Mike Muncy

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Michael “Mike” Muncy, 60, formally of Racine, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at 12:20 p.m. in Neosho, Missouri.

Mike was born on April 20, 1966, in Wichita, Kansas, to Roy George and Vida Aliene Muncy. He was a hardworking man who spent many years working in the construction field, taking pride in providing for his family, and never being afraid of hard work.

To those who knew him, Mike was much more than a hard worker. He was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who leaves behind memories that will live on in the hearts of the people who loved him.

Mike had a passion for working on cars and could spend hours turning wrenches and bringing old vehicles back to life. He enjoyed riding four-wheelers, fishing, and grilling, especially when those things gave him an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Music was also a big part of Mike's life, and the songs he loved will forever bring memories of him back to those who knew him.

Most of all, Mike loved his family. He is survived by his children: Jennifer Parnell of Springfield, Missouri, Michael Muncy Jr of Neosho, Missouri, Travis Phillips of Joplin, Missouri, Kimberley Phillips of Joplin, Missouri, and James Sumpter of Galena, Kansas. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, who will carry his memory forward for generations to come.

Mike is survived by his mother, Vida Aliene Muncy of Erie, Kansas, his sister, Karen Boulanger of Erie, Kansas, his niece, Destiny Dick of Bixby, Oklahoma, and his nephew, Brian Muncy of Jasper, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy George Muncy.

Mike's life was made up of the simple things that often mean the most: time spent with family, a good meal on the grill, the sound of an engine running, a fishing trip, a ride on a four-wheeler, and music playing in the background. Those moments may seem ordinary, but they are the memories his family will treasure most.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, Mike's memory will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and everyone whose life he touched. His hands may no longer be turning wrenches, his voice may no longer fill the room, and his chair may sit empty, but the love he gave and the memories he created will never be gone.

Rest easy, Dad. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 6:00until 8:00 Sunday evening, October 11, 2026 at the PIERCE-CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME at Erie. Memorials are suggested to the Joplin Humane Society and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Dick Hegwer

(From Knell Mortuary)

Richard “Dick” Dale Hegwer, age 77, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at his lake home.

Born June 28, 1949, Dick lived a life centered around family and friends. He was an all-around good guy who would do anything for anyone at any time of the day. He loved horseback riding, farming, and spending as much time as possible with his family and friends.

After Dick retired from Reagent Chemical as a truck driver, he stayed busy running parts, working cattle, and driving a tractor. But much of his favorite time was spent at his lake home on Table Rock Lake, where he loved fishing, swimming, taking boat rides, and making friends. He was known for his smile, his stories, and always having his chair. Whether he was helping others, enjoying the country life, or taking a ride on the water, Dick was happiest doing the things he loved with the people who mattered most to him.

Above all, Dick treasured his family and friends. Known as “Grandpa” to many, he will be lovingly remembered for his patience, kindness, hard work, and sweet tooth. Even in his final weeks, Dick was still embracing life and trying to learn how to wake surf, a perfect reflection of his willingness to keep trying and continuing to enjoy every moment of life.

Dick married his beloved wife, Peggy Sargent Hegwer, on July 31, 1971, at Kimberling City United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life and family filled with love and memories. They had three sons: Brad Hegwer (Tracy), Matt Hegwer (Randi), and Sam Hegwer (Kim).

His grandchildren, Jonathan Mills, Taylor Davis (Johnathan), Hannah Johnson (Terry), Haden Hegwer, Addison Weber (Kohl), Samuel Hegwer (Tilly), Ryan Hegwer, Shelby Hegwer, and Kallie Hegwer, were his pride and joy. Dick was also blessed with seven great grandchildren, with three more on the way.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Peterson (Bruce), and his brother-in-law, David Laney.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Dale Hegwer; his mother, Thelma Good Hegwer; and his sister, Gina Laney.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, friendship, and a love for the country life. His smile, stories, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Though he may no longer be sitting in his favorite chair, the memories he made and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was well lived, his friendships were genuine, and he will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church with burial to follow in Dudman Cemetery. Please join us at 6 pm Wednesday October 14, 2026 for dinner, and time to share stories and memories at the home of Brad and Amanda Willis 9685 County Road 100 Carthage, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions to Cowboys for Cancer Crisis Fund in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Lisa Fox

(From Benton County Funeral Home)

Lisa Ann Fox 88 of Pineville Missouri passed away October 4, 2026, At Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born June 3, 1965, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Maxine Means. She is preceded in death by her Daughter Ashley Tharp and brother Steaven Means. If you knew my mom, trying to summarize her into a few paragraphs and call it a “Eulogy” just doesn’t track.

