, died
at 12:50 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital
following a short illness. He was born Aug. 1, 1914, in Goodson to Will
and Ida Elizabeth Rush Carroll. He was a farmer and a member of Lindley
Creek Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers,
Fred and Gentry Carroll. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were Monday, Nov. 15, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Joe Spear
officiating. Burial followed in Lindley Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Jarrett Black, Brad Farmer, Wayne Gladden, Larry Bays, John Greer and Mike
Greer.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Shirley Sue Cates, 45, Rogersville, formerly of Bolivar, died at 4:25 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. Shirley
was born on July 20, 1954, in Springfield, the daughter of N.C. "Smokey"
Cates and Faye Crafton Cates. The family moved to Bolivar when Shirley was
young, and she graduated from Bolivar High School in 1972. Shirley was
saved at home at the age of 9 years and was later baptized into Goodson
Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of Lighthouse Missionary
Baptist Church in Bolivar from 1981 until her death. Shirley was employed
at Southwest Trucking Co. in Springfield for the last two years and prior
to that worked at Bill Roberts Chevrolet for six years. She was preceded
in death by her father, N.C. "Smokey" Cates. She is survived by her
mother, Faye Cates, Bolivar; her sister, Rhonda Vote and her husband,
Jerry, Bolivar; a half-brother Larry Dixon of Twin Falls, Idaho; two
half-sisters, Teresa Culver of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Margaret Hedges of
Richland, Wash.; her nephew, Todd Craigmyle and his wife, Tammy; her
niece, Heather Bradt and her husband, Howard; one great-nephew, Tiler
Craigmyle; one great-niece, Brandalyn Lou Bradt; and many more family and
friends. Services were Saturday, Nov. 13, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel
with Bro. Jim Bybee and Bro. Doyle Mayfield officiating. Music was
provided by the Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church choir and soloists
Rhonda Vote and Julie Julien with Julie Julien as pianist. Burial was in
the Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Bolivar. Casketbearers were Todd
Craigmyle, Howard Bradt, Rick Hagar, Ray Gann, Elvin Foster and Jeff
Julien. God granted Shirley's wish to "go home." Hallelujah!



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Jim West Chaney, 77, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1999, at Citizens
Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 23, 1922, at Hermitage, the son of
Orel H. and Emma Parkhurst Chaney. He married Margaret DeMotte on June 4,
1948. Jim had lived most of his life in the Hickory County area as a
farmer and laborer until five years ago when he moved to Bolivar. He was a
U.S. Navy veteran, serving in World War II. He was a member of the
Wheatland Christian Church, where he had served as an elder and as
superintendent for 20 years. He was a member of the Hogles Creek Masonic
Lodge No. 279 and a charter member of the Galmey V.F.W. Post No. 9638. Jim
was a wonderful man. He was always friendly, outgoing, pleasant and
truthful--perhaps a bit ornery. But he didn't know a stranger. He accepted
people quickly. He didn't have to buy his way with people. He made you
feel like a friend. He never said anything bad about anyone. He always
looked for the good in people. He did a lot of things for others. He never
ever questioned them. And he didn't do them because he expected anything
back. He wouldn't say a word even if someone owed him. He never had an
enemy. Everybody loved him. Jim liked to "cut up." He had a wonderful
sense of humor and a great skill for telling funny stories and jokes. I
often told him he reminded me of Santas Claus, with little hair and a big
belly and an even larger countenance. He always had a big smile or a huge
grin upon his face. I guess I'd describe Jim as a dedicated Christian man,
so overflowing with goodness and so full of jollyness. That's what made
him unique and distinct from most men. And for that I appreciated him so!
He was a good father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim was a man who
loved his family. He loved children. And he enjoyed watching the stars. He
loved farming. That was his life. And as his family has said, He was a
loving and good husband. He was always good to me. He was my best friend.
He was the most wonderful dad there ever was. One thing Jim liked to say,
and quite often, was "Live life one day at a time and to its fullest." And
that's just what he did. He was someone I'll never forget. He'll surely be
missed. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Margaret Chaney, of the
home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamala and Roy Houseman of Liberty
and Becky and Frank Honn of Raymore; one son and daughter-in-law, Frank
and Pat Chaney of Humansville; two brothers, Lige Chaney of Flemington and
Bert Chaney of Wheatland; six grandchildren, Frank Lee and Jim Honn, Tommy
and Angi Jordan, Allison Mixon and Jade Chaney; and four
great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Amanda and Jennifer Jordan and Drake Honn;
as well as many other relatives, friends and neighbors. Services were
Saturday, Nov. 13, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland,
with the Rev. Ernest Foltz and the Rev. Scott Carlton officiating. Burial
was in Dooly Bend Cemetery with military rites by the Galmey V.F.W. Post
No. 9638. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wheatland Christian
Church, CMH Hospice or the First Christian Church, Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Dean Credille, 75, Bolivar, died at 5:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 1999, in
Parkview Health Care Facility following a lengthy illness. She was born
Oct. 8, 1924, to Foster and Lena Clanton Anders in Mineola, Texas. She was
a former switchboard operator for Southwest Baptist University and had
been a sales clerk at Wal-Mart. She was a member of First Baptist Church
and their Women's M.U. group as well as the SBU Women's Club. Survivors
include her husband, Lynn, of the home; three sons and dauaghters-in-law,
John and Ronda Credille of Bolivar, David and Minka Credille of Cedarhill,
Texas, and Brian and Rose Credille of Surabaya, Indonesia; a brother,
Royce Anders of Plano, Texas; three sisters, Lon nie Vessels of Dallas,
Texas, Martha Yates of Rosenburg, Texas, and Wanda Sprouse of Plano,
Texas; as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services were Sunday, Nov. 21, in Pitts Chapel with burial following in
Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lynn and
Dean Credille Scholarship Fund in care of the SBU Advancement Office.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Elva Mae Dobbins went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, Nov. 20, 1999, at
the age of 95 years, 4 months and 24 days, at Citizens Memorial Hospital
after a short illness. She was born June 27, 1904, at Eudora, the daughter
of Fred Blaine and Mary McKenzie McDonald. Her mother passed away when she
was eight months old, and she was then adopted by Dee and Molly Dickerson,
who raised her as their own. Elva was saved at an early age and was a
faithful member of the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church as long as
her health let her. She was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with
all of her heart. Her life was an inspiration to her family and many
friends. She was united in marriage to Charley Young on Dec. 24, 1922. To
this union were born two daughters, Mary Catherine and Wilda Charlene.
Charley passed away on Nov. 11, 1958. On Sept. 15, 1963, Elva was married
to Joe Glenn Dobbins; he had one daughter, Marilyn Holman. They lived in
Bolivar for several years. Glenn passed away Feb. 6, 1979. After Elva
became ill, one thing she really missed was going to the Senior Center;
she loved the people there. She enjoyed going to the Polk County Singing
every month, and she loved gospel music. She went to church as long as she
was able. The blind center tapes were a great help to her. The
grandhcildren always said, "you didn't have to wonder what 'Mom' thought,
she would speak right out and tell them!" "Mom" also enjoyed going to
Eudora Church on special occasions and really enjoyed the church tapes.
Elva was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; one sister,
Dora Stiles; and one brother, Delbert McDonald. Surviving are her two
daughters and their husbands, Mary Catherine and Eldon Neill of Stockton
and Charlene and Kent Morgan of Fair Play; her stepdaughter and husband,
Marilyn and Lee Allen Holman of Walnut Grove; five grandchildren, Janice
Barnholtz, Carolyn Akins, David Neill, Kevin Morgan and Penny Fraser;
three step-grandchildren, Rickie, Tony and Deana Holman; 13
great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; one nephew, Ed
Stiles of Aldrich; and several other relatives and many friends. Servcies
were Monday, Nov. 22, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lon
Killingsworth officiating. Musical soloist was Bob Lowery with Vicki
Killingsworth as pianist. Burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south
of Aldrich. Casketbearers were David Neill, Kevin Morgan, Rickie Holman,
Tony Holman, Jerry Akins and Pati Fraser. Your gentle face and patient
smile With sadness we recall. You had a kindly word for each And you died
beloved by all. The voice is mute and stilled the heart That loved us well
and true. Oh, bitter was the trial to part From one so good as you. You
are not forgotten, loved one Nor will you ever be, As long as life and
memory last We will remember thee. We miss you more, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face No
one can fill your vacant place.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Kathleen A. "Kay" Dunseth, 96, Overland Park, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 16,
1999, at the Forum Healthcare Center, Overland Park, Kan. She was born
April 19, 1903, to Leonard and Laura Abbott in Newton, Kan. She graduated
from high school in Bolivar. At the age of 16 she became a school teacher
and taught for many years. Later in life she became the owner-operator of
beauty shops in Topeka and Wichita, Kan., and operated a direct sales
organization in Wichita, Kan. She was preceded in death by her husband of
56 years, Ralph Dunseth, and by her sister, Arlein Yates. She is survived
by her children, Barbara Sutton and her husband, Bill, of Charlotte, N.C.,
and Robert Dunseth and his wife, Laurel, of Leawood, Kan.; her sister, Lin
King of Kansas City; grandchildren Jordan, Olivia, Garrett, Marcia, Sally
and Scott and great-granddaughter Ashley. Graveside services were
Thursday, Nov. 18, in Scofield Cemetery, Half Way. Arrangements were under
the direction of Kansas City Funeral Directors, Kansas City, Kan. Memorial
contributions may be made to Odyssey Healthcare Inc. Hospice, 9229 Ward
Parkway, Suite 350, Kansas City MO 64114-3311



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Sherri Renee Fink, 37, Springfield, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999, in Lester
E. Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. Sherri had been married twice
and divorced twice. Then in 1987 she met MIke Naquin, and four children
were born to them. They moved to Springfield in the late 1980s. In 1998,
she received her high school GED and was enrolled in Ozarks Technical
Community College. At the time of her death, Sherri was employed by the
Great American Diner in Springfield, where she worked as a waitress.
Sherri is survived by her natural mother, Virginia Blair of Anchorage,
Alaska; her guardian, Hazel Hammock of Brookline; her fiance, Johnnie
Davison of Springfield; one son, Julian Naquin of Springfield; three
daughters, Caressa Fink, Regan Fink and Chelsie Naquin, all of
Springfield; one brother, Edward Hammock of Corpus Christi, Texas; four
sisters, Stephanie Jo Brown, state of Oklahoma, Theressa Guy, Payton,
Tenn., Jamie La Compte, Anchorage, Alasak, and Cindy Hill, Richland; and
her grandmother, Vesta Pearl Dunkel of Plato. Memorial services were
Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Raymond Simpson Gent, 84, Bedford, Texas, died at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, Nov.
9, 1999, at the Parkwood Nursing Center in Bedford after a brief illness.
He was born April 29, 1915, near Aldrich, the son of Columbus and Ollie
Perriman Gent. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1936 and served his country
for 20 years in World War II and Korea. He was married to Anna S. Kups in
San Pedro, Calif., in 1938, and to this union two sons were born. He ended
his Navy career at the Navy ROTC Unit at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, retiring
in 1956. He remained in the Atlanta area and retired from his second
career in 1977. In 1994 he and his wife moved to the Parkwood Retirement
Community in Bedford, Texas. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve
Association No. 89 in Atlanta, Ga. Surviving are his wife, Anna S. Gent of
Bedford, Texas; his two sons, Raymond D. Gent of Euless, Texas, and Carl
D. Gent of McLean, Va.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services were Friday, Nov. 12, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. Gary Stewart and the Rev. Donald I. Gent officiating. Musical soloist
was Marsha Hopkins. Burial with full military honors was in the Barren
Creek Cemetery west of Bolivar. Casketbearers were Darren Gent, David
Gent, Scott Gent, Ssg. Lance Logue and Terry James. Memorial contributions
may be made to the William C. Martin United Methodist Church in Bedford,
Texas, in care of Raymond D. Gent, 2101 Stardust Court, Euless TX 76040.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Robert James Gresham, 63, Humansville, died Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, at St.
John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. The son of Frank and Ella Fay
Wann Gresham, he was born Dec. 20, 1935, at Batson, Ark. He served in the
U.S. Navy for more than 28 years, moving to a farm west of Humansville in
1981. He was a member of the Stockton VFW Post. Surviving are his wife,
Melverta, of the home; seven children, Robert H. Gresham of Raymore, Shawn
Gresham of the home, Joe D. Mauldin and James R. Mauldin, both of Dumas,
Texas, Robert D. Mauldin of Germany, Shirley Carr of Humansville and Paula
Rainbolt of Plant City, Fla.; and 15 grandchildren. Services were Friday,
Nov. 26, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Mike Brixey
officiating. Pallbearers were members of Amvets Post No. 114. Military
rites were conducted at the graveside by Amvest Post No. 114 Honor Guard.
Interment was in Hickory Grove Cemetery west of Humansville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Frederick E. Hageman, 67, Riverside, Calif., died Friday, Nov. 28, 1999,
in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 1, 1932, in Hamilton,
Ohio, the son of William Walter and Alice Dietiker Hageman. He enlisted in
the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He is survived
by his mother, Alice Hageman, of Riverside, Calif; his ex-wife, Sharon
Hageman, of Columbia; three daughters, Barbarie Gonzalez of Willits,
Calif., Denise Sorg of Riverside, Calif., and Sharon Hageman of Columbia;
his sister, Leah Riggle, of Riverside, Calif.; and five grandchildren.
Services will be at a later date in California, with local arrangements
under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Beulah Ann Hanna, 90, Lauderhill, Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, in
Florida Medical Center, Lauder Lakes, Fla. She was a former resident of
Springfield and Humansville. She was born Oct. 6, 1909, in Cedar County
near Humansville, the third of 10 children born to Joseph C. and Mirelda
Rigdon Chaney. She was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church and a
homemaker. She married Curtis N. Potts, and they were the parents of three
children. He preceded her in death in 1955. She then married Russell
Hanna, who preceded her in death in 1994. Her parents, two brothers and
six sisters also preceded her in death. Survivors include three children,
Kenneth Potts and his wife, Anna Mae, of Humansville, Anna Lou Hascall and
her husband, Bill, of Cameron, and Donna Fay Terrell and her husband,
Bert, of Pompano Beach, Fla.; three stepchildren, Harold Hanna and his
wife, Dorothy,of Rialto, Calif., Frances Granger and her husband, Harry,
of Emmett, Idaho, and Joyce Gengler of Silverton, Ore.; a sister, Lorene
Pitts, Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and a host of
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday,
Nov. 6, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Jack Wollard Hughs, 74, Blue Eye, died at 11:57 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4,
1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was born Feb.
21, 1925, in Polk County to S. Wollard and Pearl Opal Hughs. He had been
an electronic technician for TWA for 33 years and was retired. He was a
U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Graveside services were Monday morning,
Nov. 8, in Greenwood Cemetery, with a memorial service Monday evening at
Blue Eye Methodist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of
Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be
made to the American Heart Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
James "Brent" Hurst, 45, Lawrenceburg, died Sunday morning, Nov. 28, 1999,
in his home. He was born in Springfifeld and was a lifelong resident of
the Lawrenceburg area. He was a 1973 graduate of Miller High School. For
20 years he was a truck driver for Britain Feed Store and was engaged in
farming. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Allison Hurst, on
June 13, 1993; and by two brothers, Joe Quinn Hurst on July 24, 1975, and
an infant brother in 1958. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law,
Landis "Bo" and Shauna Hurst of Miller; a daughter and son-in-law, Aimee
and Jimmy Gallivan of Half Way; three grandsons, Austin and Blake Hurst
and Caleb Gallivan; a stepson and his wife, Chad and Kristy Calvin of La
Russell; his mother, Eloise Hurst of Lawrenceburg; a sister and
brother-in-law, Linda and Dan Ditzler of Mount Vernon; and two brothers
and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Beth Hurst and Kent and Melody Hurst, all of
Lawrenceburg. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 30, in Wilson Brim-Daniel
Chapel, Ash Grove, with the Rev. Scott Killingsworth officiating.
Interment followed in Johns Chapel Cemetery south of Ash Grove. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Rebecca Cleo Hyer, 60, Humansville, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of Clifford and Lydia Weaver
Fitzpatrick, she was born July 28, 1939, at Kansas City. On Feb. 19, 1971,
she was married to Patrick Hyer. A resident of Humansville since October
1971, she was a homemaker. She was a member of Amvets Post No. 114 and
participated in the Amvets Honor Guard, providing military rites for
deceased veterans. Survivors include her husband, Patrick, of the home;
two sons, Matt Matthews of Collins and Troy Hyer of Humansville; two
grandchildren, Rebecca Marie Hyer and Cody James Hyer; a brother, Alfred
Fitzpatrick of North Kansas City; and a sister, Lucille Deeds,
Independence. Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 27, at Souder
Cemetery north of Humansville with Stanley Simpson officiating.
Pallbearers were members of Amvets Post No. 114. Services were under the
direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Avice Leta Ingram, 92, Fair Play, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of George Washington and Sarah
Elizabeth Miller Barger, she was born Oct. 3, 1907, in Cedar County. The
family later moved to Hickory County, near Elkton, where she grew up. In
1939 she was married to Herschel Ingram, and in 1951 they moved to Cedar
County west of Bear Creek. She was preceded in death by her husband on
Feb. 28, 1989, and by her parents, six sisters and two brothers. Survivors
include several nieces and nephews. Serivces were Tuesday, Nov. 16, in
Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bill Vernon officiating.
Pallbearers were James L. Henry, John Henry, Louis Melvin, Dub Richardson,
David Witt and James Witt. Interment was in Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Harvey William James, 59, Bolivar, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 1999, at his
home. The son of Harvey and Iola Mowrey James, he was born at Council
Bluffs, Iowa, May 26, 1940. A resident of Polk County since 1982, he
formerly lived at San Bernardino, Calif. He was a truck driver for more
than 20 years and a farmer, raising hogs and Tennessee walking horses and
making donkey carts. Survivors include his wife, Morene, of the home; his
mother, Iola James, Spring Hill, Fla.; his children, Todd James and his
wife, Beth, of Lee's Summit, Bill James and his wife, Jackie, of Republic,
Kevin James and his wife, Holly, of Springfield and Grant James,
Springfield; two grandchildren, Devin James of Lee's Summit and Paul
James, state of Texas; two brothers, Steve James of Council Bluffs, Iowa,
and Grant James of Spring Hill, Fla.; and one sister, Myra Faye James of
Dunnegan. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 30, in Murray Chapel with the Rev.
Jack Smothers officiating. Cremation followed under the direction of
Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens
Memorial Hospital Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Kenton "Pete" Leo Johnson, 63, Morrisville, formerly of Stockton, died
Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was
born June 18, 1936, to Fred and Helen Johnson. He was united in marriage
to Vivien June Kimbler on June 22, 1957, and to this union five children
were born. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years,
Vivien; his parents; two daughters, Katherine Edwards and Cynthia Guy and
her husband, Gary; two grandsons, Calvin and Chad; a brother, Jim; and
three sisters, Mary, Marcella and Dorothy. Survivors include three sons,
David Johnson of Stockton, Fred Johnson and his wife, Danella, of
Morrisville and Tim Johnson and his wife, Linda, Morrisville; four
brothers, Jerry Johnson of Mount Vernon, Paul Johnson Sr., state of
Kentucky, Harold Johnson and Marshall Johnson, both of the state of
California; two sisters, Louise Peters of Springfield and Cordelia Wiehe,
state of Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Michelle, Freddie, Timmy and
Daniel; four great-grandchildren, Kristopher, Shelby, Rebecca and Tabitha;
and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all that
knew and loved him. Graveside services were Monday, Nov. 15, at Pankey
Cemetery near Stockton with the Rev. Bobby Long officiating. Pallbearers
were Darrell Gregory, Gary Wiehe, David Johnson, Fred Johnson, Tim Johnson
and Jerry Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Johnson and Mike Peters.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Sarah Kathryn Coar Parkman Johnston, 97, Bolivar, died Sunday, Nov. 21,
1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born Oct. 12,
1902, in Burtonsville, Md., daughter of the late William T. and Mary E.
Burton Coar. In 1922 she married George H. Parkman. In 1951 she married
Thomas L. Johnston. She moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in 1966 and to
Bolivar in 1988. She had been a resident of Citizens Memorial Health Care
Facility since August 1995. She was a member and church organist of the
Liberty Grove Methodist Church for many years and was active in many
church and community services. She was founder of the Burton Family
Society, Burtonsville, Md., former member of the Eastern Star and of the
Descendants of Mareen Duvall Society. She retired from the David Taylor
Model Basin, Navy Dept., Carderock, Md., after many years of employment.
