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Mary Evelyn Landes

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 21

Mary Evelyn (Alford) Landes was born on May 24, 1926, in Thayer, MO, and peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Springfield, MO, at the age of 99 years.

Mary was one of four children born to John and Clida Alford. Mary grew up and spent most of her life in Thayer, MO. She was active and athletic as a young child, describing herself as a tomboy as she ran and played in the woods and hills around her house in Thayer. After graduating from Thayer High School in 1944, Mary joined her older sister, Vida, in Detroit, MI, and worked as a “Rosy the Riveter”, building aircraft wings for B 17 Bombers.

Mary returned home to Thayer after the war ended and soon met a young man named George Landes, who had moved to Thayer after serving 5 years in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mary and George were married on February 24, 1949, and raised four children – Linda, Jana, Nancy, and Mark. Their marriage lasted 51 wonderful years until George’s passing in 2000.

Mary loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a tireless worker around her home, keeping it in beautiful shape. She was an excellent cook and was known for her Angel Food cakes and Dill bread. She shared her cakes with the whole community. She enjoyed having dinner parties in her home and embodied the word “hospitality,” as her home was always open to friends and family. Raising her four children, Mary was very involved in their school activities, entertaining and cooking for their friends. She always had a warm plate of cookies waiting after school.

Mary was baptized in the Warm Fork River as a teenager and was a long-time faithful member of the Thayer Church of Christ. Mary lived a long, full life and we honor her dedication to her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband George Landes, brothers Paul and Lewis Alford, sister Vida McBride, and grandson Zachary George Landes. She is survived by her daughters Linda May (Rich), Jana Williams, Nancy Landes; son Mark Landes (Patty); grandchildren Misty Tucker, Ryan Williams, Alex Williams, Erica Harmon (Austin) and Brooke Landes.

Memorials can be made to the:

Children’s Home Inc.,

5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450

Donate – Children’s Homes, Inc.

Graveside Service will be on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services under the care of Carter Funeral Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

James A. Wheeler

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 5

James A. Wheeler, 74, of Lone Jack & Myrtle, Missouri, departed this world on August 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by many cherished & loved family members. James was born on April 4, 1951, in West Plains, Missouri, the first child of James and Freda Wheeler (Menear). James attended Couch School. James was Saved to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 9. He attended and enjoyed sports tremendously. The Boys basketball team attended Regional Championships in two seasons, the won Regionals once in 1968. He passes his compassion for competition for athletics to his two daughters.

He met and married his wife, Denise Truitt, on April 4, 1975. They recently celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. James wanted to get married on his birthday, so he wouldn’t forget his anniversary. This was a long running joke that family still laughed about. They went on to have two girls during the marriage.

When James was called by his “friends and neighbors” to serve his Countrymen in 1971 he went on to attain ranking of SP-4 during his campaign in the Army.

James was employed as an OTR (Over the Road) truck driver at BSXpress, Inc. Out of St. Joseph, Missouri for 35 years, minus ten years of moving “back to the farm” when his father suffered a fatal blood clot. James loved the farm, but he also loved trucking. He enjoyed going to new places and seeing new horizons. He was a partner with WW Trucking, LLC and owner of J & D Wheeler Trucking, LLC. He also was a member of OOIDA (Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association). James & Denise operated Wheeler Farms. James was a successful businessman at his endeavors but sometimes sacrificed sleep for it.

Jim was a funny, loving person. He usually was quick with a quip or a joke. Humor was integrated into his entire life. His last days, he would tell us there was a bad monkey and he needed to find him and spank him for peeing in the house, and he was hauling a freight and going across Arizona.

James was proceeded in passing by his father, James Wheeler, his grandparents, Fred & Ruby Wheeler and Olga Smith, three brothers-in-law, Mike McIntosh, Bill Mayo, and Steve Pratt.

