Paula Reinhart

(From Bedene Funeral Home)

Paula M. Reinhart, 96, of Pittsburg, Kansas, formerly of Mulberry, Kansas died at 5:55 P.M. Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Pittsburg Care and Rehabilitation Center at Pittsburg, Kansas.

Mrs. Reinhart was born July 30, 1927 at Carthage, Missouri the daughter of Otis Oscar and Freida Kohler Howard. Paula was a homemaker and also worked for SECAP and Sears until retirement. She was raised and attended Joplin Schools. She later attended Pittsburg High School where she received her GED. She lived in Mulberry most of her life. 

She married Marvin W. Reinhart on July 4, 1946 at Girard, Kansas. Mr. Reinhart preceded her in death April 26, 2011. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. Survivors include two sons, Marvin R. Reinhart of Ormond Beach, Florida and Ronald E. Reinhart of Pittsburg, two grandchildren, Jason Reinhart and Jennifer Mocoso both of Florida, and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 A.M. Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma, Kansas with the Rev. Steve Cole officiating. Burial will be at the Rosebank Cemetery in Mulberry, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 A.M. Wednesday at the Bedene Chapel prior to the services. 

The family suggest friends do an act of kindness in memory of Paula in lieu of memorials. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.

Red O'Dell

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Marvin Keith “Red” O’Dell passed away on Saturday November 25, 2023, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center, Carthage, after a 9-month bout with skin cancer.

He was born October 6, 1957, in Carthage to Bill and Patty Moss O’Dell. He was a graduate of the Carthage High School Class of 1975. He graduated from Missouri Southern and attended Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Red was well known for his athletic ability. He played baseball beginning with the Pee Wee League and continued through Babe Ruth League and American Legion. He was always chosen for all stars. He mixed the sports up with adding the Junior Bowling League, football and basketball in junior high, baseball and basketball in high school.

Red joined the Missouri Southern Lions baseball team as a walk on and a pitcher before moving to center field. While playing for the Lions (1976-1979) he was NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, NAIA District16 All Star, NAIA Area 4 All Star, NAIA United States All Star Team that toured Taiwan and Korea (summer 1978). He was inducted to the Missouri Southern Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. Slow pitch softball came next and then golf. Sports was a major part of his life, and he was an intense competitor.

Red worked several years for the City of Carthage in the parks department, municipal golf course and the Fair Acres Sports Complex. He retired from Center Creek Golf Course, Sarcoxie. He took great pride in maintaining the parks, ball fields and golf courses.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include Marilyn Baugh, sister and Mark O’Dell, brother, both of Carthage; two nieces, Amanda (Bronson) Makeeff, and Charity (Brian) Bayless; two nephews, Blake (Laurie) O’Dell and Clay (Mica) O’Dell, great nieces and nephews, great-great nephews, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Per Red’s request there will be now services.

Joann Peterson

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joann moved on to her heavenly home, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, November 19th. She was 91 years old.

Joann was born and raised in Mesa Arizona and moved to Monett Missouri in 1976. She and her Husband David ran Monett Office Machines and then a Radio Shack in Monett for many years. 

Joann worked by his side each day helping run the business. Joann and David then moved to Carthage Missouri in 2007 after retirement. 

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served and held many callings over the years.

Joann loved music and dancing. From the time she was a little girl, she was involved in dancing and performing.

Her family was her greatest love and joy. She spent her life in service to them and her church. She had 6 children. Chris Petersen, Alba MO, Craig and Arleen Petersen of Mesa AZ, Kent and Marcy Petersen, Carthage MO, Bret and Penny Petersen, Carthage Mo, Sheri and Derek Martin, Carthage Mo, Rex Petersen, Nixa Mo.

She has 39 Grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David Petersen and her 5 sisters.

A visitation will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Carthage, Missouri on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will also be held at the Church on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM. The burial will be at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri immediately following the service.

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

Kathleen Younker

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Kathleen Marie Younker, 92, of Monett, MO, passed away on Sunday morning, November 26, 2023, at Aurora Nursing Home, following a short illness.

Kathleen was born on September 4, 1931 in Pierce City, daughter of the late Elmer and Margaret (Diebold) Mettlach. Kathleen graduated from Pierce City High School Class of 1949. She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the St. Lawrence Alter Society (PCCW). She loved being with family, being outdoors and sitting for hours watching birds and squirrels playing in her yard. She enjoyed helping her friends, family and church with a smile.

On May 28, 1949, Kathleen Marie Mettlach married Willmer Clayton Younker in Pierce City, they were married seventy-three years before his passing in December of last year, creating good memories together. To this union, three children were born.

Kathleen is survived by one son, David Younker of Monett, four grandchildren, Timothy Younker and wife Sarah, Thomas Younker, Kayla Younker and Jennifer Arzate and husband Max; one great-granddaughter, Adrienne Arzate; two brothers, David Mettlach and wife Margo of Aurora, MO and Dennis Mettlach of Wentworth, MO; six sisters, Eleanor Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Ann Marrs of Monett, Beatrice Dalton of Kansas City, MO, Mary Jenkins of Independence, MO, Dorothy Fischer and husband Ted of Omaha, NE and Charlene Hubbard and husband Wayne of Springfield, MO; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by one son, Timothy B. Younker; one daughter, Annette Younker; and one brother, James Mettlach.

Funeral mass for Mrs. Younker will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Father Rahab Isidor officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. with rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Lawrence Catholic School. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Shawn Ames

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

On November 22, 2023, our world dimmed as Shawn Robert Ames, a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend, took his heavenly journey. 

Born on January 30, 1979, in Joplin, MO, Shawn's life was a testament to his spirited nature, his unwavering love of family, and his unwavering loyalty. Known for his funny sense of humor, he had an uncanny ability to make anyone smile, even on the gloomiest of days. Shawn's loving spirit was a beacon of warmth, his laughter, a melody that will continue to echo in the hearts of those he left behind.

Shawn was an integral part of the Joplin community for 44 years, and his contributions to Lighting and Locks were nothing short of remarkable. Aside from his retail assistant manager role at Lighting and Locks (The Better Living Store), where he served with dedication and the utmost commitment for 11 years, Shawn was an avid outdoorsman. He found solace in the rustling leaves, the chirping of his beloved chickens, and the quiet hum of nature. He was a deer hunter, a fisherman, a fan of art, a jewelry maker, and above all, a man who cherished every moment under the sun. 

His Bachelor's Degree in Art History from Pittsburg State University was not just an academic achievement, but a testament to his love for art, a passion that he carried throughout his life. He had a great love for the Lord, ministering to young boys through Royal Rangers.

Married to his beloved wife, Amber, on September 13, 2014, Shawn was a pillar of love and strength for his family. He was a proud father to his daughter, Natalee, whom he adopted with immense pride and joy. Shawn's love for his family was his guiding star, always illuminating his path. He is survived by his wife Amber Ames of Joplin; his daughter, Natalee Ames; his parents, David and Betty Ames also of Joplin; his sisters, Esther (fiance Kurt Vomberg) Ames and her three sons, one daughter, and one granddaughter, all of Oklahoma; and Dena (Tim) Tyler of Lucas, KY; mother in law Diana Golden of Joplin; a brother-in-law Jacob Golden (Kimbar) along with their son and daughter of Webb City. 

In Corinthians 1:13, it is written, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Shawn's life was a testament to this verse, a life led with love, faith, and unwavering hope.




No services have been scheduled. Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction. We invite you to celebrate Shawn's life by sharing your memories, stories, and photographs on the memorial page. Let us remember Shawn Ames, not for his departure, but for the joy, love, and laughter he brought into our lives.

Bradley Hole

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Bradley Darren Hole was born in Joplin, MO, on March 27, 1977. Bradley was a spirited soul, brimming with a contagious sense of humor that could light up even the gloomiest of days. He was humble, never seeking the spotlight, but rather, creating a light of his own that was far more captivating and genuine. His compassion knew no bounds; he had a heart as vast as the Colorado Rockies he so loved to cheer for.

Bradley was the embodiment of a life well-lived, a testament to the joy that can be found in everyday moments. 

As a bartender for 20 years, he had an innate ability to turn a casual conversation into a memorable encounter. He was the person behind the counter with a ready smile, a funny anecdote, and an empathetic ear. He left an indelible mark, not just in the restaurant he worked at, but in the hearts of those he served. 

He was a loyal Broncos fan, an enthusiastic concert-goer, and a high school graduate of Carl Junction. However, Bradley's most cherished times were spent with his friends, family, and especially his beloved dog, Jaxson.

Bradley is survived by his loving mother, Wanda Hole, and his dear brothers, Ryan, Dwayne (Carolyn), and Randy (Sylvia) Hole; he was also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Royce Hole. A graveside service will be held in his honor on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2:00pm, at Weaver Cemetery in Oronogo.

Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. In celebrating Bradley's life, we invite you to share your memories, stories, and pictures of him on his memorial page. His life was filled with laughter, love, and countless unforgettable moments, let's keep his memory alive by sharing those precious moments with each other. Bradley Hole, a funny, humble, spirited, and compassionate man, will forever remain in our hearts.

Larry O'Brien

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

Lawrence Eugene “Larry” O'Brien, 91, of Altamont, Kansas, died at Labette Health, Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Larry was born November 23, 1932 in Independence, Kansas, to Paul Otis O’Brien and Lois Matilda (Johnson) O’Brien. He attended Labette County schools and graduated from Labette County Community High School in Altamont in 1952.

On Oct. 18, 1952, in Independence, Kansas, he married Florence Caroline Barragar. They lived in Labette County for most of their married life, returning to rural Mound Valley in 1960. Caroline passed on June 15, 2005, leaving four surviving children: Debbie Carr (Richard) of Independence; Pam Kinser (Gary) of rural Edna; Arvon O'Brien of Mound Valley; and Terry O'Brien of Joplin, Missouri. A fifth child, Gerry, died in infancy. To date, Larry and Caroline have eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In 2013, Larry married Florence Williams, who survives him.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Jimmy, Eddie, Jack and Pat O’Brien, Leotis Freeman, Sharolyn DeMott and Georgann Smith.

Larry worked at various occupations through the years. He worked for StarCraft in Independence, at Stein's Hardware in Edna, at Jensen's, APTUS, and Amazon, all of Coffeyville. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed fishing, farming, and raising cattle as well as raising pheasants, quail and emus. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was an active member of the Angola United Methodist Church before its closing and attended Center Bethel Church up until his passing.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at the Center Bethel Church in rural Parsons. Burial will follow the service at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Center Bethel Church, prior to the funeral service.

Memorials are suggested to the Angola Community Center or the Angola Community Center Scholarship Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.