Surviving are two daughers, one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law,
Lorraine Kincaid of Bolivar, Eleanor and Dick Park of Chester, Md., and
Isabelle Parkman of Laurel, Md.; two grandsons, Chester Kincaid and his
wife, Stacey, of Bolivar, and Richard and Becky Parkman of Laurel, Md.; 13
great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are
two stepdaughters, Grace Gall and Lula Johnston, both of the state of
Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her son, George Parkman; a
son-in-law, William Kincaid; six grandchildren and two stepdaughters,
Florence Johnston and Eleanor Slagle. Services and burial will be in the
state of Maryland. Local arrangements were under the direction of Murray
Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial
Health Care Facility Stroll Garden, 1218 W. Locust St., Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
John Franklin Shipley Jr., 81, Bolivar, died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday, Nov.
18, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Oct. 2, 1918, in
Bolivar, the son of John F. and Lula Mae Richardson Shipley. He attended
school in Bolivar and graduated from Bolivar High School in 1937. He was
saved at the age of 21 and was a charter member of the Second Baptist
Church, now Southern Hills Baptist Church. John was united in marriage on
Oct. 12, 1940, to Johnnie Zumwalt, and to this union two children were
born, Marlin Dee and Elderine. John served his country with the U.S. Army
during World War II from March 1943 to January 1946. He was awarded three
Bronze Stars and the good conduct medal. He was employed at Bolivar
Hardware for many years, but in January 1955, he and his family moved to
Baxter Springs, Kan., where he was employed as a dispatcher for Yellow
Frieght System. In 1965 he was transferred to Liberal, Kan., where he was
branch manager of the Yellow Freight terminal. In 1966 he was transferred
to the main office in Kansas City, but he and his family lived in Overland
Park, Kan. He retired in 1980. John was an active member of the church
where he lived. They returned to Bolivar in 1987 and joined the Southern
Hills Baptist Church, but later he attended the First Baptist Church. John
was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Fern Hosp, Ruby, Mable
and Anna Lou Shipley, Thelma Hughes and Betty Lowery; three brothers,
Marlin (Dark), Orland (Hawk) and Richard Lee; and a daughter-in-law, Norma
Shipley. Surviving are his wife, Johnnie, of the home; his son, Marlin Dee
Shipley of Belton; his daughter, Elderine and her husband, Jim Milligan,
of Columbia; his two granddaughters, Terri and her husband, Bryan Leonard,
of Kansas City and Tara Shipley of Belton; a sister, Inez Tabor of
Bolivar; a sister-in-law, Lena Shipley; a brother-in-law, Keith Lowery;
two nieces and two nephews and their families. John was an avid fisherman
and never missed an opportunity to drown a worm or to tell all who would
listen about the "big one that got away." He was also known to be a "mild"
threat to area squirrels. He enjoyed gardening and could often times boast
of having the first ripe tomato of the season. Services were Saturday,
Nov. 20, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill Tatom
officiating. Music was provided by Bob Lowery as song leader and soloist
with Valerie Killingsworth as pianist. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Casketbearers were members of the men's Sunday school class at Southern
Hills Baptist Church and the Baraca Sunday school class at the First
Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial
Hospital Home Health Services.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Frankie Elliott Lightfoot, 91, Bolivar, formerly of Polk, died Saturday,
Nov. 27, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following an
extended illness. The daughter of Frank and Mary Gallivan Elliott, she was
born Jan. 21, 1908, in Polk County in the Huron area. She was a member of
the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Adonis and attended as health
permitted. On Aug. 25, 1926, she was united in marriage to Cecil William
Lightfoot, and they enjoyed more than 72 years together. To this union
were born three children, Lester Frank, Juanita and Geraldine. She was a
housewife. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Juanita and
Clea Lightfoot of Pittsburg and Geraldine Ross of Polk; a daughter-in-law,
Jean Lightfoot, state of South Carolina; five grandchildren and their
spouses, Lora and Edd Ricker of South Carolina, Bonnie and Mike Carter of
Nemo, Donnie and Lena Lipe of Bolivar, Jeff Kellner of Polk and Brian
Lightfoot of Jefferson City; four great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Cecil, in April 1999; a son, Lester
Frank Lightfoot; and four brothers. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 30, in
Pitts Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot officiating. Burial followed in
Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cahse Barfield, Donnie Lipe, Jeff
Kellner, Brian Lightfoot, Kenny Carter and Brent Carter.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Orville Wayne Lockhart, 51, Bolivar, died at 9:55 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18,
1999, at the Methodist Hospital, Omaha, Neb. Wayne suffered a ruptured
aneurysm while delivering a load in Hamburg, Iowa, on Tuesday, NOv. 16,
and was air-lifted to Omaha, Neb. Wayne was born Oct. 20, 1948, to
Clifford and Ruby Lockhart of Half Way. On July 11, 1970, he was united in
marriage to Janice Kay Gothard in Bolivar. He was preceded in death by his
father and mother; four sisters, June, Ozella, Jackie and Hettie; and two
brothers, Rex and Kent. Surviving are his wife, Kay, of the home; a
daughter and son-in-law, Alanda and Randy Steward of Bolivar; a daughter
and son-in-law, Jo Neita and Chris Kerr of Springfield; a son and
daughter-in-law, E.J. and Stelia Lockhart of Bolivar; five grandchildren
who loved him and called him Pa-Pa, Chandler Steward of Bolivar, Bethaney
Kerr of Springfield, Tyler, Ethen and Clarice Lockhart of Bolivar; a
sister, Berdena McKinley, and a brother, Clifford "Joe" Lockhart, both of
Bolivar; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Wayne was saved at an
early age and was truly a devoted Christian. He had been a truck driver
for many years, starting while in the Army in Germany. Wayne lived to get
home to his family and grandchildren. He was a loving husband and best
friend and a very loving and giving Dad and Pa-Pa. Services were Sunday,
Nov. 21, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Danny Vance and the Rev. Randy
Hayward officiating. Music was by Judy Rinker, accompanied by Sherice
Norman. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Nickles, Cleo Cunningham, Glen
Lemmon and Ralph Buckner. Pallbearers were Kenny Fleeman, Dean Griggs,
Danny Ankrom, Francis Young, Jerry Gallivan and Jim Kelly. Interment was
in Mount Olive Cemetery north of Bolivar. The greatest man I ever knew Was
liked by many, probably even you. He went by names given by others To Kay
he was friend, partner and lover. My wife called him Daddy My daughter
called him Pawpaw, To me he was the only saint I saw. He was an original
"good old boy" Yet to his grandkids he was a big toy. He was the "hero"
kind of man Never failing to lend a helping hand. He has gone home to be
with his mom and dad Surely, one of the greatest reunions heaven has ever
had. He may have just been Wayne Lockhart to you To me, he was the
greatest man I ever knew.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Shirley N. McCormick, 58, Bolivar, died about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28,
1999, on Mo. 13 near Lowry City as a result of an automobile accident. She
was born Feb. 3, 1941, in Polk County, the daughter of Oren Leon Cowden
Sr. and Ruby Esther Standley Cowden. She was a homemaker. Surviving are
her husband, Dr. Scott McCormick of the home; one son, Richard McCormick
of Bolivar; two daughters, Susan Jones of Norman, Okla., and Karen Poston
of Springfield; one sister, Debra Barton of Fordland; five brothers,
Robert Cowden of Springfield, Roger Cowden of Belton, Mike Cowden of
Bolivar, Richard Cowden of Lee's Summit and Jimmie Cowden of Flemington;
and five grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, NOv. 30, in the Butler
Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial
was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Betty Lou Mickelson, 70, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Healthcare Facility. The daughter of John and Minnie Huss Eaton,
she was born April 15, 1929, at Fairbury, Neb. A resident of Bolivar for
the past 12 years, she had formerly lived at Wichita, Kan. She was a
homemaker and had worked as a word processing consultant for the state of
Kansas. For four years she was the zone treasurer of L.W.M.L. for
southwest and south central Missouri. She was a member of Zion Lutheran
Church in Bolivar. Her parents, four brothers and one sister preceded her
in death. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Robert, of the home;
two children, Debbie Mickelson, Mulvane, Kan., and Gerald Mickelson,
Springfield; three grandchildren, Shana James, Sheree Mickelson and
Zachary Mickelson, all of Bixby, Okla.; one great-grandchild and one
sister, Fern Chadwick, Mackay, Idaho. Services were Friday, Nov. 5, in
Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating.
