Cody Carlson

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Steven “Cody” Dakota Carlson, 30, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Monett, Missouri. He was born on October 2, 1995, in Independence, Missouri, to Brandon and Jenny (Keen) Carlson. 

Cody was a devoted father to two daughters, Paisley and Savannah, who meant the world to him. He graduated from Grove High School in 2014, where he proudly played football all four years. 

Cody loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking—especially frying fish—and traveling. He loved trips to the beach, where he enjoyed the palm trees and the ocean. He also enjoyed holidays, family cookouts, and watching Kansas City Chiefs football games with his parents. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his daughters, family, and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Paisley and Savannah Carlson; his parents, Brandon and Jenny Carlson; his brother, Joseph (Corrie) Carlson and their children, Vincent and Colin; his sister, Shianne (Tanner Wiles) Carlson and their children, Magnolia and Finnley; his maternal grandparents, Julie Ellis and Randy Trites; paternal grandparent Athena Lipari; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

He was welcomed in heaven by his paternal grandfather, Steven Carlson; maternal great-grandfather, Max Ellis; uncle, Danny Nolan; and great-grandmother, Madeline Osborne.

Cody is deeply loved and missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be at Butler Baptist Church (64990 E. 335 Road, Jay, OK) on Monday, March 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Melissa Robertson

(From White Funeral Home)

Melissa Jane Robertson passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and deep devotion to those she held dear.

Melissa was born on February 4, 1966. During many years in the 1990s, she dedicated her life to the field of medicine. As a nurse at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she served patients with skill, compassion, and steady care during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

She later continued that calling through her work with the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA), helping families navigate loss with dignity and grace. Nursing was not simply her profession — it was a reflection of her heart to serve.

Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ethel and Doyle Villines of Compton, Arkansas; June and Delmer Donaldson of Springfield, Missouri; and her father, Jerry Donaldson of Shell Knob, Missouri.

She is survived by her mother, Wanda Donaldson of Shell Knob, Missouri; her older son Joey (Joe Buck) Robertson and his wife, Lauren; her youngest son Aaron Robertson and his wife, Robin; and her four beloved grandchildren, Gage, Garrett, Emmett, and Gabriel.

Above all else, Melissa was a mother and grandmother. Her love for her sons and grandchildren was steadfast, and they were the center of her world. Though her life carried both joys and hardships, her devotion to her family remained constant.

Melissa’s faith was part of her journey, and she is now resting in the presence of the Lord — free from pain, restored, and at peace.

A Celebration of life will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Lohmer Full Gospel Church in Shell Knob with David Donaldson officiating, a visitation will be held one hour prior to service time.

May that promise bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. “

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles.

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV

Jeanetta Hardy

(From J. D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home)

Jeanetta Maxene Hardy, 79, of Rogersville, was born on October 31, 1946 at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to education.

She attended the Logan one room schoolhouse for grades 1-5 and later attended the new Logan R-8 School for grades 5-8 and graduated from Rogersville High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from SMS in 1968. In 1971, she completed her Master's Degree in Elementary Guidance and Counseling, and in 1978 she received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. She also earned her ESOL Certification from MSSC in Joplin in January 1998.

Education was Jeanetta's life's work and calling. She taught second and third grades in Seymour, Missouri, from 1968 to 1970. She then taught third grade for 28 years in Neosho, Missouri, from 1970 to 2001, dedicating a total of 31 years to shaping young lives in the classroom. Later, she served as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for three years from 1998 to 2001. During that time, she received a grant from the English Bearable program to help teach Spanish-speaking parents. She authored Making English Bearable, a resource used by ESL teachers across Missouri and in other states, and even by missionaries in Mexico to teach English.

Jeanetta attended North National Church of Christ, now known as Watermill Church of Christ. She was baptized on June 11, 1961, by Minister Layton Plaster. Her baptism information remains in her Bible on the bookshelf in her living room - a testament to her enduring faith.

In her free time, Jeanetta enjoyed reading and especially loved her Kindle. Over the years, she found joy in painting, cake decorating, sewing, and quilting. She approached her hobbies with the same creativity and care that she gave to her students and her family.

Jeanetta will be remembered for her commitment to education, her strong faith, her generous spirit, and the countless lives she influenced throughout her teaching career.

She is survived by a brother, Warren David Hardy, Jr., two nieces, Angie Dougan and Tracy Cooper; two great-nieces, Kadence Cooper and Bristol Cooper, two great-nephews, Hardy Dougan and Hanley Dougan; and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, at J.D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home, Rogersville. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 pm and White Oak Cemetery, east of Rogersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fair Haven Children's Home, 3132 N. Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, 65757.

Phillip Wyrick

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Phillip Gregory Wyrick, 73 of Joplin, MO passed away March 3rd 2026, with loved ones around him, at the Solace House of The Ozarks in Joplin.

Phillip was born to Raymond and Marion Wyrick on May 26, 1952 at Freeman in Joplin Mo.

Phillip was a lifelong resident of the area. He served in the United States Air Force and Army Reserves. He spent some time overseas in Greece while serving. 

He was a man of many trades but not an expert at any. He had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He loved his kids but was a stubborn old man who didn’t want to ask for help.

We loved him dearly.

