Nadine Smith

(From Parker Mortuary)

Nadine Marie Smith, 86, was called home October 17, 2024, after battling the effects of dementia. She was born June 14, 1938, in Appleton City, Missouri, to Virgil and Constance (Chitwood) Borland.

She graduated from Carthage High School in 1956. She also married Charles Marion Smith that year, and they created a home in Joplin. Nadine’s primary focus in life was serving her Savior by placing her role as wife and mother as her upmost priority. She and Charles raised three sons, Rick, Ron, and Daniel.

Charles and Nadine enjoyed spending time with family and friends. They could be found spending summers at Grand Lake, playing cards with other couples, and loving life with each other.

After the sudden passing of her best friend and husband in 1993, Nadine’s faith was tested and proved. She attended church faithfully, immersed herself in a ladies Bible study, and spent more time than ever with her loved ones. Nadine and her sister, Lois, traveled extensively throughout the country and would always return with smiling faces. Nadine also took great joy in attending Joplin Outlaw games, going to aquacise class, and playing cards with a group of cherished friends. She was a faithful servant of her Savior, Jesus Christ and will be missed by so many. With deepest anticipation, we will see her again.

Nadine is survived by sons Rick (Jenny) and Daniel (Jacqueline) of Webb City. She is also survived by grandchildren Nathan, Jonathan, Matthew, Gentry, Anna, Baylor, and Maggie, and by great grandchildren Abigail, Isabelle, Ethan, Weston, Owen, Elliot, Kylee, Harper, and Emery Mae. Also surviving are brothers Glen Borland and Gary Borland.

Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Vance, Lawrence, and Joe, and sister, Lois. Her son Ron passed away in 2006.

Funeral services are planned for Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Prairie Flower Bible Church in Webb City, Missouri. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 23rd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

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

Melvin Haynes

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Melvin Lee Haynes, age 88, of Wheaton, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024 at his home.

He was born March 8, 1936 in Stella, Missouri the son of Argyle and Geneva (Smith) Haynes. On September 27, 1958 at Prosperity Baptist Church in Rocky Comfort, Missouri he was united in marriage to Betty Hall, who survives. 

Also surviving are one son, Jim and Becky Haynes of Wheaton, Missouri; one daughter, Kaye and Rodney Hughes of Cassville, Missouri; one brother, Wesley Haynes and his wife Carolyn; three sisters, Freida Kite, Wylene Clouse and Veva Lee and her husband Bill; four sisters-in-law, Joan, Edna, Esther and Melissa; four grandchildren, Joshua and Misty Hughes of Purdy, Missouri, Kelby and Haley Haynes of Granby, Missouri, Emily England of Cassville, Missouri and Lacey and Austin Johnson of Cassville, Missouri; 11 great grandchildren, Hunter Cook, Travis, Trey and Easton Hughes, Lawton England, Liam, Kiptyn, Senyah and Sylas Johnson and Kaden and Hallee Haynes and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Claude, Bill, Darril and Gary Haynes; two sisters, Joyce and Carolyn and one grandson, Billy Jack England.

Melvin grew up and attended school in Wheaton, Missouri graduating from Wheaton High School in 1955. He then attended Joplin Junior College. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school and college. In high school he earned all-state honors his Sophomore and Junior year. After graduating he proudly served his country in the United States Army. Upon returning he began farming, raising chickens and cattle, which he did most of his life. Melvin served on the Rocky Comfort Cemetery Board for over 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, but most importantly, he and Betty enjoyed going to all the family’s ballgames and taking the whole family to Silver Dollar City. Melvin was saved at a young age and was a member of Prosperity Baptist Church for over 20 years.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 21, 2024 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Brother Mike Renfrow will conduct the services. Burial will be at Rocky Comfort Cemetery in Rocky Comfort, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 P.M. Sunday at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

Contributions may be made to Rocky Comfort Cemetery or Prosperity Baptist Church Playground/Family Area Fund in memory of Melvin.

Mary Hilburn

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Mary Hilburn, a retired elementary teacher, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the age of 76 in Joplin, Missouri. 

She was very loved and will be missed by many. Services are planned for a later date. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory in Joplin.

Phil Pritchett

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Isaac “Phil” Pritchett, 69, of Neosho Missouri, passed away on October 16, 2024. He was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and was a proud tribal member of the Cherokee Nation. He graduated from Neosho High School in 1973 and attended Crowder College for two years. He worked at La-Z-Boy where he was a dedicated employee until his retirement at the age of 65.

Phil was an Air Force veteran and proudly served six years.

As a young teenager, Phil developed an interest in building models of cars and horror show monsters like Dracula and creatures from the black Lagoon. He liked NASA and Sci-fi. A love for baseball was developed by playing ball on Harlan field. Teammates from those games then are still his best teammates now, when he needed a team.

Summers were spent traveling in the family car to various states. He became a cosmopolitan person; exploring other countries and Las Vegas several times. He brought many souvenirs back to his mom to commemorate his travels.

