Louetta Zinn

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Louetta Mae Zinn, 65, of Anderson, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 2, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri. She entered this life on May 18, 1961, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, born to the union of the late Olieas and Tommie (Meeker) Hatfield.

Louetta graduated from Mammoth Springs High School in 1979. She resided in Springfield, Missouri, until moving to Anderson in 2000, where she continued to build a home filled with warmth, laughter, and care for those around her. 

Family was the center of Louetta’s life, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. She is survived by her husband, Larry Zinn, whom she married on September 11, 1991; three children, Jennifer Busby, Thomas Busby, and Jeremy Zinn; seven grandchildren; her brother, Toby Hatfield and Teresa; her five sisters, Joann Washam and Bobby, Joyce Mullaney, Dona Liggett and Kerry, Judy Dill and Danny, and Tommie Baldridge and Jimmy; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was deeply loved by her family, and she returned that love with unwavering devotion, encouragement, and strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Olieas and Tommie Hatfield; sisters, Gereldene and Lorene Brandon; a brother, Otis Gene Hatfield; a niece, Michele Liggett Spears; grandparents, Theodore and Mae Meeker and Jacob and Lula Hatfield; her in-laws, Fred and Evelyn Zinn; a brother-in-law, Fred Zinn; and a sister-in-law, Rhonda Zinn Willis.

Louetta had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, and her love for Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her. She sang about Him with joy and lifted her arms in worship just days before her home going, a beautiful reflection of the peace and hope that guided her spirit. She now rests in the presence of her Savior, walking with no more pain on the streets of gold.

She loved her family dearly and was so loved by them. Her life was a blessing to those around her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her dog, Taz, who was a faithful companion and source of comfort.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Kerry Ligett officiating. Burial will follow at Lee Cemetery near Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Larry Zinn, Jeremy Zinn, Austin Zinn, Danny Dill, Jimmy Baldridge and Kerry Ligett with Toby Hatfield serving as honorary. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Steve Danner

(From Knell Mortuary)

Steven Howard Danner, known to many as Steve, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Sarcoxie, Missouri, at the age of 79.

He was born on January 15, 1947, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of the late Howard and Lucille (Canady) Danner. He carried himself with quiet strength and lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and appreciation for the simple things that brought him joy. Steve married his companion of 33 years on December 12, 2006, she preceded him in death on December 15, 2021.

Steve graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1965. After school, he went on to build a long and dedicated work history, holding many jobs at Dyno Nobel before retiring in 2014. His years of employment reflected his strong work ethic and dependable character. He was the kind of man who took pride in doing his best and who understood the value of perseverance and responsibility.

Outside of work, Steve found happiness in the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, and these interests gave him many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether he was spending time by the water or out in the field, he appreciated the moments that allowed him to slow down and enjoy life. His love for these pastimes was part of what made him who he was, and they remain among the many memories cherished by his family and friends.

Steve is survived by his children, Wendy Danner-Tollett of Cayuga, New York, Blaine Danner and wife Camden of Carthage, Missouri, and Cody Danner of Carthage, Missouri. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Berry, Everleigh, and Elsie Danner, who brought him great joy and pride. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Doug Danner of Shell Knob, Missouri, Gary Danner and his wife Goldie of Carthage, Missouri, and Carol Saferite of Joplin, Missouri.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Ray Danner and Ron Danner, and a son in-law Greg Tollett. Their memories, along with the love of his family, remain an important part of the story of his life.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm Friday, June 5, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Steve Danner Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

 

Dale Hodkin

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Irwin “Dale” Hodkin, 77, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Dale was born August 23, 1948, in Carterville, Missouri to Irwin Leon and Emma Hodkin. 

After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Dale attended Crowder College and Missouri Southern State College and received a bachelor's degree in business. He was a plant manager for H.D. Lee Jean Corporation. Dale was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking. Dale made everything from furniture to decks to stilts for kids. You name it, he could make it! Dale was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Webb City. 

Dale was united in marriage to Patty Dugger on May 15, 1982, in Hartville, Missouri; she preceded him in death. 