James is survived by his wife Denise of the home, Angela Wheeler of Overland Park, Jeanie Wheeler of Jefferson City, MO and grandson Milo. James is also survived by his siblings John and Janice Wheeler of Alton, MO, Sherri Wheeler Pratt of South Haven, MI, Debbie McIntosh of Kingsville, Mo, Rosemary Wheeler Burks of Tulsa, OK, and Jenny Bill Davis of Mt. Vernon, Mo.

James is survived by many nieces and nephews including Robert Kasten of South Haven, MI, Renee Chet Goff Pullman, MI, Billy Jack McIntosh of South Haven, MI, Jesse Larenda Wheeler of Alton, MO, Chris Wheeler of Alton, MO, Michael John Wheeler of Alton, MO, Keisha Ernst of Nevada City, CA, Aaron Bishop of Mt. Vernon, MO, Robert and Carrie Edwards, of Leavenworth, KS, Michael and Amber Maloney of Kansas City, KS, Lane and Logan Mayo of Blue Springs, MO, Arty Mayo of Kansas City, MO and many more.

James was known by friends and family to be a bit of a singer. His deep baritone voice was soothing and calming to those who were lucky enough to hear him sing. He loved his daughters, nephews and nieces. He was around 50 when he would get down on the ground and play with the young children and toddlers. He loved seeing children smile and laugh.

Memorials may be sent to:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
1530 Wilson Blvd, Ste 550
Arlington, VA 22209

Officiating will be Bill Davis. Pallbearers will be Milo Moore, James Cole, Aaron Bishop, Robert Kasten, Jesse Wheeler, Michael John Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Jack McInstosh, Michael Maloney, Robert Edwards, and Chris Wheeler.

Visitation will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 1:00 -2:00 p.m.

Funeral will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Cotton Creek Cemetery of Couch, Missouri on August 30, 2025.

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

Donald Dean Busch

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 12

Donald Dean Busch, 78, was born August 13,1947, to Fred and Ethel Busch in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. He departed this life at his home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on August 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was united in marriage on August 10, 1982, to Bonita Taylor.

Donald is survived by his three daughters, Tracee Busch of Springfield, Mo., Libby Watson of Pocahontas, Ar., and Marcia Kerley and husband Tony of Mammoth Spring, Ar.; 7 grandchildren Bailey Frankenberger (Scoob), Tristan Thompson, Ethan Frankenberger (McKenzie), Maddy and husband Braden Hufstedler, Jarrett Thompson, Ally Kerley, and Drew Dunnivant; a great granddaughter Brynlee Higginbotham, brother Freddie Busch and wife Judy of Pevely, Mo.; brother in-laws Terry Taylor and wife Peggy, and David Taylor and wife Nancy both of Myrtle, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews and special friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Bonita Busch; parents Fred and Ethel Busch; infant sister Marie Arlene; mother and father in-law Gordon and Jean Taylor; and son in-law Jeff Watson.

Whether he was teaching in the classroom, cheering on the Cardinals and his grandkids, or crafting something from wood, Donald lived fully and loved deeply — especially when it came to his family. He will be remembered as a hard worker, dedicated, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile for others. Above all, he was a faithful member of the Lord’s Church.

Funeral service for Donald Busch, age 78, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Pallbearers: Freddie Allen Busch, Johnny Busch, Ethan Frankenberger, Braden Hufstedler, Scoob Higginbotham, and Drew Dunnivant

Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Hurtt, Sonny Brown, and Danny Busch

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorials to be sent to the Children’s Home Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, Arkansas, 72450

Betty Anne Garrison

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 12

Betty Anne Garrison passed away at the age of 83 on August 14, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. She was born November 7, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri to Albert Hirsch and Ethel (Hinton) Hirsch.

She was united in marriage to William Martin Garrison on May 26, 1962, in Thayer, Missouri.

She is survived by her son, Brent Garrison and his wife, Cindy; granddaughters, Carley Grace and Abbey Cristine Garrison; nine siblings Marie (Harry) Vincent, Albert Hirsch, June (Danny) Davis, Gary (Delores) Hirsch, Roy Hirsch, Janice (Johnny) Howell, William (Cindy) Hirsch, Katherine (Michael) Langston, and Larry (Betty) Hirsch, sister-in-law Kathleen Hirsch, numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Garrison, her parents, Albert and Ethel Hirsch, her brother, Herbert Hirsch, four brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law.

