Sherry Sappington

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Sherry Lou Sappington was born February 12, 1955 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She passed from this life suddenly on April 7, 2016. Sherry spent her youth in Claremore, Oklahoma then she and her very large family moved to Stark City, MO. She later moved to Springfield, MO, where she spent the past 26 years. Sherry graduated from East Newton High School in 1974. She worked her way through college and graduated from Crowder College school of nursing as an LPN in 1984. She was a member of Grant Community Church in Springfield.
Sherry was compassionate and worked fearlessly to advocate for her patients at numerous jobs, from working with the elderly in nursing homes, to taking care of inmates in mental health for the State of Missouri, to in home care. She spent the last months of her life caring for her parents. She was truly gifted in understanding what needed to be done to heal and was always willing to step in when anyone needed help. She was quick witted and funny, opinionated and strong. She could make you laugh and want to smack her at the same time but it was hard to resist the twinkle in her eye and her smile.

She was a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). There are children who have beautiful lives with loving families because she wouldn’t give up on doing the right thing.
Sherry leaves behind two fabulous children, Emily Sappington and Duncan Sappington and one grandson, Julian Garnica-Sappington of Springfield, MO. She loved them more fiercely than anything. They were her heart, her greatest joy. Also, Tyler Caldwell of Phoenix, AZ, whom Sherry loved and considered one of her own.

She is survived by her children and grandson, two brothers, Ralph Sappington, Granby, MO, Jerry Sappington, Galveston, TX, five sisters, Tina Banks, Neosho, MO, Kathy Sappington, Neosho, MO, Gina Nicsinger, Overland Park, KS, Dina Campbell, Stark City, MO, and Mary Sappington, Neosho, MO, many nephews, nieces, loving friends and family. She will be missed deeply.
Sherry was proceeded in death by her parents, Bill and Jessie Sappington, brother, Richard Sappington and sister, Brenda Sappington.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Unity of Springfield, MO on April 23, 2016 at 5pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to CASA of Springfield.

Melinda Stine

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Melinda Sue Coberley Stine age 56, succumbed to her battle with colon cancer on Saturday April 9, 2016. 

Melinda- known as me and or Sue to her family and friends was loving and much loved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all.
Melinda was born on November 13, 1959 to Orville “Jim” and Ruby “Weston” Coberley.
Melinda grew up in Joplin and attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was a graduate of Sunnydale Adventist Academy in Centralia, Missouri. She loved the Lord and was spending time with Him daily in study and prayer. 

Melinda loved spending time with her grandbabies Harley and Jase, who called her Ga, and with her family and friends. Many weekends you could find her spending time with Todd, the love of her life, taking road trips in their convertible while looking for bargains at rummage sales. Mel also enjoyed reading and making Afghans for family and friends. 

Melinda was known for always thinking of others and putting their need and wants before her own. She was a hippie at heart and loved bright colors, unique fashions, flip flops and being barefoot.
She worked tirelessly at a variety of jobs to support her family, as her children grew up. At the time of her death she was employed by KCPL Company of Kansas City, MO. She was very excited and proud when in 2012 she learned that she had been awarded the Celebrity Staff/ C and A Industries Employee of the year award. 

She will be remembered for her love, laughter, strength, and fun loving spirt. She could be gentle as a lamb and fierce as a lion. She was always there a lend a hand, ear or a comforting hug.

 
She was loved unconditionally and is survived by Todd Smith of the home. She is also survived by her children James Standley, and Gwendalyn Haase, husband Chris, grandbabies Harley and Jase. Her parents Orville “Jim” and Ruby Coberley, one brother Mike Coberley and wife Edith, one sister Amy Hoagland and husband Terry, and her nieces and nephews Jennifer and Husband James, Brandon, Ben, and Holley, as well as a great nephew and niece. All of Joplin. And many family and friends. 

She said may times “No crying at my funeral, and no hanging around at my grave! Celebrate me with laughter, love a good party. 

She was an advocate for colon cancer awareness and could often be heard telling us all, “don’t forget to check your BUM”. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday April 16, 2016 at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory. Burial will follow in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery Joplin, Mo. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 pm Friday at the Mortuary. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the Mortuary. 

Arrangements entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Joe Plummer

(From Knell Mortuary)

Joe A. Plummer, 81, Carthage, MO, passed away Sunday evening, April 10, 2016 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. Joe Arthur Plummer was born November 24, 1934 in Carthage, MO to the late John Henry Plummer and Bessie (Sidenstricker) Plummer. Joe was a graduate of Carthage High School, Class of 1952. He worked as a plasterer for Greenwood Bros Plastering Company. Joe married Shirley Lindley on November 24, 1955 in Diamond, MO; she survives. He was a member of the Oil of Joy Ministries, Diamond, MO.

Survivors include his wife, one daughter, Janis Lynn Updegraff (husband Larry), Carthage, MO; one son, William Wayne Plummer (wife Debbie), Joplin, MO; four sisters, Lois Jewel Fenimore, Carthage, MO, Thelma Bass, Carthage, MO, Virginia Darlene Wilson, Carthage, MO, and Ailene Dewelt, Joplin, MO; seven grandchildren, Angelia Ruiz, Melissa Ruiz, Alyssa Plummer, Tyler Dobbins, Kristie Goade, Stacie Brane, and Amanda Updegraff; and seven great grandchildren, Alyc Ruiz, Lexi Plummer, Layton Dobbins, Jacob Goade, Akaysha Mitchell, Gabbi Brane, and Kaden Brane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Henry Ross Plummer, and Lawrence Dean Plummer.

Visitation will be held 1:00-2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO, with funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. Shelly Edens and Don Staggs will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Diamond Cemetery, Diamond, MO. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Bob Hays

(From Parker Mortuary)

Robert J. Hays II, age 36, Parkville, Missouri, passed away at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at his home after a sudden illness.

Bob was born April 14, 1979 in Joplin to Robert Hays and Connie Rakes Hays and had lived in the Kansas City area a short time, moving from Joplin.

He worked as a sous chef for several years at Crabby's in Joplin and Rogers, Arkansas; Wilder's Restaurant in Joplin, Anton's, Kansas City, and most recent, executive chef at Barrel 31, Kansas City.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathryn; a son, Skyler Paul Hays; his parents, Robert and Connie Hays, Carl Junction; two brothers, Chad Andrew Hays, Webb City, Gabriel Aaron Hays, Carl Junction; his maternal grandmother, Leila Rakes, Carl Junction; mother-in-law, Sue Beth Sharp, Grove, OK; sister-in-law, Amanda Moutos and her husband, Christopher, Warrensburg, MO; brother-in-law, Andrew Culbertson, Grove; and granny, Susan Sharp, Grove.

A celebration of life is planned for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established for Kathryn Culbertson Hays at Great Southern Bank, Joplin.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Susan Penn

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Susan Jane Penn, 66, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at the Golden Living Center in Anderson, Missouri, after months of declining health.

Susan entered this life on March 14, 1950, in Noel, Missouri, daughter of the late Floyd and Nellie (Cash) Penn. She was a lifelong resident of Noel, Missouri. She graduated 2nd in her class from Crowder College School of Nursing in 1992. She was a traveling RN for several years before beginning her employment with Golden Living Center. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano and spending time on her front porch. She was a member of Noel Faith Tabernacle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Floyd Albert Penn. 

Susan is survived by her three children, Larissa Tuell and husband, Kenny, of Noel, Missouri, Scott Goodwin of Anderson, Missouri and Greg Goodwin of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Andrew Tuell, Brian Goodwin, Holly Goodwin and Alex Tuell; two brothers, Stephen Penn and wife, Patricia, of Rogers, Arkansas and Samuel Penn, Sr. and wife, Kathy, of Pineville, Missouri; a sister, Sharon Nelson of Rogers, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Noel Cemetery in Noel, Missouri with Rev. Brent Beauford officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Greg Goodwin, Kenny Tuell, Robert Nelson, Lloyd Penn, David Penn, Darrell Burnett and G.W. Tompkins. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. in the Noel Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Noel, Missouri.

Roy Derfelt

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Roy Leon Derfelt, age 93, a well-known businessman, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior at 8:10 pm, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Communities of the Wildwood, Joplin, MO.

Mr. Derfelt was born August 17, 1922 in Galena, KS. He was the youngest of four children born to John Olin and Charlotta Clarice (Bennett) Derfelt. He was a lifetime resident of Galena.

He graduated from Galena High School with the Class of 1941. He met the love of his life after he was admitted to St John’s Hospital, Joplin, MO with pneumonia, H. Virginia Tyler was his student nurse. Dec 7, 1941 was an even more infamous day because it was their first date. They were married in a private ceremony on March 16, 1943 in Galena KS during Virginia’s lunch break from the hospital.

