Charles Rickey

(From Allee-Holman Howe Funeral Home)

Leonard “Charles” Rickey, son of Leonard Rickey and Noda (Owens) Rickey, was born, August 25, 1950 in Webb City, Missouri. He departed this life, October 15, 2026, at Lake Regional Hospital, in Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 20 days.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his daughter, Rachel Davis of Climax Springs, Missouri; his sons, Jason Rickey, Chris Rickey both of Greenview, Missouri, Leonard Rickey of Camdenton, Missouri; his sisters, Beverly Parsons and her husband Ron of Osage Beach, Missouri, Carolyn Spaeth of Eldon, Missouri; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Charles was born in Webb City, Missouri and moved to Camdenton, Missouri with his family in 1964. He worked with his father running the family business, Rickey's Septic Service. In his spare time Charles enjoyed playing poker and shooting pool with his friends. Charles was quite the pool player, once winning a tournament that sent him to Las Vegas, Navada.

We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.

Barbara Prince

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Barbara Kay Prince passed away at the age of 73 at her home in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was born on March 27, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, one of 8 children to Arthur and Ina (Hathaway) Giles.

She grew up and attended elementary school in Duenweg, Missouri, and later, Diamond High School where she met the love of her life, Robert Prince. Barbara and Robert were wed at Community Church in Joplin, Missouri on February 19, 1970. They shared 56 years of life and fishing before her passing.

Barbara’s family boasted, “There’s not another woman who could fish like her,” and “Friends called her ‘Fishin’ Woman Barb,’” and “She was a fishing fanatic!” She loved fishing in the small lakes around the area, especially the one in Ft. Scott. If you asked Barb if she was ready to call it a day, she’d never be ready if the fish were still biting. Robert said she suffered from a broken heart every time they had to quit fishing for the day.

She was an extraordinary gardener, growing thousands of flowers in the yard and along the fencelines. She grew colorful varieties that beautified her property. Robert would come home to find her standing in one of her dresses, looking beautiful, watering her flowers or feeding her animals.

Barbara was an artist. She grew her own gourds so she could paint flowers all over them and make beautiful birdhouses. She painted, mostly flowers, but also cats and nature scenes. She also loved to crochet. Family members were gifted homemade items stitched with love like afghans, scarves, and potholders. She also had a collection of Barbies and crocheted a special gown for each one. To say she was creative and talented would be an understatement.

She was an animal lover with a special place in her heart for cats. Over the years she raised chickens, ducks, and ferrets. As artistic and crafty as she was, she was still a country girl. If she ever saw a hawk circling her chickens, she’d run in the house and grab her rifle, to protect her animals.

The one thing Barbara loved more than fishing was her family- but it was close. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and fun grandma. She made crafts with her kids and grandkids and played outside with them. She was often found cooking and dancing while singing “He loves me. He loves me. He loves me.” (the song Olive Oyl sang in the Popeye movie). She made memories with her family that they will look back on for years to come.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Ina Giles, and her sister, Sandra Giles.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children: Tony Prince, Jacob Prince and Jonathan Prince. Her grandchildren: Alysia Evans, Vanessa Prince, Naomi Prince, Taylor Prince, Kaleb Prince, Jonathan Silvers, Jayden Silvers, Kirstie Decker, and Jordan Hopper; 7 great- grandchildren; and her siblings: Ross Giles, David Giles, Carl Giles, Lynn Gates, Helen Stiles and Debra Williams.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. A Graveside service will immediately follow the visitation at Stone Cemetery outside Diamond, Missouri.

 

Melissa Cowen

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Melissa Ann Cowen, 67, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri. Melissa was born November 11, 1959, to Richard Bryant and Marcella Maxine in San Diego, California. Melissa was a long-time resident of the Southwest Missouri area. She was a homemaker and a member of Canopy Church in Neosho, Missouri. Melissa loved playing bingo, going fishing, and embarking on cruises to see the world. 

Melissa is survived by two sons, Dustin Silberman of Neosho, Missouri, and Timothy Curtin of Twain Heart, California; one daughter, Michele Babbitt of Neosho, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Bobbie Joe and Kaylynn Berry, both of Stafford, Missouri; her parents, Richard and Marcella Bryant; seven grandchildren, Isabele Shaw, Garret Babbitt, Madison Babbitt, Zoey Whittington, Triston Whittington, Robert Collier, and Stephanie Silberman; and one great granddaughter, Iris Shaw. 

Melissa is preceded in death by her son, Joshua Collier.

As per Melissa’s request, she will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

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

Carolyn Watterson

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Carolyn Sue Watterson of Miami, OK passed from this life Saturday, October 24, 2026 at her home. She was 88.

Carolyn was born January 6, 1938 in Hockerville, OK to Charles Leon and LaVerna Lucille (Able) Watterson. She had lived in the Miami area most of her life and graduated from Wyandotte High School class of 1955. She received her Master’s Degree in Education in 1982 from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. She taught school in Commerce, Seneca and Wyandotte School Systems and taught Special Education and was Librarian at both Wyandotte and Seneca. She was a member of First Christian Church in Miami, OK, where she was also the Church Librarian. She was a member of Spring River Sewing Club through Oklahoma Home and Community Education.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, Chuck Watterson.

