Ricky VanGilder

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Ricky Dee VanGilder, age 56, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on March 27, 2025.

Born on August 7, 1968, to Carl Lee and Patsy Faye (Davis) VanGilder, Ricky graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1987. He worked as a manufacturer at Redneck Blinds.

Ricky had a passion for riding motorcycles, firearms, and was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for Stephen King books. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and his love for life.







Ricky is survived by his mother, Patsy VanGilder; two sons, Dylan (Rachel) VanGilder of Riverton, KS, and Slater VanGilder of Lamar, MO; one daughter, Carlee VanGilder of Lamar, MO; two grandchildren, Amber Morris and Ava VanGilder; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl VanGilder; his brother, Randy VanGilder; and his grandparents, Chester (Lucy) Davis and Earl (Anna) VanGilder.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Barton County Library in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Susan Steele

Susan Steele left this earth on March 29, 2025 in Rogers, Arkansas.

Susan was born December 11, 1964 in Neosho, MO.

She is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline Danielle Brown (Josh) of Alamo, AR, and Angelica Paige Merryman (Devon) of Littleton, Colorado. Other survivors are her husband, Mike Sills of Stella MO, mother, Kathy Bennett Matteo of Eldon MO, her sister Angela Bennett Heidbreder, Jefferson City, a niece, Shelby Johnson and nephew Nathan Heidbreder, Jefferson City.

Preceding her in death was her daughter, Nichole Ellis Preciado and her father, James Spurlin. Her grandchildren also mourn her death.

Services will be held at a later date.

David Holt

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

David C. Holt, 72, of Parsons, passed away at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at his home.

David Charles Holt was born on February 10, 1953, to Hazel McClosky in Parsons, Kansas. For many years, David worked as a personal care attendant.

He had a big personality and a great smile that lit up the room. He loved spending time with family and friends. Watching and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers was a favorite pastime.

Survivors include:

Four daughters – Danissa Holt of Joplin, Missouri

Alesia Darkis of Parsons, Kansas

Renee Dickerson of Plano, Texas

Megan Holt of Joplin, Missouri

Five grandchildren – Jarren Reinhart of Springfield, Missouri; Jayden Holt, Dontrell Holt, Rayiah Crawford, and Merrick Holt all of Joplin, Missouri

Two great-grandchildren – Kynlee Reinhart and Dak Reinhart of Springfield, Missouri

One brother – Clifford Holt and his wife, Ruthie, of Frisco, Texas

He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings.

There will be a Memorial Visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to help defray final expenses. Checks may be made payable to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Paul Huggins

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paul Hargus Huggins, age 60, Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin following a short illness.

Paul was born on July 23, 1964 in San Bernadino, California to the late William C. Huggins, Sr. and Elaine (Everage) Huggins. He lived for many years in Arizona and later relocated to the Joplin area and has worked as a fork lift operator for Jasper Products for the past 12 years. He was an active member of the National Rifle Association.

Paul is survived by brother, William C. Huggins, Jr. of Joplin; sisters, Connie Cohn and husband, Wayne of Des Moine, IA and Theresa Lanning and husband, John of Bullhead City, Arizona; six nieces and nephews as well as numerous extended family.

No services are planned at this time.

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

Dennis Roy

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dennis Creed Roy Jr., age 81, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 16, 1944, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to Dennis Creed Roy Sr. and Trennie Rosalie (Pennel) Roy.

Dennis was the owner and operator of Dennis Roy Heating and Air in Joplin, Missouri for many years and later retired from The Waldinger Corporation in Kansas City. He was a proud graduate of Neosho High School, participating in the school band. He enjoyed singing in a gospel quartet and working in the family plumbing and heating business. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the Army and later served in the Army Reserves. He married Kathleen Winkler on July 4, 2000 and they built a wonderful life together.

In his retirement, Dennis spent time at the Lake of the Ozarks and Mesa, Arizona while he continued helping friends and family with HVAC needs, attended classic car shows, and, most importantly, cherished being with his family, especially being a part of his grandchildren’s lives.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Creed Roy Sr. and Trennie Rosalie Roy; two sisters, Edith Davidson and Lula Mae Lamb; two brother-in-laws, Walt Davidson and Claude Lamb, his sister-in-law, Lora Roy; as well as his nieces, Joy Anderson and Janet Davidson, and his nephew, Gary Anderson.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; one son, Dennis Roy III (Brooke); one daughter, Michelle Yarnall (Jeff); two stepsons, Eric Winkler (Sara), Michael Winkler(Jeanie);one brother, Jackie Roy; eight grandchildren, Drew Roy (Michaela), Jake Yarnall, Sophie Roy, Josh Yarnall, Daniel Roy, Owen Winkler, Chase Winkler, and Korben Winkler; one great-grandson, Daxton Roy; and numerous extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Mason Woodard Chapel on Saturday, April 5, 2025. A graveside service will be held following visitation at 3:00 pm, at Oakwood Cemetery near Neosho, Missouri, with Scott Ensminger officiating.

His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Dennis will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his commitment to hard work, and his kindness to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Jessica Cunningham

(From Greenfield Funeral Home)

Jessica Cunningham, of Clever, MO, departed this life on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO at the age of 49.

She was born on January 25, 1976 in Lamar, MO to Lonnie Purdy and Marcia (King) Pennell. Jessica graduated from Lamar High School, and attended Business College for Accounting. Jessica was united in marriage to James M. Cunningham in January of 1996 in Lamar, MO. She was an avid football fan and was a Star Wars enthusiasts.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Marcia Pennell.

Survivors include her husband, James Cunningham; her father, Lonnie Purdy and wife Petra; her half-sister, Jenny Gehrke; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Greenfield. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

 

Melvin Bond

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Melvin Clyde Bond, a lifelong resident of Anderson, Missouri, passed away suddenly at his residence on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the age of 82. He entered this life on August 8, 1942, in Anderson born to the union of the late Clyde and Myrtle (Nunley) Bond.

Melvin married Oleta Jane Epperson on November 17, 1961, and together they built a life filled with laughter and dedication until her passing in 2010.

Professionally, Melvin was a testament to hard work and loyalty. He dedicated over three decades to Missouri Steel Castings, where his commitment and work ethic were unparalleled. Even after his primary career, he continued to serve the community as a part-time custodian at Anderson Junior High School for twenty-eight years.

Melvin's life was a reflection of his values—faith, family, and the simple pleasures of life, enjoyed the followship he received at New Bethel Church. His interests were as wholesome as they were diverse. Whether he was farming, fishing, camping, or horseback riding, Melvin embraced the outdoors with a passion. He was an avid traveler and square dancer, always ready for a new adventure.

Yet, it was the quiet moments sitting on the back porch and the time spent with family and friends that Melvin treasured most. He is survived by his significant other, Patsy Lee of Neosho, Missouri; his grandsons, Jeff Ledford and Brian Ledford and companion Becca Potarf, of Anderson, Missouri; and his great-grandchildren, Caitlynn Stouder, Amy Ledford, Mechelle Ledford, Amanda Ledford, Sierra Harris and husband, Levi, Weston Ledford, Madyson Ledford, Grayson Zachary, Brooklyn Zachary, and Aidon Couch; two brothers, Marvin and Bob Bond, both of Anderson; as well as a host of other family and countless friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Oleta Bond; his daughter, Camilla Mae Bond Anderson; a brother, Gary Bond; and two sisters, Anna Lou Spears and Wilma Hall.

Graveside services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025 at New Bethel Cemetery with Ronnie Tosh officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to New Bethel Cemetery Care Fund c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.