Cecil Williams

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Cecil L. Williams, Age 70 of Carl Junction passed away at his home on May 31, 2023. He was born December 19, 1952 in Carthage, MO to Cecil and Shareline Williams.

He was a Marine Veteran and machine operator at Eagle Picher while simultaneously operating a hog farm. After retirement he continued to maintain the farm. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a fan of Kansas City Chiefs football.

Cecil is survived by his sister Helen Bowman, brother Verlie Williams and his wife Kay, and brother-in-law Chuck Reed. His son Paul Williams and wife Dorinda, son Randy Williams and his wife Jennifer, and daughter Michelle Williams. He had nine grandkids, two great grandkids and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Shareline Williams, sister Geneva Reed and brother-in-law Jim Bowman.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6 pm – 7 pm, Wednesday June 14th at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Roland Netzer

(From Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home)

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, surrounded by family, Roland Lee Netzer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away in his home at the age of 93, to be reunited in heaven with his beloved wife and other loved ones.

Roland was born December 19, 1929, to William & Ruth Netzer and raised on a South Springfield farm with two siblings, Melvin & Rowena. 

He married his high school sweetheart Kathryn Rose Williams on January 7, 1951. Roland and Katy were married for keeps (71 years until Katy's passing in October, 2022) and together raised seven children: Kelly, Melvin, Jeffrey, Betsy, Fred, Jean, and Alice.

Roland was not only a devoted husband and father, but also a veteran, scholar, and avid in his pursuit of other passions, including most centrally organic farming—decades before it was en vogue.

Roland earned a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Education at Missouri State University and Master's in Agriculture Extension at Missouri University, graduating with honors and becoming an MU Agricultural Extension agent hosting live television shows. He was also a Korean War veteran, Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, farm manager, poultry marketing executive, pilot, real estate agent, and self-employed organic farmer. 

He was the KY3 Gardener, a role in which he appeared live for television news segments helping area residents do their own best gardening, and was also the Greater Springfield Farmers Market President. He was a published author of Echoes from the Hills and even had a public television show in that regard, both of which are in libraries now.

Roland also enjoyed fishing, photography, nature study, flying aircraft, motorcycling, journaling daily for decades, traveling, and, of course, time with his loving wife and family.

Roland was caring, hardworking, intelligent, devoted, honest, patriotic, articulate in both speech and writing, resilient, and even-tempered until the very end.

One would be hard-pressed to find Roland and his wife Katy at separate events over the years; the love they found in high school stayed with them all through the decades, keeping them close to one another. They were quite inseparable, even working together on the farm as the work would allow, throughout their entire adult lives, until the very end.

Roland is preceded in death by his dear wife, parents, siblings, and one grandson, Jacob Osborn.

Roland is survived by his caring children:
Kelly (& Barbara) Netzer of Springfield,
Melvin (& Missy) Netzer of Greenfield,
Jeff (& Stephanie) Netzer of Lawrence, KS,
Betsy (& Tony) Staudt of Milo,
Fred Netzer of Willard,
Jean Osborn of Joplin, and
Alice (& Phil) Simpkins of San Antonio, TX.

Roland is also survived by his cherished grandchildren:
Kelly’s family: Josh Netzer, Brian Netzer, and Joe & Diamond Netzer of Springfield;
Melv’s family: Erik Netzer of Springfield, and Roland Netzer of New York, NY;
Jeff’s family: Skye Carroll of Springfield, Jaime (& Adam) Desnoyers of Lawrence, KS, and Rachelle (& Benjamin) Netzer-Young of Washington, DC;
Betsy’s family: Diana Staudt of Nevada, Carrie Staudt of Joplin, and Katy (& Cole) Reed of Sheldon;
Fred’s family: Madeline Netzer of Springfield;
Jean’s family: Tamara Osborn of Little Rock, AR, and Jack Osborn of Springfield;
Alice’s family: Christina and Angela Simpkins, both of San Antonio, TX.

Cherished great-grandchildren surviving Roland are:
Betsy’s daughter Katy’s family: Tori Staudt, and Emery and Claire Reed, all of Sheldon.

Roland is also survived by countless cherished friends and extended family nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.

Visitation will be held at Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield, at noon on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, with immediately thereafter graveside services at 2pm at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, both with brief remarks from family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com

Timmy Ellis

(From Brown-Winters Funeral Home)

Timmy Ray Ellis, 57, a resident of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at his residence. Timmy was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 6, 1966, to Melvin and Sharon (Lee) Ellis. 

After Timmy graduated from Wyandotte High School with the class of 1984, he would attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College where he graduated with an associate degree. Timmy worked as a Farm Hand, a contractor, and a roofer. 

In his spare time, he loved to hunt and fish, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Family was most important to Timmy. After the passing of his father, Timmy moved back to the family home to help care for his mother. 

Preceding Timmy in passing is his father, Melvin Ellis, and his grandson Grayson Fly.

Those left to share the memory of Mr. Ellis include his mother, Sharon Ellis, daughters, Lysa G Ellis of Miami, Megan Marengo and her husband Mike of Kansas City, Missouri, Casey Ellis of Wyandotte, Allison Ellis, and Brittany Fly and her husband Kyle of Springfield, Missouri. Siblings include Cindy McKnight of Broken Arrow, Trudy Koons and her husband Dave of Smithville, Missouri, and Rodney Ellis and his wife Kim of Neosho. His grandchildren include Jayden, Jackson, Bostyn, Elliot, Aari, Maggie, Archer, Emmerson, and Leighton.

Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Timmy's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

James Olmsted

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

James Russell Olmsted, age 59, of Aurora, MO passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was born in Weedsport, NY on Saturday, November 30, 1963; son of Duane and Elizabeth (Steele) Olmsted.

He is survived by three children, Jessica Murry or Billings, MO; Jenna Olmsted of Ozark, MO; and Jacob Olmsted of Ozark, MO.

Mr. Olmsted was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Elizabeth Olmstead, and one son, Joshua Olmsted.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Wacky Jacks Grille and Saloon in Highlandville, MO (Hwy EE) at 12:00 PM. All are invited.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Margaret Crabtree

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margaret L. Crabtree, age 59 of Lamar, Missouri, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Joplin following a short illness. 

Margaret was born September 4, 1963 on the Ft. Riley Military Base to the late Fred Taylor and Donna Stephens. She attended Greenfield High School with the class of 1981 and remained most of her life in the Greenfield area. Margaret worked in housekeeping for Truman Health Care in Lamar until her health caused her to retire.

Margaret is survived by 2 sons, Robert ‘Bobby’ Raby of Mt. Vernon, Rick ‘Ricky’ Elliot Crabtree of Lamar; grandson, Kainon Lee Raby; 4 brothers, Dan Peters and wife, Shanna of Everton, MO., Butch Taylor of Springfield, MO., Mike Peters of Everton and Matthew Stephens and wife, Jennifer of Carthage; 3 sisters, Kathy Foust and husband, Jason of Everton, Lisa Hay and husband, John of Wanaka, New Zealand and Gretchen Stoc and husband, Steve of Lamar.

A family celebration will take place at a later date.

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

Heather Briley

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Heather Dawn Haar-Briley, long-time dance instructor and owner of Briley Performing Arts, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Heather was born on June 26, 1971, in Joplin to Bob and Lynn (Baggerly) Haar. Heather began dance classes at the early age of 3. She was graduate of McAuley High School in 1989 where she was active in cheerleading. She then attended Missouri Southern State University where she was a theater student. 

Heather was united in marriage to Sean Briley on November 13, 1999, in Joplin. Together, they enjoyed raising their two daughters, Emma and Allyson.

Not only was Heather a devoted wife and mother, she was also a gifted teacher to young children. She previously worked with autistic children until 2002 when she became the Dance and Musical Theatre Instructor and the Preschool Dance Director at Pinocchio School of Dance. In 2013 she opened Briley Performing Arts in Webb City and was an active member of Joplin Little Theatre being involved in many productions over the years. Heather was an inspiration and mentor to her students. She advocated for each to feel safe, heard, and empowered. She loved each student, which was shown through her hugs, encouragement, and making them a part of her family.

Survivors include her parent, Bob and Lynn Haar, of Joplin; her husband, Sean Briley, of Joplin; her two adored daughters, Emma Briley and Allyson Briley, both of Joplin; one brother, Scott Haar, and his wife, Kristen, of Springfield; one sister, Holly Jones, and her husband, Steve, of Mt. Vernon; a sister-in-law, Melynda Trice, and her husband, Tony, of Wichita; her mother-in-law, Atha Briley, of Wichita; her grandmother, Virginia Haar, of Jefferson City; a bonus son, James Boyd, of Joplin; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. 

Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dick and Bonnie Baggerly; grandfather, Robert Haar Sr.; and father-in-law, Carver Briley.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, June 8th beginning at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at St. Mary’s. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.

Caleb Adams

(From Parker Mortuary)

Caleb Riley Adams, age 26, Joplin, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Caleb was born December 11, 1996 in Joplin, son of Stefan and Kim Adams. He grew up in Joplin and was a part of the gifted program from a young age, excelling in every new thing he tried. 

Caleb graduated from Joplin High School in 2015 before attending Pittsburg State University to pursue an education in all things art. He worked with his brother and their grandfather in their family landscaping business as well as restaurants in the Joplin area. 

Caleb loved to read, and was an esteemed and gifted artist and author, having several of his works published. He was President of the National Arts Honor Society, President of the Cartoonist Club, and was awarded the title of “Best Artist” by his high school peers. 

Caleb spent years studying, meticulously perfecting his craft. Caleb had a natural pension with the pencil, and when he dedicated himself to artwork and writing, his talent honed into skill. He taught himself realism through textbooks, which laid the artistic principles for his truest love, anime. He loved to make videos with his friends and create different worlds in the stories he wrote. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two dogs, Jamie and Oliver, whom he loved almost as much as his human family. His bedroom was their favorite place to take a nap. Caleb was always there for the people he loved and was a great companion to those who were fortunate enough to know him. The time you spent with Caleb was always special.

 

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Irene “Gramma Tigger” Lewis, whom he affectionately and accidentally nicknamed because of her orange cat.

Caleb lives on through his parents, Kim and Stefan Adams of Joplin; brothers, Jack Adams of Kansas City, and Simon Adams of Joplin; grandparents, Jim and Kathy Adams and Bert and Lisa Lewis; aunt and uncle Jed and Vanessa Adams and their children, Gabi and August, and extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 9th at 5:00 pm in the Parker Mortuary Chapel. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.