Tom Melton

(From Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home)

Tom Melton, 83, of Dadeville, passed away on September 3rd, 2026, surrounded by family.

Tom was married to Lenora Melton for 36 years, and they had five children: Tommy, who passed away at birth; Kim (Howard) Yocom, Jeff (Rebecca) Melton, Nikki (Heath) Tibbetts, and Mandy (Jere) Jackson. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Frances Melton, and his brother, Max Melton.

Tom was a hard worker who took great pride in providing for his family. He spent many years farming and driving a truck over the road. He also spent years working with hay crews, where he was known for making sure everyone worked hard and got the job done. He had a lifelong love of tractors and spent countless hours working in the fields. Over the years, he also enjoyed purchasing toy tractors for his grandsons and nephews, sharing with them something he had loved throughout his own life.

Tom had a generous heart and was always willing to help his family, and others in need. His nieces and nephews fondly remember him as the uncle who often showed up with M&Ms, a simple gesture that became a cherished memory.

Tom also enjoyed working with his hands, particularly woodworking and carpentry. He made many keepsakes for the people he loved, including rocking chairs for his grandchildren, baby doll cribs for his daughters, and countless shelves and bookshelves. These things remain as reminders of the time, care, and craftsmanship he gave to his family.

In his later years, Tom developed a special love for his dogs, particularly his long-haired Chihuahuas. His children found this especially amusing because, growing up, he never allowed them to have indoor pets. Somehow, in his later years, the man who once said no to indoor animals became quite fond of having his little dogs by his side.

Tom also had a beautiful singing voice, and his family has fond memories of hearing him sing alongside the piano at Dadeville First Christian Church, accompanied by Geneva Maze.

Later in life, Tom was blessed to reconnect with a high school sweetheart, Rebecca Dodson. They shared 4 years together before her passing in January 2025. After her passing, Tom’s own health began to decline, and he spent his final year at Ash Grove’s Healthcare Facility, where he was cared for by many compassionate nurses and caregivers. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness they showed him during that time.

Tom will be remembered and deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Celebration of Life services will begin at 11:00AM, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Eudora Baptist Church-Gym. A time of visitation will follow celebration of life services until 1:00PM.

Clifford Willis

(From Parker Mortuary)

May 15, 1941 - September 3, 2026

Clifford Lee Willis was born in Watts, Oklahoma. To Lee and Dixie (Armstrong) Willis. From there they went to Baxter Springs, Kansas before settling in Asbury, MO. Clifford attended school in Asbury and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1959.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army. After that he was employed by Fairchild both in Joplin and New Jersey. Upon retiring, he moved back to Joplin where he has lived since. Clifford passed away on September 4, 2026. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dixie (Willis) Riley. 

He is survived by his sister Linda (Willis) Watts (Buddy), Three nephews, Bill Custis (Andrea), Donnie Frost (Michelle), Johnnie Frost (Susan) and several great- nieces and nephews.

His final resting place will be at Crocker Cemetery.

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

Mark Price

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mark A. Price, age 68, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2026.

Mark was born on July 14, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri to his parents Paul and L. Francine (Cox) Price. He married his wife Patricia Cummings on September 15, 1979 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He worked for many years as an RN at Mercy and Baxter Memorial Hospital before his retirement in 2012.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pat; one daughter, Kristy Weeks, son-in-law, Nick Weeks; and one granddaughter, Lorelei Weeks.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

There are no formal services scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for Solace House in Joplin in Mark’s name.

 

Carla Lawson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Carla Nelle Lawson, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West.

Carla was born on October 14, 1965, in Afton, Oklahoma. She grew up surrounded by family, sharing her childhood with her sister and five brothers. Family was the most important part of Carla’s life, and the relationships she built with those around her continued to be a meaningful part of who she was. Carla love her children, grandchildren and great grandson more than anything. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree and went on to build a career in accounting. For many years, Carla worked in the accounting department at KMT Waterjet Systems in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where she was a highly valued part of the company.

Carla was preceded in death by her father, Andy Lawson; her stepfather Jimmie Frost; her brother, Ronnie Lawson; and her sister, Karen Lawson.