Roy was leaving Galena to serve in the US Army Air Corp during World War II. He was in combat on a small island in the Pacific and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese on that air strip.

Roy returned home to work at Eagle Picher smelter in Galena before getting a job at Spencer Chemical Co. While working there, he began studying at Kansas Teachers College in Pittsburg. He transferred to the Kansas City School of Mortuary Science Kansas City KS.

In 1951, he joined his father as a funeral director at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS, a profession he continued to practice well into his 80’s. He eventually became sole owner of the business. It was in 1977, he purchased a funeral home in Baxter Springs, KS. He provided ambulance service to the communities and the surrounding area.
He served on the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts for several years.

He was senior deacon at First Baptist Church Galena where he joined in 1933 at the age of 9. He held countless offices at the church including Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the church, In the 1970’s he was church camp director for the KOAM Youth Encampment. For several years, he served on the Ministers Benefit Committee with the BMA of America. He was a Gideon in the Cherokee County camp. He was also a retired member of the Galena Fire Dept. He had been a member of the Masonic lodge for 70 years as well as several other masonic organizations. Other organizations he had held membership were the VFW, the American Legion, the Galena Chamber of Commerce, the Lions club (where he was a charter member), Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the Galena Mining and Historical museum.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia. Two sons, John Derfelt (wife, Imogene), Joplin, MO, Jerry Derfelt (wife, Peggy), Galena; two daughters, Molly Hilton, Springfield, MO, and Mary Vogel (husband, Fred), Galena; 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, and large number of nieces, nephews, and friends too close to be called a friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John M Derfelt, two sisters, Una Mooney and Frieda Paxson, one son in law, Gary Hilton and one daughter in law, Frankie Derfelt.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 10, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Galena, KS. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery Galena, KS.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to either First Baptist Church or the Gideon’s in care of the funeral home.

Paul Cox

(From Thornhill-Dillon Funeral Home)

Paul Willis Cox, 87, of Joplin, MO, died April 6, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.

Born Oct. 15, 1928, in Joplin, he was the son of Homer and Pauline Davis Cox. He lived most of his life in Joplin, MO and Pittsburg, KS. He married the love of his life, Modena Lee Melton, on April 7, 1951. By profession he was a music teacher beginning his teaching career at Metz, MO.

Paul was drafted into the U. S. Army during the Korean War serving in the band at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After discharge from the military he returned to teaching serving both elementary and junior high schools as band teacher in Pittsburg, KS. Later in his teaching career he became a guidance counselor at the Pittsburg Middle School.

Paul served Trinity Baptist Church, Pittsburg, KS as a deacon and as the music director for twenty years. Later, he attended South Broadway Baptist Church before retiring and moving back to Joplin. In Joplin, Paul joined with Fellowship Baptist Church where he taught a senior adult Sunday School class for many years and played his clarinet in the church band.

Paul loved attending Missouri Southern State University basketball games with his brother, playing ping-pong, hitting the greens at the golf course and visiting with his friends. His fellow school teachers in Pittsburg, KS honored Paul for his love of golf by holding an annual P. Cox Golf Tournament for several years.

Paul’s love for music can be seen today in the life of many of his former students and even his family members as they carry-on his musical traditions. His constant encouragement is often mentioned by former students. Many claim he was their best teacher. A few have said if it wasn’t for him, they would have quit school. Most of his children and grandchildren play musical instruments and one is planning to major in music when they attend college. He is attracted to the idea of becoming a teacher like his grandfather. Paul’s lasting musical legacy is summed up best in Mr. Cox’s Opus Facebook page where several have left positive comments. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Modena Lee Cox and a grand-daughter, Leslie Denise Snapp.

Survivors include a brother, Robert Cox of Joplin; two daughters, Diane Snapp (Lynn) of Joplin and Paula Shepherd (Larry) of Bella Vista, AR; son Rob Cox (Shelly) of Cheyenne, WY; seven grandchildren, Alisa Watts (Josh), Jeremy Snapp, Gabe Shepherd (Amanda), Candace Lee (Matt), Mikaela Cox, Bryce Cox, Jamerra Cox; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle Watts (Michelle), Khanin Watts, Kameron Watts, Kayla Watts, Ella Shepherd, Aaron Lee, Sarah Lee and Joseph Lee; and one great-great-grandson, Maddox Watts.

Funeral services for Mr. Cox are 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.