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Janice Kay Bentley

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer, Uncategorized 0

Janice K. Bentley, 76, was born March 14, 1950, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on September 17, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri.

She was born the daughter of Herman Mills and Pauline (Cantrell) Mills. She was married in 1968 to Darrell Bentley of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and to this union one daughter was born, Angela.

She worked at the Town & Country in Thayer for 22 years before she moved to Springfield where she worked for Cox South as a Phlebotomist for 17 years before she retired in 2016.

Once she moved back to West Plains, Janice attended Genesis Church and Faith Chapel.

Janice is survived by her sisters, June Wyatt, of West Plains, and Hazel Estep, of Raymore; special nieces, Sonia Chritton and her husband Mike, Stephanie Cooper and her husband Jay, and Amber Wyatt; great-nieces, Ava Cooper and Amelia Herndon; great-nephews, Andrew Cooper and wife Braylen, and Whit Herndon; a very special great-great-nephew, Waylon Cooper; along with several other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Pauline Mills; daughter and son-in-law Angela and Bryan Deaton; and her sisters, Georgia Reef, Helen Ramsey, and Rita Doughtery.

Janice will always be remembered for the love and devotion she had for her family. She was a humble, modest woman who found joy in putting others before herself and caring deeply for the people she loved.

Officiating will be Brother Jason Roberts. Pallbearers will be Terry Kirby, Jeff Ramsey, Randy Wyatt, Jay Cooper, Andrew Cooper, and Whit Herndon. Honorary Pallbearer will be Waylon Cooper.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel from 11:00 a.m. until time to leave for the Graveside Service commencing at Noon, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo

Julious “Leon” Martin

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 2

Julious “Leon” Martin, 86, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away at his home on September 6, 2026, with family in close attendance.

Born the youngest of seven children into the arms of Noel B. Martin, and Mary Catherine (Clark) Martin on September 11, 1939, in Calico Rock, Arkansas.

Leon’s first job at 3 years old was as a Cotton Picker alongside his family who made their living harvesting any and all ripe crops near and far. As a young man, he worked in the Rail Tie yard as a laborer – stacking and loading railroad ties into box cars. He was a man that lived close to the land and enjoyed cutting timber and fishing. In fact, fishing was a singular passion, and he spent many happy days along the creeks and rivers of Northeast Arkansas. Dogs were drawn to Leon, and though he wouldn’t admit to loving them, he did appreciate them and their companionship, and could be found sitting on his front porch with a dog by his side more often than not.

Leon took pride in his home; he kept the grounds and house in neat order. He spent more time outdoors than in, and the outdoors and simple pleasures of life were a meaningful part of who he was. He was a physically strong man and never shied away from hard work. In the cold months he took comfort in a roaring wood fire, fed by the wood he himself cut well into his 80s.

Leon is survived by his great nephew, Bill (Tywana) Martin Jr. and his children and grandchildren, his great nieces, Sally (Adolfo) Ann Arredondo, Deana (Aubrey) Stevens, Amy (Gene) Stevens, Sarah (Rodney) Reed, his eldest brother Earl E. Martin and his five children, Earl (Mary) D. Martin, Edward (Melinda) D. Martin, Alan B. Martin, Laura A. Martin-Rake, and Marlin (Rachel) M. Martin, countless cousins and kin spread throughout South and Midwest. He had a great friendship with his neighbor Joey Robinson, and his nephews Christopher Reed, and Benjamin Martin.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents Noel B. Martin and Mary Catherine Martin, and siblings Ruby Parmely, Lorene Martin, Velma Rogers, Leland Martin, and Vernon Martin, his nephew Bill Martin Sr. and nephew Michael Martin.

Leon will be remembered by his family, loved ones, and neighbors for his independent spirit, physical strength, love of the outdoors and fishing, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He was a fixture to our family and will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be on September 10, 2026, at 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. to be followed by a funeral service at 2:00p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Field Creek Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Buddy Irvin Wright

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 5

Buddy Irvin Wright was born August 19, 1941, in Alton, Missouri, to Clifton and Bertha Wright and peacefully departed this life on September 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85.

He graduated from Alton High School in 1959, where he was a proud Alton Comet. He loved playing sports, and especially excelled and enjoyed making memories playing basketball.

Following high school, Buddy proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees.

On December 26, 1964, he married the love of his life, Alice Lou Cantrell in Alton, Missouri. They spent 61 years together as husband and wife before Alice’s passing in January. Together, they raised four children, teaching them the importance of God, faith, and family.

Buddy was a very talented custom cabinet maker. He was a perfectionist when it came to his woodworking and created many beautiful kitchen cabinets and furniture for people over the years.

Buddy also proudly served the citizens of Oregon County as Second District County Commissioner for 18 years. After retiring, Buddy enjoyed his Fox Trotter horses, spending time outdoors and “piddling’” with old tractors, lawnmowers, and whatever project happened to catch his attention. He especially loved family get-togethers where he enjoyed playing competitive games and spending time with his family.

Buddy was a Christian and a member of the church of Christ, where he faithfully taught Bible class for many years. He was a man of deep faith who loved to read and study God’s Word. His faith was an important part of his life and the legacy he leaves to his family.

He is survived by three children: Donna Louise Henry and husband Joe of Thayer, Missouri, Tammy Lou Hufstedler and husband Derek of Thayer, Missouri, John David Wright and wife Jackie of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Aaron Henry, Austin Henry and wife Tessa, Ayden Henry and wife Kendra, Ashlyn Lou Powell and husband Collin, Braden Hufstedler and wife Maddy, Jaycelyn Wright, and Zaiden Wright; three great-grandchildren: Alayah Powell, Adlee Powell, and Torin Henry; his sister, Carol Pulley of Lebanon, Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice Lou Wright; his parents, Clifton and Bertha Wright; his mother and father-in-law, Ben and Lola Cantrell; his beloved son, Douglas Irvin Wright; his brother, Dale Wright; his infant great-grandson, Bridger Powell; and several other family members and loved ones.

Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the things he built, and the memories he made will continue to live on through the generations who loved him.

Memorials can be sent to

Children’s Home Inc.

5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450

DonorPerfect Forms

Or to

CCL Cancer Society

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Resources | American Cancer Society

Or they can be left with the Funeral Home.

A Visitation will be held on at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri with full Military Honors.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO

Shirley Joyce Westbrook

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 0

Shirley Westbrook, 87, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on September 3, 2026, at her home.

A full obituary will be available at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO

Doyle Dean Fink

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 14

Doyle Dean Fink
October 22, 1938 – September 2, 2026

Doyle Dean Fink, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Doyle will be remembered as a man of deep faith who loved his family dearly and lived a life marked by service, integrity, and hard work.

Doyle married Donna Rae Whiteside on August 22, 1959, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 67 years. His family was his greatest source of pride, and the life and legacy they built together remained at the center of his heart.

After graduating from high school, Doyle ran the Sinclair gas station before going to Kansas City for work. He went on to join the United States Army in 1961, where he served for three and a half years overseas as an administrative sergeant in the Military Police and received an honorable discharge in the fall of 1964.

Doyle began his career in the mining industry in 1964. In 1973, he became a federal mine inspector with the U.S. Bureau of Mines and later held numerous leadership positions with the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Among his professional honors, Doyle was especially proud to receive the United States Department of Labor Distinguished Career Service Award, presented by Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole.

Doyle deeply loved the Spring River and the neighboring communities of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Thayer, Missouri. During his retirement, he devoted much of his time to public service within those communities, continuing a lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening the places he called home. Doyle served as adjutant for American Legion Post 344 in Thayer for over 20 years and was a member of the local Rotary Club for over 24 years.

An avid fisherman, Doyle rarely turned down an opportunity to put a line in the water. More than any professional recognition or personal interest, however, Doyle treasured his faith and the time he shared with those he loved. He leaves behind a lasting example of devotion to God, commitment to family, and service to others.

Doyle was preceded in death by his son, Michael Fink, as well as his parents George and Bessie Fink; in-laws Ray and Daisy Whiteside; and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Kay Bible.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Rae Fink; his daughter, Cindi Fink (Skip); his daughter-in-law, Jamie Fink; his grandsons, Joshua Fink (Kelsey) and Nicholas Fink (Brooke); and his great-granddaughter, Pyper Collette Fink. He is also survived by his brother, Loyd Fink (Sue); his nephew, Christopher Fink (Stephanie); his sister-in-law, Terri Hull; his niece, Billie Bible (Jamie); his cousin, Vic Waits (Nina); as well as other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Doyle’s life was one of faith, love, service, and accomplishment. His steady presence, wisdom, and devotion to his family and community will be remembered with gratitude and carried forward by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to the following places, or left with the funeral home.

Selah’s Place

133 Front St

Thayer, MO 65791

Oregon County Food Pantry

538 Taylor Rd

Thayer, MO 65791

Thayer Fun and Friends

100 Chestnut St

Thayer, MO 65791

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

501 St. Jude Pl

Memphis, TN 38105

Officiating the funeral service will be Brandon Martin and Erman Croney officiating at the graveside. Pallbearers are John Davis, Luke Martin, Tucker Hargrove, Christopher Fink, Skip Miller, Powell Humphrey, Neal Rogers, and Jalen Andrews. Honorary pallbearers are Nathaniel Rogers and Rick Martin.

A Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., until the time of the Funeral at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery, of Thayer, Missouri, with full Military Honors.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.

Jerry Lee Orf

Carter Funeral Home West Plains 3

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerry Lee Orf, 87, of Bakersfield, Missouri, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 22, 2026.
Jerry was born October 27, 1938, near Udall, Missouri, to Clarence Orf and Madge Thompson Roberts.
On October 27, 1966, Jerry married Paula Mae Adams in Polk City, Florida. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage and raised a family together. Paula preceded him in death on March 29, 2026.
Jerry proudly served his country for more than 30 years in the Army and Arkansas Army National Guard, including service during the Gulf War, and retired as a Staff Sergeant.
His life was marked by public service. Jerry served with the Polk City Police Department and as a Polk County Deputy Sheriff in Florida. In Missouri, he served as an Ozark County Deputy Sheriff and Bakersfield Town Marshal. He also served as Mayor of Bakersfield and on the Bakersfield School Board.
Jerry was devoted to his Christian faith and, since his salvation, maintained a lifelong connection to the Assemblies of God. He faithfully served the church as a deacon at Bakersfield Assembly of God and later at Pomona Assembly of God. His love for God and commitment to the church were important parts of his life.
He is survived by four children, Jerry Lee Orf II and wife Tronnia, Mansfield; Kimberly Dillinger and husband Michael, Pomona; Kelly Fowler and husband Randy, Bakersfield; and Kevin Orf, Bakersfield; and two sisters, Lola Johnston and Vicki Sutterfield, both of Bakersfield.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany Neal and husband Joseph, Mansfield; Rebekah Gray and husband Christian, Mansfield; Kyle Dillinger and wife Cassie, West Plains; Jonathan Dillinger and wife Alicia, West Plains; Tiffany Eagleman and husband Darrick, Caulfield; Jeremy Fowler, Caulfield; Nathan Fowler and wife Andrea, Bakersfield; Zachary Fowler and wife Sarah, Bakersfield; and Logan Collins, Shaylee Orf, and Joleah Orf, Gainesville.
His great-grandchildren are Brantley, Paisley, Sophia, and Harper Neal, Mansfield; Malachi, Evelyn-Katherine, and Micah Lee Gray, Mansfield; Hunter and Sawyer Eagleman, Caulfield; Riley Rae, Ember, and Theodore Dillinger, West Plains; and Josiah and Sadie Fowler, Caulfield. Three more great-grandchildren, a Baby Dillinger of West Plains and a Baby Fowler of Bakersfield, and a Baby Orf of Gainesville, are expected soon.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula Mae Orf; his father, Clarence Orf; and his mother, Madge Thompson Roberts.
Jerry spent his life serving his country, community, church, and family. His nearly six decades with Paula, military and public service, Christian faith, and the generations of family he leaves behind stand as a testimony to a life of commitment, duty, and faithfulness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bakersfield Assembly of God Church in Bakersfield, Missouri.
Visitation time will be on Thursday, August 27, 2026 also from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m
Burial will be in Udall Price Mitchell Cemetery in Bakersfield, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Rose Marie Parker

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 1

Rose Marie Parker, 90, formerly of Sikeston, Missouri, passed away on August 21, 2026, in Thayer, Missouri.

A full obituary will be available at a later date.

Services will be PRIVATE.

Burial will be held at the Garden of Memories in Sikeston, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO.

Grady C. Exum, Jr.

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 1

Grady Carlton Exum Jr., was born the son of Grady Carlton Exum Sr. and Georgia Frances Chaffin on August 8, 1944, in Fulton County, Georgia, and departed this life on August 17, 2026, at his home in Koshkonong, Missouri, at the age of 82.

He was united in marriage on September 14, 1966, in Hampton, Georgia, to Mary Jane Murphy. Their marriage was blessed for 52 years before her passing in 2018.

Grady is survived by his children, Shannon (Tonia) Exum, of Alton, Missouri, and Dawn (Mark) Holman, of Alton, Missouri; brother, Danny (Barbara) Exum; grandchildren, Ellie Exum, Callie Exum, Danielle (Skyler) Chronister, Carli Holman, Jennah Holman, and Kaden Holman; great-grandchildren, Harper Chronister, and Sage Chronister; nieces and nephews, Tracy (Justin) Dismukes, Terri (Ashley) Watson, and Rusty Exum; great-niece and several great-nephews; many cousins; special friends, Sharolett Combs and her family; Serenity Hayes; Aurel Leamon; and his extended V.A. Family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady Exum Sr. and Georgia Exum; and his wife, Mary Exum.

