Obituaries




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Dorothy Helen Barnett, 70, Flemington, died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of Charles and Edith Parks
Busick, she was born at Kansas City on April 17, 1930. A retired desk
clerk for Travel Lodge, she was a former resident of Butler, having lived
at Flemington the past 2 years. Survivors include her husband, William D.
Barnett, of the home, and two children, Gary Michael Hash of Grandview and
Claudia Marie Loomis of Riverside, Calif. No services are planned.
Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Charles E. Benson, 64, Pleasant Hope, died at 9:25 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4,
2000, at his home. He was born July 11, 1936, in Jasper, Ohio, to James
Samuel and Darlene Della Crabtree Benson. He was a retired mechanic and a
U.S. Air Force and Navy veteran, serving in Vietnam and the Cuban
blockade. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his wife of 43
years, Rosemary; four children, Charles E. Benson Jr. of Nashville, Tenn.,
Karen L. Gilligan of Bolivar, Cathy S. Trushcheff of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and
Steven Benson of Kansas City, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Andrea, Alicia,
Angela, Jason Jesse, Scott and Amy; and seven brothers and sisters, Alice
M. Miller, Roy S. Benson, Mary L. Williams, Robert L. Benson, and Madeline
C. Smith, all of Lucasville, Ohio, Eugene Benson of Latham, Ohio, and
Eddie D. Benson of Piketon, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Greenlawn North Funeral
Home, Springfield, with burial following in the Missouri Veterans'
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
David D. Box, 76, Roeland Park, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, in St.
Luke's Hospital. He was born March 25, 1924, in Aldrich. He worked for
Skelly Oil Company for 25 years and was an Army Air Force veteran of World
War II, where he was the recipient of four Bronze Stars. He married
Veraetta Marshall on June 10, 1945, in Kansas City. Survivors include his
wife, Veraetta Box, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and
Debbie Box of Prairie Village, Kan.; four grandchildren, Andrew and Haley
Box, both of Prairie Village, Kan., Tara Morales of Kansas City and David
Rowland, USAF, Korea; and two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Serena
Morales, both of Kansas City. He was preceded in death by a daughter,
Joetta Rowland. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Friday) at Olivet
Baptist Church, Westwood, Kan., under the direction of Charter Funerals,
Merriam, Kan. Graveside services and burial will be at 3 p.m. in Pleasant
Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral
Home, Walnut Grove.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Shirley Frances Breshears was born Dec. 17, 1925, in Kansas City to Oliver
and Anna Gunderson. She died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, in her home after a
short illness. She was the ninth of 10 children. She was baptized at the
age of eight and was a member of the RLDS Church. She was active in her
church until her recent illness. She was united in marriage to Earl Dale
Breshears on Sept. 29, 1950, and had just celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary. Three children were born to this marriage, Donna Patterson,
Dale Breshears and Luann Smith. She and her husband Earl and family milked
and farmed for several years in the Goodson area. They also owned and
operated Breshears Moving and Storage Company until their retirement.
Shirley loved to sing and play the guitar. She also wrote several poems
and songs. She was an artist and had painted several paintings over the
years. She loved to read and study the scriptures. She was preceded in
death by her parents, Oliver and Anna Gunderson; six sisters, Dovie
Woodrome, Florence Miller, Ina (Sis) Melton, Jesse Slater, Alma Kostecka
and Maxine Smith; one brother, Alfred Gunderson; a son-in-law, Eddie
Smith; and an infant grandson, Joshua Smith. Survivors include her
husband, Earl, of the home; her children, Donna and Doug Patterson and
their children, Diana and David, Dale and Cathy Breshears and their
children, Brent and Chris Breshears, and Luann Smith and her children,
Branden and Karena Smith; step-grandchildren Sonya, Bridget, A.J. and
Johnny Rogers; and a host of other family and friends. Services will be at
2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in Pitts Chapel. Burial will follow in Crestview
Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the
funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Floyd Dean Bucklinger, 80, Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000, in
Parkview Health Care Facility. The son of Frank A. and Eva Fender
Bucklinger, he was born June 21,1920, at Kansas City. He married Louisa
Alice Field Feb. 16, 1957. She preceded him in death Aug. 22, 1999. He
joined the U. S. Army in December 1942, serving in New Guinea and the
Philippines until his discharge in 1945. For many years he worked at movie
studios in Hollywood as a truck driver. A resident of Bolivar the past 16
years, he was a member of the DAV Post in Bolivar. Survivors include his
son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Sheila Bucklinger of Burke, Va.; two
granddaughters, April Forrer and her husband, David, and Pamela
Bucklinger; one great-grandson, Ethan Forrer; and two sisters, Elosia Lowe
of Bolivar and Dixie Hudson of Weaubleau. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 7,
in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Chaplain Virgil Kearney officiating.
Interment with full military honors was in the National Cemetery,
Leavenworth, Kan.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Robert George Camey, 77, Humansville, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2000, at his
home. The son of Henry and Ella Arnold Camey, he was born July 13, 1923,
at Humansville. He married Louise Titus May 16, 1948. She preceded him in
death April 11, 1995. A graduate of Humansville High School, he served in
the U. S. Navy during World War II. From 1964 to 1972 he owned and
operated Camey Dry Goods Store in Humansville. Later he was employed at
the Humansville Western Auto Store. He was a member of the Humansville
American Legion Post. Surviving is a sister, Melda Kaminski, of Gorden,
Wis. Services were Saturday, Dec. 2, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with
the Rev. Robert Harris officiating. Pallbearers will be Walter McBride,
Freddie Martin, John Endley, Harlan Riggs, Bob Brown and Bill Stagner.
Interment was in Humansville Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Helen Lenora "Lenny" Carpenter, 50, Lawton, Okla., formerly of Bolivar,
died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Lawton, Okla. She was born April 16, 1950,
in Independence to Garold Allen Sapp Sr. and Helen Mae Thomas. She was
united in marriage on Feb. 7, 1992, to Michael Carpenter. She was a
cosmetologist and an artist for many years. She was preceded in death by
her father, Garold Sapp Sr. She is survived by her husband, Michael, of
the home; her stepmother, Dorothy Sapp of Bates City; her mother, Helen
Thomas of Independence; her mother-in-law, Rose Henson of Marshfield; her
daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Miami Ahart Sr. of Walters, Okla., their
son, Miami Ahart Jr., and daughter, Terezia Ahart; her son and
daughter-in-law, William Ryan and Stephanie Pugh of Eglin Air Force Base,
Fla., and their son, Korey; two stepsons, Jon and Steve Carpenter of
Farmington; her seven sisters, Dorothy Shahan of Oak Grove, Rhonda Kropff
of Blue Springs, Teresa Blankenship of Buckner, Vicky Carrott of St.
Regis, Mont., Diane Goppert and Susan Hutton, both of Independence, and
Toni Brown of New York Mills, Minn.; and her brother, Garold Sapp Jr. of
Bates City, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, two great-neices,
one great-nephew and many friends. Services were Saturday, Nov. 11, at New
Salem Cemetery in Independence. A memorial service was Tuesday, Nov.14, at
the New Post Chapel at Fort Sill, Okla.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Odie Clement "Chick" Carson, son of the late Luther and Sarah Frances
LaRose Carson, was born in Hickory County on Dec. 30, 1915. He departed
this life in his home near Urbana on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000. At the time of
his passing he was 84 years, 10 months and eight days of age. Chick was
raised in the Urbana area and graduated from Urbana High School. He moved
to the Kansas City area in 1938 and started working as a carpenter. He
worked for Bennett Construction, working his way up to supervisor. He met
Martha Greer, and they were united in marriage on June 16, 1939. This
union was blessed with two daughters, both of whom survive him. They made
their home in the Kansas City area. In 1957 they moved to the Hermitage
area, where he and his brother Clay established Carson's Corner. He moved
back to Kansas City in 1965 and then returned to the Urbana area in 1977.
Chick was a member of Carpenters' Local No. 61 for 58 years. He was active
in the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Kansas City and was a member of the
Urbana United Methodist Church. He and Clay also operated the Carson
Brothers Bus Line in the Kansas City area. Chick loved to tear things
apart and then fix them. In his spare time he enjoyed sports and fishing.
He was a busy man who never let the grass grow under his feet. His family
was his highest priority and he took the girls with him everywhere. Chick
was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Thelma Tedlock and Cora
Lou Carson; and a sister-in-law, Betty Carson. He is survived by his wife,
Martha, of the home; two daughters, Charlene (Shawn) Carson Hoppers and
her husband, Lonnie, of Urbana and Louise (Lou) Carson Hillman of Lee's
Summit; three grandchildren, Lorrie Hoppers Cobb, Jeff Hillman and Ben
Hillman; two great-grandchildren, Erika Trimble and Carson Nik Trimble;
one brother, Clay Carson of Urbana; a niece, Jean Tedlock; and a nephew,
Buck Tedlock and children. Also by a host of other family and friends who
will all sadly miss him. Services were Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Cantlon
Otterness Funeral Chapel, Urbana, with the Rev. Ray Pilant officiating.
Music was provided by Bob and Sandy Lovett and Stephen Paris. Escorts were
Lonnie Hoppers, Norman Hillman, Jeff Hillman, Ben Hillman, Dave Cobb and
Darrel Hostetler. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Vennie Cook, 89, of Brighton died at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000, at
Citizens Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born Feb. 4,
1911, in Jasper, Ark., one of 12 children of Johnnie and Frances Henderson
Thompson. She was united in marriage to Harold M. Cook on Feb. 6, 1935,
and to this union a daughter was born. She had been a homemaker and
co-owner of Cook's Service Station and Convenience Store in Dunnegan for
many years. She was a member of Dunnegan Bible Baptist Church. She was
preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold, on Dec. 18, 1975;
her daughter, Dalenia Sue Spurlock, on June 15, 1993; four brothers,
Johnnie Dee Thompson, Charlie Thompson, Willie Thompson and Granville
Thompson; and two sisters, Lexie Brasel and Valley Taylor. She is survived
by a son-in-law, Johnnie Spurlock of Brighton; four brothers, Harvey
Thompson of Fayetteville, Ark., Howard Thompson of Mount Judy, Ark., Van
Thompson of Fayetteville, Ark., and Warren Thompson of the state of
Arkansas; a sister, Dorothy Spears of Harrisonville; two grandchildren,
James H. Spurlock of Brighton and Lexie LeAnn Stonebrook of Wheatland; and
two great-grandchildren, Jacob Milner and Dalenia Milner. Services were
Sunday, Nov. 26, at Dunnegan Bible Baptist Church with Bro. Bill Levergood
officiating. Burial was in Dunnegan Cemetery. The church choir provided
music, and a solo was by Darell Fleeman. Pallbearers were Dick Lower,
Darell Fleeman, Norman Coble, Trevor Coble, Carl Rucker and Richard
Spears. Honorary pallbearers were Dale Milner and Ralph Stauffacher.
Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Cletus C. Corson, 91, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2000, in Citizens Memorial
Health Care Facility. He was born July 6, 1909, in Leeton, the son of
Richard A. and Ada Ann VanBlarcum Corson. On Dec. 26, 1931, he was married
to Albarta R. Jenkins, who preceded him in death July 22, 1982. He had
been employed by International Shoe Co. and had worked in commercial
carpentry. He was a member of Aullville Baptist Church and the Carpenters
Local No. 61. Survivors include a son, Jerry W. Corson of Higginsville,
and a daughter, Joan Powell of Pittsburg; seven grandchildren, 16
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. In addition to his wife,
he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Carroll; one grandchild
and one great-grandchild. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Wiegers
Funeral Home, Higginsville, with the Rev. Donald R. Hart officiating.
Music was by Homer Steffens, accompanied by Pat Wiegers. Burial followed
in Higginsville City Cemetery. Casketbearers were Eric Powell, Dirk
Corson, Bret Corson, Greg Corson, Mark Corson and Brian Flickenger.
Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Memorial Health Care
Facility.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Robert Cortner, 79, Half Way, died at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, in Cox
Medical Center South, Springfield, after a brief illness. He was born Nov.
30, 1920, in Fair Play, the son of Albert and Pearl Harp Cortner. He was a
retired electronics technician and a longtime resident of Half Way. He was
preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Arvenna
Cortner of the home; one son, Robert Cortner Jr. of Half Way; two
brothers, Albert Cortner of Bolivar and Eugene Cortner of Houston, Texas;
and two sisters, Maxine Spencer of Stockton and Bernice Neill of Fair
Play. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24, in Butler Chapel
with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Burial will be in Crestview
Memorial Gardens. Friends may call after 8 a.m. today (Wednesday) and
again Friday morning after 8 a.m. at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Alvene Frances Diemer, 91, of Brookfield died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at
Pershing Memorial Hosptial in Brookfield. The daugher of Clifford and
Rubie Kniffin Diemer, she was born Nov. 18, 1909, in Brookfield. She was
retired from Brown Shoe Co. in Brookfield. She was a member of Trinity
United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and two
sisters, Virginia Bevier and Olive Romans. She is survived by one niece,
Carol Bevier of Bolivar; one nephew, Bill Bevier of Nauvoo, Ill.; and
several great-nieces and great-nephews. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 28, at
Wright-Baker-Hill Funeral Home, Brookfield, with the Rev. Mike White
offiiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookfield. Memorials to
the Trinity United Methodist Church may be mailed to Wright-Baker-Hill
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield MO 64628.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Herbert J. Fender, 88, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was a retired owner of a
manufacturing company. He is survived by Mavis Gibbons Fender of the home;
a brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and June Fender of Greenfield; a
sister, Marjorie L. Stephenson of Springfield; and two nieces. He was
preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean, and two brothers, Jerry
Fender and Flay Fender. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today
(Wednesday) in Brighton Cemetery under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Friends may call at their convenience at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Bernard L. Fidler, 81, Fair Play, died at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14,
2000, in the home of his daughter in Augusta, Ga. He was born July 31,
1919, in Cedar County, the son of Samuel Thorton and Mary Liza Jones
Fidler. On Sept. 28, 1940, he was united in marriage to Emma Jean Chism,
and to this union a daughter was born. He had worked for Hammons Products
as a supervisor. He had his church membership at Oak Grove Missionary
Baptist Church and was a graduate of Fair Play High School. He is survived
by his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Bill Ryals of Augusta, Ga.; a
brother-in-law, Jim Chism of Nevada; four sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Schaaf
of Bolivar, Evelyn Esry of El Dorado Springs, Ruby Dean Fidler of Fair
Play and Dorothy Fidler of Visalia, Ga.; three grandchildren, Brent Ryals
and his wife, Briana, Sandra Dillard and her husband, Troy, and Cynthia
Currington; four great-grandchildren, Emily Currington, Nicholas Dillard,
Tristian Dillard and Sabrina Rayls, all of Augusta, Ga.; as well as
several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his
wife, Emma, in August 1997; three brothers and two sisters. Services will
be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Ralph Benham
and Bro. Mike Bruce officiating. Burial will follow in Lindley Prairie
Cemetery west of Fair Play.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
David William Fillmore, 38, Morrisville, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at
his home. He was born July 20, 1962, in Seattle, Wash., and lived in Texas
before moving to the Wishart area. He was employed by BLF Excavating in
Morrisville. Survivors include his wife, Shawna Fillmore, a daughter,
Jessica Newsom, and two sons, David II and James Fillmore, all of the
home; his mother, Hazel Fillmore of Fayetteville, Ark.; three brothers,
George Fillmore of Morrisville, Steve Fillmore of Winslow, Ark., and
Robert Fillmore of Killeen, Texas; two sisters, Linda of the state of
Texas and Vicki Rankin of Fayetteville, Ark.; five nephews and three
nieces. He was preceded in death by his grandmother and a nephew. Services
will be Thursday, Nov. 30, in Thieme Funeral Home, Springfield.
Arrangements were incomplete at press time. Visitation will be this
evening (Wednesday) at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Helen E. Gill, 82, Davis Junction, Ill., died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2000, in
Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, Ill. She was born Sept. 10, 1918, the
daughter of Maurice and Margaret Gaffey Russell. She married Richard H.
Gill Jr. on June 7, 1941, in Polo, Ill. She was a member of St. Mary's
Catholic Church in Byron, Ill. She and her husband operated Gill's Antique
Shop in Davis Junction, Ill., for 20 years and also farmed in the Monroe
Center, Ill., area. She is survived by her husband, Richard Gill Jr.; a
daughter and son-in-law, Karen E. and Robby Donoho of Davis Junction,
Ill.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard H. III and Pat Gill of
Columbus, Neb. and Russell M. Sr. and Nancy Gill. of Bolivar; two sisters,
Alta Wehmeyer of Polo, Ill., and Villa Rads of Lanark, Ill.; seven
grandchildren, Michelle Arand, Russell Gill Jr., Greg Gill, Kathy Kellen,
Sara Gill, Elisabeth Gill and Tracy Long; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Len, Leo and Glenn; a sister,
Gladys; and two grandchildren, Heather Gill and Richard Gill IV. Funeral
mass was Tuesda,y Nov 14, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Byron, Ill., with
the Rev. Timothy Doherty officiating. Burial was in Hulse Cemetery near
Pecatonica, Ill. Arrangements were under the direction of
Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Stillman Valley, Ill.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Carrie Elizabeth Greer was born Dec. 30. 1916, in Dover, Pa., the daughter
of Albert C. and Annie Mae Gerber Neiman. She passed away at 11:33 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, at Cox Medical Center North, Springfield, following
a lengthy and heroic battle with lung disease. Carrie grew up in Colorado
and Wyoming, where her father started and operated numerous businesses
including the Neiman Sawmill at Hulett, Wyo., which is still in operation.
Carrie was managing the lumber yard at Gillette, Wyo., when she met her
future husband, C.J. Greer. They were married on May 27, 1941, at
Gillette, Wyo. To this union five children were born: Carrie Ann, Glen
Ray, Twyla Mae, Olen Lee and Eva Dee. Carrie and her family operated the
Elm Valley Goat Dairy in Springfield for more than 21 years prior to
moving to the Greer's 40 Acres in Brighton. Carrie was known for her
expertise in many fields ranging from poem and songwriting to sewing and
carpentry work. She was the missions secretary-treasurer for more than 40
years at the Brighton Highway Assembly of God Church, where she was a
charter member. Surviving are her husband, the Rev. C.J. Greer of the
home; her daughters and their husbands, Carrie Ann and Ron Simmons, Twyla
Mae and Bruce Menzies and Eva Dee and David Partin, all of Springfield;
her sons and their wives, Glen Ray and Sue Greer of Bois d'Arc and Olen
Lee and Gail Greer of Springfield; two sisters, Ruth Dickmann of
Washington, Ind., and Mary Barbour of Hulett, Wyo.; three brothers, Albert
C. Neiman, Henry Neiman and James Neiman, all of Hulett, Wyo.; 12
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
her parents; two brothers, Bill and Ray Neiman; and a great-granddaughter,
Madison Dawn Greer, daughter of Steven and Sara Greer. Carrie will forever
be remembered for her devotion to the Lord's work and especially the
missionaries and her love for her family. Sesrvices will be at 1 p.m.
today (Wednesday) in the Brighton Highway Assembly of God Church with the
Rev. Tom Dewlen, the Rev. Bert Travis, the Rev. Jimmy Johnson and the Rev.
Danny Hughes officiating. Musical selections will be "I Know Who Holds
Tomorrow," "I Found a Better Way," "Holy Ground" and "Thank You for Giving
to the World." Burial will follow in the Brighton Cemetery under the
direction of Butler Funeral Home. Casketbearers will be Bruce Woodmansee,
Ray Woodmansee, Jay Woodmansee, Aaron Greer, Michael Menzies, Steven
Greer, Brad Greer and Timothy Partin. Memorial contributions may be made
to the Brighton Highway Assembly Missions Account, 5403 N. Highway 13,
Brighton MO 65617



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Leland Franklin Hamby, 72, Ellinwood, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000,
at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kan., due to heart failure. The
son of Abe and Lula Litle Hamby, he was born June 24, 1928, at Stockton.
While living in Missouri he worked at the Stockton cheese plant; then he
moved on to work in the oil fields of Kansas. In 1974 he moved to
Ellinwood, Kan., where he has lived the past 26 years. He was preceded in
death by his mother, Lula Wilson; his father, Abe Hamby; a brother, Ray
Hamby; a son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Vicki Hamby; and a grandson,
Lee Hamby. Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Nellie Hamby of the home;
two brothers, Ellis Hamby of Ellinwood, Kan., and Babe Hamby of Aldrich; a
sister, Goldie Manning of Ellinwood, Kan.; 12 children, James Hamby and
his wife, Sandy, of Aldrich, Linda Stevens and her husband, Bill, of
Bolivar, Billy Hamby and his wife, Debbie, of Bolivar, Ronnie Hamby of
Great Bend, Kan., Terry Hamby of Elk City, Kan., Donna Crow and her
husband, Vander, of Ellinwood, Kan., Elaine Pyle of El Dorado Springs,
Raylene Keith of El Dorado Springs, Barbara Carstens of Ellinwood, Kan.,
Kathlene Cox and her husband, Howard, of Appleton City, Hazelene Doyle and
her husband, Jim, of Fletcher, N. C., and Dorothy Fulbright of Caney,
Kan.; 28 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Services were Monday,
Nov. 27, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with Brother Ralph Benham officiating.
Pallbearers were Michael Hamby, Sean Hamby, Harold Hamby, Jerry Hamby,
Craig Huff and Mark Wooliver. Interment was in Lindley Prairie Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Ruth Naomi Hosiner, 86, Marshfield, died at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29,
2000, in Doctors' Hospital, Springfield. Survivors include her son, James
E. Hosiner Jr. and his wife, Elsie, of Half Way; her daughter, Theda
Mackey and her husband, Caleb Jr., of Marshfield; nine grandchildren, 24
great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces,
nephews and friends. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today (Friday)
Dec. 1, in Fordland Cemetery with the Rev. Jack Day officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Day Funeral Home, Marshfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Milford H. House, 91, of the Starfield community, rural Gower, died
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St.
Joseph. He was born Dec. 30, 1908, to the Rev. E.T. and Mary Carter House
in Polk County near Pleasant Hope, where he spent his early years. On June
24, 1934, he was united in marriage to Sarah White of Plattsburg. After
their marriage, they lived in the Starfield community. He farmed in the
Starfield area for more than 67 years. He was a member of Mount Zion
Freewill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. He was
also a member of the Plattsburg Masonic Lodge No. 113 A.F. and A.M. He was
a member of the Mount Zion Cemetery Board where he had served as
president. He was a 4-H leader for more than 20 years. He was preceded in
death by his parents; an infant daughter, Betty Ann; five brothers, Ira,
Tolbert, Rufus, James and Claudie House; and three sisters, Rosa House,
Ada Culley and Wava Sims. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of the home;
three sons and daughters-in-law, Darrel L. and Luray House, Gary M. and
Connie House, all of Gower, and Dale M. and Lianne House, Prairie Village,
Kan.; five grandchildren, Cynthia Benz, Stephanie Phipps, Eric House,
Scott House and Carter House; four great-grandchildren, Tabatha Phipps,
Jacob Phipps, Amanda Benz and Kiera Benz; two sisters, Bessie Ogden of
Sacramento, Calif., and Opal Johnson of Houston, Texas; several nieces and
nephews; and other relatives and friends. Services were Saturday, Nov. 25,
at the Mount Zion Freewill Baptist Church, rural Gower. Burial was in
Mount Zion Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the
Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower. Donations may be made to the Mount Zion
Cemetery Association or the Mount Zion Freewill Baptist Church.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Audrey Yvonne Johnson, 74, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000, at
Independence Regional Health Center in Independence. She was born in
Crocker on Oct. 25, 1926, to Philip and Eva Hamilton Williams. She worked
as a legal secretary for Welch, Martin, Albano and Manners Law Firm in
Independence. She attended the Antioch Christian Church. She was preceded
in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Charles Lee
Johnson, of Bolivar; three daughters, Wanda Tomlin of Mission, Kan., Jana
Sornberger and husband Robert of Robinson, Ill., and Terry Early and
husband Jim of North Kansas City; six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 25, in Crocker
Cemetery, Crocker, with Bill Claiborn officiating. Pallbearers were Robert
Sornberger, Joe Sornberger, James Early, Ryan Hill, Nick Hill and Chuck
McCroskey. Arrangements were under the direction of Long Funeral Home in
Crocker.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Elizabeth W. Johnson, Bolivar, passed away at 3:05 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21,
2000, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, at the age of 81
years, three months and six days. She was born Aug. 15, 1919, in Talequah,
Okla., the daughter of John Schuyler and Nora Frances Liliker Weaver. Her
father was professor of classical languages and Bible studies at Southwest
Baptist College for many years before his death in 1946. Elizabeth
attended elementary and high shcool in Bolivar, where she was active in
piano accompaniment for the vocal quartets and was a member of the Girls'
Glee Club. She graduated from Southwest Baptist College and taught school
for a period of time before she and her longtime sweetheart, Farrell
Johnson, were married on June 8, 1942, in Balitmore, Md. Elizabeth and
Farrell made Baltimore their home after World War II. Elizabeth had a
31-year career with General Motors. After her retirement, Elizabeth and
Farrell continued to attend the General Motors meetings in Springfield,
and they had many friends in that group. Elizabeth and Farrell returned to
Bolivar in 1978 and became active members in the First Baptist Church. She
put her faith in God, and this faith carried her through the good times
and the bad times in her life. In 1996 Elizabeth made a list of things
that she liked to collect. She had written, "This is all materialism, and
when my Dad died, I learned early in life that it is not important, the
important thing in life is salvation and human relations." She also had
some favorite verses marked in ther Bible; they were Ecclesiastes 1: 9-10,
Matthew 6:19-21 and John 14:1-4. Her mother taught voice and piano to many
of the ministerial and missionary students at Southwest Baptist College.
Her favorite hymn was "In the Garden," and Elizabeth loved to hear her
sing it. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Farrell
Johnson, on Feb. 9, 2000; and a sister, Louise Weaver. Elizabeth is
survived by her two brothers, John Schuyler Weaver and Albert Edward
Weaver, both of Kansas City; her sister, Anna Ruth Dick and her husband,
G.A. Waldriff M.D. of Albuquerque, N.M.; a brother-in-law, Charles Johnson
of Bolivar; and many nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Nov. 25,
in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the
Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Leah Maye Christian Jorgensen, 68, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., died Friday,
Nov. 10, 2000, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield,
following a sudden illness. She was born May 27, 1932, in Walnut Grove to
Virgil and Loy Eunice Ridenour Christian. She was united in marriage to
Kenneth Coffey in January 1951, and to this union a daughter was born. She
is survived by her daughter, Georgie Ann Coffey of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.;
three brothers and sisters-in-law, Arthur and Chris Christian of Oakland,
Calif., George and Lucille Christian of Wahoo, Neb., and Ray and Rose
Christian of Aldrich; four sisters and three brothers-in-law, Kathryn and
Lester Leith of Bolivar, Evelyn Hoover of Neosho, Alta Faye and George
Lawrence of Hutchison, Kan., and Geraldine and Henry Jacks of Belton; as
well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents
and four brothers, Roy Christian, Dale Christian, Loy Christian and Fred
Christian. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev.
Kenneth Doyle officiating. Music was provided by Jay and Annabell Lyman
accompanied by Marilyn Dobbins. Burial followed in Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery, Aldrich. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Heart Association, the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes
Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Gene C. Mann, 75, Ajo, Ariz., died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000, in his home.
He had suffered from emphysema, heart trouble and cancer. He was born and
raised in the Dunnegan and Fair Play areas and graduated from Fair Play
High School in 1943. He was united in marriage to Dorothy McDowell of
Rolla in 1945, and for a short time they owned and operated a cafe on Main
Street in Fair Play. They moved to Ajo, Ariz., in 1947 where he was
employed at Phelps Dodge Copper Mine until his retirement when the copper
mine closed. Preceding him in death were his wife, Dot, in 1995; his
parents, Harry F. and Mary Campbell Mann; one brother, Leonard "Jap"; and
two brothers-in-law, Homer Matthews and Clarence Lane. Survivors include
his only child, Jeff and wife Debbie of Ajo, Ariz.; four granddaughters; a
great-grandson; two sisters, Edna Matthews of Bolivar and Daisy Lane of
Fair Play; one uncle, Willis Earl Mann of Concord, N.C.; as well as nieces
and nephews. The body has been cremated. Memorial services were held in
Ajo, Ariz.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Edna Faye McKinney passed away at 12:14 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at
the home of her daughter in Springfield. Faye was born Oct. 9, 1912, near
Walnut Grove to Joseph V. and Ellen Lomas Adams. On Nov. 13, 1937, she
married Paul Francis McKinney, who preceded her in death Dec. 12, 1997.
They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 1997. They moved to a farm near
Morrisville in 1944 where they made their home for the next 53 years. Faye
graduated from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar and Southwest Missouri
State College in Springfield. She taught school at King, Dunnegan and
other country schools near Dunnegan. After raising her family she began
teaching in Morrisville in 1957, retiring in 1982. On Oct. 22, 2000, Faye
was presented her Jubilee Membership Club for 50 years membership at the
Morrisville United Methodist Church. She was an avid bird watcher and a
member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Morrisville Garden
Club and the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional
honorary society of women educators. Survivors include two daughters,
Patty Harralson and her husband, Gary, Springfield, and Carol Edmundson
and her husband, Jim, Brunswick; a son, Paul McKinney, Jr. and his wife,
Sharon, Morrisville; six grandchildren, Douglas Harralson, Piki (Shelley)
Hays and her husband, Jeff, Tyler Edmundson, Cara Edmundson, Justin
McKinney and his wife, Tamara, and Brian McKinney; one sister, Helen
Euliss, Morrisville; nieces, nephews and many former students. Services
were Saturday, Nov. 25, in Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar, with the Rev.
Sylvia Ireland officiating. Pallbearers were Justin McKinney, Brian
McKinney, Tyler Edmundson, Jeff Hays, Jerry Euliss and Buddy Hagerman.
Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Aldrich. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Morrisville United Methodist Church, 5304
S. Main Ave., Morrisville MO 65710.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Steven Eugene Mygatt, 49, Branson, died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, in Skaggs
Community Hospital, Branson. He was born June 20, 1950, in Springfield. He
grew up in Aldrich and graduated from Fair Play High School in 1969. He
joined the U.S. Navy serving as a hospital corpsman. He was a member of
the Missouri Rain Band for several years, playing keyboards and harmonica.
In 1989 he married Beverly Overmyer. After living near Aldrich they moved
to Branson in 1990 where he was employed at the Roy Clark Theater as a
lighting technician for eight years. At the time of his death he was
self-employed in the lemonade business. He was a member of the Aldrivh
United Methodist Church. Surviving is his wife, Beverly Mygatt of the
home; his mother, Wanda Taylor of Aldrich; a sister, Phyllis Taylor and
her husband, Bill, of Bolivar; a brother, Lyman Chris Taylor of Aldrich;
two nieces, Leah Adcock and Patricia Harris and her husband, Travis, all
of Bolivar; one stepdaughter, Melissa Blanton and her husband, Bobby, of
Galena; a stepson, John Overmyer of Bolivar, a step-granddaughter, Eshia
Blanton, Galena; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Max and
Floradelle Barham of Bolivar. Services were Sunday, Nov. 5, in Murray
Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Music was
by Chris Taylor and Jackie Vincent. Pallbearers were Larry Kuhn, Roger
Kuhn, Warren Welch, John Overmyer, Bobby Blanton and Randy Lyman.
Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be
made to the Polk County Humane Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Ockla Parscale, 83, Half Way, died at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, 2000, at
the Dallas County Health Care Center. She was born July 5, 1917, in
Louisburg, the daughter of Cahrley and Nellie Davison Jones. She was
united in marriage to Lowell Austin Parscale, and to this union two
daughters were born. She was a homemaker and farm wife and was a member of
Schofield Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters and
a son-in-law, Shirley Covert and Barbara and Donald Dunseth, all of Half
Way; a brother and sister-in-law, Archie and Myrtle Jones of Louisburg;
five grandchildren, Charlotte and Clayton Arnold of Walker, Wayne and Dawn
Covert of Dunnegan, Eddie and Barbara Covert, Carl Dunseth and Paul
Dunseth, all of Half Way; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in
death by her parents; her husband, Lowell Austin Parscale on Nov. 18,
1967; a brother, Elgie Jones; two sisters, Grace Carter and Bessie Walker;
and a son-in-law, Dean Covert. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov.
24, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Burial will follow
in Schofield Cemetery. The funeral home will be open after 2 p.m. on
Thanksgiving Thursday for those wanting to pay their respects prior to
service time. Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Clifton Pippen, 84, Humansville, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital. The son of Alonzo A. and Callie J. Pippen, he was born
May 16, 1916, in Crossett, Ark. On Dec. 5, 1942, he was married to Marion
Louise Lea, who preceded him in death April 7, 1987. He was a U.S. Army
veteran of World War II and worked as a lineman for Empire District
Electric Company for more than 35 years, retiring in 1975. He was a former
alderman and mayor of Humansville and a member of Bolivar Lodge #195 and
the Humansville United Methodist Church. Surviving are three children,
Clifton L. Pippen and his wife, Phyllis, of Excelsior Springs, Myra L.
Pippen of Lawson and Lisa J. Whitney of Springfield; and three
grandchildren, Ashley N. Pippen, Preston R. Pippen and Kate G. Whitney.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. today (Friday) at the Humansville
Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Loni Marie Prater, 18, Labanon, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000, as the
result of an auto accident. She is survived by her parents, Lonnie and
Kelley Prater of Lebanon, and her grandparents, Joe and Dolly Crunk oif
Deepwater and Vernon and Mary Dowden of Bolivar. Services will be under
the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Lebanon.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Richard G. Quintiliano, 57, Pittsburg, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 11, 1943, in Bridgeport,
Conn., to Daniel John and Ethel Lathrop Quintiliano. He was a
self-employed engineer. He is survived by his mother, Ethel Quintiliano of
Grandview; Linda Jensen of the home; and a brother, Daniel J. Quintiliano
of Palmdale, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father, one aunt, one
uncle and four brothers. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by
Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Mildred Marie Spitz, 81, Brighton, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, at Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born Aug. 31, 1919,
in Polk County to Henry and Louetta Ware Russell. She was united in
marriage to Grover Spitz, and to this union a daughter was born. She is
survived by her husband, Grover, of the home; two sisters, Eva Hancock of
Bolivar and Betty Krzyminski of Springfield; and several nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Kay Marie
Cossins, in March 1992; three brothers and one sister. Services will be at
2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating. Pallbearers will be Dennis Campbell, Roger Gulick, Russell
Jenkins, Rick Elliott, Harold Spitz and Kelly Harville. Burial will follow
in Barren Creek Cemetery, Fair Play.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, November 2000:
Paul Clark Tripp, 66, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, in Christian
Health Care West, Springfield, after a lingering illness. He was born Feb.
22, 1934, in Pilot Knob, the son of Oscar E. and Odessa I. Vance Tripp. A
former resident of Chicago, he moved to Bolivar where he spent the past
seven years. During his lifetime he worked as a minister, a teacher and a
title agent and abstractor. He was a member of the National Education
Association and the Missouri Land Title Association. He is survived by his
daughter and her husband, Karen and Ken Ashlock of Bolivar; two sons,
Kenneth Tripp and his wife, Dee, of Griffith, Ind., and Keith Tripp of
Phoenix, Ariz.; four brothers, Ancel Tripp of Ironton, Dick Tripp, Gerald
Tripp and Joe Tripp, all of Pilot Knob; three sisters, Valerie Mullins of
St. Louis, Pat Henry of Festus and Roxie Tripp of Pilot KNob; and six
grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristen and Keaton Ashlock and Chad, Candace and
Cody Tripp.. Services were Sunday, Nov. 19, in Bryson Funeral Home Chapel,
Pilot Knob, with the Rev. Martin Carlisle officiating. Burial followed in
Arcadia Valley Memorial Park, Ironton.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Rolla E. Anderson, 73, Humansville, died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, in his
home. He was born March 1, 1927, at Humansville, the son of Samuel D. and
Mary Purdin Anderson. On June 14, 1957, he married Juanita Kester of
Willow Springs. He was a farmer, retired Humansville postmaster and
retired scorekeeper for the Humansville High School basketball games. He
was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in Italy. He was a
lifelong member of the Humansville United Methodist Church, where he
served as lay leader and Sunday school superintendent. He was preceded in
death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Juanita, of the home;
four children and their spouses, Samuel D. and Sharon Anderson of
Humansville, Steven and Ginger Anderson of Sedalia, Karla and Cameron
Wesson of Germany and Allan and Shauna Anderson of Willard; six sisters,
Phyllis Howard of Lee's Summit, Virginia Hale and Eugenia Warren, both of
Polk, Irene Tinsley, Marcene Steffens and Sue Garretson, all of
Humansville; two sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, eight grandchildren
and many nieces and nephews. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12,
in the Humansville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob McQueen
officiating. Music will be by Stephanie Bledsoe and Jody Burch. Interment
will be in Humansville Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral
Home, Humansville. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday)
in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humansville
United Methodist Church, 802 W. Tilden St., Humansville MO 65674.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Ethel B. Brooks, 86, Branson West, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, in Skaggs
Community Hospital, Branson. The daughter of Frank and Florence Raholitz
Bohn, she was born Feb. 9, 1914, in Cornland, Ill. She was a homemaker and
had lived in the area the past 30 years, coming from Rockford, Ill.
Survivors include two sons, Dennis Brooks of Branson West and Gary Brooks
of Rockford, Ill.; two brothers, Herman Bohn of Elkhart, Ill., and Charles
Bohn of Cornland, Ill.; three sisters, Rosie Litterly and Opal Burtell,
both of Elkhart, Ill., and Elizabeth Hooper of Rockford, Ill.; two
grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many other relatives and
friends. Services were Monday, Oct. 16, in Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran
Church, Kimberling City, with Jim Troyke officiating. Burial was in
Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home
South, Kimberling City.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Robert Dale Crowe, 39, Walnut Shade, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 18,
2000, in Taney County as the result of injuries received in an automobile
accident. He was born Nov. 28, 1960, in Humansville to Dale and Jannath
Williams Crowe. He was a member of Pittsburg Missionary Baptist Church and
had been self-employed as a landscaper. He was preceded in death by his
father, Dale Crowe, and grandparents George R. Williams, Mary Jane
Williams and Elmer Crowe. Survivors include his mother, Jannath Crowe of
Pittsburg; a daughter, Rebecca Farmer of Walnut Shade; a brother, Clay
Crowe of Cross Timbers; a sister, Penny Keene of Chicago, Ill.; his
grandparents, Velma and Wesley Harbison of Eldon; and , and a nephew,
Casey Keene. Graveside services were Sunday, Oct. 22, in Antioch Cemetery,
Pittsburg, with Sam Kaunley officiating. Arrangements were under the
direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to a trust
fund for his daughter, Rebecca Farmer, in care of Commerce Bank, 623 South
Albany, Bolivar MO 65613.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
J.W. Dilley, 78, Bolivar, formerly of Ash Grove, died at noon Friday, Oct.
6, 2000, in Parkview Health Care Center. He was born in DeWitt, the son of
Thomas Victor and Velda Pearl Dilley Gunn. After the deaths of his mother
and father when he was 5 years old, he was adopted by his uncle and aunt,
John A. and Catherine Moore Dilley. He was a retired Southern Baptist
minister and was a member of the Greene County Retired Ministers
Association. He was a member of Center Baptist Church east of Ash Grove.
He had been employed with Anderson and Son Truck Body Company of
Springfield for 30 years, retiring as office manager. He was a U.S. Army
veteran of World War II, entering the service at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.,
on Jan. 26, 1943, and was discharged on March 6, 1949, at Jefferson
Barracks with the rank of corporal. During his service he received two
Purple Hearts and other honors. He was a lifetime member of the Ash Grove
VFW Post, where he served as chaplain. He was united in marriage with Jean
Craig on June 20, 1943. To this union six children were born. They shared
more than 56 years of marriage before Jean preceded him in death on Oct.
29, 1999. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, three brothers and
one great-granddaughter, Haley Marie Dilley. He is survived by two sons
and a daughter-in-law, John W. and Sue Dilley of Walnut Grove and James
William Dilley of Olathe, Kan.; four daughters and three sons-in-law,
Patricia Geiszler of Springfield, Arleen and Kenneth Niemi of Half Way,
Joan and John Delzell of Springfield and Sandra and Ron Maupin of Bolivar;
14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, Oct.
9, in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove, with the Rev. Mitch Fisher
officiating. Interment followed in Ash Grove Cemetery with full military
honors under the auspices of the Missouri Veterans Bravo Team of
Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Archie Woodrow Fausett, 87, Bolivar, died at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22,
2000, in Parkview Health Care Facility after a brief illness. He was born
Jan. 3, 1913, in Hazelton, Kan., the son of William Efton and Pearl M.
Reed Fausett. A graduate of Pleasant Hope High School, he was a farmer and
a longtime resident of Half Way and the Pleasant Hope community. In 1933
he was united in marriage to Dorothy Eastburn, and to this union three
children were born: Gerald, Norman and Wilma Jean Fausett. He was preceded
in death by his parents; a daughter, Wilma Jean Culbertson; and one
sister, Wilma Whitmarsh. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy F. Fausett of
Bolivar; two sons and their wives, Norman and Kay Fausett of Half Way and
Gerald and Lydia Fausett of Branson; three sisters, Mary Thelma Giddens of
Sturgeon, Erma Jewell Hall of Columbia and Mabel Lovella Nichols of
Sturgeon; one brother, Virgil Fausett of Sturgeon; four grandchildren,
nine great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Services
will be at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with
the Rev. Lyle Shaulis officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hope
Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Alicia B. Horton, 90, Half Way, died at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000,
in Parkview Health Care Facility after a brief illness. She was born Aug.
