Dennis Loyal Littleton, 75, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:42 a.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born August 24, 1945, at Dennison, Iowa, to Rex Littleton and Irene Andresen Littleton. On August 16, 1976, he was married at Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Mary Ann Fuller. Mr. Littleton was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Dennis was a loving father. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and had served as President of Crystal Lake Anglers.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Littleton; one son, Daniel Littleton; one sister, DeAnna McCollough and husband, Tom; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and two brothers, David and Donny Littleton, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Billy Allen Reagan, 68, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:20 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Brooke Haven Health Care. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Barbara May Jackson (known as Barb to her friends) passed away at 5:24 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born at home in Elizabeth, Arkansas, October 4, 1946, to Elmo Pershing Tyree and Mamil (Shelton) Tyree who preceded her in death. When Barbara was three years of age the family, consisting also of her older brother Darrell, moved to a farm south of the South Fork, Missouri area on E Highway. It was there Barbara grew up and lived on the farm throughout her childhood, attending one-room schools until attending and graduating from eighth grade at the newly constructed South Fork School. Following high school graduation with the Class of 1964 at West Plains High School, Barbara attended Draughon Business University in Springfield, Missouri, receiving a Junior Accounting Degree in 1965. She later earned an Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from SMSU (now MSU-West Plains) in 1999. Barbara married Dale Raymond Callahan in 1965 and to this union one son, Douglas Raymond Callahan, was born on July 29, 1969. She was later married to Virgil Joe Jackson. To this union one son, John Tod Jackson, was born on March 4, 1979. Barbara felt her greatest accomplishments were the lives of her two sons, both of whom survive her. Barbara was very involved in Boy Scouts along with her sons, as they each earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Camping was a favorite family activity and Barbara and the boys spent many days and miles enjoying tent camping. She was known to send cards with a handwritten note for just about any occasion or no occasion at all, and she was always elated to receive a handwritten note from others. A long-time employee of the legal field in both Greene and Howell Counties of Missouri, in various capacities, she was appointed the Court Reporter of the 37th Judicial Circuit in 1995, and served in that job until her retirement in 2006. After a month of retirement she began a part-time job at Ozark Independent Living in 2006, working there until September of 2020, when she said it was time to try retirement again. Traveling was a particular enjoyment of Barbara’s. Experiencing the cultures of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, plus the polar bears in Canada, were some of her favorite experiences. Barbara lived in the same house that she loved for forty-five years, having moved there in April, 1975. She had many good neighbors through those years and always tried to be a good neighbor to others. She was very independent and reserved. She believed God watched over her and would take her when it was time. She was a faithful member of First Church of God of West Plains for many years, serving in various capacities in the church. Barbara enjoyed the company of her pets, Punkin, also known as “The cat with an attitude” and Josie, her Puggle, and always said they helped her hold down the fort in West Plains. Barbara and Josie enjoyed many hours at Georgia White Walking Park with their friends Brenda and Max. Punkin and Josie will continue to be well cared for by family.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Dorothy Tyree; one nephew, Lynn Tyree and wife, Cindy; one niece, Jaquita Perkins and husband, Ray; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Barbara wanted no visitation or funeral. She requested to be cremated without ceremony, thus cremation was prearranged through Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. A portion of her ashes will be privately interred at the Mt. Zion Cemetery of South Fork. Her sons will place the remainder of her ashes in accordance with her directions at sites of her choosing. Because all of Barbara’s pets through the years were rescues, it was her desire that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in her memory to an animal rescue or humane society of their choice, to help those creatures who cannot help themselves. At her request Barbara was an organ donor, and would encourage those who knew her to be organ donors as well. Those wishing to communicate with Barbara’s sons may do so at the following phone numbers: Doug: 208-449-3059 and Tod: 417-372-3178.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Larry Lee (Butch) Bales, 69, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Shady Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bales passed away at 11:27 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was born October 29, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to Joe Bill Bales and Hazel Marie Mullins Bales. On December 30, 1972, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Carol Joan Durham. Butch spent years in the sawmill industry. He worked alongside his family in businesses his father established: Bales Sawmill, MOARK Cedar and B & C Quickstop at Bakersfield, Missouri. Butch was also a boilermaker and retired from Boilermaker Local 69. He was a very talented and creative person; he could paint, draw, build things and tell stories. Butch was very generous and gave to his family sacrificially. He was also very loving; he hugged those he loved and always said “I Love You.” He was a loving husband, a great father and a wonderful son, brother and friend. He was very loved by his community. Mr. Bales was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Bakersfield Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Bales, of the family home; two daughters, Jody Bales Bond and husband, Michael and Tracy Bales Collins and husband, Jason, Bakersfield, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Savanna Younger, Grady Bentley and wife, Abby, Nash Bentley and wife, Elle, Westin Edelen, Reece Edelen, Morris Collins and Jett Collins; two bonus grandchildren, Garry Bond and wife, Lindsey and Tiffany Driver and husband, Josh; four great-grandchildren, Rhett Younger, Knox Younger, Case Younger and Forrest Bentley; three bonus great-grandchildren, Maggie Bond, Chloie Bond and Colton Bond; one sister, Patsy Bales Cotter and husband, PeeWee; one brother, Rick Bales and wife, Beverly, Bakersfield, Missouri; mother-in-law, Mary Durham; one brother-in-law, Darrell Durham, Bakersfield, Missouri; three aunts, Della Foster, Carol Schaufler and husband, Jim and Phyllis Arnold and husband, Joe, Bakersfield, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, maternal grandparents, Oscar and Dora Mullins, paternal grandparents, Charlie Bales and Pearl Ward, father-in-law, Lester Durham and one brother, Joe M. (Buddy) Bales, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for John L Roy, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Roy passed away at 11:55 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2020 at Brooke Haven HealthCare, West Plains. He was born February 10, 1933 in Oregon County, Missouri to Lovell Roy and Roxie Storms Roy. Mr. Roy enjoyed the outdoors and liked to visit his grandkids. He always had coffee and his favorite saying was “you all play purdy”. He loved his children.
He is survived by his special friend, Pat; four children, Jerry Roy and spouse, Cindy, Raleigh, North Carolina, Jeffrey Roy and spouse, Kathy, Joplin, Missouri, Angela Mason and spouse, John, Centerton, Arkansas and Roy Collins and spouse, Vibe, Hammond, Indiana; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Dallas Roy, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Joann Brown, St. Louis, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parent, three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.
Visitation for Theodore Mark (Ted) Schram, 49, Peace Valley, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2020 in the Rose Chapel of the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Schram passed away in Peace Valley, Missouri on October 23, 2020. He went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior with his wife by his side as he ended a courageous fight with cancer.
Ted was born May 3, 1971, in Joliet, Illinois to Mark Schram and Laura Albrecht Schram. He attended school and grew up in this area. During those years, he made many longtime friends, most of whom he considered family. The summer before his senior year, Ted moved to Moody, Missouri with his mother. Thanks to Ted’s outgoing personality, he quickly made new friends and joined the high school football team. Ted spoke very fondly of the memories he made his senior year thanks to the friends and classmates who made him feel welcome. He received his diploma from West Plains High School in 1989. Ted joined the United States Navy after graduating high school and proudly served during the Gulf War. After his Navy discharge, he held a variety of jobs; however, he quickly found that he excelled and preferred a career as an over-the-road truck driver. Ted was very proud of his career and his wife believes he was clutching and driving his semi right up to the gates of heaven. Ted married Amy Harden on December 21, 2013. Their story actually began many years before that. Ted and Amy had dated in the mid-1990s. Ted had hoped they would be together, however it was not meant to be at that time. They were later reunited and began a life together. With this union, Ted inherited six children which he grew to love as his own and they all love him dearly. Ted also made a commitment to his family to adopt and give his namesake to Theodore Eleck William Schram. In 2016, Ted was given the honor of the birth of his daughter, Rose. Ted was a good man who worked hard to provide for his family even through his battle with cancer. He especially enjoyed working with wood and building keepsakes. He also enjoyed cooking on his grill and hosting family barbecues. Throughout his life, he was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears who are having a very good season this year just for him. Ted had a quick wit, a joke and a boisterous laugh for every occasion. He was always concerned with the welfare of others which led to his donation of tissue for research with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ted leaves behind in the family home, his wife, Amy Harden Schram, and three children, Geneva, Eleck and Rose. Also his children, Anna Belanger, Joseph Grant, Rebecca Foster and husband, Adam, and Luke Grant, all of West Plains, Missouri; his mother, Laura Schram and his sister, Lynette Schram. He will also be missed by his grandson, Ender Belanger and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his father, Mark Schram, maternal grandparents, Lester and Adriana Albrecht and paternal grandparents, Bill and Clara Schram; his uncles, Jim Albrecht and Tom Albrecht and a dear friend, James Oliver.
A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date for the family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date for Ella Mae Francis, 74, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Francis passed away at 1:40 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born February 14, 1946, at Higden, Arkansas, to Edward Barger and Mamie Totten Barger. Ella graduated from Quitman High School. On December 7, 2007, she was married at West Plains, to George Howard Francis, who preceded her in death on May 2, 2018. Mrs. Francis had worked as a teacher at Parkway Beauty Academy. She loved being around people and was kind to everyone. She enjoyed collecting antiques and having her grandchildren around. Mrs. Francis was a member of the Church of Christ.
She is survived by three children, Shealia Harper and husband, Roger, West Plains, Beverly Moore and husband, Brock, West Plains and Rick Flowers, Branson, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Joseph Clayton, Kara Brown and husband, Justin, Ashton Davis and husband, Joe, Shirley Brown, Lydia Donley and husband, Jim, Morrell Flowers, Brock Logan Moore and Brittney Flowers; twelve great-grandchildren; her siblings, Imogene Davis, Jimmy Barger and wife, Guiva, Roy Barger and wife, Margaret, Carl Barger and wife, Lena and Faye Bittle and husband, Bob; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one grandson, Bobbie Ryan Joyce and five siblings, Harvey Barger, Chester Barger, Betty Gentry, LouDeen Schoolcraft and Willie Barger, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salutes Veterans Shelter and Thrift Store and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Lee Olen Tackitt, 87, Howard’s Ridge, Missouri, passed away at 6:07 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Mr. Tackitt was born August 2, 1933 at Elijah, Missouri to Willis Marion Tackitt and Martha Hill Tackitt. On October 23, 1987, he was married at Bull Head City, Arizona to Edith White. Mr. Tackitt was a farmer, boilermarker, long time musician and Colonel of the National Trail Riders Association. He was a member of the Clarks Ridge Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Tackitt, Howard’s Ridge, Missouri; four children, Leland Tackitt, West Plains, Missouri, Keith Tackitt and wife, Brenda, Springfield, Missouri, Kevin Tackitt and wife, Madonna, West Plains, Missouri and Lisa Bownds and husband, David, Purdon, Texas; his blended family, Gean Leisey and husband, Steve, Cotter, Arkansas, Theresa Green and husband, Frank, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Christine Plymale and husband, Dave, Harrison, Arkansas; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Billy Joe Tackitt and wife, Patsy, Caulfield, Missouri; two sisters, Blanche Langston-Harden, Caulfield, Missouri and Myrtle Hensley, Elijah, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, two sons, Rick Philpott and Robert Philpott, three grandchildren, L. J. Tackitt, Bailee Blevins and Stacie Crow, one brother, J. B. Tackitt and six sisters, Jewell Tackitt, Snowie Spoon, Esther Langston, Katherine Tackitt, Dorris Bonham and Pauline Bean, preceded him in death.
Interment in the Elijah Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Fred Thomas York, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. York passed away Monday morning, October 19, 2020 at Progress West Hospital, O’Fallon, Missouri.
He was born August 5, 1926 in Sherman, Texas to James Maurice “Marney” and Margaret York. They moved to New Mexico, where his brothers and sister were born in following years. He was the oldest of four children. At 17 years of age and during World War II, Fred joined the United States Navy. He was an electrician aboard the USS Cummings destroyer. During this time, his ship escorted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Alaska for a historic meeting with world leaders and then served as the backdrop for the President’s national broadcast at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. In the following months, the USS Cummings returned to battle and was near Iwo Jima as the war ended. Fred was discharged after the war on March 9th, 1946. On March 5, 1947, he was married in Arkansas City, Kansas, to Helen Flottman. Fred began his civilian life by using his electrical and mechanical skills to repair and build, which led him to large construction projects. He enjoyed teaching others and lived many places including Kansas, California, Louisiana and South America. Fred and Helen moved their family to Missouri in 1970 with the purchase of a farm in Pomona. Fred’s unique work with raising feeder pigs led him to earning the Missouri Farm Family of the Year Award in 1974. In 1977, Fred worked with son Gary to build the Glass Sword Theatre, calculating down to the exact block on the materials they needed. Fred was also a 7th degree Mason. Fred and Helen were married 73 years until Helen’s recent death on October 1st.
He is survived by his three children, Linda York Greer and husband Dorance, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Gary York and wife, Regina, West Plains, Missouri and Amy Iven and husband, Dean, Saint Charles, Missouri; as well as eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Wilfred Rieck, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rieck passed away October 5, 2020 at West Vue Green House Homes.
Wilfred was born in West Plains on December 28, 1929 to Frank and Lena Rieck. His grandparents were immigrants who came from Germany to Birch Tree, Missouri in the 1880’s. He attended school in West Plains, graduating West Plains High School with the Class of 1947. Wilfred was married in 1948 to Lorene Castle in West Plains, they had four children, Sherry, Steve, Cindy and Chris.
He began working early in life, first for a time at the Model Drug Store, then for Padgett Hardware in 1945. He worked as the store manager for Padgett’s for 26 years. During this time he also enjoyed flipping commercial and residential properties. After leaving the Padgetts in 1980 he began his own business, Rieck’s Water Works, selling hardware and plumbing supplies and working as a Master Plumber and Master Electrician. For many years he spent winters in the warm sunshine of Patzcuaro, Michoacon, Mexico. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in West Plains faithfully attending the Emmaus Sunday School Class of Charles Phelps.
He is survived by his wife, Velma Mustion Rieck, of West Vue Green House Homes; four children, Sherry Doty, Portland, Oregon, Steve Rieck (Glenda) Springfield, Missouri, Cindy Jones, Springfield, Missouri and Chris Talbott (Brad) Nashville, Tennessee; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Mannbeck ( Don) of St Charles, Missouri.
He is preceeded in death by his parents, one brother Frank Rieck, Jr, two sisters, Mary Carver and Ruth Butterfield and one step-son, Gary Mustion.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Visitation for Jacqueline Marie (Jackie) Layman, 55, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2020 at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Layman died 1:46 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at her home. She was born February 28, 1965 at St. Louis, Missouri to Sam E. Martin and Evelyn Vermillion Martin. Mrs. Layman enjoyed cooking and gardening; she loved her pets.
She is survived by her significant other, Ewell Worsham; four children, Brandon Layman, Jennifer Wickham and husband, Dennis, Jodie Prichard and husband, Rob and Matthew Worsham and wife,Wendy; nine grandchildren, Drew, Jack, Luke L., Colt, Grady, Kelby, Luke P., Peta and Emma; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Brian Martin; two sisters, Evanna Koogler and Ronna Cinciripini; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother, Clinton Martin, preceded her in death.
Celebration of Life Services for Donna Mae Cooper, 69, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2020 at West 160 Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Cooper passed away at 2:57 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020 at her home.
She was born July 10, 1951 at West Plains, Missouri to Raymond Lindeman and Evelyn Youngblood Lindeman.
She was married to Raymond Williams and to this union two children were born, Patricia and Mike. On July 9, 1992, she was married at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Harold Cooper who preceded her in death on March 29, 2019. Mrs. Cooper had been employed at the International Shoe Company. She loved quilting, sewing, gardening and was a member of the Gammill Janome Sewing Club. Mrs. Cooper liked to fish and enjoyed using a metal detector with her late husband. She loved her dog, Bear.
She is survived by two children, Patricia Lentz and husband, Bennie, Bay, Arkansas and Mike Williams, West Plains, Missouri; step-son, Brett Cooper, State of New Jersey; two grandchildren, Brittany Bergman and Ian Bergman and wife, Kayla; one brother, Larry Lindeman and wife, Sherry, West Plains, Missouri; many nephews; her special friend, Ronald McDowell; and many close friends.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West 160 Church of Christ and may be left or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Cora Jane Strathearn, 83, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2020, at her home.
She was born April 27, 1937, to James Case and Letha Lichtenthaler Case. On November 29, 1984, she was married in Boone County, Arkansas, to Robert Strathearn, who preceded her in death on May 7, 2007. Jane was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Strathearn helped spearhead the Columbarium, was active in the Lunch Bunch and Joy at the Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Michelle Wilson and fiancé Robert Stirewalt; two grandchildren, Bryce Condra and Katie Altic; and Phil Rogers, who was like a son.
Her parents, husband, one son, Greg Wilson, one daughter, Marla Geary and eleven brothers and sisters, preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Visitation services for Anita Heflin, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Heflin passed away at 9:07 a.m., Sunday, October 18, 2020, at Phelps Health, Rolla, Missouri.
She was born April 4, 1956 at Rockford, Illinois, to Irvin Hickman and Amelia Alfaro Hickman.
Anita attended school at Koshkonong and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1974. After graduation she moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she worked at Farmers Home Administration for several years. In 1977 she began a new adventure and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. During her time spent in St. Louis and Albuquerque, she met many people and made lifelong friendships. Anita returned home to her farm near West Plains to be closer to her parents in 1987. On November 18, 1989, she was married at Township Line Church, to Steve Heflin, who preceded her in death on September 10, 2012. Anita loved animals and spent many years raising miniature horses; she also enjoyed working in her yard, traveling, going to casinos, reading, playing games and spending time with her friends. Anita was a loving, courageous and giving person, often helping others silently or giving shelter and offering assistance to those in need. She was loved by many and her presence will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her companion and care giver, Max Benavidez and many friends, including her chosen sister, Missi Johnson.
Her parents, husband, several aunts and uncles and a special cousin and friend, Terri Senger, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Helen Jean Sharp, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Sharp passed away at 6:50 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, at NHC Healthcare.
She was born September 5, 1930, at Oneida, Tennessee, to Horace Davidson and Gertie Thomas Davidson. On October 27, 1947, she was married at Knoxville, Tennessee, to James Venus Sharp, who preceded her in death on October 31, 2010. Mrs. Sharp worked together with her husband as the owner of several businesses over the years. She took great pride in being a mother.
She is survived by four children, Linda Davis and husband, Charlie, Bobbye Wiesler, Rick Sharp and wife, Robyn and Robin Carroll and husband, Kenny; eleven grandchildren, Todd Davis, Jason Davis, Jessica DiBernardo, Heather Wiesler, Jennifer Stout, Lauren Kelly, Ritchie Sharp, Beth Collins, Jamie Johnson, Amanda Pool and Jacob Carroll; twenty-six great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Barker; one brother, Vanis Davidson and wife, Christine; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Miller and husband, Bill and Irene Davidson; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one sister, Marcie Blankenship and four brothers, Junior, Jay, Jamie and Paul Davidson, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Sharp will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Naomia Ruth Hutchings, 66, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Union Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hutchings passed away at 3:27 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born May 10, 1954, at Wichita, Kansas, to William Joe Romans, Sr. and Marylene Wade Romans. On September 22, 1985, she was married at Pottersville, Missouri, to Cal Hutchings. Mrs. Hutchings was an LPN. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and canning. Ruthie loved listening to and playing bluegrass music with the Romans Family; she played the bass fiddle and was a great pianist. She was a member of HOBA and served as a board member of a number of years. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy; she loved being surrounded by her family and friends. Mrs. Hutchings was a Christian and was always offering comfort or a helping hand to others.
She is survived by her husband, Cal Hutchings, of the family home; three children, Tara Wilbanks and husband, Kurt, West Plains; Kirk Hutchings and wife, Becky, West Plains and Lanette Estill and husband, Dan, State of Kansas; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Kyle, Shonti, Shelby, Nolan, Maguire and Sadie; two great-grandchildren, Carlee Belle and Bexlee Klaire; her parents, William Joe Romans, Sr. and Marylene Wade Romans, West Plains; three brothers, Delbert Romans, Randall Romans and wife, Teresa, all of West Plains and Bill Romans, Jr. and wife Chrissy, Republic, Missouri; three sisters, Mary Jo Croney and husband, Jerry, Trena Parker and husband, Lee and Teresa Jolliff and husband, Jim, all of West Plains; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her grandparents, Clyde and Elsie Wade and Clinton and Lola Romans, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfred and Mina Grace Hutchings, one brother, William Clyde Romans, one nephew, Samuel Paul Romans and one niece, Elizabeth Croney, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Trina Anne Campbell, 59, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away at 8:49 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born July 16, 1961, at Ashtabula, Ohio, to Thomas Campbell and Betty Wise Campbell. Trina loved her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She enjoyed writing letters, crossword puzzles and doing things for others.
She is survived by one sister, Cheteena Huey; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents and one sister, Tomasina Talfeski preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Janet Delores Redburn, 82, Dora, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 19, 2020 in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Redburn passed away at 7:20 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born March 9, 1938, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Wayne Orville Walker and Ina Lavada Fox Walker. On September 30, 1956, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to William (Bill) Elijah Redburn and to this union two children were born. She and Bill spent most of their lives residing on their farm in Crider, Missouri. Mrs. Redburn worked for many years at Roho and Marathon Electric. She enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including going to auctions, collecting glassware, gardening and canning. Mrs. Redburn was of the Church of Christ faith and was baptized.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Redburn, of the family home; two children, Curtis Redburn and family, Caulfield, Missouri and Janice Redburn, Dora, Missouri; and other family and friends.
