Frances Miller

Frances Miller of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2026, after a short illness. Frances was a woman whose quiet strength and love of life drew people to her. Frances was known by her warm and radiant smile, even in her 100th year.

Born December 1926, in Enid, Oklahoma, Frances had a love of learning along with a willingness to work diligently marked every chapter of her life. As a teenager during WWII, she managed her family's dairy, Ellendale Farms. She attended Oklahoma A&M and taught school before marrying Eugene V. Miller in 1950. Together, they built a 25 year life in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Frances worked alongside Eugene in his law practice. She supported Gene's public service and helped shape their shared legacy.

Frances' greatest dedication was to her faith. Baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1972, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her ministry, wanting to help others, until her passing. Her belief was the foundation of her resilience and unwavering optimism.

After retiring to Missouri in 1976, Frances ran Fralu Kennel and supported her husband's writing. She was a magnet for friends and family, inspiring those around her with patience, determination and the ability to find joy in the everyday.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her son, Frank; and three grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Sid of Watts, Okla., Kathy (Mike Chapman) of Neosho, Mo., Debra (Duncan Park) of Joplin, Mo., Chuck (Karen) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Lindsey Hall of Chisana, Alaska; as well as eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Frances' body was donated for medical research, a final act of generosity. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1201 S. Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO.

Melva White

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Melva L. White, 93, of Monett, MO. passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville. She was born February 4, 1933 in Unionville, MO., the daughter of Opel and Zelma King. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include one daughter, Denise Schloesser and husband, Jeffery of South Greenfield, MO.; and one brother, James King of Des Moines, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Her husband, Dean; one son, Gary White; three brothers, Kenny, Marvin and Laverne King; and two sisters, Helen Lathem and Valdene Smith.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the Spring River Cemetery, Verona with Lee Parsons officiating under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Don Epperson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Billie Don “Don” Epperson, 87, passed peacefully into eternal rest on February 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 14, 1939, in McDonald County, Missouri, Don lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep love for his family. Raised with the values of farm life, he often shared stories of growing up — long days of labor and what it truly meant to work hard for everything you had.

Before beginning his longtime career as a machinist, Don proudly served in the National Guard. His service reflected his quiet strength and sense of duty. After his time in the Guard, he went on to work at Vickers, where he built a career as a skilled machinist, retiring after 30 years of service.

On July 3, 1960, he married the love of his life, Thelma Bond. Together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage — a lifetime built on faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment. Their marriage was one to be modeled and studied — a true inspiration and example of what true love, dedication, and partnership look like through every season of life.

Above all, Don cherished his family. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — reading his newspaper in his favorite recliner, watching sports, and gathering with loved ones. Family time and telling stories was his greatest treasure, especially when it was filled with laughter. Don had a contagious smile that would light up any room. When something truly tickled him, he would laugh until tears rolled down his face, and you couldn’t help but laugh right along with him.

A devoted Christian man, Don faithfully served as a member and deacon at Villa Heights Christian Church. His faith was steady and unwavering, and you could see it in the way he lived and loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Thelma Epperson; two daughters, Melissa Epperson and Lori Epperson, both of Joplin; his grandchildren, Stratton, Asia’h, Donovan, Jarrett, and McKenzie Epperson; and eight cherished great-grandchildren.

While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace and smiling in Heaven. We can only imagine that familiar laugh echoing once again.

As Scripture reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

Don did a job well done.

Today we rest in the promise that he is walking with the Lord, his laughter restored, his smile bright, and his joy made complete.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation immediately following the service.

Ken Comer

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ken Comer, age 72, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Freeman Health System after a long illness.

Ken was born in Joplin to Gordon and Treva Comer. After graduating from Diamond High School, he attended MSSU where he studied music. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathie, and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Ken worked as an insurance adjuster his entire career for several companies until his retirement.

Ken enjoyed fishing at the creek, playing the drums, taking yearly family vacations, and doing puzzles. He loved to relay Emily’s dad jokes to friends and family and a good play on words. Ken enjoyed going to get lunch with his grandson Brhett at their favorite restaurants. He liked attending his kids’ and grandkids’ ball games.

