Monday, July 27, 2026

Kendra Ball


(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Kendra Lee Ball, 38, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

She was born on February 13, 1988, in Joplin, Missouri.

She liked doing color things with gel pens, if she met somebody, they became family and she also loved animals.

She is survived by her two children; Austin Dean of Carthage, MO and Lee Anna Moore of Neosho, MO, her parents; James and LaDean.








Martin of Joplin, her sister; Kendra Bishop of Wyoming and a Stepsister, Felisha Holliday of Springdale, Arkansas

She was preceded by her Grandmother; Carol Moore and her Grandfather; Floyd Moore.

There will be a Celebration of Life conducted at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.


Kenneth Pollard


(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Kenneth Ray Pollard Sr., of Carthage, Missouri, entered into the presence of our Lord on July 25, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Kenneth was born January 31, 1942, in Reeds, Missouri, to James Washington Pollard and Chloe Angeline (Taylor) Pollard. 

Kenneth enjoyed throughout his life building and riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family just sitting around the campfire telling stories and laughing. He will be remembered most by his practical jokes, if you were family or friend, you were a target! Kenneth dedicated over 20 years as the superintendent of Calcium Products Carthage and then retired from MFA Ag. 







Kenneth was united in marriage to Glenda Gail Harlen on May 25, 1961, in Webb City, Missouri. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, and two children; son, Kenneth Ray Pollard Jr. and wife, Diane, and daughter, Ginger Lingenfelter and husband, Mike, all of Carthage; grandchildren, Kendra Hughes and husband, Arnold, Emily Tierney and husband, Tim, Ariel Gossett and husband, Scott, Kenneth Pollard III, and wife, Blanca, and Tiffany Schieck and husband, Joshua; thirteen great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, James Washington Pollard and his mother, Chloe Angeline (Taylor) Pollard; one brother, Lewis Russell Pollard; and one sister, Bessie Louise Pollard. 








Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com

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


Susan Bamburg


(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Susan Kathleen Bear Bamburg of Wyandotte, OK passed from this life Friday, July 24, 2026 at her home. She was 69.

Susan was born August 23, 1956 to Richand Vance and Dorothy (Kennedy) Bear. She had lived in Wyandotte for the past 5 years. She had also lived in Miami, Tulsa and Enid OK. She was a self – employed upholsterer. Susan was a member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe.








Susan was preceded in death by her signifier other, Lance Patton, daughter, Angie Fisher, her parents, 3 brothers, Ricky Bear, Edgar Bear and Tony Bear and 1 sister, Imogene Singleton.

Susan is survived by 1 daughter, Rachel Fisher of Wyandotte, OK, 2 grandchildren, Danika Fisher and Raven fisher and 1 great grandchild, Adrian Fisher.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the Sandy Captain Building in Seneca, MO. Native American Rites will be conducted by Shawn King. Interment will be in Council House Cemetery, northeast of Grove, OK. John Austin, Jr., Brandon Ponder, Levi Johnson, Christopher Henry, Jared Loftin, John Patrick Dear will serve as pallbearers. Herman (Rusty) Greenfeather will serve as honorary pallbearer. Susan will lie in state starting at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Sandy Captain Building. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Don Gates


(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

December 5, 1936 - July 24, 2026

Donald (Don) Gates, of Aurora, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by faith, hard work, and a heart for bringing joy to others. He was a faithful member of Faith & Hope Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. He dedicated 30 years of service to John Deere before retiring, earning the respect of those around him through his strong work ethic, reliability, and quiet dedication.








If you knew Don, chances are he made you laugh. He had a quick wit, a joke for every occasion, and an uncanny ability to find humor in everyday life. Many mornings were spent sharing coffee with friends, where stories were told, laughter came easily, and no one was safe from one of Don's legendary pranks. Whether he was wearing his shoes on the wrong feet and wandering into a shoe store to complain that his feet hurt, pulling into a drive-thru wearing dark glasses and asking for a Braille menu, or convincing the love of his life, Shirley, to dress up for a "fancy dinner" only to surprise her with Subway, Don delighted in making people laugh. His greatest joy wasn't the prank itself—it was seeing the smile it brought to someone else's face.

