Frank Davis

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

January 10, 1932-March 16, 2024

Frank Davis was born at home in the Great Smokey Mountains of Swain County, North Carolina to Samuel Edgar and Eva McHan Davis, the sixth of seven children. He attended a semester at North Carolina State University before enlisting in the US Air Force, where he served as a flight engineer in the 28th Squadron stateside during the Korean War. Having completed his enlistment in 1955, he joined Trans World Airlines, flying for 15 years.

In 1959, he met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Vincent Davis, in Kansas City, where they raised two daughters.

In 1970, Frank changed careers, buying a small readi-mix plant and moving his family from Kansas City to Lamar, Missouri, where he ran Lamar Concrete for 24 years and served the community tirelessly. He was a member of the Lamar United Methodist Church, a Rotarian for 28 years (chapter president 1985- 86), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Barton County Memorial Hospital for 17 years, 14 as president.

In 2000, Frank and Eleanor retired to Grand Lake of the Cherokees, enjoying the beauty and sociability of lake life, fishing and boating and attending the Cayuga Mission Church until 2021. Wildwood Senior Living in Joplin became home for the last few years of his life.

Frank was first and foremost a devoted family man, and a friend and neighbor to all. His adventurous tales and zest for life were complemented by his integrity, honor, and work ethic.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, all but one of his siblings, and his eldest daughter, Staci Davis Chodrick. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Eleanor Davis; his daughter, Traci Davis Sumner; three granddaughters, Kirsten Chodrick, Michelle Sumner and Danielle Sumner; sons-in-law Steve Chodrick and Philip Sumner and his sister, Kate (Davis) Ashe. He is loved and missed by all.

A celebration of his life will be held at a date yet to be determined. Please consider the charities of his choice in making a memorial contribution: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Mennonite Disaster Relief Fund.

Len Tatum

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Leonard Lee Tatum (Len), age 61 of Joplin, Missouri passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Barnes Jewish Hospital following a sudden illness.

He was born July 22, 1962 in Macon, Missouri to William and Eleanor (Myszke) Tatum.

In his early years, Len spent his childhood in Australia with his family. He grew up hunting and fishing daily on a riverbank to provide food for the family and they earned recognition in a global publication due to their unique family lifestyle. 

His vast imagination and ability to create products from unique materials served him well in his construction career. Len was owner/operator of Tatum Construction and worked in construction for over 40 years. He also worked at Fleming Foods for approximately ten years with lasting friendships. He was also a member of Joplin Elk’s Lodge #501 where he enjoyed dancing and fellowship. He was a member and guest instructor of the round dance Tanglefooters club. Len also helped to launch the first business BNI group in Joplin – Greater Joplin Business Connection. 

Len attended Christ’s Church of Oronogo and taught Sunday School as well as helped with projects in the church. His ministry included donated services for the Right Here, Right Now campaign as well as a ministry where he built trust first with low-income families/widows and completed projects at a reduced price and/or for free in the four-state area.

Len married Jill (Womack) Thomas on September 9, 2000 and she survives. 

He is also survived by two daughters, Shaelyn Davis and husband Jerry, JeLynn Tatum and fiancé William Metzger; two sons, Austin Tatum and Keaton Tatum; one grandson, Romel; mother, Eleanor; five brothers, William, Robert, Frank, Allen, Harold; four sisters, Frances, Lucinda, Mary Ann, Betty and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William and one brother, James.

Lenny Thornberry

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Leonard "Lenny" Thornberry, age 60, of Joplin, Missouri passed away Saturday March 23, 2024 at his home.

He worked at the Joplin Workshop for over 20 years.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am Tuesday April 2, 2024 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Internment is scheduled for 11:00 am Tuesday at Webb City Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin, Missouri.

Velma Langford

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Velma Jean Langford, age 84, passed away on March 22, 2024. She was born to Walter and Nellie (Williams) Langford on February 5, 1940, in Bonner Springs, KS. Velma loved her beautiful flowers and found joy in cultivating them. She was also an avid reader and cherished spending time outdoors.

Velma is survived by her children Glenda Denison, Carla Higginbotham, Roxanna Garrett, and Jimmy (Angie) Higginbotham, as well as nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. 

She is also survived by her siblings Doris Wilson, Ray (Donna) Langford, and Bill Langford, along with many other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, two infant sons Thomas and Edward Higginbotham, and five siblings.

A graveside service to honor Velma's life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Bethlehem Cemetery in Lockwood, Missouri. Pastor Doug Gripka will officiate the service.

Velma will be remembered fondly for her love of nature, her passion for reading, and the cherished moments shared with her family and friends. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.

Nikki Worrell

(From Roller Funeral Home)

Nikki Worrell, age 86, of Sherwood, Ark., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara, by his side. 

Nikki was born on December 19, 1937, in Levy, Ark. He attended elementary school in Sherwood and graduated from North Little Rock High School. He played basketball, softball and tennis. 

After 38 years, Nikki retired as a meat cutter from Safeway and Harvest Foods. Nikki was an avid faithful Razorback fan. He was a longtime member at Sherwood First Baptist Church. He loved playing tennis, taking photographs, and visiting with his family and pets. 

Nikki was preceded in death by his father, Alver Worrell; his mother, Ann (Pennington) Worrell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Janie) Worrell, Bill (Maria) Worrell, Jim (Lois) Worrell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean (Johnny) McGowen and Shirley (Jarvis) Adams; and grandson, James Russell Worrell. 

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Kelly and Amy Worrell of Centerton and Kasey and Tina Worrell of Sherwood; daughter, Kimberly Worrell of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Tabitha and Brad Johnson of Neosho, Mo., Jonathan Worrell of Rogers, Katie and Craig Denette of Sherwood, Brandi and Nick Toland of Sherwood, Madison Babb of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Eli, Zac, and Josie Worrell of Centerton; great-grandchildren, Travis Toland, Emily and Iris Denette, Rae and Beaux Johnson; and numerous nephews and nieces. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherwood First Baptist Church or the Parkinson Foundation. 

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery, 7417 Jacksonville Conway Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72076. Arrangements by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. Please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens for the online guestbook.

Tony Murray

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Tony L. Murray, 80, of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his home with his family at his side.

Tony was born September 11, 1943, in Picher, OK to Floyd Leroy and Margarette Ann (Evans) Murray. Tony graduated from Picher High School with the class of 1962. Like Tony said, “Once a Gorilla, always a Gorilla”. He took great pride in his Picher heritage.








Tony was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Fern E. (Wichman) Murray on April 11, 1964, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. 

Tony started his career as a master carpenter, he would later go to work for Yellow Freight in Baxter Springs working in parts, body repair, transmission repair, and retired as mechanic in 1997, after 30 years of service. He volunteered his time with the local Meals on Wheels delivering meals around the area. He had his own home business sharpening saw blades and doing various repairs. He enjoyed doing yard work and spending time in his garden. He and Fern gave away large amounts of produce to people over the years. 

He enjoyed his fishing trips with his buddies and his normal coffee group that you could often find at McDonald’s, Casey’s, or the local Weston’s restaurant in town. He was an avid fan of the OU Sooners and Green Bay Packers. His greatest enjoyment was following his grandsons around to music and sporting events.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Margarette Murray, and Cousin Larry Evans.

Tony is survived by his wife Fern of the home; son, Kipp Murray of Joplin, MO; daughter, Beth Shockley and husband Rick of Baxter Springs, KS; sister, Linda Zeigler of Pryor, OK; niece, Sherri Wisdom of Pryor, OK; cousin, Debbie Evans of Pryor, OK; three grandsons, Aaron Shockley and wife Morgan of Frontenac, KS, Colten Shockley of Baxter Springs, KS, and Carson Shockley of Baxter Springs, KS; one great grandson, Otto Shockley; Along with many cousins and numerous life long friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Grace Community Church, Riverton, KS. Pastor’s Wes Davis and Aaron Zustiak will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. In Lieu of flowers the family ask memorial donations to be made to the local Meals on Wheels Chapter or Missions at Grace Community Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Howard Cheek

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Howard Dale Cheek, age 78, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away on March 23, 2024.

Howard was born on November 10, 1945 in Joplin, MO to his parents Ernest and Flora (Kunkle) Cheek.

He was an Army veteran and served a tour in Vietnam. Howard was lifetime resident of the Webb City area and retired from FAG Bearing after over 20 years of service.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Virgie Drake and Dorothy Drew, and one brother, Homer Cheek.

Howard is survived by his only daughter, Lee Ann Mecomber (husband Jeff), one grandchild, and 3 great grandchildren.

A Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, April 1st, 2024 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, 3701 E 7th, Joplin.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin, Missouri.