Tom Muskrat

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Tom Kelly Muskrat, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and servant of the Lord, passed away on April 25, 2025 at the age of 96 years.

Born on October 1, 1928, at Cowskin Prairie near Grove, Oklahoma, Tom was the beloved son of Jake Claude and Elva Mae (Mouck) Muskrat. He grew up with a deep faith and sense of calling that would shape his life’s work in ministry and service.

Tom married the love of his life, Betty Marie Paden, on August 27, 1950, at Mill Creek Baptist Church near Noel, Missouri. They shared 67 years of marriage, until Betty’s passing in 2017. Together they built a loving family and shared a life rooted in faith and compassion. They were blessed with two sons, Mark Bronson Muskrat and Tom Kelly Muskrat Jr.

Tom was a beloved friend and member of the Neosho community. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially his regular golf outings with friends at the Neosho Golf Course. Friday nights were a special tradition, spent in the warm company of close church friends over dinner, a routine he cherished for many years. A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Tom rarely missed a game and loved cheering on his team through every season.

A lifelong learner and dedicated scholar, Tom graduated from Pineville High School in Missouri, also having attended schools in Grove, Oklahoma, and Carson City, Nevada. He earned a B.A. degree from Kansas State Teacher's College in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1956, and later a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1958.

Tom was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on February 29, 1948, at Mill Creek Baptist Church, where he first served as pastor. Over the decades, he pastored churches across Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Kansas, and Arizona, including: Mill Creek Baptist Church, Noel, MO, Tom Street Mission, Webb City, MO, Avilla Baptist Church, Avilla, MO, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Monett, MO, North Miami Baptist Church, North Miami, OK, First Baptist Church, Jay, OK, Corinth Baptist Church, Picayune, MS, Asbury Baptist Church, Asbury, MO, Shawnee Baptist Church, Topeka, KS, First Baptist Church, Grandfield, OK, and San Carlos Apache Baptist Church, San Carlos, AZ.

He also served with the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, ministering to students at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, and later as General Missionary to the Choctaws and Chickasaws in Southeastern Oklahoma.
Tom concluded his ministry as Director of Missions for the Shoal Creek Baptist Association in Southwestern Missouri. During his 16 years of leadership there, he oversaw the construction and complete funding of the Associational Office and BSU building and helped establish a full-time student ministry at Crowder College.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Betty, his brothers: Joe Muskrat, Jake Muskrat, and Sam Muskrat, and granddaughter Ashley Muskrat.

He is survived by his sons Mark Bronson Muskrat of Neosho, Missouri and Tom Kelly (Shawnda) Muskrat Jr. of Carl Junction, Missouri; granddaughters: Roxanne Muskrat, Karen Braiser, Jocelyn (Zeke) Farley, and Lindsay Slater; grandson, Nicholas (fiancée Hadley) Muskrat, brother, James Muskrat of Joplin, Missouri; sisters: Mary Ann Smith of Norman, Oklahoma, and Ida Louise Dunham of Aurora, Illinois.

Tom Muskrat’s life was a testimony of steadfast faith, humility, and service. His legacy continues through the many lives he touched in his decades of ministry, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's honor may be made to Solace House of Joplin, Missouri, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, Missouri 64850.

Visitation for Tom will be Monday, April 28, 2025 from 5:30-6:30pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:00am, also at the Chapel of Memories. Internment will be at Dice Cemetery in Fairview, Missouri.

 

 

Jim Lane

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Jimmie Lee “Jim” Lane, age 78, of Fairview, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at his home.

He was born April 23, 1946 in Big Spring, Texas the son of Drewey and Joyce (Williams) Lane. Jim was united in marriage to Violet (Johnson) Votaw, to this union 3 children were born, son, Stacy Lane of Napa, California, daughter, LaDonna Lane of Napa, California and son, John Lane (Sarah) of Napa, California. He was later united in marriage to Sue Lane, and adopted her children, son, Josh Lane (Sheila) of Granby, Missouri and son, Jonathon Lane of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

 

Surviving are his significant other, Pat Fischer of Fairview, Missouri; his afore mentioned children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; stepfather, Bill Sly; two wives, Sue Lane, and Karen Lane; two sisters, Cynthia Star and Brenda Purden and grandson, Liam Lane.

Jim attended school in Yreka, California graduating from Yreka High School in 1964. He was employed by General Motors in Detroit, Michigan and Kaiser Steel in Napa, California. Jim had a passion for country music, you could often find him singing and recording music. His karaoke business was not only a job, but a personal joy, allowing him to share his love of music. Some of his favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He was a member of Newtonia Baptist Church.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 9, 2025 at Newtonia Baptist Church in Newtonia, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Pastor Doug Gripka will conduct the services. Burial will be at Dice Cemetery in Fairview, Missouri.

