Mary Lou Alford

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Lou Alford passed away on Apr 1, 2023 in Joplin, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Myrtle (Dunkin) Glover and Daddy, Cecile Glover, husband Billie Lee Alford, and two sons, Mark and Matthew Palmer.

Mary Lou was born May 10, 1940 in Dexter, Missouri. She spent her early years playing the piano in local churches that her Daddy pastored. 

After graduating high school, she joined the Army where she was a Sergeant in the Women's Army Division. After leaving the Army, she had 3 children, Michele, Mark, and Matthew. She met her husband in Vienna, Illinois and they were married on Christmas Eve 1976 with her Daddy officiating the ceremony. Bill and Mary Lou had 30 years of wonderful marriage together before Bill passed away.

Mary Lou, or Mamaw, as her family called her, leaves behind her brother, Donald Glover of Denver, CO. Her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Brad Price of Elizabethtown, IL. A daughter in law, Jenny Palmer of Paducah, Kentucky. Her grandchildren Monica and Eric Keller of Webb City, MO, Marissa and Seth Bowery and Cassie Price of Jonesbourgh, TN, Robie Cavins, and Jamie Price of Cave In Rock, IL. Her great granddaughter, Mattilee Carroz of Joplin, MO and many more grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She spent the last few years of her life, surrounded by so many wonderful people at Silver Creek Assisted Living in Joplin, MO. She and her best friend Margie loved to play Bingo, and take walks around the grounds. 

She loved her midnight ice cream snacks with Steve and helping look after Bubby. A special thank you to Terri, Crystal, and the rest of the staff at Silver Creek.

Everyone that met her fell in love with her spunkiness and love of life. Mary Lou was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and dedicated her life to His Word. She was kind, opinionated, and had an unwavering love for her family.

You will be deeply missed, Bingo Champ!!

Norma Harris

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Norma Jean (Gage) Harris passed away on Saturday April 1, 2023. She was born on May 22, 1927 in Lamar, MO to Frank and Effie May (Brummett) Gage. She graduated from high school in Lamar, MO in 1945 and went to one semester of college at Texas Women’s Teachers College in Denton, TX. 

She married Robert Welsh Harris in March of 1947, at the Lamar Christian Church, where she proudly stated she had been a church member there for the longest period of time. Together they farmed in the Kenoma area until they retired to Lamar, MO in 1979. Robert and Norma enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Norma was a homemaker, active community member and supportive farmer’s wife with all the jobs that entails. She was a long time, avid bridge player and she also enjoyed reading and writing. She entered and won a Reader’s Digest Writing Contest and was awarded a small electric light blue Thunderbird car that Gayle, Clark, and Kent would drive to the school in Kenoma. 

She was an active member of the First Christian Church of Lamar, MO and made church attendance each week a priority for her family. Not only was church attendance important to Norma and Robert but so was education. They were great supporters of higher education in the community and beyond. It is a credit to Norma and her leadership that all of her children and grandchildren went to college.

Norma is survived by her children Clark W. Harris and wife Donna of Springfield, MO, Kent M. Harris and wife Debbie of Lamar, MO, Peggy C. Quinn and husband Kevin of Columbia, MO; and grandchildren Zachary Harris and wife Lindsay of Lamar, MO, Benjamin Harris and wife Alisha of McKinney, TX, Isaac Harris and wife Lauren of Centerton, AR, Allison Harris of Bloomington, IL, Emily Viers of Portland, OR, and Jacob Viers and fiancée Caty Cote of Savannah, GA. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Noah Harris, Ella Harris, Jude Harris, Aidan Harris, Ethan Harris, Chance Harris, Gaige Harris, Gabriel Harris, and Grayson Harris; brother Robert Gage of Arlington, TX; sister Margaret Wattenbarger of Lamar, MO; and sister-in-law Joyce Gage of Lamar, MO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son Gayle Robert Harris, and brother William Gage.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Barton County Senior Center in care of the funeral home.

The family will receive visitors on Monday April 3, 2023 from 1 PM to 2 PM with a funeral service following at 2 PM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home.

Wendell Mayfield

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Wendell Wayne Mayfield, 91, of Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday March 29, 2023. He was born in Sheldon, MO on July 15, 1931, to Edna Mae (VanGilder) and Alva Mayfield. Wendell went to Liberal High School for two years before moving to California where he finished High School and went to trade school to be a machinist. 

He married Zola Mae Weber on April 14, 1951, in Ceres, CA. He then joined the Army where he served for two years. 

After the military they moved to Kansas City, MO where he worked as a machinist for Bendix for 14 years. He then owned a farm in Sheldon, MO. He continued to farm and also worked as a coal miner for Mackie Clemons Coal Mines, near Arcadia, MO, for 17 years, retiring in 1996. 

He is survived by his sons Daniel Mayfield of Nevada, MO, and Matthew Mayfield of Miami, OK. 

Wendell is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings Albert Mayfield and Jezebel Bain.

The family will have a service at Ft Scott National Cemetery.

Velma Mitchell

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Velma Mitchell, 84, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. She was born on October 13, 1938, to Elmer Thorn and Josephine “Sloniker” Thorn in Carthage. 

