JULY, 1999 OBITUARIES
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Ida Jane Bryant, 80, Springfield, died at 8:35 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 1999, in Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was born June 20, 1919, in St. Clair County, the daughter of Samuel L. and Helen Tidwell Syphert. She married Harley Bryant, who preceded her in death. She is survived by two sisters, Sammie Puckett of Elizabethtown, Ky., and Nellie Dunaway and her husband, Alphred, of Springfield; one brother, Everett West and his wife, Pearl, of Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, two infant daughters, two sisters, Rosie Jones and Sylvia Syphert, and four brothers, Sherman, Loyd, John and Robert Syphert. Graveside services were Saturday, July 31, in Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.
Mel O. Burton, 69, Half Way, formerly of Murray, Neb., died Thursday, July 1, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. He was born June 2, 1930, in North Kansas City to Ollen and Louise Arnold Burton. He was a retired commercial electrician, and he served in the Marine Corps and was of the Baptist faith. He was united in marriage to Betty Wilson on Feb. 21, 1961. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; a son, Dr. Clifford R. Valentine and his wife, Nancy, of Lee's Summit; and five grandchildren, Jamie Valentine, Michael Valentine, Dominick Valentine and Lucas Valentine, all of Independence, and Cameon Valentine of Blue Springs. Services were Tuesday, July 6, in Pitts Chapel.
Vickie Sue Castillo, 48, Flemington, was found dead Saturday, July 24, 1999, near her home in the Inlet Village area. She had been missing since July 17, 1999. The daughter of Jimmy Ray and Patricia McGrath Neal, she was born in Kansas City May 24, 1951. A former resident of Palmdale, Calif., she had been employed in retail sales. Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Villasenor, Palmdale, Calif., and Shannon Radzunas, San Diego, Calif.; her mother, Patricia Beveridge, Glendale, Calif.; a sister, Linda Nash, Flemington, and a half-sister, Rebecca Beveridge, Glendale, Calif.; a brother, Joe Huettle, Wausau, Wis., and three half-brothers, Bill and Richard Beveridge, both of Glendale, Calif., and Jimmy Neal, St. Louis; and four grandsons, Javier, Alex, Nicholas and Christian. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 29, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Bob McQueen officiating. The body has been cremated.
John Alden Cheek, 74, Bolivar, died Thursday, July 8, 1999, in his home. He was born in Fair Play on April 16, 1925, the fourth of five children born to John and Fern Cheek. He graduated from Fair Play High School in 1942. After a five-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army, he attended Southwest Missouri State University and received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. On June 26, 1947, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Tappert in Ozark. To this union one daughter, Vivian Delia, was born on June 14, 1952. From 1950 to his retirement in 1980, he was an educator and administrator in the Washington, Jackson, Polk and St. Louis county school systems. After his retirement in 1980, he moved to Bolivar. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn Cheek, Bolivar; his daughter, Vivian Delia, Wildwood; two brothers, Beuford Cheek of Bolivar and Charles Cheek of Rocheport; one sister, Lucille Buxton of Potosi; numerous other relatives and many friends. Services were Sunday, July 11, in Butler Funeral Home with burial following in Lindley Prairie Cemetery. Casketbearers were Dale Jackson, Derral Cloyd, Greg Ashlock, Mike Parson, Ian Cloyd and Pat Cheek.
James J. "Jim" Church, 73, of Fair Play, formerly a longtime resident of Branson, died July 6, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness. He was a Navy World War II veteran. He was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church as well as the Masons and the V.F.W. Post, all in Branson, and the Shriners in Springfield. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of the home; four daughters, Jeannie Murray of Snohomish, Wash., Mary Kaye Sonora of Boca Raton, Fla., Teresa McRoy of Fayetteville, Ark., and Bonnie Voris of Billings; two sisters; as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Monday, July 12, in Springfield National Veterans Cemetery in Springfield with Honor Guard detail provided by the Veterans Memorial Team. The Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel in Bolivar.
