Penny Morgan

(From Parker Mortuary)

Penny L. Grant-Morgan, age 64 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas following a short illness. Penny was born November 30, 1959 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Lawrence and Laura (Taylor) Vaughan.

Penny grew up and has lived all her life in the Webb City and Joplin, Missouri area. Throughout the years, Penny has worked for companies such as Ashley Outlet, J.C. Penney, LaBarge Electronics and then retired from Freeman Health Systems. 

After her retirement, Penny opened a bakery with her sister called Two Sisters In The Kitchen. Penny’s joy was always her family. Her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everything to her.

In 1979, Penny married Galen Grant and together had two children, Terrie Day of Webb City and Hailey Grant of Joplin. He preceded her in death in 2017. Penny later married Robert Morgan in December of 2018 and they have been inseparable ever since.

Additional survivors include five grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry Vaughan (Gail) of Joplin and Mike Vaughan of Webb City; brother in-law, Gary Peasley.

Other than her parents and first husband, Galen, Penny is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Natosha Dates; great-granddaughter, Raelynn Grant and her sister, Sarah Peasley.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

Fern Coleman

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

E. Fern Coleman, age 84, passed away at 2:34 am, Monday, November 25, 2024 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO following an illness.

Fern was born January 26, 1940, in Elizabeth, AR. She was one of six daughters born to Ed and Mabel (Sherwood) Callaway. Fern was raised in Anderson, MO before moving to Carl Junction and making it her lifelong home.







She graduated from Anderson High School in 1958. She was a member of Frisco Church, Webb City, MO. She worked as a staffing coordinator at Mercy Hospital (formerly St. John's), Joplin, retiring in 2012 after 33 years of service. She was also a successful Mary Kay Consultant.

Socially, Fern enjoyed dancing at gatherings sponsored by area senior citizen organizations in various locations around Joplin. The most important thing in her life was family. She hosted many Christmas and Fourth of July celebrations for extended family. Time with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews was always special. And, if there was a baby around, chances are, it made its way to Fern's arms.

Fern married Berton Lee Coleman on October 24, 1958, in Anderson. He preceded her in death on November 17, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marie Fort.

Surviving are two sons, Randy Coleman, Carl Junction, MO, Mike Coleman (Heather), Joplin, MO; one daughter, Tammy Miller (Joe), Ashland, MO; four sisters, Alice Daniels (Steve) Seneca, MO, Barbara Mason (Ronnie), Scott City, MO, Hazel Buck (Bill), Carl Junction, MO; and Jeanie Hines (Leroy) Anderson, MO; 8 grandchildren, Austin Coleman (Leslie), Ethan Coleman, Lauren Kile (Kody) , India Reynolds (Mack), Logan Wheeler (Kelby), Addison Miller, Jasmine Coleman and Hudson Coleman. Six great-grandchildren, Micah and Gideon Coleman, Parker and Sloane Coleman, Sutton, Crawford and Scout Kile and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Frisco Church, Webb City, MO under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. The burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Frisco Church, Webb City, MO.

Clifford Wilder

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Clifford Max Wilder, age 85 of Galena, passed away at his home at 8:21 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 following an illness.

Clifford was born on May 15, 1939 to the union of Carl Edward Wilder and Cleatus Wynona (Elliott) Wilder. He was a lifelong resident of Galena, and retired from Doane's Food Products. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, visiting garage sales, and loved grocery shopping so much his great grandson asked "Why does Pee Paw have a grocery store in his bedroom?'.

He was united in marriage with Phyllis Joy (Tipton) Wilder on September 20, 1966 in Miami, OK. She preceded him in death on January 29, 2021.

He was also preceded in death by his parents Carl E. Wilder and Cleatus W. Collins; and one sister, Carlene Justice.

Survivors include one son, Randy Loucks of Galena; one daughter, Missy McCorkle (husband, Daymon, his “favorite son-in-law”) of Riverton; one grandson, his “pride and joy” Mayson McCorkle (wife, Micah) of Galena; three sisters, Terry Stevens of Webb City, MO, Jackie Mallatt of Webb City, MO, and Virginia Coquillette of Joplin, MO; one brother, Garry Wilder (wife, Marilyn) of Wyandotte, OK; three great grandchildren, Haylan McCorkle, Rayner McCorkle, and Holland McCorkle; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Hillcrest Cemetery of Galena. He will be lying in state at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024. Pastor Aaron Polok will officiate.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Fred Haworth

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Fred Haworth, beloved husband, father and grandfather was sent home to be with The Lord on November 22, 2024. Fred was born on May, 9, 1938 in Gladstone, Missouri to Fred Sr. and Opal Haworth. 

