Ashley Dorn

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Ashley Sheree Dorn was born in Tulare, California on July 31st, 1987. Her life, vibrant with joy, faith and adventure, ended in Anderson, MO on February 25th, 2026. Her sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Ashley was a devoted follower of Jesus and lived her life with a heart for God and for others. Her faith was the foundation of who she was, guiding her love for her family and her calling to help those who were hurting. She had a deep compassion for people in recovery and for anyone walking through struggles, and she poured herself into serving them.

Ashley was as driven as she was spirited. She earned her master's degree in Social Work with the same zest she approached the other facets of her life. She graduated with honors from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin and Missouri State University in Springfield where she honed her skills to become a dedicated Therapist for the Echota Tribe in Jay, OK. She truly loved her work and felt blessed to serve others through it.

Above all else, Ashley cherished the love of her life, her daughter, Chasten. The two were inseparable and shared a special bond. When she wasn't navigating the challenges of the human psyche, Ashley was out spending time making memories with her. From days spent soaking in the beauty of nature at the beach, kayaking, or ATV riding, to shopping trips, spa days or just hanging out together, her love for Chasten was only matched by her passion for her faith and the time she spent with her loved ones. Ashley believed that the best things in life weren't things at all, but experiences and memories made with those you treasure.

Ashley also loved being with her family and enjoying life's adventures. She had a joy for white-water rafting, kayaking, and riding motorcycles, and she delighted in doing these things with the people she loved most. Her laughter, passion, and presence will never be forgotten.

Ashley was engaged to Samuel Cisneros and was looking forward to their future together.

She is survived by her daughter, Chasten Dorn-Ferren; loving parents, Mark and Alicia Dorn; her brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Jackie Marshall; her sister, Dawn Dorn, and Whitney Colvin; her nephew and niece-in-law, Branden and Mary Marshall, and her grandfather, Edward Dorn. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Chasity Dorn.

Ashley's life was a testimony of faith, love, and service. Her spark ignited a fire that will continue to warm the hearts of those who loved her, and her light will forever shine in the stories they share and the laughter they cherish. Though her time on earth was far too short, her impact will be felt for generations. We find comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved so deeply.

“The Lord's way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” - Psalm 18:30.

A Celebration of Life service will be officiated by Pastor Cecil Hall at Country Charm Event Venue, 18389 E. Hwy 86, in Neosho, Missouri on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 pm.

Mark Rich

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mark E. Rich, age 60, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on February 25, 2026. He is deeply missed by all who loved him. Mark was born on December 10, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas, to Leroy and Judy (Miller) Rich. 

Throughout his life, Mark was known for his warmth, generosity, and steadfast support for his family and friends. On May 11, 2019, he was united in marriage to Fiona Attwell in Joplin, Missouri, and their union was one of great happiness for nearly seven years.

Mr. Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Fiona; his two children, Jordan Rich and Karli Rich; two stepchildren, Ben Quick and Zoe Quick; his sister, Lisa Muzechnko; and three grandchildren.

He treasured time spent with his family, loving on his dogs, and relaxing on the porch. His legacy is one of unconditional love and integrity. A guiding light that will remain in the hearts of his loved ones forever.

The family will hold a celebration of life on March 14, 2026 at their family home in Joplin.

Elane Wright

(From Knell Mortuary)

Doris Elane Wright, known affectionately as Elane to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on July 19, 1940, the daughter of the late Elimo and Mary (Stevenson) Lounis, Sr., in Carthage, Missouri. Elane's life was a testament to her loving nature, faith-filled spirit, and unwavering kindness.

Elane grew up in Carthage and attended local schools, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a strong sense of community. After her education, she married Felix C. Wright, Sr. on November 17, 1958, in Miami, Oklahoma; he preceded her in death on April 4, 2009. She dedicated herself to the role of a homemaker, raising her children with love and devotion. As her children grew, Elane embarked on a new chapter, starting a cleaning service and later working for the Carthage R-9 school district in the lunchroom until her well-deserved retirement.

Elane was a devout Christian and an active member of the Joplin Family Worship Center. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she found joy in attending Christian Women Conferences. Elane's interests were as generous as her heart; she was an avid bowler, a bunko enthusiast, and a sports fan, particularly of tennis. She was known for her love of children, often babysitting for many in her community, and her greatest pleasure was watching her own children and grandchildren play sports.

Her family was the cornerstone of her life. Elane is survived by her loving children, Felix Wright, Jr. (Michele) of Westlake, Ohio, Mary Wright of Cleveland, Ohio, Joe Wright (Karina), Juanita Wright, Charles Wright, and Wilma Coleman (Bruce), all of Carthage, Missouri. 

