Jack Daniels

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jackie “Jack” Dale Daniels was born to the union of Paul and Pearly Daniels on December 27, 1936.

He graduated from Neosho High School in 1954.

In 1956, he married Geraldine Cooper. To that union were born two daughters, Kimmy Sue and Rita.

Jack surrendered to preach on Easter Sunday night, 1963, at Hilldale Baptist Church. He went on to pastor several churches in the area and in the state of Florida. He served as pastor of Royal Heights Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri, from 1987 to 2025, faithfully leading the congregation for nearly four decades.

Jack continued his education at Southwest Baptist University, where he obtained degrees in theology, world religions, and American and world history.

After the passing of his first wife, he married Barbara Johnson in 1986.

He continued his ministry working with the homeless and served as president of Souls Harbor Mission for many years, until his retirement in 2014. He also retired from Old Dominion Trucking in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives; his daughter, Kimmy Sue Daniels (1986); and his son, John Johnson (2026), who passed away one week prior to him.

He is survived by his loving family:

Juanita Reardon, Olathe, Kansas;

Rita (Tom) Wilson, Joplin, Missouri;

Kenda (Nick) Wlodychak, Joplin, Missouri;

Holly (Mike) Anderson, Batavia, Illinois;

Kara (Naida) Wilson-Shipp, Springfield, Missouri;

Dakota Wilson (Candice Lemaster), Bixby, Oklahoma;

Carles Johnson, Joplin, Missouri

Carla (Jerry) Martin;

Steve (Charley) Johnson;

Kim (Andy) Wood;

Tim (Jen) Johnson; and

Daniel (Evelyn) Johnson.



He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, his greatest joys:

Penelope Grace; Oliver Jack; Spencer James; Jasmine Bella; and Jennifer Elizabeth

Mary Ewing

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mary Helen Ewing, 93, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home on February 28, 2026. Born June 22, 1932, in Joplin to Roscoe and Iola Smith (and later her step-dad Fred Wilson), Mary Helen was a lifelong resident of the community she dearly loved.

On July 12, 1952, she married the love of her life, Gaylen Ewing, in Eureka Springs. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion, and were blessed with three daughters. Mary Helen’s greatest joy was her family, and she poured her love generously into each generation.

She was the perfect combination of sugar with a little bit of spice. She found simple pleasures in life, especially in the beauty of nature. Mary Helen delighted in watching hummingbirds and treasured yellow roses. Known to family and friends as “Nanny”, she was an avid baker, especially renowned for her pies. Her loved ones never missed a birthday without a special pie from Nanny.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaylen Ewing; her parents, Roscoe and Iola Smith (Fred Wilson); and her three brothers, Raymond Smith, Norman Smith, and Gene Smith.

Mary Helen is survived by her daughters, Elsie Lynn Crume, Rebecca White, Tammy Perry (Jamie Perry); niece Julianne Hare; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Chapel.
Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, also at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Mary Helen’s life was one of enduring love, and faithful presence. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Gail Turner

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Gail Dean Turner, age 79, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home. He was born January 24, 1947, in Bradleyville, Missouri, the son of the late Orvel and Hazel (Clayton) Turner.

Gail was a 1966 graduate of Bradleyville High School in Bradleyville, Missouri, and was a United State Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War. Gail retired from Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield, Missouri and was a cattle farmer.

On June 1, 1991, he married Connie Kay Owens, in Aurora, Missouri.

Gail is survived by his wife of 34 years, Connie; three step-children, Darin Hamelink and his wife, Roslyn, of Aurora, Missouri, Kim Miner and her husband, Jim, of Marionville, Missouri and Joanna Hamelink of Aurora, Missouri; one daughter, Deanna Moses of Branson, Missouri; seven step grandchildren; two grandchildren; one sister, Debbie Wilkey and her husband, Jim, of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Jerry Turner and his wife, Joan, of Ozark, Missouri and Tony Turner and his wife, Patty, of Powersite, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Frances Miller

Frances Miller of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2026, after a short illness. Frances was a woman whose quiet strength and love of life drew people to her. Frances was known by her warm and radiant smile, even in her 100th year.

Born December 1926, in Enid, Oklahoma, Frances had a love of learning along with a willingness to work diligently marked every chapter of her life. As a teenager during WWII, she managed her family's dairy, Ellendale Farms. She attended Oklahoma A&M and taught school before marrying Eugene V. Miller in 1950. Together, they built a 25 year life in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Frances worked alongside Eugene in his law practice. She supported Gene's public service and helped shape their shared legacy.

Frances' greatest dedication was to her faith. Baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1972, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her ministry, wanting to help others, until her passing. Her belief was the foundation of her resilience and unwavering optimism.

After retiring to Missouri in 1976, Frances ran Fralu Kennel and supported her husband's writing. She was a magnet for friends and family, inspiring those around her with patience, determination and the ability to find joy in the everyday.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her son, Frank; and three grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Sid of Watts, Okla., Kathy (Mike Chapman) of Neosho, Mo., Debra (Duncan Park) of Joplin, Mo., Chuck (Karen) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Lindsey Hall of Chisana, Alaska; as well as eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Frances' body was donated for medical research, a final act of generosity. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1201 S. Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO.

Melva White

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Melva L. White, 93, of Monett, MO. passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville. She was born February 4, 1933 in Unionville, MO., the daughter of Opel and Zelma King. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include one daughter, Denise Schloesser and husband, Jeffery of South Greenfield, MO.; and one brother, James King of Des Moines, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Her husband, Dean; one son, Gary White; three brothers, Kenny, Marvin and Laverne King; and two sisters, Helen Lathem and Valdene Smith.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the Spring River Cemetery, Verona with Lee Parsons officiating under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Don Epperson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Billie Don “Don” Epperson, 87, passed peacefully into eternal rest on February 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 14, 1939, in McDonald County, Missouri, Don lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep love for his family. Raised with the values of farm life, he often shared stories of growing up — long days of labor and what it truly meant to work hard for everything you had.

Before beginning his longtime career as a machinist, Don proudly served in the National Guard. His service reflected his quiet strength and sense of duty. After his time in the Guard, he went on to work at Vickers, where he built a career as a skilled machinist, retiring after 30 years of service.

On July 3, 1960, he married the love of his life, Thelma Bond. Together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage — a lifetime built on faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment. Their marriage was one to be modeled and studied — a true inspiration and example of what true love, dedication, and partnership look like through every season of life.

Above all, Don cherished his family. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — reading his newspaper in his favorite recliner, watching sports, and gathering with loved ones. Family time and telling stories was his greatest treasure, especially when it was filled with laughter. Don had a contagious smile that would light up any room. When something truly tickled him, he would laugh until tears rolled down his face, and you couldn’t help but laugh right along with him.

A devoted Christian man, Don faithfully served as a member and deacon at Villa Heights Christian Church. His faith was steady and unwavering, and you could see it in the way he lived and loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Thelma Epperson; two daughters, Melissa Epperson and Lori Epperson, both of Joplin; his grandchildren, Stratton, Asia’h, Donovan, Jarrett, and McKenzie Epperson; and eight cherished great-grandchildren.

While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace and smiling in Heaven. We can only imagine that familiar laugh echoing once again.

As Scripture reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

Don did a job well done.

Today we rest in the promise that he is walking with the Lord, his laughter restored, his smile bright, and his joy made complete.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation immediately following the service.

Ken Comer

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ken Comer, age 72, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Freeman Health System after a long illness.

Ken was born in Joplin to Gordon and Treva Comer. After graduating from Diamond High School, he attended MSSU where he studied music. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathie, and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Ken worked as an insurance adjuster his entire career for several companies until his retirement.

Ken enjoyed fishing at the creek, playing the drums, taking yearly family vacations, and doing puzzles. He loved to relay Emily’s dad jokes to friends and family and a good play on words. Ken enjoyed going to get lunch with his grandson Brhett at their favorite restaurants. He liked attending his kids’ and grandkids’ ball games.

He was a Baptist his whole life and more recently found great joy hosting weekly Bible studies and watching church services online. Before bedtime, you would find him reading the Bible in his recliner. He wanted nothing more than for his family to know the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Kathie, his two sons, Greg (Katrine) Comer, Adam (Miranda) Comer, one daughter Hilary Goodwin, two grandchildren, Brhett and Emily, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Comer.

Contributions can be made in memory of Ken to Watered Gardens Joplin.