NOVEMBER, 1998 OBITUARIES
(Return to Directory)
Sarah Ruth Arnote, 84, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 23, 1998, in the home of her nephew following a sudden illness. She was born Aug. 26, 1914, in Dearborn to Elijah and Ruby Kelly Stagner. She was a former resident of St. Louis, St. Joseph and the state of Texas before moving to Bolivar two years ago. She is survived by three nephews and their families, Harry Taylor of Kearney, Donald Stagner of Warsaw and James Stagner of Bolivar; and a brother, Milton "Kelly" Stagner of Dawn. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband of 46 years, Jackson A. Arnote. Services and disposition will take place at a later date in the state of California. Local arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Ruby Cowden, 76, Bolivar, died at 2:55 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born March 6, 1922, in Polk County, and she was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of the Bolivar area. She is survived by two daughters, Shirley McCormick of Bolivar and Debra Barton of Fordland; six sons, Oren "Junior" Cowden, Bolivar; Robert Cowden, Springfield; Richard Cowden, Lee's Summit; Roger Cosden, Belton; Jimmie Cowden, Flemington; and Mike Cowden, Bolivar; four sisters, Rhoda Porter, Ventura, Calif.; Beulah Lobaugh, Olatha, Colo.; Betty Beck, Truth or Consequences, N.M.; and Mary Earwood, Las Vegas, Nev. Other survivors include one brother, Luther Standley, Bolivar, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Aldrich. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.
Richard Derossett, 71, Springfield??, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998, in Cox Medical Center South, Sprngfield. He was born at Burns on May 27, 1927. Even as a youngster he loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and the farm. He was a member and president of the Bolivar FFA. An accomplishment that Richard and his family were very proud of was that he attended all 12 years of school without being tardy or missing a single day. He was given a silver dollar in elementary school which he still has today. He joined the Navy just a few weeks prior to graduation and his diploma was presented to his parents, Lynn and Rose Derossett at the class graduation. After leaving the Navy, Richard went to work at Fedral Engineers, Stringing Line in Greenfield. He later went to wrk as a lineman for City Utilities, Sprngfield. Richard was given an award from City Utilities in 1987 for 40 years without a lost itme accident. Richard later retired as a superviosr with City Utilities after 44 years of service. Richard Derossett and Frances Pickett were married in Springfield in 1947. To this union were born two children, Vicki Derossett Burk and Ricki Derossett. Since retirement, Richard and Frances were avid SMS Lady Bear basketball fans. They attended all of the Lady Bear gaems and traveled as far away as South Carolina to cheer their team on. Richard, like his dad, loved building and carpentry. He loved building on the barn for horses at his daughter Vicki's or helping Vicki and her husband, Geral, take their horses to the fairs and parades. He quickly knew all the members of the Haflinger Draft Pony Club and could be seen helpng whenever he could. Richard is survived b 6tyu his wife, Frances, of the home; a daughter, Vicki, and her husband, Gerald Burk, of Spokane; a son, Rick, and his wife, Elaine Derossett, of St. Louis; one sister, Mildred, and her husband, H.E. "Buck" Seiner, of Bolivar; and grandchildren, Jeff and Shelley Alexander and Tyler Alexander of Sprngfield and Jessica, Lauren and Joshua Derossett of St. Louis. Service were held Monday, Nov. 16 in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis E. Spear officiating. Musical selections were "God Walks the Dark Hills," "Daddy's Hands" and "Amazing Grace." Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casketbearers were Rick Derossett, Doyle Barham, Jeff Alexander, Tyler Alexander, Tony Beasley and Richard Marley. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Fund in care of Butler Funeral Home.
