Fred McLean

(From Parker Mortuary)

Fredrick Edward McLean, Sr. age 83, Joplin, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Quaker Hill Skilled Nursing Center, Baxter Springs, Kansas.

Fred was born October 8, 1932 in Joplin, son of the late Thomas A. McLean and Goldie Bentley McLean. He graduated from Joplin High School, then joined the United States Army where he served in both Korea and Vietnam. He retired after 20 years as a Staff Sergeant in 1970. He received several medals and citations during his service including a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. After his Military career he earned his License Practical Nurse degree and worked for over 20 years at the American Lake V.A. Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Fred loved to spend time with his family, especially his wife, and also enjoyed fishing. He was a member of First Gospel Workers Church of Joplin. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Clyde and Donald, all of Joplin.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Hannelore Eberhorn McLean; sons, Fredrick E. McLean, Jr. and wife Diana of Tacoma, Washington, Thomas A. McLean of Joplin; daughter, Kathy McLean Huffman of Sidney, Ohio; sister, Violet McLean of Oronogo, Missouri; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. His ashes will be taken for interment in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Donna Evans

(From Knell Mortuary)

Donna G. Evans, 63, Joplin passed away Friday June 17, 2016 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin. Donna Gail Evans was born May 21, 1953 in Newton County, MO to the late Charles E. Evans and Dorothy L. (Christy) Evans. She was a graduate of Carthage Senior High School, Class of 1971 and attended Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. Donna worked for Crossmart Marketing Firm. She was also a member of the Southwest Missouri Democrats, Bess Truman Democrat Club, and Emily Newell Blair Women’s Democratic Club.

She is survived by a cousin; Cathy (husband Stephen) Holt, Joplin.

No services have been planned at this time. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Carolyn Mitchell

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Carolyn Marie Mitchell, 39, of Tupelo, Mississippi, formerly of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life suddenly on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Carolyn began her earthly journey on March 8, 1977, in Joplin, Missouri, the only daughter born to Gary L. Mitchell and the late Kathleen (Atkinson) Mitchell. She was raised in Joplin, Missouri, and was a 1995 graduate of Joplin High School. She furthered her education at MSSU receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. After college she resided in Kansas City working with probation and parole. She returned home to Joplin and began her career in pharmaceutical sales with Novartis Pharmaceutical Company. She moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, in 2015, and was currently working in the field of software sales.

Carolyn was very family oriented and truly loved children. She wasn’t just a terrific aunt to her nieces and nephews, she had a very large group of friends and if they had children then you can guarantee she played the role of Aunt Carolyn to those kids as well. She rarely (if ever) missed a birthday party, graduation, family gatherings or a holiday. She even hated it if we deviated from our Christmas traditions. Carolyn never had any trouble meeting new friends. She had a very large group of friends and her infectious smile made her the life of many, many parties. Fun, laughter and silly moments were an essential part of her character. She loved to travel. It didn’t matter if it was a short road trip to Kansas City or a medium trip within the US or a long trip to Europe or the Caribbean; she was excited and ready for the next experience. Carolyn was a movie and music fanatic. She had a huge DVD collection and nobody enjoyed watching and re-watching movies like Carolyn. She was a loyal local sports enthusiast. When in Kansas City she really loved following the Chiefs and Kansas University Basketball and with her recent move to Tupelo she developed a growing interest in Ole Miss Football.

Carolyn is survived by her father, Gary Mitchell of Joplin, Missouri; three brothers, Mike Mitchell and wife, Jenna, of St. Louis, Missouri, Scott Mitchell and wife, Sara, of Bixby, Oklahoma and Pat Mitchell of Nixa, Missouri; eight nieces and nephews, Ally, Jacey, Mason, Anna Kate, Ryan, Allie Jo, Josie and Max; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday morning June 23, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin with Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Mike, Scott, Pat, Mason, Ryan and Max Mitchell. Private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri. A Rosary and Prayer Service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, Missouri, with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. Memorials are being directed to either St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund or the Ozark Center and contributions may be left at the mortuary. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through www.thornhilldillon.com.

 Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.       

Bernice Lankford

(From Parker Mortuary)

Bernice B. Lankford, age 88, Webb City, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Bernice was born May 28, 1928 in Hobart, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Tedford Little and Ruthie Souls Little. She married Wesley Frank Lankford, and he preceded her in death in 1994. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy, a son, Gene, a brother, Bill, and a sister, Barbara.

