Ernie Morgan

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ernest Howard Morgan, age 81 of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Thursday August 25, 2022, with family by his side. He was born January 7th, 1941, in Taney County to Thomas Oklahoma Morgan and Eva Maude Morgan.

Ernie was a devoted husband of 61 years, a supportive father, a loving grandfather, a thoughtful friend and everyone’s Pop. He was a hard worker and a proud man who retired from Fag Bearings in 2007. He was an outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and loved animals including his many beloved dogs over the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Morgan and Eva Morgan; sisters, Betty Hawkins, Iva Jean Morgan, Beulah Brown, Barbara Smith and Erma Irish; and daughter, Carol Kyler.

He is survived by wife, Leona Jean Morgan; daughter, Paula Kay Davis; four grandchildren, Daniel Sandoval, Mark Sandoval, Morgan Davis and Kylie Davis; seven great grandchildren, Emily, Harmony, Darian, Danika, Carter, Stella and Barrett; and great-great-grandson, Dawson.

A memorial visitation will be held at 2 pm Wednesday August 31, 2022, at Mason Woodard Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

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

Sherron Ellis

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mrs. Sherron Sue Ellis, 82, of Pineville, Missouri, departed this life on Monday, August 29, 2022, in the comfort of her home.

Sherron entered this life on August 3, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Charley and Nell (Stubblefield) Sanders. She was raised and attended school in Bentonville, Arkansas. She resided in Bentonville until moving to Pineville, Missouri, in 1980. 

Her work history included nearly twenty years with Cooper Communities, Mercantile Bank in Pineville and Jane Water Department where she retired in 2010 as office manager. Sherron was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. 

On July 3, 1980, she was united in marriage to Earl “Tucker” Ellis and together they shared forty-one years before his passing on February 11, 2022. Additionally, Sherron was preceded by her parents; a stepdaughter, Debbie Weirich; and all of her siblings, Wanda, Dana, Wilda, Brenda, Wilma, Frank, Amiel and Billy.

Sherron is survived by her two children, Kevin Whited and wife, Corinne, of Anderson and Lori Griffith and husband, Scott, of Pineville; two step-children, Steven Ellis and wife, Patti, of Centerton, Arkansas and Karen Perry and husband, Greg, of Bentonville, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday morning, September 2, 2022, at Emmanuel Baptist Church near Jane, Missouri, with Bro. Bruce Love officiating. Burial will follow at Pineville Cemetery. 

Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Jake Bridges, Alan Vallance, Jon Hoffman, Terry Lawson, Greg Perry and Jeff Garrett with Rick Riley serving as honorary. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. Memorials are being directed to Emmanuel Baptist Church c/o the funeral home. 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.

Debbie Eck

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Deborah Kay (Jenkins) Eck, surrounded by her family, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, August 27th, 2022.

Debbie was born December 19, 1951. She spent most of her childhood/teen years in Duquesne, MO and attended Webb City High School (Class of 1971). 

She married Peter Eck on May 31, 1969, and eventually settled in Sarcoxie, MO. 

Debbie will be remembered by the many people she touched with her kindness and generosity. She was driven by her own childhood in foster care, to offer a safe, loving foster home to hundreds of children. So in addition to her own three children with Peter, Debbie counted many others as her children. 

Over the years, she also opened her home to numerous foreign exchange students and remained in contact even after their return to their home countries. Among her chosen family include Karita Kamari of Finland, Fabi Aus of Germany (and mother Martina), Alonso Bear of Mexico, Kushtrim Sujemani of Macedonia and Natchanan Buapin of Thailand. 

Debbie was admired for her work ethic. She worked with the Missouri Department of Revenue Sales Tax Division, the License Bureau and Asay Publishing to name a few. She also served as a volunteer at the Sarcoxie Senior Center, serving meals to senior citizens. But Debbie's most rewarding and treasured job was raising her children and being Mema to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Debbie enjoyed traveling, often taking her foreign exchange students to notable sites of interest in the US while they visited or taking vacations with family. But she was most content at home, spending time outdoors taking care of her yard and her animals, or going to auctions and garage sales hunting for bargains and gifts for her friends and family. She loved people and was known to host her neighbors for gatherings of food, fun and fellowship.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Peter and her children, Michael Eck of Ozark, MO; Christina Rhymer (Jerry) of Salina, OK; Kandace Logan (Steve) of Miller, MO; and Troy Royko (Susan) of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her survivors also include grandchildren, Anthony (Lauren) Eck, Skylar (Ryan) Sitton, Rebecca Eck, Timothy (Patty) Arr, Savannah Gibson, Alexandria Gibson, KC Logan, Hayden Logan, Logan Rhymer, Emilee Rhymer and Hannah Rhymer as well as great-grandchildren, Sydney, Madysyn, Braydyn, Daxton, Grayson, Arabella, and August.

