Iva Jean Williams, 85, West Plains, Missouri, died November 6, 2011 at 4:00 a.m. at her home in West Plains.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Family visitation will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home,Inc., West Plains.
Iva Jean (Hammond) Williams was born August 15, 1926 at Sturkie, Arkansas, the daughter of the late William Simpson and Roxie Mae (Workman) Hammond.
She received her education in the Viola, Arkansas Schools.
She was married to the late James Wesley Falwell, at Salem, Arkansas on December 13, 1945.
There are two children surviving, Wesley Scott Falwell and wife, Lorie, and Jeannie Sue Green of West Plains; two grandchildren, Jason Falwell and Rachel Ledbetter, and husband, Adam, both of West Plains; one great grandson, Dawson Ledbetter and one great granddaughter, Cheyenne Ledbetter, both of West Plains.
Funeral services for Clara Mae Sears Wilcox, 97, Springfield, Mo., were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2011, at National Heights Baptist Church, Springfield, Mo., with Dr. Vaughn Weatherford officiating and graveside services were at 3:00 p.m. at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Charles Allen officiating under the direction of the Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
Clara was born on Saturday, Sept. 19, 1914, in Chavez County, NM, in a dirt-floored dugout to the late Cecil and Mary Sweatt who were homesteading a claim in the territory which had just become the state of New Mexico. She was the second of six children. Clara died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, in Springfield, Mo, while receiving physical therapy in order to go back to living on her own at home.
She was married on Jan. 24, 1932, in Lovington, NM, to Elmer Sears, who preceded her in death. They had two sons, Dwayne Sears, currently of Fort Stockton, Tx., and Ronnie Sears, late of Corsicana, Tx.
She was married on June 1, 1947, in Roswell, NM, to Floyd Wilcox, who preceded her in death. They had two sons, Byron Wilcox, currently of Duncan, OK, and Kent Wilcox, currently of Springfield, Mo.
She is survived by two siblings, Robert Sweatt, of Houston, Tx., and Reba Grandrud, of Phoenix, Az., three sons, Dwayne Sears, Byron Wilcox, and Kent Wilcox, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to being a wife, mother, and home-maker, she was active in church and community. She experienced a salvation experience as a teenager and was faithful to attend church wherever she lived. She was a member of the Lanton Baptist Church for many years, and later attended National Heights Baptist Church while living in Springfield.
The tradition of service to country was strong in Clara’s life. As a young girl, she remembered hearing the news that the armistice which ended World War I had been signed. Her brother, Robert Sweatt, was shot down over France during World War II and the family had to wait for several months to receive word that the French underground had gotten him to England safely. Her husband, Floyd, served in the Philippines during World War II, and three of her sons served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Her grandsons and great grandsons have continued the distinguished tradition of service of which she was so proud.
While she did not serve in the military or hold political office, Clara was proud to serve in her community where she could. As soon as she was old enough, she exercised her newly guaranteed right to vote to help re-elect FDR to his second term, and continued voting in every local, state, and national election thereafter. In 75 years of elections, Clara voted in 18 presidential elections. She did more than just vote, though. She served on the election board where she lived and was faithful to make sure polls were open and people had a place to vote. She was recognized for her service with a certificate of appreciation in 1997.
Clara worked as a census-taker when she first came to the West Plains area and as the secretary of Glenwood Elementary School in the ’60’s and ’70’s. In later years, she ran her own income-tax preparation business, providing services for three generations of neighbors.
She enjoyed the out-of-doors, caring for animals, growing flowers and vegetables every year providing for herself and for others. In her spare time, she made quilts for family and friends. She never lost her life-long love of the written word; she enjoyed writing poetry and reading books. In her last weeks, her great joy was to finally find and re-read a copy of a book she read to her sister as a young girl.
As a child, she traveled by horse; as an adult, she flew in a few minutes over routes that she had spent weeks covering in a wagon. When young, she would walk 1/2 mile to check the mailbox; as an adult, she spoke to family overseas by phone using satellites in orbit, and saw pictures sent back from other planets. With all the change she experienced in her life, she still felt it important help her neighbors in their time of need. She touched many lives and leaves her mark in many hearts.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or to the charity of your preference.
Ruth Emaline Johnson was born the daughter of Elias Grover DuBois and Nancy Emaline James DuBois on August 23, 1922 in Randolph County, Arkansas and departed this life on October 25, 2011 in West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at West Plains, Missouri at the age of 89 years.
She was united in marriage at Alton, Missouri December 21, 1940 to Charles Lester Johnson, who preceded her in death January 18, 1990.
She is survived by three children, Carol Wilkerson and husband, Dow of Thayer, Missouri, Donna Cunningham and husband, Charles of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Glen Johnson and wife, Carol of West Plains, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Nona, Anthony, Greg, Dana, Christy, Shane, Terry, Amy, Tim, Steven, Cody, Miranda, Chase and Clay; seventeen great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; one sister, Kay McGhee and husband, Carl of Myrtle, Missouri; a son-in-law, Max Harville of Jackson, Tennessee; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Emaline DuBois; her husband, Lester Johnson; two daughters, Doris Harville and Margaret Ellis; one sister, Mary Leta Duckworth; four brothers, Lawrence, Truman, Leon, and Lehman DuBois; an infant sister; two infant brothers and one great grandchild.
Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Thayer Church of Christ. She loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens and was an excellent seamstress, but her greatest joy in life was her family.
