Sopoa Elich

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Sopoa Elich, 75, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully in Joplin, Missouri, on January 29, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1950, in Chuuk, Micronesia. Sopoa enriched the lives of those around her with a spirit of kindness and care.

Being the matriarch of her family, Sopoa embraced her role as a devoted housewife. She loved unconditionally. Through every meal prepared with loving hands and each gentle word spoken, Sopoa created a home that became a sanctuary for her family and a welcoming haven for friends and community members alike.

Her life was marked by the joyous memories she made while engaging in her favorite pastimes—fishing, cooking, and most importantly, taking care of her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Machiuo Joshua Fuppul, and treasured children: Sablon, Sebestian, Machumina (Maui), and Machimodo Fuppul.

She is survived by Steve Fuppul, Simion Luku, Machinta William, as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held in honor of Sopoa Elich at the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with burial following at the Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri.

Mary Mink

(From White Funeral Home)

Mary Elizabeth Mink, age 75, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Mary was born on April 29, 1950, in Shiner, Texas, to Alvin O. and Angeline (Mldenka) Schaefer. Throughout her life, Mary was known for her caring spirit and her dedication to others. She was a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary, where she supported veterans and their families with compassion and commitment.

Mary found joy in simple pleasures browsing flea markets and yard sales, tending to her garden, and spending meaningful time volunteering at the local senior citizen center. Above all, her greatest happiness came from her grandbabies, who were the light of her life and brought her endless pride and love.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her kindness and devotion to family and community will be fondly remembered.

Survivors include five sons, Jerry Harris and his wife Lee, Dan Mink and his wife Mary, Chris Mink, Clay Wilson and his wife Nora, and Richard Wilson and his son Matthew Wilson; and a large number of grandchildren residing throughout Missouri, Texas, and Alabama.

Mary is preceded in death by Hugh L. Harris, Stan Mink, and John Wilson; one son, Hugh L. (Huey) Harris, and one brother, Paul Schaefer.

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at White Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor Monty Dunn officiating.

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

John Wilkins

(From Parker Mortuary)

Reverend John Frederick Wilkins Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Racine, Missouri, to John and Gertrude (Kingrey) Wilkins and grew up alongside his brothers Jack, Jim, and baby George. He graduated from Alba High School in 1951 and lived ninety-two years marked by unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and faithful service to Jesus Christ.

On November 8, 1953, he married Billie Erlene Tandy, who stood beside him in life and ministry until her passing on October 4, 2012. Together they raised four children: Sherrie Moore and her husband Edward, John Frederick Wilkins Jr. and his wife Robin, Christi Hare and her husband Bill, and Charles Wilkins and his wife Terri. Reverend Wilkins pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church for many years, helping build the church with his own hands and shepherding generations of families. In addition to his ministry, he founded 4W Metal Building Supply, a family business still operated by his children. He was a Master Mason for more than fifty years and also served his community through years of involvement with the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.

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He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Billie, his parents John and Gertrude Wilkins, his brothers Jim and George, and his grandson Adam Moore. In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren Tiffanie, Anglenia, Sarah, Freddy, Amber, Bob, John III, Tasha, Elizabeth, Katelyn, and Cody, along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and his brother Jack.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Parker Mortuary. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 6241 Spurgeon Road, Joplin, Missouri, with interment to follow at Burkhart Cemetery in Racine, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through Parker Mortuary to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Kennedy, Dr. Jose DeHoyos, the staff and caregivers at Mercy Hospital, and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

Larry Cansler

(From Parker Mortuary)

Larry James Cansler was born to Pruitt Hershel and Nettie Opal “Broyles” Cansler on September 21, 1938, in Long Lane, MO. He passed away at his home in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the age of 87.

He grew up on a farm in Long Lane, Missouri, where he developed a love for caring for animals, especially milking cows.

He married Virginia Sue Frazier of Buffalo, Missouri, and together they had three children, Kayla Gwen, Twyla Lynn, and Kelly Jay. In 1963, they accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and became members of the SDA church in Peoria, IL. It was there that Larry began his ministry as a literature evangelist.

