Roger Cogbill

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Roger Dale Cogbill, 76. Peacefully passed from this world on Friday September 4, 2026. He was the second of four children born to Earl W. and Betty ( Harbaugh) Cogbill on January 15, 1950 in Joplin. He was a graduate of Joplin High School class of 1968. 

Like most of the men in his graduating class he was expecting and finally received an “invite” to join his Uncle Sam. Before he received his “invite” to join the military he met, dated and married Marlene Shanks. They were wed on October 10, 1969. 

Less than a month later Roger was off to Basic Training. After completing Basic he had the great fortune of being stationed in beautiful Fort Bliss just outside of El Paseo, TX. His wife was soon able to join him and the young couple enjoyed the deserts drastically different scenery. His last duty station was at Fort Riley, Kansas.

After being honorably discharged from the US Army the young couple stayed in Manhattan, KS. By 1973 he was ready to really settle down and start his family. He and his wife moved back to Joplin and welcomed their first child in early 1974. Then in 1976 they welcomed their second child and with his family complete, he settled into the business and challenges of family life.

Roger started his working career at Fleming Foods and stayed with them until they closed the Joplin warehouse. In the early 2000’s with an empty nest Roger and Marlene sold their home in Joplin and moved to Anderson, Mo with Indian Creek for their backyard! They bought “The Water House “ for a place to host family and friends and host they did. Countless children and adults were given a chance to catch their first fish, tadpole, or crawdad. The fire pit at the water house was the central gathering place, many of the worlds toughest problems were solved there but the proper way to start, maintain, and extinguish a fire is a question that will never be answered. After nearly 20 years at the creek Roger made the decision to move back to Joplin. He found a house that was easier to maintain and with fewer stairs.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Greg, and Eric Cogbill, sisters’-in-law Melinda Shanks and Betty Smart and brother-in-law Kenny McKnight.

His survivors include his loving wife of 56 years; children Brian and wife Amber, Jennifer Cogbill; grandchildren Misty DeFir and husband Clayton, Ryley Cogbill, and Cade Cogbill; great grandchildren Taira and Winter; sister Niela McKnight, brother-in-law Randy Shanks and wife Dana; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per his instructions: “a traditional memorial service just isn’t my style”. So to honor his request a come and go reception is scheduled for Monday September 7, 2026, from 2 pm to 6 pm at Randy and Dana’s home. Reach out to our family for directions and further details.

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

Michael Zentner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Michael Alan Zentner, beloved son and brother, passed away and joined the heavenly embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 64 at his home in Joplin, Missouri.

Born October 18, 1961, in Joplin, Missouri, to Fred and Sandra Zentner, Michael (Mike) grew up in a loving, Christian home and attended Connor Avenue Baptist and Forest Park Baptist churches. Michael graduated from Memorial High School, class of 1980, where he was active playing percussion in the band. He was particularly proud to perform on the quads. He attended Crowder Junior College where he studied to become an EMT and later graduated with honors from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas with a degree in Social Services.

Michael was employed by Labarge Inc. and Eagle Picher Industries as a quality insurance controller. He enjoyed camping and fishing in his boat along with his canine companion, Felisha, during his leisure time.

Michael is survived by a brother, Martin Zentner (Westmoreland, Kansas), a sister, Ellen Bridgewater (Wichita, Kansas) and an aunt, Katrina Smith (Joplin, Missouri). Michael also continued to maintain a strong relationship with his first wife, Veronica Lee Collins, and spent hours chatting with her on weekends at their scheduled time. Michael loved his nephews and nieces, keeping an especially strong relationship with Katherine (Katy) McLean who became a good buddy to him during his time in Topeka. Proceeding Michael in ascension to heaven were his parents, Fred and Sandra Zentner, a sister, Melissa McLean, and a brother, Eric Zentner.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, officiated by Pastor John Swadley. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society which will benefit his loving dog, Dakota, along with all the other beautiful animals.

Funeral arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo.

Paula Litteken

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Paula Diana (Martin) Litteken, 69, of Joplin, MO passed away on August 18, 2026. Paula was born on October 16, 1956 to Aubrey Forest Martin and Anna Lee (Friedrich) Martin.