27, 1910, in St. Louis, the daughter of George and Rose Winter Polliham.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul J. Horton. She is survived
by one daughter and her husband, Mary and Kelly McAtee of Half Way; three
sons, Paul J. Horton Jr. of Cuba, Richard G. Horton of St. Charles and
Robert F. Horton of Sommerville, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren. Funeral mass was Saturday, Oct. 28, in Sacred Heart
Roman Catholic Church with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Altar boys were
Sean Jones and Chris Jones. Music was provided by organist Carol Francka
and the church choir. Casketbearers were Paul J. Horton III, Aaron McAtee,
Matthew Horton, Patrick Horton, Michael Horton, Robert Horton, Richard
Horton, Scott Carter, Al Horton and James Horton. Graveside services were
Monday, Oct. 30, in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Louis, with Father James
Edwards officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler
Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Paul Dwight Johnson, 75, was born to Lester and Eula Johnson in their home
west of Caplinger Mills on April 30, 1925. He passed from this life
Sunday, Oct. 29, 2000, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield,
after an unexpected and sudden heart attack. He and his wife of 53 years
were just returning home after a bus trip to the Smokey Mountains in
Tennessee, where they had spent five fun-filled days. Paul was born the
second of three boys. His mother died when he was just 10 years of age. A
short five years later his father died. At that time, John, the oldest of
the three brothers, and his wife moved back home with Paul and his younger
brother, Calvin. On Jan. 20, 1947, Paul married the girl of his dreams,
Daisy Dixon. They spent their life together on the farm in Cedar County.
To this union were born three children: Richard Eugene, Paul Edward and
Kathy Darlene. Paul was saved in the fall of 1947 on the street in front
of the Stockton courthouse at the age of 22, after which he joined the
Stockton Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized. He was later called
by God to preach the gospel. After fighting against it for eight years, he
surrendered to the call, and church became the focus of his life. Paul
pastored seven different churches over a 25-year period and held numerous
revivals from Polk County to Kansas City. He preached the necessity of
salvation and the importance of the church. At the time of his death, he
was a member of Freedom Missionary Baptist Church, located up the hill
from his home, and was filling in for the pastor, Bro. David Keller, who
had been killed in a car accident in May. Paul believed in a "know so,
heartfelt" salvation and preached it everywhere he went. Paul was a farmer
at heart. He spent many hours on the tractor and enjoyed sharing this with
his sons throughout his life. He continued to farm and raise cattle with
his son, Eddie, until the time of his death. Paul wrote insurance for over
40 years. He enjoyed meeting and helping people, and especially enjoyed
friends coming by the office to sit and visit, as they often did. Paul and
his daughter, Kathy, became even closer when she began working in the
insurance office with him and her husband during the past 10 years. Paul
enjoyed his life, and his family meant the world to him, including his
many nieces and nephews, which he treated like his own. He was especially
fond of his grandkids, whom he loved to play and joke around with. Paul
and Daisy enjoyed going places together, whether it be work, church or
taking trips. Someone once said, "Paul and Daisy go together like cream
and sugar." Paul liked to find old tools and had begun quite a collection,
but one of his favorite pastimes was to sit on his front porch and behold
the wonders of God. Paul was not without faults, but for those who loved
him, they were not readily visible. Paul was preceded in death by his
parents and his younger brother, Calvin. Survivors include his wife,
Daisy, of the home; three children, Eddie Johnson and wife Debbie, Kathy
Crain and husband Tom and Eugene Johnson and wife Carolyn, all of
Stockton; grandchildren Jennie and Sarah Johnson, Melissa Dunlap and
husband Chad, Shawn Crain, Genia Daniels and Rich Johnson; three
great-grandchildren; one brother, John Johnson; and numerous other
relatives, friends and neighbors. Paul Johnson will be greatly missed as a
husband, a father, grampa, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. Memories
are a priceless treasure. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much." James 5:16. Services were held at Brumback Funeral Home in
Stockton on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Bro. Jeff Shelenhamer read the obituary and
offered the opening prayer. Freedom Missionary Baptist Church and friends
sang "I'm Bound for the Land of Canaan" and "Take Up Thy Cross." Bro. Leo
Keller read the 90th Psalm and preached a short message on the necessity
of salvation ­ a "know-so, heartfelt" experience with God. Cindy Webb led
the church and congregation in singing "Amazing Grace." Pallbearers were
nephews Scott Johnson, David Johnson, Lester Johnson, Gene Mears, Brian
Cook and Kenneth Burns. Honorary pallbearers were Denton Daniels, Doug
Webb, Charles Winfiel, Horace Coale, Dale Beaty, Ralph Johnson, John
Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Mike Dixon, Alan Dixon and Bob Coale. Burial was
in Caplinger Mills Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Altha Treva Mae Wilson Kates, 78, Bolivar, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1,
2000, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a sudden
illness. She was born to the union of Alvin Daniel and Dora Alice Barnhill
Wilson in Thayer on April 21, 1922. She was one of nine children. She was
married to Walter Aften Kates of Bolivar on Dec. 26, 1942, by the Rev.
Loren Graves. To this blessed union were added three children, all of whom
survive: Walter Harrison Kates of the home, Treva Mae Kates Orrell and her
husband, Kenneth, and Danny Lee Kates and his wife, Cherie, all of
Bolivar. There were also eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and
three great-grandhcildren. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Walter Aften Kates, her parents, grandparents and seven siblings, Mildred
Wilson Curry, Robert Clyde Wilson, Alvin Wilson Jr., Marie Wilson Jewel,
Margaret Wilson Warren, Lucille Wilson and Helen Wilson Bennett. She has
left behind one living brother, Harold Wilson of Thayer, and a host of
nieces and nephews. She was a sweet and kind person who had many friends
and relatives and neighbors. She was saved as a young woman at the Old
Sunset Church and was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Missionary
Baptist Church. Services were held at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist
Church on Tuesday, Oct. 3, with Bro. Doyle Mayfield officiating.
Pallbearers were Walter Kenneth Dean Orrell, Lewis Ernster, Levi Kates,
Lee Kates, Arnold Wilson and Charlie Wilson. Burial followed in the church
cemetary. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Marlene Kelso, 62, Wheatland, died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000, at St. John's
Regional Health Center, Springfield. She was born Oct. 14, 1938, at
Houstonia, the daughter of Edward and Stella Bailey Carver. She had lived
in the Galmey area the last 12 years and had previously lived at Sedalia.
She was a member of the Galmey Community Bible Church. Survivors include
her husband, John Kelso of the home; two sons, Leslie Kelso and Eric
Kelso, both of Rolla; two brothers, William Carver of Odessa and Quinton
Carver of Independence; and five grandchildren. Services were Saturday,
Oct. 21, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the
Rev. Rick Walters officiating. Burial followed in Dooly Bend Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Zena Maurine Grammer Miller, 95, Bolivar, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, in
Doctors' Hospital, Springfield. The daughter of Oscar and Bess Stribling
Grammer, she was born in the Acton community of Hood County, Texas, Jan.
17, 1905. A graduate of Granbury (Texas) High School, she attended Texas
Wesleyan College. On Oct. 11, 1925, she married Louis Vernon Miller, who
preceded her in death. She spent most of her life in Texas, moving to
Bolivar after the death of her husband in 1985. She was a member of First
Baptist Church and had been involved in a Baptist church all of her life.
Survivors include her children, Kenneth Zane Miller and his wife, Arlette,
of Little Rock, Ark., and Twila Wakefield Smith and her husband, M. Hugh
Smith, of Bolivar; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three
great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Goforth of Fort Worth, Texas;
two nieces and other relatives. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m.
Saurday, Oct. 14, in Tolar Baptist Church, Tolar, Texas. Cremation was
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be
given through Tolar Baptist Church, Tolar, TX 76476 to the Texas Baptist
Offering for World Hunger or through First Baptist Church, Bolivar MO
65613 for world missions.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Gladys E. Minnick passed away at 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, in Truman
Lake Manor, Lowry City, after a lingering illness at the age of 99 years,
2 months and 12 days. Gladys was born July 26, 1901, in Caney, Kan., the
daughter of John and Alice Bell Booth Todd, who were early pioneers. They
settled in Caney, Kan., raising a young family of son Adrian Todd and
daughters Elma Todd and Gladys Todd. Gladys was the class valedictorian of
Caney High School in 1919 and was active in several school class
activities, of which her favorites were music and preparation of the 1919
high school class year book. She was a member of the First Christian
Church of Bolivar. Gladys greatly enjoyed singing in the church choir and
participating in church social activities. Gladys moved to Bolivar from
Kansas City after the death of her husband, Homer Minnick, in 1955, to be
closer to her sister Elma Mathias and her niece and niece's husband, Betty
Jean and Herman Braithwait. Gladys had remarked to her great-nephew that
she remembered the day that news of the disastrous sinking of the ship
Titanic had reached her hometown of Caney, Kan. During the last several
years, Gladys had been a resident of the Butterfield Care Center in
Bolivar and recently moved to the Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City. The
family gratefully acknowledges the special kindness of the Charles
Braithwait family of Lowry City who personally assisted Gladys in matters
of her care after the death of Betty Jean Braithwait a few years ago. She
was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Homer. Gladys is
survived by a niece, Audrine Winkler of Madison, Wis.; a great-niece, Sue
Winkler Bridson of Madison, Wis.; a great-nephew, John Todd Winkler of St.
Louis; two great-great-nephews, Andrew Bridson of Milwaukee, Wis., and
Chris Bridson of Minneapolis, Minn.; and a great-great-niece, Michelle
Bridson Richardson of Spring Green, Wis. She is greatly missed by her many
friends and surviving family. Services will be at 11 a.m. today
(Wednesday) in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, with the Rev. G. Scott
Carlton officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian
Church of Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Lawrence Samuel Moore, 76, Brighton, died Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at his
home. He was born May 13, 1924, in Drumwright, Okla., the son of Vergia
Crane and Fred Moore. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and
the Korean Conflict and was a retired electric lineman for Local No. 53 in
Kansas City. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 3404 in
Springfield and the AmVets Post No. 117 at Buffalo. He is survived by his
wife, Peggy D. Moore, of the home; his mother, Vergia Crane of
Springfield; 10 children, Nancy L. Huff, Patricia A. Kriby, Barbara A.
Scott and Tammy Boswell, all of Springfield; Theresa S. LeGrande and
Sherri Lynn Moore, both of Wichita, Kan., Deloris S. Zimmerman of Fair
Grove, Pam K. Mangan of Morrisville, Douglas R. Scott of Monett and
Rebecca L. Fisher of Pea Ridge, Ark.; six sons-in-law and one
daughter-in-law; one sister, Marjorie Snow of Topeka, Kan.; nine
granddaughters, 15 grandsons and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his father, Fred Moore; a brother, Gary Crane; two sisters,
Iris Moore and Bernice Moore; and an infant daughter, Molly Ann. Graveside
services were Thursday, Oct. 5, in the Robberson Prairie Cemetery north of
Springfield with Bill Pringle officiating. Casketbearers were Shar Fisher,
Bud Boswell, John Mangan, Phil Zimmerman, Larry Presley and Jerry Presley
II. Honorary casketbearers were Steven Mangan, Michael Mangan and Doug
Scott. Burial was under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Memorial
contribuions may be made to the Hospice of Southwest Missouri.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Marjorie Allen Munroe, 86, formerly of Bolivar, died at 11:04 a.m. Monday,
Oct. 16, 2000, in the Dade County Nursing Home, Greenfield, after a
lingering illness. She was born Aug. 11, 1914, at Lockwood, the daughter
of W.J. and Sara Grant. She was the youngest of six children. Marjorie had
spent most of her growing up years in Lockwood. Marjorie loved to tell
stories as she remembered from her youth and the family relationship and
friendship she held dear. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in
San Bernardino, Calif. An accomplished organist and pianist, she played
for churches, revivals and weddings. She worked as a beautician for more
than 25 years, owning a number of beauty shops in both Missouri and
California. During her retirement years she enjoyed travel throughout the
U.S. and Canada with her late husband, Murray Munroe, whom she wed in
1973. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Murray;
three brothers, Ralph, Elmer and Glenn; and two sisters, Gladys and
Blanche. Surviving are two sons, Bob Morris of Palo Alto, Calif., and Rex
Johnson of Bolivar; one daughter, Marti Shuler of Bolivar; four
grandchildren, Craig and Jami Shuler and Chuck and Sarah Johnson; and one
great-granddaughter, Kersten Shuler. Graveside services were Wednesday,
Oct. 18, in the Hampton Cemetery near Everton with the Rev. Harold
Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Butler
Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Della G. Pitts, 91, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, in Citizens Memorial
Hospital following a short illness. She was born Jan. 5, 1909, in Huron to
William Homer and Mary Elnora Henson Brown. On May 2, 1927, she was united
in marriage to Elbert A. Black, and to this union seven children were
born. She later married William Virgil Pitts on May 12, 1975. She had been
a homemaker and a cook at the cafeteria at Southwest Baptist College. She
was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law,
Bobby and Ann Black and Elbert O. Jr. and Sandra Black, all of Kansas
City; three daughters and sons-in-law, Myrtle and Dave Raile of Grand
Island, Neb., Elberta and Donald Jares of St. Paul, Neb., and Betty and
Bob Larson of Aurora, Neb.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Rose
Brown and Marvin and Dorothy Brown, all of Bolivar; two sisters and
brothers-in-law, Mary and Wayne Hammerbacker of Fair Play and Mabel and
Johnny Vest of Polk; 16 grandchildren, Kenneth Blacketer, Donnie
Blacketer, Pam Workman, Patty Spellman, Ron Koch, Sheryl Knuth, Sheila
Hein, Marla Ellicott, Linda Sondag, Karen Jares, Bruce Larson, Brenda
Edwards, Eric Black, Shane Black, Diana Moss and Tracy White; and 20
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; both her
husbands; two daughters, Ruby Blacketer Lovell and Willa Koch; three
grandchildren, Shirley Blacketer, Larry Koch and Brent Larson; one
great-grandchild; two sisters, Stella Lightfoot and Velma Fowler; and
three brothers, Jesse Brown, Tom Brown and Noel Brown. Services were
Monday, Oct. 16, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Donnie Lightfoot officiating.
Burial followed in Payne Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kenneth Blacketer,
Donnie Blacketer, Bruce Larson, Ron Koch, Eric Black, Shane Black and Tim
Moss.


From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Sammie L. Pyle, 80, Morrisville, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, in her
home. She was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Guion, Ark., to Charles and Laura
Adams Henderson. She was united in marriage to Ernest Y. Pyle, and to this
union five sons were born. She was a homemaker and had been associated
with the OATS group in Morrisville. Survivors include four sons and
daughters-in-law, Gerald and Shirley Pyle of Greenville, Texas, Oral
"Toby" and Cherryl Pyle of Morrisville, Ronnie and Mary Pyle of
Summerville, S.C., and Bert and Millie Pyle of Baton Rouge, La.; nine
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two special nieces, Donna Hagler
and Bonnie Jo Clupper both of Dupo, Ill., as well as many other relatives
and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest
Y. Pyle in April 1984; an infant son, Ernest G. Pyle; one sister and three
brothers. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel
with Pastor Randy Urich officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Park
Cemetery in Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Clyde H. Shackelton was born Dec. 8, 1924, to Floyd H. and Clara M.