He worked many jobs, such as a plumber with his uncle Edgar Patterson, serving with the U.S. military, as an over the road truck driver, a cement truck driver for G&H, and at Service Recycling.

He was very loved by all the customers he served. He would get compliments. He was a flatbed semi driver who hauled a forklift with his truck and trailer, loading his own truck which was a definite skill.

He was very appreciative of his Boss Amiel and colleagues.

He retired at 71 in 2023.

He did love Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was verified before his death with his son David and family friend Charlie.
He was married to Diane Wyrick for 20 years and she preceded him in death in 2010.
He was also preceded in death by his first son who was born sleeping, Phillip Gregory Wyrick II, his parents and his sister Patty and her husband Mike Amour, nephew Matt Amour, and his stepson Jacob Polk. 

He is survived by his children, Micheal Wyrick (Wichita), Mollie Dees and her fiancée Adam of Seneca, David Wyrick and wife Beretta of Joplin, stepson Matthew Polk, stepdaughter Brandie and Stepson Adam, his sister Prissy and husband Lou Davies of Topeka, KS, Grandchildren Logan, Jordan and Orion Wyrick of Wichita, Elijah Dees-Seneca/Wyandotte, Hayden and Taylor Wyrick Seneca, step grandchildren, Merck Polk and Cadence Polk- Joplin, McKenna, Kegan, and Madison Harris, Conner and Collin Polk, Alana and Isabelle Polk, and many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers contributions to, The Solace House of the Ozark is a non-profit for those in the last 30 days of life, and is volunteer staffed, and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

A memorial visitation will be held at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin on Thursday March 12th 5pm-7pm.

Phillip has been cremated and a family conducted celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mike Wright

(From Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home)

Michael Wayne Wright, 67, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on February 20th, 2026 at his home after a illness.

Mike was born on September 5th, 1958 in Sedalia, Missouri to Roy E. Wright and Vera Colleen (Gage) Davis. He attended school in Carthage, Missouri before enlisting in the Army in Ft Riley, Kansas in 1976. Mike served his country and was honorably discharged in 1979. He moved to Carl Junction, Missouri to be close to family and began working for a local company building furniture. This move began a long career in the woodworking and carpentry business in the Carl Junction area. Later he moved to Springfield, Missouri where he worked at Whole Hog Café. Mike enjoyed being outdoors and could always be found hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Mike is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Caleb and Cassidy Wright of Carl Junction and his three grandchildren, four sisters, Mary Annette Wright, Jennifer Lynn Wright , Laurie Patrick and Sherry Wright-Mendoza (Lupe) ; brother, Kevin Davis; niece, Navon Cook (Nathan); two nephews, T.J. Manor (Stacey) and Brian Manor (Christine); several great nieces and nephews. Mike is also survived by his best friend, Shannon Harris whom he thought of as his brother.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Rick Patrick.

Graveside Military Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 13th, 2026 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri 65804.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Disabled American Veterans, in care of Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.

Verda O'Neal

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Verda May Wall O’Neal, age 86 years and 9 months of Shell Knob, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 24, 1939, at home in Dallas, Oregon, she was the daughter of Franklin Wall and Olga Fast Wall. She was raised in Dallas, where her faith and love of learning began to take root. She graduated from Salem Academy in 1957, and continued her studies at Multnomah School of the Bible, graduating in 1960, and later earned her degree from Oregon College of Education in 1964.

On August 21, 1964, she married Robert O’Neal, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and many camping adventures. They were married for 58 years, sharing a lifetime of love and devotion.

Verda began her career as a teacher in 1964 and faithfully served until her retirement in 2008. She was known for her dedication and compassion, shaping the lives of countless students with patience and encouragement. Outside the classroom, she found joy in gardening, church, macramé, and scrapbooking, lovingly taking care of her family and preserving cherished memories.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for being a faithful prayer warrior, and for her strength, faith, and grace. Her quiet steadfast prayers and unwavering love were a foundation for her family and a source of comfort to many.

Verda is survived by her children, Jill O’Neal Fisk and her husband, Tom, Shelli O’Neal, and Michael O’Neal and his wife, Gina; eleven grandchildren, Kendyl Fisk Berry, Joshua Fisk, Caleb Fisk, Jonathan Fisk, Isaac Fisk, Clayborne West, Garrett West, Mackenzi West, Tyce O’Neal, Trevyn O’Neal, and Jayla O’Neal and seven great-grandchildren, Nova Berry, Alena Berry, Archer Berry, Roman Fisk, Kaedence Fisk, Ezra Fisk, and Cleo Fisk. She is also survived by her siblings, Elvera Wall Voth and Samuel Wall.

Verda was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Wall, and Olga Wall; her sister, Delores Wall Flaming; and her husband, Robert O’Neal.

A celebration of Verda’s life, under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, Missouri, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Orange Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Missouri.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Judy Burch

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Judy (Boylan) Burch went peacefully after a battle with cancer to be with our Lord, while at home in Carl Junction, MO, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held at 1:00PM at One Church Joplin, Saturday, March 7, 2026 with the service beginning at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests in her memory that donations be made to One Church Joplin and/or Fostering Hope.

Address for One Church is 2802 New Hampshire Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.

Flowers may be delivered to the One Church on Saturday beginning at 12:00PM.

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