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
Thayer
Thayer Funeral Home
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.
Tiffany Marie Flynn
Tiffany Marie (Brown) Flynn, 43, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her home on January 25, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Tiffany was born on November 24, 1982, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Bill Brown and Linda Massey. On June 2, 2001, she married Joe Flynn in Thayer, Missouri, and they celebrated 24 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, family, and lasting memories. Tiffany was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (”TT”), sister, aunt, and friend.
Tiffany dedicated twenty years to teaching, seven years to Couch, Missouri, and thirteen years to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, where she was known for her reliability, dedication, and strong work ethic. Above all, she was most known for loving her students as if they were her own and impacting countless lives.
Outside of work, Tiffany enjoyed spending endless hours watching her children play sports, cooking, gardening, crafting, and especially spending time with her friends and family. She was a dedicated Christian to her church family at Camp, Arkansas, and the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and an active example for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Flynn; her children, Zack (Anna) Flynn and Payton Flynn; her sister, Angela Brown; her mother, Linda Massy; her mother-in-law, Janie Flynn; her nieces, Taylor (John) Guffey, Brooke (Jake) Whittle, and Mya Davenport; and her grandson, James Flynn. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends who were like family.
Tiffany is preceded in death by her father, Bill Brown; her father-in-law, Jack Flynn; and her sister-in-law, Julie Flynn.
Officiating will be Barry O’Dell.
Pallbearers will be Jake Whittle, Randy Smith, Matt Avery, Daniel Busch, Coltin Powell, and Jacob Simers.
Memorial donations may be made out to the Fryatt Cemetery by the Bank of Salem in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas or left at the Funeral Home.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Burial will be private.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, Mo.
Luther Dewayne Qualls
Luther Dewayne Qualls, 86, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away January 19th, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in Thayer, Missouri. He was born January 26th, 1939, in Bloomfield, Missouri, to Luther C. Qualls and Pearlene Hutchison. Luther married the love of his life, Donna Dee Qualls, with whom he spent 64 years together. From their union, they had four children: Nita Sandberg, Pearlene Harrell, Lee Ann Reed, and Roxanna Anderson.
In life, Luther enjoyed spending time at the creek, hunting, listening to country music, driving his semi-truck, and being with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Luther is survived by his children: Nita Sandberg, Lee Ann Reed, and Roxanne Anderson; his grandchildren: Chris Reed, Nicole Lafferty, Maggie Walters, Mathew Harrell, DJ Anderson, Lisa Sandberg, and Shannon Odman; his great-grandchildren: Austin Reed, Dalton Reed, Summer Reed, Bailynne Reed, Kambria Lafferty, Eli Hearting, Gracie Hearting, Briley Walters, Bristal Walters, Bayler Walters, Kora Odman, Gavin Odman, Gavin Anderson, and Radley Anderson; his brothers: Larry Qualls and James Daniel Qualls; and his sisters: Sherry Bollinger and Mona Settles.
Luther is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Dee Qualls; daughter, Pearlene Harrell; parents, Luther C. Qualls and Pearlene Hutchison; and brother, Dave Qualls.
Pallbearers will be Austin Reed, Dalton Reed, Eli Hearting, Dustin Walters, Jimmy Hutchison and Hunter Troxell. Honorary pallbearer will be Chris Reed.
Memorials can be made the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or left with the funeral home.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Walker Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
Ruth Thompson
Ruth Barnett Thompson, 95, West Plains, Missouri was born May 9, 1930 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Cecil Brashear and Lela Day Brashear. She entered into eternal rest on January 14, 2026 at Cedarhurst Senior Living in West Plains, Missouri.
On June 19, 1947 she was married to Reverend James Barnett in Brandsville, Missouri, who preceded her in death July 10, 2001. On August 18, 2013 she married Everett Boyd Thompson.
She is survived by her husband, Everett Boyd Thompson, West Plains, Missouri; five children, Leona Losurdo, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Ed Barnett and wife Sue, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Joy Collins and husband Stan, Couch, Missouri, Ronnie Barnett and wife Jo, Doniphan, Missouri, and Brenda Barnett, Spring River, Arkansas and several beloved step children; six grandchildren, Layle Carter and wife Gina, Bristow, Oklahoma, Greg Collins and wife Jessica, West Plains, Missouri, Brian Carter and wife Nicole, Ecru, Mississippi, Stacey Barnett, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Jeff Collins and Stephanie, Couch, Missouri, and Rodney Barnett, Doniphan, Missouri; ten grandchildren and several beloved step grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; five brothers and four sisters.
She was married to Reverend James E. Barnett for fifty three years, serving by his side. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services for Ruth Thompson will be Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be held in Union Hill Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Charles Wayne French
Charles Wayne French, 77, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away January 11, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his own home. He was born July 2, 1948, to Noel and Rose Edna Clarke French in Saddle, Arkansas.
Charles married the love of his life, Jewell Faye Wright, on August 30, 1969. They were married for 41 years before she passed away on January 7, 2011. Two children were born from this union.
Charles was a devoted man of faith whose life reflected his deep trust in God and his commitment to serving others. He lived with humility, kindness, and quiet strength, always placing the needs of others before his own. His faith guided the way he lived, worked, and loved, and it was evident in the compassion he showed to everyone he met.
A lifelong lover of farming, Charles found joy and purpose in working the land. He valued hard work, stewardship, and patience – lessons rooted in both his faith and respect for agriculture. For approximately 34 years, he shared these values as an agriculture/science teacher, where he touched countless lives. Charles was a lifelong supporter and advisor of FFA, instilling in students a love of agriculture, leadership, and community service. He proudly guided numerous FFA chapters, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and teamwork. Many of his students credit him for inspiring their careers and love of farming. He was also the Fire Chief of the Saddle Volunteer Fire Department for many years. After retirement, he worked at Spring Leaf Ranch, doing what he loved – working outdoors.
In his free time Charles enjoyed woodworking, a craft that mirrored his character – steady, thoughtful, and intentional. He took pride in creating things by hand and often gave his work away, finding fulfillment not in recognition, but in giving.
Above all, Charles will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a selfless helper to others, a dedicated teacher, and a hardworking farmer. He was a member of Mammoth Spring Church of Christ.
He is survived by his two children, Donna French and Evan (Dianna) French of Mammoth Spring; siblings, Nola (Leon) Christenberry of Jonesboro, James (Nancy) French of Evening Shade, and Lowell (Susan) French of Paragould; grandchildren, Cody (Sarah) Brindley, Hannah (Keegan) Harper, Abigail (Cody) Green, Makayla French, and Brittany French; great-grandchildren, Ross Green, Remington Green, Aria Green, Preston Brindley, and Nora Harper; and his very special friend, Judy Holmes.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jewell French; granddaughter, Melissa French; and his parents, Edna and Noel French.
He will be missed by a host of other relatives and friends.
Memorials can be made to
Children’s Home Inc.
5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450
or
Saddle Cemetery
5203 Frenchtown Rd, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554.
Officiating will be Barry O’Dell. Pallbearers will be Steve Simers, Josh Alexander, Derek Hufstedler, Reggie Richardson, Robert Cox, and Monty Ragsdale, Jeremy Allen, and Jay Towell.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, at 1:00 p.m. until the Funeral at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Saddle Cemetery of Saddle, Arkansas. For GPS use: 131 Saddle Mill Lane, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, 72554
Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri