Laura Jones

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Laura Jo Jones, age 62, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 7:01 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Aurora, Missouri. She was born October 21, 1963, in McKinney, Texas, the daughter of Edward Lee and Bobbie Joyce (French) Carrell.

Laura was a 1981 graduate of Newburg High School in Newburg, Missouri. She was a former police officer for the City of Aurora, Missouri and was a homemaker.

On July 27, 2015, she married the love of her life, Jerrold (Sam) Jones, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. 

Laura is survived by her husband, Jerrold Jones; two daughters, Haylee Parkhurst and her husband, Brian, of Springfield, Missouri and Tanya Akin of Aurora, Missouri; one son, Hunter Mansfield of Spokane, Washington; six grandchildren, Autum, Nick, Aiden, Tristan, Elijah and Isaiah; one brother, Kenneth Carrell of Ada, Oklahoma and several nieces and nephews all of which she loved dearly. 

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Bobbie Carrell; her brother, Michael Carrell and her sister-in-law, Nancy Carrell.

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.

Dick Peckman

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Richard “Dick” Wayne Peckman, age 97, passed away on November 6, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Dick was born on November 23, 1928, in Kearney, NE to Roy August and Pearl Pauline (Marlet) Peckman. After he graduated high school in Sheldon, MO. he served his country in the United States Army. On June 16, 1949, he married Allene Lindenman and together they raised three sons.

Dick had worked various jobs including 19 years at Montgomery Wards, Sears, Denam’s Wholesale, MFA, First Baptist Church, and was the first Vernon County Assessor. Dick worked until he was 90 years old. He was a devoted member of Nevada First Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon. He was a past member in the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Jaycee’s, and the Masonic Lodge. He treasured his family. He loved to play softball, raised Registered Angus Cattle when they lived on the farm, and loved to walk all the time.

Dick is survived by three sons, Rick Peckman and his wife Connie, Nevada, MO, Ron Peckman and his wife Shirley, Richards, MO, and Mick Peckman and his wife Robin, Iantha, MO; grandchildren, Michelle (Mark) Alcanter, Corey Peckman, Jordan (Dacey) Peckman, Courtney (Ryne) Hanson, Meagan (Adam) Neher – Ty (Jaelyn) Peckman, Andy Peckman, Kelsey (Jerod) Gardner; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Allene, eight brothers and one sister.

The funereal service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home with burial to follow at Milo Cemetery, with Military Funeral Honors.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Monday, November 9, 2026, at the funeral home

Memorials are suggested to the Neighborhood Center or the Missouri Veterans Home with the funeral home serving as custodian.

Judy Bingham

(From Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services)

Judy Irene Bingham, 83, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born in Joplin, MO on August 29, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Austin A. and Vivian R. Long. She resided in Joplin, MO most of her life prior to moving to Springfield, MO in 2014.

Judy was a graduate of Joplin High, class of 1961. She also attended Joplin Junior College. She worked at First State Bank, Community National Bank, The Chandelier Shop, and Famous Barr at the jewelry counter and then as an Estee Lauder beauty consultant (which is where she shined!)

Judy married Lloyd (Bing) Bingham in New Mexico in 2012 and they were married for 14 years. She knew Bing for most of her life going back to grade school and they were able to reconnect later in life. They were blessed to share many adventures together.

Judy enjoyed traveling and fishing. Her yearly fishing trips with Lloyd to Canada and visiting South Dakota were a highlight of her summers. Judy was very skilled at refinishing antique furniture and her home showcased many of her beautiful pieces. Judy and Lloyd loved spending time with friends going out to eat, visiting their Amish friends, and even religiously attending their high school classmates’ monthly luncheon. 

Cooking was also one of Judy’s favorite pastimes. She was well known among family and friends for her pies and fried chicken. Judy was blessed with many grandchildren and was a doting grandmother. She cherished celebrating holidays and birthdays with her family and friends. In her later years, she loved watching old westerns, Jeopardy, and Judge Judy.

Judy is survived by her husband Lloyd Bingham, her sister Ruth Roper (husband Hal), two children - Stacey Zengel (wife Carrie) and Ryan Zengel (wife Jodi), two stepdaughters – Kerri Brown (husband Darrel) and Mindy Smithwick (husband Jamie), and grandchildren – Austin Zengel (wife Payton), Meghan Zengel, Jessica Zengel, Matthew Zengel, Kyler Brown (wife Lynae), Chloe Gaither (husband Jacob), Dylan Brown (wife Ally), Aly Smithwick, and Claire Smithwick, and great grandchildren Ayla and Remy. She also leaves several cousins, nephews, nieces, and other family. Judy will be missed by her friends and family. The family wishes to say a special “thank you” to Shelly Beckett for providing care for Judy throughout this last year.

The family will have a celebration of Judy’s life at Life.Church of Springfield, 1655 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO on November 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.

Neil Campbell

 

(From Parker Mortuary)

Neil A. Campbell, 79, retired editor of the former Carthage Press, died Nov. 05, 2026. The Joplin native was born Aug. 14, 1947.

He was a 1966 Joplin High School graduate, undergraduate from Tulane University and received his master from Missouri University journalism school. Neil was editor of his high school and college newspapers and was a student editor of the Columbia Missourian, a daily paper published by MU.

He was named to Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges, Omicron Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Phi, national college leadership societies. He joined The Press as courthouse reporter, becoming editor three years later. He chaired Carthage's Red Cross and Salvation Army boards and was named to Outstanding Young Men in America. He was editor for 19 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Keith Wallace; his grandmother, Bess MacNabb, and longtime friends, Linda Wheeler and Steve Barnett. Surviving are close friends and roommates, Phil Allen and Al Richardson, Springfield; his cousin and goddaughter, Erin Stewart and husband Jaycen, and close friends, John and Carolyn Hale, Shawn Boan and Joy Barnett, all of Joplin. Also, his cousins, Scott Gegesky, Grosse, Ile, MI; Rob MacNabb, Hazel Park, MI, and Becky and Glen Rohde, Downers Grove, IL. His cousins Susan Thielen, Paulette Lampkins, Jane MacNabb and Pam Gegesky also predeceased him.

Neil was a Christian whose health prevented regular church attendance.

Services by Parker Mortuary will be held at Ozark Memorial Cemetery on Nov 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The family will also be holding a celebration after the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the "Carol Stark Excellence in Journalism Memorial Scholarship".

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Melinda Gordon

 

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Melinda Gordon was born on September 24th, 1964 to John Cook and Shirley Mae Cook (Howard) along with Shirley, Joann, Mary, Melissa, Frankie Woods, Johnny, Irvin, Donnie, and Lonnie.

She was married for 27 years to David Gordon. They had Elrico and Renate Gordon as well as James, Sabas, Regina, Tabitha, Kathy, and Shirley.

Melinda enjoyed family time whether that’s at the lake, having a bbq or fishing, laughing at the casinos or just going on drives to the water. Melinda also loved her coffee, she would sit outside every morning and drink with her husband. 

Melinda was also very fond of her angels and grew quite the collection. She enjoyed her bird baths and feeding her hummingbirds and refilling her feeders. Melinda enjoyed sewing, baking, planting flowers and being a homemaker. The best one someone could ask for. She was the kindest soul who would help absolutely anyone! She enjoyed sitting with her family, trying new restaurants (especially Joplin Cafe) and just getting out and about.

Melinda fought a courageous battle with cancer. She attended every appointment continuing her fight for 6 ½ years. Family was the most important thing to Melinda. Melinda was the life of the party. She would instantly light up a room, she would break out her dance moves, sing her favorites songs, she enjoyed Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, her favorite song being Freebird and Hard Candy Christmas. Her absolute favorite thing was The Dallas Cowboys. She would get excited, yelling and dancing around for those cowboys. 

She had the biggest heart, she was an animal lover feeding the outside neighborhood cats and fostering stray dogs. Melinda especially enjoyed the holidays, cooking with her daughters while the family laughs in the living room eating her favorite foods.

Melinda was the best mother, wife, sister, aunt, and grandma anyone could ask for. She was the most loving, caring kindhearted woman. She will be missed by so many. Melinda is no longer battling and has gained her wings. Fly high our loving angel.

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

Susie Jacobsen

(From Knell Mortuary)

Susan Elizabeth Jacobsen, known lovingly to family and friends as Susie, age 84, Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at her home with family by her side. She was born on April 29, 1942, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Robert L. “Muff” Platt and Elizabeth “Betty” (Nicholson) Platt.

Susie lived a life marked by devotion to her family, kindness to others, and a creative heart that found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of everyday life. She was a loving, friendly, and creative woman whose presence brought comfort and happiness to those around her. She married the love of her life, Borge Jacobsen, on September 16, 1964.

Susie worked as a beautician and also devoted herself to being a homemaker, roles she carried out with care, pride, and grace. Through her work and in her home, she touched the lives of many with her steady nature and her thoughtful attention to others. She had a natural gift for making people feel welcome and cared for, and she brought that same spirit into every part of her life. 

She enjoyed camping, traveling, drawing, and working on her art, and she also found pleasure in doing puzzles. These interests reflected her curious mind and her appreciation for both adventure and quiet moments. Whether she was exploring new places, creating something with her hands, or spending time with a puzzle, Susie approached life with patience, creativity, and a sense of enjoyment that inspired those around her. Most of all, she loved her family, and that love was the center of her life.

Susie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Borge Jacobsen; her son, Chris Jacobsen (fiancée Christy Mathern); her grandchildren, Chance Jacobsen and Rowdy Jacobsen; her brothers, Nick Platt (wife Sally), and Sam Platt (wife Rebecca); her sister, Lauren Platt Laird (husband Rob); and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert “Muff” Platt; and her mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Waite.

The family will hold a memorial graveside service at 2 pm, Friday, November 13, 2026, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

 

Orval Bishop

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Orval Bishop 92, of Carthage passed away at 12:24 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Orval was the son of the late Charles and Maude (Brown) Bishop born July 5, 1934 in Carthage MO. 

Orval was a lifetime Carthage resident. Orval delivered propane for Sunray Oil company for over 30 years and then later in his retirement worked as courier for Southwest Missouri Bank for another ten plus years. Orval was a Mason in the Carthage lodge #197 A.F.&A. M.. Orval also enjoyed singing in the Barbershop Chorus in Joplin MO. Orval was also a member of Carthage High School Class of 1952. 

Orval married Rhudell Moore on June 19, 1960 (Union Chapel) Carthage MO. she survives.

 
Additional survivors would include two daughters Patricia Cole (Douglas) of Gladstone MO and Nancy Bishop of Rome GA. Two grandchildren Lindsay Cole and Jefferson Cole. Orval was preceded in death by one brother Chalmer Freeman Bishop and two sisters Ruth Prime and Leta Ware. 

Services will be held at 2:00p.m. Tuesday November 10,2026 at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage MO. Visitation will be held Monday evening November 9, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home from 6 to 7p.m..Burial will be at Park Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church or the local Masonic Travel fund c/o Ulmer Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the personal care and attention of the Ulmer Funeral Home.