Gail Brown

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Colleen Gail Richardson Brown, age 90, died in her own home after enduring a long illness.

Gail was born on September 5, 1935 in Glendale, California to parents Terrence Patrick Richardson and Lucille Hubbell Richardson of Los Angeles, California. Her employment history includes working in Los Angeles at the California Osteopathic Association, the Auto Club of Southern California, and ABC Paramount Records. In Joplin, she worked at Natural Shoulder, Peace Lutheran Church, Parkview Animal Hospital, Cedar Vale Substance Abuse, Chamber of Commerce, Joplin Adult Basic Education, and Joplin Neighborhood Adult Literacy Action (Joplin NALA). 

Gail had many joys in life. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and plants. She loved caring for her precious pets. She loved to travel. She used her many gifts in service to others by singing in the church choir and serving on the church board. She spent hours volunteering at Crosslines and giving generously to causes important to her. 

Gail opened her home to American Field Service (AFS), welcoming students from Australia, Ecuador and Denmark. She enjoyed hearing the laughter of her children and grandchildren during her backyard swimming pool parties. Her love language was gift-giving, and she often completed her Christmas shopping in October. And always the hostess, she would keep a candy dish stocked with York Peppermint Patties for any and all visitors. 

Gail is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee Brown Dishman and spouse Darren Dishman, her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Brown Koehler and spouse Gregory Koehler, her son, Christopher Arnold Brown, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she deeply loved and who dearly loved her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Arthur Brown, and her son, Douglas Arthur Brown. She is also preceded in death by her parents and her half-brother, Willard Michael Call.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO

Kenneth Tyler

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Kenneth Tyler, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on March 12, 1943, in Spurgeon, Missouri, Kenneth was the cherished son of William “Guy” and Etta Mae (Bartelmei) Tyler. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and eight of his siblings.

His journey through life was marked by dedication, love, and service to his family, community, and country.

Kenneth was a devoted husband to the late Pamala Ann, whom he married on July 1, 1966. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising their three wonderful children: Todd (Koni) Tyler, William (Teresa) Tyler, and Melinda (Jeffrey) Mayben, all of whom reside in Neosho. Ken took immense pride in his family, and his legacy continues through his grandchildren, William Grant Tyler, Madalyn VanDorn, Olivia Heatherly, Kate Tyler, and Jackson Dylan Tyler, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his brother Floyd (Wanda) Tyler of Arizona.

His early years were marked by his service to his country. He honorably served in the Army signal battalion in Germany as a corporal telegraph officer from October 9, 1963, to September 28, 1965, receiving an honorable discharge at Fort Dix in New York.

A man of entrepreneurial spirit, Kenneth was the proud owner of Tyler’s Carpet, a business that became a cornerstone of the Neosho community. His work ethic and commitment to quality service endeared him to many and left a lasting impact on those he served. Kenneth was also a devoted member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kenneth’s life 11:00 a.m. on September 12, 2026, at Hillcrest Church of Christ, located at 1037 W. South St, Neosho, Missouri. As we gather to honor his memory, we remember a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and an enduring legacy of kindness and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ Kenneth’s memory. His life was a testament to the impact one person can have on the world, and his memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, Neosho, Missouri

Bill Overholser

(From Knell Mortuary)

William Bruce "Bill' Overholser, age 76, Joplin, Missouri passed away early Wednesday morning August 19, 2206, at Aspire Senior Living in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on November 23, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late Clare and Ruth (Hartman) Overholser.

Per Bill's wishes there was cremation and private services will be held at a later date.

Terry Slinkard

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Terry Daryl Slinkard, 84, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. He was born July 13, 1942, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Virgil L. Slinkard and Laura Ellen (Williams) Slinkard.

After moving to Jane, MO in 1946, Terry attended Pineville High School and graduated in 1960. He moved to California after high school and lived there until he served in the Army where he was stationed in Salzburg, Germany from 1964 to 1966, He then moved with his wife to Neosho, MO and started working for Talbot Wire from 1966 to 1974. He later attended Crowder College and studied engineering. 

His line of work took him to a few different places over the years that included Russell, KS followed by Fort Scott, KS and Sapulpa,OK. He ultimately landed back close to his hometown in Neosho, Mo in 1982 where his career took him back to Talbot Wire until 1993. He briefly moved to Springfield,MO to help start up LAJET Inc. until 1997. He returned to work in Neosho,MO where he helped establish K&S Wire in 1997 and worked there until he retired in 2006. He had the mind of an engineer so he could fix or build anything. He demonstrated exceptional workmanship and made sure that everything he fixed or made himself was of pristine quality. He had been working on rebuilding a 1954 Chevrolet pickup for the last few years.

On September 9, 1966, Terry married his beloved wife, Lois Ann (Taylor) Slinkard in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they built a beautiful life and home The couple shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage, a testament to mutual devotion. Together, they raised three children teaching them the importance of family. He was a doting grandparent to his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

Terry is survived by his children, Marty Slinkard (Stacy) of Duenweg, MO, Dawn Bishop (Mike) of Olathe, KS, and Daphne Decker (Donnie) of Republic, MO; his grandchildren, McCoy Slinkard (Tracie), Blake Bishop, Alyssa Decker, Luke Bishop, Megan Decker, and Claire Bishop; his great-grandchildren, Gavin Slinkard and Swadyn Slinkard; a few sister/brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and several bonus grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bill, Leland, and Tom Slinkard; and his son-in-law, Tim Bishop.

