James Godfrey

(From Stumpff Funeral Home)

James Godfrey, Crane, MO, son of Robert and Delores (Wyman) Godfrey, was born on March 31, 1957, in Kansas City, KS and departed this life on October 7, 2026, at the age of 69.

James worked in autobody repair and had lived in the area since 1975 coming from Kansas City, KS.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Delores Godfrey, brother Robert Godfrey and three sisters, Patty Garner, Delores Cox and Tammy Back.

Survivors include: his girlfriend, Amanda Ames of Crane, MO; five daughters, Natasha Hankins and her spouse, Scott of Kentucky, April Hahn and her spouse, Aaron, Amy Carr and her spouse, Erica of Seymore, MO, Selena Godfrey of Crane, MO and Whitney Kyle and her spouse, Lane of Joplin, MO; two brothers, John Godfrey and his wife, Brenda of Jasper, MO and Paul Godfrey of Kansas City, KS; three sisters, Louann Kinley of McCord Bend, MO, Jeanie Taylor of Reeds Spring, MO and Jody Webb of Idaho; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff funeral Home, Crane, MO.

Seon Keun Kim

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Seon Keun Kim, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, engineer, and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on September 26, 1939, in Korea, Seon grew up in Seoul, where he graduated from Soong Moon High School before earning his first engineering degree from Yonsei University in 1966. In 1972, he came to the United States, where he married Kyung Sook Hong on March 29, 1975. He continued his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology, earning his second engineering degree in 1977. That same year, Seon proudly became a United States citizen and began his career with the United States Department of Transportation in Kansas City.

In July 1985, Seon and his family opened Bamboo Dragon in Pittsburg, Kansas. What began as a single restaurant grew into a successful family business that spanned four decades, with additional locations opening in Girard, Carl Junction, Webb City, and Joplin. Hard work and perseverance were at the heart of what the family built together.

Although Seon accomplished much in his career, his greatest pride was his family. He cherished the life he and Kyung built together, took great pride in their sons, and especially delighted in his granddaughters. His journey from Korea to the United States reflected courage, sacrifice, and determination.

Seon is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kyung Kim; his sons, Joe Kim and his wife, Jennifer, and Paul Kim and his wife, Ariel; his granddaughters, Mia and Miley Kim, and Ayra and Aliz Kim; and his siblings, Yu Kim and Jung Lim.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Kim Milligan and Chun Ja Kim.

His family is deeply proud of the life he lived and forever grateful for the years they shared with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at First Korean Presbyterian Church, 205 E. South St., Nixa, Missouri 65714. Family and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating Seon’s life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Lee Walker

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Donald “Lee” Walker, 69, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away on October 2, 2026. He was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Donald and Dorothy Walker.

Lee was a lifelong resident of Liberal, Missouri, with the exception of a brief period when he lived in Pittsburg and Frontenac, Kansas. In his early 20s he worked for Dickey Clay Manufacturing. A serious accident while working there left Lee disabled for the remainder of his life. In the years following his accident, he mowed lawns and performed various odd jobs for people in the area. He was known by many in the community.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Walker; and his brother, Francis "Frankie" Walker.

He is survived by his son Kevin Walker of Kent, Washington; his uncle, Bill Walker and his wife, Virginia, of Carthage, Missouri; his aunt, Mae Cooper of Lamar, Missouri; his aunt, Kay Charlton and her husband, Gary, of Liberal, Missouri; along with several cousins and many friends who will remember him fondly.

A graveside service will be held on Friday October 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Liberal City Cemetery.

Kathy Wood

Kathy Earlene Wood of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 23, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born on November 19, 1955, to Richard and Madge Long. After graduating from Parkwood High School in Joplin, she earned a bachelor’s degree in the arts from MSSC (MSSU).

Kathy married Bruce Wood, and together they had two sons. She worked in retail and customer service for more than 40 years. Kathy enjoyed drawing, painting, crocheting, and a variety of craft projects. She was known for her contagious laughter, wearing her heart on her sleeve, her willingness to help anyone in need, and giving the best hugs. 

 

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Wood; her son, Zackary Wood; her parents, Richard and Madge Long; her brother, Ronald Long; and her sister, Rhonda Frazier, and Rhonda’s husband, Mitch Frazier.

She is survived by her son, Nathan Wood; her sister, Leslie Forest, and Leslie’s husband, David Forest; her brother, Jim Turner of Utah; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

The family will hold a service at a later date.

