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Johnny Ray Bennett was born the son of Johnny Washington and Nettie Elizabeth Hall Bennett in Alton, Missouri, on April 15, 1960, and departed this life at his home in Thayer, Missouri on Saturday (a hunting day) , February 25, 2017, at the age of 56 years.

He is survived by his son, Johnny Ray Bennett, II (J. R.) of Las Vegas, Nevada; his sister, Deloris Bennett of Thayer, Missouri; and three aunts, Murl Bennett of St Louis, Missouri, Ina Bennett Bostic of Thayer, Missouri, and Lessie Bennett of Carthage, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Nettie Bennett; his aunts and uncles; several cousins; and his best friend, David Gaines.

Johnny Ray never met a stranger and was known for his mastery of storytelling and entertaining anyone who would listen. He was a master craftsman who created many beautiful houses of art across the country. Johnny Ray loved the outdoors and was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. His beloved dogs were his furry children. He loved playing basketball and played in the independent basketball league well into his 40’s.

He was a member of the Thayer Free Will Baptist Church and had served as a Sunday school teacher. His knowledge of the Bible was extensive, and he believed that life was precious and that we should enjoy our time here on Earth.

Johnny Ray will be remembered for his good soul, his heart, his laughter, and his love of friends and family. He chose to live life on his own terms. He will be sadly missed.

Funeral services for Johnny Ray Bennett, age 56, of Thayer, will be held, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer

Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation toward funeral expenses or feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Margaret Jean Simer was born the daughter of Roy H. Crawford and Euna (Kem) Crawford on December 9, 1943, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on February 23, 2017, at her home in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 73 years.

She was united in marriage on April 22, 1962, at Clifton Free Will Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri to Alan Simer.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Simer, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; three children, Danny Simer and wife, Maggie of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Vonda Oberbeck and husband, Paul of Strawberry, Arkansas, and Scotty Simer of Thayer, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Sam and Annalise Simer, Anthony and Felicea Braim, Rachel and Anthony Smith, Maddy, Evan, Eric, and Isaac Simer; five step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; twenty step great grandchildren; a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Tyler Owen Simer; two sisters, Inez Crawford and Joyce Underwood; and three brothers, Don Crawford, Danny Joe Crawford, and Alan Crawford.

Jean was a lady of great courage as she faced her trials of life. Each day she kept pressing forward through her faith and God’s grace.

She dearly loved her family and spending time with them. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial services for Jean Simer, age 73, of Thayer, Missouri will be held, Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Thayer Free Will Baptist Church with Brother Richard Robinson officiating.

Mrs. Simer passed away on Thursday, February 23rd at 4:50 PM at her home in Thayer.

Wanda Mae Baker was born the daughter of Samuel Reeves and Bessie (Bryan) Reeves on May 14, 1923, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on February 18, 2017, in Cave City, Arkansas, at the age of 93 years.

She was united in marriage on September 30, 1942, in Willow Springs, Missouri, to Gerald Baker, who preceded her in death on February 16, 2014.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Baker Fagan of Batesville, Arkansas; three grandsons, Michael Patrick Fagan and wife, Jessica of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bryan Christopher Fagan and wife, Amy of Tupelo, Mississippi, and James Matthew Fagan and wife, Aimee of Jackson, Mississippi; seven great grandchildren, Samuel, Tolly, Bonnie, Annelise, Alice, Kaylee, and Emma; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Bessie Reeves; her husband, Gerald Baker; and one granddaughter, Amie Elizabeth Fagan.
Wanda was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer. She shared her love of music as organist and could be found most Sunday’s sitting on the organ bench at St. Paul Church.

After being married seventy-two years, Wanda learned to be on her own and even learned to balance her checkbook.

She made many new friends, learned to take time to play, and even enjoyed never having to cook another meal, while living at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living in Batesville, Arkansas.

Wanda was a proud and yet humble woman, who loved to celebrate life and all that is in it.
She will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Graveside services for Wanda Baker on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Thayer Cemetery with Jimmy Dillard officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 -11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Burial will follow   in Thayer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Robert Lee “Bob” Perkins was born the son of Ben Perkins and Lorna (Mitchell) Perkins on April 26, 1927, in Oregon County, Missouri, and died February 17, 2017, at his home in Koshkonong, Missouri, at the age of 89 years.

He was united in marriage on April 6, 1961, at Salem, Arkansas, to Helen Marcak, who preceded him in death on January 17, 20ll.