Dale is survived by a son, Chad Hodkin of Neosho, Missouri; a daughter, Tina Short (Everet Ruark) of Joplin, Missouri; a stepson, Aaron Ward (Sandi) of Lebanon, Missouri; a stepdaughter, Marsha Doss (John) of Lebanon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Nicole Patrick (Kris), Joseph Armstrong (Suzanne), Megan Bateman (Steven), Makenzie Ward, Kammie Simpson (Keith), Dexter Short (Shelby), and Brooklyn Hatfield (Wyatt); 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Thompson (Rick) of Choctaw, Oklahoma; his close companion, Beverly Helton; and his beloved dog, Buffy. 

Dale is preceded in death by his wife, Patty; his parents, Irwin and Emma; brother, Jimmy Hodkin; and a sister, Betty Wilson. 

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. 

A visitation will be held prior to his service at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri following his services. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Linda Hames

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Linda Marie Hames (Abercrombie), 61, died May 30, 2026, at her home in Tulsa, OK, surrounded by those she loved after a courageous and dignified fight against cancer.

Linda spent most of her life in southwest Missouri and northeast Oklahoma. She graduated from Sarcoxie High School, Class of 1983, Sarcoxie, MO, and earned a Bachelor of Special Education, cum laude, from Northeastern State University, a degree she was very proud of. Linda had a compassionate heart and taught Special Education, a lifelong dream, at Claremont Elementary in Claremore, OK; Oologah Elementary in Oologah, OK; and Nowata Elementary and High School in Nowata, OK.

She married Jeff Hames in the fall of 1986, and they were rarely seen apart for the next 39 years. They have one son, Alec, who is now 34. Linda and Jeff are devoted parents, and Linda was Alec's biggest fan. She was his strongest backer on the baseball field and, with a heavy dose of worry, was very proud of Alec's accomplished and ongoing Air Force career. Linda loved being a grandmother, notably committing herself to making numerous doll outfits that took days to complete. She was a talented seamstress and delighted in creating special handmade outfits for her granddaughter, a labor of love that reflected her generosity and devotion to family.

Linda enjoyed having Alec's cousins over for extended stays during the summer. She was a gracious host, and her nephews greatly anticipated their "camps" with Aunt Linda. She loved attending family get-togethers, sitting in a lawn chair, sipping white wine, telling and listening to stories of the past, and finding great joy in the happiness of those around her.

Linda was welcomed into heaven by her mother, Eulah; her brother, Dobie; her father, Floyd Abercrombie; her father-in-spirit, Loren; and several much-loved pets, including a chubby, wheezy, snorty bulldog named Harley. She is survived by her husband, Jeff; her son, Alec, and his wife, Kassidy; her grandchildren, Parker, Raiden, and Audrey; her mother- in-spirit, Lilly; and her sister Josephine, and her husband, John; brothers Richard and Larry, and Larry's wife, Lisa. Additionally, she has numerous nieces and nephews who think of her with great fondness and love....gone, but never forgotten.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 9:00am-10:00am at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories with Celebration of Life beginning at 10:00am, burial of cremains will follow at Howard Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Phyllis Jackson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Phyllis Ann Jackson, loving wife, Mom, and Nana, age 83, passed away Saturday May 30, 2026, with family by her side.

She was born January 27, 1943, in Webb City, Missouri, to Dr. P.B. and Regina (Macy) Munson.

Phyllis loved helping others and enjoyed her time as a lab tech and as an X-Ray Technician at the former Jane Chinn Hospital for 25 years and retired when the hospital closed in 1986. She was a 1961 graduate of Webb City High School and a proud member of the Golden Girls.

