John Hunnicutt

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Johnny “John” Paul Hunnicutt, 77, of Noel, Missouri, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Noel, Missouri. He was born on October 22, 1948, in Southwest City, Missouri, to John Charlton Hunnicutt and Pauline Juanita Abercrombie Hunnicutt. 

John grew up in Noel alongside his family and attended Noel School. Throughout his life, he was known as a hardworking man who dedicated many years to providing for his family. From 1985 to 1996, he worked as a custodian for the McDonald County School District before later working for Tyson Foods. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Noel fire department for 5 years. In his earlier years, he worked for American Family Homes in Anderson, Missouri. In 1975, John and his family moved to Minnesota, where they lived until 1982 before returning home to Missouri. 

John was a man who loved conversation, storytelling, and reminiscing about fast cars. He had a deep knowledge of the Bible and enjoyed sharing what he knew with others. Though he had not attended church in recent years, he was of the Pentecostal and Baptist faiths. 

Above all else, John loved his family. He especially cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy throughout his life. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Irma Jewel Thompson Hunnicutt; his children, Paula Colvard of Noel, Missouri, Marlin Hunnicutt and wife Michelle of Noel, Missouri, and Rhonda Todd and Husband Stephen of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Jessica Janes and husband Johnnie of Decatur, Arkansas, Tiffany Ward and Xaviar Ward of Twin Oaks, Oklahoma, Stephany Wright and Kyller of Anderson, Missouri, Makaylen Bratton and husband Aaron of Noel, Missouri, Devan Hunnicutt and Hannah Hunnicutt of Jane, Missouri, Ethan Hunnicutt of Noel, Missouri, Austin Hunnicutt of Neosho, and Tyler and Tesa Hunnicutt of Kansas City, Missouri; and his great-grandchildren, Tegan, River, Olivia, Oliver, Eleanore, Gideon, Rosemary, Franklin, Aurianna, and Lindsey. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Mullins, who passed away on October 25, 2024; his oldest daughter, Debbie Estep; and another daughter, Beverly Blair. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are made with Midland Cremation Society in Joplin, Missouri.

Frances Finley

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Frances Irene Jeans Knorpp Finley was the first child of the late Luther Jeans and Minnie Irene (Souder) Jeans. Born in Diamond, Missouri on December 11, 1935, and entered Heaven May 16, 2026.
Frances married the late Frank Knorpp in 1952 and to that union was born six children; Linda Steele (John), Pamela Finley (David), Barbara Hirshey (Denis), Angela Knorpp, Susan Hill (Troy) and Jacob Knorpp (Renee).

Frances married the late Elbert (Bud) Finley on January 1, 1981 in Jasper County, with Bud adding six children to the family; Carol Cobaugh, David Finley (Pam), Barbara Finley, Margaret Wooldridge, and John Tipping. 

Frances attended school in Diamond, Missouri and wore many hats in her lifetime; wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader, and dedicated church member. Born a farmer’s daughter, she enjoyed raising cattle and chickens, wrangling an occasional horse, goat, or pig, and making a large garden, canning and freezing vegetables for her family and neighbors. 

She kept busy with her children, taxiing them and attending their many school activities and then later enjoying her many grandchildren, babysitting, entertaining and teaching the ways of the farm and loving Jesus. She loved crafts, making quilts and sewing different items. She had also taken up oil painting, being inspired by Bob Ross, and gifting the family with her works of art. 

Being outdoors was her passion, and by her own admission, housekeeping was not. She reluctantly gave up driving her blue pickup just within the last year at the age of 89. Frances lived out her faith daily. She and Bud were devoted members of Risen Ranch Cowboy Church where they loved greeting and welcoming others. 

Frances was deeply saddened when her sister, Helen Rupp passed away on April 21st just 21 days earlier, leaving her as the remaining family member of her generation. Just five days before her own passing, she faced the unexpected heartbreak of losing one of her daughters, Pam. 

As only a mother can do, she spent those days comforting everyone else, all the while telling everyone how ready she was to go to Heaven also. She spoke many times of wondering what was left for her to do, often referring to Philippians 4:13: “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” She wasn’t required to do “all things” for very long. 

Surviving Frances are her children and their spouses; Linda Steele, Barbara and Denis Hirshey, Angela Knorpp, Susan and Troy Hill, Jacob and Renee Knorpp, Carol Cobaugh, David Finley, Barbara Finley, Margaret Wooldridge, and John Tipping. Frances is also survived by many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all who loved her dearly. 

