Ola Donaldson

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ola Grace (White) Donaldson, aged 83 years, passed into glory Monday, July 2, 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She preferred using her middle name, Grace, and to all that knew her, it described her life.

She was born June 4, 1935 on a farm in rural Newtonia, Missouri. Grace met Marvin Donald in Springfield, Missouri and they married on January 25, 1956. She blessed many with the gift of her time, empathy, and a listening ear. She loved babies, hymns and genealogy. Her extensive research of family history is an enduring contribution for generations to come. Even more enduring is the living testimony of her faith in Jesus, God in flesh, the Suffering Savior who lived, died and was raised again, who give life and life everlasting to all who believe.

She was preceded in death by her dear mother, Mary Elizabeth (Hawk) White, her father, Ray White, her sister, Irma Rice and her brothers, Harold and Silas White.

 Grace is survived by her husband of 62 years, Marvin Donaldson, her children and their spouses: Terry and (Andre) Gerner of Colorado Springs, Michael and (Catherine) Donaldson of Fairbanks, Alaska, Robin and (Jerry) Znetko of Prescott, Arizona; as well as her four grandsons, Andre Gerner, Joe Gerner, Max Donaldson and Ti Donaldson.

A memorial gathering was held at her home in Colorado Springs on July 7, 2018. She will be laid to rest with her family in Stark City, Missouri at the Mound Chapel Cemetery on May 11, 2019. In memory of Grace, donations may be made to the Mound Chapel Cemetery Preservation Fund, c/o Janet Montgomery, secretary, 27809 Kentucky Road, Stark City, Missouri 64866.

Evalene Fields

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Evalene Mae Fields was born November 12, 1927 in Loyal, Oklahoma, the daughter of Leon L. and Sara (Heibert) Penner. She entered into rest on April 29, 2019 in Granby, Missouri at the age of 91. 

Evalene worked as a bookkeeper and accountant. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, reading and playing gospel music on the piano and was a Christian. 

 Evalene married Milford W. Fields and he preceded her in death on June 18, 2000. 

 She is survived by two sons, Rick Fields of Plumb, Texas and Steve Fields of Neosho; one brother, Sidney Penner of Alba, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents.

She is preceded in death by three sons, Joseph, Terry and Wesley Fields, a brother, Earlin Penner and a sister, Erma Longhofer.

Ann McCool

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ann Crowe McCool, 83, Neosho, passed on to eternal rest on April 29, 2019 at her home, surrounded by family. Ann was born Sept. 3, 1935 in Neosho, the daughter of William H. Crowe Sr. and Josephine Marrello Crowe. She was a lifelong area resident and graduate of Neosho High School, class of 1954.

 Ann was on the tennis team and played intramural basketball. She was also a lifeguard and swimming instructor. Ann was an advocate for diversity and human rights. She loved and cared for many pets. She loved her flower gardens and trees and art collection. Unity’s Daily Word was her spiritual inspiration. Ann was a businesswoman in Neosho and Joplin, having owned and operated Optical Outlet Center with Helen Roaseau. 

 She is survived by her sons, Prof. Terry Crowe Semler and Dr. Michael L. Gory of Joplin; one brother, Bill Crowe, Neosho; lifelong friend, Julie Beckett, Neosho; and nieces and nephews. Her life partner, Helen Roaseau, preceded her in death.

Services will be Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10 am at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. Pastor Mitch Jarvis will officiate. Interment will follow in the Neosho IOOF Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 3 pm at the funeral home.

In memory of Ann, contributions may be made to Faith Friends Animal Advocates and Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

William Neilans

(From Clark Funeral Home)

William Gary Neilans, Neosho, entered into rest April 29, 2018 at the age of 68 years, seven months, and eighteen days. He was born September 11, 1950 in Pottstown, PA to William Henry and Naomi (Vickery) Neilans.

William had been employed, among other things, as a forklift driver for an insulation manufacturing company. He was very proud of his service in the US Army, where he served during Vietnam. William was a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church, and being with other church members brought him great joy. He also enjoyed woodworking, celebrating Halloween, horses, classical music, and especially being with his family. 

William and Cheryl Ann Jones were married September 2, 1972 in Norco, CA; she survives of the home. He is also survived by two daughters, Amanda Neilans and Amber Kohler and husband, Alex, all of Neosho; six grandchildren; and three sisters, Roseann Evans of Georgia, Susan Lowe of South Carolina, and Naomi Stan of New York. 

 William was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Horace Neilans.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Nancy Cody

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Nancy Lee Cody was born May 27, 1938 in Bennington, Minnesota, the daughter of Fred and Vera (Halstead) Warner. She entered into rest on April 28, 2019 in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 80.

 Nancy worked at the activities director of a local nursing home. She enjoyed trout fishing and was a member of the Friends of the Neosho Fish Hatchery. 

She married Jack Cody who preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 2011. Nancy is survived by a son, Steven Clark and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Bill Warner and two sisters, Maxine Meyers and Phyllis Swanson.

Nancy has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Earl Goddard

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Earl W. “E.W.” Goddard, age 77, of Duenweg, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with lung disease.

Earl was born on March 26, 1942, in Joplin, the son of the late Earl and Golden Cunningham. Earl was a lifelong resident and a dedicated public servant. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served his country honorably. On December 2, 1974 he was appointed to the Joplin Fire Department attaining the rank of Battalion Chief until his retirement on January 7, 1995. He was a long- time member of the Duenweg Volunteer Fire Department serving as a captain. After his retirement, Earl attended MSSU attaining his bachelor’s degree. He was an active member of the North Main Street Baptist Church.

Earl married Eunice Main on October 20, 1979 in Duenweg, Mo. Together they blended their families and were blessed with a family of seven daughters. He and his wife Eunice loved the holidays. They tirelessly decorated their home with wonderful displays inside and out. During Christmas and Halloween they completely transformed the neighborhood. Earl never met a stranger, he enjoyed good conversations. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice Goddard, of Duenweg; seven daughters, Sherry Lawrence, of Joplin, Terri Kruse and husband Russell, Adair, Ok.; Teresa “T” Goddard and partner Sue Grauerholz, Joplin, Ruth Willoughby and husband Herb, of Carl Junction, Mo., Lessley Denton and husband Kurtis, Little Rock, Ar., Marrissa Goddard, Duenweg, Mo., and Karri Goddard, of Saginaw, Mo.; one brother William Ray Goddard, Joplin; one sister, Suzie Ivy, Carthage, Mo.; nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at North Main Street Baptist Church. Reverend Walter Hammond will officiate. Burial will be in Stone Cemetery, Diamond, Mo.

The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Thursday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to North Main Street Baptist Church in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Connie Henson

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Connie Leigh Henson age 59 of Webb City, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at her home. She was born on October 10, 1959 in Neosho, Missouri to Donald H. Henson and Betty June (Lindsay) Henson.

 She graduated in the class of 1977 from Neosho High School. Connie was a beloved rural mail carrier in Joplin for the United States Postal Service for 34 years. 

 She is survived by her boy toy, Bill Kerr of Webb City; daughters, Kellie (Brumback) Hayden and husband Troy of Wichita, Kansas, Ginger Kerr and husband Brian Boles of Las Vegas, Nevada, Charla Hoaglin of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother, Randal Henson and wife Venita of Neosho, Missouri; sister, Janice Warren and husband Ron of Corpus Christi, Texas; 5 grandchildren; along with many friends and additional family members. 

 Connie was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Donald Ken Henson. 

 A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Avalon Hospice in her memory. 

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