Donald Smith

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Lee Smith, Jr. age, 61 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 following an extended illness. Donald was born November 2, 1962 in Warrensburg, Missouri to the late Donald L. Smith, Sr. and Joan Cole Smith.

Donald was known as being a “Jack of all trades” to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a car collector and always ready and willing to show off his collection. 

Whether you knew him as your local car salesman or called him to work on a project around the home, Donald was a friend and encourager to everyone he talked with. It was known by many that Donald had “the gift of gab”. He had a passion for music, arranging from gospel, R&B to rap. His most important hobbies included as much time as possible with all his family and friends.

Donald is survived by his wife, Dorothy Dillinger-Smith, whom have been together for 41 years; daughters, LaTanya and Yolanda Smith, both of Miami; sons, Don L. Smith, III of Joplin, Rickey R. Smith of Joplin and Tyrell Smith of Miami; brothers, Terry Smith of Jefferson City, Missouri, Kevin Smith of Miami and Timothy White of Joplin; sister, Tracy Smith of Joplin; 17 grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

Other than his parents, Donald is preceded in death by other siblings, Robby, Nathan and Annie Smith.

Funeral services are planned for Friday, October 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Donald will be taken for cremation following the service.

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

Frank Williams

(From Parker Mortuary)

Frank Ronald Williams, 83, passed away on September 23, 2024 and is now in the arms of the Lord and reunited with his beloved wife, Cheryl.

He was born on February 15, 1941, in Clay Center, Kansas, to the late Frank and Evelyn Williams.

Frank had a fulfilling career as the Feed Department manager at the Co-op in Sabetha, Kansas, where he was known for his dedication and leadership. 

He enjoyed spending countless hours playing the piano, working on cars with his children, and building model cars. Camping and his yearly vacations to Colorado were sources of great joy and provided cherished memories for Frank and his loved ones.

A man of deep faith, Frank was an active member of several congregations throughout his life, including the Congregational Church and Community Bible Church in Sabetha, Kansas, and the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lamar, Missouri. His commitment to his faith was evident in his actions and the way he lived his life, always striving to be a reflection of the values he held dear.

Family was the center of Frank's world. He married the love of his life, Cheryl (Black) Williams on March 9, 1962 at the Presbyterian Church in Bala, Kansas. He was a devoted father to Pam Baldridge (Rodney) and Todd Williams (Sherry), teaching them the value of hard work and the joy of life's simple pleasures. His love for his family extended to his adored grandchildren, Andrew Baldridge, Jessica Baldridge, Brayden Williams, Harper Williams, and Henry Williams. He is also survived by his siblings, Bob Williams (Diana), and Richard Williams (Edna), several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and extended family. 

Along with his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his loving wife, Cheryl (Black) Williams.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Bala Cemetery in Bala, Kansas.

Cremation arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, MO.

Joe Sanders

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Joe Wayne Sanders, age 76, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, in his hometown of Joplin at Freeman West Hospital.

Joe, son of the late James “Jim” and Helen (McDonald) Sanders, was born on June 24, 1948, in Joplin. After graduating from Webb City High School, he furthered his education at Parsons Community College, where he earned a degree in Technical Drafting. He was united in marriage to Cyndee Osborn, on August 17, 1979, in Joplin, she survives.

Joe was a dedicated husband, father, and provider. Joe was employed with Eagle Picher Technologies for 35 years until his retirement. Retirement did not leave Joe sitting idle as an avid sports enthusiast. He had a passion for bowling, which led him to become a prominent member of the Greater Joplin Men's Bowling Association. Through his skill and sportsmanship, Joe earned the honor of being inducted into the Greater Joplin USBC Bowling Hall of Fame. In addition to his time on the lanes, Joe found pleasure on the golf course and his Sundays were often spent cheering on his favorite NASCAR drivers. Those who knew Joe understood that his kind heart and selflessness was his greatest attribute, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Cyndee Sanders, of Joplin; his daughter, Jessica Tygart, and her husband, Anthony, of Tulsa; his grandson, Eli Tygart, also of Tulsa; one brother, Jim Sanders, of Siloam Springs; and one niece, Jamie Spradling, and her husband, Jon, of Little Rock. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Helen Sanders.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin with the family to receive friends for a time of visitation following services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.

Scott Gordon

(From Luginbuel Funeral Home)

Scott Maynard Gordon, 65-year-old Joplin resident, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. He was born October 17, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts to Richard and Mary (Beall) Gordon. Scott was a 1976 graduate of Bluejacket High School. He married Brenda Underwood on April 19, 1986, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

After high school, he attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University where he earned his associate’s degree. He then attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Scott rounded out his educational pursuits with a masters degree in psychology from Pittsburg State University.

