Obituaries

Ronald “Melvin” Stanley, 58, Nevada, Mo., died on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Melvin was born Jan. 1, 1962, in Kansas City, Mo., to Ronald E. and Sarah K. (Cox) Stanley. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 21, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park...

Franklin Delano Drummond, 77, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. Frank was born Dec. 8, 1942, in Yuba City, Calif., to Bert L. and Bess (Morgan) Drummond. He was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Key on Nov. 30, 1962, in Nevada, and she survives...

Juanita Smith, 97, formerly of Vernon County, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at Northland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kansas City. Juanita was born Dec. 21, 1922, in Holstead, Miss., to Isaac P. and Julia O. (Alford) Douglass. She married Harold Grant Smith on July 7, 1945, in New Orleans, La., and he preceded her in death in 1993...

Jack Vernon Edmiston, 87, died peacefully on Sept. 8, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. Jack was born Sept. 22, 1932, in Nevada, Mo., and was the son of Henry Vernon Edmiston and Mary Virginia (Bean) Edmiston. He lived in Nevada the entirety of his life until moving to North Carolina last year...

John Myron West, 89, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, at his home in Nevada. John was born June 15, 1931, in Bellwood, Neb., to Harry L. and Anna W. (Ladwig) West. He married Estella McClellan in 1958 and to this union one daughter, Barbara, was born. Estella preceded him in death in 1984. John later married Pearl A. Kegerries in 1988 and she passed away in 2013...

Arnold Pettit was born on Oct. 11, 1935, in Yankton, S.D. He moved to (Vernon County) Nevada, Mo., at six months of age and lived there most of his life. He departed this life on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at home with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Pettit. They were married Sept. 30, 1993...

Judy Elizabeth Weaver, 75, of Liberal, Mo., passed away Sept. 8, 2020, at her daughter's home in Lamar, Mo. Judy was born Sept. 8, 1945, in Liberal, Mo., to Ward and Delilah Ione (Friend) Weaver. Judy graduated from Liberal High School in the class of 1963. On Feb. 22, 1967, She married Curt Cavanaugh and together they had one daughter and they later divorced...

Sierra Dawn Lukenbill, 31, of Nevada, Mo., left her earthly home on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, to begin her new life in her heavenly home. Sierra was born in Nevada on March 28, 1989, to Ed and Marcella (Thompson) Lukenbill. She attended both Nevada and Bronaugh schools and graduated from Bronaugh R-7 School in 2007. ...

Ricky Dale Kennedy, 64, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Freeman Health System, Joplin, Mo. Ricky was born on Dec. 9, 1955, in Nevada, to Walter Harold and Gwendolyn Leona (Morris) Kennedy. Ricky was raised in the Metz, Mo., area and graduated from Metz High School Class of 1973. ...

William Edward Wehmeyer, 67, Sheldon, Mo., died on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. Bill was born Feb. 7, 1953, in Nevada, Mo., to Samuel and Betty E. (Garfield) Wehmeyer. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to the family in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo...

Walter Joe (W.J.) Steward, 82, of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sept. 2, 2020, at his home. W. J. was born in southeast Vernon County, Mo., on April 23, 1938, to Walter Lavere and Mary Josephine (Bradin) Steward. W. J. and Avril Ann Levi were united in marriage on Aug. 7, 1965, in Stockton, Mo...

A Celebration of Life for Alvin Briscoe, 70, of Rich Hill, Mo., will be held 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, in the Rich Hill Round Park at 5th & Park Streets in Rich Hill, Mo. There is no visitation. Please bring a lawn chair. Contributions may be given to the Rich Hill Lions Club. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com...

Raymona Mae Gauthier, 91, of Springfield Mo., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. She was born on Monday, July 8, 1929, in Dennison, Iowa, to Edith and Raymond Wright. Raymona married Armand Wilfred Gauthier in Stockton, Mo., on May 18, 1947, and to this union six children were born. She was a member at Pine Street Baptist Church in Nevada, Mo...

Norman Fredrick Paul, 81, Nevada, Mo., died on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at his home in Nevada. Norman was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Garbutt, N.Y., to Frank and Rachel W. (Martin) Paul. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31, at Moore Cemetery, in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada...

Rickie Dean Clayton, 64, Nevada, Mo., died on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Rickie was born April 4, 1956, in Springfield, Mo., to Robert A. and Nellie M. (Mayes) Clayton. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at Pennsboro Cemetery, South Greenfield, Mo., with Pastor Jack Dinwiddie officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Ferry Funeral Home...

Steven Bruce Craig, 69, Paola, Kan., passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at his home. Cremation with a private family Celebration of Life at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to Horses and Heroes, 22052 W. 66th St. No. 207 Shawnee, KS 66226. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are made by Bruce Funeral Home, 712 S. Webster, Spring Hill, Kansas 66083 (913) 592-2244...

Brenda Lea Allison, 56, of Webb City, passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin, after a courageous battle with cancer. Brenda was born Feb. 8, 1964, in Sacramento, Calif., to Jimmie and Jane (True) Hedges. She attended schools in Nevada and was a 1982 graduate of Nevada High School. Following high school, Brenda attended Missouri Southern and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting/Computer Science in 1985...

Larry Allen Chamberlin, 64, Liberty, Mo., died on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. A private burial will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29. Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com...

Janey Kay Blackwell, 69, Nevada, Mo., died on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada. Janey was born Dec. 4, 1950, in St. Louis, Mo., to Jack E. and Ethel L. (Haupt) Vitt. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada...

Arthur Lee Plain, 73, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Arthur was born on May 2, 1947, in Independence, Mo., to Frederick M. and Dorothy F. (Hanners) Plain. He married Thelma N. Shutters on April 23, 2018, in Nevada and she survives...

Larry Lee Keim, 74, Harwood, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Larry was born Oct. 11, 1945, in Tacoma, Wash., to Linfield L. and Mary E. (Lee) Keim. A graveside committal with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, in Dederick, Mo., with Alvin Mast officiating...

Mary Rose Doering, 90, of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. Mary was born Aug. 12, 1930, to Robert and Rose DeSantis in Everett, Mass. She married Herbert Doering on Nov. 20, 1989, and he preceded her in death. During her life, Mary resided in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Maine, and Missouri. For the last few years of her life Mary received care at Morningside Assisted Living...

William Wardell “Bill” Compton, 82, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. Bill was born Dec. 16, 1937, in Milo, Mo., to Leland E. and Della L. (Hendrix) Compton. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Henning on Aug. 5, 1962, in Nevada, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 2014...

Ronnie Lee Roberts, 73, Nevada, Mo., died on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at his home in Nevada. Ronnie was born Nov. 6, 1946, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Jess and Lela I. (Lewis) Roberts. He will be laid to rest at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 24, at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan...

Barbara Sue “Barb” Jacks, 77, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at her home, in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. Barb was born Nov. 1, 1942, in Nevada, to Elmer E. and Luella S. (Ainsworth) Bailey. She was raised in Nevada by her mother and stepfather, Charles Rutledge. She married Bill Jacks on Nov. 28, 1980, in Nevada, and he survives of the home...

Andrew James “AJ” Roberts, 28, formerly of Nevada, Mo., died on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. AJ was born on March 25, 1992, in El Dorado Springs, Mo., to Emmitt and Karen (Hand) Roberts. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Larry Wheeler officiating. A private committal will follow in the Moore Cemetery...

Pamela Marie “Pam” Halcomb, 65, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Pam was born Oct. 2, 1954, in Nevada, to Calvin A. and Wava N. (Brown) Halcomb. Pam grew up in Nevada and began her education in the Hackberry School where her class was the largest with six students. ...

Ruth Evelyn (Miller) Weltmer, 104, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Ruth was born on Feb. 25, 1916, near Sheldon, Mo., the middle daughter of John Hutchins and Naomi (Bender) Miller. She grew up in the Avola community and attended grades 1-8 at the one-room school located there. ...

Jean Marie Smith, 74, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Jean was born March 9, 1946, in Springdale, Ark., to Edmond A. and Marguerite (Wagner) Todd. Jean was raised in Springdale, Ark., and attended school in Springdale. ...

Karl Walter Lehmann 76, of Nevada passed away on Thursday August 6, 2020 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Karl was born July 3, 1944 in Karlruhe, Germany the son of Karl Glaiser and Hedwig Louise Lehmann. He was raised in the Milo area by Elmo and Hedwig Pilcher and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1962. ...

Leon Wayne Gill, 62, Richards, Mo., died on Sunday, July 19, 2020, following a recent battle with cancer. Leon was born April 29, 1958, in Nevada, Mo., to Marvin O.R. and Beulah G. (Bear) Gill. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Richards Community Building at 2 p.m., Aug. 8...

Peter William Cornell, 70, of Milo, Mo., passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Pete was born Oct. 5, 1949, in Watertown, Iowa, the son of Ernest August and Libbie J. (Swartz) Cornell. He married Deborah Kay Wermers Oct. 7, 1977, in Mt. Vernon, S.D., and she preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 2019...

Sylvan “Van” Earl Oyerly, 66, Stark City, Mo., passed away Aug. 2, 2020. He was born April 23, 1954, in Kansas City, Mo. Van had been employed at Neosho Box and Wood and later, as a welder for K&S Wire, Neosho. He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard, and being with his grandkids. ...

Joy Preston 77, of Nevada, passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin surrounded by her family. Joy was born July 15, 1943, in Metz, Mo., the daughter of Emmett Monroe and Arvilla Louise (Arrasmith) Hogan. She married Johnny W. Preston Sept. 2, 1961 and he survives of the home...

Eric LeRoy Maus, 49, of Schell City, Mo., passed away suddenly on Friday morning, July 24, 2020. He was born Sept. 10, 1970, in Nevada, Mo., the son of David L. Maus Sr., and Beverly Souza Maus. Eric grew up in the Schell City area, where he attended Schell City Elementary School and graduated from Schell City High School in 1988...

Larry B. Dade Jr., 76, of Schell City, Mo., passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Mo., following a lengthy battle with cancer. Larry was born on April 3, 1944, in Nevada, to William B. and Irene (Ijams) Dade. He married Cheryl Lunday in Miami, Okla., on May 6, 2012, and she survives of the home...

Marilyn Jean Peery, 76, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at her home in rural Nevada, Mo., following a long-term illness. She was born on Oct. 17, 1943, in Crawford, Neb., to Joseph Edward and Betty Ann (Langdon) Alkire. She married James H. Peery Jr., in Nevada, on June 10, 1961, and he survives of the home...

Bonnie Lou Bourland, 58, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at her home in Nevada. Bonnie was born May 4, 1962, in Nevada, to Lewis and Josephine (Lampke) Hamlett. Bonnie was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1980. ...

Norman M. Huston, 91, Milo, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at his home in Milo. Norman was born Feb. 15, 1929, in Maysville, Ky., to Albert E. and Ethel A. (Hamm) Huston. On Sept. 2, 1955 he was united in marriage to Norma Ruth Willmon in Kansas City, Kan., and she survives of the home...