Lou Ann Clark, 62, Springfield, died July 22, 1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield. The daughter of Carl and Alice Gordon Olson, she was born June 4, 1937, in Worth County, Iowa. On Aug. 20, 1966, she was united in marriage with Sherley Clark. They had made their home in Springfield where she had been employed at Zenith and later with Litton Industries. She had been a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Buffalo for many years. She is survived by her husband, Sherley, of the home; one brother, Richard Olson and his wife, Ella Marie, of Belton; four aunts, Gladys Hulshizer and Olga Hulshizer of Northwood, Iowa, Olive Purdy of Alden, Minn., and Clarice Arnold of North Platte, Neb.; one uncle, Lynn Gordon of Carpenter, Iowa; her mother- and father-in-law, Albert and Novela Cortner of Bolivar; a brother-in-law, Charles Clark and his wife, Janet Marie, of Seymore; an aunt- and uncle-in-law, Bob and Arevenna Cortner of Half Way; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and nine aunts and uncles. Services were Tuesday, July 27, in Montgomery-Viets Chapel, Buffalo, with the Rev. Johannes Brann and the Rev. Carl L. Olson officiating. Recordings of "How Great Thou Art" and "What a Friend" were played, and a flugel horn solo of "In the Garden" was played by Carl Olson. Casketbearers were Jim Black, Ed Dierks, Ronnie Locke, Tim Locke, Tom McPherson and Jim Mosier. Interment was in Crestview Memorial Gardens.
Virgil L. Craddick, 94, died at 4:55 p.m. Friday, July 2, 1999, in Citizen's Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 29, 1904, in Scotland County, the youngest of six children born to James and Anna Craddick. All have preceded him in death. He was married to Faona Fern Roberts Oct. 29, 1931, and to this union two daughters were born, Mona Evelyn and Maysel Marlene. His wife, Fern, died in 1938. He married Mary Brown, a widow who had two children, Erlene and Robert. They were divorced approximately 10 years later. He owned and operated a small neighborhood grocery store in Springfield until he was 65. Then he moved to Bolivar and spent 29 of his retirement years there. He and his brother Walter painted houses in Bolivar for 12 years. He joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for 24 years before he began to lose his vision and hearing. He was living in Citizen's Memorial Healthcare Facility when he become ill and was taken to Citizen's Memorial Hospital, where he died. He is survived by two daughters, Maysel and her husband Tom Christy of Denver, Colo., and Mona and her husband Harold Carlstrom of Kansas City; four grandchildren, Leigh Ann and Stephen Christy of Denver, Colo., Patti Carlstrom of Kansas City and Vicki and her husband Dave Carr of Belton; and one great-granddaughter, Crystal Carr. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery near Adonis.
Pearl P. Dailey, 77, Bolivar, formerly of Richmond, died Wednesday, July 7, 1999, north of Humansville from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born April 22, 1922, in Bolivar to Jesse Elmer and Katie Lee Shay Boyce. She married Charles Norman Dailey of Camden on March 22, 1945. She was a housewife and a farmer. She had been a resident of Ray and Polk counties. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, on April 25, 1998; her parents; two brothers, Carl Boyce and Wayne Boyce; and two sisters, Betty Vandermeer and a sister who died in infancy. Services were Monday, July 12, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond with Scott Humberg officiating. Interment was in Richmond Memory Gardens, Richmond. Pallbearers were Jeff Boyce, Rodney Boyce, Victor Holt, Steve Holt, Jon Gillis and Randy Carr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ray County Humane Society.
Fay Flint, 87, Humansville, died Tuesday, July 13, 1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, following a short and sudden illness. She is survived by her son, Bill Flint, and his wife, Jolene, of Bolivar; her daughter, Phillis Weatherly of Humansville; four granddaughters, Terrie Reed of Pleasant Hope, Tonjia Bell of Humansville, Tinia Redburn of Bolivar and Tarmia Allen of Springfield; 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery, Cliquot. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience after 12 noon today (Wednesday) until Thursday evening.
