Calvin Robertson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Calvin O. Robertson, 81, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.

Calvin was born on November 25, 1944, in Carthage, Missouri, to Leonard and Janetta (Dougan) Robertson. A lifelong resident of the area, he dedicated 44 years to Tri-State Motor Transit, where he retired as Vice President of Operations.

Calvin was known for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and deep devotion to his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and had a lifelong passion for classic cars. His prized 1969 Chevelle Malibu was his favorite. During his career, Calvin helped establish a Student of the Month partnership between Tri-State Motor Transit and Duenweg Elementary School. He enjoyed spending time with the students. Above all, Calvin cherished every opportunity to spend time with his family and those he loved most.

On April 21, 1967, Calvin married the love of his life, Judy Moss. Together they shared nearly six decades of marriage. She survives.

Additional survivors include two sons, Dustin Robertson of Springfield, Missouri, and Matt Robertson and wife, Karen, of Carl Junction, Missouri; and four beloved grandchildren: Callyn, Ethan, Bennett, and Laney.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott; his brother, Keith; and his sister, Loetta.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Danny Thomas Foundation.

 

Joyce Gregory

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Joyce L. Little Gregory, age 92, of Carthage, MO went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2026 surrounded by family.

Joyce was born on October 5, 1933 in Irwin Groves Community, MO to her parents Frank W. and Edna G (Williams) Irelan.

She graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1952 and went on to work for many years at Schrieber Foods Co. until her retirement on December 31, 1995.

She married Francis Jay Little on March 26, 1952 and he preceded her in death on February 19, 1980. To their union they had two children, Rick and Brenda. She then married John E. Gregory, Sr. on February 11, 1984 and he preceded her in death on March 6, 2002. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Irelan, three brothers, Franklin, Martin, and Kenneth Irelan, and two sisters, Barbara Jean Capp and Evelyn Sparlin.

She is survived by her son, Rick L. Little and wife Carole of Carthage, MO, her daughter Brenda Wheatley and husband Bill of Joplin, MO. Additional survivors include, two grandsons, Brian Little and wife Melissa, and Jason Little and wife Robin, two great-granddaughters, McKinley Bishop and Emily Little, four great grandsons, Jarrett, Nathan, Jay, and Jackson Little, and one great-great grandson, Orion Little.

A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00pm, Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Graveside services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, August 3, 2026 at Carl Junction Cemetery.

Steve Balls

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

In the early morning hours of July 21, 2026, while being held by loved ones, Steve W. Balls left us to join God in heaven where he has been given the gift of eternal life that was promised to us in John 3:16. He had bravely fought cancer for the past year and emerged victorious, only to be taken from us by the side effects of his treatments.

Born on June 4, 1947, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Steve was the son of Jack W. and Emma Gene (Tull) Balls. The family later moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where Steve grew up and graduated from Coffeyville High School in 1965. Steve was a soldier in the U.S. Army, fighting for his country during the Vietnam War. Unlike many of his brothers Steve came home in 1968 and began the task of building a life after war.

In 1970, he joined McCartney Mfg Co. (later Ingersoll-Rand) in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he was given the task of getting their water jet cutting machine operational. He served as the customer service representative for the water jet cutting division until 1990, when he and his business partner Mike founded Waterjet Systems, Inc., which has since evolved into Waterjet Systems International. In 2012, Steve retired, allowing him and his wife Julie, whom he had married in March 1982, to embark on a journey of exploration and relaxation. They had recently renovated a lake house for their family and friends to enjoy and loved having everyone gather there for the summer holidays.

Steve, an outdoor enthusiast and found joy in various activities. When not working on building projects, he would ride his 4-wheeler through the woods or jet ski around the lake. In the winter, he would join his father-in-law, brother-in-law, and friends for pheasant hunting in North Central Kansas, later expanding his hunting grounds to Western Kansas with his friends Brian and Allen. Each hunt returned with captivating stories, ranging from blizzards to encounters with rattlesnakes. Alongside his passion for hunting, Steve had participated in competition shooting and later shared his knowledge and expertise with his wife, daughter, and grandkids, teaching them how to shoot and handle firearms safely.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Riley Bowyer, his sister Jacquline Grundy, his brother Ken Bowyer and his brother-in-law Gary Shipman.

He is survived by his wife Julie, his daughter Cassandra Patrick, grandsons Steven Patrick, William Patrick (Lydia) and granddaughter Olivia Patrick. His father-in-law Lonnie Shipman (Laurel), brother-in-law Chris Shipman (Sherry), brother-in-law Jerry Shipman (Cathy), nieces Denise Lawrence, Nancy Westervelt (David), Gayle Grundy, Kendra Miller (Aaron), Brittany Burks (Jordan), Lindsey Wagner (Garrett) and nephews Austin Shipman (Zaeleen), Anthony Shipman (Brenna) and Cole Shipman. Along with aunts, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Memorial Service
Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00PM
Mason - Woodard Chapel
3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801

Interment
Thursday, July 30, 2026
3:00PM
Baxter Springs Cemetery
166 West Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Baxter Springs, MO 64801

Mable Connors

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Mable Marie (Robertson) Connors, age 85, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mable was born on November 20, 1940, in Squires, Missouri, to Omer Vernon Robertson and Reba Marie (Hailey) Robertson. She graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1959 before attending Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri, where she earned her nursing diploma.

