Terry Bright

(From Knell Mortuary)

Terry Fae Bright, 74, went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2026. Terry was born on December 13, 1951 in Hutchingson, Kansas to Clifford and Edna Bright. He grew up in Mindenmines, Missouri, and graduated from Liberal High School with the class of 1970. He married his first love and best friend Shirley Silvers on June 19, 1971.

He drove a bus for the CP Center for many years before retiring, he also owned and operated a law care business. He enjoyed watching wrestling, westerns, the 3 Stooges, and Foghorn Leghorn Cartoons. He enjoyed camping, fishing, being outside and was a huge Kanas City Chiefs Fan, always enjoying an unsweet tea while watching them.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Shirley Bright, four daughters, Candice Bright, Tracy Price (Jason), T.J. Wilson (Daniel), and Jamie Bright; six grandchildren, Dakota Kosilla (Tia), Cierra Kosilla (Devon), Jasmine Kosilla (Daniel), Hazel Wilson, Tristyn Wilson, Ethan Wilson; six great grandchildren, Samuel, Brantley, Easton, Clinton, Brooklyn, and Crimson; nieces, Kelly, Holly, Stacy, Cody, and Dusty; nephews, Chris, Josh, Blake, and Scott; great nieces, Samantha, Annaveil, and Saphyre; great nephews, Ryder, and Jeramiah. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Katie Bright; father in-law, Homer Silvers; a brother Jerry, a sister Rose.

Terry will be remembered for his laid-back personality and his infectious smile, and his ornery sense of humor. The family ask you to honor him by wearing your Chiefs gear or the team colors.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday, July 20, 2026 at Knell Mortuary burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery Carthage, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 pm Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests contributions to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Terry Bright in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

JB Mullins

(From Knell Mortuary)

Johnnie Berton Mullins Jr., Springfield, Missouri who was born on May 13, 1969, in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of the late Johnnie Mullins Sr. and Jaloyce Edwards, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 57, lived a life marked by intelligence, wisdom, and fierce loyalty to the people he held dear.

He was a man who valued continued learning, hard work, and the simple joys that made life fun. While his full name was Johnnie, people who knew him best knew him as JB. JB attended Cameron High School but ultimately graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield and went on to enlist in the military. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper, which was ironic because he had always previously been afraid of heights! 

During his service he trained not only to jump out of airplanes but to be a radio operator amongst many other roles. At one point he had been stationed in Germany, and he often loved to share memories from that time in his life. He served in the Persian Gulf War, notably Desert Storm, and the battle of 73 Easting. He continued to show his steady devotion and undying love for the brothers he served with until the day he departed. 

JB then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from Missouri State University, where he worked in Computer Information Systems for Missouri State University. While he did have many different jobs and titles throughout the years, he was known to be a great handyman. He often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none”, a nod at his military past, no doubt. For a time, he worked for the Cameron Veterans Home. He often reminisced of the experiences and people he had met there with fondness, and he felt much pride in being able to serve others who had served his country before him.

JB will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family. He is survived by his former partner Barbara Ownby of Springfield, Missouri who he shared 18 years with respectively, and their children, Hannah Mullins and her partner Zachary Bingham of Springfield, Missouri, Aaron Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, and Legan Mooney and wife Erin of Nixa, Missouri. He is also survived by his brother, Chris Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, several half and step siblings, nieces and nephews, and many loving and caring aunts, uncles, and cousins of the northwest Missouri area where he originated. 

His family was an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them were a source of pride and great fulfillment. He leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those who knew JB understood that he was a thoughtful and intelligent man with a wise outlook on life. He had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed learning about the past. He also found pleasure in the everyday things that brought comfort and enjoyment, including Springfield Cashew Chicken, cars, fishing and hunting, and working on guns. These interests reflected his personality and the balance he maintained between curiosity, practicality, and a love of the outdoors. 

Whether he was exploring a subject that interested him or spending time in quiet reflection, JB approached life with a steady and observant spirit. But ultimately, his greatest pastime was spending quality time with his kids. Everyone who knew him or encountered him could not help but hear him brag about how amazing and cherished his kids were to him. He often beamed when speaking about them to others and wasted no opportunity to remind them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them.

Family and friends can find solace in the fact that JB loved fiercely and his strong will never allowed him to give up, but that he is now and much deserved, at peace.

At ease, soldier. Until we meet again.

Jeanene Crow

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Vivian “Jeanene” Crow, 86, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Aspire Senior Living in Joplin. Jeanene was born on December 28, 1939, to Lee and Elizabeth Nixon in Carthage. She graduated high school and started working as a seamstress for Big Smith Manufacturing in Carthage. She was a member of the Alba Christian Church and loved to travel with her husband. 

Jeanene was united in marriage to Virgil Crow in 1953; he preceded her in death. 

She is survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Along with her parents and husband, Virgil, she was preceded in death by her only son, Monte Crow in 2012. 