Larry later moved his family to Georgia, where he spent two years as a student at the Wildwood Medical Missionary Institute. He then served an additional year on staff as a teacher and as director of the institute’s evangelism program.

In 1972, Larry was named Literature Evangelist of the Year for the Central Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists (CO, KS, MO, NE, and WY), having sold $24,000 in literature and baptizing 16 people.

Following this, he became the pastor for the Nevada, Missouri SDA Church, where he baptized 103 people in just one year and four months. He was then invited by the Missouri Conference to serve as their full-time evangelist.

As an evangelist, Larry served in three SDA conferences. After 14 years of full-time evangelism, he transitioned into pastoral ministry. Throughout his career, his work took him to Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. He retired from full-time ministry in Joplin, Missouri, where he lived until 2025.

In 2013, after 56 years of marriage, his wife, Sue, passed away. Larry later married Mavis Lee Nusser of Loveland, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue; his daughter Kayla Gwen Kokalis; his granddaughter, Jennifer Sue Churchill; his parents, Pruitt H. Cansler (1989), Nettie Cansler (1996); his brothers Gleamon Murf Cansler, Leland Vance Cansler, Loman Doyle Cansler, Ralph Eugene Cansler, Gary Freeman Cansler; and his sister, Oleta Ailene Franklin.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Mavis Cansler; his daughter Twyla Lynn Little (Johnny) of Diamond, MO; his son, Kelly Jay Cansler (Tina) of Paris, TX; his sister, Loreta Nadine McFarland of Ava, MO; grandchildren, Deanna Kolodka (Ben) of Three Forks, MT, Amanda Churchill (Kenny Laporte) of Willis, MI, Kolby Cansler of Dallas, TX, Kolton Cansler (Andalina) of San Marcos, TX, Josh Guest (Dorothy) of Garden City, MI; He is also survived by seven great grandchildren; stepchildren, Tamala Hosey (Blaine), Timothy Dull, Todd Dull (Lisa); 5 step grandchildren; and 9 step great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on March 6th, 2026, at Joplin Missouri Seventh Day Adventist Church. Pastor Neil Dye will officiate. Larry will be laid to rest at The Memorial Gardens of Memory in Buffalo, Missouri.

 

Flo Howard

(From Parker Mortuary)

Agnes Florene “Flo” (Sill) Howard, age 92, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at 8:35 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at her daughter's residence.

Flo was born on January 3, 1934, in rural Jasper County, Missouri on the Sill family farm to the late Dewey H. and Ethel (Hayes) Sill.

Flo attended Joplin schools and graduated in 1951. During high school, Flo expressed her love of music by playing the violin in the school orchestra and drums in the band. Following graduation, she enrolled at St. John’s School of Nursing in Joplin, Missouri, earning her Registered Nurse degree in May 1954. Her nursing career included surgical nursing positions in Joplin, Washington, D.C., and Indiana, reflecting both her skill and dedication to caring for others.

On September 12, 1954, Flo married John E. “Eldon” Howard at Central City Christian Church in Joplin. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004, surrounded by family and friends. Flo devoted herself fully to raising their five children and later found great joy in watching her grandchildren grow and traveling with Eldon on bus tours.

Flo was a devoted community leader, serving as an adult leader of the Greenwood 4-H Club for more than 25 years. Through her leadership, she helped generations of children and teens learn practical skills such as cooking, sewing, art, bicycle safety, and animal showmanship at the Newton County Fair. More importantly, she instilled values of resilience, adaptability, responsibility, and readiness for life and work. Flo also volunteered at the American Rehabilitation Ministry (ARM Prison Outreach) and as a Poll Worker for Newton County. She also spent many hours at the senior center, where she enjoyed visiting with friends.

