Gary White

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Gary Dean White, age 65, of Monett, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his home.

He was born December 26, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Melva (King) White of Marionville, Missouri, and the late Earl Dean White, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his daughter, Lacie White and his sister, Denise Schloesser of Greenfield, Missouri.

Gary graduated with the Monett High School Class of 1978. He then attended Crowder College in Neosho, where he graduated with a degree in art and art history in 1982. Gary had lived in the Monett area for the last 54 years where he owned and operated Gary White Signs. He loved to play his guitar and sing, as well as take his Jeep off roading and ride motorcycles. The last few years Gary enjoyed watching the wildlife from his deck and talking with friends about God and peace. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Gary attended Monett House of Prayer.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Belva Parmley

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Belva Lou Parmley, 85, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

Belva was born in Wentworth, Missouri on Wednesday, September 25, 1940, to the union of Carl and Maud Chandler. She graduated third in her class of Sarcoxie High School in 1958 and later attended Draughon Business College. 

On September 12, 1958, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Carol G. “Fats” Parmley, sharing forty-nine wonderful years of memories until his passing on April 15, 2008. Belva retired from First National Bank of Sarcoxie, after many years of dedicated service. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed crocheting, baking, Facebook and loved spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, son-in-law, Mike Kerr; and siblings, Nelson Howard Chandler, Elwin Chandler and Elizabeth Ann Harris.

Belva is survived by her children, C. Eugene Parmley and Ronald Parmley and wife, Jill and Carla Kerr, all of Sarcoxie, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jessica Parmley, Ronda Parmley, Ashley Dumire and husband Lee and Chans Parmley and wife Sydney; great-grandchildren, Theresa McCoy, Aleah Dumire, Gunner Dumire, Kaylee Dumire, Britton Dumire and Lilith Dumire and Saylor Parmley; great-great-grandchildren, Lakin McCoy and Branelle McCoy; step -grandchildren, Brock Morehouse and Brook Alexander; step great-grandchildren, Erben Alexander and Charli Alexander; several nieces and nephews; as well as host of other family and friends.

Graveside service for Mrs. Parmley will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Sarcoxie Cemetery with Pastor Ed Brown officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Red Cross of Joplin in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Ava Stidham

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Ava Nichole Stidham, 16, of Baxter Springs, KS, passed away peacefully and pain-free, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 3, 2025, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS. Ava was born on December 15, 2008, in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Martin Stidham, and is survived by her mother, Natalie Jo Stidham. 

Ava was a loving sister to Talia Fitzjohn, Martin Stidham, Kinsley Baker, and Taylor Skinner. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, Nadine and Lance Woods, and her paternal grandparents, Marty White, partner Kelly Thompson and Harold “Scrap” Stidham. Ava is additionally survived by her “Aunt T,” Tiffany Woods. She was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered by her many friends and family.

Although Ava’s battle with cancer was difficult, she fought bravely until the very end. She had an incredible spirit and always found a way to bring light to even the toughest situations. Her laugh was contagious, and she brought joy to everyone around her. 

From a young age, Ava amazed us with her intelligence and creativity. She had a mind that never stopped imagining and exploring. She especially loved robotics and excelled at it. She filled her days with creativity, laughter, and love. She had a natural talent for drawing, often bringing her imagination to life on paper with a few strokes of her pencil. She loved gaming and could always turn a quiet afternoon into an adventure filled with fun and excitement. 

Shopping trips with her were never just errands, they were moments of joy, laughter, and shared memories. She had a sweet tooth for candy, especially when it came to her favorite treats, and she delighted in sharing them with those she loved. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, creating bonds and memories that will live on in our hearts. Whether she was watching scary movies and hiding behind a blanket during the suspenseful parts or simply sitting and talking, her warmth and presence made every moment special.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Following the visitation Ava has been entrusted to Derfelt’s for cremation. A memorial service will be hosted by the family at a later date. Those wishing to honor her may do so by sharing a kind word, an act of compassion, or a memory that reflects her generous heart. Ava’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering grace. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Velma Stahl

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Velma Mae Stahl, loving wife, devoted mother, and respected entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in her birthplace of Joplin, Missouri. She was born on May 20, 1941, to the late Chester and Olive Belle (Pickens) Carrico.

Velma was known for her work as a licensed beautician, a skill she possessed with grace and style. In 1982, Velma took to the roads, embarking on a new adventure as a semi-truck driver. Her passion for the open road was matched only by her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to start a trucking business with her beloved husband, Larry. Together, they founded Larvel Carriers. In her spare time, she could be found bowling, sewing, or riding motorcycles.

Velma will be remembered as a pillar of strength. As a single mother, she raised seven children with a love so fierce and protective that it became the very foundation of their lives. Her heart and her door were always open, a testament to her caring nature, always placing the needs of others before her own. She married Larry Stahl on December 31, 1981. They had 44 wonderful years together before her passing.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Stahl; children, Jackie Stanley, Donnie Slate, Laurie Tracy, Sammy Slate, Jack Slate, Jr., Melissa Dickerson, Shannan Walker, Jamie Stahl, and Martin Stahl; 25 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great- grandchildren; siblings, Larry Malone and Linda Russow.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Curl; siblings, Bill Carrico, Chester Calvin Carrico, Jr., and Gail Carrico.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion that will continue to light the way for generations to come. Her memory will be cherished, her stories recounted with fondness, and her presence deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, MO, with visitation prior to the service from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.




