Deborah Baird

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Deborah Clarke Baird, fondly known as Doodlebug, passed away on May 7, 2026, in her home in Joplin, Missouri. Born on November 21, 1938, Deborah's life was a testament to resilience and dedication. Her spirit, as vibrant as her beloved garden, radiated a warmth that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Deborah's journey was as unique as the woman herself. From Philadelphia to Park Hill, Oklahoma, every place she called home was enriched by her presence. Her dedication to her career as a pediatrician was evident in her tireless service in the medical field until her retirement in 2015. 

Her smart and spirited approach to her work earned her the respect of her peers and the love of the countless young lives she touched. Her dedication didn't end with her professional life. An active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The American Academy of Pediatrics, she also found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like gardening, crocheting, and singing. As Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile," and Deborah's life was indeed worthwhile.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Isabelle and John Noble. She is survived by her sons, Stewart (Christine) Baird, Robert (Aimee) Baird; grandchildren, Callum (Kylie) Baird, Ian Baird, Jacob Baird, Ethan Baird, Andrew Baird. She is preceded in passing by her husband Robert H. L. Baird and her son, Bruce Baird. Each relationship she nurtured was a testament to her dedication and the love she willingly gave.

A committal service will be held Friday, May 22, at 9:00 am. At the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.

In the words of Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." Deborah's love lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and cherished memories of Deborah. Her life was a beautiful journey, and we invite you to celebrate it with us.

Linda Johnson

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Linda Kay Stevens-Johnson was born on 10 June 1956 to Doris and Jim Stevens. She was a dedicated Grandmother who enjoyed music, Elvis, and movies. 

Very much a home body she preferred the company of a close few to getting out in public. She was a free spirit who collected eclectic things trying to find the sparkle in life. Linda grew up and lived most of her life in the greater Joplin area, having moved to Texas and Utah for short stints. 

She is survived by her two Daughters, Melissa Givens and Nikki Tune, four grandsons, Dakota, Carson, Braxton, and Neavan, three sisters; Connie, Mary, and Misty, and her long time partner Beau Black. She is preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings; Bonnie, Cindy, Peggy, and Jimmy. She left this life on her own terms surrounded by loved ones on 8 May 2026.

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

A. J. Lovell

(From Knell Mortuary)

Aaron “A.J.” Lovell Jr. passed away on May 9, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 78. Born on May 13, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas the son of the late Aaron and Jean (Wilson) Lovell Sr., he lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

A.J. spent much of his working life laying asphalt, He was a member of Fellowship Lodge 345, where he valued the fellowship and connection that came with being part of a respected brotherhood. He also earned the most handsome man at the Houston Zoo, his major award, a title that brought smiles and reflected the humor and charm that were such a natural part of his personality.

Above all else, Aaron was a family man. He was a loving husband to Betty Lovell of Carthage, Missouri, and a devoted father who took great pride in his children and the lives they built. He is survived by his children, Julie Harrison of Pocola, Oklahoma, Maggie Harrison and her husband Nailor, of Carthage, Missouri, Aaron Lovell III and his wife Emily of Manchaca, Texas, and Katy Lovell of Carthage, Missouri. 

He also leaves behind a large and cherished family of grandchildren, including Betty, Jeff, Zach, Gabriel, Beaux, Daulton, Christian, Isabella, Little Bubby, A.J., Olivia, Julie, Elizabeth, Mary, Maggie, Isaiah, and Lauren, along with 18 great-grandchildren who brought him great joy and pride; his brother, James Lovell and his wife Vashtie of Houston, Texas, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members who will remember him with love and gratitude. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Crocker, his son-in-law, Robert Harrison, and his siblings, Myer Lovell, Robert Lovell, Lucille “Tenny” Wells, Mary Lovell, and Margie Mesker. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was thought highly of by many people and had many namesakes.

Those who knew A.J. will remember him for his loving nature, his spirited personality, and his sense of humor. He loved telling stories, and his words often brought laughter, comfort, and a sense of connection to those gathered around him. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. His family knew him as a great father and husband whose love was shown not only in words, but in the way he lived each day.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery Carthage, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed though www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Eual Moore

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Eual Thomas Moore, 90, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Cox Monett Hospital in Monett. Eual was born on December 24, 1935, to John and Amy Moore in Mt. Vernon. He grew up in Mt. Vernon and upon high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from February 1954 to February 1962. He then worked for McDonalds for 36 years and retired in 1976. 

After retirement, Eual opened a Tasty-Freeze in the Republic Area, and it operated from 1977 to 1988. He was baptized at 9 years old in Williams Creek not far from his childhood home. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Republic, Missouri. He was a very active member of his church serving as a Deacon for several years. 

