Fred Schneider

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Frederick L. Schneider met his Heavenly Father on March 26, 2025, in his home at the age of 90. Fred was born February 3, 1935, in Bunker Hill, Missouri to Fritz and Marie (Wilson) Schneider. He married Mary Ruth Abercrombie on November 12, 1966, in Anderson, Missouri. Fred was a lifelong resident of Bunker Hill and Anderson, Missouri.

He was a machine mechanic at Vickers in Joplin and Teledyne in Neosho. He loved tinkering in his shop, fixing things, making something out of various old parts, and fishing when the fish were biting. He was known for being able to fix or build anything. 

 His favorite places were on his tractor, on his bulldozer, in the woods, in his shop, and in his recliner. Fred was a member of Anderson First Baptist Church.

 
Fred is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth, his parents, sisters Mildred Schneider, Margaret (Arthur) Collard and Marion (Elmer) Hodson, niece Patricia (Hodson) Blank, nephews Jim Collard, Randy Collard, Harold Hodson and Bill Hodson.

He is survived by his daughter Jan Schneider, brother-in-law Charles Wright, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers with Gentiva Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving. We appreciate all of you for your endless compassion, kindness, and care of Fred.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Tracy Cemetery, east of Anderson, Missouri. The pallbearers will be Ed Bethel, Richard Bethel, Clay Collard, Doug Collard, Lewis Adams, and Rex Cunningham. Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Collard and Kenton Johnson. Galeon Smith will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Souls Harbor in Joplin. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

James Byrd

James A Byrd was born on February 22, 1949, in Dallas, Texas. In September of that year, he moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he was raised and educated.

On February 4, 1959, he became a member of the Lord’s family, a faith he carried throughout his life.

At the age of 17, James enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1966.

He was first assigned to the USS Rehoboth, an oceanography survey ship, and later served aboard the USS Tolovana, an oil tanker. His service included two Far East tours and eight months off the coast of Vietnam.

In January 1968, his ship was deployed to Korea in response to the USS Pueblo seizure. Shortly after, he witnessed the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War.

Following his return to the U.S., James underwent training in Security Intelligence and weapons in Coronado, California.

He was then deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he served in the Security Police Division at Tien Sha Peninsula, defending Camp Tien Sha and its surrounding areas.

For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

He was honorably discharged on September 16, 1969, after serving three years, four months, and 14 days—nearly three years of which were overseas.

A proud veteran, James was actively involved in organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America.

In 1982, he founded J.A. Byrd Exterminating and Pest Control Company in Joplin, Missouri, operating it for 30+ years. His professionalism earned him contracts with major companies such as CFI Trucking, The Joplin Globe, and Leggett & Platt Inc.

On April 18, 2005, James married Gail (Blevins) Byrd in Miami, Oklahoma. In 2013, due to health concerns, they relocated to South Hutchinson, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Gail; stepson Adam Fairbanks (Kari); stepdaughter Erin Beckman (Ben); and grandchildren Ethan, Evan, Hayley, Othel, Nikita, Timmy, and River. And many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Bigley and Talmadge Leon Byrd; stepfather Ralph Bigley; son James Richard Byrd; brother Tommy Leon Byrd; and sisters Frances Atkinson, Georgia Louise Fletchall, Henria McCoy, and Dorothy Phillips.

Cremation has taken place.

A devoted Christian, James was a faithful member of Better Life Ministries/Hutch.

A service will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Better Life Ministries/Hutch, 113 East 4th Street, Hutchinson, Kansas. Pastor Jon Wuthnow presiding.

Dinner to follow.

Gina Taylor

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Our loving, Gina L Taylor, age 62 of Joplin, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Freeman Hospital surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Gina was born on April 3, 1962 in Joplin Mo. The daughter of Thomas and Mary(Porter) Arcadipane Gina was a lifetime area resident. Gina was a cleaning professional for many years for Dr John Cox and Vicki before becoming ill and was forced to retire.

Gina loved her animals. They brought her much joy. Gina loved the outdoors and going to Stockton Lake in her trans van, camping and boating. She loved spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Scott Atkinson.

Gina is survived by her loving husband, Wes Taylor, stepchildren; Jeremy Taylor, (Jeannie) of Nixa, Mo., Jessica Denbeck, (Brandon) Neosho, Mo., and Jacob Taylor (Jessica) of Fairgrove, Mo., sisters Stacia Cascade of Joplin, Mo., Lisa Arcadipane of Seneca Mo., nine step-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Mason Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the start of the service beginning at 10 AM.

