Evelyn Foley

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Evelyn Lourine Foley, 79, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, following a brief hospital stay.

Evelyn was born on August 16, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Oscar and Audrey Robertson. She grew up in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1964. On November 20, 1965, she married Charles "Doc" Foley. Together they raised two children, Erin and Nick. Although their marriage later ended, Evelyn and Charles maintained a close and enduring friendship until his passing in 2009.

Evelyn’s career reflected her strong work ethic and versatility. She worked at Consolidated Supply Co. in Treece, Kansas, and later cared for patients as a nurse's aide at Baxter Memorial Hospital. She then served as the secretary and co-owner of Foley Trucking Co. in Baxter Springs until her retirement in the late 1990s.

A woman of deep faith, Evelyn was a long-time member of the Central Christian Center in Joplin, Missouri. In recent years, when her health prevented her from attending in person, she faithfully watched services on television.

Evelyn loved hosting her family, cooking large meals, and going all-out with decorations for holidays. She was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks, and she spent her quiet time at home in the company of her devoted cat, Cissie. Known for her gentle nature and genuine interest in others, she had a quiet way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable in her presence.

She is survived by her daughter, Erin Busby; her son, Nick Foley (Felix); her grandsons, Richard Foley (Brittany) and Charles Cassell (Cheyenne); her granddaughter, Ashley Lake; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many beloved cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ruth Ann Schlink; her great-granddaughter, Audrey Smith; and her former husband, Charles (Doc) Foley.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the many caregivers and medical professionals who provided dedicated support and care to Evelyn over the years, as well as to everyone who enriched her life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, 328 E 12th St, Baxter Springs, KS 66713, where floral tributes may be sent.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Columbus City Cemetery, 1130 SE Wyandotte Rd, Columbus, KS 66725. In honor of Evelyn’s love for her teams, attendees are welcome and encouraged to wear Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas Jayhawks gear to the service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ann Fort

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mary Ann Fort, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, with her children by her side. Born on March 12, 1935, in Carthage, Missouri, Mary Ann was the daughter of Clyde Kirk and Ruth McGrew. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Kirk, and is survived by her sister, Miriam Alice Wood.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother whose children were the center of her world. She is survived by her four children: Tamara K. McNary; Tim Dowell and his wife, Lisa; Mary Ben Hernandez and her husband, Rico; and Miriam Jenny Fort.

She was a proud grandmother to Kaylee Peterson, Hilary Nielsen, Sheila Pico, Cody Pico, Bethany Hernandez, and Rhys Mackinsey Fort. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Harley Dowell, McKay Peterson, Roman Peterson, Olivia Nielsen, Wyatt Nielsen, Bodie Nielsen, Vincent Cooper, Tallulah Pico Martinez, Jazzlyn Pico Martinez, and Charlie Pico.

Mary Ann retired from Stater Bros. Markets, where she worked as a Bakery Manager, a position she truly loved. She was known for her strong work ethic, compassion, and willingness to help others. Her children always came first, and she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Family was the heart of Mary Ann’s life. She loved cooking and bringing family and friends together around her table. She took great pride in hosting dinners, decorating with her treasured antique china and antique finds, and creating warm memories for everyone she loved.

Those who knew Mary Ann knew her as a strong, hardworking woman who always put family first. Her grandchildren remember her as beautiful, genuine, and down-to-earth—a woman who never pretended to be anything other than herself. She could be feisty at times, but her compassion, kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor made her unforgettable. Her familiar expressions, including ‘I’ll be darned’ and ‘that’s a bunch of bologna,’ brought smiles to those around her and remain cherished memories today.

Mary Ann lived a full and meaningful life and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, strength, and family traditions. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.

Tom Swarens

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Thomas Lee Swarens, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of May 28, 2026. He was surrounded by his loved ones. 

Born to Charles and Jeannine (Byrd) Swarens on June 19, 1955, in Carthage, Missouri, Tom was baptized at First Christian Church in Carthage and remained proud of his roots and his faith throughout his life.
On December 18, 1976, he married the love of his life, Deborah Ann Downey. Together they shared 49 years of marriage filled with love, family, and lifelong memories. 

