OBITUARIES

Eric Paul Johnston

Eric Paul Johnston

Nov 24, 2024

Eric Paul Johnston, 50, of Nixa Missouri, passed away on November 24, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 2, 1974, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Fred and Sandy (Martin) Johnston. Eric grew up with a passion for sports and a deep love for family and friends.

Eric graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, Florida,...

Marlene Ferguson

Marlene Ferguson

Nov 24, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Marlene Ferguson, the beloved matriarch of our family, on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the age of 89. Marlene was a woman of unwavering strength and grace, whose life was a testament to her deep faith, selfless love, and enduring courage. 

A devoted follower of Christ, Marlene’s...

Catherine Virginia Garrison

Catherine Virginia Garrison

Nov 23, 2024

Catherine Virginia Hulett Garrison, age 96 of Springfield, was born June 21, 1928 in Bazaar, Kansas, the daughter of Virgil Willis Hulett and Flora Eunice (Baker) Hulett.  Catherine was the fifth child of eleven.

Her siblings include: Lillian Wanetta (Hulett) Storment, Victor Carl Hulett, Ellsworth Lee Hulett, Peggy Jean Hulett, Paul Dewight Hulett, Twilla Yvonne (Hulett) Johnson, Roy Dee Hulett, Vesta...

Karen Braziel

Karen Braziel

Nov 19, 2024

Karen Annette Braziel, age 60 of Reeds Spring, Missouri, passed away November 19, 2024. She was born December 10, 1963 in Alamogordo, New Mexico, the daughter of Jimmy and Francis (Green) Goss.

On February 14, 2004, Karen was united in marriage to John W. Braziel who survives her.

Other survivors include: a son, Rentz; her son, J.T. Braziel and wife Shelby and...

Carmen Ruth Detherow

Carmen Ruth Detherow

Nov 17, 2024

Carmen Ruth Detherow, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, just one day shy of her 88th birthday. Born to Goody and Edith (McDonald) Greer on November 18, 1936, Carmen was raised on a farm in Webster County, Missouri, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and faith.  

On September 11, 1954,...

Bruce Wade Greene

Bruce Wade Greene

Nov 16, 2024

Bruce Wade Greene, age 72, of Spokane, passed away on November 16, 2024. He was born on September 28, 1952 to Joe and Della Lee Greene in Campbell, Missouri. Bruce was married to Terry Greene (DuBois) for nearly 40 years; they were united in marriage at Bethany General Baptist Church in Campbell, Missouri, on November 24, 1984. 

Bruce attended Bernie High...

Darlyne Chaffin

Darlyne Chaffin

Nov 15, 2024

Darlyne (Fergerson) Chaffin, age 91 of Ozark, passed away November 15, 2024. She was born December 21, 1932 in Springfield, the daughter of Earl and Elsie (Alexander) Fergerson.

At the age of nine, Darlyne was saved at G.A. Camp at Fassnight Park in Springfield. She was baptised at East Avenue Baptist Church. 

In high school Darlyne was a member of the Kiltie...

Charles Eugene Bunnell

Charles Eugene Bunnell

Nov 14, 2024

Charles Eugene Bunnell, 84, of Galena, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. Born to Charles and Fannie Bunnell on March 3, 1940, Charles lived a life of dedication, service, and love. 

In 1958, Charles graduated from Watts High School, where he was a proud member of the football team, displaying the tenacity and teamwork that would define his life....

Christina Gail Smith

Christina Gail Smith

Nov 13, 2024

Christina Gail Smith, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 39. Born January 4, 1985, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Mitchell and Gail Smith, Christy was a light to everyone who knew her—full of joy, laughter, and sparkle.

A 2003 graduate of Sheldon High School, Christy was actively involved in band,...

Maria Elana Gibbs

Maria Elana Gibbs

Nov 11, 2024

Maria Elana Gibbs, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on August 29, 1941, in Rumford, Maine, to Winfield and Colleen Yeaton, Maria grew up with a generous heart and a creative spirit that she carried with her throughout her life.

 A talented artist and craftswoman, Maria enjoyed making beautiful...

