Terry Hahnfield

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. 

In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO, and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Janet Miles

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Janet Louise (Ayers) Miles, 84, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1942, in Sheldon, Missouri, to Orvan and Dortha Ayers.

Janet attended Hanes Grove School and Lamar High School. She married Merle E. Brown, and their union was blessed with two daughters, Tamela and Teresa. The family lived in Wichita, Kansas, until Merle’s passing, and Janet returned to Lamar.

Janet married Kenneth D. Miles, and they began their life together in Oklahoma City. They added three children to the family: Katherine, Jarel, and Wesley.

Janet devoted many years to being a stay-at-home mother. She was an excellent seamstress who lovingly sewed clothing for her daughters when they were young. Later, she worked at Furr’s Cafeteria. Janet was also known as an exceptional cook, and friends and family often found her ironing, tending her garden, reading, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, or enjoying a game of bowling. After retirement, Janet and Kenneth returned to Lamar to care for her mother, Dortha.

A member of Iantha (Methodist) Community Church, Janet was active in the United Methodist Women (UMW). She loved music and singing, and her favorite hymn was “He Touched Me.” Her faith, kindness, and servant’s heart touched many lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orvan and Dortha Ayers; her brother, PFC Jarel Wayne Ayers; her daughter, Teresa Brown Norton; and her granddaughter, Kendra Jean Gard.

Janet is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth; daughter Tamela (Joe) Schafer of Forney, Texas; daughter Katherine Gard of Lamar, Missouri; sons Jarel (Sherry) Miles of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Wesley (Stephani) Miles of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jason (Evelyn) Brown of Forney, Texas; Jeremy Brown of Frisco, Texas; Christina Aponte of Watauga, Texas; Kelly (Brent) Courville of Forney, Texas; Kimberly (Harold) Stokes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kelsey Norton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Drake (Rachel) Gard of Fairview, Oklahoma; Marissa (Cole) Corlett of Webb City, Missouri; Blake Gard of Fairview, Oklahoma; Courtney Miles of Marlow, Oklahoma; Jeffrey Miles of Atlanta, Georgia; Whitney Miles of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ava Roper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Sophie Roper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Aden Roper of Mustang, Oklahoma.

Janet also leaves behind great-grandchildren Victoria, Charlotte, Haylie, Trevor, Alexis, Quinn, Lincoln, Georgia, Aubrey G., Brigham, Jax, Aelita, Casper, Brayleigh, Aubrey M., a baby boy due soon; and great-great-grandchildren Bentley, Elleana, Parker, Oliver, Hudson, and Paisley, along with several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice and Quality Home Care, especially Monica and Brittany, for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in care of the funeral home.

Visitation will be held at Konantz Warden Funeral Home in Lamar, MO on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Moorehead Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Rick England

(From Knell Mortuary)

Richard Ray England, known to many as Rick, Carthage, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2026, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, at the age of 77. Rick was born on October 24, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of the late James and Ruth (Goodnight), England.

Rick attended Carthage High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1966. He later studied at Missouri Southern State College, continuing to build on the foundation that would serve him well throughout his life and career. Rick was a proud veteran serving his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed with Lozier as a machinist, where he was respected for his skill, dependability, and strong work ethic. In addition to his work as a machinist, he served as Chief Union Steward, a role that reflected the trust others placed in him and his commitment to standing up for those around him.

Outside of work, Rick enjoyed a life filled with simple pleasures and lasting interests. He loved hunting arrowheads, metal detecting, and collecting antiques. These hobbies reflected his appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the stories that can be found in the things people leave behind. More than anything, however, he treasured time spent with his family

Rick is survived by his daughters, Heidi Knight and her husband Kyle of Joplin, Missouri, and Jessica Morales and her husband Daniel of Joplin, Missouri. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Hudson Bridges, Katelyn Thornburg, Brett Madsen, and Kallie Hammack, as well as his great-grandson, Asher Thornburg. He is also survived by his sister, Deborah Asplund of St. Augustine, Florida. His family will remember him with love and gratitude for the steady presence he provided and the example he set through his life.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. Memorial graveside services will be held at 2 pm Friday, May 8, 2026, at Jasper Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Jasper Cemetery in care of Knell Mortuary. Online Condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortaury.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Gloria Nelson

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Gloria Jean Nelson, age 65, of Golden City, passed away April 23, 2026, at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar.