She was preceded in death by her foster parents Sterling and Olive King and her in-laws, Frank and Lois Eck. Debbie is no doubt cuddling her great-grandson born sleeping, Breckin.

Services for Debbie are under the care of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home of Sarcoxie and will be held there on Thursday, September 1, 2022 beginning with visitation at 12 pm with memorial service to begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations, via Housh-Goodwin, be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

Patricia Knack

(From Knell Mortuary)

Patricia Ann Anderson Knack, 70, Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away Saturday evening, August 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her family. 

Patricia was born December 28, 1951, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Charles Anderson and Fannie Mae (Miller) Anderson. She was a 1970 graduate of Carthage High School. 

Patricia married the love of her life, Kenneth Knack, on February 10, 1978, in Joplin, Missouri. 

She worked at the Fairview Greenhouse in Carthage for many years, Target, Dollar General, and most recently, a school cook for the Joplin R-8 School District. She was a member of the Freedom Christian Fellowship Church in Sarcoxie, Missouri. 

Patricia spent most of her time gardening and tending to her many flower beds, where she also loved feeding her butterflies and hummingbirds. She enjoyed genealogy research, going to flea markets, cooking and baking, traveling, and listening to her bluegrass and gospel music. 

Patricia was very family oriented and loved being home and spending time with her family. She had so much joy for everyone in her life.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Kenneth Knack; a daughter, Pamela Devins (Trevor), Sarcoxie; a son, Loren Checkley (Jamie), Joplin; three grandchildren, T.J. Devins (Hannah), Diamond, Missouri, Derick Devins, Sarcoxie, and Mystic Rain Hudson, Joplin; great-grandchildren, Reid Devins, and Ryeland Checkley; two brothers, Harold Anderson, Carthage, and Dale Anderson (Deonna), Mt. Vernon, Missouri; five sisters, Frances Wood, Denton, Texas, Sharon Duncan, Joplin, Diane Banks (Dick), Fredonia, Kansas, Ona Kelly, Joplin, and Dee Messersmith (Patrick), Sarcoxie; and many extended family and friends.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary Checkley; two brothers, Bobby Ray Anderson, and David Lee Anderson; and a sister, Pamela Sue Anderson.

Funeral services will be held 10 am, Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

Billy Housh

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Billy G. Housh, 85, of Reeds, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on June 25, 1937, to Bill Housh and Laura “Carroll” Housh in Diamond, Missouri. 

Billy was a farmer and he owned and operated Housh Implement for over 43 years. He was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Diamond. He enjoyed hunting, spending some time at the lake, and seeing his grandkids and great grandkids. Billy had two dogs he loved very much, Gracie and Ranger. They loved him too and followed him everywhere.

He was united in marriage to Ellen Faye Wallace on October 18, 1958, in Diamond; she preceded him in death on January 26, 2016.

Billy is survived by two sons, Don Housh (Dana) of Carthage, and Jimmy Housh (Teresa) of Carthage; a daughter Lisa Nelson (Roger) of Webb City; a brother, Paul Housh of Carthage; a sister, Jo Long of Diamond; three grandchildren, Travis Housh (Morgan), Jerad Housh (Lacey), and Cody Housh; two great grandchildren, Creed Housh and Quinn Housh.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife Ellen Housh; his parents, Bill and Laura Housh; a brother, Carrol “Pete” Housh; and a sister, Pauline Benefiel.

A service has been scheduled for Billy at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. An open visitation will be held on at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Powers Cemetery in Diamond on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, following the service.
Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Any contributions can be made to Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Don LaPanne

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Nelson LaPanne, age 83, of Galena, KS passed peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his home.

