HOWELL COUNTY MOGenWeb OBITUARIES

Charles 'Virgil' Gabel - Age 83, West Plains MO - Died 5:37 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains Funeral services for Charles Virgil Gabel, 83, West Plains, were 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, at First Church of God, under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial was at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Debt Retirement Fund of First Church of God and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Brett Matthew Gaghyan - Born September 23, 1983 in St. Louis, MO the son of David Kevin and Judy Kay Spence Gaghyan. He passed away on January 1, 2007 in Mountain View, MO at the age of 23. He attended Liberty High School graduating in 2001. Later, Brett graduated from U.S. Coast Guard Tanker School and was then employed by Tankerman Canal Barge Company. He was a lifetime member of the Local 513 Coast Guard Auxiliary. Brett is preceded in death by his grandfather, Ralph R. Spence; grandparents, John and Rosetta Gaghyan; great-grandfather, Omar D. Bates; and great-grandmother, Amy Spence. He is survived by his daughter, Bree Nicole Gaghyan; his parents, Dave and Judy Gaghyan; one sister, Katie Gaghyan all of Mountain View, MO; and grandmother, Alice Spence of Peace Valley, MO.  Brett was a loving father, overprotective brother, and friend to many. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Mountain View, MO with Donnie Layman officiating.

Edith Viola Barton Heverns Gall - Born Jan. 4, 1924, at Alley Spring MO, the daughter of George Shelby Barton and Effie Violetta (Younger) Barton. She passed away Nov. 5, 2008, at Mountain View MO, at the age of 84 years. She was united in marriage to Walker Francis Heverns on Nov. 14, 1942, and to this union, eight children were born. She later married Curtis Gall on Aug. 31, 1991. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Effie Barton; her first, husband Walker Heverns and her second husband, Curtis Gall; three brothers, Lindell Barton, Claude Barton and Lloyd Barton; one sister, Louise Grandstaff; and three grandsons, Robert Hart, Ben Heverns and Mike Heverns. She is survived by her four sons, Denver Heverns and wife Cathy of Hillsboro MO, Roy Heverns and wife Kathy of Birch Tree MO, Richard Heverns of Birch Tree MO, and Carl Heverns of Birch Tree MO; her four daughters, Audra Hart and husband Rodney of Whitesboro TX, Alice Townsend and husband Al of Mountain View MO, Evelyn Weisbrod and husband Ben of West Plains MO, and Norma Howell and husband Mike of Eminence MO; five brothers Clyde Barton and wife Carolyn of Carthage MO, Tee Barton and wife Betty of Birch Tree MO, Shelby Barton and wife Beverly of Jadwin MO, Glen Barton and wife Claudette of Excelsior Springs MO, and Walter Barton and wife Geraldine of Mountain View MO; three sisters, Genevieve Patterson of Mountain View MO, Edna Cain and husband Everett of Park Hills MO, and Betty Cook and husband Charles of Birch Tree MO; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Edith grew up at Alley Spring MO, and attended Story Creek School through the eighth grade. She loved playing board games and visiting with her grandchildren. She spent most of her time as a housewife raising her eight children. She also worked helping out at Mountain View Elementary School in the summer school program. Edith was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy at Birch Tree MO She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Church of God of Prophecy in Birch Tree MO, with Rev. Roger Smith officiating. Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery at Birch Tree under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View.

Betty Jane Shuttleworth Garnett - Age 82, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Betty was born June 28, 1925, in Franklin County, Ind. She died on April 27, 2008, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse James (Jess) Garnett Jr.; her parents, James Archibald Shuttleworth and Frances Isabel (Lake) Shuttleworth; and one brother, Allen James Shuttleworth. Mrs. Garnett is survived by her sons, Mark Garnett and his wife, Diann, and Jay Garnett and his wife, Karen; four grandchildren, Kimberly Foht and her husband, Jerry, Stephanie Lashley and her husband, Josh, Jonathan Garnett and Matthew Garnett; three great-grandchildren, Kayla Foht, Ethan Foht and Ella Lashley; and three brothers, Thomas Michael Shuttleworth, Howard Patrick Shuttleworth and Robert Graham Hanna. She also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Garnett completed primary school in Blooming Grove, Ind., in 1939, and graduated from high school in Brookville, Ind., in 1943. She was married to Jesse James (Jess) Garnett on April 22, 1944, in Milan, Ind. From 1948 to 1963, Betty followed Jess throughout the Midwest as he rose in the ranks of Trumbull Asphalt Company, now part of Owens Corning Fiberglas. While they lived in Oklahoma, she worked for the Internal Revenue Service, Tinker Air Force Base and for an independent real estate developer. She was active in various churches during this time frame. In 1965, she helped Jess found Garnett Wood Products, Inc., which thrives today under Mark’s leadership. Betty was instrumental to the company’s success. She was an excellent fork lift operator and served as the plant manager. After the day’s work shift was over, she switched roles and became the bookkeeper, working late into the night. She was known as one of the hardest working women in southern Missouri. She was a compassionate and considerate manager too. Even though the vast majority of her employees were men, she would work right beside them for hours at a time. She often said that she would never ask her employees to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. Many times, she would show them. Betty was a loving mother who took pride in her family and followed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren wherever they went. Whether it was a football game in Ava or a little league baseball game at Preacher Roe field, Betty was there. Betty was an avid basketball fan. She would drive to smaller towns around West Plains and watch high school boys and girls basketball games and enjoy every minute of it. She also was a very big MSU Grizzlies fan. When she was in better health, she and Jess would attend every game regardless of whether it was a home game or many miles away. She was a fixture at the Grizzly basketball team home games. Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. She will be dearly missed by her family and by the many people with whom she worked or was associated with. She was respected by her peers and by her employees. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brandsville, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MSU-West Plains Jess and Betty Garnett Family Scholarship or to the American Cancer Society and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Floreaca V. Wooden Garrett - Age 93, Springfield, died at 1:20 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2007, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. She was born on March 28, 1914, in Bogard, Missouri, the eighth of nine children born to Florilla and Reace Wooden. She was united in marriage on February 18, 1935, to Raymond A. Garrett, who preceded her in death in 1995, following their 60th wedding anniversary. For most of her life, Floreaca lived in West Plains, where her husband owned and operated grocery markets. After a brief tenure teaching school, she devoted her life to raising her family, aiding her husband in his grocery business, and participating in her church. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in West Plains for many years, before transferring her membership to the First Baptist Church of Springfield. In her leisure time, she was an accomplished quilter and an avid reader. She is survived by her three children and spouses: Helen Joyce and Perry Prewett of Bryant, Ark., William R. and Linda Garrett of Colchester, Vt., and Earl R. Garrett of Springfield, Mo. Her life was also enriched by six grandsons and one granddaughter, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Orpha Joyce McHenry, one sister-in-law, Ruth Scrivner, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families on both the Wooden and Garrett branches of the extended family. A memorial service in celebration of the life of Floreaca Garrett will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007, in J. D. Lee & Sons Funeral Home, Rogersville. An interment ceremony will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007, in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery near West Plains. Friends are invited to join with the family in sharing their memories of Floreaca from 10 to 11 a.m. before the memorial service and/or after the interment ceremonies. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice and / or the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions of the Southern Baptist Convention, 525 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806. Online condolences and guest book signing may also be made at jdleeandsons.com.

Sadie Pruett Garrison - Born November 11, 1924 at Clear Springs, MO the daughter Sam and Florence (Houston) Pruett. She passed away May 24, 2008 at Mountain View, MO at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 13 days. She was united in marriage to Gurn Garrison on March 19, 1945 at Clear Springs, MO. Sadie and Gurn shared 53 good years together before he passed away on April 13, 1998. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gurn; four brothers Sidney Pruett, George Pruett, Clyde Pruett, and Randolph Pruett; and three sisters Mary Bradford, Irene Morrill, and Elizabeth Twidwell. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Dale Bradford and wife Bernice of Willow Springs, MO; Louise Cox and husband Clifford of West Plains, MO; Dorothy Crouch of Dallas Center, IA,; Genieve Hill and husband Don of Springfield, MO; Marie Bell of Mountain View, MO; Juanita Novak and husband Antone of Cheyenne, WY; Richard Twidwell and wife Chris of Flagstaff, AZ; Clydia Renollet of Sterling, KS; Don Spradling of Wichita, KS; Terry Pruett of KS; Nadine Strawmeyer of Semi Valley, CA; Reva Pruett of Wichita, KS; Churchel Pruett and wife Juanita of KS; Gary Pruett of KS; Jerry Pruett of KS; Gene Pruett and wife Jean of Pearl River, LA; Ron Pruett and wife Sandy of Mountain View, MO; Don Pruett and wife Linda of Tightwad, MO; Grace Webster and husband Charlie of Mountain View, MO; Jodi Borgman and husband Larry of Garden City, MO; and Margaret Packard of South Haven, MI; and a host of other family and friends. Sadie lived on a farm all her life, and helped Gurn on their family farm. She and Gurn loved children but did not have any of their own. They always had the church children come home with them. Sadie was saved at the Mountain View Assembly of God Church and was baptized by Carl Willis in 1951. She was a member of the Clear Springs Community Church. Sadie played the guitar and sang in the Clear Springs Quartet for over 20 years. Gurn would drive them to singings everywhere. Sadie loved to go camping and fishing at the lake in their RV. Sadie was known to be a hard worker. She would always garden and loved to spend her summers canning. Sadie would always grow the best sweet potatoes in the country. Sadie was a sweet loving person, and always gave hugs to everyone. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation for Sadie will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2008 from 6PM to 8PM at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Mountain View. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 2PM at the Clear Springs Church north of Willow Springs with Bro. Hubert Darter officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View.

IDA MAY GENTRY - Funeral services for Ida May Gentry, Kansas City MO and a former resident of South Fork, were held yesterday at 2 p.m. in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with the Rev. Floyd Gentry, St James MO, officiating. Mrs. Gentry died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1973, at her home, suffering from a heart attack. Pallbearers were Wendell Hall, Noble Clark, Merlin Fite, Claude Roberson, Dwayne Roberson and Ellis Roberson. Persons attending from out of the area included Marion Gentry, Kansas City MO, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gentry and family, Kansas City MO, Mrs. Vada Miller, Limon CO, Mr. and Mrs. Troy Williams, Collinsville OK, Leroy Williams, Oil Trough AR, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williams, Osceola AR, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Western, Batesville AR, Mr. and Mrs. Lonas Roper, Oil Trough, AR, Mr. and Mrs. Calley Williams, and daughter, Pangburn AR, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Williams, Pangburn AR, Mrs. Ruth Stewart, Bradford AR, Mrs. Barbara Redd, Newport AR, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lair, Breckenridge MO, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Allen, Clinton MO, Mr. and Mrs. Othel Gentry, Barksdale OK and the Rev. and Mrs. Floyd Gentry St James MO. Interment was in South Fork Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago  Funeral Home West Plains.

Mary Lou Burchett Gentry - Age 81, a resident of Cabool, Mo., for over 74 years passed away Thursday, October 30, 2008. She was born on February 27, 1927 to Henry and Glennie Burchett of Humansville and Cedar County, Mo. She graduated from Cabool High School and attended Southwest Baptist. She then worked as a bookkeeper for Producers Creamery. Later, she operated Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home for more than 50 years with her husband, Jim Gentry. She was well known for her professionalism and attention to detail in helping countless families deal with the loss of a loved one or a friend. She was a friend to everyone and could talk sports, antiques or business with anyone. Mary Lou never met a stranger and loved to tease with her friends and acquaintances. Family, friends and her community were a great source of pride. She was baptized at the age of 9. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Ronnie Gentry. She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughter, Peggy and Roger Lindsey of Cabool, grandson, Scott and Mandy Lindsey of Licking, and great grandson, Carson; her son, Jay and Nancy Gentry and grandson, Jayson all of Cabool. Memorial services were Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, in the First Baptist Church of Cabool, preceded by a private family interment at Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cabool Cemetery or TCMH Health Care Foundation c/o Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home, PO Box 708, Cabool, MO 65689.

Hazel Cearley Gibbons - Passed away at home in Willow Springs, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008.  Born in Richville, Mo., on March 13, 1924, to Cecil and Goldie Cearley, she was 84 years old. Mrs. Gibbons grew up around Richville in rural Douglas County, Mo., and on Aug. 1, 1942, she married B.A. Gibbons.  The couple lived in various parts of the country due to Mr. Gibbons’ work.  They settled in Willow Springs in 1958, where Mrs. Gibbons worked for Rawlings for more than 20 years before retiring.  She enjoyed all types of word puzzles and gardening and was described by her family as a loving mother who faithfully attended the First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Goldie Cearley; a son, Cecil Gibbons; grandson Randy Mills; and her two sisters, Eunice Liles and Doris Winkelkotter. Mrs. Gibbons is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bretna A. “B.A.” Gibbons of Willow Springs; her children, Jerry Gibbons and his wife Janie of Pomona, Mo.; and Carolyn Bunch and her husband Donnie of Mountain Grove, Mo. She is further survived by her grandchildren Cindy Tolbert and her husband, Terry, of Fair Grove, Mo.; Carl Hicks and his wife, Beverly, of Willow Springs; Danny Joe Hicks and his wife Karla, of Pomona, Mo.; Wendy Wood and her husband, Norman, of Willow Springs; Tammy Rogers of Ava, Mo.; Cretia Ussery of Willow Springs; and Terri Renshaw and her husband, Stacy of Willow Springs.  Numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren further survive. The funeral was Tuesday, October 7, at the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs.  Burial followed at Willow Springs City Cemetery.  Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. 

Glen Robert Gibson - Age 86, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Gibson died at 1:28 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2008, in West Vue Nursing Center. He was born Oct. 19, 1921, in Shubert, Neb., to Frederick J. Gibson and Nettie B. Moore Gibson. Glen proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a mechanic and pilot aboard the U.S.S. Saipan, and was a member of the vessel’s original crew at its commission on July 14, 1946. After his discharge from the Navy, Glen returned to Torrington, Wyo. There he met the love of his life, Bernice Pauline Walsh. The two were married April 15, 1950, in Torrington. Glen worked for a gold mining company in Alaska. He owned and operated a store and laundry in Black Hawk, Colo. He later took a job working for Coors and resided in Golden, Colo., until his retirement in 1968, at which time the family moved to Alton, Mo. Glen farmed in Alton for several years before moving with Bernice to Mansfield, Mo. The two returned to West Plains last year. Glen is preceded in death by his parents; five siblings; and his daughter, Mary Annell (Gibson) Sippy. He is survived by his wife, Bernice Gibson; his son, Cecil Robert Gibson; his son, Arthur William Gibson; his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Gibson; his son-in-law, Mark Sippy; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Gibson) Miller and husband, Christopher, Eric Gibson and wife, Emily, Marcus Sippy, David Sippy and Deidra Sippy; one great-grandson, Samuel Miller; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Veterans Section at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to West Vue Activities Fund and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Nelle Jencie Gibson - Age 103, West Plains MO - Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Miss Gibson died 11:23 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008, in West Vue Nursing Center. She was born Jan. 1, 1905, in Louisville, Ill., to Dr. E. P. Gibson and Jencie Burton Gibson. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois and taught school for 39 years. While she was teaching, during the summers, she was the Unit Director for the Camp Fire Girls for many years in several of the western states.  Miss Gibson was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She is survived by one nephew, James Holaday, Vernon Hills, Ill.; and two great-nephews, Jim and John. Her parents, two brothers, one sister and lifelong friend, Mary Tenekot, precede her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

BETTY LOU GILBERT - West Plains - Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 18, 1980) in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Wendell Page officiating. Mrs. Gilbert died Jan. 15 (1980) at West Plains Memorial Hospital. Pallbearers were Charles Franks, Charles Long, Oscar Long, Frank Reavis, Billy Shelton and Ronnie Luna. Persons attending from out of the area included Johnnie Dawson, Blackwell OK; Rosemary Pierce, Bakersfield CA; Mr. and Mrs. Neal Thornton and family, Raytown MO; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gilbert, Kansas City MO; Peggy Jarvis; Udell Squire, Salem AR; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malone, Koshkonong MO, and Richy, Ren, Sonya and Rodney Jarvis, Caulfield MO. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star, personnel from the MFA Insurance Agency and members of the West Plains Teachers Group attended the service in groups. Burial was in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains.

EVERETT MARVIN GILBERT - Age 47, Mariposa CA, former resident of Howell County - Funeral services held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Rose Chapel Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains with Evangelist Lavern Stewart officiating. Mr. Gilbert died Friday at 10:10 p.m. in the VA Hospital at Fresno CA. He was born in Howell Co MO April 11, 1927, the son of Willis and Iva Collins Gilbert t of West Plains. He had been making his home in the state of California for a number of years and was married there in 1969. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Gilbert, West Plains; three brothers, Edmond and Harold Gilbert, both of West Plains, and Dale Gilbert, Collins MO; three sisters, Marie Wood, West Plains, Lillian Roberts, Nyssa OR, and Marilyn Thornton, Kansas City MO; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Gilbert. Interment will be in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. (1974)

RAYMOND ROY GILBERT - Jul. 15, 1921, Roosevelt, Douglas Co MO - May 12, 1998, West Plains Howell Co MO - Son of the Late Riley and Mary Lora Tooley Gilbert. He grew up in the Twin Bridges area where he attended the Big Springs School. On July 27th 1951 he married Rosie Parsons at Hardy AR. Was a veteran of World War II having served overseas with the United States Army Air Force.

ROSIE ETTA PARSONS GILBERT -  Mar. 16, 1920, Sheridan, Worth Co MO  -  Jul. 18, 2006, West Plains Howell Co MO - Daughter of the late Obed and Bernice Freda Howell Parsons. She grew up in the St Joseph, Mo area and later moved with her sister Ileen to Wichita, Kansas where she worked in an aircraft plant as a welder during World War II. On July 27, 1951 she married Raymond Roy Gilbert at Hardy, Arkansas. he preceded her in death on May 12, 1998. They lived in the Twin Bridges area for several years, and later moved to West Plains, Mo. They had one Daughter Elizabeth Jean Gilbert.

Shirley Rainwater Gilbreath - Age 59, died April 10,2008, at her home in Williamsville, Mo. She was born June 30,1948, in Williamsville, daughter of Jewell 'Hillis' Rainwater, who survives and resides in Williamsville, and the late Ira Rainwater. She was united in marriage to Jack Gilbreath Oct.14,1972. He survives. Mrs. Gilbreath was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal faith. In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by one daughter, Rita 'Charles' Pollack, Williamsville; one brother, Earl (Deborah) Rainwater, Williamsville; one sister, Wanda (John) Lott, Williamsville; three grandchildren, Danielle and Aaron Pollack and Christopher Wallis. She was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Rainwater. The funeral was held April 15 at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville, with Rev. James Calvin officiating. Pallbearers were Leroy Robertson, Kyle Wood, Aaron Pollack, Chris Bowman, Charles Pollack and Earl rainwater. John Lott provided music. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhome.com.

LUCILLE HARDWICK GILE - Age 77 - Caulfield MO - Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with Rev. Richard Eakins and Rev. Z. J. Hefner officiating. Mrs. Gile, a resident of the Caulfield area for the past 21 years, died at 8:12 a.m. Monday, Sep. 29 (1980) at West Plains Memorial Hospital.  She was born Sep. 24, 1903 in Moberly, the daughter of John William and Emma Herring Hardwick. She received her early education in the schools at Moberly, later attending college at the University of Florida, Gainesville FL. On Feb. 23, 1924 she was married at Kansas City to Truman Gile, who preceded her in death Nov. 12, 19161. Mrs. Gile was a past president of the Miami Springs Florida Women's Club, past president of Miami Springs Garden Club, and past president of The National Federation of Women Club. She was presently serving as chairman of the OATS bus committee of Ozark County, and also secretary of the senior citizens of Ozark County. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for the past 20 years, her present membership being in the Bakersfield Baptist Church where she served as secretary of the Women's Missionary Union. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Ralph (Colleen) Mallonee, Caulfield; four grandchildren, Richard King, Salem OR; Truman King, Caulfield MO; Lt. Steven King, Fort Riley KS; Mrs. Barbara L. Owens, Joplin MO, and eight grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, one son, Truman Gile, Jr., who died Apr. 29, 1963, one brother, one sister and one grandson. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Darrell Wesley Gill - Born the son of John Wesley Gill and Anna Victoria Holcom Gill on April 25, 1932, in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and departed this life Nov. 19, 2007, in Salem, Ark., at the age of 75 years. He was united in marriage Aug. 26, 1953, at Elgin, Ill., to Wanda Lou Hightower. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, of the family home in Koshkonong, Mo.; one son, Larry Darrell Gill, Salem, Mo.; one daughter, Theresa Sue Williams, Salem, Ark.; four grandchildren, Nathan Darrell Gill, Crystal Sue Williams, Charolete Fern Williams and Isaphene Gail Pierce; five sisters, Callie Johnson, Pocahontas, Ark., Carrie Hastings, Three Sisters, Ore., Hazel Cypret, Salem, Ark., Dallean See, Walnut Ridge, Ark., and Fern Ellis, Salem, Ark.; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers, Coy Gill, Goldie Gill, Olus Gill, Doil Gill, Millard Gill, Virgil Floyd, Aaron Newberry and Paul Newberry; and four sisters, Cordie Thompson, Eunice Tillman, Ira Williams and Trula Yokum. After many years of employment with General Motors in Pontiac, Mich., he returned to Howell County to raise his children on the family farm. He enjoyed his farm, cattle and was known as a great horseman and for his love for horses. He was a member of Koshkonong Masonic Lodge No. 582 and was of the Baptist faith. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, in Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, with burial in Wayside Cemetery near Koshkonong, Mo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wayside Cemetery.

