(From Daniel Funeral Home)Wanda Gay (Fowler) Felts, age 93, of Lamar, Missouri passed away July 12, 2024, at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation in Lockwood, Missouri.
Wanda was born May 7, 1931 in Kansas City, Kansas to Fred and Ona (Browne) Fowler. Her family moved back to Lamar shortly thereafter, where she lived her life.
During her high school years, Wanda worked at the Plaza Theater and her parent's cafe on the square in Lamar, she also worked the snack bar at Lawn Boy. The cafe is where she met the love of her life Butler Felts. Butler had moved to Lamar to manage the Plaza and build the Barco. On April 22, 1950, Butler and Wanda married in Joplin, Missouri.
Barco Starvue Drive-In Theater had its grand opening on April 28, 1950, just days after their wedding. Over the years, Wanda and Butler also owned and operated the Trail Drive-In and Fox Theater in Nevada, Missouri. Wanda dedicated over 40 years to the Plaza Theater until 1986 and 58 years at the Barco, until Butler's passing in 2008. Together, they were renowned for their commitment to these beloved theaters.
The Barco's ongoing success owes a great deal to the dedication of Scott, Pam and Zach Kelley, as well as the Community Plaza Rescue Board, and the people of Lamar and surrounding areas. Thanks to their support and efforts, the Barco continues to thrive as a cherished establishment, preserving the legacy left by Butler and Wanda Felts.
Survivors include her son, Gary Felts of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Mike) Martin, of Lamar, MO., Adam Felts of Branson, Missouri and Aaron Felts of Fort Walton Beach, FL; two great grandsons, Blake Felts of Omaha, Nebraska and Brandon Martin of Lamar, MO; sister, Freida Davis of Jasper, Missouri; half-sisters, Mitzi Willey of Lamar, MO., and Shirley Fowler of Jefferson City, Missouri; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Butler Felts; a son, Jim Felts; one brother, Freddie Fowler; and sisters, Margie Gardner and Juanita Stocker.
Barco Starvue Drive-In Theater had its grand opening on April 28, 1950, just days after their wedding. Over the years, Wanda and Butler also owned and operated the Trail Drive-In and Fox Theater in Nevada, Missouri. Wanda dedicated over 40 years to the Plaza Theater until 1986 and 58 years at the Barco, until Butler's passing in 2008. Together, they were renowned for their commitment to these beloved theaters.
The Barco's ongoing success owes a great deal to the dedication of Scott, Pam and Zach Kelley, as well as the Community Plaza Rescue Board, and the people of Lamar and surrounding areas. Thanks to their support and efforts, the Barco continues to thrive as a cherished establishment, preserving the legacy left by Butler and Wanda Felts.
Survivors include her son, Gary Felts of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Mike) Martin, of Lamar, MO., Adam Felts of Branson, Missouri and Aaron Felts of Fort Walton Beach, FL; two great grandsons, Blake Felts of Omaha, Nebraska and Brandon Martin of Lamar, MO; sister, Freida Davis of Jasper, Missouri; half-sisters, Mitzi Willey of Lamar, MO., and Shirley Fowler of Jefferson City, Missouri; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Butler Felts; a son, Jim Felts; one brother, Freddie Fowler; and sisters, Margie Gardner and Juanita Stocker.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024 at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, MO.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. ~ 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024 at Daniel Funeral Home prior to the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and made payable to Truman Area Transportation Service (T.A.T.S.) in care of Daniel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.
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