Arthur Daniel Gilleylen

Arthur Daniel Gilleylen

Nov 10, 2024

Arthur Daniel Gilleylen, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Ozark, Missouri, on November 10, 2024. Born on December 21, 1933, to Adolphus and Myra Gilleylen, Dan spent a lifetime dedicated to family, faith, and community.

 On September 8, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Hill. They shared 72 wonderful years together, building a family that...

Charlie Don Fears

Charlie Don Fears

Nov 6, 2024

Charles "Charlie" Fears, 82, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on November 6, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 8, 1941, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Pete and Lois Fears, Charlie grew up in Stanford, Arkansas, where he graduated from high school before embarking on a life marked by love, service, and deep devotion to family, faith,...

Gloria Jean Phanton

Gloria Jean Phanton

Nov 5, 2024

Gloria Jean (Outlaw) Phanton, of Springfield, MO, wife of the late MSgt Felix John Phanton, died Tuesday, November 5, 2024, of natural causes. Gloria was born March 17, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri and was the daughter of Air Force CMSgt Earl and Mary (Jaqua) Outlaw. Gloria was a proud Air Force wife that was stationed in Washington State, Alaska, Louisiana,...

Nancy James

Nancy James

Nov 3, 2024

Nancy Ann James, age 77 of Springfield, passed away November 3, 2024. She was born April 29, 1947 in Salem, Missouri, the daughter of Alfred and Martha (Dixon) Halbrook.

Throughout her life Nancy enjoyed bowling, riding horses, yard work, and walking. She walked 14 miles each week. Nancy was a retired funeral director and hair dresser. She still loved clerical work...

Sheila C. Wilson

Sheila C. Wilson

Nov 2, 2024

Sheila Corene Wilson, age 75 of Ozark, passed away November 2, 2024. She was born April 20, 1949 in Spokane, the daughter of Almos “Quake” and Mary Ann (Blakey) Carsten. 

Sheila worked for Hagale Apparel in Ozark for 21 years before owning and operating her beauty shop in Ozark. She enjoyed fishing, softball, and running 5Ks. 

Survivors include: her husband of 53...

Mary Lois Rayfield

Mary Lois Rayfield

Oct 30, 2024

Mary Lois Rayfield, 87, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024. Born December 17, 1936, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Howard and Susie Howell, Mary’s life was a testament to faith, family, and love. She was married to her devoted husband, John Rayfield, for 69 years, building a lifetime of joy, strength, and togetherness. 

A dedicated member of Hilltop...

Norman Franklin Hicks

Norman Franklin Hicks

Oct 27, 2024

Norman Franklin Hicks, 89, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on October 27, 2024. Born on January 19, 1935, to Clarence and Viola (Byerley) Hicks, he spent his early years in Ava, Missouri, where he attended high school and played football, helped run the family business “The Y Store” and raised cattle on the family farm.  

On September 26, 1955, Norman...

Kevin Pickett

Kevin Pickett

Oct 26, 2024

Kevin Brett Pickett age 61 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away October 26, 2024. Born November 27, 1962 in Norfolk NE to Norma Jean (Eslinger) and George William Darrell Pickett.

 Kevin married Linda Quigley May 11, 1996. He worked for Northrop Grumman contracting with the Department of Defense until 2001 when he medically retired due to Multiple Sclerosis.

 Kevin had a passion...

Rebecca F. Ramsey

Rebecca F. Ramsey

Oct 26, 2024

Rebecca F. Ramsey, age 83 of Ozark, passed away October 26, 2024. She was born December 5, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Zennie Edward and Mary Ellen (McDaniel) Eaton.

Becky was a devoted wife and mother, sister and aunt. She grew up in Chicago and began working as a telephone operator with Illinois Bell right out of high school....

Clifford Leroy Friend

Clifford Leroy Friend

Oct 25, 2024

Clifford Leroy Friend, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, surrounded by those he cherished. Born on April 2, 1959, in Springfield, Missouri, to William and Wilma Friend, Clifford spent a lifetime dedicated to the people and passions that brought him joy.

An auto mechanic by trade, Clifford was happiest with his hands at work, whether...