Gloria was born June 28, 1960, in Carthage to William Gene Elliott and Priscilla Mae (Webb) Elliott. She graduated from Golden City High School in 1979. On September 24, 1987, she was united in marriage to Dale Alden Nelson in Miami.

Gloria spent many years caring for others while working at her mom and stepdad’s restaurant, Wayside Cafe, and later devoted seven years to serving residents at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. She then spent the next 23 years at home as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She always made time for anyone in need and had a special gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. Known for her wonderful sense of humor, Gloria could light up any room with her smile and laughter. She always had a story to tell, but her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother.

Gloria loved bird watching, caring for plants, lottery tickets, her dog Homer, and any kind of sale — yard sales, garage sales, store sales, and auctions. Above all, she cherished her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Dale; one son, Elliot Nelson of Pekin; two daughters, Jennifer Nelson of Golden City and Danielle Nelson and Kyle Besendorfer of Lamar; two grandchildren, Colby Nelson and Mercadez Scott of Joplin and Michelle Nelson of Lamar; one brother, Robert Elliott and his wife, Rita, of Golden City; many nieces and nephews, including Misty, Emma, Jaydon, Gunner, and Tosha, all of Golden City; as well as a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tommy Elliott, Danny Young, and Ricky Tubaugh; and one sister, Laura Jane Young, whom she had missed dearly for the past 15 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the family home, 1137 SE 75th Road, Golden City, Missouri.

Condolences may be shared at Daniel Funeral Home website

Verlyn West

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Verlyn Hunter West, 86, of Longview, Texas, passed away peacefully into heaven on May 5, 2026, at Waterview The Cove Assisted Living facility in Granbury, Texas.

Verlyn was born in Springfield, Missouri, on October 11, 1939, to Verdis “Dude” and Lois Hunter. She was raised in Miller, Missouri and graduated from Miller High School in 1957. Verlyn married her high school sweetheart, Dale West, November 24, 1960. They lived most of their married life in Longview, Texas where Dale worked at Texas Eastman. They welcomed a son, Mike, in 1962 and a daughter, Shelley, in 1964. 

Verlyn’s greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known as Newmama to her grandchildren and enjoyed being a part of their lives. She also enjoyed the fact that she was probably the only grandmother with that name. She devoted her time as a den mother, room mother, and spent many days at the baseball fields watching Dale and Mike play ball. She was also a gifted seamstress, sewing many clothes for herself and Shelley and later for her granddaughters. She was involved in Longview Christian Women’s Club, Garden Club and church activities at Pine Crest Bible Church and Oakland Heights Baptist Church.

Verlyn was preceded in death by her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 65 years, Dale; son, Mike; daughter, Shelley Wisinger and her husband, Sid; granddaughters, Lacey Herndon and husband, Marshall, Shay Evans and husband, Stephen; five great-grandchildren, Declan, Margo, Lily, Halle, and Ivy.

Verlyn gave her life to Christ at an early age, and we rejoice in the fact that we will see her again someday.

A graveside service under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Miller Memorial Gardens in Miller, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com

Larry Sernyk

(From Weng Funeral Chapel)

John Lawrence “Larry” Sernyk, 75 of Red Oak II, Missouri passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Joplin Mercy Hospital. He was born on September 9, 1950 in Manitoba, Canada to Louis and Katherine (Wladyka) Sernyk. 

Larry spent many years in college getting five degrees, one a PHD. He worked for many years as a lab technician for Dow Chemical Co.

Survivors include one brother, Thomas Sernyk of Canada, and a host of friends.

There are no services planned at this time.

         

Tom Ray

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mendon “Tom” Ray of Joplin MO born 7/4/1937 died peacefully Saturday 3/7/2026, age 88 years at 8:30 am holding hands with the love of his life Bertha Jo (Wright) Ray.

Mendon was born in Lebanon OK to Otto Ray and Nellie Vora (Goodwin, McCoy) Ray. Mendon was the last of his 14 siblings to be called home for eternal rest. He was raised in Southeastern OK, lived in fifteen different homes as his family share cropped for a living. Called “Tom” and “Red” by his family and dear friends he was quick to help people in any way he could for example, building out a vintage Route 66 Motel into one bedroom apartments with living rooms and individual carports so he could address the need for HUD housing in Webb City MO. It was not unusual to find Tom reroofing a family’s home or garage, or installing windows to improve quality of life for the family as he worked with ease. He was also big on buying at garage sales to simply help out the families in the area.

