Dee Woodard

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dolores June “Dee” Woodard, age 93, of Joplin, Missouri, died on Thursday July 16th, in Hollister, MO, following a long-fulfilled life. 

Dee was born on September 17, 1933, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Fronia E. (Young) and Nelson Tingler, Sr. She was the third youngest of ten children. 

When Dee was a young girl, she had her first taste of stardom. Dee and several others had a chance to try out for “Little Rascals”, a new show in Hollywood was trying to cast. She was very easy to pick out because she was the only blonde. Our star was born and she enjoyed her fifteen minutes of fame! She graduated from Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She then went on to attend and graduated from the Oklahoma University (OU) School of Nursing in Norman, OK in 1955. 

She married her husband, Wayne A. Woodard, a prominent regional funeral director, who had recently been released from the United States Army. They were married on November 5, 1955, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Wayne preceded her in death on September 15, 2001. 

After Dee and Wayne were married, they moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, where she worked as a nurse and they had their first son, Steve Woodard. To receive a $400 raise, they moved to Hominy, Oklahoma. Dee was the head nurse at Hominy Hospital. Bruce L. Woodard and Valenda Dee Woodard were both born in Hominy. Six months after Valenda was born, they moved the family to Noel, Missouri. Dee was a stay-at-home mom in Noel and assisted at the funeral home. 

They moved to California, Missouri, for one year; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for one year; and Sikeston, Missouri, all while working as a nurse and sometimes the county health nurse. Dee and Wayne started their funeral home ownership in 1961 with the purchase of Woodard- Downey-Mooney Funeral Homes in Pineville, Anderson and Noel, MO. 

In 1967 they purchased  Williams-Woodard Funeral Home in California, MO, later acquiring funeral homes in Otterville, MO, and Pilot Grove, MO. In 1976 they moved to Joplin and purchased Mason-Woodard Mortuary. They obtained four additional mortuaries; Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home in Webb City,  MO in 1982, then Lohmeyer-Konantz Funeral Home in Lamar, MO in 1988, Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Mo and Woodard-Freund-Thompson Funeral Home both in 1990. 

Dee was a long-time member of Mount Hope Church of Christ, formerly 4th and Forest Church of
Christ. She and Wayne were founding members of the California Church of Christ in California,
Missouri. They were also, members of the Grove Church of Christ in Grove, Oklahoma. Dee was a devout Christian. She always taught classes and helped with VBS and Wednesday night meals. If the doors were open at the Church, Dee was there, with three children and a quiet heart to serve. She loved attending and hosting many Church functions. She and Wayne would attend neighboring Church revivals, Vacation Bible Schools, knocking doors to invite others to church, as well as Sunday Sing-alongs. She was a member of the National Evangelism with Sojourner’s Church of Christ Mission Group. The Sojourners have a home base where they receive letters from smaller Churches in need. The Sojourners would pack their R.V.’s and head to help that Church. She was a volunteer at Freeman Hospital. In 1986, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and later, was very proud to be a breast cancer survivor. She was also a longtime member  of Soroptimist International of Joplin. She was also a MSSU Lionbacker. 

She is survived by three children; two sons, Steve Woodard and wife Elena, of Anderson, Missouri; Bruce Woodard and wife Kim, of Joplin, Missouri, and Valenda (Woodard) Moore and husband Shane, of Carthage, Missouri; one brother, Donald Tingler and wife Rita, of Indianapolis, IN; eight grandchildren, Cole Woodard and wife Alicia, Austin Woodard and wife Megan, Ashlee Schiller and husband Kevin, Julianne Bassett and husband Dan, Haley Tolliver and husband James, Alex Woodard and wife Hannah, Levi Moore, and Drew Moore; and fifteen great grandchildren; Everette, Mara, Ellie, Massey, Maggie, Kalloway, Addison, Auggie, Theodore, Booker, Dottie, Dominic, Derric, Luke, and Andy. 

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Woodard, her parents, Nelson A. Tingler, Sr. and Fronia E. (Young) Tingler; two brothers, Nelson A. Tingler, Jr. and Jay Dee Tingler; six sisters, Dorothy Lee Bowen, Mary Dean Vanderburg, Karletta Tingler, Betty Lou Tingler, Norma Jean Davis, and Joyce Marie Tingler. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until service time. Randy Wilson will officiate. If you have a cancer pin, scarf, hat, or a t-shirt, please wear it to Dee’s services. 

Entombment will be at Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial Contributions may be given to Soroptimist International of Joplin Camp Soroptimist or Soroptimist International of Carthage
Mammogram Program. 

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

Arrangements are under the care and direction of her family at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Sheila Tubaugh

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Sheila Marie Tubaugh, age 57, of Golden City, Missouri, graduated to Heaven on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sheila was born on June 2, 1969, in Kansas City, Kansas, to James Dewayne Sims and Debra Ann (Alexander) Elliott. She graduated from Golden City High School with the Class of 1987. On September 17, 1994, she married the love of her life, Ricky Lee Darin Tubaugh, in Golden City, Missouri. Together they shared 30 wonderful years of marriage before Ricky's passing in November 2024.

