Graveside services for Wanda June (Leek) Merrick, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Wanda passed away peacefully 12:15 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center after a brief illness.
She was born July 22, 1939, in Hartville, Missouri, to James Irvin Leek and Orla Faye Hutsell Leek. On January 18, 1959, she was married at Burlington Junction, Missouri, to Coy Deward Hampton, who preceded her in death. In March of 1986, she was married to Ivan Stockton, who also preceded her in death. On October 19, 2002, she was married at West Plains to Norval Merrick. Wanda had worked at West Plains Ramada Inn as head of housekeeping for several years before her retirement and had made forever friends who were her co-workers there. Wanda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. She dearly loved her family which was extended through marriage over the years with many bonus family members who she considered her very own. Wanda loved flowers and enjoyed watching the birds, butterflies and deer which frequented her yard. She was a crafter including that she made jewelry and special Christmas cards and personalized ornaments. She painted on canvas and all kinds of other things and liked to polish rocks she found in her yard. Everyone who knew her will remember her sweet smile and readiness to offer encouragement.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Norval Merrick, of the family home; two sons, Allen Hampton and Terry, and Wade Hampton and Trudy, all of West Plains; three bonus sons Dante Merrick and Deanna, of Lost Nation, Iowa, Coy Stockton of West Plains, Larry Stockton and Cathy, of West Plains; four bonus daughters, Kelli Grey of Farley, Iowa, Leah Willers and Mark of Springfield, Missouri, Karen Collins of West Plains, Teresa Sexton of West Plains; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; 21 bonus grandchildren; 21 bonus great-grandchildren, one bonus great-great grandchild; one brother, John Leek of Des Moines, Iowa; three sisters-in-law, Lois Staner of West Plains, Melva and Tom Trunnel of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Marna Kitchens of Bristol, Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Rod Merrick and Maxine of West Plains; many nieces and nephews; a wide circle of friends, neighbors, and cousins; her church family at Providence Baptist Church, West Plains; and her devoted dachshund, Sunny.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Deena Payne Johnson; one brother, Irvin “Joe” Leek; two sisters-in-law, Mary Leek and Lynda Leek; and bonus daughter Diana Jo (Jody) Tucker.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Chris Wayne Piper, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Faith Chapel, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Piper passed away April 6, 2024, at his home.
He was born November 17, 1964, at La Mesa, California, to Larry Piper and Joyce Walker Piper. His childhood in West Plains, instilled a lifelong passion for cars, dirt bikes, go-karts and dirt track racing. Chris graduated from North Arkansas College in 1985. He began dating the love of his life, Sheri, in 1986 and they married in 1987. They welcomed daughter, Alissa in 1989, daughter, Sonnie in 1990 and son, Ben in 1992. Chris won his first dirt track race at the age of 13. He enjoyed driving in area races alongside his father and son. Chris received Track Champion, Fan Favorite and Midwest Dirt Track Legend recognitions for his talents as a wheelman. He owned and operated multiple businesses and watched every Chiefs football game. He had a passion for classic rock music and mastered the art of the air guitar. Chris loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and watching them ride go-karts. He was a member of Faith Chapel, where he enjoyed volunteering for church activities. Chris will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, PawPaw and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Sheri Piper, of the family home; two children, Sonnie Wilson and husband, Cory, Nixa, Missouri and Ben Piper and wife, Austi, West Plains; two grandchildren, Crimson and Cameron Piper; his mother, Joyce Piper, West Plains; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws and bonus children.
His daughter, Alissa Piper, granddaughter, Camber Piper and father, Larry Piper, preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Piper Lane Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, Faith Chapel Building Fund or Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Frank Michael Legerski, 70, West Plains, Missouri, formerly of Rock Springs, Wyomiing, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Legerski passed away April 6, 2024 at his home following a two year battle with cancer. With this knowledge Frank was able to prepare this obituary.
