Jessie Jeffers

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Jessie Jeffers, age 83, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away October 9, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Jessie was born on January 28, 1943, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to her parents, Herbert and Beulah White.

She married James Jeffers on January 23, 1965 in Nowata, Oklahoma and have shared over 61 beautiful years of marriage together building a life, love, and wonderful legacy. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to her work and spent many years serving as a personnel assistant before eventually retiring.

Jessie is survived by her husband James, her daughter Robin, her son Scott, and four sisters Barbara, Janet, Debbie, and Kathy, two grandchildren C.J., Megan and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.

Jessie’s life touched those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May she be remembered with love and find peace in her eternal rest.

The family has chosen not to have any services.

Arrangements in care of Ozark Memorial Park.

Donna Meadows

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Donna LaDeane Meadows of Webb City Mo. was born on January 22, 1952 in Pittsburg, KS to Donald and Jackie Meadows. She went to heaven on October 17, 2026.

Donna resided in many places throughout her life. After leaving Kansas as a teenager, her travels took her to Atlanta, Georgia; Sumter, South Carolina; Ramstein, Germany; Abiline, Texas and Crossville, Tennessee. She found her way back to the Midwest where she spent the last 40 years being a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Donna was a devout Christian with endless love for Jesus Christ her savior. She also enjoyed Jimmy Swaggart, Elvis Presley and President Trump. 

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Mike Girdner, father Donald Meadows, mother Jackie Merritt, stepfather Bill Merritt, brother Marty Meadows and daughter In-law Angela Yow.

Donna is survived by three children; Melissa West (Byron) Nevada, MO; Mike Yow (Mindy) Webb City, MO and Adam Huffman of the home and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri. The family invites friends for a time of visitation prior to the service at the mortuary at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request a donation be made in Donna's name to the Joplin Humane Society.

Judy Shumaker

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Judy Marie Shumaker, age 86, of Golden, Missouri, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Circle of Life in Bentonville, Arkansas.

She was born in Cassville, Missouri on January 20, 1940, the daughter of Clifford Maurice and Thelma Marie (Henbest) Nickle. On December 23, 1958 she was united in marriage to Keith Shumaker, who preceded her in death on February 1, 2016. Also preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Dan Nickle and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Kay Curry.

Surviving are her sons, Brian Shumaker (Linda Anstaett) of Golden, Missouri, Lane Shumaker and wife Gail of Golden, Missouri, and Mark Shumaker and wife Jennifer of Golden, Missouri; brother, Bill Nickle and wife Kappy of Ft. Worth, Texas; sister-in-law, Glea Nickle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Megan, Pate, Alex, Trevor, Audra, Morgan, and Sarah and great grandchildren, Paislee, Silas, Kasen, Porter, Asher, Liam, Truman, Colston, Callahan, Avalee, Benny, Harper, Sailor, Quincy, and Wilson.

Judy attended school in Joplin, Missouri, and graduated from Joplin High School with the Class of 1957. From 1961 until 2023, she co-owned and operated Shumaker Tire, Incorporated, in Golden, dedicating many years to the business.

She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, painting, sewing, working in the yard, and cooking. Hospitality was especially important to her, and she always wanted everyone to feel welcome in her home. Judy was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved attending the events and activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Judy will be remembered for her many years of hard work, her welcoming spirit, and the love she shared with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 22, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Cassville, under direction of Fohn Home in Cassville. Pastor James Weaver, Pastor Jerry Yarnall, and Pastor Shaun Crawford will conduct the services. Burial will be at Viney Creek Cemetery in Golden, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to Gideons International or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Judy.

Phil Reese

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Robert Philip “Phil” Reese, age 74, formerly of Monett, Missouri, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, Missouri.

Phil was born on March 11, 1952, in Cassville, Missouri, to Harold and Ruby (Dunlap) Reese. On January 16, 1977, he married Linda Pharr in Lincoln, Arkansas, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Clayton Reese of Monett and Clifton Reese and his wife, Amanda, of Monett; and his grandchildren, Katelyn Cook, Jaci Reese, and John Reese. Phil was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, and the joy they brought him was evident whenever he spent time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Phil grew up in Springdale, Arkansas, and graduated from Springdale High School in 1970. He went on to attend the University of Arkansas, where he studied Agriculture and Animal Science. During college, he pursued his passion for rodeo, competing in college rodeos as a steer wrestler.

Following his education, Phil began a successful career in sales, selling poultry vaccines for Boehringer Ingelheim until his retirement. Phil had a remarkable ability to remember the faces and names of those he met. He took a genuine interest in people, making them feel remembered and valued. He also spent many years as an auctioneer, selling horses and cattle.

Those who knew Phil would remember him as a sharp dresser who took particular pride in his cowboy hat. He loved riding, was an avid stockman, and enjoyed every aspect of the livestock business, especially working his cattle.

Phil was a member of First Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri. He had a tender heart for the Lord and loved reading God’s Word every day.

Funeral services for Phil will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri. Pastor Paul Wahlert and Ron McDaniel will conduct the services. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Friday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill Cemetery or Gideons International.

Bob Payne

Robert J. Payne, 94 years young, of Webb City, Missouri, peacefully passed away on October 10, 2026, surrounded by the profound love of those who cared for him.

Born on July 17, 1932, Bob lived a long, full life defined by his gentle spirit and joyful heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his cherished wife, who passed away several years ago. 

As the last surviving member of his immediate family, Bob spent his final days looking forward to a beautiful reunion. He spoke often, with absolute peace and anticipation, about riding his beloved red Harley-Davidson straight through the pearly gates. While those who loved him most deeply mourn his absence, they truly celebrate his triumphant arrival—cruising the golden streets of heaven on his Harley, finally reunited with his wife and parents.

A true gentleman with a distinct, timeless style, Bob was rarely seen without his signature pearl snap button-up shirts and always kept a pocket full of Werther’s Original candies to share. He had a deep love for music, and nothing brought out his vibrant spirit quite like a good melody that made him want to dance. In his younger years, he found true freedom on the open road, and a good game of pool.

To the staff and caregivers who became his chosen family, Bob was the kindest, sweetest gentleman. He shared a unique and deep bond with "his girls"—the dedicated nursing home staff who loved him immensely and whom he loved in return. They spent many quiet nights sitting by his side and rubbing his back, providing comfort and a steady presence as he prepared for his final journey.

Bobs departure has left a profound absence, crippling the entire care facility with a deep sorrow for days. Though he was the last of his line, he was never alone; he was wrapped in the unconditional love of a community that will never forget him. His warmth, gentleness, and love will live on forever in the hearts of those who had the honor of walking him home.

Please feel free to share your favorite memories, stories, or photos of Bob to celebrate his life.

Hosea Gold

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Hosea E. Gold Of Republic, Missouri (formerly Of Marionville) was born September 26, 1931 and departed this life for his heavenly home on Friday October 16, 2026 at the age of 95 years and 20 days.

Son of Gracie, Hosea grew up in the Marionville area with his Grandfather John (Poppy) Gold and his sister Wanda. He had an extended family of many aunts and uncles and a multitude of Gold cousins.

 

He attended Marionville Public School, graduating in the class of 1949. After working in Kansas in the seasonal wheat harvest, he went on to Pamona, California to work for his aunt and uncle. He returned to Marionville eventually and married his high school sweetheart Phillis Ann Morris on June 7, 1951.

Hosea and Phillis Ann had 3 children. Rodney, Johnny and Kathy. They raised their family in Marionville and all 3 children also graduated from Marionville High School.

Hosea first went to work for Producers Creamery in Springfield but left there for a job with Dayco Corporation in 1960 and continued to work for them for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He and Phillis Ann had dairy cattle for several years, eventually replacing them with beef cattle.

He was somewhat of a workaholic, but did take time to attend all of Rodney and Johnny's sporting events and other school and church activities. He served on the Marionville school board for many years and was a deacon in the First Baptist Church. He enjoyed keeping their home, lawn and acreage looking immaculate as well as always having an amazing garden full of fresh vegetables.

In 2009, he and Phillis Ann decided it was time to downsize and chose to relocate in Republic. They picked a home just up the street from granddaughter Abby and 3 of their great grandchildren. They loved helping get the kids on and off the school bus. Hosea enjoyed riding his refurbished Schwinn bicycle around the subdivision, visiting with all their neighbors. 

Phillis Ann passed away in April of 2021, 2 months shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Hosea is proceeded in death by his wife Phillis Ann, son Rodney and sister Wanda.

He is survived by son Johnny Gold and daughter Kathy (Dean) Vaught, 8 grandchildren: Abby (Kris) Alford, Samuel (Danielle) Vaught, Adeana Vaught, Jud Vaught, Elizabeth Gold, Nathan Gold, Kylee Gold and Millie Gold, 11 great grandchildren: Cora, Baelor, Darci, Linden, Hayden, Daxton, Mason, Owen, Caleb, Tia and Seth. And 2 great great grandchildren. Nieces Rhonda, Valerie and Dena, nephews Tony and Blaine. His special Gold cousins Ruth Ann, Patsy Kae, Carol Sue, Steve and Gary and special Linn cousins Pat, Denise and Remi.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 21 at Marionville IOOF cemetery.

Juanita Esiel

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Juanita Clark Esiel, 48, passed on the morning of September 22nd, 2026, in Centerton, Arkansas. Juanita was born on august 8th 1978, in Pohnpei, Micronesia. She is the oldest daughter of Waldis Clark and Rosie Iohp. Survived by her brother, Waldis Clark Jr., sister Angie Clark Ioanis, sister Sushila Clark Johnson, and sister Rose McMichael. J

uanita married the love of her life, Ansper Esiel, on august 28th of, 1999. In August of 2004 they welcomed their first-born daughter, Leighanna. Then their son Dean in 2006 later moving to the states in 2009 then welcoming their final blessing Deanna in 2015.

Juanita is predeceased by her parents, Waldis Clark and Rosie Iohp, and her sister Carolyn Iohp

Having many dreams and being so optimistic, Juanita was able to go to college, majoring in business and administration. Memories of her included random dances with her kids, Joking, playful roasting, and many random acts of kindness. Juanita is known for being the rock, the glue, and the laughter of her family. She was very ambitious, patient, soft-spoken, and hardworking. To know her is to love her.

Funeral services for Juanita are on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri.