Thomas Darby Wright
Thomas Darby Wright, 76, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Services are private.
Arrangements in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.
Carter Funeral Home
About Carter Funeral Home
Posts by Carter Funeral Home:
Susan Holloway
Susan Holloway, 52, West Plains, Missouri passed away March 25, 2026 at her home in West Plains, Missouri.
She was born October 13,1973 in the state of Illinois to the late William Hall and Sidona “McCord” Hall.
She is survived by four children, Coty Holloway, Laura Collins Hooper and husband Cory, Shachawna Collins, and Lane Katzenmaier; five brothers, Brian McCord and wife Debbie, Robert McCord, Kenny McCord, Gary Robertson, and Wiliam Hall and wife Tina; two sisters, Sandra Collins and Tammy Davis; eight grandchildren, Zaid Hooper, Aurora Hooper, Amara Hooper, Levi Hooper, Madalynn Alford, Chaynne Alforfd, Braxton Smotherman, and Brooklyn Holloway, and lots of nieces and nephews and other family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Sidona Hall; one child, Casey Holloway, and one sister, Brenda Robertson.
Susie was a big animal lover. She had two dogs and a bird. Her dog’s names were Jake and Tickles and her bird’s name was Blake. She always enjoyed a good laugh. She would try to help anyone that needed it if she could. She loved to watch wrestling. She loved her friend and family. She took care of her son when he was diagnosed with Huntingtons until he passed away in 2021, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Services for Friday, April 10th, 2026 have been canceled, and new date will be announced later.
Paula Mae Orf
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paula Mae Orf, 75, Bakersfield, Missouri, who went to her eternal home on March 29, 2026, at Baxter Regional Hospital in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Paula was born September 13, 1950, in Lakeland, Florida, to the late Paul T. Adams and Gladys Smith Adams.
Paula was united in marriage to Jerry Lee Orf on October 27, 1966, in Polk City, Florida, and enjoyed nearly 60 years of blessed marriage.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Orf, Bakersfield, Missouri; four children, Jerry Lee Orf II and wife Tronnia, Mansfield, Missouri, Kimberly Dillinger and husband Michael, Pomona, Missouri, Kelly Fowler and husband Randy, Bakersfield, Missouri, and Kevin Orf, Bakersfield, Missouri; one brother, Payton Adams, Jacksonville, Florida; ten grandchildren, Brittany Neal and husband Joseph, Mansfield, Missouri, Rebekah Gray and husband Christian, Mansfield, Missouri, Kyle Dillinger and wife Cassie, West Plains, Missouri, Jonathan Dillinger and wife Alicia, West Plains, Missouri, Tiffany Eagleman and husband Darrick, Caulfield, Missouri, Jeremy Fowler, Caulfield, Missouri, Nathan Fowler and wife Andrea, Moody, Missouri, Zachary Fowler and wife Sarah, Bakersfield, Missouri, Shaylee Orf, Bakersfield, Missouri, and Jolleah Orf, Bakersfield, Missouri; fourteen great grandchildren, Brantley Neal, Paisley Neal, Sophia Neal, and Harper Neal, all of Mansfield, Missouri, Malachi Gray, Evelyn-Katherine Gray, and Micah Lee Gray, all of Mansfield, Missouri, Hunter Eagleman and Sawyer Eagleman, both of Caulfield, Missouri, Riley Rae Dillinger, Ember Dillinger, and Theodore Dillinger, all of West Plains, Missouri, also one more baby Dillinger on the way, and Josiah Fowler and Saide Fowler, both of Caulfield, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul T. and Gladys “Smith” Adams; one brother Theodore Adams and one sister, Connie Sue Adams.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, and preserving food. Though she dearly missed her family, beaches, and seafood of her native Florida, she chose to build a strong family in Ozark County, Missouri.
Polly loved her family beyond measure and lived a life of selfless sacrifice. She will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be held at Udall Price Cemetery, Ozark, County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins
Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins, 85, of Alton, Missouri, passed away March 17, 2026, at her home in Alton. She was born May 21, 1940, in
Thomasville, Missouri, to Delbert C. (Check) and Sylvia Dotson Morris.
Joyce was united in marriage to Glen R. Jenkins on April 22, 1960, in Alton, Missouri. From their union they welcomed four sons: Randal Jenkins, Kevin Jenkins, Morris Jenkins, and Lyndal Jenkins.
Joyce lived a life defined by devotion to her family. She spent her years supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
in every endeavor. She drove countless miles attending ball games, school events, graduations, and many other things supporting her family. Joyce was her family’s most dedicated fan.
Something very special to her was Jenkins Farms. Alongside Glen, she took pride in creating a place where her children and grandchildren could harvest deer and enjoy the outdoors together. She cherished every deer season, capturing memories by taking pictures of every deer harvested. Her home was the place her family would gather after a long day in the woods to eat her famous soups, which really turned into the highlight of every deer season.
A faithful servant of the Lord, she raised a God-fearing family and spent her life worshipping the Lord. Joyce regularly attended Alton Free Will Baptist Church of Alton, Missouri. She found great joy in attending gospel singings. Along with supporting her family on the court, she enjoyed watching Duke basketball and cheering on the Blue Devils. Above all, Joyce was
the happiest when her family was gathered, enjoying one another’s company.
Joyce is survived by her children; Randal (Kelly) Jenkins, of Van Buren, Missouri, Kevin (Kristie) Jenkins, of Batesville, Arkansas, Morris (Janine) Jenkins, of Alton, Missouri, and Lyndal Jenkins, of Annapolis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Riley (Sydney), Jaysa (Storm), Brady (Allison), Michia (Zach), Kessie (Hayden), Jenna, Landry (Sienna), Kamie; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Logan, Ezra, Hudson, Peyton, and Flora.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Glen R. Jenkins; her parents, Delbert and Sylvia Morris; and her two infant sisters, Alice Christine and Dorothy Ann.
In lieu of flowers Memorials can be sent to:
Gideons International
P.O. Box 404, Thayer, MO, 65791
~ OR ~
Alton School Foundation
Alton R-4 School Rt 72
Alton, MO, 65606
Memorials can be left at the Carter Funeral Home.
Services will be officiated by Brother Bob Wiggs and Brother Charles Trantham. Pallbearers will be Riley Jenkins, Brady Jenkins, Landry Jenkins, Hayden Seay, Zach Keith and Storm Estes.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be the same day the Huddleston Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, MO
Margaret Blanche Hammond
Margaret Blanche Hammond, 81, passed away March 2, 2026 at National Health Care in West Plains, Missouri.
She was born November 9, 1944 in Otter Lake, Michigan to the late Leon Traver and Winifred “West” Traver.
She was married March 19, 1970 in Gainesville, Missouri to Bill Hammond, who preceded her in death September 26, 1998.
She is survived by her friend and partner of twenty-two years, James Parks; two children, John Hammond and wife Wendy, West Plains, Missouri, and Teresa Flynn and husband Daniel, West Plains, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jessica Dye and husband Daniel, West Plains, Missouri and Daniel Durant and wife Kristen, Junction City, Kansas; three great grandchildren, Carson Craig, West Plains, Missouri, Mason Durant and Isaiah Durant, both of Junction City, Kansas; three brothers, Robert Traver, Donnie Traver, and Lyle Traver; five sisters, Cindy Howell, Velma Sinka, Millie Endert, Joyce Roach, and Violet Wolosonowich, and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Herman Traver, Eddie Traver, and Bill Traver, and three sisters, Gladys Redman, Linda Bishop, and Bea Thompson.
She loved to travel and play golf. She also loved playing a good game of cards, liked to bowl, and was very good at it too. She loved all animals and all outdoor activities, such as swimming, working in her garden; then canning and cooking from her garden. She loved spending time with her family most of all.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri.
Travis Elroy Wrenfrow
Travis Elroy Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, was born February 10, 1956, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the son of Roy Wrenfrow and Laverne Ivey Wrenfrow, and departed this life February 20, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 70.
He was a graduate of the class of 1976 Williford Indians. He was united in marriage on December 18, 1976, to Lieanna Wilkerson, the mother of his children. He was later united in marriage to Jackie Lollar on December 4, 2004.
Travis worked in many different positions and was a quick learner and a good leader. He faithfully served as trustee of the Field Creek Cemetery for nearly two decades. He was active in the Union Hill Community Church for many years. Travis enjoyed building horseless carriages, but making knives and woodworking were the trades he was known for.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of their home. He leaves behind his beloved children, his son, Travis J. Wrenfrow of San Angelo, Texas; his daughter, Brandi and her husband Jason Sikora, also of San Angelo, Texas; his grandchildren, Robert and Katelynn Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, along with their mother Jennifer. He is also survived by his sister, Remona, and her husband Dean Bennett, of Myrtle, Missouri.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Laverne Wrenfrow; his paternal grandparents, Bealie and Velma Wrenfrow; and his maternal grandparents, Earl and Esther Ivey.
Memorials can be sent to the
Field Creek Cemetery Association
1373 H Highway
Myrtle, MO 65778
or left with the funeral home
Officiating will be Pastor Darrell Bliss.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m., until time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Field Creek Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas ~ 292 Field Creek Cemetery Cir, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554
Fern (Cawvey) Duke
Graveside services for Fern (Cawvey) Duke, 94, West Plains, MO, will be held at 2:00, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home. There will also be a short visitation time from 12 o’clock until 1:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Mrs. Duke passed away on February 21, 2026 in Rochester, MI. She was born on May 20, 1931 in Moko, Arkansas to Cecil King Cawvey and Lona Mae (Holloway) Cawvey. Mrs. Duke was married to Tollaray Duke on July 9, 1949 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Mrs. Duke and her husband moved to Michigan in the early 1950’s where they raised two children. Mrs. Duke retired in 1984 from the Pontiac State Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan, where she worked for over thirty years. After retiring, Mr. and Mrs. Duke moved back home to West Plains, MO. Mrs. Duke was a long time member of the Moko Church of Christ.