James A. Emory, 81, Bolivar, died at 12:40 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. A lifelong resident of Polk County, he was born Oct. 3, 1917, in Goodson to James Harmon and Nancy Catherine Payne Emory. He was a farmer and a member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. On Dec. 25, 1938, he was united in marriage to Helen M. Deane. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Jesse Emory of Ventura, Calif.; J.L. and Gladys Emory of Santa Paula, Calif.; and Johnny and Betty Emory of Independence; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Willetta and Carl Reser, Ica Scrivener, Roxie Rush and Anna Mashburn, all of Bolivar; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Scrivener officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery. Musical selections will be provided by Ben Deane and Haley Hawkins. Pallbearers will be Franklin Mashburn, Jerald David Emory, James Rush, Rick Deane, Carl Reser and Leslie Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Ova Scrivener, Olen Black, Ralph Lawrence, Olen Scrivener and Albert Roberts.
Lyndell Chloe Freeze, 88, Aldrich, died Monday, Nov. 30, 1998, in the Dade County Nurshing Home. She was born Dec. 20, 1909, in Dadeville to Hailey and Mattie Pyle Maze. A graduate of Dadeville High School, she was a homemaker and a member of the Bona Church of Christ. She married James Riley Freeze April 4, 1933, in Greenfield, and he preceded her in death in October 1973. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Anna Freeze; two brothers, Powell Maze and George Maze; and two sisters, Louise Stever and Mazine Mangels. Survivors include three sons, Jack Freeze of Aldrich, Jimmy Freeze of Dadeville and Joe Freeze of Fair Play; one daughter, June Beach of Arcola; three brothers, Dick Maze of Visalia, Calif., and Claude and Everett Maze, both of Exeter, Calif.; eight grandsons, Jackie Freeze of Springfield, Jay, Robbie and Brian Freeze, all of Dadeville, Ken Freeze of Aldrich, Gary Beach of Kansas City, Mickey Beach of Brookfield and Joe Dee Beach of Brighton; 12 great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services were Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Bona Church of Christ with Jim Poland officiating. Burial followed in Bona Cemetery under the direction of the Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Childrens' Home or the American Cancer Society.
Cordie V. Henson, 77, Nevada, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, at Balanced Care, Nevada. She was born Oct. 27, 1921, in Humansville, the daughter of Melvin and Inez Ross Hensley. On Sept. 11, 1940, she was married to Stanley Henson in Polk County. She had been a resident of Vernon County since 1947. She was employed at the Nevada State Hospital for 33 years, retiring in 1985. After retirement, she volunteered with Hospice for a time. She was a member of the Community Christian Church. Survivors include her husband, Stanley Henson, of the home; one son, Dale Henson, Nevada; four daughters, Mary O'Hair, Deerfield; Margie Thron and Debbie Hilt, both of Nevada; and Barbara Gordon, Moundville; one sister, Joan Goodman, Nevada; one brother, Harry Evert Hensley, Bolivar; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ben, Lanny and Billy Hensley, and three sisters, Annis Brenner, MayBelle Richards and Wanda Hensley. Services were Friday, Nov. 6, at the Evergreen Memorial Chapel, Nevada, with Pastor Wes Anderson officiating. Burial followed in Salem Cemetery, Cliquot. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Christian Church in care of the funeral home.
John Holton, 87, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 2, 1998, in his home following a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Bolivar and Polk County, born here on Nov. 1, 1911, to James and Laura Ellen Copeland Holton. He worked for many years at Polk County Electric and was of the the Assembly of God faith. On Jan. 3, 1946, he was united in marriage to Belva Combs. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an anti-tank gun crewman, participated in the Guadalcanal campaign and Northern Solomons campaign and received an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. He was an excellent woodcarver and has work on display at the Dunnegan Gallery of Art. He is survived by his wife, Belva, of the home, and relatives Jean Goodman of Lenexa, Kan.; Dema Dougherty of Crawfordsville, Ind.; Lloyd and Olivia Combs of Joplin; the Rev. Joe and Ada Combs, Houston; Tate Combs of Hollister; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Joe Combs officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jack Glendenning, George Glendenning, James C. Faulkner, Leon Holton and Denny Austin.