He was born on September 2, 1953 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of John George Legerski, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Legerski. Frank lived in Superior, Wyoming, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. He attended school at Sts. Cyrillic & Methodius Catholic School and graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1971. He attended college in Boise, but never finished. He moved to Boise, Idaho and married Jerelyn Smellie. They divorced and he married Iva Bunch. They divorced. He finally met and married Gail Smith March 28, 2010. She was the one he’d been looking for all of his life. His soul mate. They retired and moved to West Plains and bought a house and 10 acres of heaven on earth. Mr. Legerski worked as a news cameraman for KTVB in Boise. He then moved back to Wyoming and became a mechanic and certified welder at Stauffer. (OCI) After a 42 year career, he finally retired. He was also on the board of directors, and chairman of the Stauffer Federal Credit Union. He was one of the leaders that pushed for the merge with FMC Federal Credit Union. After the merge, it became Trona Valley Credit Union. He was very proud of that accomplishment. His interests were riding his Harley, shooting pool, fishing, friend get togethers and family reunions. He loved making things with steel or wood. He was a gardener who was very proud of his crops and especially his lawn. He always talked about his grandpa and dad and how they taught him. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Plains and a Knight of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, Gail; three daughters, Jennifer Legerski, Victoria (Tori) Sanderson and husband Paul, and Erica Legerski; one sister, Mary Peterson and husband, Ken; one brother, David; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Earleen Arbogast; three stepsons, Joe Smith and wife, Ying, Kevin Smith and wife, Deborah, and Kenneth Smith and wife Anja; five step-grandsons; and several step-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Liz Legerski and two brothers, Philip and John Jr.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for James Merlin Henry, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 112 Aid Avenue, West Plains, MO 65775, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
James Merlin Henry arrived on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1937, in the Dust Bowl of Claflin, Kansas. Surrounded by love, Jim departed this life for the everlasting April 1, 2024, following his favorite holiday, Easter, with his spring lawn in unfurling bloom, blossom and color. Jim was the youngest of four children born to Edward Paul and Veva Harris Henry. He spent his childhood in Salina, Kansas, with numerous family relocations to his father’s hometown of West Plains, Missouri to help his grandmother. They returned to the West Plains homestead permanently Jim’s senior year of high school. A quiet, witty, and intelligent teen, Jim soon returned to his position of go-to wingback on the Zizzer football squad and track standout known for his “Ipana smile.” He graduated from West Plains High School in 1955, and entered a four-year manufacturing management program at Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet, Illinois. Jim, ever hopeful of returning to West Plains, met St. Louis entrepreneur Jack McDaniel Sr., who speculated opening a defense manufacturing company in the area. In 1959, Jim became one of the first-hired production employees of Southwest Truck Body Company (SWT now DRS). In 1961, Jim entered the Mechanical Engineering program at Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri S&T). In January 1964, Jim returned to West Plains, as the very first in-house engineer for SWT. In 1969, he was named general manager of the company, and later assumed the additional role as senior vice president of manufacturing until the company was sold in the late 1980s. In 1988, Jim purchased a small manufacturing business in Illinois. In 1992, Jim returned to West Plains to serve as general manager, and later CEO of Perennial Energy, Inc. (PEI). He held this role until his retirement in 2013. Jim Henry was known for his successful management style and mentoring generations. He recognized potential in team members, encouraged and invested in their education, development, understanding, professional ethics, and business acumen, and he valued their engagement in the community. He delighted in their personal growth and professional successes, and his support transformed many futures. Jim understood business, cultural nuances, and was known for his skill in contract negotiations. He helped deliver projects, jobs, and a better standard of living to his hometown, while working collaboratively with international governments and industry leaders like Mercedes and BMW to manufacture military and civilian transport equipment; and later, to help first and third world countries turn bio-waste into alternative power sources, improving economic and living conditions, air, soil, and water quality for all. Throughout his career, across all industries, Jim advocated for employee benefits; he thought all should receive pension, or 401k, as well as health and dental insurance. A dedicated community member, Jim helped establish business and civic organizations and was relied upon to define clear bylaws, salient objectives, and operational goals. He often worked behind the scenes to bring national organizations to his hometown, pulling together teams to launch diverse initiatives and West Plains-centric efforts ranging from West Plains Council on the Arts to The Friendship Circle Preschool. He was a longtime member of the West Plains R-7 School Board and The Advisory Board for Southwest Missouri State University-WP (now MSU). He was a West Plains Chamber of Commerce President and Chamber award recipient. He was meticulous, engaged, focused, and dedicated to all the companies, ventures, organizations, nonprofits, groups, boards, committees, and individuals he served. Some of these meaningful board roles in his home community included West Plains Bank and Trust Company, West Plains Country Club, West Plains Industrial/Economic Development Council, and West Plains Housing Authority. He was named by the governor to a statewide initiative based on his economic and industrial development experience. He received repeated national awards as a top defense contractor by the Small Business Administration. He was a life member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The American Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and The Society of Mayflower Descendants. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Salina, Kansas and West Plains, Missouri for a collective 55 years. He taught Sunday School for decades, first to teens, a role he cherished, and later, he enjoyed this mutually enlightening role with adult parishioners. Most recently, Jim enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual home he found at First Presbyterian Church of West Plains, Missouri. For years, Jim’s quick step and whistling song announced his approach. He forged deep friendships and was well-known for his wit. Caring for his yard and gardening was his meditation. Jim collected and restored Model T Fords and 1940s pickups. He doled out clever nicknames, his script handwriting was impeccable, and Jim’s hilarious stories, cards, and accompanying illustrations were inspired. He was a voracious reader of fiction, non-fiction and theological texts. He attributed any and all success in life to the one who was beside him for over sixty-six years. Nancy Ann LaFevers became his wife on July 2, 1957. Smart as a whip, unpretentious and good-natured, and possessing a canny business mind of her own, Jim treasured Nancy’s point of view and gifts. The couple rarely spent a day apart. Their special partnership of shared values, humor, admiration, faith, and dedication, along with her ability to fill in the very occasional crossword squares Jim left blank, is one for the ages. Not only was he a constant husband, Jim Henry was the ultimate girl dad. While he insisted his daughters run endless patterns catching football passes, he also possessed infinite patience, humor, and sensitivity. He was supportive, loving, and fun. He led neighborhood sports games and came home on his lunch hour on snow days to make phenomenal giant snow sculptures with his girls and their friends. His grandchildren thought he hung the moon. It was mutual, as he knew no greater joy than his two granddaughters and grandson.