Terry was a man who loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a gifted storyteller who could bring a smile to those around him with the stories he shared. However, his favorite stories were the ones in which he talked about his amazing grandchildren and his sweet great-grandchildren. He exuded pride when talking about each one of them. He held the special title “Papa Terry” to many bonus grandchildren over the years who loved his quick wit and tall tales. Above all, Terry was known for his generous heart, his willingness to help others, and the kindness he showed to those in need.

His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Terry’s many stories will continue to be told, and his pickup truck will get finished so that his family can go for an evening ride with the windows rolled down listening to some good music.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Saturday, August 22, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Clark Funeral Home, 312 S. Wood St. Neosho,MO. Following the visitation, a service celebrating Terry’s life and legacy will commence at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Terry’s honor be made to Charlie 22, a non-profit organization that provides free, outdoor activities and retreats for military veterans and their families.

Dean Manning

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dean Franklin Manning, age 79, of Joplin, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.

Dean was born on March 25, 1947, in Wheeling, WV, to the late Paul and Nedra Wilodene (Shryer) Manning. He earned a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Central Missouri, but his true life's work was built with his hands. A gifted builder, framer, and master carpenter, Dean framed and worked on hundreds of homes. He could fix just about anything and helped people with their projects whenever he could. He enjoyed spending time working on his cars and tending to his garden.

Dean was baptized into the Worldwide Church of God in 1969 and served for many years as a deacon for the Living Church of God in Joplin, dedicating his life to serving God’s people.

Dean was a dependable presence, a cheerful companion, and a faithful servant to his church and community. Those who knew him will remember his willingness to talk with anyone, his laughter, his humor, his kindness and his eagerness to get in and fix it.

His memory lives on in the lives he touched, by the example he lived, and the countless small acts of kindness that defined his days. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dean is survived by his five children, Sherry Hayes (Carroll), Cathy Hankins (Joe), Clint Manning, David Manning (Sarah), and Grant Manning (Mallory); 10 grandchildren, Jermy Jamison (Sarah), Carissa Gockel (Brady), Aaron Hayes, Ella Hayes, Abigail Hankins, Cole Hankins, Ethan Manning (Jade), Hannah Manning, Emeline Manning, and Eleanor Manning; seven great-grandchildren, Eli Jamison, Tess Jamison, Tori Jamison, Maple Joy Gockel, Ivy Sage Manning, Liam Roy New, and Violet Marie Manning; and six siblings, Pauline Jersett, James Manning, Grover Manning (Marcia), Drucie Heins (Dick), Venita Schmidt (James), and Norman Manning (Sara).

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

 

Ronald Davidson

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Ronald Wayne Davidson, 83, of Reeds, Missouri passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ronald was born on October 7, 1942, in Uniontown, Kansas to the union of the late Alva W. and Doris M. (Kegerris) Davidson.

On February 14, 1992, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Shumny. Together they shared thirty-four years of wonderful memories. 

For several years he worked for Justin Boot and Mid-America Hardwood. Ronald was a very loyal and dedicated employee. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Carthage. Ronald also enjoyed fishing, woodworking and building cedar chests. He was a true craftsman and cared deeply about the quality of his work. In his early days he also enjoyed team roping. He will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Ronald is survived by his wife Mary; children, Wayne West and wife Lisa, of Lockwood, Kenny West and wife, Leandra, of Carthage, Bo West and wife, Lisa, of Carthage, and Wendy Edwards and husband, Mike, of Carthage; fourteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and brother Bill Davidson and wife, Barbara, the state of Florida; as well as a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Graveside services are 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Dudman Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri with Pastor Kenji Harrington officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Jacob Albrecht, Kyle West, Burley West, Nick Burbridge, Chris Gregory and Tyler Freeman. Visitation will be held from 9-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Ellen Spickler

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Lea “Ellen” Spickler died peacefully on August 16, 2026 in Springfield, MO.

She was born February 18, 1936 in Warrensburg, MO to James and Cleta (Scott) Landis. Her mother gave her the name Lea (pronounced “Lee) in tribute to the doctor who delivered her. She thought Lea sounded like a boy’s name so she went by her middle name, Ellen, all her life. She graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1954 and attended college at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

She married Thomas Spickler on February 1, 1957 and they were together until his death, November 1, 2011.

Ellen enjoyed working and helping people. Over the years she worked at several banks and for both Cox Hospital and Mercy. Her last job was with Crossmark as a product demonstrator at Sam’s Club. She worked until March, 2020, when she was 84. She will be missed and remembered for her love and commitment to her family and her faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers (Kirk Kirkpatrick, Jim Landis and Jerry Landis) and her sister (Marilyn Dow), her son-in-law, Steve McPhetridge and her best friend of over 50 years, Loretta Yates.

She is survived by her daughters, Lois McPhetridge of Republic, MO, Pam Ticknor of Monett, MO and Danielle Dickerson, also of Republic, 3 sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Landis, Sharon Rusche and Annette Fares, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank Pastor Denny Marr, Larry and Donna Bowman and Calvary Baptist Church for all their help and support.

We also want to thank everyone at Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehab and Seasons Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care for our Mother as we all navigated her transition to Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Republic, MO

Ellen's care has been entrusted to Meadors Funeral Home and Permanent online condolences may be made at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.