Thayer

Thayer Funeral Home

Samuel “Sam” Milton Dickey

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer, Uncategorized 1

Samuel “Sam” Milton Dickey, age 73, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 10, 1951, in Thayer, Missouri, Sam was the son of Milton Dickey and Fern Coyle Dunlop. On May 2, 1994, he married Shirley, in West Plains, Missouri, beginning a journey filled with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures.

For nearly three decades, Sam proudly owned and operated Dear Crossing, a beloved local flea market where he sold collectible treasures, vintage toys, signs, license plates, and countless novelties that reflected his keen eye and passion for nostalgia. His love for trucks was lifelong and unmistakable. Whether working on them, driving them, or collecting Hot Wheels and truck magazines, Sam’s enthusiasm was infectious. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling across the Midwest to explore other flea markets, always on the hunt for a hidden gem.

Beyond his hobbies and business, he was a loving husband and father that would do anything for his family and friends. Since October 2009, Sam was a faithful member of Union Hill Community Church in Mammoth Spring, where he served as a trustee. His commitment to his faith and community was a quiet but steady source of strength and inspiration.

Sam is survived by his wife, Shirley Dickey; his children, Samuel Milton Dickey Jr., Lisa Marie Armstrong, Jeri Lynn Slarrow, and Jessie Wayne Dickey; his stepdaughter Michelle Jacobsen; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a wide circle of cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Dickey and Fern Coyle Dunlop; his brother Dennis Dickey; half-sisters Judy McKnight and Jennie Dunlop; half-brothers John Dunlop and Jim Dunlop; and stepdaughter Melissa Morgan.

Sam will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of family, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memorials can be made to:

Safe Night Ministries

2423 Highway 62 412

Highland, Arkansas, 72542

Make a Wish

1702 E. Highland Ave, suite 400

Phoenix, AZ 85016

A Visitation will be on October 8, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, at 12:00 p.m. until procession to the Flint Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

A Graveside Service will be on October 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Flint Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

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

Jennie Olliene Romine

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 5

Jennie Olliene Romine, age 76, of Thayer, Missouri, passed peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by love. Born on January 12, 1949, in Thayer, she was the cherished daughter of Riley C. Thornton and Grace M. Smith Thornton. On September 14, 1969, Jennie married the love of her life, Jackie “Jack” D. Romine, in their hometown of Thayer. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, faith, and devotion, raising five children and sharing 38 wonderful years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 2007.

Jennie’s heart was fullest when she was with her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She found joy in baking, losing herself in a good book, and sharing her faith with her church family. A devoted member of Welcome Hill Church of Christ in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Jennie’s gentle spirit and unwavering faith touched many lives.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Misty (Greg) Brazel, Thomas Romine, Jacqueline Dover, Kimberly Romine, and Jason (Kristina) Romine; her grandchildren: Haley Brazel, Conner Brazel, David “Trey” Dover, Braden (Aubrey) Dover, Wyatt Dover, Keegan Dover, Kayle Romine, and Jackson Romine; and her great-grandson, Waylon Dover. Jennie was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Jennie is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Jack, her parents Riley and Grace, her brothers Donald and Vernon Thornton, and her precious granddaughter Tabitha Brazel.

Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials can be made to:

Welcome Hill Church of Christ of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

or left at the funeral home.

Services will be officiated by Erman Croney. Pallbearers will be Trey Dover, Braden Dover, Keegan Dover, Conner Brazel, Herman Sloan and Mike Kersey. Honorary pallbearer is Wyatt Dover.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. till time of the Funeral Service at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Funeral will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Riverside Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

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

Erlene Wideman

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 0

Erlene Wideman of Thayer, Missouri passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 73. Erlene was born on December 13, 1951, to loving parents, Condrell Aaron Burns and Rennie McCandlis Burns in Viola, Arkansas.

She leaves behind a husband, Bob Wideman, of Thayer, MO, of 52 wonderful years. Erlene also had three children, Donnisa Parker of Mountain Home, AR, Rhonda McClarnon of Dexter, MO, and Luther Dale Wideman of Thayer, MO.

She had five grandchildren, Brittney Adams of Dexter, MO, Joshua Coffey of Dexter, MO, Kyle Parker of Calico Rock, AR, Haley Roberts of Calico Rock, AR, and Andrew Wideman of West Plains, MO. Erlene had a host of “Adopted” grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Erlene had fought the battle of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for several years. She passed surrounded by loved ones and will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Mammoth Spring State Park of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Hosted by the family.

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

Judith Karlene Male

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Judith (Judy) Karlene Male was born on March 24,1956 in West Plains, MO. She ascended to her heavenly home unexpectedly on September 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a life full of love, faith, and generosity and was a guiding light to all.

She was the proud mother of her oldest daughter, Melody Goss; middle daughter; Robin McKeag; and youngest born, Scott Male. Her grandchildren; Jordan, Mason, Christopher, Madison, Cierra, Mackenzie, Shayla, Zalen, Jaxlynn were her greatest treasures. She cherished every moment with them. She was known as their Granny and/or Grammy and they were the light of her life.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, mother Elzena Tinsley, her father, Floyd Goss, her brother Mark Tinsley and brother Lloyd Goss.

She is survived by her siblings Michael Goss, Eldon Lee Tinsley, Paul Tinsley, Ruby Cruse, Laurie Reeves, Keith Goss, Dennis Goss, Bill James, Teresa Remington, Kathy Goss, Gary Sampson.

Judith’s creativity and passion came to life through her cake shop, Creative Cakes 2. Her dream wasn’t just to own a bakery but to have a place that reflected her heart — a place where birthdays, weddings, and celebrations were made sweeter by her talent and her care. For many in the community, Judy’s cakes weren’t just desserts, they were a part of special memories lovingly crafted by her hands.

She will be remembered as a woman of faith, love, and strength — the glue that held her family together and the light that brightened her community. Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace in knowing her love continues in all of us.

Services will be held at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in West Plains, MO on Saturday, September 27th at 2 PM. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery in Howell County, Missouri.

Phillip “Keith” Johnson

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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

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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

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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

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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