Arrangements are under the direct care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Danny Turner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Danny Irwin Turner, age 69 of Carthage, Missouri, passed away at his home in Carthage after a sudden illness. Danny was born June 13, 1956 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Joe R. Turner, Jr. and Betty L. Bennett.

Danny left school to join the U.S. Army where he was honorably discharged after being injured while serving his country. He later came home and operated his own Handyman service.

He is survived by daughters, Heather Turner and Danoma Ragsdale, both of Springfield, Missouri, Savannah Turner of Carthage; son, Jesse Turner of Odessa, Texas; numerous grandchildren; brothers, Timothy Turner (Donna) of Walnut Grove, Missouri, Joe Turner (Vicki) of Carterville and Shawn Wininger (Tiffany) of Joplin; sister, Mardisa Rich (Jerry) of Joplin and Terry Turner of Joplin.

Other than his parents, Danny is preceded in death by a brother, Ricky Turner.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Wild Horse Foundation in care of the mortuary.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Brad Baird

Bradley DeMott Baird, 69, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away at his home on November 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. Brad was born in Carthage on September 20, 1956, to Raymond and Bonnie (DeMott) Baird, the youngest of their four sons.

Growing up, Brad lived to play baseball—he played all through his school years and graduated with the Carthage High School Class of 1974. After graduation, he opened his own business, Baird Saw and Tool, sharpening saw blades for La-Z-Boy and other businesses across Southwest Missouri for more than 20 years.

In 2003, Brad began his next great adventure as a Bail Bondsman—a career he truly loved. From helping families get their loved ones out of jail, giving clients rides to court, or sharing a meal with someone in need, to the long, unpredictable hours spent on bounty hunts, Brad embodied what a true Bail Bondsman should be.

Brad is survived by his loving wife, Traci, of their home in Carthage; daughter Carlen Baird-Baptista and husband Ron, of Carthage; sons Jarub Baird of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Christopher Baird and fiancée Brittney, of Carthage; Brayden Baird of Carthage; and Taylor Baird of Mexia, Texas. He is also survived by his brother Michael Baird and wife Connie, of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve amazing grandchildren—Kennedy Nicole, Rumor, Isaiah, Myles, Trinity, Elyis, Kateleya, Bri, Izzie, Flaco, Aubrey, and Mari; and three great-grandchildren—Rissa, Nyla, and Maverick. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well.

Anyone who knew Brad knew that his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his world. He also shared a deep bond with his three dogs—Cash, Athena, and Luna—who were his daily companions and constant sources of joy.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bonnie Baird; brothers Rick Baird and Patrick Baird; and sisters-in-law Glenda Baird, Janet Baird, and Allyson Rowden.

A Celebration of Life for Brad will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Carthage Humane Society in his memory.

Howard Scofield

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Howard Allen Scofield, age 73, of rural Carthage, Mo. passed away on Nov. 3, 2025 at home after a seven months battle with lung and bone cancer. Howard, son of Howard V. and Velma (Thornton) Scofield was born on May 22, 1952 in Carthage, Mo. He Graduated from Webb City High School with the class of 1970, attended Missouri Southern State College and served 7 years in the Missouri National Guard. Howard worked at Lozier Corp in Joplin as a tool and die maker for 50 years.

In May of 1981 Howard married his former classmate, Jonnie Sue Furry, at the Carterville United Methodist Church. Together they built a home in the country filled with love, laughter and good times. Howard was the proud father of two beautiful son, B.J. and Alex. He was a dedicated Webb City Cardinals football fan and loved watching his boys' sports events. An avid outdoorsman, Howard enjoyed camping at Roaring River, fishing at Grand Lake and hunting as the seasons changed.

Kansas City Chief games, making memories on family vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama and fishing trips to Lake Ford, Texas, and restoring old cars were highlights of Howard's life. Howard was always willing to offer help to anyone who needed it, whether they wanted it or not. He enjoyed chaperoning his sons' school events. Howard's memberships include Duck's Unlimited, National Rifle Association and International Associations of Machinists.

Survivors include Howard's wife, Jonnie Sue, of the home, son, Alex John Scofield of Webb City, grand-daughter, McKenna Scofield of Norman, Oklahoma, sister-in-law, Leslie Arft (Ron) and Amy Brown. Howard was a wonderful uncle to his many nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Fly away Howard. We love you.

Howard was proceeded in death be his son B.J. Scofield, parents Howard and Velma, brother Billy Scofield, in-laws John and Cherry Furry, sister-in-law, Kathy Perkins and brother-in-law Dick Perkins and Mack Brown.

Donations may be made to the B.J. Scofield memorial scholarship at Webb City High School in Howard's honor. A special thank you is extended to Compassus Hospice for their care and kindness. As per Howard's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and professionalism of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.