Tommy Blair

(From Clark Funeral Home)

James Thomas Blair went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 23 days. Tommy was born on October 6, 1941, to James Robert and Ruby Loraine (Neff) Blair in the dusty panhandle of Beaver, Oklahoma.

He attended high school in Hardesty, Oklahoma, where he was involved in ROTC, and was a member of the 1959 graduating class. After graduation, Tommy enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 9 years. He was a Lieutenant in the 101st Chaplaincy in Kansas City, Missouri. 

 

Tommy met Karen Ratlief, at a youth party hosted by the BSU while both were attending college at Panhandle State University in Goodwill, Oklahoma. Karen oversaw activities for Presidents Day Weekend where she organized the activity requiring students to make something patriotic out of bubble gum. Tommy made a bubble gum flag that won the game, and apparently, Karen’s heart. After they both graduated, Tommy and Karen were wed in Guymon, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1964. They shared 61 years of marriage before Tommy’s passing.

The newlyweds moved to Northern Kansas City, Missouri where Tommy attended Midwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. After graduating with a Master of Divinity, he began pastoring at Englewood Baptist of North Kansas City, Missouri. He was then called to serve as the Youth Director of Linden Baptist Church, also of North Kansas City. He later accepted a position at Mission Baptist where he led music at the mission church and then went back to preach at the home campus. Over the years they were called to pastor at First Baptist of Salisbury, Missouri, First Baptist in Cameron, Missouri, and First Baptist of Aurora, Missouri. In late 1998, Tommy and Karen moved to Neosho, Missouri where he took the position of Director of Missions for Shoal Creek Baptist Association. He proudly served for 21 years until his retirement in 2020.

Tommy loved spending time with his family, attending car shows both as a participant with one of his classic cars or as a spectator, taking trips to Branson with Karen, serving at church, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri and of Greater Ozarks Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International. He spent countless hours tearing down his classic cars and restoring them to their former glory. He also enjoyed making stained glass art pieces he could give to friends and family as gifts.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters: Dana Blair of Neosho, Missouri, and Jill Richardson, and husband, Joe of Blue Springs Missouri; four grandchildren: Brett Blair and wife, Kelcey, Colby Blair and wife, Pypher, Cooper Richardson and fiancé Lindsey Ham, and Thomas Richardson; great-grandchildren: Landry Blair, Hudson Blair, Ezra Blair, Theodore Blair, Toby Blair, Matthias Blair, Arthur Blair, and Josephine Blair. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Mark Thomas Blair; his brother, Edward Blair; his sister, Sharon Brown; and his twin brother, Robert Blair.

Visitation will be at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Calvary Baptist of Neosho, Missouri. A Private Family Graveside Service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Calvary Baptist Church of Neosho c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

Sarah Starkey

(From Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home)

Sarah M. Starkey, age 92, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Sarah was born on August 15, 1933, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Ernest Dodgen and Kathleen (Ward) Dodgen. On August 19, 1955, she married Dr. Samuel J. Starkey, Jr., who preceded her in death on May 10, 2011.

Sarah held a bachelor's degree from John Brown University and a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in education and devoted her life to teaching, a calling she embraced with dedication and care for her students. She retired from the Webb City, Missouri School District after many years of service, leaving a lasting impact on those she taught and worked with. She was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma and remained actively involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 65 years. A lifetime member of the Methodist Church, Sarah’s faith and community were important parts of her life. In her quieter moments, she found joy and peace in watercolor painting, a talent that reflected her thoughtful and creative spirit.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Lynn Foster and husband, Rulon; her sons, Samuel J. Starkey III and wife, Shari, and Barton W. Starkey and wife, Stacy; her brother, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Dodger and wife, Ann; her sisters, Linda Wesley and Cleraone Dailey; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Samuel J. Starkey, Jr., and her sister, Pamela Rasmussen.

Nona Probert

(From Parker Mortuary)

Winona (Nona) Probert, age 101 years and 8 months, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Autumn Place in Joplin where she has resided the past several years.

Nona was born on the family farm southeast of Jasper, Missouri. She was number 8 of 11 children. Her parents were George W. Probert and Della G. Harris Probert. She graduated from Jasper High School in 1942.

Nona moved to Kansas City that summer to work at Commerce Bank. Her first job was an elevator operator and shortly after started work there became a clerk. In 1948, Nona moved to California with her sister, Kathryn and lived in Linwood and the South Gate area. While in California, Nona worked for Purex Corporation as an Office Assistant.

In 1955, Nona returned to Jasper, Missouri to help her parents and work for the Jasper Phone Company. They still had party lines and she laughingly told stories of how people listened to one another. As the phone company became more advanced, they transferred her to Joplin where she worked the switchboard and later became a clerk. She retired November 1, 1985.

After retirement, Nona enjoyed traveling with friends and family. She visited England, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and took several cruises. Nona has always been a kind and generous person to all who have been fortunate enough to know her.

A committal of ashes will take place at a later date at the Hackney Cemetery north of Carthage, Missouri.

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

Chris Perry

(From Parker Mortuary)

Christopher Adam Perry, Sr., affectionately known as Chris to his friends and family, passed away suddenly on February 28, 2026, at the age of 48. Born on August 2, 1977, in Joplin, Missouri, Chris was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown, where he also took his last breath at Freeman Hospital, surrounded the family he cherished.

Chris is survived by his father, Michael Perry, Sr. of Carterville, Missouri. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication in his son, Christopher Perry, Jr. of Joplin, MO, and his step-children, Garrett O'Neal (April) of Diamond, MO, and Dylan O'Neal of Joplin. Chris's memory will also be treasured by his brothers, Michael Perry, Jr. (Terese) of Centralia, MO, and John Perry (Leah) of Joplin, along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who will miss his warm presence.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Hutchison-Perry.

