Kay Cargile

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Kay Heath Cargile, 83, of Webb City passed away peacefully, on September 1st, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Kay was born on July 5th, 1942 in Lamar, Missouri to Hallet and Bernice Heath. Kay was the only girl among her five brothers and took pride in sharing a birthday with her dad.

In 1972, as a determined single mother of six children, Kay attended barber school. With the help of her brothers, she graduated and joined in on the family business.

Kay married Bob Cargile on May 9th, 1973. With this union, Bob’s five children and Kay’s six children came together as one family. With their new, blended family of 11 kids, this led to a lifetime of love and never a dull moment.

After completing barber school in 1972, Kay joined her brothers, Bud and Bill, at Heath Brothers Barbershop. In 1977, she opened her own shop in Duenweg, and just two years later her daughter, Donna, joined her in the barbering business. In 1982, the two purchased what would become known as The Lion’s Den. By 1985, Dana had joined her mother and sister at the beloved “Little Red House” barbershop, followed by Delisa in 1988. As the family business grew, Kay and her daughters built a new shop in 1990, with Deborah joining them in 1992.

For four decades, The Lion’s Den was more than just a barbershop - it was a family tradition. Customers often stopped by not only for a haircut but also to visit with Kay and her girls, whose love and dedication made the shop a cornerstone of the community.

Kay was the heart of family gatherings. Her life was devoted and revolved around her children and grandchildren. Her legacy leaves us with traditions, strong family values, and hard work ethic. Kay had a way of making everyone around her be their best self, and making them feel loved at the same time- she touched the lives of countless people.

Kay is survived by her six children, Donna Kent (Tom), Dana Davis (Bill), David Graves (Tiffany), Danny Graves, Delisa Walker, Deborah Stewart (Randy). As well as her twenty-seven grandchildren; Stacie, Amber, Chad, Crissa, Allen, Tyler, Preston, Sarah, Danny Jr, Rusty, Haylie, Jesse, Mathew, Mason, Jacob, Britt, Haden, Lauren, Jade, Josie, Langlee, Daniel, Jordan, Keagan, Michaela, Aylor, and Akley. She is also survived by fifty great grandchildren, twenty-four great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Kay was Preceded in death by her husband, Bob Cargile. Her sons David Cargile and R.A. Cargile. Her daughters Linda Pace, Jody Baldridge, and Cathy Guthrie. And her grandchildren Brad Walker, Craig Cargile, and Lindsay Baldridge.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, Mo. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.