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.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Ray Harris, 67, Bakersfield, Missouri on December 23, 2024. He will be remembered with love from all of his family and friends. He will be especially missed by the love of his life, Cindy. Mike and Cindy shared 28 wonderful years together.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Donnis Sue Young, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:43 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home.
She was born April 13, 1954, at St. Louis, Missouri, to Ivan Petrey and Mary Counts Petrey. Donnis graduated from West Plains High School in 1972. She enjoyed reading, watching scary movies and loved spending time with her granddaughter. She loved her dog, Max.
She is survived by two children, Josh Young and Michelle Young-Schuler and husband, Mike; one granddaughter, Hannah Young; one brother, Steve Petrey; and many other family and friends.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Nancy Lillian Harlin, 77, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 4:30 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at NHC HealthCare.
She was born January 20, 1947, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to Alfred Cormier and Florence LaBlanc Cormier. Nancy moved to Los Angeles in the late 60’s as a member of the band, The Rain People. She was married to Robert Lewis in 1971 in Los Angeles; from their union they had one daughter, Mariah. In 1981, she married Mike Harlin at Dawt Mill. Nancy graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University), Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education in 1988. She enjoyed playing guitar and singing. Her passion was doing art work of any variety, but she especially loved working with color pencils; she taught art in public schools for seventeen years in Missouri and Arizona. In 2000, she had a piece of her artwork chosen by the Canadian Wildlife Conservation in the Provence of Manitoba. Nancy was president of the Color Pencil Society in Arizona and served on the Museum and Cultural Advisory Board in Mesa, Arizona. She also served as a judge for the Arizona Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition. She did a piece of artwork for the Arizona Game and Fish department for their Black footed Ferret Project. Nancy retired from teaching in May, 2011, in Seligman, Arizona. After retiring, she moved back to West Plains, Missouri to be closer to her family. Mrs. Harlin was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by one daughter, Mariah Young and husband, Bradley; one grandson, Logan Young and fiancé Madison; one great-grandchild, Harley Young; one sister, Carol Cormier; one nephew, Eric Cormier; and one sister-in-law, Pam Cormier.
Her parents and two brothers, Steven and Kevin Cormier preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. There is no service planned at this time. If, at a later time, there is a celebration of life planned, an announcement will be made via social media by the family.
Sue Lynn VenDouris, 86, Pomona, Missouri, passed away at 6:17 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home.
She was born September 15, 1938, at Forrest, Illinois, to Paul Earl McLoughlin and Muriel Bernadine Randolph. On June 12, 1989, she was married at Yosemite National Park, California, to William Lee VenDouris, who preceded her in death on May 12, 2015. Sue worked as a Field Service Analyst for Solar Turbines, Inc., a Division of Caterpillar for thirty years, retiring August 31, 2004.
She is survived by one son, Eric Runyon and wife, Stephanie; two granddaughters, Samantha and Chelsea Runyon; one brother, Neil McLoughlin and wife, Joan; one sister, Jill Mydler and husband, Frank; and one sister-in-law, Carol McLoughlin.
Her parents, husband, and one brother, David McLoughlin, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ruth Evelyn Russell, 90, Dora, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 1, 1934, in Ozark County, Missouri, to William Henry Howard and Effie Jane Evans Howard. On April 3, 1954, she was married at Moody, Missouri, to Dwain Russell, who preceded her in death on October 14, 2015. Ruth enjoyed gardening and taking care of her chickens. She loved her family. Mrs. Russell was a stay at home mom; later in life she focused on herself and her career in pharmaceuticals. She was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by three children, Larry Russell and domestic partner, Patty, Gary Russell and wife, Bonnie and Sharon Russell; four grandchildren, Brady Russell and fiancé Kasay Kimmel, Ted Russell and wife, Jodie, Floyd Russell and Brian Russell and wife, Andrea; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Leona Cash and Dorcus Tear; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Terry Russell, one brother and seven sisters, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Noma Ida Gabel, 102, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gabel passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at West Vue Green House Homes.
She was born August 28, 1922, at Elijah, Missouri, to Amos Duncan and Lily Owens Duncan. On June 9, 1944, she was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Charles Virgil Gabel, who preceded her in death on September 3, 2005. Noma and her husband, Virgil owned and operated the Ozark Café for fifty-nine years. She was well known for baking over a quarter of a million pies and baking fresh bread every day. Noma enjoyed going to yard sales every weekend; she loved talking and getting to know people. She never met a stranger and had a very outgoing and colorful personality. After she retired, she volunteered at the West Plains Senior Center and was very involved in the community. She held Women of Church of God meetings at her home every week and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Gabel was a long time member of First Church of God.