In 1959, Betty graduated high school from Thayer High School. In 1963, Betty graduated college from Southwest Missouri State College. She was a home economics teacher for 36 years, teaching at Koshkonong, Ava, and Thayer High Schools. One of her joys of teaching was serving as the Future Homemakers of America (FCCLA) advisor on local, state, and national charters. She made a lasting impact on her students and retired from teaching in 1999. She was a co-owner of the Garrison Store at Garfield. She also worked as a receptionist at Spring River Chiropractic until 2010.

Betty was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Crescite Club, volunteering many hours supporting the local community.

Betty was an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Betty loved her church family and served anywhere she was needed.

Betty was a hard worker with a servant’s heart. She loved to bake, sew, and spoil her grandchildren. The joy and light of her life were her granddaughters, Carley and Abbey.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the William and Betty Garrison Scholarship Fund located at the Southern Bank of Thayer, Missouri.

Visitation will be at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on August 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral will be at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on August 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

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

Greg Whitsell

Carter Funeral Home West Plains 10

Greg Whitsell, 57, West Plains, Missouri, son of the late Phil and Susie (Cherry) Whitsell was born October 8, 1967 and passed away at his home August 9, 2025 at his home.

Greg is survived by two children, Nicole Whitsell and Jacob Whitsell; caregivers and friends Kayla Groves and Morgan Groves; one nephew, Trenton Eades and wife Susie, and one niece, Madison Reid and husband Wyatt; two nephews, Phillip Eades and Luke Reid.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Susie Whitsell; one sister, Regina Eades, and one brother-in-law, Bob Eades.

He attended the Endurance Church in West Plains. He loved to ride his motorcycle, which was a Spider. He also enjoyed collecting silver coins, watching movies and listening to music. He had a beloved husky dog named, Trey.

Funeral services for Greg Whitsell will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains.

Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Robert “Bob” Richardson

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 3

Robert “Bob” Phillip Richardson Sr., age 84 of Alton, Missouri, passed away August 9, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. He was born July 16, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Luther and Gladys (Roeder) Richardson.

Bob married Paula Heitzmann Flick in 1995. They were together for over thirty years. Bob cherished Paula and she was so dear to his heart, that he always called her “Dear”.

Bob enjoyed riding his Harley, he loved the sound of the roaring pipes and the wind in his face. His hobby was collecting eagles. Bob retired from AOSmith after 35 years as an electrician. He was a member of the Amvets Post 98 in West Plains, Missouri and was a PER of Alton-Thayer Elk #2545. Bob AKA “Asshole Bob” will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Paula “Dear”; two sons Robert Richardson Jr. and Joe Richardson; one daughter Jennie Richardson; one stepson Sean Flick (Jamie); seven grandkids Kaylee, Erick, Jessica, Josh, Fiona, Karina, and Paxton; one great-grandkid Niko; and many friends and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Glice “Dick” Richardson and Clifford Richardson; one son James Richardson; one daughter Lynette Richardson.

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

Larry Dean Green

Carter Funeral Home West Plains 20

Larry Dean Green and twin sister, Ramona, were born on January 28, 1951 at the home of very proud parents, Raymond (Pat) Green and Edith (Jones) Green at the family farm near Fanchon, Missouri. It was a normal January day in Missouri. The temperature outside was in the low teens and the old wood stove full of wood, red hot on every side, trying to keep the house warm. Doctor Virgil Bailey was at the home to help with delivery.

Larry passed away on August 9, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri with his family at his side.

