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.

Josh Bogard

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joshua Ryan Bogard, 41, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Joshua was born on September 3, 1984, Labor Day, in Overland Park, Kansas, to Kelli Lynn Cragin and David Eugene Bogard. Josh graduated from Webb City High School in 2003. He worked for the past two years for Mercantile Properties, LLC as a New Property Agent. Joshua had a passion for professional sports cards and was well known in the card-collecting community. Nearly every weekend, he could be found setting up his booth at card shows, where he built lasting friendships while sharing his knowledge and passion.

From the time he was a young boy through his high school years, Josh loved being involved in sports, participating in soccer, wrestling, and baseball. His passion for sports continued throughout his life and became a big part of who he was. He was a devoted fan of his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and KU Jayhawks, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. Whether watching a game, talking sports with friends and family, or collecting sports memorabilia, Josh’s enthusiasm was contagious.

Josh lived life with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. When he spoke, his excitement was unmistakable, and his loud laugh and silliness could light up any room. He had a way of bringing joy to others and making every gathering feel more alive. Josh was known for his playful sense of humor and his love of pulling pranks on family and friends, something that brought him endless laughter and joy. He cherished the outdoors, especially fishing and spending time at his grandparents’ Christmas tree farm, where he helped the family each holiday season. Music was always a big part of Josh’s life, and he loved turning it up loud and singing along with every word.

Josh loved his children more than anything in this world, Kensli Elizabeth, age 12, and Ryan James, age 1. Being their father brought him his greatest joy. He cherished every moment spent playing, laughing, and creating special memories with them. Joshua loved Jesus deeply and, as an adult, was baptized three times as a public confirmation of his faith in the Lord. He enjoyed old school rap, reggae, Christian music and rock.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandparents: Norman and Pat Johnson, Carolyn Franks, John and Joy Cragin, and Norm and Ione Miller.

He is lovingly remembered and survived by his children, Kensli Elizabeth and Ryan James; his parents, Kelli Cragin, David (Katie) Bogard and Jim Cupp; his sister, Camille (Stosh) Antolak; stepsisters Carrie (Kurt) Broeckelmann, Christina (Ryan) Brannon, Elise Cupp and stepbrother Jarrod Cupp. He is also survived by his uncles and aunts, Randy Franks (Sandy), Renee Short, Denise (Stephen) Haskins, and Jesse Bogard.

He was very close to his cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to him: Brady Short, Grant (Megan) Short, Cody Daniels, Kelsie (Doug) Hancock, Rose Franks, Jacob Franks, Joshua Franks, Claire Franks, Paige Franks, Mallory (Khyle) Hill, Teresa Endicott, and Laura Martin. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Emerson, Hazel, Kellen, Annalee, and Jacob, as well as his close second cousins: Wyatt, Reed, Chloe, Cooper, and Liam.

Joshua will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held May 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Parker’s Funeral Home in Joplin, Missouri, with Trey Laveroni officiating. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Carthage, Missouri, also officiated by Trey Laveroni, a fitting tribute in a place that held his heart and the heart of his family. Please wear Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, or KU Jayhawk clothing to help celebrate and honor Joshua’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Edward Jones Custodial account for his children, Kensli Elizabeth and Ryan James, in care of Parker Mortuary. Josh’s contagious energy and huge heart will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

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