THOMAS RUFUS GILLIAM - Age 81, West Plains - Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Melvin Manning officiating. Mr. Gilliam died at 6 a.m. today in West Plains Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 18, 1897 at Peace Valley., the son of the late Lemuel W. and Aquilla Roush Gilliam. He had spent his entire life in this area with the exception of (missing) years spent in the state of Oklahoma. For many years he was maintenance supervisor at West Plains Memorial Hospital until the time of his retirement. On Oct. 25, 1919, he was married in the home of uncle Danny Barnett at West Plains to Carrie A. Mahan. He had been a lifelong member of the New Hope Baptist Church at Peace Valley and had served as a deacon at the church for  many years. He was a director of the Schneider School District in Howell County for a number of years. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Carrie Gilliam, West Plains; son Ivan and his wife Caroline Gilliam, Anchorage AK; a granddaughter, Elaine M. Rue, Bozeman MT; five brothers and sisters, Adam Gilliam, West Plains; Othel Gilliam, Mountain View; Murl Gilliam, Morton WA; Lon Gilliam, Lawrence KS, and Mrs. Roy (Gladys) Benton, Curlew IA. Preceding him in death are his parents, two sisters and two brothers, Tillie Scales, Samuel Gilliam, Arthur Gilliam and Vera Scales. Interment will be in New Hope Cemetery near Peace Valley under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains.

Paul LaVern Gilmore - Age 67, of Clinton, Missouri - passed away at his home on Monday, November 17, 2008. LaVern was born in Montrose, Missouri, the son of Paul and Helen McDaniel Gilmore. He was married in Freeman, Missouri on April 4, 1971 to Georgia Holt, who survives at the home. LaVern and Georgia farmed at one time and close to his heart was his John Deere equipment. He had tractors, scrapers, and his pride and joy, a 1938 "G" John Deere Tractor. He was also a proud member of the United States Air Force Reserves. He is survived by his wife, her parents George and Nina Holt of Harrisonville, Missouri, one daughter, Tracie McAdams and husband, Robert, of Mountain View, Missouri, and their children, David and Lillie; two sons, Gregory and his wife, Gwendolyn Gilmore, of Wood Heights, Missouri and their children, Emilyn, Kirstyn and Alyse; Jason Gilmore of Sedalia, Missouri and his daughter, Amie; two sisters, Lela and husband, Terry Highley, of Harrisonville, Missouri, and Nadine and her husband, Kent Reeves, of Archie, Missouri. Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul and Helen Gilmore. Visitation was held Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Consalus Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Funeral services were held Friday, November 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Reverend Doug Richey officiating. Burial followed in the Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. The family suggests Memorial Donations to the Appleton City Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be shared on line at www.consalusfuneralhome.com.

GLADYS 'LUCILE' WILCOXON GIRDLEY - Age 89 - Daughter of the Rev. Ovid Clifton Wilcoxon and Maude R. (Roberson) Wilcoxon, was born March 15, 1909 at Manila, AR. She died May 5, 1998, at Springfield. She married Roland G. Girdley June 16, 1931 at West Plains. A former Texas County resident, she worked at International Shoe Factory in Houston, was employed at Bennett's Shoe Store and was organist at ihe First Baptist Church in Houston for many years. She moved to Nixa from Houston. Mrs. Girdley was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Surviving are one son, Joe of Tempe, AZ; three daughters, Patricia Haythorne of Sanford, FL; Jane Kelly of Springfield and Ruby Lea Cawthra of Sand Springs, OK; and six grandchildren. Graveside services were May 8 at the Oaklawn Cemetery at West Plains under the direction of Harris, a Heritage Funeral Home of Nixa. (HOUSTON HERALD, 14/May/1998)

Michael Leslie Girdley - Age 50, Mountain View MO - Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2008, in the Veterans Section, Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Girdley died 12:20 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008, at his home. He was born June 24, 1957, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Kenneth Edward and Mamie Ruth Sheets Girdley. On July 4, 1979, he was married in Germany to Silvia Weber. Mr. Girdley was a veteran having served with the U.S. Army. He loved hunting and fishing. He is survived by two children, Jeremiah Girdley, wife, Amber, Centerton, Ark., and Kennet Renfroe, husband, Johnny, Van Buren, Ark.; one grandchild, Garrett Girdley; the mother of his children, Silvia Girdley; his father, Kenneth Girdley, wife, Betty Sue, West Plains; four brothers, Bruce Girdley, wife, Sharon, Scott Girdley, wife, Sarah, Kevin Girdley, wife, Jennifer, and Larry Girdley, wife, Tracy; and several nieces and nephews. His mother preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Charity of Choice and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Emma Lois 'Atha' Glass - Age 78, Lakewood, Colo., and formerly of West Plains - Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains. She died 11:03 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at St. John’s Hospices, Lakewood. 

Walter Edward Godat, Sr. - Age 75, Buffalo MO - Born Jan. 9, 1933, in Webb City, Okla., to Walter James and Gladys Maritt Godat. Mr. Godat died 2:55 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at his home. On July 6, 1970, Mr. Godat was married at Salem, Ark., to Iretta Tanner. He was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army. Mr. Godat attended the Bennett Chapel Full Gospel Church near Peace Valley, Mo. He is survived by his wife, Iretta Godat, of the family home; four children, Walter Godat Jr. and wife, Brandy, Kenneth E. Godat and wife, Sally, Walter Dale Wilkerson and Lisa Ann Masters and husband, Luke; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Sam Godat; three sisters, Beth Skinner, Opal Larew and Florence Bertie; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; one brother, John Godat; and one sister, Imogene Wishman, precede him in death. Graveside services were held Thursday, July 31, 2008, at the Mount Zion Cemetery, Olden, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Bible Society and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Lela Mae Bates Gohn - Age 84, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gohn died 7:24 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2008, in Brooke Haven Health Care. She was born Sept. 29, 1923, in Sharp County, Ark., to D.B. “Bethel” and Clara Hall Bates.
She graduated from West Plains High School with the class of 1942, and on March 22, 1944, was married at West Plains to Melvin Casey, who preceded her in death on July 29, 1956. On Sept. 22, 1975, she was married to George Daniel “Dan” Gohn, who preceded her in death on June 9, 1994. Before her retirement, she owned and operated the Golden Thimble for several years. Mrs. Gohn was a hospital volunteer, was active in area blood drives and was a member of the Woman’s Library Club I. She was a longtime member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by two children, Ronald Casey, wife, Patty, Hurst, Texas, and Diana Pace, husband, Brigadier General Mike Pace, West Plains; four grandchildren, Gene Casey, wife, Cinnamon, Russell Casey, wife, Heather, Jason Pace, wife, Jenni, and Ryan Pace, wife, Tish; and eight great-grandchildren. Her parents; husbands; and one brother, Leonard Eugene Bates, preceded her in death. Mrs. Gohn will lie in state from 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, until service time at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, Fair Haven Children’s Home or Paragould Children’s Home and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mary Lee Cloninger Goodin - Daughter of James Cleveland and Larura Ann (Derryberry) Cloninger was born June 18, 1928 at Hartshorn, Missouri. She departed this life September 7, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View, Missouri, making her 80 years, 2 months and 20 days. Mary Lee was united in marriage to Thomas Jefferson Goodin April 11, 1948 in Summersville, Missouri. To this union two children were born, Donald Lee and Jerry Lynn. She was a faithful, devoted and loving wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Mary Lee was immersed into Christ as a young adult and for many years was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Hartshorn, Missouri. In recent years, she attended the Church of Christ in Summersville, Missouri. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Mary Lee is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Goodin; her parents, Cleve and Larura Cloninger; two brothers, William Homer and George Oliver; and five sisters, Ruby Irene Bolton, Orba Gertrude Connolly, Jennetta Mae Goodin, Virginia Faye Foster and Juanita Jane Cloninger. Mary Lee is survived by her sons, Don and Michelle Goodin of Birmingham, Alabama and Jerry and Brenda Goodin of Dumfries, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Travis Goodin, Lindsey Goodin, Michele and Jimmy Hinkle, Stephanie Hart, Tammy and Jim Garrison, Jamie and Hal McGinnis, and Paula and Ron Welch; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Landon Hinkle, Joshua Covington, Brandon Hill, Dallas Garrison, Damien McGinnis, Kyle Minshall, Haley Garrison, Dalton Hart, Sarijuanna Richey, Lane McGinnis, Dylan Hart, Zoie Garrison and Blake McGinnis. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other family members and dear friends. Services were held Wed-nesday, September 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel Summersville with Bro. Earl Goodin officiating. Interment was in Antioch Cemetery under the care of Bradford Funeral Home.

