Thayer Funeral Home
Iris Kay Cash Sloan, age 80, of Thayer, Missouri passed away at her home in Thayer on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 12:15 PM.
As per her request, her body has been donated to the Department of Pathology & Anatomical Science at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Local arrangements were under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
Thelma Lee Miller was born in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest Hardwick and Mildred Dickerson Hardwick, on September 8, 1928. She departed this life on August 23, 2018, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 89 years.
She was united in marriage on April 19, 1960, in Thayer, Missouri, to James Miller.
Thelma is survived by her son, Bill Hardwick of Alton, Missouri; two brothers, Homer Hardwick and wife, Kay, of Winona, Missouri and Richard Hardwick of Fremont, Missouri; two sisters, Mary Shemwell of Winona, Missouri and Helen Bebee of Havre, Montana; five grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Miller; her parents, Ernest and Mildred Hardwick; one child, James Ray Miller; three brothers, Buddy, Mirle and Ernest Hardwick; one sister, Nadine Holmes; and one infant great grandchild.
Thelma was a dedicated homemaker and loving wife and mother. Taking care of her home and family were of utmost importance to her. Her favorite hobbies included working on jigsaw puzzles and watching television.
Thelma was a devoted wife, loving and caring mother, grandmother, neighbor and a friend to all. She will truly be missed by her family and all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Edward Casey officiating.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery, near Alton, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
James “Jimmy” Edison Nickels was born the son of James Edison Nickels and Etta Lee Ivey Nickels on December 22, 1948, in Thayer, Missouri. He departed this life on August 22, 2018, at his home in Republic, Missouri, at the age of 69 years.
He was united in marriage on January 27, 1968 in Thayer, Missouri, to Ruth Boyer.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Nickels of the home, in Republic, Missouri; one child, Carol Johnson, and husband, Jeff, of Republic, Missouri; one brother, David Lee Ivey, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Riley James Johnson and Claire Marie Johnson, of Republic, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Etta Nickels; one sister, Carolyn June Nickels Todd; one infant brother, Donald Ray Nickels; and one sister-in-law, Nilene Ivey.
James spent his earlier years living the small town country life in Thayer, Missouri. He would drive the back roads and go swimming in the creeks as often as possible.
He was a dedicated and avid Union man. He was a hard worker, devoting much of his life to many different businesses and operations. He worked as a conductor and brakeman for BNSF Railway for 20 years, traveling from Springfield to Thayer. Throughout the years, he also worked at Steak-n-Shake Restaurant, Royal Typewriter, Zenith TV and electronics and owned his own business as well. He was mechanically minded and could make just about anything out of whatever he could find.
James was also a past local chairman of the United Transportation Union, a member of the Solomon Lodge, No. 271 AF & AM, a charter member of the Daylight Lodge, No. 678 AF & AM, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in Joplin, Missouri, a Shriner Captain of the Director Staff, Abou Ben Adhem, in Springfield, Missouri, a member of the Eagles Lodge in Springfield, Missouri, and a member of the Elks Lodge, #2545, in Thayer, Missouri.
James will be remembered for his willingness to help others. He had a big heart and always knew how to cheer people up. But out of all of these great accomplishments, nothing could measure up to his grandchildren. He cherished his sweet granddaughter, Claire, and loved watching her grow up. He was very close with his grandson and “little buddy”, Riley, who he took camping and fishing as often as possible.
He was a devoted husband, loving and caring father and grandfather, neighbor and a friend to all. He will be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1:00 PM until service time.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri.
Robert Lee Wooldridge was born the son of Alvie F. Wooldridge and Nora Green Wooldridge on January 24, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and departed this life on August 17, 2018, at his home in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.
He was united in marriage on October 14, 1950 in Pontiac, Michigan, to Romona Grissom.
He is survived by his wife, Romona Wooldridge of the home, in Springfield, Missouri; two children, Roberta Hull, of Springfield, Missouri and Robert Lee Wooldridge Jr., and wife, Georgie, of Nixa, Missouri; one brother, Mike Wooldridge, and wife, Delores, of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Sue Wooldridge, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one loving grandson, Matthew Hull, of Springfield, Missouri; one cherished granddaughter, Chelsea Keller, and husband, Tim, of Nixa, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Kamerin Hull, of Springfield, Missouri and Finley and Wilder Keller, of Nixa, Missouri; one niece, Paula Cooper; and two nephews, Jeremy and Marty Wooldridge; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie and Nora Wooldridge; and one brother, Paul “Bill” Wooldridge.
