Mark Price

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mark A. Price, age 68, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2026.

Mark was born on July 14, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri to his parents Paul and L. Francine (Cox) Price. He married his wife Patricia Cummings on September 15, 1979 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He worked for many years as an RN at Mercy and Baxter Memorial Hospital before his retirement in 2012.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pat; one daughter, Kristy Weeks, son-in-law, Nick Weeks; and one granddaughter, Lorelei Weeks.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

There are no formal services scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for Solace House in Joplin in Mark’s name.

 

Carla Lawson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Carla Nelle Lawson, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West.

Carla was born on October 14, 1965, in Afton, Oklahoma. She grew up surrounded by family, sharing her childhood with her sister and five brothers. Family was the most important part of Carla’s life, and the relationships she built with those around her continued to be a meaningful part of who she was. Carla love her children, grandchildren and great grandson more than anything. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree and went on to build a career in accounting. For many years, Carla worked in the accounting department at KMT Waterjet Systems in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where she was a highly valued part of the company.

Carla was preceded in death by her father, Andy Lawson; her stepfather Jimmie Frost; her brother, Ronnie Lawson; and her sister, Karen Lawson.

She is survived by her daughters, Kamelia Lawson and Kalicia Stacy; her son, Coy Lawson; her mother, Pauline Frost; her brothers, Andy Lawson, Christopher Lawson, Micky Lawson, and Randy Lawson; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many extended family members and friends who will remember her and miss her dearly.

A funeral service for Carla will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin.

The family will receive friends and visitors beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Carla’s life was shared with many people who loved her, and she leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will carry her memory with them in the days ahead.

Ben Hedrick

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Benjamin David Hedrick, age 21, was never one for quiet rooms or traditional goodbyes. Ben lived life with the throttle wide open, leaving a trail of laughter and unforgettable memories everywhere he went. He didn’t just enter a room; he took it over with his high-voltage energy, and a smile so bright it could light up the darkest night. His laugh was loud, pure, and absolutely infectious—the kind of sound that forced everyone else to start laughing too.

His true happy place was wherever his family and friends were gathered. He had a deep love for soccer, and driving bringing that same fierce passion, happiness, and energy to the pitch. Above all, Ben was a fiercely loyal protector of his crew and his family. Nothing fueled him more than the people he loved, and he packed more loyalty and genuine connection into his 21 years than most people manage in a century.

Ben had a beautiful, natural bond with children; they were instantly drawn to his playful energy He was a remarkably hardworking, committed, and selfless young man. Even in the toughest conditions, Ben persevered through the hard times without complaint. He always did right by others—even if it meant carrying the heavier load himself. He treated everyone, even someone he had just met, with deep respect. Known for his incredible patience and forgiving nature, Ben knew exactly how to cheer people up when times were tough, serving beautifully as the calm to the storm for those who loved him most. While he left us far too soon, the light he brought into our lives can never be dimmed.

Instead of heavy hearts and somber tears, Ben would want us to remember the warmth of his smile, his beautiful patience, and the sound of his wild laughter. He taught us all to live fully, love fiercely, and cherish every single moment with the people who matter most.

Ben’s vibrant spirit lives on through his loving parents, Heidi Clark-Hedrick and Ricky Hedrick Jr., and his adoring girlfriend and the love of his life, Ella Schwab. He is forever cheered on by his siblings, Grace Nunely (husband Lance), Levi Hedrick, and Ricky Hedrick III (wife Joy). His memory will be fiercely cherished by his grandparents, Dan and Shelly Clark, Cherie and Mike Hendrickson, and Rita Hedrick, alongside a massive circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5th at Faith Tabernacle Church in Joplin, MO. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin , MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

George Jennings

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

George Robert Jennings, age 85 of Marionville, Missouri passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at his home. He was born December 8, 1940 in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, the son of Howard and Lydia (Cunningham) Jennings.

George grew up in Big Cabin, Oklahoma and graduated from high school in 1959. He attended college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Missouri University of Science and Technology.

George enlisted in the Army in 1963 and served an entire year in Vietnam with the 509th Radio Research Group, which was the primary U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA) unit in Vietnam, providing critical signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security. After discharging from the Army in 1966, he married and had 2 children, Deana and Kevin. 

The family moved to Bremerton, Washington where he worked at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center as an Electrical/Electronics Engineer Involved with design and proof testing torpedoes and mines for the Navy. After divorce, he remarried the former Cleo Amo, also of Bremerton in 1986, where they remained for several years. 

He retired in 1997 with 29 years and 5 months of federal service. After retirement, George and Cleo moved to Marionville, MO to be closer to George’s four older brothers, all of whom preceded him in death. George was active in the community, having served as a Marionville Alderman in Ward 1. In his final years, George indulged in hobbies, which included collecting historical information about Big Cabin, and tracing lineage on Ancestry.com.

A Graveside Service will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Big Cabin Cemetery in Big Cabin, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Phillip Sanders

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Phillip Wayne Sanders, 82, of Aurora passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 in his home. He was born June 5, 1944 in Springfield, MO., the son of Harvey and Inez (Henry) Sanders. He was a retired diesel mechanic and a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Kathy; three sons, David Sanders and wife, Christy of Republic, MO., Jim Sanders and wife, Roxanne of Cedar Falls, IA. and Justin Sanders of Aurora, MO.; two daughters, Patricia Loomis and husband, David and Angela Wilson and husband, Herman of Aurora, MO.; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Marion and Max Sanders.

Memorial services will be held Monday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Denzel Gordon

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Denzel Dean Gordon of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday September 2, 2026. He was born in Lamar, Missouri, on June 21, 1936, to Isa and David Gordon.

He was a proud graduate of Lamar High School, Class of 1955. Following high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he had the opportunity to combine his service with one of his lifelong passions—photography. While in the Air Force, he took photographs from airplanes, beginning what would become a lifelong love of capturing memories through a camera.

After leaving the Air Force, he returned home to Lamar. He later married and moved to Wichita, Kansas, before returning to Lamar in the early 1970s, where he would make his home and become a familiar and well-loved member of the community.

Throughout his working years, he held many different jobs, including working at the bowling alley and taking on various odd jobs. He eventually began working for O'Sullivan Industries, where he worked in maintenance and as a tool and die maker until his retirement. Even after retirement, he continued to stay busy, working for Hardware Rental and serving on the city council.

Photography remained a special part of his life throughout the years. He operated a photography business because he truly loved taking pictures and preserving memories. He was also a man of many interests and hobbies. He loved guns of all types and even made his own bullets. An avid bowler, he spent many years enjoying the sport and the friendships that came with it. Whatever hobby he took up, he approached it with curiosity, enthusiasm, and enjoyment.

He was well known throughout the Lamar community and enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors. One of his favorite places to spend time was Castle's Shoe Shop in Lamar, where he loved hanging out, telling stories, and visiting with the friends he had made over the years.

His presence, his stories, his humor, and his friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, David Bowes of Arvada, Colorado; daughters, Cynthia McIntire and her partner, Rick Marti, of Lamar, Missouri; Andrea Shaver of Lamar, Missouri; and Kandace Wallace and her husband, Vance, of Wichita, Kansas; brothers, Lister Potter and his wife, Judy, of Lamar, Missouri; Clayton Alumbaugh and his wife, Queta, of Sugar Land, Texas; and Jimmy Potter and his wife, Armeta, of Phillipsburg, Missouri; as well as 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isa and David Gordon, and his brothers, David Gordon and Michael Gordon.

Though he is no longer with us, the memories he created, the photographs he captured, the friendships he cherished, and the love he gave his family will live on for generations to come.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.


The family would appriciate donations to the final expenses in leiu of flowers.

A funeral service will be held on Monday September 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Lamar Living Hope Church of the Nazarene.

David Rowden

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

David Ray Rowden, born on April 11, 1945, in Joplin, MO, passed away at his residence in Greenfield on September 1, 2026. David, the son of the late Clifford and Ruby Rowden, was a man of great dedication and work ethic. His career as a postal carrier with the US Postal Service was a testament to his commitment and service to his community. After his retirement in 1991, David along with his brother embarked on a new endeavor as vinyl siding contractors, proving his versatility and adaptability.

David served his country honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Saigon.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Rowden and Ruby Rowden, and brothers Paul and Dennis Rowden. He is survived by son Franky Rowden, daughter Shawnda; grandkids Kalli (Josh), Bentley, Brody, Lauren, Trever, and Trenten (Olivia); Great grandkids- Taybin, River, Vivian, Barrett, Ila, Alexander, and Jordyn, along with a brother Ray.

A celebration of life will be held at a day and time to be determined. Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of David. This online space serves as a testament to his life and allows us all to remember the shared moments and stories.