Monday, May 11, 2026

Mary Lou Hayes


(From Simpson Funeral Home)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the spirited and courageous Mary Lou Hayes, known affectionately as Lou, who departed on May 8, 2026, at her home in Webb City, Missouri. Born on September 16, 1937, in Webb City, MO, Mary Lou's roots were firmly planted in her cherished hometown, where she resided for 89 fulfilling years. Mary Lou, with her sharp intellect and unwavering loyalty, strove to make life easier and more enjoyable for those around her.

Mary Lou's early years were spent in Oronogo, Missouri. After marrying the love of her life in 1956, she embarked on a rewarding career with the United States Postal Service, serving her community with dedication until her retirement in 1993. In her role, she was much more than a postal worker; she was a friendly face, a helping hand, and a source of comfort for many. Mary Lou's love for her job was only eclipsed by her love for family and her favorite pastime, Bingo. She was a spirited member of the Bunco Club and an avid traveler, always eagerly awaiting the next adventure.








Mary Lou's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, courage, and commitment. She was a beacon of hope and strength for her beloved family, standing as a pillar of resilience and love.

Preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ruth Courtright; Loving Husband Jackie Merle Hayes; brother, Glen Courtright; sisters, Vela Shofler and Patty Hackney. Mary Lou leaves behind her devoted daughter, Beth (Rick) Campbell; son, Dan (Marilyn) Hayes; sister Judy Courtright; 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and a nephew, a testament to her enduring legacy.








A Visitation will be held Thursday May 14, 10 a.m. at Simpson Funeral Home with a Funeral service to follow. Burial will take place in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.

As we mourn the loss of Mary Lou, we find comfort in the countless lives she touched and the rich legacy she leaves behind. Services are under the 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, Mary Lou Hayes, capturing the essence of a life well-lived. As we remember Mary Lou, let us celebrate her life, the love she shared, and the difference she made in our lives. Through our cherished memories, Mary's spirit continues to thrive.


Stacy Cameron


(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Stacy Gordon Cameron, 55, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2026, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Stacy was born on July 29, 1970, in Carthage, Missouri, to Paul and Cherri (Fenimore) Cameron. He grew up in Carthage before his family later moved to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, where he graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1989. During his school years, he developed a love for debate and enjoyed playing trombone in the Marching Band.






Over the years, Stacy worked at several area businesses, including Thorpe's Appliance in Nevada, Missouri, Witt Printing in El Dorado Springs, and Allison's Quick Lube in El Dorado Springs. He later worked at Capri Packaging in Clinton, Missouri. He also served as Manager of the Opera House Theater in El Dorado Springs and spent time working at KESM Radio Station.

In 1995, Stacy met the love of his life, Andrea DeNaye McNeece, and the two were married on June 10, 1996, in Nevada, Missouri. Together they made their home in El Dorado Springs, where they built a life full of love and laughter. They were blessed with children, and Stacy carried tenderly in his heart the memory of his son, Darren James, who was stillborn in 2013.






Stacy was a proud member of the El Dorado Springs Lions Club and the Masons of El Dorado Springs. He had a deep love for the outdoors — deer hunting, mushroom hunting in the spring, and spending time at Stockton Lake were among his favorite pastimes. He was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan. His passion for classic rock, particularly 70's and 80's artists including Guns N' Roses and Elvis Presley, filled many a good hour. Stacy also had an enduring love for classic films and television, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, Monty Python, westerns, Clint Eastwood, and classic video games — especially the original Legend of Zelda. He enjoyed following content creators Cleetus McFarland and Adam the Woo, and was never happier than when he was cooking for the people he loved.

Stacy is survived by his wife, Andrea Cameron of El Dorado Springs; his sister, Melissa (Cameron) Walker and her husband John Walker of Belton, Missouri; and his parents, Paul and Cherri Cameron of Carthage, Missouri, as well as other family and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Darren James Cameron.

