Thayer

Thayer Funeral Home

Wanda Marie Davis

Wanda Marie (Abney) Davis born Sept 9, 1955 in West Plains, MO went on to be with the Lord on October 25, 2020.

She is survived by her loving husband Paul Don Davis of 51 years; her children, Paul Don Davis Jr. (Jay) and wife Saundra, and Faith Marie (Davis) Barton and husband Rob; two beloved grandchildren, Dalton Robert Rakestraw and Jade Marie Rakestraw. She was also doggie Mom to her “Sissy”, the family beagle. Wanda was blessed later in life with four step grandchildren Blake, Dillon, Luke and Grace Barton. Wanda had many other “adopted” children and grandchildren over the years. Everyone was as good as her own in her eyes. She is also survived by her sister Misty Marie (Abney) Houk, her brother-in-law Fred Davis and wife Teena, Tommy Collins and wife Patsy, along with many other nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Mamie Abney, Tressie Abney (stepmother) and her in-laws Elmo and Dorothy Davis and one sister Kathy (Abney) Ladd.

Wanda was actively involved in her church that she loved dearly – Refuge Apostolic Church in Thayer, MO. She was a praise singer, served on the cleaning team and lead the food and care-giving ministry. “Ma Wanda”, as she was lovingly referred to by her church family, loved and was loved by her church “kids and grandkids”.

Wanda spent 40 plus years working in the medical field as a Registered Nurse; from the nursing home to ICU & on to cardiac rehab – enjoying her patients even more than the profession.

Her hobbies included collecting vintage dishes, sewing, quilting, crocheting, pitching horseshoes (which she became a 4-time state doubles champion). She also enjoyed finding unique items and great deals at garage sales and shopping thrift stores.

Wanda was often referred to by many as an “earth angel”. She was known to be a giver and used her hands to minister through her God given talent of sewing and crafting. She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room and one always felt at ease and comforted by her presence. Anyone who came in contact with her knew they were loved. She always left a situation or person better than she found them.

Over the years, Wanda ministered to others by caring for ailing friends and family members. Her unselfish spirit and gift of love drew people to her throughout her life and was the conduit that allowed her to witness the message of Jesus Christ. Her wish for you today would be that you would know and experience the love of Jesus and share it with everyone you know; leaving every life you touch better than you found it.

Funeral services for Wanda Marie Davis will held on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Pastor Clay Risner officiating.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc, in Thayer, Missouri.

Phyllis Lynn Brewer

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Phyllis Lynn Brewer, age 65, of Thayer, Missouri, died on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri with her family by her side.

Graveside services for Phyllis Lynn Brewer, will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with Paul Brewer officiating.

Phyllis will be available for viewing on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Thomas McDonnell

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Thomas W. McDonnell was born on December 9, 1948 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Luke and Mary (Bondick) McDonnell and departed this life on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 71 at his home in Gainesville, Missouri.

He honorably served as a Special Weapons Specialist in Germany for the United States Army from 1969 through 1971.

Tom worked as a security officer at the Swedish American Hospital where he met the love of his life, Carroll Rolen. They were united in marriage on December 12, 1987 in Rockford, Illinois.

He was a deeply loved, devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all. He enjoyed spending time with his family and listening to southern gospel music.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Barbara Griffis.

He is survived by his wife, Carroll, most recently of Gainesville, Missouri after residing many years in Thayer, Missouri; four daughters, Lori Fry and spouse Mark of Popular Grove, Illinois, Rhonda Hardey of San Diego, California, Cheryl Hardey of West Plains, Missouri, Jennifer McDonnell of Rockford, Illinois; one sister, Carol Pace of Rockford, Illinois; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Graveside services for Thomas McDonnell will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with Rob Richardson officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on October 23, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Darlene Williams

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Dorothy Darlene Williams was born on March 26, 1947 in Thayer, Missouri and left this life at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Marie and Albert Williams of Anniston, Alabama; one brother, David Williams of Anniston, Alabama; her husband, George Donald Williams of Danielsville, Georgia; and her stepson, Bruce Williams of Anniston, Alabama.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Sharlene Rena Caisse and her husband, Mark of Koshkonong, Missouri; son- and daughter-in-law, Therman and Emma Bowers of Danielsville, Georgia; two grandchildren, Tori Bowers and Olivia Bowers of Danielsville, Georgia; one sister, Kathy Brooks; one brother, Terry Williams; two step-children, Barbara Garmany and Donnie Williams of Anniston, Alabama; other relatives; and many friends.

She lived in Kansas City, Missouri as a child and grew up on a farm in Koshkonong, Missouri. Darlene lived and worked around the Thayer and West Plains, Missouri area. She was no stranger to hard work and never backed down from a challenge, doing everything from working in healthcare to working on the farm and in a grape vineyard. She later moved to Danielsville, Georgia, where she lived for 35 years.

Darlene enjoyed working in her yard and garden and spending time with her dogs. People would remark on how beautiful she kept her yard. She also liked going to the flea market with her late husband. She never met a stranger and had the gift of gab.

She will be missed by her family and friends.

Sharlene would like to thank everyone at NHC and OMC in West Plains, Missouri and Cox South in Springfield, Missouri for all they did to care for Darlene and others during this pandemic.

According to Darlene’s wishes, there will be no service. Interment will be in Norman Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Greg C. Howell

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Gregory Charles Howell was born on October 28, 1972 in West Plains, Missouri, the son of Jim Howell and Virginia Hurtt Howell and departed this life on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the age of 47 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Howell of the home in Koshkonong, Missouri; two children, Lorna Kay Howell and Austin Howell of Koshkonong, Missouri; his sister, Regina Howell; his brother, Clinton Howell and his wife, Nina; his father and mother, Jim and Virginia Howell; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a multitude of friends.

Greg is preceded in death by his grandparents, Virgil and Grace Hurtt and Norman and Marie Howell; and his father-and mother-in-law, Bob and Helen Perkins.

He was a hard-working man Greg worked for BNSF Railroad as a track inspector for 26 years. He also farmed, raising cattle. He enjoyed his tractors, backhoes and other equipment.

Greg was also involved in his community, serving on the Koshkonong School Board, including a term as Board President. He was everybody’s go-to guy and was a good friend to all.

Most important to Greg was his family. He loved Kay and loved being a dad. He liked hunting with his kids on his farm.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the community in which he lived.

Funeral services for Greg Howell with be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Travis Collins officiating.

Burial will be on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Silas Moore Bowers

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Silas Moore Bowers was born on October 7, 2020 at Ozark Medical Center in West Plains MO and was taken too soon a few hours later. He weighed 5 pounds and 9 oz and was 18in long.

He is survived by his parents, Gary Bowers and Charity Hewitt of Thayer MO. He has 6 sisters, Makenzi, Makayla, Madelyn, Olivia, Gabriella and Isabella, and 2 brothers, David and Jack. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Penny Gibson of Thayer MO; his maternal grandparents, Mindy Curbow and Robert Martin of West Plains MO; 2 great grandmothers, Ruby Bowers and Mary Gibson of Thayer MO; lots of aunts, uncles, cousins; and family friends.

Silas was preceded in death by maternal great grandmothers, Carol Hewitt and Elaine Martin; and paternal great grandfathers, Jack Gibson and Gary G Bowers.

He was greatly anticipated and will be greatly missed by his family and family friends.

Funeral services for Silas Moore Bowers will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Wayne Hurst officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Friday, October 16, 2020 in Walker Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Peggy Sue Dickey

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Peggy Sue Dickey was born February 14, 1952 in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of Louis Lay and Lois (Collins) Lay. She departed this life on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the age of 68 at her home in Thayer, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her children, Samuel Dickey, Jr. of Batesville, Arkansas, Jessie Dickey of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; Jeri Slarrow of Dexter, Missouri and Lisa (Robert) Thompson of Batesville, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Moore of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; other relatives; and a multitude of friends.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lois Lay; several aunts and uncles; and one grandson-in-law.

She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith.

Peggy worked as a seamstress and salesperson. She especially was a homemaker.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, listening to music, and socializing over coffee with friends. She also liked jewelry making, drawing and yard sales.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Graveside services for Peggy Sue Dickey will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Ed Collins Cemetery near Wirth, Arkansas with Brother Jared Russell officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Ed Collins Cemetery near Wirth, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Elsie Mae Pettyjohn

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Elsie Mae Pettyjohn of Thayer, Missouri died October 9, 2020 at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri. A private family graveside service was held on Monday, October 12, 2020 in Koshkonong Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

Anthem Leigh Eder

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Anthem Leigh Eder, age 56, was born in Springfield, MO on December 16, 1963 and was called home by God to her heavenly home on October 8, 2020 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Anthem was the daughter of Jackie Dale Eder and Carol June (Herbold) Eder.

