Thayer

Robert Lewis Griffith was born on August 24, 1922, near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Elizabeth (Gray) Griffith and Robert Alexander Griffith. He departed this life on May 29, 2017, at the age of 94 in Mountain View, Missouri.

Bob attended school at Dewey, then high school in Thayer, Missouri. He then worked with a CCC Camp in the Kansas City, Missouri area.

Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Sergeant in Headquarter’s Battery of the 459th Anti-Aircraft Artillary, which was attached to the 29th Infantry Division and at times attached to the 28th and 30th Infantry Divisions. He served as a Message Center Chief, leaving New York for England on October 22, 1943. He served in five major campaigns of the European Theater: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic Action in July 1944, and returned home on the Queen Elizabeth in 1945, later receiving an Honorable Discharge.

He was united in marriage to Betty Jean (Taylor) Griffith on January 23, 1946, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.To this union, two children were born, Gwen Sue (Griffith) Miller and Lewis Gene Griffith. Bob and Betty resided in Jonesboro, Arkansas, then moved to Thayer, Missouri, where they raised their children and lived for many years.
Bob worked for the Frisco and Burlington Northern Railroads as a Switchman, Yardmaster, Brakeman, and Conductor from October 1945 until his retirement in August 1983.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Gwen Sue (Griffith) Miller and his son, Lewis Gene Griffith, as well as his parents, three brothers, five sisters, two infant sister, and one great grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Taylor) Griffith, of Mountain View, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Judy Griffith of Memphis, Tennesse; son-in-law, Robert Miller of Mountain View, Missouri; granddaughter, Beth Davis and husband, Mark of Mountain View, Missouri; granddaughter, Amy Miller of Mountain View, Missouri; and two great-grandchildren, Robert Gene Davis and Janie Suzanne Davis of Mountain View, Missouri.

Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was a long-time member of the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and elder for many years. His faith was always strong and he was a great example of Christian living for many others. While Bob enjoyed fishing, farming, and was an avid Cardinals Fan, his priorities were always to his family and to serving the Lord.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Barry O’Dell officiating.  Burial was in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Michael Shawn Allen was born the son of Archie Allen and Helen (Stith) Allen on June 27, 1962, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on May 28, 2017, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 54 years.

He was united in marriage on May 16, 1999, in Thayer, Missouri, to Sharlet (Putman) Allen.

He is survived by his wife, Sharlet Allen, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; three children, Mikayla Shae Allen, Jadyn Sage Allen and Jordan Seth Reed and wife, Emily, all of Thayer, Missouri; three brothers, Harvey Allen and wife, Marcia, of Thayer, Missouri, Dane Allen of Springfield, Missouri, and Lark Allen of Gilbert, South Carolina; two sisters, Dian Hensley of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and Lana Armstrong and husband, Ernie of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Myla Reed of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Patricia Allen of Springfield, Missouri; five nephews, Eric Allen, Matthew Allen, Aaron Hensley, Andrew Hensley, and Nickolas Allen; one niece, Bevely Bailey; three great nieces; five great nephews; one great-great nephew; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Sharon Putman of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen Allen; one brother-in-law, Vernon Putman, Jr. and one infant niece.

Mike graduated from Thayer High School with the class of 1980. He was a prolific athlete, playing and earning accolades in football, track and basketball and also sang with the high school Boy’s Quartet. Mike was well-liked by his school-mates and was voted Mr. THS his senior year of high school. He made many friends while in school, many of which he kept for the duration of his life. After high school, Mike attended SMSU in Springfield, Missouri and worked at Bass Pro before moving back to Thayer and working for Allen American Realty as a real-estate agent for his family-owned real-estate office. He later began working at Cover Lumber Company in Thayer where he made many friends as well. Mike found a career in his father’s footsteps on the railroad where he was hired in 1996 for Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway as a conductor. In 1998 he became a locomotive engineer and spent the rest of his time with BNSF driving freight trains. Mike was a well-respected engineer and was well-liked by his colleagues, many of whom he grew close to during his 19 year career with BNSF.