Saundra Holdman

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Saundra L. Holdman who departed peacefully in Miami, OK on March 26th, 2025 at the age of 82. She was born in Dewey, OK on July 27th, 1942 and later moved to Miami, OK. 

Saundra was known for her kindness and unwavering support to those around her. A compassionate soul, Saundra touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Interment
Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery

415 N. St. Louis Ave.
Joplin, Missouri

Jaden Santini

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Jaden Ray Santini has passed from this world to another in Columbus Kansas. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Jaden was born on June 22nd, 2004, in Coos Bay Oregon to his parents Mark and Kimberly Santini. He loved spending time outside, camping, fishing, and climbing trees. Jaden was an avid gamer, including Dungeons and Dragons. He loved to read books, especially science fiction and was very proud of his extensive knife and sword collection. He also enjoyed attending comic-cons all over the four-states where he enjoyed cosplaying various characters.

Jaden is survived by his parents Mark and Kimberly Santini of Joplin Missouri and his six siblings. Michael Low (Kelly Low) of Hurricane Utah, Alisha Low (Ian Cooke) of Saint George Utah, Whitney Moeller (AJ Moeller) of Joplin Missouri, Ashkya Santini( Taylor Tilton) of Springfield Missouri, Ashlyn Santini of Joplin Missouri, and John Santini of Joplin Missouri. He is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Monday May 26th, 2025.

Melvin Edgett

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Melvin Ray Edgett, 55, of Carl Junction Missouri, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his beloved dog Bobo, Monday March 24, 2025. 

Melvin was born in Victoria, Texas to Lonnie Edgar Edgett and Barbara Ann Ryan. Melvin grew up in Texas before making Missouri his home in 1989. 

Melvin worked for several moving companies and construction companies before becoming disabled. Melvin was an avid fisherman and a HUGE Kansas City Chiefs Fan. 

 Melvin is survived by his children: Sasha Briscoe (Ryan), Shenoah Ford, Ryan Smith, and Ivy Cook(Johnathan); His children’s mother and his best friend of 35 years Melissa Edgett; Siblings: Lonnie Thompson and Lonnie McKinney; Grandchildren: Bentley Briscoe (Delilah), Harley Briscoe, Brooklyn Edgett, Jurnei Briscoe, Brayten Ford, Dymitri Smith, Keihonna Ford, Carse and Cruze Cook; Great Granddaughter Aria Grace due in August; special friend Christel Wright; as well as several extended family members and friends. 

 Melvin was preceded in death by both his birth parents, an adopted mother Joyce Edgett; Son: Melvin Ray Edgett Junior; Siblings: Deborah Thompson, Kelly, Donnie, and David Edgett and his best friend Ann Marie Edgett; Sister in-law: Gail Thompson Son in-law: Kevin Ford.

Melvin will be missed by all who loved him. The family would like to thank a family friend Charley for all his help. Melvin’s Celebration of Life is being planned at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO

Marge Prince

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Margaret “Marge” Marie Prince, 64, of Pineville, Missouri, departed this life peacefully on Monday, March 24th, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was born on November 11th, 1960, in Geneva, Ohio to James Prince Sr. and Margaret Prince (Masters).

Marge’s work ethic was as strong as her devotion to her family. Tyson’s had the privilege of employing her for nearly 30 years. During that time, she met many people, some of whom became lifelong friends. Marge’s love for all things nature was evident in the pride she had in her garden, where she would spend countless hours, and also tending to her animals. Marge also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, often hosting gatherings where she would make some of the best BBQ ribs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Prince Jr.; and sister, Joanne Prince. She is survived by her husband, Ricky Deskins, of the home; two brothers, David Prince and Julie, and Keith Prince; one sister, Judy Luce; six nieces, Jessica Sutherland and Cody, Leah Smith and Justin, Kaitlyn McWilliams, Lynn Sardella and Steve, Brittany Prince, and Brooke Prince; eight nephews, Christopher Catron and Jennifer, Kevin Luce and Kirsten, Craig Luce and Tisha, Michael Prince and Ashley, Aaron Prince, Jeremy Prince, David Prince Jr., and Cameron Prince; as well as a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 30th, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, where the family will accept friends and family. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 31st, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, MO, followed by graveside/burial at Bentonville Cemetery at 3:00 pm. 

The family requests those attending to wear denim/jeans and colorful clothing, as this is a celebration of Marge’s life and she would not want depressing attire. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Cody Sutherland, Justin Smith, Justin Morris, Andrew Morris, J.T. Skaggs, and Zak Bontke.

Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. In lieu of flower arrangements, the family requests plants which can be re-planted so they can live on in the memory of Marge.