Preceding Frances in death are her parents, Luther and Minnie Jeans, her siblings, Helen Rupp, Karolen Johnson, Joanne Bradley and Johnnie Jeans, the father of her children, Frank Knorpp and her husband Elbert (Bud) Finley. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law John Steele and her daughter Pamela Finley. 

There will be a funeral service for Frances at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Her visitation will be held the evening prior from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. The burial will take place at Fidelity Cemetery in Fidelity, Missouri, immediately following the service. 

Contributions can be made to the Fidelity Cemetery Association in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Orville Meyer

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Orville Alvin Meyer left this earthly life for his heavenly home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born in rural Verona, Missouri, on December 17, 1934, to Alvin and Emma (Bauer) Meyer.

He married Doris Langer on a Sunday morning immediately after the Trinity Lutheran Church service in Freistatt, Missouri, on November 11, 1956. They most recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Bryanna Martin of Godfrey, Illinois, and Michele (Brian) Tate of Frisco, Texas; 4 grandchildren, Michael (Christie) Martin, Milissa Martin, Jonathan Tate, and Brittany Tate; 3 great-grandchildren, Alivia, Amelia, and Blake; AFS daughter, Susanne Yde of Copenhagen, Denmark, and her 2 children. Also, survived by sisters-in-law Lil Meyer, Vernice Langer, and Bobbie Langer; brothers-in-law Harold (Shirley) Langer and Blake Stanford; and several nieces and nephews.

After graduation in 1953 from Verona High School, Orville started working at Friend Tire Service located at 6th and Broadway in Monett, Missouri. In 1959 when their recapping section was terminated, he worked for a few months for Fritz Service Station in Monett and then worked for H & H Tire Service in Aurora. In 1963, Orville and his brother-in-law, Lavern “Hank” Langer, purchased a tire shop in Mt. Vernon from Vaughn Kelly. Together they operated L & M Tire Service on the north side of the square in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, until June 30, 1996, when they sold their business to Bill Longley and Orville retired.

Orville was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Freistatt, Missouri, where he had served on the school board and as a church elder, sang in the adult mixed choir, and served on the ushers staff for many years. He was a charter member of the Lutheran Braille Workers Mission Center #69, Freistatt, which started in 1997.

When he was able, Orville and his wife, Doris, traveled extensively throughout the 50 states, starting with just a pickup camper, then a pop-up camper, a pull-type camper, and, finally, a fifth wheel camper. They also traveled to Germany six times to visit Doris’ cousin, Klaus Rother, and family and twice to Copenhagen to visit Susanne and her family. He enjoyed square dancing, bowling, and going on cruises. He was a member of the Missouri National Guard for 10 years and the Trinity Singers who sang at LACOBA in Monett once every month.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Emma Meyer; brothers, Oliver and Arlie; and sister, Selma.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 207 North Main Street, Freistatt, Missouri, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Braille Workers Mission Center #69, PO Box 5000, Yucaipa, CA 92399, or to the Trinity Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast, Freistatt, Missouri. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Roger Bradley

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Roger Allen Bradley entered into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on May 16, 2026, in Neosho, Missouri. He was 81.

He was born December 3, 1944, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Cleo Clyde Bradley and Anna Lee (Bissell) Bradley.

Roger graduated from high school and attended college courses in culinary arts. He worked as a chef for Robert Morris College in Carthage, Illinois as well as Methode Electronics for many years.

On July 20, 1979, Roger married Twila Phillips, in the small town of Burnside, Illinois. She survives of the home.

Roger was an avid reader who especially enjoyed learning about history. He was a devout Christian and a true man of God. He loved the Lord deeply, enjoyed singing hymns and sharing his faith with others introducing them to his Savior. No doubt when Roger entered Heaven, he heard his Savior say, “Well done.” Roger truly fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

Roger is survived by his wife, Twila Bradley; his children, Jeff Bradley and wife Cindy of Dayton, Ohio, and Jessie Gogulski and husband Scott of Louisville, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Cameron Bradley, Taylor Bradley, Kolt Bradley, and Aubree Gogulski; two great-grandsons, Beau and Mason; one brother, Dale Bradley and wife Lola of Neosho, Missouri; and sisters Debbie Lowe of Hamilton, Illinois, Dixie Fink and husband Larry of Carthage, Illinois, and Deanna Hitz and husband Gene of Abingdon, Illinois, along with numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Buddy Lee Bradley; two sisters, Dortha Eiffert and Donna Meeks; and his maternal grandmother, Jessie Harriett Bissell.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 9:00AM – 10:00AM at Clark Funeral Home, with memorial service beginning at 10:00AM.