A longtime resident of Carthage, Tom graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1973. He continued his education through studies at Missouri Southern State College, Ozark Technical College, and Crowder College. 

He dedicated many years to hard work and providing for his family throughout his career. He was employed by Leggett & Platt in Carthage from 1981 to 1993, EFCO in Monett from 1993 to 1997, and Kay Concrete in Monett from 1997 until his retirement in 2017. 

After retirement, he and Deborah moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. He deeply loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer hunting, crappie fishing, and spending time with family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jeannine Swarens. 

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Ann Swarens; two daughters, Sara E. Hall and husband Wes of Kaiser, Missouri, and Emily L. Jenkins of Eldon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Xander Haven, Chloe Jenkins, and Liam Jenkins, all of Eldon, Missouri, and Warner and Augustine Hall of Kaiser, Missouri; sisters, Sherry Quade and husband John of Agate, Colorado, and Kay Greenlee and husband Kevin of Jasper, Missouri; uncle Bill Swarens of Carthage, Missouri; aunts, Nancy Heath of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Linda Michaels of Augusta, Georgia; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr Balasundaram and her staff at the C.H. Chub O’ Reilly Cancer Center in Springfield, Missouri, as well as to the nurses and staff at the Curry Cancer Center in Lebanon, Missouri. Also, special thanks to the nurses and staff from Integrity Hospice in Lebanon, Missouri. 

Services will be under the supervision of Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation at Ulmer's on Tuesday, June 2, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Graveside services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Carthage R-9 Education Foundation’s Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Danny Hensley

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Danny G. Hensley, 84, passed away at home on Thursday, May 28, 2026, surrounded by his family in Carthage, Missouri. Danny was born February 27, 1942, at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage to Jollie G. and Martha Mae (White) Hensley. He was actively involved in JROTC and FFA during high
school and graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1959. He owned National Livestock Commission Company at the Joplin Stockyards for many years. 

He was first elected Eastern District Commissioner in 1984 and later served as Jasper County Presiding Commissioner until 2002. Danny coached Little League baseball for more than 30 years. He and George Becker co-owned White Oak Auction Service for nearly 30 years. He was a proud patriot who loved hunting and was honored as Carthage Citizen of the Year. Danny was a member of Fairview Christian Church for more than 50 years. 

Danny was first united in marriage to Sheryl Anderson on June 4, 1964, in Miami, Oklahoma and she preceded him in death on March 23, 2023. 

Then he was united in marriage to Stephanie Cearnal on October 18, 1989, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; she survives. 

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie Hensley; his son, Brent Hensley (Karensue) of Joplin, Missouri; his daughter, Shelly Deruy (Kurt) of Joplin, Missouri; his son, Sean Johanson (Elizabeth), of Joplin, Missouri; one brother, Mike Hensley (Cindy) of Covington, Georgia; his aunt, Selba Hill (Bob) of Cartwright, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren, Kaleb Hensley, Noah Hensley, Jonah Hensley, Wyatt Hensley, Ali Nichols, Kennedy Deruy, Gunnar Johanson, Garren Johanson, Riley Johanson, Kaeden Morris, and Addison Bridges; seven great- grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jollie G. and Martha Mae Hensley; two brothers, Tommy Hensley and Johnnie Hensley; and his first wife, Sheryl McKelvy, and many family members and friends.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri. Ministers Boyce and John Mouton will officiate. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Interment will follow at Dudman Springs Cemetery, southeast of Carthage. 

Pallbearers will be Kaleb Hensley, Noah Hensley, Jonah Hensley, Wyatt Hensley, Gunnar Johanson, Garren Johanson, Gary Davidson, and Kaeden Morris. 

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

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

Barney Barnett

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Edwin Lavern “Barney” Barnett, age 81, of Carl Junction, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday evening, May 30, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, after a recent decline in health.

Barney was born on January 5, 1945, in Columbus, Kansas, the only child born to the late Leroy and Lucy (Waggoner) Barnett. He resided in Columbus until moving to Carl Junction, Missouri, during his high school years, graduating in 1963. On October 23, 1964, he was united in marriage to Mary Irwin, and together they shared sixty-one years of marriage filled with devotion, love, and many cherished memories.