Steve Bennett

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Steve Todd "Stevie B" Bennett passed away on September 29, 2026, in Noel, Missouri. Born on October 29, 1961, Steve was raised in Fresno, California, where he graduated from McLane High School.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Steve spent 30 years of his career working for Rich Products in Fresno. He later served his local community in sanitation as a custodian for Gravette High School for 10 years, becoming a familiar and friendly face before retiring in June 2025.

Steve was a man of deep faith, devoting much of his time to his church. When he wasn't working or serving others, he found joy in playing his guitar and the thrill of going jetskiing. He also thoroughly enjoyed and adored his five German Shepherds, who brought a special kind of companionship and happiness to his life. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, perfectly captured by his signature parting words to those he cared about: "Sure luv ya".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marlene, and sister, Julie Evans.

Steve’s legacy of love lives on through his wife of 43 years, Melinda Bennett, his children: Steven and his wife Rebecca, Jeff, and Tim and his wife Kim, and his brother Rick. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren: Ansley, Alyvia, Emery, Dustin, Addison, Camille, Cooper, and Nellie.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 147 Mustang Lane, Anderson, MO 64831 on October 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

Gene Bittick

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Charles (Gene) Eugene Bittick, 92, of Carthage, Missouri passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2026.

Gene was born August 28th, 1934, in Topaz, Douglas County, Missouri, the son of Thomas E. and Ellen M. Bittick.

On February 15th, 1953, he married Vivian M. Poindexter. They shared 45 wonderful years together where they welcomed 6 children., Charles E. Bittick Jr, Steve Bittick, Vicki Bittick, Tom Bittick Sr, Danny Bittick, Dennis Bittick. He was also a devoted father to Paul J. Beaver and Michael E. Beaver (Preceded in Death). 

He later married Joyce E. Rose on March 14th, 2005. They shared 21 happy years together where they spent a lot of time with their Red Oak Family enjoying music and fellowshipping.

Gene spent several years at Juvenile Shoe before going to work at and retiring from Schreiber Foods in 1994. He lived a full and meaningful life filled with family, laughter and countless memories. He especially loved fishing, playing his mandolin, gardening and hunting for a good yard sale.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Bittick; her children, Brenda Campbell (John) Debbie Overall (Gary), David Rose (Tammy); his 6 children, Charles E. Bittick Jr, Steve Bittick (Cheryl), Vicki Hopper (Gary), Tom Bittick Sr (Julie), Danny Bittick (Tammy), Dennis Bittick (Kathy); 27 grandchildren; 59 Great Grandchildren; and 19 Great- Great Grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He is preceded in death by Vivian M. Bittick (Wife); Thomas E. and Ellen M. Bittick (Parents); Betty Lou Wright and Darrell J. Bittick (Siblings); Paul J. Beaver and Michael E. Beaver (Stepsons).

Funeral services will be Graveside on Friday, October 9th 11:00AM at Jasper Cemetery in Reeds, MO with Pastor Tim Darch officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers will be Charles Bittick Jr, Steve Bittick, Tom Bittick Sr, Danny Bittick, Dennis Bittick and Gary Hopper. Honorary Pallbearer will be Vicki Hopper.

Family will receive friends and loved ones Thursday, October 8th from 6-8pm at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home Sarcoxie, MO. Memorial contributions may be directed to New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene 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.

Kenneth Sadowski

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Kenneth Wayne Sadowski was born on September 2, 1946, in Kirksville, Missouri, one of five children to Leon and Dorothy (Morehead) Sadowski. He entered into rest at his home in Neosho on October 5, 2026, at the age of 80. 

Kenneth was a graduate of Kirksville, Missouri High School and following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country from 1964-1967. 

He spent his working years working as a welder for Burlington-Northern-Sante Fe Railroad. Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing pool and listening to audio books. Most recently he acquired a 3-D printer and enjoyed creating things for his grandchildren. He was of the Christian faith. 

In 2009, in Newton County, Missouri, Kenneth and Sharon Kay (Gilmore) were united in marriage and she survives. 

In addition, he is survived by eight children, Pete White of Neosho, Becky Shideler and husband, Clark of Drumright, Oklahoma, Gayla Plank of Rogers, Arkansas, Marion Holland and wife, Patty of Vian, Oklahoma, Alisha Irvine and husband, David of St. Robert, Missouri, Teresa McNeil and husband, William, Jr. of Greenfield, Missouri, Melvin Holland of Harrisburg, Arkansas and Ricky Holland and wife, Regina of Seligman, Missouri; twenty four grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, who lovingly called his papa and one brother, Louis Sadowski of Cleveland, Tennessee. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Chuck and two sisters, Joan and Margie.