Darlene Livingston

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Helena Darlene Sweet-Livingston, known as Darlene, 71, of Jasper, MO, passed away on October 3, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in 1955 to the late Walter and Iris (Howard) Sweet.

Darlene was a hard worker all her life. Whatever she did, she did with determination and strength. She loved her family very much and always did her best to help anyone in need in any way she could.

In 1967, she moved with her family to Iantha, MO, where she graduated from Liberal High School in 1973. She worked at Horton’s Dime Store for nine years. In the autumn of 1987, she moved to Iowa, where she met her husband, Clark Livingston. They were married on February 20, 1988, and shared 14,105 days, or 2,015 weeks, together, which is 38 years.

After a few years in Iowa, Darlene and her husband moved to Iantha, where they lived for a couple of years. They then relocated to Jasper, MO, where she raised goats, chickens, and ducks for many years. She was an avid gardener and was always quick to share fresh produce with family and neighbors.

Darlene was a woman of strong faith who loved her family dearly and always put them first.

She is survived by her husband Clark Livingston; sisters, Oneta Sweet of Iantha, MO, and Norma (Floyed) Eaves of Iantha, MO; her nephews, Steven (Priscilla) Sweet of Lamar, MO, Charles (Autumn) Sweet of Granby, MO, and Kent Sweet of Iantha; her nieces, Holly (Andrew) Chism of Joplin and Willa Doubledee of Iantha; her great-nephews, Matthew, Jacob, Taylor, Connor, and Keaton Sweet, and Daniel Chism; and her great-niece, Kathryn Chism.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Iris; and her siblings, Aaron Sweet, Janice Sweet, and Terrie Timmons.

Her family and friends will always remember her as a loving sister, aunt, and friend who was full of life, energy, and faith right to the end. Her love, support, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

Darlene's family will meet privately for her memorial.

Floyd Halcomb

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Floyd James Halcomb, age 87, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away September 29, 2026.

Floyd was born February 10, 1939, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Raymond Halcomb and Bessie (Brandon) Halcomb. On September 6, 1960, Floyd married Joan Elaine Raper in California. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage before her passing in September 2012.

Floyd proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from July 1957 to July 1963, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. Following his military service, Floyd continued to put his mechanical skills to use throughout his career as a machinist.

Floyd was a member of the Lamar Masonic Lodge and the Mirza Shriners in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Survivors include his three daughters, Maria Kavanagh of Liberal, Missouri, Margaret Franklin of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Corena (Rusty) Boyd of Liberal, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie and Wally Johanson; and his wife, Joan.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Morehead Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and should be made payable to the Lamar Masonic Lodge in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

 

Joyce Wallain

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Joyce Marie Wallain, 79, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on September 30, 2026. She was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on August 8, 1947, to James Coy Hayes and Reta Marie Hayes, and spent most of her childhood growing up around Neosho.

After marrying Max Wallain, Joyce moved to Anderson, Missouri, where she and Max built their life together and raised their family. They lived in Anderson for approximately 50 years before returning to Neosho in 2019, where Joyce spent the remainder of her life.

Joyce and Max were married in April of 1967 and shared a life filled with love, family, and countless memories. Together, they enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to Branson, and they loved spending time together at home. They designed and built their house from the ground up, with Max doing much of the building himself and the two of them working together to create the home they wanted for their family. Some of Joyce’s favorite memories were the years spent around their swimming pool as their children were growing up, taking trips together, and simply enjoying life as a family. They built more than a house together—they built a family, a home, and a lifetime of memories that will continue to live on through their children and grandchildren.

Joyce was a lifelong Christian who loved Jesus deeply. She raised her family in the Full Gospel Church in Anderson and was active in the church for many years. Her faith was at the heart of who she was, and she always tried to live her life in a way that reflected the love of Jesus. She was a good and faithful servant, and her faith was something she carried with her throughout her life.

Joyce had a deep and lasting love for her parents and both of her grandparents. They were incredibly important to her, and the love and memories she shared with them remained a cherished part of her life. Family was always at the heart of who Joyce was, and she carried that love with her throughout her life.

Joyce was one of the most special, kind, loving, and generous women anyone could have known. She had a gentle and caring heart and always sought to approach life and the people around her in a Godly way.

Joyce shared a special bond with her sisters throughout her entire life. They remained close through the years, always keeping their family bond strong and carrying on the traditions and values they had grown up with through their parents. They shared countless memories, supported one another through life’s seasons, and treasured the importance of family that had been instilled in them from an early age. That closeness was a beautiful part of Joyce’s life and something she cherished deeply.

Joyce didn’t simply take care of her family—her family was the center of her life. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always being there to support, encourage, and love them. Her family was her greatest joy, and she considered caring for the people she loved one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Throughout her life, Joyce found many ways to care for and serve others. She worked in a beauty salon, worked at Head Start, ran a daycare, and volunteered for many years as a Girl Scout leader for both Brownies and Girl Scouts. She was always supportive of her children and their school activities and was deeply involved in their lives.

Joyce was also a wonderful homemaker who took great pride in making her home clean, comfortable, and beautiful. She had a true love for gardening and flowers. She loved flowers of every color, but yellow held a special place in her heart. Her flowers were her pride and joy, and she took great pleasure in planting, tending, and watching them bloom. Her love and attention could be seen in every detail, especially in the flowers she so lovingly cared for.

Joyce also played an important role in Wallain’s Park apartments, where she was the one who kept things going and cared for the property.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald Max Wallain; her children, Ronda Greene, with Barry Greene; Lisa Wallain, with Eddie Lander; Tabitha Wallain; and Jon Wallain, with Lindsay Wallain.

She is also survived by her sisters, Julia Kay Clouse, Janice Skaggs, and Jerry Hayes.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Austin Greene, Cecily Dalton, Tristin Cates, Tanner Cates, Trevor Cates, Ty Cates, Issie Wallain, Emmy Wallain, Amber McGuirk, and Mykel McGuirk; and her great-grandchildren, Lucy Dalton, Oliver Dalton, Aislee Greene, Haisley Spurgeon, Jesse Spurgeon, Bentley McGuirk, and Harley McGuirk.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, James Coy Hayes and Reta Marie Hayes; her sibling Jacque Caywood and brother James Coy Hayes; her niece Dana Caywood; her nephew Justin Skaggs; her stillborn son, Ronald Max Wallain; a precious baby she lost through miscarriage during pregnancy; her mother-in-law, Myrtle Wallain; her father-in-law, Tom Wallain; her brother-in-law, Tommy Wallain; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Wallain.

Her life was a beautiful example of faith, love, family, generosity, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now with the Lord she loved so dearly.

Bo Peck

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Dennis Lee "Bo" Peck, age 74, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after several years of declining health.

Bo entered this life on November 27, 1951, in Neosho, Missouri, born to the union of the late Gene and Elizabeth (Williams) Peck. He was raised in Anderson, Missouri, and was a graduate of McDonald County High School.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna (Lewis) Peck; a daughter, Dana Nichols, and her husband, Kenton, of Anderson, Missouri; a son, Dusty Peck, of Anderson, Missouri; Four grandchildren, Kelsey, Kade, Knox, and Brenlei; one great-grandchild, Brylinn; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Bo was self-employed most of his career. He enjoyed raising cattle, and the work involved putting up hay. Whatever job he was involved in, hard work was instilled deep in his DNA.

He loved fishing trips to Canada and on the local creeks with his friends. Bo enjoyed being the head chef.

Bo was a very social person and loved entertaining friends and family. He enjoyed his classmate reunions, pig roasts, card parties, and most of all, hosting Thanksgiving dinner with his family. He was a long-time Chiefs fan and had season tickets for several years. He enjoyed vacationing and bringing his family and friends along.

Gardening was a passion for him. He loved to plant flowers, fruit trees, and till up a large plot for vegetables. He had a successful garden for 53 years. He loved to share his crops with others.

He was a skilled and talented carpenter, including building his own home and some furniture.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Mr. Peck will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri, with Pastor Scott Leonard officiating. Burial will follow in the Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Those with the honor of serving as pallbearers are Dusty Peck, Kade McKee, Jeff Lewis, David Lewis, Knox Nichols, and Rick Peck. The family will receive friends at the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hill Top Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Jody Peterson

(From Benton County Funeral Home)

October 8, 1964 - October 3, 2026

Joseph “Jody” Raymond Peterson , a beloved brother, uncle, friend, and cherished member of the Gravette community, passed away tragically on October 3, 2026, following an unforeseen accident while riding his E-bike.

To know Jody was to know a truly gentle soul. Love was simply who he was. He had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. He never met a stranger, and he never seemed to know how to hold a grudge. His heart was generous, his spirit was joyful, and his smile could light up a room.

Jody was known throughout his community as the “lawnmower man.” He loved his work, but even more, he loved the people he met along the way. He loved to talk, laugh, tease, and spend time with people. To many, he may have been the man they saw riding around town on his mower, but to those who knew him, he was so much more.

As a young boy, Jody suffered an accident that left him intellectually disabled. For much of his life, his sister Jeanne was his devoted caregiver and advocate. She loved him fiercely and helped him learn to live as independently as possible. Though his circumstances were different from many others, Jody never let them keep him from enjoying the simple things in life working, riding his bike, visiting with people, making friends, laughing, and being a part of his community.

His family was his greatest treasure. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and constant presence in the lives of those who knew him. His nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces will remember his kindness, his humor, his unconditional love, and the joy he brought with him wherever he went. Jody’s light was his great great niece Kimber Kate.

But Jody’s family extended far beyond those connected by a tree.

He became family to countless people in Gravette. He treasured the time people gave him, the conversations, the stories, the laughter, and simply knowing what was happening in the lives of those around him.

To you, it may have been just time. To Jody, it was love.

He was kind. He was thoughtful. He was generous. He was forgiving. He was loving. He had a heart of gold.

Jody leaves behind a legacy that was never measured by accomplishments or possessions, but by the people he touched. Every lawn he mowed. Every person he stopped to talk to. Every joke he told. Every smile he gave. Every time he showed up. Every person who felt a little less alone because Jody took the time to say hello.

His life reminds us that greatness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like a man on a lawnmower, waving at you from the road. Sometimes it looks like a brother who never stopped loving his sister. Sometimes it looks like a friend who simply gave you his time because you needed someone to listen.

Jody gave love freely and expected very little in return.

But he received something far greater than he ever knew:He was loved by so many.

Jody is preceded in death by his father, Victor Peterson of Fayetteville; his mother, Rachel Maltbie of Gravette; his brothers, John Ewing of Springdale and Frank Peterson of Seligman, Missouri; and his sister, Donna Dutton of Fayetteville.

He is survived by his brother, Carl (Judy) Lowery of Grove, Oklahoma; sister, Jeanne (Freddy) Baker of Gravette; niece, Katie Hooper(Justin) of Noel Missouri; Kim Arnold (Jordan) of Pea Ridge; great-nieces, Aaliyah Hendrix (Mason) of Cassville Missouri and Reagan Arnold of Pea Ridge; great-nephews, Trenton (Elizabeth Durham),of Gravette Jayden Hooper, Jaxton Hooper of Noel Missouri and Hayden Arnold of pea ridge; and great-great-nieces, Kimber- Kate Belle Hendrix and Caroline Durham.

He also leaves behind countless friends and members of the Gravette community who loved him as one of their own.

The family would like to thank the people of Gravette who welcomed Jody, talked with him, looked out for him, and made him feel like he belonged. You gave him something precious: your time and love.

Please keep his family, friends, and all who loved him in your prayers as they learn to live without his familiar smile, his laughter, and his ornery little ways.

Jody, you were loved here.

You mattered here.

You belonged here.

And you will be missed more than words could ever say.

Until we meet again, sweet Jody.

Save us a place.

And don’t you dare stop being ornery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Maysville Missionary Baptist food pantry:

12016 AR-43 (or N. Hwy 43), Maysville AR, 72747




A celebration of Joseph, life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Maysville Missionary Baptist.

Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, Arkansas. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com

 

George Elliott

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

George Patrick Elliott, age 64, of Oswego, Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Oswego, Kansas, George was the son of Robert and Norma (Moran) Elliott. He spent his life in the community he loved, and in time, became its protector.

George worked as a patrolman for four years, going on to serve his community as Chief of Police for 37 years, a role he carried out with dedication, fairness, and care for the people he served. He was also a natural entrepreneur. 

Over the years, he built and ran several businesses, including a roofing company and a guttering company, and he later became a pecan farmer, working the land he took such pride in.

Outside of work, he was happiest outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who spent countless hours on the water and in the field, and he loved shooting and time at the range, as well as hunting mushrooms. He also loved to cook, and he was known for the many creative and original meals he made for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Born)Elliott, of the home; his three children: Ethan Elliott (Myla), of Joplin, MO, Elijah Elliott of Joplin, MO, and Isaac Elliott (Savannah) of Joplin, MO; grandchildren: Sophia Elliott, and Arthur Elliott; brother: David Elliott of Tulsa, OK; sisters: Becky George of Oswego, KS, and Edna Pichler of South Coffeyville, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Norma Elliott, brother Danny Elliott, and sister Roberta Hobbs.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Oswego, KS. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego, KS at 10:00 AM. Rosary will be held prior to the funeral mass on Friday, 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Oswego Cemetery.

Nelson Toburen

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Nelson Edward Toburen was born November 24, 1938 in Boulder, Colorado to Harold Edward Toburen and Vida Uell (Nelson) Toburen. He died October 4th, 2026, aged 87, in his home surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.

Soon after his birth his parents brought him back to Thomas County Kansas and their Northwestern Kansas roots where Nelson grew to adulthood. He graduated from Colby High School, Colby, Kansas in 1957, the fourth athlete in school history to earn twelve letters. He attended Wichita University, now Wichita State University, on a football scholarship. He played freshman basketball and was an All-Conference and Honorable Mention All American end on the WU football team. 

He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1961 NFL draft and following his graduation that same year earned a position as an outside linebacker on the Vince Lombardi coached 1961 and 1962 World Champion Green Bay Packer teams. He played in every pre-season, regular season and championship game the Packers played during those two years until suffering a career ending neck injury while making a tackle during a game against the Baltimore Colts in Green Bay in November 1962. 

After a period of self-healing and rehabilitation he returned to Kansas and Washburn University School of Law in 1964 where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1967. That same year he joined the Paul Wilbert Law Firm, later "Wilbert & Towner," in Pittsburg, Kansas where he practiced law with partners Paul Wilbert, J.B Towner, Garry Lassman, Robert Fleming, A. J. Wachter, Robert Tomassi, Gordon Gregory and Bill Wachter. In 1987 he was selected as Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District Court, Sitting at Pittsburg, by the Governor of Kansas. He served as Kansas District Court Judge and later Chief Judge of the District for 15 years until his retirement.

He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Louise Ziegelmeier in 1959. They celebrated 67years of marriage together before Helen's passing in August of this year and were the proud parents of three children; son Chris and daughters Penny and Leigh.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, sister, Judith Toburen Sloan, son, Chris Toburen, daughter-in-law Judy Pratt Toburen and daughter, Penny Toburen Hill. 

He is survived by brother, Robert Toburen and wife, Patricia, Saint Francisville, LA, daughter, Leigh Toburen Johnston and husband, Vince, of Pittsburg, five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren: grandson Steven Hill, wife Heather and children Asher, Esther, Eden, Judah and Noelle, Bentonville, AR; grandson Mark Hill, wife Tara and children Jeremiah & Hadlee, Owasso, OK; granddaughter Jessica Johnston Dreiling, husband Grant, sons, Kip, Creed and Wyatt , Carl Junction, MO, and twin grandsons Kyle Johnston and Chase Johnston of Pittsburg. His son and three grandsons followed his lead and love of athletics as scholarship lettermen at division one universities.

Per his wishes no formal services are planned. His cremains will be interred at the family plot, Beulah Cemetery, Colby, Kansas at a later date. The family suggests memorials to Wesley House Nutrition Program. These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.