Mike loved being outside, especially by the water. Going to the lake in the summer with his family and friends was a favorite past-time. He loved to boat and water-ski as well as to sit around the campfire with his loved ones. Mike had a love for travel that was instilled in him from his childhood. Mike took his family on many vacations to the beach where fond memories were made. He remained a life-long Thayer Bobcat supporter and fan. Mike loved attending Bobcat sports events, especially to watch his children play. Mike was a family-man at heart and found great joy in spending time with his wife and love of his life, whom he built a beautiful life and family with, his brothers and sisters who he always remained close to, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and his granddaughter, whom he was known to as “Poppy”.

Mike was a member of the Thayer Church of Christ and also attended church with his family at the Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church. He loved and enjoyed worshipping with both of his church families. He had a gift of being able to strike up a conversation and make people feel important. Mike’s sense of humor can be remembered by all. He loved to joke and make people laugh as much as he loved to laugh himself. There was seldom a dull moment when around Mike.

Mike’s laugh and loving nature, his kindness and willingness to help his family and friends and his warm smile will be cherished always by those who knew him. Mike will be remembered as a wonderful husband and dad, brother and uncle, as well as a friend.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ in Thayer with Shawn Deree officiating.

Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery 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 ALS Association of St. Louis Regional at 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146 or may be left at the funeral home.

Ruby Dean Barker was born the daughter of Hubert John Taylor and Virgie (Miller) Taylor on May 27, 1929, in Mammoth Spring. Arkansas and died May 20, 2017, in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 87 years.

She was united in marriage on September 20, 1947, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Owen Ray Barker who preceded her in death on February 24, 2004.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Hazel Barker of Eloy, Arizona; one sister, Betty Griffith and husband, Bob of Thayer, Missouri; two grandchilden, Shelly Justus and husband, Stephen of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Ray Barker and his wife, Missy, of Salem, Arkansas; five great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; several nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Virgie Taylor; her husband, Owen Ray Barker; her son, Danny Ray Barker; one brother, Douglas Taylor; two sisters, Meda Lemmons and Willie Rose Nicholson, and one adopted sister, Judy Jones.

She was a member of the Church of Christ since a young age and faithfully attended the Mammoth Spring congregation as long as health permitted. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary and the Mammoth Spring Garden Club. In her working years, she was employed as a Clerk for the State of Missouri in Fulton, Missouri for many years.

She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Funeral services for Ruby Barker will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Barry O’Dell officiating.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening at Carter Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.

Ronald Leon Keylon was born the son of Leon Keylon and Vondera (Hartgraves) Keylon, on February 22, 1951, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and died May 18, 2017, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 66 years.

He was united in marriage on February 4, 1967, at Koshkonong, Missouri to Sherrie Johnson.

He is survived by one daughter, Shelly King and husband, Barry of Bentonville, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Zach, Dylan and Delaney King; one great granddaughter, Olivia King all of Bentonville, Arkansas; Sherrie Johnson Keylon, the mother of his children, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one sister, Donna Keyes and husband, David of Paducah, Kentucky; one niece, Tammy Keyes; one nephew, Patrick Keyes; two great nephews, Steven and Seth; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Vondera Keylon; and one son, Kelly Keylon.

Ronnie enjoyed the outdoors and was a logger and farmer all of his life. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He would let you know when visiting with him, that his family and his friends were the most important things in his life.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Funeral services for Ronald Keylon were held, Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Charles Morgan officiating.

Burial was in Riverside Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.

Martin Dale Beatty was born the son Ralph Beatty and Audra (Martin) Beatty on January 9, 1939 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on May 18, 2017, at his cabin in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, at the age of 78 years.

He was united in marriage on October 7, 1960 in Thayer, Missouri to May Belle Janes.

He is survived by his wife, May Belle Beatty, of the home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two sons, Mike Beatty and wife, Paige of Jackson, Missouri and Matt Beatty and wife, Rachel of Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Marshall and Cassidy Beatty of Jackson, Missouri and Zach Beatty of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Iris Alford of Thayer, Missouri and Ralpha Phillips of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; three nephews; four nieces; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Audra Beatty; one sister, Ruthene Alexander and husband, John; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otis and Irene Janes and one brother-in-law, Denton Alford.

