Ron Bragg

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Larry Ronald “Ron” Bragg, age 81, ended his earthly ministry and was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, October 12, 2024. 

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Lena and his father, August Bragg, six brothers and five sisters as well as one grandson, Trace Stephenson.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, three sons Kory Bragg (Angie), Hiram Bragg (April), and Luke Bragg (Amy) and two daughters Kelly Hook (Greg) and Hannah Townsley (Luke) as well as fifteen grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren who know him fondly as grandpa, gramps and g-pop. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who call him Uncle Ron.

Ron was born January 8, 1943, in Neosho, Missouri. He graduated from Carthage Senior High in 1961 and then served in the US Navy. Ron was saved and called into the Lord’s service under the ministry of Dr. J. Harold Smith in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The family sold their home and possessions and left for Bible College in Greenville, South Carolina. 

God led Brother Bragg to the African country of Senegal, where he and his family served for 16 years before becoming the Africa Director in 1991, of Baptist International Missions, Inc., Chattanooga, TN. Not only did he visit and help missionaries on the field of Africa but also did much training of missionary candidates stateside preparing them for the field. He was also busy preaching mission’s conferences all over the US. Brother Bragg had a big heart for missions and seeing others come to Christ. He received his 50-year pin from BIMI for his service.

In 1994, the Lord led Brother Bragg to help organized Crossroads Baptist Church in Carthage, MO which has been in existence for 30 years.

In his later years he enjoyed spending time in his shop at the farm in Carthage, making birdhouses, cutting boards, and clocks to give away. He was always busy with a project and loved to ride around with his trusty dog, Jack, to see what needed fixing. He also was blessed teaching his college and career Sunday school class at Crossroads Baptist Church right up to a few weeks before he passed away. He also loved having missionary families visit the farm and stay awhile always entertaining them with his mission stories and encouraging them to stay on the firing line for the Lord.

Ron loved Jesus and loved others. He never missed a chance to make someone smile or laugh. He will be greatly missed by many and left a legacy of love, faith, family and service that will be remembered for years to come.

Ron’s services will be held at 2:00 p.m. October 17, 2024, at Crossroads Baptist Church in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to his service. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in Carthage.

Contributions may be made to Missions at Crossroads Baptist Church in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Jackie Copeland

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jackie Leon Copeland, 59, of Granby, Missouri, passed away on October 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Jackie was born on May 8, 1965, in Joplin to Jack Leon Copeland and Juanita (Owens) Copeland. A graduate of Joplin High School, Jackie spent his career working in line production for General Mills until his retirement.

On May 5, 2001, Jackie married Julie Williams in Neosho, Missouri, and she survives. Jackie had a deep love for sports and was passionate about his favorite teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also an avid wrestling fan and cherished the time spent with his nieces, nephews, and their children.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Steven) Bringhurst of Granby, Missouri, and a granddaughter, Carleigh Bringhurst. Jackie is also survived by his mother, Juanita Copeland of Joplin, Missouri; three brothers, David (Christine) Copeland of Paducah, Kentucky, Jerry Copeland of Joplin, Missouri, and Brian Copeland of Joplin, Missouri; and three sisters, Debbie Osborn of Duquesne, Missouri, Cathy Copeland of Dunawing, Missouri, and Lesa Copeland of Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Becky and Fred Tanner of Granby, Missouri, along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.

Jackie was preceded in death by his father, Jack Leon Copeland.

A visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Granby, Missouri, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at the same location on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at Granby Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jackie’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Herbert Frencken

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Herbert Eugene Frencken, 88, of Stark City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his residence on October 14, 2024. He was born on February 15, 1936, in Stark City, Missouri, to Lawrence and Frances Pearl (VanSlyke) Frencken.

Herbert was a graduate of Midway High School, where he distinguished himself as a basketball player, earning his diploma in 1955. Following his graduation, he began his professional career at Rocketdyne Teledyne, where he worked diligently for many years. A man of steadfast faith, Herbert was a member Wanda United Methodist Church in Wanda, Missouri. He currently attended Buffalo Creek Baptist Church.

On June 26, 1955, Herbert united in marriage with Colene (Stipp) Frencken in Wanda, Missouri. Their marriage, which endured for 64 years, was marked by deep love and commitment until Colene's passing on November 16, 2019.

Herbert had a profound connection to the land and found great joy in raising cattle and maintaining his cherished Farmall tractors. His love of adventure was evident in his many pursuits, which included motorcycling and waterskiing—an activity he continued to enjoy at the remarkable age of 80. He relished time spent with his family, especially on trips to the lake and Branson.

Herbert is survived by his children: Jeff Frencken of Stark City, Missouri; Todd Frencken (Jenny) of Tiff City, Missouri; and Gina Tinsley (Pat) of Pineville, Missouri. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Megan Gore (Chance), Colton Frencken (Emily), Tyler Shaver (Hannah), Callie-Jo St. Clair (Logan), Sydney Cheatwood (Devyn), and Maci Monsalvo (Damian), along with twelve beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Lawrence Frencken, and his sister, Catherine Talley.







In addition to his wife and parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his two sons, Randy Frencken and Jeremy Frencken, his brother Don Frencken , and his son-in-law J.D. Shaver.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri. Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Wanda Cemetery in Stark City, Missouri, where Herbert will be interred beside his beloved wife, Colene.

Dwight Gath

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Dwight David Gath, 64, of McCune, KS, died at his home on October 11, 2024. He was born on October 13, 1959, in Laverne, MN, to Willard and Beverly (Froseth) Gath.

Dwight worked for many years as a road grader operator for Crawford County. He enjoyed riding Harley motorcycles, cherished his animals, spending time with friends and grandchildren.

