William Nichols

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

William Howard Nichols, 63, of Pineville, Missouri died May 1, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers.

He was born August 4, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri to Leonard Leroy Nichols and Evelyn Pearl Vancleave Nichols. 

He retired from Preformed Line Products in Rogers after thirty-nine years and was the owner/operator of Nichols Mini-Storage in Simsberry, Missouri. 

William was a jack of all trades, loved sitting by the campfire, county driving and sitting on the front porch with his wife Frances. He was of the Baptist faith and truly loved the Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David and Jerry Nichols.

Survivors are his wife Francis Nichols of the home; four children, Tim Nichols (Christi) of Louce Dale, Mississippi, Kristy West (Aaron) of Pea Ridge, Nicoma Trobaugh (Kim) of Seligman, John Trobaugh of Rogers; siblings, Beverly Jones (Richard) of Blue Springs, Mo., Barbara Clark (Mike) of Pineville, Mo., Don Nichols (Crissy) of Alexander, Ar.; thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Because of Covid please respect William's wishes for a private graveside service at Simsberry Cemetery, Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 A.M. with invited guests and family only. In lieu of flowers, “Do something special with a loved one." No visitation.



Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net

Zeppelin Abell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Zeppelin Richard Abell, age 2, son of Randall and Mary (Bresee) Abell, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Zeppelin, lovingly known to his family as “Pickles” and “Boo Boo”, was born on November 7, 2018 in Joplin. Zeppelin was a fun little boy and loved life. He enjoyed watching Cars and the Grinch, playing with his Hot Wheels, and he loved motorcycles and mustangs. 

Zeppelin’s favorite color was one he invented, known as “purple pink”, and his favorite song was “Five Little Monkeys." While Zeppelin was only able to be here for a short time, he stole the hearts of many. He is so very loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Zeppelin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Bresee, Roy Abell, and Louise Abell; and his uncles, Richard Clemons, Eddie Bresee, and Gene Bresee.

Survivors include his parents, Randall and Mary; eight siblings, Hope Johnson (Domenick Kirkwood) and their son, Tahir, Shelby Abell (Jakob Christensen), Randi Abell, Haley Bresee, Austin Abell, Bo Abell, Hexton Abell, and Jagger Abell; his grandfather, Melvin Bresee; aunts and uncles, Goldie Hubbs (Jason), Amy Bodine (Nick McKinley), Donna Milner (Brandy), Nathan Bresee (Teresa), Jason Bresee (Justine), Kayla Outt, Mark Bresee, Melvin Bresee (Jenna Outt), and Tim Sargent; his cousin, Joshua Armstrong (Katelyn Wood), and their son and Zeppelin’s best friend, Jax; as well as a host of extended family.

Memorial services are pending at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Faye Watts

 

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Lyllis Faye Watts, 74 of Oswego, Kansas passed from this life in the early morning of Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her sister’s house in Joplin, MO with her family at her side.

Faye was born January 15, 1947 in the family farm house located just West of Hallowell, Kansas to Eugene Burton and Lillie June (Zwahlen) Newbanks. 

Faye graduated from Oswego High School with the class of 1965. She went on to continue her education and received her Bachelors of Education from Kansas Teachers College in 1969. She taught school at Neosho Heights Elementary in Oswego for many years. She retired in 2007 and then turned around and started substitute teaching for a few years after that.

Faye was a member of the Mother of God Catholic Church, Oswego, KS. Along with the church, Faye was a part of the Betta Sigma Phi Sorority; V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary; Oswego Choir; PTO; National Education Association (NEA); and taught disco and country dance lessons. Early in Faye’s childhood she enjoyed going out with her grandmother and picking pecans. She spent time outdoors tending to her garden and flowers. She was always active with kids in various activities they were involved in, but especially when it came to her own grandchildren which she cherished deeply. She was known to many for her cooking and at the end of the day she enjoyed reading.

Faye was united in marriage to Ted Raymond Watts on August 26, 1967 in Parsons, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her father, Eugene Burton Newbanks.

Faye is survived by two sons, Thom Watts and wife Sarah of Pittsburg, KS, and Brad Watts and wife Julee of Joplin, MO; mother, June Newbanks of Oswego, KS; twin sister, Kaye Horn and husband Shelby of Joplin, MO; brother, C.W. Newbanks and wife Joyce of Olathe, KS; special niece, Tonya Horn of Joplin, MO; three grandchildren, Lily Watts, Teagan Watts, and Holland Watts; along with many nieces and nephews; we can’t forget her special companion, her dog Molly.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Mother of God Catholic Church, Oswego, KS. Father Larry Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oswego Cemetery. Rosary will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Mother of God Catholic Church with visitation to follow. Mask will be required at Mother of God Catholic Church. Pallbearers for the service are, Don Roberts, Mike Zwahlen, Rod Monroe, John Williams, Tom Fouts, and Bob Cross. Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Blair, Stephen Muhr and Rod Orem. Memorial donations may be made to Mother of God Catholic Church or Oswego USD 504 in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Ralph Handlin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ralph Burton Handlin, was born August 16, 1933 to Frank and Hester Handlin in Geneseo, KS the 8th of ultimately 9 children in the family. He graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Industrial Engineering and is an Army Veteran from the Korean War.

While the boy left the Kansas farm, the farm never left the boy! Ralph could often be found in his vegetable or rose garden, caring for the dogs and cats, nourishing a fruit or pecan tree, tinkering with a small motor or out on his tractor or riding lawn mower.

Ralph’s contribution to the Joplin area community is woven into its history. As the Division Superintendent of the Joplin Gas Service Company for many years, he led a dedicated team to help his community be safe, fed and warm. His quick thinking after the collapse of the Connor Hotel to use natural gas sniffing equipment helped locate the men trapped below.

As a civil engineer, Ralph designed many of our community gas systems and the transportation of this resource through pipeline underground and across bridges. After tornados would tear apart this infrastructure, he would always be part of the solution to put it back together. He had his own engineering firm for some time and also worked for the Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety.

Ralph encouraged others to work hard to reach their goals whether he was at the office, on the little league baseball field, as a husband, father, grandfather. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church both in Webb City and in Joplin. His deep baritone voice was often heard in the choir.

Ralph passed on April 27, 2021 after a brief illness. He will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Ralph was predeceased by his first wife, Billie Joan Strella.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years Melanie, his brother Max Handlin and wife Sharron, his son Larry Handlin and wife Leslie and son Lucas, daughter Vickie and husband Alvin McGill along with Vickie’s son’s Derek Suelzle, Matthew Suelzle and wife, Arissa and their daughter Peyton. He is also survived by his stepchildren Scott Blizzard his wife Melanie and their children Darcy, Dancy and husband Jesse, Nick Blizzard his wife Heather and Nick’s children Chelsea, Clinton and Caitlin along with Chelsea’s husband Josh Sherwood and daughter Alexus Sherwood, Clinton’s daughter December Blizzard and Heather’s son Brodyn Day and step grandson James McGill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s, Joplin Humane Society, or United Methodist Church Joplin in care of the mortuary.

Family visitation is at the Joplin United Methodist Church Sunday May 2 at 3:30 with Memorial of Ralph’s life beginning at 4:30.

Phil Hathcock

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Philip Ray Hathcock, age 88 of Carterville, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 27, following a recent decline in health.

He was born January 22, 1933 in Iantha, Missouri to Benjamin Phillip and Vera May (Evans) Hathcock.

He attended Spring Valley School. After school he farmed with his dad. He then worked for Independent Gravel. He was drafted in October 1955 and was stationed at several duty stations including Germany. He was discharged in October 1957 after which he served with Webb City “Hound Dog” National Guard. 

Phil was employed with Rex Metallic Casket. He retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation after 22 years of service. He enjoyed camping, his animals and especially his grand and great-grandchildren.

He married Dixie Horn on April 10, 1955 and she survives. He is also survived by his son Dan Hathcock and wife Heidy; two grandchildren, Krisalyn Manes and husband Tim of Webb City, and Sam Hathcock of Ft. Collins, Colorado; great-grandchildren: Jack, Amy, Rachel and Isabella; one brother, Jerry Hathcock of Clinton, Missouri, and very special extended family members, Isaac, Tiffanie, Lilliana, Gavin and Logan, as well as numerous friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday, May 3, 2021 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary with Randy Wilson officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2:00-3:00 pm Sunday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to the Joplin Humane Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory, Joplin, Missouri.

Norma Blevins

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Norma Lee Blevins of Mt. Vernon, MO went home to be with her Lord on April 28, 2021 at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was born on January 23, 1933 in Lawrence County, MO to Ueal and Lorene (Brashers) Leath. Norma Lee was one of seven children in the home.

Norma married Jack Doyle Blevins on February 1, 1952. This union was blessed with five sons, Gary, Bill, Doug, Tony and Gregory. 

She worked as a Nursing Assistant in Aurora Hospital and other locations. Norma was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Norma loved to garden, especially her roses. Jack and Norma were farmers and their favorite thing to do was just spend time with each other. Norma was a kindhearted, generous person, you never left her house empty handed. Norma never met a stranger, and she would talk to anyone anywhere, anytime. Norma cherished her family and the time she was able to spend with them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Gregory Lance Blevins, grandson, Mark Blevins, sisters; Nova Brown and Wilda Wilson and a brother, Harold Leath.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Jack, of the home, sons; Gary Blevins and his wife Sarah of Marionville, Bill Blevins and his wife Karen of Carthage, Doug Blevins of Marionville and Tony Blevins and his wife Becky of LaRussell, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 6 great greatgrandchildren, sister, Catherine Beck of Mt. Vernon, brothers; Delbert Leath of Kimberling City and Roger Leath of Branson, as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends. 

Norma’s infectious smile and gentle heart will be greatly missed by all the lives she has touched.

A Visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 3, 2021 from 10-11 a.m. in the chapel at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. Funeral services will follow at 11 am with Rev. Jeff Braddock and Rev. Hubert Conway officiating. Burial will be at Campground Cemetery (Chesapeake, MO).

Terry Preston

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Terry A. Preston age 78 of Sarcoxie, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at his home. He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Elbert Preston and Margaret (Solomon) Preston on September 15, 1942. 

He retired after 26 years as a Construction Supervisor and was a member of the Shepherd’s Chapel in Gravette, Arkansas. 

Terry attended school in Joplin, Missouri and graduated with an Associates Degree from Fayetteville College. 

He married Linda (Bussear) Preston on May 21, 1990 and she survives. 

Terry is also survived by his son, Steve Preston of Webb City, Missouri; a daughter, Sherry Greninger of Joplin, Missouri; a son, Jonathan Palmer of Austin, Texas; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. 

The family will be present for a memorial visitation on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Carthage Humane Society at 13860 Dog Kennel Lane, Carthage, Missouri 64836 in his memory. 

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