June Eldridge

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

June E. Eldridge, age 92, of Joplin, MO passed away on March 15, 2026 after a lengthy illness.

June was born on October 24, 1933 in St. Louis, MO to her parents Harry Smith and Geneva Beare. She married her late husband, Norman Eldridge on October 8, 1951 in Marble Hill, MO.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one daughter, Nina Bozarth. 

June is survived by four children, Sam Eldridge (Karen Cross), Buck Eldridge (Diane), Ty Eldridge (Sonja), and Shani Black (Rick); ten grandchildren, Mitchell, Kristin, Shannon, Megan, Elias, Evan, Joel, Lydia, Susanna, and Silas; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, March 20, 2026 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO.

Arrangements in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Chris Giefer

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Christine "Chris" Lorene Giefer, born on October 29, 1934, in Arcadia, Kansas to Elvis and Lottie (McBride) Jones. She passed away on March 16, 2026, in Carl Junction, Missouri. She attended Girard high school.

In 1951 she married Raymond Brooks, raising two daughters before separating many years later. She married her late husband William "Bill" Giefer in 1983. Bill and Chris were married for 26 years before he passed.

Chris worked at Ve-Co-Hy in Girard Kansas for 10 years before spending 25 years serving at the Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas, an occupation that required both strength of character and determination. Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. She retired in 1996, after years of dedicated service. She attended church at Friendship Southern Baptist in Parsons, Kansas

Chris was preceded in death by her father, Elvis Jones, and her mother, Lottie Jones, husband Bill Giefer, the father of her daughters, Raymond Brooks, two sisters, and three brothers. She is survived by her daughter;, Judy (David) Marcus of Carl Junction, MO and Pam (Stephen) Newell of Parsons, Kansas; 4 grand children, 6 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. She will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate to know her.

As we remember Chris, let us celebrate her life and the love she shared. Services are under the personal care and direction of the Simpson Funeral Home. We kindly invite you to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share your photos and memories of Christine. Your shared experiences will serve as a comforting reminder of the remarkable life she led and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.

Michael Stevens

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Michael E Stevens, age 70, of Joplin, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Aspire Senior Living in Carthage.

Michael was born on June 19, 1955, in Gravette, Arkansas. He was a former owner/operator of Butler Creek Auto Repair in Noel. That is where he met his future wife, Donna Wallace. They were united in marriage in 1995. After selling his auto repair shop in 1996, Michael then worked for Grifith Motor Company in Neosho before opening D & M Auto and Towing in Carl Junction. In 2016, he went to work at Ed’s Automotive until his retirement in 2020.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, but he loved time spent with his grandchildren. He often took them bicycling, a pastime he also enjoyed. He was a dedicated member of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation and was baptized at the age of 12.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Stevens; his children, Jaren Stevens, Sabra Roark, John Adams (Kimberly), Elizabeth Hagins (Johnathan), Jade Stevens, Benjamin Henry (Hilary), Joseph Henry (Hanna), Mikhia Stevens, and Justin Henry (Ashley); siblings, Joel Friend, Chris Friend, and Michelle Friend; eighteen grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah (Starr) Friend; a sister, Amy Long; and one daughter, Brenna Stevens.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Joplin East Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2500 S. County Lane 203, Joplin, MO 64804.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, Joplin.

Kelly Shepard

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Kelly J. Shepard, 61, of Joplin Missouri passed away at Joplin Health and Rehab Center on March 2, 2026 after a long illness. Kelly was born on October 28, 1964 in Bellflower, California to the late Floyd Keith Shepard and Dorothy Dean Dickison. Kelly worked with adults with disabilities. She graduated from Parkwood High School in 1982 where she was a varsity cheerleader and sang in the choir.

Kelly was a member of St Paul’s Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She was engaged to the love of her life, Shane, who preceded her in death.

Kelly was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. She fought a hard and courageous battle never letting her faith waver until the very end. She enjoyed watching Pastor Andrew Farley every night and he prayed with her over the phone several times. She eventually got to fly to Dallas, Texas to one of his conferences, even having her picture taken with him.

Kelly is survived by her brother, Brad Shepard and wife, Teresa from Key West, Florida, her cousins, Judy, Nancy and Debbie and sister, Kim and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026 with a fellowship meal to follow.

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

Megan Walker-Briscoe

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Megan Elizabeth Walker-Briscoe, age 29 of Aurora, Missouri passed away Friday, March 13, 2026.

A 2015 graduate of Aurora High School, she was a cabinet specialist at Lowe’s in Monett. She made a remarkable entry into the world on November 28, 1996, on Thanksgiving. She was born 17 days late and 10 hours into labor to her parents, David and Shannon Walker, who have said the late arrival should have been a clue that she would be running late for her entire life. Megan never met a stranger. She loved life, her family, her friends and her community.

She loved spending time at Table Rock Lake, the beach in Florida, or even a nearby creek. If water was involved, she was happy. She loved the movie “The Notebook” and a favorite song was “Drops of Jupiter." Her favorite food was sushi. More than anything, she loved being a mom to her daughter, Kinnan, and to her stepdaughters–Aisalee and Cambree Briscoe.

Megan had a big heart and was always the first one to say “I love you” and give you a big hug. She was an advocate for others and always took a stand for things she believed were right.

She is described as adventurous, spontaneous, fun-loving, caring, inquisitive, persistent and determined. She was a past Miss Holly for Aurora and had more pageant crowns and trophies than can be counted. She was proud to be a member of the color guard in the high school band.

Some of her favorite people were in Heaven waiting for her: Larry Rosamond, maternal grandfather; Mary Walker, paternal grandmother; Paul Walker, paternal grandfather.

Survivors, in addition to her parents and children, include her husband, Matthew; her brother, J.D. Walker; her in-laws, Tommy and Donna Briscoe, her grandmother, Ann Rosamond, her favorite aunt, Brenda Mayfield, her uncle B.R. Rosamond, her cousin, Kelly Wilt, and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Aurora United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery.




Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 AM until Service time in the Church.




A Megan Walker Memorial Fund for the benefit of her daughter, Kinnan, has been established at First Independent Bank in Aurora. In lieu of flowers, donations can be left at the bank or with Peterson’s Funeral Home in Aurora.




Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Chuck Shaw

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Charles Everett “Chuck” Shaw was born March 10, 1941, to Mildred E. (Barnes) Shaw, and Evertt R. Shaw in Bassett Nebraska, joining older sisters, Joan E, and Beverly Jean Shaw. He was raised on the family ranch southeast of Bassett, where he grew to manhood. Chuck attended the one room school at Sybrant District 77 through eighth grade and then attended Rock County High School in Bassett, graduating with the class of 1959. 

In high school he was active in sports and very active in the Future Farmers of America attaining the State Farmer Degree in 1959 and the American Farmer Degree in 1961. The Future Farmers afforded him the opportunity to make many lifelong friends.

Chuck married Ann Marie Schubert on September 30, 1961, at the Rose Church in Rose, Nebraska. To this union, five children were born: Tim and Tom in 1965, Wendy in 1968, Connie in 1976, and Kari in 1981.

Chuck was a fourth-generation rancher in Nebraska until his retirement in 2019. During his lifetime he was active in many organizations including the KBR Rural Public Power Board for 50+ years, Newport Volunteer Fire Department, Valley Grove Community Church Board, Sybrant Community Church Board, Rock County Farm Bureau, Sandhills Cattle Association Board, and Steer Incorporated.

Chuck was a lifelong follower of Christ and during his life he impacted many people, especially the scores of young people who worked for him on the ranch, including his own grandchildren. He was very active in the church in many capacities including Youth Group Leader, Morning Worship Leader, and Sunday School Teacher.

In retirement Chuck enjoyed many friends and organizations in Cassville, Missouri including the First Baptist Church, Cassville Car Club, and the Cassville Senior Center.

Chuck was welcomed into the loving arms of Christ on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Cassville, where he and Ann lived during retirement. He is survived by his wife, Ann, son, Tim and wife Penni of Bassett, and their children, Quinton, Jared (Taylor) and Carson, son, Tom and wife Angie of Memphis, Tennessee and their children, Taryn (Harry) and Jeb, daughter, Wendy and husband Tim of Bassett, and their children, Tyler (Krystal), Travis (Sarah), Trevor (Ericah), Jordon (Eric), Brianna (Ben), and Newt (Lexi), daughter, Connie and husband Chad of Cassville, and their children, Evan and Elizabeth, daughter, Kari of Bentonville, Arkansas and her daughter, Lily, and brother-in-law, Rex Schubert and his wife Cindy of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, and sisters, Joan and husband Lloyd Vogt of Elmwood, Nebraska, and Jean and husband Bob Mason of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery in Bassett, Nebraska, under direction of Hoch Funeral Home in Bassett. Pastor Joel Wentworth will conduct the service.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials to be made to the Sybrant Community Church or STEER, Incorporated in memory of Chuck.

Don Cooper

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89 of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 11, at his home.

He was born April 14, 1936 in Shell Knob, the son of Arl and Ida (Whisman) Cooper. On December 17, 1960 in Granby, Missouri he was united in marriage to Sonja Sanders, who preceded him in death on November 22, 2024. Also preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Penny Cooper Bailey.

Surviving are his son, Russell Arl Cooper of Shell Knob; daughter, Julia Donetta Cooper Riggs and husband John of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister, Arlene Garland and husband Sanford of Shell Knob; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Don graduated from Cassville High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he devoted 28 years to protecting and serving others as a firefighter with the North Kansas City Fire Department until his retirement. While working as a firefighter, he also ran his own business pouring concrete, as well as helping his mom run her farm whenever time would allow. 

In his younger years, he enjoyed racing stock cars. He and Sonja enjoyed square dancing through the years, and he was so proud of the matching outfits Sonja would sew for them, and that they had traveled to all 50 states. After retirement from North Kansas City Fire Department, he moved back to Shell Knob and became a full-time cattle farmer. He was a member of Lohmer Full Gospel. Don will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob. Pastor David Donaldson will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Painter Cemetery in Shell Knob, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Monday at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob.