Carroll Wheat

(From Parker Mortuary)

Carroll Gene Wheat, known as CG in his younger years and Papa in his later years, passed away October 23, 2026, in Carthage MO, at age 88.

He was born on July 19, 1938, in Carthage MO, to the late John and Myrtle (King) Wheat. On Dec, 31, 1971 Carroll married the love of his life, Ramona (Nichols) Wheat, and they shared 49 years of marriage together. While he started and ended his stay here on earth in Carthage, Carroll and Ramona raised their family in Joplin, where he lived the majority of his life.

Carroll graduated from Carthage High School with the 1956 class and later attended Rolla School of Mines where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His education reflected the intelligence, discipline, and determination that would guild him through his life and career.

He devoted more than 43 years of his professional life to EaglePicher Technologies. During that time, he and his fellow crew members were part of the design and build team that produced batteries for the Apollo moon landing missions, a contribution that stands as a remarkable part of American history. He and a few others even scratched their names on the inside casing of a battery that still sits on the moon today! His name will forever be on the moon.

Carroll was a Christian whose faith saw him through many trials, He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was always willing to help others or share fellowship with anyone who welcomed him. He volunteered at the Joplin City Jail for over 20 years where he shared fellowship with those who may have experienced a difficult season in life.

Carroll is survived by his three children, Tammy DeVine and Matthew of Carthage, MO, Mark Wheat of Joplin, MO, and Dana Wheat of Joplin MO. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Wheat and Brenda of Joplin, MO, along with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren who only knew him as Papa.

In addition to his parents and wife, Carroll was preceded in death by three brothers and two grandsons.

Carroll will be remembered as a loving, intelligence, and giving man whose life was marked by faith, family, and service. He gave generously of his time, his knowledge, and his heart, and he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and steadfast devotion. His life touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Psalms 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

A celebration of life service will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Journey Church starting at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends before services begin at 12 p.m. and continue until 1 p.m.

Judy Hood

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Julia “Judy” Hood, age 89 of Neosho, MO., formerly of Joplin, MO., passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the Solace House in Joplin.

Judy was born on June 26, 1937, in Joplin, the daughter of Oliver and Agnes (Gernandt) Dedrickson. She has been a lifetime area resident. In addition to raising 3 daughters, she assisted with the operation of Hood Sheet Metal with her husband, Gerald, for over 50 years. She worked for over 21 years as a billing specialist for the law firm of Sotta & Crane before retiring.

Judy loved bowling, shopping, decorating, tending to her garden and spending time with her grandchildren.

She married Gerald L. Hood on June 2, 1957, he preceded her in death on February 13, 2020. Judy was also preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Taylor Hunt, and a granddaughter, Brooke McCully.

Judy lived a life full of faith and she had a strong desire to care for people. She taught Sunday School and VBS at various times in her life and was most recently attending Newtonia Baptist Church. She deeply loved her family and friends and we will remember her quick wit and caring heart for years to come.

Judy is survived by her daughters; Brenda Howard of Monett, MO., Barbara Hunt of Rolla, MO., Beth McCully and husband Rick of Neosho, five grandchildren; Cameron Howard of San Antonio, TX., Lauren Howard of Houston, TX., Kelsey Cozby and husband Austin of Republic, MO., Keaton Hunt of Rolla and Addison McCully of Diamond, MO., and by two great- grandchildren, Carson and Caden Cozby.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care they received from
Phoenix Home Care and Solace House of Joplin. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Solace House of the Ozarks in care of the mortuary.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Doug Gripka will officiate. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends prior to the start of the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

 

Val Milliken

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Velma “Val” Grace (Dreier) Milliken was born October 29, 1926, in Delia, Kansas. Val celebrated her 100th birthday with family on October 29, 2026. She passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. 

Val is survived by her son, Warren Edward Milliken, Jr. and his wife, Teresa, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her sister, Bobette Stukey; her brother, Keith Dreier; her dear friend, Kitty Long of Carthage, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. 

Val was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Edward Milliken, Sr. of 60 ½ years; her sisters, Helen Jackson and Mary Raff; and her brother, Ray Dreier. 

Val graduated from Clyde High School with the “Class of 1944” in Clyde, Kansas. Just two days later, the family moved to Carthage, Missouri. Val and her sister, Mary, traveled to Wichita, Kansas by bus and got office jobs in a defense plant. The government needed office help. She and her sister, Mary, passed the civil service exams and traveled to Washington, D.C., where they worked in the Pentagon. After VE-day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8, 1945, and VJ-day (Victory over Japan Day) on September 2, 1945, and World War II was finally over, Val came home to Carthage, Missouri. 

Val decided to go to Kansas City, Missouri to find work. She went to work for an insurance company in the office. Val then attended night school at Kansas City Junior College for three semesters. In Val’s economics class, she met Warren Milliken, who sat in front of her. They dated for a year and were married June 4, 1949. On July 14, 1950, their son, Warren, was born. Val was able to stay home with her new son for thirteen months. 

Val had a government clearance and went to work for Bendix Corporation (later known as Honeywell) as a planner. She worked there for 30 years. Both Val and her husband, Warren, retired at 55 years of age. They enjoyed boating and taught several nieces and nephews to water ski. The two traveled in their camper, taking lots of road trips to Florida and Oregon. They spent 22 winters in Arizona, where they enjoyed the warmer weather and sightseeing. 

Val’s family would like to thank her sister, Bobette, brother, Keith, and her nieces and nephews for always helping her. And special thanks to her friends Kitty Long and Crystal Milam, for all their care as well. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., prior to her service. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery, Carthage. 

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

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

Joyce Stone

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Joyce Aldene Stone, age 88, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Joyce was born on August 7, 1938, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Joseph Vivar and Georgia (Woodruff) Vivar. She graduated from Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma. On August 1, 1960, Joyce married Glen A. Stone in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, faith, family, and cherished memories, until Glen's passing in March of 2018.

Joyce dedicated her life to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Together, she and Glen raised six children, and she took great pride in making their house a warm and welcoming home. Her family was the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The love she poured into her family was evident in everything she did, and the memories they made together will be treasured for generations.

Joyce's caring nature extended well beyond her own family. Through Glen's involvement with track, she became a beloved part of the lives of countless young athletes who affectionately knew her as "Mama Stone." She embraced them as part of her extended family, offering encouragement, support, and a mother's love along the way. Joyce was also a devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan and always enjoyed cheering on her favorite team.

Her faith was another important part of her life. While living in Oklahoma, Joyce was a member of First Baptist Church in McAlester. After moving to Lamar, she became a member of First Baptist Church in Lamar, Missouri. Throughout her life, her faith and devotion to family remained a constant source of strength and comfort.

Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her six children, Terrence (Patti) Stone of Kansas City, Missouri, Cindy Higdon of Colcord, Oklahoma, Vickie (Dennis) Champlin, Joe Stone, Danny Stone, and Aaron Stone, all of Lamar, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Kristen (Brenton) Reavley, Kyle Higdon, Eric Higdon, Rachill Silvola, Cole Stone, Erikkha (Marshal) Fox, Ashliee Stone, Sky (Dakota) Soard, D.J. Stone, and Dakota Stone; seven great-grandchildren, Ella, Jackson, Trinity, Paisley, Gracelynn, Gunner, and Zaylin; and one on the way.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Glen; three sisters, Anita Carter, Louise Jeffries, and Betty Gene Kay; and one brother, N.E. Vivar.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, Missouri.

The family will also receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2026, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester, Oklahoma, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in McAlester, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and should be made payable to Gideons International in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Beverly Sexton

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Beverly Carlene Sexton, of Everton, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the age of 88.