In recent years, Jim expanded his circle of friends with wonderful, dedicated caregivers who enriched his life and shared his humor. Over time, they became more like family. The Henrys express deepest thanks, love and appreciation to Diana, Lorie, Kathy, Misty, Daryl, Dana, and Deborah. To Dr. Jeffrey F. Roylance, Bethany and Treba, your incredible care, support, and friendship over many years provided comfort and light. God Bless and thank you all.
In addition to his beloved wife Nancy, Jim is survived by his two daughters and their families, Ann-Elizabeth Henry Yorty and Stephanie Henry Stollenwerck, and husband John of Dallas; and Jim’s grandchildren Annabel Stollenwerck, Houston, Texas; Emeline Yorty, Overland Park, Kansas; and John Stollenwerck Jr., of Dallas. He is also survived by sister-in-law Janice Langston Bowden; brother-in-law Philip P. Corneli; friend and former son-in-law Adam Yorty; childhood friend Jack Gilbreath; along with seven nieces and nine nephews and spouses; and a number of great nieces and nephews across the country; along with many cherished cousins, longtime friends and colleagues.
He is preceded in death by his parents and much-adored older siblings: Helen Crawford (Lewis), Mildred Lewis (Robert), and Edward Paul Henry Jr. (Jeannie); along with sisters-in-law Helen LaFevers Corneli; Janet Kay Hollingshad LaFevers; and brothers-in-law William Henry LaFevers, Terry Langston, and Keith Bowden; and nephews William David LaFevers and Deric Alexander LaFevers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an effort he believed in: West Plains Housing Authority. Another organization that aligns with Jim’s desire to help others is MISSION MSA, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research and a cure for the neurodegenerative disease Jim lived with in his final years: Multiple System Atrophy. Please note “In honor of Jim Henry.” Donations to WPHA or MISSION MSA may be delivered or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775; or you may donate to Mission MSA online in his honor: www.missionmsa.org.
Graveside services for Jerry Leonard Rhoads, 70, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rhoads passed away at 2:26 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2024, at his home.
He was born June 2, 1953, at West Plains, Missouri, to Charles Leonard and Grace Jane Rhoads. He was married to Anita Marie Collins on October 18, 1974 in Siloam Springs, Missouri. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman, loved to hunt and trade dogs, spend time with his family, especially his two grandsons, Bryce and Logan Tharp.
He was survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Anita Rhoads, of the family home, two daughters, Stacy Tharp and husband Garry, and Ashley Rhoads, all of West Plains, Missouri; two Grandsons, Bryce Tharp and Logan Tharp, West Plains, Missouri; six siblings, David Rhoads and wife Tammy, Dora, Missouri, Steve Rhoads, Ozark County, Melanie Woodward and husband Cary, West Plains, Missouri, Lynn Rhoads and wife Jodie, Branson, Missouri, Tracy Rhoads, West Plains, Missouri and Richard Rhoads and wife, Kim, West Plains, Missouri; Mother-in-Law, Pat Collins, West Plains, Missouri; Three sisters-in-laws Benita Parker, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Vonda Almond and husband Dennis, Vancouver, Washington and Delissa Sanders and husband Henry, Mountain Grove, Missouri; Many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jane Rhoads; one brother, Kenneth Eugene Rhoads; Father in Law, Basil Collins, Two Brother in Laws, Danny Collins, West Plains and John Parker, Mountain Grove.
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.
Funeral services for Howard (Dean) Whiteside, 89, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held Tuesday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Dean Whiteside passed away at his home Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10:44 p.m.
He was born August 1, 1934, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Troy Whiteside and Mattie Mae Hayes Whiteside. Dean was a veteran, serving in the United States Marines from 1952 until 1955. He married Patricia Francis on August 5, 1966, in West Plains, Missouri. They attended church together every Sunday. Dean loved his family and friends; they were all very dear to him. He was a longtime business owner; working hard in his community for many years at both Triangle Furniture Store and Triangle Station and Grocery. Dean was an avid outdoorsman; particularly enjoying fishing, hunting, gardening, photography, and traveling to the mountains. He was a kind and generous man who never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife of nearly fifty-eight years, Patricia Whiteside, of the family home; three children, Sandra Whiteside, Springfield, Missouri, Robert Whiteside and wife, Stacy, and Lanetta Stirewalt and husband, Sterling, all of West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Annetta Overstreet and husband, Clay, and Breanna Stirewalt all of West Plains, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Alessa, Maci, Henzli and Remi Overstreet of West Plains, Missouri; three siblings, Fern Tackitt and husband, Bob, Richard Whiteside and wife, Donna, all of Mountain View, Missouri, and Elaine Durham and husband, Tilman, of West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Maryann Whiteside of West Plains, Missouri; three brothers-in-law, Jerry Francis and wife, Holly, of Georgia, Mike Francis, and Rick Francis of West Plains, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by parents; two sisters, Betty Hartle and Carolyn McLain; one brother, Marland Whiteside; and one nephew, Preston McLain.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for Justin Cooley, 52, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Genesis Church, West Plains, followed by burial at South Fork Cemetery, South Fork, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Justin passed away at the age of 52 years on April 2, 2024.
He was born on October 17, 1971 in Trenton, MO to Garry and Judy (Taber) Cooley.
Justin was united in marriage on September 26, 2020 to Ashley Tyree Cooley.
Justin was a graduate of Mountain View-Liberty High School, class of 1989. He went on to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation management in 1995. After a career in sales management, Justin found his true calling as a certified wealth advisor with LPL Financial and Simmons Investment Services, serving the surrounding area communities of southwest Missouri. He enjoyed working alongside his coworkers and building relationships with his clients. He embraced the challenge of this new career path.
Justin was a sports enthusiast and a loyal fan to the Dallas Cowboys, Mizzou Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He loved hosting and entertaining friends and family around the smoker, BBQ grill, and campfire. Justin was a passionate outdoorsman who loved fishing the Jacks Fork and the Eleven Point Rivers, as well as the Norfork Lake, and deer hunting in Arroll, MO with his friends and family. He enjoyed traveling and sightseeing the world with the love of his life, Ashley, and his friends and family. Justin was baptized alongside his wife on March 16, 2021 in the Jacks Fork River by Brian Ingalls.
Justin was a loyal member of the Liberty Eagles Football First Team All-American Chain Gang, West Plains Sunrise Rotary Club, Greater Area West Plains, Mountain View, and Willow Springs Chambers of Commerce, and a member of Genesis Church-West Plains.
Justin is survived by his wife Ashley Cooley of the home, children Laken Copeland (Kyle), Landen Cooley, and Kennedy Cooley. He is also survived by his father Garry Cooley (Joyce), brother Eric Cooley (Lisa), and sister Julie Kelly (Rowdy), grandchildren Brooks, Riley, and Eden Copeland, in-laws Lynn and Cindy Tyree, brother-in-law Luke Tyree, sister-in-law Kate Tyree, and grandparents-in-law Bob Ellison and Darrell and Dorothy Tyree, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Justin is also survived by a village of amazing friends including David and Angie Ledgerwood, Scott and Annie Roy, Steve and Jamie Vines, Dan and Joy Horgan, Michael and Shannon Triplett, Brock and Bridget Kenega, Kenny Porter, Kristi Bailey Williams, Kevin and LaKeesha Irving and many more.
Justin is preceded in death by his mother Judy Cooley, his paternal and maternal grandparents, his uncles Jack and Larry, and aunt Sally Cooley, close friend Jeff Bailey and several high school classmates.
Justin will forever be remembered by his contagious smile, witty sense of humor, and his willingness to help others in need. Justin fought a courageous battle with colon cancer, never giving up and always persevering despite the obstacles he faced. The impact of his story may never be known; however, it became his mission to spread colorectal cancer awareness and advocate for early detection.
Justin’s loved ones would like to specifically thank his team at Siteman Cancer Center-Barnes Jewish Chrisitian for their unwavering support and care throughout his journey along with the prayers and support of our community and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Sunrise Rotary Backpack program, Simmons First Foundation or South Fork Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for Jeffrey Don Collins, 59, Elizabeth, Arkansas, will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jeff passed away March 31, 2024 in Elizabeth, Arkansas.
He was born July 13, 1964 in St. Charles, Missouri to Don and Carol Woolf Collins. He loved spending time with his grandkids, taking care of his wife, Trish, playing with and caring for his beloved, Hyla Mae Collins. He loved hunting about as much as he did fishing, but neither one as much as he loved time with his family. Jeff will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Trish Collins, of the family home; two sons, PJ Collins (Morgan) Bexar, Arkansas and Justin Collins of Gassville, Arkansas; one daughter, Sheena Collins (Jon Strout) of Mountain Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Kayley Staggs, Ethan, Aliyah and Grace Collins; two sisters, Robin Collins and Amanda Crain; one brother, Doug Collins; brother-in-law, John Riley; sister-in-law, Susan Williams; niece, Jena Weller; and nephew, Jason Riley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Collins, his mother Carol Whisenant, his sister-in-law, Karen Riley, one grandson Braxton Wyatt Staggs and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
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.
