Funeral services for Gene Edward Shepherd, 71, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Shepherd passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 4, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to James Odis Shepherd and Margie Lorene Brawley Shepherd. On February 19, 1977, he was married at Caulfield, Missouri, to Threasa Hobbs. Gene enjoyed camping, hunting, gardening and fishing, especially trout fishing. He loved music and was passionate about playing the guitar. He loved going to church and enjoyed playing gospel music. Gene worked at International Shoe Factory for seventeen years and then at Royal Oak for twenty-two years until he retired. For many years Mr. Shepherd attended Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and attended Brandsville Pentecostal Mission in his final years.
He is survived by his wife, Threasa Shepherd, of the family home; one brother, Richard Shepherd and wife, Tinia, West Plains, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Stanley Blohm, Rogersville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, grandparents, mother-in-law, Iva Hobbs, one brother, James Ray Shepherd, two sisters, Virginia Lorene White and Valerie Blohm, one nephew, Joshua Hobbs and one great-niece, Neyterri Hobbs, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fowler Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Wanda Jean Holbrook, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Holbrook passed away at 10:58 a.m., Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born March 5, 1939, at Elijah, Missouri, to Virgil Roberts and Helen Grisham Roberts. On January 29, 1955, she was married at West Plains, to Harvey (Bud) Holbrook, who preceded her in death on March 1, 2008. Jean enjoyed cooking, decorating her house and fashion. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She greatly enjoyed caring for all children and was a great mother, who raised her children in church. Mrs. Holbrook was a member of First Baptist Church, West Plains for many years.
She is survived by two children, Rhonda Ruth and David Holbrook; one granddaughter, Sarah Holbrook; three great-grandchildren, Shyonna Holbrook, Janeal Talton and Emonie Talton; three great-great-grandchildren, Amirah Holbrook, Aleonna Ledford and Jacoby Harbin; one brother, Jerry Roberts and wife, Cathy; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Ronald Keith Holbrook, one daughter, Patricia Holbrook, two granddaughters, Angela and Amy Holbrook, two brothers, Darrell and Joe Ray Roberts, one sister, Carolyn Hall, three nephews, Owen, Pete and Virgil Wayne Roberts and one sister-in-law, Phyllis Jean Roberts, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Heart Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Velda Jo Lilley Batt Gunter, 90, Crosbyton, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gunter went to be with our Heavenly Father on January 16, 2025, with her daughters by her side.
She was born September 20, 1934 in Lubbock, Texas, to Charnel Edgar and Dauskola (Luster) Lilley. Velda was very proud she began school in Cooper ISD and then went to New Deal ISD where she had many special memories, including friendships that lasted through the years. She played basketball in high school and the team was state champions. Velda met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Edward Dow Batt. They lived in the community of Center and married at the Center Community Church. Edward joined the Navy and Velda traveled coast to coast with him as a faithful Navy wife. She loved to sew, crochet and cook for her family, especially her famous fried pies and chocolate gravy. When Velda was 70 years old, she met and married her soul mate, John (Wayland) Gunter. They spent the days together working hard as they ran a dairy farm and she earned her FDA Dairy certification. Velda was proud of this accomplishment as she was never fond of public speaking, but was able to do presentations to earn this. They also built fences and planted fields of watermelon, corn and pumpkin for a wildlife program on their farm. Later they devoted their time in hay farming. Together they were happy working hard outdoors. She told her family and friends that these were the happiest days of her life.
She is survived by her two daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) Vasquez, Crosbyton, Texas and Patricia (Sam) Taylor, Salem, Arkansas; She was a devoted granny to eighteen grandchildren, all who loved her dearly; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three bonus grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Bonnie (Carlton) Starkey, Lubbock, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one premature baby, one son, Edd Dowbert Batt, one daughter, Jeanean (Judy) Gonzales, one granddaughter, Lindsay Sweeting, one grandson, Travis Gonzales, three brothers, Charles, Jimmy and Hubert (Buster) Lilley and one sister, Patricia (Susie) Lilley Ortega, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Parsons Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Crosbyton Senior Citizens Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Lubbock, especially Peggy, Mary, Kathy, Shah, Nequah, Natalie, Ashley, Jessica and Chuck. A special thank you to Pastor Tommy Murillo, neighbors, Sylvia Vilgas, Michelle Hodges and Sharon Williams and Crosbyton Senior Citizens for not only meal deliveries, but for bringing a smile to our momma’s face. Our momma and granny will be greatly missed. She was our family’s strong matriarch, spiritual advisor and prayer warrior; her last phone calls and visits included a statement of “If you don’t know Jesus, you need to get to know Him because He is coming soon.”
A memorial service for Jerry Lynn West, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jerry passed away at 5:36 a.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born November 14, 1959, at West Plains, Missouri to Evelyn Downing West and Jessie Lea West of Caulfield, Missouri. Jerry graduated from West Plains High School in 1979. In 1982 Jerry joined the United States Army, 567 Transportation Company. He served with the United States Army as Specialist Fourth Class for eight years and during that time he served in Desert Storm. Jerry also served in various locations around the world. Upon returning to West Plains, he worked in security for DRS for a period of twenty-two years. For the last five years, Jerry worked in security for Samaritan Outreach of West Plains. He was a Christian and his faith was the cornerstone of his life. His passion was in serving the Lord and in witnessing to those around him. His family, service to his Country and community were his greatest joys!
Jerry is survived by two sisters, Melva Johnson and husband, Perry D., West Plains, and Joyce James, West Plains; one brother, John West and wife, Sharon, Kingsville, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Janina West, West Plains; one niece, Teena Skiles and husband, Joe, Brentwood, California; three nephews, Justin West and wife, Jodie, Independence, Missouri, Brock James and wife, Bethany, Springfield, Missouri and Jeremy West and wife, Melissa, St. Louis, Missouri; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
His parents, one brother, Jeff West, two nephews, Perry Dwayne Johnson II and Bradley Christopher Reid and his grandparents, preceded him in death.
A private burial will be in Fowler Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Outreach or Fowler Chapel Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
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.
Graveside services for Janice Lee Odom, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Odom passed away January 6, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital after a brave and dignified fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
She was born January 11, 1961 in Seville, Spain to Bobbie and Joan Ragon. Janice was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, nurse and many more. She was a military brat and spent years of her childhood in Okinawa, Japan where she attended grade school. Later on in her life, she became a proud parent and then on June 26, 1996 she would marry the love of her life, Doyle Odom in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they shared many years of memories and companionship. Janice was a devoted mother to her daughter, Melissa. She went to school to earn her nursing degree and spent the better part of twenty years taking care of patients in their time of need. The most recent eight years of her career were spent with her West Vue Nursing Home family, where she not only worked, but became family and also attended church to worship her Lord and Savior. Janice enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, visiting the river, gardening, fishing and soaking up time with her loved ones, including her Yorkie, Sissy and her cat, Elsa. Janice always had so many positive things to say to those around her, even through her battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband, Doyle Odom, of the family home; daughter, Melissa Woodruff and husband, Steve, West Plains; her parents, Bobbie and Joan Ragon, Caulfield, Missouri; two sisters, Nancy Jaye and husband, Doug, Crestview, Florida and Debbie Ayres and husband, Rick, Conway, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Gabriel, Nathan, Kylee and Andrew; one aunt, Lois Simko, Olympia, Washington; one nephew, three nieces; six great-nephews; two great-nieces; and one great-great-niece.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A visitation service for Bryan Evan Mackey, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mackey passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born November 1, 1960, at San Diego, California, to Eldon Mackey and Tinzie Mims Mackey. Bryan graduated from Bayside High School Virginia Beach, Virginia with the Class of 1979. He attended Freed-Hardeman University. He moved with his family from Virginia Beach to Mountain Grove, Missouri in 1980. After moving to Mountain Grove, he met and married Peggy Patterson on March 7, 1987. They had two sons, Travis and Scott. Bryan worked for Brown Shoe Company as a foreman and assistant plant manager until the company closed. He went to work for Armstrong Flooring (AHF) in 1995 where he worked at the yard as a forklift operator until his retirement in August, 2024. He was a fixer, a maker and a tinkerer extraordinaire. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, woodworking, grilling and using his smoker. Bryan also enjoyed going to garage sales and thrift stores. What he loved the most was spending time with family and spoiling his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Peggy; his son, Scott and wife, Olivia; four grandchildren, Norah, Jude, Celia and Jacob; his mother, Tinzie Mackey; one brother, David; one sister, Susan Taylor and husband, Dan; four aunts; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
His father, one son, Travis Mackey, one sister, Anna Mackey and many other relatives preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Darold Ray Hardin, 68, Peace Valley, Missouri, passed away at 6:33 a.m., Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born February 4, 1956, at West Plains, Missouri, to Arthur Eldon Hardin and Naomi Fite Hardin-Inlow. Mr. Hardin enjoyed working with his hands, whether it was woodworking or building things for his grandkids. He was very proud of being a boilermaker and a welder.
He is survived by two children, Timothy Hardin and wife, Sarah, Peace Valley, Missouri and Tender Ramsey, West Plains, Missouri; three grandchildren, Jasmine Hoover and husband, Liam, State of North Carolina, Mason Ramsey, West Plains and Jesse Hardin, Peace Valley; two brothers, Dale Hardin, State of Florida and his twin, Harold Hardin, Caulfield, Missouri; one sister, Eldonna Williams and husband, Ronald, State of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, Susan Parks Hardin, one son, Johnny Ray Hardin, one grandson, Ashton Lee, two brothers, Charlie Hardin and Tom Hardin and one sister, June Hardin, preceded him in death.
A Celebration of life service will be held from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Amvets. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marian Clarine Frommel, 90, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:35 a.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born March 7, 1934, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Asa Green and Eva Holloway Green. On July 4, 1954, she was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Floyd Frommel, who preceded her in death on June 19, 2014. She loved being a homemaker and enjoyed going to yard sales. Mrs. Frommel was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church for over twenty years.
She is survived by one son, Michael Frommel and wife, Denise, four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Thomas Frommel, one granddaughter, Tabitha Frommel, two sisters, Freda Ackerman and Etta Williamson and two brothers, George and Marvin Green, preceded her in death.
No services will be held. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Debra Ann Ramey, 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. Ramey passed away at 8:50 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born April 5, 1959, at Chicago, Illinois, to Marvin and Doris Kendall Ramey. Ms. Ramey was very proud of her Native American heritage. She enjoyed watching movies, gardening, and cooking. She especially loved cooking for others. Her family was her life, and she loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Ms. Ramey was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by her significant other, Wayne Wheeler, West Plains; two children, Freedom Chaney, West Plains, and William Iliff and wife, Shena, West Plains; two step-children, Joshua Wheeler and wife, Marianne, Toronto, Canada, and Samantha Martin and husband, Erik, West Plains; five grandchildren, Jarica Maggard, Austin Maggard and wife, Hayley, Alisa Maggard, Reyanna Iliff, and Kaitlynn Iliff; four step-grandchildren, Erika, Gideon, Caroline, and Sylous; six great-grandchildren, Quentin, Lydia, Paxton, Nolan, Natalie, and Autumn; four brothers, Guy Ramey and significant other, Roberta, Rensselaer, Indiana, Michael Ramey, Rensselaer, Dale Ramey and wife, Christina, Bedford, Indiana, and Charlie Ramey, Medaryville, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for DeVona (Betty) Gunter, 91, Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gunter passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Hospice House of the Ozarks.
She was born January 25, 1933, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Coy Hiett and DeVona Rogers Hiett. On September 26, 1952, she was married at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Norman Lee Gunter, who preceded her in death on June 19, 2021. Mrs. Gunter was a lifelong educator, serving many years with the Koshkonong school district. She enjoyed reading her bible and playing games on her tablet. Mrs. Gunter was a member of the West Road Church of Christ, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
She is survived by two children, Ronnie Gunter and wife, Esperanza and Carolyn Grisham and husband, Raymond, all of Mountain Home, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Jeff Grisham and wife, Charm, Jennifer Rokos and husband, Greg, Alicia Allred, Cynthia Brockman and husband, Mark and Chris Gunter and wife, Lela; eight great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Rachel Rokos, Ethan and Seth Grisham, Austin Weber and wife, Lauren and Logan Weber, Ariel Allred and Bennie Gunter; three great-great-grandchildren, Luna, Lucas and Vincent; one brother, Don Hiett, Las Vegas, Nevada; one sister, Martha Jones; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Rickey, one great-grandson, Mark James Rokos, one great-great-grandson, Kahler Weber, two brothers, Ed Hiett and Howard Hiett and one sister, Cathy Cassidy, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Gunter will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven 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 Judith Lynn Hawkins, 76, and Jackson Lee Hawkins, 74, of West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hawkins passed away at 10:40 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at her home.
Judy was born January 7, 1948, at Atascadero, California, to Bill Cropper and Marzie Durham Cropper.
Mr. Hawkins passed away at 5:21 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024, at his home.
Jack was born February 26, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James Leonard (Hank) Hawkins and Bonnie Lee Amyx Hawkins.
Jack and Judy both graduated from West Plains High School and were married July 3, 1970, at West Plains. Judy worked in healthcare before becoming a stay at home mother and wife. Jack was employed by Howell-Oregon Electric for a number of years and was very proud of his career before retiring. He continued to always talk about his guys and the many friends he made during his time with Howell-Oregon. The couple attended the Curry Street Church of Christ. Jack and Judy loved their family very much and the highlights of their lives were their grandchildren. They loved to watch them play sports and were always their biggest fans in the stands.
They are survived by two sons, Scott Hawkins and wife, Micah and Brett Hawkins and wife, Erin; four grandchildren, Zane, Caleb, Jesse Raine and Maddox Hawkins; their siblings and their spouses, Randy Cropper, Marilyn Bell, Carolyn Whittingham and husband, Robby, Jim Hawkins and wife, Karen and Ed Hawkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service for Donnie Lee Stokes, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First Freewill Baptist Church.
Mr. Stokes passed away at 10:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2024, at his home.
He was born February 16, 1954, in Jackson, Tennessee, to John David Stokes and Mary Louise Jordan Stokes. Mr. Stokes was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam era. He enjoyed woodworking, small engine repair and fishing. He was a jack of all trades, a walking encyclopedia and an excellent cook. Donnie loved his work as a truck driver. Mr. Stokes surrendered his life to the Lord and was baptized within the last six months.
He is survived by his wife, Josefine Rodriguez; six children, Jay Stokes and wife, Danyell, Tony Stokes, Alex Stokes and wife, Debra, Donnie Stokes, Jr. and wife, Michelle, Nick Rodriguez and Nicole Rodriguez; five bonus children, Joe, Christina, Mike and Maggie Rodriguez and Daniel Regino; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, three brothers, Paul David Stokes, his twin, Danny Lee Stokes, Sr. and James Stokes, and four sisters, Betty, Judy, Joann and Shirley, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Dale Dewayne Evans, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Evans passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born January 16, 1946, in Ozark County, Missouri, to John William (Bill) Evans and Mary Emeline Dodson Evans. On November 6, 1965, he was married in Howell County, to Jacqueline Williams. Mr. Evans was a veteran, having served with the United States Army from 1965 – 1967. He was the owner of Evans Plumbing in West Plains for many years before retiring in 2012. He enjoyed meat processing, collecting antique John Deere tractors, farming and bailing hay. Dale loved taking family trips to Branson. He was a Master Mason at Bayou Lodge 365 in Bakersfield, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Evans; four children, Darrel Dwayne Evans and significant other, Sabrina Brimm, Roger Evans and significant other, Heidi Rader, Randal Evans and wife, Dee and Sherri Davidson and husband, Kyle; three grandsons; two step-granddaughters; one great-grandson; three step-great-grandsons; one step-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Lilly Moss and Pat Carrico and husband, Bill; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one grandson, Robert Lee Evans; five brothers, Bennie, Dallas, Junior, Delbert and Clifton Evans and three sisters, Artice Brown, Imogene Mitchell and Thelma Johnson, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery at South Fork. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Richard A. Jacobs, 75, Eminence, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born July 30, 1949, at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to Donald Charles Jacobs and Norma Fuller Jacobs. He was a farrier and a mechanic. Mr. Jacobs enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on anything mechanical.
