Mary Rose

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Mary Alice Rose, age 92, of Washburn, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at Aspire Senior Living Roaring River in Cassville, Missouri.

She was born August 18, 1934, in Washburn, the daughter of Walter J. and Laura A. (Sparks) Bruton. On April 22, 1953, in Washburn, she was united in marriage to Charles R. “Doc” Rose, who preceded her in death on December 18, 2013. Mary was also preceded in death by her parents; her son, Richard Gale Rose, granddaughter, Brandy Rose; three brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include two sons, David Rose and his wife Ronda of Exeter, Missouri and Rick Rose and his wife Kris of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Travis, Kobe and Brandon; three great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one on the way.

Mary grew up in Washburn and graduated from Washburn High School. She worked as a stitcher at both Jumping Jack Shoe Factory and Justin Boot Factory in Cassville, Missouri. She later worked for Able 2, where she remained until her retirement.

Mary loved her family dearly and treasured the time she spent with them. She enjoyed gardening, playing board games and card games, and creating memories with those she loved. She was a member of Mission Baptist Church in Washburn.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 31, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri. Pastor Dayton Brattin will conduct the services. Burial will be at Washburn Prairie Cemetery in Washburn.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Monday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Baptist Church in loving memory of Mary.

Kennith Gideon

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Kennith Gene Gideon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, was born November 25, 1937, and entered into eternal rest on August 28, 2026, at the age of 88.

Kennith son of Mose Gideon and Mattie Harris Gideon was a man of strong character, firm convictions, and a straightforward nature. He believed in doing things properly and took pride in his work, his responsibilities, and the people to whom he was devoted. He was known as a hardworking and determined man who valued doing things his own way and standing by his word.

Throughout his working life, Kennith worked as a backhoe operator and in the plumbing and cemetery trade alongside his father-in-law. He also worked at Eagle-Picher. His career reflected the qualities that defined him, his dependability, persistence, and a willingness to work hard and get the job done.

Kennith had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed riding horses and spending time in nature. He particularly enjoyed elk hunting in Colorado. In the later years of his life, he developed a passion for woodworking, dedicating his time and attention to the craft. He also enjoyed his tomatoes and strawberries and appreciated the simple pleasures of life.

An important part of Kennith’s legacy was his many years of service to charitable causes. He was actively involved with The Kidney Foundation Ride for Life and the St. Jude Ride for Life, serving as chairman and co-chairman for many years. He gave generously of his time and leadership in support of these causes and took his responsibilities seriously.

Kennith was united in marriage to Leatress Leuellen, on June 27th, 1958, with whom he shared his life and family.

He is survived by his wife Leatress and daughter, Teresa Carlin and her husband, Larry; grandchildren Jonathan Carlin and Jennifer Wilson and her husband, Jake; great-grandchildren Inman Gideon, Dixie Gideon, Adrian Carlin, and Alyviah Wilson; his brother, Oddie Gideon; his sister, Joyce Kern, Tiffany, Matthew, Paige, Sara, Madison, Lane; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sons, Jimmie Gideon and Wayne Gideon; brothers Norman, Clyde, Clifford, Donnie and Arthur Gideon; sisters Twyla Carter, Lola Mae Myers, Louise Mahurin, and Phyllis Manar.

Kennith Gene Gideon leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, determination, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered with respect and affection and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard Stephens

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Richard Scott Stephens passed away on August 20th, 2026 in Springfield, MO following an illness.

Richard was born September 28th, 1965 in Ontario, OR to David James and Arlene Lucille (Mohler) Stephens. He was the youngest and therefor spoiled by his parents and older siblings, who will miss him dearly. When he wanted his favorite food he would just bat his eyes and ask his mother for KFC where she would barely hesitate to say well I guess so.

In 1984 Richard joined the military after high school, serving in Desert Storm. He was stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1991. During his time in Germany he married Beate Ulrich in 1988. Shortly after they and son David welcomed another son Nic who was Richards pride and joy. They later divorced and Richard moved back to the US where he rein listed and served in Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005, where he was also honorably discharged.

Richard was a humorous guy always telling and pulling jokes on people. He was a great friend to those who knew him and a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. One of Richards favorite things to do was go back to his hometown and visit with his best friends Jack and Joe Getman where they would tell stories of the good old days when he ran around with them and his brothers. You could always find Rich with a cold Mountain Dew in his hands wherever he went, whether it be visiting with friends, playing the computer or Xbox, or visiting his favorite town in Uranus, MO. He loved arguing with his son Nic on their football teams between the chiefs and ravens, but even after was so proud to show off pictures of his son Nic and Daughter in law and his grandkids.

Richard is survived by his son Nicolas Stephens and wife Nicole of Monfeld, Germany, their children Samuel and Elly. His Stepson David Ulrich and wife Julia of Stadtprozelten, Germany, their children Ida and Leo. His Fiancé Sharon Castagno of the home and her son Adam McWilliams. His siblings; Wanda Tucker of Knoxville, TN. Hazel Swinney of Park City, KS. Christine Stephens of Valley Center, KS. Davida Powell of Pink, OK. Lavena Folk (Robert) of Oswego, KS. Brenda Fullhart of Oswego, KS. James Stephens (Kim) of Miami, OK. Irita Long of Grove, OK. Floyd Stephens of Noel, MO. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death and awaited with open arms by his parents, his brothers David L Stephens, Martin Stephens, William “Ted” Stephens. His sisters Virginia Stephens, Naomi Stephens, Caroline Stephens, and Eva Stephens. Nephews Jesse Stephens and William “Joey” Stephens.