LeJeune Shackelton on the home place in Half Way, where he and Marcella
lived during their married lives. He departed this life on Tuesday, Oct.
31, 2000, in Parkview Health Care Facility following a lingering illness.
Clyde was married to his high school sweetheart, Marcella Sampson, Dec.
11, 1945, by the Rev. Frank Lyttle in Long Lane. To this union two
children were born. Clyde is survived by his wife, Marcella, of the home;
a daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Jerry David Gallivan of Half Way;
a son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Karen Shackelton of Springfield; six
grandchildren, Janelle Gallivan, Jimmy Gallivan and his wife, Aimee, Jay
Gallivan, Mandy Anderson and her husband, Kelly, Lacy Shackelton and Cody
Shackelton; two great-grandchildren, Lauren Anderson and Caleb Gallivan; a
brother-in-law, James Sampson and his wife, Maxine; a nephew, a niece and
many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Clyde was a member
of the Schofield Missionary Baptist Church and a charter member of the
Half Way Lions Club. Some of Clyde's happiest years were when he carried
the mail for Route 2 in Half Way. He thoroughly enjoyed his job and always
enjoyed the children who would greet him at the mailbox. He retired from
the U.S. Postal Service after more than 20 years. He then returned to
working on the farm. Clyde was a loving husband, father, grandfather and
friends. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor for whatever
reason. He always had a smile and never met a stranger. Clyde was known to
play jokes on people, but in the fun kind of way. Clyde will be greatly
missed by his family and friends. Services were Friday, Nov. 3, in Pitts
Chapel with Bro. Dennis Spear and the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating.
Music was provided by the Schofield and Half Way Missionary Baptist Church
choirs accompanied by Pat Voris and led by Lendell Voris. Pallbearers were
Jimmy Gallivan, Jay Gallivan, Kelly Anderson, Steve Timmerman, Mark
Timmerman and Gerald Davison. Honorary pallbearers were Jack LeJeune,
Louis Gorden, John Robinson, David Gallivan, Morgan Wrinkle, Ben Andrews,
Wayne Eastburn and Dean Voris. Burial followed in Schofield Cemetery. An
obituary and guest book may be accessed at Legacy.com. Memorial
contributions may be made to Schofield Cemetery or the American Cancer
Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Lena Ellen Shipley, 85, Bolivar, died at 2:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born
Jan. 18, 1915, in Fair Play, the daughter of Fred Lee and Beulah Butler
Coy. She was united in marriage to Orland C. "Hawk" Shipley on Dec. 24,
1936. She was Baptist by faith and was a lifelong resident of Bolivar. She
was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Hawk, and two brothers,
Fred Jr. and John Coy. She is survived by her brother and his wife, Perry
and Mary Lou Coy of Jefferson City; seven nieces, Eden Beth Davis of
Bloomington, Ill., Mary Curyear of Poplar Bluff, Evelyn Douglas of Little
Rock, Ark., Lana Sue Bough of Stockton, Roxie Pritchett of Independence,
Beverly Jane Behne of San Antonio, Texas, and Carolyn Wright; three
nephews, Dennis Coy of Jefferson City, David Coy of Rolla and Jackie Coy
of Fort Worth, Texas; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Coy of Cabot, Ark.,
and Johnnie Shipley of Bolivar. Services were Saturday, Oct. 14, in Butler
Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Music included "How
Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Jacob Skyler Sorum, 12 days, Bolivar, died at 12:37 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6,
2000, in Cox Medical South, Springfield. He was born Sept. 24, 2000, in
Springfield to Michael Jay Sorum and Corrie May Akin. He is survived by
his parents; his twin brother, Jayson Sorum; his grandparents, Randy and
Anne Akin of Bolivar and Shirley Brown and Mark Glenn of Pleasant Hope;
his great-grandparents, George and Phyllis Akin of Bolivar, Paul and Joan
Werner of Grants Pass, Ore., and Mamie Hodler of Kingman, Ariz. Services
were Monday, Oct. 9, in Butler Chapel with Pastor Dave Poulson
officiating. Burial was in Mt. Gilead Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Virginia Ruth Spillman, 77, Nevada, formerly of Bolivar, died Sunday
morning, Oct. 15, 2000, at Nevada Regional Medical Center following an
illness of a few weeks. She was born Feb. 21, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
the daughter of Ephram Herman and Florence Dorothy Teachworth Hampton. She
married Clarence Richard Spillman on Sept. 14, 1944, in Olathe, Kan., and
he preceded her in death Oct. 21, 1980. She grew up in Nebraska and moved
to Missouri in 1937, living in Bolivar until she moved to Vernon County in
1948 and spent the rest of her life there. She was a homemaker and worked
in the family dairy. Survivors include three sons, John Richard Spillman
of Fresno, Calif., Earl Lewis Spillman of Ocala, Fla., and Aaron Fred
Spillman of El Dorado Springs; four daughters, Virginia Louise Smith of
Sheldon, Donna Marie Berry of the home, Phyllis Lee Spillman and Judy Ann
Fleming, both of Nevada; and two sisters, Violet Lee Hampton of Branson
and Mary Jean Reinhardt of Scotts Bluff, Neb. In addition to her husband,
she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, one step-grandson, one
brother and one sister. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday,
Oct. 19, in Marvin Chapel Cemetery, Vernon County, under the direction of
Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Alvin Eugene "Gene" Tinsley, 84, Humansville, died Wednesday, Oct. 25,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. The son of Asa Roy and
Nancy Edna Pitts Tinsley, he was born near Elkton March 8, 1916. On Sept.
16, 1939, he married Mary Ruth Lacy, who preceded him in death in 1985. A
lifelong cattleman and farmer, he worked at the Flemington Farmers'
Exchange as a mill operator and served as manager of the Dunnegan Farmers'
Exchange. He was a member of Rondo Baptist Church. Gene was a loving
husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was highly
respected by his friends and neighbors and will be greatly missed by all
who knew him. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a
brother, Joe Tinsley, and two brothers-in-law, Roy Bishop and Russell
Duncan. Survivors include his children, Sue Tinsley Jenkins and her
husband, Larry, of Humansville, John Tinsley and his fiancee, Karen
Pierce, of Flemington, and Alvin Tinsley and his wife, Ida, of
Warrensburg; two sisters, Lucille Bishop and Mary Odith Duncan, both of
Humansville; a sister-in-law, Irene Tinsley of Humansville; a
brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edwin and Gwen Lacy of Weaubleau; five
grandchildren, Rachel Tinsley, Janet Tinsley Kiwanda, Shaun Tinsley,
Heather and Sarah Jenkins; three great-grandchildren, Julian, Nathan and
Andre; and many nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Oct. 28, in
Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Bro. Cleo Cunningham and the Rev. Charley
Johnson officiating. Music was by Jean Nelson and Vonna Bauer accompanied
by Marcia Miller. Pallbearers were George Burleson, Bob Chaney, Jimmy
Chaney, Dale Chaney, Duane King and Butch Myers. Interment was in
Humansville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Alzheimer's Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Everett M. Turpin, 80, Humansville, died at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19,
2000, in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. He was born Aug. 11, 1920,
to Elmer and Ora Turpin in Ozwakie, Kan. He was a longtime resident of the
Kansas City area before retiring as a welder of farm equipment and moving
to the Humansville area. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran and a
member of Maranatha Baptist Church and Ozark Gospel Singers. He was
preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Survivors
include his wife of 61 years, Phena Breshears Turpin of the home; a son,
Larry Turpin of Leavenworth, Kan.; two daughters, Lavonne Morris of Lee's
Summit and Deborah Turpin of Biloxi, Miss.; one sister, Mary Weschman of
Barnes, Kan.; two granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren. Services
were Monday, Oct. 23, in Pitts Chapel with burial following in the Avery
Spring Branch Cemetery north of Wheatland.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Darrell W. and Marilyn A. White
Darrell W. White, 56, and Marilyn A. White, 55, Malden, died Wednesday,
Oct. 4, 2000, as the result of an automobile accident at the junction of
Mo. 83 and northbound Mo. 13. Funeral arrangements will be handled by
Landess Funeral Home, Malden. Local arrangements were under the direction
of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, October 2000:
Ina Pearl Williamson, 76, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000, in her
home. She was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Adonis to Wyatt and Katie Williamson.
She was saved Sept. 9, 1936, and united with Oak Grove Baptist Church and
was baptized by Bro. Lee Penny. After moving to Bolivar in 1950, she
united with Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death
by her parents. Survivors include her brother and his wife, James and
Wylla Williamson of Bolivar, and several cousins and friends. Services
were Saturday, Oct. 21, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Junior Ingram
officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.




From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Wesley Branson "Neg" Abel, 71, Buffalo, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, at
St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield. He was born Dec. 7,
1928, in Polk County to Fred Olin and Loah Claud McReynolds Abel. He was
saved at an early age and joined the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist
Church, where he remained a member until his death. He was retired from
Greyhound Buslines in Fresno, Calif. He returned to Half Way where he had
lived for several years before moving to Buffalo one year ago. Survivors
include his daughters, Judith Ann Johnson of the state of Virginia, Loah
Melisa Abel of Fresno, Calif., Diana Huerta and Janet Huerta, both of the
state of California; six sisters, Vaden Anderson of Pleasant Hope, Eva
Grace of Red Bluff, Calif., Maxine Adams of Garnett, Kan., Lorine Taylor
of Greenfield, Bertha Deragowki of Springfield and Zona Meadors of
Bolivar; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded
in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; two sons, Howard Wesley Abel
and Donald Branson Abel; two brother and two sisters. Services will be at
11 a.m. today (Wednesday), in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Dennis Spear
officiating. Burial will follow in Goff Cemetary. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Goff Cemetary. Services and burial are under the
direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Leon Beauford Baker, 79, Dunnegan, died at 11:23 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11,
2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Elza and Sarah Leona
Brewer Baker, he was born Sept. 15, 1920, near Dunnegan. He was married to
Dorothy Ashlock, who preceded him in death Jan. 3, 1989. A former resident
of Kearney, he had lived at Dunnegan for the past 16 years. He was an
equipment operator for the Clay County Highway Department for 32 years.
Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; a
daughter, Sharon Lea Webb; two brothers, Athel Baker and Jack Baker; and
three sisters, Edna Wyatt, Lydia Johnson and Eva Gannaway. Survivors
include three children, Beauford Baker of Garland, Texas, Larry Baker of
Dunnegan and Shelly Clark of Humansville; two brothers, Ron Baker of
Cowgill and Dee Baker of Dunnegan; one sister, Dorothy Yoast of Selma,
Ore.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be
at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in Murray Chapel, Humansville. Burial will
follow in Lindley Prairie Cemetery at Bear Creek. Visitation will be from
7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Inez Irene Barker of Stafford, Texas, formerly of Fair Play, died at 12:20
p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Park Place Assisted Living in Stafford,
Texas, after a short illness at the age of 95 years, 2 months and 6 days.
She died peacefully with full assurance that she will be joining her loved
ones in heaven. She lived a long and full life and was a loving wife,
mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Inez was born July 4, 1905, in
Fair Play, the daughter of Calvin Lauren and Ida Ann Hackett Claypool. She
grew up in Fair Play and was married to Homer E. Barker, and to this union
one daughter was born, Jerry Lee Miller. Inez was a homemaker and also
helped her husband as a bank clerk for Citizens State Bank in Fair Play.
She was a member of the Methodist Church in Fair Play and of the Royal
Neighbors. After her husband's death, Inez remained in Fair Play until
1971, and subsequently lived in Houston, Chicago, and Shreveport in order
to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, Jerry and Fenton Miller, and
two grandsons, Tom and Monte. In 1991 she moved to the Houston area to be
close to her grandsons and great-granddaughter. Most recently she was
living at Park Place Assisted Living, but often dreamed of returning to
her beloved Fair Play. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband, Homer; and daughter and son-in-law, Jerry and Fenton Miller. Inez
is survived and will be sorely missed by two grandsons, Thomas Ward Miller
and his wife, Melanie, of Richmond, Texas, and Dr. Monte Barker Miller of
Houston, Texas; a great-granddaughter, Laurel Miller of Richmond; and two
nieces, Peggy Courtney of Springfield and Nancy Richards of Bolivar.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15, in the Butler Chapel with
the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Burial will be in Akard Cemetery
near Fair Play.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Cassie Mae Beckley, 83, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at Citizens
Memorial Health Care Facility following a lengthy illness. She was born
Oct. 12, 1916, in Cassville to John Wilson and Maggie Emiline Horton
Fisher. She had been a homemaker. Se is survived by her five children, Ted
Beckley of Rogersville, John Beckley of Springfield, Delona Harbour of
Palmdale, Calif., Robert Beckley of Springfield and Melody Beckley of
Bolivar; two sisters, Susie Woolever of Joplin and Ruth Howell; as well as
13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death
by her parents; her first husband, Jack P. Beckley; her second husband,
Paul Jones; two brothers, Johnny Fisher and George Fisher; and a sister,
Edie Stripling. No formal funeral services are planned. Private family
services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the
direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Ruth M. Leek Bodenhamer, 84, was born Sept. 19, 1915, and passed away
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility after a
short illness. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ronald
and Betty Jane Bodenhamer of Brookline, Carol and Raymond Fuller of
Bolivar, Nancy Jobe of Rocky Mount and Becky and Ken Legan of Half Way; 15
grandchildren, Randy Bodenhamer of Morrisville, Susan Trotter, Kathy
Osredker, Donna Petiford, Rob Bodenhamer, Richard Bodenhamer and Mark
Snow, all of Springfield, Rusty Bodenhamer of Aurora, Linda Lincks,
Michael Snow of Van Buren, Ark., Brenda Cannaliotto of Fort Smith, Ark.,
Joseph Jobe of Jefferson City, Jason Jobe of Columbia, Brock Legan of
Macon and Stephanie Howard of Jasper; 28 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving are one brother, Norman Leek of
Seattle, Wash., and several nieces and nephews. Her family was the joy of
her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Mamie
Hudgens Leek; her husband, Lewis F. Bodenhamer; one son, Stephen; two
brothers, Raymond and Doral Ed Leek; two sisters, Dorothy Leek and Emily
Lytle; and one grandson, Kent Jobe. Ruth graduated from Aurora High School
in 1934 and completed a business postgraduate course in 1935. Lewis and
Ruth were married Aug. 29, 1935, and made their home on the family farm at
Strafford until 1959, when they moved to a farm near Half Way. After
Lewis's death in 1971, Ruth moved to Bolivar, where she resided until her
death. Ruth was saved at an early age and was active in the church as long
as her health permitted. She was a member of First Baptist Church of
Bolivar and had served as pianist, Sunday school and Bible school teacher,
camp counselor and Polk County Women's Missionary Union president. Ruth
served as a dorm mother at Southwest Baptist University for several years
after the death of her husband. She was also active in Mizpah Chapter No.
