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Billy A. Drye

Billy A. Drye was born the son of John A. Drye and Gertie (Meeks) Drye on December 11, 1932 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on June 12, 2022 in West Plains Missouri at the age of 89 years.

He was raised the beloved baby boy of a large and loving family with two older brothers and four older sisters who doted on him. His parents owned the local grocery store in Mammoth Spring, and it was there he began working at a young age and developing his friendly demeanor.

Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army and faithfully served for two years overseas during the Korean War.

Following his return, he was blessed to marry his best friend and the love of his life, Hazel Mae Dills on April 14, 1956. Billy and Hazel made their home in Independence, Missouri where Billy worked for the Ford Motor Company for twenty years. In January 1973, Billy and Hazel moved back to their farm in Thayer, Missouri where they co-owned and operated Eder Oil Company. During this time Billy also enjoyed his farm life with Hazel working beside him every day.

Billy is survived by his only daughter, Cindy Drye Botard and husband Elton of Thayer, Missouri; one granddaughter, Samantha Whiteside and husband Devin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six great grandchildren, Christian, Cole, Connor, Camden, Chase and Charlotte Whiteside, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; his great granddaughter, Chloe Joy Whiteside; his parents John and Gertie Drye; two brothers, Fred and John Drye; and four sisters, Rosemarie, Mary, Vida Jo and Polly.

Billy was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri, where he served as a deacon for 51 years. He faithfully attended church as long as his health allowed.

He enjoyed farming, restoring classic cars, watching his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family. He always had a kind word, a story to tell, and a laugh to share with everyone he met.

Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Billy A. Drye will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Gerald Bounds and Brother Jared Russell officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interment will be on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Joreta Frealy

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Joreta Ruth Romine Frealy was born the daughter of Thomas S. Romine and Fanny L. (Murphy) Romine on February 10, 1939 in Heart, Arkansas, and departed this life on June 8, 2022 in West Plains, Missouri at 83 years of age.

She was united in marriage on March 11, 1957 in Salem, Arkansas to Billy Marion Frealy.

Joreta is survived by her four children: Lenora Adams and husband Brian of West Plains, Missouri, William (Billy) Frealy and wife Erin of Thayer, Missouri, Monica Childers and husband Daryl of Thayer, Missouri, and Keith Frealy and wife Kristy of Koshkonong, Missouri; six grandchildren, Brian Adams, Jr. and wife Ashly, Daryl Childers II and wife Corrie, Derek Childers and wife Stacey, Joshua Adams, Perry Frealy and Wyatt Frealy; seven great grandchildren, James Childers, Andrew Perry, Autumn Letterman, Kylie Childers, Landen Goodart, Chloe Adams and Brennan Adams; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Fanny Romine; her husband, Billy M. Frealy; eleven brothers and four sisters.

Joreta was a military spouse who spent time volunteering at hospitals. She was a homemaker and the mother of four.

She was of the Christian faith and a member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading her Bible, spending time with family and friends and quilting with her friends at the Koshkonong Assembly of God.

Joreta will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother sister and friend. She will truly be missed by all.

Funeral services for Joreta Frealy will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Jerry Heath officiating.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri from 1:00 p.m. to service time.

Interment will be on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Koshkonong Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Peggy Flood

Carter Funeral Home West Plains

Peggy Lou Flood was born April 21, 1932 in Oregon County to the late William and Lillie (Judd) Baty. She was called home to be with her Lord June 8, 2022 at the age of 90 years.

On June 7, 1949, she was united in marriage to Duane Leland Flood, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2018.

She is survived by 4 children, Janet (Ron) Myers, Lanton, Missouri, Ken (Sandi) Flood, Rapid City, South Dakota, Vicky Rutter, West Plains, Missouri, Donna (Shane) Dennis, Nixa, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Merle Flood, one sister-in-law Betty Flood; 11 grandchildren Lynnetta (Eric) Martin, Lana (Shawn) Dennis, Leigh (Brad) Kincheloe, Leslie (Ron) Murray, Chris (Jenny) Flood, Nick Flood, Ryan Tompkins, Michelle (Brad) Vincent, Niki (Jim) Wood, Zachary Dennis, Braden Dennis; 21 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, and one on the way; and the loving staff at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer who called her Ms. Peggy.

