Jerry Rowe

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Jerry Lee Rowe was born on January 29, 1961, in Fairfax, MO, to Donald H. Rowe and Esther Maxine (Cook) Rowe. He lived in different towns around Atchison County until he and his family moved to Noel, MO, in March, 1966. At that time, Noel was always considered home no matter where he was at.

He attended schools in Noel, Rock Port, MO, and Bluejacket, OK. He worked at places around Vinita, OK. After moving to Ponca City, OK, he met his first wife, Deanna Roddy, and they had 2 sons. They divorced after a few years. He remarried twice after that, but at the time of his passing, he was single.

Jerry is remembered as loving to laugh and playing his guitar. His stepfather taught him how to play. He also wrote a few nasty little songs for us to enjoy.

Family members who went before were his Dad, Don Rowe; Mom, Esther, and Kent Ferdig; brothers Donald Rowe, Rocky Ferdig, and James Ferdig. Brothers-in-law Rick Clark and Eugene Livingston.

Survivors are his sons, Jerry Dale (Amanda) and Lucas (Tonya), sister Iva (Doug) Atkins, brother Eugene Ferdig, and sisters Donna Clark and Rita Livingston. 12 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, "adopted" brother Rocky Betts and dear friend Charlie Hartley. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Victor Koeneman

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Victor Robert Koeneman, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at 5:56 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at his home. Victor was born on September 24, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, the son of Ben and Lillian (Weiss) Koenemann.

Growing up in Mt. Vernon, Vic was called Bobby and Bob by family and friends. Vic graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1957. He met and married Linda June Kerr in 1958 and shared 67 beautiful years together.

Vic and Linda moved to Southern California in 1958 where Vic worked as a machinist in the aeronautics industry. In California, Vic and Linda started their family with the birth of their daughter in 1960 and their son in 1962. In 1969 Vic and Linda returned to Missouri and settled in Springfield, Missouri, where Vic worked for General Electric. In 1979 Vic and Linda relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a new assignment with General Electric. In 1984 Vic became a plant manager for RJ Tower Corporation, a supplier to the major automotive companies. Vic was known for creating a work culture in which every worker felt seen and valued. In 1994 Vic and Linda moved to Bardstown, Kentucky, where Vic opened a new manufacturing facility for RJ Tower. In 1999 Vic retired from RJ Tower and in 2004 Vic and Linda returned to Springfield to enjoy their retirement years. In retirement, Vic served on the board of the Maple Grove Cemetery and committed himself to making improvements in Maple Grove. Vic also served on the board of the Mount Vernon High School Alumni Association.

Vic is survived by his wife, Linda June (Kerr) Koeneman and his children, Tracy Lynn Koeneman of Springfield, Missouri, and her husband, David Jones, and Christopher Robert Koeneman of Boston, Massachusetts, and his wife, Susan Koeneman. Vic is survived by four grandchildren, Christian Edward Lehmberg of Columbia, Missouri, Jordan Rae Varvaro of Columbia, Missouri, Mattie Sera Koeneman of Newton, Massachusetts, and Christopher Louis Koeneman of Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom, and great-grandsons, Mackenzie and Atticus. Vic is survived by his sister, Kay Nelson of Laguna Woods, California.

Vic was preceded in death are his parents, Ben, and Lillian; four sisters, Evelyn Mines, Betty Rainbolt, Anna Mae Ford and Ruth Burson and two brothers, Ben Edward Koeneman and John Koeneman.

A celebration of Vic’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Following this service, attendees are invited to attend a brief graveside ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vic’s memory to Maple Grove Cemetery, which will be facilitated through Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHomne.com.

 

Steven Cooper

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Steven Lynn Cooper, age 78 of Carthage, passed away on Sunday February 22, 2026 at his home with family at his side. He was born on November 18, 1947 in Webb City, Missouri to Cecil Lynn Cooper & Pearl Mae Looney (Petefish). 

Steve was a heavy equipment operator and also had a business of spinning pipes for RC boats. He was a member of Alba Friends Church. Steve married Janette Weeks on October 3, 1984.

He is survived by his wife Janette of the home, daughter Beth (Randy) Morgan of Carthage, Son Steven Lynn (Debra) Cooper Jr of Carthage, son Dustin Kisling of Carthage, son Zach (Leslie) Holden of Carthage, daughter Pam (Ben) Miller of Webb City, sister Debbie (Bryant) Davis of Pittsburg, KS; Grandchildren, Emily (Tom) Furrh of Carthage, Noah (Lizzy) Smith of Carthage, Sydney (Hayden) Swinehart of Carthage, Sammi (Nathan) Percy of Carthage, Tiffani (Parker) Sockwell of Webb City, Steffani Roberts of Neosho, Alyssa Cooper of Carthage, Kaitlyn Cooper of Carthage, Rachel Miller of Searcy, AR, Naomi Miller of Webb City, T.J. (Alexis) Morgan of San Antonio, TX, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Steve is preceded in passing by his granddaughter McKenzie Kisling.

A Visitation will be held Thursday February 26, 9am at Alba Friends Church (110 Berry st, Alba, MO), there will be a Memorial service to follow.




The family would like to thank Trinity Hospice for their care.




Cremation is under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Steven. Your stories and photos will serve as a comforting reminder of the love and joy that Steven brought to each of our lives.