Pallbearers were Roger Ankrom, Gordon Benitz, Del Carman, Walter Schimike,
Ron Selvey and Gene Straw. Interment was in Barren Creek Cemetery west of
Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
R. Doris Millican, 91, Greenfield, died at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17,
1999, in the Dade County Nursing Home, where she had resided for the past
five years. The daughter of Mack S. and Clora Mae Dotson Millican, she was
born Nov. 30, 1907, in the Wishart community near Morrisville. She was a
graduate of Morrisville High School, and in 1924 she attended the college
in Morrisville. She had lived in Washington, D.C., and in the state of
California before making her home in Kansas City in the Plaza area for 50
years. She was a retired government secretary and a member of the
Community Christian Church in Kansas City. She was preceded in death by
her parents and two sisters, Freda Pauline Luce on Oct. 20, 1944, and
Maxine E. Stickney on Nov. 13, 1989. Survivors include her brother and
sister-in-law, Dennie and Lynette Millican, Shawnee MIssion, Kan., and a
sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Verlon Koch, Morrisville, as well as
several nieces and nephews. Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 20, in
Eudora Cemetery with Bro. Verlon E. Koch officiating. Arrangements were
under the direction of Wilson Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Vernon Orville Mincks, 93, Bolivar, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Health Care Facility following a lengthy illness. He was born
Jan. 25, 1906, in Rogersville to Lafe and Julia Brewer Mincks. On May 24,
1942, he was united in marriage to Daisy Edwards in Benton Harbor, Mich.
He lived in Powder Horn, Colo., before marrying. He worked on the Whinnery
Ranch with friend Bob Whinnery, moving to Kansas City in 1952. He worked
for Bennett Construction Co., retiring in 1969 and moving to Bolivar in
1970. Survivors include his wife, Daisy, of the home; a son and
daughter-in-law, Steve and Shannon Mincks of Nixa; a brother, Garley
Mincks of Bolivar; two grandchildren, Stephanie Mincks and Seth Mincks of
Nixa; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents; a son, Jimmy Lee; two sisters and two brothers. Services will be
at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Payton
officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be
Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
William Ralph Orrell, 57, Half Way, died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999, in his
home after a long illness. He was born March 11, 1942, in Bolivar, the son
of William Lee and Amanda Elizabeth Robertson Orrell. In September 1968 he
was united in marriage to Shirley May Gilmore, and to this union two
children were born, Tonya Lynn and Marilyn Sue. He was a tile setter and a
U.S. Army veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers,
Lloyd and Delmer; and one sister, Delma. Survivors include his wife,
Shirley M. Orrell of Half Way; two daughters, Tonya Lynn of Half Way and
Marilyn Teague and her husband, Mike, of Fair Play; two grandsons, Lance
Michael and Brenden Taylor Teague; three brothers, Kenneth Orrell and
Dwight Orrell, both of Bolivar, and Charles Orrell of Collins; four
sisters, Ruth Rowan of Springfield, Vonda Truelove of Holland, Texas,
Norma Smith of Forrest City, Ark., and Velma Gilmore of Pleasant Hope.
Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 6, in the New Bethel Cemetery near
Half Way with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Music was provided
by the Krtek sisters. Casketbearers were John Hogshooter, Darrell Riley,
Leon Bartshe, Beeb Herbert, Mike Schleifer and Roger Lee. Arrangements
were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Inez V. Ragsdale, 86, Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, at Parkview
Health Care Facility. She was born May 10, 1913, at Aldrich, the daughter
of Harrison and Georgia Needham. She was educated in Polk County schools,
attended Southwest Baptist College and taught in county rural schools for
a period of time, later working as a bookkeeper for MFA Exchange before
retiring. On March 23, 1934, she married Claude Marshall of Bolivar, who
preceded her in death. Later she married Ernest Martin of Bolivar, who
died Sept. 22, 1987. She and Wayne Ragsdale were married, and he preceded
her in death Sept. 25, 1996. Her parents and a sister, Fern, also preceded
her in death. She was an active member of Southern Hills Baptist Church as
long as her health allowed. The last years of her life were spent in
Parkview Health Care Facility. Surviving are a brother, Lee Needham a
sister, Ava, and her husband, Keith Stephens and a niece, Carolyn Hall,
who cared for her, all of Bolivar; and several other nieces and nephews.
Services were Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
"Joe" Loren D. Randles, 80, Bolivar, formerly of the Ash Grove area, died
Sunday morning, Nov. 28, 1999, in his home. He was born in Carterville and
was a lifelong resident of Greene and Polk counties. He was a retired
superintendant of Empire District Electric Company, retiring in 1984 after
37 and a half years of service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II
and a member of the Berean Baptist Church. He and Ruby Slatten were united
in marriage on Aug. 13, 1938, and they shared 58 years together. Ruby
preceded him in death Dec. 1, 1996. He is survived by six sons, Damon,
Zenith and Dean, all of Springfield, Bobby of San Antonio, Texas, Mark and
Joy, both of Bolivar; three daughters, Trula Pyle of Willard, Trina
Randles and Regina Welch, both of Bolivar; 20 grandchildren, four
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Agnes
Green of Springfield. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in
Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove, with the Rev. David Lingo
officiating. Interment will follow in Johns Chapel Cememter south of Ash
Grove. Military rites will be conducted at graveside.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Barbara Ann Owen Ray, 52, Poplarville, Miss., died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999,
in Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, Miss., of double pneumonia, a
complication from cancer. She was born Feb. 28, 1947, in Aldrich, the
daughter of Harold Dale and Thelma Dean Owen. She was united in marriage
in 1971 in Picayune, Miss., to Jimmie D. Ray. She was a software engineer
with Planning Systems Inc., Slidell, La. She graduated from the University
of Southern Mississippi in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in
mathematics and received a master's degree in calculus in 1977. She was
preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, Jimmie,
Poplarville, Miss.; two sons, Jonathan Ray and his wife, Julie,
Poplarville, Miss., and Jeffrey Ray, Starkville, Miss.; a daughter, Jaime
Ray, Poplarville, Miss.; her mother, Thelma Owen, Springfield; a sister,
Judith Owen-Hooper and her husband, Lloyd, Salt Lake City, Utah; a
brother, Michael Owen and his wife, Karen, Springfield; her mother-in-law,
Inez Youngblood-Ray, Vicksburg, Miss.; two grandsons, Chandler and Camden
Ray; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Services will be at 1
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in Routh Chapel Church, in Dade County near Aldrich
off Mo. 215. Inurnment will follow in Routh Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements
are under the direction of Ayre-Goodwin-Lee Funeral Home, Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Routh Chapel Cemetery
Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Agnes H. Roberts, 96, Bolivar, died at 1:20 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born to Harlan
and Minerva Hammons on Oct. 7, 1903, in Dunnegan and lived her entire life
in Polk County. Her father drowned when she was quite young, and she was
reared with love and affection by a devoted Christian mother. She accepted
Christ as her personal saviour at a young age at the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and was baptized at the Bolivar First Baptist Church
after moving to Bolivar. She faithfully attended church until ill health
interfered. Her early education was received at the Dunnegan Primary
School and Humansville High School. She graduated with honors from the
Department of Education at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College and
received her master's degree in education from the University of Missouri.
