Obituaries

Phillip “Keith” Johnson

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 6

Phillip “Keith” Johnson, age 81, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Shady Oaks Health Care in Thayer.

Keith was born on September 26, 1943, in Alton, Missouri, to loving parents Paris and Elva (Sutton) Johnson. On December 22, 1962, he married Kay Johnson in Alton, and together they raised two children: Twila and Mike Johnson.

Keith and Kay were longtime business owners, operating Johnson Real Estate and Insurance in Thayer for many years. He also worked as an insurance adjuster for Barton County Mutual Insurance from 1984 until 1995, when health challenges led to his retirement. One of Keith’s proudest roles was serving as Municipal Judge for the City of Thayer from 1977 to 1997.

A man of many talents, Keith was both a licensed pilot and a gifted piano player. He received his first piano at age 12 and played with numerous musical groups throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Harbor of Hope Church in West Plains, Missouri, attending regularly until his health no longer allowed.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Paris and Elva Johnson; his brothers Nolan, Glen, Dean, and Ken Johnson; and his granddaughter, Chelsea Johnson.

He is survived by his children, Mike (Tracy) Johnson and Twila (David) Simmons; grandsons Brett (Keara) Johnson, Logan (Kaitlyn) Johnson, and Mark (Claire) Moyer; great-grandchildren Blake, Karlee, Lukas, Nate, Reece, and Granger Johnson, and Camilla and Russell James Moyer; the mother of his children, Kay Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Keith will be remembered for his service to the community, and the music he shared with so many.

Memorials can be sent to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorials Processing

St. Jude Children’s Research Hosptial

501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN, 38105

Officiating will be Brother Junior Andrews. Pallbearers will be Mike Johnson, David Simmons, Brett Johnson, Logan Johnson, Mark Moyer and Jim Johnson.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Cave Springs Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.

Services are in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Freddie “Darrell” Johnson

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 7

Freddie “Darrell” Johnson was born the son of Fred & Nova Johnson on January 10, 1945, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and departed this life on September 5, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 80. He was united in marriage on October 23, 2003, to Leanna Pauli.

He is survived by his wife, Leanna, of the home in Thayer, Missouri, children, Angela Klem (Jeff) of Basehor, Kansas, Darrell L. Johnson (Lori) of DeSoto, Kansas, Dixie Reddish of Thayer, MO, Bradley Guy (Rhaquinda) of West Plains, MO, Addison Guy (Sara) of Gatewood, MO, Twenty-Three grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren plus unborn twin girls, two brothers, Donald Johnson (Sue) of Holden, Missouri and Mackie Johnson (Naomi) of Thayer, MO, sister, Diane Rogers of Mammoth Spring, AR, sister-in-law Janet Bradshaw of West Plains, MO, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Nova Johnson, daughter, Chata Johnson, sister Carolyn Ainsworth (Roy), brother Stevie Johnson, brothers-in-law Ronald Rogers and Doyle Bradshaw, son-in-law Edmund Reddish and nephews.

He worked in Kansas City for 25 years in trucking before returning home to operate his own over-the-road trucks. He later worked at a Go-Kart track where he took great pride in maintaining the track and mechanical equipment. After his endeavors with Go-Karts, he decided to open his own business in West Plains, Missouri. The business kept him and Leanna excessively busy around the clock.

Darrell was saved in 1995 and remained active in his church until his death. He dedicated himself to the ministry and aiding in the maintenance of the grounds of God’s House. Most recently he was co-pilot of the Children’s Bus Ministry.

His wife, children, and grandchildren were his life after God. His dry humor caused many groans and laughter at family gatherings. He was a hard worker who rarely found a problem he wasn’t willing to tackle. Sometimes fixing it and sometimes making it more complicated. He was a friend to many and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

St. Jude Children’s Research Hosptial

501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Visitation will be Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be at the Camp Cemetery of Camp, Arkansas on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Serivces in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Gary Dale Risner

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 1

Gary Dale Risner, age 79, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on September 5, 2025. He was born on October 5, 1945, in Mammoth Spring to Frandell and Ethel (Phillips) Risner.

On April 28, 1973, Gary married Linda Yarber in Ponder, Missouri. Linda, originally from Gatewood, Missouri, is the daughter of John and Bessie Yarber. Together, Gary and Linda shared 50 loving years of marriage.

Gary dedicated much of his life to working in grocery stores and spent 12½ years at Little Creek Ranch in Bakersfield, Missouri. After retirement, he continued working for a time at Ark Cane. He had a deep love for cattle and small-scale farming, and in his younger years, he enjoyed hunting. A quiet and humble man, Gary found joy in the simple pleasures of home, family, and faith. He was a devoted member of Clifton Freewill Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri, and attended services as often as he could.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Risner of the home; his brother Ronnie Risner and wife Brenda of Imboden, Arkansas; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Cyntitha Phillips; his parents, Frandell and Ethel Risner; his two sons, Chad Clark Risner and Rodney Dale Risner; and his sister, Janise Marie Davis.

Services will be officiated by Brother Darrell Mitchell. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Marler, Jonathan Mayler, Dennie Yarber, Ronnie Risner, Aubrey Risner, and Joe Flynn.

Memorials can be made to the:

Clifton Freewill Baptist Church of Thayer, Missouri

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at

Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery,

426 County Road 378

Koshkonong, Missouri, 65692

Services under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Howard Dethrow

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 11

Howard Dethrow was born the son of Orville Dethrow and Sadie (Brewer) Dethrow on October 24, 1936, in Myrtle, Missouri, and departed this life in Alton, Missouri, on September 4, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

He was united in marriage on June 22, 1957, in Thayer, Missouri, to Linda Martin.

He is survived by one daughter, Janet Bennett and husband, Clifton of Couch, Missouri; two granddaughters, Andrea Nicholson and husband, Dennis of Couch, Missouri and Krystal Wiersma and husband, Brian of Cumming, Georgia; four great grandchildren, Dalton and Carter Nicholson, Emilynn and Madalynn Wiersma; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Dethrow, and parents, Orville and Sadie Dethrow.

Howard was a member of the United Baptist Church in Alton, Missouri. He was a lifelong farmer and spent many days enjoying and working on the family farm.

He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, pappy, and a friend to all. He will truly be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.

Special thanks to Shepherds View Assisted Living Facility and Three Rivers Hospice, for the love and care they gave Howard.

Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to The Gideons International or Three Rivers Hospice.

Officiation will be Brother Junior Andrews and Brother Paul Haddock. Music will be by Kathleen Crigler and Holly Hart. Pallbearers will be Carter Nicholson, Dalton Nicholson, Dennis Nicholson, Brian Wiersma, Mark Dethrow, Jeff Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers will be Andy Crigler, Travis Hollis, Gary McGhee, Dale Combs, Austin King.

Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer Missouri on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Audrey Elsie Coats

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 2

Audrey Elsie Coats, age 78, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Born on June 11, 1947, in Thayer, Missouri, to Seay Ralph and Jeannette Marie (Kopp) Barnett, Audrey lived a life filled with love, devotion, and heartfelt strength.

Audrey was a woman of many joys—she found comfort in cooking, delight in word searches, and her greatest happiness in being a grandmother. Her warmth and spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy lives on in the family she cherished. Audrey was a faithful member of Stateline Pentecostal Church in Thayer, Missouri, where she found spiritual strength and community throughout her life.

She is survived by her children: Jeannette (David) Heard, Merlene (Larry) Ward, Stephen Ford, and Rebbeca (Beau) Beville; and her grandchildren: Johnny, Christopher, and Tim Wright; Jenna and Courtney Heard; Cody and Michelle Ward; Katrina Grimes; Timothy Summers; and Eric and Ethan Beville.

Audrey was the beloved sister of Ralph (Tina) Barnett of Nixa, Missouri; John Barnett of Ava, Missouri; Lucille (Don) White of Marionville, Missouri; and brother-in-law Everett Pendergrass of Ash Grove, Missouri.

She had one special great-niece, Ashley Jutras, several nieces and nephews.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Seay Ralph and Jeannette Marie (Kopp) Barnett; her husband, Carl Ray Coats Jr., whom she married on January 2, 1998, in Salem, Arkansas; and her sister, Edna Pendergrass.

Audrey’s life was an expressive testament to love, resilience, and the joy of family. Her memory will be carried forward in the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire kindness and connection.

Memorials can be sent to the

Stateline Pentecostal Church

1225 County Road 269

Thayer, Missouri, 65791

Officiating will be Pastor Wayne Hurst. Pallbearers will be Stephen Ford, Beau Beville, Eric Beville, Johnny Wright, Rags Sparks and David Heard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ethan Blevins and Mason Harms.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO

Mary Evelyn Landes

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 21

Mary Evelyn (Alford) Landes was born on May 24, 1926, in Thayer, MO, and peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Springfield, MO, at the age of 99 years.