Frank Huser, 86, Lockwood, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, in the Dade County Nursing Home. He was born June 20, 1912, in Berne, Ind., to the late Peter and Lillie Gerber Huser. He married Evelyn McCoy on Sept. 30, 1939, in Greenfield. He was a member of the Lockwood First Baptist Church, where he served as a decon for many years. He was a tractor mechanic for 37 years before retiring. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of the home; one son, Carl Huser, Bolivar, and one daughter, Kay Blom, San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren, Cary Wayne Huser and Catheryn Kay Huser; two brothers, John Huser, Golden City, and Lawrence Huser, Lockwood; and two sisters, Betty David, Kansas City, and Ada Merrill, Canyon City, Colo. Services were Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Lockwood First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Cameron Moles and the Rev. Gordon Rhodes officiating. Burial followed in Lockwood Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Lockwood Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible program or to the Lockwood First Baptist Church.
Cecil Wayne Jenkins, 82, Dunnegan, died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, at the home of his daughter, Sharon Truitt. The son of Harley and Bessie Greer Jenkins, he was born Dec. 13, 1915, at Dunnegan.With the exception of five years in California, he lived in Polk County all of his life. He was a farmer and a member of Dunnegan Community Bilbe Church. He was preced in death by a son, Ronald Jenkins, who died in infancy; and a sister, Burnell Hammons. Survivors include five children, Wayne Jenkins of Stockton, Janice Chaney of Flemington, Sharon Truitt of Bolivar, Tommy Jenkins of Dunnegan and Deryl Jenkins of Bolivar; three brothers, Lyle Jenkins of Stockton, Greer Jenkins of Bolivar and Keith Jenkins of Independence; two sisters, Ruth Nottingham of Redlands, Calif. and Rowene Mead of Fair Play; a special friend, Pauline Broyles of Stockton; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Service are 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Dunnegan Community Bible Church with the Rev. Bill Levergood officiating. Music was by Barbaa George and Anna Lee Lower. Interment was in Dunnegan Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.
Donnie Gene Kessler, 25, died at 6:23 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998. He was born March 13, 1973, in Springfield, the son of Ronald and Nina Reeves Kessler. For the past 19 years he had resided at Mashburn Residential Center. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry L. and Margaret Kessler, and his maternal grandfather, Glenn Reeves. Survivors include his parents, Nina and Ron Kessler, Morrisville; a brother, Dustin, and a sister, Melinda, both of the home; his maternal grandparents, Melvin and Reva Bell, Morrisville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 21, at Brighton Cemetery with the Rev. Terry Hartley officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar.
Viola Catherine Shrock Kropf, 88, Buffalo, died Friday, Nov. 20, 1998, at her home from heart complications. She was born near Shelbyville, Ill., on Jan. 14, 1910, to William and Laura Miller Shrock. On Jan. 1, 1931, she was united in marriage to Allen Kropf at Shelbyville, Ill. The family moved to Buffalo in 1965, then to Mena, Ark., in 1971 and back to Buffalo in 1981. Survivors include three sons, Wayne Kropf and his wife, Barbara, Half Way; Ervil Kropf and his wife Carol, Half Way; and Charles Kropf and his wife, Anna, Vandalia; one daughter, Beulah Headings; one brother, William Shrock, Tampico, Ill.; one sister, Lela Hostetler, Deer Grove, Ill; 30 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Russell, John, Paul, Melvin, Leo and Carl Wilbur; one sister, Esther Kropf; one grandson, Richard; one infant granddaughter, Ellen; and one great-grandson, Jacob. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Pleasant View A.M. Church under the direction of Cantlon Funeral Home, Buffalo. Burial was in Pleasant View A.M. Cemetery, Buffalo.
Eugene Luster Lane, 82, Aldrich, died Monday, Nov. 30, 1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Kansas City, the son of John and Sara Pyle Lane. He was a retired general contractor who had lived for many years in the Kansas City area before moving to Aldrich 21 years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include two sons, Darrell D. Lane, Blue Springs, and Dale E. Lane, Huntsville, Ark. Also surviving are six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Music will be provided by Joni Lane. Burial will be at a later date in Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence.