Mendon had a diverse career life from farmer boy driving family produce from southern OK to Oklahoma City at age 14 to market their homegrown watermelons, to professional trucker doing OTR hauling to FL and CA. He was a carpenter trained in KS, Master carpenter in CA, owner of Golden Hammers Construction Co and co-owner of Ray Rentals in Joplin MO. He rehabilitated approximately fourteen homes after his retirement throughout Webb City, Carterville, Carthage, & Joplin restoring vintage homes and communities one home at a time. While in CA he worked for many high profile folks including Zza Zza Gabor, Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke, Dana Hill and the Directors at HISK and Film Fair. His work for Director Stu Hagman was published in Beautiful Home magazine in 1988 and HOME magazine in 1991, sadly sans credit for the work but honored to be published for the quality of his work nonetheless. Mendon personally built three homes from the ground up with limited help and finished them within three months, all of them for his dear wife Jo and kids to enjoy and live in for most of our lives together. He was an exceptionally gifted, artistic, visionary, provider, and we thank him for his full measure of contribution to our lives.

Mendon loved to fish and hunt with his brothers and would meet them in Colorado to hunt in the fall and at Lake Texoma in summer to fish. We traveled every year from CA to TX, OK, & MO to make sure he taught his children how important family is and the sacrifices we make are worth the effort, so we learned to know and love both sides of our family heritage. Family was Mendon’s treasure and his focus. He was determined to provide not only for his nuclear family but his extended families, not only their needs but their wishes as well.

Tom married Bertha Jo Wright February 15, 1958 and welcomed his first born Deanna Michelle Ray April 1959, and adopted son Thomas Joseph Ray December 1966 to complete his family. Tom and Jo celebrated their 68th Anniversary Feb 2026!!!

Mendon is preceded in death by all of his siblings, parents and grandparents.

Grandparents : Silas R. Ray and Malinda Elizabeth(Hunt, Bannister,Muncrief) of Queen AK : John William Goodwin and Eva Maude (Howard) of Madill OK

Parents : Otto Ray and Nellie Vora (Goodwin, McCoy) of Lebanon OK

Siblings Otto’s children with Isabel (Cobb) : Audrey (Ray) Anderson of OK : Charles Travis Ray of Tulsa OK :Lois (Ray) Coe of OK :Marvin Ray of Kingfisher OK

Nellie’s children with Mack Dore McCoy :Avie “Lorene” (McCoy) Orsack of Ardmore OK : Lucille “Dovie” (McCoy) Roberts of TX :Rachel McCoy – died as toddler of Madill OK :Mackie Jewel “Sug” McCoy of Ardmore OK :Howard Daniel “Little Son” McCoy of Lebanon OK (Twin) :Hurl David “Big Son” McCoy of Lockney TX (Twin) Norma Lee “Dinky” (McCoy) Ammann of Ardmore OK Otto and Nellie’s children :Mendon “Tom” Ray of Joplin Mo :Haskell “Thomas” Ray of Weldon CA

Mendon precedes his : wife Bertha Jo Ray of Joplin MO : Daughter Deanna Michelle (Ray) Brix & spouse Tim Brix of Chehalis WA :Grandchildren- Bailey Brix of Auburn WA – Caleb Brix of Edmonds WA :Great Grandchildren- Nolan Brix & Elijah Brix of Edmonds WA :Son Thomas Joseph Ray & spouse Sharin (Williamson) Ray of Joplin MO :Grandchildren- Marc Ray -Rose Ray -Wolfgang Ray -Sebastian Ray

Memorial Service for Mendon Ray will be May 15th 2026 at 1pm
Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church
2423 W. 26th St, Joplin, MO 64804
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Reception to follow at the family home with meal and dessert to honor Mendon’s routine.

The family requests you to send us any stories, and, or photos of your experiences with Tom so we may share the joy he brought to us all.
We welcome any recipes you may have that reflect the good old southern lifestyle from 1937- 2026, so that we can continue to remember Tom’s lifetime via the food we share with generations to come.

We invite you to join us in remembrance and celebration of a great man who walked his path with determination, purpose and a tender heart.
Your love and support bolsters and encourages us in this challenging time.
We hope to see you soon, meanwhile Walk in Beauty.

Cremation Arrangements are under the personal and direct care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Mo