Mrs. Duke is survived by her two children, Ronald Duke, (wife Marjorie Duke) and Rhonda Duke, her three grandchildren, Dustin Duke, Destiny Hahn (husband Aaron Hahn), and Danielle Duke, and her three great grandchildren, Braeden Duke, Jackson Hahn, and Colette Hahn.
Mrs. Duke is preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sisters Rosella and Christina, and her brothers Hedley, Gerald and Marshall.
Roger D. Turnbull
Roger D. Turnbull, 54, West Plains, Missouri passed away February 17, 2026 at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
He was born December 2, 1971 in Belle Glade, Florida, to the late Robert Lee Turnbull, Sr. and Susan Elizabeth “Ellison” Turnbull.
He was married to Sarah Self on April 20, 2025 in Pomona, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, West Plains, Missouri; two children, Madyson Elaine Collins, West Plains, Missouri and Matthew Meikle Drewery, West Plains, Missouri; six brothers, Robert Turnbull, Jr., West Plains, Missouri, Kenneth Turnbull and Charmaine, West Plains, Missouri, Eddie Turnbull and Heather, West Plains, Missouri, Billy Turnbull, West Plains, Missouri, James Turnbull and Patti, Pomona, Missouri, and Joey Turnbull, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters, Roberta Powers and Ed, Nixa, Missouri and Ruth Gerdes and Mike, Mountain Home, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Susan Nichole Fenwick, West Plains, Missouri and Astrid Marie Drewery, West Plains, Missouri.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Simon Meikle Drewery; one niece, Jessica Dawn and one nephew, Ethan Turnbull.
He loved his family deeply and enjoyed every minute that he could spend time with them. His motto, “No One Left Behind.” He was a truck driver for many years. He loved to travel, and really enjoyed fishing and making big bonfires while spending time with family.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri
.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Leona (Lee) Agnes Brown
Leona (Lee) Agnes Brown, 93, passed away February 17, 2026 at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, Missouri.
She was born July 7, 1932 in New Liberty, Missouri to the late Oscar Allmon and Bertha “Reed” Allmon.
She was married to Donald Brown on February 22, 1952, who preceded her in death October 26, 1991.
She is survived by one son, Keith Brown and wife Sonda, West Plains, Missouri; grandchildren, Steven Brown and wife Amber, and Lacy Walker and husband Kevin; great grandchildren, Kaylee Collins and husband Wyatt, Hayden Brown and wife Ally, Kinley Brown, Natalie Walker and Joel Walker.; great great grandchildren, Everett Collins, Mabel Collins, Henry Brown, and Thomas Brown, all of West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Elven Allmon and wife Brenda, Winfield, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and nine sisters, Flodia Parrott, Selma Brawley, Sybel Bunzel, Bonnie Simpson, Freeda Thompson, Inez Brown, Avalee Fanning, Annalee White, and Jetta Toler.
She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She truly loved taking care of her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, making beautiful quilts, feeding the birds, and growing beautiful flowers. She loved going to her yearly family reunion, visiting with all her family and showing off her grandchildren. She loved traveling, going on many bus trips, enjoying the sites and friends she traveled with. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Graveside services will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hickory
Grove Cemetery in Oregon County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Lester Paul Riley
Lester Paul Riley came into this world on September 9, 1936, near Alton, to Wilson Riley and Waltie (Roy) Riley, and left this world behind on February 17, 2026, at his home in Thayer.
Lester dedicated 28 years of his life to working in a garment factory. Later, he became an over-the-road truck driver, hauling everything from petroleum to mail to lumber and livestock.
On June 27, 1959, he was united in marriage to Regina Vincent. Together they shared over 66 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, a son, Rick, and a daughter, Lesa.
He had a deep love for quarter horses and proudly participated in many horse shows over the years. He also enjoyed tending his cattle and growing a big garden. Lester was a long-time member of the Thayer Fire Department and devoted many years to the Thayer Little League Association, always taking great pride in supporting his children’s activities.
An avid outdoorsman, quail hunting was his favorite pastime. He cherished a good bird dog and owned many throughout his life. He also enjoyed working puzzles and was always proud to see one completed, framed, and displayed. A true hard worker, Lester continued cutting his own wood well into his 80s.
He never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever he went, always choosing to see the good in others. Known by several nicknames, including LP Riley, he carried on that tradition with his grandchildren—Snitzelfritz (Sara), Goat Roper (Chad), and Shorty (Emily). He treasured the many hours spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lester was a beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arnold Riley; one sister, Louella Satterfield; one nephew, Jordan Riley; one step-grandson, Matt Guffey; and two special cousins, Clyde and Ben Dills.
He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Riley; his son, Rick (Charlene) Riley; and his daughter, Lesa (Danny) Guffey. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Sara (Gage) Busch, Emily (Evan) Pyland, and Chad Guffey; as well as three great-grandchildren, Judson and Quinn Busch and Baby Pyland, due to arrive in August. He is further survived by his two sisters, Roberta Mahaney and Donita Rinearson, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorials to go to the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri or be left with the Funeral Home.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri.
Grand Gulf Shiloh Cemetery
426 County Road 378
Koshkonong, MO, 65692
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.