Lawrence Clifford Lemmon, 91, Willard, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, in his home following an extended illness. He was born near Walnut Grove on July 25, 1907, the son of John and Pernie Wilson Lemmon. He was a lifelong resident of the Walnut Grove, Morrisville and Willard area. He was a retired farmer. On Nov. 28, 1928, he was united in marriage with Blanche Buresh, and they were together more than 47 years. To this union three children were born. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche, on Nov. 8, 1976; his son, Robert, on Feb. 15, 1998; his parents; one brother, William Lemmon, and three sisters, Maxine Gallatin, Pauline Goodnight and Laura Cowden. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John and Glenda Lemmon, Walnut Grove; his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Dick Fortner, Willard; two grandsons, Tim and Patrick Lemmon; one granddaughter and her husband, Diana and Jim Lower; three great-grandchildren, Tori Lemmon, Lindsey and Luke Lower; one brother, Gene Lemmon, Stockton; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Nov. 28, in Wilson Brim-Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, with the Revs. Ed Long and Bill Nichols officiating. Burial was in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Willard.
The Rev. Austin McGinnis, son of Earl and Ethel Hawkins McGinnis, was born Feb. 13, 1920, in Polk County, Iowa. The famiy moved to Bolivar when Austin was very young where he continued to live until he departed this life Nov. 12, 1998, at 12:15 a.m. at Cox South Medical Center, Springfield. He was united in marriage to Winifred Hensley April 20, 1939. To this union was born one daughter and one son. Austin was saved at the age of 15 at Mitchel Camp Ground near Aldrich. He was called to preach in 1942 and was ordained to the ministry DEc. 15, 1946, at Slagle Creek Missionary Baptist Church. For the past 56 years, he has devoted his life to the work of the Lord. He has pastored 24 churches, officiated at 400 funerals and perfomred countless weddings. His evangleistic work took him to Oklahoma, Arkansas, California, Oregon and Idaho. He was moderator of the Polk County Missionary Baptist Association for 24 years. D uring his ministry he was instrumental in the formation of several churches, the latest being Southside Missionary Baptist Church in 1990 where he was a member. His prupose in life was to lead people to a true experience of salvation. He loved popel and spent many hours visiting hospital sand nursing homes cheering the sick and elderly and comforting the bereaved. Despite his failing health for hte last three years, he continued his work as the pator of Southside Chruch until the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife, Winifred, of the home; one son, John McGinnis, and his wife, Linda, of Nevada; one daughter, Connie Presley, and her husband, Wayne, of Bolivar; three grandsons, Jeff Wells and Kevin Wells and his wife, Lori, Bolivar; Dan McGinnis, Nevada; one granddaughtyer, crystal Brown, and her husband, Kenny, Moberly; three stepgrandchildren, Dan Presley, Stan Presley and Teresa Cutler; one great-grandson, Austin Wells; and one great-granddaughter, Emily Wells, Bolivar; six step-great-grandchildren; two sister, Mary Jo Watson and Carol Sue Holt, Bolivar; and numerous nephews and nieces. Services were Sunday, Nov. 15 in Pitts Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. Dennis Spear, the Rev. Marshall Henderson and the Rev. Joe Sprague officiating. Music was provided by Lisa Jarvis, Charley Ealy, Ora Lee Cornell, Babbara and Rodney McMurren and was accompanied by Mary Childress. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar. Pallbearers were Jeff Wells, Kevin Wells, Dan McGinnis, Kenny Brown, Dan Presley, Don Redman and Jerry Childress. Honorary pallbearers were Austin Wells, Ralph Childress, Wilbur Hensley, Ralph Redman, Bobby Miller, Earl McColm, Willard Choate, Mick Hood, Buck Seiner, Clyde Watson, Jim Watson and Homer Tankesley. He was loved by many, misunderstood by some, but respected by all. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be sadly missed.
