Diana Jeffrey

(From Parker Mortuary)

Diana Sue Spencer Jeffery, age 58, Webb City, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 1, 2019 at Freeman West.

Diana was born August 9, 1960 in Joplin, daughter of the late Ronald Hudnall and Lilly Marie Spencer. Diana grew up in Joplin, graduating from Memorial High School in 1979. She owned Outsiders and Renegades for years, and also worked for Meadows Care Center in Joplin. She was a very loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and over the years cared for many other "children". Her home was always open to those in need. and she was very giving with the money and gifts she was blessed to have, whatever it took, she was always trying to help get someone back on their feet. She will be missed by many.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Donald Lee Jeffery, whom she married June 13, 1985 in Irving, Texas; a son, Jacob Jeffery, a daughter, Diana Jo Jeffery; and a brother, Donald Spencer.

Survivors include her children, Shawnte Jeffery of Webb City, John Jeffery and wife Jenny, and Josh Jeffery all of Galena, Kansas, Donnie Games and Billie Games both of Oregon, Rebecca Marney and husband Danny of Joplin, and son-in-law, Jerick James of Joplin; grandchildren, Jordon Jeffery, Colton James, McKenzie James, Jonnie K. Jeffery, Tianna Ness, Destiny Ness, Gwen Haase, Brantley Jeffery; brothers, Rev. Brian Spencer and wife Chasady of Liberal, Missouri, Terry Spencer and wife Christie of Joplin, Floyd Spencer of Liberal; sister, Dixie Evans of Webb City; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 5, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at First Christian Church of Galena, Kansas with her brother, Brian Spencer officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 p.m. until service time.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Charles Gibbons

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles Edward Gibbons, age 92, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Charles was born September 23, 1926 in Carthage, Missouri, son of the late Dean Gibbons and Sylvia Conley Gibbons. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was a member of American Legion Post #13.

He worked for the Joplin Globe for over 50 years, retiring as the City Editor. While with the Globe he also wrote a column, "Angling in the Archives". After retirement, he published two books under the same name. He and his wife, Doris, were active volunteers for St. John's with Prestige. They enjoyed helping others by volunteering for several local charities, and had a popcorn maker that they took to many fund raisers where they were known as the " Popcorn King and Queen". They were chosen as winner of the Health Care Heroes for volunteer division in 2009. He was also a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. The couple enjoyed traveling with Prestige and SMB Lifestyles, and attending plays at the Joplin Little Theatre, Stained Glass, and the Carthage Stone's Throw Theatre.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Doris, who passed away on November 4, 2010, a son, Richard Gibbons, a daughter, Teresa Gibbons, a brother, James Gibbons, and two sisters, Emma Harris and Erma Dean Chapman.

Survivors include his son, David Gibbons of Joplin; and a brother, Frank Gibbons of Stockton, California; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father J. Friedel officiating.

A prayer service followed by visitation will be held Thursday, April 4, at 6:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

Frances Tomlinson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Frances Shirley Tomlinson, age 86, passed away peacefully April 2, 2019. Born April 16, 1932 in Anderson, Missouri to Daniel C. and Thelma I. Garde, shortly afterwards moving back to Joplin, Missouri where Frances lived most of her life. She attended Alcott, South Junior, and Joplin Senior High School, graduating in 1950.

Five days after graduation, she married a handsome neighborhood boy, Roy G. Tomlinson, who wooed her heart with letters while serving in the Pacific after WWII. She was a stunning beauty with a porcelain complexion and auburn hair. Together they had four children living for 10 years on a farm in Spurgeon, then back into Joplin.

Frances was a generous, kind, and loving mother first and foremost. After a divorce in 1973, she raised her kids as a single mother who never wanted for anything. She was a member of Mount Hope Church of Christ. Her unwavering devotion to family and church made her a true matriarch.

Frances worked in retail, Arlan’s, May’s Drug Store, and sixteen years with WalMart, a dedicated and hard worker who enjoyed being around people and the camaraderie of her fellow coworkers. 

Frances is survived by her children, Christopher G. Tomlinson, Linda S. Watts, David R. Tomlinson, and Laurie A. Jamett; grandchildren, Joshua J. and Jesse D. Jamett, Anderson, Abbie, and Zachary Watts, Jeremiah G. Cooper, and Nicholas Hurst; sister, Patricia A. Lyscio. She also had a sister Peggy Frisinger who is deceased.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin with burial to follow at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, April 5th at the mortuary. Memorial flowers or donations to the charity of your choice are welcome.

Takoa

(From the Joplin Police Department)

We regret to inform you that retired JPD K9 Takoa passed away yesterday.

He was with his handler, retired JPD Officer Travis Walthall. 

Walthall and Takoa retired together in September 2016 from the Joplin Police Department. 

Aaron Moss

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Aaron Jacob Moss, Jr., 76, passed away April 2, 2019 at his home in Sarcoxie, MO. Aaron was born June 17, 1942 in Kansas City, MO to Aaron Moss, Sr. and Evelyn DeHues Moss. Aaron served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and worked for Kraft Cheese in Springfield for over 30 years. He attended the First Baptist Church in Sarcoxie.

Aaron was united in marriage to Marilyn McCubbin on June 9, 1964 in Miami, OK; she survives.

Aaron is also survived by one son, Gregory Moss and wife Dr. Melinda Moss of Joplin; one daughter, Vicki Downing and husband Ruben of Sarcoxie; four grandchildren, Zach Love, David Love, Kristie Downing and Melissa Salyer, along with four great grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Sarcoxie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Sarcoxie.

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

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Ellen Brookman

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ellen Brookman, age 83, of Joplin, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2019. Ellen, daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred (Kolby) Kanel, was born on July 3, 1935 in Seymour, MO. 

She was united in marriage to Dick Brookman in Eureka Springs, AR in 1994. He preceded her in death in 2010. 

She was previously employed as a mortgage banker for US Bank for over 30 years. She was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for several years and enjoyed an active lifestyle being involved in yoga, spinning class, walking, bicycling, and playing golf. 

Survivors include one son, Mark Salchow, and his wife, Laura, of Joplin; one daughter, Kim Fryer, and her husband, John, of Carl Junction; four brothers, Ronnie Kanel, of Seymour, MO, George Kanel, and his wife, Sue, of Seymour, MO, Marshall Kanel, and his wife, Wanda, of Rogersville, MO, Max Kanel, and his wife, Joanie, of Springfield, MO; and five grandchildren, Chelsea Mertens, Adysen Mertens, Adam and Sarah Mertens, Matt and Ashley Fryer and Ellen Salchow.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 6:00pm until 7:00pm at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette House and entrusted to the mortuary

Robert Wheeler

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Robert T. Wheeler age 55 of Carl Junction, Missouri passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at his home. He was born on April 19, 1963 to William R. Wheeler and Mary (Smith) Wheeler in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 Robert worked in gun sales and also security. He is a United States Air Force Veteran. Robert is survived by his brother, William C. Wheeler and wife Leslie of Carl Junction; and a stepbrother, Paul Kavalauskas of Ohio; and a stepsister, Kathy Reid of Ohio. 

 Robert’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will announce a celebration of life service at a later date. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.