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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

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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

James A. Wheeler

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James A. Wheeler, 74, of Lone Jack & Myrtle, Missouri, departed this world on August 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by many cherished & loved family members. James was born on April 4, 1951, in West Plains, Missouri, the first child of James and Freda Wheeler (Menear). James attended Couch School. James was Saved to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 9. He attended and enjoyed sports tremendously. The Boys basketball team attended Regional Championships in two seasons, the won Regionals once in 1968. He passes his compassion for competition for athletics to his two daughters.

He met and married his wife, Denise Truitt, on April 4, 1975. They recently celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. James wanted to get married on his birthday, so he wouldn’t forget his anniversary. This was a long running joke that family still laughed about. They went on to have two girls during the marriage.

When James was called by his “friends and neighbors” to serve his Countrymen in 1971 he went on to attain ranking of SP-4 during his campaign in the Army.

James was employed as an OTR (Over the Road) truck driver at BSXpress, Inc. Out of St. Joseph, Missouri for 35 years, minus ten years of moving “back to the farm” when his father suffered a fatal blood clot. James loved the farm, but he also loved trucking. He enjoyed going to new places and seeing new horizons. He was a partner with WW Trucking, LLC and owner of J & D Wheeler Trucking, LLC. He also was a member of OOIDA (Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association). James & Denise operated Wheeler Farms. James was a successful businessman at his endeavors but sometimes sacrificed sleep for it.

Jim was a funny, loving person. He usually was quick with a quip or a joke. Humor was integrated into his entire life. His last days, he would tell us there was a bad monkey and he needed to find him and spank him for peeing in the house, and he was hauling a freight and going across Arizona.

James was proceeded in passing by his father, James Wheeler, his grandparents, Fred & Ruby Wheeler and Olga Smith, three brothers-in-law, Mike McIntosh, Bill Mayo, and Steve Pratt.

James is survived by his wife Denise of the home, Angela Wheeler of Overland Park, Jeanie Wheeler of Jefferson City, MO and grandson Milo. James is also survived by his siblings John and Janice Wheeler of Alton, MO, Sherri Wheeler Pratt of South Haven, MI, Debbie McIntosh of Kingsville, Mo, Rosemary Wheeler Burks of Tulsa, OK, and Jenny Bill Davis of Mt. Vernon, Mo.

James is survived by many nieces and nephews including Robert Kasten of South Haven, MI, Renee Chet Goff Pullman, MI, Billy Jack McIntosh of South Haven, MI, Jesse Larenda Wheeler of Alton, MO, Chris Wheeler of Alton, MO, Michael John Wheeler of Alton, MO, Keisha Ernst of Nevada City, CA, Aaron Bishop of Mt. Vernon, MO, Robert and Carrie Edwards, of Leavenworth, KS, Michael and Amber Maloney of Kansas City, KS, Lane and Logan Mayo of Blue Springs, MO, Arty Mayo of Kansas City, MO and many more.

James was known by friends and family to be a bit of a singer. His deep baritone voice was soothing and calming to those who were lucky enough to hear him sing. He loved his daughters, nephews and nieces. He was around 50 when he would get down on the ground and play with the young children and toddlers. He loved seeing children smile and laugh.

Memorials may be sent to:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
1530 Wilson Blvd, Ste 550
Arlington, VA 22209

Officiating will be Bill Davis. Pallbearers will be Milo Moore, James Cole, Aaron Bishop, Robert Kasten, Jesse Wheeler, Michael John Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Jack McInstosh, Michael Maloney, Robert Edwards, and Chris Wheeler.

Visitation will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 1:00 -2:00 p.m.

Funeral will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Cotton Creek Cemetery of Couch, Missouri on August 30, 2025.

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

Donald Dean Busch

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Donald Dean Busch, 78, was born August 13,1947, to Fred and Ethel Busch in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. He departed this life at his home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on August 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was united in marriage on August 10, 1982, to Bonita Taylor.

Donald is survived by his three daughters, Tracee Busch of Springfield, Mo., Libby Watson of Pocahontas, Ar., and Marcia Kerley and husband Tony of Mammoth Spring, Ar.; 7 grandchildren Bailey Frankenberger (Scoob), Tristan Thompson, Ethan Frankenberger (McKenzie), Maddy and husband Braden Hufstedler, Jarrett Thompson, Ally Kerley, and Drew Dunnivant; a great granddaughter Brynlee Higginbotham, brother Freddie Busch and wife Judy of Pevely, Mo.; brother in-laws Terry Taylor and wife Peggy, and David Taylor and wife Nancy both of Myrtle, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews and special friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Bonita Busch; parents Fred and Ethel Busch; infant sister Marie Arlene; mother and father in-law Gordon and Jean Taylor; and son in-law Jeff Watson.

Whether he was teaching in the classroom, cheering on the Cardinals and his grandkids, or crafting something from wood, Donald lived fully and loved deeply — especially when it came to his family. He will be remembered as a hard worker, dedicated, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile for others. Above all, he was a faithful member of the Lord’s Church.

Funeral service for Donald Busch, age 78, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Pallbearers: Freddie Allen Busch, Johnny Busch, Ethan Frankenberger, Braden Hufstedler, Scoob Higginbotham, and Drew Dunnivant

Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Hurtt, Sonny Brown, and Danny Busch

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorials to be sent to the Children’s Home Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, Arkansas, 72450