Ethel Agnes McKenzie, 92, Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 1998, in Parkview Health Care Center following a short illness. She was born in Polk County near Walnut Grove, the daughter of Clayborn and Clara Jane Brown Wilson. She was a graduate of Walnut Grove High School and attended college. On Jan. 19, 1929, she was united in marriage to Olaf Derrick McKenzie in Ozark. They spent more than 42 years together before he preceded her in death Oct. 23, 1971. She resided in the state of California for many years before moving back to the Bolivar area in 1978. She was a retired secretary from the Los Angeles County Health Department after 40 years of service. She was a member of Eudora Baptist Church and was active with Sweet Adelines and Lady Elks of Lancaster, Calif. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Nellie Hayter and Martha Mackey; two half brothers, Mack Millican and Marvin Millican; two half sisters, Zelma Palmer and Emma Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, Nov. 7, in Eudora Baptist Church with the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Interment followed in Eudora Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Brim Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove.
Norma Lee Miller, 55, Marshfield, died at 3:43 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 1998, in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield. She was born Nov. 18, 1942, in Greene County, the daughter of Paul Alonzo and Ida Mae Denney. She was a homemaker who had lived in Springfield for many years before moving to Marshfield seven years ago. She is survived by her husband, John Eldon Miller, of Marshfield; one son, John Brent Miller, his wife, Nicole, and their newborn son, Dalton John Miller, all of Novato, Calif.; a sister, JoAnn Crighton and her husband, John, of Springfield; and two brothers, Charles Denney and his wife, Helen, Republic, and Bob Denney and his wife, Margaret, Pleasant Hope. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, a great-niece and many friends. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in Calvary Christian Center of Bois D'Arc with the Rev. E. Catron officiating. Music will be provided by Becky Paschal. Burial will follow in Barren Creek Cemetery west of Bolivar under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Casketbearers will include Steven Plank, Keven Plank, Harold Reed and Brent Paschal. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. this evening (Wednesday) at the funeral home.
Veyne Pierce Mitchell, 79, Marietta, Ga., formerly of Jerico Springs, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home in Atlanta, Ga. He was born in Jerico Springs Dec. 1, 1918, the son of Ora and Willie Stamps Mitchell. He graduated from Jerico Springs High School in 1936 and joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1950. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army in Europe in World War II, and he was a hardware sales representative for many years with Shopleigh and Bellnap Hardware. He retired in 1978. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Mitchell, Bolivar; a daughter, Jo Ellen Remole, Atlanta, Ga.; a son, Jim Mitchell and his wife, Betty, Iowa City, Iowa; and four grandchildren, Clifton and Clayton Remole and Ashley and Adam Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and two brothers. Graveside services were Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Anna Edna Cemetery, Jerico Springs, under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton.
John Alan Moody, 23, Springfield, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1998. He was born June 14, 1975, in Leavenworth, Kan. Survivors include his mother, Cindy Griffitts, Springfield; stepfather Greg Griffitts, Morrisville; a sister, Judy Moody, Nixa; stepgrandparents Anna Lea and Larry Griffitts, Morrisville; his father, James H. Moody, Brookline; and many other relatives. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Brighton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society, Springfield.
Orlen William "Bill" Neuhart, 79, Houston, Texas, died at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 1998, in Columbia Spring Branch Hopsital, Houston, Texas. He was born in Taft, Calif., on Dec. 8, 1918, the son of E.D. Neuhart and Pearl Standley Neuhart. He was a retired CPA and had been a longtime resident of the state of California before moving to Houston recently. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Houston, Texas; a son, George Neuhart, state of Florida; and two daughters, Donna Marie Neuhart, Houston, Texas, and Gracia Neuhart, Eljebel, Colo. Also surviving are two brothers, Charles Neuhart of Bolivar and Don Neuhart of Springfield, and a sister, Eleanor Larvie of Rialto, Calif. Serivces will be Saturday, Nov. 7, with the time of services to be announced later. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery north of Bolivar under the direction of Butler Funeral Home.