He is survived by two children, Sean Jacobs, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and Bryan Jacobs and wife, Marisa, Greenville, South Carolina; one granddaughter, Ava Jacobs; two sisters, Suzanne J. Gillstrom and husband, Rick and Donna J. Stoffa and husband, Paul, all of Eminence, Missouri; and special companion, Sadie.
His parents and wife, Dale Jacobs preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Evelyn Sue Kelsey, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Kelsey passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
She was born September 12, 1940, at West Plains, Missouri, to the late Avril “Bart” and Mary Humphrey Hill. Evelyn graduated from West Plains High School in 1958. She operated and owned the Two-Way Cafe with her late mother, Mary Hill. On January 13, 1979, she was married to Captain Ed Kelsey, Missouri Highway Patrol, until his death in 1994. They enjoyed life together with motorcycle riding, scuba diving, camping at the lake and other outdoor activities. She loved working in her yard which always is beautiful. She always felt that her greatest accomplishment was raising and enjoying her four successful children. She was of the Baptist faith and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains.
She is survived by three of her children, Carolan Hand (Terry), Nixa Missouri, Brian Easley, West Plains Missouri and Brenda Burden, West Plains Missouri; five grandsons, Russell Hand, Nixa, Missouri, Kipp Easley (Dawn), Nixa, Missouri, Bart Hand (Lindsey), Monroe, Washington, Sergeant Grant Easley, U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Cole Easley, Clarksville, Tennessee; and four great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Adam Easley and Harrison and Sophia Hand.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Captain Ed Kelsey, one son, Dr. Brent Easley, her parents, one sister, Barbara Weaver and one brother, Richard Hill.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, 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.
In Loving Memory of Gari Lee Bontrager March 11, 1952 – December 22, 2024
Gari Lee Bontrager, age 72, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
Gari was born on March 11, 1952, in Goshen, Indiana, to Harvey and Joan Tucker Bontrager. On November 26, 1971, he married the love of his life, Vicki Bickel, in Commerce City, Colorado. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family.
Gari had a deep passion for cars and spent much of his life working on and rebuilding them. He was also an avid traveler who loved to take spontaneous road trips. It wasn’t unusual for him to wake up his children in the middle of the night for a surprise adventure. He enjoyed camping, boating, and was a dedicated scoutmaster for many years, sharing his love of nature and outdoor activities with countless scouts. A lifelong fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, Gari’s enthusiasm for the team was a constant source of joy.
Above all, Gari valued family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and he always placed his family first. One of his greatest accomplishments was fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a piece of land with a shop, where he could spend time with his family and share his love of working on cars and enjoying life together.
Gari is survived by his wife, Vicki Bontrager, of West Plains; two children, Landon Bontrager and wife, Christina, of West Plains, and Lanaci Woods and husband, Devan, of Milford, Indiana; four grandchildren, Hannah and Hunter Woods, and Emma and Eirianna Bontrager; two brothers, Gwyn Bontrager and wife, Marsha, of Shipshewana, Indiana, and Greg Bontrager and wife, Robin, of Spring Hill, Florida; three sisters-in-law, Karen Bohning and husband, Keith, of Des Moines, Iowa, Marilyn Wolfe of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Gail Cox and husband, Ralph, of La Crescent, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, and a special companion, Benny the Beagle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Joan Bontrager, and his mother-in-law, Neola Melton.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Gari will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory and the love he shared will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lieutenant Commander Devin Lynn Hibbitts (Ret, USN), a dedicated servant of our nation, who departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of honor and commitment.
Born in Bonne Terre, MO to Alice Sloan and Gary Ross, Devin graduated from West Plains High School in 1989 where he acquired many friends, competed as an athlete, and worked at Nuway Supermarket. Following graduation from High School, Devin enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologist, quickly proving himself to be an exceptional leader and technical expert, swiftly moving up the ranks to Petty Officer First Class. He was accepted into the Navy’s Enlisted Commissioning Program and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University, commissioning as an Ensign in December 2001. Upon retirement from the Navy in 2017, he continued to serve his country with the National Security Agency for several more years in San Antonio, Texas.
