Monday, October 2, 2023

Jerry Beeler


(From Stumpff Funeral Home)

Jerry Cannon Beeler, Lampe, MO, son of Ralph and Sybil “Doris” (Cannon) Beeler, was born November 17, 1938, at Joplin, MO, and departed this life on September 29, 2023, at the age of 84.

On August 7, 1960, Jerry was united in marriage to Janet Martin.

Together they moved to the area in 1998 from Springfield, MO. He had worked as the area supervisor for Ryder Truck Rental Company before his retirement.








Membership was held in the Kimberling City United Methodist Church.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sybil Beeler.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Beeler of the home, one son, Ralph Todd Beeler of Lampe, MO, one daughter, Sara Ray of St. James, MO, one sister, Jane Sohosky of Joplin, MO, three grandchildren, Emily Beeler of Kansas City, MO, Ryan Ray of Indianapolis, IN, and Tyler Ray of St. James, MO, four great grandchildren, Aubrey Ray, Bailey Ray, Maverick Ray, and Rosalie Ray.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Kimberling City United Methodist Church, Kimberling City, MO. Burial will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.

David Turnbull


(From Brenner Mortuary)

David Turnbull, 68, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away on September 30, 2023 peacefully at home.

David was born on December 24, 1954 to Joseph and Betty (Dunbar) Turnbull at Pittsburg, KS. On March 22, 1997, he was united in marriage to Diana Mowdy. She survives of the home.

In addition to his wife Diana, he is survived by a daughter, Laci Waterman (Brian) of Asbury, MO, a son, Greg Mowdy (Jennifer) of Pittsburg, KS; eight grandchildren, Hannah Gray, Hailey Gray, Luke Larmer, Nora Waterman, Heather Mowdy, Noah Mowdy and Hillary Mowdy, Meghan Scrader; and a great-grandson, Liam Scrader; and three brothers, Mark Turnbull (Sherry) of Pittsburg, KS, Mike Turnbull (Bobbie) of Pittsburg, KS, and Randy Turnbull (Tammy) of Pittsburg, KS; a sister-in-law, Pat Turnbull of Aurora, MO; and many, many loved nieces and nephews. 








He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt, Diane Dunbar; brother, Steve Turnbull; and nephew, Matt Turnbull.

David attended Pittsburg schools for his entire education. Three years of high school he attended College High. His senior year was completed at Pittsburg High School, graduating in 1972. He then attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg graduating in 1976 with a bachelor of Education Degree. He later received a Masters of Education from Kansas State College of Pittsburg.

David's teaching career began in the Carthage school district, for one year. He then had the opportunity to return to Pittsburg where he was able to teach for 30 plus years as a math teacher at Pittsburg Middle School, and retire from the district that he loved.

Along with his teaching career, he had a very long and successful coaching career. He was a quiet leader in Pittsburg athletics, coaching both girls and boys in tennis, basketball, golf, and softball. He is most known for coaching girls basketball, golf and softball. He had a passion for coaching because two of the loves in his life were sports and teaching kids.








David was a devoted family man. His family was very large, but was not limited to his blood relatives. Aside from many siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, he also had a church family; softball family; golf family; student, teachers and coaches family; and the Gamma Alpha Lambda (GAL) family. David lived the example of being one family in Christ.

He will live on in all his family because he left a lasting impression with the many phrases and sayings that everyone remembers him by. His giggles were infectious and his eyes always sparkled. His phrases were meaningful. His song "Have patience" is sung by every grandchild. "Get out of your head" is remembered by every athlete. When he was proud of you, he would tell you "U done good." When faced with any obstacle, he always said "I ain't a scaret." He and his brothers were left with the best advice to a good marriage by their father, "Head down, mouth shut." He repeated that phrase often, and as a result, had a successful marriage. He lived his life according to this faith and met his obligations as man of God by showing all of us who Jesus is.

He passed like he lived his life.... peacefully and with purpose, living his life for the Lord and serving others.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Brenner Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 5th, at 10:30 am at the South Broadway Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Moss officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the PHS Softball Field Project in care of the USD #250 Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

LaCrinza Bankston


(From Clark Funeral Home)

LaCrinza Lynn Bankston, aged 40, of Neosho, passed away on September 30, 2023. She was born on April 14, 1983, in San Bernardino, California, to parents Roger Bankston and Kathy Bassett Bankston. LaCrinza was a graduate of Bloomington High School in Southern California, where she began to shape the path of her life. 

She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found solace in spending time outside. Her love for nature led her to enjoy the peaceful moments by the river, where she could connect with the beauty of the world around her.








LaCrinza's life may have been relatively short, but it was marked by the simplicity and wonder of the natural world she cherished. 

LaCrinza Lynn Bankston is survived by her loving family members who will hold her memory dear. She leaves behind two sisters, Kristen Martinez and Cheryl Bankston, who shared a special bond with her and will forever cherish the moments they spent together. Her significant other, Mark Hatfield, who was a source of love and support in her life. Two nephews, Tobias and Zayden, and one niece, Raelynn, who brought joy and laughter to her life and whom she adored dearly. 








LaCrinza was predeceased by her parents, leaving a void in the lives of those who loved her, but her memory will continue to bring warmth and light to their hearts.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.

Jim Newton


(From Parker Mortuary)

James Edward “Jim” Newton, 87, of Joplin, died Oct. 1, 2023, in Joplin. He was born May 24, 1936, in Gladewater, TX, to I.D. and Lorene (Lykins) Newton.

He moved to Carl Junction, MO, when he was six years old and attended Carl Junction schools until his senior year. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1954 and attended Joplin Junior College before graduating from the Missouri School of Mines (Missouri S&T in Rolla) with a degree in chemical engineering.








