Billie Sheets

(From Parker Mortuary)

Willa Lou "Billie" Sheets, age 84, Joplin, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at a local nursing center.

Billie was born April 29, 1935 in Haleyville, Alabama, daughter of the late Edward "Eddie" Sutherland and Nettie White Sutherland. She began her career as a server at the original Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, Missouri before moving to the Joplin area. She worked for over 20 years at Rafters, over 15 years at Wilder's, and also spent 14 years tending bar at the Joplin Eagles Lodge. She was a Christian, and enjoyed her time with friends belonging to the Ladies Elk Lodge of Joplin, and the Ladies Eagle's Lodge.

In addition to her parents, Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Sheets who passed away on January 22, 2003; sisters, Helen Woodworth, Judy Long, and Doris Ellswick; and a grandson, Dustin Patty.

Survivors include her children, Belinda Lou Webb of Camdenton, Missouri, Becky Sheets of Springfield, Missouri, Ronald Sheets of Springfield, Mikel Campbell, and Rob Patty both of Joplin; grandchildren, Travis Murray, Brandy Klein, Amanda Campbell, Christopher McDowell, Branden Bucklin, Lacey Crowe, Jacob Patty, and Duane Sheets; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be Monday, May 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Jeff D. Martin officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service at the funeral home.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the family to help with final expenses.

Helen Jones

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Helen Jo Jones, 58, Neosho, MO, passed away May 2, 2019. Helen was the daughter of Johnnie and Betty Ann (Roberts) Jones, born November 9, 1960 in Neosho. Helen was a graduate of East Newton High School. Except for a few years when she lived in Eldora, Iowa, she was a lifelong Newton County resident. At one point, she worked for Charlie’s Grill in Granby; later she worked in food service at the Newton County Senior Center, and was active in Meals on Wheels. Helen was a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church.

Helen is survived by her mother, Betty Ann Jones of Neosho, MO; three brothers, Carl Jones of Stark City, MO, Mike Jones of Jackson, Michigan, and John Jones of Neosho; two nieces; three nephews; three great nephews; numerous other family members; and many friends.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Granby Memorial Cemetery, Granby, MO. Reverend Melvin Stapp will officiate.

Contributions to honor Helen may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 26, Granby, MO 64844.

Kevin Trahin

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Kevin Dane Trahin of Webb City, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 from a sudden illness at the age of 58.

Kevin was born in Joplin, Missouri to Dwight and Billie Trahin, grew up with his five siblings in Baxter Springs, Kansas and graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1979. 

At 21 years of age he married Debi Trahin and later had 2 daughters, Jordan and Abbey. He graduated from MSSU with a bachelor's degree in communications and went on to work at KSNF TV. Kevin was a loving, dedicated father and husband. He spent his free time with his family and never missed one of his daughters' events. He collected Star Trek and Mickey Mouse memorabilia, loved classic rock, enjoyed reading and spending time outdoors. He had no grandchildren but loved his grand-dogs and spoiled them in every way possible. Kevin had the best sense of humor and loved making people smile and laugh. He had a big heart and will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Billie (Kaze) Trahin, and his father Dwight S. Trahin. 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years Debi (Jones) Trahin and his daughters, Jordan and Abbey Trahin, his brothers, Dwight Trahin and wife Catherine, Richard Trahin and wife Julie, his sisters, Paige Kraft, Erinn Harper and husband David, and Whitney Trahin, and many nieces, nephews, and great nephews. 

Visitation will be Monday, May 6, at 12pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri. The funeral and graveside services will follow at 1pm at the funeral home. 

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

Robert Mutrux

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Robert Alan Mutrux II of Neosho, MO passed away May 1, 2019 at 63 years of age. He was born January 8, 1956 in Joplin, MO to Robert Alan and Atla Geradline (Haynes) Mutrux.

 He had worked for the FAA as an air traffic controller. During his school years, Robert was a radio DJ; was student body president at MSSC in Joplin, MO; and was a drum major. 

Robert is survived by his life partner, Oscran Aquino of Neosho, and his sister, Victoria Mutrux of Springfield, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. R.A. Mutrux, and his mother, Gerry Mutrux.

The body has been taken for cremation; no services are planned at this time.

Louise Abell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Louise M. Abell, age 68, Joplin, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Freeman West Hospital.

Louise was born December 26, 1950 in Fort Riley, Kansas to the late LeRoy Gourley and Dorothy Frans Gourley. She graduated from Galena High School, and attended the Joplin Beauty Academy. Louise also obtained her CMT Nurse’s Aide Certificate, and worked for several nursing homes in the area for over 20 years. She enjoyed the all the individuals she had the privilege to help over the years.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by two brothers, Danny Gourley and Levy Gourley, and a nephew Rodney Royer.

Survivors include three sons, Russell Abell and wife Samatha, Randall Abell and wife Mary, Samuel Abell and wife Britney, a daughter, Dorothy Abell; siblings, John Gourley and wife Virginia, Kenneth Gourley and wife Diane, and Laura Crouch and daughter; six half-children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are planned for a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Sammy Burrow

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. Sammy Eugene Burrow, 63, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at his home after a sudden illness.

Sam entered this life on November 15, 1955, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, born to the union of Virgil and Juanita (Marshall) Burrow. He was raised in Gravette, Arkansas and was a 1973 graduate of Gravette High School. After graduation he enlisted in United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged in 1977, he moved back home to Northwest Arkansas. Sam worked hard his entire life. His employment history included Tyson Foods, Sunbeam, R&R and Wal-Mart, with his greatest enjoyment being the operation of his farm near Noel, Missouri which he purchased in 1993. 

On October 31, 1995, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Sligar and together they have shared the last twenty-three years. He loved being outdoors and spending time visiting with his family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter, Kristie Bakema; and a sister, Linda Burrow.

Sam is survived by his wife, Charlotte Burrow of the home; a daughter, Jennifer Burrow of Noel; five grandchildren, Kayla, Nicole, Kat, Scotty and Sadie; one great grandson, Blu; his mother, Juanita Burrow of Noel; a brother, Skip Burrow also of Noel; several nieces, nephews and numerous close friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening, May 3, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday afternoon from 2-5:00 p.m. at the Burrow Farm. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

David Hofer

(From Clark Funeral Home)

David James Hofer I, age 85, Neosho, MO passed away April 30, 2019. He was born September 19, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to Ambrose and Dorothy (Carrol) Hofer.

 He served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, and later, worked in maintenance for the San Diego, CA School District. He loved to build, loved his grandchildren and family, and loved the outdoors and wildlife; he enjoyed camping and fishing. David was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ. 

 David and Cora (Dickinson) Hofer were married June 27, 1959 in Encinitas, CA; she survives of the home. 

 He is also survived by three children, David James Hofer, II of Neosho, Debbie Coburn and husband, Mike of Vista, CA, and Deanna Peirsol and husband, Gary of Neosho; one brother, Robert of Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Marguerite of AZ; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Donald; and ten siblings.

Funeral services will be private.

To honor David, contributions may be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.