Carlene was born February 28, 1938, in Plumb town, six miles east of Greenfield, Missouri, to Carl B. and Leola (Duncan) Jones in a Christian home. She spent most of her life in Dade County. However, following her graduation from Greenfield High School in 1956, she moved to Kansas City and worked at the Federal Reserve Bank for 11 years.

Carlene was united in marriage to Gerald Numa Ruark on April 2, 1960. In 1967, they purchased a farm near South Greenfield and returned to Dade County. During their marriage, they were blessed with four wonderful children: Grant Numa, Gerry Neil, Carla Loraine, and Caran Elaine.

Carlene and Gerald shared 43 happy years of marriage before Gerald passed away on May 20, 2003. Following Gerald’s death, Carlene found companionship with longtime friend Lewis Ray Sexton, and they were united in marriage in July 2005.

Carlene was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, granny, sister, aunt, and friend. She became a Christian at a young age and faithfully served her Lord throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Main Street Baptist Church for 51 years as of May 2026. Her faith in God and her love for family never wavered.

While her children were young, she devoted herself to being a homemaker, creating a home filled with love and simple joys. Her children fondly remember coming home from school to the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She was never one to sit still, and her strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She worked alongside her family on the farm, mowing and weed eating, cutting hay and then feeding it. She was mowing & weed eating well into her mid-80’s.

She later worked alongside her husband at their family-owned business, Ruark Oil, where she became known for her willingness to do whatever needed to be done. Whether washing windshields, pumping gas, fixing flat tires, or helping customers, she took pride in being helpful and never shied away from hard work. When her husband's health began to decline and the station was eventually sold, she began working at Pennington Seed to help provide insurance and financial support for the family. She worked the overnight shift as a lead foreman, choosing those hours so she could be home during the day to care for her husband. Her strong work ethic, unwavering devotion to her family, and selfless spirit were evident in everything she did.

Her commitment extended beyond her home and workplace into the community she loved. She served several years as a member of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, helping organize and oversee many of the town's Fourth of July celebrations. She was also a long-time member of the Better Homemakers Club and enjoyed participating in bowling leagues with her high game being 256. She loved to travel, attend Oak Ridge Boys concerts, and cheer on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Whether serving her community, spending time with family, or enjoying the things she loved, she lived life with enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to give of herself.

Her most cherished memories were being a part of her grandchildren’s and great grandchild’s lives as they grew up. Her family especially enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, cashew chicken, and chocolate cakes, as well as the many hours spent together supporting sports and other activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; baby sister, Margaret Ailene; her father- and mother-in-law, Curtis and Aletha Ruark; brother Laverne Jones; sisters-in-law JoAnne Jones and sister-in-law Barbara Jones; grandson Cody Ferwalt; Uncle James of Texas and her special Aunt Reba.

Carlene is survived by her husband, Lewis Sexton; son Grant and wife Pepper of Kansas City; son Gerry and wife Carrie of Greenfield; daughter Carla Ruark of Nixa; and daughter Caran Beasley and husband Randy of Everton.

She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Tyler, Stephanie, Dylan, Carli, Carrington, Emma, Sebastian and Campbell; her brother Byron Jones of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carlene held a special place in her heart for Tammy and Gary Banta of Greenfield, who were like children to her, and for her lifelong friend Shirley Menzies and husband Bob of Greenfield.

When Carlene married Lewis, she was blessed with an extended family whom she dearly loved: Doug and Karen Sexton, Sherry and Brett Godfrey, and Randy and Terrie Sexton.

She also leaves behind many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Jeremy and Brandy, Josh and Becky, Chelsie and Chase, Jake and Liz, Taylor and Jim, Skyler, and Trevor and Erin; along with Aiden, Alex and Abi, Riley, Kate, Ray, Remy, Brody, Josie, Landon, Louie, Oliver, Sophia, Henry, Jonah, Charlie, Douglas, Olivia, Zack, Eli, Brooke, Will, Jack, Naudia, Iyla, Bennett, and Ellie.