She is also preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roy and Anna Flood, one son Allen Flood, two grandsons, Jim Flood and Brian Flood, sister Marge Baty, brother Afton Baty, sister-in-law Ruby Baty, brother-in-law Bruce Flood.

We have talked and shared stories today about how strong, protective and sassy Peggy was. We have a lifetime of memories of her fun loving spirit. This quote depicts the great sadness that we are all feeling in our hearts today: “Mom/Grandma always taught us to be strong, because she knew that one day we would need the strength to bear her loss”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family through Carter Funeral Home, West Plains.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Redburn Cemetery, Oregon County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Alexias Crider, Aiden McDaniel, Brantley McDaniel

Carter Funeral Home West Plains

Alexias Jewel Crider, daughter of John David Crider Jr. and Jennifer Marie Crider, born February 4, 2000, in West Plains, Mo. Departed this life on May 25, 2022, at the age of 22.

She was engaged to Dalton James McDaniel on December 11, 2021, in Batesville, Arkansas. They brought 2 beautiful boys into this world, Aiden Lee McDaniel, and Brantley James McDaniel. She enjoyed spending time with her family, listening to music, reading, and hunting. Alexias loved her residents at NHC where she worked for 4 years.

She is survived by her fiancé Dalton James McDaniel, her parents John David Crider Jr., Jennifer Marie Crider, two sisters Cierra Crider and Patty Crider all from West Plains, Missouri, one brother Remington Crider of West Plains, grandparents Glenda Romans, Mary Lyons, and Jim Lyons all of West Plains. Many aunts and uncles including Julie Romans, Kimberly Bean, Amy Smith, Niki Kovarbasich all from West Plains, Lori Bean from Wisconsin, Cheryl Bean from Tennessee, Jerry Wirtz and Steven Romans from West Plains, Mike from Rogersville, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Vernie Romans of West Plains, William Bean of Wisconsin and Dennis Driskell of St. Louis, Missouri.

Aiden Lee McDaniel born August 31, 2019, in West Plains, Mo and Brantley James McDaniel born July 15, 2020, in West Plains, Sons of Alexias Crider and Dalton James McDaniel of West Plains, Mo departed this life on May 25, 2022. Aiden was 2 years of age and Brantley was 1 year of age. The boys were Irish twins being only 10 months apart. The boys enjoyed playing in mud puddles, watching paw patrol, and playing outside with mommy and dada.

The boys are survived by grandparents Jennifer Crider, John David Crider Jr., Becky Driskell all of West Plains, Buddie and Christie of Harrisburg, Arkansas, and Andy of Wynne, Arkansas; great grandparents Glenda Romans, Mary Lyons, Jim Lyons all of West Plains. Kay of Wynne, Arkansas, Charlie of Flippin, Arkansas, and Deletta of Harrisburg, Arkansas; many aunts and uncles including, Sidney McDaniel of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Cierra Crider, Patty Crider, and Remington Crider all of West Plains, and many great aunts and uncles.

They are preceded in death by great grandfathers Vernie Romans, of West Plains, Missouri, William Bean of Wisconsin., Dennis Driskell of St Louis, Missouri, Jamie McDaniel and Jimmy McDaniel of Harrisburg, Arkansas.

Celebration of lives services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Cornerstone Family Worshi, West Plains at 2:00 p.m.

Ernestine Cochran

Carter Funeral Home West Plains

Virginia “Ernestine” Cochran went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, June 3, 2022 at the age of 96. She was a resident of Cedarhurst Senior Living, West Plains, Missouri.

Ernestine was born to Alma Tatum Clinton and Ernest Clinton of Oxford, Arkansas on November 13, 1925.

December 7, 1946 Ernestine Cochran and Marshall Cochran were united in Holy Matrimony. To this union, Elaine Cochran was born.

Over the years they lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, Renton, Washington, West Plains, Missouri. After the death of her family she lived in Lee Summit, Missouri before returning to West Plains.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Cochran in 1994 at the age of 72 and by her daughter, Elaine Cochran in 1995 at the age of 47; her parents and a brother, Jerl Webb.

A service will be held at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be immediately following the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Officiant is Ron Blanks, former pastor.

Pallbearers are Joel Wyatt, Lanny Lewis, Don Cochran, Joey Cochran, Chip Chestnut and Chuck Chestnut.

