Dave Kreeger

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

David Lloyd “Dave” Kreeger, age 66, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at his home.

He was born July 5, 1960 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of J. Lloyd and Sadie (Sanders) Kreeger. On September 22, 1984 in Miami, Oklahoma he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Resz, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Tommy Ray and wife Sharon, of Exeter, Missouri, and Shawn Garrison and wife Melissa of Exeter, Missouri; brother, Steve Kreeger and wife Gayla of Galena, Kansas; sisters, Cherie Kafton and husband Loren of Joplin, Missouri, and Susan Parrott of Lakeside, California; grandchildren, Robert Seekamp and wife Amber of Cassville, Missouri, Briana Hatfield and husband Ryan of Exeter, Missouri, and Sarah Thompson and husband Alex of Belton, Missouri; 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Luella Seekamp; son, Bobby Ray; grandson, Dylan Ray, and granddaughter, Amanda Seekamp.

Dave grew up and attended school in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He made his home in the Exeter area for the past 43 years after moving here from Kansas.

Dave was a familiar and friendly face in the community. He owned and operated Dave’s Café in Cassville for 15 years before leasing the Dock-N-Eat restaurant at Big M Marina in Cassville for six years.

Dave enjoyed going to the YMCA in Monett, walking, woodworking, working outdoors, spending time with his dogs and cats and taking care of his chickens. He was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia and anything related to eagles. Above all, Dave treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. Dave attended Victory Baptist Church and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Russell Bishop will conduct the services. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to Haven of the Ozarks in memory of Dave.

Rose Graves

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Rose Lee Graves, age 80, of Purdy, Missouri, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at her son's home.

She was born December 5, 1945 in Joplin, Missouri the daughter of Lee and Rita Phillips. Rose was United in marriage to Kenneth Graves, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents and daughter, Karen Murray.

Surviving are her son, Kevin Graves of Exeter, Missouri; brothers, Gerald Phillips of Reno, Nevada, and Denzel Phillips of Billings, Missouri; grandchildren, Shelby, Kimberly, and Tosha and great grandchildren, Xavier and Jaxson.

Rose attended school in Pierce City, Missouri, graduating from Pierce City High School. She made her home in the area for most of her life.

Rose dedicated 30 years of her career to Tyson Foods Incorporated in Monett, Missouri. Following her time at Tyson, she continued her work in the poultry industry as a USDA poultry inspector.

In her free time, Rose enjoyed reading and watching television, especially cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She was a member of Solid Rock Southern Baptist Church. Rose will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Andrea Cross

(From Greenfield Funeral Home)

Andrea R. Cross, 74, of Greenfield, MO, passed away on September 3, 2026, in Joplin, MO.

Andrea was born August 5, 1952, to Ellis and Velma (Mohwinkel) Spain. She graduated from Lockwood High School in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Baptist University in December of 1973. Andrea began teaching, but while working full time and raising a family, she returned to SBU and earned her Master’s degree in 1990.

Andrea accepted Jesus as her Savior on Mother’s Day in 1960. While in high school, she was the lead singer for the group Kings Crusaders, which was composed of members of the youth group at Kings Point Baptist Church near Lockwood, MO.

During college, she was a member of the gospel group "Way, Truth, and Life," which performed in several cities across southern Iowa and northern Missouri. The group even recorded an album before two of the members left to get married and the group dissolved.

While attending SBU, and for a few years after college, she served as music leader and devotional leader for dozens of revivals. She was also a summer missionary in California during the summer of 1973. Andrea was a lifelong educator. That passion for serving students started with a teaching job at Cole Camp, MO, in January of 1974.

Andrea married Charles Cross of Lebanon, MO, on May 26, 1974.

That summer, Andrea worked as a periodicals librarian at SBU. That fall, her teaching career took her to Exeter High School, where she worked for two years. In 1976, she accepted a position at Greenfield High School, where she spent the majority of her teaching career, serving for more than 20 years as a teacher and coach. Andrea also taught at Pierce City Schools and Round Grove Christian Academy and ran Adult Basic Education GED classes in Greenfield for several years.

She finished her career as a counselor at Dadeville High School. Andrea called these final years as a counselor her most fulfilling in education. She worked tirelessly to ensure that any student desiring a college education was able to reach that goal. Her knowledge of colleges and scholarships allowed students from many area schools to get a college education and achieve their dreams.

In December of 2023, Missouri State Representative Ann Kelley presented Andrea with a House resolution congratulating her on 50 years of teaching in Missouri. Even after retirement, Andrea continued helping students improve their college admission scores and earn scholarships to help pay for that education.

During her 49 years of marriage to Charles, Andrea served as a music leader, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, and in any other capacity needed to serve God in the various churches they served.

Andrea provided extensive volunteer service to her community as well. She helped start the Dade County Community Theatre and was on the team that revived the historic Opera House in Greenfield in 1988.

She served as secretary of the Greenfield Ministerial Alliance, volunteered for Ozarks Food Harvest, and served as a judge for the Veterans of Foreign Wars speech contest and other area speech competitions.

Andrea was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Cross; her parents, Ellis and Velma Spain; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Delores Spain; her sister Louise Houston; and her sister-in-law, Wanda (Morrow) Spain.