As we celebrate the life of Martin, we reflect on the life of he had. His name was obtained from his mother’s maiden name. He also became known by the nickname Butch, given by his friend, Bonnie at eleven years old. He is still known by this nickname today. He was born, raised and spent his entire life in Thayer. He was the youngest of four, having three older sisters. He was drafted into the army spending two years in Fort Hood, Texas, where he was deployed during the Cuban missile crisis. He started work for the Frisco railroad, where he worked for 31 years.

He enjoyed sharing his love of trains with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed being outside, working on his yard, wood working, and carpenter work. Martin also enjoyed traveling. He took pleasure in taking two weeks vacations to travel around the country and taking his grandchildren on vacation every summer. He delighted in homemade ice cream, blackberry cobbler and had a passion for black walnuts. He took great pride in his grandchildren. He devoted his time and energy into the upkeep of the Rose Hill one room school- house and cemetery.

Martin was a member of the First Baptist Church of Thayer since 1951. He was also a member of the American Legion for 42 years.

Butch was a very strong supporter of the Thayer Bobcats, if he could not be at the game, he was listening to the games on the radio.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.

Funeral services for Martin D. Beatty will be held Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Thayer First Baptist Church with Brother Jared Russell officiating.

Burial with full military honors, will in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer

Helen Louise Halcomb was born the daughter of William Guy Rogers and Madge (Bell) Rogers on July 6, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri and died on May 7, 2017, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 91 years.

She was united in marriage on November 9, 1957, at Savannah, Missouri to Odis Clifford Halcomb, who preceded her in death on October 17, 2002.

She is survived by two sons, Ron Kircher and wife, Rosie of Springfield, Missouri and John Halcomb of Arlington, Texas; one daughter, Lora Halcomb Wilson and husband, Mark of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jennie Halcomb of Austin, Texas and Cole Wilson of St. Louis, Missouri; one brother, Ralph Rogers and wife, Betty of West Plains, Missouri; two nieces, Linda Ward and Marla Rogers; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Madge Rogers; her husband, Clifford Halcomb and two nephews, Jerry and Keith Rogers.

She was a member of Gambrill Gardens Church in Ellisville. Missouri.

Louise was an active person. She served as Vice-President of the Residential Council and was a member of the Welcoming Committee where she lived. Louise loved being a mom and grandmother. She enjoyed volunteer work, reading, sewing, history, music, collecting family photos and spending time with family and friends.

She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

Funeral services for Helen Louise Halcomb will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 10th at the funeral home from 6-8 PM.

Burial will be in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Brent Martin Godwin was born the son of Martin Edward Godwin and Ruby Roberta (Cathorall) Godwin, on July 14, 1960, in Alton, Illinois and died May 6, 2017, in Salem, Arkansas the age of 56 years.

He was united in marriage on August 23, 1980, at Wirth, Arkansas to Angela Sims.
He is survived by his wife, Angela of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one daughter, Tiffany Godwin of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and fiancè , Michael Langley; one son, Corey Godwin and wife, Lauren of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Avery, Landen, Chase and Miya; eight brothers and sisters, Brenda Arnold and husband, Dr. Griffin Arnold of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Becky Quihot and husband, Bill of Cotter, Arkansas, Sherry Waller and husband, Paul of Royal, Arkansas, Stephen Godwin and wife, Shelia of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Philip Godwin and wife, Annette of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Karen Crowe and husband, James of Camp, Arkansas, Sarah Inabinett and husband, Bleu of Beebe, Arkansas, and Paula Johnson and husband, Corey of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; several nieces, nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Roberta Godwin and one brother, Joseph Godwin.

Benny was an auto mechanic and enjoyed drag racing, bike riding, re-building cars, and loved spending time with his grandkids.

He was a Christian and attended the Bible Tabernacle Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Benny was a well known and respected man in the community and will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services for Brent “Benny” Godwin were held Monday, May 8, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Laban Miller and Brother Jared Russell officiating.

The family received friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 PM until service time.

Burial was in Thayer Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in Thayer.

Bernice Geneva (Clark) Sorrell was born the daughter of William Bascom Clark and Grace Frances (Jenkins) Clark on July 27, 1925, in Myrtle, Missouri and died on May 6, 2017, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 91 years.

She was united in marriage on September 6, 1944, at Pocahontas, Arkansas, to David Sorrell, who preceded her in death on April 3, 2014.

