Tom Johnston

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Thomas H. Johnston Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2026, after facing several health challenges over the past year.

Tom was born on March 16, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Tom Johnston and Helen Johnston Hubbard. He spent his early childhood in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he was raised until age 12. His family then moved back to Pittsburg. KS where he graduated from high school in 1960.

In September 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Judy Dianne Enz. They shared 43 years of marriage until her death in 2008.

Tom is survived by his sister, Peggy Otten of Flagstaff, Arizona; his daughter, Becky Johnston Ward, and her husband, Charles Ward; his grandson, Garrett Ward, and his wife, Katie Ward; and his great-grandchildren, Teddy and Poppy Ward.

Tom and Judy also embraced three former foreign exchange students as members of their family: Junko Shinkosomada and family of Japan, Atsuko Mettlach of Japan & her children, Emily, Ken, and Maya; and Wanida Meier of Thailand, her husband, Urs Meier, and their children, Faiz, Sedique, and Sebastian.

Tom was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Johnston, in 1989; his wife, Judy, in 2008; and his grandson, Blake Ward, in 2025.

Tom spent most of his career with KMT Waterjet/Ingersoll Rand and retired in the early 1990s. After retirement, he worked for a short time at the Carthage courthouse and also at Grace Precision Products. 

Tom had many interests and gave his energy wholeheartedly to every organization he joined, often serving in leadership roles. A lifelong train enthusiast, he learned much from his father’s long career with the Kansas City Southern Railway. He was also instrumental in developing youth soccer in Joplin, organizing several local programs and later helping establish competitive soccer in the early 1980s.

Over the years, Tom was active with AFS, the Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Joplin Host Lions Club, the City of Duquesne council, and Park Plaza Christian Church.

Tom never did anything halfway. When he made a commitment, he was all in. He also loved his collection of Louis L’Amour books, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the many interests, causes, and people that enriched his days.

Tom's was a life well lived. His devotion to family, generous service to his community, and wholehearted enthusiasm will be remembered with love. He will be greatly missed.

Allan VanDenBerg

April 1, 1943 – September 7, 2026

Allan VanDenBerg was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, grandfather, mentor, coach, and friend-and to the many people fortunate enough to know him, he was simply someone who made life better by being in it.

Allan was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Max and Mary (Cogswell) VanDenBerg. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School, Western Michigan University, and the University of Michigan Business School.

Allan's greatest joy was his family. He shared a loving life with his wife of 61 years, Jane, and was the proud father to sons Jeff, Chris, and Chad. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and he was always there with encouragement, a story, or a laugh. A special joy for Allan was bringing his large family together for fun-filled gatherings over holidays and at the cabin in Baldwin, Michigan.

Big Al had a unique gift for connecting with people. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and make a stranger feel like an old friend. He cherished his wide circle of friendships, from regular phone calls with pals, to the Tuesday Nighters, to his fishing buddies of 40 years (aptly called the Bullshido). Allan was a caring mentor to many. As coach of the boys and girls tennis teams at Spring Lake High School and AYSO soccer, he always emphasized the aspects of sports that transcended winning and losing.

Allan knew how to enjoy life. Whether he was on a tennis court, standing with a fly rod in the Pere Marquette River, or walking a golf course, he was happiest when he was sharing the experience with others. Allan was always up for an adventure: snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes with Jane, attending auto racing school in California, revving up his toys (the Harley and Corvette), or traveling the US and the world.

He brought his wide-ranging talents and people-first mindset to a diverse career as a police officer, EMT, bartender, professional water skier, pool shark, and many years as a business executive with pharmaceutical, printing, consulting, and online tool companies. Allan served for many years on the board of Irwin Seating and gave back to his communities through leadership on the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carthage Police Advisory Board, and L-Lakes Association.

Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his sons Jeff (Shelley), Chris (Elizabeth), and Chad (Sarah); six cherished grandchildren Avery, Evelyn, Sasha, Lenny, Everett, and Lucas; his sister Julie (Marty); in-laws Beth, John and Lori, Carol and John; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Phillip.

Allan leaves behind the lessons he taught, the people he mentored, the athletes he coached, the friendships he built, and the countless memories of laughter and connection he created along the way.

Most of all, he leaves behind a family who knows how deeply they were loved.

A celebration of Allan's life will be held on Saturday November 21, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Woodshed in Cherry's Art Emporium, 311 S. Main Street in Carthage, MO 64836.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

Carthage Historic Preservation

Carthage Public Library

Lake County Community Foundation

Lewis Sexton

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Lewis Clinton Sexton, 53 of Joplin, Mo passed from this life on Monday, September 7, 2026 at his residence.

Lewis was born September 23, 1972 in Baxter Springs, KS to the union of Michael Paul Sexton and Paulette C. (Mayerske) Sexton- Russell. Lewis graduated from Colgan High School and received his bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University. After college he enlisted in the United States Army, serving three different tours in Iraq. He was honorably discharged from the Army after 16 years of service.

Thanking the Almighty Father for giving us the gift of Lewis and his spirit and for taking him back peacefully in his sleep. Lewis's love of God, family and Country was so real!

Survived by his son Alex Sexton, wife Becca and grandson Lewie. His daughter Kate and husband Eli and grandson Charlie.

He held a love so big for Annie Batittori, "The Rock" of a sister. His dad, Mike Sexton, Father Robert Russell, Mom, Paulette Russell who also survive Lewis A special thanks to all of our beautiful family and special friends, the devoted priest and the VA who daily take care of our courageous warriors. You help us with all of life's challenges-We love and thank you all!

Lewie will always be remembered for his personality. If one needed anything he would be there. We thank you for all your labor and time you extended fixing what needed fixed, doing what needed done. You left us with your spirit to move on and live life to the fullest.

Grief opens our eyes, struggles don't define who we are. And, as our dear friend Derek Heikes said "Don't worry...He is resting"

People make plans and God Laughs.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2026 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Baxter Springs, KS. Rosary will take place at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Father Chris Martin and Father Chrysostom Ah Maung will officiate. Lewis has been entrusted to Derfelt's Baxter Chapel for cremation. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Steve Kleindl

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Steven Paul Kleindl was born October 15, 1960, in Sisseton, South Dakota, one of four children to Donald and Jeannette Kleindl. He entered into rest on Sept. 8, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 65. 

Steve was a long-term resident of Carthage and a graduate of Carthage High School. He worked for thirty plus years for MFA in Carthage in various capacities. Steve was an outdoors man and spent years raising hunting dogs. He loved to hunt and fish and spent most of his life collecting guns and fishing gear and was always on his boat or in the woods looking for that perfect deer or turkey. He loved to garden and had a beautiful vegetable crop every year that he was always willing to share with everyone. 

Lovingly known as ‘warthog’ to his family, Steve is survived by a son, Brent Kleindl of Carthage; his mother, Jeannette Kleindl of Newtonia; wife, Phyllis Kleindl of Oklahoma, sister, Gail Templeton and husband William of Newtonia; two brothers, Darin Kleindld of Newtonia and Kevin Kleindl of Avilla; his fur-babies, Zeke and Macy and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be dearly missed. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Donald Kleindl and fur-babies, Sam and Tom.

Following the service, the family will host a luncheon at the Newtonia Community Center for family and friends.

Linda Jones

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Linda Jones, age 76, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 8, 2026 following a brief illness.

She was born November 18, 1949 in Joplin, Missouri to Leslie Wayne and Mary Jane (Gourley) Collins.

Linda was raised in Galena, Kansas. She graduated from Galena KS High School and Bible College in Baxter Springs and also received a Cosmetology License. She was employed at Standard Transportation, Oak Hill Health System as well as Joplin R-8 School District. She attended Apostolic Faith Church in Galena, Kansas.

She married Alfred Jones on June 26, 1970 in Galena, Kansas and he survives. Linda is also survived by one daughter Elizabeth Brock (Mike), one son Patrick Jones, and two grandchildren, Jacob and Cadin Jones, one Aunt Peggy Bellamy, as well as numerous friends and extended family, who will miss her more than words can express.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Collins.

Linda loved life and her family and friends. She was a loving, devoted woman whose presence touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She loved going on daily walks with her two friends Georgia and Marline, going out to eat breakfast with friends Mary and Lee, and afternoon games of dominoes with the love of her life Al. She also enjoyed antiquing, family dinners, and reading her Bible.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday September 14, 2026 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary with Pastor John Boyd officiating. Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery in Galena, Kansas. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am prior to the service.

Those gentlemen honoring her life by serving as pallbearers will be, Brent Reeves, Tim Collins, James Wolfe, Sam Trinadad, Jacob Jones, Cadin Jones, and Mike Brock.

 

Clyve Pope

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Clyve L. Pope, 84, of Girard, KS, passed away on September 11, 2026, at his home in Girard, Kansas.

Clyve was born on September 10, 1942, to Clyve A. and Jewell (Longshore) Pope in Strong City, Kansas. He grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison High School. He attended Emporia State University and graduated with an Electrical degree from Pittsburg State University. He married Betty Lou McGill on May 8, 1961, and together they had three sons, Vernon, Kenneth, and Ross. They later divorced. He then married Helen Diane (North) on Tuesday, July 14, 1981, in Pittsburg, KS. She preceded him in death on February 12, 2014. 

Clyve worked as a baker and foreman at the Dolly Madison Plant in Emporia, KS, for 16 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cherokee, KS. He was a member of the NRA - EVC since 1998. He did volunteer weather reporting to KSN TV for highs and lows of the day and precipitation; he was an avid bowler; a former member of Baker & Confectionary Union, and Poll Manager at the Cherokee voting center since 1998.

He is survived by two sons, Kenneth James Pope of Ottawa, KS, and Ross Wally Pope of Layton, UT; a daughter, Sarah Myers of Anderson, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents, a wife, a son, Vernon Eugene Pope and two sisters, Kathy Whisenhunt and Judith Ann, and a brother, James Ray Pope.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 PM Sunday September 13th, 2026, at the Brenner Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

Deborah Cole

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Deborah Kay Cole, age 58, of Mt Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 10:16 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at her home with her mother, Theresa Thurman and her daughter, Miranda Vogel, by her side. Deborah was born on November 26, 1967, in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Homer and Theresa (Volner) Fraizer.

Deborah worked for the Mt. Vernon Schools and her favorite hobbies included writing poetry, listening to music, dancing, and taking selfies. She was a drug court graduate, along with her daughter, Miranda Vogel. She loved spending time with her grandbabies and all the family. 

In August 1991, she married Donald Lee Cole, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. He preceded her in death on August 5, 2020.

Deborah is survived by her mother, Theresa Thurman of Mt Vernon, Missouri; two daughters, Miranda Vogel and her husband, Levi Duncan and Shana Steward and her husband, Shawn, all of Mt Vernon, Missouri; two sisters, Cristina Ajtaji, and her husband, Ronnie, of Barnett, Missouri and Tina Meruelo and her Husband, Eric, of Ozark, Missouri; one brother, Darrell Fraizer and his wife, Debbie, of Huntsville, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, Landon, Kaya, Jesse, Lilyonna, Natalie, Dakota, Dylan, Hunter and Ezmay and several nieces and nephews.

Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Homer Fraizer, and her husband, Donald Cole.

A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt Vernon, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.