Barbara Holcomb

(From Parker Mortuary)

Barbara June Holcomb, age 88, Joplin, passed away at 9:32 p.m. June 9, 2015 at Mercy Hospital after an illness.

Barbara was born March 12, 1927 in Carthage, Missouri to the late James Mealey and Grace Elting Mealey and had lived in the area most of her life.

She graduated from Carthage High School and worked as a PBX operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone. She also worked as a waitress/cashier at Wilder's Restaurant and had also worked as an operator for St. John's Hospital, Joplin.

Barbara loved her family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren on their trips camping to the lake and playing cards. She enjoyed crocheting and was active with a women's auxiliary group from Carthage.

She married Eugene L. Holcomb on November 30, 1948 in Carthage. He preceded her in death on July 10, 1998.

Barbara was also preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Murray in 1981; two sisters, Clara Hall and Susan Showalter; and one brother, James Mealey.

Survivors include three sons, Clifford, Timothy and Gregory, all of Joplin; a daughter, Teri Jensen and her husband, Dave, Norfolk, Nebraska; seventeen grandchildren; twenty nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Graveside services are planned for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Hornet Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Holcomb, Clifton Holcomb, Shannon Crouch, Allen Murray, Steven Murray and Austin Maglaughlin. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the C.O.P.D. Foundation, in care of Parker Mortuary.