Tommy Shields

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Major Tommy J. Shields Jr., U.S. Army (Retired), passed away at his home in Neosho, Missouri, on September 26, 2026, at the age of 74.

He was born to Loretta Mae Webb and Tommy J. Shields Sr. in Bakersfield, California. Tommy spent his early years playing, learning, and growing alongside his sisters, Johnie and Lynn, and a close-knit group of cousins. The bonds formed during those early years became a lifelong family support system for sharing joys and comforting life's tragedies. Tommy cherished family and always looked forward to family events and card games.

In 1968, during Tommy's sophomore year of high school, the Shields family relocated to southwest Missouri where they farmed 260 acres and operated a trucking company. Attending high school and ROTC during the day, then working evening and weekends alongside family, Tommy honed his knack for problem solving and overcoming obstacles. These early years solidified his capacity for hard work and mental endurance that prepared him for his future in the military.

In 1974, Tommy joined the Missouri National Guard as an Aircraft Electrician, later attending Officer Candidate School, where he was selected to join the Army Engineer Corps. The next 37 years took him to Panama, Korea, Honduras, Japan, Germany, the Dominican Republic, and two deployments to Iraq. Tommy earned many notable achievements and awards during his career, but the achievements he most talked about were graduating from the Missouri National Guard Scout/Sniper Course at the age of 43 as the oldest service member in the course; and earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at the age of 51. No matter where the military took him, Tommy took great pleasure in faithfully serving both the Missouri National Guard and the United States Army.

In 1978, Tommy married Dodie Lynn Owen. They immediately departed for their honeymoon in beautiful Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he attended the Army Engineer Officer Basic Course, setting the tone for married life in the military. Making their home in Neosho, they took care of each other while raising their family and navigating the chaos of Tommy's frequent overseas travel. Their resilience, communication, and teamwork reframed adversity to provide growth and stability, not only for their own family, but for his unit's families as well. Their relationship was defined by shared sacrifices, laughter, and a quiet partnership that gave their children a remarkable example of commitment to family and duty.

n 2008, Tommy joined the Newton County Sheriff's Department, serving as a reserve Deputy Sheriff and sniper on the Special Response Team. Tommy took special pleasure in working alongside his best friend, Steve Hunter, who acted as his spotter. We always enjoyed hearing stories of their shared adventures during their military service and time working for Newton County.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 44years; Dodie Lynn Owen, his parents Tom & Loretta Shields; and his sister Johnie Bailey.

He is survived by his beloved cat Maggie; his three children, Lisa Shields, a veteran and former Captain in the U.S. Army (Michael Grinko), Lori Powers (James Powers), and Thomas Shields (Bridget Burman); five granddaughters, Alexis Shields, Laurel Mishevski, Jaci, Jena, and Josie Powers; his sister Lynn Hatfield (Willie Hatfield); sister-in-law Toni Wilson; mother-in-law Ann Owen; as well as many family members who will miss his humor and guidance. Recently, Tommy expressed gratitude for the companionship of Jimmy Shields, John Edwards, and Marla Johnson. Each of them made this past year brighter in their own way.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on October 10, 2026, at Clark Funeral Homes, located at 312 S Wood St, Neosho, MO 64850, immediately followed by an informal gathering of friends and family at the Community Room of First Community Bank at 111 E Main St, Neosho, MO 64850.

In remembrance of Tommy, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://onlypossiblehere.mdanderson.org/ways-to-give.html

Danny Hadley

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. Danny Hadley, 56, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, with his loving family gathered by his side.

Danny was born to the late Dahnis Hadley and Lilian Johp on March 18, 1970, in Pohnpei, Micronesia.

Danny was a hard worker and took great pride in his job as a caregiver and caretaker at New Vision Group Home. He approached his work with patience, compassion, and a genuine sense of responsibility. He always treated the people in his care like family. His steady nature and caring heart made a meaningful difference in the lives of many, and his work reflected the best of who he was.

He was a family man through and through, and his love for his family was one of the defining parts of his life. Danny was a very likeable man who had a way of making people feel comfortable and accepted. He was often described as a teddy bear, tough looking on the outside but soft on the inside, especially when it came to children and babies. He was also a very straightforward man, and those who knew him appreciated his honesty and sincerity. He loved his family very much and found great joy in spending time with them, especially his wife and daughter.

Danny treasured the simple and meaningful moments of life. He enjoyed talking with his cousins and spending time with his grand nieces and nephews, with whom he shared many happy moments. He liked playing pool table and watching the sports channel, and he found enjoyment in collecting speakers and listening to all kinds of music.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dahnis Hadley; his mother Lilian Johp; his step-mother, Luhse David Hadley; his brother, Ehram Kulian; his grandfather, Aliwis Hadley; and his grandmother, Eta Panuel Hadley.

Danny is survived by his loving wife, Connie Hadley; his daughter, Daphne Hadley; his sisters, Analora K. Soloman, Lillyjean Kulian, Yumi Hadley, Delma Hadley, and Leilani Lanzo; his brothers, Donald Hadley and Dahnis Jr. Hadley; 18 Nephews; 10 nieces. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services for Mr. Hadley will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the Anderson, Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes, with Pastor Michael Spencer officiating. Those who have the honor of serving as pallbearers are Donavon Hadley, CJ Materne, Nordamian (Bain) Materne, Dardanian (Pwordos) Hadley, Spens Soloman, Vance Soloman, and Densin Soloman. Burial will follow in Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri at 1:30 p.m. following services.

 

Rufus Henley

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Rufus Wayne Henley, 93, passed away on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Goodman, Missouri. He entered this life on March 29, 1933, in Grapevine, Texas, born to the union of the late George Rufus and Edna Claudine Henley.

He was raised and graduated from high school in Cheney, Kansas. He later continued his studies at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he earned a master’s degree in education and psychology. His commitment to learning and his belief in the value of education shaped both his career and the way he encouraged those around him.

Rufus dedicated 40 years of his life to teaching, retiring in the late 1990s after a long and meaningful career. He taught mostly in Cheney, Kansas and Paradise, Texas, where he touched the lives of countless students.

In addition to his work in education, he was also an ordained minister. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he served others with pride, compassion, and a sincere desire to make a difference.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Bonnie Jean (Norrish) Henley, whom he married on June 4, 1968. He is also survived by his six children, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Rufus and Edna Claudine Henley, as well as all of his siblings.

Graveside services are 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri with Daniel Taylor officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are David, Donald, Russel, Jonathan, Mark and Stephen Henley with Byron Henley and Lewis Carter serving as honorary. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Pat Wylie

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Pat Wylie, 76, of Goodman, Missouri, passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 1, 2026.

Pat was born July 15, 1950, in San Diego, California, to Frank and Ina Wylie. When he was in junior high, his family moved to Lanagan, Missouri, where he would spend the rest of his life building the relationships and memories that meant so much to him.

It was during his high school years that Pat met the love of his life, Sharon Stout. The two married on June 4, 1971, and settled in Goodman, where they built a life and family together. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and companionship.

Pat spent more than 35 years working for the State of Missouri Division of Employment Security. After officially “retiring,” Pat wasn’t quite ready to slow down. He went to work for Goodman Schools, where he became part of the Reading Recovery program and made a lasting impact on the children he taught. His influence reached far beyond the classroom. Years later, former students would bring their own children to Pat’s house on Halloween just to see “Mr. Wylie” dressed as Woody from Toy Story. It was a tradition that reflected the special place he held in the hearts of his students and their families.

Pat had a lifelong love of history, especially the Civil War. It was a standing family joke that no one should get him started talking about it unless they had plenty of time to spare. Once Pat got going, there was no telling how long the conversation might last—and he was always happy to share what he knew with anyone willing to listen.

More than anything, Pat will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He had a positive outlook on life and a genuine warmth that endeared him to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He loved his family deeply, treasured his community, and had a gift for making connections that lasted a lifetime.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ina Wylie, and his brother, Bill Wylie.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sharon Wylie; his brother, Mike Wylie and wife Becky; his sisters, Dorothy Crowder and Teresa Wylie; his daughter, Patti Gilliland and husband Doug; and his grandson, Wylie Hayes. Pat is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews - all who were family members he held near and dear.

Pat was loved by so many, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, former students, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, the children he encouraged, and the countless memories he left behind.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Linda Clark

 

From Clark Funeral Home)

Linda Lee Clark, 79, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Oak Pointe Senior Living, on September 30, 2026. She was a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Linda was born May 13, 1947, in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, to Alfred “Sarge” Clark and Anna Wahl Clark. Although Linda and her family lived many places, she resided in Neosho from the second grade until she graduated from Neosho High School in 1965, again as she raised her children from 1978 to 1995, and later after retirement from 2010 until her death. She fondly felt that Neosho was her home.

