Valerie Barcom

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Valerie Gail Barcom, age 58, of Joplin, Missouri passed away on August 6, 2026. Valerie attended Memorial High School and Missouri Southern State University. Valerie worked at several places in Joplin, the last being The Joplin Globe.

She is preceded in death by both parents, Harold and Betty. Surviving members of her family include her two sisters, Denise and Annette, two nephews and three nieces and their families as well as several cousins. 

The family is having a private ceremony at Ozark Memorial Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.

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

Stephen Rose

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Stephen Marker Rose, 53, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born in Lamar, Missouri, to Priscilla (Morrow).

Stephen was a graduate of Lamar High School, Class of 1991. He worked at D & D Trucking as a diesel mechanic, a career that suited his mechanical ability and hardworking nature.

Stephen enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was also a talented taxidermist and took pride in his work. His faithful dog, Diesel, was his beloved companion and constant buddy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla Crockett.

Stephen is survived by his father, Darrel Crockett; his siblings, Quentin Rose of Lamar, Missouri; Sonia Baker of Topeka, Kansas; Devin (Danielle) Crockett of Lamar, Missouri; Andrew (Jenna) Crockett of Nevada, Missouri; and Amanda (Tyler) Jones of Lamar, Missouri; as well as his nephews, Jacob, Nate, and Alex, and his niece, Kadence.

Stephen will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his dedication to his work, and the special bond he shared with his family, friends, and his faithful companion, Diesel. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Service times for a memorial service will be updated once available.

Gail Stubblefield

(From Knell Mortuary)

Judith Gail Stubblefield, known to family and friends as Gail, passed away on August 16, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri, at the age of 82.

Gail was born on November 29, 1943, in Benton, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Hughlin and Lillian (Keil) O’Kelley. She grew up in Benton and was a devoted Christian whose faith remained an important part of her life. From a young age, Gail also had a love for music and the arts and was a talented ballet and tap dancer.

After graduating from Benton High School, Gail earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

In 1965, Gail married Donald Eugene Stubblefield, known to many as Don and to others as “Coach Stubblefield.” They remained devoted to one another until Don’s passing in 2022, after 57 years of marriage. Together they raised their family and shared a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They also owned and operated KKLL Radio Station in Webb City, Missouri, a venture they built together.

Gail devoted 19 years to education, teaching in schools throughout Southwest Missouri and Texas and also serving as a school librarian, a role in which she excelled. She retired from the Joplin Schools.

Family was at the center of Gail’s life. She is survived by her children, Christie Graves and her husband Richard of Carthage, Missouri; Cherie Thompson and her husband Mark of Stark City, Missouri; and Mark Stubblefield and his wife Amy of Westworth Village, Texas. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gail loved her family deeply and gave generously of her time, care, and encouragement. Music remained an important part of her life, and she encouraged her children to share in that love as they grew up. She found joy in simple things, including watching Hallmark movies, playing solitaire, and having tea parties with her grandchildren. Those who knew Gail will remember her warmth, her faith, and the graceful elegance with which she carried herself. She had a natural way of making others feel welcome, valued, and cared for.

Gail leaves behind a legacy of Christian faith, love of family, service to others, and a lifetime of caring for the people around her.

A private family gathering will be held to honor Gail’s life.

 

Tony Pugh

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Tony Lynn Pugh, 77, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Joplin Gardens Nursing Home. He was born on December 5, 1948, to the late Herman and Doris Pugh in Independence, Kansas. Tony attended Catholic schools in his younger years and completed one year of college. As a teenager, he enjoyed working at Sunset Drive-In and Montgomery Ward. 

Later in life, Tony worked for Morrow Mill as a truckdriver, then Nabisco. After a while Nabisco was acquired by ADM Milling. He was with ADM Milling for over 50 years when Tony retired. While at ADM Milling, He served as the local president for the American Federation of Grain Millers. Tony liked trying his luck at the casino and loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

Tony is survived by one son, Travis Pugh (Johna) of Duenweg; three brothers, Victor Pugh, Herman “Tonk” Pugh, and Kris Pugh, all of Carthage; three grandchildren, Angela Conklin (Casey), Peter Landon Pugh, and Devin Allen Pugh; and four great-grandchildren, Graham, Bennett, Eleanor, and Declan.
Tony was preceded in death by one son, Peter Matthew Pugh (April 15, 2008), and one brother, Kirk Pugh. 

There will be a funeral service for Tony at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. The visitation will be held the evening before from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. The burial will take place at Park Cemetery immediately following the service. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

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

Stephen Shanks

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Stephen Shanks, age 56, of Joplin, Missouri passed away Friday August 14, 2026.

He was born June 27, 1970 in Joplin, Missouri to Kent and Lynnette (Bard) Shanks.

Stephen worked in home construction. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, sitting around a campfire with family, and communicating loudly with the television when the Kansas City Chiefs were playing.






He is survived by his mother, four children, Tyler Shanks, Keegan Shanks, Quinton Shanks, Cheyenne Ruby, two brothers, Scott Shanks, Jeff Shanks, two sisters, Carrie Volrath, Jamie Ellefsen, and four grandchildren, Macy Shanks, Talon Shanks, Maliya Ruby, Ava Ruby as well as numerous friends.

A memorial visitation will be held 6:00-7:00 pm Wednesday August 19, 2026 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary Joplin, Missouri.

Connie McMasters

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Connie Sue (LeAn) McMasters, of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Cox Hospital in Springfield, MO at the age of 82.

She was born on April 13, 1944 to Claude and Lena LeAn at home on small farm outside of Stockton, MO. Connie was the youngest of 3 children, including her brother Tom and her sister Ellen. She met the love of her life, Harold McMasters and they were married November 24, 1962 at the First Baptist Church of Stockton. They celebrated 61 years of marriage and Ministry together in California and Missouri, before Harold’s passing on April 27, 2024. Connie loved the Lord and her family-her siblings, children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely.

She loved her garden and flowers of all different kinds, and kept them going up until close to the end. Connie taught children for most of her years and has friends and loved ones across the miles.

Connie is survived by her sister, Ellen Meier; her children, Andrea McMasters, Amy Schmidt and husband Eric, and Jennifer Bogdanski and husband Rob, and Joshua McMasters; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who loved her dearly and have many fond memories of good times with her.

The family will conduct a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Main Street Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help cover final expenses and please make checks payable to Andrea McMasters. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Steven Bullington

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Steven Wayne Bullington, 48, Seneca, MO, passed away August 16, 2026 at Freeman Neosho Hospital.

Steven Wayne Bullington was born September 24, 1977 in Neosho, MO the son of Gary and Dixie (Preston) Bullington. He was a graduate of East Newton High School and had formerly worked for Standard Transportation in Joplin, MO. Steven enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and loved animals especially dogs and cats. He loved spending time with his family and grilling outdoors. He was a member of the Seneca First Baptist Church.

Steven Wayne Bullington married Amanda Renfro May 31, 2002 in Stark City, Missouri and she survives.

Additional survivors include; his mother Dixie Bullington; his children, Cheyene Bullington and Phillip Bullington; his siblings, Michael Bullington, David Bullington and Brittney Holmes and a host of extended family and friends.

Steven was preceded in death by his father Gary Bullington.

The family will receive friends from10:00am to 11:00am, Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home. Following the visitation a graveside service will be held at the Thompson Grove Cemetery south of Seneca on DD highway, with Rod VanGorkom officiating.