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Kenneth Edward Sharp, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his home.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Laura Arianna Simpson, 86, of West Plains, Missouri went to be with her Savior on Monday June 10, 2024 at 9:16 am at home like she always wanted.

Mrs. Simpson was born March 22, 1938, in Minnesota to Herbert and Anna Zabel, the youngest of 4 children. She would often share stories of the family farm and all the adventures she would have with her sister, Carol. The family moved to California when Laura was early in her teenage years. She attended school at the old San Fernando mission for 2 years before attending the new public high school where she graduated in 1956. She enjoyed modern dance as one of her electives and spoke about it often. She worked at the local drive-in with a friend in the snack bar. There were many hilarious stories of those two making shakes and meeting local kids her age.  A year before graduation she met the love of her life John Graham Simpson. They dated in her senior year and were married shortly thereafter. They have two children, Catherine Gayle Simpson and John Jeffrey Simpson. They built their lives in the Sunland Tujunga area of Los Angeles. In those days her husband John worked days as a machinist and Laura went to work nights for Security Pacific Bank. They raised their children together, each being able to spend time with them when the other worked.  As the children grew up and got older, they were introduced to Cathy’s new boyfriend’s parents. Their names were Ernie and Polly Wollin and they enjoyed motorcycles. Soon, the four of them were off having adventures on two wheels and camping on the weekends. They were able to visit much of the western United States in those days. Grandma often reminisced of those days and how she said they were the best days of their lives.  In 1995, after John retired, they moved to West Plains, MO. This new time in life led to 10 years of painting classes held in their kitchen. A small group of ladies & men would come together to paint and bring food to spend the day talking and painting. There are walls filled with her amazing paintings all over the house. She was quite talented, and she enjoyed it immensely. John joined the Ozarks Older Iron Club and quickly became active in the club. They both have plaques as distinguished members of the club. There are hundreds of books in the house as reading has been a lifelong passion for her. The last 9 years she has enjoyed continuing her reading, coloring in those new adult coloring books and word scrambles. She loved watching the TCM channel and catching 1930’s movies, she especially loved the silent ones.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Anna Zabel, Sister, Mame, Brother, Bud, Sister, Carol, husband ,John G. Simpson, daughter, Catherine Simpson, and son John J. Simpson.

Laura is survived by her grandson, Craig Wollin and wife, Jenna of West Plains, MO, granddaughter, Holly McCarthy of Big Bear City, CA, and great-grandson, Thomas Brookens and wife, Caitlynn of Flagstaff, AZ . She is also survived by a niece, Anita Dick of Prairie Grove, MN and her two children, Beth Dick and Mike Dick, also of Minnesota.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home

Funeral services for Sam Leman Gunter, 76, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Pottersville Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Gunter passed away at 5:52 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

He was born February 10, 1948, at Pottersville, Missouri, to Charnell Gunter and Elnora Chappell Gunter.  On July 1, 1967, he was married at Pomona, Missouri, to the love of his life, Cora Jane Wilbanks.  Sam worked for the City of West Plains for 35 years.  He was a firefighter for years and at one time was Chief. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cora; four children, Sandra Wilson and husband, Boyd, Charnel Gunter, Sam Gunter and wife, Julie and Chad Gunter and wife, Jessica; seven grandchildren, Patty, Ricky, Bailey, Gabby, Briggs, Charlie and Katie; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; one brother, Wayman Gunter and wife, Christl; one brother-in-law, Bob Colyer; one step-sister, Ann Owen and husband, Earnie; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, two brothers, Norman and Florman and one sister, Nancy Colyer, preceded him in death.  

Mr. Gunter will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Pottersville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pottersville Baptist Church Food Pantry or Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Funeral services for Allena VonAllmen, 101, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. VonAllmen passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.

Mary Allena VonAllmen was born July 28, 1922, to James Albert Redburn and Emma May Clark Redburn in Rover, Missouri.

Allena was married to Clyde VonAllmen on August 11, 1940, in Rover, Missouri. She worked many years painting, cleaning, washing, and ironing for others before she took a job at the Senior Citizens teaching a Ceramics Class. She made many friends over the years. Mrs. VonAllmen was of the Christian Faith and was a member of The Olde Tyme Full Gospel Church in West Plains. Allena was very proud of her family. She was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother. She loved the Lord and her family very much.

She is survived by her son, Charles VonAllmen and wife, Carolyn of West Plains; two Grandchildren, Mark VonAllmen and wife, Durreall of West Plains and Cynthia Bush and husband, Dan of Buffalo, Missouri; five Great-Grandchildren; three Step Great-Grandchildren; and three Great-Great-Grandchildren (whom she adored).

Her parents, husband, one infant son, five brothers, three sisters and one infant sister preceded her in death.

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  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.

Funeral services for Ollie Frances Brawley, 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Brawley passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. 

She was born May 4, 1928, at Greer, Missouri, to Rosie and William Friend.  Frances grew up on the Eleven Point River and attended Surprise School.  The family moved to Alton, Missouri, when she was ten years old.  Frances had her first job at the age of thirteen, doing laundry for people and cooking chicken for the sale barn and in her teens she worked at Forster’s Café.  At the age of sixteen she went to St. Louis and worked for the summer, returning home for school in the Fall.  On September 29, 1947, she was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Waymon Elmo Brawley, who preceded her in death on November 5, 2010.  The couple moved to St. Louis and later Rockford, Illinois where she worked at Forest City Knitting Company and Nelson Knitting.  She had her sons and worked at Amerock Hardware Company, made the family’s clothes and many quilts.  In 1977 the family moved to West Plains and established their family farm.  She worked for West Gibson Department Store and was later the manager at Taco Hut where she worked until she retired at the age of sixty-two.  The couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Texas, Washington, Oklahoma and New Mexico.  They had a great life together.

She is survived by two sons, Carl Brawley and wife, Teresa and Wayne Brawley and wife, Regina, all of West Plains; four grandchildren, Brandy Russell and husband, Trey Cherry, West Plains, Justin Brawley and wife, Tabitha, Cotton Town, Tennessee, Desiree Theibeault and husband, Skyler, West Plains and Amber Brawley, West Plains; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, husband, one brother, John Henry Friend and eight sisters, Ellen Schlouch, Mollie Johnson, Vivian Medley, Amy Mann, Mae Brown, Mamie Patterson, Nellie Hoover and Dicie Doty, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Bailey Cemetery, Alton, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Bailey Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

Harold Dean Mayo, son of the late Howard Mayo and Sandra Mayo, was born August 9, 1970 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He entered into eternal rest June 8, 2024, at the age of fifty-three years. 

Harold graduated from West Plains High School in 1988 where he went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla. Shortly after graduating, Harold moved to Indianapolis for a job where he met the love of his life, Cheryl, who he married in February 1998. Within two years his daughters, Josephine and Jaclyn, were born. While living in Indianapolis, Harold acquired his MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University.   Harold’s career involved employment through various aggregate companies including Martin Marietta, Vulcan, Cemex, Mincom, and Hutchinson Salt. After Indiana, Harold and his family moved to Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas again, and finally made it back home to West Plains, Missouri.  Harold referred to his childhood memories in Van Buren with his grandparents, cousins, and sister as paradise. Harold enjoyed reading sci-fi and philosophy novels, listening to music like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends of forty years, and spending time with his family. Harold would say that the most important things in life were his two daughters. His love and pride for them was indescribable. 

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Josephine and Jaclyn; and sister, Stephanie. His grandparents, parents, Howard Mayo and Sandra Mayo and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jo Ann and Ronald Wuensch, preceded him in death. 

Please join family and friends to celebrate and honor Harold’s life at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 2:00 until 5:00 PM. There will be a brief service at 2:00 followed by a visitation. In lieu of flowers, Harold requested that memorial contributions be made to West Plains Public Library and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Shirley Irene Elmore, 96, West  Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Jay Mitchell Jeffery, 51, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his home. 

He was born June 15, 1972, at West Plains, to Stan and Jan Jeffery.  Jay was loved by many, including his younger sisters, Amy and Holly, special friend, Linda and life-long friends, Dagan, Galen and Mike.  He will forever be in the hearts of those that loved him.

He is survived by his sisters, Amy Murphy and husband, Ray and Holly Hawkins and husband, Dustin; five nephews, Camdon, Hayden, Eli, Tucker and Reed; two nieces, Lakelen and Maylee; and one uncle, Norman Emerick and wife, Marilyn. 

His parents preceded him in death.  

Jay lived a simple life and per his wishes, there will be no memorial service. 

Lola Margaret Godsy Marcak, 84, departed from this world at her home in West Plains, Missouri, for her heavenly home Friday, May 24, 2024. 

Margaret was born August 5, 1939 in Fremont, Missouri, to Ira Howard Godsy, Sr. and Opal O’dell Godsy.  Margaret was a loving mother and step-mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting, crocheting and baking pies.  Margaret was a Christian and a member of the Church of the Nazarene.

