James Lewis

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

James R Lewis D.C., 68 of Joplin Missouri peacefully passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at his home. 

James was born to the late Marjorie Fox and Robert Lewis on March 1, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim was a local Chiropractor in the Joplin area for several years. 

He is survived by his son Nic Lewis. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date, once arrangements are finalized.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, Joplin.

Charles Skaggs

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Charles E. Skaggs, age 88 of Aurora, Missouri passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026 at his home. He was born February 2, 1938 in Aurora, Missouri, the son of Harry "Elmer" and Dora (Gardner) Skaggs. He was retired from the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his son, Michael Skaggs of Aurora, MO. and one sister, Helen Lancaster of West Memphis, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geraldine (Gerry); brother, Wayne Skaggs; and two sisters, Doris Elkin and Jean Howell.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held Friday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Maple Park Cemetery with Curtis Owens officiating under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Gabriel Stokes

(From Knell Mortuary)

Gabriel Lane Stokes, born on April 28, 1972, in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Curtiss and Carol (Henley) Stokes passed away on May 25, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri.

Gabriel graduated from Missouri State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. As part of his college experience, Gabriel studied abroad, spending time in both London, England and Geneva, Switzerland. 

In his working life, Gabriel served with Visiting Angels in client care, where his kindness and patience were evident in the service he provided. Along with working and completing his education, Gabriel developed a hobby of turning wooden bowls on a lathe. In spite of his handicap of being legally blind, he became proficient at making segmented bowls. A feat few believed a legally blind person could accomplish.

Gabriel was deeply loved by his family. He is survived by his father, Curtiss Stokes and Vicki of Carthage, Missouri; his mother, Carol Durst and Ron of Webb City, Missouri; his siblings, Nathan Stokes and Sandi of Sarcoxie, Missouri, Mary Colin and Adam of Joplin, Missouri, Amy Clements and Jeff of Lamar, Missouri, and John Shaffer, of Carthage, Missouri. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, Stefan Stokes, Ashley Stokes, Emmy Colin, Maddy Colin, Caleb Clements, Caty Clements, and Allison Shaffer. His family was an important part of his life, and he treasured the bonds they shared.

Memorial visitation will be held from 10 am to 12 pm Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Fairview Chrisitan Church Carthage, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

Sylvia Roberts

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Sylvia Diane Roberts, 86, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by family.

Sylvia was born in Wichita, Kansas, on December 15, 1939, to Wilmer Glenn Brice and Leona Ruth Brice (née Zane). She spent much of her childhood in Baxter Springs with her mother and stepfather, Dr. Robert R. Brookshire, enjoying many happy hours at the public library and Saturday matinees at the movie theater.

After high school - where she acted in school plays, endured a physics teacher who believed women should not be taking his class, and skipped gym class whenever possible - she attended the University of Kansas earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Post-college, Sylvia moved to Kansas City, where she met a man she would marry and have two sons with. She soon discovered, however, that her husband was not the man he had pretended to be, and the marriage ended in divorce.

Determined to build a better future for herself and her boys, she pursued higher education despite being advised by a graduate school advisor at Washington University in St. Louis to stay home and raise her children instead of entering the master's program. Sylvia ignored the advice, enrolled, and ultimately earned her Master's Degree in Social Work.

Within a few years, Sylvia rose to become Chief of Social Services for Johnson County, Kansas, dedicating her professional life to helping others and advocating for those in need. While attending Washington University, she also met the man who would become her beloved husband, Milton W. Roberts. They married in 1973 and shared many happy years together until his passing in 2007. Through their marriage, Sylvia became a devoted stepmother to Milt's daughter, Danielle, while Milt became a loving father figure to her two sons.

After completing their degrees, Sylvia and Milt moved the family from St. Louis to Kansas City. After their youngest child left for college, they moved to Washington, D.C., where they both worked for a private company that operated group homes for people with developmental disabilities.

In retirement, Milt and Sylvia moved back to Kansas City, where Milt passed away. Sylvia then spent her time taking art classes, caring for her mother, and enjoying the company of her sister Sharon and niece Serena. She also volunteered with the Assistance League of Kansas City.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sylvia enjoyed doll collecting, gardening, spoiling her cats, bowling, researching genealogy, and she loved watching competitive ice skating, theater, ballet, movies and football.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Danielle Smith (David), Michael Strelow (Ruthy Tyre), and Todd Strelow (Ed Crump); her grandchildren, Milton, Marcus, and Diana; her great-grandchildren; her siblings, Betty-Anne Tague (Gary), Mary Lou McDonald (Mark), Robert R. Brookshire II (Marijo), and Sharon Carmichael; as well as extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Sylvia will be remembered for her intelligence, resilience, humor, and adventurous spirit. She was always ready for a new experience and brought warmth and laughter wherever she went, especially through her unforgettable laugh. She believed deeply in caring for people who were disadvantaged, rejected prejudice and bigotry in all forms, and raised her children to think independently and compassionately.

