Ernest Spencer

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ernest Eugene Spencer was born in the May Community outside Goodman, Missouri, on May 6, 1937, to George Alvin and Dorothy Maud (Rathbun) Spencer. He passed away on April 23, 2026, in Belton, Missouri, at the age of 88.

Ernest grew up in the Goodman area where he attended school. He was a member of the 1955 graduating class at Goodman High School. He and Carol Etta Brooks were wed on March 9, 1958, at Banner Church of the Nazarene in Goodman, Missouri. They shared 68 wonderful years together before his passing.

For 34 years Ernest devoted his time and talents to AT&T in Kansas City, Missouri where he was a Data Engineer. After retiring from AT&T, he drove a school bus for the Raytown School District. For 7 years, he made sure children got to and from school safely.

As a boy he was a ball player, enjoying both baseball and basketball. When he had boys of his own, he taught them to play, passing down his love for ball to his sons. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying spending time on his 9 acres. He kept his property up, took care of his horses, and hunted for deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

Along with his co-pilot, Carol, and their RV, Ernest traveled to 48 states. They always loved a good road trip and made beautiful memories all over the United States, including 3 years the couple enjoyed being “Winter Texans” snow birding with their son, Michael.

Ernest was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri. He was also a long-time member of Communications Workers of America (CWA) labor union.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol; their children Michael E. Spencer (Patti) of Clinton, Missouri, Mark S. Spencer (Patty) of Lees Summit, Missouri, and daughter-in-law, Robin of Kansas City, Missouri; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Charlotte Garrison; and his son, Scott Alan Spencer.

Visitation will be held at Banner Church of the Nazarene in Goodman, Missouri on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. The funeral will be held at the same location at 3:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at Banner Cemetery.

Rick Wolsey

(From Knell Mortuary)

Richard Lee Wolsey, Jr., 62, Carthage, Missouri, known affectionately as Rick, passed away on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Rick was born on April 14, 1964, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of Richard Lee Wolsey, Sr. and Harriett Wiles.

He graduated from high school in Texas and later built a steady and respected career as a machine mechanic for Leggett & Platt and Flexolators. Through his work, he became known as a dependable and capable man who could be counted on to get the job done. His practical skills, willingness to help, and easygoing nature made him a valued coworker and friend.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting deer and fishing, and he found great satisfaction in simple moments and familiar places. Whether he was working with his hands, sharing time with loved ones, or enjoying the quiet of the outdoors, Rick approached life with a steady spirit and a genuine appreciation for the people around him. He especially loved his family, and that love was evident in the way he lived and in the relationships he cherished.

Rick is survived by his bonus mom, Shirley Conduff; his sister, Julie Tucker (husband Roland), Webb City, Missouri; his brothers, Brian Wolsey, Carthage, Kevin Wolsey, Carthage, and Steven Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia; his nieces and nephews, Kirstie Simpson, Carthage, Whitney Martin (husband Stephen), Joplin, Torie Quick (husband Brice), Webb City, Ethan Wolsey, Joplin, Maddie Tucker, Joplin, Madison Kingery, Matthew Johnson, Samuel Johnson, and Andrew Johnson; his great-niece and nephew, Payzlie Simpson and Peyton Simpson; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Wolsey, Sr.; his mother, Harriett Newbern; his daughter, Hannah Wolsey; and his nephew, Grant Johnson.

Per Rick’s wishes, there was cremation. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

Tom Spurgeon

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Tom Spurgeon, 76, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Deer Camp near Ozark, Missouri. Tom was born December 5, 1949, in Carthage, Missouri, to Alvin and Martha Belle (Russow) Spurgeon. Tom worked as a laborer at Owens Corning and was with Steadley Bedding for 27 years. He was baptized at First Christian Church in Carthage and drove the bus for them for some time. Tom loved hunting and was an avid attendee at Deer Camp, his truly happy place! 

Tom was united in marriage to Tanya Elaine Ruark on October 17, 1968, in Carthage, Missouri; she preceded him in death on December 5, 2013. 

Tom is survived by two daughters, Tammy Young (Steve) of Joplin, Missouri, and Tarenda Sikes (Jere) of Webb City, Missouri; two sisters, Wanda Beisner (Chuck), and Louise Kitchen (John); nine grandchildren, Donavon Spurgeon, Cameren Fraser, Jagger Fraser, Neikko Spurgeon, Jasmine Sikes, Sebastian Sikes, Telicia Spurgeon, Tacobi Bruce, and Tarin Bruce; and ten great grandchildren. 

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Tanya; three grandchildren, Garret Dietz, Xander Sikes, and Tristan Bruce; his parents, Alvin and Martha; brother, Kenneth Spurgeon; sister, Ruth Coffee; and brother-in-law, George Coffee. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

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

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

Mary Sue Fox

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Mary Sue Fox, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted caretaker, peacefully passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 94.

She was born on January 16, 1932, in Monett, Missouri, the daughter of Walter and Helen (Gillioz) Reynaud.

Mary Sue led a life filled with compassion, dedication, and love for her family and community. She graduated as the Valedictorian of the 1949 Monett High School class, where she delighted audiences with her twirling baton skills. 

Mary Sue's passion for crafting shone brightly through her talents in quilting, knitting, and needlepoint. She also dedicated her time to numerous organizations, including being a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was an active member of the Quarterback Club and PEO. Also an enjoyable pastime, Mary Sue enjoyed reading a good book such as her favorite, Gone with the Wind.

Mary Sue's life was one of resilience and adaptability as she accompanied her husband, who served in the military, to various states, including Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, before settling back in her beloved Monett.