Chris was a man of many talents, most notably as a skilled carpenter. His handiwork and craftsmanship graced many homes and businesses throughout Joplin and the surrounding areas. His work was not just a job but a passion, and he took great pride in every project he undertook. Chris's colleagues in the industry respected him for his expertise and his willingness to lend a hand or share his knowledge with anyone who asked.

Those who knew Chris will remember him as the epitome of friendliness. His smile was infectious, and he had the rare ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Chris was also incredibly handy, a trait that served him well both professionally and personally. He was the first person his friends and family would call when something needed fixing, and he always responded with enthusiasm, never expecting anything in return.

Above all, Chris was selfless. He lived his life for others, whether it was through his work, his time, or his ability to listen and offer support. His generosity knew no bounds, and his absence will leave a void in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

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

Olivia Rutledge

(From Parker Mortuary)

Olivia Grace Rutledge, our tiny but mighty girl, graced this world with her presence on February 24, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. In her brief but deeply impactful time on earth, Olivia embodied strength, resilience, and a quiet courage that forever changed the hearts of those who loved her. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her parents on February 26, 2026.

Born at 25 weeks, Olivia faced every challenge with a warrior’s heart. From the moment she arrived, crying and fighting, she showed us what true bravery looks like. Though her time here was only two precious days, she filled them with a lifetime’s worth of love.

Her bright eyes, delicate features, and gentle spirit were cherished beyond words. Every second spent holding her, memorizing her tiny fingers and toes, was a sacred gift. Olivia taught us that love is not measured in days, but in depth — and she was loved more than she will ever know.

Olivia is survived by her loving parents, Jerid and Jordan (Derrick) Rutledge; her proud big sister, Piper Rutledge; her grandmother, Melody Rutledge; her great-grandparents, Tom and Jo Arcudia, and Ollie & Jo Derrick as well as other grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were eagerly awaiting her arrival and will forever hold her in their hearts.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, David Rutledge and great grandfather, Quentin Moore.




A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor & Hope, a local organization that assists families with the unexpected burial costs of infants in our area.

David Poteet

(From Parker Mortuary)

David Poteet, age 77, of Joplin, MO passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Aspire Senior Living Joplin.

David was born on March 8, 1948 in Webb City, MO, to the union of Ernest and Alberta (Hedgcorth) Poteet.

 

David was preceded in death by his parents.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

Linda Lemmon

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Linda Dew Leemon, 76, originally of Joplin, Missouri met her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Fort Worth Texas. Linda was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 7, with a prognosis that she would not live past the age of 20. Linda was a fighter and after 6 major resection surgeries beat the original prognosis by 52 years. 

At the age of 40 she was again given a life-threatening diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome resulting in open heart surgery to replace her aortic valve with a metal one requiring a lifetime of medication. Even with these procedures and medications she still managed to live a full life of joy and love surrounded by her family. 

A blood clot was detected recently causing the metal valve not to function properly and it needing to be replaced. With her family by her side, she consented to the surgery; however, she could not keep fighting and has now joined Jesus and the loved ones who went before her.

Linda was born October 16, 1949, to Cody and Susie Drew. Linda and her brother Mark grew up on Annie Baxter with Cunningham Park as her backyard and attended Blendville Christian Church. Later attended Royal Heights UMC in Joplin and First United Methodist Church, Azle Tx. She had a love for Jesus and the church volunteering in ministries with a passion for Sound Tech and drama.

Linda dated her long-time husband Kenneth Dean Leemon after meeting him in St. Louis where they both worked. They dated for 10 years. Even though he had asked her to become his bride on 4 separate occasions she declined each time saying he was not ready to settle down (she was right). On October the 4th, 1981 Linda and Ken married in Birmingham Alabama. Linda and Ken celebrated their 44th anniversary this past October.

Because of the medical procedures Linda endured over the years she was unable to carry children to full-term but filled her life with her stepdaughters Sherry Leemon and Christy Leemon Kofargo, and in April of 1985 Linda and Ken adopted newborn Kenneth Drew (Kenny) Leemon into their family. Again, beginning in 2006, she welcomed Emma, Christopher, & Trey Leemon into the family as newborn infants. It has been a joy watching them interact as a family since.

Linda finished her master’s degree in speech pathology at Missouri Southern State University and worked in the Special Needs classrooms of both Joplin and Carl Junction school districts for 16 years. She had a heart for these children calling them “Her Kids” and loving each one as she aided with their educational needs.

Linda was correct about Ken's reluctance to settle down; after staying in Birmingham for just one year, they moved to Nashville for two years, then spent only six months in Fort Worth before accepting a promotion that took them to Chicago for another two years. To be close to Linda’s family, newborn Kenny and husband Ken moved along with Linda to Joplin. Their last move was in 2013 when they moved to Fort Worth to join Nate Starmer in a new life adventure after the E5 tornado destroyed a sizable portion of Joplin.

Linda leaves behind her beloved husband Ken, daughters Christy Kofargo (Pete) Belleville Il and Emma Leemon of Joplin. Her sons Kenny, Christopher, and Trey of the home and “bonus son” Nate Starmer of Fort Worth. Dixie Starmer her “bonus sister” of Joplin and Grandchildren Donnie Buehler and Katie (Sam) Hurst of Illinois, Madelyn and Mallory Leemon of Joplin and great grandchildren Abel, Sawyer, Tobias, and Luka Hurst of Belleville Il. Sister-in-law Janet Drew, nieces Lauren Slater and Bethany Drew of Joplin along with countless friends and extended family. She was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Cody and Susie Drew, brother Mark Drew, and daughter Sherry Leemon.

Funeral Services have been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Royal Heights Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.