Southwest Baptist University bestowed the Life Service Award on her in
October 1988. Teaching assignments included the King School near Walnut
Grove, Humansville, Fair Play and Bolivar as well as Southwest Baptist
College. On June 3, 1931, she was united in marriage to Bill Roberts Sr.,
who preceded her in death June 4, 1984. Survivors include her sons, Bill
Roberts Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, Lee Roberts Sr. and his wife, Georgia,
as well as 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was a devoted
Christian wife, mother and grandmother who took pride in family spiritual
values, integrity and morality. As one who enjoyed math and b6tyusiness
gifured, she worked as business manager and as a wonderful and valuable
work-mate with her husband and sons in the Bolivar automobile dealership
which she and her husband co-founded in 1937. Services will be at 2 p.m.
today (Wednesday) at Bolivar First Baptist Church with Dr. Harlan Spurgeon
officiating. Pallbearers will be Dr. L. Melvin Roberts Jr., Bill Roberts
IV, Dr. Fernando Cavero, Dr. Mark Houston, Craig Preston, Matt Roberts and
Mark Roberts. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction
of Murray Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church today from 1 p.m.
until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bill
and Agnes Roberts Memorial Scholarship Fund, Southwest Baptist University,
1601 S. Springfield Ave., Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Ambie Ellen Roberts, 85, Filmore, Calif., formerly of the Huron and Polk
communities, died at 9:17 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, in Santa Paula
Memorial Hospital, Santa Paula, Calif. She was born July 12, 1914, to
Alpha and Lula Lightfoot Vest. She was the widow of Henry Mitchell
Roberts, who preceded her in death Dec. 22, 1972. She had been a
seamstress and had lived in California for the past 55 years. Services
will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, in Pitts Chapel with burial following
in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday in the
funeral home. From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Clifford Leo Roberts, 84, Polk, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Healthcare Facility. The son of Amos and Martha Payne Roberts, he
was born March 10, 1915, at Polk. He was saved as a young boy and was a
member of Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church. He was married to Laura
Elnora Combs April 14, 1940. She preceded him in death March 15, 1997. He
was also preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Fred, Claud,
Jesse and Cleo Roberts. He taught school for two years and worked for
several years at Oberman's in Jefferson City where they manufactured
clothing. He was also a farmer. Survivors include three sisters, Annie
Walker of Polk, Atha Ragsdale of Kearney and Ada Jump of Bolivar; three
brothers, Albert Roberts, Les Roberts and Ester Roberts, all of Polk; and
a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Services were Monday, Nov.
8, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Bro. Curtis Howard and Bro. Glenn
Roberts officiating. Music was by the Glenn Roberts family. Pallbearers
were Denzil Roberts, Denton Roberts, David Payne, Dr. Donald Jump, Durward
Walker and Leonard Roberts. Interment was in Payne Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Connor David Russell, infant son of Kitty and Dale Russel, Bolivar, was
stillborn Friday, Nov. 12, 1999, in Cox Medical Center, Springfield.
Survivors include his parents; a brother, Dalton Russell of the home; and
three sisters, Summer Bedsaul of Corvallis, Ore., Autumn Russell of
Pleasant Hope and Katie Russell of the home. No formal services are
planned. Cremation was under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Minnie Alena Sharp, 69, Morrisville, died at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, Nov.
24, 1999, in Springfield. The daughter of Louis T. and Vivian LaFerne
Lyman Roberts, she was born Jan. 30, 1930, in Wishart. On Feb. 12, 1949,
she was united in marriage to Leonard Earl Sharp, and to this union one
child was born, Leonard R. Sharp. She attended the Family Worship Center
in Morrisville. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother,
Louis T. Roberts. Survivors include her husband, Leonard E. Sharp of
Morrisville; one son, Leonard R. Sharp of Wishart; one brother, Charley R.
Roberts of Sutter Creek, Calif.; and two sisters, LaFerne Knapp of Prim,
Ark., and Avis Hayes of Pekin, Ill. Services were Saturday, Nov. 27, in
Butler Chapel with the Rev. Randy Urich officiating. Music was provided by
Ethel Leek, including "Rock of Ages," "Don't it Feel Good" and "More to Go
to Heaven For." Casketbearers were Leonard E. Sharp, Rex Sharp, Beradley
Knapp, Mike Knapp, Rick Knapp, Allen Hayes, Clint Hayes and Rob Hayes.
Burial was in Oakville Cemetery west of Morrisville.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Julia Simmons, 83, Bolivar, died at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 1999, at
Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, following a short illness. She was
born May 12, 1916, in Polk to Jesse and Maggie Stewart Buckner. She was a
homemaker and the widow of Ernest Simmons, who died in October 1981.
Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Nadine and Doyle Hopkins
and Linda Slagle, all of Bolivar; five brothers, Jesse Buckner of
Brighton, Wilburn Buckner of Rockford, Ill., Milburn Buckner and Henry
Buckner, both of Buckner, and George Buckner, state of Oklahoma; two
sisters, Jewel Coatney of Grain Valley and Lillian DeLuca of Liberty; as
well as five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Services were
Thursday, Dec. 2, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Leon Meadows officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Joshua Ryan Smith, 18, Fair Grove, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 1999, on Rt. H
south of Pleasant Hope from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
He was a warehouse worker for Banta Foods. Survivors include his parents,
Ray and Debra Smith, Fair Grove; a sister, Jennifer Smith; his
grandparents, Earl and Nancy Smith, Springfield, and Hazel Compton,
Strafford; a half-sister, Carah Patterson; seven aunts, five uncles, 26
cousins and numerous friends. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial following in
Danforth Cemetery near Strafford.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
John Harry Steuber Sr., 85, Pittsburg, died at 7:04 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14,
1999, in his home. He was born Sept. 28, 1914, in Winona, N.J., to William
Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Conover Steuber. He was self-employed in the
millinery and hat industry. He was a member of St. Bernadette's Catholic
Church in Hermitage and had resided in Pittsburg since 1971. Survivors
include his wife, Leona P. Steuber of Pittsburg; three sons, John H.
