David and Stacy Brewer

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

David Lee Brewer, age 42, and his wife, Stacey Marie Brewer, age 41, passed away from injuries received when the motorcycle they were riding was involved in a vehicle/motorcycle accident Friday morning, July 20, 2018, west of Columbus, Kan. on highway 160.

David was born Oct. 3, 1975, in Columbus. His parents were Edward Lee Brewer Jr. and Cheryl Lynn (Sills) Brewer. Stacey was born Jan. 18, 1977, in Omaha, Neb. Her parents were Rev. David E Haggard and Cheryl (Kuhl) Haggard.

They were united in marriage July 22, 1995, in Baxter Springs, Kan. They had lived in Riverton for the past eight years. Other cities they had lived were Sublette Kan., Baxter Springs, Seneca, Mo. and Mineola, Texas.
They were members of First Christian Church, in Mineola. They worshipped locally at First Christian Church, Baxter Springs, and Tennessee Friends Church, Galena, Kan.

David was currently employed as a traffic officer with the Joplin (Mo.) Police Department, serving there the past 11 years. He had previously worked as a deputy sheriff in Haskell County, Kan., and as an officer at the Galena (Kan.) Police Department.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He received recognition from MADD and was recently named as the KGLC Radio Officer of the week. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, and had competed in the National Law Enforcement Motorcycle Rodeo, in Branson, Mo. Twice he had served as police escort at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington D.C. David was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Stacey was currently working as a manager at Teleperformance, in Joplin, for the past two years. She had previously been employed at Freeman West Hospital, in Joplin, as a lab tech for 10 years. She was involved with PDMI Publishing Company and had traveled to Africa twice with New Covenant Ministries. She was also a member of Christian Motorcycle Association and was an avid motorcyclist. Stacey was an herbalist, an author and a photographer.

David is survived by one daughter, Taylor M'Lee Brewer, Riverton; his father, Edward Brewer Jr and wife, Shirley, Baxter Springs; his mother, Cheryl Schooler and husband, Richard, Seneca, Mo.; one sister, Pamela Hunt and husband, Kris, Carl Junction, Mo.; one grandson, Treyson Allen Tygart; and other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Stacey is survived by her mother, Cheryl Haggard, Baxter Springs; one sister, Sarah L Noel and husband, Scott, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and other aunts and uncles. Her father, Rev. David E. Haggard, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 26, at First Christian Church, Baxter Springs. Pastor Dave Robinson and Cody Graves will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Baxter Springs. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, at Derfelt's Baxter Chapel, Baxter Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Foundation for David and Stacey Scholarships, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at wwww.derfeltfuenralhomes.com.

Jim DeSpain

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Jimmie R. “Jim” DeSpain, age 87, of Rocky Comfort, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Medical Lodge in Neosho, Missouri.

He was born November 2, 1930 in Gate, Oklahoma the son of Emmitt and Celia (Phelps) DeSpain. In 1954 he married Shirlene Marney and to this union seven children were born.

Surviving are one son Jim DeSpain, Jr. and his wife Katrina of Rocky Comfort, Missouri; five daughters, Marti DeSpain of Phoenix, Arizona, Nema Nyander and her husband Bret of Livingston, Texas, Renee Christman and her husband Rick of Stella, Missouri, Christi Rippen and her husband Jeff of Decatur, Alabama, and Trish Stephens and her husband Lance of Rocky Comfort, Missouri; one brother, Leo DeSpain and his wife Dana of Lake Quivira, Kansas; one sister Eunice Schell and her husband Carl of Mansfield, Texas; one sister-in-law Sandy DeSpain of Lavernia, Texas; ten grandchildren, Joel Haynes, Tiffany Hale, Lindsay Johnson, Reece Steele, Jim DeSpain III, Brandon Tichenor, Nash Rippen, Vanessa Banks, Logan Moore and Toby Moore; 14 great grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Pam DeSpain Channel: one granddaughter, Cassadi Rippen; one brother Wendell DeSpain; one sister Lola Speaks and one brother-in-law Bob Speaks.

Jim moved from Oklahoma to Missouri at the age of 4 ½ years. He attended Horton and Rocky Comfort Grade Schools and Rocky Comfort High School where he graduated. During the Korean War he served in the United States Marines. For thirty-four years he operated a printing press for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. He was a member of Prosperity Baptist Church in Rocky Comfort. Some of his favorite pastimes were raising cattle, watching the Cardinals and he enjoyed going to Main Street Cafe and Country N in Wheaton.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Prosperity Baptist Church in Rocky Comfort under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Burial with military honors will be at Union Cemetery south of Stella, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

Contributions may be made to Prosperity Baptist Church in memory of Jim.

 

James Knight

(From Clark Funeral Home)

James Ora Knight, 47, passed away suddenly at his Neosho home on July 23, 2018. James was born June 1, 1971 in Monett, MO to Winfred and Doris Ann (Tracy) Knight. He was a lifelong resident of the Fairview and Neosho area and had been employed as a fork truck and machine operator at Tamko in Joplin. James loved cattle farming and his dog, Blue. 