Mary was one of four children born to John and Clida Alford. Mary grew up and spent most of her life in Thayer, MO. She was active and athletic as a young child, describing herself as a tomboy as she ran and played in the woods and hills around her house in Thayer. After graduating from Thayer High School in 1944, Mary joined her older sister, Vida, in Detroit, MI, and worked as a “Rosy the Riveter”, building aircraft wings for B 17 Bombers.

Mary returned home to Thayer after the war ended and soon met a young man named George Landes, who had moved to Thayer after serving 5 years in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mary and George were married on February 24, 1949, and raised four children – Linda, Jana, Nancy, and Mark. Their marriage lasted 51 wonderful years until George’s passing in 2000.

Mary loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a tireless worker around her home, keeping it in beautiful shape. She was an excellent cook and was known for her Angel Food cakes and Dill bread. She shared her cakes with the whole community. She enjoyed having dinner parties in her home and embodied the word “hospitality,” as her home was always open to friends and family. Raising her four children, Mary was very involved in their school activities, entertaining and cooking for their friends. She always had a warm plate of cookies waiting after school.

Mary was baptized in the Warm Fork River as a teenager and was a long-time faithful member of the Thayer Church of Christ. Mary lived a long, full life and we honor her dedication to her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband George Landes, brothers Paul and Lewis Alford, sister Vida McBride, and grandson Zachary George Landes. She is survived by her daughters Linda May (Rich), Jana Williams, Nancy Landes; son Mark Landes (Patty); grandchildren Misty Tucker, Ryan Williams, Alex Williams, Erica Harmon (Austin) and Brooke Landes.

Memorials can be made to the:

Children’s Home Inc.,

5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450

Donate – Children’s Homes, Inc.

Graveside Service will be on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services under the care of Carter Funeral Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Wesley “Bud” Harmon Daves

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Wesley “Bud” Harmon Daves was born on November 18, 1939, near Crowley’s Ridge, Arkansas, to John and Myrtle (Daves) Zolman, the youngest of 9 children. After his parents’ death, his Aunt and Uncle, Asa and Bertha Daves, lovingly adopted him. He then became the youngest of 4 children. Bud passed away on July 30, 2024, at Ozarks Health Care surrounded by his family at the age of 84.

On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to his classmate and high school sweetheart Wanda Louise Miller at the Pine Hill Assembly of God Church in Thomasville, Missouri. God blessed this union with 4 children.

He is survived by his wife Wanda Daves, 64 years of marriage, 3 children: Becky Lynn Daves Shelton and husband Rodger, Vicky Sue Daves Drumright and husband Steven, and John Wesley “Skip” Daves and wife Mona, 10 grandchildren; Rebecka, Lee, Lizabeth, Courtney, Miranda, Megan, Tosha, Ronnie, Floyd, Barbara, David, and Christian and several great-grandchildren. He was also survived by one sister Shirley, 2 brother-in-law’s, 3 sister-in-law’s, several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by both sets of parents, his youngest daughter Beth Ann Daves and one grandson Gage Gransee, 10 siblings proceeded him in death; John, Virgil, Lois, Geneva, Dollie, Shelby, Curtis Daves, Marvin Daves, Lillie Daves Miller, and Hazel Daves Miller.

Bud was known for his personality, he always had a joke, a prank, or a funny story to tell. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed raising beagle pups, rabbit hunting, dune buggy rides, and 3-wheeler rides when they lived “up on the hill”. He had little saying that will remain in the memories of his beloved family, such as “fly out the roost’, “good enough”, and give me a sugar and papa loves you” before the grandchildren walked out the door. He always enjoyed a good baseball game or a football game on TV and a bowl of chocolate ice cream made it even better. Bud graduated from Thomasville High School the class of 1959. He worked for what was Ozark Memorial Hospital for 13 years and then worked and retired from Southwest in West Plains, MO after 31 years. He was a member and the Sunday School Superintendent at Pine Hill Assembly of God Church until his health no longer made possible from him to attend church service. Bud and Wanda raised their children and some of their grandchildren in the church to sing a “special”. Bud served on the Thomasville Community Center Board for several years and continued to love and support his Thomasville Community even after serving on the board.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials donation to be made to the :

American Heart Association

P.O. Box 840692

Dallas, Texas, 75284-0692

Speakers will be : Reverend Scott Harris, Reverend J.C. Moore and Gary Dotson. Singer will be Kelly Dotson. Pallbearers will be: David Drumright , Christian Drumright, Brady Howell, Stacy Howell, Courtney Huddleston, David Miller, Eugene Miller, Earnest Lee Shelton, and Rodger Shelton. Honorary pallbearers will be: Edward Baty, Lavern Daves, Hershal Miller, Jack Miller, and Glen Trantham.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation time will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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

Joe Darrell Lovelace

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Joe Darrell Lovelace, son of Faith Fraley Lovelace and the late Billy Joe Lovelace, was born July 9, 1946, in Thayer, Missouri, and died July 27, 2024, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 78 years.

