Karen Mueller

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Karen Louise Mueller, age 80, of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Saturday August 9, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri.

She was born March 31, 1946 in Quincy, Illinois and grew up in Hartville, Missouri. Karen attended special education classes in Hartville until her graduation in 1968.

Karen worked for 25 years in Sheltered Workshops in Mt. Grove and Lebanon, Missouri. She loved to ride the bus to work.

She was a long standing member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Missouri where she would occasionally sing solos for church. Karen had perfect pitch and a beautiful singing voice. Karen loved to go to Bible Study and Church at Westgate Nursing Home.

Wherever Karen was she made friends. When she worked at the Sheltered Workshops, when she moved to Euclid Group Home in Carthage, MO, and when she lived at Westgate Nursing Home. Karen’s best friend and roommate was Pat. They did almost everything together at Euclid Group Home. Pat preceded Karen in death. Karen’s friends at Westgate included her surrogate mom and Activities Director, Tammy, Chelsey, and Betty. Karen’s initial conversation starter was, “What’s your name?”

Karen is survived by her sister, Pam Mueller of Joplin, Missouri. She also has cousins in California, Illinois, and Texas.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Wilma Mueller

There are no services planned. Karen will be buried in the National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri with her mother and father.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory in Joplin, Missouri.

David Dunn

(From Parker Mortuary)

David Lee Dunn, Sr. age 72, of Joplin, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Saint Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage.

David was born on January 25, 1954, in Wichita, KS, to the late Herman Pete and Marcine (Rowsey) Dunn. He attended Joplin Memorial High School and obtained his G.E.D. later in the 1980’s. He married Linda Sue Kesinger on November 25th, 1971. Together they were blessed with three children, David Dunn Jr., Joe Dunn and Adam Dunn. 

David served as a Supervisor at Eagle Picher Technologies. He took pride in his work and in the responsibility that came with leading others. Outside of work, David found joy in the simple pleasures that meant the most to him. He enjoyed deer hunting and turkey hunting, and he appreciated the time spent outdoors in the quiet of the woods. He also loved drag racing and watching drag racing, finding excitement in the speed, skill, and energy of the sport. David’s life was defined not only by what he did, but by who he was. He was the kind of person who offered help without being asked, who could be trusted to tell the truth, and who brought warmth and humor to those around him.

In addition to his parents and wife, David was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Dunn; sister, Jan Pope; granddaughter, McKenzie Dunn; nephew, Tim Kesinger; and brother-in-law, Gene Kesinger.

David is survived by his three children, David Dunn Jr., of Joplin, Joe Dunn and wife, Virginia, of Oronogo, and Adam Dunn and wife, Sarah, of Webb City; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Sandy Chew, Ginger Kesinger, Tammy McGuirk, and Debbie Pope.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Alan McCamey officiating and Adam Dunn, Kyle Dunn, Jace Dunn, Fenix Dunn, Blake Williams, and Austin Williams serving as pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Yoshiko Marris

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Yoshiko Marris, 88, of Seneca, MO passed away August 12, 2026 at the Solace House in Joplin, MO after an illness.

Yoshiko Ishimine was born November 25, 1937 in Shuri, Okinawa, Japan the daughter of Shinryou and Kamado (Shiugiu) Ishimine. She grew up in Okinawa and meet her husband Gerald Marris while he was serving in the US armed forces. Yoshiko and Gerald were married July 15, 1968 in Naha, Okinawa. She and Gerald moved back to the states and started a family. 

Yoshiko was a family oriented lady. She loved to cook for her family and those who came to her home. She made sure no one who visited the home left hungry. She enjoyed sewing and gardening, spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She loved people and loved to visit. Yoshiko retired from Twin Rivers in Neosho, MO at the age of 74.

Survivors include her husband Gerald Marris, Seneca, MO; her children Junko (Marris) Mitchell and husband Roy, Commerce, OK, Susan (Marris) Leibee, Golden City, MO and Richard Marris, Seneca, MO; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; siblings; Toshiko Uzawa, Tokyo, Japan, Fusako Higa, Okinawa, Shinyu Ishimine, Japan, and Shinsei Ishimine and Junko, Okinawa and a host of extended family.

Yoshiko was preceded in death by her parents Shinryou and Kamado Ishimine and her brother Shinichi Ishimine.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

The body has been taken for cremation.

Kenny Smith

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Kenny Dean Smith, 78, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was called home to be with his Lord on January 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Morrison) Smith, whom he married on September 1, 1967. Their marriage of 58 years was a testament to commitment and devotion. Also surviving him are his three daughters, Terri Wright (Christopher) of Madison, Alabama, Kristi Pelletier (David) of Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, and Penni Gryder (Brian) of Charlotte, North Carolina. He was Grandad to Ethan, Bennet, and Enly Wright, and Harlin Puckett. He was also Dad to many furry children who he adored.

Kenny was born on June 13, 1947, in Aurora, Missouri, to Joe and Catherine Smith who preceded him in death. He was their beloved only child.

After graduating from Marionville High School, Kenny voluntarily enlisted to serve his country in the US Navy. He was stationed in Coronado, California, during the Vietnam conflict. His professional life gave him the opportunity to travel internationally. He lived in multiple states before settling in Charlotte, North Caroline.

Singing was always an important part of his life. His involvement in the Barbershop Harmony Society was something he loved. He was an active member for 45 years. His rich voice and passion for harmony brought joy to countless people. He was a member of several quartets over the years and loved performing with them for audiences whenever the opportunity was presented.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Matthews, North Caroline.

Kenny’s warm smile and quick wit will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Service remembering Kenny Dean Smith. It will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Marionville, Missouri.

His ashes will be interred at the Marionville IOOF Cemetery in Marionville, Missouri.

Mary Morgan

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Mary Helen Morgan, age 65, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at her home. She was born April 16, 1961, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, the daughter of Don Keith and Oleta Belle (Evatt) Morgan.

Mary was a 1979 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and was the Prom Queen in 1979. She worked for Positronic Industries for over 20 years in Mt. Vernon and has worked at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center for three years.







Mary is survived by her children, Kayla Morgan and her fiancé, Jeromy Mobbley, and Kurtis Morgan; three grandchildren, Matthew Parris II and Natalie and Julian Mobbley, all of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; three sisters, Anna (Maurice) Davis, Doris Carver and Cheryl McElroy, all of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; six brothers, Gary Morgan of Aurora, Missouri, Donald (Gayle) Morgan of Dallas, Texas, Paul Morgan of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Fred (Rosjon) Morgan of Miller, Missouri, and Larry (Suzy) Morgan and Michael (Denise) Morgan, all of Springfield, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Oleta Morgan; one sister, Ruby Morgan and two sisters-in-law, Jane Morgan and Patti Morgan.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.

Larry Goodson

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Larry Wayne Goodson was born on September 11, 1972, in McKinney, Texas. From there, he moved and traveled before finally settling in Missouri with him and his family. 

Larry was a wonderful man, filled with joy, laughter, and an abundance of energy and kindness. He did the best he could with the cards given to him and the roles he earned, and for that, he had many people’s love and respect. Sadly, he has passed away on August 10th of 2026, in an unfortunate accident.

Despite this horrible event, we need to remember him and all who he was: An adventurous and warm man, who saw the world with bright eyes. He had passions for the outdoors and all of the world’s wonders. 

He was a cook, and a worker, a laugher and a crier. But most of all, he was ours. To some, he was a friend, to others a lover, and most importantly he was family, and there was nothing he loved more than his family. Even though he has left this world, he is welcomed with open arms to those who left before him.

He is met with the faces of his parents, Billy Gene and Tommie. He is met with his siblings, Joe and Twila and his wonderful niece Natalie. These wonderful people welcomed him home, making sure he isn’t alone. And we aren’t alone either. A piece of him will always be with us and in our hearts. He was survived by his daughters Amber (Jesse) Opel and London Goodson, Brother Johnny (Janice) Goodson, sister Theresa (Gary) Clinton, grandchildren Barrett, Emory, and Dylan and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His legacy goes on, pushing us to keep going even when times are hard, and that would be something he would want us all to remember. He was a wonderful man whose laughter will echo in our hearts for a long time to come.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life that will be held in honor of Larry Goodson on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 6:00pm. This event will be held by One Church Joplin, 2802 New Hampshire Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, 64804.

Services are under the personal care and direction of the Simpson Funeral Home. To keep Larry’s memory alive, the family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of their loved one. As we share our fondest memories of Larry, let us remember him not for his departure, but for the joy, laughter, and love he brought into our lives.

 

Lorene Hendricks

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Lorene Fay Hendricks, 80, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at her home. She was born on September 29, 1945, to the late Clarence Smith and Thelma Keller in Carthage. She was a lifetime resident of Carthage. 

Lorene retired from Butterball after over 32 years of work. She was of the Pentecostal Faith and used to attend the Pentecostal Church on the corner of Case and Sycamore. In her free time she enjoyed gardening and taking care of her plants. 

Lorene was united in marriage to Buddy Hendricks on February 7, 1963, in Carthage; he preceded her in death on July 3, 2022. 

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Smith of Joplin; sister, Nancy Brooks of Carthage; two grandchildren Starlet Smith and Eric Smith; numerous great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded by seven brothers, Jay Smith, Daniel Smith, Russell Smith, Manuel Smith, Robert Smith, Roy Smith, and Bobby Smith; two sisters, Della Neal and Linda Smith; and one grandchild, Michael Smith. 

There will be a graveside service at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carthage. The visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately following the graveside service. 

Condolences can be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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