Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Mike Burken


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Michael John Burken, 64, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family after a long illness. Mike was born August 16, 1960, to Mary Arlene (Murphy) and John Arnold Burken in Davenport, Iowa. He was one of seven children. 

 As a child his family moved to Minnesota, Georgia, Alabama, back to Minnesota, Arkansas, and finally to Carthage where he graduated from Carthage High School in 1978. He spent the rest of his life in Carthage.








Mike was a kind and gentle man as well as an artist. He loved animals, the outdoors, music, and enjoyed carving wood. He was interested in all things old- from history to arrowheads and antique glass bottles. He was well read and had a lifelong love of learning. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren.

Mike spent his life in service to others at The Cerebral Palsy Center, Pinewood Nursery, and landscaping businesses. He ended his career as the owner and operator of Carthage Landscaping.
He was proceeded in death by his father, John Arnold Burken and his stepson, Damon Eley. He is survived by his mother, Mary Arlene Burken, daughter Amanda Millard (Eric), stepchildren Shawnda Eley and Jerod Eley; as well as siblings Greg Burken (Linda), Jolene Thompson (Keith), Susan Williams (Scott), Tony Burken (Courtney), Jennifer Burken (April Davis), Kathleen Burken (Josh Davenport), seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.








His Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Stone’s Throw Theatre, 2466 Old 66 Blvd, Carthage, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO. In lieu of flowers, Mike’s final request included the following:

“This is what you can do for me,
Quit Smoking,
Give me a hug,
Plant a tree,
Smell the flowers,
Hold my hand,
Sing,
Pray for Peace,
Love.”

Edward Chimero


(From Parker Mortuary)

Edward Thomas Chimero, age 66, passed away on October 29, 2024, in Joplin, MO. He was born on June 1, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Frank and Gertrude (Dempsey) Chimero.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force. After that he worked as a jet engine mechanic. His love for playing the guitar was well-known among his family and friends. He married Lisa Narciso in March of 2023.







Edward is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Chimero; his son, Eddie Chimero, Jr.; his daughter, Christine Chimero; his stepdaughter, Doris York; his niece, Laura Braiser; and his grandson, George Chimero. Along with this parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Chimero, sister-in-law, Diane Chimero, and stepfather George Kelly.

A burial will take place on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, MO.

Elizabeth Detweiler


(From Stith Family Funerals)

Elizabeth Detweiler, aged 77 years 4 months 18 days passed away November 4, 2024 at her home near Jamesport, MO. She was born July 17, 1947 in Dover, DE to Tobe and Lena (Miller) Detweiler.

Survivors include 5 brothers: Eli (Naomi) Jamesport, MO, Joe (Mattie) Princeton, MO, Henry (Sarah) Bristolville, OH, Raymond (Elsie) Crab Orchard, KY and Toby (Amanda) Bremen, IN; 5 sisters: Anna Mary (Mose) Schrock, Lamar, MO, Magdalena (Paul) Schlabach, Tazewell, VA, Emma (Johnny) Kurtz, Jamesport, MO, Barbara (Joni) Beechy, Jamesport, MO and Ada (Ervin) Yoder, Marion, KY and many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.








Preceded in death by brother, Freeman (Emma) and sisters: Lydia Gingerich (Joe), Ida Stutzman (Atlee) and Sarah Mast (Eli).

Funeral services will be held at 9 AM Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at Country View Community Center (31741 Major Ave. Jamesport, MO 64648). Burial will follow at Meadowview Cemetery, Jamesport, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Jamesport. (660) 684-6133. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Don Buckle


(From Bedene Funeral Home)

Donald E. Buckle, 82, of Carthage, Missouri, formerly of Arma, died at 3:05 P.M. Monday, November 4, 2024 at home.

Mr. Buckle was born May 2, 1942 at Kansas City, Kansas the son of Robert Thomas and Althea Marguerite Turner Buckle. He lived in the Pittsburg area most of his life. 

Don was a retired self-taught mechanic. He worked for Martin Tractor-Caterpillar and retired from Alternate Fuels. He worked on the Alaska Pipeline. 






He married Melva L. Cayton on October 7, 1966 at Colby, Kansas. Mrs. Buckle preceded him in death April 8, 2014. He was raised in Welda, Kansas and graduated from Welda High School in the Class of 1960. He was a member of the Good Old Boys Fishing Club and the Safari Club. He was a loving father, grandpa, and friend and will be remembered for his sense of humor and kindness. 

Survivors include two daughters, Kim Couch and Darla Easter both of Joplin, Missouri, a son, Dan (Jeff) Buckle of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother, Richard Buckle of Colony, Kansas, a special friend, Kandis Pendley of Carthage, Missouri, five grandchildren, Heather and Scott Marshall, Shane and Ballie Couch, Taylor and Grant Wolf, Brittany Easter, and Bryce and Gwenyth Easter, and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Melva, and a brother, Robert Buckle.