Larry is survived by the love of his life, Ada Green and their fur baby, Patches; brother Jerry Green and his wife Virginia; sister, Patsy Briggs-Stubbs; twin sister, Ramona Coldiron; brother Bobby Green and wife Judy; sister-in-law, Becky Green; uncle Jimmy Jones and wife, Shirley, whom he loved deeply and shared love of many past times (including softball, baseball, watching John Wayne and Joel McCrae western movies and playing pitch); aunt Virginia Green; many nieces and nephews, great nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edith Green; grandparents, Charles and Nancy Green; Ivo and Ruth Jones; brothers, Jacky Green, Charles Green; brother-in-laws, Dwain Briggs, Henry Stubbs, and Jimmy Coldiron; sister-in-laws, Glenna Green, Jeannie Green; nephews, Alan Green and Bradley Green.

Larry spent many hours playing on the softball fields in and around West Plains. In the last few years he enjoyed playing pool with his buddies at the Senior Citizens Center in West Plains. Larry worked at Butler Furniture Store for over twenty years until they closed the business. He worked at Ozarks Medical Center until his retirement.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri with Reverend Aaron Fullerton officiating.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, Peace Valley, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Joseph “Joe” Lee Hoyt

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 7

Joseph Lee Hoyt, age 76, was born 2 Dec 1948 to James Ard Hoyt and Thelma Irene Rolen Hoyt in Thayer, Mo. He departed this world at his home in Thayer, Mo on 27 July 2025. Joe was married to his first wife, Cheri Lynn Gray Quackenbush (Alan) from June 1977 to July 1988. Joe married Shelia Marie Heilig on 3 Nov 1990 and lived a full, blessed life with her until his passing.

Joe is survived by his wife, Shelia, children, Christy Newland (Peter) of Berlin, NH, Brandon Hoyt (Nicki) of Hampton, VA, Austin Hoyt (Sarah) of Killeen, TX and Justin Hoyt of Mammoth Spring, AR, Destini Thompson (Jared), West Plains, MO, Cruz McDermott (Lauren) of Jonesboro, AR, grandchildren, three sisters Ruth Stevens and Janet Bowers (Calvin) of Thayer, MO, Cynthia Holloway of South Pekin, IL and two brothers Garry Hoyt (Barbara) of Paducah, Kentucky and Paul Hoyt (Emily) of Columbia, TN.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Bryan Cody Hoyt, one brother James Henry Hoyt, one sister, Dorothy Ann Hoyt, and three brothers-in-law Dr. Elmer H. Shaw, Earnest (Bud) Holloway and Rex Stevens.

Joe was a faithful loving husband and father who worked hard for his family and his community. Joe worked as a Sprinkler Fitter for over 30 years and was a member of the Road Sprinkler Fitter Union for 50 years. He loved the land, enjoyed making hay, and taking care of his cattle. Joe frequently volunteered his time and money with multiple local and international communities. He moved to Ecuador from 2016-2020 and helped to build houses on the coast. He also served locally in Cuenca, Ecuador. Joe was a strong, vocal man of faith, who attended church for many decades and tried to live in accordance with scripture in a manner with his thoughts, words, and deeds according to the truth he had attained. In 2021, as Joe studied the scriptures, he came to be a follower of The Way and came to deeper truth of what it meant serve YaHUaH/ יהוה and to follow Yahushua/יהושוע, and tried to walk as the Messiah walked, keeping New Moon days, Shabbats, and Feast days EX 12:14, Lev 23, Zech 14:16, 1 Cor 5:8. He loved keeping the feast and fellowshipping with other believers.

In lieu of flowers family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to:

Grindstone Ministeries Proverbs 27:17

701 McBeth Avenue

Wister, Oklahoma, 74966

DONATE | Grindstone

Pallbearers will be Justin Aichele, Michael Bowers, Matthew Bowers, Jeremy Bowers, Kyle Bowers and Jacob Bowers. Honorary Pallbearer will be Zayden Hoyt.

Visitation will be August 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel.

Speaker, Travis Bearden, will be Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside Service will be on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill/Ary Town Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

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

Roger Kight

Carter Funeral Home West Plains 6

Roger Kight, 73, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on July 25, 2025. Born on December 7, 1951, in Houston, Texas, Roger lived a life rooted in hard work, family devotion, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Roger spent the majority of his career as a parts store manager, where his dedication and reliability left a lasting impression on those he worked with. In later years, he found joy in new roles, including working as a delivery driver and driving a bus for Ozark Sheltered Industries. These positions allowed him to stay active and connected to his community while continuing to serve others with the same commitment that defined his earlier career.