On June 22, 1952, Mary Sue married the love of her life, Jack Lee Fox, and together they created a beautiful family.

Lovingly known as “Dobbie” to those closest to her, she is survived by her adorning husband, Jack Fox; her son, Steve Fox, and his wife Bird of Lampe, MO; her daughter, Vicki Fox McCleary of Monett; four cherished grandchildren, Mike Wakefield, Susan Taylor, Taylor Fox, and Christina Lubrano; as well as seven adored great-grandchildren, Arlen Wakefield, Leela Wakefield, Kenzie Taylor, Braxton Taylor, Liam Lubrano, Michael Lubrano, and Nolan Lubrano. Mary Sue also leaves behind a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.

Mary Sue Fox will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her love for crafting, and her generous spirit that radiated through all aspects of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett. Rod Kelley will be officiating. The family invites friends for visitation from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Buchanan Funeral Home. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Monett Historical Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Linda Bartlett

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Linda D. Bartlett, of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Lockwood, MO at the age of 75.

She was born on January 28, 1951 in Kansas City, MO to John and Helen (Scrivner) Moore. Linda worked as an L.P.N. She was united in marriage to Virgil Bartlett on July 6, 1984 in Arcola, MO. Linda enjoyed bird watching, and was an avid collector.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Helen Moore.






Survivors include her husband, Virgil Bartlett of the home; her daughter, Michelle Jones of Greenfield, MO; two sisters, Janice Mead of Everton, MO and Sharon Price of Butler, MO; two adopted daughters, April Hull of Sarcoxie, MO and Jennifer Gary of Springfield, MO; and four grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Brent Long

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Brent Courtney Long.

Brent passed away unexpectedly on the morning of April 20th, 2026. Our family has been deeply saddened by this loss and is grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

Brent was a truly extraordinary individual. The scope of his impact and the weight of this loss are impossible to fully capture in words. What Brent meant to his family and to people all over the world is nearly impossible to convey.

Brent was born on August 30th, 1958, to Joe and Sharon Long of Aldrich, MO along with a sibling, Pamela Schenewerk. He was baptized in the church of Christ in Bona, Missouri. Brent graduated high school from Dadeville and continued his education at College of the Ozarks and Missouri Southern State University. Brent was a jack of all trades and the master of many, but most notably recognized for his innovation with Alcohol Superstock Engines for tractor pulling competition. What began as a hobby for Brent with his father grew into an international business that he loved and was able to share with his son, Glen. Some of Brent's closest friendships were formed through his involvement in tractor pulling and motorsports. The love and support from these friendships - stretching across the country and into Europe - cannot be overstated. Throughout his life Brent was able to enjoy many things, playing basketball through high school and later in a town team league. He always maintained a love of speed and horsepower, riding dirt bikes well into his fifties. But most importantly, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor to both his family and many others.

Brent married the love of his life, Donna June Baker, of Cane Hill, MO. on March 30th, 1979. They first met at "Happy Hollow" summer Bible camp after their fourth-grade year. Eventually eloping to be married in Miami, OK. and a honeymoon in the Bahamas. The two shared fifty-two happy years together, including forty-seven years married, and residing in the same home ever since.

Brent continued to build his machine shop success nearby this home, allowing him to work alongside his parents on the family farm and pursue his passion for advancing the tractor pulling competition. During his time on the farm, Joe and Sharon were both heavily devoted to growing their cattle operation, of which Brent became an integral part. County Line Farms remains a four generation cattle farm due to their contributed efforts and instilled work ethics, leaving an incredible legacy for future generations.

During this time, Brent and Donna welcomed two children into their lives. Brook Chelsea Glenn (spouse Derek Glenn) and Glen Forrest Long (spouse Lauren Long). Of all Brent’s accomplishments, his proudest role was being "Poppy" to his grandchildren: Harper Rose Glenn, Hudson James Glenn, and Gatlin Joe Long. The instant love and connection he shared with them was remarkable.

Brent is preceded in death by his mother, Sharon (Courtney) Long; in-laws, Gene and Allowee Baker; and brothers-in-law, Larry Schenewerk, and David Melton.

Brent lived life to the fullest - packing every moment with excitement and vitality. While his absence leaves an unfillable space, it is far outweighed by the cherished memories he leaves behind. God truly broke the mold with Brent Long, for whom we were so fortunate to know and love.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 26th 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dadeville School Agriculture Department. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Rick Metcalf

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Rick Metcalf, 64, of Marionville, Missouri, formerly of Crane, Missouri, passed away on April 21, 2026, at his home in Marionville. Rick was born on August 30, 1961, in Aurora, Missouri, to Raymond “Pug” and Shirlene Metcalf. He grew up in the area and built a life centered on family, hard work, and connection with others. 

Rick is survived by his six children: four sons, Chris Short, Ryan Metcalf, Desdin Metcalf and wife Cynthia, and Cody Metcalf; and two daughters, Shauntel Roy and husband Kyle, and Alexa Metcalf. 

He is also survived by his mother, Shirlene Metcalf; his siblings, Larry Metcalf and wife Sandy, Terry Metcalf and wife Ann, Shana Smith and husband Bryant, and Talya Finn and husband Brandon; and 13 grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond “Pug” Metcalf. 

Rick will be remembered most for his contagious laugh and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He deeply cherished time spent with his grandchildren and took great pride in teaching his boys how to run equipment. 

He had a passion for stock car racing and enjoyed watching football. Rick was a hardworking man who always held big dreams for the future. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00am at the Crane Community Cemetery in Crane, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home - Westrip Chapel 39670 State Hwy 413, Crane, MO 65633.