Grace Sargent

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Grace Eileen Sargent, age 81, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday morning, March 29, 2026 in the comfort of her home after a recent decline in health. She entered this life on November 3, 1944, in Neosho, Missouri, born to the union of the late Lucius Phair and Emma Ellen (Levi) Watkins.

She married Lonnie Dean Sargent on April 7, 1963, and together they shared a life shaped by love, service, and the many places they called home. Because of Lonnie’s service, the family lived in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota, Louisiana, North Carolina, Colorado, California, Washington, Japan, and Germany. Each move brought new experiences and memories, and through every chapter she remained steady, caring, and resilient. In 2015, she and Lonnie returned to their roots and moved back home to Joplin, Missouri.

Grace was a woman of many talents and simple joys. She found happiness in doll making, crocheting, sewing, and a variety of craft projects that reflected her patience and creativity. She also enjoyed bowling and square dancing, and she appreciated the comfort of old westerns. Gardening brought her peace, and she took pleasure in word search puzzles that kept her mind active. Her beloved dog held a special place in her heart, and above all else, Grace treasured time spent with her family. Her life was enriched by the love she gave so freely and the many memories she helped create for those around her.

She is survived by her son, Lonnie Sargent and wife, Jerri, of Webb City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Lonnie Jesus Sargent Zarate, Gregory Elwin Zarate, and Kamaryn Addison Sargent; a brother, Robert Anderson and wife, Lynne, of Galena, Kansas; a sister, Sherry Anderson of Quapaw, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty-three years, Lonnie Dean Sargent on July 1, 2016; her daughter Renee Marie Williams; two brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home with Chaplain Paul Milliken officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Purcell, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Marcus Anderson, Robert Anderson, Rudy Anderson, Zachary Anderson, Jacob Logan and Jayden Church.

Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.

Claude Yocum

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Claude O. Yocum, 79, of Seneca, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 9:06 am, surrounded by his loving family.

Claude was born in Joplin, Missouri, on December 11, 1946, to Doris R. Yocum and Freda E. Turner. He was a 1965 graduate of Seneca High School, where he mastered being ornery and creating a little trouble-traits that those who knew him remember with a smile. He was a 2-time Golden Gloves boxing champion and excelled in football.

On July 29, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Carolyn Cummings, who survives. Together, they built a life centered on love and family and were blessed with three daughters: Claudia Michelle, Stacie Lyn, and Stephanie Renee.

You could not find a tougher, harder-working man than Claude. He retired after 25 years of working for Simmons Foods in Southwest City. He approached life with grit, determination, and strength that those around him deeply admired. With his beautiful blue eyes and that mischievous grin, he had a way of bringing both comfort and a little mischief to those around him.

Claude found joy in the outdoors-whether horseback riding, fishing, or hunting-but nothing meant more to him than his role as a husband, dad, grandpa and poppy. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in "his girls," a phrase he often used with love and affection. He was the epitome of a 'Girl Dad,' embodying a rare and profound devotion to his daughters. His greatest happiness came from the time he spent with his family, and his legacy lives on in the strength and love he gave to them.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his daughters and their families, Michelle and Troy Lipe, Stacie and Brian Aldridge, and Stephanie Merriman, all of Seneca; and his grandchildren, the lights of his life: Keshia Gatewood; Jared and Hannah Lipe; Haylee and Tucker Fenix; Dalan and Brittany Merriman; and Dayton and Max King. Then came the icing on the cake-his great-grandchildren: Adie and Wyatt Gatewood; Huxley and Haisley Lipe; Rowen and Eleanor Fenix; and Harlan and Fallon Merriman.

He is survived by one brother, Gale Yocum, Knob Noster, MO and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; Judith Yocum, Doris Yocum, Sharon Hagerman, Sara Pumphrey, Kathie Storie and Nancy King; infant grandson, Claude Yocum Merriman.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Seneca Assembly of God with Doug Scribner and Denny Sikes officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Jared Lipe, Dalan Merriman, Max King, Tucker Fenix, Adam Scribner and Blake Scribner serving as pallbearers.