 
James and Kristina Lundstrom were married Aug. 1, 2004 in Joplin; she preceded him in death on Oct. 24, 2017. 

 
He is survived by Kristina's children, Kurtis Cooper of Ava, MO and Kayla (David) Griffin of Neosho; sister, Jackie (Jon) Wren of Neosho; nieces, Laneita Gannon and Teresa (Kenny) White; nephews, Michael (Annie) Knight, Josh Spencer, and Jonny Wren; aunt, Betty Duncan of Zephyrhills, FL; and uncle, Ben (Esta) Knight of Neosho. 

In addition to his wife, James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Charles Knight, and great niece, McKaylee Baker.

James has been taken for cremation and a memorial service will be announced by the family.

Bill Solomon

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

William C Solomon, age 70, of Carl Junction, MO passed away at 6:00 a.m. Sunday July 22, 2018 at his home. Bill was born November 1, 1947 in Joplin, Mo and was a lifetime area resident. He graduated from Webb City High School in the class of 1965. 

Bill served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the V.F.W. and Carl Junction American Legion. Bill attended Missouri Southern State College and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business and Administration, in 1972.

Bill married his high school sweetheart Karla Ann Mahurin Solomon September 23, 1971 and to everyone’s amazement they were married for 46 years. Additional survivors include a son, Andy Solomon of Joplin and one precious granddaughter who was the light of his life, Sophia (So So) Solomon. Brothers in-law; Gale and Terry Mahurin, Oronogo. Joe and Kath Sandridge, Oronogo and his favorite Nephew, Nathan Sandridge and wife, Lindsay and their children Matt & Jake.

Bill's career in the Newspaper Press Industry spanned over 35 year, serving as President of King Press in Joplin. His work took him across the world, traveling extensively in Southeast Asia and India and building lifelong friendships. After his tenure at King Press, Bill owned and operated Graphic Engineering, a newspaper press brokerage company.

Bill never meant a stranger and could always speak their language (so he thought) and had an opinion on whatever they had to say. Bill was a rabid race car enthusiast and was informally recognized by the Postal Service for his Air Mail expertise.

Bill’s desire was to be cremated. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday at Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory at 5:00 P.M. with eulogies to begin at 6:00. Services have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory of Joplin, Mo.

Donations can be made to the Carl Junction, American Legion Memorial Post 781, P.O. Box 165, Carl Junction, Mo 64834, in care of the Funeral Home or to a charity of your choice.

Wild Bill was a one of a kind, and his legacy will live on forever!

Mildred Hamby

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mildred Ann (Malone) Hamby, 96, died on Sunday, 7/22/2018 – 11:30 am, at her home which she shared with her niece and her husband, Steve and RoiAnn Gardner, Neosho, MO. Mildred was surrounded by her loved ones peacefully departing this world, entering her heavenly home, joining a multitude of loving family and friends.

Mildred was born in McLean, Texas on August 12, 1921 to Harry D Malone, Sr. and Lillian Ester (Craven) Malone. She married William T. Hamby on December 18, 1964. He preceded her in death on November 30, 2006. Mildred had no children but was considered a second mother to many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is survived by stepdaughter, Blanche McKee; step-grandson, Brandon McKee, his wife and children; and Brandon’s father, Larry McKee and wife, Mandy. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Helen Malone, Houston, TX; nieces and nephews – Gregory R. Bridges and wife, Kathy; Mark B. Bridges and wife, Debby; RoiAnn (Bridges) Gardner and husband, Steve; and Bretta Bridges – all of Neosho, MO; Doug Malone and wife Betty, Narcissa, OK; Teryl Malone and wife, Derinda, Seneca, MO; Feryl Malone and wife, Rhonda, Grove, OK; Gayla Osborn, Wyandotte, OK; Sandra Whitehead and Rhonda Jackson and husband, Mickey, Houston, TX; and Jim Malone, Lee Summit, MO. In addition, Mildred had many, many beloved great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings along with most of their spouses - Arthur Malone, Houston, TX; Francis Malone and wife, Ruby, Seneca, MO; Harry D Malone, Jr. and wife Muggy, Seneca, MO; and Helen (Malone) Bridges and her husband, Robert, Neosho, MO.

Mildred Malone Hamby, (many called her “Molly”), was a strong, independent woman with a deep faith and powerful spirit. When she was 22 years old, her father died unexpectedly. She and her brothers supported their mother and younger sister, Helen, who was only 15 years old at the time. Aunt Mildred was known for her many stories one of which was retelling her memories at 3 years old of traveling from Texas to Oklahoma in a covered wagon, and also a favorite of her family members in the teaching profession, how as the teacher of a one-room schoolhouse, she walked several miles to and from school daily, and in the cold weather months, arrived early enough each morning to build the fire before the students got to school.