Steuber Jr. and James R. Steuber, both of Pittsburg, and Gerald M. Steuber
of St. Louis; one brother, Thomas Steuber of Olathe, Kan.; three sisters,
Elizabeth McClure, state of Wisconsin, Ellen Yedlicka, state of New
Jersey, and Ann Herbert, Baton Rouge, La.; eight grandchildren and 10
great-grandchildren. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov 30, in St.
Bernadette's Catholic Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Don Powers
presiding. Burial will follow in Hermitage Cemetery. Arrangements are
under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Samuel Dale Stokes, 57, Bolivar, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in his home
from cancer. He was born Sept. 8, 1942, to Berthlun Leroy and Lois Mae
Ryan Stokes. On Aug. 9, 1970, he married Linda Mae Payne. They were the
parents of four children. Survivors include his four children and their
spouses, Jimmie Dale Stokes and his wife, Sherry, of Bois D'Arc, Shannon
Lynae Marshall and her husband, Douglas, of Pleasant Hope, Erin Janet
Endrizzi and her husband, James, of Bolivar, and Heather Colleen Gaddy and
her husband, Dennis, of Bolivar; and nine grandchildren, Jimmie Dale
Stokes II, Cody Dale Marshall, Johnathon David Endrizzi, Lyndsi Fay
Marshall, Tanner Dean Stokes, Kelsey Colleen Gaddy, Alex Thomas Endrizzi,
Kahli Rae Gaddy and Jordon Danille Stokes. Also surviving are seven
brothers, Allen, James, Don, Junior, Darrel and Charlie Stokes, all of the
state of Kansas, and John Stokes of the state of Colorado; one sister,
Linda Williams, of the state of Kansas; his mother-in-law, Erma Payne of
Springfield; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by
his parents; three brothers, Harlan, Robert and William Stokes; two
sisters, Virginia Andres and Mary Stokes; and his father-in-law, Roy
Payne. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Murray Funeral Home with the Rev.
Dennis Payton and the Rev. Neil Graham officiating. Pallbearers were Jim
Fine, Larry Gardner, Leland Cook, J.R. Kirby, Don Ashlock and Charlie
Cook. Interment was in Payne Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Clement Harvey "Sully" Sullivan, 79, Bolivar, died at 1:15 a.m. Thursday,
Nov. 4, 1999, in his home of chemical-related lung cancer. He was a
retired U.S. Navy career man of 21 years, serving in World War II, Korea
and three trips to Vietnam. He retired from the Navy in 1968. After his
military career, he worked for San Diego County, Calif., as a heavy
equipment operator for the sanitation and flood department, retiring in
1979. He and his wife, Carolyn, then moved to Missouri, living for 10
years near Lake Pomme de Terre, then moving to Bolivar in 1989, where they
were both members of the Berean Baptist Church. In 1995 he helped form the
Maranatha Baptist Church with longtime friend Pastor Jim Robbins. He was
also a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, San Diego County Retired
Association and the Disabled American Veterans, where he served as
chaplain for four years. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Carolyn, of
the home; six children, Michael H. Sullivan of Escondido, Calif., Rebecca
A. Sullivan Martin of San Marcos, Calif., Margaret A. Montgomery of Nixa,
Martha A. Alexander of Escondido, Calif., Michael L. Cooley of Salinas,
Calif., and Mark T. Cooley of Poway, Calif.; two sisters, Cecil Flood of
Lebanon, Tenn., and Irene Moats of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren,
10 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, as
well as a special daughter by choice, Katina Holland of the home. Services
were Tuesday, Nov. 9, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jim
Robbins officiating. Music was provided by Tim Mawhinney and Angela Bode
with Mary Mawhinney as the accompanist. Graveside services with full
military honors were Tuesday afternoon in the Kinder Cemetery at Cuba. A
military service was conducted Monday evening at the funeral home by
Chapter No. 17 D.A.V. of Jefferson City with visitation following.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Society or the Maranatha
Baptist Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Cecil Albert Truitt, 94, Humansville, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, in
Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola. The son of Edward Franklin and Clara Mae
Wolfe Truitt, he was born Aug. 6, 1905, near Collins. He attended eight
years of school at Shady Nook School northwest of Collins. He worked in
the oil fields of California for eight years. He returned to Missouri and
was married to Opal Martin in Garnett, Kan., April 10, 1930. The couple
resided for the past 60 years on their farm north of Humansville. He was
preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Opal, on Sept. 20, 1999; his
parents; and two brothers, Claude Truitt and Homer Truitt. Survivors
include his four children and their spouses, Joyce and Ken Borchardt of
Novato, Calif., Wayne and Darlene Truitt of Stockton, Shirley and Lloyd
Keller and Robert Truitt, all of Humansville; 11 grandchildren, Greg and
Jeff Borchardt, Kim Hammer, Dianne Truitt, Debbie Maloney, Denise Wheeler,
Allan, Randy, Donald and Steve Keller and Jean Stiles; 21
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Services were Thursday,
Nov. 18, 1999, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating. Pallbearers were Jeff Brochardt, Allan Keller, Randy Keller,
Steve Keller, Michael Maloney and Shawn Maloney. Interment was in Robinson
Cemetery east of Collins.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Hellen Catherine Mae Vernon, 81, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 29, 1999, at
Edgewood Manor, Raytown. She was born 10 miles west of Stockton on March
31, 1918, to Willie Albert and Erma Thula Spencer Hunt. She was one of
eight children. She attended Potter School west of Stockton and later
attended business college in Kansas City, where she earned the equivalent
of a high school diploma. On Dec. 21, 1935, she married Alvin Byron Smith.
They lived in Kansas City until his death in 1966. She married Don Vernon
in 1967 and resided in Seattle, Wash., until moving to Bolivar in 1972.
Her second husband died in 1992. She was self-employed as a beautician,
owning and operating Hellen's Beauth Salon in Kansas City. She retired in
1972. Survivors include three sisters, Beatrice Hunt of Independence,
Stella Nieder and her husband, Bill, of Butler, and Fern Claphan and her
husband, Ronnie, of Great Bend, Kan.; one stepson, Don C. Vernon Jr. and
his wife, Linda, of Renton, Wash.; one stepdaughter, Gala Lynn Lohrman and
her husband, Dennis, of Blaine, Wash.; two sisters-in-law, Olive Hunt of
Rich Hill and Mary Hunt of Baxter Springs, Kan.; three step-grandchildren,
Mark and Eric Vernon and Greg Lohrman; two step-great-grandchildren,
Dakota and Danielle Lohrman; and other relatives and friends. She was
preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Alvin Byron Smith and Don
Vernon; and four brothers, Denzil, Vernon, Raymond and Hollie Hunt.
Services were Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel,
Butler, with the Rev. Joseph Rouse officiating. Burial was in Mt.
Washington Cemetery, Independence. Memorial contributions may be made to
the American Cancer Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Hazel Marie Farel Walden, 74, Springfield, departed this life Sunday, Nov.