Anthem began her education with kindergarten through 12^th grade at Thayer School where she was active in sports, Beta Club, Girls State, state winner of Voice of Democracy and Valedictorian of the Class of 1982. The fall of 1982 she entered Burge School of Nursing for a 3 year RN diploma, and then Drury University for a BSN in Biology and Nursing and a Masters in Education. Her career began at Cox South Medical Center as a cardiac ICU nurse. ER, NICU and Hospital Supervisor. She retired from nursing in 2006 and began a second career as a science and physics teacher and school nurse for Chadwick Schools. She moved home in 2010 and was the first off campus director for Ozarka College at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Due to her declining health, she finally retired in 2015.

Anthem served as president for Thayer Alumni, member of the Mammoth Spring Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Nurses Association.

On Mother’s Day 1971 at age 7, Anthem gave her heart and life to her Lord Jesus Christ. She was baptized and a member to the First Baptist Church in Thayer as well as a member of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX. Her mission involvement began in college with a group of 10 and Pastor Hosea Bilyeu began Ridgecrest Baptist Church in south Springfield. Anthem was a medical missionary to Indian reservations in Oklahoma and New Mexico. She worked with the Dream Center in Los Angeles as a nurse to the street and under the bridge homeless in the Watts area. In 2005 she assisted the Convoy of Hope in setting up a medical unit treating victims of Hurricane Katrina. Anthem had a very heartfelt spiritual knowledge of the Bible, studying every day and never missing an opportunity to witness. Despite her pain, she was always positive and praising God knowing complete healing was coming and she would be walking the golden streets in heaven kicking up the gold dust.

Survivors include her mother, Carol Eder; her aunts, Anita (Wayne) Smith, Billie Raye (Dick) Mooney, Cindy (Don) Hatman; her cousins, Derrick, Savannah, and Ava Claire Smith, Rick and Rusty Mooney, Christy Cypret and Eli, Isaiah, Gracie, Zeb and Jared Hatman; and many dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her father, Jackie Dale Eder; and her grandparents, Herman and Dorothy Herbold and Ray and Alice Eder.

Anthem’s enjoyment on this earth included her horse, music, reading, traveling, golf and fly fishing. Her trophy was a 5 ½ lb. rainbow trout she caught on her fly rod.

Anthem loved children, but not having any of her own, the school kids were special to her. The love of her life was 2 little chihuahuas, Sophia and Olivia. Anthem would always say: “When I am greeted by God, Jesus Christ and my heavenly family, Sophia and Olivia will outside the gates of heaven waiting for me.” Anthem never liked saying “goodbye.” She would say “so long, I’ll see you soon!”

Anthem, we love you, miss you and are so grateful God sent you our way. You are a daughter, niece, cousin, nurse, teacher and missionary, but best of all “a Child of the King!” We love you. So long, we’ll see you soon.

Funeral services for Anthem Eder with be held on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Gerald Bounds and Brother Jared Russell officiating.

Burial will be on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Holly Carol Crass

Carter Funeral Home Thayer

Holly Carol (Simmons) Crass was born on December 25, 1952 in Alton, MO and departed this life October 4, 2020 in Springfield, MO at the age of 67 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Glen Crass; her father, John Simmons; one sister, Martha Hollis; and two step-daughters, Janella Crass and Jeana Vandeburg.

She is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca Jewell and husband, Russel, Heather Risner and husband, Clay, and Robin Barton and husband, Kyle, all of Thayer; mother Jean Simmons of Thayer; her brothers, Junior Simmons and wife, Linda of Thayer, Tom Simmons and wife, Connie of Norman, OK and David Simmons of Thayer; her sisters, Diane Castleman of Jacksonville, AR, Kim Spencer, Kamala Crone and Imogene Richardson, all of Thayer; and dear friend Doris Richardson of Thayer; 10 grandchildren, Nick Jewell and wife, Shelby, Sarah Walker and husband, Cody, Colby, Peyton, Evelynn, EllenaGrace, Hayden, Kale, LauraBeth and Ethan; 2 great grandchildren, Isaac and Olivia; many nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives; and countless friends.

Holly was an active and vital member of Refuge Apostolic Church in Thayer. She was retired and devoted her time to her church, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and was known as Nini to several others in the community. Holly was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grand and great grandchildren and family. She was the life of her family gatherings. To know Holly was to love her. She loved with all of her heart. She will truly be missed as a wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. We will forever miss our Christmas miracle baby.

Funeral services for Holly Carol Crass will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Refuge Apostolic Church in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Clay Risner officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Refuge Apostolic Church in Thayer, Missouri.

Burial will be on Friday, October 9, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.