Ruth will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Rose Hill Cemetery near Thayer. The family will receive friends Friday, October 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Claude Dale Rogers, son of Jesse and Berniece Williams Rogers, was born February 23, 1938, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Thayer, Missouri; son, Trent and his wife, Michelle and grandchildren, Emma and Grayson of Walla Walla, Washington; his mother, Berniece of Thayer, Missouri. His father, Jesse Rogers, preceded him in death.
Being an only child, Dale and his parents became a part of Peggy’s family. He leaves to mourn his passing his in-laws, Kenneth and Margaret Davis; Alice and Tim Young; Liz and Greg Russell; John and Phyllis Davis; special niece and nephew, Kathleen and Kevin Young, and other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Dale served as an air traffic controller in the United States Navy. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a business degree and worked for Standard Oil. Deciding he wanted to come back to Missouri, he took a teaching job. He retired from teaching business and special education classes for more than thirty years. Dale then worked part time for the 34th District Juvenile Office and Carter Funeral Home.
Dale was a member of Mammoth Spring First United Methodist Church and served as a trustee. He was a Mason and member of the Clifton Lodge No. 463 in Thayer. He served several years as a member of the Governor’s Committee for the Handicapped, the Citizens Probation and Parole Advisory Board and as a Democratic Committeeman. He helped organize the Oregon County Sheltered Workshop and served as a committee member.
Dale became a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying. He especially liked spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, raising cattle and beekeeping. He was a devoted ASU football fan.
Through his life and profession Dale enriched the life of many. He will fondly be missed and remembered by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory, to the First United Methodist Church of Mammoth Spring or the Thayer School Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Funeral Services for Frank Carver, 98, Pomona, Missouri, will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains with the Minister Jeremiah Woodring, officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
He was born the son of the late Robert Leonard Carver and Sarah Turner Carver, on October 20, 1912 in Olden, Missouri and died October 12, 2011 in West Plains, Missouri.
He was united in marriage December 15, 1934 in Hardy, Arkansas to Mary Ellen Rieck, who preceded him in death April 15, 1999.
He is survived by two daughters, Anna Marie Kliffmiller, husband, Ivan, Industry, Illinois and Gladys Irene Mannbeck, husband, Ron, Owasso, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
Norman F. Marley, age 78, of Koshkonong, Missouri, died at 1:50 PM on Monday, October 10, 2011 at St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri. Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Funeral Services for Dwight Roy Young, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at Smith Chapel Church, Gainesville, Missouri, with Minister Richard Martin officiating under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
He was born the son of the late Arie Gordon Young and Imo Jane Loftis Young, on September 8, 1937 in Gainesville, Missouri and died October 7, 2011 in West Plains, Missouri.
He was united in marriage June 23, 1962 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Joy Kathleen McKenzie.
He served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. During his exemplary military career Technical Sergeant Young was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Noel James “Jay” Jones was born the son of James Jones and Elizabeth Underwood Jones on December 16, 1929 in Tryon, Oklahoma and departed this life on October 6, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 81 years.
He was united in marriage June 10, 1972 in Palace, Missouri to Willa Mae Manes.
He is survived by five children, Kathye Bowers of Nixa, Missouri, James “Rick” Stepp of Nixa, Missouri, Jewelene Ashton of Arlington, Virginia, Lloyd “Tim” Jones of Golden, Missouri and Deborah E. “Beth” Jones-Stovall of Jackson, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Garold, Rhonda, Jim, Jason, Sascha, Daniel and Madeline; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Laqueta Bowden and Della Jordan and husband, Curtis both of Patterson, California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Jones; one brother and several sisters.
Mr. Jones retired as an expert rifleman with the United States Army as a Sergeant 1st Class with over 25 years of military service. He received numerous awards including the Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal.
Jay loved travelling, country and western music and old western movies with “the Duke” John Wayne. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family.
He was a faithful member of the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ in Winona, Missouri.
He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Noel “Jay” Jones, age 81, of West Plains, Missouri, will be Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer. Body will Lie in State. Burial will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
Artie Elizabeth Barton was born the daughter of Hayden Allen and Nova Johnson Allen November 16, 1911 in Alton, Missouri and departed this life on October 7, 2011 in Conway, Arkansas at the age of 99 years, 10 months and 21 days.
She was united in marriage at Alton, Missouri June 3, 1936 to Marvin Barton who preceded her in death December 18, 1976.
She is survived by one son, James Allen Barton and wife, Sophia of Conway, Arkansas, three grandchildren, James Allen Barton Jr. and wife, Sherry, Aloha Doss and Anthony Barton and wife, Kim; ten great grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren; one niece and two nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hayden and Nova Allen; her husband, Marvin; three sisters, Sada Presley, Ruth Holman and Fredia Allen and one nephew.
Mrs. Barton was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, attending as long as health permitted.
She enjoyed crocheting, word search, the outdoors, and especially riding horses.
Mrs. Barton will be remembered as a devoted mother, and enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her great-great grandchildren. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Graveside services will be held Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 2:30 PM in Thayer Cemetery with Reverend James Barton officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Noah E. Collins, son of the late Leonard and Winnie Collins, was born September 20, 1934 in Willow Springs, Missouri and died October 1, 2011 in Willow Springs, Missouri at the age of 77 years.
He was united in marriage in 1960 to Ardena Philpott and to this union five children were born, Rhonda Davidson, husband, Donald, Sheila Collins and Melissa Collins, all of West Plains, Missouri, James Collins and wife, Martha, of Willow Springs, Missouri, and Laura Greer, husband, Chris, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He has sixteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