Maxine Roberts, 70, Springfield, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, at 7 a.m. in her home following a long illness. She was a longtime resident of Springfield and had been a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, of the home; a son, Jerry K. Roberts, of Kansas City; three daughters, Cheri Jean Vanryswyk and her hasband, Jerry, of Springfield, Gail Ann Hardin of Florida and Cherie Rinehart and her husband, Mark, of Kansas City; as well as seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Marjorie Elaine Rook, 72, Bolivar, died Friday, Nov. 13, 1998, at her residence following a lengthy illness. The daughter of the Rev. Walter Lee and Wavie L. Hunt Owen, she was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Polk County. She resided in the Springfield area, moving to Bolivar this past year. She was a homemaker and a nurse assistant, employed with Cox Medical Center, Springfield for 26 years. She was converted at an early age and was a member of the Southside Baptist Church, Springfield. Majorie and Robert Wayne Rook were united in marraige on April 2, 1945, and to this union four children were born. They shared 17 years together before Robert preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1962. Also preceding her were two sons, Ronald on May 28, 1971 and Mike on Aug. 19, 1998; her parents, the Rev. Walter Lee Owen on Nov. 22, 1972, and her mother, Wavie L. Owen on Nov. 28, 1981; and a sister, Mollie Johnson. Survivors include a dauther and son-in-law, Connie and George Vance, Bolivar; a son, Bobby Rook, Springfield; five grandsons, a granddaughter; and two great-grandsons. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove with the Rev. Lon Killingworth officiating. Private inurnment followed in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove.
Don Sexton, 59, Bolivar, died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, in Citizens Memorial Hospital folowing a long illness. He was born June 18, 1939, in Woodland, Calif. to Glen W. and Zona Mae Sexton. He was a retired over-the-road truck driver. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Delbert Sexton. Survivors include eight sons, Steve Sexton of Bolivar, Donnie Sexton, Jimmy Sexton, Kevin Valentine, Bryan Sexton, Rodney Sexton, David Sexton and Robert Sexton; two daughters, Corina Sexton and Nadiene Blackwell; three brothers, Jerry Sexton, Glen Dale Sexton and Robert Sexton; as weill as 13 grandchldren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date in California. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Elzada Marie Skinner, 79, Goodson, died Wednesday, November 11, 1998. She was born Aug. 3, 1919 to Edward and Margie Blackwell Skinner at Hermitage. Her wish, even as she was plagued with declining health, was to live in her home, have a garden, have flowers on her front porch and around her house and to have her chickens. She wanted to be self sufficient and take care of her home until she left us. Those things were granted to her. She spent her last day cleaning her house, getting her much planned Christmas gifts in boxes for her chidlren and grandchildren. She sewed some, making pillow cases and she was planning Thanksgiving dinner. She told us she wasn't able to cook much this year for Thanksgiving, she wasn't going to tire herself so much. She told us, "Now kids, I'm only going to make turkey, dressing, rolls, green beans, pies and the cakes and you will have to bring the rest. Zada didn't travel far during her life journey, but she touched a lot of lives with her kind, loving ways. She grew up on the Wheatland Prairie. Our dad said they had spent their entire lives toghether. They played together as young children, went to school together and the remainder of her life as man and wife, separated only for a short time when Bill went to California as a young man. They spent the last 34 years living in Goodson. She spent 63 years of her life showing total devotion to her family and friends. Her pride of accomplishment was her home, to prepare meals for her family and friends. Her health allowed her to continue this tradition until her death. In the summer months if you passed her house you would find her in the garden or taking care of her flowers. She spent the who lsummer canning and freezing for the winter months. Zada has a wonderful talent to creat handiworks. She embroidered, crochet and made us all wonderful quilts. She blessed us with many loving memories of the beautiful quilts she made us. Each tiny stitch she made was pure love. Our mother never accumulated much earthly wealth, but she was a person to be envious of. She never wore new dresses or fancy shoes but she had a great wealth. She was a kind, gentle loving person to all she met. Zada was a wonderful wife, a devoted mother and a doting grandmother. Zada is survived by her husband, Bill, of the home; a son, Jack of Hollister; a son, Jim and wife, Kay, of Goodson; a son, Bob and wife, Donna Sue, of Bolivar; and a daughter, Margie Pearl Keith and husband, Lloyd, of Bolivar; Zada also left 19 grandchildren and their many spouses, along with 22 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dorothy; three brothers, VE "Gene" Skinner, George "Bud" Skinner and Al "Alf" Skinner; a brother-in-law, Walter "buster" Rash; and a sister-in-law, Flossie Skinner. Her final resting place wil be in Cross Timbers Cemetery under the direction of Pitts Funeral Home.