Sheila was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy in life was her family. She had a true servant's heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether caring for her children and grandchildren or supporting family and friends, Sheila found her greatest happiness in putting others before herself. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved, and her kindness, compassion, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her mother, Debra Elliott of Lamar, Missouri; two sons, Austin (Ashtyn) Tubaugh and Christopher Tubaugh, both of Joplin, Missouri; one daughter, Cassandra Tubaugh of Joplin, Missouri; five beloved grandchildren, Karson, Kinley, Cayde, Lydia, and Lylah; two brothers, Ronnie (Peggy) Elliott of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Marcas (Summer) Elliott of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Madison Elliott of Golden City, Missouri, and Shelly Sims of Sacramento, California; one nephew, Dylan Sims of Joplin, Missouri; nieces Megan (Matthew) Peace, Katie Elliott, Isabel Elliott, Taylor, and Thomas; and great-nephews Blake, Viktor, and Mikah.

Sheila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ricky Tubaugh; her stepfather, Tom Elliott and her father, James Sims; her grandmothers, Margie Hollis and Priscilla Tubaugh and many others.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Dudenville Cemetery in Golden City, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Daniel Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Lee Barker

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Elmer "Lee" Barker, 74, passed away on Wednesday July 15, 2026. Lee was born to Francine (Spence) Scholes and Elmer Barker on September 5, 1951. He was one of eleven children. 

He was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Everett Gire, Leon Gire, and sister Denise (Gire) Gregory. 

He is survived by siblings Clayton Hayes, Kendall Gire, Ernest Gire, Bobby Scholes, Rachelle Banes, Lenora Scholes, Rebecca Scholes, and son Logan Wright.

Lee's greatest accomplishment was being the loving and caring father of Logan Wright,of Oklahoma, for 27 years. His favorite things to do with Logan were to laugh, joke, fish, watch westerns, and work. He spent most of his life in the siding and window business. He was an animal lover. He resided in Joplin Missouri for the last several years. He will be missed.

Inurnment at Moore Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Violet Vasquez

(From Parker Mortuary)

Violet Jean Vasquez, 75, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on July 17, 2026, at Solace House of The Four States in Joplin, Missouri, following an extended illness.

She was born on January 15, 1951, in Joplin, Missouri, to the late Emory and Esena (Adamson) Owens. Violet spent her life in the community she called home and was known by those who loved her as a woman of warmth, humor, and quiet strength. She carried herself with a spirit that was both adventurous and selfless, and she touched the lives of many through her kindness and steady presence.

Violet attended Joplin High School and later devoted her working years to caring for others as an in-home health aide. Her work reflected the very heart of who she was, because she had a natural gift for helping people feel comfortable, respected, and cared for. She approached life with compassion and a willingness to serve, and she made a difference in the lives of those she assisted through her patience and gentle manner.

Faith was an important part of Violet’s life, and she was a Christian. Her beliefs helped guide her through life’s joys and challenges, and she found strength in her faith and in the love of her family.

Violet especially loved to crochet, and she found comfort and satisfaction in creating with her hands. She also enjoyed going to casinos, where she embraced the excitement and fun of the experience. Those who knew her best will remember her as funny, adventurous, and selfless, with a personality that could brighten a room and a heart that was always ready to give.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Sajid and her husband, Mohammad, of Baxter Springs, Kansas; her grandchildren, Lauren Percell of Miami, Oklahoma, Kamaal and Raheen Sajid of Baxter Springs, Kansas; her sister, Loretta Hartman of Carl Junction, Missouri; brother, Allen Owens of Joplin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish her memory. Additionally, Violet was preceded in death by a brother, Leo Owens.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

John Porter

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

John Willard “Rock” Porter, 79, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on July 15, 2026, one day after his 79th birthday.

John was born on July 14, 1947, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Willard Porter and Ruby Clingenpeel Porter. He attended Baxter Springs High School with the Class of 1965, where he earned varsity letters in track and field as a high jumper.

On May 28, 1966, he married the love of his life, Naoma McCracken. Together they shared 60 years of marriage and raised twin sons, Jason and Jered.

John was a lifelong entrepreneur, builder, and real estate developer. At age 22, he founded a house-framing business and soon established Porter & Sons Building, Inc., through which he built hundreds of custom and speculative homes throughout the Liberty and Kearney, Missouri, areas, as well as in Grove, Oklahoma. He later worked alongside his wife and sons in the family’s hospitality companies, developing, building, owning, and operating more than a dozen motels, including Super 8, Days Inn, and Booneslick Lodge properties. The family also developed shopping centers, restaurants, and convenience stores over the years.

John enjoyed coaching his sons’ youth basketball teams, had a lifelong affection for pugs, and will be remembered for his entrepreneurial vision, creativity, quiet determination, deep devotion to his family, and unwavering Christian faith. He was a faithful member of the Joplin East Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Porter and Ruby Clingenpeel, and his sister, Bonnie Goff.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Naoma Porter, of the home; sons Jason Porter of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and Jered Porter of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; granddaughter Kammi Thorne (Michael) of Buckeye, Arizona; grandson Korby Porter and his fiancée, Josie Smith, of Kirkwood, Missouri; sisters Lisa Goff of Anderson, Missouri, and Lori Porter (Lisa Sweet) of Carl Junction, Missouri; sister-in-law Harriet Davis of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; brother-in-law Sonny Goff of Stella, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Memorial services are pending. Interment of his cremated remains will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Galena, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society in John’s memory.

Terry Bright

(From Knell Mortuary)

Terry Fae Bright, 74, went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2026. Terry was born on December 13, 1951 in Hutchingson, Kansas to Clifford and Edna Bright. He grew up in Mindenmines, Missouri, and graduated from Liberal High School with the class of 1970. He married his first love and best friend Shirley Silvers on June 19, 1971.

He drove a bus for the CP Center for many years before retiring, he also owned and operated a law care business. He enjoyed watching wrestling, westerns, the 3 Stooges, and Foghorn Leghorn Cartoons. He enjoyed camping, fishing, being outside and was a huge Kanas City Chiefs Fan, always enjoying an unsweet tea while watching them.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Shirley Bright, four daughters, Candice Bright, Tracy Price (Jason), T.J. Wilson (Daniel), and Jamie Bright; six grandchildren, Dakota Kosilla (Tia), Cierra Kosilla (Devon), Jasmine Kosilla (Daniel), Hazel Wilson, Tristyn Wilson, Ethan Wilson; six great grandchildren, Samuel, Brantley, Easton, Clinton, Brooklyn, and Crimson; nieces, Kelly, Holly, Stacy, Cody, and Dusty; nephews, Chris, Josh, Blake, and Scott; great nieces, Samantha, Annaveil, and Saphyre; great nephews, Ryder, and Jeramiah. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Katie Bright; father in-law, Homer Silvers; a brother Jerry, a sister Rose.

Terry will be remembered for his laid-back personality and his infectious smile, and his ornery sense of humor. The family ask you to honor him by wearing your Chiefs gear or the team colors.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday, July 20, 2026 at Knell Mortuary burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery Carthage, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 pm Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests contributions to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Terry Bright 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.

JB Mullins

(From Knell Mortuary)

Johnnie Berton Mullins Jr., Springfield, Missouri who was born on May 13, 1969, in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of the late Johnnie Mullins Sr. and Jaloyce Edwards, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 57, lived a life marked by intelligence, wisdom, and fierce loyalty to the people he held dear.

He was a man who valued continued learning, hard work, and the simple joys that made life fun. While his full name was Johnnie, people who knew him best knew him as JB. JB attended Cameron High School but ultimately graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield and went on to enlist in the military. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper, which was ironic because he had always previously been afraid of heights! 

During his service he trained not only to jump out of airplanes but to be a radio operator amongst many other roles. At one point he had been stationed in Germany, and he often loved to share memories from that time in his life. He served in the Persian Gulf War, notably Desert Storm, and the battle of 73 Easting. He continued to show his steady devotion and undying love for the brothers he served with until the day he departed. 

JB then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from Missouri State University, where he worked in Computer Information Systems for Missouri State University. While he did have many different jobs and titles throughout the years, he was known to be a great handyman. He often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none”, a nod at his military past, no doubt. For a time, he worked for the Cameron Veterans Home. He often reminisced of the experiences and people he had met there with fondness, and he felt much pride in being able to serve others who had served his country before him.

JB will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family. He is survived by his former partner Barbara Ownby of Springfield, Missouri who he shared 18 years with respectively, and their children, Hannah Mullins and her partner Zachary Bingham of Springfield, Missouri, Aaron Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, and Legan Mooney and wife Erin of Nixa, Missouri. He is also survived by his brother, Chris Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, several half and step siblings, nieces and nephews, and many loving and caring aunts, uncles, and cousins of the northwest Missouri area where he originated. 

His family was an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them were a source of pride and great fulfillment. He leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those who knew JB understood that he was a thoughtful and intelligent man with a wise outlook on life. He had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed learning about the past. He also found pleasure in the everyday things that brought comfort and enjoyment, including Springfield Cashew Chicken, cars, fishing and hunting, and working on guns. These interests reflected his personality and the balance he maintained between curiosity, practicality, and a love of the outdoors. 

Whether he was exploring a subject that interested him or spending time in quiet reflection, JB approached life with a steady and observant spirit. But ultimately, his greatest pastime was spending quality time with his kids. Everyone who knew him or encountered him could not help but hear him brag about how amazing and cherished his kids were to him. He often beamed when speaking about them to others and wasted no opportunity to remind them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them.

Family and friends can find solace in the fact that JB loved fiercely and his strong will never allowed him to give up, but that he is now and much deserved, at peace.

At ease, soldier. Until we meet again.