He was a Baptist his whole life and more recently found great joy hosting weekly Bible studies and watching church services online. Before bedtime, you would find him reading the Bible in his recliner. He wanted nothing more than for his family to know the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Kathie, his two sons, Greg (Katrine) Comer, Adam (Miranda) Comer, one daughter Hilary Goodwin, two grandchildren, Brhett and Emily, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Comer.

Contributions can be made in memory of Ken to Watered Gardens Joplin.

Charles Ash

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Charles Henry Ash, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2026. Charles was born on May 5, 1950, in Anderson, Missouri, to Willard and Norma Fern Ash of Galena, Kansas. On June 22, 1972, he married the love of his life, Mary Louise Ash. Together they shared many devoted years of marriage and were blessed
with three children.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ash, daughters, Stephanie Marie Phebus of Fairland, Oklahoma, and Shanna Leeann Reffett of Neosho, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Allen Ash of Columbus, Kansas.

Charles was a retired truck driver from Simmons and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. In his free time, he enjoyed working with his hands creating wooden crafts, fishing, and putting together diabetic cookbooks. He especially loved his dogs and cherished the time
he spent with his family.

He is also survived by five siblings: Roger Ash of Galena, Kansas; Carl Ash of Quapaw, Oklahoma; Craig Ash of Kentucky; Fern Ash of Springdale, Arkansas; and Donna Hayes of Weir, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Dale Ash, and his sisters, Sheila Lyden and Brenda Pickering. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Fern Ash, and one great-grandson, Charles Wayne Ash leaves behind six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly .. Charles’s body is in the care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, and he will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held a later day. He will be remembered for his love of family, his kind heart, and the simple joys he found in life.

Jose Duran

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Jose Duran, 41, of Monett, MO, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by family.

Jose was born on September 5, 1984, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, son of Jose Duran Silva and Raquel Estrada de Duran. Jose graduated from Monett High School and worked in construction building homes. He was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett and played soccer for the Monett FC Soccer League. He was the best father to his children, great husband to his beloved wife, as well as a loving brother and son. He would go out of his way to do anything for anyone; he just loved life.

On September 20, 2008, Jose married Vanessa Salas in Monett and to this union two children were born.

Jose is survived by his wife, Vanessa; one son, Jose A. Duran and Isabella Duran both of the home; two brothers, Eduardo Duran and Anastacio Duran; six sisters, Margarita Duran, Lourdes Duran, Adriana Duran, Luz Maria Duran, Raquel Duran and Diana Duran; and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett. Father Rahab Isidor will be officiating. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett, MO. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Sunday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Rosary at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Wayne Allen

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Elbert “Wayne” Allen, age 91, of Jenkins, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at his home.

He was born in Jenkins, Missouri, the son of Elbert Franklin and Anna Marie (Terrell) Allen. On August 7, 1958 in Elsie, Missouri he was united in marriage to Anna Mae Hicks, who preceded him in death on June 1, 2024. Also preceding him in death was his parents.

Surviving are his sons, Randy Allen and wife Kathy of Marionville and Gary Allen and wife Donna of Jenkins; daughter, Elberta McGowen and husband Daniel of Mustang, Oklahoma; brother, Jim Allen and wife Anita of Chestnut Ridge, Missouri; six grandchildren; five step-grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Wayne lived his entire life in Jenkins, a community he was proud to be a part of. He attended school in Cassville, Missouri, then served in the United States Army from August of 1957 until August of 1963. Upon returning home he worked at Juvenile Shoe Corporation in Aurora, Missouri, for several years from where he eventually retired. 

Wayne was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life - fishing, tinkering, reading, running trails, and woodworking. Above all, he loved his family, and time spent with them was what he valued most. He was a faithful member of Crane Bible Baptist Church. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services with military honors will be held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Brother Tony Ball will conduct the services. A private burial at Allen Family Cemetery in Jenkins, Missouri will be held at a later date.

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