Randy Roark

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Randy Joe Roark, age 68, of Neosho, Missouri, formerly of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Monday afternoon, December 2, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Neosho, Missouri, after a brief decline in health. He entered this life on October 1, 1956, in Joplin, Missouri, born to the union of the late Charles F. and Mary Jane (Sharp) Roark.

Randy was a lifelong resident of Anderson, Missouri, where he was a beloved member of the community. . Randy celebrated his 10th year work anniversary at Crowder Industries in Neosho, where his dedication and cheerful demeanor were an inspiration to his coworkers.

A man of simple pleasures, Randy found immense joy in his flock of chickens, geese, and birds in general, a testament to his love for nature and the outdoors. As he grew older he took up bird feeding, plants and collecting western videos and country music cds and records. Randy loved to go to antique shops, eating out, and his weekly run to the nearby Walmart . Randy was also quick to share a story about anyone. Randy loved to call people, If he had a speed dial we would've been in trouble. Randy loved to ensure that each baby in the family received a blanket from him. His thoughts were always about the families and their new babies. He couldn't wait to meet them. He still asked about the blankets he gave over thirty years ago. Randy would talk your ear off if you got on the phone. He always asked how everyone was, what they were doing, when were you going to see him. Randy loved with his whole heart, he always has. Randy made this Earth a little sweeter for the 68 years he was upon it. His laugh was contagious. His friendship was a blessing.

Randy's interests also included a fondness for classic television shows, with "Gun Smoke" and "The Andy Griffith Show" being among his favorites. His laughter and smiles were infectious, often filling the room with warmth and happiness. Randy's presence was a comfort to many, and he was truly a joy to be around.

He is survived by a loving family that includes two brothers, Jerry Roark and his wife, Tammy, of Anderson, and Ricky Roark and his wife, Sarah, of Neosho; one sister, Linda Sultzer of Anderson; and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins. Each of these family members, along with countless friends, will forever hold Randy's memory in their hearts.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Charlene Roark and Pamela Lewis and two brothers, Charles Ray Roark and Roy Roark.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with Pastor Joseph Shepard officiating. Burial will follow at Swars Prairie Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Dylan Hardage, Dalton Crunkleton, Chad Roark, William Jones, Monty Sharp, and Ryan Gilker. 

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Roark, Ricky Roark, Brian Sultzer, Matthew Sultzer, and Tyler Shockley. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to New Visions Group Homes c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Jimmie St. Clair

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

James “Jimmie” Leonard St. Clair, loving husband and father to four children and two stepchildren, passed away at the age of 70, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Cox Cardiopulmonary Rehab in Springfield, Missouri, from complications after cardiac surgery. Jimmie was born on July 14, 1954, in Monett, Missouri.

He grew up and attended school in Monett. He attended Missouri Southern State University where he studied art and was employed by the City of Springfield, Missouri, in the Public Works Department, where he worked for more than 25 years on street, traffic signal, and intersection design.

He married Cheri Clay in a home ceremony on June 25, 1977. They were devoted to one another for almost 50 years.

He was a member of Waymark Church in Monett, MO.

Jimmie loved to read, drink coffee, and spend time with Cheri. A daily coffee hour was a highlight of their day. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved baroque, classical, and classic 60’s music. He also loved to fish and going to Roaring River.

Jimmie is survived by his wife Cheri; one brother, Charles “Chas” St. Clair; and a sister-in-law, Suzanne St. Clair. He is also survived by four children: Tristan, Hannah, Gus, and Elsbeth St. Clair; and two stepchildren: Jennifer and Ezekiel Willard. Jimmie has 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leonard and Dorothy St. Clair, and his step-father, Robert Wagner.

Following the cremation a celebration of life will be held for Mr. St. Clair at Christ Community Church in Brookline, Missouri, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. CST.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.

Gary Shrum

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Gary Arnold Shrum, 82, of Monett, Missouri was called home to Heaven on Tuesday December 3, 2024 while staying at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri. He was born in Richmond, California on January 9, 1942; the son of the late Owen Kenneth and Lorraine (Whitlow) Shrum. He was united in marriage on October 30, 1965 in St. Paul, Kansas to Mary Francis Wood; she preceded him in death on April 20, 2024.

He was a retired United States Postal Carrier and a member of the Church of Christ in Monett, Missouri.

 

Gary is survived by three sons: Creston Shrum of Sherwood, Arkansas, Mike Shrum of Monrovia, Indiana, and Warren Shrum of Monett, Missouri; one daughter: Stephanie Moore of Carl Junction, Missouri; one brother: Larry Shrum of Cassville, Missouri; one sister: Marsha Stipp of Republic, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents: Owen and Lorraine and his wife Mary.

 

Visitation for Gary is being held on Thursday December 5, 2024 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Funeral services are being held on Friday December 6, 2024 at 12:00p.m. at the Church of Christ in Monett, Missouri. Burial will follow services at the Mineral Springs Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

Memorial donations for Gary may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.

B. J. Morgan

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Bobby Joe "BJ" Morgan, 62, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024. BJ was born in Greenville, Mississippi, to Martha (Dennis) and Bobby Joe Morgan Sr. He grew up in Lake Village, Arkansas, and graduated in 1981 from Lakeside High School.

BJ began his career as a welder on a riverboat but experienced a life-changing moment when he was saved at church camp in the summer of 1982. His faith led him to attend Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College in Moore, Oklahoma, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. During his time at Hillsdale, BJ met the love of his life, Tresa Dickey. They married on June 1, 1984, at Hannon Free Will Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri.

In 1985, BJ and Tresa settled in Liberal to build their life together. Over the years, BJ pursued various vocations, including construction, lawn care, and bus driving, before establishing himself as an Independent Claims Adjuster.