We want to thank the staff at Cedarhurst, Three Rivers Hospice and Southern Care and Comfort for lovingly providing the care and comfort she needed. She loved each of you.

Vonda Accurso, niece (Matt) and Melanie Wyatt, (Joel) worked diligently and lovingly to provide Ernie’s care over the last several years. Melanie has been like a daughter to her for the last 19 years. While we will miss her greatly, we are happy she is at peace. Ernestine leaves behind “the boy she loves so much” Landry Pitts, who is her adopted grandson. Ernestine leaves a host of nieces and nephews. She created a family of friends who loved her well.

James (Jim) Grigsby

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

James (Jim) Grigsby was born May 28, 1955, the son of Oakley Grigsby and Anna Wowas Grigsby in Hazard, Kentucky, and departed this life on May 30, 2022 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the young age of 67 years.

He is survived by Julia, his wife of 40 years; his mother, Anna Grigsby; his daughter, Kristina Hensley and husband Casey; four grandchildren, BJ, Austin, Brenda and Tori; one son, JT Grigsby; one sister, Barb Boggs and husband Bill; three brothers, Oakley Grigsby, Perry Grigsby and wife Kathy, and Jeff Grigsby and wife Robbin; one brother-in-law, Johnny Richey and wife Marcia; five honorary grandchildren, Spencer, Shafer, Corvin, Lyndle and Maddie; other relatives; and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Oakley Grigsby; and his sister-in-law, Kay Grigsby.

In his early years, Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1976 touring Germany. He was a Vietnam veteran and rewarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Jim was an accomplished carpenter, a believer in Christ, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He never met a stranger and was loved by all.

You could always find him supporting and cheering on his grandkids, whether is was choir, football, basketball or band. He was absolutely the best Dad and Grandpa ever.

Jim will be remembered for his gardening skills, cooking for his army of friends and family, and tending his still. He was a blessing in many people’s lives and will be greatly missed.

Graveside services for James (Jim) Grigsby will be held on Thursday, June 2. 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Wayside Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri with Pastor Ron Richardson officiating.

Interment will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in Wayside Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help with funeral expenses.

Randall Jones

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

“Did you hear about ole Jonesey? He died” – RJ March 2022

Randall Jones of Thayer, Missouri passed away peacefully on May 20, 2022 at the young age of 73 after a battle with cancer. Randy was born on September 1, 1948 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Herb Jones and Martha Posey Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herb and Martha and his furry son River.

Randy grew up in the auto body and auto sales businesses, Jones Body Shop/Jones Auto Sales of Thayer and continued that tradition his entire life. He was very artistic and a perfectionist as it showed in his automotive work (custom stripes and murals). A State Champion Trapshooter in both Missouri and Arkansas, winning many trophies and prizes. Several times in his life he shot perfect scores of 100/100 and 200/200 in Singles, Handicap and Doubles. He loved hunting, fishing, golf and especially playing poker with his buddies. Randy was generous to a fault and would give a stranger his last dime!

He was one of the original Thayer Elks Lodge members and played a role in bringing the club to town. He served as Exalted Ruler and was responsible for many fish fries and steak nights.

On August 20, 1966, Randy married Shirley Johnson of Mammoth Spring. Together they had one son, Tracy, from that he had granddaughter Summer and grandson Tanner. He had three great-grandchildren, Haxton, Hutchens and Haelyn Ward all of Springfield.

On January 21, 1990, Randy married Norma Haven and raised three children with her. Richard Haven, Michael and Regina Hilles. Through this union he had one furry-son named River which was his favorite child.

Randy is survived by his son, Tracy and wife Renee of Springfield, Missouri. His brother, Gary “Snook” Jones and wife Wilma of Mammoth Spring. Bonus children Richard, Michael and Regina. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Plus, his life-long best buddy Lewis Childers. All of whom he didn’t often tell, but loved dearly and bragged about to others.

Never give up was his attitude, always looking forward, holding on to HOPE.

John F. Ogden

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

John Franklin Ogden passed away on May 23, 2022, at his home in Myrtle, Missouri at the age of 85. John was born in Hartford, Connecticut on April 13, 1937 to Quentin and Alice Ogden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quentin and Alice Ogden; and three siblings, Quentin, Donnie, and Alice.

John is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen; one brother, Robert Ogden (Marion); eight children, William, Alice, Anne, Anita, John Jr., Daniel, Donald, and Jonathan. 29 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great- great-grandchild who called him “Poppy”.