Paula grew up in the country and enjoyed all the beauty and adventure that came with it. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1975. Paula was a proud graduate from the University of Houston where she would earn her Engineering degree. Moving from Houston, TX to Joplin, MO Paula would work for Empire Electric and Leggett & Platt until her retirement. And while her work is very commendable, it is the friendships that would be her greatest reward.

Whether it was from a wonderful family, friends from her childhood through school or into the workplace, Paula was always surrounded by laughing, caring, and loving people.

With the great ability to find the peace and joy in life, Paula could be found tending her flowerbeds, feeding the birds, or finding solace in reading a good book. As she would tell anyone though her greatest joy was time spent with her grandsons who kept their “Na” young, constantly active playing games, eating junk food, and laughing. 

Surviving Paula are her Sons: Samuel (Cassandra) Litteken of Joplin, MO, Mitchell Litteken of Joplin, MO; and Grandchildren: Sawyer, Archer, and Camden Litteken. Also surviving is her sister: Brenda Baer of Wooldridge, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents.

The family asks only for prayers and to continue to spread the joy that Paula offered in life. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Joplin Public Library.

 

Dave Kreeger

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

David Lloyd “Dave” Kreeger, age 66, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at his home.

He was born July 5, 1960 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of J. Lloyd and Sadie (Sanders) Kreeger. On September 22, 1984 in Miami, Oklahoma he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Resz, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Tommy Ray and wife Sharon, of Exeter, Missouri, and Shawn Garrison and wife Melissa of Exeter, Missouri; brother, Steve Kreeger and wife Gayla of Galena, Kansas; sisters, Cherie Kafton and husband Loren of Joplin, Missouri, and Susan Parrott of Lakeside, California; grandchildren, Robert Seekamp and wife Amber of Cassville, Missouri, Briana Hatfield and husband Ryan of Exeter, Missouri, and Sarah Thompson and husband Alex of Belton, Missouri; 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Luella Seekamp; son, Bobby Ray; grandson, Dylan Ray, and granddaughter, Amanda Seekamp.

Dave grew up and attended school in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He made his home in the Exeter area for the past 43 years after moving here from Kansas.

Dave was a familiar and friendly face in the community. He owned and operated Dave’s Café in Cassville for 15 years before leasing the Dock-N-Eat restaurant at Big M Marina in Cassville for six years.

Dave enjoyed going to the YMCA in Monett, walking, woodworking, working outdoors, spending time with his dogs and cats and taking care of his chickens. He was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia and anything related to eagles. Above all, Dave treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. Dave attended Victory Baptist Church and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Russell Bishop will conduct the services. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to Haven of the Ozarks in memory of Dave.

Rose Graves

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Rose Lee Graves, age 80, of Purdy, Missouri, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at her son's home.

She was born December 5, 1945 in Joplin, Missouri the daughter of Lee and Rita Phillips. Rose was United in marriage to Kenneth Graves, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents and daughter, Karen Murray.

Surviving are her son, Kevin Graves of Exeter, Missouri; brothers, Gerald Phillips of Reno, Nevada, and Denzel Phillips of Billings, Missouri; grandchildren, Shelby, Kimberly, and Tosha and great grandchildren, Xavier and Jaxson.

Rose attended school in Pierce City, Missouri, graduating from Pierce City High School. She made her home in the area for most of her life.

Rose dedicated 30 years of her career to Tyson Foods Incorporated in Monett, Missouri. Following her time at Tyson, she continued her work in the poultry industry as a USDA poultry inspector.

In her free time, Rose enjoyed reading and watching television, especially cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She was a member of Solid Rock Southern Baptist Church. Rose will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Andrea Cross

(From Greenfield Funeral Home)

Andrea R. Cross, 74, of Greenfield, MO, passed away on September 3, 2026, in Joplin, MO.

Andrea was born August 5, 1952, to Ellis and Velma (Mohwinkel) Spain. She graduated from Lockwood High School in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Baptist University in December of 1973. Andrea began teaching, but while working full time and raising a family, she returned to SBU and earned her Master’s degree in 1990.

Andrea accepted Jesus as her Savior on Mother’s Day in 1960. While in high school, she was the lead singer for the group Kings Crusaders, which was composed of members of the youth group at Kings Point Baptist Church near Lockwood, MO.

During college, she was a member of the gospel group "Way, Truth, and Life," which performed in several cities across southern Iowa and northern Missouri. The group even recorded an album before two of the members left to get married and the group dissolved.

