Russ Sloan

(From Bevers Funeral Home)

Russ Sloan was born in Sioux City Iowa March 28, 1938 to the late Floyd and Marian Sloan.

Russ and his parents lived in Los Angeles during WWII and in 1945 they moved to Columbia, Missouri. Russ was Student Body President at Hickman High School and was 4 sport lettermen and named 3rd team All State Football as an End. Russ received a football scholarship from the University of Missouri in 1956. 

While at Missouri Russ received 1st team All-Conference honors and was the only unanimous All-Conference choice as selected by the coaches. Russ played on the Tigers 1960 Orange Bowl team and the 1960 All Star Hula Bowl played in Honolulu Hawaii. Before the end of his senior year Russ was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers who immediately traded him to the New York Titans, now the Jets. He was also offered a baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. An injury in training camp and the exhibition season ended his pro aspirations.

He returned to Missouri to obtain his Master’s degree and begin his coaching career. Russ coached at Hickman High School, Mo, Higginsville H.S. Mo, Centralia H.S. Mo, Carthage H.S. Mo and Northeast Mo State University, now Truman State University. During his 3yr tenure as Head Coach at Northeast Mo State his Bulldogs garnered 3 MIAA Conference Championships. Three of his players went on to the NFL and two more in the World Football League. 

In 1972 Russ resigned from coaching to run for Congress in Missouri 6th district. Although unsuccessful he became the Director of Motor Vehicles and Licensing for the State of Missouri and received recognition for saving Missouri tax payers one million dollars a year! Russ returned to collegiate athletics as Athletic Director at Southeast Missouri State University. In 1979 Russ was named the Executive Director of the Bulldog Foundation at Fresno State University in Fresno, Ca. and one year later became the Athletic Director at Fresno State. Russ returned to the private sector 2 years later as Executive Director of the Fresno City and County Chamber of Commerce and for the next 20 years Russ headed three Chamber of Commerce, Fresno Ca, Muncie In. and St. Petersburg Fl. Russ was selected by the Chamber Executives to also serve as State President of the State’s Chamber Executives for the states of Indiana and Florida. After eleven years Russ retired from the St. Petersburg Chamber. Retirement didn’t last long as he headed up the New Business Assistance Center at Lake Sumter Community College. While doing that he also began writing a weekly column for the Leesburg, FL paper, The Daily Commercial. Russ retired from Lake Sumter Community College at 75 but continued to write his column for the paper until the age of 84 and spent his remaining years in Leesburg and Lady Lake Florida.

Russ and his wife Peggy Fisher Sloan were married 66 years and they have 3 adult children Douglas, Matthew and Lori Sloan Quandt, 8 grandchildren Matthew Sloan, Jordan Sloan, Luke Sloan, Ryan Sloan, Allison Aubuchon, Christina Aubuchon, Jessica Aubuchon, Daniel Aubuchon and 3 great-grandchildren, Nathan Clement, Sadie Pfister and Chevelle Pfister.

Russ was an inductee of the University of Missouri Athletic Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Northeast Missouri State Athletic Hall of Fame and the Truman State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made online at www.beyersfuneralhome.com.

Bonnie Pickens

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Bonnie Lynn Pickens, 71, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Diamond, Missouri.

She was a Certified Medical Technician in several nursing homes before retiring in 2023 and an avid animal lover.

She was born on June 26, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan to George and Wilma Oyerly

She is survived by her husband; James Pickens of Neosho, her stepmother Dora Oyerly of Tampa Fl., her sisters; Anne Oyerly of Berrien Springs Michigan, Tina Oyerly-Parchmont and husband Brian of Nederland Tx, Katherine Dengler-Mello of Louisville Ky and Mollie
Dengler-Schmoling of Tampa Fl, brother; John Dengler and his wife Sharie Green Dengler of Johnson City Tn.

Bonnie has three boys, Christopher Charles McNeece of Twin Falls Id, Charles William McNeece and wife Jeannie McNeece of Ash Grove

Mo, and Clint Edward McNeece and wife Amber of Miller Mo, from her late ex-husband Murle Walter McNeece. She has several grandkids and several great grandkids, several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by, Both Parents, Father George Oyerly, Mother Wilma Oyerly, Sister Katherine Oyerly-Jeffries.

There will be a Celebration of Life planned at a later date in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory in Joplin, Missouri.

James Lane

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

James Harold Lane, 64, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026. James was born on October 15, 1961, in McCurtain, Oklahoma, to William Floyd Lane and Rose Ella Johnson. He was raised in a hardworking family. His father was a skilled carpenter, and his mother was well known in her community for her work as a hairstylist.

James dedicated many years of his life as a truck driver, but his greatest calling was serving the Lord as a preacher. He had a deep love for gospel music and enjoyed playing instruments and singing whenever he had the opportunity. More than anything, James cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. 

James is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Laiter, and their family: Jason Tucker and Maryann of Joplin, Missouri; Kristi Roach and David Roach of Joplin, Missouri; Audrey Soar and James Soar of Carthage, Missouri; and Melinda Vermillion of Eufaula, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind a loving legacy of 25 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Stanley Lane and his wife, Poulen; his sisters, Rosemary and her husband, Mich Burette, and Glennda. James was preceded in death by his stepson, Michael Ray of Granby, Missouri, and his brother Larry Lance of Chanute, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in McCurtain, Oklahoma. A Celebration
of Life will be held at The Independent Living Center on August 16, 2026, at 2pm the
address is 2639 E 34th st Joplin Mo 64804. 