She is survived by a son, Jimmy Wayne Lankford of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Shirley Lankford of Webb City; grandchildren, Denise, Jeri, Kara, Leslie, Janette, Darrell, Drew, Jimmy, Marjorie, and Tommy; 22 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Gonzales Funeral Home, 1111 Military Parkway, Mesquite, Texas with interment next to her husband in Laurel Oaks Memorial Gardens, Mesquite, Texas.

Shawn Kimbrough

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Patty Roechanne “Shawn” Kimbrough, age 58, of Rocky Comfort, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016, in her home.

She was born June 2, 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Billy Max and Peggy (Smith) Edie. On May 8, 1976, in Rocky Comfort, she was united in marriage to Johnny Kimbrough, who survives. Also surviving are her father of Rocky Comfort; two daughters, Jennifer Allen and her husband Randy of Fairview, Missouri and Kelli Kimbrough and Matt Reinhard of Mesa, Arizona; one brother, Scott Edie and one sister, Terry Scates and her husband Terry all of Rocky Comfort and four grandchildren, Stormi and Sydnee Allen and Nemo and Rexx Reinhard.

Preceding her in death were her mother, one brother, Tracy and one sister, Shelly.

Shawn attended school at Wheaton. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking and being with her grandkids and her family. Shawn attended Ridgely Southern Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton, Missouri. Brother Danny Heupel will conduct the service. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Exeter, Missouri.

Marion Bennett

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Marion Young (M.Y.) Bennett was born September 6, 1926 in Chelsea, Oklahoma. He entered into rest on June 15, 2016 at his home in Neosho, Missouri at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 9 days. Marion served as a minister since he was 19 years old. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God for over 60 years. He married Marple Ruth Henderson on July 18, 1947 and she preceded him in death. They had three sons together. Later, he married Juanita June Douthitt on June 10, 1995 and she survives.

Additional Survivors; Three Sons, Bill Bennett of Arnold, MO, Jack Bennett of Jay, OK, Raymond Bennett of Swartz Creek, MI, Step Son Rusty Douthitt of Oak Grove, MO, Two Step Daughters, Shelley Wilson of Springfield, MO, Shenna Douthitt of Neosho, MO, Five Grandchildren, Six Step Grandchildren and Six Great Grandchildren. Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.

Visitation

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Clark Chapel of Memories
312 S. Wood St. Neosho, Mo 64850

Funeral Service

10:00 am, Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Bible Holiness Assembly of God
614 N. High St. Neosho, MO 64850

Sue Wardlow

(From Parker Mortuary)

Carolyn Sue Wardlow of Carl Junction died peacefully on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at Mercy Hospital Joplin after a long battle with cancer.

Sue was born June 13, 1939, in Carl Junction to Blanche Irene "Annie" (Cox) Smith and Arthur Henry "Bud" Smith, who both preceded her in death. She was a proud lifelong Carl Junction resident.

She drove a school bus for the Carl Junction R-1 School District for more than 35 years before retiring due to her health. Sue enjoyed her "school children" immensely, and often took extra trips for the band, speech/debate team, and sports teams whenever she could.

Sue was preceded in death by her high-school sweetheart and former husband, Wilbur Nett Wardlow.

She also is survived by her best friend and sister, Harriet Irene Williams, and her husband, Lee, of Carl Junction.

She is also survived by her son, Michael, and his wife, Jennifer, of Joplin; two daughters, Sue Ann Clark, and her husband, Mitch, of the Joplin area, and Kathy Howard, and her husband, Dan, of Joplin; and by seven grandchildren: Benjamin Wardlow, Nathan Wardlow, Matt Monroe, Ashley Doss, Alyssa Monroe, Sydney Long, and Grace Howard, all of Joplin.

Sue wished to express her thanks and gratitude to Dr. David Croy and his staff, to her friend Paul Cook and the Infusion Center team, and to all of her caregivers who helped her through her illness the past several years.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin. Burial will be in Carl Junction Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Parker Mortuary. Pallbearers will be Brian Oplotnik, Brad Oplotnik, Bruce Oplotnik, Lloyd Lee Smith, Woody Shoemaker and Chris Deem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospice and the Mercy Health Foundation Joplin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parker Mortuary in Joplin.