Funeral services for Glinda (Sue) Nettles, 80, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nettles passed away at 12:32 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.
She was born December 5, 1943, at Corning, Arkansas, to Robert and Isabell Mofield. Sue was a 1961 graduate of Slidell High School. Sue worked several places in her lifetime, but one of her first jobs was with Alice Department Store in Texas. She also worked as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone. More recently Sue worked in the bakery at Price Chopper in West Plains and at Glenwood School, where she was a cook and secretary. Sue was married to Bill Scheig of San Antonio, Texas; they lived in Alice and Houston, Texas for ten years and had one son, Thomas Joseph Scheig. On November 17, 1975, Sue married Jerry Lee Nettles; they moved to Missouri and had two children, Lamar Kirk and Briana Kay Nettles. Living in or around the West Plains area for many years, Sue enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and doing crafts. Some of her favorite crafts were making elaborate photo albums and handmade jewelry. She served on the Glenwood School PTO for several years. During this time, she conducted and directed several plays, skits and talent shows hosted by the PTO. Sue and Jerry were members of the China Union Church in West Plains for many years. There they developed many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. With those friends they would often get together for a card game of pitch or canasta. If you knew Sue, then you knew she was always cracking the next joke or trying to make you laugh! If you would ever tell her, you had lost a little weight, her immediate response was, “I found it!”. Sue and Jerry could also dance the Jitterbug into their 50’s and loved entertaining house guests with crazy, funny shenanigans. Sue got to celebrate her 80th birthday with family in 2023.
She is survived by her children, Jody Scheig and wife, Cynthia, Kirk Nettles and wife, Angela, Briana Hennesy and husband, Steven and Jim Nettles and wife, Dynise; two grandchildren, Lexi and Shane Hennesy; one great-grandchild, Emerald Avery Murrell; several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; her sisters, Donna Jones and Kim Elliott; brothers, Billy Mofield and John Elliott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerry Nettles, three sisters, Margaret Smith, Jackie Graves and Mickie Steptoe, and two brothers, Donald and Rex Elliott.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Glenwood School and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Charles Edward (Ed) Drumright, 94, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2024, at Hope’s Rest Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Drumright passed away at 8:50 a.m., Sunday, March 31, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
He was born December 27, 1929, at West Plains, Missouri, to Elmer Drumright and Elsie Downen Drumright. On May 27, 1950, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Violet Collins, who preceded him in death on February 24, 1998. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and restoring old cars. Mr. Drumright loved his family and took great pride in taking care of the farm.
He is survived by three children, Jean Whitmire, Ozark, Missouri, Gerald Drumright and wife, Debbie, Cherokee Village, Arkansas and James Drumright and wife, Sherri, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
His parents, wife, one son, Bruce Drumright and one brother, Jesse Drumright preceded him in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope’s Rest Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Norman Lynn (Digger) Farel, 89, Udall, Missouri, passed away on March 25, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family.
Norman was born July 16,1934 in Bridges Creek, Ozark County, Missouri, to Frank Morton Farel and Bessie Leota Dean Farel. He was raised in Ozark County and moved to Boone County, IL as a teenager. He always loved the Ozarks, it was his home, and returned often for hunting trips and family gatherings. He later retired to his parent’s homestead in Udall, MO.
He embarked on a lifelong journey with Shirley Tessman, tying the knot on August 29, 1953, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere IL. Their love story began when her big brother Bob Tessman introduced them as teenagers, and they went on to celebrate 67 years of marriage.
Norman was a storyteller. He had a million tales to tell, and they only got taller with each telling. He loved reminiscing and laughing about the good old days. He lived a full life and loved to share his adventures. He enjoyed his trusty harmonica, playing heartfelt love songs about Shirley, who he missed so much.
He was a collector of everything because there was always going to be a use for it another day. If you needed something, he probably had 2 of them. He prided himself on having just what you need to “fix” anything “the Farel way” and believed that WD-40, duct tape or a craftsman wrench solved almost every problem. He held onto tractors & trucks that he tinkered with and especially loved his old Ford Truck that he was saving to restore with his son Norman, Jr. He was proud of his red Farmall Cub tractor that he displayed at the Boone County Fair. The Fair was something that Norman and Shirley enjoyed together; it was a chance to catch up with longtime Belvidere friends.