Mildred graduated from Wyandotte High School in Wyandotte, OK in 1939. In 1942, she received her Associate Degree in Teaching (only required at the time) from NEO in Miami, OK which began her teaching career. After she graduated from NEO, she began teaching at North #7, a one-room school house, between Seneca, MO and Miami, OK in September of 1942. She taught 7th grade, all subjects, then High School Science at Seneca, MO from 1944 to 1947; 3rd – 6th grade Arithmetic in Bristow, OK from 1947 to 1948; Junior High Science in Webster Groves,
MO from 1948 to 1952; and, 8th – 9th grade Math and Science in Joplin, MO at South Junior High where she also was Dean of Girls. Throughout these years, Mildred continued her education during the summers receiving her Bachelor’s degree and then in 1958, after taking a one-year sabbatical from teaching, receiving a Master’s of Science Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After returning from graduate school, Mildred taught Mathematics at Parkwood High School, Joplin, MO from 1958 until her retirement in 1976.

Mildred was a 50-year+ member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a founding member of Park Plaza Christian Church where she attended until her health declined. She will truly be missed by all.

Services have been scheduled for 2:00pm Friday, July 27, 2018 at Park Plaza Christian Church, Joplin, MO, with B. A. Austin, officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery, Seneca, MO. Pallbearers will be nephews and great-nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, July 27, 2018 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the church before the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Park Plaza Building Fund or Avalon Hospice in memory of Mildred.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Roz Watts

(From Parker Mortuary)

Rosilan “Roz” Lee Ann Watts, age 40, Joplin, passed away Friday July 20, 2018 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin.

She was born September 1, 1977 in Nevada, MO to Joseph Wallace Fogel II and Deborah Ann Eagan Fogel.

Rosilan married Theodore Lee Watts on February 21, 1998 in Nevada, MO. He survives at the home.

She worked as a parole officer for the State of Kansas Board of Probation and Parole.

She was a member of Whispering Hills Church of Christ, Miami, Ok;

Survivors include her husband, Ted Watts, Joplin; one son, Nathan Stroud and his wife, Langley, Nevada; two daughters, Brittani Watts and Mariah Watts, Joplin; two grandchildren, Keaghan and Jett Stroud, Nevada; her parents, Jody and Debbi Fogel, Joplin; one brother, Joey Fogel, Joplin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Wilford and Betty Eagan; paternal grandparents, Joseph Wallace and Ellen Vivian Fogel; one uncle, Eddie Eagan; and an aunt, Sally Fogel.

Funeral services are planned for 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Parker Mortuary. Burial will follow at Burkhart Cemetery, Racine. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

George Wade

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Reverend George Marion Wade, age 91, passed away at 7:00 pm, Monday, July 24, 2018 at National Health Care, Joplin, MO following an illness.

George was born in Galena KS on July 10, 1927 to Jack and Mary Wade. After graduating from high school in 1945, George enlisted in the US Navy. He served as a control tower operator reaching the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. While on Special Shore Patrol Duty at a Navy football game one Saturday afternoon in 1947, George had the opportunity to greet Admiral Halsey to the game. Though few words were exchanged between them, George said it was a great honor to meet the Admiral.

George married Rita Port on February 25, 1946. They had four children together; Paul David (PD), Stan, Philip, and Joye.

George graduated from Central Bible School and Seminary in 1954 and the Course of Study for the Methodist Church in 1968. He had the privilege of attending numerous seminars throughout the United States and many foreign countries. He attended seminars led by Billy Graham and Norman Vincent Peale and had the opportunity to talk to each of them and of course had a story for them. He had a story for every occasion and was well known for these stories and his wit in which he was willing to share with all who were patient enough to listen.

George married Violet Mayberry November 30, 1970. Vi had three sons, Bob, Mark and Tom.

George retired from the United Methodist Church June 29, 2004 having served churches in Kansas, Iowa and Missouri for 50 years in both the Assembly of God and Methodist Church.

George was also a carpenter. He remodeled or built either a parsonage or church building in most every church he ministered. He built a parsonage from ground up in Pierce City, MO and a new 250 seat sanctuary for the St. James Methodist Church in Joplin, MO.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Wade, two brothers, Paul (killed during the Battle of Guadalcanal Nov. 13, 1942) and Bill Wade. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Rita, his second wife, Vi, step-son Mark Mayberry, grandson George Andrew Wade and great-grandson Tyler Eaton.

He is survived by his children, PD Wade and his wife, Debbie of Joplin, Stan Wade and wife Jan of Pineville, Phillip Wade and friend Marye of Girard, KS, Joye Helm and husband Sam of Pineville; step-sons Bib Mayberry and wife Karen of Houston, TX and Tom Mayberry and wife Cindy of Seneca. Survivors also include 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, one nephew Keith Wade and wife Terry of Houston, two nieces, Leslie Schurenstedt and husband Rex of Avon, CO and Jacque Brown of Centerton, AR.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Pineville United Methodist Church, Pineville, MO.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, July 27 at the Pineville United Methodist Church. Stand Wade, Phil Wide and Pastor Mark Kailborn will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

Military graveside rites will be at 3:00 pm, Friday, July 27, 2018 at Hill Crest Cemetery, Galena, KS.