She is survived by two children, Gary Gabel and wife, Joyce and Lisa Brewer; seven grandchildren, Jeff Gabel and wife, Jennifer, Grant Gabel, Chris Kirkland, Loni Ellis and husband, Chet, Leslie Harris and husband, Joel, Stacie Gabel and Lynsie Upton and husband, Chris; eighteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Earlene Freeman; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, Joe Duncan and Earl Duncan, two sisters, Pauline Kutz and Venita Roth and one son-in-law, Kelly Brewer, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Senior Center and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Bonnie Sue Reed, 63, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Reed passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 6, 1961, at Salem, Missouri, to Darrell Berry and Janet Louise Conway Lovan. On July 23, 1979, she was married to Don Reed. Bonnie loved to play cards, quilt, crochet, hunt mushrooms, fish and garden. She also enjoyed canning and loved to gift folks her special jellies. She was a fantastic cook. Bonnie was kind and caring; she will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Don Reed, of the family home; one daughter, Brandy Reed, West Plains; one brother, Darrell Berry and wife, Summer, West Plains; one sister, Robin March, West Plains; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her parents, grandparents and one daughter, Crystal Faye, 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 Blanche Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Blanche 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 Bob Garner, 83, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Stuart Union Church.
Bob departed this life on December 16, 2024 at his cabin. He was born August 11, 1941 to James and Viva Lee Garner. He was a 1959 graduate from West Plains, served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy. He married Karen Stephens in 1962. To this union two children were born: Brent and Heather. He spent his life in the medical field with 30 years at Burton Creek Lab and X-ray. After he completed lab and X-ray school and worked in a Corpus Christi lab and West Plains Memorial Hospital lab. His greatest love in life was his family and the cabin he built. His best hobbies were hunting and fishing for bass. Later in life he planted fields of wild flowers and trees.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen Garner; his son, Brent Garner (Judy); daughter, Heather Garner Jones (Mike); grandchildren, Dr Jennifer Malicke (Gregg) Michigan, Justin Garner (Heather ), Springfield , Jami Cook (Andrew) Texas, Garner Jones, Springfield and Violet Jones, Springfield; great-grandchildren, Sadie and Madie Malicke, Michigan, Charlie and Collins Cook, Texas, Harper Garner and Anthony Brandt, Springfield; sisters, Patty Warren (Gordon), Warrensburg and Connie Raine, Florida; sister-in-law, Jodie Haynes (Donnie); brother-in-law, Greg Stephens (Renee); and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and parent in-laws.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Stuart Union Church or Jamaica Mission and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A memorial service will be held at a later date for Paul Jayson Murta, 65, West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Murta passed away Thursday, December 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born August 23, 1959, at Rolla, Missouri, to Paul Munro Murta and Ruth Hillebrand Murta. Mr. Murta was a mechanic and enjoyed working on anything mechanical. He was a passionate and free spirited man and was very humorous. He loved playing foosball and was a great player, even competing in several world tournaments. He was well loved by his family and friends.
He is survived by two children, Paul Joseph Murta and fiancé, Brianna, West Plains, Missouri and Kenneth Murta and wife, Alisia, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; four grandchildren, Blake, Jackson, Alexandra and Ender Murta; one brother, Timothy Murta and wife, Judy, Snohomish, Washington; two nieces, Tina Largent, State of South Carolina and Halley Kuluga, Cuba, Missouri; and two nephews, Justin Murta, State of Washington and Max Murta, Vietnam.
His parents, one brother, Gene Kuluga and one niece, Tammy Kuluga, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Charles William Amerlan, 84, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, in the main room at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Amerlan passed away at 12:17 a.m., Sunday, December 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 29, 1940, at Chicago, Illinois, to John Oscar Amerlan and Lillian Thomas Amerlan. On November 4, 1961, he was married at North Lake, Illinois, to his high school sweetheart, Valerie Dullum. He worked as a printer in Chicago; he moved his family to Missouri in 1979 and became a dairy farmer and retired from Baxter Lab. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, woodworking and hunting. He loved playing sports and had spent time playing minor league baseball in Chicago. Chuck loved being outdoors enjoying nature and animals or working in his yard. He was a quiet man who was well respected; he truly loved his family and always put their needs above his own. Mr. Amerlan was a member of Hawkins Ridge Church, Bakersfield, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Valerie Amerlan, of the family home; three children, Kim Amerlan Burnett, Bakersfield, Missouri, Kari Belt, Bakersfield, Missouri and Kris Hubbard and husband, Dr. Gregory Hubbard, Oak Grove, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Jonathan Belt and wife, Brittany, Andrea Russell and husband, Brian, Joshua Belt and wife, Aly, Dillon Lillo, Keegan Bowen and wife, Molly, Valerie Amerlan and husband, Broc, Kelli Bowen, Hunter Hubbard and Mariah Grayham and husband, Jacob; ten great-grandchildren, Brady, Kyden, Saydie, Logan, Amerlyn, Levi, Tucker, Liam, Wade and Titus; five sisters-in-law, Jean Amerlan, Carol Amerlan, Pam Dullum and wife, Mary, Kathryn Dullum and Mary Lou Dullum; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, John and Carrie Walker.
His parents, four brothers, Ray, John, Bob and Clyde, two sisters, Lois and Joan, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Francis Dullum and one brother-in-law, John Dullum, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hawkins Ridge Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Peggy Sue Jarvis DeShazo, 84, Moody, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Ms. DeShazo passed away at 3:18 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at her home.
She was born July 17, 1940, at Pomona, Missouri, to Fred Beverly Williams and Minnie Eletha Dawson Williams. Peggy enjoyed racing stock cars, riding motorcycles, going to the lake and river, working in her yard and she was passionate about going to car shows and showing off her sports cars. She loved spending time with her grandkids. In the 1960’s she worked with her husband, Jerry Jarvis, as an owner of the Jarvis Station in Caulfield, Missouri. After she began working at Baxter Lab, where she earned the nickname Jet Jarvis from her co-workers that carpooled with her. She later worked at Butternut Bread for several years; it was during this time that she married Joe DeShazo. After working at Butternut Bread, Peggy and her daughter, Sonya, bought the Kountry Korner Store. She was an industry leader; owning and operating the store for thirty-four years. Peggy loved her community and was well respected for helping in any way that she could. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. Ms. DeShazo was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her daughter, Sonya Hubbard and husband, Doug; nine grandchildren, Kyle Jarvis and wife, Olivia, Kaiyla Bruffett and husband, Derrick, Kasey Friend and husband, Davin, Nikki Jarvis, Sean Jarvis, Jeremy Jarvis and wife, Kirsten, Stephanie Nelson and husband, Trace, Nicole Robinson and husband, Hayden and Dillon Hubbard and wife, Thu; twenty great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack Williams and wife, Lexie; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Susie Snorgrass, Betty Scott and Leina West.
Her parents, three sons, Ricky Lynn Jarvis, Rex Kevin Jarvis and Rodney Alan Jarvis, two brothers, Harold Ned Williams and Leon Williams, one sister, Betty Gilbert and the father of her children, Jerry Jarvis, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill 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 Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center.
Mr. Dawson passed away at 3:51 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 26, 1943, in Cloud County, Kansas, to James Dawson and Grace McIntyre Dawson. On September 10, 1966, he was married at Cabool, Missouri, to Shirley Ward. Mr. Dawson was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines from 1961 – 1965. He then joined the Missouri Highway Patrol. After moving to Alaska, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and then worked on the Alaska Pipeline. He returned to Missouri and served as a Sheriff Deputy in Howell County and finished his career as a security guard at DRS. Mr. Dawson loved his family, the outdoors, his animals and his pets. He never met a stranger. He was an accomplished gun smith and stock maker. He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, history and was an avid reader. Mr. Dawson was a member of the Marine Corps League and was a founding member of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. He was a Christian.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Dawson; three children, Deanna Gamble, James Dawson and wife, Cassie and David Dawson and wife, Janene; six grandchildren, Laura, Cole, Nathan, Emily and Blake Dawson and Audrey Gamble; and two nieces, Beth and Pam Dawson.
His parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Emily Dawson, one son-in-law, Greg Gamble, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Warren and Lyda Ward and one brother-in-law, Gaylord Ward, preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Betty Guffey Ford (Granny), 95, Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ford passed away at 11:36 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
She was born April 22, 1929, at Gamaliel, Arkansas, to Bev Minge and Eddie Catherine Estes Minge. On November 7, 1947, she was married to George Guffey, who preceded her in death on December 5, 1981. On September 8, 1984 she was married to Lawrence Allen Ford, who preceded her in death on March 2, 2008. Granny enjoyed gardening, taking care of her yard, cleaning her house and loved her grandkids and great-grandkids. She worked with her husband, George, on the farm for many years before working at Marathon Electric in the lead room. Granny was a member of the Bakersfield Saddle Club in the 60’s and 70’s. Mrs. Ford was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by one son, Clinton Guffey and wife, Vicky; two grandchildren, Heather Bunch and husband, Mark and Barbara Guffey; three great-grandchildren, Landon Bunch, Carter Bunch and Wyatt Young; one sister, Linda Jones; one brother-in-law, Bill Haddock; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, one granddaughter, Christina Guffey, five sisters, Stella White, Cecil Talburt, Bernice Edgar, Ruth Martin and Joann Haddock and one brother, Mitchell Minge, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hurst 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.
Robert Lee Martin, 67, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 5:51 PM, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on July 1, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert moved to West Plains in 1982. He was a skilled flooring contractor and finish carpenter, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and passion for woodworking. Robert took great pride in his work, always paying close attention to every detail. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and gardening in his free time.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marty, of the home; his mother, Sue Martin; his sister, Cherie Holmes and husband, Chuck; his sons, Chase and Justin; his daughter, Beki; and his cherished grandchildren, Ryder, Sam, Mia, and Liam, as well as his nephews, John Holmes and Bob Holmes.
He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Martin.