 He spent most of his childhood years in North KC and when he was a teenager he relocated to Minnesota on Boy Lake with his parents to operate a resort. He loved helping at the resort, bird watching, being in nature and discovered his life long love of fishing and hunting. In his youth Fred enjoyed playing baseball and football, something he excelled at greatly. Fred was an avid woodworker and builder and blessed his friends and family with his homemade projects and ability to fix just about anything.

 

In 1965 when he was 27, Fred decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and entered the police academy in Kansas City, MO. After graduating he served on KCPD over a decade in patrol, SWAT, major case, undercover, and homicide. Later, he relocated to St. Clair County where he served as Chief of Police and 3 full terms as the County Sheriff there. Fred was well loved and respected not only by his co-workers but by those incarcerated that he served for his kind nature and solid leadership. Fred was a proud, lifelong member of The Missouri Sheriff’s Association. Fred served 2 tours of service with The United Nations International Police Mission in Iraq and Kosovo to help train law enforcement there. He enjoyed making lifelong memories there as well as traveling various places in Europe with his wife Mary.

In his later years, Fred enjoyed working on household projects, watching movies, spending time with his family, and cheering on the KC Chiefs. Being a grandfather was something he loved most and he provided many happy memories to his family. He was know for his strong poker face, competitive spirit and witty comments during family game nights with his grandchildren. We will miss his sense of humor and joyful nature but feel comforted knowing he is at peace.

 

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. And Opal Haworth and 4 siblings. He is survived by his soulmate and wife Mary Haworth, son and daughter in law Rick and Tanya Haworth, daughter Deanna Beasley, 4 step-children, 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Family will hold a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Missouri Sheriff’s Association. His wife would like to thank all those who assisted in caring for Fred in the past two years, including Webb City Emanuel Baptist Church, Haven Hospice & Phoenix Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO.

Melissa Teague

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Melissa Ann Teague, age 52, of Galena, KS. Melissa passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2024, at her home.

She was born on February 26, 1972, in Pittsburg, KS, to Jerry Swallow and Violet Culp.

Melissa worked at JBirds in Galena, KS, as a barista for two years. Prior to that, she was a cage cashier at Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, KS. She also worked at Walmart on 7th Street in Joplin, MO, for ten years.

Melissa is survived by her father, Jerry Swallow of Arkansas City, KS; two brothers, Travis Pryor of West Mineral, KS, and Jack Pryor and his wife, Rhonda, of Pittsburg, KS; and two sisters, Nicole Woods and her husband, Michell, of Arkansas City, KS, and Angie Smith of Arkansas City, KS.

She is also survived by her children: Clarissa Clauson of West Mineral, KS, and Ricky Culp of West Mineral, KS; three grandchildren: Noah Clauson, Charlie Culp, and Stella Culp, all of West Mineral, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Violet Culp; stepfather, Lonnie Culp; one brother, Michael Miller; and two nephews, Bradley Floyd and Travis "Bubba" Pryor.

Services are pending at this time.

Scott Gordon

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Scott Gordon, a devoted Christian, dedicated farmer, and beloved member of the Jasper, Missouri community, passed away peacefully on November 24th, 2024, at the age of 52.

Scott was a hardworking and kind-hearted man who cherished his family, his community, and the land he cultivated. He spent his life tending to the farm that was both his livelihood and his passion, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and care for the rural life he held dear. His faith, steadfast work ethic, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Gordon; his cherished daughter, Lacey Gordon; his dedicated father, Gary Gordon; his sister, Paula Sjorlund and her husband Jason. Scott is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will remember him fondly.

Scott was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Patricia Gordon.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Scott's life at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO., with burial to follow at Hackney Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Daniel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to Daniel Funeral Home (as a college fund will be set up for their daughter, Lacey Gordon).

Scott's legacy is one of unwavering love for his family, deep commitment to his community, and a life lived in service to God. His hard work on the farm and his love of hunting and fishing reflected his respect for creation, and his generosity of spirit enriched the lives of all he encountered. Scott's steady presence, warm smile, and unwavering commitment to family and community will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Claudine King

(From Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home)

Emma Claudine King, 90, Seneca, MO passed into eternal rest November 25, 2024 at her home after an illness.

Claudine King was born September 18, 1934 in Seneca, MO the daughter of Claude and Emma (Sherer) Cooper. Claudine retired from the Newton County Division of Family Services. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, north of Seneca, MO.

Claudine married Harold "Worry" King in Seneca, MO and he preceded her in death February 8, 2012.






Survivors include. two sons, Danny King and wife Cindy, Cassville, MO and Roger King and wife Kathy, Maysville, AR; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Claudine was also preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Emma Cooper and three brother-in-law's, Norman, Julian and Daryl "Short" King.

Viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 1pm - 2pm, Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Bethel Baptist Church north of Seneca. Funeral services will begin at 2pm with Fred Mills officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with family members serving as pallbearers.