Wilbur Beatty

(From Parker Mortuary)

Wilbur Wayne Beatty, age 97, of Carl Junction, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Medical Lodges in Neosho.

Wilbur, son of the late Clair and Goldie (Boydston) Beatty, was born on April 15, 1926, in Racine. A graduate of Neosho High School, Wilbur earned the honor of Valedictorian of his class. 

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, serving his country honorably as a Radar Technician. He then returned home and was united in marriage to Wynonia Lawson on September 20, 1948, in Bentonville, AR. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2017.

Wilbur began his work in the local meat shop which led Wilbur to own and operate South Town Meat Company for over 50 years. In his younger years, he spent many evenings playing baseball with friends in Racine. He enjoyed training bird dogs and was a member of the Joplin Elks Lodge #501.

Survivors include his son, Kevin Beatty, and his wife, Toni, of Carl Junction; three grandsons, Matthew Beatty, of Fayetteville, Christopher Beatty, of Carl Junction, and Joseph Beatty, also of Carl Junction; one sister, Janice Barnes, of Seneca; and one nephew, Lee Barnes, and his wife, Theda, of Seneca. 

In addition to his parents and wife, Wilbur was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dorl Barnes; and a niece, Brenda Barnes.

Celebration of Life services are currently pending at this time and will be posted soon. Please check back to our website or call the mortuary for more information.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.