Carl Monroe Franklin, 89, Bolivar, died at 1:50 p.m. Monday, July 12, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. The son of James Evert and Katie Moore Franklin, he was born Sept. 29, 1909, at Flemington. He was married to Sylvia Loy on May 19, 1935. A lifelong resident of Polk County, he lived many years at Humansville, moving to Bolivar 15 years ago. He was a farmer raising beef cattle and was a member of the Humansville First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, J.C. Franklin, Claude Franklin, Dee Franklin and an infant brother. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; two sons, Ben Branklin and Bob Franklin, both of Bolivar; a sister, Willa Mae Hankey, Bolivar; two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 15, in Murray Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Guy Lawyer officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Andrew R. "Andy" Heathman, 37, Bolivar, died Wednesday, July 21, 1999, at Doctors Hospital in Wentzville following an apparent heart attack. He was born July 23, 1961, in Visalia, Calif., to Ronald and Betty Snodgrass Heathman and had been a truck driver. Survivors include his wife, Linda, a son, Nicholas, and a daughter, Natasha, all of the home; two sisters, Robin Moroni of Urbana and Sherry Vogel of Collins; his parents, Ron and Betty Heathman of Urbana; and his best friend, Lloyd Mason of Ash Grove. Graveside services were Tuesday, July 27, at the Bolivar City Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Cloa Hopkins, 93, Eudora, Kan., formerly of Humansville, died at her home Monday, July 12, 1999. She was born May 3, 1906, in Cedar County, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Burch Akins. She was a homemaker and member of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. She was a former longtime resident of Polk and Cedar counties, moving to Eudora, Kan., three years ago from Humansville. On June 21, 1926, she was united in marriage to Henry Hopkins in Greenfield. He preceded her in death Dec. 17, 1983. Also preceding her in death were three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, five sisters and two brothers. Services were Saturday, July 17, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Pallbearers were Tom Ashlock, John Hopkins Jr., Larry Sanders, Steve Boyer, Dean Hopkins and David Thomas. Interment was in Bona Cemetery at Bona.
Aubra George Hoppers, 88, Osceola, died Saturday, July 31, 1999, at Sac Osage Hospital in Osceola. He was born Nov. 18, 1910, in rural Urbana. He was united in marriage to Opal Irene Franklin Aug. 30, 1930, in Dallas County. To this union two sons were born. During World War II he worked for Detroit Tool and Engineering Company doing machine work which included making instrument panels for B17 bombers. He once owned and operated a lead mine west of Hermitage and in 1948 built a blacksmith and welding shop in Urbana with friend Eldon Edgecomb. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal; an infant daughter, Evelyn; his father, Samuel Lafayette Hoppers; his mother, Rosannah Gahl Coatney Hoppers; nine brothers and nine sisters. He is survived by two sons and their wives, Lonnie and Charlene Hoppers of Urbana and Danny and Melody Hoppers of Osceola; three grandchildren, Michael Hoppers and Kent Hoppers of Osceola and Lorrie Hoppers Cobb of Springfield; two great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Services were Wednesday Aug. 4, at the Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola. Casketbearers were Ivan Meacham, Loren Williams, Lloyd Sawyers, Bob Sawyers, Ron Rush, Greg Black, Kelly Franklin, Gary Franklin, Jerry Hoppers and Rick Rush. Graveside services and burial were in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Urbana.
Ruby J. Jenkins, 84, Lenexa, Kan., died at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 1999, in Delmar Gardens of Lenexa Nursing Home, Lenexa, Kan. She was born Sept. 13, 1914, in Polk County, the daughter of Walter Henson and Mary Lewis Henson. She was married to Earl Jenkins on Nov. 10, 1934. He preceded her in death in 1965. Also preceding her in death was a son, Earl Jr., who died in 1964. She is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Mary and Allan Wiel and Shirley and Sidney Long, all of Overland Park, Kan. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Services were Friday, July 23, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Ernest R. Jenkins, 83, Polk, died Wednesday, July 21, 1999, at his home. The youngest son of James and Bessie Jenkins, he was born April 29, 1916, at Almon, Okla. He is survived by his wife, Frances Kincaid Jenkins of the home; his daughter, Carolyn Harrison and her husband, Gary, of Bolivar; two sons, Garland Jenkins and his wife, Cheryl, of Polk and Mel Jenkins and his wife, Lila, of Pittsburg; 10 grandchildren, Lydia Lapierre and her husband, John, Wyatt, Rana, Tiara, Brie, Teal and Brock Jenkins and Erin, Chrisopher and Andrew Jenkins; and his brother-in-law Charles Kincaid, his wife, Virginia, and their three children, Anne, Rob and David. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Oren, and his brother, Bennie. His parents had homesteaded in Oklahoma and moved to the family farm near Pittsburg in 1935. Besides farming, Ernest had been a partner in Jenkins Building Materials with his brother, Bennie, until his retirement. Ernest had also operated a bulldozer and sawmill and was one of the first electricians and storm window installers in Hickory County. He was a man of many skills and interests and in his later years enjoyed his flowers, gardening, woodworking and traveling. He especially enjoyed being with his family and visiting with his many firends. He was a member of Antioch Christian Church of Pittsburg where he served as an elder. He was baptized Oct. 29, 1939, by Harry Green. He took special interest in contributing to the Lord's work with his time and talents in various ways. Services were Saturday, July 24, at Antioch Christian Church with the Rev. Charles Kincaid and the Rev. Donald Hart officiating. Music was by Lila Jenkins, accompanied by Ruth Williams. Honorary pallbearers were Wyatt Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins and Don Sensabaugh. Pallbearers were Jim Bales, Durward Walker, Tom Powell, Stanley Lear, Delbert Brock and Melvin Nance. Interment was in Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Christian Church or the American Heart Association. (26c)
Bill Bates Jr., 72, Springfield, died at 10:05 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 1999, in Cox Medical Center South following a lingering illness. He was born Sept. 27, 1926, in Bolivar to Bill and Mabel L. Holbert Bates. He graduated from Bolivar High School and was a salesman for International Harvester for 48 years. On Nov. 6, 1947, he was united in marriage to Elsie Earl, and to this union two children were born. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar and had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enjoyed hungint and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and being with his family. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Elsie, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Kristie Bates of Springfield; a daughter, Linda McCroskey of Joplin; his mother-in-law, Vera Earl of Springfield; a brother-in-law, Michael Earl of Springfield; two grandchildren, Kyle and Breanna Bates; and three nephews, Jack Folis of Los Angeles, Calif., Jim Folis of Phoenix, Ariz., and Jamie Earl of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Earl Blansit and Jack W. Folis officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the funeral home.
Bonnie F. Kallenbach, 87, Bolivar, died at 12:43 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 1999, in Parkview Health Care Facility following a lingering illness. She was born May 30, 1912, in Miller County, one of six children of Thomas Hendrix and Minta Lenora Goodrick Small. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Bolivar, the Bolivar Garden Club, Bolivar Extension Club and had been an elementary school teacher for many years. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Judy Kallenbach of Bolivar; two daughters, Deanne Murphy of Tuscumbia and Rose Ritter of Lenexa, Kan.; a sister, Glenna Harryman of Louisville, Ky.; five grandchildren and their spouses, Charles H. Murphy Jr. and his wife, Dawn, of Overland Park, Kan., Karolyn Kaye Highfill and her husband, Dr. Gary Highfill, of Palmyra, Pa., Robert Louis Kallenbach and his wife, Rachel, of Columbia, John William Kallenbach and his wife, Maria, of Bolivar, and Carrie Camille Kallenbach of Bolivar; five great-grandchildren, Brittany Alexandra, Zachary Daniel and Mallory Christine Highfill of Palmyra, Pa., and William Isaiah and Grace Ellen Kallenbach of Columbia. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert W. Kallenbach in 1975; and three sisters, Nell Kleasner, Mary Barton and Dorothy Harbison. Her brother, Kelly Small, died two minutes after she did, at 12:45 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. Services will be at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the Bolivar Church of Christ with Dennis R. Smith officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Tuscumbia Cemetery in Tuscumbia. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Fair Haven Children's Home in care of the funeral home.
Jack A. Kennell, 64, Aldrich, died Friday, July 16, 1999, at his home. A former longtime resident of the Strafford area, he was a retired auto mechanic. He worked for many years at Bill Beach Auto Service in Springfield and later owned J & J Auto Service. Survivors include his wife, Vicky Jo; two daughters, Cynthia Thompson of Springfield and Vicky Thompson of Pleasant Hope; two sons, Terry Kennel of the home and Travis Kennel of Springfield; his mother, Emma Kennel, a sister, Deanna Smith, and a brother, Everett Kennell, all of Springfield; his first wife, Carolyn Sue Kennell of Springfield; two grandchildren, Archie and Linda Thompson of Pleasant Hope; and a longtime friend and companion, JoAnne Ward of Aldrich. Graveside services were Tuesday, July 20, at Turners Cemetery under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield.
