Ron Hare

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Ronald Wayne Hare, age 81, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home at 3:55 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Ron was born on August 13, 1944, in Cedar County, Missouri, to James William Hare and Juanita May (Thornton) Hare.

He spent most of his life in the Lockwood and Golden City area, where he became known for his strong work ethic and ability to adapt to many kinds of jobs. He eventually retired from O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar.

At the age of 23, Ron answered the call to serve his country. He proudly and faithfully fulfilled his patriotic duty in the United States Army, serving as a heavy artilleryman in An Khe, Vietnam, from May 1968 until his honorable discharge in July 1969. He carried a deep pride in his service and in his country throughout his life.

Ron found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing, which was his favorite pastime. Whether by the water or enjoying nature, he felt most at peace outside. He also had a passion for building model cars, a hobby that reflected his patience, creativity, and attention to detail.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Peggy (Hare) Sowell; one brother, Buddy Hare; and one son, Jamie Dean Hare.

Ron is survived by his brother, David Hare of Pittsburg, Kansas; his son, Jason Wayne Flanagan and wife Jamie of Crane, Missouri; his daughter, Tracy Ronette of Utah; along with his grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Graveside Service
1:00 Pm Saturday, March 28, 2026
Collins Cemetery Lockwood, Missouri

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.

Mike Barnes

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

“Mike” Frank Michael Barnes, age 73, of Aurora, went to his heavenly home on March 22, 2026, after a short illness.

Mike was born on June 8, 1952, in Folkston, Georgia, to the late Bertha and Howard Barnes. He was a devoted truck driver for 36 years, spending the last 14 years with his USA Truck family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the road. During his time there, he was honored as the 2020 Driver of the Year and was a Grand Champion in truck competition.

Mike cherished his time at home with family. He enjoyed family gatherings, and his greatest joy was spoiling his daughter, Sarah.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Connie, and daughter, Sarah, of the home; son Dustin/Somer of Rogersville, Missouri; son Dylan Barnes of Fort Worth, Texas; son Desmond Barnes of Ozark, Missouri; daughter Erica Kleiber/Joey of Springfield, Missouri; son Jamie Newton/ LaDonnaof Stockton, Missouri; son Cecil Newton of Aurora, Missouri; and son Johnathan Green of Aurora, Missouri.

He is also survived by his father-in-law, Lowell Newton of Aurora, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 3 great-grandsons; sister Darrah Young of Florida; brother Hervey Barnes of Florida; brother Walter Barnes of Georgia; and numerous other family members, as well as a very special family friend, Janna Hawks of Van Buren, Arkansas.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving mother, Bertha Barnes; father, Howard Barnes; brothers, Owen and Harvey Barnes; mother-in-law, Bertha Newton; and his brother of the road, Charles Traxler of Florida.

Mike was a loving husband, father, and grandfather—a devoted family man who left a lasting mark on everyone who loved him. He will be forever missed.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 28th at 1:00 p.m. in the Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Jones Chastain Cemetery in Nixa, Mo. Visitation will be held Friday, March 27th at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Billy Belcher

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Billy Joe Belcher, 87, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at home in Joplin, Missouri. Billy was born December 3, 1938, in Nevada, Missouri, to George Washington Belcher and Effie L. (Dyer) Belcher. He graduated “Class of 1955” from Nevada High School and went on to join the U.S. Army to service the country he loved. 

Billy was a railroad engineer with Missouri Pacific Railroad, which eventually merged and became Union Pacific Railroad. He trained many future engineers and other railroad workers throughout his career. Billy retired after 50 years of service. He enjoyed spending time fishing and playing pool. Billy collected ball caps and was an AVID St. Louis Cardinals FAN. 

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Billy was united in marriage to the love of his life, Connie Lynn Belcher on March 2, 1969, in Carthage, Missouri; she survives. They have just celebrated their 57th anniversary. 

Billy is survived by his sweetheart, Connie; one son, Monty Kyle Belcher of Joplin, Missouri; one daughter, Stacy Lynne Starkey of Webb City, Missouri; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and lots of nieces and nephews. 

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, George and Effie; five brothers; and three sisters. 

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Park Cemetery, also in Carthage, Missouri. 

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice 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.

Mathew Bell

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Mathew Alan Bell, 49, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away on March 21, 2026, at Guest Home Estates. Mathew was born on July 22, 1976, in Pittsburg, KS, to Jack Bell and Stella Thornton.

He spent his life in the Pittsburg area and completed his education through the 12th grade. Mathew worked in healthcare as a DSP caregiver, where he cared for others with compassion and dedication.

He enjoyed fishing, collecting cards, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, and most of all, being a family man. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. 