All of his life, Phil has gone to concerts. Enjoying several Neil Diamond concerts to more recently, Prince.

He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and attended many ball games, sometimes traveling by plane or car to attend.

He is survived by his mother Galelia Pritchett; his sister, Debb Pritchett of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and brother, Jim and wife, Debra Pritchett of Tahlequah.

Phil leaves behind years of friendship with Mike and Lynn Widener, David Widener, Bob Walker, Andy and Kim Wood. He shared many memories with friends, Jill Bryant, and Heather Hardin.

Phil enjoyed a well-traveled life. His adventuresome spirit and generous ways will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 10-11 am. A graveside service will follow at Chuculate Cemetery in Stillwell, Oklahoma at 1:30 pm.

Kieth Gillen

(From Parker Mortuary)

Kieth Claude Gillen, age 85, of Joplin passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Wildwood Assisted Living.

Kieth was born February 24, 1939 in Lockwood, MO to the late union of Hershel and Rosalie (Williams) Gillen. He grew up in the Golden City area and graduated from Lockwood High School in 1957. 

Shortly after graduating he joined the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully for 20 years. He married Nancy Clabough on January 15, 1962 in Greenfield, MO. Together they were blessed with 62 years of marriage before Kieth’s passing. 

While in the Air Force, they lived in Germany from 1973 to 1976 as well as Okinawa during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed playing his guitar for his family and making all sorts of different crafts while woodworking. He was a member of the Wellspring Church in Webb City as well as a part of their worship team. Kieth was a social man and loved fellowshipping with his brothers in Christ over breakfast occasionally. He loved most of all being a “papa” and “grandpa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Kieth was preceded in death by his identical twin, Kennth Gillen.

Kieth is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Gillen; son, Greg Gillen; two granddaughters, Tiffany Jones and husband, Joshua and Samantha Ballard and husband, Kenny; five great-grandchildren, London, Israel, Kason, Raylinn, and Boyd; and one sister, Bobbie Deems.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to the Wellspring Church.

Services are pending.

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

 

Jerry Ross

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Gerald Alton “Jerry” Ross Jr, age 62, went home to be with the Lord at 3:26 am, Friday, October 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO following a long illness.

Jerry was born February 12, 1962, in St. Louis, MO. His parents were Gerald Alton Ross Sr, and Wilma Dean “Haywood” Ross. He moved to Joplin 26 years ago from Piggott, AR with his wife and children.

He graduated from Holcomb High School, Holcomb, MO in 1980. Jerry then became an X-ray technician in Memphis, TN and later became certified as an Ultrasound technician. He worked at Piggott Hospital before becoming employed at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, where he worked for 23 years.

Jerry loved the Lord and spending time with his family above all. Jerry was a huge fan of all sports, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. There was nothing he loved more than going to a ball game with his family and sharing funny stories with his family at the dinner table. Several medical diagnoses did not stop his positive, kind attitude. He was an active member of Grace Baptist Church, Joplin, MO.

Jerry was married to Dana Gail Linam on October 1, 1988, in Rector, AR. He is survived by his wife Dana, his three children, Megan Midence, (Gerardo), Liberty, MO, Olivia Miller (Chance), Kansas City, MO, and Wesley Ross, Joplin, MO; his father, Gerald A Ross Sr, Piggott, AR; two sisters Lisa Karnowski (John), Greenville, IL, and Laurie McAtee (Bart), Kennett, MO; and two grandchildren, Mila and Ezra Midence. His mother, Wilma Ross, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Monday, October 21, 2024, at Grace Baptist Church, Joplin, MO. Pastors Brad Wieneke and Fred Vogel will officiate. The burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, MO under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Grace Baptist Church, Joplin, MO.

Mary Gress

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Mary Ellen Gress was a loving wife, stepmother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 14, 2024.

Mary and Marvin Gress were married in Miami Oklahoma in 1980. She enjoyed cooking and always had fresh chocolate chip cookies on standby. Mary lived a life full of adventure and love.

She was an army veteran and was able to visit Europe during her service. She was a savvy career woman and ultimately retired from The Bank of Wyandotte. She was a member of The Southern Hills Baptist Church where she volunteered many hours of service. She could often be found reading the Bible and fervently rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. She will be truly missed.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Marvin Gress, her parents, 5 brothers, Richard Ewan, Leroy “Bud” Ewan, Charles “Chuck” Ewan, Raymond Ewan and Milton Ewan and 3 sisters, Patricia “Ann” Moore, Wanda Madhl and Frances Payton.

Survivors include 1 step-son, Kevin Gress of Oklahoma City, OK, 1 step-daughter, Tammi Coulson, WA, 3 brothers, Bill Ewan of Diamond, MO, Jim Ewan of Parsons, KS and Merle Ewan of Walnut, KS, 1 sister, Marilyn Willis of Omaha, NE, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Interment will be in Fairland Cemetery in Fairland, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.