Above all, Don loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Sherry and Ron Moreno of Republic, Missouri; Don and Christy Gates of Waterloo, Iowa; Dan and Meika Gates of Bentonville, Arkansas; Todd and Kristen Gates of Tunas, Missouri; and Becky Adams of Gilman, Iowa. He also leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren, 15 beloved great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Joann, Barbara, and Susie; one brother, Ronnie and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.








He was preceded in death by his parents and twelve siblings, Clifford Jr., Evelyn Lavone, Laverne, Betty, G.W., Kenneth, Sally, Larry, Dennis, John, Robert and Gary.

Don's legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love for his family, hard work, kindness, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest day. His family hopes that when you remember him, you'll smile, share a story, enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend, or find a little humor in an ordinary day—just as Don always did. While he will be deeply missed, his laughter, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.



Paula Crigger


(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Paula Marie Crigger, age 71, of Seligman, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home July 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 26, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas. Paula was the daughter of Arthur Jacob and Viola Vernoa (Reed) McCleary. On April 21, 1979, she married the love of her life Melvin Crigger, in Independence, Kansas. Together they built a life centered on love, hard work and family.







Paula is survived by her husband, Melvin Crigger; her daughter, Amanda Horton and husband Billy Robinson of Seligman, Missouri; her sister, Lenett Atteberry and husband Allen of Seligman, Missouri; her granddaughter, Peyton Robinson; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Bryan Crigger and two brothers, Wayne McCleary and William McCleary.

Paula attended school in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from Topeka High School. She dedicated much of her life to her career, beginning as a Quality Control Inspector with Emerson Electric in Independence, Kansas, where she worked for 21 years. She later spent 15 years with Fuji Film in Bentonville, Arkansas, before joining Walmart as a lab technician, where she worked for the past 18 years until her passing.








Outside of work, Paula found joy in sewing, taking road trips, and making lasting memories with her family. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with those she loved. Her granddaughter, Peyton, was the pride and joy of her life, and nothing brought Paula greater happiness than watching her grow.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Paula’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri. Brother Tony Ball will conduct the services. Burial will be at Pratt Cemetery in Garfield, Arkansas at a later date.


Leonard Farmer


(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Leonard Lee Farmer, 91, of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, in Miami, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of his family following a brief illness.

Leonard was born on April 6, 1935, to Tom and Nellie Farmer. He was raised with a strong work ethic, a humble spirit, and values that remained with him throughout his life. On April 14, 1977, he married the love of his life, Beverly Alene (Friend) Farmer. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and unconditional love. Through nearly five decades of marriage, they shared countless memories and created a home where family, friends, and even strangers always felt welcome.








Leonard was a gifted craftsman and exceptional woodworker who found great satisfaction in creating beautiful things with his hands. Whether building furniture, repairing something for a neighbor, or making a special gift for someone he loved, he believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well. In his younger years, he cherished time spent hunting in the woods and fishing on quiet waters, finding peace in God's creation.

To everyone who knew him, Leonard will forever be remembered in his well-worn overalls and Crocs, usually with a tool in his hand and a project on his mind. If something was broken, Leonard could fix it. If someone needed help, he was already on his way. He never hesitated to lend a hand, often putting the needs of others before his own. He loved to tinker, invent, and create, and few things brought him more joy than building three and four wheeled bicycles that delighted children and adults alike. His workshop was more than a place to build things. It was a place where love was quietly expressed through acts of service, generosity, and kindness.

While Leonard's talents were many, it was his heart that made him truly unforgettable. He was one of the wisest and most patient people anyone could have the privilege of knowing. No matter the circumstance, Leonard met life with a calm spirit, a reassuring smile, and unwavering faith. He listened more than he spoke, never judged, and always made others feel valued. He had a gentle way of offering encouragement that could ease a worried heart, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Leonard never met a stranger. Whether it was family, a neighbor, or someone he had just met, he believed everyone deserved a helping hand and a kind word. He found genuine happiness in serving others and never expected anything in return. His life was a beautiful example of humility, quiet generosity, compassion, and unconditional love.

His greatest joy was his family. Nothing meant more to Leonard than gathering around the table, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and simply spending time with those he loved. He taught by example, demonstrating honesty, humility, hard work, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. His quiet strength became the foundation upon which generations of his family have built their lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Alene Farmer of Wyandotte, Oklahoma; his sister, Peggy Ritter of Seneca, Missouri; and his six children: Debbie Roark of Seneca, Missouri; Glen Farmer and wife Mary of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Louella Younger and husband Mike of Wyandotte, Oklahoma; Debbi Hale and husband Don of Wyandotte, Oklahoma; Billy Friend and wife Kelly of Miami, Oklahoma; and Dana Butterfield and husband Tim of Seneca, Missouri.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Alexa Mercer, Keith Inscore, Sam Roark, Michael Younger, Lily Bailey, Levi Farmer, Caleb Friend, Cade Friend, Brant Walker, Chloe Friend, and Bryson Walker; his beloved great grandchildren, Corbin Younger, Talon Younger, Cleo Roark, Cohen Friend, Emrys Friend, Theodora Inscore and Florence Mercer: numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many dear friends who were blessed by his kindness and love.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Nellie Farmer; his siblings, Walter Farmer, Fredileen Farmer, Patsy Chandler, Helen Whaley, Tommy Farmer Jr., and Mike Farmer; his grandson, Brandon Farmer; and his granddaughter, Audra Hogan.








Although Leonard's hands have been laid to rest, the things he built will continue to tell his story. Every handcrafted piece of wood, every bicycle he lovingly created, every repaired treasure, and every life he quietly touched stand as reminders of a man whose greatest masterpiece was the way he loved others.

His legacy is not measured by possessions, but by the countless lives he made better through his generosity, wisdom, patience, and unwavering love. His overalls may hang still, his Crocs may rest by the door, and his workshop may be quiet, but the lessons he taught, the kindness he shared, and the love he poured into his family will echo for generations. He leaves behind hearts that are stronger because of him, hands that learned from his example, and a family forever grateful to have called him husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.

Visitation will be held at Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home on Monday, July 27th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Graveside services will be held at Seneca Cemetery on Tuesday, July 28th at 10:00 am.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons, Sam Roark, Caleb Friend, Cade Friend, Levi Farmer, Michael Younger, Brant Walker, Bryson Walker, Keith Inscore, Corbin Younger and Talon Younger, who are proud to honor their grandfather.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, caregivers, family, and friends who offered compassionate care, prayers, and unwavering support during Leonard's illness. Every act of kindness shown to Leonard and his family will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23


Virginia Smith


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Virginia Lee Smith, 93, of Joplin, Mo., went to be with her Lord on July 18, 2026, at home with family following a brief illness.

Virginia was born on March 15, 1933, in Henryetta, Okla., to Irvan and Violet (Amburn) Darnall. On October 11, 1953, she married Loren E. Smith Jr. in Springfield, Mo. They went on to have three beloved children and share 72 wonderful years together. Her priority was always her family, but she had many passions including reading mysteries; playing card games ranging from bridge with friends to Skip-Bo with her grandchildren; tending to her flowers; and road-tripping throughout North America while journaling all the way.








Virginia was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Joplin, Mo., for more than 58 years, where she sang in the choir, served on the board and worked in various women’s ministries.

Virginia’s life was filled with cherished friends including many from her church family, her bridge-playing buddies, extended family and neighbors that she held very dear. She was loved by many and will be remembered for her warm smiles, kind words and joyful demeanor. 








Virginia is preceded in death by her parents and youngest brother, Jerry Darnall. She is survived by her husband, Loren; her brother, Thomas Darnall of St. Cloud, Minn.; her daughters, Jan Smith and Lisa Ewing (John) of Joplin, Mo.; her son, Eric Smith (Patricia) of Fayetteville, Ark.; five grandchildren, Bethany Bandy (Brian) of Joplin, Mo Braden Ewing of Bentonville, Ark., Marissa Ewing, Jackson Smith and Benjamin Smith, all of Fayetteville, Ark.; and two great-grandchildren, Eli Bandy and Avalyn Bandy, both of Joplin, Mo.

Honoring Virginia’s wishes, a family celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Virginia’s memory to First Christian Church, 409 W. 4th St., Joplin, Mo.