He is survived by his two sons: Matt Gath and wife Dana of Girard, KS; Jesse Gath and wife Rebecca of Coffeyville, KS; his stepdaughter, Danaya Baert, and husband Colten of Cherokee, KS; his brothers, Terry Gath of Neck City, MO, and Erik Gath of Weir, KS; and five beloved grandchildren.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Beverly; two brothers, Lee Gath and Dan Gath; and his sister, Cindy Swanson.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Crocker Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to assist with final expenses.

Merry Edwards

(From Countryside Funeral Home)

Merry Carolyn Edwards (Duncan) age 85, passed away Tuesday October 8th, 2024 at her home in Alba, MO with her husband Don and family at her side. 

Merry was born to Harrison and Lilly Ann Duncan (Johnson) on Dec. 25th, 1938 in Protection, KS Merry was born on Christmas Day hence the spelling of her name.

Merry was the baby of 15 children born to Harrison and Lilly Ann Duncan. Merry attended Protection, KS schools until the 10th grade. Merry was a homemaker, first to her husband and 7 children and worked at various jobs such as Aerosol, Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, ran the Merry Truck Stop Café, and Price Cutter Grocery Store in Webb City, MO until she retired.

Merry enjoyed going to garage sales with her husband, camping and fishing, sewing clothes for her children in her younger years and doll clothes for the dolls that she collected and restored as a hobby after she retired, at one time she had well over 150 dolls in her collection. She also loved cooking for family gatherings and being with her children and grandchildren at these special gatherings.

Merry and her future husband met while both were working in Wichita, KS. Merry and Donald B. Edwards Sr. were united in marriage in Fredonia, KS on June 25th, 1956. This Union lasts 68 years upon her death.

Merry is survived by: Husband Donald, 7 children Allan Edwards (Pam), Carol Sue Sharp, Cindy Marie Johnson, Fred Edwards (Angie), Teresa Ilean Ganus, Donald Edwards Jr. (Glenda), Mike Edwards (Dana), 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Merry was preceded in death by her parents and all 14 of her brothers and sisters. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 26th, 2024 at 11:00am at Altoona Cemetery in Altoona, Kansas. Officiating the Service will be Pastor John Sears of Church of Christ in Fredonia, KS. Memorials can be made out to the American Cancer Society and can be left with or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St. P.O Box 247 Fredonia, KS 66736

Steve Millard

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Steven (Steve) Millard, 80, Seneca, MO passed away suddenly October 13, 2024 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

Steven Rodney Millard was born September 19, 1944 in Joplin, MO the son of Ora and Goldie (Dunkel) Millard. Steve was a lifelong area resident. He enjoyed woodworking, building homes, spending time at the local coffee shop at liars table, visiting, joking and giving people a hard time. Steve loved history both world history and the history of Seneca. He loved kids and especially his grandchildren. Steve didn't miss a sports game. He will be remember to all those he left behind as a true one of a kind.







Survivors include his daughters mother, Nancy Millard, Seneca; one daughter Lori Kohler, Seneca; grandchildren Jillian Kellison, Diamond, MO and husband Ray, Jessi Molder, Seneca, MO and husband Andrew, Stephen Kohler, Joplin, MO, Rodney Kohler, Seneca, MO and Alicia Kohler, Owasso, OK; 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 pm, October 16, 2024 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am, October 17, 2024 at the Seneca Cemetery.

Pam Chism

(From Bland-Brumback Funeral Home)

Pamela Sue Snow Chism, age 66, of Stockton, MO, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from secondary complications related to cancer (which she had battled since January 2019). She was surrounded by family when she died. Pam was born February 4, 1958 in Dade County, the daughter of Edgar and Betty Snow.

Pam graduated from Greenfield High School in 1976 where she was drum majorette and active in Home Economics. She married Rodney Harold Chism on July 21, 1978 in Carthage, MO. The couple were married 46 years. Moving to a farm on the north side of Stockton in 1988, Rod and Pam spent the majority of their marriage tending to the farm and raising their two boys, Joshua and Matthew.

Upon arriving in Stockton, Pam worked at the local sewing factory. Pam then began an 11-year career as a Stockton Schools cafeteria worker the fall of 1994 to be closer to her young school-age sons. Leaving in May 2006, Pam became the Food Service Director of the Stockton Nursing Home. Pam loved caring for the specific dietary needs of the residents and was proud of the ways in which she could provide individual attention to others. Pam served in this role for 10 years until her retirement in 2016. Pam also served as the food service coordinator at the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office—saving the county a significant amount of money yearly due to her skills in the industry.

Pam had a particular talent at quilting. Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Independence School quilting clubhouse. She was known to create exquisite quilts for friends, family, and for special causes (such as community raffles or fundraisers).

After the passing of her youngest son Matthew in 2014, Pam became a strong advocate for local law enforcement and played an active role in the development of Project 288—an organization purposed with scholarship, community engagement, and law enforcement support/awareness. To date, Project 288 has hosted 10 fundraising 5Ks, 3 softball tournaments, 5 cornhole tournaments, and numerous community support programs. Project 288 has also provided scholarships for local graduating seniors since 2018 totaling over 10K.

Pam was well known for her strong will, determinization, work ethic, and love for her family (particularly her children and grandchildren).

Remaining to cherish Pam’s memory are spouse, Rodney Harold; son, Joshua Glen; daughters-in-law, Natalie and Ashley; grandchildren, Hunter Glen, Jacob Matthew, and Hannah Grace; brothers, Clayton (Linda) Snow, Danny (Mary) Snow; sister, Linda (Benny) Bough; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Pam in death are son, Matthew Scott; parents, Edgar Snow and Betty (Griffin); brothers, Cletus, Larry, Eddie Dean, Roger; sister, Debbie.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10am at Bland-Brumback Funeral Home with services following at 11am with burial at Lindley Prairie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Project 288.