Barney spent his working life as the owner and operator of Barnett Excavation for more than forty years. He took great pride in his work and especially loved his heavy equipment, with a particular fondness for his Case equipment. His strong work ethic and dependable nature earned him the respect of many, and he built a life centered on perseverance, responsibility, and honest labor. Outside of work, Barney enjoyed mowing, attending rodeos, and watching softball games. Above all else, he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. He was of the Nazarene faith.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Mary Barnett, of the home; a daughter-in-law, Ginger Barnett of Carl Junction, Missouri; two granddaughters, Karley Barnett and fiancé Tyler, and Kendra Walker and husband Matt; three great-grandchildren, Lucy, Luke, and Addy Walker; two nieces, Geralynn and Macajah Irwin; a nephew, Geratt Irwin; and a great-nephew, Grady Irwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lucy Barnett; and two children, Melissa Sue and Bryan Barnett.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri, with Pastor Kelly Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Mark DeGraff, Steve Drake, Geratt Irwin, Roy Irwin, Brent Irwin, Matt Walker and Travis McCorkle. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.

Benjamin Bloomer

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Benjamin Ernest Bloomer, of Walnut Grove, MO, went to be with his Lord on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 45.

He was born on July 20, 1980 in Springfield, MO to David Aaron and Mary Kathryn (Pruitt) Bloomer. Benjamin proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Marie Smith on March 27, 2010 in Springfield, MO. Benjamin worked as an Aircraft Mechanic specializing in helicopters. He was a member of the Wilson Creek Baptist Church, and loved to share what God has done in his life. Benjamin had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He loved his family more than anything and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife Suzanne Bloomer of the home; one daughter, Abigail Bloomer; two sons, Samuel Bloomer and Jonathan Bloomer; his parents, David and Mary of Walnut Grove, MO; his brother, Caleb Bloomer of Greenfield, MO; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Wilson Creek Baptist Church in Brookline. Burial will follow in Greenfield Cemetery in Greenfield. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wilson Creek Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlie 22 Outdoors. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Isabel Biggs

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Isabel Biggs of Granby, Missouri passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at the age of 94. Isabel was born as Angelina Vinciguerra on November 22, 1931, to Rocco Vinciguerra and Antonetta Dragonetta in Chicago, Illinois. At one year old, Angelina was adopted by Domnick and Mary Long when her name was changed to Isabel. It was after being adopted, at the age of two, that Isabel had surgery and a hip replacement, making one leg shorter than the other that remained with her all her life.

After graduating from school, Isabel started working at the Moody Publishing company. Before she started working there, she had won sharp shooting medals and awards that earned her the nickname of "Annie Oakley" while she worked at Moody. Not only was Isabel a sharpshooter, but she also owned and entered a German Shepherd dog in a contest at a local dog show and won a blue ribbon.

While working at Moody Press, Isabel also was simply called "Whiz Bang" because of her intense design to go fast and get there first. She didn't let her short height or leg keep her from making haste wherever she decided to go.

Isabel married Byron Otto Biggs in 1976, and together they shared 25 wonderful years. Isabel Biggs enjoyed her church and church family visits and was known for liking to read the Bible and hear her favorite songs, “Mansion Over the Hilltop” and “What a Day That Will Be”.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. There are no surviving members of the immediate family. Isabel is survived by the church congregation, her family, at Granby Gospel Tabernacle and for 10 years, care was given by special friends Dan and Pat Robinson.

She made Granby Gospel Tabernacle her home church and that congregation became her family where she was known simply as "Sister Izzy," when she was left alone at the passing of her husband, Otto.

Friends may call at Clark Funeral Home in Granby, where Sister Izzy will be lying in state, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00am at Granby Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Ralph Stockton, Gene Moore, Ira McKinney, Frank Arnall, Dennis Burr, and Phil Meeree: McLees Honorary Pallbearers: Pat Kelly, Trey Stockton

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.