Mr. Wooldridge was President of the Empire Gas Company for many years and later worked in the Oil Industry. He enjoyed “talking business”, buying new cars and took great pride in keeping his home and surroundings in immaculate condition. His favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, watching movies and eating popcorn and hamburgers.
Robert was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. He was deeply devoted to his family and cherished time spent with them. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with Brother Charles Morgan officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, from 1:00 PM until service time.
Burial will be in Saddle Cemetery in Saddle, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Elvern “Bean” Baldridge was born the son of George Baldridge and Orphia Jones Baldridge on November 7, 1931, in Sharp County, Arkansas and departed this life on August 18, 2018, in Ash Flat, Arkansas, at the age of 86 years.
He was united in marriage on July 31, 1954 in Sharp County, Arkansas, to Rachel Price.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Baldridge of the home, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four children, Norma Jean Moss and husband, Eddie, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Bonita Vaughn and husband, Leon, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Hubert Baldridge and wife, Cheryl, of Matthews, Missouri, and Wilma Collins and Clay Bratten of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two brothers, Lenard Baldridge and wife, Erma Lee, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Omer Lee Baldridge and wife, Patsy, of Wirth, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Orphia Baldridge; one son, Paul Baldridge; two brothers, Ermin Baldridge and Willard Baldridge; three sisters, Roxie Houston, Rhoda Byers and Nola Angotti; and one great grandchild, Addison Raine Baldridge.
As many will remember, Bean was a hard worker. He was a well known farmer in this area and owned and operated a sawmill. He was a retired minister of Midway Pentecostal Holiness Church in Thayer, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and visiting with his neighbors and friends. He was a devoted husband, loving and caring father, grandfather, neighbor and a friend to all. He will be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 21st at 10:00 AM, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Anthony Woods and Brother Charles Barnett officiating.
Visitation will be held on Monday night from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Flint Cemetery, near Mammoth Spring , Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
W.H. “Dub” Bostic, 89, of Thayer, Missouri, formerly of Rose Bud, Arkansas, died Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at 10:26 PM at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri. Local arrangements were under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
John Mack Kelley, the son of the late Johnny William Kelley and Anna Lee Manes Kelley, was born June 8, 1952 at Hardy, Arkansas and departed this life August 8, 2018 at St. Bernards’s Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 66 years and 2 months.
He was united in marriage to Janice Lohr on November 11, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At that time, John relocated to Los Angeles, California with Janice, returning to his home in Hardy in July 2014, where they enjoyed retirement by spending every day of life together.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Kelley of the home in Hardy, Arkansas; one daughter, Dana Kelley and Richie Hepler of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; one son, John Michael Kelley and Rachel of Peru, Illinois; four grandchildren, Ashley Kelley, Ian Kelley, Caleb Kelley and Gabriella Kelley; two great grandchildren, Slate AJ French and Mason Ray French; three brothers, Joe Stidman and Lela Mae of Koshkonong, Missouri, Larry Kelley and Donna of Hardy, Arkansas, and Conway Spurlock Jr. of Hardy, Arkansas; one sister, Kathy Linhart and Steve of Hardy, Arkansas; his stepfather, Conway Spurlock of Hardy, Arkansas; brother-in-law, David Lohr and Jeannie of Thayer, Missouri; several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Bruce M. Kelley. John was only five years old when his father passed away. At that time, John took on the roll of a father to his younger brothers and sister.
He loved the Lord and attended Abundant Life Church in Highland, and spent many hours in prayer for his family and friends that they all would encounter a relationship with Christ. John loved his family and friends and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed spending time on the farm with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Papa loved giving his grandchildren rides on his Bulldog and Tractor.
John was a 1970 graduate of Highland High School of Highland, Arkansas, and worked 35 years for the Highland School District at the Cherokee Elementary School. He also owned and operated his own business, Kelley Lawn Care and Janitorial Service, by serving many elderly people in the community.
He enjoyed bowling and was able to achieve the perfect 300 game, placing him in the United States Bowling Hall of Fame. After months of battling health issues, John is now hme in Heaven, completely whole.
Funeral services for John Mack Kelley will be held Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, with Pastor Joey Barnes officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, August 11, 2o18 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
Billy Joe Underwood was born the son of Roy Underwood and Artha Storms Underwood on July 7, 1940, in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on August 8, 2018, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 78 years.
