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Phillip Edward Franz

Phillip Edward Franz was born March 5, 1940 to Oswald Arthur Franz, Jr. and Elizabeth Hamlin Franz in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away June 12, 2023 in West Plains, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Nancy Lou Trickey, July 21, 1962.

Phillip grew up in Thayer where he became an Eagle Scout and star basketball player. He went on to play basketball for Quachita Baptist University. After college and getting married they settled back in Thayer, Missouri on the farm. He was probably happiest outside working with his turkeys and cows. 1976 was a turning point for Phillip and Nancy. Circumstances took them to the small community of Bay, Missouri. There he started his career in Poultry Trading. 1981 Phillip started his own company, Franz Foods, bringing him to West Plains, Missouri, where he lived out the rest of his life.

Phillip was a deacon at First Baptist Church and loved being a part of that family. From the post office to the grocery store he shared the gospel to anyone who would listen. He wanted everyone to feel the love of Christ the way he did. He was a true warrior for Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald and Elizabeth Franz and one grandson Peter Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Ward and wife Kristi, Sioux City, Iowa; daughter Rebekah Mitchell and husband Rodney, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Quinton Mitchell wife Lauren and sons, Auggie and Xander, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Christopher Mitchell wife Audrey, soon to be born William Peter, Nixa, Missouri and Elizabeth Mitchell, West Plains, Missouri ; Landon Franz, Ozark, Missouri, and Lauren Willis husband Chase, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers, Joe and Bonnie Franz, Arkaldelphia, Arkansas; Bill and Donna Franz, Thayer, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Phillip will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. There will be visitation time from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

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

Franklin Delano Kennard

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Franklin Delano Kennard, 80, of West Plains, Missouri passed on June 10, 2023, at the NHC HealthCare of West Plains, Missouri. Services will be at a later date.

Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home Inc. – West Plains, Missouri.
Visit an online obituary and guest book at www.carterfuneralhomeinc.com

Aaron Tony Lee Collins

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Aaron Tony Lee Collins, 59, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away on June 4, 2023, peacefully, at his home. He was born on December 10, 1963, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to the parents of Boyd David Collins and Sylvia Bell Bird. Aaron married Kristen Fleetwood on September 12, 2001, and their children were Arron Lee Collins, Mickeal Dale Collins, stepdaughter, Samantha Higgs and he was like a father to his closest niece, Erica Frazier.

Aaron enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, working on the Patterson Farms, and being with his friends and family. Arron was of the Pentecostal faith.

Aaron is survived by his wife; children, Mickeal and Arron Collins; stepdaughter, Samantha Higgs; sisters, Nancy (Mitchell) Frazier, Judy Delaney, and Juanita Faye Owens (Steve); brothers, Jerry Lynn (Susan Lance) Collins, David (Jessica) Bird, and Charles (Laurie) Bird; close friend, Frank Hurst; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph Michael Bird, Billy Russell Bird, and Larry Lee Bird; and one niece, Brenda Bird.

Memorials can be made to the family.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Thursday June 8, 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00.

Interment will be at a later date.

Naomi LaRae Galvez

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Naomi LaRae Galvez, 40, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on May 30, 2023, at her residence. Family will have private services at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home Inc. – West Plains, Missouri.
Visit an online obituary and guest book at www.carterfuneralhomeinc.com

Pamela “Pam” Lynn Studyvin

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Pamela Lynn Studyvin was born to Charles “Chuck” Coleman and Gertrude (Sanders) Coleman on October 9, 1952, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this world on Monday, May 29, 2023, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 70.

Pam loved working in sales and had a passion for interior design and for getting to know people. Her favorite job was being a mom, and she loved to update anyone who would listen about what her girls were doing. She loved to laugh and was happiest when she was spending time with friends and family, at home, or traveling. Outside of family, she loved books, art, music, decorating for every holiday, and all things that make life beautiful. She kept up with friends from all stages of life and took a deep interest in others. She will be fondly remembered for the love and life that she shared.

She is survived by her children, Rebekah Studyvin of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sarah Studyvin of Huntsville, Alabama, and her former husband, Kenneth Studyvin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

She is also survived by her sister, Oretha Cobb, brother-in-law, Ron Cobb, nephews John Cobb and Sam Cobb, 10 great nieces and nephews, 2 great-great nephews, many cousins, and many friends and neighbors who were like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, John “Bubba” Coleman.

A celebration of life service will be held on June 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri, with Sam Cobb officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Pam was so thankful for the medical care she received and was always in awe of younger people affected by cancer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Handbell Choir of the First United Methodist Church, 503 W. Main Street, West Plains, MO, 65775.

Visit an online obituary and guest book at www.carterfuneralhomeinc.com

Joe C. Cook

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Joe C. Cook, age 84 of Myrtle, Missouri, passed away May 25, 2023, in Thayer, Missouri. Joe was born February 25, 1939, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Jake and Mary (Williams) Cook. Joe married the love of his life, Erma Jean McClintock in Egypt, Arkansas. They were happily married for 58 years.

Joe loved to go fishing, hunting, eating and being kind to others. He loved being around his friends and family. He like to tinker on motors and repairing small engines. Joe will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by three brothers Robert Cook, wife Lucille of Bono, Arkansas, Jim Cook of Egypt, Arkansas and Bob Cook of Jonesboro, Arkansas; one sister Gail Cook of Alicia, Arkansas; one sister-n-law Kathy Mendoza of Thayer, Missouri; one brother-n-law Bill McClintock; many nieces and nephews which he thought very highly of and loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father; two sisters Naomi and Glenna Mae; and one twin brother Jerry.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 30^th, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 30^th, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m.

Interment will be on Tuesday, May 30^th, 2023, in Myrtle Cemetery, Myrtle, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Nancy Carol Osborn

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Nancy Carol Osborn, 72, of West Plains, Missouri passed away on May 26, 2023, in West Plains, Missouri. She was born in Antioch, California to the parents of Herbert Leon and Margaret Ann DuBois Henderson. Nancy loved many hobbies like scrapbooking, reading, decorating, puzzles, coloring, and games. She really enjoyed going to the thrift stores, yard sales, going to church, traveling, and exploring smalls towns. Nancy is also known for telling her family “I always love you to the moon and back.”
She survived by daughters; Larissa Higgs, Brandi Carey, and Stormie Higgs, grandchildren; Kadance, Miley, Jurnee, Genesis, Haley, and Brittany; fiancé, Mark Kosatka, brother, Marvin Henderson and sister, Susan Brock.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one great-granddaughter, BryceLynn George.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 10th, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., at the Pomona Christian Church of Pomona, Missouri. Minster Troy Vetter will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home Inc. – West Plains, Missouri. Visit an online obituary and guest book at www.carterfuneralhomeinc.com

Deborah (Debbie) Ayearst

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Deborah “Debbie” Denice Ayearst, 64, of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, passed away on May 15, 2023, at her home. She was born August 29, 1958, in Independence, Missouri to Raymond and Glenda (Hall) Ayearst. Debbie was a dedicated office manager and checker at local grocery stores. She worked holidays so others could be home with their families.

Debbie was also a wonderful artist of the Episcopalian faith. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her father Raymond Ayearst; two sisters Janette Gonzales and family, and Lisa Wiese and family; brother Curtis Hall and family; three aunts Wanda Downs, Rita Harkleroad, and Chris Merriman; several nieces, nephews, cousins; sister friend Wilma Smith, husband Grant; bestie Mindy and lots of other friends.

She is preceded by her maternal grandparents Adrian and Ora Downs; paternal grandparents, Boyd and Unice Ayearst and Mary Ayearst; mother Glenda Hall; Stepfather Robert Miller; Stepfather Noble Hall; two uncles Richard Ayearst and Larry Downs; two aunts Mary Lawson and Delieta Bookout; cousin Chad Howell and dear friend Darrell DuBois.

Service was private.

Mary Ellen Caraway

Carter Funeral Home West Plains

Mary Ellen Caraway, 81, went to be with the Lord, May 22, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mary Ellen was born December 6, 1941 in Conway, Arkansas to Osburn Ward and Lucille “Cargill” Ward.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Randall L. Caraway; two children, Randy Caraway, wife LaDonna, and Jennifer Baldock and husband, Jimmy Baldock, Jr.; one brother, Travis Ward and wife Linda; one sister, Sue Plunk; eight grandchildren, Michael (Mikey) Deprow, Tallaspoosa, Missouri, Randall (Trey) Caraway, wife Rachelle, West Plains, Missouri, Amanda Bell, West Plains, Missouri, Jeremy (Paul) Blagg, Malden, Missouri, Matthew Blagg, wife Chelsea, Marshfield, Missouri, Mitchell Blagg, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Leonard Stokes, Blytheville, Arkansas, and Lisa Adams, Kennett, Missouri, and seventeen great grandchildren.

She is preceded by her parents; one daughter, Sheila Stokes; five brothers, Isaac Ward, Carroll Ward, Harold Ward, Bob Ward, and Wayne Ward, and one sister, Barbara Lou Plunk.

Mary was a member of the Assembly of God Church. She was a pastor’s wife who loved the Lord. She loved to sew, crochet, quilting, and enjoyed doing different kinds of crafts and many many sewing stiches. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri, with Brother Mike Dillinger officiarting.

Vistation will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains from twelve noon to 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be in Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

Dorothy Rose Parks

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Dorothy Rose Parks, 69, of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas passed away on May 9, 2023, at her home. She was born January 24, 1954, in Jasper, Indiana to Silas & Mary Ann Blessinger. Dorothy married Edgar (Jack) Parks in 1973, in Indiana. They were married 46 years and had one daughter, Theresa Parks Huckabee in 1975. Dorothy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She loved her family and friends. Dorothy was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post # 7831 of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. She was president of the Auxiliary from 2000 to 2022 (twenty-two years) until she retired due to health. She was devoted to the organization and to helping the community by going above and beyond. She loved being with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa Parks Huckabee (Michael Ennis) of Mammoth Springs, AR; granddaughters, Brittany Huckabee of Dallas, Texas and Brianna Huckabee of Springfield, MO, grandson, Shawn Huckabee (Gracie) of Mammoth Spring, AR, step-granddaughters, Solara Ennis of Mammoth Spring, AR, and Kassie Hay (Jason) of Springfield, MO, step-grandson, Tony Ennis of Mammoth Spring, AR, great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Marie Huckabee of Mammoth Spring, AR, step-great-granddaughter, Domineque Bridges of West Plains, MO, step-great-grandsons; Ezekial Bridges, Zackary Hay and Adrian Hay of Springfield, MO, sister, Carol Jean Merter of Jasper, Indiana, brother, Silas Jr. Blessinger of Avilla, Indiana, and many more step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Mary Ann Blessinger, husband, Edgar (Jack) Parks, sister, Theresa Ann Blessinger, brothers, Edwards (Eddie) Blessinger and Robert (Bob) Blessinger.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date with Brother David Brock officiating at the Oaklawn Cemetery of Cherokee Village, Arkansas.