Mathew is survived by his children: Austin Bell (Chelsie) of Waseca, MN; Autumn (Jack) Stevens of Pittsburg, KS; Anthony Bell of Waseca, MN; Sophia Bell of Pittsburg, KS; and Kyndalin Preston of Galena, KS. He is also survived by his mother, Stella (Jim) Bell; six brothers, Mark Bell of Joplin, MO, Chris Bell (Stacy) of Alba, MO, Danny Bell of Pittsburg, KS, Brandon Thornton of Pittsburg, KS, Adam Thornton of Branson, MO, and Richard Wilhite of Columbus, IN; and three sisters, Crystal Perrin (Justin) of Arma, KS, Sahra Taylor (Monte) of Cornea, NM, and Kassie Leonard of Pittsburg, KS.

He also leaves behind six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Bell; his maternal grandparents, Bill and Annabell Thornton; and his paternal grandparents, Pearl and Erland Bell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, Kansas.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Crocker Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stella Bell to assist with final expenses. Services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.

Billy Grider

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Harold William “Billy” Grider, of Lamar, MO, departed this life on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the age of 74.

He was born on July 8, 1951 in Arcola, MO to Howard B. and Vernice B. (Fleeman) Grider. Billy graduated from Greenfield High School and attended college at MSSU. He retired from 3M Manufacturing in Nevada. Billy was a sports enthusiast as he enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching games. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard Grider and Vernice Grider Henry; three brothers, Wayne Grider, Bobby Grider, and Steve Grider; and three sisters, Sharron Hargis, Evelyn Bryant, and Mary Carpenter.

Survivors include two daughters, Amy Grider of Greenfield, MO and Cody Grider of Lamar, MO; six grandchildren, Cole Lollar, Taylor Burns, Gage Burns, Faith Hunt, Hope Hunt, and Chase Fisher.

The family will conduct a memorial graveside service for family and friends at a later date at Vaughn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Sinda Crampton

(From Walker Funeral Home)

Sinda L. Crampton, 70, of Winchester, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond.

Sinda was born on July 9, 1955, in Carthage, MO to the late Eugene and Patricia Petterson. She graduated from Carthage High School. Sinda worked in quality control at O&F Machine for 26 years, retiring in 2004. She was a member of Maxville Christian Church. Sinda enjoyed baking, cooking, puzzles, and old movies. Time spent with her grandchildren telling stories was her greatest joy.

Sinda is survived by her husband, Nicholas Crampton; four children, Brennan (Karissa) Starks, Cody (Shelley) Starks, Nichole Crampton, and Kristina Crampton; a daughter in heart, Sarah Slater; six grandchildren, Sean McClellan, Trinity McClellan, Sirius Ragland, Christina Ragland, Darrell Ragland, and Maximus Starks; a brother, Pete "Shorty" Petterson; three sisters-in-law, Glenda (Morris) Lett, Evelyn (Tony) Haney, and Bettie Crampton; and several nieces and nephews.

Sinda was preceded in death by a brother, Marty Petterson; and a brother-in-law, Tony Pierce.

A funeral service to celebrate Sinda's life will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Maxville Christian Church, 565 N. 625 W. in Winchester. Pastor Jerry Brumfield will officiate. Burial will follow in Fountain Park Cemetery.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Thursday at Maxville Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.

Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, Indiana is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerswinchester.com.

Keenan Whitfield

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Keenan Whitfield was born on March 30th, 1990, in Shawnee, Ok, to Kimberly Whitfield and Roy Lee Jackson. Keenan received his nickname “Mr Kwik” because he loved the Quick Strawberry syrup. 

As a young child Keenan moved to Oklahoma City where he spent majority of his life and received his education. As a young adult Keenan moved to Kansas where he later began his career in the healthcare field. He enjoyed being a health care provider as he enjoyed helping others.

Keenan was loved by many and was guaranteed to light up any room he walked in. No matter where he may have went, if there were children around he they loved him and he loved them! Keenan had many hobbies but his favorite two hobbies were cooking on the grill for his mother and riding bikes. Keenan will be remembered by his goofy and loving personality.

Keenan leaves behind his mother, Kimberly Whitfield (Joplin, MO), sister, Tykesha Wright and sister in law, Adrienne Jackson (Cedar Hill, Tx), grandmother, Diann Malloy (Crowley, Tx), Uncle Patrick Jones (Joplin, MO), Auntie and Uncle Lorraine and Rodney Harris (Crowley, Tx.) , special friends, Treeman Wesley, Sr. (Joplin, MO) and Arlene Wesley (Pittburg, KS) and a host of family and friends.

“Please Don’t Cry For Me, God Has Me Where He Wants Me To Be”

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.