Jim had a long career in the chemical/agricultural industries, having worked for Eagle-Picher Industries in Joplin, Spencer Chemical in Vicksburg, MS, and W.R. Grace in Joplin. He later retired as plant manager for Farmland Industries, Joplin.

He married Marjorie Campbell of Joplin at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg, MS, on July 3, 1961. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary earlier this year.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Newton of Joplin; a son, Timothy Newton and his wife, Sonda, of Chattanooga, TN; a daughter, Jennifer Wardlow and her husband, Mike, of Joplin; and a son, Nicholas Newton and his wife, Deonna, also of Joplin. He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Mason Zuraw, Alexander Zuraw, Benjamin Wardlow, Nathan Wardlow, Sarah Newton and James Newton, all of Joplin, and Natalie Newton of Chattanooga, TN, as well as five great-grandchildren.







In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Norma McBee; a granddaughter, Nichole Pearish; his brother, Jack Newton; and a great-grandson, Peter Zuraw.

Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Joplin. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling with Margie and spending time and vacationing with his family.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, with the Rev. Joseph Weidenbenner officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

Pallbearers will be Mike Wardlow, Nathan Wardlow, Michael Parrot, Ronald Repplinger Jr., Mason Zuraw and Alexander Zuraw. Honorary pallbearer will be Benjamin Wardlow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, in care of Parker Mortuary.

Martha Wilkins


(From Clark Funeral Home)

Martha Louise Wilkins, age 77, peacefully passed away on September 29, 2023. She was born on November 19, 1945, in Moberly, Missouri, to Leonard Louis Abeln and Dorothy Leiker. 

Martha dedicated her career to the medical field, excelling in office management roles. Most recently, she found fulfillment working in the hospitality industry at McDonald's, where she had the opportunity to brighten the days of those she served. 








Martha was a woman of diverse interests and passions. She had a love for exploring new places, which led her to enjoy traveling and broadening her horizons. Her love for reading allowed her to embark on countless adventures through the pages of books. Crocheting was a skill she mastered and used to create beautiful, handcrafted pieces. However, her greatest joy came from her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, cherishing her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s presence and the title of GiGi. Martha also had a green thumb and found solace in tending to her plants. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a proud member of the Cornerstone Bible Church. Martha's life was marked by love and companionship. She was united in marriage to John Dale Conway and later to Bert L. Wilkins, both of whom preceded her in death.

Martha's memory lives on through her two daughters, Sandra K. Conway-Sava and Helen Kristine Padilla, one stepson, Kyle Wilkins, and her seven cherished grandchildren, Aaron S.L. Branstetter, Chance A. Branstetter, Charles D. Merrell, Victoria R. Munsterman, Joey A. Padilla, Michael J. Padilla, and Mario E. Padilla; also one brother, Robert Abeln of Platte City, Missouri and three nieces, Rebecca, Katherine and Laura. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, John Dale Conway and Bert L. Wilkins, and her daughter, Debbie Conway.








Martha Louise Wilkins will be remembered for her warmth, her love for her family, and her zest for life. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones.

The family will have a memorial service at Cornerstone Bible Church.

Cremation arrangements under the direction of Clark Funeral Home.

Nicholas Bartlett


(From Parker Mortuary)

Nicholas Jacob Bartlett, born on November 28, 2001, in Miami, Oklahoma, passed away on September 16, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri. Nicholas was an adventurous and spirited individual who lived his life to the fullest.

Nicholas was born to Jackie Bartlett and Jennifer Quapaw, in Miami, Oklahoma. Growing up, he attended school in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he was raised alongside his siblings, Benjamin Bartlett, Leighton Quapaw, and Olivia Quapaw.








Nicholas worked in construction and was also a proud member of the Quapaw Nation, a reflection of his love for nature and the outdoors, as he spent much of his time exploring the world around him.

Nicholas was also a man of many talents and interests. He was a gifted artist and poet, using his creativity to bring inspiration to those around him. He had a deep love for sports, fishing, gaming, and skateboarding, often sharing these passions with his friends and family.

The most defining aspect of Nicholas's life was his role as a father and partner. He met his fiancée, Brianna Shumaker, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lily Bartlett. His love for Lily was unparalleled, and he cherished every moment spent with her.








Nicholas is survived by his fiancée, Brianna Shumaker, of Joplin; daughter, Lily Bartlett, of the home; his parents, Jackie Bartlett, of Joplin, and Jennifer Quapaw, of Oklahoma; siblings, Benjamin Bartlett, of Missouri, Leighton Quapaw, and Olivia Quapaw, both of Oklahoma. He also leaves behind several extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

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

Rose Boyer


(From Clark Funeral Home)

Rose Elma Jeffries-Boyer, aged 93, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on September 29, 2023. She was born on March 25, 1930, to Chester Lane and Emma Nida. 

Rose dedicated her life to the noble profession of homemaking, creating a warm and loving environment for her family. She had a green thumb and found immense joy in gardening. 

Her culinary skills were legendary, and she was known for being a great cook, delighting her loved ones with delicious meals. 








Rose's heart was always happiest when she was surrounded by her family, creating cherished memories with them. In 1949, she was united in marriage to Leo Jeffries, who preceded her in death. Rose leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Paiva, and her husband Michael of Neosho, Missouri, and her daughter-in-law, Sandra of Springfield, Missouri. She was also blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her brother, Don Adams of Goodman, Missouri, shared a special bond with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leo, her parents, and three children: Carol Carnahan, Gordon Jefferies, and Steve Jefferies. Additionally, six siblings preceded her in death.








Graveside services to celebrate Rose's life will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri.

Rose Elma Jeffries-Boyer will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, her love for gardening, and her culinary talents. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and those who knew her.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.