While attending SBU, and for a few years after college, she served as music leader and devotional leader for dozens of revivals. She was also a summer missionary in California during the summer of 1973. Andrea was a lifelong educator. That passion for serving students started with a teaching job at Cole Camp, MO, in January of 1974.

Andrea married Charles Cross of Lebanon, MO, on May 26, 1974.

That summer, Andrea worked as a periodicals librarian at SBU. That fall, her teaching career took her to Exeter High School, where she worked for two years. In 1976, she accepted a position at Greenfield High School, where she spent the majority of her teaching career, serving for more than 20 years as a teacher and coach. Andrea also taught at Pierce City Schools and Round Grove Christian Academy and ran Adult Basic Education GED classes in Greenfield for several years.

She finished her career as a counselor at Dadeville High School. Andrea called these final years as a counselor her most fulfilling in education. She worked tirelessly to ensure that any student desiring a college education was able to reach that goal. Her knowledge of colleges and scholarships allowed students from many area schools to get a college education and achieve their dreams.

In December of 2023, Missouri State Representative Ann Kelley presented Andrea with a House resolution congratulating her on 50 years of teaching in Missouri. Even after retirement, Andrea continued helping students improve their college admission scores and earn scholarships to help pay for that education.

During her 49 years of marriage to Charles, Andrea served as a music leader, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, and in any other capacity needed to serve God in the various churches they served.

Andrea provided extensive volunteer service to her community as well. She helped start the Dade County Community Theatre and was on the team that revived the historic Opera House in Greenfield in 1988.

She served as secretary of the Greenfield Ministerial Alliance, volunteered for Ozarks Food Harvest, and served as a judge for the Veterans of Foreign Wars speech contest and other area speech competitions.

Andrea was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Cross; her parents, Ellis and Velma Spain; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Delores Spain; her sister Louise Houston; and her sister-in-law, Wanda (Morrow) Spain.

She is survived by her brothers, Leroy (Linda) Spain of South Greenfield, MO, and Neal Spain of Derby, KS; her children, Sheila (Stephen) Buus, Philip (Keiana) Cross of Edmond, OK, and Annette (Scott) Wagoner of Webb City, MO; and her grandchildren, Josiah Wagoner, Isaiah Wagoner, Selah Cross, Karis Cross, and Eliana Buus.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Main Street Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Kings Point Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Solace House of the Ozarks. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Evelyn Barnard

(From Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri)

Evelyn Ruth Barnard (Parminter), 99, passed away at her home in Lee's Summit, Missouri on August 25, 2026. Evelyn was born on July 1, 1927, in Lockwood, Missouri to Edgar & Lois Parminter.

Evelyn was a graduate of Southwest Baptist College. Evelyn taught for two years in a one room schoolhouse in King's Point, Missouri. Evelyn worked as a social worker for Neosho County and as Clerk of the Court in Chanute, Kansas. Evelyn was a homemaker, and an office nurse for a small-town physician in Chanute and El Dorado, Kansas.

Evelyn married the love of her life Richard (Dick) Barnard on June 19, 1949. Together they raised two sons, Greg and Bill, and a daughter Andie. Evelyn and Dick lived in Columbia and Lockwood Missouri, Chanute and El Dorado Kansas while raising their children.

Evelyn and Dick loved playing cards, games, square dancing, and travelling with friends. Evelyn loved to shop and was always dressed for success. She had earrings, necklaces, purses and shoes for every outfit. Evelyn and Dick ("the folks" to their kids) moved to Lee's Summit in 1992 to be near their children and grandchildren in the area.

Evelyn was very active in the First Baptist Church, singing in the choir into her 80's, playing piano, and anything social in their church. Evelyn was a treasured friend to many and volunteered with many groups in the church. She was a great mother, grandmother and a wonderful mother-in-law.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Greg, Bill (Darlene), and her grandchildren, Amy (Steve), Jeremy (Bobbi), Erin (Jon), Caitlin, and Luke (Hailey). The folks also have four greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Dick of 75 years, her daughter Andie, her parents, and two brothers, Eddy & Keith.

Graveside services in Lockwood Missouri will be held at a later time.

Any donations made in Evelyn's honor can be made to the First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit or a charity of their choice.

Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri has been entrusted with the arrangements.