Al Forbes

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Francis Albert ‘Al’ Forbes, age 82, entered into his final rest suddenly on June 2, 2018 in Neosho, Missouri surrounded by his wife and children. Al was born July 1, 1935 near Powell/Cyclone in McDonald County Missouri, the fifth of six children of Martin Aaron and Nellie Mae (Hopkins) Forbes.

The family moved from Missouri to Colorado when he was a child, and Al eventually continued westward to California where he worked through the ranks of the Monterey Fire Department from firefighter to Assistant Chief and later became Fire Chief for the Aptos-La Selva Fire District in California until his 1988 retirement. After traveling the United States, he returned to Neosho, Missouri in 1990 where he raised cattle and pursued a passion for working with German Shorthaired Pointers, raising, training and campaigning numerous dogs to achieve championships.

Al served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1953 to 1961.

A man of great faith and integrity, he served as a senior deacon at The Sheep Shed Church. He will be missed by his family, his church, his community, and his dogs.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and three sisters, Thressa Loftis, Dorothy Markle and Helen Alene Wylie and one brother, Jimmie Forbes, all of whom were four-state residents at the time of their death. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Forbes of Neosho; his sons and their wives, Scott and Susan Forbes of Neosho, Dan and Susan Forbes of Neosho; his grandchildren, Sarah Pomato of Fair Oaks, California, Hannah Sellers of Panama City, Florida, Michelle Goff of Kansas City, Missouri and Christopher Forbes of Joplin, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, a sister, Joan Cooper, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 7 from 4:30 to 5:30 at the Sheep Shed Church, 8471 Gateway Drive, Neosho, MO. Services will be Thursday, June 7 at 5:30 at the Sheep Shed Church. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of gifts, the family suggests memorial contributions in Al’s honor may be made to the Neosho Exchange Club Patriots Memorial Fund, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P. O. Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Jim Carter

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Lt. Col. James “Jim” A. Carter, U.S. Army Chaplain Ret., age 80 of Joplin, Mo. passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Jim was born on December 18, 1937 in De Soto, Mo., the son of Vincent and Flora (Slade) Carter. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Jim continued to serve as an Army Chaplain for 28 years. He also served as a Chaplain for Mercy Hospital for many years as well.

He married Margaret Hichman on June 29, 1958. He is survived by his wife, a son; Bradley Carter of Newport, R.I., a daughter; Cynthia Carter of Blue Springs, Mo., three grandchildren; Nathan Provins, Nasia Duncan, and Kristan Duncan, and two great-grandchildren; Ariel and Deanna Provins. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents and by a brother, Richard Carter.

Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow later in the day at the Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Ks. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Monday, June 4, 2018 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Guy Sesler

(From Parker Mortuary)

Guy Earl Sesler, Jr., 76, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Guy was born on April 17, 1942 to Guy Edward Sr. and Alta (Beltch) Sesler in Joplin, Missouri. He had been a lifelong resident.

Guy was part of the military task force for most of adolescent and adult life. He graduated (1960) as a Cadet Major from Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. A few of his many achievements and activities include class president and Battalion Commander of his class (’60), captain of football, rifle marksman, varsity golf, glee club, and drill team. After graduation Guy proudly served in the United States Marine Corp for six years as an excellent marksman. He bravely completed two tours in the Vietnam war.

After Vietnam, he held many various positions in the community and surrounding area. Among them include teaching ball room dancing at an Arthur Murray dance studio which his family ran. He also followed in his father’s, Guy Sr., footsteps by working at the 408 Cab company in Joplin, where he later became the owner. He then went on to work for Joplin Chrysler where he retired. He was kind, loyal, generous, brave, had a great sense of humor, and was the epitome of a true gentleman.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents, Guy, Sr., and Alta Sesler Driscoll, two brothers, Clark Sesler and Gene Sesler, and one sister, Wanda Norman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sabra (Morris) Sesler; along with three children; Candis Wilson and husband Michael of Wichita, Kansas, Sherry Sesler of Joplin, Missouri, and Guy E. Sesler III and wife Amanda of Joplin, Missouri. Survivors also include four grandchildren, Emilie Henson, Noelan Hensley, Derek Sesler, and Ella Sesler, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends along with three loving feline fur babies.

Family will welcome friends on Wednesday June 6, 2018 from 6:00 pm -7:00 pm at Parker Mortuary. Graveside services will be held on Thursday June 7, 2018 at 10:00 am at Osborne Memorial Cemetery (32nd and McClelland Blvd).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Loretta Goodell

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Loretta Maxine Goodell was born May 2, 1930 to David A. and Mary Ann Reavis. She departed this life on May 31, 2018 at the age of 88.

Loretta is survived by her sister, Cleta M. Snoddy; one niece, Gloria A. Short; nephews David Mark Reavis, Brian Reavis, and Larry L. Reavis.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Park Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Neoma Houck

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Neoma Fay Houck, 87, of Sarcoxie, Missouri passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.

Neoma was born on January 6, 1931 in Sarcoxie, Missouri to the union of the late Elbert and Edith (Kissling) Houck. Neoma was a lifelong area resident of Sarcoxie and was a 1949 graduate of Sarcoxie High School. She worked many for Juvenile Shoe until retirement. Neoma was a very hard worker and a dedicated employee. She enjoyed attending family sporting events and visiting with family and friends. Neoma will truly be missed by all those that knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Juanita Long, Lorena Haworth and Carl Houck, Sr.

Neoma is survived by her two sisters, Loretta Riddle of Carthage, Missouri and Mavor Block, of Sarcoxie, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside funeral services for Neoma are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Dudman Cemetery with Clifford Block serving as officiant. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers will be family and friends. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.co. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Frankie Kilpatrick

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Frankie Lee Kilpatrick, age 63, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at her home in Joplin.

She was born February 4, 1955 in Joplin, MO. Her parents were Frank Eugene Tackett and Martha Rosalee (Price) Tackett. She had lived in the Joplin, MO – Galena, KS area most of her life.

Frankie worked as a pharmacy tech at St. John’s/Mercy Hospital in Joplin for over 20 years. Some of her favorite activities were writing poems, sewing, going on walks, caring for her much loved dog, Thor and taking trips with her daughter, Julie, who was the light of her life.

Surviving is one daughter, Julie Shields (husband, Jason) McKinney, TX; two brothers, Ed Tackett (wife, Carol), Joplin, MO and Frank “Butch” Tackett, Jr (wife, Sharon), Ocala, FL; one sister, Cheryl Herrelson, Shawnee, KS; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 16, 2018 at First Christian Church, Galena, KS. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Baxter Springs, KS after the service.

When it’s hard for one to stand
God sends an angel to hold his hand.
When a loved one has to part
An angel helps mend a broken heart.
When a loved one says goodbye
If you listen you can hear the angels cry.
Part in joy and part in sorrow
For he’ll be among the angels tomorrow.
For when a loved one dies
He goes to where only angels dare to fly

Edna Lukon

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Edna Elise Lukon, 95, Monett, entered into rest on May 31, 2018 at Granby House, Granby, following an extended illness. 

 Edna was born Oct. 29, 1922 in Viola, MO, the daughter of John W. and Viola (Aubrey) Garrison. She was a lifelong area resident and she enjoyed working in her yard and flowers; country music and dancing. She was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. 

 Edna and William ‘Bill’ Lukon were married on Oct. 12, 1938 in Viola and he preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1998. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Windol Lukon. Survivors are her nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Edna will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 2 pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 pm until service time. Interment will follow the service in the Dice Cemetery, Fairview, MO.

Contributions in memory of Edna may be made to Granby House Activity Fund, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.