Gary Simmons

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Gary Allen Simmons was born on May 8, 1941, in Greenfield, Missouri, and passed away peacefully at his home in Alba, Missouri, on February 20, 2026. His life was a testament to the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Gary was a man who was not afraid to speak his mind, offering his unique perspectives and insights with wit and humor. He was a creative soul, known for his quick wit and his loyal heart.

Gary was a graduate of Sarcoxie High School before spending 25 years as a truck driver at H.E. Williams, a lighting company, where he was recognized for his perfect safety record. 

Retiring in 1999, Gary found his joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending countless hours in the great outdoors, appreciating the beauty of nature. Gary also loved watching old western shows and enjoyed the thrill of football games. Gary enjoyed gardening and was always proud of his 12 foot tall tomato plants. He would never miss a chance to go dancing with Mary. His enthusiasm for these hobbies was only surpassed by his love for his family, which was his greatest treasure.

Married on May 29, 1981, Gary was a loving spouse to Mary Hurrell and a devoted father to his blended family. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to his loved ones and his generous spirit.

Preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lillian Simmons and his 13 sisters. Gary's indomitable spirit lives on in his children, Kevin Simmons of Purcell, Kelly Wilson of Alba, Vincent Opat of Sierra Vista, AZ, Misty Opat of Sierra Vista, AZ and Matt McBride of Webb City, his seven grand children and 1 great grandchild. Gary is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Sue) Simmons of Carl Junction and countless nieces and nephews. His family remembers him as a man who was not only loving and loyal but also witty and creative.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In honoring Gary's life and memory, services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Gary. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Let us celebrate the life of Gary Simmons, a man who truly lived on his own terms, and his legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

 

John Swager

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

John Wayne Swager, age 82, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

John was born on October 30, 1943, in Cherokee County, Kansas, to Sam and Mary Swager. He dedicated over 20 years of faithful service to Jasper County Water District, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependability.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Sam Swager and Harvey Swager; and his sister, Fannie Raney.

John is survived by his significant other, Colleen Clark; his son, John Swager Jr.; his daughter, Regina Payton; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; as well as extended family members and many friends who will cherish his memory.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, at Carterville Cemetery.
Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Humane Society in John’s honor.

Rebecca Gilmore

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Rebecca Gilmore, 61, passed away on February 15, 2026, at her home in Joplin, Missouri, after an illness. 

Born in San Antonio, Texas, she later made Joplin her home, where she raised her family and built a life filled with love. She was a loving daughter, treasured by her mother, Angelita Osler, and a devoted mother to Stephanie George, Joseph George, and Michael George. Rebecca was also a proud and loving grandmother to Jayden, Kaitlynn, and Kiley Green, as well as Taylor and Madison Sargent. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

A truly special friend, she was known for her kind heart and wonderful sense of humor, always able to make those around her laugh. Music brought her comfort and joy, and she loved being surrounded by family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Rose Conner and David Gilmore; her lifelong friend, Kim Epperson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Gilmore, and her brother, Louie Gilmore. Rebecca was loved deeply and will be missed endlessly. We find comfort in knowing she is at peace, watching over us as our guardian angel until we are together again.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.

Dixie Pointer

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Dixie Louise Pointer, 85, passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Dixie was born on April 6, 1940. in Webb City to Ralph "Doc' Runnels and Rethel (Laird) Runnels. She was raised in Jasper, MO where she graduated in 1958 from Jasper High School. She went on to earn an associate's degree in business. Following her education, Dixie worked for the State of Kansas for several years before beginning the next beautiful chapter of her life.

On December 9, 1972, she married the love of her life, Earl Pointer, at the Wesleyan Church in Ottawa, KS. Together they made their home in Topeka, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Dixie devoted herself to caring for her family while her children were young. Once they reached high school, she returned to work and spent about ten years in the kitchen at Landon Middle School, where she was known for her warm smile and kind heart. Dixie and her family shared memorable train vacations that took them across the United States, creating treasured family memories along the way. She was also a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals. She supported her team, wearing a Royals Shirt daily, and rarely missing a game.

A wonderful cook, Dixie, was especially famous for her homemade biscuit rolls, which became a beloved breakfast tradition. She loved her family deeply and took great joy in her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Dixie had a heart of servitude and gave generously of her time. She volunteered for many years at the libraries of Randolph Elementary School and Wanamaker Elementary School, where she faithfully supported students and staff.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Betty (Runnels) Bourne, and her dear friend and cousin Rosanne Overman.

She is survived by her husband of the home, Earl Pointer; Their daughters Lynnette Pointer and partner John Thacker, and Jennifer Pointer and partner Roosevelt Rambo; Grandchildren Jasmyn (Pointer) Mendoza and husband Miguel of Topeka, KS, Leza Collins and partner Cobra Williams of Deering, KS, Monique (Johnson) Page and husband John of Houston, TX, Mackenzie Collins of Humble, TX, Kyle Zinn of Topeka, KS, Lucas Collins of Topeka, KS, Gabriella Collins of Topeka, KS, and Teagan Wheat of Topeka, KS, She is also survived by four great grandchildren Jianna Page of Houston, TX, Jiselle Page of Houston, TX, Colt Williams of Deering, KS, and Josie Page of Houston, TX.

Dixie will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her kindness, her strong work ethic, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories her family will cherish forever.

She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Nashville Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026 in Topeka.