Mary Rosenbohm

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mary Louise Rosenbohm, 79 of Noel, Missouri passed away Monday, March 27, 2023 at her residence with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Blair, Nebraska on September 30, 1943 to the late William and Lois (Leininger Tennant) Cooper. Mary married Gene Rosenbohm on October 29, 1963 in Blair, Nebraska. Mary and Gene moved to Noel on June 20, 1966. She enjoyed camping, canoeing, traveling, cruising, farming and driving the gator on the farm to check the cows. Mary was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and cherished time spent with her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Rosenbohm; son-in-law, Mike Hanke; two sisters, Charlotte and Jeannie.

Mary is survived by her eight children; Jerry and Mary Rosenbohm, Sherri and Paul Buckner, Kellie and Chad Pankau, Sara and Roger Burger, Gary and Helen Rosenbohm, Amy and Brian Gerow and Cody And Crystal Rosenbohm, Jaysen Anthony and Jessica Rosenbohm; 12 grandchildren, Johnathan, Kristina, Alecia, Haley, Hayden, Jason Scott, Ryann, Jakob, Dylan, Maria, Jayden and Ava; four Great grandchildren, Brynlee, Cullen, Caleb and Asher; aunt Ruthie Schmidt; as well as a host of other family and friends, who will dearly miss Mary.

A Memorial service for Mrs. Mary Rosenbohm will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. Pastor J.R. Morgan will officiate.

Jim Nelson

(From White Funeral Home)

Jimmy Joe Nelson Sr, 73 of Exeter, Missouri, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 23, 2023 after sustaining injuries from a car accident.

He was born on July 10, 1949, in Wheaton, Missouri, to Vance and Esther (Senseney) Nelson.

He was united in marriage to MaryAnn (Younger) Nelson on July 25, 1970. To this union were born eight children.

Jim was a retired dairy farmer, a well known avid gardener in his community, and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri.

He was survived by his wife MaryAnn, his six sons and two daughters.

Jimmy Nelson Jr. of Cassville, Missouri; Buck Nelson of Bowling Green, Missouri; Jonathan Nelson and his wife Misty of Purdy, Missouri; Brandon Nelson and his wife Amber of Grand Island, Nebraska; Timothy Nelson of Farmington, Missouri; Vallerie (Nelson) Steele and her husband Chad of Fairview, Missouri; Holly Nelson and her Fiancé Chaisson Betzler of Springfield, Missouri; and TyRell Nelson and his wife Elizabeth of Eagle Rock, Missouri.

He was blessed to have nineteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren due to be born this summer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Esther Nelson, two brothers Vic and Bert Nelson, one grandson Dakota Nelson, his father-in-law, William Younger Sr. and his brother-in-law Leslie Younger.

As a kidney recipient himself, Jim wanted to honor that gift by being an organ donor. That wish was made possible and he was able to be an organ donor hero for others.

He chose to be cremated and have a private family service to be held in Maplewood Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.

Pattsy Adams

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Pattsy E. Adams, age 83, of Duenweg, Mo. passed away March 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin following a short illness. She was born October 22, 1939, in Wilkes County, North Carolina to Dewey Velt Handy and Novella Handy (Sabastian.)

Pattsy attended high school in Flint, Michigan. She married the love of her life Joseph Adams in 1960. She was employed at Midcon Cable Company in Joplin for many years. Pattsy was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Duenweg, Missouri.

Pattsy was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey Velt Handy and Novella Handy (Sabastian.) She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Adams, her son Ricky Adams, her daughter JoEllen Mosley, and daughter Novella Adams who passed away during infancy. Also preceding were her brother Jimmy Handy and Dewey Handy.

She is survived by her grandson, Lewis Mosley, granddaughters, Jamie Mosley and Heather Adams. She is also survived by her sister Peggy (Don) Parrish.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin, Missouri. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation following the service.

Gene Baker

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Gene Paul Baker, age 89 of Dadeville, MO, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in his home.

He was born to Howard and Pauline (Todd) Baker on October 12, 1933 near the present day family home in Cane Hill, MO. Gene attended his elementary years at Flint Hill School and high school years at the Stockton District, graduating in 1951. 

