Jack Daniels

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jackie “Jack” Dale Daniels was born to the union of Paul and Pearly Daniels on December 27, 1936.

He graduated from Neosho High School in 1954.

In 1956, he married Geraldine Cooper. To that union were born two daughters, Kimmy Sue and Rita.

Jack surrendered to preach on Easter Sunday night, 1963, at Hilldale Baptist Church. He went on to pastor several churches in the area and in the state of Florida. He served as pastor of Royal Heights Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri, from 1987 to 2025, faithfully leading the congregation for nearly four decades.

Jack continued his education at Southwest Baptist University, where he obtained degrees in theology, world religions, and American and world history.

After the passing of his first wife, he married Barbara Johnson in 1986.

He continued his ministry working with the homeless and served as president of Souls Harbor Mission for many years, until his retirement in 2014. He also retired from Old Dominion Trucking in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives; his daughter, Kimmy Sue Daniels (1986); and his son, John Johnson (2026), who passed away one week prior to him.

He is survived by his loving family:

Juanita Reardon, Olathe, Kansas;

Rita (Tom) Wilson, Joplin, Missouri;

Kenda (Nick) Wlodychak, Joplin, Missouri;

Holly (Mike) Anderson, Batavia, Illinois;

Kara (Naida) Wilson-Shipp, Springfield, Missouri;

Dakota Wilson (Candice Lemaster), Bixby, Oklahoma;

Carles Johnson, Joplin, Missouri

Carla (Jerry) Martin;

Steve (Charley) Johnson;

Kim (Andy) Wood;

Tim (Jen) Johnson; and

Daniel (Evelyn) Johnson.



He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, his greatest joys:

Penelope Grace; Oliver Jack; Spencer James; Jasmine Bella; and Jennifer Elizabeth

Mary Ewing

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mary Helen Ewing, 93, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home on February 28, 2026. Born June 22, 1932, in Joplin to Roscoe and Iola Smith (and later her step-dad Fred Wilson), Mary Helen was a lifelong resident of the community she dearly loved.

On July 12, 1952, she married the love of her life, Gaylen Ewing, in Eureka Springs. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion, and were blessed with three daughters. Mary Helen’s greatest joy was her family, and she poured her love generously into each generation.

She was the perfect combination of sugar with a little bit of spice. She found simple pleasures in life, especially in the beauty of nature. Mary Helen delighted in watching hummingbirds and treasured yellow roses. Known to family and friends as “Nanny”, she was an avid baker, especially renowned for her pies. Her loved ones never missed a birthday without a special pie from Nanny.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaylen Ewing; her parents, Roscoe and Iola Smith (Fred Wilson); and her three brothers, Raymond Smith, Norman Smith, and Gene Smith.

Mary Helen is survived by her daughters, Elsie Lynn Crume, Rebecca White, Tammy Perry (Jamie Perry); niece Julianne Hare; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Chapel.
Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, also at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Mary Helen’s life was one of enduring love, and faithful presence. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Gail Turner

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Gail Dean Turner, age 79, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home. He was born January 24, 1947, in Bradleyville, Missouri, the son of the late Orvel and Hazel (Clayton) Turner.

Gail was a 1966 graduate of Bradleyville High School in Bradleyville, Missouri, and was a United State Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War. Gail retired from Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield, Missouri and was a cattle farmer.

On June 1, 1991, he married Connie Kay Owens, in Aurora, Missouri.

Gail is survived by his wife of 34 years, Connie; three step-children, Darin Hamelink and his wife, Roslyn, of Aurora, Missouri, Kim Miner and her husband, Jim, of Marionville, Missouri and Joanna Hamelink of Aurora, Missouri; one daughter, Deanna Moses of Branson, Missouri; seven step grandchildren; two grandchildren; one sister, Debbie Wilkey and her husband, Jim, of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Jerry Turner and his wife, Joan, of Ozark, Missouri and Tony Turner and his wife, Patty, of Powersite, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.