Darlene Bauer


(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Darlene Bauer, 86, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage. She was born on May 20, 1939, to the late Otto and Azilee Howard, in Asbury, Missouri. She was a lifetime resident of Jasper County and had several clerical jobs. She retired from O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar. Darlene attended New Providence Church in Oronogo, and for fun she would meet up with her friends weekly for a game of gin rummy. 

Darlene was united in marriage to Rex Bauer on August 12, 1956, in Asbury; he preceded her in death on January 1, 2010. 







She is survived by her daughter Dana Hern (John) of Jasper; son in law, Kent “Butch” Marti; two sisters, Kathryn Bartley of Asbury, and Dixie Phelps of Springfield; grandchildren, Amber Bass (Jonathan), Ashley Kautz (Richard), and Kaleb Marti (Katelyn); great grandchildren, Jordan Rice, McGwire “Mac” Rice (Marley), Emersyn Bass, Brody Kautz, Hunter Kautz, Madison Marti, Hudson Marti; and one great-great grandchild coming in October 2026. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Rex; daughter, Deidra Marti (June 25, 2025); five brothers, Albert Howard, Floyd Howard, Fred Howard, Leonard Howard, Darrell Howard and Lloyd Howard; and two sisters Alberta Pendergraft and Loretta Martin. 








The visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a graveside service for Darlene at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Nashville Cemetery in Nashville, Missouri. Burial will take place at Nashville Cemetery immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, family would like contributions made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com

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

Beverly Freeman


(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Beverly Jean Freeman, age 82, of Lamar, passed away May 9, 2026, at Cox Barton County Hospital surrounded by her family.

Beverly was born July 17, 1943, in San Bernardino to Adelbert John Howie and Josephine Lucille (Binkowski) Howie. On May 5, 1964, she married Jerry Lee Freeman in San Bernardino, California. Together they shared 49 years of marriage before his passing in January 2014.








Beverly was an incredible floral designer and a faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She was known for her creativity, kindness, and devotion to her family and faith.

Survivors include one son, Jason Freeman of Riverside, California; one daughter, Jamie Snyder of Riverside, California; two grandchildren, Jessica Freeman and Logan Freeman; and one sister, LaVonne Adams of Dallas, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry Freeman; one daughter, Jennifer Freeman; and one brother, Albert Howie.








Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at King's Point Cemetery in Lockwood, Missouri.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Ginny Landreth


(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Virginia Fae “Ginny” Landreth, 81, of Purdy, MO, passed from this life peacefully to the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO.

Ginny was born on July 19, 1944, in Monett, MO, daughter of the late James Robert and Loeta (Robertson) Brafford. Ginny was a graduate of Monett High School Class of 1962.

She had many interests throughout her life. As a younger person she enjoyed such activities as camping, square dancing and horseback riding. In later years she enjoyed collecting antiques and traveling. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ginny was very close to her sisters and enjoyed social time every Friday with them. Ginny also enjoyed doing arts and crafts projects with her best friend.








On January 29, 1965, in Monett, Virginia Fae Brafford married Dick Landreth. They were married over forty-four years before his passing on August 16, 2009.

Ginny is survived by her two sons, Scott Landreth and wife Kimberly of Cassville, MO and Brian Landreth and wife Michelle of Shell Knob, MO; four grandsons, Kyle Landreth, Michael Nix, Joe Abramovitz and Brian Landreth; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sharon Garrison, Mary Ann Buchanan and Dorothy Moore all of Monett; one brother-in-law, Frank Thomas of Greenfield, MO and a host of extended family and friends.

Ginny was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents; one brother, Bob Brafford; one sister, Shirley Thomas.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Arnhart Cemetery, East Purdy, MO. Reverend Jake Freer will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.


