Carol Tippen

(From White Funeral Home)

Carol Sue (Decocq) Tippen, age 77, of Howell, Michigan and Mannheim,Germany, passed away peacefully on her birthday, May 26, 2026, surrounded by family in Howell. 

Daughter of Olan Leroy Decocq and Mary Rozella Decocq,Carol was born May 26,1949 in Wheaton, Missouri. The family moved toMichigan in1954. She graduated from Kimball High School, Royal Oak,Michigan, in 1967. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother, Paul L. Decocq (and his wife Amy Lamoreaux), of Howell, Michigan,her sister, Janet K. Decocq, of Joplin, Missouri, and nieces and nephews Eric and Tara Fleming, Nick Webb, Emily Turner, Alex Webb, Hannah Way, Charles Decator and Briella, Bailey and Blake Weersing . Carol's family wish to express their love and gratitude to her "surrogate daughters," Lara and Nele Sternkopf, of Mannheim, who lovingly accompanied Carol home to Michigan.

Carol served in the United States Army for 22 years, from 1982 until 2004, primarily as a Military Police officer. During her military service, Carol served first in South Korea and then in Germany for many years, during which time she was also deployed to Bosnia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After retiring from the Army, she was in the civil employment of the military for 10 years, serving in various capacities in the area of Anti-terrorism Force Protection.

Whenever greeted with the traditional "Thank you for your service," Carol invariably replied simply "It was my privilege." She never viewed her military service as performing or fulfilling an obligation; she just truly thought of it as having been given a gift.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 am at the White Funeral Home, Cassville, Missouri, followed by the burial ceremony at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Butterfield, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Devereaux Post 141, 3265 W Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48855.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mike Lee

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Billy Michael “Mike” Lee of Miami, OK passed from this life Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Global Higher Call Nursing Center in Quapaw, OK. He was 84.

Billy was born December 18,1941 in Picher, OK to William Ward and Mary Ann (Burgett) Lee. He had lived in the Picher and Miami area all his life and graduated from Picher-Cardin High School. Billy was a carpenter and worked for Crossland Construction in Columbus, KS.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Kenneth Lee and James Lee, 3 sisters, Patsy Turner, Pansy Craft and Betty.

Billy is survived by 1 daughter, Tressie Gilmore and husband Ronnie of Wyandotte, OK, 1 brother, Danny Lee of Spearfish, SD, 1 sister, Carla Hicks of Joplin, MO and 4 grandchildren, Kaitlynn Gilmore, Layla Gilmore, Gemma Gilmore and Hayden Gilmore.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, southwest of Columbus, KS. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Bertie Haralson

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Roberta Jane "Bertie" Haralson of Miami, OK passed from this life Friday, June 5, 2026 at Integris Miami Hospital in Miami, OK. She was 82.

Bertie was born September 6, 1943 in Miami, OK to Emmett Sylvester and Genevive (Spicer) Schmidt. She had lived in the Miami area most of her life. She was a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe. She had been a grant writer for the Modoc Nation and the Quapaw Nation.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, Sidney Schmidt.

Bertie is survived by 1 son, Samuel Tyner of Miami, OK, 1 granddaughter, Sydney Tyner of Joplin, MO, 1 great-grandson, Sylas Tyner, 1 brother, Harvey Schmidt and his wife Sammie of Miami, OK and 2 sisters, Wynona Schmidt of Miami, OK and Emma Innis of Miami, OK.

Services will be Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK with Sydney Tyner delivering the eulogy and Chief Charles Diebold conducting Native American Rites. The family will receive friends following the service until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Roger Amos

(From Parker Mortuary)

Born: October 10, 1936, Clay Center, Kansas

Roger is the son of Troy R. Amos and Nola (Setser) Amos

Graduated from Webb City, MO High School 1954 and Pittsburg State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University) with a BS in Marketing and Management. Roger had a long career with Eagle Picher Industries, Inc. from 1958 to 1999 where he worked in Government Property and Security.

Roger married June Cummins on March 27, 1962 at First Baptist Church in Webb City, MO., she survives. Also surviving are daughter, Christie J. Kelly and husband, Stephen Kelly. Granddaughter Meagan L. Myers and husband Clint and grandson Ryan Amos Kelly and wife Allie. Also surviving are three great grandchildren, Hudson and Cade Myers and Rhett Kelly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Donna Rae Coleman.

