Janet Wampler

(From Knell Mortuary)

Janet Kay Wampler, 78, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on July 9, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Janet was born on February 25, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Louis “Bud” Wecker and Irma Lea (Burkey) Wecker.

She was a 1966 graduate of Carthage High School and carried the values of her hometown with her throughout her life. Janet was known by those who loved her as a loving, friendly, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone around her. Janet married Charles Keith Wampler on June 29, 1968 in Carthage, Missouri; he preceded her in death on April 13, 2006.

She worked as a secretary, where her dependable nature and kind spirit were evident in all she did. After working as a secretary, she became a stay-at-home mom and worked cleaning houses. Janet approached her work with quiet dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Faith was central to Janet’s life. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Carthage, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in the nursery. Her church family was an important part of her life. Janet’s faith was not only spoken but lived, and it was evident in the way she treated others with kindness, patience, and compassion.

Janet especially cherished her family and found great joy in being present for the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She didn’t miss a single ball game, concert, or event of her children’s growing up. She was our biggest fan. She also loved attending any events of her grandchildren’s she could make. Whether cheering from the sidelines or sitting outside in her swing watching her grandkids play in the yard, she treasured those moments deeply. Her family knew her as a constant source of encouragement, love, and support, and her devotion to them was one of the defining blessings of her life.

She is survived by her children, Trisha Edmonson (Clay), Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chet Wampler (Jennifer), Joplin, Missouri; her daughter-in-law, Holly Wampler Perrin; her grandchildren, Maggie Adcock (Noah), Carson Wampler, Lyla Wampler, Ashton Welch (Alexander May), Kaylee Edmonson, Kyle Edmonson (Abby), Taylor Edmonson, Isaiah Edmonson, Isaac Wampler, Silas Wampler, Katie Wampler, and Annie Wampler; her great-grandchildren, Kora Parker, Louisa Adcock, Konrad Edmonson, Peyton May, and Cameron May; her siblings, Bob Wecker and his wife Diana of Carthage, Karen McDonald and her husband Jerry of Carthage, and Robyn Moore of Russellville, Kentucky; her sister-in-law, Judy Wampler; her great-aunt, Ada Nance of Joplin, Missouri; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was also preceded in death by her children, Chad Wampler and Tracy Welch; her son-in-law, Rob Welch; her grandson, Colston Wampler; and her brothers-in-law, Ken Moore and Gary Wampler; and her sister-in-law, Janice Wampler.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Bible Baptist Church, Carthage. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Claud Hutchings

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Claud E. Hutchings of Joplin, MO passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

He was born on February 26, 1929 in Fairview, MO, son of Lester and Bessie Hutchings.

Claud graduated from Fairview High School in 1947. Claud was united in marriage to Mildred Oxendine on July 29, 1950 at the First Methodist Church of Fairview. Claud served in the U.S. Army from November of 1950 to November of 1952.

Claud worked forty-three years for Eagle Picher Industries in Joplin, MO. He was a longtime member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Joplin, where he served as a Trustee and Deacon. After retiring from Eagle Picher, Claud returned to the family farm in Fairview, MO and resided there for sixteen years. During these years, he attended Monett Community Church. He loved the Lord and wanted everyone to do so.

Claud was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Missouri Tiger fan. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and quail hunting and leaves a legacy of faith.

Claud is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Mark Hutchings (Vicki) of Rogers, AR and Chris Hutchings (Sue) of Havana, KS; one sister, Lilly Dean Eaton of Joplin, MO; six grandchildren: Brandon Hutchings (Stacey), Matt Hutchings (Yelitza), Nena Endicott, Melissa Elms (John), Lauren Huebner (Jerod), Alexandria Severs (Brook); as well as seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Max and John Hutchings.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Buchanan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Tim Eaton officiating. Interment will be in Dice Cemetery, Fairview, MO. Memorial donations have been suggested to Words of Grace & Truth in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Janet Neukirch

(From White Funeral Home)

Janet Ann Neukirch, age 65, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Janet was born on September 16, 1960, in Agana Heights, Guam, to Jean Joseph and Mary Jean Veronica (Crosby) Fiori.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Larry Neukirch, on September 4, 2010, at Saint Cyprian Church in River Grove, Illinois.

Janet proudly served her country in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. She developed a deep love for Alaska, and it always held a special place in her heart. During her military career, she worked as a dental specialist and later became a lead surgical technician. Janet took tremendous pride in her work and was dedicated to providing exceptional care to those she served.

Outside of her career, Janet found joy in quilting, gardening, baking, and fishing. She also worked alongside Larry in operating their business, Larry's LAZER, where they shared not only their work but also their love of building a life together.