A man who cherished time spent outdoors, Roger was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved coon hunting—spending hot summer nights deep in the woods listening for the baying of his coon hound was one of his greatest pleasures. In his younger days, he also enjoyed playing softball and camping with family.

Roger was a loving father and brother whose presence brought strength and warmth to those around him. He is survived by his daughter Rogenia Noakes and her husband Johnny; son Roger Kight Jr. and daughter Adira Braun; grandchildren Timothy Noakes and wife Kendra, Madison Noakes and husband Collen, and Rowdy Kight; great-granddaughter Charlotte; brothers Donnie Kight and Cliff Kight with wife Carol; sister Kaye Moore and husband John; and close nephew Steve Gantt and wife Vikki; as well as many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Kight; son, Gene Kight; parents, Gene and Beulah Kight; and sister, Mearline Gantt.

Roger’s life will be honored at a memorial service held in Pomona, Missouri. His memory will live on through the stories shared by those who knew him best—stories of laughter around campfires, long nights under starry skies chasing the call of a hound dog, and quiet moments filled with love for family.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Alice Gay Combs

Carter Funeral Home Thayer 10

Alice Gay Case Combs, daughter of Clarence and Loretta Case was born November 18, 1935, at Couch, Missouri. She departed life and went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2025, at the age of 89, with her family gathered around her.

On March 20, 1956, she was united in marriage to Donald W. Combs at her parent’s home in Myrtle, Missouri. Donald passed away November 19, 2020.

She is survived by her sons, Randall Combs and wife Beckie of Alton, Missouri, Kendall Combs and Pat and Michael Combs and wife Sandy all of Branson, Missouri. Seven grandchildren, Ashley Stiles and husband Brett of Ozark, Missouri, Austin Combs of Alton, Missouri, Chris Combs and wife Molly of Rogersville, Missouri, Craig Combs and wife Bess and Carolyn Clark and husband Aaron of Branson, Missouri, Kayli Price and Dustin, Kelsey Howerton and husband Jared of Branson, Missouri. Also 20 great-grandchildren and her brother Winfred Case of Myrtle, Missouri.

Her mother and father, Clarence and Loretta Case, brother Charles Case and sister Jeanie Croney preceded her in death.

Alice stayed at home to care for her sons until they were all in school. Then she was a teacher’s aide for one year and a secretary to the principal for four years at the Thayer High School.

She and her husband moved to Ellsinore, Missouri in 1973 when Donald accepted the Presidents position at the Bank of Grandin. She then worked part-time at her sons’ stores as a clerk in Ellsinore and Grandin. She enjoyed helping and visiting with customers that came in.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, whom she dearly loved. She looked forward to the holidays when everyone gathered. She loved watching her grandchildren playing many sports, especially basketball games.

She accepted Jesus as her personal Savior at a young age of 13 and continued to live a dedicated life until the Lord called her home. She touched the lives of many people as she taught children’s Sunday School classes at Thayer Freewill Baptist before moving to Ellsinore where she taught an adult Ladies class for many years. She enjoyed studying her bible.

After retirement she and Donald moved to West Plains and joined United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains. She will be remembered as a loving devoted Christian wife, caring mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend to all. Now she has gone on to be with the Lord.

Special thanks to Shepherds View Assisted Living Facility for the care and love they gave to Alice Gay for the two years she lived there.

Memorial contributions can be made to the:

United Freewill Baptist Church

607 Lanton Road,

West Plains, Missouri, 65775

Services will be officiated by Gale Wooten and Dennis McGinley. Pallbearers will be Chris Combs, Craig Combs, Austin Combs, Aaron Clark, Dustin Price, Brett Stiles, and Jared Howerton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Molly Combs, Bess Combs, Ashley Stiles, Kayli Price, Kelsey Howerton and Carolyn Clark.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

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