Thayer

Thayer Funeral Home

Etta Willbanks

Mary “Etta” (Hice) Willbanks, 69 of Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away November 17, 2022, at her home surrounded by loved ones. Etta was born January 20, 1953, to Granvel and Nedra (Jewell) Hice. Etta married the love of her life, Norvil “Bud” Willbanks on February 20, 1970, at his grandparents house in Thayer, Missouri.

Etta loved quilting, canning, and working in her garden. She loved to be just outside. She was loved by all that knew her and she will be greatly missed by all. Etta dearly loved her family and friends. Etta was a long-time member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Koshkonong, Missouri.

Etta is survived by her husband Bud; one daughter Natalie, husband Kevin; three grandchildren Perry Frealy, Wyatt Frealy and Jessica Busch, husband Garrett; three great-grandchildren Brennan, Brinnley, and Braylynn; two brothers Bob Hice, wife Denise and Herb Hice, wife Helen.

Etta is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and five brothers, Marie Harrison, Delbert Hice, Rubien Hice, Ralph Hice, Melvin Hice, William Hice, Grace Hice and two infant siblings.

Graveside services for Etta Willbanks, age 69, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Koshkonong Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri under the direction of Carter Funeral Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Visitation will be Sunday November 20, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Willard Hand

Carter Funeral Home Thayer, West Plains

Funeral services for Willard Hand, 81, Pottersville, Missouri, will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Pottersville Baptist Church with Brother Jerry Arnold officiating, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, West Plains.

He was born the son of the late Jim Hand and Rachel Harrod Hand, on July 11, 1941 in Alton, Missouri and died November 15, 2022 at his home in Pottersville, Missouri. He was united in marriage November 5, 1960 in Alton, Missouri to Gail Brewer.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Brewer Hand, Pottersville, Missouri; six children, Jeffrey “Tommy” Wilson and wife Tammy, Alton, Illinois, Billy Hand and wife Lora, Pottersville, Missouri, Suzanna Johnston and husband Brian, Pottersville, Missouri, Michelle Jackson and husband, Tracy, Pottersville, Missouri, Loni Ellis and husband Chet, Springfield, Missouri, and Leslie Harris and husband Joel, Nixa, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Natosha Hunter, Joey Wilson, Kaiyla Bruffett, Kyle Jarvis, Dakota Hand, Clayton Johnston, Londyn McKee, Sierra Pacheco, Payton Ellis, Olive Ellis, Winston Ellis, Aniston Harris, Henley Harris, and Crosby Harris; ten great grandchildren, Matthew Hunter, Trenton Hunter, Bailey Hunter, Bryceton Bruffett, Zevi Holt, Sylas Bruffett, Maddox Bruffett, Ripkin Holt, Emmett Jarvis, and Hadley Johnston; one brother and two sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

He was a member of the Pottersville Baptist Church and was saved at a very early age. He loved to cut hay and be in the hayfields. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them all. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shop With A Cop organization and can be left at the funeral home.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Pottersville Baptist Church, Pottersville, Missouri.

Burial will be in Pottersville Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

Emma “Jean” Stith

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Emma Jean Stith, 91 of Thayer Missouri passed away November 6, 2022, at Shady Oaks in Thayer, Missouri following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jean was born August 19, 1931, in Koshkonong, Missouri to Grover F. and Bessie (Guy) Stith.

Jean as she was affectionately known and was the last of the family of six siblings to pass on.

Jean graduated from Koshkonong school and enjoyed working at the clothing factory in Thayer, then later, at Marathon Electric in West Plains. Her passion was her nephews and nieces, playing baseball with them for many years as the designated pitcher for family gatherings, cooking, baking, gardening, and growing flowers. The last few years, Jean enjoyed feeding and petting the neighborhood cats.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Thelma Pressley, Floyd Stith, Evelyn Hatfield, J.F. Stith and Helen Allen; nephews H.C. Pressley of Bossier City, Lousiana, Earl Pressley of Koshkonong, Michael Allen of Thayer, and niece Oneda Pressley Young of Jacksonville, FL.

Jean is survived by nephews James Stith of Harrison, Arkansas, Dane Allen of Springfield, Missouri, Lark Allen of Gilbert, South Carolina, Harvey Allen of Thayer; nieces Cheryl Hamilton of Lolo, Montana, Brenda Swartzlander of Atlanta, Georgia, Dian Hensley of Mount Vernon, Missouri, and Lana Armstrong of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; many great-nephews and nieces and several great-great-nephews and nieces.

Jean was a Christian and was known as a humble and kind person and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 14, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Brother Travis Quertermous of the Thayer Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in the Koshkonong Cemetery. Under the directions of Carter Funeral Home Thayer Missouri.

Randal Hobbs

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Randal Kieth Hobbs, son of the late Lloyd and Virginia (Thomas) Hobbs, was born December 8, 1950, in Thayer, Missouri. He passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri surrounded by family at the age of 71.

He was united in marriage September 13, 1969, in Thayer, Missouri to Linda Waldrop. They were privileged to share 53 years together.