Dr. Ben Koon, 69, Bolivar, family physician, died at 1:12 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 1999, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was born Aug. 18, 1929, in Bolivar to Carl and Nell Hargis Koon. He was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church, Springfield, until his death. Ben was a family physician in Bolivar, the community where he grew up and which he dearly loved. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; six daughters, Debbie and her husband, Filip Garrett, Mason City, Iowa, Cynthia and her husband, Kevin Burington, Strafford, Kirsten and her husband Glenn Hatz, Liesl and her husband Steven King, Julie and her husband Tommy Brach, all of Springfield, and Mary Nell Koon of Bolivar; and one son, Carl Koon, Nixa; two stepdaughters and four stepsons, Tresa and her husband Steven Snider and Tanda Poterbin of Bolivar, Brent Sharp and his wife, Sandy, of Buffalo, Jody Sharp and his wife, Alisha, Jamie Sharp and his wife, Amy, all of Half Way, and Jonathan Sharp of the home. Also surviving are his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Lisa and Filip Glenn Garrett, Erik Burington, Shelby, Katlyn and Hanna Hatz, Evan, Karleen and McKenzie King, Shannon and Courtney Koon, Marissa and Makayla Snider, Alissa Poterbin and Brittany, Hannah and Bethany Sharp. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Carl and Nell Koon; one brother, Carl; one sister, Carlene; and one granddaughter, Kristy Garrett. Ben's faith in God, his family and patients always came first in his life, even before his own wants or needs. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis in October 1994. He never gave up his battle to beat the cancer within his body. He did everything he could to live each moment to the fullest. He never complained about his illness; he was always concerned about what he could be doing for someone else. His light that shone like a beacon will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Pitts Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Research Foundations in care of Pitts Chapel. (27c) A00008B1999AG25
Ruby Ellen Lockhart, 87, Bolivar, died Friday, July 9, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She had been a resident of Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility for four years and was a charter member of the Bolivar First Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Lockhart, and six children. Survivors include a daughter, Berdena McKinley, and two sons, Clifford E. (Joe) Lockhart and Wayne Lockhart and daughter-in-law Kay, all of Bolivar; 23 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, July 12, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Gary Parsons and the Rev. Earl Rodgers officiating. Music was by Judy Tinsley, Wanda Ingles and Shirley Wright. Pallbearers were Carl McKinley, Rex Carter, Leallen Lockhart, Kenny Lockhart, Derryl Lockhart and Cliff Clements. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Erskine, E.J. Lockhart, Terry Lockhart and Adam Clements. Interment was in Mount Olive Cemetery.
Christopher Michael Malley, 18, Louisburg, died Saturday, July 31, 1999, as the result of an auto accident. He graduated from Hickory County R-1 School (Skyline) in May 1999. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Mike and Christine Malley of rural Louisburg; two brothers, Phillip Joseph Malley and his family and Jerimiah Malley; a stepsister, Shiloh Webster of Louisburg; and a stepbrother and stepsister, Aaron and Amanda Bricker of Ava. Also surviving are his grandmothers, Hedwig Malley of Nixa and Maxine A. Carbin of rural Urbana, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service and gathering will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Skyline High School with the service taking place at 10 a.m.
Dwight Irwin Matthews, 43, Dallas, Texas, died Sunday, July 4, 1999, at Legacy Founders Cottage in Dallas following a lingering illness. He was born Aug. 31, 1955, in Bolivar and was a 1973 graduate of Bolivar High School. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Bolivar. He had been a resident of Dallas for 14 years. Dwight was a lover of the outdoors and photography. He spent a lot of time taking pictures of flowers and waterfalls, his favorite parts of nature. He enjoyed traveling and had traveled to 49 states and all the provinces in Canada. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He touched the lives of many people and was an inspiration to those afflicted with AIDS. Dwight was active in organizing fundraisers for AIDS patients in the Dallas, Texas, area. He was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his mother, Edna Matthews, Bolivar; two brothers, Glenn Matthews of Kansas City and Keith Matthews of Springfield; one sister and her husband, Leta and Charles Gass, Bolivar; four nieces, Amanda, Staci, Valary and Christie, and one nephew, Jackson; an aunt, Daisy Lane of Fair Play; an uncle, Gene Mann, state of Arizona; several cousins and many friends. Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bolivar. The body was cremated under the direction of Oak Cliff Funeral Chapel, Dallas, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to AIDS Project of the Ozarks, 1901 Bennett, Springfield MO 65804 or Legacy Founders Cottage, 828 S. Tyler, Dallas TX 75208. (24c)
Karan Rhea Mewbourne, 60, Springfield, died at 2:54 p.m. Monday, July 12, 1999, in Cox Medical Center North. The daughter of James Jefferson and Melba Rhea Stratton, she was born in Nevada. She and her family were former residents of Kansas City, Buffalo and Bolivar. She was a purchasing agent for a clothing manufacturer. Survivors include her husband, Dennis Wayne Mewbourne, and one son, Randy Mewbourne, both of Springfield, and one sister, Patricia Ann McCarty, Independence. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16, in Danforth Cemetery under the direction of Walnut Lawn DeGraffenreid-Wood Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home after 1 p.m. Thursday. The casket will be closed.
Dr. Wallace D. Miller, 72, Ozark, died at 1:25 a.m. Sunday, July 18, 1999, in the Lester E. Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. Dr. Miller was a professor for many years at Southwest Baptist University. He was an Air Force and Marine veteran of World War II and received a Bronze Star. He was also a member of the Glenstone Baptist Church, Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers. Survivors include two daughters, Frances Lorraine Miller, Hattiesburg, Miss., and Letitia Kay Cook, Marshfield; two sons, Wally D. Miller, Strafford, and David E. Miller, Springfield; his mother, Dorothy Miller, Oklahoma City, Okla.; his children's mother, Frances Miller, Marshfield; 12 brothers and sisters, seven grandchildrenm three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Fraker Funeral Home, Marshfield, with burial following in Marshfield Cemetery.
Samuel Darwin "Pood" Minks, 83, Collins, died at 1:35 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 1999, at Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. He was born July 10, 1916, near Collins, the son of Richard G. and Mary Estella Nance Minks. He grew up in Collins and graduated from Collins High School in 1935. When World War II began, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As a Navy Seabee, he saw service in Africa and the Pacific. On Okinawa, he was chief petty officer responsible for the heavy equipment used to build Yonton Airfield. After World War II ended, he returned to Collins and married Virginia Worthington on May 25, 1946. They had two children, Raymond Gary Minks and Dana Minks Beamish. For most of his life he was a farmer at Collins. He was a member of St. Clair Lodge No. 273 A.F. & A.M., Sac-Osage VFW Post No. 4197 and Coon Creek Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mildred Minks Disney, and his brother, Emery Minks, who died in infancy. Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of Collins; his son, Ray Minks, Sterling, Va.; his daughter, Dana Beamish, Ozark; one granddaughter, Virginia Kathleen Minks, Sterling, Va.; seven step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, Aug. 2, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with Bro. Marshall Henderson officiating. Pallbearers were Ronnie Nance, Melvin Nance, Roger Culbertson, Raymond Powell, Burleigh Wheeler and Gerald Keller. Masonic rites were conducted by St. Clair Lodge No. 273 A.F. & A.M. Interment was in Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Southwest Missouri, 1465 E Primrose, Suite A, Springfield MO 65704.
Cora Mae Mitchell, 75, Bolivar, died Tuesday, July 6, 1999, in her home. She was born Sept. 3, 1923, at Wishart, the daughter of Bert Sylvester and Mandy May Spinks. She was married to Paul Mitchell on May 18, 1940. To this union three children were born, Dixie, Ella and Mack. She was a homemaker, living many years in Bolivar, then moving to Springfield and returning to Bolivar in 1995. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents and two brothers, Raymond Spinks and Dewey Spinks. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Dixie and Bill Turner of Springfield, Ella and Lavon Pilkington of Long Lane and Mack and Sandra Mitchell of Bolivar; seven grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, July 9, in Murray Chapel with Bro. Jim Bybee officiating. Pallbearers were Paul Mitchell, Rick Pilkington, Gary Holiday, Randy Reed, Dan Copeland and Craig Davis. Music was by Jackie Hitchcock and Greg Ankrom. Interment was in Slagle Cemetery.
Delbert Wilby Murray, 80, Bolivar, died Thursday, July 29, 1999, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was born Jan. 24, 1919, near Pleasant Hope, the son of Elmer S. and Exonia Brockus Murray. A graduate of Bolivar High School, he attended Southwest Baptist College. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and he was the last surviving charter member of VFW Post No. 4085 in Bolivar. On July 5, 1945, he was married to Eva M. DeWitt, who preceded him in death Jan. 5, 1995. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Lotus Murray and Maynard Murray. A retired furniture salesman, he had been employed by Hutcheson Furniture Company, Titus Furniture and Appliance and Long's Furniture, all in Bolivar. He was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. Survivors include three children, Kenneth Murray and his wife, Tanafra, of Humansville, Karolyn Degraffenreid, Kathy Drake and her husband, Larry, all of Bolivar; a brother, Loren Murray Sr., Bolivar; 13 grandchildren, David Murray and his wife, Michelle, Emily Harding and her husband, Brandon, Amy Bushey and her husband, Matt, Kendra and Krista Degraffenreid, Kasey Bradshaw and her husband, Kevin, Korey, Kody, Kandace and Kaleigh Degraffenreid, Trent, Sheila and Jennifer Drake; one great-grandson, Tanner Harding; three nieces and one nephew. Services were Sunday, Aug. 1, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. Roger Wreath officiating. Music was by Brad Wommack. Pallbearers were Jess Pursley, Ron Hale, Gary Cansler, Harold Holt, Charles Long and Loren Murray Jr. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Senior Center, 205 N. Pike Ave., Bolivar MO 65613.
Ralph Donald Piper, 68, Kansas City, formerly of Humansville, died Thursday, July 22, 1999, at his home. The son of Harlan and Ethel Wilson Piper, he was born in Polk County on Dec. 30, 1930. He grew up in the Pomme de Terre and Humansville areas, attending Humansville schools and helping his father operate the family well-digging business. In 1949 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan, serving during the outbreak of the Korean War. He returned to Fort Leonard Wood where he was discharged from active duty in November 1951, continuing to serve in the Army Reserve until 1955. On Oct. 5, 1951, he married Lucille Rains. They moved to Kansas City in January 1952, where they raised their three children, Diana Jean, Donald Wayne and Alpha Denise. He was employed by the American Can Company for 23 years until it became necessary for him to take medical retirement in 1975. He was baptized, along with his daughter, Denise, on March 26, 1972. Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of the home; two daughters, Diana Bailey and her husband, Robert, Kansas City, and Denise Chesney and her husband, Gregg, Smithville; one son, Don Piper, Kansas City North; three granddaughters, Vanessa Dawn Piper, Alpha Christine and Alison Nicole Chesney; two sisters, Lavona Jolley and her husband, John, and Beatrice Houston, and a brother, David Piper, all of Humansville. Graveside services were Sunday, July 25, in Humansville Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Harris officiating. Music was by Carly and Lou Rice. Arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.
Robert L. "Bob" Powell, 80, Pittsburg, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday, July 26, 1999, in his home. He was born Aug. 31, 1918, in Kansas City to Manuel and Ettabelle Ring Powell. He was married Sept. 6, 1952, to Freda Mikes. He was a member of Minden Methodist Church in Menden, Neb., and Local No. 101 and the Masonic Lodge 32nd degree in Windsor. Survivors include his wife, Freda, of the home; two sons, Roger Powell of Hermitage and Anthony Brannen of Salisbury; a daughter, Connie Dahlgren of Osage Beach; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Steve Brannen. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at Pomme de Terre Cemetery, Pittsburg, with the Rev. Virgil Kearney officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Jesse Elbert Reynolds, 74, Bolivar, died at 5:43 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 1999, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. He was born Aug. 10, 1924, at Sentinel to George and Mary Storment Reynolds. He was a lifelong resident of Polk County, a cattleman, a retired car salesman of 22 years and a member of Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church. He was united in marriage to Audrey Jean Edmondson on Sept. 17, 1947. They had celebrated 51 years together and were the parents of two children. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leonard, Ray and Hallie Reynolds; and a sister, Vera Talion. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; a daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Harold Condren, Fair Play; a son, Bradley Reynolds, Bolivar; a granddaughter, Christa Matlock, Joplin; a grandson, Chad Baker, Fair Play; two great-grandchildren, Alivia and Anthony Azzun, Joplin; two brothers, Arlie Reynolds, Santa Paula, Calif., and Marvin Reynolds, Urbana; a sister, Iva Lichty, Cleveland, Ohio; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Services were Monday, Aug. 2, in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Merle Newton officiating. Pallbearers were Bob Barnhouse, Jerald Hofstetter, Stanley Lear, Buzz Baker, Chad Baker and Mike Climer. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Opal Rebecca Root, 82, died Wednesday, July 7, 1999, in Springfield Residential and Nursing Care Center where she had resided for the last six years. She was born Feb. 9, 1917, at Sentinel to Robert Benjamin and Nancy Catherine Walker. She was a member of Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church and later a member of Freedom Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Charles Kee, and her second husband, Ray Carlton Root; four brothers, Virgil Walker, Creed Walker, Herschel Walker, Russell Walker; and a sister, Zula Ingles. She is survived by a daughter and her husband, Barbara and Guy "Tut" Harville, Springfield; a stepdaughter and her husband, Donna and Charles R. "Bob" Johnson, Morrisville; two grandchildren, Michelle Swearengin and her husband, Monty, Half Way, and Kevin Harville, Springfield; a stepgranddaughter, Pamela Tate, Morrisville; three step-great-granddaughters; one brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Berneice Walker, Bolivar; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mabel Roberts of Bolivar and Jewell and Albert Roberts of Polk; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends. Services were Friday, July 9, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Jackie Brakebill officiating. Interment was in Hopewell Cemetery near Sentinel.
