Obituaries



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Robert Eugene "Bobby" Barker, 39, Bolivar, died Wednesday, June 23, 1999,
in his home. He was born Feb. 23, 1960, in Bolivar to Robert Dale and
Sharon Wilson Barker. He was a self-employed painter and was a graduate of
Bolivar High Shcool in the class of 1978. Survivors include his father and
stepmother, Robert Dale and Juanita Barker of Springfield; two
half-sisters, Amanda Williams of Republic and Sanya Haralson of
Springfield; and his mother, Sharon Lawson of Independence. He was
preceded in death by his wife, Judith, in 1996 and his brother, Billy, in
1988. Graveside services were Saturday, June 26, in Greenwood Cemetery
with the Rev. Gary Parsons officiating. Arrangements were under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Dean Blehm, 68, Springfield, formerly of Brighton, died Monday, June 7,
1999, in his home. He was born Aug. 11, 1930, in Scott City, Kan., the son
of George and Elizabeth Blehm. He was retired after 40 years as an auto
mechanic. Among his many talents, he enjoyed the outdoors, including
hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with family and enjoying the
simple pleasures of life. He is survived by three sons, Jerry Blehm, Don
Blehm and his wife, Carol, and Ron Blehm and his wife, Debbie; two
daughters, Cathy Blehm and Cheryl Medlock; two sisters, Verna Robinson and
her husband, Ken, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Velma Owen and her husband,
Bob, Monticello, Iowa; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He
was a loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Graveside
services were Friday, June 11, in Brighton Cemetery. Arrangements were
under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. (20c)




