Jerry Brown

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Jerry Lee Brown, born July 29, 1946, originally of Murrieta, California passed on June 20, 2026, surrounded by his family and the spirits of the horses Nutmeg, Star, Selena, Hershey, Little Man, Salsa, Sawyer, and so many more that his granddaughters lost track of the rest. 

On his farm in Brooklyn Heights, where all animals were equally loved, Jerry lived with wife Diane of 20 years. His days were spent taking care of the animals in his evenings, and spent his days transporting natural resources throughout the four-state area. Rarely seen without his gunslinger mustache, cowboy hat, wrangler jeans, and dirty boots, Jerry was a man who will always be remembered as a spirit of true character until the very end.

Predeceased by his mother Juanita Fox and father Thomas Brown of California.

Jerry is survived by wife Diane Brown née Cornell of Oronogo, Missouri; son Jerry A. Brown of California; sister Pat Kerdaron of Arizona; nephews Steve, Patrick, and John Edberg of Wichita, Kansas, and Joe Kerdaron of Arizona; niece Cindy Smith of Wheatland, Missouri; step-daughters Rhonda Provin (spouse Pete Provin) of Oronogo, Missouri, and Rebecca Crawford of Neosho, Missouri; and step-grandchildren Timothy Crawford (spouse Candice Crawford) of Arkansas, Christopher Crawford of Arkansas, Emma Provin (spouse Clark Topjon) of Kansas City, Missouri, Hannah Provin (partner Chance Bright) of Webb City, Missouri, Marcus Crawford (spouse Kenzie Crawford) of Neosho, Missouri, and Jaron Crawford of Neosho, Missouri. 

A graveside service will be held for family and friends at Oronogo Cemetery on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Jerry will always be remembered as a wise, loving, and kind cowboy.

 

Don Hoover

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Donald Gene Hoover was born June 24, 1943 to Herbert and Jewell (Curry) Hoover in Los Angeles California. Donnie attended Carthage Senior High School in Carthage MO until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in November 1961. 

Don completed basic training in San Diego CA prior to being stationed in Kodiak Alaska during the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami as well as receiving the wire reporting JFKs assassination to report it to his chain of command.

Donald was a lifetime fisherman and hunter; enjoying many hobbies throughout his life such as archery, roller skating, bowling, axe throwing, golfing, motorcycle riding, and taking adventures with his beautiful wife. Don served as head pastor at two churches in southwest missouri, and drove his beloved Mary Kay (pink) Dump Truck hauling across the region. Don was quick to make a friend and would spark up a conversation with nearly anyone.

Don married Patty Mathis on May 8, 1993 and is survived by his wife, Patty; his sisters, Linda McClintock, Barbara Replogle, and Nancy Russow; stepdaughter Beth (Randy) Morgan and stepson Steven Lynn (Deborah) Cooper; Grandchildren, Emily (Tommy) Furrh, Noah (Lizzy) Smith, Alyssa Cooper and Kaitlynn Cooper; great-grandchildren, Raylyn (Jordan) Furrh, Rayann Furrh, Raygan Furrh, Jachin Furrh, and Fintley Smith; and great-great-grandchildren, Layla Agan and Liam Agan. Donald is cherished by many friends and loved ones; Heather (Dustin) Jensen, John (Cassie) Block, and Timmy (Tyea) Lee.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Judy whom he missed dearly.

A visitation will be held at 5:30pm on Saturday, July 11 at the SMB Community Room on 2417 S. Grand Avenue in Carthage MO with a 6pm Celebration of Life Service by Donald’s Nephew Justin Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO

Tony Kelley

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Mark “Tony” Anthony Kelley, 68, of Monett, Missouri, passed away on June 21, 2026.

Tony was born on August 5, 1957, in Monett, Missouri, to Raymond "Unk" Kelley and Oleta Cora (Hammers) Kelley. A lifelong resident of Monett, Tony was proud to call his hometown home. He was born, raised, and spent his life in the community he loved. Tony graduated from Monett High School in 1975 and remained deeply connected to the people and places that shaped him.

On August 15, 1981, Tony married the love of his life, Vicky Kelley. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved playing golf, tending to his garden, and growing his own vegetables. Whether he was spending time outdoors, sharing stories with friends, or cheering on his favorite teams, Tony embraced life with enthusiasm. He was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond "Unk" Kelley and Oleta Cora Kelley; his son, Colt Kelley; his brother, Mike Kelley; and his sister, Beverly "Sue" Svoboda.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 45 years, Vicky Kelley; his daughter, Jody Porter, and her husband, Shawn Porter; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.

Tony will be remembered for his love of family, his appreciation for the outdoors, his devotion to his hometown of Monett, and the kindness and friendship he shared with those around him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In accordance with Tony's wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Erica Ingersoll

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Erica Ingersoll, 49 left our sight, but never from our hearts on June 19 after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Throughout her journey, she demonstrated remarkable strength, grace and resilience, inspiring all who knew and loved her.

She was born on December 26, 1976 in Misawa, Japan. Erica devoted her life to caring for others. She was a Mother, cherished Daughter, devoted Sister, proud Aunt, and beloved great Aunt. Her family was the center of her world, and she found immense joy in spending time with those she loved.