Donald, born to the late Nelson LaPanne and Adrienne (Bishard)LaPanne Pearce on October 4, 1938 in Sanford, ME. He was raised by his mother and devoted stepfather Jay Pearce in the Webb City area. 

He married the love of his life, Judith Jimerson on December 22, 1962 in Galena, she survives. 

Donald served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He started out in the dry-cleaning business in Ft. Scott KS, then relocated to Everett WA where he was employed by Boeing. He also worked on the construction of the third powerhouse for the Grand Coulee Dam before returning to the four states area where he owned and operated J & D Construction and American Millwright.

Don was a member of the Kansas Masonic Lodge in Galena and Weir, Eastern Stars in Galena, Mirza Shrine Temple, in Pittsburg, and Scottish Rite Bodies - Valley of Ft. Scott and Valley of Joplin. He was bestowed the K.C.C.H. recognition and proudly earned his 33 degree. He was a member of the Hospital Dads and CK Clowns of the Mirza Shrine Temple. He could often be found collecting items for Shriners’ kids, driving families to Shriners Hospitals in St. Louis and Houston, and passing out candy and balloon animals to children at area parades and events.

He is survived by three daughters, Candy Mallatt and husband Brent of Fagler Beach, FL, Tammy Blaylock and husband Wayne of Seneca, MO and Ginger Sweet and husband Jeff of Carl Junction, MO; seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Joshua Sweet and wife Desi, Darcy Sweet and Jeremy Hofman, Madison Blaylock and Kenzo VanBaal, Olivia Blaylock, Chloe Clifton and husband Kylar, Levi Mallatt, and Amelia Mallatt; one great grandchild Rush Ryan Donald Sweet and American grandfather to several international exchange students as well as numerous extended family members.

Memorial services with Masonic Rites, Scottish Rites ritual for the Rose Croix and Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.

Robert George

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Robert Eugene George, age 71, of Republic, Missouri passed away at 2:21 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born January 27, 1951, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of the late Dr. Harold E. George and Mardell Kirby.

Robert was a 1969 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He also attended Missouri Southern State University where he earned his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement in 1973 and his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 1979. 

While attending college, he joined the Joplin Police Department where he served as a Patrol Officer until he was appointed as a Special Agent with the Division of Legal Services, Department of Social Services in Kansas City, Missouri.

He then went on to attend Law School at the University of Tulsa, College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1986. He then opened his private practice in Aurora, Missouri until he was elected for Prosecutor of Lawrence County, Missouri from 1989 through 2010.

During his time as prosecutor, he was also an Adjunct professor for Drury College, Aurora Missouri Campus, where he taught Business Law, Criminal Law and Procedure, Interviewing and Investigation, Legal Writing and Civil Litigation. Robert was also a Certified Instructor for the National Highway Transportation Safety Institute, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Robert was an associate judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit Court in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. He was elected to the court on November 4, 2014, for a term commencing on January 1, 2015. He retired in January of 2021.

Robert served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services and Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and served as President in 1998. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Center in Joplin, Missouri and was the President in 2014.

Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church, Aurora, Missouri, Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), a member of the Masonic Lodge Canopy Lodge 264 in Verona, Missouri; Scottish Rite 32 degree Mason in Joplin, Missouri; and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Club in Springfield, Missouri. Robert’s lifelong dream came true in 2022 when he became an owner of a Chevy Corvette and was able to join the elite Shriner’s Corvette Club.

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherrie (McVey) George, of Republic, two daughters, Heather Priebe and her husband, Mark, of Republic, Missouri and Holly George-Thomas and her husband, Troy, of Wildwood, Missouri and their dog, Princess, two of his favorite people in the world, his grandson, Conner Priebe and his granddaughter, Chloe Priebe and their dog, Bentley. He is also survived by one brother, Scott George, and four sisters, Susan Stark, Mary Catron, Carol Millsap-McIntyre, and Jane Claas.

Robert is proceeded in death by his parents, Dr. Harold E George, and wife Betty George; his mother Mardell Kirby and husband Duane Kirby; and a brother, Fred George.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the United Methodist Church, in Aurora, Missouri. He will be cremated and a private burial services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Priebe Strong Foundation. You may bring your donation to the services or mail them to the care of Heather Priebe at P.O. Box 422, Republic, Missouri, 65738.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.

***

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