She is survived by three sisters-in-law, Louise Sorrell of Thayer, Missouri, Mabel Jo Gardner of Springfield, Missouri, and Jerry Quinn of Strafford, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Bob Sorrell and wife, Mary Lou of Myrtle, Missouri; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bascom and Grace Clark; her husband, David Sorrell; six brothers, Robert, Champ, Worth, Morris, Sherman, and Russell G. Clark; three sisters, Mildred Trantham, Doris Brown, and Carolyn Clark.

Geneva was a graduate of Couch High School with the class of 1943. Later she returned to her alma mater as bookkeeper and secretary of the Couch R-1 Board of Education, retiring after thirty-two years of dedicated service.

She was very active in her community and supported many local events and organizations, including Myrtle Senior Citizens Center, Couch School, Myrtle Fire Department, and Myrtle Yesterdaze.

Even though she and David had no children, many family members received love as they felt a strong family unit is important to one’s happiness and stability, demonstrated more completely through Christian love and fellowship.

She was a devout Christian lady and a faithful member of the Myrtle Free Will Baptist Church, serving as secretary/treasurer as long as health permitted.

She will truly be missed by her family, her friends, and the community in which she lived.

Funeral services were Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Myrtle Free Will Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri with Reverend Ralph Douglas and Reverend Dale Skiles officiating. Burial was in Myrtle Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Ray Vergil Whiteside was born the son of Fred Whiteside and Alice Carrie (Irvin) Whiteside, on December 1, 1919, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and died May 4, 2017, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 97 years.

He was united in marriage on September 16, 1940, at Alton, Missouri to Daisy Mae Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Daisy Whiteside of the home in of Thayer, Missouri, three daughters, Donna Fink and husband, Doyle, Kay Bible and Terri Hull and husband, Danny, all of Thayer, Missouri; three grandchildren, Michael Fink of Forney, Texas, Cindi Fink of Thayer, Missouri and Billie Barnes of O’Fallon, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Joshua, Nicholas and Alex; several nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice Whiteside; one son-in-law, Larry Bible; two brothers, Bert and Luther Whiteside, and one sister, Lucille Martin.

Ray worked for Frisco Railroad, as Conductor and Brakeman, retiring after many years of service.

He enjoyed trail riding, motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and farming, however, what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family.

Ray was a long time member of Shiloh Grand Gulf Church. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will truly be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.

Funeral services for Ray Whiteside, age 97, of Thayer, Missouri, were held Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Dennis Williams officiating.

The family  received friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 PM until service time.

Burial was in Thayer Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc in  Thayer.

Donald Eugene Pepper, age 72, of Greensboro, GA passed away Monday, May 1, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, GA after a long battle with multiple illnesses.  He was born October 24, 1944 in Little Rock, AR the son of the late Roy Pepper and Hazel Strauser Pepper.  After graduating from Mammoth Spring High School in Arkansas in 1962, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1967, relocating to Savannah, GA where he attended Savannah Voc-Tech and Savannah State College, studying electronics and computer programming.  In April, 1972, he enlisted in GA Air National Guard and was assigned to 117^th Air Control Squadron at Hunter Army-Air Field and during his service, he received many awards and decorations by the USAF and GANG to include the Meritorious Service Medal.  He also received his Associates Degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Communications Technology.  He retired from the military on December 31, 2001, with over thirty-five years of military service.

Extremely patriotic, he took tremendous pride in serving his country, as well as pride in his schnauzer dogs and college football (especially UGA Bulldogs and Arkansas Razorbacks).   After residing in Pooler since 1972, he relocated in 2012 to Greensboro, GA where he and his wife could be closer to their daughter.

Donald is survived by his wife of nearly forty-five years, Fleta Glover Pepper of Greensboro, GA; daughter, Michelle Carter Stroup and her husband Eddie of Atlanta, GA; sister, Phyllis Pepper Diederich of Pooler, GA;  a number of nieces, nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Francis Pepper.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at McCommons Chapel, 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA with Mike Horn officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until time for the service.

Visitation will also be held at 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home, 827 Chestnut Street, Thayer, MO 65791 on Saturday, May 13, 2017.  Interment with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with Erman Croney officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148, St. Mary’s Hospice, P. O. Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604 or the charity of your choice.

Local arrangements will be under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.