230 Order of the Eastern Star, receiving her 50-year pin this year. Ruth
held many offices including organist and Worthy Matron. She was a member
of the Study Club of Bolivar, a General Federated Women's Club, where she
served as president and GFWC Sixth District treasurer. Services will be at
11 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with burial following in
Crestview Memorial Gardens east of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be
made to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Tim E. Broyles, 38, Anchorage, Alaska, died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2000, in
Anchorage following a sudden illness. He was born Sept. 3, 1962 in
Roswell, N.M., to James Raymond and Betty Sue (Clemons) Broyles. He
graduated from high school in Kansas City prior to moving to Anchorage in
December 1993. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Betty Broyles of
Anchorage, Alaska; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Kelly and Lisa
Broyles of the state of California and Aaron Broyles of Anchorage, Alaska;
a sister and brother-in-law, Penny and David McPhearson of Temple, Texas;
and his maternal grandmother, Ellen Clemons of Bolivar. He was preceded in
death by his paternal grandparents, John and Pauline Broyles, his maternal
grandfather, Jesse Clemons, two uncles and one aunt. Services will be at
2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Randy Hayward
officiating. Burial will follow in Lindley Prairie Cemetery near Fair
Play. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time Saturday in the
funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Community
Resource Center, 540 International Airport Rd., Anchorage AK 99518.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Steward Edward Deines, 86, Bolivar, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, in
Parkview Health Care Facility following a brief illness. He was born June
1, 1914, in Harvard, Neb., to John and Elizabeth Spahn Deines. He served
his country in the U.S. Army. On March 20, 1942, he was united in marriage
to Ova Wall, and to this union a daughter was born. He was a retired
printing company salesman and a member of the First Church of the Nazarene
and the American Legion Post No. 138. He is survived by his wife Ova, of
the home; a daughter, Donna Shreck of Bolivar; two grandchildren, Karen
Bainbridge, Bolivar, and Ken Shreck, Wahoo, Neb.; as well as five
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, five
brothers and two sisters. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in
the First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Rod Campbell officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ken Shreck,
John Bainbridge Jr., Gary Lee, Carl Bridges, Nick Knickerbocker and Curtis
Bridges. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
David Owen "Buck" Dryer was born May 10, 1921, in Louisburg to Wilbur C.
and Florence E. Dryer. He departed this life Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000, at
his home near Aldrich. In April 1937, Buck joined the Civilian
Conservation Corps at the age of 15. After his discharge from the CCC, he
was united in marriage to Evelyn Williams on Feb. 1, 1941. To this union
four children were born. For more than fifty years Buck and Evelyn made
their home on a farm near Aldrich. He was recognized for his abilities in
the areas of farming, mechanics and welding. Saved as a young man, Buck
joined the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Aldrich where he
remained a faithful member until his death. As the oldest and
longest-active member, he served as Sunday school teacher and
superintendent. Buck was preceded in death by his parents; a brother,
Raymond; a sister, Lily; a daughter, Sharon Kirksey and son-in-law Herman;
and his beloved wife of 58 years, Evelyn. He is survived by three sons and
their wives, Bob and Bobbie Ann Dryer of Hartville, Billy and Kay Dryer of
Aldrich and Danny and Ramona Dryer of Bolivar. Also surviving are five
granddaughters, five grandsons and seven great-grandchildren; three
brothers and their wives, Kenneth and Edna Dryer and Chester and Shirley
Dryer, all of Kansas City, and Vernon and Debra Dryer of Springfield;
three sisters, Trevie Davis of Stockton, Thelma Pierce of Bolivar and Mary
Lemke and her husband, Richard, of Morrisville, and a host of nieces,
nephews, friends and neighbors. Buck was kind, loving, and set an example
for all. He will be remembered for his quiet manner and encouraging words,
and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services were
Friday, Sept. 8, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. DeWayne
Burdette and Bro. Dean Winfiel officiating. Music was provided by the
Krtek family. Burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Casketbearers
were Tommy Tindle, Marty Tindle, Gene Williams, James Davis, John Davis
and Jerry Winfiel. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of
Southwest Missouri or the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Willard Franklin Durham was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Bolivar, the son of
Walter Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Ballinger Durham. He departed this life
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility after
a lingering illness at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 26 days. Better
known to his family and friends as Franklin, he enlisted in the U.S. Army
on June 5, 1941, and served as a heavy machine gunner with Company D 1st
Infantry during World War II. He was awarded two bronze stars for service
in the Luzon New Guinea campaigns and was awarded the good conduct medal,
plus various ribbons. In November 1945, he received an honorable discharge
and returned to the United States and his hometown of Bolivar. After his
military service, he worked as a heavy machine operator and was an
over-the-road truck driver. Due to health reasons, he resided the last 13
years with his sister, Gertrude Cowden of Bolivar. He was preceded in
death by his parents; his stepmother, Ruby Gladys Durham; a brother,
Truman "Buck" Durham; three stepbrothers, Wiley "Junior" Hembree, Herbert
Hembree and Glen Dale Hembree; a half-sister, Shirley Mauck; and a
stepsister, Peggy Resser. Surviving are a son, Michael Durham of Santa
Paula, Calif.; a brother, Almas Durham of Kansas City, Kan.; three
sisters, Helen McCune of Mountain Grove, Gertrude Cowden of Bolivar and
Marcella Anderson of Porterville, Calif.; and a half-sister, Lois Orrell
of Collins; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many
friends. He will be missed by us all. Our loss is heaven's gain. Services
were Saturday, Sept. 9, in the Butler Funeral Home with the Rev. Frank
McCune officiating. Music was provided by the McCune family. Burial was in
the Slagle Cemetery south of Bolivar. Casketbearers were Lloyd Cates,
Terry Mitchell, Gene Manes, Donald Slagle, Kelly Bouling and Benjamin
Gilliam. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society
or to Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Kenneth C. Emberton was born June 8, 1920, in Weaubleau, the son of Hobart
Emberton and Minnie Dunivant Emberton. He passed away on Sept. 26, 2000,
at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., at the age
of 80 years, 3 months and 18 days. Ken graduated from the Arkansas City
High School, Arkansas City, Kan., in 1939. He previously attended high
school in Bolivar and attended some classes at the University of Maryland.
Ken also received 10 credits from the Army University in Barritz, France.
On June 22, 1941, Ken was united in marriage to Dixie Spurgeon in
Baltimore, Md. To this union two daughters were born. Ken joined the U.S.
Army and served in World War II as a sergeant. He was the recipient of two
bronze stars. After the war, Ken and Dixie returned to Baltimore where he
was employed by Crown Cork & Seal until his retirement. In 1956, the whole
family moved to California, where Ken continued to work for Crown Cork &
Seal in San Francisco. He was the regional sales manager and traveled all
over the northwest, including Alaska and Hawaii. Ken loved working with
tools and had a machine shop in his garage. His hobbies included
collecting knives and watches. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Hobart and Minnie Emberton, a sister Kathleen Emberton, and a brother,
Bruce Emberton. Surviving are his wife, Dixie, of the home in Santa Clara,
Calif.; two daughters and their husbands, Kenna L. and Ronald Granath of
Morgan Hill, Calif., and Melissa K. and Greg Gibson of Yucca, Ariz.; his
four grandchildren, Kenneth J. Granath of Morgan Hill, Calif., Gregory
Gibson of Yucca, Ariz., Carrie Granath Pizzo of San Jose, Calif., and
Claran Emberton of Yucca, Ariz.; his two great-granddaughters, Jamie Pizzo
and Kristen Pizzo, both of San Jose, Calif.; and many other relatives and
a host of friends. Services were Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the Butler Funeral
Home Chapel with Dr. Harlan R. Spurgeon officiating. Musical soloist was
Brad Wommack with Rose Roweton as the accompanist. Burial was in the
Greenwood Cemetery. Full military honors were presented by the Galmey
V.F.W. Post No. 9638.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Galen E. Fisher, 69, Springfield, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000, in his
home after a long illness. Born Jan. 25, 1931, to J. Guss and Juanita
Fisher in Greensburg, Kan., he graduated from Senior High School,
Springfield, in 1949. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving through the Korean
War until June 1954. He married Barbara Williams in 1952 and established
Ozarks Ornamental Concrete in 1959, sculpting many pieces, retiring in
1993 due to his health. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed
spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving
wife of 48 years, Barbara; five children and their spouses, Gayle and
David Bingham, Gary Fisher, David and Linda Fisher, Dana and Ron Vest and
Kari and Mark Murray; ten grandchildren, Dustin and Gina Bingham, Mindy
and Dustin Rogers, Brooke Fisher, Renea Vest, Ashley Bingham, Tiffany Vest
and Allison and Katelyn Murray; one great-granddaughter, Riley Bingham; a
sister, Gervaise Burns; two nephews, several aunts, uncles, cousins and a
host of friends. Services were Friday, Sept. 22, in Greenlawn Funeral Home
North with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Lung Association or Hospice of Southwest Missouri.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Gregory Allen Fisher, 48, Springfield, formerly of Half Way, died at 6:12
a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield,
after a long battle with kidney failure. He was born April 4, 1952, the
son of Glenn and Ruby Fisher. He graduated from Half Way High School and
later became a framer carpenter in the states of Missouri, Texas and
Nevada. Survivors include Sue Kessinger, his significant other of 13
years; a son, Daniel Fisher of Springfield; a daughter, Miranda Fisher of
Bosier City, La.; a granddaughter, Shyanne Marie Fisher; his father and
stepmother, Forrest Glenn and Corrine Fisher of Morrisville; and one
sister, Cindy Fisher of Springfield. Graveside services will be Friday,
Oct. 6, in Reed Cemetery, Half Way. Arrangements are under the direction
of Greenlawn Funeral Home South, Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Mary J. Fox, 96, Bolivar, died at 2:45 p.m. Sept. 21, 2000, at Citizens
Memorial Healthcare Facility after a lingering illness., near Fair Play,
the daughter of James A. and Harriett Jane Renfro Fox. She had lived in
the Fair Play area most of her life. Survivors include nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and great-nephews. Graveside services were Tuesday, Sept. 26,
in the Akard Cemetery at Fair Play with the Rev. Pete Davidson
officiating. Burial was under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Frank David Gothard (known by all as "Fat"), the youngest of nine
children, was born to George and Arminta Gothard near Needmore in Cedar
County, Dec. 19, 1916. He departed this life at Citizens Memorial Hospital
on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2000 ,at the age of 83 years, nine months and four
days. He was united in marriage to Helen Hayeer on July 8, 1938. To this
union one daughter, Janice Kay Lockhart, was born. He was preceded in
death by his wife of 57 years, Helen, on Aug. 8, 1995, his son-in-law,
Wayne Lockhart on Nov. 18, 1999, and seven sisters, Ressie, Gertie,
Delphia, Floy, Bess, Ruby and Cuba. Fat is survived by his daughter,
Janice Kay Lockhart of Bolivar; one brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and
Dean Gothard, Stockton; three grandchildren, Alanda and Randy Steward of
Bolivar, Jo Neita and Chris Kerr of Springfield and E.J. and Stelia
Lockhart of Bolivar; five great-grandchildren, Chandler Steward, Bethaney
Kerr and Tyler, Ethen and Clarice Lockhart; two brothers-in-law and their
wives, Bennie and Kay Harper of El Dorado Springs and R.J. and Nita Harper
of Huntsville, Ala.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Fat was converted years ago at Shady Grove, near Aldrich, and enjoyed
serving the Lord all those years. He and Helen were always faithful to
church as long as their health permitted. They lived in Bolivar for
several years and were members of the Bolivar Assembly of God Church,
later moving back to Stockton and attending the Stockton Assembly of God
Church. He was well known throughout Polk and Cedar Counties as he and
Helen worked together doing custom hay baling and bush hogging. He will be
sadly missed by all who knew him. Just beyond life's gateway is a garden
bright and fair, where again we'll meet our loved ones and there'll be no
parting there; pain and sorrow will be banished, gone all heartaches and
all fears, just beyond life's gateway where they count not time by years.
Services were Monday, Sept. 25, in the Stockton Assembly of God Church
with the Rev. Randy Hayward officiating. Interment was in Lindley Prairie
Cemetery under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton
Pallbearers were John West, Bill Warner, Bill Rangford, Jerry Moss, Gerald
Moss and Tim Cooper. Honorary pallbearers were Kent Morgan, Kevin Morgan
and Coy Cooper Jr. Music was provided by Bob and Barbara Branstetter, who
sang "What a Day That Will Be" and Judy Rinker, who sang "Supper Time."



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
George Tempel Guinn, 72, Kansas City, formerly of Bolivar, died Friday,
Sept. 15, 2000, in St. Luke's Northland Hospital, Kansas City, following a
lingering illness. He was born Sept. 18, 1927, in Warrensburg to Roscoe J.
and Katherina E. Tempel Guinn. He was a graduate of Bolivar High School
and had served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was
retired from Greyhound Bus Lines and was a member of American Legion Post
No. 138. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James and Karen
Guinn of Houston, Texas; a brother, Roscoe Guinn of St. Joseph; a sister,
Dorothy Osborn of Leawoodk Kan.; three grandchildren, Matthew Guinn and
Gregory Guinn, both of Houston, Texas, and Sarah Guinn of Dallas, Texas;
as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents and his wife, Margaret, who died in March of this year. Services
were Tuesday, Sept. 19, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson
officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Matthew
Guinn, Gregory Guinn, P. Rocky Osborn, Mike Osborn, Derik Osborn and D.
