Charlie Clark

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Charles Howard Clark, affectionately known as Charlie, was born on October 5, 1986, in Carthage, Missouri. Possessing an adventurous spirit and an irresistible charisma, he never ceased to bring laughter and joy to every occasion. Creative and funny, Charlie had the knack for turning the ordinary into extraordinary, a trait he excelled at in his profession as a vinyl wrapper in the vehicle customization business.

Charlie was a man of many passions. He loved his daughter and new granddaughter profoundly, valuing the precious moments spent with his family and friends. His dogs held a very special place in his heart, and his interests expanded to muscle cars and video games, which he enjoyed in his downtime and could talk about for hours. His generosity knew no bounds, always willing to lend a helping hand to those he cared for. He was the life of the party, and his infectious laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Clark. He leaves behind a loving family; his father Jackie Clark Sr. (spouse Jill Clark), his cherished daughter Breah Clark, his treasured granddaughter Scarlett Jeann, his brother Jackie Clark Jr. (spouse Emily Clark), his sister Melanie Wamble (spouse Steven Wamble), his sister Carissa Young, half-brother Jacob Wright, his step-brothers Sheldon Couch, Dalton Couch, and Carl Ritcheson, and his grandfather Charles Reed. He also has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more that he loved dearly.

Charlie passed away on August 13, 2026, in Oronogo, Missouri. His life will be remembered and celebrated during a visitation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:00 am at the same location.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The Clark family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Charlie, to keep his vibrant spirit alive in our hearts. His life was a testament to love, laughter, and kindness, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

  

Jess Link

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Jess James Link was born August 31, 1948, in Joplin, Missouri, to Joyce Eleanor and Lloyd James William Link. But if you asked those who knew his story, they might say his life truly began on August 27, 1966.

While working at Henry’s Hamburgers, Jess committed what would become his first and last crime—he stole the change from a girl until he managed to get her name and phone number. That little theft came with a life sentence; one Jess was more than happy to serve.

On November 17, 1967, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Jess married that girl, the love of his life, Nancy Ann Schulz. Together, Jess and Nancy shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around love, family, and companionship. Their marriage was a shining example of what it meant to truly love and share a life with your best friend.

In 1968, Jess answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He served from 1968 to 1970, including service in Vietnam. His time in the Army and his service in Vietnam remained an important part of his life’s story.

In 1972, Jess and Nancy were blessed with their daughter, Brandy.

Throughout his working years, Jess wore many hats and was never afraid of hard work. His career took him through many different fields, including owning a carpet store in Miami, and running a trucking company in Joplin for many years. He eventually retired in 2018 from Derailed Commodity.

Retirement gave Jess more time for the things that mattered most to him—Nancy and his family. Jess and Nancy shared a love of traveling and cruising, and some of the family’s most treasured memories were made on trips together. Whether celebrating milestones or simply enjoying the opportunity to be together, those adventures became part of the story of a life well lived.

Jess was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Joplin, a church that held a special place in his life and was also where he and Nancy began their marriage nearly six decades ago.

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Jess peacefully left this world and returned to his heavenly home after a period of declining health.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Eleanor and Lloyd James William Link; his sisters, Vicki and Marilyn; his brother, Harold; his in-laws, Elmer and Leatha Schulz; his uncle, Gary Clark; his cousin, Brent Clark; his brother-in-law, Al Runge; and his great-grandchildren, Ciyerra Dawn King and Wyatt Matthew King.

He is survived by his true love and wife of 58 years, Nancy Ann Link, of the home; his daughter, Brandy, and her husband, Travis; and their son, Lakota, of Carl Junction, Missouri.

Jess is also survived by his step-granddaughters, Shelly Ross (Mason), Tamara King (John), and Tiyana Stepp; and his great-grandchildren, Haydin Ingram, Tyler Ross, Ameya Murphy, Cole Ross, Bella Lankford, Alex King, and Maggie Lankford.

He is further survived by his youngest brother Dale, sisters-in-law, Marilyn Runge and Carolyn Tomlinson and her husband, Roger Tomlinson; nephews, Delaney Marsh, Kip Marsh, and Wade Hilton, Ryan Tomlinson; nieces, Whitney Thetge, Vanessa Powell, Monica Link, and Melissa Link; his aunt, Carolyn Clark; and cousins, Scott and Libby Clark, Morgan and Aaron Pyle, Courtney Clark, and Olivia and Silas Hauser.

A Memorial Mass honoring Jess will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at The Well United Methodist Church in Carl Junction, Missouri.

Jess’s life cannot be measured simply by the years between 1948 and 2026. It is better measured by 58 years beside the girl whose change he once stole, by his service to his country, by the family he and Nancy created together, by the miles traveled, the cruises taken, the celebrations shared, and the memories that will continue to be told.

What began with a handful of stolen change at Henry’s Hamburgers became a lifetime of love. And that was one life sentence Jess was happy to serve.

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

Lisa Davis

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Lisa Marie Davis, 60, of Seligman, Missouri died August 15, 2026 at her home.

She was born April 17, 1966 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Raymond Slinker and Donna Jeanette Straw. She married David Ray Davis on August 13, 2002 and was employed at Wal-Mart for twenty years and most recently Daisy Manufacturing in Rogers. Lisa loved to fish, deer hunt, going to the casino and was a talented artist. She was the backbone of the family and had a very nurturing heart. She loved her family and any kids that came to the house she was “MOM”. Lisa is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Raymond Slinker.

