Thomas Darby Wright
Thomas Darby Wright, 76, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Services are private.
Arrangements in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.
Obituaries
Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins
Joyce Ruth Morris Jenkins, 85, of Alton, Missouri, passed away March 17, 2026, at her home in Alton. She was born May 21, 1940, in
Thomasville, Missouri, to Delbert C. (Check) and Sylvia Dotson Morris.
Joyce was united in marriage to Glen R. Jenkins on April 22, 1960, in Alton, Missouri. From their union they welcomed four sons: Randal Jenkins, Kevin Jenkins, Morris Jenkins, and Lyndal Jenkins.
Joyce lived a life defined by devotion to her family. She spent her years supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
in every endeavor. She drove countless miles attending ball games, school events, graduations, and many other things supporting her family. Joyce was her family’s most dedicated fan.
Something very special to her was Jenkins Farms. Alongside Glen, she took pride in creating a place where her children and grandchildren could harvest deer and enjoy the outdoors together. She cherished every deer season, capturing memories by taking pictures of every deer harvested. Her home was the place her family would gather after a long day in the woods to eat her famous soups, which really turned into the highlight of every deer season.
A faithful servant of the Lord, she raised a God-fearing family and spent her life worshipping the Lord. Joyce regularly attended Alton Free Will Baptist Church of Alton, Missouri. She found great joy in attending gospel singings. Along with supporting her family on the court, she enjoyed watching Duke basketball and cheering on the Blue Devils. Above all, Joyce was
the happiest when her family was gathered, enjoying one another’s company.
Joyce is survived by her children; Randal (Kelly) Jenkins, of Van Buren, Missouri, Kevin (Kristie) Jenkins, of Batesville, Arkansas, Morris (Janine) Jenkins, of Alton, Missouri, and Lyndal Jenkins, of Annapolis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Riley (Sydney), Jaysa (Storm), Brady (Allison), Michia (Zach), Kessie (Hayden), Jenna, Landry (Sienna), Kamie; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Logan, Ezra, Hudson, Peyton, and Flora.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Glen R. Jenkins; her parents, Delbert and Sylvia Morris; and her two infant sisters, Alice Christine and Dorothy Ann.
In lieu of flowers Memorials can be sent to:
Gideons International
P.O. Box 404, Thayer, MO, 65791
~ OR ~
Alton School Foundation
Alton R-4 School Rt 72
Alton, MO, 65606
Memorials can be left at the Carter Funeral Home.
Services will be officiated by Brother Bob Wiggs and Brother Charles Trantham. Pallbearers will be Riley Jenkins, Brady Jenkins, Landry Jenkins, Hayden Seay, Zach Keith and Storm Estes.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be the same day the Huddleston Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, MO
Travis Elroy Wrenfrow
Travis Elroy Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, was born February 10, 1956, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the son of Roy Wrenfrow and Laverne Ivey Wrenfrow, and departed this life February 20, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 70.
He was a graduate of the class of 1976 Williford Indians. He was united in marriage on December 18, 1976, to Lieanna Wilkerson, the mother of his children. He was later united in marriage to Jackie Lollar on December 4, 2004.
Travis worked in many different positions and was a quick learner and a good leader. He faithfully served as trustee of the Field Creek Cemetery for nearly two decades. He was active in the Union Hill Community Church for many years. Travis enjoyed building horseless carriages, but making knives and woodworking were the trades he was known for.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of their home. He leaves behind his beloved children, his son, Travis J. Wrenfrow of San Angelo, Texas; his daughter, Brandi and her husband Jason Sikora, also of San Angelo, Texas; his grandchildren, Robert and Katelynn Wrenfrow of Thayer, Missouri, along with their mother Jennifer. He is also survived by his sister, Remona, and her husband Dean Bennett, of Myrtle, Missouri.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Laverne Wrenfrow; his paternal grandparents, Bealie and Velma Wrenfrow; and his maternal grandparents, Earl and Esther Ivey.