Velma was a lifetime resident of Carthage. She drove a school bus for Carthage R-9 for 21 years and attended the Bethany Baptist Church. She was a devout Christian and loved going to church.

Velma was united in marriage to Bob Mitchell on July 3, 1955, in Reeds, Missouri; he preceded her in death on April 10, 2002.

She is survived by two daughters Debbie Thomas of Carthage, Ginger Teed (Jonathan) of Sarcoxie; three sisters, Lily Tatum of Carthage, Sue Carr (Charles) of Joplin, and Bernice Lynch (John) of Carthage; one brother, Elmer Thorn (Mary) of Carthage; one sister-in-law, Cynthia Thorn of Carthage; three grandchildren, Joe Thomas (Heather) of Carthage, T.J. Teed (Missy) of Carthage, and Katie Wommack (Nick) of Avilla; nine great grandchildren, Justin, Trenton, Jaxon, Emily, Abby, Merick, Kaitlyn, Lainey, and Tyler; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Mitchell; her daughter Peggy Mitchell; her parents, Elmer and Josephine Thorn; two sisters, Mary Smith and Violet Stark; and one brother, Ervin Thorn.

There will be a funeral service for Velma at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will be held the evening before from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home. The burial will be at Jasper School Cemetery in Carthage, following the service.

Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Any contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Miracle Network, in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

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

Joe Nevills

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joseph “Joe” Nevills, 46, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. He was born on January 10, 1977, to David Nevills and Ruth “Weppner” Nevills in Sullivan, Missouri. 

Joe has lived in the Carthage area for the past 30 years. He worked for Carthage Parks and Recreation for 22 years, the last two years of that as a Golf Course Superintendent, then started working for Colaw R.V. 

Joe loved the great outdoors, playing his guitar, and spending time with his family and friends. He took great pride in being a loving husband to Shellie and a supportive daddy to his baby girl.

Joe was united in marriage to Shellie Pyles on May 16, 1998, in Carthage; she survives.

Along with his wife Shellie, he is survived by his daughter, Savy Malcolm (James) of Carthage; his mother, Ruth Nevills; 12 brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father David Nevills and two brothers.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation held the evening before from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fullerton Cemetery following the service.

Condolences may be made online at www.ulmerfh.com.

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

Richard Freeman

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Richard E. Freeman 83, of Rural Columbus, KS died 4:55am Thursday March 30, 2023 at the Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO following an illness.

Richard was born May 28, 1939 in Oswego, KS the son of Orville Ray and Lola Luella (Allen) Freeman. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of West Mineral High School in 1957.

On February 10, 1961 Richard married Bonnie D. Johnson of Columbus, KS; Bonnie was a major companion and care giver for Richard, and together they worked as a team for 62 years to achieve all their success and dreams, she survives at the home.

Richard, following his high school graduation continued to farm and ranch with his father until his father’s passing, after which he continued with his passion for farming and ranching as a lifelong career. While farming he also worked briefly for B. F. Goodrich in Miami, OK., then he worked the night shift on Big Brutus for P&M Coal Company in West Mineral and later at the Asbury, MO Coal Company. Along with farming coal mining was a part of Richards life for many years.

Richard was of Christian Faith, his love and devotion to farming and livestock, never outweighed his love for family and friends. Grandkids and great grandkids events were never missed and lifelong friends were never forgotten.

Survivors include his wife; children Steve Freeman and wife Lori of Rural Columbus, KS; Sonja Duley and husband Steve of Columbus, KS; brother Jimmie Freeman Sr. of Columbus, KS; grandchildren Kylee Johnson and husband Trevor of Columbus, KS; Katey Freeman of Columbus, KS; Ryan Duley and wife Amy of Columbus, KS; Chris Duley and wife Kaylee of Carl Junction, MO; Great grandchildren Elsie Duley, Kynedi Duley, Creighton Duley, Wyaitt Kay Duley and one special delivery on the way.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Ray Allen Freeman.

Funeral Services will be 10:00am Tuesday April 4, 2023 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS with Pastor Duane Elmore officiating. Burial will follow at the Park Cemetery in Columbus, KS. Family will receive friends from 6-7:00pm Monday April 3, 2023 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS; friends may call after 3:00pm Monday. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Borland Cemetery. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 611 S. East Ave. Columbus, KS 66725. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus, KS.

Noah Cole

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Noah Cole III, 65, Joplin, MO, passed away on March 30, 2023, in Joplin Missouri after a short illness.

Noah Cole III was born March 9, 1958, in Johnson City, Tennessee the son of Noah Cole II and Catherine (Smith) Cole. Noah worked most of his life as a subcontracting plumber on new construction throughout California. Noah also was the co-owner and operator at the Lost Creek Tavern in Seneca Mo. for 7 years. Noah had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles both riding and working on them in his spare time.

Survivors include his friend and caregiver Karin Phillips; 3 daughters, Ravin Cole, Brittany Cole, and Candyce Cole; 1 son, Daniel Cole; stepdaughter, Jessica Araujo; stepson, Manuel Mendez; and 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and cousin, Susan Cole.

Noah was preceded in death by his parents Noah and Catherine Cole.

The body has been taken for cremation under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.