Richard Agan

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Richard W. Agan, known affectionately as Rich, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Carthage, Missouri, on July 24, 1947, to the late William Agan and Lola Howerton, Richard embodied a spirit that was as resilient as it was compassionate. 

His witty humor and infectious laughter were his signature, often lighting up a room and putting smiles on the faces of those around him. His dedication and generous spirit were evident in his work, his relationships, and his hobbies.

Richard was a devoted employee at Schreiber Foods, where he was known for his dedicated maintenance work, before retiring from Walmart in 2004. He was not just a man of work, but also a man of many talents and interests. Richard found great joy in the simplicity of life. He loved woodworking and building stuff - a testament to his intricate mind and diligent hands. His fishing trips were not just a hobby, but a reflection of his patience and love for nature. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, where his dedication was appreciated and his generosity known. As the adage goes, "The heart of a man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths, it has its pearls too." Richard indeed had many pearls in the depth of his heart, and he shared them generously.

Richard was a loving husband to his late wife Verlynda Agan, who he married on August 20, 1971. He was also a friend to many, and a father figure to those who had the privilege of knowing him. His love for his dogs was profound, and his bond with his wife Sue was an epitome of unconditional love. His life was a testament of dedication, generosity, wit, and humor, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.




Preceding Richard in death were his parents, his brothers, James D. Agan, Darryl Lee Agan and his sister in laws. Surviving Richard are numerous nieces and nephews.

At Richard's request no services are planned.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of their loved one, Richard. His life was a beautiful story, filled with laughter, love, and dedication. Let us keep his memory alive by sharing our fond memories and photographs, celebrating the remarkable life of a truly remarkable man.

Mikeo Long

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Michael Alan Long, 67, passed away on Friday May 8th at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri following a long illness. He was born in Springfield Missouri November 7, 1958 to George Delbert Long and Carol Jane (Wallis) Long. He was the 3rd of 5 children. 

Mikeo, as he was known to many, had a deep love for nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. He had an uncanny knack for spotting arrowheads and other artifacts while out hiking. He loved spending summer evenings playing guitar and singing around a bonfire with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening and even tried his hand at growing grapes and making wine. Always tinkering with a project, he loved building things and coming up with new ways to solve a problem.

Mikeo is survived by one daughter; Eden Creasy (Matthew) of Centerville, Tennessee and 2 sons, Albert Lucas Long and Matthew Long (Austin) of Joplin, Missouri. He had 6 grandchildren; Shannon Long, Crow Anderson, Rose Long, Malcolm Long, Oliver Long, and Willow Long. He is also survived by 3 sisters; Lois Skelton (Chris), Janis Long, and Sandi Stokes (Nate), as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth Long. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23rd 12:00pm at Red Oak II Salem Country Church

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

Lee Murphy

(From Knell Mortuary)

H. Lee Murphy, known to family and friends as Lee, passed away on May 13, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 91. She was born on May 30, 1934, in Warsaw, Missouri, the daughter of the late Melvin and Lola (O’Dell) Bolyard and lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and a warm spirit that touched those around her.

Lee was a proud graduate of Carthage High School, Class of 1953. She married Cullen Murphy on August 7, 1965 in Carthage, Missouri, he preceded her in death on June 30, 2000. 

In her working years, Lee served in insurance as a secretary and later sold real estate. She approached her work with professionalism and care, and she was respected for her dependable nature and pleasant manner. Whether assisting others in an office setting or helping people through the process of buying and selling property, she was known for being thoughtful, capable, and attentive to detail.

Lee was also active in her community and enjoyed the fellowship of several groups and organizations. She attended Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri, and valued the friendships and faith connections she found there. She was a member of the Silver Sneakers Club at Fair Acres YMCA and the Merry Mixers Club, where she enjoyed time with others and the companionship that came from shared activities and conversation.

In her leisure time, Lee found joy in simple pleasures and active pursuits. She enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and bowling, and she especially loved spending time in her yard planting flowers and tending her garden. Her home and yard reflected the care she gave to everything she touched, and she took pride in creating a welcoming and beautiful space. These interests brought her happiness throughout her life and gave her many opportunities to stay active and connected.

Family was an important part of Lee’s life, and she cherished the bonds she shared with those closest to her. She is survived by her sisters, Phyllis Boothe and her husband Glen of Carthage, Missouri, Barbara Stramel and her husband Rod of Carthage, Missouri, and Gail Shipman and her husband Richard of Carthage, Missouri; brother in-law, Ken Cupp, of Joplin, Missouri; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Bob Bolyard, James Bolyard, Pat McDaniels, and Linda Cupp.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am Monday, May 18, 2026, at Park Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Roberta Henbest

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Roberta Mae Henbest, age 90, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 at her home.

She was born December 25, 1935 in Exeter, Missouri, the daughter of Troy and Opal (Cooper) Sapp. On June 6, 1954 in Exeter, she was united in marriage to Carl L. Henbest, who preceded her in death on October 25, 2011. Also preceding her in death were her parents; son, Mark Douglas Henbest and brother, Carl Gene Sapp.

Surviving are her son, Max Henbest of Collins, Missouri; daughter, Donna Gilmore of Ft. Worth, Texas; sister, Peggy Gentry of Joplin, Missouri; grandsons, Jeremy and wife Amie of Rozel, Kansas, Jarrod of Cassville, Missouri and Jordan and wife Jennifer of Fayetteville, Arkansas and four great grandchildren, Colten and fiancée Cindi Colburn, Jackson and wife Elizabeth (sons of Jeremy) and Kaydence and Graham (children of Jordan).

Roberta grew up and attended school in Exeter, graduating from Exeter High School. Her entire life was spent in the Exeter and Cassville communities. Roberta devoted her life to her home and family as a homemaker and enjoyed working alongside Carl on the farm. 

She especially loved tending to her flowers and garden. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, she shared her musical talent by playing the piano there until the age of 89.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Randy Comer will conduct the services. Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

John Keckler

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

John Rollin Keckler, Jr., age 64, of Monett, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born October 31, 1961 in Woodland Pointe, Maryland, the son of John Rollin Keckler, Sr. and Wilma “Gene” (Dorsey) Keckler. On November 11, 1979 in Purdy, Missouri he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Jerome, who preceded him in death on April 12, 2021. Also preceding him in death were his parents, John and Wilma and daughter, Lindy Hall.

Surviving are his son, John (Becky) Keckler, III of Monett; daughter, Amanda Keckler of Monett; son-in-law, Adrian Hall of Billings; granddaughters, LeAnn, Lyndsey, Myranda, and Randi; brother, Jim Keckler of Monett, and sister, Ethel Richardson of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

John grew up in the Purdy and Monett area and attended school in Purdy. He met his wife Linda while she was attending college in Bolivar. They were blessed with three children. He lived and worked around the Monett area. John loved spending time with family and friends, spoiling his granddaughters, gardening, and tinkering and rebuilding tractors and vehicles.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 18, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jeff Allee will conduct the services. Burial will be at New Site Cemetery in Monett, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to the family in memory of John.

Max Lankford

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Max Wayne Lankford, 87, lifelong resident of Seneca, MO, passed into eternal rest May 13, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Max Wayne Lankford was born September 1, 1938 in New County Missouri the son of Perry Elmer and Lois (Thomas) Lankford. He was the youngest of ten children and was the seventh son of the seventh son. Max graduated from Seneca High School 1956. He served on many boards and committees; FSA, New-Mac election committee, Polling Board in McDonald County and the chairman of the Mama's Place men's county affairs decision group (aka Liars Club). 

Max did not know a stranger and loved to talk about the history of Seneca. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in his younger days, basketball and softball. He worked at Rocketdyne, Teledyne, Saberliner and Premier Turbine retiring after 50 years. He was a livelong member of the Hottel Springs Church of Christ. Max formerly served as a Deacon, treasure and the building committee. 

Max Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Lois Lankford; brothers and sisters Eugene Lankford, Gilbert (Gib) Lankford, Junior Lankford, Phillip Lankford, Cecil Lankford, Elmer Ray Lankford, Phyllis Rogers, Margaret Ruth Kostedand Thelma Fay Widener; one granddaughter Ashley Helm.

Max Wayne Lankford married Peggy Jones June 21, 1957 in Goodman, MO, and she survives.

Additional survivors include; one son, Randy Lankford, Seneca; two daughters, Rhonda Helm and husband Mike, Seneca and Regina Hembree and husband Jeff, Seneca; Maxwell Helm (Pam), Jami Todd (Jarrod), Joshua Hembree (Lacy), Jacki Duncan (Michael), 12 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 10am to 11am, Tuesday, May 19th at the Hottel Springs Church of Christ south of Seneca, MO with funeral services being held at 11 with Bob Hampton officiating. Burial will be in the Thomspon Grove Cemetery with Maxwell Helm, Joshua Hembree, Jarrod Todd, Michael Duncan, Jeffery Todd and Jarret Stines serving as pallbearers; Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Scribner, Adam Scribner, Blake Scribner, Bubba Martin, David Camerer, Gary Drake, Tom Richards and Tom Snyder.

Arrangements under the personal care of Campbell-Biddlcome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Ron Kaiser

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ronald Joseph Kaiser, 71, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on May 8, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born on September 7, 1954, in Port Jefferson, New York, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, service, and a steady commitment to helping others in his community.

Ron was the beloved husband of Mary McKenna Kaiser of Joplin, Missouri. He was the cherished son of the late Frances “Frank” and Elenore Freudenthal Kaiser. He is also survived by his brothers, Ralph Kaiser and wife Beth, of Sound Beach, New York, Rick Kaiser and partner Rob, of Tampa, Florida, and Randy Kaiser and wife Patty, of Sound Beach, New York, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember him with love and gratitude.

Ron graduated from Earl L. Vandermulen High School in Port Jefferson, New York, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Geneseo. He later completed his Master’s Degree at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. Ronald valued education deeply and carried the knowledge and discipline he gained throughout his life and career.

Ron devoted much of his professional life to public service and his guiding principle of “Leave a place better than you found it”. He served as an Urban and Regional Planner for the Wyandotte Nation Tribe of Oklahoma, where he contributed his skills and insight to meaningful community development. He also worked with the Intertribal Council in Miami, Oklahoma, and with the Harry S. Truman Foundation in Joplin. In each role, he was known for his intelligence, dependability, and thoughtful approach to his work. He followed his Eagles Scout training by solving problems, lending a hand, and doing so without seeking recognition.

Ron’s faith guided his life and shaped the way he treated others. He was an active member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Joplin, where he found fellowship and purpose in service to others. His life reflected the values of kindness, humility, and responsibility, and he was respected by those who knew him for his quiet strength and generous spirit.

Ron enjoyed gardening, woodworking, cooking, traveling, and reading political history non-fiction books. He was handy, intelligent, and selfless, and those qualities were evident in the many ways he cared for his home, his loved ones, and the people around him. Whether he was working with his hands, preparing a meal, or sharing his knowledge and interests, he brought patience and care to all he did.

A memorial mass will take place at a later date at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either the church or Huntington’s Disease Society of America, both in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.