Carolyn is survived by 2 sons, Don Wayne Lankford and wife Debra Lynn of Ithaca, NY and Mark Kevin Lankford and wife Linda Marie of Bentonville, AR, 1 daughter, Tina Brady and husband Truman of Grove, OK, 8 grandchildren, Tiffany Griffin, Jessica Cavin, Huston Brady, Sara Senty, Natalie Wicklund, Seth Lankford and Jenna Lankford and 7 great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at First Christian Church Chapel in Miami, OK. Truman Brady will officiate. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the church. 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.

David Holden

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

David Wayne Holden, age 73, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026. He was born August 16, 1953, in Independence, Kansas, to Gerald Holden and Shirley (Hadley) Lehman. David graduated from Webb City High School in 1972 and was a shipping manager, retiring from Simmons Foods in Southwest City, Missouri. He was a member of the Alba Friends Church and enjoyed singing in the church.

He is survived by son Zach Holden and wife Leslie of Carthage, daughter Pam Miller and husband Ben of Webb City, sister Susan Deyoe of Joplin, brother Dan Holden and wife Leisha of Carthage, and sister Sherry McConnell of Carthage; grandchildren Sydney (and husband Hayden) Swinehart of Carthage, Sammi (and husband Nathan) Percy of Carthage, Steffani Roberts of Neosho, Tiffani (and husband Parker) Sockwell of Webb City, Rachel Miller of Searcy, Arkansas, and Naomi Miller of Webb City, as well as six great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at the Alba Friends Church with Steve Galindo officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to thank Autumn Place of Joplin for their care of David over the last four years, and Trinity Hospice for caring for David in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alba Friends Church.

Jim Rapien

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

James Michael “Jim” Rapien, age 87, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at Oak Pointe of Monett in Monett, Missouri.

He was born April 23, 1939 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of John Richard and Pauline Marie (Liebsack) Rapien. On June 1, 1968 in Rudd, Iowa he was united in marriage to Marilyn Brewer, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Cory Rapien and wife Tanya of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Brett Rapien and wife Trisha of Cassville, Missouri; sisters, Constance Mehler and husband Frank of St. Louis, Missouri and Deborah Larmore and husband Daniel of Marshalltown, Iowa; grandchildren, Neisha (Aidan), Paige (Bryce), Masen, Anya, Jo Jo, Mae, and Daxton; great grandchildren, Briggs, Vinny, Gavin, Jhent, and Lorelai, and special friends, Abby, Gabe, Joe and Michael.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Jim attended school in New London, Missouri, graduating from New London High School. He continued his education at Western Illinois University then Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he earned a master’s degree in education. Jim dedicated many years to teaching and coaching at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Community School District in Rockford, Iowa, from 1963 until his retirement in 2000. Jim and his wife, Marilyn, made their home in Cassville in 2013 after moving from Rudd, Iowa.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. Jim will be remembered for his years of dedication to teaching and coaching. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 30, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Bryce Huddleston will conduct the services. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time Friday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Norman Sills

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Norman Leroy Sills, 95 of Galena, Kansas, passed away from this life and entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at his home. Born on March 9th, 1931, in Quapaw, Oklahoma to Leroy Wilford Sills and Theadus (Potter) Sills. Norman grew up in Quapaw, Oklahoma and attended local schools there.

Norman is survived by his children Russ Sills and wife Gina Sills, daughter Cheryl Schooler and husband Rick Schooler, Grandchildren Melissa Prince, (John), Pamela Hunt, Heather Roberts (JW), Jesse Roberts, Josh Roberts, Cody Platner (Alyson), 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Mary (Lamb) Sills, his parents Leroy and Theadus (Potter) Sills, his sister Virgie Sills and his grandson David Brewer.

Norman had a vibrant personality, and was fun, caring, and quick witted. He loved his family with all his heart and passed along his advice, his caring ways, his funny stories, and most of all his love to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Norman loved baseball and softball. He coached Little League, and American Legion baseball teams for many years in Baxter Springs, Kansas. His son Russ Sills played for his dad for many years as a pitcher in both Little League and American Legion baseball in Baxter springs, Kansas and was very proud of his dad. Norman followed his granddaughter Pamela (Brewer) Hunt in HS and College Softball at MSSU. He never missed a game. He also followed his great granddaughter Kady Hunt in Travel Softball with Top Gun teams and her HS softball at Carl Junction, MO. He loved every game and was very proud of "his" players #1 and #8. He followed all his grandchildren's sports and loved it.

Norman worked at McCartney Manufacturing now known as Shape in Baxter Springs as a machinist for 50 years. He also had a Television business in Baxter and worked on many TV’s and enjoyed all his customers and made many lifelong friends.

Norman enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, sports of all kinds and was an avid University of Arkansas football fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a Christian and attended Tennessee Prairie Church Galena, Kansas all of his life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Tennessee Prairie Church. Pastor Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Burial will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service are John England, Cody Platner, Richard Lamb, Terry Roberts, Chase Hunt, and Kevin Fanning. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Rick Schooler, and Ken Outt. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in care of Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.