Robert Thomas "Bob" Slagle, 63, Morrisville, died at 1:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 1998, at Cox Medical Center North after a short illness. He was born June 12, 1935, in Polk County to Raymond F. "Shug" and Josie M. Redman Slagle. He attended Lee School and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. On Aug. 27, 1960, he was united in marriage with Lavanna B. Stevens, and to this union three sons were born. Other than a few years spent in Minnesota, he lived the rest of his life in Polk County. He retired in June 1997 from truck driving. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Lavanna, of the home; three sons, Charles and his wife, Belinda, of Bois d'Arc, James "Jim" and his wife, Linda, of Springfield, and Jerry and his wife, Royce, of Bolivar; one sister, Betty L. Schroeder, of West Plains; nine grandchildren, one niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Spencer. Services were Monday, Nov. 9, at Pitts Chapel with the Rev. David Lingo officiating. Burial was in Slagle Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gary Greer, Mike Greer, Floyd "Bub" Carpenter, Robert Schroeder, David Schroeder and Donald Redman.
Mabel Hester Williams, 92, Mountain Grove, died Nov. 8, 1998, in the Autumn Oaks Nursing Home, Mountain Grove, after a short illness. She was born Jan. 28, 1906, in Ozark County, the daughter of Carl and Florence Harris Edwards. She was married to W.W. Hicks in 1923. Three children were born to this union. He preceded her in head in 1935. She later was married to Riley Fred Williams in 1948, who also preceded her in death in 1969. She was baptized into the Church of Christ at a young age and was faithful to attend church as long as her health permitted. She was a longtime member of the Cabool Church of Christ. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially whent tending to her garden and to her flowers. She was an accomplished seamstress and was known for her quilting. She also liked to cook for her family and friends. Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Troy Hicksin 1997; two brothers; and one sister. She is survived by one sone, Doyne Hicks, Mountain Grove; one daughter, Lorene Forrest, Bolivar; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Services were Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Chapel with Don Eubanks officiating. Ronald and Wilma Turner, accompained by Letha Franklin sang "Amazing Grace," "In the Garden" and "Stroll Over Heaven." Pallbearers were Ray Tool, Bill Page, Buddy McCarty, Don Curry, Dan Harvey and Darrel Lindsey. Burial was in Souder Cemetery.
Robert "Bob" R. Wilson, 77, Pleasant Hope, died at 2:20 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 1998, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. The son of Lon and Lois Burdette Wilson, he was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Pleasant Hope and lived his entire life there. He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School and attended Draughon's Business College. He married Dixie Lee LaRew in December 1950. He was a retired postmaster for the Pleasant Hope Post Office, and he had been a loan officer for the Polk County Bank in Bolivar. He also ran a beef cattle operation. He was a member of the Pleasant Hope Methodist Church, a life member of the DAV and a 52-year member of the Bolivar American Legion. He had been a charter member of the Pleasant Hope Lions Club. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving for four years in the Persian Gulf Command. Survivors include his wife, Dixie Lee; two sons, Dr. Gene Ray Wilson, Jefferson City, and Monte Joe Wilson, Bolivar; two sisters-in-law, Alice Wilson, state of California, and Morine Wilson, Pleasant Hope; one niece and seven nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Fae Kirby, Mae Steele, and Johnnie McCoy; and two brothers, Doran Wilson and Joe Wilson. Services were Monday, Nov. 23, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. Keith Lee officiating. Music was by Becky Paschall and Coralie Lee. Burial was in Pleasant Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers were Smith Calhoun, Jack Frost, Mickey Hillenbury, David Stutenkemper, Lonnie Weatherly and Jerrell Wilson.