She is survived by her son, Ed Coates and wife, Lisa, Mountain View, Arkansas, daughter, Cheryl Coates Harrison and husband, Tim, Waynesville, Missouri, son, Don Coates and wife, Sheena, South Fork, Missouri, son, Tommy Marcak and wife, Angela, West Plains; step-sons, Bennie Marcak and Chris Marcak, both of West Plains; brothers, David Godsy, Ira Godsy, Jr., Gordon Godsy and Bob Godsy; sister, Norma Jean Godsy Roy; along with 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends that will all miss her.

She was preceded in death by her second husband, George Marcak, Sr., infant son, Melbourn Coates, step-daughter, Aletta Marcak Hiltibran, sister Dorothy Godsy Bailey and her parents.

There are no formal arrangements made at this time as Margaret has selflessly donated her body to research.  The family will have a graveside memorial at a later date.  In lieu of flowers and other like memorials, the family requests that donations be made to a breast cancer or brain cancer research organization of your choice. 

Graveside services for Andrew Dean Newton, 41, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Dora, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Hale Cemetery, Dora, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Andrew went to be with the Lord Friday, May 24, 2024.

He was born December 30, 1982, at West Plains, Missouri, to Berle (Bud) Newton and Cheryl Smith.  Anyone that knew Andrew knew that he had a caring heart.  He was willing to help anyone at any time.  If you called for him to help, he was there.  He worked for several farms in his lifetime.  Milking and working in the hay fields was what he enjoyed the most.  He will be dearly missed by many.

He is survived by his father, Berle (Bud) Newton, Cabool, Missouri; his mother, Cheryl Smith and husband, John, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Anya Moritz and husband, Jerry, Drury, Missouri; one nephew, A.J. Moritz, Drury, Missouri; his maternal grandmother, Wanda Burgess, West Plains, Missouri; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, an uncle, an aunt, and a cousin preceded him in death.  

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 Kooper Jett Smith, 21 months, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2024, at Genesis Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Kooper passed away at 9:35 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born August 3, 2022, at West Plains, Missouri, to Harley Smith and Alex Harris Smith.  He was an ornery, wild, carefree, sweet, and loving little boy. He loved being outdoors, and going for rides on the four wheeler and side-by-side. He especially loved picking on his brothers. Kooper was a busy-body, who would rarely sit still. He was always getting into something, but always knew how to smooth it over by laying his head right in the middle of your chest. He was very smart and a quick learner. He was independent, adventurous, and loved to explore. Although his time was cut short here on earth, we know he is in the arms of Jesus, where he will continue to learn and explore, and be his usual ornery and sweet self.

He is survived by his parents, Harley and Alex Smith, Caulfield, Missouri; two brothers, Layne Smith, five years old, and Kash Smith, three years old; three grandparents, Frankie Harris, West Plains, Missouri, Jett and Becky Smith, Caulfield, Missouri; six great-grandparents, Jerry and Vickie Israel, North Carolina, Larry and Joyce Smith, Bakersfield, Missouri, and Randy and Donna Spencer, Moody, Missouri; two aunts, Brynn Siklas, and husband Zach, Wynne, Arkansas, and Kody Simpson, and husband William, Caulfield, Missouri; uncle, Caleb Harris, Texas; and three cousins, Easton Siklas, Wyatt Siklas, and Mary Simpson.

His grandfather, Dwayne Harris; great-grandmother, Janice Spencer; and uncle, Jason Sherman 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, South Fork, Missouri.  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. 

A Celebration of Life services for David Lee Parrott, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Mr. Parrott passed away at 12:44 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. 

He was born April 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lehman and Sylvia Williams Parrott.  He was married to Loretta (Letty) Anderson Parrott on June 5, 1965, in which they shared 58 beautiful years together.  David grew up in St. Louis where he graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1961. Having a great love for his country, David enlisted in the United States Army in June 1961, serving until June 1964. During his time in the Army, he served at the world headquarters in Arlington, VA and the Pentagon. He was also stationed in Okinawa for 16 months.  In 1978 David and his wife, Letty, moved their three children to Letty’s hometown of West Plains. It was here that they owned and operated His Place Family Restaurant for two years. David had a gift for playing the piano and greatly enjoyed entertaining his patrons with patriotic and gospel hymns. After selling the restaurant, he attended the Highway Patrol Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City and worked as a West Plains Police Officer from 1981 to 1983. A career change was in store and he began working as a funeral director at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home until 1993. He went on to work for Woodmen of the World Insurance Society until his retirement in 2004.