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Edward M. Brewer, 51, Humansville, died Sunday, June 6, 1999, at his home.
A resident of Humansville for the past year, he formerly lived in
Clarksville, Tenn. The son of James Edward and Nedia Mitchell Brewer, he
was born July 7, 1946, in Lyles, Tenn. He served in the U.S. Army from
1965 to 1970 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked as a property
manager for several years until his health forced his retirement. On Aug.
15, 1983, he was married to Donna Jarvis in Clarksville, Tenn. His parents
and a brother, J.C. Brewer, preceded him in death. Survivors include his
wife, Donna, of the home; five children, Bradley B. Brewer and Dana Lynn
Brewer, both of the home, Gary R. Brewer, Memphis Tenn., Susan Watson,
Gilbert, S.C., and Edward M. Brewer, address unknown; two brothers, Ralph
Brewer, Nashville, Tenn, and James Brewer, Lyles, Tenn.; and two
grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray
Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Amvets Post
No. 114 Honor Guard will conduct military rites at graveside. Pallbearers
will be Johnny Smithson, Joe Christie, Jamie Young, Donald Manser, Larry
Keel and Raymond Grimes. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Charlie Oliver Butler, 82, Huron, died Thursday, June 10, 1999, in Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield, after a short illness. He was born Aug.
29, 1916, to Oliver and Fairie Butler at their homestead north of Huron.
He lived all of his life in the same place except for the four years he
spend in the army during World Wor II. The only other time he spent away
from the homestead was during the eight months he lived in a Bolivar
nursing home prior to his death. He was a farmer and stockman until his
health failed him and left him unable to continue his work. During a
revival at Center Point Missionary Baptist Church in 1957, he sought
salvation and was saved at his home. He joined as a member at Center Point
Missionary Baptist Church during that revival and later moved his
membership to Goodson Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a
member until his death. He always spoke of the hope he had within his
heart that all of his nieces and nephews would receive the same salvation
that he had before they departed this world. He was preceded in death by
his parents, Oliver and Fairie Butler, as well as one sister, Jewell
Elliott, and three brothers, Howard Butler, Jacob Butler and Glen Butler.
He is survived by one brother, Roy Butler and his wife, Dorothy, of
Bolivar. Also surviving is a very near and dear friend, Edith Bybee of
Bolivar, who helped him in so many ways. Edith was a friend, a companion
and a trusted helpmate to Charley for many years. He is also survived by
many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, as well as
great-great-nieces and -nephews too numerous to name. Services were
Saturday, June 13, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Floy
Parrack and the Rev. Dan Breshears officiating. Burial was in Payne
Cemetery near Polk. Casketbearers were Ronnie Butler, Terry Butler, Wayne
Elliott, Larry Elliott, Vincent Woods and Deral Vincent.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Bob Butler, 75, Bolivar, died in his home at 7 a.m. Thursday, June 3,
1999, following an apparent heart attack. He was born in Dunnegan June 29,
1923, to Harry D. and Tommie Baker Butler. He was united in marriage to
Alice McGuire on January 21, 1949, in Bolivar. To this union two children
were born, Brent and Jana. He was a veteran of World War II and a member
of First Baptist Church in Bolivar. He was a 1941 graduate of Bolivar High
School and attended Southwest Baptist Junior College. He and his father
operated the Ford Tractor and Implement franchise in Bolivar for 23 years.
He received his realtor's license in 1970 and founded Bob Butler Real
Estate, with which he was associated until his retirement. He was also an
agent for United Savings and Loan of Lebanon and a founder of the Bolivar
Nursing home and served as a member of its board. He was a longtime active
member of the Bolivar Golf Club and a member of Silo Ridge Country Club.
He was a member and past president of the Bolivar Rotary Club and also
served on the Bolivar City Council. He was an owner and developer of
Lakewood Hills subdivisions until selling his interests in recent years.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Alice
Butler of the home; one son, Brent, and his wife, Neta, of Bolivar; one
daughter, Jana Vieth, and her husband, John, of Springfield; one brother,
Paul Butler, of Bolivar; and two granddaughters, Rachelle Butler of
Arlington, Texas, and Sarah Huff of Springfield. Also surviving is his
mother-in-law, Bertha McGuire of Greenfield. Bob was a loving husband,
father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be sadly missed by his
family and many friends. Services were Sunday, June 6, in Butler Funeral
Home Chapel with the Revs. Ray Leininger, Harold Hendrickson and Melvin
Williamson officiating. Music was provided by Brad Wommack, soloist, and
Susan Baker, pianist. Casketbearers were Gerald Stephens, Wallace Russell,
Charles Fraser, Darrol Cribbs, Hardy Carr and Gary Cloyd. Honorary
casketbearers were Gene Hutchison, Clark Roberts, Lloyd Wilson, Weldon
Hegle, Dan Bishop and Joe Rayl. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Ruby Marie Campbell, 92, Springfield, died at 8:24 p.m. Saturday, June 19,
1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was a
homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Ernie Campbell of Lebanon and David
Campbell of Texarkana, Texas; one daughter, Millie Bolin of Buffalo; one
brother, Bill Parkinson of Muskogee, Okla.; one sister, Jewel Mass of
Hartshorne, Okla.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in the Maple Lawn
Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Long officiating. Arrangements are under the
direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Donald Thomas "Pink" Carneal, 92, Osceola, died Tuesday, June 29, 1999, at
Sac-Osage Hospital in Osceola. He was born Jan. 7, 1907, in Cliquot, one
of 11 children of Edward and Effie Nichols Carneal. He was a longtime
Osceola resident and had lived for six years at Truman Lake Manor in Lowry
City. On June 10, 1934, he was united in marriage to Alice Elizabeth
Bishop. They were married 53 years, and to this union five children were
born. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, on Oct. 30, 1987.
Survivors include three daughters, Beatrice Stocklein and her husband,
Richard, of Olathe, Kan., Carol Burlingame and her husband, Russell, of El
Dorado Springs and Norma Roberts and her husband, Bill, of Lowry City; two
sons, Ray Carneal and his wife, Alice, of Bolivar and Lonnie Carneal and
his wife, Virginia, of Osceola; two brothers, two sisters, 10
grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two stepgrandsons and six
step-great-grandchildren, as will as other relatives and friends. Services
were Friday, July 2, in Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel, Osceola, with the Rev.
Randy Hargis officiating. Music was by Rob Self, accompanied by Gail
Ingle. Casketbearers were Micheal Roberts, Micheal Carneal, Todd
Stocklein, Jason Roberts, David Burlingame, Bill Roberts and Randy
Burlingame. Interment was in Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Maurice J. Chappell, 77, Morrisville, died Tuesday, June 29, 1999, at Cox
Medical Center South in Springfield after a short illness. He was born
March 25, 1922, near Mt. Pleasant, Ark., to Thomas and Della Couch
Chappell and grew up in the Mt. Pleasant area. He was united in marriage
to Jean Crafton on May 28, 1943, in Mt. Pleasant. To this union were born
four sons, Dennis K., Daryl Wayne, Stephen Lynn and Martin Clay, and two
daughters, Vickie June and Marcia Ann. During World War II, he worked for
the Army and Navy repairing aircraft damaged in the war. After the war, he
moved his family to the Springfield area and lived there for most of his
life, living the last 25 years in Morrisville. He was preceded in death by
his parents; five brothers, Henry, Edward, Paul, James and Albert; and a
sister, Mary. He is survived by one brother, King Chappell, and a sister,
Oma Fullbright, both of the state of Arkansas; his wife, Jean, of the
home; and four sons and their wives, Dennis and Carol Chappell of
Springfield, Daryl and Jamie Chappell of Lansing, Mich., Stephen and Donna
Chappell of Springfield and Marty and Judy Chappell of Morrisville; and
two daughters, Vickie Clopp of Morrisville and Marcia and Doyle Mayfield
of Half Way. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren,14
great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services were Thursday,
July 1, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Donald Lane officiating. Burial followed
in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Music was provided by the Lindley Creek and
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church choirs.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Jewell Marguerite Cooper, 81, Bolivar, died Wednesday, June 30, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born June 25, 1918, to John and Neoma
Stephenson Cooper. She was a victim of poliomyelitis at one year of age,
which left her paralyzed. She acquired her education in a wheel chair,
from a one-room country school to Southwest Baptist University. She was a
custom seamstress and an activist for the disabled, and she was a member
of the Flemington United Methodist Church. In later years she became a
free-lance writer. Surviving are her sister, Minta Bays of Humansville,
and two brothers, Robert E. Cooper of Flemington and Warren F. Cooper of
McLoud, Okla. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, other relatives
and friends. Services were Saturday, July 3, in Murray Chapel with the
Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was by George and Susan Baker.
Pallbearers were Jim Cooper, Monte Cooper, Jerry Cooper, Ival Adcock,
Weldon Adcock, Irwin Adcock, Lyndon Bays and Jess Cooper. Interment was in
Flemington Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Clarence Daryl Currier, 81, Linn Creek, formerly of Polk County, died
Wednesday, June 2, 1999, at the Lake of the Ozarks General Hospital, Osage
Beach. He was born May 6, 1918, in Belleville, Kan., the son of Clarence
and Goldie Beecher Currier. On June 12, 1938, in Goodson, he was united in
marriage to Maxine J. Ardrey. She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 1990.
A lake area resident for the past 36 years, he owned and operated Currier
Refrigeration in Camdenton prior to his retirement. In addition to his
wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Stenberg of Dent, Minn., Betty
Whitaker and Becky Currier, both of Linn Creek; four grandchildren; three
sisters, Harriett Russell of Humansville, Thelma Morris and Barbara Payne,
both of Springfield; and other relatives and friends. Graveside services
were Friday, June 4, at the Payne Cemetery in Polk with Gomer T. Richards
officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the Allee-Reed
Funeral Home, Camdenton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dogwood
Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1136, Camdenton MO 65020.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Harold L. Derossett, 84, Bolivar, died Friday, June 25, 1999, at Citizens
Memorial Hopsital following a brief illness. He was born April 13, 1915,
near Morrsiville to William Leonard and Alice Grant Derossett. He attended
school at Morrisville, and three years after graduation he married a high
school classmate, Lois Maxine Bond. To this union was born a son, Wayne.
Harold spent his entire life in the Polk County area engaged in farming.
During the 1950s he went to work as a night watchman for a wholesale
grocery in Springfield. Soon after that he left the grocery and went to
work for Milk Haulers Service Company as a welder and hydraulic repairman.
He retired after 23 years with them. Health problems caused him to leave
the farm, and he moved to Bolivar, where he loved to raise beautiful
flowers and work in his yard and garden. He was baptized at an early age
and was a member of the Morrisville Baptist Church. He was preceded in
death by his parents; two brothers, John Wilbur and Leon; a sister, Ruth;
and his wife, Maxine. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Wayne
and Norma Derossett, Bolivar; two grandsons, Brent Derossett and his wife,
Debbie, Leawood, Kan., and Eric Derossett and his wife, Denise, Bolivar; a
sister and brother-in-law, Athylene and Edgar Phillips, Bolivar; four
great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were Monday, June 28, at the Bolivar First Baptist Church with
the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was by Ron and Marta Ramey,
accompanied by Susan Baker. Pallbearers were Len Derossett, Gary Nall,
Richard Brown, Bob Harralson, Larry Grant and Bill Harralson. Burial was
in Slagle Cemetery south of Bolivar. Arrangements were under the direction
of Murray Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Ray Olen Edmondson, 77, Eureka, Kan., died Saturday, June 26, 1999, at
Medicalodge of Eureka. He was born Feb. 3, 1922, at Adonis, the son of
Harry and Wanda Fellows Edmonson. The family moved to Nebraska when Ray
was a young child, and he attended schools in Platt Mouth, Neb. Following
high school, he returned to Bolivar. On Aug. 26, 1941, he was united in
marriage to Harriet N. Riedesel at Buffalo. They resided in the Bolivar
and Buffalo area until moving to Wichita, Kan., in 1949, where they
remained until 1964 when they moved to Eureka, Kan. He was a heavy
equipment operator in refinery construction and operation and was a member
of the Engineers Local No. 101 of Wichita. He retired in 1980. He is
survived by his wife, Harriet, of the home; a son, Garry, of Eureka, Kan.;
two daughters, Sue Phares and Margery Ramsey, both of Wichita, Kan.; three
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Darlene
House of Springfield, Audry Reynolds of Bolivar and Della Stennett of
Ozark. He was preceded in death by his parents. Graveside services were
Tuesday, June 29, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kan., with Hospice
Chaplain Ron Keith officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to
Hospice Inc. of Wichita, Kan., in care of Campbell-Kelley Funeral Home,
P.O. Box 595, Eureka KS 67045-0595.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
James Omar Elliott, 74, Springfield, died Friday, June 4, 1999, in his
home following a lingering illness. He was born May 20, 1925, to Miller H.
and Nadine Elliott. He was united in marriage to Mary King on December 21,
1947, in Rolla. He served in WWII with the 733rd Engineer's Depot Company,
was a graduate of Missouri School of Mines, and he was retired from the BN
(Frisco) Railway. He was a member of Rolla Masonic Lodge No. 213 A.F. &
A.M. J.O. is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; a daughter and
son-in-law, Linda and Kent Emmele, of Azle, Texas; two sons and
daughters-in-law, Gary and Cindy Elliott of Bolivar and Bill and Judy
Elliott of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Scott Herndon, Laura Herndon,
James and John Emmele, all of Texas, Braden and Dalton Elliott of Bolivar
and Amanda Elliott of Orlando, Fla.; a step-grandson, Kevin Lomneck, and a
step-great-grandson, Charlie Lomneck; together with numerous nephews,
nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a
son, Dennis Edward Elliott. Cremation of the body will be under the
direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home in Springfield. Friends and family are
invited to a memorial potluck picnic from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 13, at
Phelps Grove Park, west of the Springfield Art Museum. Memorial
contributions man be made to the Ozarks Genealogical Society, Inc., P.O.
Box 3945, Springfield, MO 65808.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Frances Mae Greenberg, 95, Port St. Lucie, Fla., died at 9:50 p.m.
Tuesday, June 15, 1999, in her granddaughter's home in Bolivar. She was
born Oct. 1, 1903, in Mankato, Kan., the daughter of Johns Kelley and Ruth
Connato Kelley. On June 29, 1927, she married Clarence Earl Greenberg. She
had recently been living with her daughter in the state of Florida. She is
survived by two daughters, Donna Boyd of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and
Virginia Walters of Englewood, Colo.; and two sons, Howard Greenberg of El
Cajon, Calif., and Rex Greenberg of Los Angeles, Calif. Also surviving are
nine grandchildren. Graveside services were Saturday, June 19, at Jewell
Cemetery, Jewell, Kan., with William Boyd officiating. Arrangements were
under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Sally Ann Haver, 65, Urbana, died at 2:37 p.m. Friday, June 25, 1999, at
the Hawthorne Care Center in Urbana after a brief illness. She was born
Jan. 7, 1934, in Omaha, Neb., the daughter of Richard Frederick and Anna
Frances Mohr Haver. She had been a resident of Urbana for the past 11
years. Surviving are one sister, Nola L. Mildred of Bolivar, and two
brothers, Richard M. Haver of Minnetonke, Minn., and Herman H. Haver of
Omaha, Neb. Graveside services will be today (Wednesday) in the Holly
Hills Memorial Park Cemetery at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Local arrangements are
under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Terry Lloyd Helton, 54, Bolivar, died at 5:43 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 1999,
in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 15, 1945, in Kansas
City, the son of Lloyd Lamont Helton and Ruby Geraldine Clark. He attended
high school at Iberia and Tuscumbia and graduated from Blue Eye High
School in Blue Eye in 1963. He attended college at Missouri Southern in
Joplin and graduated in 1969 after four years there. Terry was the
inaugural senior class president. During his college years he was united
in marriage to the most beautiful girl in college, Donna Drake, on Jan.
21, 1967. To this union one son was born. Terry joined the United States
Air Force in 1969 and was commissioned as an officer and took his flight
training at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. He then went overseas
during the Vietnam war and flew C-7 Caribou, also giving flight
instruction to the South Vietnamese army. After the war, Terry and his
family lived in Evansdale, Iowa, where he worked as a flight instructor,
then owned his own screen printing business. He later moved to Vinton,
Iowa, where he became the city administrator. He stayed in that
profession, serving as city administrator at Hermann from 1990 to 1997,
then coming to Bolivar as city administrator in August 1997. Surviving are
his wife, Donna, and son, Jacob, of the home; his parents, Lloyd and Jerry
Helton of Ulman; one brother, Steve Helton of Rolla; five sisters, Janice
Smith, Lake of the Ozarks, Sharon Abbott and Judy Ahart, both of Ulman,
Charlotte Brumley of Tuscumbia and Melissa Barnhart of Eldon; also a host
of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Services
will be at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with
Dr. Michael A. Coleman officiating. Honorary casketbearers will be Mayor
Charley Ealy and Bolivar Board of Aldermen members Charles Hendrickson,
Clayton Troyer, Becky Tummons, John Strunk, Robert Beaman, Steve Whisler,
Bill Little and John Credille. A second service will be held at 1 p.m.
Friday, June 25, in the Rekus Funeral Home, Iberia, with Dr. Michael A.
Coleman and the Rev. Charley Worstell officiating. Burial will be in the
Mt. Zion Cemetery north of Iberia.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Laura Hazel Hillenburg, 85, Pleasant Hope, died at 11 p.m. June 18, 1999,
in Colonial Springs Nursing Home, Buffalo. She was born June 24, 1913, in
Greene County to Henry and Natlie Funkhouser. She owned and operated
Hillenburg Service Station along with her husband, Ross, until her
retirement. She was a member of Pleasant Hope United Methodist Church. She
is survived by a son and his wife, Mickey and Theresa Hillenburg; a
daughter and her husband, Nancy and Jim Warner, all of Pleasant Hope; six
grandchildren, Kevin Jones, Keith Jones and his wife, Bandi, H.P. Warner,
Michael Hillenburg, Laura Birk and her husband, Matthew, and Micki Warner;
a great-grandchild, Kelsey Jones; two sisters, Ruth McMillan and Elsie
Funkhouser; and a brother, Kenneth "Casey" Funkhouser. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Ross Hillenburg, and a brother, Robert Funkhouser.
Services were Tuesday, June 22, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North,
Springfield. Burial was in Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions
may be made to Pleasant Hope United Methodist Church.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Glendine Hix, 78, Bolivar, died Tuesday, June 8, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a two-year illness. She was born May 3, 1921,
in Arcola to Cordis and Claudia Glenn Fox. She was united in marriage to
Murl Kenneth Hix on April 24, 1964. She was a homemaker and of the
Missionary Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, of the home; a son, Gerald Lane
Davis; two daughters and sons-in-law, Bondena and Edward Choate and Dianne
and Donald Prince, all of Bolivar; a sister and brother-in-law, Dencel and
Jackson Davis of Fair Play; and an aunt, Margaret Glenn of Dadeville; as
well as three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Services were
Thursday, June 10, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating.
Burial followed in Dadeville Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert
Glenn, Ronnie Glenn, David Glenn, Daniel Glenn, Steve Glenn and John Park.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Jesse Louis Hodges, 80, Bolivar, died Monday, June 28, 1999, at Cox
Medical Center South in Springfield. He was born Aug. 16, 1918, at
Crossroads in Douglas County to Douglas and Cora Larkins Hodges. During
World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served until he was
honorably discharged in 1946. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for many
years, being employed by TWA and the government. He lived in Kansas City
for several years before moving to Weaubleau in the 1970s. In 1980 he
moved to Bolivar. He was a member of the Galmey VFW Post. Preceding him in
death was his wife Margaret in 1978; his parents; a brother, Charles
Hodges; and four sisters, Viola Metcalf, Flossie Jeffries, Hazel Greer and
Nora McIntosh. Survivors include three children, Richard Hodges of
Liberty, Sandra Owens and Patricia Carothers, both of Kansas City; seven
grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services were Thursday, July 1,
in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Charley Johnson officiating.
Pallbearers were Mark Hodges, Steven Hodges, Jack Carothers, Sean
Carothers, Bob Dougherty and Bill Dougherty. Military rites were conducted
by the Amvets Post No. 14 Honor Guard. Intermet was in Flemington
Cemetery.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Lois A. Hoppers, 86, Dallas, Texas, died Thursday, June 10, 1999. She was
born March 31, 1913, in Bolivar. She graduated from Bolivar HIgh School
and attended Southwest Baptist College. She graduated from Southwest
Missouri State Teachers College in Springfield in 1937. In 1937, she and
Dick, her husband of 56 years, were married and moved to St. Louis, then
to Oklahoma City, Okla., and in 1954 to Dallas, Texas. She taught fourth
grade at Bayles Elementary in Dallas for 15 years, retiring from teaching
in 1977. She had been active in the Baptist church, teaching children,
working with the Women's Missionary Union and playing the piano. She was
active in and was the previous president of the Hardy Listeners Book
Review Club and her Floriculture Club. At the time of her death, she ws a
member of Peace Class, Wilshire Baptist Church. She was preceded in death
by her husband, Richard (Dick) C. Hoppers, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Albert L. Hutcheson of Bolivar. She is survived by a sister, Eva Peterson;
a brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Billie Hutcheson of Bolivar; and a
sister, Anne Burkeholder of Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by two
sons, Richard G. Hoppers and his wife, Suzanne, of Dallas, Texas, and
Albert (Al) L. Hoppers and his wife, Jane, of Madill, Okla.; and three
grandchildren, Marc Hoppers and wife, Pam, and Kevin Hoppers of Dallas,
Texas, and Janlee and Jed Hoppers of Madill, Okla. Services were Monday,
June 14, at Restland Wildwood Chapel, Dallas, Texas, with Dr. George Mason
and Associate Pastor J. Preston Bright officiating. Interment was at
Restland Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Marc Hoppers, Kevin Hoppers, Jed
Hoppers, Tom Thompson, Brian Thompson, Bob Hoppers, Ronald Hoppers, Jim
Burkeholder and Lindy Morehouse. Memorial contributions may be made to
Wilshire Baptist Church, 4316 Abrams Road, Dallas TX 75214.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Alice Jane Kahler, 90, Bolivar, died Monday, June 7, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital of complications following a stroke. She was born Aug.
3, 1908, in Winside, Neb., and she was of the Lutheran faith. Alice worked
as a seamstress and store clerk for several years in Independence. In 1991
she and her husband moved to Bolivar, where she resided until the time of
her death. She loved to travel and work in her garden. She planted over
1500 iris and over 450 perennials in her garden in Independence. She also
loved to square dance and would make matching outfits for herself and her
husband. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hannah Hall;
three brothers, Glen, Kennard and Leonard; her husband, Raymond; and a
son, Gene Kahler. Survivors include two sons, Edward Kahler and his wife,
Nita, Climax Springs, and Dr. Monte Kahler and his wife, Marketa, Bolivar;
four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and
several step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Mayme
Herbolsheimer, Monrovia, Calif., and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 14, at Mount Moriah
Cemetery Chapel, Kansas City, under the direction of Carson Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
James Ryan Kershner, 25, Dardanelle, Ark., died Wednesday, June 23, 1999.
He was born Nov. 21, 1973, in Riverside, Calif. He was a welder. Survivors
include his wife, Leisa Noblett Kershner; two daughters, Rachel and
Jessica, all of the home; his parents, Michael and Pattie Trainor
Kershner, and a brother, Christian Kershner, all of Dardanelle, Ark.; and
paternal grandparents William and Roseli Kershner of Bolivar. Services
were Saturday, June 26, in Cornwell Chapel, Dardanelle, Ark. Interment was
in Brearley Cemetery, Dardanelle, Ark. Pallbearers were George Davis,
Chris Grace, Ernest Thaxton, Darren Thaxton, Michael Davis, Bobby
Kershner, Glen Lackey and Ronnie Thompson.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
George Herman Kirksey, 64, Bolivar, died Friday, June 4, 1999, in his home
after an extended illness. Herman was born near Aldrich on Dec. 7, 1934,
to Jess and Delphia Waggoner Kirksey. He was saved during a revival
meeting at Mitchell Campground in his youth. He was a member of Bismont
Missionary Baptist Church. On Nov. 24, 1962, he was united in marriage to
Sharon Carol Dryer. To this union two sons were born, Jesse David and
Johnny Herman. He was a dairyman and a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived
by his two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jesse David Kirksey and Johnny
Herman and Lynne Marie Kirksey, all of Bolivar; four grandchildren,
Patrick Kirksey, Brittany Kirksey, Garrett Kirksey and Justin Kirksey, all
of Bolivar; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Anna Kirksey of
Pleasant Hope and Wayne and Joan Kirksey of Aldrich; and three
sisters-in-law, Elva Kirksey of Aldrich, Deloris Kirksey of Springfield
and Bonnie Kirksey of Bolivar. He was preceded in death by his parents;
his wife on Jan. 30, 1990; and four brothers, Gordon, Richard, Howard and
Dean Kirksey. Services were Tuesday, June 8, in Pitts Chapel with Bro.
Mike Bruce and Bro. Garland Pool officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant
Ridge Cemetery with military honors by AmVets Post No. 134. Music was
provided by Ron George Jr. accompanied by Barbara George. Pallbearers were
Marvin Lenz, Cecil Wollard, Kevin Kirksey, Alva Rains, Randy Woodmansee
and Jack Barham. God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard
to climb. He gently closed loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine." We
are all going to miss you and we will meet again in the sweet bye and bye.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Jackie Darrell Latiker, 50, Bolivar, died Thursday, June 3, 1999, in his
home. He was born April 8, 1949, in Springfield, the son of Fred and Velma
Henry Latiker. He was a retired carpenter who had been disabled for the
past 15 years. Though he had been away working from time to time, he had
lived most of his life in Bolivar, including the past 15 years. He was
preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Velma
Culbertson of Bolivar; his former wife, Jeannie Latiker of Bolivar; two
daughters, Amy Latiker of Bolivar and Gina L. Nichols of the state of
Michigan; three sons, Michael M. Latiker, Nicholas D. Latiker and J.D.
Latiker, all of Bolivar; a sister, Darlene Truitt, and a brother, Lee
Latiker. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Christopher Kyle Presley,
Nathan Nichols, Tyler Nichols and Tristan Latiker. Services were Monday,
June 7, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Steven C. "Dutch" Long, 32, Pleasant Hope, died Wednesday, June 30, 1999,
in his home. He was a drywaller and is survived by his father, George A.
Long, Nixa; his mother, Frances Long, and a sister, Renae Griffen, both of
Springfield; two nephews, two nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins; his maternal grandparents, Steve and Elsie Bilderback,
Springfield; and his paternal grandparents, W.C. Long, Bolivar, and Evelyn
Crawford, Greenfield. Graveside services were Monday, July 5, in Pleasant
Hope Cemetery under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North,
Springfield.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
James Warren Lynch, 64, Elkland, died Wednesday, June 23, 1999, in his
home following a long illness. The son of Cornelius Sylvester and Dorothy
Gann Lynch, he was born April 17, 1935, in Conway. He attended Ed V.
Williams Elementary, Reed Junior High and Central High School in
Springfield. He belonged to the U.S. Navy Reserves. On Dec. 28, 1957, he
was united in marriage to Sharon Lee Moyle, and one daughter was born to
this union. He started working as a young man at Nehi Beverage while still
in high school. Later he worked for Meek Lumber Company, C & C Floor
Covering, had his own business as a carpenter and later owned and operated
Bolivar Express before retiring and working on his farm at Elkland. He was
saved at an early age and joined Dale St. Baptist Church in Springfield.
He later moved his membership to Union Mound Southern Baptist Church,
Elkland. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his
wife, Sharon; his daughter, Sheryl Lynn DeFreece, Elkland; four grandsons,
Jerry, Jake, J.W. and Justin DeFreece; two sisters, Mary Alice Foulk of
Springfield and Margaret Ellen Barber of Elkland; and many other relatives
and friends. Services were Saturday, June 26, at Montgomery-Viets Chapel,
Buffalo, with the Rev. O. Paul Ray officiating. Music consisted of
recorded selections "This World is Not My Home" and "How Great Thou Art."
Interment was in Union Mound Cemetery, Elkland. Escorts were Don Gann,
John Gann, Junior Larimer, Ralph Larimer, Orville Lile and Glen Potter.
Honorary escorts were Red Austin, Elston Marshall, Larry Predmore, John
Pettitt, Ron Wyatt and Thelbert Gott. Memorial contributions may be made
to Community "Hospice of America in care of the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Evelyn M. McConnell, 75, Willard, formerly of Morrisville, died Saturday,
June 12, 1999, in her home. Services will be at 3 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial following in
Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Hazel Vivian Newberry, 91, Humansville, died Thursday, June 17, 1999, in
Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. The daughter of James and Mae Belle
Albin Rash, she was born Dec. 24, 1907, in Richland County, Ill. She
married Frank Robert Newberry on Sept. 29, 1934, at Edwardsville, Ill.
They were the parents of twin sons, James Robert and Jerald Richard. Frank
preceded her in death in 1979. She lived for many years in Alton, Ill.,
and later in Olney, Ill., She was a homemaker and member of the First
United Methodist Church in Olney, Ill. Survivors include her sons, James
Robert Newberry, Humansville, and Jerald Richard Newberry, Las Vegas,
Nev.; four grandchildren, Jay Ryan Nexberry of Las Vegas, Nev., Cheryl
Suzanne Ross of Weaubleau, Thomas Allen Newberry of Humansville and
Janelle Andrea Hollingsworth of San Diego, Calif.; four
great-grandchildren, Thomas, Victoria, Hannah and Cameron; and two
sisters, Mabel B. Ridgely and E. Myrtle Koertge, both of Olney, Ill.
Services were Tuesday, June 22, in Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Olney,
Ill., with the Rev. K. Bruce Rushing officiating. Interment was in Haven
Hill Cemetery, Olney, Ill. Local arrangements were under the direction of
Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First United
Methodist Church, Olney, Ill.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Gladys Anna Overshiner, 91, Humansville, died Friday, June 18, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of John and Kitty Lunderman
Pitts, she was born June 5, 1908, near Polk. She married Willie C.
Overshiner June 12, 1927. They operated Overshiner Grocery in Humansville
for 35 years. Her husband preceded her in death Aug. 22, 1975. Two
brothers, Andy and Willie, and a sister, Vera, also preceded her in death.
She was a member of Humansville First Baptist Church, where she was a
Sunday school teacher for 18 years. Surviving are her son and
daughter-in-law, Gerald D. and Barbara Overshiner, Humansville; three
grandchildren, Kimberly, Shawn and Shandalyn; and seven
great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Monday, June 21, in
Humansville Cemetery with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Arrangements
were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Louis E. Peek, 74, Bolivar, died Tuesday, June 1, 1999, in his home. He
was born April 11, 1925, in Sewart City, Neb. He was retired from MD
Pneumatics and was a member of the First Church of God in Bolivar. He was
united in marriage to Carrie J. King on June 4, 1963. Survivors include a
son, Tommy L. King of Lincoln, Neb.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lois and
Tom Letterman of Half Way; a brother, Bill Pilmore, state of Missouri; two
sisters, Beverly Couey and Marge Skaggs, both of Lincoln, Neb.; and six
grandchildren, Randy King, Rodney King, Tom Letterman Jr., Christina
Letterman, Jamie King and Curtis King. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Carrie, on June 8, 1994. Services were Friday, June 4, in Pitts
Chapel with the Rev. Jim Friend officiating. Burial followed in Little
Vine Cemetery, Niangua.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Bitha Lee Peterson, 80, Louisburg, formerly of Goodson, died at 8:57 p.m.
Thursday, June 17, 1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center,
Springfield, following a lengthy illness. She was born Nov. 13, 1918, in
Goodson to Abis and Nella Needham Hawkins and graduated from Emma Dee High
School in Goodson. She was united in marriage to James B. Peterson, who
preceded her in death on July 23, 1989. She was a member of Lindley Creek
Missionary Baptist Church and the Ventura, Calif., Eastern Star Chapter
No. 75. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, James and Patricia
Peterson of Louisburg; one grandchild; one brother, Willis Ray Hawkins of
Plattsburg; and 10 sisters, Faye Rosenthal of Daytona Beach, Fla., Alene
Warde of Aurora, Colo., Susan Rothrock of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dora
Barnes of Santa Paula, Calif., Carlene Wollard of Springfield, Betty
Bisbee of Urbana, Avonell Williamson of Springfield, Mae Scroggins of
Urbana, Jane Leavitt of Webb City, and Jean Polly of Denver, Colo; as well
as numerous nieces and nephews. Services were Monday, June 21, at Lindley
Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Music
was provided by the Lindley Creek choir. Burial followed in the church
cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Peterson, Ed Peterson, Michael Jamison,
Tuff Hamlet, Milford Hammerbacher and Robert Peterson. Honorary
pallbearers will be Edwin Peterson, Fred Leavitt and willis Hawkins.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Ellis Ray Presley, 83, Springfield, died at 2:15 p.m. June 30, 1999, in
St. John's Regional Health Center. He was born Feb. 17, 1916, in
Morrisville and was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gus Presley; his mother, Stella
Presley; and a brother, Tony Presley. He is survived by his wife of 46
years, Bertha Presley; two sons, Roy Lynn Presley and his wife, Betty,
Pleasant Hope, and Tim Presley and his wife Nina, Strafford; a daughter,
Margaret Carroll and her husband, Jerry, Springfield; seven grandchildren
and two stepgrandchildren; a sister, Francis Rucker, Springfield; and
numerous nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, July 3, in Greenlawn
Funeral Home South. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
James William Rash was born Aug. 24, 1914, in Redlands, Calif., to John
William Rash and Pearl Bessie Wright. He departed this earth on June 10,
1999, at the age of 84 years and 10 months following a short illness. He
grew up in Hickory County, and all of his friends and fmaily knew him as
Bill. There on the Wheatland prairie he met and married Elzada Marie
Skinner. He recently recounted to his grandsons one night around a card
table the story of their meeting. He told the boys there was a gathering
in the neighborhood and when she walked through the front door she was the
most beautiful sight he had ever seen. And from that day until her death
they were together. They were married on Aug. 31, 1935, and to this union
were born three sons and one daughter. Bill spent most of his life as a
farmer and a trader, and he retired from Gardener Trailer Company in
Bolivar. Bill and Zada spent the last 35 years in Goodson until Zada
parted from him in death in November 1998. Then he moved to Bolivar with
his daughter. Bill loved to have company and to play cards. He always
liked to joke with his grandkids. He would sing them songs and teach them
poems, some of which we parents did not think were as funny as Grandpa
did! He taught us all the meaning of hard work and doing with what you
have, and being satisfied but always looking forward. Our dad's favorite
dress attire was his bib overalls, and if there was a special occasion he
wore his best dress clothes--his striped bib overalls. His grandsons will
pay special tribute to their grandfather as they carry him to his final
resting place by wearing their special dress attire--striped bib overalls
and flannel shirts. Bill is survived by his three sons, John W. (Jack)
Rash of Brandon, James E. (Jim) Rash and wife Kay of Goodson, Robert e.
(Bob) Rash and wife Donna Sue of Bolivar, and a daughter, Margie Pearl
Keith and husband Lloyd of Bolivar; 19 grandchildren and several
great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Cliford (George)
Rash and wife Francis of Cross Timbers and Edgar O. (Hot Shot) Rash and
wife Jean of Hermitage; one sister, Savilla Skinner of Yucaipa, Calif.; a
sister-in-law, Ellen Rash of Cross Timbers; and a host of nieces, nephews,
friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elzada Marie
Rash; a brother, Walter (Buster) Rash; and a sister, Gladias Rash. Bill's
final resting place will be in the Cross Timbers Cemetery beside his
loving wife, Zada.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Judith Ann Redford, 60, Bolivar, died at 9:10 p.m. Saturday, June 19,
1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a long
illness. She was born Jan. 12, 1939, in Sedalia, the daughter of Bill and
Mildred Payne. She graduated in 1959 from nurses' training in Hayes, Kan.,
as a registered nurse. Judy lived most of her life in Bolivar and devoted
her time as a provider of loving service to others in need. She was united
in marriage to Gary M. Redford Sept. 3, 1961. They were blessed with six
beautiful children and five gifted grandchildren. Judy was a member of the
Bolivar United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her father,
Bill Payne, and a nephew, "Baby Todd." She is survived by her husband,
Gary, of the home; three daughters, Holly Batson, her husband, Tony, and
their children, Adam and Mallory, Missy Redford-Shay and her children,
Brady and Ali, and Julie Smith, her husband, Chuck, and daughter,
Brittney, all of Bolivar; three sons, Greg Redford of New York, N.Y.,
Chris Redford of Springfield and John Redford of Bolivar; her mother,
Mildren Payne of Lamar; two sisters, Linda Payne and Susan Medlin and her
husband, Don, of Lamar; three brothers, Danny Payne and his wife, Ann,
Todd Payne and his wife, Lori, all of Lamar, and John Payne and his ife,
Paula, of Ozark; a sister-in-law and her husband, Judy and Gary McCracken
of Nixa; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Judy was a
generous, creative, compassionate person with an abundant amount of
unconditional love for everyone. During the last few years of her illness,
Judy took up cross-stitching. Her love of family and friends showed in
each stitch. She treasured the many visits from her fmaily and friends,
but her greatest enjoyment was when she attended all of grandchildren's
sporting events that they were involved in. "To the world, you may be one
person; but to one person, you may be the world." Services will be at
10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the Butler Funeral Home with Dr. Ron Kemp
officiating. In lieu of burial, her ashes will be scattered over her
favorite places--anywhere the voices of young children can be heard.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in
care of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Kenneth B. Roberts, 68, Springfield, died Friday, June 11, 1999, in his
home following a lingering illness. He was born Jan. 24, 1931, in Oklahoma
to Lovell and Irma Roberts. He was retired from Associated Grocers in
Springfield as a transportation supervisor. He was of the Baptist faith.
Her served during the Korean Conflict as a memeber of the U.S. Marine
Corps; he was also a past Post Commander of the V.F.W. Post no. 5314 in
Willard. He was united in marriage to Gloria Maxine Donogne, who preceded
him in death on Nov. 15, 1998. Survivors include daughters Cheri Van
Ryswyck and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Gail Hardin, state of
Florida, and Cherie Reinhart and her husband, Mark, Kansas City; a son,
Jerry Roberts of Kansas City; a brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Jenny
Roberts of Springfield; his mother, Irma Roberts of Bolivar; seven
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by
his father; his wife; a brother, Scott Roberts; and an infant brother.
Services were Tuesday, June 15, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson and the Rev. J.D. Wooley officiating. Eulogy was given by
Agnes McThetridge. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery with military
rites by AmVets Post No. 114.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Mabel Irene Root, 76, Humansville, died Sunday, June 20, 1999, at her
home. The daughter of Francis Columbus "Lum" and Fannie Henson Root, she
was born Oct. 21, 1922, near Chadwick. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Francis W. Root, on Nov. 20, 1975, and her father, Columbus "Lum"
Root. Survivors include her mother, Fannie Pratt of Humansville; a
brother, Lewis Pratt, New Franklin; two maternal aunts, Lea Hale and Pearl
Must, both of Springfield; five nephews, Charles Pratt and his wife, Nora,
Amarillo, Texas, Roger Pratt and his wife, Cynthia, Washington, Ind.,
Dennis Pratt and his wife, Sharon, and Val J. Pratt, all of Conjon, N.M.,
and Ernest Pratt and his wife, Nancy, New Franklin; a niece, Lori Pratt,
New Franklin; eight great-nephews, four great-nieces and numerous cousins.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, in Murray Chapel,
Humansville, with the Rev. Roger Pratt officiating. Pallbearers will be
Lowell Myers, David Acuna, Ted Nichols, Tempton Hall, Charley York and
Jesse Davis. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery. Friends may call
at their convenience in the funeral home after 9 a.m. Thursday, June 24.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Roxana Pearl Emory Rush, 100, Bolivar, died Friday, June 11, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born May 30, 1899, to the
late James Harmon and Nancy Catherine Payne Emory on a farm near Polk. She
was the eldest of nine children and was preceded in death by one sister,
Eva Mashburn, and one brother, Junior Emory. She is survived by three
sisters, Ica Scrievner, Anna Mashburn and Willette Reser, all of Bolivar,
and three brothers, Jesse Emory of Ventura, Calif., Jay L. Emory of Santa
Paula, Calif., and Johnny Emory of Independence. On May 3, 1919, she was
united in marriage to the late Roy Laurel Rush in Buffalo. To this union
five children were born, two of whom preceded her in death: a son who died
at one week old and Emory Dean Rush of Lebanon. Surviving children include
two daughters, Irene Franklin of Bolivar and Evelyn Reser of Marshall, and
one son, James Rush of Osceola. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11
great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces,
nephews and friends. She and her husband owned and operated several
businesses in the Urbana area, including the United Real Estate Agency,
from which they both retired before moving to Bolivar. She was a founder
and active member of the Urbana Eastern Star, a member of the Urbana
Rebecca Lodge and a member of the First Baptist Church in Urbana. Services
were Saturday, June 13, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Greg
Jackson officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Urbana.
Casketbearers were Gary Franklin, Heath Hawkins, Ronnie Rush, Andy Seller,
Rick Rush and Matt Hare.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Nell Sewell, 84, Springfield, died June 6, 1999, in St. John's Regional
Health Center, Springfield. Nell was born Oct. 4, 1914, near Walnut Grove
to William and Mary Alice Sewell. After graduating from Walnut Grove High
School, she entered Southwest Missouri Teachers College and earned her
bachelor of science degree. She later added a master of education degree.
She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, the Delta Kappa Gamma, the Retired
Teachers Association and was active with the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Springfield. Nell first taught in rural schools before becoming a teacher
with the Springfield School System. Her talent for supporting and
encouraging other teachers led her to become the elementary language arts
coordinator for the Springfield Public Schools. She was effective in this
position for 25 years. During this time she also taught at Drury College.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister.
Nell is survived by a nephew and his wife, Shirley and Doris Sewell, and a
niece and her husband, Norma and Wayne DeRossett, all of Bolivar; two
great-nephews and a great-niece, as well as several cousins and many
friends. Nell attended Walnut Lawn Church of God in Springfield. She loved
her church and showed her faith by helping others, especially children. At
the age of 81, Nell began piecing quilts. She pieced many beautiful
quilts, giving them to family and friends. Services were Wednesday, June
9, in Walnut Lawn Church of God, Springfield, with the Rev. Wesley
Drummond officiating. Burial followed in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut
Grove, under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut
Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Lawn Church of God or
Springfield Area Retired Teachers. Nell will be greatly missed by her
family and many friends. 




