Saturday, March 14, 2026

Michael Davis


(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Michael Ray Davis, age 62, of Lockwood, Missouri, passed away March 7, 2026, at his home.

Michael was born May 22, 1963, in Martinez, California, to James Edward Davis and Linda Ann (Lackey) Davis. On May 21, 1990, Michael married Ivy Jean Shaver in Greenfield, Missouri.








Michael worked as a carpenter. He and Ivy enjoyed hiking, fishing, and arrowhead hunting along their local creek.

Survivors include his wife, Ivy; his stepmother, Virginia Davis; and one brother, James (Linda) Davis Jr., all of Lamar, Missouri.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, James Davis.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Cedarville Church in Lockwood, Missouri.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Anna Forrester


(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Anna Lee Forrester, 95, of Mt. Vernon, MO, formerly of Monett, MO, passed from this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026, while at her home and in the comfort of her family.

Anna was born on August 20, 1930, in Osa, MO; the daughter of Noel J. and Mildred (Sissel) Miller. After graduating from Aurora High School, Anna pursued her passion for beauty by attending cosmetology school and eventually became the proud owner of the Carousel Beauty Shop in Monett. 






Alongside her husband, she also managed a cattle farm east of Monett. A devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Anna found joy in simple pleasures such as watching Kansas City Chiefs football games and listening to polka music on Saturday nights. Her fondness for shopping excursions, particularly to Dillard's, was a well-known trait among family and friends.

On June 29, 1952, in Eureka Springs, AR, Anna Lee Miller and Charles Eugene Forrester were united in marriage. They shared sixty-four wonderful years together before his passing on December 31, 2016.

Anna is survived by her sister, Kay Hood and husband David of Mt. Vernon, MO; and numerous extended family and friends that loved her dearly.








Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; two brothers, Bob Miller and Bill Miller; two sisters, Betty Allen and Beverly Buehler.

Funeral services for Mrs. Forrester will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave., Monett, MO. Interment will be in Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora, MO. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home.


Friday, March 13, 2026

Bill Weber


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

William Charles “Bill” Weber, 87, passed peacefully on March 6, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on November 3, 1938, in Stuart, Nebraska to Joseph and Margaret Weber. Being the fifth of fourteen children, Bill developed the grit, humor, and stubborn determination that came with growing up with a large family and would define him for the rest of his life.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962. During that time, he met his first wife, Barbara Atkinson (née Allen). Together they welcomed five children: Patricia, Ron, Jean, Mike, and Rob. Later, Bill married Mariann McNaughton, and together they welcomed their son, William “Billy” Weber Jr. In time, Bill married Mary Baker, gaining six bonus children: Kenny, Bobby, Curt, Larry, Cindy and Maryann. Bill didn’t just build a family; he built a full roster.








Bill spent many years raising his family throughout Orange County, California, before eventually settling in Norco. His home became the kind of place where good food was always had, laughter filled the air, and you could find a roaming pack of grandchildren causing mischief. A place where gatherings created priceless and cherished memories.

In 2002, Bill retired to Goodman, Missouri. He lovingly referred to it as “Hillbilly Heaven.” He enjoyed living life at a slower pace in an environment that catered to all his likes and hobbies. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, cooking, and gardening. He found enjoyment in watching the wildlife that came through his yard. He even provided safe snacks like bird seed and salt licks to get them to stick around and become repeat visitors. However, he did have a well-known nemesis: armadillos, which he blamed for ruining his beautiful flower beds.

Bill was a simple man who appreciated the simple things in life. He enjoyed a tidy house, his hair perfectly coiffed, a fresh pot of coffee, a strong cocktail, a good meal, and the company of a good-looking woman. Country music was the soundtrack of his life, with Willie Nelson holding a permanent spot on his playlist. He savored every joy, big and small, and faced life with grit, humor, and a stubborn charm all his own.

His life, like many lives, included challenges, growth, and moments of redemption. But it was also filled with laughter, resilience, and a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Above all else, Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Bill leaves behind a legacy of hard work, tenacity, humor, a deep love for his family, and a presence that will live on forever in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his children Jean Bray (Vern), Michael Weber (Lisa), Robert Weber (Susan), and William Weber Jr.; and by the families he shared with Barbara Atkinson, Mariann McNaughton, and Mary Baker.

He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Ryan Weber (Gracie), Heather Perez (Steven), Cole Bray (Hannah), Leland Bray (Nickole), Jesse Gilbert, Shawna Heerschap (Kevin), Christopher Weber (Stephanie), Cameron Weber (Peyton), Cierra Roodhouse (Liam), and Chloe Pedone (Tyler), along with 21 great-grandchildren.








He is also survived by his bonus children, Curt Baker (Ramona), Larry Baker (Sandie), Cindy Hanvey (Ken), and Maryann Craig (Jimmy), along with fourteen bonus grandchildren: Eric, Tonya, Chelcie, Kenny Jr., Joely, Jackie, Kenny, Bobby, Shannon, Mitch, Brittney, Savannah, RaeLynn, Kristyn, and Cameron, and two bonus great-grandchildren.

Bill is further survived by his siblings Betty Jo Pojar, Janice Rutkowski, Patricia Soderman, Dorothy Weber, Thomas Weber, Mike Weber, Dave Weber, Daniel Weber, and Timothy Weber, as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Weber; his son Ronald Charles Weber; his infant daughter Patricia Jean Weber; bonus sons Kenny and Bobby Baker; sisters Peg Koening and Mary “Babe” Brandon; brothers James Weber and Joseph Weber; “Aunty” Elizabeth Bergman; and his beloved companion, Sandra Kay Andrews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Neosho Event Center on March 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at the Springfield Veterans Memorial Cemetery on March 23rd at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bill in a way he would appreciate. Take a kid fishing, leave a snack out for the critters in your yard, or buy a drink for a pretty lady in honor of Bill. He would have liked that.

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


Connie Coleman


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Connie Marie Coleman, aged 74, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, to be with our Lord. She was born on January 25, 1952, in Joplin to Martha and George Barnard.

Connie was known for her kind heart and loving soul. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandson, and nothing made her smile brighter than those moments.








She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and George Barnard; her beloved husband, Dwight Coleman; and her fifteen brothers and sisters. Connie is survived by her son, Dustin Coleman, and her grandson, Mason Coleman.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Park. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at 1977 S. Dry Creek Lane.

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


David Stillions


(From Knell Mortuary)

David Allan Stillions, 75, Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, Maple Tree Terrace Assisted Living, Carthage, Missouri. He was born on June 22, 1950, in Pineville, Missouri, the son of the late Calvin Stillions and Cherry (Brock) Stillions.

A proud graduate of Goodman High School in 1968, David carried the spirit of his alma mater throughout his life, demonstrating the values of hard work and dedication. He furthered his education at Crowder College, receiving his associates degree. David's career was marked by his tenure as a respected foreman for Friesen Construction, where he not only contributed to the growth of the community through his work but also built lasting relationships with his colleagues.








Survivors include his children, Benjamin Stillions, Joplin, Missouri, Rachel Parker (Kent), Carthage, Missouri, and Nathan Stillions, Shell Knob, Missouri; his sister, Deborah Townsend, Goodman, Missouri; his grandchildren, Jocelyn Fischer, Landon Parker, Kenzie Parker, Gabriella Alberty, and Ivanna Stillions; and many extended family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Danny Stillions.

Known for his ability to fix anything and his readiness to lend a helping hand, David was the go-to person in his family and community. His generous nature extended beyond his immediate circle, touching the lives of many friends and acquaintances who had the pleasure of knowing him. David's life was a reflection of the values he cherished: friendship, generosity, and a strong work ethic. He will be remembered for his easy smile, his willingness to help others, and the love he had for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire those he left behind.

Per David’s wishes, there was cremation. Memorial will be organized at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

Howard Smith


(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Howard Monroe Smith, age 92, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away March 4, 2026, at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, surrounded by his family.

Howard was born March 9, 1933, in Liberal, Missouri. He was the youngest of seven children born to Ralph Smith and Verla (Reed) Smith. Howard graduated from Liberal High School with the Class of 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, serving 16 months in Korea. Howard was a truck driver for Safeway Stores in Kansas City, Kansas, for 35 years, as well as a farmer who raised cattle.








Howard's greatest love was the Lord, followed by his family, his horse Billy, water skiing, raising cattle and telling stories. Howard was a good storyteller. He especially loved telling of the time, while serving in Korea he and four other friends, all from Barton County, enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner together. Another one he enjoyed telling was when he drove his mom, (his teacher for four years) to school each morning while in grade school. He was awarded the FFA State Farmer Award in 1951, received four awards while serving in the U.S. Army, and earned a 32-year Safe Driver Award. Howard retired in 1990 and focused on farming and his family.

Howard married Erma Lea Harper on August 6, 1953, at the Christian Church in Lamar, Missouri. Together they raised three children, Tim Smith, Kim Smith, and Mike Smith. They lived in the Kansas City area until 1978, when they moved back to the Lamar area. Erma passed away in October of 1986 after almost 33 years of marriage.

On August 19, 1989, Howard married Joanna Rae (Foster) Cross. With this marriage, Howard gained two stepsons, Jon (Christine) Cross and Mark (Marilyn) Cross; and two stepdaughters, Diana (Robert) Enright and Karen Cross (Sam Eldridge), along with several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Joanna passed away in May of 2020.

Survivors include his son, Mike Smith and wife Beverly of Lamar, Missouri; and daughter, Kim Smith of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Grant Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, Grett Smith of Springfield, Missouri, and Mallory Smith and Madelyn Smith, both of Lamar.








Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Erma; his second wife, Joanna; one son, Tim Smith; five sisters, Sue Williams, Irma Mae Ledford, Beth Rader, Marlyn Sauerwein, and Marie Howard; and two brothers, Jim Smith and Reed Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, with burial to follow in Barton City Cemetery in Liberal, Missouri.

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made payable to the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

Billie Morse


(From White Funeral Home)

Billie Colleen Morse went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2026, she had been living at Lacoba Homes in Monett, Missouri. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Billie was born July 24, 1933, in Rich Hill, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children born to Henry and Velma (Cochran) Wear. According to writings of her mother, the family nick named Billie "Doodles" because she was so tiny and cute.







Billie worked for Stonecroft Ministries in Kansas City, later she worked for Seniors Helping Seniors, caring for the elderly. She also taught Sunday school via telephone to those who were confined at home and volunteered at the Life Center.

Billie was a member of First Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Henry Wear Jr, Leon Wear, and sister Kathleen Hilburn.








She is survived by her son Daniel Morse of Lebanon, Missouri, Daughter Linda Little of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter Jessica Morse of Sedalia, Missouri; and great grandson Alonzo Miranda of Sedalia, Missouri.

A celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Pastor James Weaver officiating.

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