 

Scott worked in private practice psychology for many years. He also worked for Behavior Management Associates in Joplin, Missouri. He was a member of the First Baptist Church growing up and later joined the United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching and cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Scott is survived by his wife, Brenda, of the home; son, Sean Gordon of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sisters, Andrea May (Kenneth) of Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, Diane Tillman (Steve) of Vinita, Oklahoma, and Claudia Beranato (Phil) of Golden, Colorado; brothers, Jason Underwood (April) of Carl Junction, Missouri, David Underwood (Janet) of Vinita, Oklahoma, and Brandon Gordon of Rochester, New York; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Gordon, and his mother and stepfather, Mary and John Underwood.

 

A graveside service will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the Bluejacket Cemetery, Bluejacket, Oklahoma with CH (LTC) Kenneth May officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.

Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home. “Family owned. Locally operated.”

Patricia Bottorff

(From Lockwood Funeral Chapel)

Patricia Joanne Bottorff, of Lockwood, MO, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, with family by her side at the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility at the age of 94.

She was born on August 20, 1930 in Atchison, KS to Pleasant Freeling and Hazel Pearl (Riley) Little. Patricia was united in marriage to Carl Edward Bottorff on August 28, 1949 in Everest, KS. She was kind and quick-witted with a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Patricia created many beautiful quilts, and was always cooking and caring for others. She was Lockwood P&BW Club 2013 Woman of the Year, and a beloved member of Lockwood Christian Church.

Patricia cared deeply for her many friends, with whom she loved playing games and cards, where she was known to often have the winning hand. She enjoyed her time going out to eat and loved them all like they were family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Pleasant and Hazel Little; her husband, Carl Bottorff; one sister, Barbara Jeanne Little; one brother, Pleasant “Bud” Little; and one grandson, Ashley Bottorff.

Survivors include one daughter, Tamra Woodworth of Lamar, MO; three sons, Carl Bottorff of Lockwood, MO, Doug Bottorff and wife Beth of Grand Junction, CO, and Craig Bottorff of Brownwood, TX; one sister, Jane Winslow of Bentonville, AR; five grandchildren, Mike Woodworth and wife Erin of Lamar, MO; Shalea Walter and husband Ryan of Kansas City, MO; Laura Bottorff of Dallas, TX; Audrey Bottorff of Grand Junction, CO, and Alex Bottorff and wife Melissa of Omaha, NE; eight great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Ashlyn Woodworth of Lamar, MO, Blake and Zoey Walter of Kansas City, MO, and James, Lily, Hazel and Maisie Bottorff of Omaha, NE; two great-great-grandchildren, Bryson and Brielle Woodworth of Lamar, MO; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Pat was a strong faithed Christian with a deep love for her family. She was often described as the center of her family's universe. She raised 4 children and worked in many fields. Most notably, she was the Activity Director at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, MO for 12yrs. As a volunteer for Hospice Compassus in Springfield, MO she created more than 700 memory bears for grieving families. Pat shared that every time she makes a bear for each person, she thinks about that specific person and how special they are.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Lockwood Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Lockwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Endings Room at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehab Facility. The family thanks Integrity Hospice of Joplin, MO who helped care for her in her final days. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.

Bobby Stalnaker

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Bobby Wayne Stalnaker, born on June 25, 1934, in Smithville, Mississippi, and a longtime resident of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 90.

A dedicated banker by profession, Bobby was known for his commitment to his work and the community. He proudly served as an Army veteran, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country.

In his free time, Bobby enjoyed playing golf and fishing, pursuits that brought him joy and relaxation. As an only child, he cherished the close-knit relationships he built with his family and friends throughout his life.

Bobby was a loving husband to Joan Hollaway for 61 years and a devoted father to his children Douglas Stalnaker and wife Sarah and to daughter Cynthia Smith and husband Brian. In addition to his children Bobby is survived by his twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Ruby Parham Stalnaker, and a daughter Teresa Pierce.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Fayetteville National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with honors.

Bobby will be remembered for his kind spirit, love of family, and the memories he created with those he cherished. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Thelma Hinton

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Thelma Jean Hinton, loving wife, mother and grandmother, 86, died Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Bentonville.

She was born December 11, 1937 in Pulaski County, Missouri to Oscar Kenneth Logsdon and Lucille Etta Hammock Logsdon. She married Lester Dale Hinton March 4, 1955 and worked as a bookkeeper. 

Thelma was an avid reader, a tutor with the Laubach Literacy Council and owned and operated a Christian Book Store in Topeka, Kansas. 

She was a girl scout leader, boat driver for the skiing family, played the piano and enjoyed dancing, playing cards, camping and traveling the US and abroad. She enjoyed serving the church and filled many roles, from church secretary to working in the library and children’s ministries. She was a member of the Village Bible Church in Bella Vista and is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lester and a brother Norman Dean Logsdon.

Survivors are two children, Deborah Lynne Haggland (Ernest) of Buellton, California, Mark Hinton (Sharon) of Pineville, Mo.; five grandchildren, Christina Allis (Scott), James Haggland, Melissa Witcher (Ben), Jessica Woods (Shawn), Aaron Hinton (Hailey) and eleven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services are set for 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Antioch Cemetery in Jacket, Missouri. No Visitation.