Ardis Orthel

(From Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home)

Ardis May Orthel, 91, of Branson, passed away on May 18, 2026.

Ardis was born on August 3, 1934, to Clifford and Lulu Shoger at home in Cedar Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She attended a rural school in Oakdale Township, Howard County, and graduated from McIntire High School in McIntire, Iowa. She later entered Hamilton Business School in Mason City, Iowa, where she majored in Accounting.

Ardis was active in Girls 4 H throughout her youth and served as the Howard County Girls 4 H President for one year. After her marriage, she dedicated herself to raising her family while also working in accounting, tax preparation, and insurance sales. She was gifted in counted cross stitch and created many treasured pieces for family and friends.

In 1963, Ardis was called to be a Secular Franciscan in St. Paul, Minnesota. After moving to Springfield, Missouri, she and her late husband helped bring the Secular Franciscans to the area by assisting in the establishment of the Followers of Francis Fraternity in Springfield.

Ardis was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Merle Orthel; her son, Thomas Eugene Orthel; her parents, Clifford and Lulu Shoger; and two brothers, Marvin and Stanley Shoger.

She is survived by her six children: Debra Paulson and husband Raymond of Oakdale, MN; Janice Taylor of Nixa, MO; Joseph Orthel of Republic, MO; Mary Patton and husband Randy of Marionville, MO; Carol Nease of Springfield, MO; and Gregory Orthel and wife Kristie of Hollister, MO. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Graveside services will be at 10 am Friday May 22, 2026 at Weaver Cemetery in Ozark, Missouri with Chaplain John Millen officiating under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home. No visitation is planned.

If desired, contributions may be made to The Kitchen or Ozarks Food Harvest in her memory.

Robert Clendening

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Robert Albert Clendening Jr., age 53, of Granby, passed away peacefully at his home in Granby.

Robert, son of the late Robert Henry Cledening and Juanita Albert Cledening, was born on August 29,1972 in the Philippines. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998, serving his country honorably until 2006.

Survivors include his sons, Brandon Clendening, Cameron Clendening, and Devon Williams; two sisters, Tina Payne and Tiffany Thornbloom; one brother, David Lucas Sr.; and several nieces and nephews.

Robert will be placed with his father at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Pheonix, Arizona with full military honors at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, Joplin.

John Sloan

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

John Frederick Sloan, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at home on May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on November 18, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to John Sloan and Evelyn Belonge-Sloan. Johnnie proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

On February 17th, he met the love of his life, Nellie Rose Steele, on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, and they were married shortly after on April 28, 1962. Together, they built a life centered on love and family. They welcomed two children: Douglas “Doug” S. Sloan in 1963 and Lucinda “Cindy” M. Sloan in 1976, both of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

Johnnie was a loving and devoted husband to Nellie (Rusty), his cherished wife of 64 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another. He was a proud and caring grandfather to four beloved grandchildren: Megan, Micheal, Alexander “Alex,” and Makayla “Kayla,” each of whom held a special place in his heart.

John was also blessed to become a great-grandfather to nine wonderful great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Layla, Abel, Charlotte, Finlee, Kamdyn, Penelope, Karolyne, and Micheal. His legacy lives on through each of them, and he took great joy in watching his family grow through the generations.

Johnnie proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring as a First Class Radioman. During his service, he traveled extensively, visiting places such as Morocco, Africa, Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan, and many other destinations around the world.

After serving 20 years in the United States Navy, Johnnie continued his strong work ethic in civilian life. He worked for 15 years with Pepsi as a Refrigeration Mechanic, where his skill and dedication were well respected.

He later began a new chapter in his career as a secretary in the Radiology Department at Freeman Hospital, where he worked for approximately 18 years. Through each role, Johnnie was known for his reliability, kindness, and commitment to those around him.

After his military career, Johnnie found joy in woodworking, creating a wide range of handcrafted pieces for his family and friends. He also had a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing, and spent many summer days relaxing at the lake. He also had a passion for cooking and canning, often preparing and preserving meals to share with family and friends. It brought him great joy to provide for his loved ones in this way, creating both food and lasting memories.

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