Regina Davis

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Regina Gayle (Harre) Davis, 62, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Regina was born on June 9, 1962, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Teddy D. Harre Sr. and Mary Lou (Young) Harre. A lifelong resident of the area, Regina graduated from Webb City High School in 1980, and went on to work at Cardinal Scale, Mid-Con Cables, and most recently at Ajinomoto-Joplin.

Regina was deeply devoted to her family and friends and enjoyed spending quality time with loved ones. She was a proud member of Eagle Lodge #2410. Her warm and caring nature will be remembered by all who knew her.

On October 4, 2017, Regina married Daniel Ruddick in Hollister, Missouri. She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel, as well as her mother, Mary Lou Harre of Webb City; one brother, Teddy Harre Jr. (Kim) of Portsmouth, Virginia; her son, Austen Davis (Leanne) of Black Hawk, Colorado; two half sons, Rusty and Chris; one stepson, Kaleb; one stepdaughter, Khali; and several cherished grandchildren.

Regina was preceded in death by her father, Teddy D. Harre Sr.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Regina’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sherry Cole

(From Bixby Funeral Service)

Sherry Ann Cole, dedicated educator and community leader, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin Missouri. She was 78 years old.

Born on November 8, 1946, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, Sherry was the daughter of Ray and Wanda (Bevan) Baker. She moved to Joplin, Missouri at an early age and graduated from Joplin High school in 1964, where she was an active Rainbow Girl during her youth, and attended Girls State.

Sherry pursued her passion for education, attending Missouri Southern State College and earning her Master's degree from Pittsburg State University in Education Administration. Throughout her distinguished career, she taught Biology and Chemistry at several schools, including Sarcoxie, Carl Junction, and Riverton High School, where she retired from teaching. She also taught at Labette Community College.

Her professional journey included serving as an Assistant Superintendent in Lexington, Missouri, for two years. She was particularly passionate about community service, serving as the Regional Director of the Alzheimer's Association Joplin office for six years. She also opened the first non-medical home care company, Compassionate Care Senior Services, in the Joplin area, then expanding into Oklahoma.

On February 22, 1975, Sherry married Jerry L. Cole in Joplin, Missouri. Beyond her professional achievements, Sherry was a devoted family woman. Sherry was deeply involved in every community where she taught, her life was characterized by her commitment to family, education, and service.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband, Jerry L. Cole; her children Scott Cole (Lesa), Kerri Still, and Kelly Cole (Hannah Metcalf); grandchildren Colin Cole, Alex Still (Ashley), MJ Still, Abigail Cole, and Jullian Cole; three great-grandchildren Jace, Avery, and Brooklyn; her brother Philip Baker; and two nephews, Jeff Cole and Mark Baker.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Sherry's life will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, in the Conference Center at the Christ Community Church in Joplin starting at 2:00pm with a Remembrance Candle Lighting at 3:15pm. Feel free to come and go as you please during Sherry's celebration.

The family has requested guests not wear all black for the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Solace House of the Ozarks.

Patty Ingram

(From Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services)

Patricia "Patty" Darlene Ingram, 72, of Carthage, MO passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024. She was born October 30, 1952, to Billy and Doris Henson in Webb City, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.

Margaret Kegerries

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Margaret Arlene Kegerries, born on March 11, 1933, in Butler, Missouri, was a beacon of compassion, love, and generosity. Her wit and warm spirit were the light of our lives, and we are deeply saddened to announce her passing on November 26, 2024. 

In her 91 years, Margaret, fondly remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and a cherished member of the Carl Junction community for 63 years, left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Margaret's life was one of enduring resilience, remarkable adventures, and boundless love. She married the love of her life, Ron Sr. (RB), on December 22, 1952, and from that union, their beloved sons, Ron Jr. and Randy, were born. Margaret found joy in the simplest things, whether it was immersing herself in a good book, casting a line out on a lazy afternoon, baking her favorite cookies for her grandchildren and she really loved her time mowing the yard. She worked at Mid-Con Manufacturing for several years until her well-deserved retirement in 1995. Loved and respected by all, Margaret was a proud member of The Cheer givers and The Senior Saints of the Carl Junction Christian Church, where her faith and fellowship brought her immense joy.

Margaret's heart was endlessly generous, and her love for her family knew no bounds, with her grandchildren holding a special place in her heart. Her unwavering support, infectious laughter, and sage advice will be deeply missed by her family.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Ron (Toni) Kegerries Jr. and Randy (Vickie) Kegerries; Sister Phyllis DuBois; grandchildren, Tamara (David) Kennedy, April Beck, Ron III (Shannon) Kegerries, Megan (Chandler) Buzard, Sammye (Ryan) McFarland; 17 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She now joins her loving husband R.B., and her parents, Henry and Thelma Walters and brother Don Walters in eternal rest. 

As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Margaret's legacy of love and kindness will forever resonate in our hearts.

Services for Margaret are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Margaret. Her life was a testament to the beauty of love, the strength of faith, and the power of resilience, and every shared memory is a celebration of the remarkable woman that Margaret was.

Natasha Sherwood

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Natasha Jean (Gilmore) Sherwood, age 45, Baxter Springs, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Freeman Hospital after sudden illness.

Natasha was born May 28, 1979, in Joplin, daughter of the late Robin Gilmore and Sereana (Savage) Gilmore of Baxter Springs. She grew up in Galena, KS where she was a Galena High School graduate. She attended Pitt State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in reading. She was a schoolteacher at Riverton Elementary for many years.

Survivors include, Mother Sereana Gilmore of Baxter Springs, sister Misty DeCocq of Joplin, brother Robin Gilmore II of Seneca; Three daughters, Jaydn, Keara, Lexi Sherwood and one son, Deagn Sherwood all of Baxter Springs, one daughter Andi Locke of Riverton.

Celebration of Life to be determined later.

Arrangements under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory - Joplin, Missouri.

Jeremy Watkins

(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Jeremy Lee Watkins, 35, of El Dorado Springs, MO, passed away on the morning of November 25, 2024, at 8:36 a.m., surrounded by his beloved family and friends. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Jeremy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on June 16, 1989, Jeremy lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. On July 25, 2009, he married the love of his life, Jamie (Summers) Watkins, beginning a beautiful journey together. They were blessed with two children: Gavin Levi, 13, and Abigail Grace, 5, who were the light of his life.

Jeremy accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized at 8 years old at Park Street Christian Church. As an adult, Jeremy’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. His family attended Dederick Christian Church, where he helped with youth group and found strength, encouragement, and amazing friendships.

Jeremy made a lasting impact on his family and friends. His laughter was infectious, and his fun-loving spirit brought happiness to everyone around him. He delighted in the simple pleasures of life—cherishing time with his family, attending Gavin’s football and basketball games, having dance parties with Abby, checking on the cows with his dad, shooting clays with his brother, playing pool and fishing with Chris, exploring the Smoky Mountains, and spending quiet mornings hunting. Jeremy’s love for family and friends was evident in everything he did. His playful, kind, joyous, loving personality will endure in the hearts of those who loved him.

Jeremy was preceded in death by his brother, Scotty Watkins; his niece, Lanie Watkins; his grandparents, Raymond and Sena Watkins; and his grandmother, Anna Benskin. He is survived by his bride, Jamie; his children, Gavin and Abby; his parents, Scott and Barbara Watkins of El Dorado Springs, MO; his siblings: Linda (Tristan) Hallam of Belton, MO, Brandon (Tessie) Watkins of El Dorado Springs, MO, and Jessica (Tustin) Ulrich of Joplin, MO; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Jeremy Lee Watkins—husband, father, son, brother, and friend—was a shining light in our lives, and though his time with us was far too short, the impact he made will last forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to El Dorado Christian School or Dederick Christian Church Youth Group.

Gary Swor

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Konantz Warden Funeral Home for Gary Lynwood Swor, 70, Lamar, who died at 11:44 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with final expenses or to the Barton County Memorial Park, in care of the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Melody Metzger, of the home; a son, Judson Metzger and wife Meghan, Webb City; four grandchildren who knew him lovingly as “Pa”, Kobyn Metzger, Maysville and Landon, Cooper and Berklee Metzger, all of Webb City; a sister, Sondra Biller and husband Gerald, Sarasota, Fla.; a brother, Mike Swor and wife Judy, Savannah, Ga. and two very special nieces, Emily Roybal and husband Raphael, Savannah, Ga. and JoLyn Turner and wife Laura Hendrickson, High Point, N.C.; three great nieces and nephews, Eliana, Roman and Asher Roybal; an uncle, James Lloyd Hodges and wife Sharon and their daughter, Shelley Muller, Texas; a brother-in-law, Martin McCall and wife Ann, Lancaster, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Candace Tanner and husband James Allen, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and Lucinda Howard, Richardson, Texas and their children, Shaun Howard, Plano, Texas and Joel Howard and wife Christine, Wylie, Texas and Tiffany Phillips and husband Bill, La Jolla, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Willoby Swor, Jr. and Marion Madeline (Talbot) Swor; his grandmothers, Elsie Jones Carter and Mary Adams Hodges and beloved aunts and uncles and cousin, Mary Esther Swor and husband James Thomas Trotter and Pauline Jones Chapman and his father- and mother-in-laws, Eugene L. and Joanne Guy and Oliver and Edna Metzger.

Mr. Swor was born Dec. 26, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to Oliver and Madeline Swor. He was reared in the Richardson and East Texas area and attended Richardson High School. He worked as a self-employed carpenter for many years and also shared a woodworking enterprise with his parents, often selling their goods at the famous 4th Monday Canton Flea Market in Canton, Texas.

He and Melody kept in touch over the years, having known each other since their school days and when she attended her 20th class reunion in 1994 they reconnected and he re-located to Lamar soon after. They were married on August 21, 1996 (during the Lamar Free Fair) by Judge Charles Curless.

After moving to Lamar, Gary was employed as a welder at Thorco Industries for several years and then became the janitor at Lamar High School, where he made close friends and thought highly of many of the teachers. Prior to retirement, he also bartended at the Modern Day Vets and formed many friendships while there.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lamar, having been one of the first members to be baptized when the new sanctuary was opened in 2006. Even towards the end, when he didn’t have the energy to do much else, he loved going to church and soaking up the atmosphere that was provided, especially the music. He was a good man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.