Linda graduated from William Woods College and from Drury University, and married Ross Rhoades in August, 1968. Linda and Ross had two children, Anna Christine Day and Charles Clark Rhoades. Linda and Ross were divorced in 1993, but remained true friends until his death in 2022.

Linda’s most cherished relationship was the one that she shared with her sister, Dorothy. The two were born very close together and, while they were very different in personality, they shared their highs and lows, their achievements and worries, and spoke often even when many miles separated them.

Linda’s greatest gift to the world was her love for people. She loved everyone. She loved social events, she loved meeting people she had never met before and getting their “backstory,” and loved even more being a true, tried friend to those with whom she became close. She loved people she knew and people she didn’t know. She role-modeled how to love those people who hurt her and those whom she hurt. She loved people who were of a like mind with her and people of opposing view points. In these time, being able to love like this is rare indeed.

Linda worked for the Crowder College Bookstore and the Division of Family Services for many years while her kids were small, until she became a branch manager of Penmac Personnel Services in Joplin and briefly, in Neosho. It was from this position that she retired in 2010. Linda enjoyed her coworkers and colleagues immensely and made her work family a part of her real family always. Socially, Linda loved being a part of groups and clubs. She enjoyed being a part of Fortnightly Study Club, multiple bridge groups, a Mahjongg group, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter NH, and the Neosho United Methodist Church.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Chrissy Day, and husband Brett, of Neosho, Missouri; her son Clark Rhoades, and wife Chyna, of Kansas City, Missouri; her sister, Dorothy Clark, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Michael and Abigail Day, and Kennedy and Isabel Rhoades, as well as two nieces, Suzanne Wheeler and Carrie Preusse.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law Vince Lindstrom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Neosho United Methodist Church. Donations may be mailed to Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO, 64850.

The body has been taken for cremation and a small internment ceremony will be held at a later date.

Nancy Melim

Nancy Hargis Melim, 86, formerly of Webb City, passed peacefully on June 18, 2026 in Mesa, AZ.

Nancy was born on December 20, 1939 to Harold Hargis and Lula (Wilbur) Dennis.

Nancy, with her beloved husband of 50 years, James (Jim) Melim, who passed on June 6, 2021, lived an adventurous life filled with travel, skiing and family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Racy Campbell, and a son, Doug Wolcott.

Nancy is survived by her sons Dennis Wolcott, David Wolcott, and Wade (Deena) Waddlow, daughter Denise (Al) Gobble, and daughter in-law Michelle Wolcott, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces, Susan Heaps and Beth Smith.

Her body has been cremated. There will be a brief memorial ceremony at graveside on October 7, 2026 in Carthage, Mo., where her ashes along with her husband Jim’s ashes, will be laid to rest.

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Amy Weber

(From Walnut Lawn Funeral Home)

Amy Denise Sellars Weber, 49, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at 6:53 a.m. at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born December 11, 1976, in Neosho to Bill and Wilma Sellars.


Amy attended Neosho Schools and graduated in 1995. Later that year, she began her college education in Springfield, Missouri, attending Southwest Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Amy dedicated her career to helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around her. She began her work with Greene County Children’s Division, later continuing her service with the Child Advocacy Center, the Victim Center, and the Greene County Family Justice Center. She remained committed to this work until her health required her to take an early retirement.


Amy resided in Republic, Missouri, from the time she graduated college until her passing.
Amy had a love for sports, especially the Indianapolis Colts football team and the Lakers basketball team. She enjoyed cheering them on from her favorite recliner. Those who knew Amy will remember her for her caring heart, her dedication to helping others, and the love she shared with the people in her life.


Amy is survived by her significant other of 10 years, Alex Brent Cunningham; her father, Bill Sellars; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma Sellars; her sister, Ronda Forcum; and her grandparents.


A celebration of Amy’s life will be held October 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at 17081 Locust Road, Neosho, Missouri. An additional gathering in memory of Amy will be held in December in honor of what would have been her 50th birthday, with the time and date to be announced.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Amy’s memory to The Victim Center, 815 West Tampa Street, Springfield, Missouri 65802, or the American Diabetes Association.
Amy devoted her life to helping others, and the lives she touched will forever carry a part of her kindness, compassion, and love.