Janet was a faithful and devoted member of Central Community United Methodist Church in Shell Knob, where she found fellowship, friendship, and strength through her faith. She was also deeply committed to serving her community and was an active member of several respected organizations, including the Shell Knob Shrine Club, VFW Post 2203 in Shell Knob, and the American Legion Irwin-Easley Post 118 in Cassville, where she proudly maintained four continuous years of membership. Through these organizations, Janet continued her dedication to service, fellowship, and supporting those around her. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Janet is survived by her husband, Larry Neukirch; two daughters, Nancy Ott of Anchorage, Alaska and Gina Haas and her husband Sergio of St. Roberts, Missouri; one son, Jeffrey Neukirch and his wife Kristi of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren; one brother, John Fiori of the Philippines; one sister Mary Senkowski of Chicago, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Jean Joseph Fiori; and her mother Joan Sladaritz and her stepfather Frank “Moe” Sladaritz.

Memorials maybe made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.

Cecil Francisco

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Cecil Leon Francisco was born on April 9, 1937, north of Erie, Missouri, in McDonald County, one of twelve children born to Theodore Leon and Dortha Lea (Russell) Francisco. He peacefully entered into rest at his home in Neosho at the age of 89.

Soon after graduating from Goodman High School, Cecil enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country for more than twenty years. He was a decorated Chief Petty Officer, instructor, and aviation electrician.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Cecil attended Claremore Junior College, where he earned an associate degree. After moving to Arizona, he began working at Valley Steel in Tempe as a mechanic and rose to the position of Operations Supervisor. He later began a career as a field mechanic with several powerline contractors, work that allowed him to travel and spend time working alongside his sons.

In 2007, Cecil retired and moved from Chandler, Arizona, to Neosho, where he built his dream home and enjoyed being close to family. In retirement, he and his wife, Kazuko, traveled extensively in their motor home, visiting national parks throughout the United States. They also traveled abroad to mainland Japan and Okinawa, Japan. Cecil enjoyed fishing, camping, the outdoors, and spending time with family.

On April 7, 1976, in Catoosa, Oklahoma, Cecil and Kazuko (Ginoza) were united in marriage. Together, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Kazuko; five children, Mark Francisco and wife, Tina, of Vernal, Utah, David Francisco of Mountain Home, Texas, Matthew Francisco of Neosho, Christine Routh of Chandler, Arizona, and Edward Vottero of Natalia, Texas; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Ella Mae Lankford of Seneca, Bill Francisco of Joplin, Clark Eugene Francisco and wife, Linda Kay, of Neosho, Linda Borushaski and husband, Dan, of Monett, and Jack Francisco and wife, Nancy, of La Mesa, California; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, C.G., Theodore, John, and Don Francisco; and sister, June Wise.

Gabby Whited

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Gail Lee “Gabby” Whited, lovingly known to family and friends simply as Gabby, passed away on July 8, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas, at the age of 85. Born on June 13, 1941, in Hiwasse, Arkansas, he lived a life marked by steady kindness, a good sense of humor, and the kind of practical wisdom that made people trust him before he even finished a sentence. Gabby had a way of making ordinary moments feel lighter, and he carried himself with the easy confidence of a man who knew how to work hard, laugh often, and never take himself too seriously.

Gabby was the son of Glen and Lois Marie (Roughton) Whited, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Earl Whited, and his sister, Glenda Norton. Those who knew Gabby understood that family was one of the anchors of his life, and he held those bonds close with a loyal heart and a ready smile. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Woodall Whited, whom he married on January 3, 1994, in Pineville, Missouri. Their marriage was a partnership built on love, companionship, and the kind of everyday devotion that does not need a spotlight to shine.

Gabby is also survived by his daughters, Tracy Becker of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Shelly Ward of Centerton, Arkansas. He leaves behind his sister, Vivian Vandiver of Wainright, Oklahoma, along with his grandchildren, Shayla Taylor, Shelby Wilson, and Melanie Vantrease. He was blessed with several great-grandchildren, and he also leaves behind a host of friends who will dearly miss him.

Gabby proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, a chapter of his life that reflected his sense of duty and discipline. After his military service, he built a respected career through hard work and dedication. He spent 17 years with Cooper Communities in Bella Vista, Arkansas, serving as a construction superintendent, and he also worked for several years with the McDonald County Telephone Company. He retired in 2010, having spent decades doing honest work and leaving behind a reputation for dependability. If something needed to be built, fixed, or figured out, Gabby was the kind of man you wanted nearby. He had the calm, capable presence of someone who could look at a problem, scratch his head once, and then proceed to solve it like it had personally challenged him.

Outside of work, Gabby knew how to enjoy life in the best possible ways. He was a huge Razorbacks fan, and he followed them with the kind of loyalty that could be described as equal parts devotion and emotional adventure. He enjoyed fishing, grilling, mowing grass, and camping in RV style. Gabby appreciated the simple pleasures that make life memorable, especially when they involved fresh air, good food, and a reason to sit down afterward. He had a way of turning everyday hobbies into small celebrations, and he approached them with the same steady enthusiasm he brought to everything else.