Per Jeanene’s wishes, she will be cremated, and her family will hold a private service at a later date. 

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

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

Clarise Conway

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Clarise Faye Conway, 93, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Clarise was born on February 23, 1933, to Rufus and Mary Magalene Culley, in LaRussell, Misouri. 

After high school, Clarise worked as a floor supervisor at Big Smith Manufacturing in Carthage. She was a member of the Blake Baptist Church in LaRussell. She liked to mow her yard, work in her garden, and riding motorcycles with her husband, C.V. 

Clarise was united in marriage to Cloud Victor “C.V.” Conway. They spent 59 loving years together before he preceded her in death on September 2, 2014. 

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Houck and Mary Conway, both of Carthage; one sister, Connie Hicks of Carthage; one stepsister, Jean Sanders Campbell of Carthage; three grandchildren, Jerimie Bastings, Jeff Houck, and Jill Keplar; four great grandchildren, Damien Bastings, Clara Keplar, Wyatt Keplar, Kinsli Jones (Tyler); and one great-great grandchild, Ryker Jones. 

Along with her husband and parents, Clarise was preceded in death by one daughter, Glenda Riddle Pflug; three brothers, Scott Culley, Gary Culley, and Clarence Culley; one stepsister, Sue Todd Storbeck; and one son-in-law, Carl Houck. 

There will be a graveside service for Clarise at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. 

Condolences can be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Any contributions can be made to the Carthage Humane Society in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Ernie Ludders

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ernie J. Ludders, age 79, of Joplin, MO passed away peacefully in the comfort of home on June 10, 2026. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ernie was born on July 11, 1946 in St. Francis, KS to his parents Elmer and Iola (Jones) Ludders. He completed his bachelor’s degree and later opened Ludder Consulting Services, which he owned for many years prior to his retirement.

He married Kathy Pershall on January 11, 1964 in St. Francis, KS and she survives. Additional survivors include their three children, Tammy Doggett (Darren), Tim Ludders (Ruth), Todd Ludders, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

No services will be held at this time.

Donna Jones

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Our mother, a champion of children, said her last goodbye and her first hello on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Donna Irene Jones, age 77, of Joplin, Missouri breathed her last breath at her home after a beautiful life of 55 years with her sweetheart, David Jones and her children by her side.

She was born January 31, 1949, in New Castle, Indiana to Donald and Joy (Davisson) Wyatt. From an early age, Donna recognized her passion for caring for people. Donna married David on August 7, 1971, in Wilkinson, Indiana. As a part of their lives together, they served the Lord’s Kingdom at their home church, West Side Christian Church in Springfield, Illinois, in children’s ministry, deaf ministry and fostering children in their home.

Donna realized her personal mission of fighting for victims, especially children, in working at Inner City Mission in Springfield, Illinois, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and as the Executive Director for Illini Children’s Christian Home in St. Joseph, Illinois. Donna was an active member of Park Plaza Christian Church, Joplin, Missouri.

Donna is survived by her husband, David; seven children, Desiree (David) Stephenson of Lincoln, Illinois; Delicia (Daniel) Bare of Joplin, Missouri; Ditzah D’Camp of Spring, Texas: Daralice (Joshua) Allison of Carl Junction, Missouri; Doron (Melissa) Jones of New Palestine, Indiana; Dawn (Gary) Larsen of Cudahy, Wisconsin; Dalyssa Jones of Webb City, Missouri; two brothers, Joseph (Donna) Wyatt and Kevin (Sue) Wyatt; one sister, Regina (Ronald) Covey; 24 grandchildren and 2 grandchildren-in-law, 2 great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her mother’s second husband, Bill Erwin, son, Drew Jones and granddaughter, Gwendolyn.

The family will receive friends 2:00 – 4:00pm Sunday July 19, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary Joplin, Missouri. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday July 20, 2026 at Park Plaza Christian Church with Mark Scott, officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Naomi Barchak

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Naomi Juanita Barchak, age 95, passed away on July 12, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. She was born in Fairview, Missouri on December 30, 1930, to Lilburn Luney and Juanita Booton Luney.

She married John Barchak on June 9, 1947, in Monett, Missouri. They lived in Joplin, Missouri and then moved to Kansas City. They returned to Joplin when John retired. She was a dedicated wife and always there when you needed her. She loved flowers, and her yard was full of them. We always enjoyed home cooked meals, pies, and cakes. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Jeannie Ann Barchak in 1947, and her husband John Barchak on August 15, 2015.

She is survived by her sister Jeanine Harvey of Liberty, MO and her children John Barchak Jr. (Cheryl) of Joplin, MO, Robert Barchak (Shirley) of Joplin, MO, Diane Barchak Harrell (Steve) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Richard Barchak of Urich, MO, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 21, at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin, Missouri.

A graveside service will immediately follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Sarcoxie, Missouri.