He was united in marriage to Charlotte Jane Sharon; she preceded him in death. 

Eual is survived by one daughter Sharon Moore of Nixa; one granddaughter Laura Klock (Justin) of Columbus, Wisconsin; one brother Ronald “Ron” Moore (Donna) of Mt. Vernon; and his great grandkids, Makenzie, Skyler, Brooklynn, Gavin, Connor, Katherine, and Evelyn. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Jane and two sisters, Carolyn Sue Pointer and Shirley Ann Moore. 

A funeral service will be held for Eual at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Republic, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 12:30 PM until service time on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Republic. The burial will take place at the Summit Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, immediately following the service. 

Condolences may be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Michael Toler

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Michael Andrew Toler, 61, of Dadeville, Missouri, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 8:21 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Michael was born on August 21, 1964, in Dadeville, Missouri, to Sheldon Thomas and Iola Olivette Toler (Huchteman). Michael graduated from Dadeville High School in 1982. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kerri Lyn Killingsworth, on June 7, 1986, in Dadeville, Missouri, where they built their relationship and family on faith and commitment. Michael and Kerri started Quality Door in 1996. Michael serviced and installed countless garage doors and openers in Bolivar and the surrounding areas- being a blessing to countless customers over the course of three decades.

Michael was saved at the age of 15 in the family barn and became a member of First Baptist Church of Dadeville, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, church camp volunteer at Baptist Hill, greeter, and in various other ministry roles. Michael especially enjoyed greeting church members and visitors with his big smile and a friendly handshake as they came into worship - making sure each individual felt seen and welcomed. Michael also served as a Dadeville School Board member, a coach, and a 4-H woodworking instructor. Michael was an avid woodworker. Each of our homes is touched by his talented woodworking skills. He loved camping and fishing with his family and friends. Anyone who camped with Michael knew him as the “King of Tarps and Bungee Cords.”

Michael enjoyed and took pride in maintaining his family’s home and yard. He was in his element when opening his home to friends and family. Michael was a master at striking up conversations with complete strangers. He sought out ways to share Jesus with others and encourage young men in their walk with Christ.

Michael is survived by his wife, Kerri Toler; their son, Sheldon Toler and wife Courtney, and their sons, Jackson and Isaac, of Bolivar; their son, Brock Toler and wife Leah, and their sons, Anderson and Mack, of Dadeville; their daughter, Abby Wallace and husband Hunter, and their sons, Stetson and Ridge Michael (due in July), of Republic; and their son, Wil Toler and wife Lauryn, and their daughter, Adalyn, and son, Lane, of Dadeville. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Toler and wife Donna, of Richland; his brother, Bill Toler and wife Pat, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; his brother, Jim Toler, of Dadeville; his sister, Sue Allard, of Willard; his sister, Anne Williams and husband Mickey, of Greenfield; his sister, Beth Glenn, of Walnut Grove; and his brother, Ken Toler and wife Becky, of Bolivar. Michael also leaves many nieces and nephews who will miss his teasing. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon Toler and Iola Toler.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Dadeville. Burial will follow at Dadeville Masonic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dadeville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund to help people in times of need - something that was very close to Michael’s heart. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel

Johnny Martinez

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Johnny Martinez, Jr. 81, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died May 11, 2026.

He was born June 6, 1944 in Belvedere, California to Juan Martinez and Adella Villalobos Martinez. He married Ann Beverly Conorton February 14, 1963 and later served the US Army in Korea and Vietnam. He worked for McDonald Douglas in Long Beach, CA. and was a long haul truck driver. Johnny enjoyed spending time with family and listening to old country music. He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters and one brother.

Survivors are his wife Ann Martinez of sixty-two years; Robert Martinez of Great Falls, Montana, Diana Morgan (James) of Washburn, Missouri, Yvette Valerio of Avoca, Ark.; grandchildren, Becky, Michael, Rachae, Dustin, Alexander, Kassandra, Layla and fourteen grandchildren.

Graveside service with military honors are set for Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Harold Henson

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Harold Eugene Henson, age 66, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 1:32 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at his home. He was born January 3, 1960, in Monett, Missouri, the son of Rudy and Jeannette (Natho) Henson.

Harold was a 1978 graduate of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and worked as a welder for 33 years for Reyco Granning in Mt. Vernon, retiring in 2024. He enjoyed fishing, kayaking, outdoor activities, and grilling meat for meals.

Harold is survived by his mother, Jeannette Henson of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; his sister, Sharon Henson of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; his brother, Mark Henson and his wife, Lori, of Bremerton, Washington; niece, Emilly Skaggs, great-niece, Evahluna Skaggs and great-nephew, Elliott Skaggs, all of Bremerton, Washington.

Harold was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Henson.

No services are planned currently. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

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