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Riley W. Storment, 77, Mabelvale, Ark., formerly of the Bolivar area, died
June 30, 1999, in Little Rock, Ark. He was born July 22, 1916, in Violet
to James Earl and Marie Eunice Storment. He was united in marriage to
Wanetta Hulett in 1935 and to Viola M. Hadley in 1966. He was retired from
General Motors as a mechanic. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II
and received a Purple Heart. He was preceded in death by his parents and a
son, Gene Storment. Survivors include his wife, Viola, Mabelvale, Ark.;
five sons, Bill Storment of Amarillo, Texas, Don Storment of Miami, Okla.,
Dan Storment of Parson, Kan., Barry Storment of Hutchison, Kan., and Jay
Storment of Miami, Okla.; six daughters, Lois Axelison of Plainville,
Kan., Lucretia Cunningham of Wilson, Kan., Eunice Airheart of Wichita,
Kan., Kay Wadley of Mablevale, Ark., Sue Storment of Colorado Springs,
Colo., and Tracy Flynn of Bakersfield, Calif.; seven stepchildren, Ralph
Henson of Little Rock, Ark., Joe Henson of Afton, Okla., Ann Goodson of
the state of Oregon, Alfred Henson of Buffalo, Vernon Henson of Fostoria,
Ohio, Brenda Eubanks of Los Angeles and Linda Smith of Bakersfield,
Calif.; three brothers, James E. Storment Jr. of Tacoma, Wash., Smith
Storment of Lufkin, Texas, and Mathan Storment of Hampton, Va.; four
sisters, Roberta Powell of Ellis, Kan., Rozella Salsman of Garland, Texas,
Hattie Kornelson of McPherson, Kan., and Hazel McKee of Euliss, Texas; as
well as 57 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren and three
great-great-grandchildren. Service were Saturday, July 3, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Interment followed in Payne
Cemetery, Polk.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
James Joe Taylor, 78, Excelsior Springs, died Wednesday, June 9, 1999, in
Excelsior Springs Medical Center. He was born Dec. 6, 1920, in Stone
County, the son of Joe and Lena Ogle Taylor. During World War II he served
in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1944. He was a retired salesman. Survivors
include a daughter and son-in-law, Lenoria and John Davis, Excelsior
Springs; a sister, Deloris Schaffer, St. Louis; four grandchildren, Ronald
Claus Jr. and his wife Jo Ellen, Tim Claus and his wife, Tammy, Tammy
Renee Claus and Kelly Claus; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside
services were Saturday, June 12, in Brush Creek Cemetery, northwest of
Humansville, with the Rev. Joe Coppedge officiating. Services were under
the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, June 1999:
Kenneth Elroy Walters, 73, Bolivar, died Sunday, June 20, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital following a long illness. He was born July 9,
1925, in Haskell, Okla., to Jesse and Catherine Walters. He was united in
marriage to Shirley Halene Buzzard on Feb. 4, 1948, in Harrison, Ark. He
was a World War II veteran, having served two and a half years overseas.
He retired from Thriftway Supermarkets in Kansas City after 27 years as
store manager. He and his wife moved to Bolivar, and from 1973 to 1985 he
worked for Wade's Supermarket. He was a member of the Disabled American
Veterans and the American Legion post in Bolivar. Survivors include his
wife, Shirley Halene, of the home; a brother, Arzie Walters of St.
Helen's, Ore.; a sister, Wanda Bloom of Yucaipa, Calif.; and many friends,
nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the
Maranatha Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Robbins officiating. Music will
be provided by Paul Euler, Brian and Deidre Schexnayder, accompanied by
Carolyn Sullivan. A special song selection will be performed by his
cousin, Vicki Pendercost. Interment will be at a later date in Sarcoxie.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Lillian Ihrig Baker, 92, Bolivar, died Friday, May 7, 1999, at Parkview
Health Care Facility. She was born March 13, 1907, in Withers' Mill near
Hannibal. She was a graduate of Palmyra High School and Northeast Missouri
State University at Kirksville. She taught school in the states of Nevada,
Wyoming and Missouri. At the time of her death she was a member of First
Baptist Church, Bolivar, but was formerly a member of Calvary Baptist
Church in Hannibal as well as GFWC Study Club of Hannibal and Marion/Ralls
County Retired Teachers. She was preceded in death by her parents, William
and Mary Elizabeth Ihrig, and four brothers, Arthur Ihrig, Roy Ihrig,
Elmer Ihrig and Wilbur Ihrig, all of Hannibal. Surviving are one sister
and her husband, Clara and Ivor Bell of Taft, Calif.; one son and his
wife, George and Susan Baker of Bolivar; two daughters and their husbands,
Ruth and Robert Meyer of Ozark and Clara and David Stovall of Abilene,
Texas. Also surviving are four grandchildren, including Beth Dixon of
Bolivar; six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Grand View Funeral Home,
Hannibal, with burial following. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m.
today (Wednesday) at Butterfield Residential Care Facility. She had been a
resident at Butterfield from July 1995 to November 1998, when she moved to
Parkview Health Care Facility.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Claud William Barber was born April 7, 1905, at Goodson to Charles Lonas
Barber and Pearl Annie Carroll Barber. He died Friday, May 14, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility at the age of 94 years, one month
and seven days after a long illness. He was saved in 1925 during a revival
at Lindley Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He later united with Mt. View
Missionary Baptist Church at Polk, where he remained a faithful member as
long as his health permitted. He was ordained as a deacon of the church at
Mt. View in October 1928. God called him to preach the gospel on Sept. 21,
1938. He was ordained to the ministry on July 6, 1941. He served on the
mission field and pastored many Missionary Baptist churches in Polk and
surrounding counties through the years as long as health permitted. Even
though his ministry took him to many churches, he was blessed to see all
six of his children saved at his home church, Mt. View. Claus was united
in marriage on July 23, 1927, to Alma Pearl Orringderff-Hattersley. There
were 10 children born to Claud and Pearl, four of whom died in infancy.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Pearl, on Oct. 3, 1980, and one son,
Forrest, on June 30, 1994. He was also preceded in death by two sisters,
Bertha and Bonnie, and four brothers, Frank, Lonnie, John and Ralph; one
son-in-law, Albert E. "Tom" Robertson; and two great-grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary Lou Robertson of Polk and Martha Ann
Rader and her husband, Erven, of Bolivar; three sons, Benny Barber and his
wife, Dixie, of Bolivar, David Barber and his wife, Marilyn, of Pineville,
La., and Richard Barber and his wife, Christena, of Polk; one
daughter-in-law, Betty Barber of Willard; 17 grandchildren, 20
great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren and four
great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Virgil Barber
and his wife, Norma, of Richfield, Utah, and Clifford Barber and his wife,
Vera, of Kansas City; and one sister, Bethel-Diane Rodgers of Pilot Grove,
as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Services were Tuesday, May 18, in
Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Doyle Mayfield and the Rev. Donald Lane
officiating. Music was provided by the Mt. View, Lindley Creek and
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church choirs as well as other church
choir members, accompanied by Dixie Barber. Burial followed in the Mt.
View Cemetery, Polk. Pallbearers were the Rev. Brent Sharp, the Rev.
DeWayne Burdette, the Rev. Joe Sprague, the Rev. Bobby Budd, the Rev. Gary
Campbell, the Rev. Donnie Lightfoot, the Rev. Curtis Howard and the Rev.
Jerry Crain. Honorary pallbearers were the Rev. Everett Smith, the Rev.
Garland Pool, the Rev. Dennis Spear, the Rev. Leon Meadows, the Rev. John
Brown, the Rev. Jackie Brakebill, the Rev. Marshall Henderson, the Rev.
Junior Ingram, the Rev. Gayland Lightfoot, the Rev. Harlan Graham, the
Rev. Jerry Grant, the Rev. Gene Skinner and the Rev. Chester Viles.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
E. Gerald "Jerry" Copeland, 80, died at his home on Thursday, May 20,
1999, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Gravity, Iowa, and had
served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II. He was a member of the
Northgate Baptist Church in North Kansas City. He owned and operated the
Copeland Tailor Shop in Kansas City for 35 years. Survivors include his
wife, Winnie, of the home; a daughter, Carol Holamon of Bowie, Texas; a
stepson, Paul Linville of Kansas City; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary
and Raymond Davolt of Independence; a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and
Bonnie Tindle of Fair Play; five grandsons, one granddaughter and one
great-grandson. Graveside services were Sunday, May 23, in Shady Grove
Cemetery, Fair Play, with Dr. Russell A. Adams officiating. Arrangements
were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions
may be made to the American Heart Association.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Kala Sue Christian Dotson, 49, Walnut Grove, died at 6:55 p.m. Friday, May
28, 1999, in St. John's Regional Medical Center, Springfield, following an
extended illness. She was born near Walnut Grove and was a lifelong
resident of the Walnut Grove and Willard areas. She was a 1968 graduate of
Willard High School, and she was a homemaker. She and her husband, Arthur
Dotson, were married for more than 30 years. Survivors include her
husband, Arthur, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Mary
Ann Dotson of Ash Grove; one granddaughter, Mikala Dotson; her parents,
Fred and Leta Mae Christian of Willard; four brothers, Roger Christian of
Ozark, Ronald Christian of Walnut Grove, and Rodany Christian and Randy
Christian, both of Willard; and two sisters, Verna Wilson of Willard and
Barbara Blevins of Springfield. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today
(Wednesday) in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. Lon
Killingsworth officiating. Interment will follow in White Chapel Memorial
Gardens, Springfield.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Basil M. Eastburn, 86, Kansas City, died Monday, May 3, 1999, at Woodbine
Care Center, Gladstone. He was born March 29, 1913, in Polk County. He
retired from TWA after 43 years and was a member of local Union 1650. He
was treasurer for the Northland Cathedral Assembly of God Church for 25
years. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Opal Eastburn, of the home;
a son and daughter-in-law, Leland and Christa M. Eastburn, Kansas City; a
daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jerry McCarthy, New Port Richey, Fla.;
a brother, Wayne Eastburn, Half Way; three sisters, Dorothy Fausett of
Half Way, Ruth Gott of Springfield and Naomi Cockrell of Belton; four
grandchildren, Daphne Eastburn of Springfield, April Obey of Huntington
Beach, Calif., Jenny Eastburn of Gladstone and Meghann McCarthy of New
Port Richey, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Thursday,
May 6, at Northland Cathedral Assembly of God with burial following in
East Slope Cemetery, Riverside. Arrangements were under the direction of
D.W. Newcomer's White Chapel, Gladstone. Memorial contributions may be
made to Northland Cathedral Assembly of God.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Rose K. Edwards, 84, Jefferson City, formerly of Bolivar, died Sunday, May
16, 1999, at Jefferson City Manor. She was born June 11, 1914, in
Jefferson City, a daughter of August and Mary Schaefer Kramer. She
attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and St. Peter's High School.
She was married to Steve H. Edwards Dec. 16, 1954, and he preceded her in
death Feb. 21, 1979. She was employed with Emerson Electric, Small Arms
Division, in St. Louis, owned and operated a cleaning shop in Kansas City
and was a bookkeeper for the Nurses' Assistants at St. John's Regional
Health Center, Springfield, until her retirement in 1978. She moved from
Bolivar to Jefferson City in 1986. She was a member of St. Peter's
Catholic Church and the Western Catholic Union. Survivors include one
brother, Cletus Kramer, and one sister, Margaret Schenewerk, both of
Jefferson City, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be
at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) at St. Peter's Catholic Church with the Rev.
Donald W. Lammers officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. in
Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar. Arrangements are under the direction of
Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, Jefferson City. Memorial contributions
may be made to the hospice of the donor's choice.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Ruby Moore Flint, 81, Pleasant Hill, formerly of the Cliquot area, died at
11:05 a.m. Sunday, May 23, 1999, in Jefferson Health Care, Lee's Summit,
after a long illness. She was born Nov. 27, 1917, in Cliquot to John and
Inez Summers Ashlock. She was baptized into the Baptist faith at an early
age and had helped her husband farm. Survivors include a son, Harold Moore
of Kansas City, and a daughter, Helen Lea of Pleasant Hill; six
grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two grandchildren,
and her two husbands, Floyd Moore and Hobert Flint. Services will be at 1
p.m. Thursday, May 27, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be
from 11 a.m. until service time on Thursday.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Mary Ann "Mayme" Francka, 93, Bolivar, died Friday, May 21, 1999, in Mercy
Villa, Springfield. The daughter of Joseph and Mary Ruzicka Stanek, she
was born Sept. 22, 1905, in Polk County near Bolivar. She married Benjamin
J. Francka in November 1922. He preceded her in death June 12, 1961. She
was also preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph B. Stanek and Charles
Stanek, and two sisters, Lillian Lane and Rose Francka. A homemaker, she
was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Survivors include four
children and their spouses, Benjamin and Ruth Francka and Sophia and
Edward Griesbaum, all of Springfield; Bernard and Barbara Francka,
Bolivar; and Elizabeth and Robert Kressig, Springfield; four sisters,
Sophia Westenberger of Springfield, Emma Tribble of Mexico, Dorothy
Alberts of Chicago, Ill., and Angeline Stanek, Bolivar; two brothers, Emil
Stanek, Bolivar, and Frank Stanek, Brooklyn, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren. Funeral mass was Monday, May 24, in Sacred Heart
Catholic Church with Fr. David Hulshof officiating. Lector was Benjamin
Francka III. Servers were Ben J. Francka IV and James C. Thoele. Music was
by Carol Francka and Max Baer. Pall presenters were her granddaughters,
Jane Hadfield, Mary Thoele, Martha Phillips, Cathy Hull, Amy Perkins,
Deborah Kressig and Marcia Davis. Pallbearers were her grandsons, Ben
Francka III, Chris Griesbaum, Ted Griesbaum, Bernard Francka Jr., Daniel
Francka, Raymond Francka and Robert Kressig. Interment was in St.
Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Bolivar under the direction of Murray Funeral
Home. Memorial contributions may be made to McKenna Hall in care of Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, 1405 W. Fair Play St., Bolivar MO 65613 or to the
charity of the donor's choice.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Nellie May Barker Franklin, 86, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998, in
Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility after a lingering illness. She was
born Oct. 9, 1912, at Goodson to Arthur Wesley and Ora Brooks Barker. As a
teenager she moved with her family to California, where she met and
married John Robert "Bob" Franklin. To this union were born three
daughters, one of whom, Marcilene, preceded her in death. She was also
preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and one great-grandson. She moved
to Bolivar in 1948 and lived here the rest of her life. She was saved at
an early age and was a member of the First Assembly of God church.
Survivors include two daughters, Elaine Thomas and her husband, Roy, and
Darlene Seiner and her husband, Robert, all of Bolivar; one brother,
Joseph "Guy" Barker, Aransas Pass, Texas; one sister, Nancy Stephens,
Bolivar; seven grandchildren, Rick Seiner, Brent Seiner and Teresa Parson,
all of Bolivar; Rocky Seiner, Houston, Mo.; Kevin Thomas, Raytown; Steven
Thomas, Grain Vally; and Randy Thomas, Lee's Summit; 17
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, as well as many other
relatives and friends.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Odessa Mae "Tommie" Graves, 83, Bolivar, died Sunday, May 9, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The 12th of 17 children, she was born Feb. 27,
1916, near Van to James Monroe and Florence Albert Graves. She was a
lifelong resident of Polk County and had lived in Bolivar since 1939. A
longtime member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, she was saved
in 1933 at Concord Baptist Church near Morrisville in a revival held by
Bro. Fletch Davis. In 1939, she was united in marriage to the Rev. Wilburn
C. "Wib" Foster. To this union was born one daughter. Wib preceded her in
death in 1990. Also preceding her in death were her mother and father, one
infant grandson, eleven brothers, Leonard, John, Delbert, Almon, Loren,
Willard, Hershel, Claude, Albert, Curtis and Myrl, and four sisters,Virgie
Kates, Roberta Case, Lula Brooks and Kay Hussman. Survivors include her
daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Dan Cox of Republic; one grandson and
his wife, Steven and Sharon Cox of Bountiful, Utah; one granddaughter,
Victoria Cox of Nixa; one sister and brother-in-law, Maude "Jo" and Glen
Williams of Springfield; one brother-in-law and his wife, Jay and Jean
Foster of Aldrich; seven sisters-in-law, Katherine Foster Routt of
Waterloo, Iowa, Edith Graves of Halfway, Mary Lou Graves of Bolivar, Ruth
Graves of Fair Play, Lillie Graves and Lela Graves, both of Ventura,
Calif., and Lucille Graves of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and 44 nieces and
nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Pleasant Hill
Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Burial will
follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Music will be provided by the church
choir. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Louise Garrett Hagerman, 75, Walnut Grove, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999,
at Cox Medical Center North, Springfield, following a short illness. She
was born in Springfield and was a longtime resident of the Willard and
Walnut Grove areas. She was a homemaker and a member of the Valley View
Baptist Church. She was married to Rollo Afton Hagerman on Nov. 22, 1942,
and they shared 49 years together. He preceded her in death on March 30,
1994. Survivors include two brothers and a sister-in-law, Charley Garret
of Ash Grove and Wayne and Margaret Garret of Walnut Grove; two sisters
and a brother-in-law, Rosie Hayes of Brighton and Nadine and Marvin
Johnson. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Debbie Parnell, Chuck
Johnson, Charlotte Garrett and Karolisa Garret, as well as several
great-nieces and great-nephews. Services were Saturday, May 29, in Calvary
Assembly of God Church, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. J. Dan Woodall
officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich.
Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral Home,
Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Robert Ira Hall, 76, Dunnegan, died Sunday, May 9, 1999, at Cox Medical
Center South, Springfield. He was born Dec. 8, 1922, in Springfield to Ira
H. and Mary Esther Callaway Hall. He is survived by his wife, Marcelette,
of Dunnegan. Graveside services were Tuesday, May 11, at the Chadwick
Cemetery, Chadwick, under the direction of Harris, a Heritage Funeral
Home, Ozark.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
May Margaret Harshman, 90, Hermitage, died at 12:41 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20,
1998, in Country Villa Nursing Home, Humansville. She was born Nov. 16,
1907, in Pittsfield, Ill., to Charles D. and Elizabeth Ryan Tucker. On
Nov. 6, 1930, she was united in marriage to H. Wilson "Bill" Harshman. She
was a retired postal clerk from Rockport, Ill. Survivors include a
daughter, Donna Rae Bergthold, Hermitage; two grandchildren, David N.
Bergthold, Ft. Madison, Iowa, and Lori D. Bergthold, Hermitage; three
great-grandchildren, Marissa and Dylan Bergthold, Ft. Madison, Iowa, and
Elexeus Bergthold, Hermitage; one step-great-grandchild, Matt Stepp, Ft.
Madison, Iowa; one brother, Charles D. Tucker Jr., Pittsfield, Ill.; and
four sisters, Virginia Hoos of Englewood, Colo., Alice Hayes of Marengo,
Iowa, Gertrude Waag of Madera, Calif., and Beth Caughlan of Pittsfield,
Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three
brothers, Mack Tucker, Joe Tucker and Don Tucker; one stepbrother, Rex
Tucker; one sister, Deanaa Hancock; and one stepsister, Nelle Vroman.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in West Cemetery,
Pittsfield, Ill., with the Rev. John K. McIntosh officiating. Arrangements
are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Jessie Ray Higginbotham, 95, Bolivar, died Monday, May 31, 1999, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. He was born July
20, 1903, at Burns to Frank and Eve Higginbotham. He was united in
marriage to Verble Hale on May 19, 1927, in Bolivar. He had been a farmer.
Survivors include two sons, Charles Troy Higginbotham of Wathena, Kan.,
and Coy Higginbotham of Elwood, Kan.; five daughters, Marsia Dee Jones of
Lebanon, Joyce Johnson of Stockton, Sylvia Fread of Criag, Colo., Peggy
Rumble of Humansville and Judy Currie of St. Joseph; 27 grandchildren, 53
great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a
brother-in-law, Raymond Hale of Redland, Calif.; four sisters-in-law,
Pearl West and Dot Cox, both of Bolivar, Ann Steward, state of California,
and Ugenia Hale of Polk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Verble; an
infant daughter, Freda; a son, Roy; two brothers, one sister, three
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services will be at 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 3, in Pitts Chapel. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until
service time Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be
made at the funeral home to All Childrens Hospital of St. Louis.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Jordan Luke Horn, son of Leslie and Pam Horn, Polk, was stillborn at
Citizens Memorial Hospital on Thursday, May 13, 1999. In addition to his
parents, survivors include two sisters, Jessica and Jennifer, and a
brother, Jacob, all of the home; his maternal grandparents, Richard and
Mary Lemke, Morrisville; his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Nadine
Horn, Urbana; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services
were Saturday, May 15, 1999, at Bolivar City Cemetery with the Rev. Bobby
Holland officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Murray
Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Helen Howser, 90, Bolivar, died at 4:10 a.m. Monday, May 17, at the
Presbyterian Manor in Rolla. Survivors include three sisters, Eliza May
McClelland of Thayer, Mary Marie Heikkola of Bolise, Idaho, and Wilma
Alice Kessinger of Neosho; three brothers, Claude H. Butler of St. Louis,
Fenton J. Butler and Herschel A. Butler, both of Joplin; and a number of
neices and nephews. Arrangements are incomplete but will be announced by
the Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo.

Helen Butler Howser, 90, Bolivar, died Monday, May 17, 1999, in Rolla. She
was born Jan. 13, 1909, on the Butler farm southwest of Buffalo, the
daughter of Jess H. and Maud (Tucker) Butler. She attended Buffalo High
School, graduating in 1928, and was employed by Buffalo Bank. She married
Vernon O. Howser on Sept. 28, 1930. She was a member of First Baptist
Church, Buffalo. She transferred to the bank of Lebanon and later moved to
California in 1943, where she worked at Security First National Bank in
Ventura. She retired and returned to Buffalo in 1971, where she and her
husband bought five acres adjoining the Butler farm. They moved to Bolivar
in 1990. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include three brothers and three sisters, Claud H. Butler of St.
Louis, Fenton J. Butler of Joplin, Herschel A. Butler of Joplin, Wilma
Alice Kessinger of Neosho, Eliza Maye McClelland of Thayer and Marie
Heikkola of Boise, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews. Services were
Friday, May 21, in the Buffalo First Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Cox
officiating. Recorded music selections included "Easter Gate" and "What A
Friend." Escorts were Arlow Bennett, Don Butler, Gene Heikkola, Dr. Jay
Kessinger, Dr. Jack Kessinger and Dr. Jess Kessinger. Interment was in
Maple Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home,
Buffalo.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Betty June Hutchison, 72, Springfield, died at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, May 23,
1999, in Cox Medical Center South following a brief illness. She was born
July 6, 1926, near Burns to William Paul and Julia O'Conner Martin. She
was united in marriage to Norman Hutchison on Oct. 27, 1946, in Bolivar.
She had been a member of True Hope Missionary Baptist Church for the past
19 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Paul Edgar,
and a granddaughter, Jodi. Survivors include her husband, Norman; a
daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Mike Henderson of Marshall, Ill.; two
granddaughters, Rebecca Henderson of Marshall, Ill., and Michelle Mull and
her husband, Steven, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; and a great-grandson, Scott
Mull, Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in
Pitts Chapel with Bro. Keith Friezel and Bro. DeWayne Burdette
officiating. Music will be provided by Freda Payne and Betty Lee,
accompanied by Dixie Barber. Pallbearers will be J.C. Lee, Gene Grant,
Kenneth Holt, Harry Nicodemus, Hertha McMillin and Paul Lane.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Peggy June Jarman, 60, Raytown, died at 8:58 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 1999,
in Research Medical Center, Kansas City, following a short illness. The
daughter of Kenneth and Pauline Wells, she attended Forest Grove
Elementary and graduated from Bolivar High School in 1956, where she was
crowned Athletic Queen and her future husband, Allen Jarman,was King.
During her high school years she was a twirler, a cheerleader and a member
of Royal Rooters and the Glee Club. After graduating from high school she
attended Draughn's Business College and then worked for the Southwest
Missouri State College dean. She married Allen Ray Jarman on Feb. 2, 1963,
at the First Baptist Church, Bolivar, with the Rev. Virgil Wells
officiating. Their first date, a hayride, was on Peggy's 16th birthday.
Her husband, children and grandchildren were the center of her life. Peggy
was saved at the age of 12 at Slagle Creek Missionary Baptist Church,
where she remained a member until her death. She was preceded in death by
her mother, Pauline Wells; her father, Kenneth "Grubby" Wells; and one
sister, Joan Turpin. She is survived by her husband, Allen, of the home;
two sons and their wives, Greg and Christina Jarman of Independence and
Jason and Terri Jarman of Liberty; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Bruce
of Independence, and three step-grandchildren, Heather, Maegan and
Kristopher of Liberty; a sister, Gayla Painter of Bolivar; a brother and
sister-in-law, Kenny and Claudia Wells of Topeka, Kan.; and a host of
other relatives and friends. Services were Monday, May 30, in Slagle Creek
Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Gene Skinner officiating. Music by
Slagle Missionary Baptist Church included "Precious Memories," "Meet You
by the River" and "Will the Circle be Unbroken?" Burial was in Slagle
Creek Cemetery under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Casketbearers
were her two sons, Greg and Jason Jarman, and four nephews, Kris Turpin,
Roy Painter and Kevin and Kurtis Wells. Memorial contributions may be made
to the American Cancer Society.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Mary Belle Keller, 82, Flemington, died Saturday, May 1, 1999, in Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield. The daughter of Lewis D. and Cora
Gibson Grant, she was born at Deerfield June 3, 1916. A longtime resident
of Flemington, she was a homemaker and member of the Flemington Baptist
Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Alva Grant, and a brother
and sister who died in infancy. Surviving are her two sons and
daughters-in-law, Arnold and Evelyn Keller of Joliet, Ill., and Mike and
Sandy Keller of Mission, Kan.; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren
and one great-great-grandchild, as well as many other relatives and
friends. Services were Tuesday, May 4, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with
Bro. Stan Stringer officiating. Pallbearers were her grandsons, James
Keller, Mike Keller, Bob Keller, Kevin Keller, Chris Miller and William
Miller. Interment was in Flemington Cemetery.





From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Nina Agnes Kenworthy, 85, Humansville, died Monday, May 31, 1999, in Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born Feb. 24, 1914, in
Dunnegan, the seventh child of Joe and Ola Bowles. The family moved to
Humansville when she was a young girl. She married Kelly Kenworthy on Feb.
26, 1931. They had one son who died at birth. She and her husband left
Humansville in the early 1930s but returned frequently. Upon retirement in
1975 after many years in California, they returned and settled once again
in Humansville. Since her return she had been active in the First Baptist
Church and the Half-Century Club. She and her husband celebrated 50 years
of marriage in 1981. He preceded her in death in 1983. Survivors include
three brothers, Montie Bowles and his wife, Betty, of Port Orchard, Wash.,
Dale Bowles and his wife, Ginger, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and James
(Mann) Bowles of Fallbrook, Calif. She is also survived by her adopted
family, Sue and Bruce Herriott, granddaughters Tracy Bozanich and her
husband, Tim, and Christy Raway and her husband, Steve, and
great-grandchildren Zachary and Tori Bozanich and Jacob Raway, all of
Hemet, Calif. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Services were
Friday, June 4, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke
officiating. Pallbearers were Earl Ball, Bysor Shelenhamer, Bob Brown,
Ronnie Burrow, Bob Payne and Roy Austin. Interment was in Humansville
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Los
Angeles in care of Murray Funeral Home, P.O. Box 93, Humansville MO 65674.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Lois Arlett Larcom, 57, Garden City, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at
Research Medical Center, Kansas City. The daughter of Harold Raymond and
Gladys Mae Mitchell Brown, she was born Feb. 8, 1942, in Fair Play. On
Aug. 13, 1960, she was united in marriage to James LeRoy Larcom in
Humansville. She was a 1960 graduate of Stockton High School and had lived
in Stockton and Grandview before moving to Garden City in 1971. She was a
homemaker and a member of the First Christian Church, Garden City, where
she was baptized in September 1972. She had attended the Grace Tabernacle
Church in Harrisonville for the past 14 years, where she served as Sunday
school teacher, superintendent, secretary, mid-week Bible teacher and
Vacation Bible School teacher for third and fourth grades. She had been a
Cub Scout den mother and was active in working against abortion. She was
preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Boone. Survivors include her
husband, James L. Larcom, and a daughter, Connie S. Larcom, both of the
home; two sons, Ed D. Larcom and his wife, Robin, of Harrisonville and
David L. Larcom and his wife, Jamie, of Garden City; six grandchildren,
Amber, Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Melissa, Heather and Alison; her parents,
Raymond and Gladys Mae Brown, Fair Play; a brother, Raymond L. Brown and
his wife, Kay, Raytown; two sisters, Linda Taylor and her husband, Jerry,
Stockton, and Carol Poppe, Nixa; four nieces, seven nephews and many other
relatives and friends.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Preston Newton Mackey, 91, Chatsworth, Calif., died at 7:20 p.m. May 19,
1999, at his residence after a lingering illness. He was a former longtime
resident of the Bolivar and Polk County area. He was born Sept. 1, 1907,
in Polk County, the son of Hardie Sylvester and Lucy Scroggins Mackey. He
was the youngest of five children and the last one of his immediate
family. He had retired from the Lockheed Corporation as a drop hammer
operator. Surviving are his wife, Stella, of the home; his stepdaughter
and her husband, Geri and Don Grabb; his stepson, Lawrence Whiteborn; two
step-grandchildren, Don. W. Grabb and Donilee Salazar; and one
step-great-granddaughter, Jennifer Salazar. Also surviving are nieces,
nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and many friends.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, in the Butler Funeral
Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will
follow in the Morrisville Cemetery.

