Brenda Johnson

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Brenda J. Johnson, 56, of Lockwood, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. She was born on May 7, 1966, to John Rush and Diana (Clair) Kilburn. 

On February 1, 1986, Brenda and Gary Johnson were united in marriage and shared over 35 years together, before Gary’s passing earlier this year.

 

Brenda enjoyed growing a flower garden and was a caretaker of all things, especially animals. Brenda had a wonderful sense of humor and loved antagonizing her family and friends, but her sisters were her favorite targets. Brenda loved being a wife to Gary; they loved traveling or doing anything where they could be together. She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Brenda will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Brenda is survived by her sons, Kenny Johnson, Keith Johnson and wife Hannah; grandsons, Cooper Johnson, Reggie Johnson; mother, Diana Kilburn; father, John Rush; siblings, Joni Rush, Sandy Neely and husband Tyree, Ricky Rush and wife Kelli, Johnny Rush and wife Angela; mother-in-law, Carol Tuck; nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Johnson; grandparents, Wilbur and Leona Clair; and father-in-law, Ken Johnson.

Visitation will be from 5:00PM-7:00PM, Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Monday, December 5, 2022, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home with burial to follow at Ray Springs Cemetery, Everton, MO.

James McAfee

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

James S. McAfee age 59 of Wyandotte, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Integris Baptist Hospital in Miami, Oklahoma. He was born on February 25, 1963 in Thayer, Pennsylvania the son of Norman & Judith (Smith) McAfee.

He is preceded is death by his mother, 3 brothers, Russell McAfee, William McAfee and David McAfee.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda of the home, his father, one son, Rusty Wallin and his wife, Rachel of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, a daughter Amanda Peirce, of Moore, Oklahoma, a brother, Robert McAfee of Goodman, Missouri, 2 sisters, Debra Vessel of Pennsylvania and Doris & her husband Frankie of the State of Arkansas. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, a great-grandson and other relatives and friends.

Services for James S. McAfee will be held at a later date.

Betty Gideon

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Betty Jean (McBride) Gideon, age 94, of Lamar, Missouri passed away at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation in Lockwood, Missouri on November 28th, 2022 following a wonderful life.

Betty was born to Clifford and Zeta Jo (Boyd) McBride on August 7, 1927. She married Estel H. Gideon on January 28, 1948 in Lamar, Missouri. They celebrated 62 years of loving friendship and marriage.

Betty graduated from Lockwood High School in 1946. She worked as a domestic and international telephone operator and at Thieman Grocery Store during WWII. She worked at Jim Rogers Flies and Lures. She then graduated from Franklin Community College with a degree in nursing. Betty was on staff at Barton County Memorial Hospital until retirement.

She loved her hometown of Lamar. Betty always reached out to her community and church family, guided by this value to actively work to love and help others, especially the children. Her life reflected this focus, she served as the director of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program and Tiger Swim Team Coach (18+ years), LUMC Board of Director's, United Methodist Women, sunday school teacher, Gideon's International, Barton County Historical Society, Rebekahs Lodge, Barton County Republican Woman's Club, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Ladies Red Hat Coordinator, Senior Center supporter, J.O.Y. Fellowship, Fidelis Sunday School class and managing the century plus old Gideon Farm.

Her interests included, sewing, patio gardening, art and music appreciation, The Stone Throw Theater, bird watching, fishing, Bible study, country cooking, golf, the Lamar football tigers and the Kansas City Chiefs. She was a loyal partner to her sweet cat, Cali Jo, her lead caregiver.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Estel; sister, JoAnn Mayhugh, son-in-law, Ralph Zimmerman and half-sibling, Sue Landis.

Survivors include, son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David and Dr. Kathleen Gideon of Atlantic Beach, Florida and also of Mt. Vernon, Maine; daughter, Connie Gideon-Zimmerman of Springfield, Missouri; granddaughter, Jessica Zimmerman-Selvidge and husband Bryan Selvidge, of Springfield, MO; step-grandchildren, Carla Stanton and husband Richard of Webb City, Missouri; and Carl Zimmerman of Decatur, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Drew Zimmerman, Andi Stanton, Cody Zimmerman, Raven Freligh, Brooke Zimmerman and great great great-grandson, Avery Zimmerman; niece, Karel Hippert and husband Bill; half-siblings, Cora Lee Yeager and Evan McBride. Chosen family, DD and Lois Duncan, Carol Buffington and Cathy Rogers. She cared deeply for the Boyd, McBride, Landis and Zimmerman families. Betty will be missed by all who were blessed to call her friend.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the Lamar United Methodist Church in Lamar, Missouri, with burial to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Golden City, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time at the Lamar United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to Lamar United Methodist Church or Gideon's International in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

Mark Addington

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Mark J. Addington, 60, Neosho, MO, passed away 3:29 pm, November 28, 2022 at the Seneca House Nursing home after complications from a stroke.

Mark Joesph Addington was born March 24, 1962 in Joplin, MO the son of Joseph and Freda (Baker) Addington. Mark was a lifelong area resident. He was a 1980 graduate of Seneca High School. 

Mark loved farming and owned and operated a cattle farm in rural Neosho for over 30 years.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila (Curtis) Addington, Neosho; two brothers, David Addington, Neosho and Dwain Addington, Joplin; two sisters, Jolene Kanable, Carl Junction and Jan Overton, Monett, MO; two step-sons; Josias Stephens, Seneca and Brandon Stephens, Houston, TX; 4 nephews and 1 niece.

The body has been taken for cremation under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO. There are no services planed at this time.

Harold Smith

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Harold Dean Smith, age 87, a longtime Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Neosho, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:21 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. He was born October 11, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Carol and Amy (Gamble) Smith. 

Harold graduated from Shawnee High School in 1953 and was a U.S. Army Veteran. On June 4, 1976, he married Linda Rapp in Monrovia, California.

Harold retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in 1979, and shortly after, they moved to Neosho to be near family. He went to work as the Credit Manager for Frye & Gray Home Furnishings, which later became Westco. Not a man to sit still, Harold also drove a school bus for Neosho schools and was a truck driver.

He and Linda established roots at the First Baptist Church of Neosho, and Harold taught Sunday school and served as a Deacon. Collectively, he taught Sunday school for over 50 years. He loved his church and church family and was proud to be a servant of the Lord.

Harold was an avid golfer, an OU football fan, and coached youth baseball for many years. He enjoyed driving and seeing the country and took his family on several memorable road trips. He was always the first to volunteer to help out others in their time of need and earned the nickname “body of an ox” by his family for his ability to tackle any project, big or small. Harold had a joy for life and was always humming or singing his favorite gospel hymn. He stayed active and never let his age prevent him from hopping on a roller coaster or doing cannonballs off of the diving board along with his children and grandchildren.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, of the home; four children, Alan (Sue) Smith of Neosho, Stacey Smith-King of Coleman, Texas; Ryan (Sarah) Smith of Berrien Center, Michigan, and Cristin (Thomas) Gilleland of Neosho; ten grandchildren, Josh Smith, Natalie Almanza, Kelsey Douglas, Dylan Shubin, Grace Hutchens, Jacob Smith, Isla Smith, Emilia Smith, Lillian Smith; and Nora Gilleland; and seven great-grandchildren with another on the way; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, his two sisters, Caroleen Speck and Sherry Johnson, and two nieces, Ami Lawson and Audry Johnson, preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the First Baptist Church in Neosho, with Pastors Marcus Rogers and Jerry Seigel officiating. A burial with full military honors will follow at the Neosho IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho. First Baptist Church Deacons and Elders will serve as pallbearers.

In memory of Harold, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Neosho, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850. The family of Harold Smith would like to thank Avalon Hospice for their care and assistance during this difficult time. They have been a blessing to the family.

Earl Carriger

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Earl Ray Carriger Jr., 74 of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at his home.

Earl was born October 8, 1948 in Joplin, MO to the union of Earl Ray Carriger Sr., and Billie Bernice (Smith) Carriger. Earl attended Riverton Schools graduating with the class of 1966. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in Horticulture. 

Earl enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with family and friends. Earl worked as a machine mechanic at King Louie Manufacturing in Baxter Springs, retiring in 2011.

Earl was united in marriage to Tina M. (Farris) Carriger on April 4, 2004 in Miami, OK. She survives of the home. Additional survivors are his mother, Billie Carriger of Joplin, MO; two daughters, Allison Lawman and husband Bryan of Joplin, MO, and Rebekah Romo and husband Tim of Joplin, MO; son, Jeremy Carriger of Columbus, KS; step-son, Jason Farris and Sue of Crestline, KS; sister, Linda Myers and husband Jim of South Dakota; eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his father, Earl Ray Carriger Sr.

Earl has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. Family will hold services at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Earl’s memory by mailing your check to, WildTrust- Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124-8174 or left at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Edward Banta

(From Lockwood Funeral Chapel)

James “Edward” Banta, 94 years, 8 months, & 2 days of Golden City, MO, passed on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Edward was born on March 28, 1928, near Dudenville, MO, to Jim and Lela (White) Banta. He was the oldest of two sons.

Edward and his younger brother, Kenneth, were raised in the Red Oak community where the family attended Red Oak Methodist Church. He was saved there at the age of fifteen. Edward graduated in 1947 from Lockwood High School where he had played basketball and football, and made many lifelong friendships.

On October 31, 1948, Edward was united in marriage to Dorma Bowles at Round Grove Baptist Church. They were married seventy-four years and one month. To this union, three children were born: Debra, Jerry, and Kathryn.

Edward and Dorma began their life in the Lockwood community until Edward was drafted to the Korean War in 1952. He took his basic training at Fort Ord in California before being stationed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. There, Edward achieved the rank of Corporal, earned the Good Conduct Medal as he served in the 78th Tank Company 4th Infantry.

Upon returning home, Edward and Dorma purchased the family farm near Golden City, MO. He and their son, Jerry, milked cows, tended cattle, and farmed together throughout his lifetime.

Edward enjoyed riding horses and taking trail rides. Edward and Dorma attended many parades with their team and wagon where they were awarded many trophies. The team and wagon also entertained many children at the Baptist Hill Church Camp. For many years, Edward’s daily routine included riding his horses to check cattle.

Edward’s other favorite activities included playing pitch, bird hunting, helping others, and sharing his infectious smile and hospitality.

In later years, Edward and Dorma enjoyed traveling on bus tours while making friends wherever they went. Edwards greatest joy in life was his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Edward was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lockwood where he served as a deacon since 1989.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lela Banta; his brother, Kenneth Banta and wife Marietta; and his grandson, Tayler Anderson.

Edward is survived by his wife, Dorma Banta; two daughters, Debra Stefan and husband Paul and Kathy Kerr and husband JD; one son, Jerry Banta and wife Connie; nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren: Brian Banta and wife Sarina and children, Brayden and Jesse: Jason Banta and wife Leslie and children, Thomas, Harmony, and Evan: Machelle Anderson and children, Jaxsyn and Bayler: Jayde Anderson: Mark Stefan: Doug Stefan and wife Megan and children, Cody, Gabe, and Levi: Leland Kerr and children, Elijah and Emry: Jared Kerr and wife Paige and child Colter: and Nathan Kerr and wife Kennyn and child, Joel.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the First Baptist Church of Lockwood. Burial will follow in Round Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lockwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lockwood. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.