When I think about my mom, I don’t think of a traditional woman. And honestly, I don’t think she would have wanted to be described that way.

She smoked, she drank, she could be stubborn and she definitely did things her own way. But underneath all that she was the most thought caring and loving woman I’ve ever known.

My mom had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Growing up our home was always a gathering place. My older siblings and I would have our friends over, and somehow there was always room for one more. As we got older and started families of our own, that never changed, if anything, she loved it even more. She loved planning dinners, getting everyone together, filling the house with people she loved and creating memories.

And my mom wasn’t just mom, to her grandchildren, she was Lela. She was Lela to many other kids too. Our friend’s kids became her grandchildren just as easily as her own. She didn’t care whose child you were if she loved you- you were family.

She loved taking pictures, and if you knew my mom, you know taking pictures was an experience. She could spend five minutes trying to snap a photo and by the time she toked the picture everyone had laughed or moved but that never stopped her she wanted to capture everything. She wanted pictures of the people she loved, the dinners, the kids, the moments, she knew someday it would become a memory.

I think that’s one of the things that makes losing her so hard. She spent so much of her life making memories for us, and now we are left holding on to those memories without her.

My mom wasn’t perfect-and she never pretended to be but she was real. She loved loudly, cared deeply and made everyone feel like they belonged.

She created a home where people should show up, sit around the table, eat, laugh, argue, tell stories and just be together.

And that us how I will remember her, surrounded by people she loved making sure everyone had a place at her table.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and services will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th Street, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com

Midge Sparks

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Camilla “Midge” Sparks, born September 14, 1945, in Shelbyville, Missouri, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on October 7, 2026. Born and raised in Shelbyville, Midge spent most of her life in Aurora, Missouri, where she built a beautiful life centered around her family and faith.

Midge was the daughter of Harold Baker Smith and Laura Mildred (Davis) Smith. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Beverly (Smith) Thrasher and Terry Smith. She is survived by her sister, Sandy (Smith) Moreland. 

Midge shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Don “Donnie” Sparks. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

She was a devoted mother to her three children: Kris (Sparks) Besch and husband Kevin Besch; Kerri (Sparks) Roy and husband Corey Roy; and Jodie Sparks and wife Michele (Yount) Sparks.

Her greatest joy was her family - especially her grandchildren, and she was a loving granny to Korey Besch; Kobe Besch and wife Hayley Besch; Kaden Roy and wife Sydney Roy; Annie Kelley and husband Kade Kelley; Wyatt Sparks and wife Grace Sparks; Camilla Roy; Mattie Sparks and fiance Shawn Pennell; and Loren Sparks.

She was also a proud great-granny to Malynn Besch, Ada Kelley, Kasen Besch, Ruby Besch, Kensley Kelley, Harvey Sparks, and Baker Kelley. Midge also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and countless friends whose lives she touched.

Throughout her life, Midge devoted herself to caring for others. She spent her career as a homemaker, florist, and paraprofessional, bringing kindness, creativity, patience, and warmth to each role. Whether caring for her family, arranging beautiful flowers, or helping young people as a paraprofessional, she had a gift for making others feel loved and valued. 

Midge was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Aurora for more than 50 years. Her faith was an important part of her life, and her church family held a special place in her heart. Midge’s special ministry at church was her contributions to the flower committee and keeping the church beautiful.

Midge will be remembered most for her love of family, her feisty spirit, her strength, and the countless ways she cared for those around her. Her legacy lives on through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Aurora First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10th from 1:00 PM until Service time in the Church. A private family burial will follow.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Marsha Browder

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Marsha Browder, 64, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Marsha was born on January 12, 1962, in Carthage, Missouri, at McCune Brooks Hospital, to the late Donald Lee Heman and Alma Rose Parrigon. She attended school in Carthage and was a graduate of Carthage High School. Marsha worked as a nurse’s aide at the Sunnyhills Residential Care Facility. There she dedicated her time to caring for others. 