Phyllis always focused on her family. Her grandkids brought her great joy and she enjoyed spoiling them every chance she got. Some of their most cherished times together included baking cookies, sleepovers, and full moon swim parties in the pool with Nana and Buddy. It was a full moon when she passed, which we took as a loving sign of her letting us know that all will be ok. Her love of the holiday season was contagious. She always orchestrated the very best Christmas day. She had a green thumb and her plants always looked amazing and she loved her cats.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She first met her true love, Sam Jackson, in second grade and married him on June 15,1964, in Carthage, Missouri. He survives. Phyllis is also survived by three daughters, Suzanne Hull and husband Shawn, Joplin, Missouri, Julie Chenault and husband Todd, Joplin, Missouri, and Gina Jackson, Webb City, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jakob Hull and wife Abby, Crystal, Minnesota, Kendall Chenault, Leawood, Kansas as well as numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Phillip Munson.

A memorial visitation will be held 2:00-4:00 pm Friday June 5, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Phyllis’ memory are requested to the Joplin Humane Society or Webb City School Foundation and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Alenson Damian

(From Parker Mortuary)

Alenson Damian, age 59, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Alenson was born on January 22, 1967, in Pohnpei, Micronesia, to Adriana Damian. He lived a life marked by sincerity, humility, and a genuine concern for others. Those who knew him will remember a man who was selfless in spirit, friendly in manner, and generous in heart. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. He believed in the importance of family, friendship, and community, and he found great joy in being surrounded by the people he cared about most. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was known as an extremely outgoing person who could connect easily with others. Alenson was the life of the party and was always the one pulling everyone together for gatherings. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone, and he gave of himself freely without expecting anything in return.

Alenson was preceded in death by both of his parents; and one daughter, Erselihda Santos.

Alenson is survived by his wife, Emelihda Santos; four children, Elselihda Santos, Alanzo Penikinos, Alenson Damian Jr., and Adrishta Damian; three grandchildren, Ellinten Ligorio, Ellaina Ligorio, and Aiden Ligorio; one sister, Nerlihne Damian; and a host of extended siblings.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. A Funeral Prayer Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Brian Straus officiating. Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin, MO.

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

Martha Comfort

(From Parker Mortuary)

Martha Frances Comfort, known lovingly as Martha, passed away on May 30, 2026, in Webb City, Missouri, at the age of 80. She was born on May 8, 1946, in Joplin, Missouri, and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many simple joys that brought her happiness each day.

Martha was a Christian woman whose life reflected the values of love, kindness, and steadfast care for others. Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave to them remained one of the greatest gifts of her life.

She is survived by her four loving children, daughter Marsha Tarrant of Chattanooga, Tennessee, son Mike Parker and Shelley of McKinney, Texas, daughter Robin Duke and Rob of Webb City, Missouri, and daughter Deanna Downey and Richard of Galena, Kansas. She is also survived by her brother, Wilbur Lindley of Joplin, Missouri. Martha treasured her role as maimie to her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and the brightest part of any day for her came from time spent with them. Her family brought her immeasurable joy, and she cherished every opportunity to share in their lives, celebrate their milestones, and offer her love and encouragement.

Martha was first united in marriage to her husband, Robert E. Parker, in 1963. He preceded her in passing in 1996. In 2012, she was united in marriage to Larry Comfort, who preceded her in passing in 2019. These relationships were important chapters in her life, and she carried the memories of those she loved with grace and strength throughout her years.

For almost twenty years, Martha worked at LaBarge Technologies in Joplin, Missouri, where she served as a line supervisor. She was a dedicated employee who took pride in her work and was respected for her steady leadership and dependable nature. Her years there reflected her strong work ethic and her ability to meet each day with responsibility and perseverance.

Outside of work, Martha found joy in the everyday pleasures that made life special to her. She enjoyed going shopping at any Dollar Tree that happened to be along the way to wherever she was headed. If she was not in the middle of what she liked to call retail therapy, she could often be found looking through Facebook or browsing her favorite sites on her phone. When her free time allowed, she also enjoyed traveling to area casinos, where she found entertainment and a little excitement to round out her day.

Martha will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared, and the thoughtful way she cared for the people around her. She lived a life centered on family, faith, and the ordinary moments that became extraordinary because of the heart she brought to them.

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Comfort will take place on Thursday, June 4th at 6 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. until service time at 6 p.m.

The arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.