Richard will be deeply missed but always remembered. Family and friends are invited to come remember Richard on Friday August 28th and the community building in Chetopa, Ks from 3-7 a private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Billy Reynolds

(From Parker Mortuary)

Billy Ray Reynolds, Sr., age 71, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on August 27, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, following a short illness.

He was born on November 4, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, service, and hard work. Billy was the son of the late Chester Reynolds, Sr. and Katherine (Clevenger) Faulkner. He carried the values of perseverance and responsibility throughout his life, and those who knew him will remember him as adventurous, handy, and selfless.

Billy attended Edson Senior High in Stockton, California, and after school he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marines. His military service reflected the deep patriotism that remained a defining part of who he was. He was proud of his country and lived with a strong sense of duty, honor, and respect for others.

Following his time in the Marines, Billy returned to civilian life and built a long and dedicated career with the City of Joplin. He served for 33 years as a Motor Equipment Operator, where he was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to do whatever was needed. His years of service left a lasting impression on his coworkers and the community he helped support through his labor and commitment.

Billy was a man who valued the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved to read, enjoyed spending quality time with his family, and found joy in being surrounded by the people he loved most. He was deeply patriotic and carried himself with quiet strength. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and dependability to those around him, and he will be remembered for the steady and caring way he lived his life.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Reynolds of Joplin, Missouri; his son, Billy Reynolds, Jr. of Joplin, Missouri; and his daughter, Nikki Eby of Seneca, Missouri. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Clayton Bryant, Courtney Kellogg, and Amber Higgins, as well as his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Enslee, Rylie, and Laken. One sister, Cindy Thomas of Joplin. Billy cherished his family and took great pride in each generation that followed him.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Reynolds, Sr. and Katherine (Clevenger) Faulkner and siblings, Chester Reynolds, Jr. and Phyllis Regner. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried their influence with him always.

Those who knew Billy will remember a man who was adventurous in spirit, practical in skill, and generous in heart. He lived with humility and strength, and he faced life with a steady determination that inspired others. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the work he completed, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Eloise Fredrick

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Jane "Eloise" Fredrick, age 98, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Aurora, MO. She was born in Pierce City, MO on Wednesday, November 16, 1927; daughter of Ralph Dudley and Eunice (Dummitt) Tate. She graduated from Pierce City High School and lived here until just a couple of years ago. She retired after working 35 years at the shoe factory. 

Eloise enjoyed sewing, flowers, collecting antique dolls, and cooking. She always looked forward to antique shopping. Eloise was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pierce City. She treasured her time with her son, James, and always took care of him. She loved him so much. 

Eloise is survived by her son, James "Jimmy" Tate Fredrick; many cousins; and friends. She was welcomed to heaven by her parents, Ralph and Eunice Tate; aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Graveside services will be at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City, MO on Friday, September 4, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

 

Bob Sappington

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Robert “Bob” W. Sappington, 72 of Jay, Oklahoma entered into rest on August 27, 2026 in Joplin, MO. He was born on March 21, 1954, in Weltzer, Germany, as one of three children to Homer J. and Hildegard M. L. (Wiesebach) Sappington. 

Robert served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Passionate about his trade, he continued to work on helicopters for the Bristow Group in Louisiana for nearly 40 years thereafter. 

As a pastime, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether it be at the lake or riding his motorcycles. 

Surviving him is his wife of 50 years, Donna Sappington of Jay, Ok; their son, Richard Sappington and wife Sylvia, five grandchildren: Dominic, Amaya, Joaquin, Lilah and Naomi of Neosho; 2 sisters, Pam Hartmann and Linda Hedges; and numerous extended family.

Private family services will be held.

Robert Lawrence

(From Peterson Funeral Home)

Robert Lucas Lawrence, age 46 of Marionville, Missouri, passed away on August 26, 2026.

Robert was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, and friend. More than anything, he loved his girls, Kassi and Kizzy. They were his pride and joy, and his love for them was immeasurable. His family meant everything to him, and he had a special gift for making everyone around him smile.

Robert loved his dogs, enjoyed camping and working in his garden, and found great joy in working with and caring for the elderly. His kind heart, warm personality, and love for others will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Robert is survived by his daughters, Kassi May Del Rio Lawrence and Kizzy Rose Atkisson; his mother, Clara Rohlman, and stepfather, Randall Rohlman; his brother, Lance Henry; his sister, Linsey Eshleman, and her husband, James Eshleman; his grandparents, Robert and Shirley Lawrence; his step-grandfather, Jimmie Rohlman; his aunt, Kitty Lawrence; his uncle, Johnny Lawrence; his niece, Brynn Henry; his nephews, Jae and Jayson Eshleman; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his step-grandmother, Carol Rohlman.

Robert will always be remembered for the happiness he brought into the lives of others, his devotion to his family, and the love and kindness he shared so freely. Though his time with us was far too short, the memories he created and the love he gave—especially to his girls—will remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Peterson Funeral Chapel in Aurora, Missouri.