Greg Cobb

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Gregory Lee Cobb of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, after a long, hard 15 month battle with brain cancer. He was 67 years old. Greg was born on July 14, 1957 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Charles Lee Cobb and Wanda Gene Maier Cobb.

Greg and Terri (Manahan Bia) Cobb were united in marriage October 5, 2002 at the Victory Life Church Pittsburg, Kansas.

 

Survivors includes his wife Terrri of the home, his two sons, Josh (Lindsey) Cobb Rogers, Arkansas and Jeremy Cobb Pittsburg, Kansas, his brother, Michael (Debra) Cobb of Hillsboro, Missouri, Brother-in-law, Curtis Manahan (Beckie) and nieces, Katelyn Manahan, Cindy Guilfoy and nephews, John Cobb, Chris Manahan and Tyler Manahan.

Greg was a loving husband and father. He was a hard worker and worked in printing as a pressman at FMI, pressman and production manager at Morning Sun and Neosho Daily, pressman Kendall Packaging until forced into retirement due to illness.

Greg was a talented musician, without formal training. For several years he played in the praise and worship team at Victory Life Church.

Memorial services will be held at 10am February 1, 2025 at the beautiful Rock Church, Timmons Chapel at Pittsburg State University by the lake. Arrangements were under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Paula Voelker

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Paula Denise Voelker of Fairland, OK passed from this life Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Integris Miami Hospital in Miami, OK. She was 60.

Paula was born March 1, 1964 in Cadet, MO to Linda May Politte. She had lived in the Fairland and Wyandotte area for the past 30 years and had worked at Kelly’s Bar & Grill at Twin Bridges and at Lorraine’s Café in Fairland, OK.

Paula was preceded in death by her mother.

Survivors include her significant other, Clifford Fouts of the home, 1 son, Billy Richards of Missouri, 1 daughter, Patricia Richards of Missouri, 1 brother, William Singer of Seneca, MO and 3 grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangement has been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes .com

Glen Weddel

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Glen David Weddel of Quapaw, OK passed from this life Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. He was 80.

Glen was born November 29, 1944 in Picher, OK to Carl and Wanda (Stanley) Weddel. He had lived in the Quapaw area most of his life and graduated from Quapaw High School Class of 1963.

Glen retired from Eagle-Picher in Miami, OK and previously had worked for many years as a butcher at Service Packing in Joplin, MO, and Keene Butcher Supply in Emporia, KS as a salesman. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Quapaw, OK.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Weddel on July 23, 2010 and his parents.

Glen is survived by 1 son, Yancy Weddel and his wife Donna of Quapaw, OK, 2 daughters, Melacka Weddel of Quapaw, OK and Karla Weddel of Quapaw, OK, 1 brother, Bill Weddel of Miami, OK, 4 grandchildren, Travis Greenfeather, Chalee yle, Caitlyn Weddel and Emma Weddel and 3 great-grandchildren, Silas Ryle, Freyja Ryle and Emerly Carroll.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK with Pastor Danny Brandon officiating. Interment will follow in Miami Nation Cemetery, northwest of Miami, OK. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK. 

Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Gerri Heatherly

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Geraldean “Gerri” Heatherly of Miami, OK passed from this life Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Integris Miami Hospital in Miami, OK. She was 82.

Gerri was born April 23, 1942 in Stilwell, OK to Benjamin Otto and Bertha Lea (Bradshaw) Tabor. She had lived in Ottawa County all her life. Gerri attended N.E.O. A&M College in Miami, OK, Missouri Southern State College and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. 

She taught 2nd grade in Commerce Elementary School and taught 5 and 6th grade science at Wyandotte Public School. Gerri was a member of Retired Teachers Assn., National Education Assn. ahd Oklahoma Education Assn. She was a member of Cardin Baptist Church. She was a former member of Miami Golf and Country Club and was a avid golfer, bowler and was a softball player and coach.

Gerri was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Jack Tabor, Frank Tabor, Benny Tabor and Charles Otto Tabor and 6 sisters, Lucille Holderfield, Emma Gene Green, Francis Tyree, Mary Ellen Tabor, Rosemary Boatman and Virginia Sue Arnold.

Survivors include her husband Terry Heatherly of the home, 2 sons, Brent Heatherly and wife Karen of Altus, OK and Keith Heatherly and wife Marva of Miami, OK, 1 daughter, Lisa Jo Roach and husband George of Tahlequah, OK, 1 brother, Troy Taber of Augusta, KS , 3 sisters, Zelda Kirby of Shreveport, LA, Bertha Brady of Warrensburg, MO and Marlene Moore of Crese, CA, 6 grandchildren, Shari McFadden, Jason Heatherly, Christopher Heatherly, Caleb Heatherly, Cheyenne Sevilla and Whitney Jo Roach and 3 great grandchildren, Conner McFadden, Aiden Sevilla and Kali Heatherly.

Celebration of Life Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at First Christian Church in Miami, OK. Danny Garner will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Betty Sprawls

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Betty Jo Sprawls, age 94, of Lockwood, Missouri, departed this life on January 14, 2025, surrounded by love at Good Shepherd Nursing Home.

Born on February 16, 1930, in Monroe, Louisiana, Betty was the cherished daughter of Roy Brice and Frances Louise Brice. On October 19, 1952, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Jefferson Sprawls II, in Arcadia, Louisiana. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and family.

Betty lived a life of dedication and service. As a 4th-grade teacher in the Lamar school district, she touched the lives of countless young students with her kindness and guidance. At home, she embraced the role of a devoted farmer’s wife, bringing strength and grace to their shared journey. Before moving to Missouri, Betty worked as a lab technician in Louisiana.

Her faith and community were central to her life. Betty was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sunny Service Club, and the First Baptist Church, where her beautiful voice graced the choir. Her passion for singing and ballroom dancing brought joy to her and those around her.

Betty’s family was the heart of her world. She leaves behind her loving children: William Jefferson "Jeff" Sprawls III (Marta), Linda Schilling (Erryl), and Jane Anne McComas, all of Lamar; eight adoring grandchildren: Brice Schilling, Lane Bucane, Forrest Terry, Stephanie Martinez, Tim Kivett, Katie Price, Aleisa Tiegs, and Kerenza Hazen; 13 treasured great-grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Martha Lawrence of Shreveport, Louisiana.

She now joins her husband, Bill; her parents, Roy, and Louise Brice; her sister, Cheryl Brice; her great-grandson, Zane Pennington; and her son-in-law, Bill McComas, in eternal peace.

A funeral service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Lockwood Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.dfhlamar.com.

Judy VanMeter

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Judy Lynn VanMeter, 77, Joplin, MO, passed into eternal rest January 13, 2025 at Integris Miami Baptist Hospital, Miami, OK after a sudden illness.

Judy Lynn McGuirk was born June 5, 1947 in Joplin, MO the daughter of John Henry and Gretchen Beatrice (Epperson) McGuirk. Judy attended Butler Community College and later went on to Wichita State College receiving a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Criminal Justice. She and her husband traveled all over the country due his work. 

During her travels she made quilts for NICU's. Judy loved to hand quilt, making ceramics, acrylic painting and cross stitching. One of her favorite things was spending time with her family especially her children, her grandchildren and her dogs. Judy attended Neosho Apostolic Light House.

Judy Lynn VanMetter married Clayton VanMeter April 17, 1982 in Joplin, MO and he preceded her in death March 2, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother, one infant son, Darrel Routledge, and two sisters, Flo Summerlin and Juanita Allgood.

Survivors include her children, Tammy Jones and husband Darrell and Mansford Routledge and wife Katrina, Corona, CA, one step-son Norman VanMeter and wife Billie, Joplin, MO; 11 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren; and 26 great-great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6pm to 7pm, Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Graveside services will be held at 10am, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Gilmer, TX. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Allgood, Randy Allgood, Darrell Jones Jr., James Jones, Tim Jones, Cody Jones and Kenny Jones.

Lenora Chew

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Lenora D. Chew, 96, of Quapaw, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her residence following a lengthy illness.

Lenora was born on August 28, 1928, in Joplin, Missouri where she was a longtime resident.

She was a former member of the Cornerstone Revival Church in Carterville, Missouri.

She was a nurse’s aide, an Ordained Minister, made many quilts and was very active in her church.

She married Rev. Dudley Chew, Sr. on August 22, 1943, in Columbus, Kansas and he preceded her in death on April 11, 2004.

Survivors include, five sons; Frank (Peggy) Chew, John Chew both of Joplin, Missouri, Jeff (Rita) Chew of Miami, Oklahoma, Dudley (Judy) Chew, Jr. of Sacramento, California, and Terry (Melissa) Chew of Anderson, South Carolina, four daughters, Barbara Mullin of Joplin, Missouri, Susan Edwards of Eugene, Oregon, Jean (Jim) Evans of Quapaw, Oklahoma, and Kendra (Mike) Seymour of Grand Falls, Montana.
She was a Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, and Great Great Great Grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Roy T. and Goldie M. Friend Riley, three sons; Raymond Chew, Sammy L. Chew, Daniel M. Chew and one daughter; Donna Kay Bedsaul, one brother; Leroy Riley, five sisters; Violet Huckleberry, Treva Clough, Flora Vowel, Elaine Jackson, and Lessialee Dever.

There will be a visitation from 2:00-3:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Services will be conducted at 1:30 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mason-Woodard Chapel, with Rev. Morris Cleveland officiating.