Over his three decades of distinguished service, Devin served as an Information Warfare Officer and Naval Aviation Observer, undertaking various challenging assignments across the globe, including Japan, Alaska, Texas, and numerous combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the Horn of Africa. He was a true patriot who loved his country deeply, led by example and fought fiercely for his sailors. Devin was a lifelong friend, mentor, and role model to many who donned the uniform.
Proud of his roots, Devin often reminded those around him that he was from the “Show Me State.” He was tough as nails, and his determination and resilience were second to none. Former bull rider and rodeo clown sums up his grit. But most knew Devin for his generous spirit, always willing to lend a hand to those in need, whether it was fixing a truck, bike or tractor. You name it, he was up for the task and asked nothing in return. In his spare time, Devin enjoyed riding Harleys with his friends and tinkering with his hot rod classic trucks.
In 2019, Devin reunited with High School friend and former Nuway Supermarket coworker Missy Franks, before returning home to West Plains, MO in 2020. Devin and Missy were married in 2021, when he gained a loving step son Jacob Petrus.
Devin will be remembered for his dedication, leadership, friendship, and the countless lives he touched during his remarkable journey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Missy Hibbitts, who stood by his side through the toughest of times, embodying the love, joy, and support he cherished to the end.
Other survivors include one son, Jacob Petrus and fiancé Makenna Snodgrass, West Plains; his mother, Alice Sloan, Sea Drift, Texas; his father, Gary Ross, Bonne Terre, Missouri; one brother, Damon Keough, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Dawn Slack and husband, Ryan, Nashville, Indiana; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennis and Barbara Franks, West Plains; one brother-in-law, Denny Franks, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Sonya Stauffer and husband, Andy; niece, Kiah Van Veen; nephew, Seth York; two special nephews, Will and Sam Stauffer; many friends; and special companion, Ruby.
His maternal grandparents, James and Pearl Sloan preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Devin Lynn Hibbitts will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association in honor of Devin and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Joseph Gray Smith, 98, Harrison, Arkansas, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away at 11:09 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home.
Joe was born April 26, 1926, in O’Donald, Texas and moved to California with his family in 1939. He worked as a farmer until 1944 when he joined the United States Army. Joe was a corporal with the 43D Engineer Construction Battalion and served in Luzon Philippines; he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Joe worked for Sharpe’s Army Depot in Lathrop, California as a heavy duty mechanic and retired in 1988; during that time he also worked part time as a ranch foreman. Joe moved to Harrison, Arkansas in 1997 after the death of his wife in 1992. Joe enjoyed life and family. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and dancing. He was a member of the local Moose Lodge.
He is survived by three children, Joseph Ray Smith of State of Oklahoma, Ronald Smith and wife, Margie, of State of Arkansas and Sharon Cheatham and husband, Randy, of State of Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Laurie Smith, State of Missouri; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and twelve great-great-grandchildren.
His parents, Phillip and Nettie Smith, his wife, Neata Smith, one son, Randall Smith, one daughter, Shirley Talkington, six brothers and sisters, one granddaughter, Layce Lundy and one grandson, Matthew Cheatham, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Clyde Emmett Wilbanks, Jr., 79, Gladstone, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilbanks passed away at 3:08 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home.
He was born September 5, 1945, at West Plains, Missouri, to Clyde Emmett Wilbanks, Sr. and Exie Ethel Powers Wilbanks. Mr. Wilbanks attended and graduated from West Plains High School. He was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Vietnam. After serving his country, he worked at Associated Grocers until he retired. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; he won multiple trophies and awards for his fishing. He was slightly fond of black coffee and always had it everywhere he went. He accepted the Lord on December 20, 2024.
He is survived by two brothers, Jerry Wilbanks and wife, Diane, Ava, Missouri and Orvil Wilbanks and wife, Leslie, Pottersville, Missouri; four sisters, Barbara Barton, West Plains, Alma Fox, Peace Valley, Missouri, Bertha Thomas, Willow Springs, Missouri and Kathy Rohrer and husband, Tim, Willow Springs, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Frances Wilbanks, Kansas City, Missouri; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Patti Snyder and her daughters, Jessica, Lindsay and Maggie.
His parents, two brothers, Ed and Gary Wilbanks and several nieces and nephews, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