A compassionate caregiver, Mable devoted her life to serving others as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before coming to Lamar to work at Barton County Hospital, serving in many different capacities including Director of Nursing. She later worked at Research Hospital in Kansas City before returning once again to Barton County Memorial Hospital, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

Mable was a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She found joy in quilting, spending time outdoors, and admiring God's beautiful creation. Above all, Mable cherished her family and treasured every opportunity to make lasting memories with her grandchildren. She lived a life marked by kindness, genuine compassion, and an unwavering love for others. Mable had an extraordinary way of making everyone she encountered feel seen, valued, and important. She gave the precious gift of her full presence, always taking the time to listen, encourage, and simply be there for those around her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Marti of Lamar, Missouri, and Suzanne (Brent) Wilkins of Cheyenne, Wyoming; her son-in-law, Paul Kohne of Oak Grove, Missouri; 15 grandchildren, Nicole (Darin) Braker, Christopher (Katie) Marti, Elizabeth (Dylan) Jones, Alex Marti, Caleb (Donica) Wilkins, Katherine (Michael) Lechner, Abigail (Joel) Gerber, Ethan Wilkins, Luke Kohne, Kaitlyn (Silas) Khosravipour, Alyssa Kohne, Joseph Kohne, Leland Kohne, Hunter Kohne, and Rebecca Kohne; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Neil (Norma Jean) Robertson; and three sisters-in-law, Linda Robertson, Joan Connors and Shirley Connors.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Shari Kohne; her granddaughter, Sarah Kohne; her brother, Larry Robertson; and her brother and sister-in-law, Melvern and Harriet Robertson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lamar.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, and again from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Watered Gardens, in care of the funeral home.

Gerald Cooley

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Gerald Lyle Cooley, age 72, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away on July 21, 2026, at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri.

Gerald was born on January 23, 1954, in Barton County, Missouri, to William Cooley Jr. and Elsie Norene (Davis) Cooley.

He proudly served his country in the Air Force. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he owned and managed a furniture store in Sumter, South Carolina before returning to Missouri.

A lifelong farmer, Gerald raised crops and cattle and was affectionately known throughout the area as the "produce man." He enjoyed growing vegetables and beautiful mums and could often be found selling his produce and plants from the back of his pickup truck or his corner spot at the Joplin Flea Market. He took great pride in his work and the friendships he made with those who stopped by to visit and purchase his homegrown goods. He leaves behind many close friends who will miss him dearly and forever cherish the time they shared.

Gerald is survived by his son, John Paul (Kelli) Cooley of Prairie Village, Kansas; his daughter, Rachel Green of Lexington, South Carolina; and two grandchildren, Cherish "Sage" Kiros of Lexington, South Carolina, and Lucas Cooley of Prairie Village, Kansas.

An only child, he was preceded in death by his parents, William Cooley Jr. and Elsie Norene (Davis) Cooley.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus in Lamar and may be made in care of the funeral home.

Connie Stanford

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Connie Lynn (Kische) Stanford, 68, of Everton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026.

Connie was born on September 22, 1957, in Lancaster, California, where she spent her childhood and developed a lifelong love of the California desert. Some of her happiest memories were riding horses through the desert landscape and later enjoying motorcycle rides, camping trips, and days spent fishing. Horses remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life.

Connie began a career in the aerospace industry first with Hughes Aircraft and later with Northrop, where she proudly served on the flight test team supporting the B-2 Spirit bomber program. She often spoke of those years with great pride and considered them among the most rewarding of her career.

In 1994, Connie and her family moved to Everton, Missouri, where she dedicated herself to the Everton R-III School District for many years. She established the school's first computer lab before serving as a secretary and eventually retiring as the district's bookkeeper. She valued the relationships she built there and took great pride in serving her community.

A faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Connie lived a life marked by creativity, determination, and generosity. She was an exceptionally talented craftswoman whose interests seemed limitless. Whether she was gardening, canning, raising goats, sheep, and rabbits to spin wool for knitting and crocheting, quilting, creating stained glass, weaving pine needle baskets, making lampshades, or capturing photographs that she developed herself in her own darkroom, Connie approached every project with remarkable skill and passion. If there was a craft to learn, she was eager to master it.

Above all, Connie will be remembered for her feisty spirit, quick wit, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and had a gift for making others feel welcome. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a loyal friend whose kindness and strength touched countless lives. Her love for animals, especially horses, was evident to everyone who knew her.

Connie is survived by her loving husband, Neal Stanford; her son, Cody Stanford and daughter-in-law, Cayla Stanford; her cherished grandson, Leif Stanford; and her brother, David Kische.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Kische, Shirley (Kische) Brown, and Richard Brown, as well as her beloved grandson, Slade Stanford.

A celebration of Connie's life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Humane Society, honoring Connie's lifelong love and compassion for animals.

Though Connie's hands have been laid to rest, the beauty she created, the lives she touched, and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Gorden Burgardt

(From Keithley Funeral Chapel)

Gorden Joe Burgardt, age 72, of Carl Junction, Missouri, a former Hays, Kansas resident, died on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home.

Gorden was born on July 15, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Norman and Alfreda “Freda” (Herrman) Burgardt. He married Pamela (Flax) Schmeidler on April 26, 1996, at St. Mary’s Parish in Ellis, Kansas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street, Ellis, Kansas, with Celebrant, Father Dana Clark.

A Rosary will be at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and the family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Saturday. Inurnment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Ellis, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the family made payable to Pamela Burgardt in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com