Survivors are her husband, David Davis of the home; children, Tony Slinker and Jamie Lee Davis of Seligman; siblings, Connie Sue Webb (Derrick) and Mike Slinker; five grandchildren, Catherine Marie Mae, Anthony Michael Ray, Lilly Jane, Emily Davis, Emmett Davis; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte and many extended family and work family whom she loved very much.

No services are set at this time.

 

Don Smith

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Donald Richard Smith, 75, of Carthage, Missouri, gained his wings on Friday, August 14, 2026, at home with family and friends. 

Don was born on July 27, 1951, at home, 4 ½ miles east of Carthage to Clifford and Lavern Smith.
Don married Nancy Schmitt on September 13, 2002. Don has lived in Carthage and surrounding areas all his life. 

Don worked at Leggett and Platt for 45 years before he was made to retire from a heart attack on February 12, 2012. 

Don was a warrior; he fought so many illnesses. In 2000 he fought the battle with tumeria turning into diabetes in 2012 and also had a stroke in 2023 and from December 2019 to the present he fought cancer. 

Since Don and Nancy got together, there has never been a dull moment raising five kids. He loved dancing, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. 

Don has three siblings, Brady Smith of Joplin, Marsha Smith of Carthage, and Doug Smith of Oklahoma. 

Preceded in death are both parents, Clifford and Lavern Smith; an infant son, Shane M. Smith; a brother, Kenneth Smith; and a sister, Martha Sullivan. 

Don and Nancy renewed their baptism on October 16, 2022 by Roger Sigar at Carterville Christian Church. 

Don is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughters, Erin Smith of Carthage, Arielle Wynn (Joshua) of Carthage; his sons, Joshua Schmitt (Megan) of Carthage, Judaea Schmitt (Stephanie) of North Loop, NE, Donald Richard Smith Jr. (Ruby) of Carthage, and Eli Smith (Tiffany) of Springfield. 

Don is loved so much by his 15 grandkids and 32 great grandkids. 

There will be a funeral service for Don at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. The visitation will be held at 10:00 AM before the service on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Socorro Lunares

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Socorro Hernandez Lunares, 88, of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Socorro was born in Tutuaca, Chihuahua, Mexico, on September 29, 1937, to the late Sabino Hernandez and Maria Ochoa. Socorro loved to do puzzles, watch family feud, and celebrate life with her kids and grandkids. 

Socorro was united in marriage to Manuel Lunares Frias on August 18, 1958; he preceded her in death on October 9, 2023. 

She is survived by her sons Manuel HernandezRefugio Lunares, Conrado Linares, Jaime Lunares, Carmelo Lunares, and Luis Raul Lunares; her daughters, Domitila Linares; Ramona Lunares, Martha Irene Lunares, Patricia Hernandez, and Rosa Martinez; her brothers, Francisco Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez, and Antonio Hernandez; her sister Maria Hernandez; along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews whom loved her dearly. 

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Jose de Jesus Linares; brother Ramon Hernandez; and sisters, Soledad Hernandez, Carmen Hernandez, and Clementia Hernandez.
Socorro will be going home to Chihuahua, Mexico for her services. 

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Marla Armstrong

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Marla Anthonette Armstrong, age 59, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Marla was born on November 16, 1966, in Thornton, Colorado, to Arthur and Leta Thomas. She spent many years working as the office manager for her family’s business, Meadows I-44 Truck & Auto, where she became a familiar and valued part of the business and the lives of those around her.

Marla will be remembered most of all for the love she had for her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and the many special relationships she shared with her extended family and friends.

Her loved ones express, none of their words could begin to touch the magnitude or idea of what Marla was and will continue to be through the legacy she leaves behind through all of her family. She was their home, their safe place. Their most brilliant bright light keeping the darkness away. She was always caring for others above herself. She was a loving grandma, mother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, spouse, friend. She was the center of their family. But she was also the goofy, just dance superstar, master gardener, a stubborn fixer of all the things. Her loved ones believe she left on her own terms, just as she would have wanted it. Simply put, she was hands down the BEST! Not one individual can fill her shoes, but they will try their best TOGETHER. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Leta Thomas.

Marla is survived by her sons, Matt Armstrong and wife Whittney, and Steven Armstrong; her daughter, Victoria Armstrong and husband Christian; brothers, Carey Thomas and Ben Thomas; sister, Michelle Chrisman; her grandchildren, Fisher, Keegan, Fox, and Siah; along with many other extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Marla's life touched many people, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

 

Patricia Coburn

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Patricia K. Coburn, age 84 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Wednesday August 12, 2026.

She was born December 30, 1941 in Denver, Colorado to Daniel and Martha (Gresham) McBride.






Patricia was an executive secretary for Miller Florida Homes prior to retirement. She very much enjoyed a good round of golf.

She was married to Clay Coburn for 34 years prior to his passing in 2018 and he was the love of her life.

Patricia is survived by her son, Chris Berger and wife Sheri; Her two sisters, Janice Bond and Mickie Beisner and one brother, Mike McBride; step children, Clay Jr. and wife Esther Coburn, Jim Collins, Charlie Coburn; six grandchildren, Bryan Titus, Tina Titus, Stephen Titus, Makenzie Berger, Kaylyn Bender and Kate Rikoon-Bloem; several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Salazar and step daughters, Ann Collins, and Kathryn.

The family will have a private memorial graveside service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to Joplin Regional Hospice 420 N Rangeline Road Suite 4 Joplin, Missouri 64801.