She is survived by her daughters, Kamelia Lawson and Kalicia Stacy; her son, Coy Lawson; her mother, Pauline Frost; her brothers, Andy Lawson, Christopher Lawson, Micky Lawson, and Randy Lawson; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many extended family members and friends who will remember her and miss her dearly.

A funeral service for Carla will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin.

The family will receive friends and visitors beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Carla’s life was shared with many people who loved her, and she leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will carry her memory with them in the days ahead.

Ben Hedrick

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Benjamin David Hedrick, age 21, was never one for quiet rooms or traditional goodbyes. Ben lived life with the throttle wide open, leaving a trail of laughter and unforgettable memories everywhere he went. He didn’t just enter a room; he took it over with his high-voltage energy, and a smile so bright it could light up the darkest night. His laugh was loud, pure, and absolutely infectious—the kind of sound that forced everyone else to start laughing too.

His true happy place was wherever his family and friends were gathered. He had a deep love for soccer, and driving bringing that same fierce passion, happiness, and energy to the pitch. Above all, Ben was a fiercely loyal protector of his crew and his family. Nothing fueled him more than the people he loved, and he packed more loyalty and genuine connection into his 21 years than most people manage in a century.

Ben had a beautiful, natural bond with children; they were instantly drawn to his playful energy He was a remarkably hardworking, committed, and selfless young man. Even in the toughest conditions, Ben persevered through the hard times without complaint. He always did right by others—even if it meant carrying the heavier load himself. He treated everyone, even someone he had just met, with deep respect. Known for his incredible patience and forgiving nature, Ben knew exactly how to cheer people up when times were tough, serving beautifully as the calm to the storm for those who loved him most. While he left us far too soon, the light he brought into our lives can never be dimmed.

Instead of heavy hearts and somber tears, Ben would want us to remember the warmth of his smile, his beautiful patience, and the sound of his wild laughter. He taught us all to live fully, love fiercely, and cherish every single moment with the people who matter most.

Ben’s vibrant spirit lives on through his loving parents, Heidi Clark-Hedrick and Ricky Hedrick Jr., and his adoring girlfriend and the love of his life, Ella Schwab. He is forever cheered on by his siblings, Grace Nunely (husband Lance), Levi Hedrick, and Ricky Hedrick III (wife Joy). His memory will be fiercely cherished by his grandparents, Dan and Shelly Clark, Cherie and Mike Hendrickson, and Rita Hedrick, alongside a massive circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5th at Faith Tabernacle Church in Joplin, MO. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin , MO.

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

George Jennings

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

George Robert Jennings, age 85 of Marionville, Missouri passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at his home. He was born December 8, 1940 in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, the son of Howard and Lydia (Cunningham) Jennings.

George grew up in Big Cabin, Oklahoma and graduated from high school in 1959. He attended college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Missouri University of Science and Technology.

George enlisted in the Army in 1963 and served an entire year in Vietnam with the 509th Radio Research Group, which was the primary U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA) unit in Vietnam, providing critical signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security. After discharging from the Army in 1966, he married and had 2 children, Deana and Kevin. 

The family moved to Bremerton, Washington where he worked at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center as an Electrical/Electronics Engineer Involved with design and proof testing torpedoes and mines for the Navy. After divorce, he remarried the former Cleo Amo, also of Bremerton in 1986, where they remained for several years. 

He retired in 1997 with 29 years and 5 months of federal service. After retirement, George and Cleo moved to Marionville, MO to be closer to George’s four older brothers, all of whom preceded him in death. George was active in the community, having served as a Marionville Alderman in Ward 1. In his final years, George indulged in hobbies, which included collecting historical information about Big Cabin, and tracing lineage on Ancestry.com.

A Graveside Service will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Big Cabin Cemetery in Big Cabin, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Phillip Sanders

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Phillip Wayne Sanders, 82, of Aurora passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 in his home. He was born June 5, 1944 in Springfield, MO., the son of Harvey and Inez (Henry) Sanders. He was a retired diesel mechanic and a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Kathy; three sons, David Sanders and wife, Christy of Republic, MO., Jim Sanders and wife, Roxanne of Cedar Falls, IA. and Justin Sanders of Aurora, MO.; two daughters, Patricia Loomis and husband, David and Angela Wilson and husband, Herman of Aurora, MO.; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Marion and Max Sanders.

Memorial services will be held Monday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Peterson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.