Marsha was a woman of Christian faith who enjoyed fishing, watching her favorite team, the Chiefs, and spending time with her family and loved ones. She especially treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. 

Marsha was united in marriage to Ronald Browder; he preceded her in death on August 26, 2006. 

She is survived by her two sons, David Browder (Stacy), and Ronald Browder III; one daughter, Crystal Browder; four brothers, Mark Heman (Tammie), John Browder (Pam), Don Heman (Daphnie Decker) and Tim Browder; three sisters, Nancy McCloud, Kathy Swindle, and Tamma Minks (Clyde); eight grandchildren, Taylor, Allan, River, Treva, Abigail, Dallas, Chris, and Harley; four great grandchildren, Aaron, Giovanni, Ava, and Iris; and a host of extended family members and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Browder; her dad and stepmother, Donald and Ruth Heman and mom, Alma Parrigon; her son, Christopher Browder; and three sisters, Becky Larimore, Ronda Stapelton and Paula Baker. 

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday October 12, 2026, at Fasken Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Steve Drake

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Steve Douglas “Duck” Drake, age 74, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

He was born October 14, 1951 in Ellington, Missouri, the son of Jess Franklin and Alberta Fay (Vest) Drake. On November 15, 1997 he was united in marriage to Misty Cole, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Carl Drake of California; daughter, Kimberly Drake of California, and brothers, Mike Drake and wife Cathy and Roy John Drake and wife Sue.

Preceding him in death were his parents; stepfather, Gov Pratchett; brothers, Tom and Richard, and sisters, Laura and Sharon.

Steve grew up and went to school in Ellington, where he graduated from Ellington High School. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Steve was employed as an over-the-road truck driver. He enjoyed sitting on his porch, spending time with friends, and having them over for a good barbecue. He was of the Christian faith.

A goodbye to a trucker from his fellow truckers… One thing I wasn’t prepared for as I got older in this industry was watching the people who taught me trucking get older too. The guys who were already out here when I was learning. The ones who taught me things you’ll never find in a book or training class. Eventually they retire, grow older, and one by one, they leave us. Yesterday, we lost another one of those guys. We all knew him as Duck. He was a great guy, a damn good truck driver, and someone I’m grateful I had the chance to know and learn from. So there’s only one way that seems right to say goodbye. Breaker one-nine. Breaker one-nine. Eagle base calling Duck. Come back, Duck.... No response. 10-4, Duck. Your final load has been delivered. Your logbook is closed, and your truck is parked. The road ahead is clear from here, driver. No traffic, no breakdowns, and nothing but green lights all the way home. Thank you for the miles, the stories, and the lessons. Rest easy, Duck. We’ve got it from here. Until we catch you on the other side... Eagle base, clear.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Wendie Kryselmire

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Wendie Jean Kryselmire, age 82, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026 at her home.

She was born February 4, 1944 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Wendell and Geraldine (Wheeler) Weed. Wendie was first married to William E. Roney. Together they made their home in Cockeysville, Maryland, where they were raising daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) and Melinda (Mindy) at the time of William's death in 1970. On June 10, 1978 in Clarinda, Iowa she was united in marriage to Eddie Charles Kryselmire, who preceded her in death on February 25, 2022. Also preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Dennis Weed.

Survivors include her son, Tim Kryselmire and wife Carrie of Sandy, Utah; daughters, Beth Pieters and husband Dave of Auburn, Nebraska, Mindy York and husband Dave of Draper, Utah, and Kat Tucker and husband Dave of Springfield, Missouri; 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Wendie attended school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduating from Washburn High School. She later attended the University of Utah, where she earned a Masters Degree in Special Education. She devoted many years to working in education and helping others through her work.

Wendie and Eddie moved to southwest Missouri in 2006 from Evanston, Wyoming. Wendie found joy in simple pleasures and in serving others. She loved fishing, working crossword puzzles, riding her Cushman through the countryside, helping with Operation Christmas Child, and serving through Ozark Christian Church in Purdy, Missouri, where she was a faithful member. Her kindness, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held at 10:45 A.M. Sunday, October 18, 2026 at Ozark Christian Church in Purdy, Missouri to celebrate the life of Wendie. Pastor Randy Martin will conduct the service.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 19, 2026 at Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Tim Kryselmire will conduct the service.

Contributions may be made to Ozark Christian Church in memory of Wendie.