Randal is survived by his wife Linda Hobbs; two daughters, Rhonda Blum and husband Rich of Thayer, Missouri and Gayla Olbricht and husband Josh of Rolla, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrett and Abby Blum of Thayer, Missouri; sister-in-law Murlene Curtis and husband Speedy of West Plains, Missouri; one niece Lisa Hall and husband Peter of Jefferson City, Missouri, and their family; special cousins, other relatives, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Virginia Hobbs; two aunts, Irene McCutchen and husband Charles, and Norma Thomas.

Randal was a graduate of Thayer High School with the class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky as a mechanic from 1970 to 1972. Following his discharge from the Army he worked for Fred Shoemaker as a general repairman and welder, then at Mammoth Spring Auto as a mechanic until 1983. He then began working for the Missouri Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2007.

Randal had a lifelong love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and classic cars (especially 57 Chevys). He also loved collecting sports cards and bargain hunting at yard sales and antique malls. His more recent interests included traveling, fishing, and reading westerns.

Randal was a Christian, attending Midway Pentecostal Church in Thayer, Missouri for many years. He was always willing to help others, rarely asking for help in return. He loved spending time and sharing his hobbies with his family and close friends. He was “Grampy” to his two grandkids, whom he adored and accompanied on many school trips and events. He especially enjoyed following NHL hockey with his grandson, Garrett, and drawing and having creative adventures with his granddaughter Abby. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Services for Randal will be at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri. Family night will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday November 10, 2022, and funeral services will be Friday November 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Anthony Woods will be officiating over the service with special speakers Speedy Curtis and Bryan Waldrop. Burial will follow at Thayer Cemetery with a Military Honor Guard Service under the directions of Carter Funeral Home, Thayer Missouri.

Junior “JR” Todd

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Junior Todd was born June 1, 1945, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Elmer and Fern (Allen) Todd and he passed away November 2, 2022, at his home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. In 1968, Junior married the love of his life, Sue (Dawson). During this union they brought into this world four beautiful daughters.

Junior loved to go hunting, fishing, building things out of wood. He also loved being outside working in his garden and mowing his lawn. He would inform you that there is a right way and a wrong way to mow the grass. He would make sure you knew the right way to mow the lawn. Junior was also veteran of the United States Army.

He loved Billy Graham and would listen to him any chance that he got. But most of all Junior loved his family and friends and spending time with them. Junior was loved by all that knew him and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Sue of the family home: four daughters; Jennifer Doss; Angela Steed, husband Kelly; Lisa Smith, husband Paul; and Leslie Holesapple, husband Michael: five grandchildren Jeremy Todd, Ashley Steed, Stephanie Smith, husband Layton, Jacob Holesapple, and Dillon Holesapple: three great-grandchildren Micah, Adah, and Noah: seven siblings Russell; Norman, wife Brenda; Carolyn Parker, husband Louie; Sue Forschler; Brenda Mitchener, husband Gary; Ronnie, significant other Monica, and Phyllis Todd: along with numerous friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three infant silbings, one sister-n-law Carolyn Todd; one brother-n-law Len Forschler and one niece Melanie Anderson.

Junior was of the Christian Faith and was a member of Welcome Hill Church of Christ.

Special Thank You to a very dear friend Millie Myers.

Funeral services for Junior “JR” Todd, age 77, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Interment will be on Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Carlene Williams

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Carlene Young Williams was born the only child of Carl and Glessie Young on June 7, 1933, in Marshfield, Missouri and departed this life on October 27, 2022, at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 89.

She was united in marriage to Bill D. Williams in Marshfield, Missouri, on May 29, 1955. They spent more than 60 devoted years as husband and wife.

She is survived by one son, Mark Williams and wife, Amy, of Bethesda, Tennessee; and two grandchildren, Garrett Williams, Dallas, Texas and Brennen Williams, attending Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, many relatives and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Glessie Young, her husband, Bill D. Williams, and one daughter, Barbara Williams.

Carlene was a Christian and a long-time member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer. She was an educator for 40 years in Missouri and Arkansas public schools. Carlene will be missed by all the lives she touched.

She was a loyal follower of the Thayer Bobcats, Missouri Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals.

Funeral services for Carlene Williams, age 89, of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Saturday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at Carter Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment will be on Saturday, November 12, 2022, in Thayer Cemetery, Thayer Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thayer Public School Foundation (drop off at Carter Funeral Home or Southern Bank in Thayer).

William “Bill” Threlkeld

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

William “Bill” Henry Threlkeld passed away October 19, 2022, at Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was born June 6, 1938, in Koshkonong, Missouri to Henry and Clara (Hampton) Threlkeld. September 14, 1969, Bill married the love of his life, Barbara (Paynter) in Kansas City, Missouri. Bill and Barbara were married for 53 years and during this union they brought into this world two children, Theresa and Billy.

Bill was a truck driver for over 30 years and retired from Yellow Freight in 2008, but he had been a farmer all of his life. He started farming at a very young age and never stopped. He enjoyed farming with his wife and daughter very much. He loved spending time with his family and friends. There was never a dull moment around Bill and once you got to talking to Bill you couldn’t get away. Everyone loved Bill and enjoyed being around him. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Barbara, one daughter Theresa, husband Steve Wiggs; one son Billy; three grandchildren Tyler (Kyndal) Wiggs, Dylan Wiggs, and Lynsey Wiggs; one great- grandson Dayten Wiggs; along with numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant sister; one sister Shirley Roberts and three brothers Jay, Bob, and Harry Threlkeld.

Bill will be remembered for his smile that was always on his face and for the way he loved to talk to everyone. He might be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Funeral services for William “Bill” Threlkeld, age 84, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held on Sunday, 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Saturday 22, 2022, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thayer, Missouri.

Interment will be on Sunday, 23, 2022, in Bridges Cemetery, Koshkonong Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Margaretta Howell

Carter Funeral Home Thayer, West Plains

Margaretta Howell was born August 1, 1955 in Mountain Home, Arkansas to Verdon and Larva Belt and passed away October 15, 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the Baptist Hospital.

She was married to Tommy Howell in West Plains, Missouri, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by two children, Kevin Howell and wife Crystal, Koshkonong, Missouri and Misty Altermatt and husband, John, Willow Springs, Missouri; three brothers, Verdon Belt and wife Cindy, Mountain Home, Arkansas, Bobby Belt and wife Pamela, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Randy Belt and wife Pam, Mountain Home, Arkansas; two sisters, Loretta Belt, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Melissa Belt of Koshkonong, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Julia Altermatt of West Plains, Missouri, Jesse Altermatt and wife Kryslyn of West Plains, Missouri, Britney Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri, Diamond Bledsoe, Koshkonong, Missouri, Tristan Howell, Koshkonong, Missouri, Levi Russell, Koshkonong, Missouri, Dustin Howell and wife Cameron, Thayer, Missouri, and Dalton Howell and wife Cheyenne, Thayer, Missouri; eight great grandchildren, Willow May Millions, Macy Howell, Matthew Howell, Waylon Howell, Bryson Krusen, Harlynne Altermatt, Kaizlee Altermatt, Asher Altermatt, and one little one on the way; several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Elvis Belt and Roy Belt and one sister, Judy Belt.

Margaretta loved to hunt, gardening, dancing and listening to music. She loved spending time with her family and really loved the holidays cooking for everyone. She was a very hard working woman who was loved by all know and loved her.

Funeral services for Margaretta Howell will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 21, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Buriall will be in Koshkonong Cemetery, Koshkonong, Missouri under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Boyd Gene Clark

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Boyd Gene Clark was born in Myrtle Missouri on July 26th, 1934, to Elmer and Ethel Clark, and departed this life on October 11th, 2022. He was married to Lavern (Wisehart) Clark on December 12th, 1954. Boyd and Lavern had four children Mike Clark, Kim Bridges, Jason Clark, and Eric Clark.

He is survived by his wife Lavern and four children Mike, Kim her husband Brock, Jason, and Eric his wife Mandy. Ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his brother Herb his wife Maxine, sister Nina Burtcher her husband Cecil, brother Leon his wife Naomi, sister Doris Richardson her husband Leon, and daughter in-law Barbara Clark.

Boyd was an active member of the community and the Thayer Free Will Baptist church, he served both very proudly.

He was an avid outdoorsman, lover of nature and respected by many for his knowledge of the wild turkey. Also, an avid Gardener serving as manager of the Thayer community garden for many years providing many in the community with his bounty of produce.

Boyd was devoted to his family, and they always came first. He was loved and respected by many and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 19th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Carter funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 20th at 1:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Brother Richard Robinson.

Burial will immediately follow funeral services at the Byrd Freewill Baptist Church cemetery in Myrtle. Under the direction of Carter Funeral Home Inc. Thayer, Missouri.

Betty York

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Betty Josephine (Owens) York passed away from this life on October 8, 2022, in Bogart, Georgia. She was born May 15, 1936, to Jerry and Mary Jane (Deels) Owens. In, 1956 Betty married George Hartwell then later in life, Betty remarried and married Ray York June 1982.

Betty loved life and loved everyone she met. She was known as the sweetest lady in town. Betty worked for years as a cashier for Hollywood Supermarket and after she retired Betty and George Hartwell opened, a restaurant in Thayer, Missouri.

Betty loved to make cakes and she made several wedding cakes for family members. She loved to make scrapbooks with the family and there are several scrap book albums to pass along to family members. Betty’s love, kindness and generosity will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She was of the Christian faith and was a member of the Erastus Christian Church in Commerce, Georgia.

Betty is survived by four children; Ron (Deb) Hartwell, Howard (Donna) Weaver, Janice (Robin) Richards and Bill (Denise) Hartwell; thirty-eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death her parents; her previous husband George Hartwell and her husband Ray York; two children Irene and Tommy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Funeral Home for the family or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Graveside service for Betty York, age 86, of Hull, Georgia, will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh Cemetery Koshkonong, Missouri with Charles Cochran officiating.