Memorials can be sent to the
Field Creek Cemetery Association
1373 H Highway
Myrtle, MO 65778
or left with the funeral home
Officiating will be Pastor Darrell Bliss.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m., until time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Field Creek Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas ~ 292 Field Creek Cemetery Cir, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554
Lester Paul Riley
Lester Paul Riley came into this world on September 9, 1936, near Alton, to Wilson Riley and Waltie (Roy) Riley, and left this world behind on February 17, 2026, at his home in Thayer.
Lester dedicated 28 years of his life to working in a garment factory. Later, he became an over-the-road truck driver, hauling everything from petroleum to mail to lumber and livestock.
On June 27, 1959, he was united in marriage to Regina Vincent. Together they shared over 66 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, a son, Rick, and a daughter, Lesa.
He had a deep love for quarter horses and proudly participated in many horse shows over the years. He also enjoyed tending his cattle and growing a big garden. Lester was a long-time member of the Thayer Fire Department and devoted many years to the Thayer Little League Association, always taking great pride in supporting his children’s activities.
An avid outdoorsman, quail hunting was his favorite pastime. He cherished a good bird dog and owned many throughout his life. He also enjoyed working puzzles and was always proud to see one completed, framed, and displayed. A true hard worker, Lester continued cutting his own wood well into his 80s.
He never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever he went, always choosing to see the good in others. Known by several nicknames, including LP Riley, he carried on that tradition with his grandchildren—Snitzelfritz (Sara), Goat Roper (Chad), and Shorty (Emily). He treasured the many hours spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lester was a beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arnold Riley; one sister, Louella Satterfield; one nephew, Jordan Riley; one step-grandson, Matt Guffey; and two special cousins, Clyde and Ben Dills.
He is survived by his loving wife, Regina Riley; his son, Rick (Charlene) Riley; and his daughter, Lesa (Danny) Guffey. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Sara (Gage) Busch, Emily (Evan) Pyland, and Chad Guffey; as well as three great-grandchildren, Judson and Quinn Busch and Baby Pyland, due to arrive in August. He is further survived by his two sisters, Roberta Mahaney and Donita Rinearson, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorials to go to the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri or be left with the Funeral Home.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery of Koshkonong, Missouri.
Grand Gulf Shiloh Cemetery
426 County Road 378
Koshkonong, MO, 65692
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.
Donald Coleman
Donald Coleman, 90, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the Shady Oaks Healthcare of Thayer, Missouri.
Services will be at later date.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Mary Magdaline (Capps) Lafferty
Mary Magdaline (Capps) Lafferty, 97, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on February 13, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tyronza, Arkansas, on October 30, 1928, to Benjamin “Frank” Capps and Vernie “Pearl” (Croney) Capps Stokes.
Mary was united in marriage to Buford Floyd Lafferty on March 21, 1944, in East Prairie, Missouri. From this blessed union came four children: Donna Sue, Dannie Floyd, Buford Dewane, and Shirley Jean.
Mary worked for 20 years at the Dollar Store in Thayer, Missouri, and also served her community through Meals on Wheels and Home Health Care. Caring for others came naturally to her—no one ever left her home without being fed. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and spending time with those she loved. Mary was a long-time member of the United Pentecostal Church of Thayer, Missouri.
She is survived by her sons, Dannie Lafferty (Linda) of Salem, Arkansas, and Dewane Lafferty of Viola, Arkansas; her daughter, Shirley Fritts of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, and Ruby Sanders of Ontario, Oregon. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Capps and Pearl Stokes; her husband, Buford Lafferty; her daughter, Donna Sue Lafferty; one grandson, three great-grandbabies; four sisters, Della Elledge, Dorothy Curtis, Cora Carter, Ernestine Defalco and Barbara Moore; and one infant brother, Frank Capps Jr.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorial Processing
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St Jude Pl
Memphis, TN, 38105-9959
OR LEFT WITH THE FUNERAL HOME
Officiating will be Bradford Pierce, and pallbearers will be Colton Pierce, Tony Pierce, Kenneth “Tyler” Moore, Austin Moore, Landon Brewer, Josh Lafferty, Forrest Walsh and Michael Barnes.
A Graveside Funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri with burial to follow.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Larry Sisson
Larry Sisson, 73, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away on January 31, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri. He was born on October 4, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Dessie and Ernest Sisson. Larry was married to the love of his life Theresa “Terri” Stevens in Meeker, Oklahoma. From their 49 years of marriage, they had one daughter, Millissa Johnson.
Larry loved to live life to the fullest. His passion was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved his country, serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era for three years. Larry served his community working for 10 years for the Salvation Army. He loved his family to the utmost, treasuring his past genealogical history; preparing his family by teaching them about Jesus, the greatest legacy he could leave them. Larry served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher at New Life Worship Center in Thayer, Missouri, for many years. He also coordinated prayer warriors to pray on the Power Source Prayer Line, our local radio station The Gift.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Terri Sisson of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; his daughter, Millissa (Troy) Johnson of Mountain Home, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Garth (Nikki) Johnson, and Sadie Johnson; his brother, Jerry (Wendy) Sisson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and many more relatives and friends.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Dessie and Earnest Sisson of England, Arkansas; his aunt and uncle Laura and Houston Sisson of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and his sister, Barbara Comer, of Jacksonville, Arkansas.
Memorials can be made to the
Salvation Army
at the
Southern Bank
116 Chestnut Street
Thayer, Missouri,65791
or left with the funeral home
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Church of Thayer, Missouri, on 120 West Adam Street. Burial will be the Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Officiating will be Pastor Shane Armstrong. Pallbearers will be George Judd, Kalan Roberts, James Adams, David Walters, Gary Wasdyke and Sawyer Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Beard, Dale Harrison, Tim Brown and Bob Eckman.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Roy Dale Sims
Roy Dale Sims of West Plains, Missouri was born May 29, 1958, in Hayti, Missouri to Roy Thomas Sims and Lillian Savage Sims. He departed this life January 26, 2026, in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 67 years. Roy was united in marriage to Michelle Ward September 15, 2007.
He is survived by his wife Michelle of 18 years; four children and five bonus children Benjamin (Robyn) Sims, Anita (Ryan) Dickson, Pamela (Cody) Garner, Thomas Sims, Brett (Kimberly) Wilcox, Amber (Danny) Gibson, Blaire and Logan, Damon Bowling, and Jessica Rudd; twenty-one grandchildren Dylan and Sydney Sims, Michael (Megan) James, Emma James, Morgan (Darius) Parks, Colten (Hannah) Garner, Austin Garner, Haley, Alena, Keyton, Tommy and Allison Sims, Connor, Wednesday and Ellanor Wilcox, Adalyn and Gracelyn Gibson, Alexis and MacKenzie Bowling, Samantha (Zach) Roller, and Maddison (Alec) Shrable; six great grandchildren Charlotte and Ella James, Kamari Morgan, Kaiden Martin, Dean Roller, and Braylee Shrable; four sisters Gletta Clark, Hope (Danny) Seibert, Pamela (Darrell) Wade, Angela Godwin, Father-in-law Bobby Ward, two brothers-in-law Clint Ward, and Jimmy (Ashley) Ward.
He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lillian Sims, mother-in-law Shirley Ward, one infant sister, two brothers-in-law Ron Clark and Brent Godwin, and one granddaughter Lillian Grace Sims.
Today we say goodbye to a man who didn’t just live in our community, but helped build it, protect it, and believed in it with his whole heart.
Roy Sims dedicated his life to service. During his years in the fire service, he not only answered the call when his neighbors were in need but also carried a deep passion for helping others and keeping his community safe. Even after retiring from the West Plains Fire Department as Fire Chief, that commitment never slowed.
When Roy purchased Cover Lumber Co. in 2023, he continued serving in the way only he could. He provided more than lumber and supplies; he offered wisdom, encouragement, and a steady presence. He was someone you could count on, a familiar face, a trusted voice, and a man who genuinely cared about the people he served.
Roy believed in putting people first. He loved this community fiercely and worked tirelessly to make it stronger, safer, and better for future generations. His leadership, persistence, and quiet strength left an imprint that will not fade.
If you ever shook his hand, worked alongside him, or simply crossed paths with him, you felt it. Roy cared, and he proved it through his actions every single day.
Roy was a faithful member of the United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains where he exemplified the church values to “Love God, Love People, Serve God, Serve People”.
Our community has lost a true pillar, but Roy Sims’ legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the places he helped build, and the community he gave so much of himself to.
Rest easy, papa Roy and thank you for everything.
Memorial donations can be made to the
Untied Free Will Baptist Church
Attention Building Fund
607 Lanton Rd, West Plains, MO 65775
or left with the funeral home
Officiating will be Brother Dennis McGinley and pallbearers will be Tim Bean, Kurt Willbanks, Raymond Blake, Dylan Sims, Michael James, Austin Garner, and Keyton Sims. Graveside officiating will be Brother Jason Jackson.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at the Thayer High School Gymnasium of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be Saturday. January 31, 2026, at the Eagles Rest Cemetery of Arkansas.
GPS address of cemetery is : 1445 AR -175, Hardy, AR, 72542 per FIND A GRAVE ~ It is next to the Christian Tabernacle Church of Hardy.
Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, Mo
Larry Odell Simpson
Larry Odell Simpson was born the son of Edwin Odell Simpson and Delpha Jewelene Stogsdill Simpson on October 24, 1946, in Alton, Missouri and departed this life on January 26, 2026, at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 79 years. He married Rosella Crass on January 7, 1967, in Myrtle, Missouri. Larry and Rosie were happily married for 59 years.
He is survived by his wife Rosie of Thayer, Missouri; two sons Robert (Melody) Simpson, Matt (Rhonda) Simpson of Thayer, Missouri, three grandchildren Garrett ( Shana) Smith of Myrtle, Missouri, Shelby (Ryne) Long of Thayer, Missouri, and Teanna (Justin) Anderson of McPherson, Kansas; four great-grandchildren Hagen and Whitley Smith, Wade and Jensen Long; sister Lana Waits of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, sister and brother-in-law Tilda and Rick Toomey of Thayer, Missouri; beloved uncle Bill Felts of Springfield, Missouri; Aunt Davie Scott of Nixa, Missouri, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Jewelene; mother and father-in-law Charles and Welliene Crass.
Larry was a Police Officer for the City of Thayer from 1980-1990 and spent nineteen years working at DRS in West Plains. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Though his passing was unexpected, he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A man of steady hands and generous heart, Larry found his greatest joy in the garage fixing, building, or tinkering with whatever his children or grandchildren brought his way. No request was ever too small or too complicated.
Larry had a gift for making things work whether it was an old engine, a broken appliance, or a problem someone didn’t quite know how to solve. His patience, skill, and willingness to help taught his family the value of hard work, perseverance, and showing up for one another. Above all, Larry cherished his family. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren and found deep happiness in time spent together, telling stories, sharing laughs, and quietly being present. His wisdom was often shared through actions rather than words and his love was felt in everything he did. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the projects he completed, and the countless memories made alongside him.
Officiating will be Erman Croney, pallbearers will be Brian Toomey, Ryne Long, Garrett Smith, Justin Anderson, Dustin Howell, Gary Baldridge, and honorary pallbearers will be Rick Toomey, Stanley Hedden, Jim Wiggs.
Memorials can be sent to
Heavens Creatures
1416 West 8th Street
West Plains, Missouri, 65775
or left with the funeral home.
A Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. until time of the Funeral Service at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Paula Faye Taylor
Paula Faye Taylor departed this life on January 24, 2026, at the Eaglecrest Nursing Center, Ash Flat, Arkansas, at the age of 81. She was born on September 10, 1944, in Opelika, Alabama, to the late Fred and Elsie Baker.
Paula was united in marriage on October 18, 1984, to Robert Taylor in Montrose, Colorado. They spent 41 wonderful years together at their home at Many Islands near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Paula is predeceased by her parents and sister, Freda Webb of Townsend, TN.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Taylor; a son, Kenneth B. Jones, and wife Lucy; granddaughters Cassidy and Caitlin Jones, all of West Plants, Mo. She is also survived by sisters Sheliah Baker of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Karen Trussell of Auburn, Alabama, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made the
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorial Processing
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St Jude Pl
Memphis, TN, 38105-9959
Officiating will be Chaplain Greg Yount.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, February 7,2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Services in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.