Contributions may be made to the family in memory of Jim.

Mable Bennett

(At Stith Funeral Home)

Mable Kathryn Bennett - age 97 of Braymer, MO, formerly of Polo, MO, passed away Thursday evening, April 24, 2025 at Golden Age Nursing Home in Braymer. Mable was born on January 22, 1928, the daughter of Arthur Glen and Katie Pearl (McElhaney) Hayes in New Cambria, MO. She grew up in New Cambria and graduated from High School there. She married Clarence Emerson Bennett on November 25th, 1948. 

She taught country school before she married Clarence and they moved to Kansas City before settling on the farm near Polo. Mable loved farm life and spending time outdoors. She enjoyed gardening and loved her flowers. She loved animals, especially her pets. Mable was always there to help on the farm in any capacity that was needed. She was also the loving babysitter for her grandchildren. Mable will be dearly missed.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; sons, Clarence Emerson "Sonny" Bennett Jr., Michael Glen Bennett, and Roger Lee Bennett; siblings, Marjorie, Beulah, Glen, Betty, Billy, and Bobby. She is survived by her sisters, Eileen Taylor of Shawnee, KS and Grace Lauer of Kansas City, MO daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bennett of Polo, MO; five grandchildren, Adam Bennett (Lori) of Middleburg, FL, Katheryn Bennett of Joplin, MO, Miranda Rose (Ben) of Cincinnati, OH, Katey Bennett of Kansas City, MO, and Lauren Bennett of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren, Brice Myers (Lance) of Carl Junction, MO, Brook Pennington of Saginaw, MO, Drew Pennington of Osceola, MO, Mia Bennett of Joplin, MO, and Grant and Cecilia Rose of Cincinnati; nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Prairie Ridge Cemetery in care of the funeral home. No public services are planned. Inurnment at Prairie Ridge Cemetery west of Polo. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

Gavon Newton

(From Parker Mortuary)

Gavon Jarrett Newton, a lifelong resident of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 43. He was born on November 20, 1981, in Joplin, to Linda (Cairns) Hendrix and the late Michael Newton.

Gavon dedicated many years of service as a tire mechanic, a trade he mastered with skill and pride. He worked at Reeves Tire and later at Purcell Tire.

An avid outdoorsman, Gavon found joy in the roar of race cars on the dirt track and the quiet patience of fishing on a serene lake. His passion for grilling, big trucks, and the great outdoors were infectious, and he was always eager to share these interests with friends and family. He was lovingly known as “Rootin Tootin Gavon Newton.”

Gavon is survived by his wife, Kerri (Pennel) Newton; daughter, Lily Newton; mother, Linda Hendrix; and brother, Phillip Smith.

Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his brothers Shane Smith and Robert Newton.

A visitation is planned for Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Cheryl Ward

(From Parker Mortuary)

Cheryl Lavonne Ward, age 60 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 and is now with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She is gathered with family and friends that have went before her, holding her grandson, Michael.

Cheryl was born April 15, 1965 in Hillsboro County, Missouri to the late Hubert and Arlene (Anderson) Alderman. Cheryl was a graduate of Seneca High School with the class of 1982 and has worked as a cafeteria aide for the Neosho Middle School for the last several years. Cheryl loved the outdoors, spending quality time with her family but most importantly was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Cheryl was bold in her faith and never afraid to pray with anyone, anywhere. She was a member of Spring City Baptist Church, south of Joplin.

Cheryl married Eric Ward on February 14, 1997 in Miami, Oklahoma, he survives the home. Additional survivors include her son, Sean Bryant (Amber) of Joplin; daughter, Tonya Bryant of Joplin; grandchildren, Danek, Isaac, Chase, Jordan and Olivia; brothers, John Alderman of Seneca, Steve Alderman (Linda) of Grove, Oklahoma, David Alderman (Lisa) of Racine, James Alderman of Seneca; sisters, Crystal Davis of Russellville, Arkansas and Colleen Holiday of Webb City; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Other than her parents, Cheryl is preceded in death by sisters, Teresa Hall and Marji Shepherd, and her newborn grandson Michael.

Family and Friends will gather for a Celebration of Life and reception at Spring City Baptist Church, Joplin Mo. May 3rd at 2pm. Officiated by Reverend John Mitchell.

Flowers may be sent to Spring City Baptist Church 6086 Dutch Elm Dr, Joplin, MO 64804

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

 

Delmar Henady

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Delmar Lee Henady passed from this life into his eternal home in Heaven on April 23 around 1:00pm at the Communities of Wildwood Ranch. He had been experiencing health issues associated with aging since August.

Delmar Henady, was born Aug 28, 1939, in Watseka IL to Harold and Ethel Henady. He was the middle of 5 boys in the family. Delmar grew up in IL attending school in Stockland, graduating with the class of 1957 in a class of 6. The family lived on the state line, house in IL and the Mailbox in IN. He played basketball in school and was in FFA.

On October 18, 1959, he married Doris Beckner. They had a happy and blessed 65 ½ years together. Their marriage was blessed with the addition of 3 sons, Roger, Michael, and Brad. One born in each state they lived in (VA, IL, and MO).

In 1962 he entered the U.S. Navy and served 2 years active duty in Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA. He returned to IL, where he farmed, raised cattle and hogs. Even participated in tractor pulls.

After 6 years, he felt the call of God to go to Bible College. So, they moved to Joplin, MO to attend Ozark Bible College, now Ozark Christian College, where he graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor’s of Sacred Literature Degree. While attending College he served as the youth minister at Hornet Christian Church, where He has served as Deacon and Elder for the last 45 years.

During College he worked for a Masonry Contractor and learned the art of Masonry. During his Senior year of college, he began doing some small jobs and building fireplaces. By the time he graduated he had enough jobs to go full time, thus began Henady’s Masonry Contracting. All three of his sons as well as several OBC / OCC students were employees over the 17 years in business. There may or may not be a few fireplace chimneys around Joplin that contain a Bible.

In 1988 he decided to discontinue the masonry business and went to work in Maintenance at what was Farmland Industries Fertilizer Plant west of Joplin MO. He was almost 50 could pass the physical and the Job offered him benefits and paid vacations. He worked there until he retired in 2001.

During the first 8 years of retirement, they travel to Florida each year and served with the African Inland Mission doing construction and yard work projects. Delmar enjoyed working with a Christian construction crew, making lasting friends, and serving along with others.

In 2004, Delmar and Doris moved to Loma Linda, MO where they enjoyed gardening, their flower beds, playing golf, and entertaining friends and family. There have also been several card games played with their Friday Night Friends.

Delmar is survived by his wife, Doris. Three sons Roger (Bonnie) of Joplin MO, Michael (Theresa) of Miami OK, Brad (Kay) of Baxter Springs KS, 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and three brothers Ray (Phylis), David (Kay), and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother - Bill, and grandson - Jonathan.

Delmar can be described as a Faithful Servant, Christian, Loving Husband, Good Father, Caring Grandparent, Hardworking, Kind and Loving, Good Friend, a Great Example, Respected Neighbor, and someone who enjoyed having fun, telling jokes, and playing games. He will be missed by Family, Friends, extended family, and the church where he has served for over 50 years.

Contributions in memory of Delmar can be made out to Hornet Christian Church or to Ozark Christian College in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory – Joplin, Missouri.

Judi Knight

Judith Rogers Knight, 82, passed on Monday, April 21, 2025. She was born on December 21, 1942 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Harrison Lang and Ruth Shearer Rogers. Mrs. Knight grew up in Carthage, Missouri and attended Stephens College and Drury University, graduating in 1965. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and was an active alumnae member throughout her life, including a term as the Shawnee Mission/Kansas City Alumni Chapter President. 

Judi was known to selflessly sacrifice her time in service to others in her community. She spent many years volunteering for organizations including the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), TLC, and the Johnson County Young Matrons, for which she also served as president. She volunteered at the Episcopal Church on Altar Guild and was a zoo docent for many years. She enjoyed spending time with friends in tennis league, ladies golf at Wycliff and, most recently, playing bridge. She also loved time on the beach in Stone Harbor, NJ, where her family deemed her the unofficial mayor.

Mrs. Knight is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Ron; a daughter, Cynthia Knight Cobb (Chris), Ozark, MO and son, Andrew Barrett Knight (Carmen) of Chandler, AZ. Grandchildren include Hayley Katherine Cobb, Emily Christine Cobb and her furry grandchildren, Pete, Jovie, Baxter and Hobson. Mrs. Knight is survived by siblings Sharyn R. Lee of Carthage, MO and brother, Timothy Lang Rogers and his wife, Janet of Overland Park, KS; nephew Garth Eric Haugen (Sue) of Jefferson City, MO; niece Hillary Tate Haugen Wiggins (John) of Maplewood, MO; and niece Katherine Rogers O'Brien (Tom) of Minneapolis, MN. Grandnephews include Tanner Lang Haugen and Aidan Paul Haugen, grandniece Sadie Quinn Wiggins, grandniece Emilia Margaret O'Brien and grandnephew Ethan Lang O'Brien. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and niece, Lara Shearer Rogers of Overland Park, KS.

Services will be held Thursday, May 1st at 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Overland Park, KS.