Norman loved to travel and take the family on long vacations across the country in his motorhome. His favorite times were trips out West to visit the Dean families and to Northern Wisconsin to see the Tessman families. In IL, many weekends were spent at Boone Lake. Everyone has a memory tied to his camping excursions. After he retired to Missouri, he enjoyed taking visitors out on Lake Norfolk in his pontoon boat or loading everyone into the motorhome as he drove around the back roads to all the places he loved.
He had many pets throughout his life, but especially loved his sweet dog Daisy, who he cared for over fourteen years.
He had an incredible work ethic, working multiple jobs to take care of his immediate and extended family. He worked at several IL companies as a welder, including Dean Foods, Standard Brass and Arnold Electric and retired from Wilburt Vault Company. He started his own business, Farel Excavation, with his son Steve; this is when he became known as “Digger”. He used his backhoe both for his business and to help out his friends.
He was a church leader and a Sunday School bus driver at Calvary Baptist Church in Belvidere, IL. In Missouri he was a member of Bridges Creek Baptist Church and was active with remodeling the church and taking care of the grounds including Baptist Hill Cemetery.
Norman was a caring husband, father, grandpa, and papa. He was a great friend to all who knew him and was always there to help anyone who needed him.
Norman is survived by his daughters: Sharon Thomas, husband Fred; Pamela Johnson, husband Tom; daughter in-law Cheryl Farel, all of Belvidere. Grandchildren: Christopher (Katie) Thomas, Sara Wollin (Dan Hodgson), Matthew Wollin, Talie Johnson, Nick (Katrina) Brown, Steven K.C. (Kristine) Farel, and Ashley Farel, and Barb Hinde. Great-grandchildren: Xandra Farel, Braden Ettner, Emma, Hunter, Regan and Max Wollin, Alayna Farel, Jasmin Farel, Janell, Teaghan, Zach and Karlene Brown, Mark (Nicole) Mason and Crystal Mason and five Great-great grandchildren. Sisters, Linda Hendrickson of Texas, and Ruby Cheek-Robinson of Udall, MO. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply.
He is preceded in death by his parents Frank & Bessie Farel; his loving wife Shirley Farel; son Steven Farel and his wife Trina; son Norman Farel Jr.; grandsons, Cory Joe Farel, Shane Farel and Luke Wollin; siblings Charles “Cook” Farel and Bonnie Hodgson.
There will be a service and committal at Baptist Hill Cemetery, Elijah, MO on Tuesday, April 23, at 2 pm. A time of visitation will be held starting at 1 pm. A celebration of life will also be held in Illinois on June 15 at the home of Pamela Johnson, 4000 Orth Rd, Belvidere.
The family wishes to express their thanks for the care provided by his granddaughter Sara Wollin and her son Braden Ettner and to Ozark Home Health and Hospice, West Plains, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Karma Ann Garrett, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at First Christian Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Garrett passed away at 4:50 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center with her husband and daughter by her side.
She was born April 25, 1949, at Warrensburg, Missouri, to Joe Lee Jackson and Dorothy Marie Nutter Jackson. On December 27, 1979, she was married in West Plains, to Waymon Garrett.
Karma loved her family. She felt that her husband was a gift from God, and she was blessed to spend nearly forty-five years with him. Together, their greatest accomplishment was raising their daughter. She was extremely proud of her and her family. She was so happy when she finally became a grandmother, and never missed a chance to share about her grandkids to anyone who would listen.
Karma was well loved because she treated everyone around her like family. She was the kind of person who made friends everywhere she went. She seemed to make a lasting impression on nearly everyone she met with her quick wit and her kind heart. Among other things, she enjoyed reading and traveling, but most of all she loved spending time with people.
Two of her passions were music and teaching. After graduating from Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri in 1967, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri in 1972. She then moved to southern Missouri for her first teaching position in Koshkonong. Over the years, she taught music at Koshkonong School, Willow Springs Schools, and Glenwood Elementary. She also substituted at West Plains Elementary. Karma taught private piano lessons to many students over many years. It was important to her to share her love of music. Her daughter and granddaughter love singing and playing music because of her influence.
Karma attended First Christian Church for most of her adult life. She was always involved in the music ministry, playing organ and piano, and singing in the choir. When she retired from playing because she was no longer able, she wrote, “I play the organ at church because I love the Lord and that is one way I like to worship.”
She is survived by her husband, Waymon Garrett, of the family home; one daughter, Karrie Stokes and husband, Luke, West Plains; three grandchildren, Cadence, Reuben and Savannah Stokes; one brother, Kent Jackson and wife, Ceressa, Gladstone, Missouri; sister-in-law, Irene Garrett; Luke’s mother and her dear friend, Diana Stokes; four special friends of over 50 years, Susan, Linda, Anna Mae and Peggy; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Flemon and Vesta Garrett and one brother-in-law, Jackie D. Garrett, preceded her in death.
Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Christian Academy and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Oscar Leon Howell, 64, Pomona, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 22, 1959, in Howell County, Missouri, to Oscar T. Howell and Vertris Wake Howell. Mr. Howell loved to hunt and fish; he enjoyed restoring tractors and farm equipment. He was always playing jokes and picking on anyone and everyone; he especially loved aggravating his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia Howell, of the family home; five children, Linda Howell, Jackson, Mississippi, Michell Howell, Florida, Jessica Clark, Willow Springs, Missouri, Michael Howell, Pomona, Missouri and Audrey Cain, Livingston, Texas; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Christine Collins, West Plains, Missouri, Rhonda Sinor, Phoenix, Arizona and Laura Rosenbum, Pomona, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and one son, Oscar Leon Howell, Jr. preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Jeremy James Ostermeier, 45, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Please join his family and friends to celebrate who he was to everyone.
Jeremy went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday March 24, 2024. He was the father of Ahren and Kadin Ostermeier and a friend to so many. Jeremy was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Gerald and Angela Ostermeier. He attended Highland High School and went on to graduate from Full Sail University with a bachelor degree in graphic design. Jeremy was an IT administrator for FantasTechs working for the West Plains R7 school district. Jeremy loved to spend time with his boys playing video games, going to the movies, laughing and kayaking on the river. Family was his life.
He is survived by his two sons, Ahren and Kadin Ostermeier, both of West Plains, Missouri; his parents, Gerald E. and M. Angela Mason-Ostermeier of Hardy, Arkansas; his sister, Michelle Hamilton of Ozark, Missouri; a great-grandmother, Betty Lou Okey- Mason of Indianapolis, Indiana; aunt, Valerie J. Mason-Curfman of Indianapolis, Indiana; uncle, James F. Mason of Indianapolis, Indiana; aunt, Merrie Bowlen of Springfield, Missouri and Peggy Carter of Indiana; uncle, Dean Ostermeier of West Plains, Missouri; nieces, Keely Gomez of Seymour, Missouri, Mariah Haake of Ozark, Missouri, nephew, Trey Hamilton of Ozark, Missouri and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death are maternal grandfather James Forest Mason, paternal grandparents Edward and Gladys Ostermeier and his Aunt Linda Ostermeier.
Rebecca Jean Cunningham, 55, Columbia, Missouri, passed away at 2:29 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.
She was born January 13, 1969, at Putnam, Connecticut, to Steven Duffy and Cheryl Bertrand Reynolds. Rebecca had a beautiful singing voice and a kind heart. She always tried her best to look out for others. She will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends.
She is survived by her significant other, Tim, Missouri; one son, Steven, Utah; her mother, Cheryl, Missouri; one brother, Wayne, Missouri; three sisters, Donna and Lorie, both of North Carolina and Christa, Massachusetts; nieces and nephews, Staci, Stephanie and Jordan, North Carolina, William, Massachusetts, Brendon and Amber, Connecticut, Timothy, Rhode Island, Kimberly Massachusetts, Jacob, Madelyn and James, Missouri; great-nieces and nephew, Hailee, North Carolina, Madeline, Connecticut and Miles, Missouri; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her grandparents, father and several aunts and uncles, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Cheryl Lynne Hirsch, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hirsch passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born June 20, 1961, in the State of Missouri, to Max Helms and Betty Jo McNish Helms. Cheryl was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force. She had many hobbies and loved to crochet and sew. Cheryl would take in anyone and they would be treated just like one of her own children.
She is survived by three children, Chris, Angel and Brandon Hirsch, all of West Plains.
Her parents and two sons 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.
Graveside services for Linda Lou (Huddleston) Lent, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Linda passed away at 4:20 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at West Vue Nursing Center’s Sleepy Oak Place in West Plains. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. West Plains was her home for 49 years.
She was born August 13, 1942, at Akron, Ohio, to Jesse “Buster” and Eunice (Harris) Huddleston, formerly of Thomasville and Rover, respectively. Her father had come to Akron for work in the late 1920s, eventually spending more than 30 years with the B.F. Goodrich tire company. He also ran a small farm in nearby Manchester, where Linda and her brother grew up. Parents and children were active members of the Brown Street Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Linda graduated in 1960 from Manchester High School, where she played trumpet and was head majorette, and the next year from secretarial school. She then served as secretary to the director of the Akron YMCA. A 13-year marriage ended in divorce. In 1975 Linda and her two children moved to West Plains, where her parents had retired two years before. She held several jobs, notably at the housing authority, West Vue, and West Plains Savings and Loan. In later years, she cared for the elderly in their homes. She loved her cats (and grandcats), crafts and yard sales.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by son Tom Lent (Martha) of Hudson, Ohio, and formerly Washington, D.C.; daughter Tami Lent of St. Louis; grandson Henry Lent of Columbus, Ohio; brother Jim Huddleston (Nancy) of Kerrville, Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Linda will be buried near her parents and grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Gerald Vernon (Gerry) Melvin, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Melvin passed away at 5:32 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born November 26, 1980, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to John Melvin and Deena Deibert Melvin. Gerry enjoyed fishing and hunting; he loved his family, friends and his dogs. He was a family man who loved working on trucks with his son.
He is survived by one son, John Melvin; his significant other, Rhonda Campbell and her son, Noah, of the family home; his mother, Deena Melvin; one brother, Christopher and wife, Amy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His father and one niece, Ashley, preceded him in death.
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. Joseph Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A Celebration of Life service for Joseph Truett Colbert Jr., 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri.
Mr. Colbert passed away March 14, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born on September 9, 1951, to Joseph Truett Colbert and Vernieca May (Easley) Colbert in Willow Springs. He attended Normandy High School in St. Louis and graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1969. He attended Southwest Baptist University from 1969-1970. Standing up for what he believed in, he lived his life with a rebellious spirit. He was married on November 27, 1970, to Myra Suzanne “Suzi” Walpole at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pomona, MO. They settled in the Kansas City North area and raised two beautiful daughters, Heather and Betsy. He worked for Southwestern Bell, which later became AT&T, for 31 years as a frameman, installer, lineman, and special services. While employed with Southwestern Bell, Joe was actively involved in his union, CWA Local 6333, and served both as a steward and vice-president for many years. He believed firmly in the power of collective bargaining and always supported organized labor. He participated in the United Way Community Services Review Board. He attended many state, national, and international conventions. Joe and Suzi enjoyed traveling all over the United States, especially to see mountain ranges. His father taught him fishing at an early age, which became a lifelong love. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and searching for morel mushrooms. He was an avid Kansas City sports fan and loved the Chiefs and Royals, but also rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a season ticket holder for the Kansas City Chiefs for a number of years and attended more than one playoff game. Joe was a skilled musician, having performed at many night clubs and festivals in the KC area. He was in a number of bands with Suzi and played harmonica, guitar, and sang lead vocals during the 1970s and early 80s in bands, including Topaz, Another Roadside Attraction, the Midnight Riders, and the Moonlighters. The apex of his musical career was performing in front of 50,000 people at the Kansas City Blues Festival with Chicago musician Abb Locke. He and Suzi moved to West Plains, MO, in 2022, where he enjoyed being close to his brothers, sister and other family. He was grateful to play with his brothers as The Colbert Brothers at the Old Time Music Festival.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Suzi Colbert, of the home; his daughter, Heather Suzanne Colbert Southwell (husband, Prentice Southwell) of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Amberlee May Suzanne Southwell and Aimee Rhea Lorraine Southwell of Springfield, IL; his siblings, Van Edward Colbert (wife, Carolyn Kaye) of Willow Springs; Milfred Leon Colbert of Willow Springs; Vernon Ray Colbert of Willow Springs; Robert Jay Colbert of Willow Springs; Mary Ethel Kellum (husband, Robert Kellum) of West Plains; and George Colbert (wife, Elizabeth Colbert) of Willow Springs; sister-in-law, Martha Wartick (husband, Steve Wartick) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law Lorene Colbert of Mtn. View, MO; and a number of nieces and nephews, one great-niece, and many great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Elizabeth Mae Colbert; his grandson, Robert Joseph Bryce Southwell; his brother, John Hall Colbert III; and his sisters-in-law, Patricia Colbert, Linda Diane Walpole Price Garza, and Lisa Colbert.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christos House Shelter or Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Directions to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church: From Highway 60, turn south on Highway U. Travel 0.1 mile on Highway U.
A Celebration of Life service for Alyce Mae Hubbard, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Cedarhurst of West Plains.
Mrs. Hubbard passed away at 8:35 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at Cedarhurst.
She was born April 25, 1930, at Clark, South Dakota, to George and Anna Gottsleben Bachman. On April 20, 1951, she was married at Denver, Colorado, to Robert Harold Hubbard, who preceded her in death on October 21, 2018; they were married for sixty-seven years. Mrs. Hubbard was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Crafts and sewing were her passion. She was an avid antique collector and had owned a flea market with her sister in South Dakota. Alyce was a two year resident of Cedarhurst in West Plains, Missouri. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Cedarhurst employees for the exceptional care they provided. Alyce was very grateful for the friendships she acquired during her time in West Plains. Mrs. Hubbard was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by five children, Terri Wagner, Longmont, Colorado, Robert A. Hubbard, West Plains, Missouri, Kathy Shoaf and husband, Danny, LaBelle, Florida, Debbie Green, West Plains, Missouri and Doug Hubbard and wife, Kerry, Hesperia, California; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janice Ann Richards, Watertown, South Dakota.
Her parents, her husband, and one son, Larry Hubbard, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