Afterwards he worked in the Olive Orchards in California before coming back to marry the love of his life, Allowee Chism on June 19, 1953. They were married just 11 days before Gene was shipped off to Japan in the Korean War. 

In August of 1952, Gene and Allowee were baptized together in what was called the “the city bathtub”, a spring fed pool of water near Cane Hill, MO. Together they worshipped at Flint Hill and the Bona Church of Christ. Gene and Allowee were blessed with 3 girls, Ronda (David) Melton, Donna (Brent) Long, and Penny (Jay) Freeze. 

Gene and Allowee were so looking forward to celebrating their upcoming wedding anniversary, just shy of 70 years. Gene, a faithful follower of Christ was very thankful to his heavenly father, giving Him thanks at almost every meal, even up to his final days. He was a hard worker and a man of few words.
In his earlier years, Gene and Allowee raised pigs and cattle which later became only a beef cattle production. 

In 1999 Gene’s daughter, Ronda and her husband David, joined Gene in running his beef cattle operation until his health declined. Gene was kind, patient, and a man of integrity. He will be remembered by his family for his dry, witty humor, always lightening the mood. Gene enjoyed music shows, card games, fishing, and camping with his close neighbor friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard and Pauline Baker; his in-laws, Glen and Fae Chism; two brothers, Jack Baker and John Baker; loving sister, Janice Wilkerson Browning; infant baby sister, Janie Baker; and three brothers-in-law, Bud Wilson, Joel Hyden, and Sonny Fitts.

Survivors include his loving wife, Allowee Baker of the home; three daughters, Ronda Melton and husband David of Aldrich, MO, Donna Long and husband Brent of Aldrich, MO, and Penny Freeze and husband Jay of Dadeville, MO; four sisters, Jeanette Wilson of Bakersfield, CA, June Fitts of Chiloquin, OR, Judy Hyden of Bakersfield, CA, and Joey Ross and husband George of Taft, CA; one sister-in-law, Pauline Baker of Bakersfield, CA; seven grandchildren, Sonja Keathley and husband Matthew, Alyssa White and husband A.J., Brook Glenn and husband Derek, Glen Long and wife Lauren, Cody Freeze and wife Allison, Julie Vanhooser and husband Andrew, and Kyle Freeze and wife Mati; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Bona Cemetery. No formal visitation will be held, but friends and family are welcome to view and pay their respects on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Lumpy Lawson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Richard “Lumpy” Lee Lawson, age 76, of Joplin, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin.

Richard “Lumpy” Lawson, son of Albert Lee and Nadine (Best) Lawson, was born on August 12, 1946, in Yakima, Washington. He was a four-year track, football, and basketball letterman at Columbus Unified High School, graduating in 1964. Richard also ran track at Parsons Junior College. Richard married Karen Stocker in 1967, with whom he had two children. He married Jane Woolever in 2001.

Richard “Lumpy” Lawson was employed by B.F. Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma for 15 years. He also owned and operated the Snak Atak convenience store in Fairland, Oklahoma for 10 years. In 1997, Richard purchased John’s Meat Market in Joplin and remodeled the market into a BBQ restaurant with state-of-the-art smokers and the highest quality meats. For 15 years Richard owned Lumpy’s BBQ, winning loyal customers and awards in the four-state region. Richard truly loved the customers and employees at Lumpy’s and could usually be found in the kitchen or serving delicious BBQ.

Richard coached Columbus Little League and AAU Junior Olympic track. He was also a high school basketball referee in Kansas for over 25 years–including multiple state tournaments. Richard was a lifelong Kansas Jayhawk basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and played hundreds of rounds of golf! He was a past president of the Columbus Country Club and 20-year member, American Legion member, and Twin Hills Country Club member for 35 years. The Joplin Elks Lodge was always a great place to see his friends, play cards and cheer on the Jayhawks and Chiefs! Richard also enjoyed participating in the Elks Lodge Christmas community service projects.

“Lumpy” was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. Many people will miss his entertaining stories, sports observations and the laughter that surrounded him.

Survivors include Richard’s wife of 22 years, Jane Lawson; his mother, Nadine Lawson; his siblings, Cindy (John) Starrett, Ellen (Jim) Dougan, Todd (Debbie) Lawson, Jill (Richie) Knight, and Terry Lawson; children, Rick (Jo) Lawson, and Holly Lawson; his grandchildren, Landon Lawson, Victoria Lawson, Bristol Linders, Maeleigh Soper, and Danica Woolever; stepchildren, Danna Woolever and Dusty Woolever. Richard is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Steve Rosenfeld, Highland Oncology Group, University of Kansas Health System, Three Rivers Hospice, Home Instead Health Care and Solace House of the Ozarks. Memorial contributions can be made to Solace House, Elks Lodge, or donations may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Parker Mortuary in Joplin. The family would like to invite friends to the Joplin Elks Lodge following services for a time of gathering for fellowship, food, and sharing of memories.

Mickey Mason

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Mickey Dean Mason, 82, of Nevada, passed away Monday, March 27th, 2023, in his home following a lengthy illness surrounded by his children.

Mickey was born June 15, 1940 to Roy and Ruth Mason of Anderson, MO. He was raised in McDonald County and was very active in the local farm and agriculture community which became a constant thread of his passions throughout his lifetime.

He graduated from Southwest City High School in May 1958 and then studied for one year at the School of the Ozarks. 

On August 12, 1961, Mickey married his childhood sweetheart, Laurel Nichols and they remained married until her death in 2010. In 1962, Mickey and Laurel moved to Nevada, MO. Over their nearly 50 years of marriage, Mickey and Laurel built a full legacy of family together. They had seven children which evolved into countless grand children and great grandchildren.

Mickey applied and was accepted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy on June 15, 1961, his 21st birthday. At that time, he was the youngest patrolman in the state. He proceeded to serve as a Troop D Missouri State Highway Patrolman from April 1, 1962 until his retirement on August 28, 1994. After his retirement, he served part time as a Vernon County Deputy Sheriff. He then was elected and served in the office of Vernon County Sheriff from 1997-2000. After leaving the position of Vernon County Sheriff, Mickey then served as Deputy Sheriff of Barton County, served the 28th Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, Division of Family Services, and Division of Youth Services covering the counties of Vernon, Cedar, Barton and Dade. Throughout the years of his law enforcement career, Mickey never swayed from his core beliefs and traditions of the mission and impact his service brought to not only his family, but to the community and to the man, himself, that he always proved to be.

Salus populi suprema lex esto: “Let the good of the people be the supreme law.”

Over the years, Mickey wore many hats and stayed involved in his community with his family. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a Boy Scout Leader, Lions Club member, Masonic Lodge member, along with countless other roles. If nothing else, he could be described as a family man who loved his community.

Mickey was preceded in death by his wife, Laurel; both of his parents; and two granddaughters Lindsay Mason and Dru Hancock. Survivors include his sister Diana Virden and husband Ed (Springfield, Mo); son Chris Mason (Nevada); daughter Cheryl Shultz and husband Scott (Springfield, Mo); daughter Cindy Dye and husband Jimmie (Nevada); son Cary Mason (Springfield, Mo); daughter Candace Dunback and husband Chris (Eudora, Ks); daughter Celeste Grothusen and husband Dallas (Wichita, Ks); daughter Crystal Hancock and husband Jesse (Lee’s Summit, Mo); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor George Knox officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mickey’s memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Ruth Easton

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ruth Lafaun Easton, age 84, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away at 12:49 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at her home. She was born December 16, 1938, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to the late Alvin Elmer and Edith Ollie (Young) Horton.

Ruth worked in the office of Boeing Company and Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. She enjoyed crocheting, exploring genealogy, and listening to and singing gospel music, but most of all, she dearly loved her children.

Survivors include her five children, Edith Marie Berube, Angela Kay Sisco, and Arthur James Sisco, all of Neosho and Rodney Lynn Sisco of Anderson, Missouri, and Brian Jay Sisco of Wichita, Kansas; one brother, Roy Horton and his wife, Sue, of Crane, Missouri; and a host of dear grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, her daughter, Teresa Lafaun Horton; infant sister, Violet Marie Horton; brother, Elbert Horton; son-in-law, Mark Berube; and her former husbands, A.J. Sisco, and Joseph L. Easton, preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, with burial at Hart Cemetery in Rogers, Arkansas.