Despite polio at age 6, surviving 7 hip operations, and wearing a built-up shoe, he was an avid bowler and golfer. As a very young man, he pulled a golf cart while riding his bicycle to the old Webb City golf course. Roger won several golf tournaments in the area including, Baxter Springs (3 times), Lamar, Joplin, and others. In his prime, he was known as an excellent putter.

Roger was also a serious collector of classic cars, and he loved being involved in the restoration to original. He especially loved 57 Chevrolets and 58-66 Thunderbirds, winning many plaques and awards, both local and national. He loved to travel and attended many car meets in several areas of the United States. He was also a very patriotic person and was always ready to salute the flag and join in singing the National Anthem using his beautiful baritone voice.

Throughout his life he maintained an avid interest in sports, politics and current events. Roger’s deep moral convictions, his enthusiasm for life, and his positive, uplifting attitude, and sense of humor will be his profound legacy to his daughter and grandchildren.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Webb City and the Adult IV Sunday School class. He was also a former member of Loma Linda and Briarbrook Country Clubs.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. up to service time. Burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a patriotic foundation of choice.

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

Brandi McPheron

 

(From Parker Mortuary)

Brandi McPheron, born May 19, 1979, in Joplin, Missouri, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, loyalty, and love.

Brandi attended Joplin High School and was known for her love of sports, especially soccer and softball. She had a deep appreciation for music and a special place in her heart for animals. She was a natural caregiver to her family and a steadfast advocate for those in need.

Brandi never met a stranger for long. Known for her quick wit, warm heart, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

She is survived by her father, Michael; her brothers, Michael, Scott, Charlie, and Patrick; and several beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Blackthorn Pizza in Joplin, Missouri, on Sunday, June 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Brandi's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society in Brandi's honor, reflecting her lifelong love of animals.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

 

Billie Chambers

(From Parker Mortuary)

Billie Lee Chambers, 81, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on June 2, 2026, in Joplin after an extended illness. She was born on November 28, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Billy Thompson and Myrna (Brady) Nicholson. Billie lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength, and she will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving, thoughtful, and selfless woman.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Thompson and Myrna (Brady) Nicholson, and by her stepfather, Richard Nicholson. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Connie Newcomber. Her family was always at the center of her life, and she carried deep love for those closest to her throughout her years.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristi Chambers of Joplin, Missouri; her son, Matt Chambers of Webb City, Missouri; and her grandsons, Carson and Parker Smith. She leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory and the many ways she showed her love through her presence, her care, and her steady support.

Billie graduated from Parma Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1962. Following high school, she completed Secretarial School and began a lifelong career in office management. She worked faithfully throughout her life in that field, and her strong work ethic and dependable nature were evident in every position she held. Her final place of employment was with the Joplin Housing Authority, where she served with professionalism and dedication.

Outside of work, Billie found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She especially enjoyed working with genealogy, a pursuit that reflected her appreciation for family history and the connections that bind generations together. She also treasured time spent with her family, and those moments brought her great happiness. Her loved ones will remember her for the warmth she brought into every room and for the gentle way she cared for others.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

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

Gayla Osborn

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Gayla D. (Malone) Osborn resident of Grove, OK, formerly of Seneca, MO, passed away June 4, 2026 at her home in Grove after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gayla Dee Malone was born December 1, 1956 in Joplin, MO, the daughter of Harry and Norma Jean "Muggy" (Brady) Malone. She grew up in Seneca and was a 1975 graduate of Seneca High School. Gayla owned and operated a clean business in the area. She loved driving her golf cart and visiting her friends at the lake. Gayla loved the lake and loved spending all of her spare time there. She love spending time with her family and her dog. Gayla attended Grace Harbor Baptist Church in Grove.

Gayla was preceded in death by her parent Harry and Muggy Malone.

Survivors include her son Drew Osborn, Grove, OK; three brothers, Doug Malone and wife Betty, Narcissa, OK, Feryl Malone and wife Rhonda, Grove, OK, Teryl Malone and wife Derinda, Seneca, MO; one granddaughter, Brooke Osborn; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

The body has been taken for cremation under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlcome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

A Celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date by the family.