Born into poverty, BJ moved to live with his grandmother at the age of 5. Her love and faith in the Lord left a lasting impression on him, shaping his decision at age 20 to dedicate his life to Christ. BJ carried his humble beginnings with him, using his strong work ethic and generous spirit to support others. Whether through acts of service or financial contributions, BJ always believed his blessings were the Lord’s, and he freely shared them for His glory.

BJ had a deep love for his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, deer hunting, and spending time with his grandson. He was an active member of his church, contributing to youth ministries and missions. Known for his big, contagious laugh and endless stories, BJ was cherished by those who knew him.

BJ is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tresa; his daughter Kerrie Bollinger and her husband Jason of Greenbrier, Arkansas; his grandson, Israel Bollinger; his father-in-law, Bob Dickey, and wife Kathryn of Liberal, Missouri; his brother-in-law David Dickey of Liberal, Missouri; his nephew Chance Dickey and wife Jordan, along with their children, Easton and Archer of Joplin, Missouri; and his niece Gwen Findley and husband Ricky, along with their children, Sam and Kylee of Liberal, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Grandma Morgan, his parents, his brother Terry Morgan, his sister Belinda Martinez, and his mother-in-law Dorothy Dickey.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hannon Free Will Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Delta Men's Association in care of the funeral home. BJ’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Bruce Cuthbert

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

In the quiet town of Webb City, Missouri, David Bruce Cuthbert, better known as "Bruce," was a beacon of strength and humor. Bruce was born on March 25, 1951, in Ely, Nevada. Bruce followed his father's footsteps and made it his goal to be the best Eagle Scout there was. 

His life was a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and wisdom that he generously shared with everyone he encountered. Being a man of courage and wit, Bruce never shied away from challenges, and his spirit was infectious. His laughter was a melody that would echo in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to have known him. As Mark Twain once said, "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter," and Bruce wielded it masterfully.

Bruce spent his professional life serving as an Optician since 1967, a role that he executed with intelligence and precision. His love for optometry parallels his love for people, always making sure that they saw the world in the best light possible. He retired in 2021, after years of dedicated service and touched countless lives with his expertise and compassion. Despite retirement, Bruce remained an active member of his community, with the Elks and Eagles Lodge benefiting from his involvement. He also developed a fascination with antique auctions, often spending his leisure time hunting for hidden treasures.

What mattered most to Bruce were his son, Jason, his daughter, Teri, and his beloved grandchildren. His love for them was palpable and infinite. He was a pillar of support and a source of endless amusement. His courage was reflected in his respect and compassion for the military, always appreciating those who served. As Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." These words encapsulate the very essence of Bruce's character, a man who was both brave and empathetic.

Bruce is survived by his son, Jason Cuthbert; daughter, Teri Cuthbert; sister, Sharron Park. He now joins his parents, David and Teresa Cuthbert; brother, Gary Cuthbert; who preceded him in death.

As we remember Bruce, we celebrate a life that was lived with heart, humor, and an unwavering commitment to the loved ones and values he held dear. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Services 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 Bruce. Let the memory of Bruce be a joyous one, where we remember not just that he died, but that he lived, and that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

 

Alice Mitchell

(From Lawson's Funeral Home)

Alice Loretta Warren-Mitchell, 83, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 at her residence in Wyandotte, OK. She was born on May 31, 1941 in Joplin, MO.

Alice graduated from nursing school as a LVN, she worked in the medical field until retirement. She was a nurse supervisor, and also was an administrator. She worked at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin, MO, Dickerson Hospital, Jasper TX, and Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO, several nursing homes, and then the VA in Mt. Vernon, MO. When Nancy wasn’t working, she loved animals, fishing, boating, helping others, and enjoying her time with her grandchildren and family. Nancy touched so many lives and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents; husband Rex Roy Mitchell, Sr.; Son Rex Roy Mitchell, Jr.; and her brother Ernie Warren.

Nancy is survived by her son, Dennis R. Mitchell of the home; 11 Grandchildren; 14 Great-Grandchildren; niece Debby Stevens; extended family and friends.







Alice’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 1:00pm, December 14, 2024 at Lone Elm Church, 3132 N. Lone Elm Ave, Joplin MO, 64801. Alice’s service will conclude at the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 722 N. 46th St., Grove, OK 74344 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.

Eloise Queen

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Eloise Arwen Queen born November 27th at Children’s Mercy Kansas City at 8:50am. She passed shortly after in the arms of her parents Franklin Queen III (Father) and Korah Queen (Mother). 

Eloise was diagnosed with (VOGM) Vein of Galen Malformation on October 1st. This is an abnormal arrangement of blood vessels in the brain that also affects the heart. The last 2 visits we had in KC, the ultrasounds and MRI’s showed that the vein had grown significantly in size and she had more fluid form around her lung and heart. This caused the development of hydrops, which is fatal in infants. 

Eloise had beautiful blonde hair and the cutest little face. Although her time on Earth was short, she made a long-lasting impression on so many. She was loved by many and that love also shows through her brother Elijah who helped brighten up a room, even during the most difficult doctor’s visits and hospital stay. Eloise will be forever missed and loved and will always be our little warrior. 

Eloise is survived by her parents Franklin Queen III (Father), Korah Queen (Mother), and Elijah Queen (Brother) of Joplin, MO. Jeremy Higdon (Grandfather) Bobbie Atkins (Grandmother) Ayden Higdon (Uncle) of Joplin, MO. Andrea Queen (Grandmother) Franklin Queen II (Grandfather) Jackson Queen (Uncle) of Joplin, MO.

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