Joe Dias

(From White Funeral Home)

Joseph "Joe" Dias, 42, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away at home on March 20, 2026. Joe was born July 28, 1983, in Visalia California. He proudly served in the United States Navy for a full 4-year term. 

Joe was a person people gravitated to; he had a big heart and an even bigger personality. He had a way of making everyone he was around always feel welcome, even when he was in his pirate hat and kilt. Joe had a special love for cooking, specifically grilling. He will always be famous among close friends and family for his “special” seasonings/recipes, and his willingness to grill just about anything, of course. 

One thing you can always say about Joe is that he brought laughter wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by his family, including his sister Melissa Dias; his brothers Frank Dias and Lukas Harris; his nieces and nephew, Kloey Dias, Harper Olbertz, and Ethan Dias. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenny Dias and Valerie Harris. And his grandparents, Ed and Billie House. Service will be announced at a later date; any donations for the burial can be made directly to White Funeral Home in Cassville, MO.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Bob Culp

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Bobbie Dean Culp, age 85, of Seneca, Missouri passed away on March 27, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on June 11, 1940, in La Junta, Colorado, and grew up in Stella, Missouri. He was the son of Irl and LaVon Culp. Bob was a devoted husband to Peggy, his loving wife of nine years. As a father, he was a pillar of strength, guiding and supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bob worked as a truck driver for 60 years and was known for his hard work and integrity. Outside of work, he loved to fish, hunt, and watch his birds. He was known for his kindness and his ability to fix or create things out of nothing…a real-life MacGyver! 

 

Bob is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children: Laurie Shafer (Stan) of Baxter Springs, Kansas, Linda Bishop (Will) of Joplin, Missouri; Lonnie Culp of Webb City, Missouri; his children’s mother, Laretta Mason; his grandchildren: Jada Shanel Alexander, David Shafer, Adrienne Weston, Kyle Bradley, and Daniel Stamps; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Don Culp (Joan). Bob took immense pride in his family creating countless memories that will be cherished forever by all who knew and loved him, including multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irl and LaVon; his brothers, Kenneth and Larry; and his great-grandson, Nate.

Visitation will be held on April 1, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:30 am at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. His funeral is scheduled for 10:30 am, immediately following the visitation at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, missions donations can be made in Bob’s honor to First Baptist Church of Neosho, Missouri, c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, MO 64850.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.

Seth Zerbel

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Seth Andrew Zerbel, of Neosho, Missouri, entered the arms of his Savior on March 27, 2026, at the age of 31.

Seth was born on February 12, 1995, in Reeds Spring, Missouri, to Loren Dudley Zerbel and Sherri Marie Zerbel. He attended Ozark Bible Institute earning his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Literature preparing for a life devoted to ministry and service to others.

Seth was a licensed Assembly of God minister of varied experience. He had a passion for missions that included one particular trip to China smuggling Bibles. He served as pastor at Grace Chapel Outreach and then as Academic Dean/ Intake Director for Adult and Teen Challenge of the Four States. Seth was a passionate teacher with a heart for God. He had a love for Christ, deep care for people and made a lasting impact on the lives he encountered and served.

Seth had many hobbies. He was a knowledgeable gun enthusiast, farm entrepreneur, and a talented musician.

Seth was a devoted and “wonderful beyond words” husband. On October 19, 2024, he married the love of his life, Emily Pulsifer. She survives him.

In addition to his wife Emily, Seth is survived by his son on the way, his parents, Dudley and Sherri Zerbel; his siblings, Samuel and Kayla Zerbel, Charity and Victor Acosta, and Silas and Joanna Zerbel; his maternal grandparents, Don and Yvonne Steward; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 12:00pm – 1:45pm, with funeral beginning at 2:00pm. Both held at Bible Holiness Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Gibson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the trust fund for ‘Baby Zerbel’. Please make checks payable to "Emily Zerbel", c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, Missouri, 64850.

Rocky Eutsler

(From Stumpff Funeral Home)

Roxann (Rocky) Eutsler, Marionville, MO, daughter of James and Daisy (Wannell) Buckner, was born on June 8, 1960 in Aurora, MO and departed this life on March 28, 2026, at the age of 65.

Rocky was a lifelong resident of the area and was a firefighter for Marionville, City and Rural Departments.

Rocky is survived by her husband, Carl Eutsler of Marionville, MO; two sons, Carl Dewayne Eutsler and his wife, Jeanie of Rayville, MO and Douglas Allen Eutsler and his wife Danielle of Crane, MO; two brothers, Loyd Buckner of Crane, MO and Jimmy Buckner of Weir, KS; five grandchildren, Katelyn Gabby, Faith, Hope and Joseph and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Stumpff Funeral Chapel, Crane, MO. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery, Marionville, MO.

Ruby Black

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Ruby Ruth Hininger Buck, 92 of Webb City, Missouri passed away March 28, 2026, in Lockwood, Missouri. She was born on October 15, 1933, in Iantha, Missouri. Ruth, as she was known to most of her friends and family, was born to John Arthur Laverne Hininger and Rube Elisabeth Lisher. Ruth's mother passed away on February 4, 1934, not ever having really known her little girl. Ruby May Engle came into Ruth's life, being the only mother she would remember.

Ruth attended Crossroads Country School until high school. She graduated from Liberal High School in 1951. After graduating, she moved to Kansas City to work at Hallmark Cards until her marriage to William F. (Bill) Jones on May 9, 1953. From this union , two daughters were born, Ruth Leann and Laura Louise. Sadly, this marriage ended in divorce. She later married Donald R. Buck in 1987.

Ruth had a strong work ethic and held many roles throughout her life, including farm wife, employee at Elders Shirt Manufacturing and Dawson Furniture Company. Driving the OATS bus was by far the most rewarding. She had a passion for the elderly. She loved talking to her elderly passengers on trips and bringing them joy. Ruth loved sewing when Leann and Laura were young, she enjoyed sewing their clothes. She was a very talented seamstress. Later in life, she drove alongside her late husband Donald Buck driving an 18-wheeler across the country. Ruth often described herself as a "jack of all trades, master of none"; however, she was truly skilled in many things.

Ruth enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and friends and was always willing to help them wherever needed. Don and Ruth enjoyed flying their Stearman Biplane and had many friends in Jennings, LA and Galesburg, IL. Their poodle, Buddy, was her and Don's companion on the truck and in her life for many years.

Ruby Ruth is survived by her daughters Ruth Leann Braker (Bruce) and Laura Louise Scarlato (former husband John Scarlato). Granddaughters Valerie Barker (David), Kari Meadows (Joe), and Remington Elder (Travis). Her only grandson was Tanner Scarlato (Daria), which she adored. Great-granddaughters Kasyn and Lakyn Meadows. On February 4, 2026, a great grandson was born, Ford Lasley Elder of which Ruth got to meet a few weeks before passing.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A special thank you to Good Shepherd Community Care for their loving care and support, the First Christian Church of Webb City, and her dear friends Mary Hollingshead, Harlene Curtis , Dennis and Valerie Eden, Gloria Gideon and Lloyd Mullins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her mother Ruby Elizabeth Hininger, her father Arthur L. Hininger and bonus mother Ruby May Hininger. Her husband of 24 years Donald Ross Buck, her two brothers Lewis Laverne Hininger (1941) and Earl Marion Hininger (1969). Ruth's half brother Carl Arther Hininger passed away in 2022.

Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 at Oakton Cemetery, Lamar, Missouri. Pastor Lynn Ragsdale will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Buck's memory may be made to the First Christian Church of the Joplin Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.




Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Mrs. Buck.