Anita Marie Goodwin - Age 64, West Plains - Died 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, in Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Funeral services  will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery.  

John J. Goodwin - Age 87, Springfield MO, formerly of West Plains - Died Oct. 6, 2008, at his home in Springfield. For many years he taught in West Plains Public Schools, teaching Biology, Physics and Chemistry. During this time he was awarded Missouri State Biology Teacher of the Year. In earlier years, he taught in Gilbert, Ariz.  He was a combat veteran in WWII, serving as a B-24 co-pilot and was decorated for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He treasured his relationships with his former crew of the “G.I. Jane.” For many years he was Sunday School Superintendent at First Assembly of God in West Plains, and he most recently attended James River Assembly in Springfield. He was married for 39 years to Norma Lee Goodwin, who preceded him in death in 1978. They raised two sons, John N. (wife Janet) of Point Lookout, Mo., and Mark A. (wife Barbara) of Carnesville, Ga. He married Fern McClure in 1982, and they were married 27 years until his death. They were great together and had many good times. He loved his children, stepchildren and grandchildren. Flying, woodworking and family were his special joys. Survivors include Fern, of the home; son, John N. Goodwin and wife, Janet, and their two daughters, Stephanie and Lee (husband Doug Gaar and children Cody, Morgan, and Rachel); son, Mark Goodwin and wife, Barbara, and their two sons, Scott and Tim. He will also be greatly missed by his stepchildren, Glen and Nancy Parrish, Whitney and family, Buak and Susie Reynolds, Emily and Aubrey, Charlie and Vickie Medor, Eric and Erin, Mike and Shannon McClure, Taylor, London and Micayla. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Mo., with Reverend Charles Morris officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Military Rites will be performed by the West Plains Honor Guard and the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program.

LINDELL RAY GORE - Son of Jeannette and Cecil GORE, was born December 11, 1960 in St. Louis MO. He departed this life at Birch Tree MO at the age of 21 years, 6 months and 20 days. Lindell is survived by his mother, Jeannette (PIERCE) GORE of Birch Tree; his father Cecil and stepmother, Judy GORE, of High Ridge MO; one sister, Janet MORRIS of Dexheim GERMANY; one half-brother, Michael, and one half-sister, Jamie, of High Ridge MO; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle PIERCE, of Birch Tree MO; Mr. and Mrs. Ansil GORE, of Mountain View MO; one special niece, Becky MORRIS, and one brother-in-law, Joe MORRIS. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and a host of friends. Lindell accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized and united with Oak Grove Baptist Church several months ago.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave.

Pauline Payne Graves - Quietly passed away early Friday morning on Aug. 8, 2008, while at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs.  Born Feb. 23, 1923, to Walter and Effie (Garlett) Payne in Willow Springs and the eldest of three children, she was 85 years old. Pauline received her education in Willow Springs, attending the local schools and was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Willow Springs.  She was married to Arthur Eugene Graves on Oct. 4, 1946. To this union, three children were born.  Pauline was primarily a homemaker who loved to paint, crochet, and garden.  However, her greatest hobby was her grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, her husband, and one daughter. She is survived by her children, Barbara Shipley of Washington, Ill., and Buster Graves and his wife Donna of Willow Springs.  She is further survived by her four grandchildren, Christy Archdale and her husband, Richard, of Washington, Ill.; DeWayne Graves and his wife, Christy, of Willow Springs; Jeff Shipley and his wife, Lisa, of Mackinaw, Ill.; and Farrell Graves and his wife, Anna, of Willow Springs.  Eight great-grandchildren also survive.  She further leaves behind her sister, Marge Moss of Willow Springs, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Pauline were Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at the First Christian Church, located at North Center and East Fourth Streets in Willow Springs. Interment followed at the Hillcrest Cemetery located in Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made in Pauline’s name to any of the following and left at the funeral home: the Willow Springs Scholarship Fund, the Willow Springs Public Library, the First Christian Church of Willow Springs or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.

Jennifer Kay Grayham - Age 34, West Plains MO - Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Grayham died 9:43 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Mo. She was born March 15, 1973, in Springfield, Mo., to Ronald Grayham and Wanda Smith Grayham.  She graduated from the Bakersfield High School with the Class of 1991 and was employed for 14 years with Regal-Beloit, West Plains. She is survived by her parents, Ronald Grayham, Henderson, Ark., and Wanda Grayham, Springfield, Mo.; one brother, Ronald Grayham Jr., wife, Tina, Bakersfield, Mo.; her grandmother, Louise Grayham, Henderson, Ark.; one niece, Whitney Grayham; one nephew, Jacob Grayham; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Three grandparents and one uncle preceded her in death. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bakersfield Cemetery.

George Anson Greene - Age 97, Mountain View MO - He was born August 5, 1911 to George Washington  Greene and Frances Minerva 'Fannie' Barnes Greene in Fremont, Missouri. He departed this life on October 6, 2008 at his home. He graduated from Fremont High School with the Class of 1928. George married Doris O. Johnson 15 Jun 1937 at San Luis Obispo CA, and to this union six children were born. He later married Myrtle Van Winkle Glass on May 13, 1995 and their families joined. George served his country in the United States Navy from 1930-1934 as a Medical Corpsman, First Class. He retired from a career as realtor/property manager. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, former wife, Doris Johnson Greene, and one infant son, William Greene. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle Glass Greene; children, Kathryn Jackson of Carlsbad, CA, Sidney Parnell of Klamath Falls, OR, Lucinda Young of Colfax, CA, Richard Greene of Colfax, CA, Milton Greene of Spokane, WA, David Glass of Bentonville, AR, Gerald Glass of Springfield, MO, and Dick Glass of Mountain View, MO; fifteen grandchildren; and 40 great grandchildren. Dad instilled in his children the character and strength to face life with all its joys and disappointments. 'We love you, Dad, and we'll always miss you.' Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 in Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Interment was in Green Mountain-Evaline Cemetery, Fremont, Missouri.

Norman Leon 'Lee' Green - A native of Willow Springs, quietly passed away early Friday morning while at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains from natural causes. Born Aug. 11, 1918, to John William Green and Mary Etta 'Jo' Gibson near Willow Springs, Mo., he was the baby of a large family and his brothers and sisters were important to him. He was 89 years, 10 months, and 2 days. Lee married Reva Wallin Stephenson on Aug. 27, 1940, in Canon City, Colo., and became 'Dad' to Bonnie Louise, Barbara Geraldine and Ernest Lee Stephenson. Two daughters, Connie Fay Hiler and Kay Green Losh, were later born to this union. Lee loved kids, his own, his grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. He took great delight in talking to them, playing with them, and was a 'soft touch' for them. Lee was raised in a Christian family and re-affirmed his faith in Jesus Christ about 20 years ago. Lee proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Germany, Austria and France as a 'Heavy Machine Gun' operator. He was awarded the Bronze Star three times for his valor on the field. When asked about this he modestly replied, 'Ah, they gave those to everybody.' Lee worked for the same company for approximately 42 years, even though the company changed names and ownership several times throughout his employment. This enabled him to work in 22 different states, where he made many long-lasting friendships. He finally retired in 1982 from Kerr-McGee as an inventory auditor in the timber products division. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; 12 brothers and sisters; two daughters, Bonnie Turner and Jerry Johnson; his wife, Reva, after 61 years of marriage; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He leaves behind two daughters, Connie Hiler of Willow Springs, and Kay Losh and her husband, Joe, of Van Alstyne, Texas; a son, Ernest Lee Stephenson and his wife, JoAnn, of Jacksonville, Ark.; and a son-in-law, Don Turner of Independence, Mo. Twelve grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive. Truly one of 'the greatest generation,' he was a remarkable man, and leaves many warm memories for his family and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Green will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Westside Family Life Center, 1274 County Road, Willow Springs, with Pastor David Lovan officiating. A visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at the Willow Funeral Home, 106 E. Third St., in Willow Springs. Burial will follow funeral services at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Willow Springs. Memorials may be made to the Pine Grove Cemetery and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.

Jewell Roberts Greer - Age 93, Marshall MO - formerly of Caulfield - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at the First Baptist Church, Bakersfield, Mo., with Reverend Greg Yount officiating under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Greer died 5:55 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, in Fitzgibbon Hospital, Marshall. She was born Nov. 26, 1914, in Elijah, Mo., to Jake and Dona Westmoreland Roberts. On Aug. 15, 1931, she was married in Gainesville to Henry Greer, who preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 2001. After living in Arkansas and New Mexico, they moved to a farm north of Bakersfield. For the last six years, Mrs. Greer made her home with her daughter, Bonnie Lair, in Marshall. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, working in her garden and caring for the farm animals they raised. She was educated at Plum Holler School and Bakersfield High School. Mrs. Greer was a member of First Baptist Church, Bakersfield. She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Lair, Marshall, and Wanda Luna, husband, Bernie, Elizabethtown, Ky.; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one niece, Verba Endicott, and a nephew, Larry (Bo) Roberts, both of West Plains. Her parents, one daughter, Lozell Garner, one son, Vernon Greer, one grandson, Aubrey Neal Luna, one great-granddaughter, Alex Marie Luna, and two brothers, Earl Roberts and Elmer (Shorty) Roberts, precede her in death. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Baptist Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Bakersfield or Baptist Hill Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Jordana Nicole Greer - Age 2 weeks, Bakersfield - Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, in Babyland, Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Jordana died 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at Parkland Hospital, Farmington, Mo. She was born Aug. 28, 2007, in West Plains, Mo., to Melisa Greer. She is survived by her mother, Melisa Greer, of the family home; three brothers, Dustin Martin, Christian Heck and Austin Greer; one sister, Porsha Ely; grandparents, Jerry and Janice Greer, Bakersfield, Mo.; and great-grandparents, Bill and Imojean Hook, Cahokia, Ill. One brother, Trenton Cross, precedes her in death.

GLYDUS GREGORY – Born October 8, 1907 to John Lysander and Dora Elizabeth (Smith) Gregory at Alley Springs, Missouri. He departed this life December 1, 2004 in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 97 years. During his childhood, his family lived one mile below Alley Springs mill in a small house near his aunts, Bertha and Lilly, in the big house, and that is where the first five children were born. His aunts were robbed by two men who then proceeded to burn their house down with them in it. Glydus was the second born of nine children, Constance, Glydus, Herbert, Cora Ethel, Martha, Opal, Lysander and MIller who are all deceased. They raised and sold enough mules to buy 160 acres at Byron, Arkansas and that is where the last four children were born. They moved there in a covered wagon when Glydus was 8 years old. When he was older, he and his brother would go back to Alley Springs to work for their grandmother, Martha Bell (Armstrong) Gregory. He left the Ozarks at the age of 17. He met and married Dorothy Ann Lokker in Kohler, Wisconsin on November 1, 1930. They moved to California during the war and stayed in Sacramento over 50 years. He worked four years for the Federal Government and 28 years for the State of California. After retiring, Glydus and Dorothy were involved in many volunteer activities in California. They moved to Mountain View, Missouri in 1998 and he served one term as a Silver Haired Legislator. Glydus is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Dorothy, February 23, 2000 at the age of 90 years, and infant daughter, Violet Jean and his brothers and sisters. During DorothyÕs last few years of life, she had suffered from complications of diabetes and strokes and Glydus was a devoted and faithful care giver until her death. He is survived by his second wife, Waunita Wilheim to whom he was united in marriage on November 15, 2003; one son, Glenn and wife Faye Gregory of Mountain View, Missouri; three grandchildren, Byron Taylor of San Bernardino, California, Bruce Gregory of Mountain View, Missouri, Lisa Whiteside of Valley Center, California; three great-grandchildren, Veronica Taylor of West Hollywood, California, Katelynn Stepanuk of Valley Center, California and Donavan Gregory of Seaside, Oregon; many nieces and nephews and stepchildren, Larry, Ira and Chuck Wilheim and their families. Glydus, Waunita and daughter-in-law Faye were active in the Mountain View Poetry Society and the Mountain View Book Club. He also faithfully participated in the Cowboy Poetry Society of which he was a lifetime member. Glydus loved to read books and write poetry. He had an exceptional memory and was physically and mentally active until he suddenly became ill two weeks ago. Glydus and Waunita attended the Mountain View United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 6, 2004, 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Mountain View, Missouri with Rev. Rod McNeall officiating. Glydus will be returned to Sacramento, California and be laid to rest beside his wife, Dorothy at Camellia Gardens.  [Courtesy of The Current Wave.]

Loran Sidney Gregory - Age 67, Roanoke, Texas - Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mr. Gregory passed away Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Hughley Hospice House in Texas after a long battle with lung and bone cancer. He was born on May 10, 1939 in Ellsinore, Mo., to Gilbert M. and Mabel Johnson Gregory. Mr. Gregory graduated from the West Plains High School with the class of 1957 and was a veteran, having served four years with the U.S. Navy. He was a senior engineer for Verizon Wireless in South Lake, Texas, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and 30 other countries. He is survived by one sister, Vonda Hambelton and husband, Ray, of Sparta, Mo.; one niece, Melany Hambelton of Roanoke, Texas; one nephew, Alvin Hambelton of Sparta, Mo.; four aunts, Blanche Allcorn of Mountain Grove, Mo., Nadine Barr and husband, Alva of Hartville, Mo., Nellie Gregory of West Plains and Juanita (Gurney) Gregory of Harrison, Ark.; one uncle, Stanley Johnson of Warsaw, Mo.; and numerous cousins. His grandparents, parents, and several aunts, uncles and cousins precede him in death. Burial was held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Texas and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Olva Rhea MCCARTY Griffin - Daughter of the late Hezzie Gilbert and Nancy May Collins McCarty, was born July 16, 1918, at Elizabeth, Ark. She entered into eternal rest March 30, 2008, at the age of 89 years. She was born the daughter of the late Hezzie Gilbert McCarty and Nancy May Collins McCarty on July 6, 1918, in Arkansas and died March 30, 2008, in West Plains, Mo. She was united in marriage Sept. 9, 1933, in South Fork, Mo., to Wade Avis Griffin, who preceded her in death June 15, 1985. Mrs. Griffin is survived by a daughter, Betty Murrell and husband, John Bill, and a son, Barry Griffin and wife, Rhonda, all of West Plains, Mo.; five grandchildren, Rhea Edwards, Mtn. Home, Ark., John Murrell Jr., and wife, Charlene, James Murrell and wife, Teresa, Jonathan Griffin, and Natalie Stock and husband, Bruce, all from West Plains, Mo.; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Maxine McCarty, West Plains; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and one brother, Gilbert McCarty. Mrs. Griffin was a member of the First Christian Church of West Plains for over 60 years. She received her education in Howell County schools. Mrs. Griffin had several articles published in the Organic Gardening Magazine and had received numerous gardening ribbons at the Howell County Fair. She was well known for her many varieties of iris plants. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Howell County, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery or The First Christian Church, West Plains, and can be left at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Howell County, Mo., under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

Ralph Earl Gringles - Age 75, of West Plains - Graveside services were held on July 12, 2006, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.Mr. Gingles died at 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006, in National Health Care. He was born March 11, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo., to Charles and Mildred Poe Gingles. On Dec. 25, 1952, he was married at Salem, Ark., to Barbara Huggins. Mr. Gingles was a veteran, having served more than 20 years with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was of the Baptist faith.He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gingles, of the family home; two children, Robin Lohner and her husband, Wynn, of Baker City, Ore., and Timothy Gingles and his wife, Frances, of Raymore, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Kyle Lohner, Jackie Lee Lohner, Alex Gingles and Matthew Gingles. His parents and one son, Ralph Earl Gingles II, precede him in death.

Gerald Edward Grisham - Age 80, West Plains, MO - He was born April 9, 1928, in West Plains, Mo., the son of Hazle Winkleblack Grisham and Samuel Homer Grisham. Mr. Grisham died Aug. 3, 2008, at Ozarks Medical Center after a long illness. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1946 and attended Drury University in Springfield, Mo., and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Mr. Grisham married Jeanette Kellett April 12, 1950, in West Plains. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, was a Shriner and a member of the Masonic Temple. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in West Plains. Mr. Grisham had been a businessman in the community for many years. He was currently vice president of the board of directors of the West Plains Daily Quill. Previously, he had served on the board of directors of the former First National Bank, later bought by Centerre Bank. In 1972, Mr. Grisham was instrumental in arranging the giving of the Kellett family home to a then young West Plains Campus of Southwest Missouri State University. Kellett Hall now stands as the symbol for Missouri State University-West Plains. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lawrence 'Sam' Grisham and two sisters, Olive Langston and Mona Schroeder. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, of the family home; five children, Deborah Grisham Wehrman and husband, David, of Centralia, Mo., Samuel Howard Grisham and wife, Elizabeth, of West Plains, Robert Bruce Grisham and wife, Libby, of West Plains, Jan Grisham Crowe of Nashville, Tenn., John Alan Grisham and wife, Emily, of West Plains; and 12 grandchildren, R.B. Grisham of Columbia, Mo., Amy Elizabeth Grisham of Jonesboro, Ark., George Nelson Crowe III, of Dallas Texas, Emily Crowe Williams of Columbia, S.C., Catherine Elizabeth White of Jefferson City, Mo., Mary-Louise Grisham of Springfield, Mo., Margaret Elizabeth Grisham, Courtney Alice Grisham, Laura Elizabeth Grisham, Sarah Jeanne Grisham, Philip John Grisham, Greta Watkins Grisham, all of West Plains. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces. The family would like to extend special thanks to Mr. Grisham's caregivers, Roger Stanley and Janet Stanley, Matt Batesel and Byfurd Friend. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the First Baptist Church in West Plains with the Rev. Richard Wright officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Missouri State University, First Baptist Church or West Plains Public Library Foundation and can be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

FRANKLIN PRICE GROGAN - Age 96, A life-long resident of south central Missouri - Died Dec. 23, 1985, at Ozark Medical Center, West Plains. Grogan was born in Texas County on March 15, 1890, the fourth child of John E. and Catherine N. Grogan. His parents, one sister, Addie B. Hall, and five brothers, William, Henry, Robert, Sherman and Riley preceded him in death. He was married to Mollie Ford in 1912, who died in 1936. Eight of their nine children also preceded him in death. On Sept. 6, 1939, he was married to Iva Alderson Underwood who survives him. He also is survived by two daughters, Ethel Crabtree of Elk Creek, Frankie Beaird of Affton; two sons, Tony of Willow Springs, Truman of Springfield; two stepdaughters, Louise Stark of New London and Margaret Jackson of Overland; one brother, Archie of Elk Creek. Services were at Trinity Baptist Church in Willow Springs conducted by the Rev. Sidney Williamson. Burial was at Howell County Memorial Gardens. (HOUSTON HERALD, 09/Jan/1986)

HAZEL O. GROGAN - Age 85, West Plains - Born Sep. 16, 1915; died Jul. 28, 2001, at West Plains. Services held Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Burial at Willow Springs City Cemetery.

BETTYE JUNE TABER GROSS - Age 72, daughter of Hershel and Pauline Taber, was born Feb. 25, 1932 at Fort Lyon CO. She died Sep. 13, 2004 at St Francis Hospital at Mountain View MO. She was baptized Sep. 10, 2004 at Mountain View. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Reba. Surviving are her mother of Mountain View, two sons, Jake Gross of Hartshorn and David Gross of Batesville AR; one daughter, Pat Hamilton of Mountain View; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services held at Arroll Community Church at Arroll with Rev. Oscar Cunningham officiating. Burial at Arroll Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville.

JOSEPH RICHARD ‘JOE’ GROSS - Born October 8, 1953 at Sikeston MO, the son of James Wright GROSS and Verba Lurlene (PERRY) GROSS; he passed away August 11, 2005, in Mountain View MO at the age of 51. He was united in marriage to D. J. (PARKS) GROSS of Qulin MO on December 3, 1983, in Qulin MO, and to this union two children were born, Joseph James GROSS and Ashley Danielle GROSS. He was preceded in death by his father, James Wright GROSS. He is survived by his mother, Verba GROSS of Mountain View MO; his former wife, D. J. GROSS, of Eureka MO; son Joseph James GROSS of Mountain View MO; and daughter, Ashley Danielle GROSS, of Eureka MO; three brothers, James Dail GROSS and wife Connie, of Worthington IN; John Wayne GROSS and wife Carol of Qulin MO; and William Perry GROSS, of Wentzville MO; three aunts, Dean and James Lee COOK of Mayfield KY; Wanda Sue ROUTEN of Lunnville KY; and Beulah V. BEARD of Paducah KY; two nephews, Michael GROSS and Perry GROSS; two nieces, Regina MARMONTI and Madelyn GROSS; along with numerous other family and friends. Joe was active in the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and served as President of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association, 1996-1997. He was a past president of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, and when he resided in Malden MO, he was president of the Lions Club. Joe attended Qulin High School, where his father was the superintendent; he later moved with his family to Winona MO, and attended high school during his junior year. After his father’s death in 1970, he and his mother returned to the Qulin area where Joe graduated from Twin Rivers High School in 1971. He was employed with Landess Funeral Home in Malden MO from 1974 to 1981. He relocated to Mountain View MO in 1981 and began working at the Duncan Funeral Home. He purchased Duncan Funeral Home in 1985 and continued to operate the funeral home until his death. Joe’s greatest joy in life was his two children, Joseph and Ashley. He spent most of his time being with his children and family. His family and friends were most important to him. Joe cared about the people he served in the community and felt they were an extension of his own family. Funeral services were held Monday, August 15 at 10 a.m. at Duncan Funeral Home at Mountain View MO. Rev. Ronnie STEVENS officiated. Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. in the Qulin Cemetery under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Mountain View. Visitation was held Sunday, August 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Duncan Funeral Home in Mountain View. NOTE: Winona residents will remember Joe from his previous marriage to Roxanne HOLLOWAY, the daughter of Roy and Rosemary (MARTIN) HOLLOWAY. Joe, and Roxie’s brother, Pete HOLLOWAY, attended school together to be funeral directors and morticians.  Sources for this information: The Current Wave, August 24, 2005.

James Norman Groves - Age 82, died April 17, 2007, at Cedargate Caring Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born July 10, 1924, in Butler County, Mo., son of the late James and Grace 'Revelle' Groves. He was united in marriage to Helen Faraone Durrow Aug. 30, 1958. she survives and resides in Williamsville. Mr. Groves retired from the Mehlville School District in Lemay. He was a member of the First Baptish Church in Williamsville for 17 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Ruth Ann Groves, Betty Claus, both of Mountain Home, Ark., Robert 'Linda' Durrow, Williamsville; two sisters, Carolyn Cockran, White Bluff, Tenn., Flora Beck, Poplar Bluff; one brother, Junior Groves, St. Louis; two half-sisters, Kathylene Willard, Pevely, Margaret Goebel, Poplar Bluff; one half-brother, Sonny Groves, Poplar Bluff; one granddaughter, Connie Reyes, Florida. He was preceded in death by one brother, Willis Groves, three sisters, Edith Clements, Erma Lee Groves, Mary Gorden, and one grandson, Robert Durrow Jr. The funeral was held April 21 at Williamsville First Baptist Church with Rev. James Capps and Henry Pasquet officiating. Music was provided by Jim Smith and Wanda Pasquet. Pallbearers were Howard Condray, Curt Condray, Frank Hillis, Larry Vaughn, Frank Fuller and Gene Dougherty. Burial was in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville. Arrangements were under the direction of Ruegg Funeral Home. Williamsville.

LEO O. GUILLOT, JR. - Age 66, Pomona MO - Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at Pomona Christian Church, Pomona MO, with Rev. Marcus Allen officiating. He was born Feb. 23, 1942, in New Orleans LA, the son of Leo O. Guillot, Sr. and Irene Vamvouras, and passed away Aug. 3, 2008 at West Plalins MO. He was united in marriage to Patricia Ryan on Aug. 8, 1964 at Arabi LA. He is survived by his wife, Pat Ryan Guillot, of the home; two children, Leo Guillot, III and wife Dawn, Violet LA, and Wanda Guillot Rayn and husband George, Pomona MO; two sister, Mary Guillot, Metairie LA, and Doris Deese, Heflin AL; and five grandchildren, Brandon, Tyler and Austin Lee Ryan, Pomona MO, and Alyssa and Heather Guillot, Violet LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cheri Guillot, brother Ray Guillot and two sisters, Patsy Guillot and Joycelyn Hessler. He was a member of the Pomona Christian Church and a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served on the USS Fisk during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Flowers may be sent to the church.

OPAL FISHER GUM - Age 86, West Plains - Funeral services were held at Carter Funeral Home, West Plains, Dr. C. W. Caldwell officiating.  Mrs. Gum died at West Vue Nursing Home, West Plains. She was born Apr. 25, 1889 near West Plains, the daughter of the late Elisha and Lou Robinson Fisher. She was married Oct. 14, 1907 at West Plains to J. Will Gum, who preceded her in death Jul. 24, 1955. Mrs. Gum was active in WMU work throughout her life, serving as the first associational president of Howell County, and at other times during her life, as well as president for many years of the local WMU. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church in West Plains for 70 years, and was a charter member of the TEL class and was their teacher when she became ill eight months ago. Mrs. Gum is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Louise Perkins of West Plains. One son, Richard, preceded her in death. Burial was in Oak Lawn Cemetery under direction of the Carter Funeral Home, West Plains. Members of the TEL Sunday school class will attend the service in a group. (abt. 1975)

Radie Armenda Howard Gunter - Age 92, of West Plains MO - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at the Bail Church of Christ in Dora, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mrs. Gunter died 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at her home. She was born Feb. 21, 1916, at Elijah, Mo., the daughter of William Thomas (Bill) and Armenda Jane (Janie) Smith Howard. She attended the Lottie Hollow School in Ozark County, Mo., and on Nov. 7, 1931, was married at Dora, Mo., to Harley Homer Gunter who preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 1981. Mrs. Gunter enjoyed being a homemaker and was a school bus driver for a few years. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, reading the scriptures and loved spending time with all of her family. Mrs. Gunter was a member of the Church of Christ, having been baptized at the age of 11. She is survived by six children, Loeta Barr and husband, Don, Shirley Gunter, Beryldene Finley, Roberta Goss, James Terry Gunter and wife, Peggy and Diana Heselton and husband, Alan, all of West Plains; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; husband; one son, Edwin Gunter; one grandson, Blake Edwin Gunter and five brothers and sisters precede her in death. Burial was held at the Ball Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

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