28, 1999. She was born April 20, 1925, to Earl and Roxie Roberts Farel
near Bakersfield. Hazel spent her life teaching and began at Plum Hollow
School with her idol, Ethel Blackburn King, as teacher. She graduated from
Bakersfield High School in 1942, Southwest Baptist College in 1948 and
Southwest Missouri State College in 1956. She received her master's degree
in education from Drury in 1969. She taught school for five years in Ozark
County and 25 years in Polk County. On April 9, 1946, at West Plains, she
was married to Leonard James Walden of Bolivar. They were blessed with two
children, Bob and Deborah. Bob, his wife Jean and Deborah all live in
Springfield, and beloved grandson James lives in Charlotte, N.C. Also
surviving are sisters Lyndell Strong of Gainesville and Glenda Donley and
her husband, Austin, of Squires and one brother, John Beach Farel and his
wife, Carol, of Ozark. Hazel was blessed with many wonderful aunts,
neices, nephews, cousins and hundreds of students. Services will be at 1
p.m. today (Wednesday) at Clinkenbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with
graveside services at 2:15 p.m. at Bridges Creek Church (Baptist Hill)
near Bakersfield. Memorial contributions may be made to either Bridges
Creek Baptist Church, c/o Lyndell Strong, HC3, Box 110, Gainesville MO
65655 or Hospice of Southwest MIssouri, 3653 South Ave., Springfield MO
65804. I heard the angels sing today, As earthly life slipped fast away. I
heard God's voice from above, I feel I'm in the arms of love.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Dorothy Mae Warner, 94, Springfield, died at 1:09 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9,
1999, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born July 22,
1905, in Dunnegan. She married Floyd Warner, who preceded her in death in
1967. She was a retired school cook, working at Willard schools from 1967
to 1977. She was president of Nichols School PTA and the Bluebird Club as
well as Girl Scout troop leader for 10 years and a member of Dogwood
Trails Girl Scout Council for 52 years, serving on various committees. She
had been a member of College Street Baptist Church for 35 years. Survivors
include a daughter and her husband, Klova and Eugene Helfrecht of
Springfield, and several nieces and nephews. Services were Friday, Nov.
12, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial following in White Chapel
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 1999:
Mabel Amanda Zidlicky, 84, Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999, at
Parkview Healthcare Facility. She was born Dec. 15, 1914, in Brady, Neb.,
to John William and Amanda Wilson Triggs. She was a homemaker and a
charter member of Bolivar Frist Assembly of God Church. She was married to
John Buckner and later she married Milles Zidlicky, both of whom preceded
her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters,
Myrtle and Emma; two brothers, John and George; and a son-in-law, Leo
Smith. Surviving are one son, Ralph Buckner and his wife, Texas, of
Bolivar; one daughter, Vivian Smith of Blue Springs; a stepson, John
Zidlicky and his wife, Ruth, of Bolivar; five grandchildren, Connie
Matheny, Lloyd Buckner, Leah Hampton, Jeff Sargent and Russell Sargent;
four step-grandchildren, Bruce Smith, Karol Batres, Steven Zidlicky and
Teresa Raynolds; nine great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren
and several nieces and nephews. Services were Monday, Nov. 22, in Murray
Chapel with the Rev. Lyle Shaulis and the Rev. Mark Summers officiating.
Music was by Connie and Randy Matheny. Pallbearers were Jeff Sargent,
Russell Sargent, Lloyd Buckner, Randy Matheny, Charlie Hampton and Steven
Zidlicky. Interment was in Salem Cemetery at Cliquot.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 1999:
Gary Van Anderson, 38, Morrisville, died at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16,
1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center as the result of injuries
received in an automobile accident Oct. 11. Gary was the younger of twin
boys born June 27, 1961, in Springfield to Carl B. and Joanne J. Reams
Anderson. He accepted the Lord as his personal saviour at 9 years of age
and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morrisville. After
graduating from Marion C. Early High School, Gary attended Southwest
Missouri State University for two years prior to starting his own
business, Anderson Interior Drywall. Gary enjoyed coon hunting and was a
lifetime member of the Polk County Coon Hunters Association and the
Flatrock Bow Association. He was also involved in coaching his children's
teams in baseball, softball and basketball summer leagues. Gary was united
in marriage to Terri Redman on April 8, 1988, and to this union two
children, Andy and Courtney, were born. Gary is survived by his wife,
Terri, and his children, Courtney and Andy, Charlie and Ashley, all of the
home; his parents, Carl B. and Joanne Anderson of Morrisville; three
sisters, Shirley Carman of Morrisville, Carol Johnson and her husband,
Don, of Springfield and Leslie Anderson of Portland, Ore.; his
grandfather, Van Anderson of Flemington; his uncle, Bob Reams of Kansas
City; nieces Lori Looney of Republic and Kim Carman of Morrisville;
nephews Brad Painter of Bolivar and Jay Redman of Morrisville; great-niece
Dayna Painter of Bolivar and great-nephews Austin and Dayton Looney of
Republic; and numerous cousins and in-laws and a great host of friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his twin brother, Terry; his maternal
grandparents, Guy and Helen Reams of Cassville; his paternal grandmother,
Mary Anderson of Morrisville; an aunt, Dorothy Rickman, and two uncles,
Ronnie and Kenneth Reams. Services were Tuesday, Oct. 19, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Robert McGinnis officiating. Burial followed in Morrisville
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 1999:
Grace Ruth Hartley Ashlock, 97, of Flemington and the Hidden Valley area
of Lake Pomme de Terre, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999, at Parkview Healthcare
Facility after a short illness. She was born Aug. 15, 1902, to S.W. and
Alice Taylor Fisher in Cedar County. She was one of nine children and is
survived by her sister, Mae Hutchins of Fair Play. She was preceded in
death by her brothers, Edgar, Hiram, Everett and Athel Fisher, and by two
sisters, Pearl Hunter and Minnie Bugg. She married Chester W. Hartley, and
the couple had two children, Juanita Jenkins of Kimberling City and Max
Hartley of Fair Play. Together they owned and operated a chicken hatchery.
She later married Kenneth Ashlock of Humansville, and they made their home
on Pomme de Terre Lake in the Hidden Valley subdivision. Kenneth preceded
her in death Oct. 2, 1995. She remained in her home until June 1999. She
was a member of the Royal Neighbors Lodge of America at Fair Play for 61
years and a member of Amvets Post No. 114 at Flemington. She was very
active in the Hidden Valley community. Also surviving are her daughter,
Juanita Jenkins, and her husband, Evart, of Kimberling City; her son, Max
Hartley, and his wife, Betty, of Fair Play; her grandchildren, Susie
Wampler and her husband, Wayne, of Lampe, Alden and Susan Jenkins of
Flemington and Barry and Linda Jenkins of Kimberling City; her
great-grandchildren, Chris Wampler and his wife, Meg, of Springfield;
Crystal Wampler of Springfield and Ashlee Jenkins of Kansas City; her
great-great-grandchildren, Alex and Courtney Wampler of Springfield; and a
host of extended family and friends. Services were Friday, Oct. 8, in
Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Eugene Gouge officiating.
Pallbearers were Barry Jenkins, Alden Jenkins, Terry Fisher, Wendell
Fisher, Gary Martin and Charley York. Interment was in Lindley Prairie
Cemetery.









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