She is survived by her brothers, Leroy (Linda) Spain of South Greenfield, MO, and Neal Spain of Derby, KS; her children, Sheila (Stephen) Buus, Philip (Keiana) Cross of Edmond, OK, and Annette (Scott) Wagoner of Webb City, MO; and her grandchildren, Josiah Wagoner, Isaiah Wagoner, Selah Cross, Karis Cross, and Eliana Buus.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Main Street Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Kings Point Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Solace House of the Ozarks. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Evelyn Barnard

(From Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri)

Evelyn Ruth Barnard (Parminter), 99, passed away at her home in Lee's Summit, Missouri on August 25, 2026. Evelyn was born on July 1, 1927, in Lockwood, Missouri to Edgar & Lois Parminter.

Evelyn was a graduate of Southwest Baptist College. Evelyn taught for two years in a one room schoolhouse in King's Point, Missouri. Evelyn worked as a social worker for Neosho County and as Clerk of the Court in Chanute, Kansas. Evelyn was a homemaker, and an office nurse for a small-town physician in Chanute and El Dorado, Kansas.

Evelyn married the love of her life Richard (Dick) Barnard on June 19, 1949. Together they raised two sons, Greg and Bill, and a daughter Andie. Evelyn and Dick lived in Columbia and Lockwood Missouri, Chanute and El Dorado Kansas while raising their children.

Evelyn and Dick loved playing cards, games, square dancing, and travelling with friends. Evelyn loved to shop and was always dressed for success. She had earrings, necklaces, purses and shoes for every outfit. Evelyn and Dick ("the folks" to their kids) moved to Lee's Summit in 1992 to be near their children and grandchildren in the area.

Evelyn was very active in the First Baptist Church, singing in the choir into her 80's, playing piano, and anything social in their church. Evelyn was a treasured friend to many and volunteered with many groups in the church. She was a great mother, grandmother and a wonderful mother-in-law.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Greg, Bill (Darlene), and her grandchildren, Amy (Steve), Jeremy (Bobbi), Erin (Jon), Caitlin, and Luke (Hailey). The folks also have four greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Dick of 75 years, her daughter Andie, her parents, and two brothers, Eddy & Keith.

Graveside services in Lockwood Missouri will be held at a later time.

Any donations made in Evelyn's honor can be made to the First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit or a charity of their choice.

Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tom Melton

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Tom Melton, 83, of Dadeville, passed away on September 3rd, 2026, surrounded by family.

Tom was married to Lenora Melton for 36 years, and they had five children: Tommy, who passed away at birth; Kim (Howard) Yocom, Jeff (Rebecca) Melton, Nikki (Heath) Tibbetts, and Mandy (Jere) Jackson. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Frances Melton, and his brother, Max Melton.

Tom was a hard worker who took great pride in providing for his family. He spent many years farming and driving a truck over the road. He also spent years working with hay crews, where he was known for making sure everyone worked hard and got the job done. He had a lifelong love of tractors and spent countless hours working in the fields. Over the years, he also enjoyed purchasing toy tractors for his grandsons and nephews, sharing with them something he had loved throughout his own life.

Tom had a generous heart and was always willing to help his family, and others in need. His nieces and nephews fondly remember him as the uncle who often showed up with M&Ms, a simple gesture that became a cherished memory.

Tom also enjoyed working with his hands, particularly woodworking and carpentry. He made many keepsakes for the people he loved, including rocking chairs for his grandchildren, baby doll cribs for his daughters, and countless shelves and bookshelves. These things remain as reminders of the time, care, and craftsmanship he gave to his family.

In his later years, Tom developed a special love for his dogs, particularly his long-haired Chihuahuas. His children found this especially amusing because, growing up, he never allowed them to have indoor pets. Somehow, in his later years, the man who once said no to indoor animals became quite fond of having his little dogs by his side.

Tom also had a beautiful singing voice, and his family has fond memories of hearing him sing alongside the piano at Dadeville First Christian Church, accompanied by Geneva Maze.

Later in life, Tom was blessed to reconnect with a high school sweetheart, Rebecca Dodson. They shared 4 years together before her passing in January 2025. After her passing, Tom’s own health began to decline, and he spent his final year at Ash Grove’s Healthcare Facility, where he was cared for by many compassionate nurses and caregivers. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness they showed him during that time.

Tom will be remembered and deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Celebration of Life services will begin at 11:00AM, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Eudora Baptist Church-Gym. A time of visitation will follow celebration of life services until 1:00PM.

Clifford Willis

(From Parker Mortuary)

May 15, 1941 - September 3, 2026

Clifford Lee Willis was born in Watts, Oklahoma. To Lee and Dixie (Armstrong) Willis. From there they went to Baxter Springs, Kansas before settling in Asbury, MO. Clifford attended school in Asbury and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1959.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army. After that he was employed by Fairchild both in Joplin and New Jersey. Upon retiring, he moved back to Joplin where he has lived since. Clifford passed away on September 4, 2026. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dixie (Willis) Riley. 

He is survived by his sister Linda (Willis) Watts (Buddy), Three nephews, Bill Custis (Andrea), Donnie Frost (Michelle), Johnnie Frost (Susan) and several great- nieces and nephews.

His final resting place will be at Crocker Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.

Mark Price

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mark A. Price, age 68, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2026.

Mark was born on July 14, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri to his parents Paul and L. Francine (Cox) Price. He married his wife Patricia Cummings on September 15, 1979 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He worked for many years as an RN at Mercy and Baxter Memorial Hospital before his retirement in 2012.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pat; one daughter, Kristy Weeks, son-in-law, Nick Weeks; and one granddaughter, Lorelei Weeks.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

There are no formal services scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for Solace House in Joplin in Mark’s name.