Galen Edwards

(From Parker Mortuary)

Galen R. Edwards, age 95, Joplin, MO passed away peacefully Friday, January 30. He had continuous love and care from his girls, Gayle, Karen, Susie, Erin, Meghan and Brittney. Galen was born July 1, 1930 in Joplin to Reginald L. Edwards and Addie Belle Myers Edwards.

He attended Joplin Schools, graduating from Joplin High School in 1948 and went on to attend Joplin Junior College. While in high school he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Moore Edwards. They were married on June 24, 1951 at First Community Church, Joplin. They shared 70 years together before Mary Ann's passing in 2022.

Galen was a proud member of the Missouri National Guard serving 7 years 1949-1956 as a Master Sergeant Major in the 203 Unit.

Galen started his career working in the family business Edwards-Parker Cleaners, Joplin. He then went on to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1962 where he worked for 30 plus years and served as President of the Southwest Missouri Life Underwriters Association. He continued his sales career working for U.S. Telecom.

Galen volunteered countless hours at First Community Church serving as Chairman of the Board 1969-1972, 1974-1976, 1987-1989, singing in the choir and organizing and preparing food for the Annual Christmas Dinner.

He is survived by his three daughters, Gayle Sawyer, Joplin Karen Mattes, husband Chuck, Joplin, Susie Edwards, Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren Erin Vermillion, husband David, Joplin, Meghan Renfro, husband Luke, Diamond and David Mattes, wife Brittney, Joplin. Great grandchildren, Dawson Renfro, Hunter Renfro, Tucker Adams, Colin Vermillion, Avery Renfro, Landen Adams, Ian Vermillion, Kale Adams, Nolan Mattes, three great-great grand kids and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce Bass and brother John Edwards.

Galen lived a long full life and will be missed by all.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with services starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Thornhill-Dillon Chapel at 602 S. Byers Ave in Joplin, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jasper County CASA in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Imogene Parker

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Imogene Parker, 95, of Everton, passed away, in her home after a short illness, on January 31, 2026.

Imogene was born on January 5, 1931, to Paul Ray and Laura Jane (Heaton) Gilmore in Everton, Missouri. On October 10, 1949, she and Robert Leon Parker were united in marriage and shared over 76 years together.

Imogene was a long time and faithful member of Everton Christian Church. She enjoyed traveling and took many trips around the country and especially loved camping, National Parks, and the mountains. Imogene also enjoyed cooking. She cooked in several Branson restaurants and retired after 18 years cooking for Branson Middle School, never missing a day. Imogene also loved cooking for her family, whether it was Sunday dinner, a special holiday dinner, or just because. She enjoyed time tending to her peonies and iris and listening to all sorts of music. Imogene will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Laura Jane Gilmore; brother, Forest Gilmore and his wife Margaret. 

Imogene is survived by her husband, Robert Leon “Cactus” Parker; children, Angela Hoover (Denton), Crystal Walters, Robert S. “Bob” Parker (Cheryl); grandchildren, Cynthia Hoover, Tony Hoover (Elena), Robert J. Parker, Brandon L. Parker (Melissa), Laurie Mallory (Josh), Justin Parker (Krystina), step-grandchildren, Sarah Holland (Stacy), Ashley Tracy (Matt), Jennifer Wilson (Adam); great grandchildren, Madison Miller, Kynnedy Parker, Jamie Parker, Kasyn Parker, Brady Parker; step-great grandchildren, Conner Steele, Colleen Steele, Braydon Holland, Ava Holland, Meranda Gulick, Makynna Gulick, Madison Hays, Landon Tracy, Payton Wilson, Natalie Wilson; step-great great grandson, Luca Smiley; sisters-in-law, Nelley Jean Holy, Beth Davis, Margarete Parker; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Imogene will lie in state from 1:00PM until 5:00PM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Private funeral services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Liberty Cemetery and may be left with the funeral home.

Shannon Ryan

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Shannon Lenore Ryan, 57, of Granby, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on January 30, 2026 at Freeman Hospital in Neosho, Missouri.

Shannon was born on January 1, 1969 in Maryville, Tennessee, to Ken Johnson and Mary (Patty) Johnson.

She graduated high school, obtained a GED, and furthered her education at WTI and Vatterott College.

Shannon was a homemaker and loved deeply. She married her husband, Scott Ryan, on May 14, 1998 in Neosho, Missouri and he survives her.

Shannon was very compassionate and empathetic to others. She had a love for animals, particularly cats, having taken them in to provide food, shelter, and love. She extended her love for animals by volunteering at Faithful Friends.

On many occasions, having a rare blood type, Shannon donated blood that was designated for premature babies and infants when needed. Her love and care for others knew no bounds.

Going to thrift stores, strolling the aisles of an antique mall, or going on nature walks with her husband, Scott, are things that brought Shannon great joy.

In addition to her husband, Shannon is survived by her daughter, Jasper Ryan of Granby, Missouri, and two sons Joey Ryan, of Granby, Missouri, and James Johnson, and wife Jacqueline of Joplin, Missouri, father Ken Johnson, sister Becky Johnson of Tennessee, niece Claudia Johnson of Tennessee, along numerous cousins and extended family members. She will especially be missed by her cat, Beanie Baby Boy.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday 6, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Clark Funeral Home Granby Chapel in Granby, Missouri.

Contributions can be made to Faithful Friends, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 26, Granby, Missouri 64844.