If you’d like to contribute, then Monetary and flower donations can be made out to Patricia Lasiter

James will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful preacher, and a friend to many. His kind heart, words of encouragement, love of music, and dedication to sharing God’s love touched countless lives. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy of faith, love, and compassion will continue through the generations he leaves behind. May his memory forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

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

Nancy Lee

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Nancy Lee, age 82, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Nancy grew up in an idyllic seaside town in New England where she spent her summers swimming competitively in the harbor. Nancy attended the University of Pennsylvania where she joined the US Army Nurse Corps and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. 

During basic training she met the love of her life, William Lee. They had a whirlwind romance and spent their first year as husband and wife stationed in Vietnam. After several years in the service and living overseas, the couple settled in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. It was there that they built a beautiful life and raised their two children. 

After 42 years in nursing, Nancy retired. She and Bill spent many happy years enjoying the tranquility of Grand Lake, Oklahoma. After Bill’s passing, Nancy moved to Webb City, Missouri to be closer to her daughter. They were fortunate enough to spend several years as next door neighbors.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Nancy said, “I’d like to be noted as someone who is a good friend, who helps when she can, and who represents Jesus.” Nancy did all this and more. 

Nancy’s legacy lives on through her children, David Lee of Naucalpan, Mexico and Debra Oaks (James) of Webb City, Missouri; and her three cherished grandchildren, Truman Oaks, Valeria Lee and Alex Lee.

Nancy’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active and dedicated member of Joplin First Church and found great joy and purpose in her work with The Gideons International, spreading the Word of God. She will be profoundly missed. A service to remember Nancy’s life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, August 1st at Joplin First Church.

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

Carol Aughe

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Carol Ann Aughe, 87 of Marionville passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026 in her sons home. She was born January 2, 1939 in Doniphan, MO., the daughter of Rex and Mary (Barnes) Branson. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include two sons, Rick Sims and wife, Angela Ellis of Marionville, MO. and Michael Aughe of Seattle, WA.; one daughter, Vickie Loveless of Bakersfield, CA.; granddaughter, Kristina Aughe; and several grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry Aughe; one son, Kearrie Aughe; and two brothers, Ronnie Branson and Paul Branson.

No services are planned.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Fredrick Duncan

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Fredrick N. Duncan, 70, of Aurora passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 in his home. He was born on January 27, 1956 in Carthage, MO., the son of Peter and Rosa (Royster) Duncan. He was a retired construction worker.

Survivors include two sons, Brandy Thomas and Tyler Duncan both of Aurora, MO.; one daughter, Amanda Chance of Aurora, MO.; one brother, Dewey Duncan of Greenfield, MO.; and 6 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Desiree Duncan; three brothers, Eddie, Tony and Eugene Duncan; and four sisters, Glenda Root, Donna Stemmons, Sandy Brown and Janet Higgins.

A celebration of life is pending.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Tim Maggard

(From Knell Mortuary)

Timothy Wade Maggard II, known to many as Tim, passed away on July 28, 2026, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 40.

Tim was born on May 29, 1986, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of Timothy and Candy (Thiessen) Maggard and he lived a life marked by kindness, adventure, and devotion to the people he loved. He will be remembered as a gentle soul with a warm heart and a spirit that welcomed life with curiosity and courage.







Tim was especially devoted to his daughter, Saige Maggard of Neosho, Missouri, who was the light of his life and the center of his world. He treasured every moment spent with her and found his greatest joy in being her father. His love for Saige was deep and unwavering, and it shaped the way he lived each day. He carried that love with him in all that he did, and it will remain a lasting part of his memory.

He is survived by his daughter, Saige Maggard of Neosho, Missouri; his mother, Candy Buckner, and stepfather, Richard Reagan; his grandparents, Fancine and Ronnie Lee of Carthage, Missouri, and Bob and Marie Thiessen of Carthage, Missouri; his aunt, Crystal Shelby and Keith of Carl Junction, Missouri; his uncle, Robert Thiessen and Keisha of Joplin, Missouri; and many cousins who shared in his life and will cherish his memory. He was also preceded in death by his father Timothy Maggard, aunt, Jacki Ackley, and Brandi Scott-Mojica, whose memories remain part of the family’s story.

Tim was baptized at the age of 13 at Faith and Hope Church in Carterville, a meaningful moment in his spiritual journey. That experience was a reflection of the faith and values that helped guide him through life. He carried himself with a quiet strength and a kind heart, and he touched the lives of others through his sincerity and compassion.

He enjoyed fishing and gaming, and he found happiness in simple moments and shared experiences. Whether he was spending time outdoors or enjoying time at home, Tim appreciated the things that brought comfort and connection. Above all, he loved being with his daughter, and those moments were among the most meaningful of his life. His adventurous nature and kind spirit made him someone others could count on for friendship, laughter, and support.