Rocky Osborn.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Doyle Harris was born Jan. 31, 1937, in Long Lane, the son of Ira and
Parlee Phillips Harris. He departed this life at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept.
7, 2000, at Citizens Memorial Hospital at the age of 63 years, 7 months
and 7 days. Doyle was a veteran of the U. S. Army, from 1953 to 1957,
serving as a medic in Korea for 18 months. He retired from the Certainteed
Corp. in Kansas City, Kan., after 36 years. After retirement he and
Lucille moved to their present home southeast of Half Way, where they have
resided the past eight years. Doyle had many things which he loved; two
especially were going to garage sales and going fishing. He very much
loved his family and very much loved and cared about his granddaughters
and great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, one
sister and five brothers. Surviving Doyle are his wife, Lucille, of the
home; one daughter and her husband, Mary "Dena" and Larry Sanner of Half
Way; his son and his wife, Vernon and Debi Harris of Raymore; his three
granddaughters, Pamela Olson and her husband, Rob, of the home, Jennifer
Sanner of Half Way and Amber Harris of Raymore; also his
great-granddauqhter, Kiersten Olson of the home. Also surviving are one
sister, Barbara Garamillo and her husband, Larry, of Hermitage; two
brothers, Donald Harris of Bolivar and Arlie Harris and his wife, Joyce,
of Kansas City; and a very special mother-in-law, Mary Anthony of Pleasant
Hope, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services
were Sunday, Sept. 10, in Schofield Cemetery with Bro. Joe Sprague
officiating. Burial was under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home.
Casketbearers were Jerry Dunnington, Ronnie Arnold, Dean Maynard, Ricky
Parris, Rodney Lee and Larry Rew. Memorial contributions may be made to
the American Diabetes Association. Obituary may be viewed at
www.legacy.com.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Wayne L. Hays, 66, Urbana, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2000, at his home. He
was born Sept. 17, 1934, in Sedalia, the son of Charles and Emma Hays. He
was a security guard at Tracker Marine in Bolivar and had worked at Teters
Floral Products several years ago. He was united in marriage to Etta
Sanders Nov. 6, 1962. To this union two children were born. He was
preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Hays. Survivors
include his wife, Etta, of the home; one son, Dwain, of the home; one
daughter, Shari Bess and her husband, Orvan, of Jacksonville, Fla.; three
grandchildren, Cody Hays and Aron and Shelby Bess; one brother, Robert
Hays of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and two sisters, Doris Ross of Stover and
Carol Campbell of Pleasant Hope. Services were Monday, Sept. 25, in the
Montgomery-Viets Chapel, Buffalo, with the Rev. Don Tucker officiating.
Music selections included "Farther Along," "Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Beyond
the Sunset." Casketbearers were Brent Ballinger, Orvan Bess, Mik
Hildebrand, Robin Hildebrand, Kelly Sanders and Tony Sanders. Burial was
in Church Grove Cemetery, Buffalo.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Peggie Lea Heidenreich, 70, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2000, in
Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility. The daughter of Merle and Ardith
Dunn, she was born at Hastings, Neb., Sept. 15, 1930. She married Vernon
Heidenreich Dec. 16, 1953. They lived all over the world including
Michigan, Colorado, Texas and Europe. They retired to Missouri, where she
owned the Village Nook Antique Shop in Hollister. She moved to Bolivar in
1987, where she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was
preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Barbara Ann Kautz, and two
sons, Stephen Patrick and Matthew Sean Heidenreich. She is survived by her
husband, Vernon; her daughters, Linda and Laura Heidenreich, both of
Bolivar, and Jo Ann Green of Fair Play; a stepson, Michael Burr,
Hampshire, Tenn.; two brothers, Donald Dunn of the state of California and
Robert Dunn, Boise, Idaho; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and
several cousins, including Ruth Potter, Deloras Hays and Maxine Gwinner,
all of the state of Nebraska. Funeral mass was Friday, Sept. 29, in Sacred
Heart Catholic Church with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Organist was
Moriece Skarvan. Alter Server was Matt Quennoz and Lector was Mary Graham.
Pallbearers were Cecil Wheeler, Dan Green, Dennis Kalcik, Jake Francka,
Frank Buresh and Ron Stander. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery
under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Bobbie Ray Hopkins, 72, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000, at the
home of his daughter near Buffalo. The son of George and Vina Jones
Hopkins, he was born at Wishart on Feb. 17, 1928. He was married to
Pauline Glenn, and they were the parents of seven children. He was later
married to Betty Shull, who preceded him in death July 22, 2000. His
career was in the military. He served for nearly 30 years in the Air
Force, Navy, Marines and Army. He was a member of the Wishart Methodist
Church and Howard S. Keeling American Legion Post No. 138. Besides his
wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Keith Hopkins; his parents; four
brothers and six sisters. Survivors include his children, Judy Pickney of
Buffalo, Yvonne Hopkins of Fort Bragg, N.C., Vicky Ryan, Richard Hopkins,
Danny Hopkins and Mike Hopkins, all of Springfield; four stepchildren,
Harmon Thomas Shull and Beverly Dipert, both of Findlay, Ohio, Cynthia
Elwell of Yorktown, Va., and Mary Shull of Rockford, Ill.; a sister,
Eldora Pursley of Bolivar; a brother, Edgar Hopkins of Pleasant Hope; 11
grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one
step-great-granddaughter. Graveside services were Saturday, Sept. 30, in
Bass Chapel Cemetery south of Fair Grove with the Rev. Virgil Kearney
officiating. Military rites were conducted by Amvets Post No. 114 and
Howard S. Keeling American Legion Post No. 138. Services were under the
direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Rocky Dwayne Hutchinson, 42, Pleasant Hope, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000,
at his home. He was born Feb. 5, 1958, in Kansas City, the son of Harry
Edward and Shirley Jean Denny Hutchinson. He was a carpenter and attended
school in El Dorado Springs. He is survived by his parents, Harry E. and
Shirley J. Hutchinson, Collins; a brother, Mark Wayne Hutchinson, Collins;
and two sisters, Wendy Mandum, Fair Grove, and Cindy Reeder, Pleasant
Hope. No funeral services are planned at this time. Cremation was under
the direction of Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Nellie Mae Jenkins, 80, Bolivar, died at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19,
2000, at the Parkview Healthcare Facility after a lingering illness. She
was born in Dorrance, Kan., the daughter of Robert Ray and Mary Elizabeth
Miller Duryee. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and
was retired from the Teters Floral Products Co. She was preceded in death
by her first husband, Eidison Wyatt, in September 1966 and her second
husband, Cleo Jenkins, in January 1981. Also preceding her in death were
her parents; three sisters, Gertrude Gilden, Orma Brown and Anna Rae
Bruce; and two brothers, Jim Duryee and Bill Duryee. Surviving are one
son, Robert Wyatt of Anderson, S.C.; three sisters, Carrie Kates,
Philomene "Jean" Farmer and Leota Amlin, all of Bolivar; two
grandchildren, Robert Wyatt Jr. and Melissa Wyatt, and one
great-granddaughter, Rachel Wyatt, all of Belton, S.C.; as well as many
nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Services were Saturday,
Sept. 23, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Summers
officiating. Music was provided by Jackie Hitchcock and Penny Brandt with
Greg Ankrom as the pianist. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Casketbearers were Duane Farmer, Jim Duryee, Roy Wilkinson, Jeremy
Storment, Tommy Brown and Richard Farmer.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Sharon K. Johnson, Bolivar, died at 9:26 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2000, in
Citizens Memorial Hospital after a battle with cancer at the age of 43
years, five months and four days. Sharon was born April 22, 1957, in
Maryville, the daughter of Clifton Leroy and Bonnie Louise Hart Messner.
She was a member of the High Praise Assembly of God Church in Bolivar.
Sharon worked for Trans World Airlines as a flight attendant and had
previously worked for the Maryville Community Services. Her family and
friends were the joy of her life. She enjoyed flowers, crafts and
shopping. She will be missed by all. Sharon is survived by her husband of
18 years, Barry Johnson of Bolivar; a daughter, Brandi Jackson of
Springfield; her mother, Bonnie Messner of Maryville; a stepdaughter,
Heather Johnson of Kansas City; three sisters, Shirley Hull of Oklahoma
City, Okla., Nicki Samson and Betty Jo Reuter, both of Maryville; and her
brother, Dave Messner of Maryville. There was a viewing Saturday, Sept.
30, at Price's Funeral Home in Maryville, just prior to graveside services
in Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Maryville. Services for Sharon were
Thursday, Sept. 28, in High Praise Assembly of God Church. Local
arrangements were under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Citizens
Memorial Hospital Hospice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Stella Mae Lightfoot, 86, Polk, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2000, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born Feb. 25, 1914,
in Polk to William "Bill" Homer and Mary Henson Brown. She was united in
marriage to Joseph Columbus "J.C." Lightfoot on Sept. 24, 1932. She had
been a homemaker and worked at the Bolivar Garment Factory for 20 years
prior to their closing. She was a member of Mt. View Missionary Baptist
Church. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and
Carolyn Lightfoot, Jerald and Bernice Lightfoot and Donnie and Jeanette
Lightfoot, all of Polk; three sisters, Della Pitts of Bolivar, Mabel Vest
of Polk and Mary Hammerbacher of Fair Play; two brothers, Robert Brown and
Marvin Brown, both of Bolivar; 11 grandchildren and 21
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband, Joseph C. Lightfoot; a granddaughter, Shelly Lightfoot; three
brothers, Jesse Brown, Noel Brown and Tom Brown; and a sister, Velma
Fowler. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, in Pitts Chapel
with Bro. Dennis Skinner and Bro. Jerry Crane officiating. A combined
choir of Goodson, Sentinel and Mt. View Missionary Baptist Churches and
the Hammerbacher children, Mike, Teresa, Sharon and Beth, will provide
music. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to
8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Harvey William Martin, 38, died Friday, Sept. 29, 2000, at his home near
Dunnegan. He was born January 8, 1962, the son of Harvey and Delores
Martin. He and Pamela Carter were married October 21, 1989. He was
employed by Berryville Graphics in Berryville, Va., as a book binder. He
moved to Dunnegan from Stephen City, Va., this past February. Survivors
includ his wife, Pamela, of the home; three children, Kelli Martin of
Drexel, Harvey Martin Jr. and Jessica Martin, both of the home; his
parents, Harvey and Dolores Martin of Grandview; his grandmother, Alma
Martin of Lexington, Ky.; and three brothers, Michael Martin of Parkville,
Phillip Martin of Memphis, Tenn., and Kevin Martin of Grandview. Services
were Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Bill Levergood
officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Carter, Lloyd Richardson, Danny
Smart, Tom Simmons, Rick Blackman and Ronnie Haddix. Pallbearers were
Justin Carter, Mike Carter, Bill Carter, Phillip Martin, Kevin Martin and
Mike Martin. Interment was in Dunnegan Cemetary under the direction of
Murray Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Gladys Jane McKinney, 49, Fairbanks, Alaska, died Saturday, Sept. 30,
2000, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness. The
daughter of Charles and Gladys Hammons McKinney, she was born June 23,
1951, in Kansas City. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in
death by her father, Charles S. McKinney. Survivors include her mother,
Gladys McKinney of Bolivar; three children, Brenda Salkil and her husband,
Pacer, of Springfield, Laura Burleson and her husband, Brian, of Bolivar
and Tommie Spry of Springfield; three grandchildren, Mahalah and Caitlin
Salkil and Benjamin Burleson; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Joan and
Thomas Wasmer of Lee's Summit; and a very good friend, Shirley Horner of
Adrian. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in Murray Chapel,
Bolivar, with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. Interment will be in
Dunnegan Cemetery.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Lillian Longcrier McMillan, 90, Aldrich, died at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday,
Sept. 20, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Center following a short
illness. She was born in Walnut Grove and grew up in the area. She was a
longtime former resident of the Clever area before moving to Raytown and
Warrensburg, returning to Aldrich in 1979. She graduated from Walnut Grove
High School and received a B.S. in education from State Teachers College,
Springfield, and a master's degree in administration from Drury College.
She was a retired educator and administrator, retiring in 1967 after 40
years of service with Raytown School District as English curriculum
coordinator. She was also a teacher and principal in the Clever School
District for many years. She was a member of Warrensburg Cumberland
Prestyterian Church and attended Aldrich Christian Church. She was honored
with the State Volunteer Award from Ozark Area Community Action
Corporation. She and Lloyd McMillan were united in marriage in June 1968.
He preceded her in death in September 1977. Also preceding her in death
were her parents, James Franklin and Maude Rodman Longcrier, and one
sister, Zittella Munea. She is survived by two stepsons and
daughters-in-law, Osborne and Imogene McMillan, Warrensburg, and James B.
and Helen Sandage, Oklahoma City, Okla.; two step-daughters and a
son-in-law, Orene Belhold, Hoagland, Ind., and Kathleen and Bill Purvis,
Trinity, Texas; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three
sisters and a brother-in-law, Frances Longcrier, Bolivar, Maryalis
Bodenhamer, Renton, Wash., and Annabel and Jay Lyman, Aldrich; one brother
and sister-in-law, James F. and Ester Earle Longcrier, Olympia, Wash.; and
several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Sept. 23, in
Wilson-Brim Daniel Funeral Chapel, Walnut Grove, with Dr. Ron McMillan
officiating and Rosemary Bone giving the eulogy. Interment followed in
Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to
the American Cancer Society.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Leonard Eugene Mincks passed away at 5:55 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000,
in his home after a brief illness at the age of 54 years, 11 months and
three days. Gene was born Oct. 10, 1945, in Polk County, the son of
Leonard and Lorene Vest Mincks. He met and married his lifelong love,
Elizabeth Wilson, in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam
War in 1966 and 1967. When he returned, he worked 32 years as a mechanic
in the Springfield area. He loved fixing automobiles, and he loved to
fish. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene Mincks; a brother,
Earl Mincks, and his father-in-law, James E. Wilson. Gene is survived by
his loving wife of 34 years, Elizabeth Mincks of the home; his father and
stepmother, Leonard and Fanny Mincks of Bolivar; his mother-in-law, Sylvia
Wilson of Half Way; six sisters and their husbands, Joyce and Bill Ingram
of Bolivar, Charlot Thompson of Springfield, Lenna and Charles Wilson of
Half Way, Bertha Bays of Half Way, Lena and Charles Pierpont of Ellsworth,
Maine, and Linda and Bill Tosh of Muleshoe, Texas; four brothers and their
wives, Garley and Edna Mincks of the state of North Carolina, Lloyd and
Ginger Mincks of Half Way, Jeff and Angel Mincks of Bolivar and Scott
Mincks of Bolivar; as well as several aunts, uncles, neices, nephews,
cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He will be greatly missed by
all. Services were Sunday, Sept. 17, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. Tom
Willoughby and Bro. Joe Spear officiating. Music was provided by the Rev.
Tom Willoughby and Matt, Timothy and Bonnie Bays. Casketbearers were Lloyd
MIncks, Jeff Mincks, Scott Mincks, David Wilson, Kenny Wilson and Darrell
Wilson. Honorary casketbearers were Charlie Wilson, Dale Wilson and Steve
Myrick. Burial was in Pleasant Hope Cemetery with full military honors
conducted by the Galmey V.F.W. Post No. 9638. Memorial contributions may
be made to the Hospice of Southwest Missouri.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Marion Alanson Mitchell, 79, Aldrich, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2000, at
citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of Oliver Worden and Flora Mae Saylor
Mitchell, he was born Sept. 6, 1921, at Aldrich. He was a 1939 graduate of
Aldrich High School. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War
II from September 1943 to November 1945. On Aug. 3, 1941, he married Betty
Marie Tygart, and they shared 59 years together, spending many hours
traveling. He was a member of the Aldrich United Methodist Church all of
his life, serving as Sunday school superintendent and teacher. President
Harry S Truman appointed him postmaster at Aldrich, where he served for 33
years. He was a 4-H leader for many years, helping young people with their
woodworking and rope-working projects. He served on the Fair Play school
board for several years. He was a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 195, a 32nd
degree Master Mason and a member of the Scottish and York Rite bodies. He
was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Clarence, Harold
and Johnny Jack Mitchell. Survivors include his wife, Betty; six children,
Ronnie Mitchell of Bolivar, Donnie Mitchell of Aldrich, Kathi Richards of
Springfield, Jimmy Mitchell of Kansas City, Johnny Mitchell of Japan and
Karel Jeffries of Carthage; two sisters, Beulah Bates of Boulder City,
Nev., and Anna Deane Bennett of Jackson, Miss.; 22 grandchildren, 20
great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and five nieces and
nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Aldrich
United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sylvia Ireland officiating. Soloists
will be Frank Artz and Rona Sukovaty, accompanied by Phil Jones.
Pallbearers will be Justin Wommack, Eric Wommack, Brian Mitchell, Brad
Jeffries, Larry Mitchell, Chad MItchell, Cory Mitchell and Bill Perkins.
Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south of Aldrich under the
direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to
the Aldrich United Methodist Church Building Fund or the charity of the
donor's choice.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Lola E. Neal, 88, formerly of Springfield and Bolivar, died Sept. 28,
2000, at Citizens Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness. She had
lived at Colonial Springs Nursing Home at Buffalo for the last three
years. She was born near Half Way Sept. 1, 1912, the daughter of William
M. and Mary S. Roweton-Cornelius. She was saved at an early age and of the
Baptist faith. She had five sisters and three brothers. All have preceded
her in death. She is survived by two sons, Neville Neal, state of
Tennessee, and Ken Allen Neal, state of Illinois; five grandchildren, two
great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside
services were Saturday, Sept. 30, at Goff Cemetery east of Bolivar, with
the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the
direction of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Donal H. Rotramel, 78, Wichita, Kan., died at 2 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27,
2000, at his home after a short illness. He was born Nov. 21, 1921, the
son of Lawrence and Effie Rotramel of Polk County. He attended Marion C.
Early High School and graduated in 1942. He served in World War II for
three years and retired from Kansas Gas and Electric after 35 years. He
was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Carl Lee, and three
grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sarah E. Rotramel; six sons,
David Rotramel of Tunas, Dee Rotramel of Carthage, Dale Rotramel of
Pleasant Hope, Steve Rotramel, George Rotramel and Ronnie Rotramel, all of
Wichita, Kan.; six daughters, Donna Lee Baker of Bolivar, Dora Horseman of
Lebanon, Carol Castillo of Wichita, Kan., Paula Sayers of Valley Center,
Kan., Thelma Hoffman of Eureka, Kan., and Verna Edgar of Wichita, Kan.;
two sisters, Lorene Neil of Bolivar and Effie Riedesel of Fair Play; one
brother, Bill Rotramel of Bolivar; 35 grandchildren, 25
great-grandchildren and his mother-in-law, Laura Rogers of Sheldon. His
body has been sent to Kansas University for research. No formal
arrangements are being made.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Troy McKinley Simmons, 70, Raytown, died at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20,
2000, at the home of his daughter. He was born Feb. 11, 1930, in Polk
County. He retired to El Dorado Springs in 1986 and had formerly lived in
Kansas City, where he worked as a glazer for the Carrol Day Glass Company
out of local 558. He was a graduate of the Hermitage High School class of
1949 and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was preceded
in death by his wife, Betty Simmons; his parents, Curtis and Rhua Simmons;
and an infant daughter, Barbara Jane Simmons. He is survived by his
mother-in-law, Ethel Gorden of El Dorado Springs; a sister, Almetia Barnes
of Polk; a daughter and her husband, Linda and David Mohn of Raytown; two
sons, David Simmons of Peculiar and Jeff "J.W." Simmons and his wife,
Sally, of Peculiar; brothers- and sisters-in-law Grimes Barnes of Polk,
Bob Austin of Stockton, Sharon and Ron Skelton of Peculiar, Roy and Jackie
Austin of Independence and Joanna Knapp of Buckner; seven grandchildren,
Sandi Taylor, Paula and Tony Mendez, Philip, Troy, Jennifer and Barbara
Mohn; and six great-grandchildren, Ashlie Frazier, Zachary and Bethanie
Taylor-Ridenhour and Courtney, Alana and Joseph Mendez. Services were
Monday, Sept. 25, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. Donald R. Hart
officiating. Casketbearers were Philip Mohn, Troy Mohn, Randy Barnes,
Thomas Giamalva, Roy Austin and Ron Skelton. 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.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Roy Snodgrass of Bolivar died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in Citizens
Memorial Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 94 years, five
months and 29 days. Roy was born March 14, 1906, in Cedar County, the son
of Oscar and Mary Snodgrass. Roy married Lillian Burdick on Feb. 7, 1930,
and to this union two daughters were born, Mary Lou and Eula Mae. Roy and
Lillian were members of the Union Hall Baptist Church in El Dorado
Springs. They spend 69 and a half years of happy marriage, living outside
of El Dorado Springs and later moving to Bolivar. Roy was a farmer,
raising cattle, horses and dogs. He was very proficient at clipping and
grooming dogs for sale and always had a dog that knew more than one tirck.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian; one daughter,
Mary Lou; and a sister, Eula. Roy is survived by one daughter and her
husband, Mae and Bill Maack of Goodson; three grandchildren, Susie Graham
and her husband, Rick, of Bolivar, Mike Maack of Polk and Jennifer Condren
and her husband, Donny, of Goodson; and four great-grandchildren, Douglas,
Ross and Hayli Maack and Cole Condren. Roy was a good father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, neighbor and friend and will be missed by all who knew
him. Graveside services were Saturday, Sept. 16, in Mount Pleasant
Cemetery, El Dorado Springs, with Elder Efton Piper officiating.
Casketbearers were Bill Maack, Mike Maack, Rick Graham, Donny Condren,
Douglas Maack and Raymond Williams. Arrangments were under the direction
of Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
The Rev. Albert W. Pettet Sr., 82, Excelsior Springs, died Thursday, Sept.
7, 2000, at his home. The son of Arthur A. and Dessie V. Messer Pettet, he
was born July 28, 1918, at Holmes Park. He received his ministerial
education at The Berean School of Bible. He spent his life working as a
minister, pastor and superintendant for the Northern Missouri District of
the Assemblies of God. On Feb. 24, 1943, he was united in marriage to
Nadine M. Havens in Bolivar, and they had three children. In addition to
his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Velma O. Johnson. He is
survived by his wife, Nadine; two sons, Albert Pettet Jr. of Washington
and Ron Pettet and his wife, Sue, of Fort Worth, Texas; one daughter,
Alberta White and her husband, Bill, of Washington; three brothers and
their wives, Leland and Alma Pettet of Nixa, Marvin and Ava Pettet of
Springfield and Elvin and Betty Pettet of Raytown; five sisters, Mildred
Wilson of Bolivar, Ailene Robertson of Springfield, Eunice Bachman of
Oklahoma City, Okla., Jean De Atley of Overland Park, Kan., and Lela Reed
and her husband, Charles, of Monroe, La.; seven grandchildren, three
great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Services were
Monday, Sept. 11, at Lawson Assembly of God Church, Lawson, with the Rev.
Bobby Morris, the Rev. Ron Garner, Albert Pettet Jr., the Rev. Bryan
Pettet and the Rev. Ron Pettet officiating. Graveside services were
Tuesday, Sept. 12, in St. Peter's Cemetery, Washington. Arrangements were
under the direction of Polley Funeral Home and Nieburg-Vitt Funeral Home
in Washington.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Michael R. Ward Sr., 43, Cape Girardeau, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2000, at
St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, of complications from
diabetes. He was born Aug. 18, 1957, in Kansas City, the son of Ray and
Helen Louise Morris Ward. He and Connie Larkin were married July 24, 1983.
He owned and operated Ward's Battery Shop for several years in Cape
Girardeau. He was a member of Freedom of the Road Riders for 28 years. He
was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lonnie E. Morris of Bolivar, and
his grandmother, Bessie Ward Piper of Buffalo. Surviving are his wife,
Connie; three sons, Steven Miller, Michael Ward Jr. and Kenneth Ward of
Cape Girardeau; his parents, Ray and Helen Ward, and a sister, Stara
McLard, all of Raymondville; his grandmother, Nola Morris of Bolivar; and
two grandchildren. Graveside services were Wednesday, Sept. 20, in
Laremeir Cemetery, Cape Girardeau.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Anna G. Steeley, 84, Greenfield, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2000, in her home.
She was born Sept. 11, 1915, in Arcola, the daughter of George and Ida
Underwood Lowry. She married Linville V. King on Dec. 3, 1939, in Seybert,
and to this union a son, Duane, and a daughter, Janice, were born. Her
husband, Linville, preceded her in death Nov. 21, 1964. She married Howard
Steeley on Oct. 18, 1972, in Greenfield. She graduated from Stockton High
School and attended Southwest Baptist College. She was an elementary
school teacher, having taught at the White Oak Country School. She was a
retired Dade County health nurse. She was a member of Greenfield Church of
Christ and the Greenfield Literary and Civic Club. She had been a longtime
volunteer at the Dade County Nursing Home and helped start the Dade County
Health Center. Besides her first husband, she was preceded in death by
three brothers, Henry, Franklin and Earl Lowry, and a stepson, Sanford
Steeley. Survivors include her husband, Howard, of the home; a son, Duane
Lee King and his wife, Barbara, of Flemington; a daughter, Janice A.
Burnett and her husband, Fred, of Greenfield; a stepdaughter, Ann Glenn
and her husband, Jerry, of Everton; a daughter-in-law, Joan Steeley of
Everton; three stepsons and their wives, Larry and Ellie Steeley of Ash
Grove, Dwight and Jeanie Steeley of Everton and Johnnie and Peggy Rummell
of Walnut Grove; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services
were Sunday, Sept. 3, in Greenfield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Billy
Vanhouser officiating. Burial followed in Arcola HIckory Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or
the Parkinson's Association.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Hayden William Wilson, son of Tom and Nancy Wilson of Willard, was
stillborn at 4:15 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, at Cox Medical Center
South, Springfield. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his
paternal grandparents, Robbin and James Dilday of Morrisville and Larry
and Melody Wilson of Walnut Grove; his maternal grandparents, Bill and
Carol Jennings of Aurora; and his paternal great-grandparents, Robert
Altic of Willard and Bill and Lois Wilson of Walnut Grove. Funeral
arrangements are incomplete but will be announced by Butler Funeral Home.

From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
Hayden William Wilson, infant son of Thomas Adam Wilson and Nancy Ann
Jennings Wilson, was stillborn on Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, at Cox Medical
Center South in Springfield. Surviving besides his parents, Tom and Nancy
Wilson of Willard, are maternal grandparents, Carol and Bill Jennings of
Aurora; paternal grandparents, Robbin and James Dilday of Morrisville and
Larry and Melody Wilson of Walnut Grove; paternal great-grandparents,
Robert Altic of Willard and Bill and Lois Wilson of Walnut Grove; and
paternal step-grandparents, Bill and Linda Howard of Ash Grove and Pat and
Ed Dilday of Morrisville. Graveside services were Tuesday, October 3, in
the Slagle Cemetery south of Bolivar with the Rev. Robert McGinnis
officiating. Burial was under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home.



From the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, September 2000:
John Mark Woodfill, 70, Bolivar, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2000, in his home
after a brief illness. He was born on Feb. 12, 1930 in Stockton, Calif.,
the son of R. L. 'Bob' and Elizabeth Upton Woodfill. He was a lifelong
resident of Bolivar. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1940 and
from Southwest Baptist College in 1950. Mark was a member of the First
Christian Church of Bolivar and the American Legion. He was active in all
school and community programs. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in
1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of sergeant. He
graduated with a degree in speech from Southwest Missouri State University
in 1956, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He joined his
father in operating the City Drug Store on the west side of the square.
The store was founded in the 1890s by his grandfather, George Mark Upton.
After the death of his father, he assumed ownership of the store until its
sale in 1990. Mike Stephens began his pharmacy career at the City Drug
store as a soda fountain clerk during his high school years. Later, after
becoming a registered pharmacist, Mike opened his own pharmacy in Bolivar
and Mark joined his staff as a pharmacy technician. He continued in Mike's
employ until his death. Surviving is a sister, Betty C. Mahaffey of Park
Ridge, Ill.; a brother-in-law, Fred Mahaffey of Bolivar; two nephews, John
Christopher Mahaffey of Chicago, Ill., and his children, Michael and
Katie, and Mark Turner Mahaffey of San Diego, Calif. Services were
Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Paul
Cofer officiating. Inurnment was in the Greenwood Cemetery.










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