Graveside funeral services for Gabby will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hiwasse, AR. Pastor Marilyn O’Brien will officiate.

Jimmy Willis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jimmy L Willis passed away on July 7, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 79.

Born on September 2, 1946, in Joplin, Missouri, Jimmy lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and steady service to others. Those who knew him best will remember his easy manner, his dependable presence, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life.

Jimmy graduated from Joplin High School in 1964 and later attended classes at Missouri Southern State University. He went on to build a respected career as a civil engineer with Allgeier, Martin and Associates in Joplin, Missouri, where he worked until his retirement. Through his work, Jimmy contributed to the community he loved, and he took pride in doing his job with care, integrity, and professionalism.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoyed golfing and often helped organize local tournaments. He also devoted much of his time to The Joplin Elks Lodge #501, where he was an active member for over 60 years advancing to the position of Exalted Ruler and then mentoring many others that came after him. He spent many hours helping to organize and support local events and was active on many city and civic organizational boards including the County Tax Board for 20 years, the Community Support Services Board for 20 years, the Joplin Special Road District for 18 years, and many, many others. His involvement reflected the generous spirit for which he was known, and he found joy in being useful, dependable, and engaged in the lives of others.

Jimmy was proceded in death by his parents, James and Nancy Willis and his sister Lianna Jean (Willis) Crandell.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Lisa Bielenberg and husband Brian of Poquoson, Virginia; his two sisters, Michelle L. Anderson of Carthage, Missouri, and Nancy Marie Willis- Smith of Mindenmines, Missouri; his grandchildren, Adalynn and Colton, whom he loved dearly and was blessed to call his grandchildren; and by his longtime friend and significant other, Linda “Rocky” Johnson of Joplin, Missouri and a host of family and friends who also survive his passing.

Jimmy’s family and friends will remember him for the love he gave so freely, the friendships he cherished, and the steady presence he offered throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, loyalty, and affection that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Graveside services will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery located at 1201 S. Maiden Ln. Joplin, MO 64801

Following the graveside services a celebration of life will be held at the Joplin Elks Lodge #501 located at 1802 W 26th St from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Jimmy Willis Scholarship Fund C/O Joplin Elks Lodge #501 1802 W 26th St. Joplin, MO 64804

The arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Margaret Love

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margaret Elaine Love, lovingly known as Margaret, Mom Love, “Ant” Elaine, Sis. Love or just Elaine, passed away on June 28, 2026, in Pontiac, Michigan, at the age of 83.

She was born on May 31, 1943, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, to Henry and Fannie (Camp) Burnett. Margaret lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and quiet strength, and she carried those qualities with her throughout every season of her life. She was a loving and faithful woman whose presence brought comfort, encouragement, and warmth to those around her.

After graduating from high school, Margaret went on to earn her bachelor’s degree, a reflection of her determination and commitment to personal growth. She later worked in bookkeeping for a number of years before she became the owner and operator of All Write Bookkeeping Service

Margaret and her family also owned and operated their deli, Loves Deli and Hoagie Shop, where she shared her hard work and caring spirit with the community she served.

Margaret was deeply devoted to her church and to the service of others. She loved helping and working during church functions, and she gave more than sixty years of service through her work and words at Unity Baptist Church of Joplin. Her faith was central to her life, and she lived it in a way that touched many hearts. After moving back to Michigan to be closer to family, she spent the last four years attending services and participating whenever possible at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan. Her Christian faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Margaret was a selfless person who especially loved spending time with her family. She treasured family gatherings and any opportunity to be surrounded by the people she loved. Her kindness, gentle nature, and loving spirit made her a blessing to her family and friends. She was known as a woman who gave freely of herself and who made others feel valued and cared for. Those who knew her will remember her as loving and faith-filled, with a heart that always seemed to put others first.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Carr and Eric of Rochester, Michigan; one son, William “Bill” Love of Joplin, Missouri; her sister, Susan Johnson and Bernard of Blue Springs, Missouri; her brother, Ronald Colbert of Maryland; her dear Aunt Ruth Dorsey of Georgia; and her special family friends, Lisa and Eric Colbert. A host of family members and friends also survive and will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Fannie (Camp) Burnett; her loving husband, Jerry “JL” Love Jr.; two sons, Wesley Love and Alfred Story; and her siblings, Karen Thomas and Henry Burnett.

The arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary where the family will received friends on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church located at 409 W 4th ST in Joplin, MO with Darnell Johnson Sr. officiating

Margaret Elaine Love leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion to God, commitment to family, and kindness toward others. She will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude by all whose lives she touched.