His love for community was evidenced in his involvement in the American Red Cross, West Plains Chamber of Commerce, the Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, former President of the West Plains High School Booster Club, and support chaplain for the Women’s Auxiliary during the 1990-91 Gulf War. He was a proud member of the American Legion and Honor Guard. David also served as a greeter and usher at First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed fishing, water skiing, playing the piano, traveling in his RV and spending time with his children and grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Letty of West Plains, Missouri; son, Brian Parrott and wife, Diane of Gamaliel, Arkansas; son, Clark Parrott and wife Michele, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; daughter, Laurel Parrott Driscoll and husband, Bill of Tecumseh, Missouri; grandchildren, Jennifer Driscoll Strickland and husband, Jeff of Springfield, Missouri; Jordan Parrott Stout and husband, Klayton of Peculiar, Missouri; Zach Harper and wife. Ashley of Branson, Missouri; Natalie Parrott Jarrell and husband, Taylor of Dexter, Missouri; Dillon Harper of West Plains, Missouri; Hunter Parrott and wife, Shania of Ballwin, Missouri; and Jacob Harper of West Plains, Missouri; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild;  his brothers-in-law, Perry Dickey and wife, Ila, Anderson Dickey, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Lyle Anderson and wife, Peggy of Louisville, Kentucky.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lehman and Sylvia Williams Parrott; his in laws, Basil and Doris Anderson and his brother and sister-in-law Bob and Eula Anderson Rowden.

Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Military Honor Guard and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. 

John Milford Koelling, 78, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:55 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his home. 

He was born January 24, 1946, at West Plains, Missouri, to Art Milford Koelling and Eunice Marie Roberson Koelling.  On January 20, 1999, he was married at Denver, Colorado, to Karri Gerstenkorn.  Before his retirement, Mr. Koelling was a truck driver.  He was an avid outdoorsman, a horse trainer and farrier.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved the Colorado Mountains.  John truly loved his family and the family dog, Mo.  Mr. Koelling was of the Baptist faith and knew God.

He is survived by his wife, Karri Koelling; four children, Jonathan Koelling and wife, Jecholia, Dusti Lynn Callo and husband, Fred, Weslea Goble and husband, Allen and Vandi Koelling; six grandchildren; one sister, Brenda Thompson and husband, Tommy; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents and one brother, Don Koelling, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

John David Collins, 69, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at his home. 

He was born June 17, 1954, at Landstuhl, Rheinlanf, Germany, to Robert Eugene Collins and Una Nadine Farris Collins.  On January 22, 1977, he was married at Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Brenda McGee.  Mr. Collins was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing and video games.  He loved his wife and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Collins; two children, Michael Collins and wife, Carrie and Rebecca Hutchings and husband, Kirk, all of West Plains; five grandchildren, Kyle Addison, Shonti Addison, Morgan Collins, Lucas Collins and Shelby  Hutchings; his mother, Una Nadine Collins; one brother, Robert (Bob) Collins, St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

His father and one brother, James (Jim) Collins, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Graveside services for Don Ray Baysinger, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Homeland Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Baysinger passed away at 4:00 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2024, at NHC HealthCare. 

He was born December 1, 1939, in Howell County, Missouri, to Arvil and Ida Mae Baxter Baysinger.  On July 24, 1971, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Cora Ann Collins, who preceded him in death on April 18, 2006.  Mr. Baysinger was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  Before his retirement, Don was a deputy with the Howell County Sherriff’s Office. He loved to go fishing and travel.

He is survived by four children, Steve Mason and wife, Glenda, of the State of Oklahoma, Ann Moran and husband, Rick, State of Texas, Leland Mason and wife, Julie, State of  Utah and Sandy Evans, West Plains; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry Basinger and wife, Donna, Springfield, Missouri, Roger McCord, West Plains and Ervin McCord and wife, Debbie, West Plains; one sister, Mona Basinger and husband, Tod Jones, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, wife, one son-in-law, Mike Evans, two grandchildren, Scott Evans and Ricky Durham, two brothers, Bill and Charles Basinger, two sisters, Sue Henry and Jan Laremore, preceded him in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, 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. 

A memorial service for William Joseph Bergman, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2024, at First Christian Church, 422 W. Main St., West Plains, MO  65775.    

Mr. Bergman passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.   

He was born September 18, 1951, at Litchfield, Illinois, to Joseph Bergman and Mary Lou Stogsdill Bergman.  On November 1, 2000, he was married at Hillsboro, Illinois, to Joyce Hooper.  Bill had an associate’s degree in technology and maintained a career as a navigator for Mobile Oil Search in  Houston, Texas, where he traveled all over the world.  Also known as PaPa Bill, he loved telling stories about his adventures to his two grandsons.  He loved his family very much.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Bergman, West Plains; one daughter, Leslie Hooper, West Plains; two grandchildren, Zeith and Zyler McKinney; his mother, Mary Lou Bergman, Hillsboro, Illinois; one brother, Jim Bergman and wife, Emma; two sisters, Luanne Stewart and husband, Greg and Jeanie Roth and husband, Doyle; and many nieces and nephews. 

His father preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Graveside services for Kenneth Charles (Ken) Bauer, 58, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bauer passed away at 3:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, Missouri.  

He was born January 7, 1966, at Cabool, Missouri, to Ronald Valentine and Margret McMahan Bauer.  On April 17, 2004, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Kathy Whitmire.  Ken was a maintenance supervisor at Jasper Engines.  He also worked as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for many years.  He was a kind-hearted man and loved helping others any way he could.  Ken was creative and hardworking.  He was a very talented wood carver and enjoyed building things, whether it was furniture or a house.  He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his dog, Doc.  Ken was a Christian, and he truly loved the Lord, his family, and his friends.  He enjoyed listening to Christian music and he really enjoyed playing piano in church.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and brother.  There are no words to express the love he had for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of the family home; one child, Valerie Bauer-Matheson and husband, Andrew, New Town at St. Charles, Missouri; one sister, Lesa Bauer, Cabool, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Louise Whitmire, West Plains, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Bobby Whitmire and wife, Kristen, Billings, Missouri; one niece, Caitlan Whitmire and husband, Phani, state of Texas; two nephews, Jordan Whitmire and wife, Mindy, Highlandville, Missouri, and Dalton Day, Nixa, Missouri; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his best fishing buddy, Doc..

His parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lodge and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.

Martha Sue Patterson, 87, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 11:50 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.

She was born October 7, 1936, at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Rollind Brownfield and Belva Brown Brownfield.  In 1952, she was married at Hardy, Arkansas, to Ben Patterson, who preceded her in death on August 18, 2013.

She is survived by three children, Elizabeth King and husband, Ron, Browning, Missouri, Bob Patterson and wife, Debbie, West Plains, Missouri, and Travis Patterson and wife, Casie, Bates City, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents and her husband preceded her in death.  

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Dedie Ellen Sanders, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:05 a.m., Sunday, May 19, 2024, at NHC HealthCare. 

She was born February 18, 1945, at Sycamore, Missouri, to Charles Sanders and Iva Marie Carter Sanders.  Mrs. Sanders was a proud mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, spending time at the river and visiting the water mills; she loved shopping, especially for gifts for her friends and family.  Dedie was a kind hearted and giving person; she truly loved her family, friends and her dog, Felix.  Her biggest accomplishment was raising her son (grandson), Pino.  She was an activist and loved politics and protesting.  Mrs. Sanders was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by four children, Debra Wilson Valdez and husband, Miguel, Odessa, Missouri, David Wilson and wife, Adriana, Belton, Missouri, Travis Puckett, West Plains, Missouri and Doug Carter and wife, Denise, West Plains, Missouri; six grandchildren; two sisters, Madonna Birdsong and husband, Jarret, Dora, Missouri and Kathy Hensley and husband, Randy, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. 

Her parents, two brothers and one sister, preceded her in death.  

Arrangements under the direction f Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com

Funeral services for Ina Gay Lair, 72, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Lair passed away at 8:47 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at her home. 

She was born March 20, 1952, at Mountain Home, Arkansas, to George Oral Kerley and Adah Mae Kerley. On November 6, 1971, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Jerry Lair. Gay had a love for camping and yardsaling. For 30 years she worked side by side with the love of her life running their store. Ina was a loving wife, grandma, and sister. She will be missed by so many, but will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jerry Lair; two children, Heath Lair and wife, Krista and Heather Williams and husband, Donald; eight grandchildren, Brett Lair, Arieona Smith and fiancé, Logan Jewell, Evan Smith, Connor Lair, Mason Webb, Jax Lair, Tyler Williams and wife, Jaden and Nate Williams and wife, Morgan; two great-grandchildren, Kabella and Kreed Williams; three sisters, Georgia Frost, Barbara Bozich and husband, Mike and Donna Shelley and husband, Larry; two sisters-in-law, Janice Mead and Venita Hollingshad and husband, Jim; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her parents; four brothers, O.G. Kerley, Richard Kerley, Keith Kerley and Wayne Kerley; three sisters, Ozerah Friend, Nonda Wassmann and Sharon Goode, and one infant sister; and sister-in-law, Alberta Cunningham, preceded her in death.  

Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lair-Williams Cemetery. 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.