Her faith in God was central to her life. Flo faithfully attended Central City Christian Church and later Duenweg Christian Church, where she volunteered her time and sang in the church choir. She lived her faith quietly and consistently, never seeking recognition, yet leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her through her kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

She is survived by her children: daughter-in-law Nancy Howard (widow of Brad), Charlene Sheets (Gary) of Carthage; Beth Beckett (Biff) of Sarcoxie; John Howard (Janie) of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Burnelle Roser of West Shokan, New York; along with nine grandchildren Keri Howard, Kristi Bennett (Cody), Jenny Madsen (Sam), Amanda Hollars (Lee), Deke Beckett (Trisha), Josh Beckett (Rachel), Jared Howard (Emily), Jason Howard (Shay), Adrianna Roser, and nineteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eldon Howard; her son, Brad Howard; her son-in-law, Chris Roser; and an infant grandson, Zachariah Wayne Sheets.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation on February 27 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.

Wayne Tucker

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Wayne Irvin Tucker, age 94, of Oronogo, Missouri passed away at Freeman Hospital in Joplin on February 21, 2026.

Wayne was born on January 24, 1932 in the Imperial Valley, California to Kyle and Eva Tucker. He was a graduate of the 1949 class of Joplin High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri, and was a Certified Public Accountant.

After graduation, he served in the United States Army in Alaska during the Korean War. He spent his professional life in service to his country working for the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) in the United States, Germany and Panama, and for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Dallas, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. After federal service, he worked for the accounting firm Peat Marwick (KPMG).

Wayne returned to Joplin after retirement, started a vineyard, and was a longtime member of Byers Avenue Methodist Church. He also loved sailing, and playing bridge.

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, his eldest daughter, Connant Palmer, his sister, Virginia Jones, and the family’s parrot, Sam. He is survived by son Kyle Tucker of Oronogo, Missouri and daughter Bari Pitcher (and her husband Eric) of Stark City, Missouri, seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, plus extended family and numerous friends.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Friday February 27, 2026 at Pleasant Hill Country Church Cemetery, with Reverend Chuck Kralik officiating. The family will receive friends at 5:00-6:00 pm Thursday February 26 at Mason-Woodard in Joplin, Missouri.

Dee Brancato

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Our loving mother, Dolores Marie Brancato, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2026, at Westgate Nursing at Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri.

Dolores, also known as Dee or Dee Dee, was born on February 25, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, to James Nicholas Brancato and Anna Marie Appuglies. Dolores would have been 87 on her birth date.

Dolores married Warren Lewis Prentiss in 1958. Warren and Dolores had three children together. In 1959 she received her Evening High School Diploma from the Los Angeles City High School District. She used her secretarial skills throughout the years. Dolores loved cooking, baking, and gardening.

At a young age, Dolores pursued her passion for singing with music lessons to train her soprano voice. She decided to use her gifts and talents for the church and ministry such as being a part of the Worship Team and Choir. At Christmastime, Sister Dolores had a signature song where she led the choir in "Oh Holy Night" with her angelic but powerful soprano voice.

Sister Dolores attended, loved, and served in Faith Tabernacle Full Gospel Revival Center, under Reverend Pat Yarbrough, since the church was founded until the Reverend's passing in 2013.

It was her honor and labor of love to serve in cleaning the church, cooking, and helping with fellowship dinners, preparing for communion services, and Baptism Certificates. She felt blessed serving others inside the church and outside the church.

Dee loved people well with a kind, generous heart. She was a mother, sister and friend to so many. She never met a stranger and was always shining her light!

She had her own unique Italian sayings that made us laugh to tears without her even trying. Dee loved to be teased as well. She will be greatly missed by so many who loved her.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Brancato; brother, Peter Brancato.
Survivors include three children; Linda Prentiss and Lisa Prentiss Gonzales of Joplin, Missouri; son Alan Prentiss of Henderson, Nevada; Sister-in-Love Pamela Brancato of Murrieta, California; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and two honorary family members, Jim and Peggy Wilson of Joplin, Missouri.

The family wishes to thank Faith Tabernacle and Pastor Twyla Johnson, Joplin, MO, for the four decades of lifelong family, friendship, love, and ministry.

The family wishes to thank ChristPoint Church and Pastor Josh Pennington in Galena, KS, for their lovingkindness and friendships during Sister Dolores' sunset years.

The family also wishes to thank Westgate Nursing at Wildwood Ranch and the Three Rivers Hospice for their wonderful care.