Grady was a proud member United States Army as Military Police during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, honorably serving his country. He was also a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Koshkonong, Missouri, for many years.

Grady enjoyed spending time in the field, taking care of his mules and donkeys, going horseback and wagon riding. He loved working on the farm, raising cattle his entire life; however, his greatest companion of all was his cat, Butterball. Grady looked forward to his Thursday meetings with his V.A. extended family, but above all, he cherished his family and his grandkids.

Grady will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His dedication towards his family, his faith, and the simple joys of country life will remain a lasting part of the memories he leaves behind.

Memorials may be sent to

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Memorial Processing

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL

Memphis, TN, 38105-9959

Or left with the Funeral Home.

Officiating will be Brother James Collins, and special music will be by the Howell Family. Pallbearers will be David Howell, Daniel Howell, Shannon Exum, Mark Holman, Skyler Chronister, Kaden Holman, Eric Smith, and Jason Brigman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Brigman, Bobby Haddock, Jaxon Combs, and Owen Combs.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, from 1:00 until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be at the Jolliff Cemetery of Rover, Missouri with Military Honors. For GPS put the following address:

564-4-164-34 Oregon County 338, Koshkonong, MO, 65692

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO.

Wanda Elaine Ehrhart Roop

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains 3

Wanda Elaine Ehrhart Roop, 99, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.

Wanda was born in Cureall, Missouri, and spent her younger years in Caulfield, Missouri. She later made the Kansas City area her home and lived in Raytown, Missouri, for many years. In 1955, Wanda and her husband, Emett, returned to the Kansas City area after spending their early years together in the service.

Wanda and Emett were married for 34 years. Emett preceded her in death in 1983.

For much of her life, Wanda devoted herself to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Her family was the center of her world. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave her family a lifetime of love, care, and memories.

Wanda worked at several places throughout her lifetime and retired from United Bakers Supply in 2012 at the age of 85.

Wanda loved her family and friends dearly. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, cooking, gardening, and family gatherings. She was especially talented at decorating cakes and made cakes for her family for birthdays and holidays. Her home was a gathering place for family, and her favorite room was always the kitchen. She was known as the family cook and took great joy in preparing meals for those she loved.

Wanda was hardworking, strong-willed, and always willing to help others. She was a longtime member of the Glenwood Park church family in Independence, where she treasured the friendships and relationships she made over the years. Her friends were very dear to her, and she loved them dearly.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Anita Vogt and her husband, Dwayne, and Patricia Finney and her husband, Steve; her five grandchildren, Jayme, Heather, Jason, Sara, and Heath; and her 12 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Colleen Harbison, Jimmy Ehrhart, and Carolyn Drees.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emett; her parents, William and Lillie Ehrhart; her brothers, Dorian Ehrhart and Duard Ehrhart; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Wanda will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength, her love of family and friends, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Her family will always remember the wonderful meals she prepared, the beautiful cakes she made, and the love she put into everything she did.

One of her favorite foods was biscuits and gravy, and fittingly, biscuits and gravy were her last meal.

Wanda leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Fowler Cemetery of Caulfield, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – West Plains, Missouri.

Roxie Victoria Dison

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 1

Roxie Victoria Dison, 73, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on August 10, 2026. She was born on May 19, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to William Watts and Ellen “Polly” Stewart.

Throughout her life, Roxie was known for her quick wit and standing firm on what she believed. Being raised alongside her six brothers, Roxie didn’t hesitate – she spoke her mind. She was fiercely independent and always true to herself.

Roxie raised her kids alone for most of their lives after her husband, Wayne, passed away. Then one day, Roxie decided that she wanted a new adventure, packed up her things and the kids, and moved to Arkansas.

Roxie loved spending time watching her favorite game shows and drinking coffee. She also enjoyed fishing, spending quality time with her family and loved ones, and caring for her farm animals.

Roxie is survived by her children, Frankie (Vanessa) Monk, Maria Lewis, and Kathy Stafford; her 19 grandchildren; her many great-grandchildren; her siblings, Kelly Watts, Johnny Kropog, and her cherished friends and staff of the Southfork River & Therapy Living.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Watts and Ellen “Polly” Stewart; her husband, Wayne Monk; her sons, Shannon “Bubba” Monk, and Benny Monk; granddaughter, Destiny Lewis; her siblings, Jewel Watts, Ernest Luther Watts, Pete Stewart, and Alfred Kropog.

Roxie was a one-of-a-kind soul who lived life on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of strength, laughter, and love that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be private.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc.- Thayer, MO