Billy Joe Cawthron

Funeral services for Billy Joe Cawthron, 98, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Central Calvary Baptist Church, 4607 State Route CC, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Cawthron passed away at 7:40 a.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home. 

He was born September 6, 1926, in Temple, Texas, to Leo and Edna Cawthron.  Billy accomplished many things throughout his lifetime and left a wonderful legacy. He served in the United States Marine Corps and landed with the first wave on Iwo Jima during WWII. The Lord protected Billy and allowed him to return home without sustaining any injuries.  He worked for the Santa Fe Railway for 40 years and retired in 1986 as general manager of mechanical maintenance at the Chicago Terminal. In 1988, Billy moved to Koshkonong, Missouri and worked for Evangelist Tom Williams at Circle B Ranch. It was there that he met his second wife, Sue Cawthron, and the Lord blessed them with 36 years of marriage.  Billy faithfully attended church and served in leadership capacities at every church he attended. He served as a deacon at Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove, Illinois for more than 30 years. He and Sue attended Central Calvary Baptist Church of West Plains for 36 years. Billy began serving as a chaplain at Ozarks Medical Center shortly before his 80th birthday and said that he felt a little like Moses by starting a new career at such an advanced age.  One of Billy’s favorite pastimes was horseback riding/breaking and training horses—a hobby that he gave up shortly before his 90th birthday. Another pastime Billy enjoyed was storytelling. With a twinkle in his eyes, he would recount stories about his childhood and other life experiences.  Billy Joe Cawthron was a wise, caring, Godly man who was loved and respected by people of all ages. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sue Cawthron of the family home; his son Brian Cawthron (Joann) of Jefferson City, Missouri; Daughters, Wendy Mueller of Charlotte, North Carolina and Kristy Applegate (Tony) of Uganda, Africa;  Grandchildren, Tiffany Cawthron Bellows (Ron), Adam Cawthron; Jaxson “Gio”, Dominic, and Jacob Mueller, Eliana, Elijah, Elexis, Elysse, and Ellora Applegate, William Jennings; and Great-Grandchildren, Sam, Joey, and Nick Bellows; Darren and Stella Cawthron and Keandra Jennings.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Peggy Jean Glass Cawthron, two brothers, Leo and Jack Cawthron and three sisters, Mildred Cawthron, Maurine Roark, and Lenora Moore.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist International Missions Inc. and designated for Faith Baptist Church Building Fund in Uganda (Address for BIMI is P O Box 9 Harrison, TN 37341) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.