She was a cherished sister to Elimo "Tinker" Lounis, Jr., (Debbie), of Carthage, Missouri, Wilson Lounis, and Floyd "Doc" Lounis (Peggy), both of Joplin, Missouri. Her legacy continues through her 25 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mondo Lounis.

Memorial services will be held at 10 am Thursday March 5, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. Inurnment will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday March 4, 2026 at Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

David Shipman

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

David Lee Shipman, 84, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He was born on December 19, 1941, to Ralph and Rozella Shipman in Carthage, Missouri. David graduated from Carthage Senior High School with the Class of 1960. 

David was united in marriage to Linda Borland on September 25, 1965. David dedicated 20 years of honorable service to the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, which included a tour in Vietnam. During his military career, he focused heavily on environmental health, publishing several articles on the subject based on his time in Vietnam. 

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1980, he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in health administration at Pittsburg State University. His professional life after the military was dedicated to public service. He worked in environmental health as a sanitarian (Health Inspector) in Joplin and the Clinton, Missouri area before joining the State Division of Aging, where he inspected nursing homes in the Poplar Bluff area. 

A man of deep faith, David served as a deacon in many Southern Baptist churches across the United States during his 28 moves with the Navy. In his later years, he remained active in church ministry as a member of Open Door Baptist Church in Carthage. He also joined the Gideons Organization in the early 2000’s helping to spread the Word. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF & AM in Carthage. 

David’s journey took him from Carthage to Arizona in 2015 to be near his son, Charlie, before ultimately returning to his roots in Missouri in 2018. 

He was preceded in death by: 

• His loving parents, Ralph and Rozella Shipman
• His beloved wife, Linda A Shipman (d. 2013)
• His son, Shannon D. Shipman
• His sister, Deborah (Debbie) Reed, and her husband, Mike Reed
He is survived by:
• His son, Charlie (Kathy) Shipman of Smithville, Missouri
• His brother, Richard A. Shipman of Carthage, Missouri
• His brother-in-law, Jeff (Donna) Borland of Raytown, Missouri
• Many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins 

Service Information 
Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage, Missouri
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
3:00 PM
Interment: To follow at Dudman Springs Cemetery 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Gideons International or the Open Door Baptist Church. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Kirk Lawson

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Ronald “Kirk” Lawson, 78, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Born on September 24, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of Elton LeRoy “Slim” Lawson and Bernice Pearl Ogden Lawson. 

He was raised with enduring values of faith in God, devotion to family, personal responsibility, and hard work. These were principles he not only absorbed in his youth but faithfully embodied throughout his life. Kirk exemplified the steady character and bright optimism of mid century America. Resilient in adversity, enterprising in endeavor, independent in thought, and generous in spirit, he lived with integrity and a profound commitment to the common good. Carthage became his lifelong home and the community in which he invested his labor, his convictions, and his heart. 

An industrious and self reliant man, Kirk was self employed for much of his career and also worked for Safeway Cheese and Walmart, approaching every role with diligence. In the mid 1970s, he proudly owned and operated the beloved Coney Chef at 5th and Main in Carthage, providing not only food, but fellowship and a familiar place for neighbors and friends. 

On June 10, 1967, in Carthage, Kirk was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda K Tieman. For fifty eight devoted years, theirs was a partnership marked by loyalty, perseverance, and enduring affection. Their marriage stood as a living testament to blissful union between husband and wife. 

Though firmly rooted in Southwest Missouri, Kirk possessed a wide and curious mind. Remarkably open minded and often ahead of his time, he was well traveled, having traversed oceans, skies and continents both in devotion to his family and in wonder at the beauty of God’s creation. He cherished education and consistently encouraged his family to stretch toward new heights, a legacy reflected in the accomplishments and character of his children and grandchildren. 

A man of sincere faith, Kirk sought not merely to profess belief, but to live it. He studied and endeavored to emulate the example of Jesus Christ, striving daily toward compassion, honesty, humility, and service. In his leisure, Kirk delighted in the simple and enduring pleasures of life. He took pride in meticulous yard work, maintained an impressive collection of ballcaps, and faithfully attended MO-KAN drag races, air shows, and museums. Kirk was also an enthusiastic admirer of NASCAR, and remained steadfastly loyal to his Ford pickup trucks. He also treasured quiet hours at home, enjoying OU Football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, the Discovery Channel, or his fondly favored Gilmore Girls. 