He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the Myrtle Freewill Baptist Church.

John was a proud veteran of his 32 years of military service in the United States Marine Corps where he retired at the rank of Major.

He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather who will be missed.

Funeral services for John F. Ogden will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Myrtle Free Will Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri with Ralph Douglas and Joe Garrison officiating.

Interment will be on Friday, May 27, 2022 in Myrtle Cemetery in Myrtle, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gideons International.

Freda Caldwell

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Freda Mae Caldwell, daughter of the late Roy Lee Hurtt and Grace McHenry Hurtt, was born June 15, 1934, in Many Islands, Arkansas, and departed this life on May 23, 2022, surrounded by her family in her home in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 87 years, 11 months, and 8 days.

She was united in marriage on April 18, 1954, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to John Carl (J.C.) Caldwell, and they recently celebrated 68 years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, J.C., of the home in Thayer, Missouri; two sons, Steve Caldwell and wife Leisa of Maryville, Tennessee, and Stanley Caldwell and wife Regina of Thayer, Missouri; two daughters, Sherry Smith of Thayer, Missouri, and Shelly Leisenring and husband Dennis of Nixa, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Craig Smith and wife Becca of Nixa, Missouri, Lauren Rudd and husband Josh of Maryville, Tennessee, Rachel Harris and husband Billy of Thayer, Missouri, Jered Smith and wife Summer of West Plains, Missouri, Adam Caldwell and wife Brittany of Springfield, Missouri, C.J. Leisenring and wife Abbie of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Dylan Smith and wife Heather of West Plains, Missouri, Derek Leisenring and wife Tiffany of Valparaiso, Nebraska, Lendl Caldwell and wife Sarah of Knoxville, Tennessee, Shayna Caldwell of Springfield, Missouri, Ethan Leisenring and wife Sarah of Nixa, Missouri, Leslie McIntosh and husband Weston of Mansfield, Missouri, Travis Smith of West Plains, Missouri and Cody Caldwell of Thayer, Missouri; and twenty-four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Anita Caldwell, Shirley Caldwell, and Doris Hurtt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Doug Caldwell; one grandson, Landon Caldwell; three brothers, Eugene Hurtt, Earl Hurtt, and Boyd Hurtt; four sisters, Lorene Young, Retha Frizzell, and infant twin sisters, Fae and Mae Hurtt.

Freda and her sister Retha owned a children’s clothing store in Thayer for several years named The Gingerbread Boutique and took pride in providing quality clothing for the children in this area and all of the ruffles and ribbons that you can imagine.

She was a member of the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ and taught bible classes for children for decades. She was a homemaker for the majority of her life and much preferred to take care of others rather than let anyone take care of her, even if she needed assistance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org, which is the largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s disease research.

Funeral services for Freda Caldwell will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with Brother Gerald Fears and Brother Barry O’Dell officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be on Friday, May 27, 2022, in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, it will be livestreamed on the Facebook page for “Church of Christ at Mammoth Spring”.

Bobby Gene Caldwell

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Bobby Gene Caldwell was born the son of William Thomas Caldwell and Ethel Vianna (Roy) Caldwell on March 27, 1931, in Billmore, Missouri. He departed this life on May 16, 2022, at the age of 91 at his home in Thayer, Missouri, with his family by his side.

Bob was united in marriage in 1956 to Shirley Reese.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Caldwell; one son, Rocky Gene Caldwell and wife Cheryl; one daughter, Rhonda Choate, all of West Plains, Missouri; one grandson, Brock Caldwell and wife Megan of Rogers, Arkansas; two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Haddon; one brother, J.C. Caldwell and wife Freda; one sister-in-law, Anita Caldwell; other relatives; and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ethel Caldwell; one grandson, Jeffery Choate; seven brothers, Wesley, Waymon, Roy Lee, Paul, Warren, Willard, and Darrell Caldwell; and one baby sister, Mary Alice Evelyn Caldwell.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of his life.

He was a veteran and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Bob worked for the Frisco – Burlington Northern Railroad for 37 years. He was an outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish

He was a Christian and attended the Thayer Free Will Baptist Church.

He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Funeral services for Bobby Gene Caldwell will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Richard Robinson and Pastor Brock Caldwell officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. to service time at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.