Preston Mackey, 92, Chatsworth, Calif., formerly of Bolivar, died
Wednesday, May 19, 1999, in his home. Survivors include his wife, Stella;
two children, Jeri Grabb and Larry Whitehouse; two grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Boyd
Mackey, and a sister, Cora Perryman; and his first wife, Iola. The body
was cremated. Memorial services will be at a later date.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Wayne Matthews, 48, High Ridge, died Monday, May 3, 1999, in St. Joseph
Hospital, Kirkwood, following a sudden illness. He was born April 23,
1951, in Bolivar to Henry F. and Gladys L. Mathis Matthews. He was of the
Assembly of God faith. He was employed by Chrysler Corporation, building
Dodge trucks. Survivors include his wife, Beverly, of the home; a son and
daughter-in-law, Robert Wayne and Christy Matthews of Fort Leonard Wood;
two stepsons and daughters-in-law, Stacey Allen and Jennifer Sikes of
Climax Springs and Jason Eugene and Robyn Sikes of Bolivar; three
daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie Marie Cotter-Falcon and her husband,
Randy, of Springfield, Malinda Sue and Dr. Brian Hackelman of Pleasant
Hill and Jessica Matthews of Pleasant Hope; three brothers, Ray Hooper,
state of Texas, Kenny Hooper of St. Louis and Jerry Matthews, state of
Florida; three sisters, Ardena Stokes and Mary Coursey, both of
Springfield, and Dixie Moucheron of Pittsburg; three grandchildren, Chante
Falcon of Springfield, Brianna Sikes of Bolivar and Casey Sikes of Forest,
Ark.; parents-in-law Lige and Joyce Williams of Bolivar and Jim and Betty
Hall of Morrisville; brothers- and sisters-in-law Hollis and Denise Hall
and Danny and Trish Hall, all of Bolivar; as well as numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8,
in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Lyle Shullis officiating. Burial will follow
in Rondo Cemetery. Visitation hours will be announced by Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Olen W. Mundy, 78, Brighton, died Monday morning, May 10, 1999, after a
short illness. He was born in Burford, Ga., on March 30, 1921, the son of
William A. and Jodelia Magness Mundy. He was reared and attended school in
the Burford, Ga., area. On March 22, 1944, he was united in marriage to
Ella Marie Cross, who preceded him in death in 1995. He enlisted in the
U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division during WWII as a
paratrooper and medical corpsman. Following his discharge in 1945, he
joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a medical technician and hospital
administrator, both in Europe and the U.S., until his retirement in 1961
as a chief master sergeant. Upon retirement from military service, he
began farming at Brighton. He was employed with Coffey and Rhodes Plumbing
at Morrisville and the Bolivar Lumber Company. In later years he was a
carpenter and did custom mowing and hay baling in Polk County. He was a
member of the Grand Lodge No. 467, A.F. & A.M., in Pleasant Hope, Joplin
Valley Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and American Legion Post No. 138.
Survivors include a son, James W. Mundy, Pleasant Hope; two daughters and
a son-in-law, Barbara and Sam Stephens of Bolivar and Dorothy Pace of
Jefferson City; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Christine Ridgeway,
Lorene and Lennie Roebuck, Willie and Herbert Hosch and Audrey Dalton, all
of the state of Georgia; five grandchildren and their spouses, Kathryn and
Capt. Mark Brady of Fort Riley, Kan., Sam and Barbara Stephens of
Brighton, Angelique and Brian Foster of Seminole, Fla., William A. Mundy
of Pleasant Hope and Bobby Stephens of Springfield; and three
great-grandchildren, Derrik and Gabrielle Stephens and Shelby Mundy.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 13, in Brighton
Cemetery. Military honor guard will be the 509th Bomb Wing from Whiteman
Air Force Base. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Friends may call at their convenience at the funeral home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Jason Lei Murphey II and Robert Dale Murphey died Saturday, May 22, 1999,
in their home as a result of an accidental fire. Jason was 3 years, 8
months and 10 days old and Robert was 1 year, 2 months and 14 days old.
Jason was born Sept. 12, 1995, and Robert was born March 8, 1998. They
were the sons of Jason and Billie Murphey. They are survived by their
parents, Jason and Billie Murphey of Bolivar; grandparents Ronnie and
Karen Murphey of Bolivar and Bob Altic and Tammy Burks of Brighton; a
great-grandmother, Hazel Walker of Urbana, and a great-grandfather, Robert
Altic of Brighton. A host of other relatives and friends also mourn their
passing. Graveside services were Tuesday, May 25, in Slagle Cemetery with
Pastor Terry Caldwell officiating. Casketbearers were Michael Murphey,
Patrick Murphey, Andy Altic and James Dilday. Arrangements were under the
direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Anna Marie Pierce, 90, Brighton, formerly of Bolivar, died Wednesday, May
12, 1999, at her daughter's home following a long illness. She was born
Oct. 12, 1908, in Thayer to Edward and Anna Marie Varone Bauer. She was
united in marriage to James O. (J.O.) Pierce, who preceded her in death.
She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, John Robert Pierce of
Houston, Texas, and Joseph Glen Pierce of Strousberg, Ill.; four
daughters, Betty DeArman of Brighton, Jacqueline Watson of Overland Park,
Kan., Adele Tallman of Kansas City, Kan., and Patsy Beatty of Springfield;
a brother, Alex Bauer, and a sister, Emma Woolridge, both of Tulsa, Okla.;
26 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband; a daughter, Virginia; a granddaughter, Linda; two brothers and
one sister. Graveside services were Saturday, May 15, in Thayer City
Cemetery, Thayer, with the Rev. Paul Coltharp officiating. Arrangements
were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
William E. Rader, 80, Hemet, Calif., formerly of Bolivar, died Tuesday,
May 5, in Hemet, Calif. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by
Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Helen M. Reed, 87, Bolivar, died at 1:23 p.m. Sunday, May 30, 1999, in Cox
Medical Center South following a sudden illness. She was born in Des
Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 1912. She married Darrel Reed in 1934 and they
lived in Des Moines until 1974, at which time they moved to Bolivar.
Darrel passed away in 1977. She had lived alone in their Bolivar home,
enjoying good health and being active and alert until her sudden death.
Helen graduated from East High in Des Moines and worked for many years in
accounting and secretarial jobs. Her last position was with the Des Moines
school district, from which she retired in 1974. She loved to travel and
took many trips over the years in the West, especially through the Rocky
Mountains. She was also active in her church and was a regular bowler in
the Seniors League up until her death. Most of all, Helen loved spending
time with her family. Her two sons, their wives and her four grandchildren
were the delight of her life. She enjoyed a special relationship with Oral
and Francis Yancy of Stockton and Jim and Glenda Yancy of Wichita, Kan.
Helen will be greatly missed. She is survived by her two sons and
daughters-in-law, Darrel Jr. and wife Patty of Ketchum, Idaho, and Jim and
wife Terri of Des Moines, Iowa; and four grandchildren, David, Heather,
Greg and Jennifer. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 3, at the
Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Rod Campbell officiating. Burial will
be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove. Arrangements are under the
direction of Pitts Chapel. Visitation will be open all day today
(Wednesday) in the funeral home with formal visitation this evening from 7
to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nazarene
or the American Heart Association.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Anita Marcine Davison Reed, 77, Bolivar, died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday, May
20, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital's Parkview Health Care Facility,
of complications from pneumonia. Marcine was born March 1, 1922, in Half
Way, the daughter of Melvin McGurman and Eunice May Standley Davison. Her
parents and elder sister, Karleen Richner of Bolivar, preceded her in
death. As a child she attended Half Way Baptist Church and Mt. Olive,
living in Polk County until her marriage in Bolivar on Aug. 21, 1940, to
David Wooderson Reed. David was a member of the Christian Church and the
youngest son of Arthur Clyde and Dixie Wooderson Reed of Bolivar and San
Antonio, Texas. Marcine and David have three children: Bettyann, Susan and
David Alan ("D.A.") Reed. Marcine was intensely interested in every person
whose life touched hers. She had an enormous zest for and an insatiable
curiosity about life. She loved the outdoors and vividly remembered
climbing trees as a girl, looking at the horizon and longing to know what
was "out there." She was able to fulfill these dreams by traveling to all
50 states and dozens of foreign countries with David during their
nearly-59-year marriage. Marcine was elected president of her senior class
at Bolivar High School, was the founding editor of BHS's first newspaper,
Tiger Tracks, and was a soloist in the BHS Glee Club and Chorus. When
David earned his doctoral degree at the University of Michigan in Ann
Arbor in 1948, he accepted a position with the English department of the
University of California, Berkeley. During the family's cross-country
move, they were visiting in Bolivar at the time of the first Simón
Bolívar celebration on July 5, 1948, an especially meaningful festival
for Marcine, since they had previously lived in Latin America for nearly
two years. Marcine and David chose St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Albany,
Calif., as the family's place of worship. Marcine was contralto soloist in
the Senior Choir, directed the Junior Choir and sang on the church's
monthly radio program. In 1951, after three years of formal training, she
gave a public concert. She was invited to audition for the San Francisco
Opera chorus, but felt she must decline this honor because of family
responsibilities. As a homemaker she was an unusually inventive and
adventurous cook and a highly accomplished seamstress and tailor. Her
family honors Marcine's special personal symbols, the red rose and the
cardinal, or redbird. Marcine developed exceptional volunteer skills,
organizing several successful fund-raising events for her church. For many
years she was the volunteer librarian at her children's elementary school.
Later, she accepted the paid position of assistant manager of the
children's department at Sather Gate Book Shop in Berkeley, Calif., where
she worked for five happy and enriching years. In 1970, Marcine and David
moved to Evanston, Ill., where David had accepted the chairmanship of
Northwestern University's Linguistics Department. There they joined St.
Mark's Episcopal Church; Marcine joined the University Women and the
Episcopal Church Women groups. Marcine became a trained volunteer for
Evanston Hospital's "Care Corps" and for years was on 24-hour call to
calm, soothe and listen to frightened, often terminally ill, patients. She
voluntarily extended her role to that of patient advocate, a pioneering
concept then, and provided loving intercession between patients and the
medical community, helping to create a more humane quality in her
patients' care plans. She joined the Evanston Mental Health Association
and the Nursing Home Association to help follow her Care Corps patients'
progress after they left the hospital. Soon Marcine became Director of the
Care Corps and trained other volunteers. She delivered a paper entitled
"Maintaining the Patient's Human Dignity" at the Human Rights Workshop of
the Illinois Nurses' Association's annual meeting in May 1975. In 1976 she
was named "Volunteer of the Year" by the Evanston Mental Health
Association, and she received a service commendation from the Nursing Home
Association. On her retirement from Care Corps in 1986, Evanston Hospital
honored Marcine with a going-away tea, the first time the hospital had
ever extended such an honor to a volunteer. Marcine was an avid reader,
and she attended classes at the University of Missouri (Columbia),
University of California (Berkeley) and DePaul University's School for New
Learning (Chicago). She wrote several papers on the topic of volunteerism,
one notably titled, "Them As Gives, Gets!" (December 1977). In Bolivar,
she became the second president of the Polk County Library chapter of
Friends of the Library and coordinated bringing a Chautauqua to the
Bolivar community in 1991, under the sponsorship of the Missouri
Humanities Council. In 1997, Marcine organized the return visit to Bolivar
of two outstanding authors (also through the MHC), to lecture on The Role
of Women in the Westward Movement. Marcine and David helped found St.
Alban's in the Ozarks Episcopal Church in Bolivar. In the February 1998
church newsletter, Marcine said, "My...affiliaffon with St. Alban's in the
Ozarks has been one of immense wonder and gratification, watching it
grow...and it has been an honor to serve it in any way I can. Such a
diversity of people-there is great strength in that! I give thanks daily
for our good fortune, and I will continue to try to be worthy of God's
many blessings in the very full and happy life I've had....I have said,
since childhood, 'I want to live to be 100 and turn to whetrock!' Now, God
hasn't told me yet whether or not He agrees with my game plan, but since
He's in charge, He'll make the call. And I accept that. Meanwhile, I will
continue to give thanks for every day that is mine, and to live as
joyously as I know how. And by the way, I'm still a kid at heart, too: I
climbed a tree last June 10th! I like to think God smiled when, at age 75,
I proved I could still do that!" Marcine is survived by her husband, David
W. Reed of Bolivar, and by their children, Bettyann Reed of Bolivar, Susan
Reed of Portland, Maine, and D.A. Reed of Oakland, Calif. She is also
survived by six grandchildren: Rachel Reed Dushoff Hess of North Myrtle
Beach, S.C.; Anita Marcine Reed of Bolivar; David Charles Bird of Euless,
Texas; Jennifer Diane Reed of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Michael Wise Reed
and Alexander David Reed of Oakland, Calif.; two great-granddaughters,
Sarah Marcine Reed and Mariah Nicole Reed of Bolivar; one sister, Mary
Vevelle D. Lodge of Muskogee, Okla.; one brother, Jack Davison of New
York, N.Y.; one brother-in-law, Ralph Richner of Bolivar; and numerous
other relatives and friends. Marcine Reed never met a stranger. A
Celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Burial of the Dead was conducted by
Father John West of St. Alban's in the Ozarks on Monday, May 24, at Butler
Funeral Home. Sage, Jennie, Anita and D.A. Reed did lay readings of
scriptural passages; Bettyann, Susan and D.A. Reed read poetry selections.
Music was provided by Jack Davison's early recording of The Lord's Prayer;
and by Kathy Brown, St. Alban's organist, including the final hymn, "The
Strife is O'er." Marcine's white burial robe with appliqued red roses was
handmade by Bettyann Reed. Pallbearers were D.A. Reed, David Bird, Rod
Hooper, Robert Richner, John McGaughey and Raymond Robertson. Honorary
pallbearers were Ralph Richner, Charles Neuhart, Howard Bassett and Dennis
Watkins. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery, where Brahms' Lullabye was
played to close the brief graveside ceremony. Donations to the Polk County
Library Building Campaign, earmarked for the Marcine D. Reed Memorial
Children's Book Fund, would be gratefully appreciated as an ongoing honor
to Marcine's lifelong devotion to children, books and reading.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
George Raymond Samek, 43, Bolivar, died Monday, May 10, 1999, in his home.
He was born Aug. 30, 1955, to Frank C. and Vera Pauline Jones Samek. He
graduated from Bolivar High School with the class of 1973. He was a farmer
and of the Catholic faith. Survivors include a daughter, Jayme Samek of
Bolivar; a son, Eric Samek of San Diego, Calif.; a granddaughter, Taylor
Samek of Bolivar; four brothers, Charles Samek of New York, N.Y., Frank J.
Samek and his wife, Sandra, of Bolivar, James E. Samek and his wife,
Patsy, of Springfield, and Michael Samek and his wife, Tamara, of Bolivar;
five sisters, Frances Mowles and her husband, Dan, of Springfield, Martha
Wolf and her husband, Danny, of Bolivar, Mary Wakefield and her husband,
Bruce, of Aldrich, Barbara Miller and her husband, Jim, of Springfield,
and Jeanne Furgerson and her husband, Dave, of Springfield; as well as
numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a
brother, John Samek, and a sister, Joan Hall. Mass of Christian Burial was
Friday, May 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father David Hulshof
presiding. Burial was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Cantors were members of
the parish. Lector was Jeff Wolf. Altar server was Jim Otradovec. Organist
was Helen Stander. Pallbearers were Eric Samek, Johnny Hall, Andy Hall,
Chris Zanatta, Charles Samek and Jim Miller. Honorary pallbearers were
Danny Wolf, Mark Jones, Roger Brown, Jeff Meador, Matthew Wakefield and
Dennis Hancock. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Ruth M. Taylor, 77, Aldrich, died at 2:49 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 1999, in
St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was born July 23,
1921, near Aldrich to Elmer and Carrie Boyd Rowan. She was married to
Keith N. Taylor on April 19, 1940, in Greenfield. She was a member of the
Aldrich Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her
two brothers, Thea and Leslie. Survivors include her husband, Keith, of
Aldrich; a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and R.J. Serls of Bolivar; a son,
Gene Taylor of Aldrich; a daughter, Cindy Taylor of Clarksville, Tenn.;
four grandchildren and their spouses, Beth and Tim Francka of Bolivar,
Brian and Sonya Taylor of Aldrich, Amy and Brian Thompson of Bolivar and
Natalie and Paul Gilmore of Aldrich; six great-grandchildren, Samantha and
Tabitha Francka of Bolivar and Tiffany, Keith Elliott, Michael and Bryant
Taylor of Aldrich. Services were Saturday, May 8, in Butler Funeral Home
Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Music was provided by
Doris Neely, who sang "Roses Will Bloom Again." Additional music included
recorded versions of some of Ruth's favorite songs, including "Amazing
Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Casketbearers were Brian Thompson, Paul
Gilmore, Brian Taylor, Tim Francka, Randy Hall and David Phillips.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Joe Willis Tinsley, 78, Humansville, died Tuesday morning, May 11, 1999,
at Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Dec. 22, 1920, in Wheatland to
Asa Roy and Edna Francis Pitts Tinsley. At the age of 10, he moved with
his family to southeast of Flemington, where he spent the remainder of his
life. He was a member of the Rondo Baptist Church. During World War II, he
was drafted into the U.S. Army and served through combat duty in the
Philippines, New Guinea and the East Indies, receiving three Bronze Stars
and a Purple Heart. In 1948 he purchased the farm adjoining his parents,
and on March 17, 1951, he was married to Irene Anderson. To this union
were born three daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; two
brothers-in-law, Russell Duncan and Roy Bishop; a sister-in-law, Mary Ruth
Tinsley; and a nephew, Donald Joe Duncan. Survivors include his wife,
Irene, of the home; three daughters and their husbands, Ella Jean and John
Nelson of Dunnegan, Vonna and Don Bauer of Bolivar and Kathy and Joe
DuBose of Fort Knox, Ky.; one brother, Eugene Tinsley, and two sisters,
Lucille Bishop and Mary Duncan, all of Humansville. Also surviving are six
grandchildren, Kevin Nelson, Courtney and Corey Bauer, Alicia, LeAnn and
Nathan DuBose; five step-grandchildren, Johnny, Rhonda, Melissa and Daniel
Nelson and Stephanie Bauer; 14 step-great-grandchildren and many nieces,
nephews and friends. Services were Friday, May 14, in the Murray Funeral
Home with the Rev. Charles Johnson and the Rev. Joe Coppedge officiating.
Music was provided by Bob and Sandy Lovett. Pallbearers were John Nelson,
Don Bauer, Joe DuBose, Joe Steffens, Jim Chaney, Bob Chaney and Randy
Garretson. Interment was in the Humansville Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Robert Andrew Vassar, 81, Flemington, died Monday, May 10, 1999, in Truman
Lake Manor, Lowry City. The son of Grover S. and Pearl Violet Christner
Vassar, he was born April 28, 1918, at Arcadia, Kan. He married Dorothy E.
Jessee April 18, 1952. She preceded him in death March 31, 1990. In 1980,
he moved to the Lake Pomme de Terre area near Flemington. He was a retired
heavy equipment operator for the Jackson County Highway Department.
Survivors include two children, Richard Vassar, Flemington, and Rhonda
Scranton, Independence; three stepchildren, Evelyn Tittle, Independence,
Kenneth Irvine, Raytown, and Norman Irvine, Lone Jack; nine grandchildren
and several great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m.
today (Wednesday) in Kroger Cemetery near Lone Jack. Arrangements are
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, May 1999:
Paul Newton "Little Newt" Willis, 18, Bolivar, formerly of Marshfield,
died at 4:52 p.m. Sunday, May 9, 1999, in his home after a five-year
illness from complications of lupus. He had almost completed his junior
year at Bolivar High School and was a member of the Highway Assembly of
God Church at Brighton. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul
Willis, and grandparents James Carrier, Wilma Gauss and Henry and Bea
Willis. Survivors include his mother, Carita; a sister, Carrie Floyd, and
her husband, Frank; and two nieces, Shyan and Sheslay Floyd, all of
Bolivar; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be at 3 p.m.
today (Wednesday) in the Fraker Funeral Home, Marshfield, with the Rev.
C.J. Greer officiating. Burial will be in the Marshfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Newt Willis Memorial Fund, c/o
Metropolitan National Bank, Marshfield.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Jack Brollier, 63, Bolivar, died in Springfield Monday, April 5, 1999,
following a heart attack. He was born Nov. 12, 1935, in Pleasant Hope, the
son of Melvin Lyle and Mavis Helen Thompson Brollier. He was a
self-employed business man and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
the Knights of Columbus and the Kansas City Indian Club. He had also been
a bus driver for many years. On April 24, 1953, he was united in marriage
to Patricia Maisch, and to this union three children were born. He is
survived by his wife, Patricia, of the home; two sons, Jackie L. Brollier
Jr., Springfield, and James L. Brollier and his wife, Dodie, Bolivar; a
daughter, Jay Lene Brollier, Kansas City; a brother and sister-in-law,
Bobbie Joe and Renote Brollier, Bolivar; three sisters, Beckie Oberhelman
of Lee's Summit, Vickie Lynn Daniel of Sugar Creek and Lois Denise Catts
of Grandview; his stepfather, Roy Nett, Sugar Creek; an uncle, Virgil
Thompson of Van; and four grandchildren, Jackie Lee Brollier III, state of
Texas, Joshua Lee Brollier and Jennifer Lynn Brollier, both of Bolivar,
and Jamie Lee Brollier of Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by his
parents and a grandson, James Lyle Brollier Jr. Rosary service was
Thursday evening, April 8. Liturgy of Christian Burial was Friday, April
9, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Bill Krudwig presiding.
Music was provided by Erin Simmons, accompanied by Moriece Skarvan. Altar
server was Adam Quennos. Lector was Frances Haralson. Burial followed in
New Bethel Cemetery, Half Way. Pallbearers were Darrell Riley, David
Havens, Larry Hull, Gary Keeling, Russ Martin, Bill Casset and Don
Cumming. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Mary Ellen Brown, 90, Collierville, Tenn., formerly of Polk, died Monday,
April 19, 1999, in the Collierville Rehab and Care Center following a
lingering illness. She was born July 3, 1908, in Polk to William and Effei
Pope Payne. She was united in marriage Oct. 6, 1924, to Willie Brown, and
he preceded her in death in 1937. She was a homemaker and a member of True
Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Sruvivors include a son, Robert D. Brown,
Atlanta, Ga., and a daughter, Erlene DeForest, Germantown, Tenn.; a
sister, Wilma Inglis of Polk; and several grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband; two brothers, Russell Payne and Noel Payne; and four sisters,
Zelah Payne, Beulah Payne, Alene Bridges and Lorene Gorden. Services will
be at 1 p.m. Friday, April 23, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Keith Frieze
officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Ricky Wayne Campbell, 35, Bolivar, died Saturday, April 3, 1999, in a fire
at his home. The son of Vancel and Mae Yokley Campbell, he was born May 4,
1963, at Humansville. He was united in marriage to Denna Kay Garzee on
Feb. 25, 1999. Ricky was a very loving husband and wonderful devoted
daddy. He adored his children. Rick was a very hard worker. He was a
laid-back country boy and enjoyed the simpler things in life. It didn't
take a lot to make him happy. He made an impression on people as a caring
person. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who survive.
Survivors include his wife, Denna, of the home; his parents, Vancel and
May Campbell, Half Way; three children, Thomas of Springfield and Ricky
and Kayla, both of Bolivar; two stepchildren, Heather and Heath Francka,
both of Bolivar; two brothers, Rex Campbell of Half Way and Robby Campbell
and his wife, Andrea, of Bolivar; three sisters, Mary Garzee and her
husband, Terry, of Half Way, Patty Price and Casey Mashburn of Bolivar and
Penny Wilson and her husband, Clint, of Dunnegan; and several aunts,
uncles, nieces and nephews. Services were Tuesday, April 6, in Murray
Chapel with the Rev. Virgil Kearney officiating. Honorary pallbearers were
Terry Long, Gary Long, Scott Mincks, Terry Garzee, Leon Simpson, Donnie
Johnson,Virgil Black, Joe Skzarek and Casey Mashburn. Cremation was under
the direction of Murray Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
David Lewis Clark, 79, Humansville, died Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at Big
Spring Care Center in Humansville. He was born Feb. 26, 1920, in St.
Joseph. On Aug. 8, 1991, he was married to Wilma Burlingame Willis.
Following their marriage they lived in Humansville before moving to
Clinton for a short time, returning to Humansville in September 1997. He
was a carpenter and a retired employee of Clearfield Cheese Co. in
Clinton. He was a member of Humansville First Baptist Church. Survivors
include his wife, Wilma, of the home; a sister, Helen Fletcher of St.
Joseph; and a half-sister, Lyda Barnes of Lowry City. Graveside services
were Friday, April 9, in Dunnegan Cemetery with the Rev. John Spencer
officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home,
Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Lowell B. Davis, 78, Stockton, passed away at his home on Saturday, April
10, 1999, following an extended illness. The son of William Coy and Nora
Gertrude Davis, he was born May 7, 1920, in Cedar County. On Jan. 17,
1946, Lowell was united in marriage with Trevie Dryer. To this union were
born five children: John, James, Esther, Ruth and Lois. Lowell lived his
life in Cedar County where he spent his life as a farmer. He was a veteran
of World War II. He was a loving husband and father. He was saved Oct. 19,
1952. He was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Lowell loved
the Lord and was devoted to serving him. Hes greatest desire was for his
entire family to hear the gospel and be saved as well as all other people.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Loren. Survivors
include his wife, Trevie, of the home; a brother, Jackson Davis, and his
wife, Denzil, of Fair Play; his children and their families, John Davis
and his wife, Phillis, and their two children, son Brad and his wife,
Lori, and daughter Amanda, all of Springfield; James Davis and his wife,
Kathy, and their daughters, Sarah and Audrey, of Willard; Esther and her
husband, Maxx Hatz, and their son, Quinn, of Boulder, Colo.; Ruth and her
husband, Gary Selby, and their daughters, Tiffany and Tara, of Kimberling
City; and Lois and her husband, John Thomas, of Springfield; a
sister-in-law, Sina Davis of Bolivar; several nieces, nephews and many
friends. Lowell will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services
were Tuesday, April 13, in Butler Chapel with Bro. Mike Bruce and Bro.
Garland Pool officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich.
Music was provided by Robbie Pool, Verna Winfiel, Amy Dryer and Ramona
Dryer, vocalists, and Lucinda Crouch, pianist, and included "I Will Not Be
a Stranger," "Victory in Jesus," "Blessed be the Name of the Lord" and
"Precious Memories." A congregational hymn, "Amazing Grace," was also
sung. Casketbearers were Tim Cooper, Rick, Larson, Bill Dryer, Danny
Dryer, Jerry Winfiel and Brad Davis. Honorary casketbearers were Frank
Wallen, Bill Ethridge, Larry Marlin, Don DeShazo and Oral Yancey. Memorial
contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospice.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Shawn Allen DeGraffenreid, son of Rick and Alexis DeGraffenreid, was born
Feb. 10, 1973, in Memphis, Tenn. He died April 7, 1999, in Hays, Kan.,
from injuries sustained in a fall from a communications tower he was
building. Shawn was a resident of Bolivar from 1978 until the time of his
death. He was a Bolivar High School graduate and completed one year at
Vatterott College with a heating and air conditioning degree in 1996. He
was the second of four children. His oldest brother, James E.
DeGraffenreid, resides in Franklin, Ky., with his wife, Kansie, and his
two young sons, Joshua Charles, six and a half, and Cooper Wade, 15 days.
His youngest brother, Baron C. DeGraffenreid, and his sister, Kya N.
DeGraffenreid, reside in Bolivar. Shawn was saved in a revival held by the
Rev. Donald Bybee at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on July 14, 1990.
He joined Calvary Baptist Church that year and was baptized into her
fellowship. At the time of his death he was a member of Mount Olive
Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas County. He was always anxious to
attend when he was back home on visits. There were many things he enjoyed
doing, but the one thing he loved was to sing for the Lord. He never
turned down an opportunity when asked to sing. His favorite song was
"Walking Home." He was a loving son and brother who loved to spend time
with his family and church friends. He was quick-witted and lively and
loved his work. He was never selfish or cruel, and he was always there to
lend a helping hand. He was just our Shawny. His life was a testimony of
the things that really matter. He had peace with God in knowing he had a
heavenly home waiting for him; a family who loved him and whom he loved
and missed often when he was away, and friends; he never knew a stranger.
He will be missed by his parents, brothers and sister, nephews,
grandparents Dr. Robert E. and Nancy J. Gittings and Charles W. and
Dorothy M. DeGraffenreid, and many aunts and uncles. Although he is not
with us, we have peace in knowing that he is walking and talking with our
Lord and rejoicing in heaven. Services were Saturday, April 10, at Calvary
Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Paul Cofer officiating. Burial
followed in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich. Arrangements were under the
direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Polycystic Kidney Research Foundation, 4901 Main St., Kansas City MO
64112.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Gladys Franchett, 93, Bolivar, formerly of Kansas City, Kan., died
Saturday, April 24, 1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center,
Springfield. She was born April 7, 1906, in Barnes, Kan., moving to
Bolivar five years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kan. Survivors include three
sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Joyce Franchett of Apple Valley,
Minn., Phillip and Marcia Franchett of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and Paul and
Gladys Franchett of San Antonio, Texas; three daughters and two
sons-in-law, Mary and Richard McGinnis of Bolivar, Teresa and Jim Brown of
Kansas City, Kan., and Sister Katherine Franchett, SCL, of Leavenworth,
Kan.; 21 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and four
grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, April 27, in Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church, Kansas City, Kan., with burial following in Mt.
Calvary Cemetery. Local arrangements were under the direction of Pitts
Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart
Association or the American Diabetes Association.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Hurshel Ray Frye, 69, Springfield, died Monday, April 12, 1999, in Medical
Center of Plano in Plano, Texas, following a short illness. He was born
April 11, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, to Jack Carl and Dorothy Nell Martin
Frye. He was a self-employed pool builder and a member of the Ozark
Whittlers and Wood Carving Club of Springfield. Survivors include his
wife, Sharon, of the home; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Mark and
Christa Frye of Grafenwoehr, Germany, and Hurshel Lee Fry of Seagoville,
Texas; a daughter, Yaell Flores of Cedar Hill, Texas; and five
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services were
Saturday, April 17, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Doyle Mayfield officiating.
Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Lewgene Gates, 79, Pleasant Hope, died Tuesday, April 27, 1999, in her
home. She was born in Pleasant Hope on March 31, 1920, to Raymond and
Beulah Acock Goldsberry. She was a lifelong resident of Pleasant Hope. She
was united in marriage to Ralph C. Gates on Oct. 28, 1961, and was
employed for many years as a cook at the Pleasant Hope Elementary School.
She was saved at an early age and was a member of Providence Missionary
Baptist Church at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Ralph, in 1975. Survivors include a nephew, Clyde Hoover, and his
wife, Mamie, Pleasant Hope; a half-sister, Francis Beasley, Fair Grove; a
special cousin, Thelma Stephens, Pleasant Hope; and a host of nieces,
nephews and cousins. Services were Friday, April 30, in Pitts Chapel with
Bro. DeWayne Burdette officiating. Burial followed in Brighton Cemetery.
Music was provided by the Providence Church Choir. Pallbearers were
Delbert Choate, Jod Dohle, Bob Lawrence, Michael Erwin, Robert Polodna and
Carlos Hodson.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
David P. Girod, 68, Dunnegan, died Thursday, April 29, 1999, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital. The son of Peter S. and Mary D. Wickey Girod, he was
born near Berne, Ind., Oct. 17, 1930. A former resident of Curryville, he
had resided near Dunnegan for the past four years. He was a member of the
Old Order Amish Church. Survivors include seven brothers and two sisters;
Josephine of Curryville, Samuel of Bowling Green, Rueben of New Haven,
Ind., August of Vevay, Ind., Enos of Curryville, Peter Jr. of Bowling
Green, Ben of Ovid, Mich., Jake of Dunnegan and Emma of Curryville. Also
surviving are many nephews and nieces and several aunts and uncles.
Services were Friday, April 30, at the Jake Girod residence at Dunnegan. A
second service was held Sunday, May 2, at the David E. Girod residence at
Bowling Green. Officiating bishops were Lester Kuhns and Chris Borntrager.
Pallbearers were Moses Kinsinger, Ernest Borntrager, Elmer Borntrager,
Paul Kuhns, John Paul Coletti, Ervin Hilty, Amos Beachy and Andrew Eicher.
Interment was in the Amish Cemetery, Bowling Green. Arrangements were
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Robert Lewis "Bob" Glester, 49, Bolivar, died at 8:10 a.m. Friday, April
16, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital from an apparent heart attack. He
was born Aug. 30, 1949, in Lakewood, N.J., to William and Bettie Jo
Glester. He graduated from Central Regional High School, Bayville, N.J.,
and attended Ocean County College, Toms River, N.J. He was a past member
of the Ocean County Mummers String Band and a past member of the Island
Heights Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey. He moved to Bolivar in
1973 and has been a local area builder and has worked for C&C Farm Supply
for the past two and a half years. Survivors include his parents, Bill and
Bettie Jo Glester, Bolivar; a brother, William J. Glester Jr., and his
wife, Karen, of South Palm Beach, Fla.; a sister, Donna Cox, and her
husband, Joe, of Bolivar; three nieces, Wendy Glester, Jennifer Pendleton
and Abby Jo Cox; two nephews, William J. Glester III and Jimmy Cox; a
great-niece, Hailey Glester; and many other relatives and friends.
Services were Monday, April 19, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the
Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Music was provided by Max Baer, soloist,
and Carol Francka, accompanist. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Casketbearers were Jerry Sukovaty, Marty Coleman, Larry Johnson, Paul
Coleman, Mark Stanek and Don Gray.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
William F. Goebel, 77, Chillicothe, Ill., formerly of Bolivar, died at
1:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 1999, at Proctor Hospital, Peoria, Ill. Born
July 10, 1921, in Secor, Ill., to George and Henrietta Gasner Goebel, he
married Alba L. Ghezzo on Oct. 18, 1947, in Washington, Ill. He was a
World War II Navy veteran and had worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 41 years,
retiring in 1980 as a planning engineer. He was a member of St. Edward
Catholic Church. He had been a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Bolivar for 10 years. Survivors include his wife, Alba, of the home; four
sons, Gerry Goebel of Davenport, Iowa, Steve Goebel of Milan, Ill., Dave
Goebel of Mount Zion, Ill., and Tom Goebel of Schaumburg, Ill.; one
daughter, Maria McGee of Schaumburg, Ill.; three brothers, George Goebel
of Washington, Ill., Stanley Goebel, state of Arizona, and Leo Goebel of
Florissant; four sisters, Thyra Meyer and Henrietta Ritchie, both of
Eureka, Ill.; Belle Chismark of Chillicothe, Ill., and Mardell Brandt of
Peoria, Ill.; and 13 grandchildren. One brother preceded him in death.
Services were Monday, April 12, at St. Edward Catholic Church,
Chillicothe, Ill., with burial following in Chillicothe City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Edward Catholic Church.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Wilma Lee Mayfield Highfill, 84, Pleasant Hope, died Sunday, April 11,
1999. She was born to Troy and Nell Mayfield on Sept. 8, 1914, at Red Top.
She was saved at the age of 13 and joined the Rock Prairie Missionary
Baptist Church where she remained a member until her death. She married
Wilbur Highfill on Dec. 24, 1935, and to this union were born two
daughters and one son. She is survived by her husband, Wilbur, of the
home; two daughters, Louise Dukes of Pleasant Hope and Shirley Highfill of
Mayview; one son and his wife, Rex and Carolyn Highfill of Stotts City;
one sister, Lizzie Lou Thomas of Monett; 13 grandchildren and 27
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and
Nell Mayfield; one sister, Mildred Murray; two brothers, James O. and Glen
Mayfield; one granddaughter, Crystal Highfill; and two
great-granddaughters. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Rock
Prairie Church with burial following in Rock Prairie Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Merrill L. Hunt, 71, Bolivar, died at 12:20 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 1999,
in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was a retired architect and
had lived in the Bolivar area for the past 18 years. He is survived by two
sons, Scott Hunt of Avondale and Alan Hunt of Kansas City; two brothers,
Darrell Hunt, state of California, and Wayne Hunt; a sister, Ellen
Barkley, Parsons, Kan.; and one grandchild. Arrangements are incomplete
and will be announced by Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Dolores Eileen Ingold, 79, Brookfield, died Tuesday, April 13, 1999, at
Columbia Regional Hospital, Columbia. The daughter of Paul Edward and Nina
Mae Brownlee Thon, she was born Aug. 11, 1919, in Rock Island, Ill. On
March 4, 1944, she married Glen Milo Ingold in Keokuk, Iowa. She was a
member of the Park Baptist Church, a volunteer for the American Cancer
Society and a member of the Brott Social Club. She graduated from Graham
Nursing School in 1941 and did post-graduate work at St. Louis City
Hospital. She had worked as a registered nurse for Children's Mercy
Hospital, Research Hospital, McLarney Manor and Pioneer Health Center and
as director of nursing for St. Francis Long Term Care. She was an
instructor of licensed practical nurses. She was preceded in death by her
parents, one infant sister, Wanda, and one infant granddaughter, Katrina
Rosalyn Ingold. Survivors include her husband, Glen Ingold, of the home;
two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Jack Geurin, Harrodsburg, Ky., and
Nina and Ed Bokern, Leawood, Kan.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and
Patty Ingold, Bolivar, and Paul and Patty Ingold, Brookfield; seven
grandchildren, including Ryan Ingold of Springfield, Renee Livingston of
Nixa and David Gaurin of Marshfield; one foster granddaughter, five
great-grandchildren, several nieces, one nephew and other relatives.
Services were Saturday, April 17, at Park Baptist Church, Brookfield, with
the Rev. Kenneth Kelley, the Rev. Jack Geurin and the Rev. Gary Urich
officiating. Burial was at Wyaconda Cemetery under the direction of Rhodes
Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Robert Paul Whitenight Jr., 15, Bolivar, died of cancer Tuesday, April 6,
1999, at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan. The son of
Maggie and Robert Whitenight Sr., he was born Sept. 1, 1983, at Rolla. He
was a ninth grade student at Bolivar High School. He liked working on
model cars and trucks, and he enjoyed going mudding, playing Nintendo and
going three-wheeling. Survivors include his mother, Maggie Whitenight,
Bolivar; his father, Robert P. Whitenight Sr., Spartanburg, S.C.; a
brother, Mark Adams, Eudora; a sister, Jennifer Adams, Branson; his
maternal grandmother, Betty White, state of Mississippi; his paternal
grandmother, Peggy Martin, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; five aunts and five
uncles. Services were Friday, April 9, in Murray Chapel with the Rev.
Wesley Ummel officiating. Pallbearers were Adam Hale, Gene Wullivan, Monte
Housel and Rob Marshall. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
William H. (Bill) Kincaid, 82, Bolivar, departed this life on Sunday,
April 11, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a short illness.
He was born Aug. 11, 1916, in Millboro, Bath County, Va. He married
Lorraine Parkman on Sept. 27, 1941. They lived in Silver Spring, Md.,
Laurel, Md., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before moving to Bolivar in 1988.
He was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church. He had been a volunteer
fireman in the Silver Spring Fire Department and worked in the U.S. Postal
Service in Silver Spring, Md., for many years. He transferred to the U.S.
Postal Service in Hollywood, Fla., in 1964 and retired from there. He
served in the U.S. Coast Guard for more than three years during World War
II and was assigned to the postal branch of the Coast Guard in Washington,
D.C. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of the home; one son and his
wife, Chester E. and Stacey L. Kincaid, Bolivar; three grandchildren,
Jessica M. Prentice and her husband, Jeffery, Downer's Grove, Ill., Lacey
M. Kincaid and Shane T. Kincaid, Bolivar; his mother-in-law, Kathryn
Johnston, Bolivar; a sister-in-law and her husband, Eleanor and Norman
Park, Chester, Md.; a sister-in-law, Isabelle Parkman, Laurel, Md.; five
nieces and four nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne M.
Kincaid. Bill was a devoted husband, father, son-in-law, grandfather and
uncle. He will be missed by many, but he is now at rest in Heaven.
Services will be Thursday, April 15, at Donaldson Funeral Home, Laurel,
Md. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Burtonsville, Md. Local
arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial
contributions may be made to Southern Hills Baptist Church, the Polk
County Library building fund or the Polk County Humane Socitey.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Rose Mary Kukal, 90, Bolivar, died at 2:15 Thursday, April 8, 1999, at the
Parkview Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was born
April 15, 1908, in Wisconsin, the daughter of Mike and Frances Duda. On
Sept. 19, 1927, she married John Kukal. They lived on a farm west of
Bolivar and raised their family there. They had 66 years together before
John passed away on April 15, 1994. She was a loving and caring wife,
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For five years and eight
months, she resided at the Parkview Health Care Facility until her
passing. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three
brothers, Frank, Louis and Charles Duda; and a sister, Emma Riha.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmie and Betty Kukal of
Lawrenceburg, Ky.; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jane and Dannie
Hubbert, Bolivar; two grandsons, Kevin Hubbert and Dan Hubbert, Bolivar;
two granddaughters, Brenda Wolverton, Lawrenceburg, Ky., and Mary Ann
Butler, Bolivar; three great-grandsons, David and Travis Wolverton and
Jacob Butler; two great-granddaughters, Alisha Wolverton and LeAnn
Hubbert; two sisters, Annie Opsahl and Mary Hesley, both of Mason City,
Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was
Monday, April 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Dave Holshof
presiding. Eucharistic ministers were Jane and Jim Otradovec. Cantor and
lector was Charles Hubbert. Organist was Moriece Skarvan. Altar server was
Adam Quennoz. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Kevin Hubbert, Dan Hubbert, Jeff Wolverton, Ronald Butler Jr., John
Leonard Kukal and Milos Kukal.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Freda M. Lemmon, 85, Walnut Grove, died Saturday morning, April 24, 1999,
in St. John's Regional Health Center following a month-long illness. She
was born in Morrisville and was a lifelong resident of the Morrisville and
Walnut Grove areas. She was a homemaker and retired in 1978 from
Springfield Baptist Hospital where she was a clerk in central supply. She
was a member of the Oakville Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by
her husband, Orville James Lemmon, on May 11, 1979. She is survived by
four daughters and three sons-in-law, Leah and Kermit Gables of Walnut
Grove, Anne McKee of Roanoke, Ala., Dora and Hubert Scott of Pittsburg and
Luella and Kenny Walker of Springfield; 16 grandchildren, 42
great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are
two sisters, Edith Harlin and Ida Wood, state of California, and several
nieces and nephews. Services were Tuesday, April 27, in Wilson Brim Daniel
Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating.
Interment followed in Turkey Creek Cemetery, Walnut Grove.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Cecil William Lightfoot, 93, Bolivar, formerly of Polk, died Monday, April
19, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following an extended
illness. The son of William Washington and Iva Allen Rush Lightfoot, he
was born Nov. 8, 1905, in Polk County. He was saved in a revival in 1920
and joined the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church at Adonis, where he was
a life-long member. On Aug. 25, 1926, he was united in marriage to Frankie
Elliott, and they enjoyed more than 72 years together. To this union were
born three children, Lester Frank, Juanita and Geraldine. Survivors
include his wife, Frankie, who resides at Citizens Memorial Health Care
Facility; two daughters and a son-in-law, Juanita and Clea Lightfoot of
Pittsburg and Geraldine Ross of Polk; a daughter-in-law, Jean Lightfoot,
state of South Carolina; five grandchildren and their spouses, Lora and
Edd Ricker of South Carolina, Bonnie and Mike Carter of Nemo, Lena and
Donnie Lipe of Bolivar, Jeff Kellner of Polk and Brian Lightfoot of Rolla;
four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, as well as several
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Lester Frank
Lightfoot; his parents; his brother, Emit, and a sister, Ada Kinslow.
Cecil was a retired farmer and a lifelong resident of Polk County. He will
be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services were Thursday, April
22, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot officiating. Burial
followed in Oak Grove Cemetery in Adonis.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Faye Locke, 93, Bolivar, died at 5:20 p.m. Friday, April 2, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She
was born Aug. 11, 1905, in Half Way, the oldest of seven children of Dave
and Florence Fulbright Roweton. She was saved in her early teens and
united with Half Way Missionary Baptist Church, of which she remained a
member. On April 12, 1925, she was united in marriagea to John Standley,
and to this union one daughter, Marcene, was born. They lived on the farm
until John became unable to work, being crippled by arthritis. They moved
to Bolivar, where Faye worked in a restaurant, then at the Bolivar Farmers
Exchange. John passed away Dec. 8, 1959. On Dec. 25, 1964, she married
Herb I. Locke of Brighton. Living on the farm there, they had 25 good
years together before Herb passed away on July 20, 1990. Faye then moved
to Butterfield Residential Care Center, enjoying nearly six years there.
Then, because of failing health, she entered Citizens Memorial Health Care
Facility 19 months ago, having good and loving care there. She was
preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two sisters, Dora Andrews
and Pearl Terry; two brothers, Lovell Roweton and Clifford Roweton; three
great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Surviving are her
daughter and son-in-law, Marcene and John Fuller Jr. of Kansas City; a
stepson, Carl Locke of Brighton; one brother and sister-in-law, Alvia and
Irene Roweton of Bolivar; a sister, Berma Taylor of Bolivar; two
grandsons, Bruce Fuller and his wife, Cecelia, and Curtis Fuller, all of
Kansas City; one great-granddaughter, Angie Schambach and her husband,
Kevin, of Frisco, Texas; three great-grandsons, Jason F., Brian F. and
Curtis Alan Fuller, all of Kansas City; three great-great-granddaughters,
Audrey, Haley and Mia Schambach; and several nieces and nephews. She was a
loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Always ready to
lend a helping hand, never complaining. She will be sadly missed by all
her family and friends. Services were Tuesday, April 6, in Pitts Chapel
with Bro. Dennis Spear and Bro. Carl DeFreece officiating. Burial followed
in Greenwood Cemetery. Music was provided by Lance Roweton. Pallbearers
were Bruce Fuller, Curtis Fuller, Jason Fuller, Brian Fuller, Curtis Alan
Fuller and Junior Roweton. Honorary pallbearers were Chester Sechler, Glen
Anderson, Derrel Ashlock and Vernon Andrews.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Elva Lucille Manes, 75, El Dorado Springs, died Monday, April 5, 1999, at
Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born Jan. 11, 1924, to Fred
and Loah McRaynolds Abel near Half Way. At the age of 10, Lucille was
converted and became a member of the Pleasant View Missionary Baptist
Church. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Hazel Dell
Missionary Baptist Church of Cedar County. She was united in marriage to
Devoe Manes on Sept. 7, 1946, in Santa Paula, Calif. She started teaching
school in the fall of 1944 after attending Southwest Missouri State
College, where she received her master's degree. She taught for more than
36 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Emma Lee
(Tommye) Manes; two brothers, Carl and Paul Abel; and a brother-in-law,
Andrew Manes. Surviviors include her husband, Devoe Manes, of the home; a
son, Rex Manes and his wife, Florene, of Walker; one grandson, James
Manes; four step-grandchildren, Mack, Dane and Chan Hohnson and Guenivere
Davis; one step-great-grandchild; her niece, Karen Manes Bruce and her
husband, Larry, of El Dorado Springs; six sisters and five
brothers-in-law, Vaden and Glen Anderson of Pleasant Hope, Evan and
Clifford Grace of Red Bluff, Calif., Maxine Adams of Garnett, Kan., Lorine
and Hershel Taylor of Greenfield, Bertah Marie Deragowski of Springfield,
Zona and Kenneth Meadors of Bolivar; one brother, Wesley Abel of Half Way;
and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. After her sister
Tommye died, Lucille became grandmother to great nephews Kory Selby and
his wife, Penny, Kyle and Kolin Selby, Kody and Klint Bruce and great
niece KemmaLee Selby; and one great-great-nephew, Kandon Selby. Services
were Thursday, April 8, at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with
Bro. Jerry Grant officiating. Musical selections were provided by the
church choir. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the
direction of the Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
Pallbearers were Elgene Andrews, Rex Barham, Harlan Brown, David Dunseth,
Russell Locke and James Sampson. Honorary pallbearers were Vernon Andrews,
Darrell Bacon, Billy Hite Jr., Robert Ross and Clyde Shackleton. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Sac Osage Retired Teachers to be used for
scholarships.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Stanley G. Mashburn, 70, Grandview, formerly of Bolivar, died at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 1999, in his home following a long illness. He was
born Oct. 7, 1928, in Louisburg to Floyd and Ora Bewley Mashburn. He was
united in marriage to Ritha Polodna on Nov. 5, 1950. He was a retired
carpenter and was of the Baptist faith. He served in the U.S. Army during
World War II. Survivors inlcude his wife, Ritha, of the home; his father,
Floyd Mashburn, Lebanon; two daughters and a son-in-law, Karen and Mike
Hirsch, Lake Lotawana, and Kathy Mashburn, Paola, Kan.; two brothers and
sisters-in-law, Carl and Mary Mashburn, Grandview, and Bill and Sophie
Mashburn, Roach; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Wilma Tillery, Shawnee
Mission, Kan., and Wanda and Turner Shipman, Kansas City; and one
grandson, Brandon Hirsch. Services were Monday, April 19, in Pitts Chapel
with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial followed in Mt.
Gilead Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carondelet
Hospice at 201 W. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs MO 64614.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Mae Carrie Miller, 85, Louisburg, died Wednesday evening, April 21, 1999,
in Maranatha Manor, Springfield. She was born in Springfield Feb. 28,
1914, the daughter of the late Frank and Bertha Pierce Kaisler. She was
reared in Strafford and attended school there, later moving to the state
of California for several years. On July 20, 1933, she was united in
marriage with Lloyd Forester, and to this union were born three children,
all of whom survive her. On May 10, 1942, she was married to Edgar
Franklin Miller, and two children were born, one of whom survives. She
then married Cleland Merle Austin and had one son, then re-married Edgar
Miller and had five more children. After living in California, she moved
to Springfield for four years, then south of Buffalo from 1954 until 1962,
and finally made her home in Louisburg since 1962. She was a member of the
Church of the Firstborn. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband, Edgar; one daughter, Marchelle Miller; and two sisters, Alvenia
Shapter and Loreane Rowden. She is survived by five sons, Otto Forester of
Jasper, Maurice Myers of Miller, Merle Austin of Modesto, Calif., Edgar
Miller of Goodman and Mark Miller of Half Way; five daughters, Marilyn
Bullock of Bolivar, Milda Hicks of Macks Creek, Maryanna Verner and Mavis
Besett, both of Springfield, and Marlene Pierce of Marshfield; one
brother, Virgil Kaisler of Springfield; and two sisters, Dorothy Collins
of Springfield and Shirley Saunders of Pleasant Hope. Also surviving are
35 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other
family and friends. Services were Saturday, April 24, in the Cantlon
Funeral Home Chapel, Buffalo, with Chaplain Smiley officiating. Saundra
Grogan sang "In The Garden," "Amazing Grace" and "One Day at a Time."
Escorts were her grandsons. Interment was in the Memorial Gardens of
Memory.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Della Gladys Mitchem, 69, Humansville, died Monday, April 12, 1999, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of Andrew Jackson and Harriet
Mitchell Thorsland, she was born at Bosley on March 2, 1930. She married
Charley B. Mitchem Aug. 21, 1947, in St. Louis. She was a homemaker, and
she raised and sold poultry. She was a member of the Humansville Christian
Church. She was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters, Vinnie
Hardin, Orval Thorsland, Lee Thorsland, Lorene Huddleston, Fannie Ward,
Doris Thorsland, Virgie Maddix and Henry Thorsland; and a granddaughter,
Amanda. Survivors include her husband, Charley, of the home; five childre,
Bobby Mitchem of Columbia, Jerry Mitchem of Ponchatoula, La., David
Mitchem of Lawrence, Kan., Barbara Walters and Chuck Mitchem, both of
Humansville; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Services will be at
1 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Don
Covington officiating. Music will be by Jodi Burch. Pallbearers will be
Alva Hosterman, Gregg MIller, Dorman Coppage, Jack Hardin, Bob Kimes and
Monte Burch. Interment will be in Dunnegan Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Dorothy Itress Nottingham, 87, Nixa, died at 2:46 p.m. Monday, April 26,
1999, in Balanced Care, Nixa. The daughter of James Clyde and Hattie Ethel
Paul Litle, she was born Feb. 28, 1912, in Dunnegan. She was a homemaker
and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dunnegan. She was
preceded in death by her husband, William Nottingham, in 1959. Survivors
include two daughters, Carol J. Fare of Nixa and Berneta Ann Kimmons of
Billings; a sister, Marjorie Gould of Aurora; and a brother, Paul Litle of
Kansas City. Also surviving are six grandchildren, seven
great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Services will be
at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev.
Robert Gould officiating. Music will be provided by Kellye Carter,
soloist. Burial will follow in Dunnegan Cemetery. Casketbearers will be
Michael Fare, Jim Kimmons, Jeremy Meyer, Jarrod Meyer, Dustin Gann, Alex
Jobe, Edward Fare and Jerry Kimmons.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Virgil William Pickering, 81, Tulare, Calif., died Monday, April 19, 1999,
at Kaweah Delta District Hospital. He was born Aug. 2, 1917, in Fair Play.
On Aug. 26, 1936,in Polk County, he was married to Fern Mead, who preceded
him in death May 14, 1998. He was a retired park superintendent, working
for the city of Lindsay, Calif., for 25 years. After his retirement from
the Lindsay Parks Dept. at age 62 in 1979, he was known as a lawnmower
repairman. He became a Christian early in life and was an active member of
the Lindsay First Church of the Nazarene. He was preceded in death by a
brother, Johnnie Pickering. Survivors include one son, Larry Pickering,
Turlook, Calif.; two daughters, Bonnie Jones of Tulare, Calif., and Judith
Kay Losh of Bakersfield, Calif.; one sister, Eunice Hamlin of Stockton;
seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one
nephew, John Pickering of La Mirada, Calif., and two nieces, Shirley Minor
of Merced, Calif., and Loretta Speight of Dadeville. Services were
Thursday, April 22, at Webb-Sanders Funeral Home, Lindsay, Calif. Burial
was in Strathmore Cemetery, Lindsay, Calif.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Lewis J. "Bill" Pierce, 75, Bolivar, was born April 23, 1924, at Eldon and
departed this life on Friday, April 23, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Health
Care Facility . Bill was a retired truck driver after 30 years in Delano,
Calif., and Kansas City. He served in World War II and was wounded on the
advance from Anzio, Italy, to Rome. He received the Purple Heart and
Bronze Star. Bill was saved at the age of 32 at Good Hope Baptist Church
in Kansas City. Several years later he united with Jericho Baptist Church
in Independence. After moving to Boliar, he moved his membership to
Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member at the time of
his passing. Bill was united in marriage to Floretta Combs on Nov. 9,
1945. To this union God added one daughter, who was Bill's pride and joy.
He leaves behind his wife, Floretta, of the home; a daughter and
son-in-law, Debra and Larry Stanek of Bolivar; two grandchildren, Cherie
and Kera, and one great-grandson; a brother, Orville Pierce of Winters,
Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was a quiet, caring man, never
wanting to hurt anyone. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and
the employees at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He bore his
suffering with great dignity. Services were Monday, April 26, in Pitts
Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot and Elder Douglas Skinner officiating.
Music was proveded by the Calvary Church choir, Debra Stanek and Cherie
Stanek. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors by
AmVets Post No. 114. Color guard detail was from the American Legion Post
No. 138.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
William "Bill" Ruzicka, 86, Bolivar, died at 7:50 a.m. Monday, April 19,
1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He was born Feb. 7, 1913,
in Bolivar to James and Magdalene Hruska Ruzicka. He was a farmer and had
served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a
member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the D.A.V. in Bolivar.
Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Francis
Ruzicka, Springfield; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mary Francka
of Springfield, Tracy and James Francka of Bolivar and Irene and Edward
Otradovec of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Alois, Frank and
Jimmie; and a sister, Rose Francka. Mass of Christian Burial will be held
at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev.
David Holsoff and the Rev. Thomas P. Kiefer presiding. Burial will follow
in St. Wencenslaus Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Ruzicka, Jim
Otradovec, Kenny Ruzicka, John Francka, Jake Francka and Jerry Francka.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Ruzicka, Tony Ruzicka, James Francka
Sr., Edward Otradovec, James Francka Jr., Clarence "Bud" Grider and Ed
Kroutil. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Billy E. Samuels, 65, Bolivar, died at 8:40 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 1999,
in Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born Aug. 16, 1933, in Yalobusha
County, Miss., the son of Roy Hastel and Edith Carlene Moore Samuels. He
was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired school teacher and football and
basketball coach. He had lived in Bolivar since 1991. He is survived by
his wife, Sally Samuels, of the home, whom he married July 19, 1986, in
Water Valley, Miss. Also surviving are four sons, Billy Joe Samuels of
Water Valley, Miss., Danny Lee Fisk of Grand Park, Ill., John Thomas Fisk
of Jackson, Miss., and Bobby Chris Fisk of Bolivar; four daughters, Joy
Carol Jones and Kay Hardy, both of Water Valley, Miss., Wanda Louise
Malone of Munsville, Ky., and Cynthia Inez Lester of Coffeyville, Miss.;
seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were Monday,
April 19, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. G. Scott Carlton
officiating. Music was provided by Mike Stephens and Cheryl Bowers,
vocalists, and Jobeth Maas, pianist. Burial followed in Mt. Gilead
Cemetery. Casketbearers were Larry Beesinger, Matthew Samuels, Joshua
Samules, Tony Bowers, Heath Horan and Gary Short. Military honors were
conducted by AmVets Post 114, Flemington.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Clara E. Sanders, 67, Fair Play, died Thursday, April 8, 1999, in her
home. She was of the Pentecostal faith and had been employed by Teters
Floral Products for more than 20 years. Survivors inlcude her seven
children, Marie Amsberg and her husband, Butch, of Camdenton; Libby Carey,
state of Ohio; Roberta Choate and her husband, Wayne, of Stockton; Brenda
Wolf and her husband, Bill, and Judy Jarman and her husband, Eddie, all of
Bolivar; Robert Sanders, Fair Play; and May Todd, Willard; two brothers,
four sisters, 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her parents and a baby daughter, Rhonda, on Aug. 1,
1966. Graveside services were Sunday, April 11, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery
with the Rev. Norman Culbertson officiating. Arrangements were under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Roy B. Shuler, 91, Bolivar, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 7,
1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital after three months of serious illness.
He was born to William Charlton and Emma Burros Shuler on May 27, 1907,
near Aldrich. He was united in marriage to Mittie Hawkins on Dec. 29,
1926. Three children were born to this union: Roy Wayne Shuler of
Springfield, Emogene Corum of Morrisville and Marlyn Shuler of Bolivar.
Roy was a carpenter and a farmer. He attended grade school at Runyon east
of Bolivar and high school at Bolivar. Except for a few years in New
Mexico, where his parents homesteaded when he was a child, and a few years
in Oregon during the early 1940s, he lived his entire life in Polk and
Cedar counties. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mittie,
after almost 68 years of marriage; two brothers, Earl and Kenneth, and one
sister, Lois. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and
Billie Jo Barber Shuler of Springfield; two sisters and brothers-in-law,
Ruth and Olen Hamlin of Springfield and June and Arlo Vincent of Sedalia;
nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; eight
great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar and had been a
Christian since he was a very young man. He had been unable to attend
services for the last few months but held onto his beliefs throughout his
last troubled weeks of life. He was dearly loved by his family and will
always be remembered as the loving father and grandfather that he was.
Services were Saturday, April 10, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. Ray
Leininger officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich,
with the Rev. Joe Dayringer officiating. Music was provided by Ronn Ramey,
soloist, and Marta Ramey, pianist. Casketbearers were Mike Shuler, Mark
Shuler, Larry Corum, Jim Corum, Alan Edwards, Stanley McHaffie, Jim
Loftis, Jeff Burns and Ron Wilson.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Betty Lee Simmons, El Dorado Springs, died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, April
24, 1999, in St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, at the age of 65 years, 10
months and 13 days. She was born June 11, 1933, in Bolivar, the daughter
of Vernie Austin and Ethel Stewart Austin. She was a resident of El Dorado
Springs and had formerly lived in Kansas City. She loved her family more
than anything. She was best known for her sweet nature and her famous
homemade bread. She suffered for many years with rheumatic heart disease
and was a patient at St. Luke's Hospital at the time of her death. Our
family wishes to thank all the physicians, hurses and staff for their
wonderful care over the last several months. We also wish to thank Brother
Charles for his visit and the members of the First Baptist Church of
Raytown, Brother Kevin and the members of ICC of Independence for holding
her up in prayer. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernie Austin,
and her infant daughter, Barbara Jane Simmons. She is survived by her
husband of 47 years, Troy Simmons; her mother, Ethel Gordon of El Dorado
Springs; three children, David Lee Simmons of El Dorado Springs, Jeff
(J.W.) Simmons of Peculiar and Linda Mohn of Raytown; two brothers, Bob
Austin of Stockton and Roy Austin of Independence; two sisters, Joanne
Knapp and Sharon Skelton, both of Peculiar; a sister and brother-in-law,
Almetia and Grimes Barnes of Polk; six grandchildren, Sandi Taylor, Paula
Mendex, Philip, Troy, Jenniver and Barbara Mohn; and six
great-grandchildren, Ashlie Frazier, Zachary and Brittany Taylor,
Courtney, Alana and Joseph Mendez. She was a loving wife, giving daughter,
protective mother, caring sister, thoughtful aunt and generous
grandmother. We will all miss her. Romans 8:38-39 and Psalm 118:24.
Services were Tuesday, April 27, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. Donald R. Hart officiating. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery near
Pittsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch Cemetery c/o
Antioch Christian Church, HCR 79, Box 1267, Pittsburg MO 65724-9728. (13c)




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Austin Lee Slagle Sr., 74, Willard, formerly of the Slagle area, died
Wednesday, April 7, 1999, in his home. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World
War II and was retired from Dayco after 26 years as a shipping clerk. He
was a member of Robberson Prairie Baptist Church for 35 years and had been
a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou, of the home; a daughter
and son-in-law, Linda and David Tromb of Branson; a son and
daughter-in-law, Austin Lee Jr. and Marie Slagle of Willard; a brother and
sister-in-law, James Robert and Bonnie Slagle of Walnut Grove; three
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by
his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Services were Saturday, April
10, at Robberson Prairie Baptist Church with burial following in the
church cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn
Funeral Home, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Robberson Prairie Baptist Church or Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Sam Kirby Sr., 81, Half Way, died Sunday, April 4, 1999, in Parkview
Health Care Facility. He was born Dec. 21, 1917, in Pettis County to
Franklin Fet and Josephine Cinderella Crabtree Kirby. He was united in
marriage to Audrey Faye Davis, and to this union four children were born,
Sam Jr., Connie Faye, Charles and Rolla. He was the owner and operator of
Kirby's Cottage Grocery from 1948 to 1960 and operated a service station
until his retirement. He was a charter member of the Alert fire department
and a former member of the Optimist Club. He is survived by three sons and
daughters-in-law, Sam B. Jr. and Chandra Kirby of Half Way, Charles and
Angela Kirby and Rolla and Patricia Kirby, all of Bolivar; a daughter and
son-in-law, Connie Faye and Jerry Ethridge of Collierville, Tenn.; a
brother, Charles C. Kirby of Independence; three sisters, Zula Landers,
Ida Hall and Edna Randall, all of Sedalia; 12 grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife,
Faye, in May 1990; three sisters, one brother and two grandsons. Services
were Wednesday, April 7, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Scott Carlton
officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Richard Brown, John Davis, Larry Hall, Joe Kirby, Charlie Kirby Jr. and
Loren Laird. Honorary pallbearers were Lloyd Cates, Matt Davis, Richard
Ethridge, Brad Ethridge, Elwayne Harris, Ed Hedrick, Charlie Hendrickson,
Scott Kirby, Mark Kirby, Fred Miller and Ray Potts.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Ruth Standley, 81, Alamo, Texas, formerly of Bolivar, died at 9:50 p.m.
Friday, April 30, 1999, at the McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas
after a brief illness. She was born Dec. 29, 1917, in Bolivar, the
daughter of Charles Thomas and Pearl May Scott Smith. She was united in
marriage to Oscar F. Standley Jr., who preceded her in death in 1992. She
was also preceded in death by by her son, Tom Standley, in 1988, her
parents and four sisters, Charlye, Pearl, Jane and Jewell. She and her
husband, Oscar, were co-owners of Standley Shoe and Boot Repair in Bolivar
for many years. They moved to Alamo, Texas, after their retirement. She
was a member of the First Baptist Church in Alamo, Texas. Surviving are
one sister, Billie Rusnack, of Alamo, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Carol
Standley, Bolivar; a step-grandson, Eric Lemmon, Bolivar; as well as
several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in Greenwood
Cemetery with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Burial will be under the
direction of Butler Funeral Home.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Loreta Morgan Stewart, 81, Bolivar, died April 12, 1999, at Citizens
Memorial Hospital. She was born May 1, 1917, in Barton County, the only
daughter of Berne and Maude Morgan, members of a pioneer Barton County
family. She attended Mt. Carmel rural school for her elementary education
and was a graduate of Golden City High School in 1935. She was active in
speech, a member of the debate team and had the lead in the senior play.
She was married to Orlin B. Stewart on Dec. 30, 1937, moving to Bolivar in
May 1938. Her husband was employed at Southwest Baptist College as
athletic director and coach, and he taught until his retirement in 1974.
She attended Southwest Missouri State College in the summers and taught in
rural Barton County prior to her marriage. When her youngest child started
first grade, she started back to school, graduating as valedictorian of
the 1953 class from Southwest Baptist College. She received her B.S in
education from the University of Missoru in the summer of 1959 and a
master's degree in elementary education in 1968. She taught junior high
classes at Half Way Public Schools for one year before being employed by
Bolivar R-1 Schools to teach remedial reading and special education for 26
years, retiring in 1981. She was initiated into Pi Lambda Theta, an
honorary scholastic sorority, in 1958. She served as treasurer,
president-elect and president of Southwest District Council for
Exceptional Children and president of the Bolivar Community Teachers
Association. She was initiated into Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
in 1960. She was a charter member of Alpha Tau Chapter, organized in 1968.
She served on many committees, as president-elect and program chair in
1970-72 and president of Alpha Tau Chapter 1972-74. She was president of
Southwest Missouri District Delta Kappa Gamma, vice-president of Region 6
of Retired Teachers Association of Missouri, corresponding secretary of
Missouri Association of Retired Teachers and a member of the state board
of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. She was president of the
Bolivar PTA and Polk County PTA, president of General Federated Democratic
Women's Club for Polk County, secretary of the 7th District Federated
Women's Club and president of G.F.W.C. of Missouri Ladies' Study Club. She
was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, having worked
with young people for many years. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Orlin B. Stewart; her parents, Berne and Maude Morgan; a brother,
W.H. Morgan; and a grandson, Morgan Stewart. She is survived by three
children and their spouses, Dr. Bob R. and Bonnie Stewart of Columbia,
Reta S. and Edwin L. Smith and William J. and Ann Stewart, all of Bolivar;
four grandchildren, Lori Norcross and her husband, Tracy, of Columbia,
Lane Stewart of Chicago, Ill., Kasey Stewart Roark of Bolivar and Kevin L.
Johnson of St. Louis; two step-granddaughters and their spouses, Debbie
and Jim Vaughn of Glenpool, Okla., and Vicky and Chris Copley of LaPorte,
Texas; four great-granddaughters, Abigail, Madeline and Olivia Norcross
and Jaden Roark; two step-great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, one
brother-in-law, three nephews and two nieces. Services will be at 1 p.m.
today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel, followed by burial in Mt. Olive
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Baptist
University basketball in memory of Coach Orlin B. Stewart. Contributions
may be sent to Southwest Baptist University basketball in care of Bob
Marti, 1600 University Ave., Bolivar MO 65613.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Alpha Oleta Stinley, Bolivar, 67, died suddenly Sunday, April 18, 1999.
She was born May 29, 1931, to Doy and Myrtha Long of Kentucky. She married
Carl Edward Stinley and they became the parents of three children, Carl J.
of Humansville, Mary Jane of Bolivar and Alice Ann of Pittsburg. The
family moved to Humansville in the early 1950s and to Bolivar in 1970. In
addition to her children, other survivors include two sisters, Wilma
Powell and Sylvia Sweeney, both of Kentucky, and one brother, Edgar Long,
state of Illnois; one daughter-in-law, Donnette Stinley of Humansville;
six grandchildren, Richard Vest of Ozark, Toney Vest of Pittsburg, Carl
Thompson, Robert Duane and Claudette Kaylyn, all of Humansville, and Sarah
Beckley of Bolivar; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Services
will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 22, in the Brumback Funeral Home,
Stockton. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday).




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Bernice G. Stokes, 93, Flemington, died at 1:26 a.m. Thursday, April 1,
1999, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born at Cliquot on
Jan. 20, 1906, and was the oldest child of Bert and Ona Flint. She was
married May 1, 1924, to Roy Stokes at Weaubleau, and they were looking
forward to their 75th anniversary in one month. She was a housewife and
working companion on the farm until she and her husband retired. She was a
member of Durnell Chapel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her
parents; two brothers, Hobert and Leon Flint; a sister, Jennie Bigler; and
a son-in-law, Jim Phillips. Survivors include her husband, Roy Stokes; a
son and daughter-in-law, Oscar and Edith Stokes; two daughters and a
son-in-law, Lela Fern Phillips and Trixie and Gerald Vanderford, all of
Flemington; two sisters, Cora Brown of Fair Play and Lela Franklin of
Bolivar; three grandchildren, Jennifer Periman of Wichita, Kan., Ginger
Roweton and Kent Vanderford, both of Flemington; eight
great-grandchildren, Audrey Jo Periman, Mykal, Keli, Luther, Levin,
Bethany, Cherith and Mattea Roweton; four nieces and two nephews. Services
were Saturday, April 3, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev.
Robert Nuckolls officiating. Pallbearers were Ben Coleman, David
Stonebrook, Kenneth Hughes, George Welch, Robert Crawford and Kenneth
Piper. Interment was in Durnell Chapel Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, April 1999:
Lynn Jay Tennant, 82, Humansville, died Wednesday, April 21, 1999, in
Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola. The son of George Washington Winfield and
Mary Estelle Stewart Tennant, he was born Jan. 31, 1917, at Fort Morgan,
Colo. On Aug. 9, 1941, he married Anna Mae Hiatt at Kimball, Neb. They
moved to Humansville from Fort Morgan, Colo., in 1948. In 1960 he began
working for the postal service as a substitute mail carrier. From 1974 to
1983 he was a rural mail carrier, carrying the mail from the Humansville
post office. He had also been employed at Dayco in Springfield. He was a
member of the Humansville United Methodits Church, He served on various
church committees and had served on the Humansville Board of Education. He
was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mae Tennant, and a
brother, John Tennant. Survivors include his wife, Anna Mae, of the home;
four children and their spouses, Linda and Gary Fields of Springfield,
Greg and Shirley Tennant of Sleepy Eye, Minn., Mike and Laura Tennant of
Rogersville and Kurt and Pam Tennant of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother and
sister-in-law, Paul and Marie Tennant of Humansville; four grandchildren,
Jamie Butcher, Michael Butcher and his wife, Angel, all of Springfield,
and Matthew and Abigail Tennant of Cincinnati, Ohio; a great-grandson,
James Michael Butcher II; and several nieces and nephews. Services were
Saturday, April 24, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Don
Covington officiating. Pallbearers were Rolla Anderson, Mike Sprowls,
Lewis Sawyers, Chuck Lewis, Roy Austin and Gregg Miller. Interment was in
Humansville Cemetery.