Leota Sewell, 79, Springfield, died Thursday, July 29, 1999, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, following a long illness. The daughter of George and Effie Lindsey, she was born March 9, 1920, near Morrisville. She retired from the Busy Bee Department Store and was a member of Northwest Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Murrell; a sister, Golden; and a brother, Ronald. She is survived by her son, Ira Lynn Sewell, and his wife; two daughters, Mary Dysart and Anita Cooper and her husband, Hugh; five granddaughters, Terry Bangle of Hanford, Calif., Cindy Klaus of Garden City, Kan., and Traci Owens, Shay Dysant and Sara Cooper, all of Springfield; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Hurd; three sisters, Faye, Esther and Jessie; several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 3, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with the Rev. Larry Cooper officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard.
Luther L. Standley, 78, Bolivar, died early Monday, July 26, 1999, in his home. He was born Sept. 21, 1920, in Bolivar, the son of Luther Hanson and Orlena Delilah Dunaway Standley. As a young man, he moved to Stockton, Calif., where he worked as a longshoreman and heavy equipment operator. He moved to Bolivar several years ago. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and received a Purple Heart. Surviving are one son, William E. "Bill" Standley, Farmington, N.M.; four sisters, Rhoda Porter of Ventura, Calif., Beulah Lobaugh of Olatha, Colo., Betty Beck of Truth or Consequences, N.M., and Mary Earwood of Las Vegas, Nev.; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Olive Cemetery northeast of Bolivar.
Frank Henry Stewart, 80, Bolivar, died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 30, 1918, in Bolivar, the son of Frank Leslie Stewart and Katherine Elizabeth Grimmett Stewart. Frank was a lifelong member of the Bolivar community. After graduating from Bolivar High School, he attended Missouri University. On Dec. 20, 1940, Frank married Eldorene Jenkins. After serving in the armed forces during World War II he returned to Bolivar. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, where he taught Sunday school, served as a deacon and served on many committees. Frank was employed by the Missouri State Veteran's Administration, was city engineer for Bolivar and retired from Teters Floral Products as production manager in 1979. He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club and served as Commander of the Howard S. Keeling Post No. 138 of the American Legion. After his retirement, Frank enjoyed his hobbies, fishing and visiting with his coffee buddies. Frank is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eldorene; a son, Jim Stewart of Springfield, and Jim's three children, Travis, Erin and Lindsay; a daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Hal Wilson of Gainesville, Fla., and their daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Bob Case of Orlando, Fla. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Virginia Gallivan of Bolivar and a sister-in-law, Bobbie Norman of Ozark. Services were Friday, July 16, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was provided by Ervin Keathley, soloist, and Holly Brown, accompanist, and included "How Great Thou Art" and "My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me." Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Joe Kirby, Bo Russell, Lloyd Sherman, Lu Hoover, Ray Chappell and Keith Parminter. Honorary casketbearers were Bob McClelland, Bob Jump, Jesse Pursley, Dale Glover and Charles Neuhart. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Polk County Community Center.
Ivan Stockton, 63, Pleasant Hope, died Friday, July 23, 1999, at Dallas County Care Center in Buffalo after a battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 20, 1935, in Dade County to John Clyde and Mollie Stockton. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, of the home; two sons, Coy Alan Stockton and Larry Wayne Stockton and his wife, Cathy; three daughters, Diana Jo Tucker, Karen Kay Collins and her husband, Harold, and Teresa Elaine Sexton, all of West Plains; two stepsons, Allen Hampton and his wife, Terry, and Wade Hampton and his wife, Tammy; a stepdaughter, Deena Payne; 11 grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren, one great-granddaughter and two step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Adren Stockton and his wife, Cindy, of Aldrich; a sister, Amelia Manes and her husband, Bob, of Bolivar; three nephews, one niece and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Barbara Jo and two daughters, Susan and Debra Lynn. Services were Saturday, July 24, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Donnie LIghtfoot officiating. Music was provided by Roberta Pitts and Jeanette Lightfoot, accompanied by Paula Brewer. Burial followed in Pemberton Cemetery in Dade County.