Her parents, two brothers, Elbert Lee Walker and Charles (DeWayne) Walker and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marion Lee and Iris Irene Dunkin Redburn, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Redburn will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery or American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Eva Michelle (Shelly) Lovins, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2020 at Hope’s Rest Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Lovins passed away at 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born August 21, 1964, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lloyd Franklin Drumright and Helen Kaye Croney Drumright. On December 1, 1983, she was married at West Plains, to Timothy Lee Lovins, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2020. She enjoyed camping and fishing and loved her family and grandchildren. Mrs. Lovins was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by three children, Jessica Kenslow, West Plains, Missouri, Mitch Lovins and wife, Jolene and Tyler Lovins and wife, Jessica, all of Caulfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Emily, Kelsey and Ellie Kenslow, Ruhstyn, Traityn, Brixtyn, Jaxxon and Brycen Lovins and Braidyn Schultz; and two sisters, Sharon Bussard and husband, John David and Sheila Ochoa and husband, Junior, all of West Plains, Missouri.
Her parents, husband and grandparents, Albert and Betty Drumright and Odie and Alberta Croney, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Lovins will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope’s Rest Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, James Floyd (Pard) Eades, age 77, received his ultimate promotion and joined all those waiting and rejoicing with open arms in heaven. James was brought into the world on May 4, 1943 at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, MO by his parents, Melvin James (Chick) and Dollie Eades (Bryson). James grew up south of West Plains and attended Lost Spring School during his elementary years. He fondly recalled memories of the school and made lifelong friends from those times. Invaluable lessons and knowledge was gained through his dad and uncles. He learned to hunt, fish, cut timber, run a sawmill, a bulldozer and fix almost anything without spending a dime. He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1961. James met the love of his life on a hay ride in 1962, knew she was the one and married her on March 8, 1964 at China Union Church south of West Plains. With life by the tail and all their belongings in a ’57 Ford Fairlane, he moved them to Kansas City. There he worked for Greenwell Tractor Supply, Great Northern Electric and Allis-Chalmers. Longing for country life, they moved back to West Plains in 1968 where he partnered with his dad at Eades’ and Son Sawmill. He built his log home in the woods using the trees from the land he loved so much. It was also there James and Linda would work side by side for the remainder of his days. In the early 1970’s James worked and learned the machine shop trade at his father-in-law’s business, Bates Machine Shop. In 1974 James found his calling and began Eades’ Machine Works. With just a high-school diploma, he was self-taught to become one of the most respected machinists in the area. After his retirement in 2010, James returned to the land and his farm. He loved all things fishing, bulldozing, combining seed, tractors, welding and sawmills. But, most of all, he cherished his family.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the family home; two daughters, Jalynn Meidell and Cynthia Lee and husband, Troy, of West Plains. He was PawPaw to 5 grandchildren: Keegan Osborne, Lathan Osborne, Melinda Lee, Carly Osborne and Morgan Lee and one great-grandchild, Ellie Jo Osborne. He leaves one sister, Margret Wiltfong of DeSoto, Kansas; and a brother-in-law, Clifford Bates of Marshfield, MO. He was Uncle Pard to his Nephews; Paul Wiltfong (Regina) of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Wiltfong (Pam) of Kansas City, MO, Scott Bates (Brandie),of Erin, Tennessee, and nieces; Elaine Cornman (Wes) of Marshfield, Missouri and Candy Bates of Durant, Texas, and as well as several cousins, great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind so many kind neighbors and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Mike Meidell; brothers-in-law, Ronald Bates and David Wiltfong, sister-in-law, Renee Bates and a niece, Vicki Bates. Certainly not to be forgotten are his special fishing buddies that will be waiting with fishing poles in heaven: Mark Newman, Eddie Kimes, and Ernie Armstrong.
Mr. Eades will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Eades’ Family Farm located 11 1/2 miles south on JJ Highway in West Plains. Markers will be posted. The dress will be very casual. Interment will be held immediately following the ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery.
Donations can be made in James’ name to Evergreen Cemetery, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Autism Speaks and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.