Katie McKean


(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Catherine Eilene “Katie” McKean, age 80, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Springfield in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born February 26, 1946 in Seattle, Washington, the daughter of John and Yvonne (Allen) Murphy. On October 16, 1981 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina she was united in marriage to Jerrold McKean, who preceded her in death November 4, 2013. Also preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Yvonne Jones, Gail Eugena Zyto, and Margaret Ann Murphy and brothers-in-law, Greg Zyto and Leon Jones.








Surviving are her son, John Owens and fiancée Cheri of Exeter; daughter, Christine Hammers and husband Tony of Exeter; grandchildren, Briana De La Cruz, Katie Ball, Jasmine Hansen and Brayden, Casey Ball and Megan, and Paige Owens and great grandchildren, Zoey, Brooklyn, Lane, Jett, Blakely, Abigail, Colson, Rylie, and Trace.

Katie attended school in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating from Granby High School. Furthering her education, she attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk earning an Associate degree in Social Work. She was employed as a switchboard operator at the naval base in Norfolk, as a police officer in the downtown Bay Tunnel in Norfolk, was a social worker for Crossroads in Virginia, a delegate in Virginia and she worked at Piedmont in Crewe, Virginia.








In 1996, she moved to Exeter from Green Bay, Virginia. Katie enjoyed crocheting, reading, tending her flowers and garden, quilting, and making hats for preemie babies. She made a majority of the costumes for the Passion of the Christ production in Cassville and was very politically motivated. Katie attended First Baptist Church in Cassville.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Cassville United Methodist Church in Cassville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jeff Fugitt will conduct the services. A private burial will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri

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


Kent Darmsteadter


(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Kent David Darmsteadter, 66, of Dadeville Mo, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at home.

Kent was born on April 30, 1960, in St. Louis to Ron and Kay (Kirchoff) Darmsteadter. As a young man, he spent summers on a houseboat along the Mississippi River and worked as a park recreation counselor, where his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors began to grow.







At the age of 30, Kent accepted Christ as his Savior — a life-changing decision that became the foundation of the man he was for the next 36 years. He faithfully worshiped and served at Dadeville First Baptist Church for 31 years, where his quiet strength, servant’s heart, and steadfast faith touched many lives.

On August 6, 1982, Kent married the love of his life, Theresa Ross. Together they built a Christ-centered home filled with laughter, unwavering love, faith, and treasured memories that will live on for generations.

Kent was a hardworking man who spent his life providing for his family through many occupations, including metal fabrication, welding, and truck driving before retiring from Pennington Seed. No matter the job, he approached his work with dedication.

Kent found joy in God’s creation and loved farming, traveling, scuba diving, boating, and water skiing with his family. Whether he was on the water, working the land, or simply gathered with those he loved most, Kent made every moment meaningful. His grandchildren brought him endless pride and happiness, and being “Poppy” was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Kent is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa Darmsteadter; his son, David Darmsteadter and wife Deana, and their sons, Maddox and Cade; his daughter, Chelsea Toler and husband Brandon, and their daughters, Olivia and Alliana; his mother-in-law, Alice “Allie” Shepard; his brother-in-law Greg Ross; nephews, Gregory and Mason Ross; niece, Hailea Ross; his brother, Mark Darmsteadter and wife Susan; cousin, Craig George and wife Laraine; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.








He was preceded in death by his parents, Ron Darmsteadter and Kay Darmsteadter Quirk; his step-father, Ken Quirk; his father-in-law, William Charles Ross M.D.; and his sister-in-law, Jackie Ross.

Kent will be remembered as a faithful Christian man, a loving husband, father, and Poppy, and a loyal friend whose life reflected kindness, strength, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Though his family grieves deeply, they rejoice in knowing he is healed, whole, and at peace in the presence of Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a scholarship to help the nurses who cared for Kent further their education, honoring the compassion and kindness they showed throughout his journey. Please make checks payable to his wife, Theresa Darmsteadter, and her Venmo account is Theresa-Darmsteadter as another option.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Dadeville First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Ross-Darmsteadter Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until service time at the Dadeville First Baptist Church. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.