Funeral services will be at 10 A.M. Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma, Kansas with Pastor Johnie Adkins officiating. Burial will be at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 7 P.M. Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Bedene Chapel in Arma. 

The family suggests memorials to the Joplin Humane Society or the SHINE-Joplin (a daycare program for disabled adults). Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.

David Baughman


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

It is with a heavy heart we share the news that David Joshua Hurick Baughman passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2024 after an accident in Jasper County, MO. He was only 21 years old. Our Family is devastated and shocked by this loss and will feel the absence of David Joshua forever. 

David was born on August 16, 2003 in Livonia, Michigan to parents, David J Baughman and the late Jody A Hurick.









He was a promising young man with a bright future ahead. David was pursuing his passion for computer hardware engineer. He had just started building computers. His curiosity set him apart, he was well on his way to realize his dreams unfolding, this was a self-taught trade.

David was known for his warm personality and genuine kindness most loving soul, a beloved brother to Andrew R Baughman {Ashley} and Brittany J Baughman, Dale A Hurick, and Melissa Hurick, and Uncle to Lilyana & Charlotte, He touched the lives of those around him with his infectious laughter and smile and caring nature, always wanting to help others when he could. His love for animals was like no other. Mittens notices the Loss of his friend.

We are working on getting the celebration of his life planned and will update our website with that information as soon as we have it. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Ira White


(From Midland Cremation Society)

Ira Dwayne White age 62 of Carl Junction, Missouri was born on May 22,1962 in Joplin, Missouri to the union of Ira Kenneth White and Barbara Sue (Grow) White. He passed away from a sudden illness on October 31, 2024

He attended Joplin Schools. He was the owner of Ira White Sewer and Plumbing.








Ira was a strong willed, outspoken, old-fashioned soul with a kind heart for the people he cared about. He took great joy in helping others any way he could. He believed in standing up and fighting for what he felt was right and loved to lift others up whenever they needed a helping hand. He took great pride in his marriage, his business, grandchildren, his animals and his yard. 

Being a giant kid at heart, he loved to make kids smile and believed in protecting them and caring for them as if they were his own. He loved getting together with family and friends to cook for them, make them laugh and to share stories of the past. He never met a stranger and had the gift of gab like no other. Ira was never impressed by how wealthy you were and never looked down on anyone for how little they had. He believed in judging a person by their character and was often a champion for the little man. His absence will be felt by many and his passing will leave a hole that can never be filled.

Ira Married Vicki Jones on August 17, 1981. They were inseparable for 43 years. She survives. Other survivors include son Travis White of Joplin MO, daughter Tami Kinkade of Carl Junction, MO, and son Trent White of the home, grandchildren... Jacob, Jaxon, Dalton, Jentzen and Pazley. sister Dorothy Shoemaker, brother Marvin (Michelle) White, sister Audra Lowery, brother in law Bryan (Vashti) Jones, brother in law Bruce Jones and sister in law Kristi White. Ira is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends.








Ira was preceded in death by his parents, father in law Bob Jones, mother in law Shirley Jones, brother in law Donnie Lowery, brother in law Randy Shoemaker, brother in law Brad White, sister in law Julie Jones and nephews Jared White and Donnie Lowery.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Granny Shaffer's Banquet Center 2728 N Rangeline Rd. Joplin, Missouri at 1:00 pm

A private family graveside will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.

Charlene Whitekiller


(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Charlene Whitekiller, 86, formerly of Seneca, Mo passed into eternal rest after a long illness.

Charlene Allen was born October 30, 1938 in Wagoner, OK, the daughter of Charles Allen and Dollie Williamson.

Charlene was the executive house keeper for Holiday Inn in Joplin, MO for 30 years until retirement. Charlene enjoyed planting flowers in the spring and fall. She loved making floral arrangements and wreaths. She often made decorated wreaths for family or friends and loved giving them as gifts. She enjoyed making quilts and embroidery. She embroidered several quilts over the years. She loved her family and most enjoyed all of her grandkids and great grandkids. They were her most precious treasures.








Charlene Allen married Alfred "Mitch" Whitekiller January 17, 1958 and they were married for 58 years. Mitch preceded her in death April 6, 2016. Charlene was also preceded in death by two sons, Jeffrey Whitekiller. Eddie Whitekiller and grandson Erin Whitekiller.

Survivors include Willie Whitekiller and wife Chris of Claremore. OK; Julie Whitekiller of Seneca; Charles Whitekiller and wife Katie of Beggs, OK; Sandy and husband Rope Fanning of Locust Grove, OK; 18 grandchildren and spouses, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great- great grandchildren.








Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Friday, November 8, 2024 at the First Assembly in Bixby, OK with Rev. Charles Whitekiller and Rev. David Dillion officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery at 3:00pm, November 8, 2024 with grandsons Todd Durman, Nathan Whitekiller, Jeff Whitekiller, Josh Whitekiller, Justin Whitekiller, Ben Whitekiller and Mitchell Shallenburger serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearer will be Adam Durman.

Arrangements under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.