Nesta Fleming

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Nesta Fleming, 95, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at her home in Nevada, MO. Nesta was born May 2, 1928 in Pentyrch, Wales, to George and Morfydd (Salathiel) Llewellyn. 

She married Norman B. Fleming on September 14, 1951 and he preceded her in death in 1967.

Nesta grew up in Wales and came with her family to Nevada in 1950 at the age of 20. She became a nurse in Redding England prior to coming to Nevada and worked as a nurse at Nevada State Hospital for over 32 years until her retirement. 

Traveling was one of her favorite hobbies, as well as sailing, gardening, horses, and German Shepherd dogs. Nesta was a member of the All-Saints Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Pleasure Horse Club and rode in many parades including the American Royal.

Survivors include her son, Steve Canfield (Jan), Carthage, MO; grandson and caregiver, Daniel Fleming, Nevada; and several step-grandchildren; her sister, Nora Ray Garver, Hays, KS; a daughter-in-law, Sherri (Fleming) Zumwalt, Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Nigel Fleming; a brother, Elwyn Llewellyn; and a sister, Rosemary Murray.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Newton Burial Park in Nevada with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Friends may call now and until noon on Friday at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com

Dollie Himes

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dollie M. Himes, age 85 of Joplin, MO., passed away early Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Communities of Westgate.

Dollie was born on March 7, 1939, in Joplin, the daughter of Ben and Bessie (Herbline) Golden. She has been a lifetime area resident. Dollie worked as a bookkeeper for several years at the Joplin Paper Company and later retired from the Joplin R-8 School District having served as a crossing guard and at the Bus Barn.

She was a member of Southside Baptist Church. Dollie enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grand kids in her spare time she liked playing cards with her late husband, best friend Cleo Copher, Janie and Jay Wood, Margaret and Paul McCoy. She also enjoyed visiting the casino, being pampered while getting her nails done, and going camping. She loved reading her bible every morning before starting her day. She was loved by many and will be truly missed.

She married George Himes on March 16, 1957, he preceded her in death on February 11, 2018. Dollie was also preceded by her parents.

Survivors include her daughters; Terri Himes and Debbie Merman, both of Joplin, her son; Kevin Himes of Joplin, eight grandchildren Candy Pace, Jeremy Gaston, Ben Boyer (Nayelli), Jimmy Holden 3rd (Kimber), Lauren Sanders (Aaron Arnold), Ashley Saulen (Stephen Saulen), Trevor Robbins (Madisen Goeller, Paige Himes and seventeen great-grandchildren.

One fun adventure... Dollie spent time at Silver Dollar City at the age of 84 with her son Kevin, granddaughter Paige riding roller coasters including WildFire and Powdered Keg.

Grandson’s will serve as Pallbearers: Ben Boyer, Nathan Vanderpool, Trevor Robbins, Jaxson Cloud, Stephen Saulen, and Aaron Arnold.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Southside Baptist Church. A burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during the time of visitation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the Mason Woodard funeral home.

Bob Yockey

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Robert Lee “Bob” Yockey, age 86, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Monday, April 22, 2024 at Aurora Nursing Center in Aurora, Missouri.

He was born February 14, 1938 in Erie, Kansas the son of R. Ernest and Bonnie B. (Leckenby) Yockey. 

On January 1, 2011 in Miami, Oklahoma he was united in marriage to Phyllis Schrader, who survives. 

Also surviving are his children, Cheryl Cole and her husband Keith of Cassville, Missouri, Debbie Clapsaddle and her husband Don of Erie, Kansas, Cindy Rohden and her husband Tim of Clever, Missouri, Gregg Yockey and his wife Kandi of Cassville, Missouri, Vicki Leonard and her husband David of Purdy, Missouri and Kelly Cornell of Cassville, Missouri; a sister, Judi Hopkins and her husband Neil of Joplin, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren and special friends, Teli and Jennifer Ramirez.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Ronnie Yockey and Larry Yockey; two grandchildren, Dustin and Michael and two great grandchildren, Paige and Ezra.

Bob grew up and attended school in Erie, Kansas graduating from Erie High School. He was employed by Williams Energy Company, NuWay Campers and FASCO, Industries from where he retired after 21 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, being outside, woodworking, collecting ink pens and tending his flowers, he grew peonies and roses. Bob was of the Christian faith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 P.M. Friday, May 3, 2024 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Garret Akin will conduct the service.

Contributions may be made to Haven of the Ozarks in memory of Bob.

Vera Russell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Vera Sue Russell, age 88 of Carl Junction, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Mercy Hospital following an extended illness. Vera was born on March 27, 1936 near Joplin to the late Samuel and Dorothy (Felkins) Gaskill.

After marrying William ‘Bill’ Russell in June of 1955, Vera became a homemaker, raising their three children together. 

When she desired to go back to work, she worked for the Carl Junction High School as a Secretary for many years and working as a Realtor before retiring. Family was the greatest gift she had. Vera was a natural care taker, taking care of family members and even close friends at different times.

She and Bill were very active in the community. You could find her serving at many organizations within the Carl Junction area, including CJ Senior Center and Meals on Wheels, CJ Senior Housing board member, served on the CJ Cemetery Association board, the CJ Cultivators Club as well as the local Booster Club. A few years back, Vera was named the Outstanding Citizen of the Year for Carl Junction. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Carl Junction.

Other than her parents, Vera is preceded in death by her husband, Bill and brothers, Bob and Jim Gaskill. 

She is survived by her children, Daniel (Nancy) Russell of Fulton, Missouri, David (Mitzi) Russell of Carl Junction; daughter, Robin (Ron) Lundien of Carl Junction; brother, Sam Gaskill of Diamond; 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and many friends.

Graveside services are planned for Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carl Junction Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Mortuary Chapel. Those serving as pallbearers include John Lundien, Jordan Russell, Braden Russell, Nicholas Russell, Braxton Russell, Travis Karraker and Blake Lundien.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either the CJ Senior Center or the CJ Cemetery Association, both in care of the mortuary.

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

Velma Collins

(From Knell Mortuary)

Velma Jewel Collins, 92, Joplin, Missouri, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, at Sarcoxie Nursing Center, Sarcoxie, Missouri. 

Velma was born on July 30, 1931, in Seneca, Missouri, a daughter of the late Tobe F. Davis and Alice (Coleman) Davis. Velma's life was a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds and the simple grace of a life well-lived.

Velma's early years in Seneca laid the foundation for a life characterized by faith, love, and dedication to her family. She gracefully transitioned into her role as a homemaker, a calling she fulfilled with unwavering commitment and joy. Velma's home was not only a sanctuary of warmth and impeccable order but also a hub of laughter and cherished memories for all who entered. 

She married William C. Sparlin in January of 1948, and to this union, 6 children were born; he preceded her in death on December 21, 1981. She then married Glenn Collins on December 14, 1984; he preceded her in death on August 31, 2005.

She is survived by a loving family who will carry forward her legacy: her children, Marilyn Tandy (Bill), Pat Brown (Gary), Janice Compton, Burley Sparlin (Patti), and Denver Sparlin (Cheryl); a sister-in-law, Betty Davis; fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, one of whom proudly bears her name, Brynleigh Jewel. Velma also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and a multitude of extended family and friends who were touched by her gentle spirit. She was preceded in death by her son, Billy Sparlin; six brothers, Don, Walter, Ervin, Elmer, Perry, and Bobby Davis; three sisters, Jessie DiMatteo, June Simmons, and Opal Wyrick; and two grandchildren, Bobby and Brittanie Sparlin.

Velma's interests were as nurturing as her personality. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like tending to her garden and traveling to new places. However, her greatest joy was found in the time she spent surrounded by her family. She was the heart of every family gathering, her presence a comforting and unifying force.

She attended Forest Park Church in Joplin, Missouri. Velma's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. It was her faith that filled her with the boundless love she shared with everyone she met. Those who knew her will remember Velma as a loving, faith-filled, and gentle soul, whose kindness radiated and inspired all around her.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday, April 26, 2024, at Knell Mortuary. Burial will follow in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin, Missouri. Visitation will be held 5-7 pm, Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Charles Casey

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Charles Lee Casey, age 70, of Miller, Missouri, was born September 25, 1953, the son of Johnnie Ross and Emma Charlene (Lester) Casey at their home at Gray’s Point, Missouri. Charles passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at his home in Miller, Missouri.

Charles attended grade school at Miller West Elementary and high school at Miller High School where he graduated from in 1972. Charles spent most of his life doing auto body work and was a mechanic. He had a very soft spot for his dogs, and he loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.

On June 6, 1987, he married Elaine Banner, in Golden City, Missouri.

Charles is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elaine; two children, Alisha (Junior) Moenning of Lockwood, Missouri and Jade Casey of Joplin, Missouri; one sister, Joyce (Bruce) Williams of Miller, Missouri; two brothers, John Wayne (Crystal) Casey of Golden City, Missouri and Johnnie Ross Casey, Jr. of South Carolina; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard (Erin) Munson of Golden City, Missouri; sister-in-law, Charlene (Chris) Foreman of Chesterfield, Virgina and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Jane, Kay, Fay, and brother-in-law, Skeeter.

Charles will always be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Also, as one of the biggest jokers and story tellers. Oh, we cannot forget his stubbornness, lol.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Morris-Leiman-Mosher Funeral Home in Miller, with a memorial service to follow at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Gray’s Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to Gray’s Point Cemetery, in care of the funeral home, PO Box 108, Miller, Missouri.

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

Howard House

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of a loving, compassionate, and dedicated man, Howard F. House, Jr., who left us on April 22, 2024 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. 

Born on September 19, 1953, in Montebello, CA, Howard moved to Joplin around the 7th grade, where he built a life filled with joy, service, and devotion. 

He was a beacon of light in his community, leaving a lasting impact through his deeds and his words, always ready with a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. Howard was an exceptionally outgoing man, conscientious and dedicated, a man who never encountered a stranger.

Howard was an accomplished contractor who spent over 50 years in his field. His love for his work was evident in the meticulous quality he brought to every project. He was a lifetime member of Lions Club International and served as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of BluCurrent Credit Union, dedicating his time and effort to ensuring its continued growth. A devout Christian and an active member of his church, Howard was the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he encouraged others to follow Christ with the same fervor and dedication.

What mattered most to Howard was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, JoAnn, for nearly 46 years. He was a loving father to Valerie (David) Mathews, Brendan (Bekah) House, and Patrece (Bryan) Simpson, a doting grandfather to Sophia E. House, Ellie U. House, Nathanael L. Mathews, Lillian W. Mathews, and Jameson F. Mathews. He also leaves behind his nice Eric DeMoss, nephew Ryan (Regina) P. DeMoss, and his sister, Sherri (Chip) Weeg. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard House Sr. and Phyllis (Newby) Jones, along with a multitude of loving relatives.

His love for his family was mirrored in his hobbies, as he enjoyed traveling with his wife to various places, especially their annual trips to the Florida coast, and taking each one of his grandkids on a special Florida trip all to themselves. His love for fishing, woodworking, and tinkering with a little bit of everything spoke volumes about his zest for life.

A service to celebrate Howard's life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home..." (John 14:1-2). Howard House lived these words, and his life was a testament to his faith.

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 Howard, a loving, compassionate, dedicated man whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.