Above all, Kirk cherished his family. Known affectionately as “Papa,” he delighted in the company of his grandchildren, offering not only affection but the steady example of curiosity, discipline, strength, and steadfast love. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Lawson of Carthage; two daughters, Heather Ali and her husband Mohammad of Carthage, Missouri, and Mendy Lasley and her husband Peter of Bentonville, Arkansas; two brothers, Butch Morgan and his wife Lois of Tucson, Arizona, and Preston Lawson and his wife Marie of New Strawn, Kansas; and four cherished grandchildren, Hashim Pasha, Omar Pasha, Quinn Lasley, and Keira Lasley. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Bernice Lawson; his sister, Ramona Lawson Rogers; and his brother in law, Bill Rogers. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Carthage. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ulmerfh.com. Ronald “Kirk” Lawson lived with conviction, loved with constancy, and worked with honor. His legacy endures in the strength of his family, the memories he leaves behind, and the quiet example of a life faithfully lived.

Daniel Patrick

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

January 27, 1955 - February 25, 2026

Daniel Abraham Patrick passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He left this world gently, with dignity and grace. 

From the time he was a little boy, Daniel loved old cars and trucks. This love carried through to his school journey where he enjoyed every moment in his favorite shop class with his favorite shop teacher, Dan. Daniel later graduated from Carthage High School in 1973. 

He started working on cars as a small child with instruction from his dad, Glenn. It was the lessons of hard work mixed with the skill taught by his dad and shop teacher that shaped the respected mechanic he became. 

Restoring old machines was, in many ways, a reflection of who he was: patient, steady, and willing to put in the work to bring something back to life. 

But more than his mechanical skill, Daniel will be remembered for his heart. 

He loved God. He loved people. He was a good and honest man who would help any person he could. Above all, he loved his entire family with his whole heart. His favorite roll that he cherished was Papa. His love was shown in action and his words. His faith was quiet but steady. He lived what he believed. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Patrick; father, Glenn Patrick; sister, Glenda Degonia; brother-in law Paul Degonia; brother, Larry Patrick; and his brothers-in-laws, Ed Milleson and Dan Kuhn. 

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Patrick; son, Christopher Patrick; daughter, Lacey Wells; son-in-law, David Wells; and his sweet sisters; Mary Kuhn, Barbara Mileson, Kerry Cowgill and his brother-in law KC Cowgill, his younger brother Kevin Patrick, and sister- in law Linda Patrick. 

He is survived by Papa’s cherished grandchildren: Eli Wells, Zebadiah Wells, Isaac Wells, Gabriel Wells, Christian Patrick, Willow Patrick and Everett Patrick, as well as Papa’s precious babies his great-grandchildren: Patrick, Lacey, Ophelia and Kalon. 

If you knew Daniel you knew that he took pride in his work ridden dirty hands as he always wanted to contribute his part. His hands may be at rest, but the impact of those hands-the engines he fixed, the people he helped and the babies he held will be remembered by those that held him near. Go rest now our faithful loving husband, brother, dad, Papa and friend. We will all deeply miss you. 

There will be a funeral service for Daniel at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. The visitation will be from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Ulmer Funeral Home. The burial will take place at Reeds Cemetery in Reeds, Missouri, immediately following the service. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and directions of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Bill Parkison

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

William Benjamin “Bill” Parkison of Miami, OK passed from this life Sunday, March 1, 2026 at The Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, MO. He was 82.

Bill was born December 28, 1943 in Cardin, OK to William Earl and Loyetta (Gibson) Parkison. He had lived in Cardin and Miami, OK all his life and graduated from Picher – Cardin High School class of 1961.

Bill had worked for Hormel in Miami, OK, McCartney in Baxter Springs, KS and then for KMT in Baxter Springs, KS. He was a member of the Cardin Baptist Church and served as the last mayor of Cardin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Pasty Huffman.

Bill is survived by his wife Ida Mae (Couch) Parkison of the home, 2 sons, Chad Parkison of Miami, OK and Bill Parkison and wife Tara of Baxter Springs, KS, 1 daughter, Kellie Parkison of Neosho, MO, 9 grandchildren, Preslynn Samuel, Kalynn Samuel, Dezasia Edmund, Hayden Parkison, Chloe Parkison, Patrick Edmund, Delanie Edmund, Dezlynn Edmund and Blake Parkison, 1 great grandchild, Leilani Jones and 5 nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Cardin Baptist Church, east of Miami, OK. Rev. John McEuen will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.