He was united in marriage on April 2, 1961 in Thayer, Missouri, to Joyce Crawford. She preceded him in death on October 19, 1995. He was married on June 11, 1999 in Thayer, Missouri, to Janet DuBois.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Underwood of Thayer, Missouri; three daughters, Terri Wrenfrow and husband, Dan, of Thayer, Missouri, Shiela Russell and husband, Joey, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Sonya Bateman and husband, Shane, of Phoenix, Arizona; one brother, Bob Underwood of Thayer, Missouri; six grandchildren, Candace Young, Tim Wrenfrow and wife, Allison, James Allen Russell and wife, Dasha, Tasha Wrenfrow, Troy Bateman and Kyle Bateman; three great grandchildren, Callie Jo Young, Cody Young and Max Russell; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Artha Underwood; his first wife, Joyce Crawford; one sister, Rita Cochran; and one stepson, Eric Kornegay.
Billy was a Christian and member of the Moko Church of Christ in Moko, Arkansas. He faithfully and actively attended and always enjoyed being apart of his church family.
Billy was a hardworking farmer and employed by a local gas company, retiring after many years of dedicated service.
He was a devoted family man and his family always came first in his life. Billy was loved by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services for Billy Joe Underwood will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the Carter Funeral Home chapel in Thayer with Brother Richard Robinson officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Gideon International.
Doris Maggie Jennings was born the daughter of Walter Peterson and Hattie LaTour Peterson on September 23, 1933, in Rockford, Illinois, and departed this life on August 2, 2018, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 84 years.
She was united in marriage in May, 1951, at Rockford, Illinois, to Darrel Jennings, who preceded her in death on June 27, 2005.
She is survived by eight children, Donald Jennings of West Plains, Missouri, Ronald Jennings and wife, Cynthia of Stillman Valley, Illinois, Jody McCartney and husband, Edward of West Plains, Missouri, Rodney Jennings of Gilbert, Arizona, Colleen Winklepleck and husband, Michael of Myrtle, Missouri, Pamela Jennings of Thayer, Missouri, Lori Weeks of Springfield, Missouri, and Steven Jennings of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters; one brother; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Hattie Peterson; her husband, Darrel Jennings; one son, Ricky Jennings; and four sisters.
Doris was a Christian and a member of the Myrtle Freewill Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri and faithfully attended as long as her health permitted.
She and her husband ran a convenience grocery store in Myrtle for many years.
Doris loved to sing and play the piano. Doris spent her time solving jigsaw puzzles and played dominos at the senior center. She also was known for her crocheting.
Doris was loved by her family and will be missed by all who knew her.
Memorial services for Doris Maggie Jennings will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018, at 2:00 PM at the Myrtle Freewill Baptist Church with Brother Ralph Douglas officiating.
Lester Ray Butler was born in Koshkonong, Missouri, the son of Harold Otis “Pete” Butler and Venita Hutson Butler, on June 1, 1949, and left this world at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, on July 23, 2018, at the age of 69 years.
He was united in marriage on December 5, 2017, in Alton, Missouri, to Carolyn Sue Bowles.
Lester is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Butler of Koshkonong, Missouri; one daughter, Stacie Rae Huffman and husband, Marlin, Koshkonong, Missouri; two brothers, Otis Butler and wife, Karen, of Thayer, Missouri, and Richard Butler and fiancée, Sandra Williams, of West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn Staley and husband, Ernest, of Koshkonong, Missouri; four stepchildren, Tracy Koch of McRae, Arkansas, Latreasa Samples of Benton, Arkansas, David Ryan of Thayer, Missouri, and Melody Mathews of Ward, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Tanner Huffman of Koshkonong, Missouri, and Kelsie Landreth of Killeen, Texas; one great-grandchild, Bentley Wayne Huffman; eight step-grandchildren; many cousins; other relatives; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Venita Butler; one infant son, Leslie Wayne Butler; and one infant daughter, Crystal Dawn Butler.
Lester was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.
He was a cattle farmer and a bus driver for the Thayer School district, retiring after 48 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Lester will be remembered for his friendliness and big personality. He loved his family and enjoyed time spent with them. He will be missed by his relatives and the community in which he lived.
Graveside services for Lester Butler, age 69, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery near Thayer, Missouri with Cousin Charlie Cochran officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery near Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.