He is survived by six children, Kay Howell and husband, Greg of Koshkonong, Missouri, Janice Blaylock and husband, Ray of Koshkonong, Missouri, Bennie Perkins and wife, Michele of Willow Springs, Missouri, Ronnie Perkins and wife, Rose of Indiana, Donnie Perkins and wife, Betty of Koshkonong, Missouri, and Marvin Perkins and wife, Dottie of West Plains, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen Perkins; one daughter, Lisa Jo Perkins; one brother, Pete Perkins and two sisters, Mary Brazeal and Ruth Cantrell.

Mr. Perkins was a livestock farmer. Along with his wife, Helen, many countless and enjoyable hours were spent together working on the family farm. Not only was Mr. Perkins a farmer, he was a well- known and respected logger in the area.

He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will truly be missed by his family, his friends and the community in which he lived.

Funeral services for Robert”Bob” Perkins, age 89, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Johnny Holesapple officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6-8 PM.

Burial will be in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery near Thayer.

Jerry Len Powell was born the son of Gilbert Powell and Shirley J. (Wright) Powell on March 30, 1967, in Salem, Arkansas, and departed this life on February10, 2017, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 49 years.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Powell Torrey and husband, Edward of Alton, Missouri; two children, Brandon “Bo” Powell and Stacia “Deah” Powell, both of Dadeville, Missouri; one brother, Robert Powell of Thayer, Missouri; one very special nephew, Len Powell of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; five aunts, Marlene Simer, Deana O’Mary, Grace Palmer, Viola Herndon and Goldie Davenport; two uncles, James Holesapple and Jesse Herndon; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Powell.

He was of the Protestant faith and was Godfather to Abrielle Manning.

Jerry was a graduate of Thayer High School, graduating with the class of 1985. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Jerry founded Paintless Dent Repair in 1988 at Springfield, Missouri. He perfected his technique, trained numerous individuals in this profession, and continued his business operation worldwide.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. One of his most memorable hunts was with Ted Nugent, hunting feral hogs. He also cherished his hunting trips out west with his Dad and Robert.

Jerry is known as a brother to many and was loved by everyone he met. His legacy will be a timeless memory of him. He loved his family and many friends beyond measure. He will truly be missed by all.

Funeral services for Jerry Len Powell, age 49, of Thayer, Missouri, will be held Sunday, February 19, 2017  at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until service time on Sunday.

Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery.

Richard Dean Garrison was born the son of Jess Garrison and Alpha (Williams) Garrison on July 31, 1939, in Myrtle, Missouri, and departed this life on February 9, 2017, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.

He was united in marriage on May 28, 1960 in Saddle, Arkansas to Jewell Powell.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Jewell Garrison of the home near Myrtle, Missouri; one daughter, Kimberly O’Neill and husband, Fred of Myrtle, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrison “Alex” O’Neill and wife, Kylie, of Thayer, Missouri and Jessica O’Neill of Myrtle, Missouri; one great grandchild, Ansley Layke O’Neill of Thayer; one brother, Joe Garrison, and wife, Teresa and one sister, Dorris Summers and husband, James, all of Myrtle, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Arliss Powell and wife, Patricia of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four nephews, Dwayne, Mike, Justin and Wade; three nieces, Deanna, Kristin and Aminta; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Alpha Garrison; two infant sisters, Jessilee and Patricia Garrison, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arvy and Elva (Hall) Powell.

Richard was a farmer at heart. His first job was working in a sale barn and he later owned and operated a milk route. After college he taught math and science, and served as a counselor and high school principal at Couch School. His next job was teaching in the West Plains School System before becoming high school principal at Thayer.

He was later employed by the Bank of Thayer where he served as vice president and loan officer. He also was co-owner of Steed Trucking with Butch Steed. Along with Fred O’Neill and Tim Garrison, Richard was instrumental in the beginning of Myrtle Fertilizer.
Even though he was involved in many jobs in his life, he always “ran a few old cows”, which was his true life passion. Throughout his lifetime of many pursuits, he made many friends that lasted a lifetime.

Richard was baptized and became a Christian in January 1961 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He often reminded his family and friends that our “main purpose in life is getting ready for our home in heaven”. Richard was loved by his family and friends and will truly be missed by all.

Funeral services for Richard Garrison, age 77, of Myrtle Missouri, will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Thayer Church of Christ with Arvil Hill Officiating.

Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

George F. Haggins, age 73, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas died Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 9:50 AM in Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri.

Local arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.