Thursday, June 11, 2026

Larry Hedin


(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Larry James Hedin, a beacon of resilience, vision, and unwavering love for his family, passed away on June 10, 2026. Born April 25, 1956, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Larry was the eldest child of Carl and Joan Hedin. Throughout his life, he embodied the words of Helen Keller: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."

From an early age, Larry’s vision for his life was evident. Raised in the Houston area with his brothers and sister, he embraced every opportunity head on. He graduated from Cypress-Fairbanks High School, where he kicked for the Fightin’ Bobcats football team. He proudly wore the blue corduroy jacket of the Future Farmers of America, and rode his palomino, Son, in the Tomball rodeo. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and the values he learned there remained a guiding force throughout his life.








After graduation, Larry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force as a Non-Commissioned Officer. His service took him from Alabama to Tokyo, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Chieko. What began as a chance meeting grew into a remarkable partnership that would span more than five decades. They married and welcomed their daughter, Chizuru, and later their son, Jeffrey, before returning to the United States and eventually making their home in Missouri.

Larry dedicated his professional life to business systems and information technology, encouraging companies to embrace new technologies to solve complex challenges. He built a career that spanned more than thirty years across five states. Colleagues knew him as someone who generously shared his knowledge and helped others succeed, which he continued after his retirement in 2019. His contributions were recognized through his induction into the Trust X Alliance Hall of Fame.

In 1990, Larry and Chieko joined the Faith Lutheran Church in Carthage, where they found a lasting family and deepened their faith together. Larry's faith was woven into the fabric of his daily life, reflected in his support of local ministries and of his pastor, who fondly called Larry “Chief”. He sought to reflect God's love through song, uplifting those around him throughout his years in the Air Force and later within his church community.

Larry embraced life by traveling the world, returning often to Japan and cruising with those he loved. A true foodie, he was always eager to try new restaurants or share stories over meals. He was a devoted football fan, especially of the Kansas City Chiefs, and admired the artistry of sumo wrestling. Music was one of his greatest passions. Whether rocking out to Van Halen and AC/DC or delivering a memorable Frank Sinatra impression, Larry had a way of filling hearts with laughter, energy, and connection.

For all of his professional and personal adventures, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. To his grandchildren, he was simply “Papa.” He treasured every opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines, celebrate their accomplishments, and share life’s small-but-meaningful moments.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Hedin, whom we imagine welcomed him home with open arms and a playful hand of Texas 42 dominoes waiting at the table.








He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Chieko Hedin; daughter, Chizuru (Mark) Hootselle; son, Jeffrey Hedin; grandchildren, Izabella (Jon) Curry, Lauren Burgess, Charlotte Hootselle, and Jaxson Kress-Hedin; his father, Carl Clayton Hedin; siblings, Daniel (Carolyn) Hedin, Carl Dean Hedin (John Wiecks), and Christa Jean (Jeffrey) Denning; niece, Megan Denning; and nephew, Clayton Hedin.

Larry’s final message was simple: “Christ Loves All.” Those three words reflected the faith, compassion, and generosity that defined Larry’s life and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT at Faith Lutheran Church, 2134 S. Grand Avenue, Carthage, Missouri 64836.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House or to Faith Lutheran Church in support of its local ministries. Friends and family are invited to share memories, stories, and photographs on Larry’s memorial page.

 

Clinton Mosley


(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Clinton Wade Douglas Mosley, born on December 23, 1979, in Phoenix, AZ, departed this life on June 9, 2026, in his beloved home in Oronogo, Missouri. Clinton, a dedicated and loyal machine operator in the target industry for over 20 years, was not just a hard worker but a man who put his family at the heart of everything he did.




Clinton's love for life was infectious and his sense of humor could light up any room. He was a man who, preferred the road less traveled as he loved trail riding and camping. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July, a day he cherished not just for the patriotic fervor it represented but also for the joyous family gatherings it entailed. His laughter, his love for the outdoors, and his unwavering dedication to his family are the memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Proceeding Clinton in death were his Grandparents, His Uncles Bernard and Frank and his cousin Bryan.

Clinton is survived by his mother Lois Harper, his wife Meredith, daughter, Jasmine, his sons, Ian and Jesse and his brother David (Dawn); his brother in laws Matthew (Jill) Gleason and Michael (Savannah) Gleason; and their families. Their love and teachings shaped Clinton into an exceptional man, a loving husband, and a dedicated father. As we remember Clinton, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by love, dedication, and an enduring sense of humor.







Services are under the personal direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Clinton. Your shared memories will serve as a comforting reminder of the unique individual Clinton was, and the impact he had on all our lives.

Visitation
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Simpson Funeral Home (Webb City)
400 W. Daugherty St.
Webb City, MO 64870

Funeral Service
Saturday, June 13, 2026
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Simpson Funeral Home (Webb City)
400 W. Daugherty St.
Webb City, MO 64870

Jane Vaughn


(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Jane Ann Vaughn, 69, of Diamond, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. Jane was born June 28, 1956, in Woodward, Oklahoma, to Marvin and Barbara (Riffle) Hayes. 

She began working for Leggett and Platt right out of high school at the age of 18. Jane was the office manager and worked for them for 43+ years. She enjoyed gardening in her yard and taking rides on her side-by-side with her furry sidekick, Millie. Jane’s favorite thing of all was spoiling her grandchildren! She loved her family deeply. 








Jane was united in marriage to Tommy Joe Vaughn on August 31, 1974, at Diamond Assembly of God in Diamond, Missouri; he survives. 

Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Tommy; her son, Brett Thomas Vaughn and his wife, Natasha, of Sarcoxie; two grandsons, Noah and Nathan; her mother, Barbara Hayes; one brother, Sam Hayes and his wife, Karen, of Wentworth, Missouri; three sisters, Marla Eichelberger and her husband, Jeff, of Hydro, Oklahoma, Cathy Dunn and her husband, Archie, of Carthage, Missouri, and Susan Adams and her husband, Kevin, of Carthage, Missouri; and lots of extended family and friends. 

Jane is preceded in death by her father, Marvin Hayes and brother, Terry Hayes. 








Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri.
A visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026. Burial will be at Diamond Cemetery in Diamond, Missouri. 

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com

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


Gene Rothman


(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

O.E. "Gene" Rothman, 77, Seneca, MO passed into eternal rest June 8, 2026 at Freeman Hospital after an illness.

Otho Eugene Rothman was born December 9, 1948 in Wichita, KS the son of Otho "Bud" E. Rothman and Edythe (Songer) Rothman. Gene was a 1967 graduate of Seneca High School. He joined the US Navy in 1968 and served his country retiring in 1988. Gene served in the Pacific Fleet on the USS Kitty Hawk and served two tours in Japan where he met his wife Natsumi Yabuki. 






After retiring from the US Navy Gene worked in the security industry. He formerly was an assistant Scout Leader, he loved fishing, watching Seneca Indian Football, traveling and visiting presidential libraries throughout the country. Gene was a member of the Seneca First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of almost 53 years, Natsumi Rothman; three sons, John Rothman, Ray Rothman, Ken Rothman; one daughter, Tina; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Seneca First Baptist Church with Bro. Rod Van Gorkhom officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Alec Rothman, Brian Killion, Dade Rothman, Ryley Fernadez, Jeremia Ptritchett and Isaac serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Stanley McCarty, Tom Marrs, Corliss Miss, Clyde Whitehead, Jim Wright, Mike Miller, Bob Haycook and Everett Renfro.


Sandy Judd


(From Clark Funeral Home)

Sandra Ann Judd, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in her home in Bixby, Oklahoma. She was 82 years old. Sandy, as she was known to those who loved her, lived a life defined by joy, warmth, and an extraordinary devotion to children and family.

Sandy was born on July 30, 1943, in Granby, Missouri, the daughter of Herbert Ivan and Margaret Josephine (Beaver) Maness. She grew up in Granby and graduated from Granby High School in 1961. It was through a mutual friendship — Carol Judd’s sister introduced him to Sandy — that she met the man who would become her husband. Sandy and Carol Judd were married on May 28, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma, beginning a partnership and love story that would span more than six decades.








Sandy pursued her education with quiet determination, attending Missouri Southern University before earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Langston University. Her love of children was evident long before she entered the classroom; prior to teaching, she opened and operated a daycare in her home, nurturing the youngest learners with patience and care. She went on to serve as a Reading Specialist and second-grade teacher at Glenpool Public Schools, a role that suited her perfectly. Sandy had a rare and natural gift with children — patient, encouraging, and truly joyful in their company. Many of her former students returned to visit her throughout the years, a testament to the lasting impressions she made.

Carol’s career in the aerospace industry brought the family to the Tulsa area in 1980. Sandy and Carol raised their three children in Diamond, Missouri, before settling in Bixby, Oklahoma, where the children completed their schooling. Sandy embraced Bixby as home and became deeply woven into the fabric of its community. She and Carol were longtime, devoted members of Riverview Baptist Church, where Sandy served faithfully in the children’s department and volunteered tirelessly with Vacation Bible School, pouring the same love into those young lives that she brought to her classroom.

Those who knew Sandy describe her with words that come easily and often: joyful, caring, nurturing, and patient. Patience was truly her forte — a gift she gave freely to every child in her care. Her cooking was legendary, an unbelievable talent she credited to a beloved home economics teacher from her Granby school days. She was a proud and active member of her local TOPS chapter and delighted in her Bunco group, bringing her sociable, lively spirit to every gathering. Sandy was, in every sense, a woman who made the room brighter simply by being in it.

Perhaps Sandy’s greatest joy in her later years was the role of grandmother. She embraced it with the same wholehearted devotion she brought to everything she loved, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were blessed by her boundless affection.








Sandy is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Carol Judd; her son Jason Judd and his wife Jennie; her son Steven Judd; her grandchildren Shelby, Saxton, Kaitlyn, Jonah, and Noah; and her great-grandchildren Zayden, Henley, Zaylie, Zoiee, and another on the way. She was preceded in death by her daughter Shelly Diane Judd, her daughter-in-law Stacy, and her brother Dwight.


A service to honor Sandy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 13, 2026, Riverview Baptist Church, Bixby, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, June 12, 2026, Parlor Room, Bixby Funeral Service.

Interment will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2026 at Diamond Cemetery, Diamond, Missouri.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Linda Lee


(From Freeman Mortuary)

Linda Lou Lee, age 79 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Villa Marie.

She was born March 25, 1947, in Stella, Mo., the daughter of James and Geneva (Winfield) Chapman.

Linda's story began on a 100-acre dairy farm in Sarcoxie, MO. Growing up, she learned to milk cows, care for the farm, and contribute wherever she was needed.








She attended Diamond Schools in Southwest MO, and after graduating, worked her way through college while employed at the Bank of Carthage. Her determination and perseverance paid off when she graduated from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1969.

Following college, Linda moved to Jefferson City and began her career in public service with the State Auditor's Office for Kit Bond's audit team and later joined the campaign team during his run (and win) for governor. Her professional journey eventually led her to St. Louis in the 1970s, where she built a successful banking career with Metro Bank as Director of Internal Audit and Vice President of Operations at Boatman's BancShares. In 1984, returned to Jefferson City and held leadership roles as Comptroller for Capital City Ford, and Apache Management.

Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Linda embarked on a second career later in life, becoming a respected real estate broker salesperson with Coldwell Banker Gordon Company Realtors where she honed her skills. Later she was a producer at Re/Max Jefferson City for 2 decades. She so loved her Re/Max family. She retired in 2022.

Linda prided herself in working with home buyers to find them the perfect house for them and their families. She listened and moved with integrity when it came to such an investment. Many of her clients and customers became friends, and some she considered family.

While Linda was proud of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy was always her family. She treasured family gatherings and celebrations, especially reunions with her beloved Winfiel(d) cousins in Fair Play, Bolivar, and Springfield.

Though she worked hard, she always made time for shooting hoops with her son, Ryan, going to the show, or spending time with he and his buddies. There was more than one time she was found ironing shirts before dances and special occasions. They also enjoyed her home-cooked meals and considered her to be a second Mom. She enjoyed spending time with him and his wife Sarah in her last days, playing UNO, checkers, and making bracelets.

Some of her favorite times were during simple Saturday mornings spent running errands and sharing lunch with her daughter. Linda never met a road trip she didn't enjoy, particularly those spontaneous adventures that often came with her daughter Melissa behind the wheel. As Linda would often say, "When Melissa has you captured, you never know where you'll end up." She especially loved traveling to Colorado, where she found peace and beauty in the mountains.

She was fiercely competitive during a game of UNO, though family members knew to keep a close eye on her because she could be delightfully sneaky when she wanted to win, especially later in life. A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, she could often be found cheering them on throughout the season. When a game was on, you didn't interrupt. She was in the center of her sofa coaching her "boys". Her love affair with them started listening to the games on the radio in the barn while milking cows with her Dad.

She carried herself with grace and confidence, but nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than her grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure. They were among her greatest blessings, and she cherished every moment she was afforded with them.








Survivors include her children, Melissa Lee of Holts Summit, and Ryan Lee (Sarah) of Panama City Beach, Florida; two grandchildren, Jakoby and Jayden Lee; nieces and nephew, Judy Brashers of Springfield, Mo, Kim Haizlip of Tx, and Gary Brashers (Paula) of Fredericktown, Mo.; and numerous other relatives and a host of friends who were family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Shirley Brashers Harris, Jim Chapman, and Dora Jane Bass. Also her nephews Gail Bass and James Dale Brashers, and a beloved young niece, Debbie.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Villa Marie staff and "her girls" who took excellent care of her. They often sang and danced and she'd roll her eyes, loving every minute of it. She kept them on their toes. Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice who cared for her during the very last leg on her journey.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church Jefferson City, MO.

A celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating.

Linda will be laid to rest in Powers Cemetery, Sarcoxie, Mo., at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to River City Habitat for Humanity, 1420 Creek Trail Drive, Jefferson City, Mo., 6109.


Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Frank Brinson


(From Knell Mortuary)

Franklin Laverne “Frank” Brinson, age 88, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Oak Pointe, Carthage. He was born on October 20, 1937, in Whigham, Georgia, the son of the late John Daniel Brinson and Claudia Irene (Walden) Brinson.

Upon completing school, Frank married the love of his life, Chrystal Ratledge, in April of 1960 in Thomasville, Georgia. He worked for many years as an electrician for Caterpillar, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and skill. 






Frank took pride in doing his work well and in serving others through the talents he developed over the years. His dedication and integrity were evident in all that he did, and he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. Frank was also a Mason and a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church in Carthage. His faith was an important part of his life, and he found strength and fellowship in his church family. He valued the bonds of brotherhood and community, and he lived in a way that reflected his beliefs and his commitment to others.

In his leisure time, Frank enjoyed fishing and playing music. These simple pleasures brought him joy and gave him opportunities to relax, reflect, and share meaningful moments with those around him. Whether he was spending time outdoors or making music, he found happiness in the things that connected him to family, friends, and the world he loved.








Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years, Chrystal Brinson; his sons, Anthony “Tony” Brinson and his wife Rebecca, and Mark Brinson and his wife Caryn; his grandsons, Travis Brinson and Drew Brinson; and his brother, Jerry Brinson. His family was the center of his life, and he cherished the years, memories, and love they shared together. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Buford Brinson.

Per Frank’s wishes, there was cremation. The family will hold private services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bethany Baptist Church or Oak Pointe in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.