A celebration of Carlene’s life will be held at Main Street Baptist Church on Saturday, November 7th, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Courts Jetton officiating. Burial will follow at Sycamore Cemetery north of Miller, Missouri. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Group of Main Street Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

She will be forever with us as the spring flowers push through the warm earth to unfold into the simple beauty she so loved.

Our God is great.

Rick Harrington

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Ricky “Rick” Dean Harrington, of Greenfield, Missouri, passed away November 1, 2026 at the Mt. Vernon Missouri Veterans Home. He was 75 years old.

He was born May 3, 1951 in Springfield, MO to William Paul and Goldie Irene (Wilson) Harrington. In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army so that his brother Randy, who had recently become a father, would not be drafted. It was a quiet, selfless act of courage and love for his family. He served in the Vietnam War with the Army Security Agency. In the 1980’s, he became an owner-operator during the height of the independent trucking era. Working alongside his brother and cousins, he hauled freight across the United States, helping shape a period many still remember as the true trucker revolution.

On March 12, 1996, Rick entered into marriage with Cathy (Jones) Harrington. They were married for 30 years. They loved traveling together in their RV.

On August 1998, Rick gave his life to Jesus and was baptized at Dilday Mill on Turnback Creek.

He was a man of many talents. He drove big rigs, operated bulldozers, and worked as a skilled carpenter. He later served as a police officer for more than 20 years, earning a reputation for being tough but fair. Those who knew him often spoke of his tremendous wisdom, his strong work ethic, and his willingness to help others.

Rick loved his family, especially his wife. He was very proud of the bond they shared and the love they had for each other. Rick was a loving husband, father, papa, and friend.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Goldie Harrington; and his brother, Randy Harrington.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Harrington of the home; twin daughters, Sonya Harrington Cluck and husband Scott of Nevada, MO, and Tonya Harrington of Nevada, MO; son, William Sigle Harrington and wife Melissa of Marshall, MO; son, Danial White and his wife Heather of Nixa, MO; daughter, Lindsay Rice of Lockwood, MO; and Son Brian White and wife Jaime of Everton, MO.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cody Kennon, Megan Kennon, Chelsea Giger, Ashley Harrington, Kelsey Daniel, Brody Daniel, Hadlee White, Hayden White, Hannah White, Brooklynn White, Kreed White, Blaire White, and Storm Case; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Brenda Harding and her husband Ric.

“You may be gone from out sight, but you are never gone from our hearts” Sonya Harrington Cluck

“You were the toughest, sweetest person I’ve ever known” Sigle Harrington

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Antioch Cemetery. There will not be a formal visitation, but family and friends are welcome to view and pay their respects on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Cemetery. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Beverly Perry

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Beverly Perry (Matthews), 76, of Lamar, Missouri passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026. Beverly was born on July 29, 1950 in Oronogo, Missouri. Beverly was a waitress in Carterville, Missouri and later a police officer in Carterville and then she worked with the USDA.

Preceding Beverly in death are her parents, Brady and Alliance Star Matthews; Son, Claude Williams, JR; Brothers, Leon Matthews, George Matthews, and Stan Matthews and Sister Billy Ann Matthews.

Surviving Beverly are her sons, Bobby (Corissa) Williams of Corsican, TX, Chris Wiles of Minneapolis, MN, Josh Williams and Andrea Gastel of Lamar, Missouri. Grandchildren, Kayla Williams of Jasper, Missouri; Kelsey Williams of Elmira, NY; Shelby Williams of Midlothian, TX; Kyle and Lawren Williams of San Antonio, TX; Brittany Williams of Jasper, Missouri and Nicolas Williams of Jasper Missouri. Jayden Williams, and Leeam Williams Great-Grandchildren, Tyler Wayne Williams. Her brothers Leroy and Jayden Williams and sister Charlene Matthews.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Carterville Cemetery at 10:00 AM. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Webb City, Missouri.