From the Springfield Leader, 1878:
Mrs. T. M. Thompson and daughter Miss Nettie B. Thompson
Bloody Murder and Suicide at Springfield, Mo.
1878...

One of the most horrible and heart-rending affairs that ever occurred in
Springfield, took place here at about the hour of 11 o'clock last night,
at which time a lady who had attained an enviable position in society and
was well known to many in the city, in a fit of temporary insanity
butchered her own daughter, and before the crime was known or even
suspected by others, she cut her own throat and died almost instantly. The
chief actors in this sad affair were Mrs. T. M. Thompson, aged about 47
years, and her daughter Miss Nettie B. Thompson, about 16 years of age,
who lived with Mrs. W. H. Lawson, on East Walnut street, near the center
of the city. Mrs. Lawson is also a daughter of Mrs. Thompson and sister to
Miss Nettie. The relations between mother and daughter were always the
most pleasant and Mrs. Lawson seemed to enjoy the company of her mother
and sister more from the fact that her husband is necessarily absent a
greater portion of the time, as he is a traveling salesman for a St. Louis
house and is at present in St. Louis.

Mrs. Thompson had been ill until within a week or so when she had so far
recovered as to be able to make calls, and was, apparently, in the best of
health and spirits. Yet to some she admitted that she was despondent and
unhappy, but could assign no reason therefor.

Last night the family seemed unusually happy from the fact that the old
lady appeared in better spirits than they had known her in months, and
little did Mrs. Lawson suspect that the morrow would find such desolation
at her house. Mrs. Lawson's room adjoined that of her mother and sister,
and it had been her custom to sleep with the door open that separated
them. Last night Mrs. Lawson retired as usual, and Miss Nettie went to her
bed at about the same hour, the old lady remaining up and occupying her
time by reading until both daughters were asleep. Then she closed and
bolted the door that led to Mrs. Lawson's room, and getting possession of
a razor that was in the room, proceeded, without further ceremony, to her
sleeping daughter and drew the bright, sharp blade across her throat,
cutting a deep and horrible gash almost severing the head from the body,
from which, of course, Nettie died almost instantly with scarcely a
struggle.

After accomplishing this the old lady, who was in a standing position over
the bed, drew the same weapon once or twice across her own throat, quite
severing the jugular vein, after which she fell forward on the floor and
expired instantly, the razor falling from her hand on the bed.

The noise of the gurgling sound from the dying women had partially aroused
Mrs. Lawson, but not till the old lady fell was she fully awakened, and
then she found herself in the dark and the door between herself and mother
closed, which she finally forced open, and then fancy the sight she
beheld! Mother and sister both lying dead and the bed and floor drenched
with blood. She had presence of mind enough, however, to call for
assistance, and instantly run to the houses of Dr. Clements and
Mayerfellows, which were near by, and as she returned to her own gate she
fell in a swoon, from which she only recovered today, and her life was
despaired of during the night. The neighbors who were made acquainted with
the affair tendered their services and rendered all the help that could be
done, and today many kind hands have been at work in ministering to the
wants of Mrs. Lawson and preparing the bodies of Mrs. and Miss Thompson
for burial. A coronor's jury viewed the bodies this morning and returned a
verdict in accordance with the above facts.

Miss Nettie was a student in Drury college and had many admirers of her
modest and lady-like qualities. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 11
o'clock.
---
Mrs. Thompson and her daughter are buried side by side at Maple Park
Cemetery in Springfield, Mo. Their graves are not marked.








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