Erica had a special place in her heart for animals and was known for her compassion towards all living creatures. She was also deeply committed to helping those less fortunate and spent recent years supporting and caring for people experiencing homelessness. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need touched countless lives.

Though cancer challenged her physically, it never diminished her caring spirit, sense of humor, or love for others. She faced every obstacle with courage and determination leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion and selflessness.

She is survived by her loving family in including her son Kyle Ingersoll, daughter Natalie Torres, beloved James Martinez. Parents Germaine Mounce & Greg Hall, Steve Mounce & Amy Mounce. Sisters Christina Mounce, Haley Mounce. Brother Kolin Hall. Nieces Madison, Sophia, and Olivia. Aunts & uncles Greg DeLaRosa, DeLisa Brower, Brandon DeLaRosa, Deedra DeLaRosa,Sherri Mounce, Mike & Pam Mounce. Cousins Dylan DeLaRosa, Chance DeLaRosa, Brittany Kittchner, Joseph Brower, April Boyer, Malakai Mounce, and Mariah Mounce. Grandkids Andrew, Eva, Ellie and great Nephews Cario & Cruz. She was preceded in death by Shane Mounce, Stephanie Mounce, Forrest & Bonita Mounce, Bill Csejtey, Oscar DeLaRosa, and Frances Sotello.

Special Thanks to Mercy Springfield Hospitality House, Oncology Nurses, Palliative Care, ICU, Infusion Center You Rock! Mercy Joplin ER, ICU and Oncology for all the tender loving care and Aspire LTC you made us feel welcomed and loved. To all the amazing wonderful doctors she met along her journey we can’t thank you enough. All those that worked at the Free Store in Lebanon, MO Thank you for loving her.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. While she will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness, love, and service to others will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Joplin Humane Society, a cause that was close to her heart.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” —Psalm 34:18,

We may never know the exact reason why, but I know when you look at a garden the prettiest flowers get picked first.

 

June McKibben

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

June L. McKibben, age 64, of Neosho, MO passed away on June 21, 2026 after a lengthy illness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

June was born on July 9, 1961 in Portland, Oregon to her parents Joe and Annabelle (Labor) McKibben . She is one of seven children.

June dedicated 25 years to working at Boyd Metals before retiring. She found great joy in spending time outdoors, tending to her flowers and plants. She was a hard worker. If any of her kids had projects going on at home, she was the first one there to help. 

More than anything, June's greatest joy in life was her family--especially her grandchildren. She loved supporting them and rarely missed one of their events—whether it was basketball, volleyball, softball, football, school plays, or dances. She was known to get a little rowdy and wasn’t afraid to get loud during ballgames!

She is survived by three children, Tim Long and wife Jennifer of Joplin, MO, Manny Long and wife Valorie of Neosho, MO, and Crystal Johnson and husband Beau of Neosho, MO; three siblings, Paula McKibben, Patricia Parker, and Dolly Dickens; and ten grandchildren, Miller Long and wife Cassidy, Molly Long, Presley Long, Maxton Long, Spencer Long, Nola Johnson, Grace Long, Korbin Johnson, Evan Long, and Memphis Long.

She is preceded in passing by her parents, Joe and Annabelle McKibben; three siblings, Rory McKibben, David McKibben, and Alice McKibben.

Services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, June 25th, with a visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00am at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, 3701 E 7th St., Joplin, MO 64801.

Bambette Shramek

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

October 22, 1971 – June 18, 2026

Bambette Blanch Shramek departed this life on June 18, 2026, at 8:07 p.m., leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories.

Bambette was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her presence brought meaning, comfort, and love to the lives of those closest to her. She will be remembered for the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the special place she will forever hold in the hearts of her family.

She is survived by her children, Justice Philpot and Jalie Weimer; her granddaughter, Shay Philpot; her sisters, Brandi Hart, Starla Stephens, and Carol Baker; as well as her 2 nieces and 4 nephews. Each of them carries with them memories, love, and pieces of her spirit that will never be forgotten.

Though her time here ended far too soon, Bambette’s life will continue to be honored through the stories shared, the love remembered, and the bond of family that remains. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

May Bambette rest in peace, surrounded by eternal love.

Mitch Frazier

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mitchell “Mitch” Frazier, 72, of Granby, Missouri, passed away on June 12, 2026.

Mitch was born on August 14, 1953, in California. He graduated from Joplin High School and spent much of his working life as a welder with Kemlee Manufacturing. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his job, he worked there for many years before retiring in 2019.

On December 30, 1983, he married Rhonda Frazier. They shared nearly 39 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.

Mitch enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors, and being with his family. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and rarely missed a race on Sunday. He appreciated simple pleasures and valued the time he spent with those closest to him.

Survivors include his daughter, Leslie Forest and David of Neosho, Missouri; his son, Shannon Johnson and Amanda of Joplin, Missouri; and his son, Nick Frazier and Jessica of Granby, Missouri. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shadow Miller and Frankie of Joplin, Missouri, Campbell Frazier of Granby, Missouri, Jeremiah Johnson of Joplin, Missouri, and Bonnie Johnson of Springfield, Missouri; along with several great-grandchildren.

Mitch will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love for his family, and the friendships he made throughout his life.

Services will be announced by the family at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parker Mortuary.