He was united in marriage to Vicki King on June 26, 1971, in West Plains, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki; three children, Adriane Wooderson and husband Jake, Erin Priest and husband Anthony, and Darren Lovelace; and three grandchildren, Kennedi, Cade, and Quin Wooderson, all of West Plains, Missouri. He also leaves behind his mother, Faith, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn “Bebe” Smith and husband Dale, West Plains, Missouri; one uncle, Glen Fraley, Houston, Missouri; brother-in-law, Kenny King and wife Lori, Lebanon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Cindy Rasor and husband Raymond, West Plains, Missouri; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Angel; infant son, Richard; and his dad, Billy Joe Lovelace.

Joe was a believer and a faithful member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. After the family moved from Thayer in 1958, he graduated from West Plains High School in 1964 where he made many lifelong friends. He served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He was in the 50th Scout Dog Platoon of the 4th Infantry Division with his beloved dog, Buck. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for heroism, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and One Overseas Service Bar. In May of 1969, Joe began working at the family business, Link Motor Supply and Equipment Co. He later purchased the store in 1991 and operated it until he retired in July 2016. Joe had a deep love for his family and enjoyed fishing, hunting, Southern Gospel music, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri at 2:00 p.m.

Visitation time will be Saturday, August 3, 2024 also at Carter Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

Nadezhda Kryshtal

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Nadezhda (Nadia) Kryshtal, 70, of Willow Springs, Missouri passed away on April 23, 2024, at her home. Nadia was born January 15, 1954, in Korkino, Chelyabinsk Oblast, to Aleksey Nadtochayev and Nina Vasilchenkova. Nadia was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend: the heart and soul of her family. She was a well-loved member of the community, known for her kind heart and soul. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her nine children, seventeen grandchildren, her brothers, sisters and extended family.

From this life into the loving arms of God, Nadia is now home. Our Lord and Savior took her home to begin her heavenly life, reunited with her husband, two children and all loved ones.

To our Mother in Heaven, thank you for always loving us and guiding us. Even though you are no longer here with us, we can still feel your love guiding us. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. We love you, we will miss you always, until we meet again.

Graveside Services will be on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery of Pomona, Missouri at 10:00 a.m.

Family has asked in lieu of flowers to please make memorials to the charity of your choice.

Services under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – West Plains, Missouri

Rosa Maud Collins

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, West Plains

Rosa Maud Collins, Dora, Missouri, was born on February 19, 1930, in Bigelow, Kansas, to Eldon and Pansy (Collins) Carter. She passed away March 18, 2024, in Gainesville, Missouri at the age of 94.

Rosa married the love of her life, Windol Collins, on November 27, 1946. They were blessed with eight children.

Rosa loved to piece and quilt beautiful quilts and grow flowers of all kinds. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her and she loved spending time with all of them. Rosa never met a stranger and liked to visit everyone. She will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends.

She is survived by four children: Tony Collins and wife Judy, Dora, Missouri; Julie Pippin and husband Don, Gainesville, Missouri; Anita Cobb and husband Aubrey, Strafford, Missouri; and Melody Golay, Tecumseh, Missouri; one daughter-in-law Alma Collins; one son-in-law Marion Parks; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by six siblings: Larry Carter, Averill Carter, Bill Carter, Gladys Wyas, Violet Wake and Lena Shipley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four children: Madena Lakey, Allen Collins, Marlon Collins, Nancy Parks; son-in-law Dale Chisam; grandson, Ethan Golay; great- granddaughter, Sherronna Carson, and siblings Carl Carter and Naomi Dominguez.

Memorial Contributions for Sweeton Pond Cemetery may be left at the Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. At the Carter Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be Friday, March 22, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.

Interment will be on Saturday March 22, 2024, in the Sweeton Pond Cemetery, Dora, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in West Plains, Missouri.