Sylvia will be laid to rest at Seneca Cemetery on June 1, at 2 p.m. A graveside memorial service will precede the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .

Bob LeMasters

(From Weng Funeral Chapel)

Robert W. LeMasters, 92, died after a short illness on May 24, 2006, at a rehabilitation center in Carthage, Missouri. He was born on May 9, 1934, in Jasper, Missouri, the son of Alonzo Lee LeMasters and Wilma Lamyra (Baird) Kirby.

Bob graduated from Jasper High School with the Class of 1952. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1953 to 1956 with the 10th armored division.

He married Louisa Gilbert on August 7, 2004, and they settled in Greenfield, Missouri. They were happily married for 21½ years. Bob was also a proud and loyal member of the Masonic Lodge of Carthage and the Carthage Shrine Train Crew. He was also a member of the American Legion

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Bill, and two sisters, Patricia and Nancy Ann.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Louisa; his sons, Ronald LeMasters and his wife, Kerrie, and Gerald LeMasters; his cherished grandchildren, Leah, Lorel, and Reed; and eight adored great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Louisa’s children, David, Julie, Eric, and Kimberly , along with their children Tiffani, Corbin, Reid, Gilbert, Kara, Amanda, Randi, and Jacob

Bob is further survived by his brothers, Lonnie, Rick, and John, all of Carthage, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for family.

Bob treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with those he loved. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, steady presence, and generous heart touched everyone around him. His family was the center of his life, and he took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Above all else, Bob loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 2,2026 at Bethany Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1,2026 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Weng Funeral Chapel. There will be Masonic Rites at 5:30 p.m. Burial with full military rites will be held at Fasken Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Weng Funeral Chapel. Online condolences can be made at wengfuneralchapel.com..

Christy Fletcher

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Christy Michelle Fletcher, 56, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on April 17, 1970, in Carthage, Missouri, to Lloyd George and Patricia (English) George.

Christy graduated from high school and attended Vatterott College. She trained to become a pharmacy technician where she worked in that field for many years.

On June 20, 2003, she married Brian Fletcher, and together they shared nearly 23 years of marriage before her passing. He survives.

Christy loved being outdoors and enjoyed riding ATVs, fishing, and spending time at the beach whenever she could. She also had a very creative side and owned her own business, Copperhead Ridge Creations, where she enjoyed making custom tumblers, T-shirts, and 3D artwork.

Christy is survived by her husband, Brian Fletcher; her parents, Lloyd and Patricia George; her children, Jordan George and wife Sarah of Neosho, Cody McNary and Alyssa of Joplin, Tyler Fletcher and wife Tiffany of Goodman, Taylor Shaver and husband John of Neosho, and Shelby Black and husband Bryton of Neosho; 11 grandchildren with one more on the way; her brother, Eric George of Neosho; her sister, Kim George of Joplin; and her nephew, Nathan Evans of Joplin.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Belfast Cemetery.

Alvin Casey

(From Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home)

Alvin L. Casey, 83, of Parker, CO, formerly of Marshall, MO, died Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Pine Grove Crossing Assisted Living in Parker, CO.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall. Private family inurnment will take place in Ridge Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saline Animal League or Saline County Ducks Unlimited Chapter. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com

Born December 15, 1942, in Hutchinson, KS, he was the son of the late Henry O. Casey and Marie Danford Casey. He attended Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Junior College, as well as Fort Hays State University on a basketball scholarship. On February 7, 1962, he married Diane VanEron who preceded him in death on September 1, 2019. 

Al began his teaching career in the Wynona, KS School District and served as the football coach. After one year in Wynona, he moved his family to DeSoto, KS, and taught at the high school for five years and was the football and basketball coach. He began his sales career with Jostens School Plans in Nashville, IL. In 1973 he joined Reader’s Digest (for school fundraisers) which brought the family to Marshall, MO. Al retired from Reader’s Digest in 2007. From an early age, Al was an avid waterfowl hunter and made many life-long friends along the way that shared his enthusiasm when “opening day” came around. Al also enjoyed playing golf. He was a founding member of the Golf Course Improvement Committee at Indian Foothills Park as well as instrumental in starting the annual Frost-Buster Golf Tournament. 

Survivors include his two children, Ruffiett Yokley and husband Chris of Neosho, MO, and Robert Casey and wife Christy of Goodlettesville, TN; two grandchildren, Taylor Yokley (Christopher Lewis) of Neosho, MO, and Jordyn Casey of Denver, CO; two great-grandsons, Bradley and Rylee Lewis; one great-granddaughter, Mailey Lewis; four step-grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew and Claire Graves and Nick Clevenger; one sister-in-law, Guyneth Casey of Tonto Verde, AZ; and one nephew, Roger Casey of Mission Viejo, CA.

In addition to his parents, and wife, Diane, Al was preceded in death by one brother, Gary D. Casey; and one niece, Donna Casey Friedman.