Charles Myers

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Charles Ray Myers, age 56, passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family in Carthage, Missouri.

Born in Turlock, California, Charles grew up in the Bay Area and began working in his parents' restaurant at just 9 years old. From a young age, he developed the work ethic, toughness, and determination that would define the rest of his life.

Charles later became the owner of Myers Hardwoods, where he built a life and career through walnut burl orchard removal. He was a hardworking businessman, a provider, and a man whose word meant something. He believed deeply in family first, hard work, character, and staying strong through whatever life brought. He never met a stranger, loved making people laugh, and was known for being strong, wise, generous, and fiercely devoted to the people he loved.

One of the defining parts of Charles’s life was his deep love for his family. He became a father at a young age and showed through his life that it is never too late to change your story. On December 5, 1990, he married the love of his life, Lori Myers. Together they built a life rooted in perseverance, loyalty, and love. Charles was a loving husband, a proud father, and an extraordinary grandfather who treasured every moment with his grandbabies.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Myers; his sons, Charles Arenas and wife Kristin Arenas, Michael Myers, and Zachary Myers and his daughter-in-law Alex Barnett; and his beloved grandchildren, Elijah Arenas, Cali Arenas, Nova Myers, Willow Myers, and Jameson Myers. He is also survived by his mother, Terry Rodgers, his sister, Nonnie Lofton, and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Myers, and his sister, Ashley DeMartini.

Charles loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf with his buddies, family trips, and the simple joy of being with the people he loved most. Over the last three years, he fought cancer with incredible strength, courage, and determination. Though he was originally given only six months, God gave him more than three additional years, and he used that time to continue loving, leading, and showing up for his family. During that season, his faith deepened, and he gave his life fully to the Lord. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and has gone home to be with the Lord.

A funeral service will be held on April 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ozark Funeral Homes, 100 S Spring St, Anderson, MO 64831. A reception will follow at Neosho United Methodist Church, North 111, I-49BL, Neosho, MO 64850.

Charles will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his loyalty, his fierce love for his family, and the way he always made sure the people he loved were taken care of. The family is grateful for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time.

Vencil Hendren

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Vencil Hendren, age 99, of Joplin, MO, passed away after a brief illness on March 30, 2026. Vencil was born on June 20, 1926, in Clifton Hill, Missouri, to his parents Cecil and Laura Francis (Rucker) Hendren. He served several years in the US Coast Guard and in the US Marine Corps, proudly dedicating himself to his country. After his service, he spent 33 years working for TWA as a sheet metal mechanic prior to his retirement.

Vencil married Lois Redd on November 11, 1959; she precedes him in passing. 

He is survived by his sisters; Mary Salisbury, Jean Risley, and Marjorie Kietlinski, three daughters; Darleen Richey, Connie Paul, and Judy McKinney from a previous marriage to Louise Duncan and she precedes him in passing; six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Vencil was known for his steadfast work ethic, devotion to family, and gentle humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Cecil and Laura Hendren, and four brothers; Walter Hendren, Elwood Hendren, Howard Hendren, and Ed Hendren, and one sister; Sue Barton.

A visitation will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with the service to follow at 2:00pm at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, 3701 E. 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801. Friends and family are invited to honor his memory and celebrate a life well lived.

Thomas White

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Thomas Wayne White, age 60, of Colcord, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 28, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1965, in Offenbach, Germany, born to the union of Wayne and Gerlinde (Hoffman) White.

At the age of five, Thomas returned to the United States with his family, spending his formative years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa and later attended Tulsa Community College. He spent the majority of his adult life in Jay, Oklahoma, living with his favorite uncle, Charlie. Even in the face of hardship, he carried himself with determination and courage. At the age of 19, he lost his leg in a tragic motorcycle accident, yet he continued forward with strength and perseverance that inspired those who knew him.

Thomas worked for several years at Pipe Life Jet Stream in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In more recent years, he worked as an Uber driver, where he had the opportunity to meet many people and share his friendly nature with those he encountered.

He found joy in the outdoors and in the quiet pleasures of everyday life. Fishing, hunting, and playing horseshoes were among his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed cooking and spending time with his grandchildren, listening to music and caring for his dogs, which brought him comfort and companionship.

Thomas was a man with so much love to give, but wanted nothing in return. That simple truth reflected the heart of who he was. He gave freely of himself to his family and friends, and he will be remembered for his kindness, his loyalty, and the strength he showed throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Stephanie White of the home; seven children, Bradley White, Antony White, Jessica Cox, Sheree Estrada, Katina Daniels, Alan Daniels, and Tristan White; eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandson; his father, Wayne White; a sister, Angela Donald; a brother, Butch; as well as a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gerlinde White; a son, Nicholas White; and three siblings, Tricia, Jimmy and Brian.

Graveside services are 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Sout-Davidson Cemetery near Anderson, Missouri. Those honoring hi life by serving as pallbearers are Tristan White, Quentin White, Damien White, Paul Mills, Emree Estrada and Alan Daniels. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Dotty Hansen

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dulcenia “Dotty” Rae Hansen, age 92 of Joplin, MO., passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Freeman Hospital following an illness.

Dotty was born February 26, 1934, in Anthony, KS. The daughter of Harold and Marjorie (Ogle) Tower. Dotty received her master’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University. She worked as a teacher for the Joplin R-8 School District for many years before retiring. Dotty has been a longtime member of Byers Avenue United Methodist Church. She was greatly involved in the United Methodist Women’s Group, she taught the Challengers Sunday School class, volunteered at Crosslines and loved reading, sewing and crocheting.

She married William T. Hansen on December 27, 1954. He preceded Dotty in death in 2015. Dotty was also preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie Tower.

Survivors include her son; David Hansen of San Antonio, TX., two daughters; Diana Hansen of Joplin, Jill Lesh and husband Jerry of Springfield, MO., as well as six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by a host of family and friends including her community at Wildwood.

The Family will hold graveside services at 1:00 pm Friday, April 3, 2026, at Osborn Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Watered Gardens, 531 S. Kentucky Ave. Joplin, Missouri, or to Byers Avenue United Methodist Church, 1730 S. Byers Ave. Joplin, Missouri.

Judith Sparks

(From Parker Mortuary)

Judith Ann Williams Sparks, age 81, of Granby, MO, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Aspire Senior Living in Carthage.

Judith was born on November 20, 1944 in Kansas City, MO to the union of Everitt and Leona (Oldham) Williams. After graduating high school, she began working in factory work, creating rings and jewelry. She then went on to obtain her CDL and drove a semi-truck for a number of years before taking on her true calling as a nurse. She worked at KU Medical Center for many years before retiring. 

Judith was an avid animal lover and occasionally you could find her bringing in stray cats that had shown up on her front steps. She enjoyed talking with friends on Facebook, gardening in her flower bed, visiting with friends, and playing on her tablet. Judith loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, shopping with her daughter-in-law, Penny, and being with family. She also enjoyed collecting figurine frogs. Judith will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Judith is survived by her two sons, John Davis and wife, Penny, and Christopher Davis; one step-daughter, Helen Mae Davis; six grandchildren, Bryan Davis (Megan), Jennifer Weldon (Josh), Prescilla Newman (Thomas), Michelle Littmann (Andrew), Melissa Gibbens, and Gayla Anderson (Adam); nine great-grandchildren, Ryder, Bentley, Emily, Oliver, AJ, Faith, Sophie, Emily, and Angela; and sister, Nancy Stanley (Kenny).

A Graveside Burial of Ashes will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Granby Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Jim Shannon

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

James W. Shannon, 89, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Jim was born October 29, 1936, in Springfield, MO to W. W. Shannon and V. Azalea (Hilsabeck) Shannon. He married the love of his life, Mary Alice Hensley, on June 6, 1958, in Mansfield, MO.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of Central High School in Springfield. While a high school and college student, Jim played for the Springfield Symphony. He attended Southwest Missouri State (SMS) graduating with a B.S. in Music Education and a minor in Business. In addition, during the early years Jim served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for eight years. Jim served as vocal & instrumental director for one year at Stockton, MO before going to Dallas where he received his Masters in Music Education from Southern Methodist University. Jim returned to southwest Missouri where he served as vocal and instrumental director for Monett and band director for Nevada R-5 school districts from 1960 - 1989. 

Jim was a longtime and active member of the United Methodist Church of Nevada where he both sang and served as director of their Chancel Choir and served 15 years as director of the Bell Choir. After retirement he enjoyed playing what he called “Geezer Golf”, taking care of his dogs, following NHS sports, and celebrating the accomplishments of his grandchildren with his wife of 68 years.

In addition to his wife, Mary Alice, he is survived by three children; Jim Shannon (Brenda) Springfield, MO, Shari Halvorson (Rev. Dr. Alf) Houston, TX, and Mike Shannon (Jennie) Strafford, MO; seven grandchildren, Sarah Weston (Cameron), Nick Shannon (Morgan), Matt Halvorson (Ellie), Kristen Johnson (Brett), Libby Collier (Brett), Molly Shannon and Sophie Shannon; and two great-grandchildren, Graham Collier and Amos Halvorson.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Nevada with Pastor Alf Halvorson and Rev. Michelle Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow on Saturday, May 16, at the Mansfield Cemetery in Mansfield, MO. Those wishing to honor him are invited to make donations in his memory to the United Methodist Youth program, the Nevada High School music program, or any reputable dog rescue organization.

Holly Murdock

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Holly Elaine Murdock, age 53, passed away on March 30, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City

Holly was born on December 20, 1972, at Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus, Kansas.

She is survived by her parents, Gene Murdock (Beverly) and Donna Murdock. She is also survived by her siblings, L. Dee Murdock (Miranda) and Haley Mahon (Mark).






Holly was a devoted mother to Olivia McDown (Jace), Seth Stover, Ruby Stover, and Jonas Stover, and a loving “Momma Holly” to Della Jayne McDown.

She was a scholar athlete at Columbus Unified High School, graduating in 1991. She went on to continue her basketball career at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She was an Academic All-American. 

During her high school and college career she was a member of a select team that would travel to Estonia, USSR and later played with a team that would play in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She later returned home to Columbus and earned her Biology degree from Pittsburg State University. She spent many years working as a Registered Lab Tech at St. John’s/Mercy and Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus,
Kansas before joining her family at Murdock Properties, where she proudly took on the role of what her brother would name “self-appointed boss.” She also spent her time serving on the USD 493 School Board for nearly 15 years.

Holly had many passions, but her faith and her family were the cornerstone of her life. She defined herself first and foremost as a child of God and attended Christ Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, MO. Most recently, Holly, alongside her daughter Ruby, traveled to Poland on a mission trip where they helped teach English in the school system while displaying the love of Christ—a ripple that will continue far beyond her life.

It would be hard to talk about Holly’s passions without putting her children at the very top. She laughed the most when she was surrounded by them and found her greatest joy in having them all together. She loved traveling with her kids and had a deep love for history and historical landmarks. Many times, those two things overlapped, and her kids found themselves on “field trips” disguised as vacations and adventurous hikes.

Washington, D.C. was among one of her favorite places to visit. She raised her children to be deeply rooted in their faith—something she prioritized above all else—and took so much pride in cheering them on at games, recitals, and concerts. Through them, she developed a special love for music and the joy of watching each of her 4 children excel in their talents.

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 8 years ago, Holly was treated at MD Anderson, where she participated in a clinical trial that would later help shape the standard of care for others fighting BRCA 2 Pancreatic Cancer. She was one of only five patients to complete the trial, earning her the nickname “Unicorn” from her medical team at MD Anderson.

Holly was our family’s Queen, Warden, and Momma Holly. We know she is fully healed, made whole, and living her next chapter of her eternal story. Holly joins in heaven two sets of grandparents and her stepbrother Travis Paul Gray. We will forever be proud to call her ours—mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Reflecting on her life we are reminded of one of Holly’s favorite bible verses 1 Peter 5:10 which says…and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 2, 2026, From 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the State Theatre, 104 W. Pine, Columbus, KS. 66725.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS.