Thayer

Betty Sue Bamber was born the daughter of Woodrow Crass and Mildred (Wilson) Crass on April 9, 1937, at Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life December 15, 2015, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 78 years.

She was united in marriage August 20, 1953, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Anthony Bamber, Sr., who preceded her in death on March 22, 2013.

She is survived by one son, Roger Lee Bamber and wife, Debbie of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one daughter, Charlotte Kay Chouinard and husband, David of Cleveland, Ohio; nine grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one sister, Glenda Scott of Camdenton, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Mildred Crass; her husband, Tony Bamber; one son, Anthony Bamber, Jr.; and one sister, Barbara Stairs.

Betty was employed by General Electric in Morriston, Illinois for many years, working in Quality Control.

She was very active in the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Citizens Center, serving on the Board of Directors; involved in the renovation building project; and compiling cookbooks for fundraisers.

Betty, along with her husband, Tony, shared in their favorite pastime of shopping and collecting antiques. She especially enjoyed her rooster collection and hurricane lamps.

She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. She will be remembered by her family as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and loyal friend. She will truly be missed by all.

Funeral Services for Betty Bamber, age 78, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Erman Croney officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Friday evening, December 18th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Fun and Friends Senior Citizens Center in Thayer, and may be left at the funeral home.

Lola Opal Warren James was born the daughter of William Grant Watson and Susie Armentia (Denney) Watson on October 21, 1915, in Alton, Missouri, and departed this life on December 6, 2015, in Alton, Missouri, at the age of 100 years.

She was united in marriage April 18, 1935, at Alton, Missouri, to Arthur T. Warren, who preceded her in death on April 17, 1964. She was united in marriage March 14, 1983, at Alton, Missouri, to Ernest James, who preceded her in death on September 27, 1999.

She is survived by one son, Perry E. Warren and wife, Jeannie of Alton, Missouri; one daughter, Margaret Ann Booker and husband, Lonnie of Morris, Illinois; ten grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; ten great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Susie Watson; her husbands; one son, Jerry Warren; three brothers, Emery, Ray, and Russell Watson and one infant brother, Perry; three sisters, Laura Wiggs, Mary Lou Hollis, and Auddie Warren.

Besides being a dedicated homemaker, Lola was a clerk, working in retail sales for many years.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting, was an excellent cook, and well known for her delicious chicken and dumplings.

Lola was a life-long member of Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church and will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother. She will truly be missed by her family and dear friends at Shepherd’s View.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with David Langston officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, on Wednesday, December 9th, from 10:00 AM until service time.

Burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery near Alton, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Three Rivers Hospice and may be left at the funeral home in Thayer.

Charles David Melton was born the son of Carthel Thomas Melton and Geraldine Quartess (Sisk) Melton on May 20, 1942, in Doniphan, Missouri, and departed this life December 3, 2015, at his home in Couch, Missouri, at the age of 73 years.

He was united in marriage on June 18, 1960, in Cotton Creek Free Will Baptist Church at Couch, Missouri, to his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lou Combs.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda “LuLu” Melton of the home in Couch; five children, Shelia “Sheedoe” Mitchener and husband, Clifford of Alton, Thomas “Whistler” Melton and wife, Denice of Thayer, Cynthia “Punkin” Melton and Debra “Short Stuff” Bowman and husband, Brook, all of West Plains, Duane “DooDinky” Melton and wife, Tara of Tipton; twelve grandchildren, Jessica Whitney “Mohicker” Smith and husband, Kevin of Couch, Jeremy Scott “Sidewinder” Mitchener of Alton, Alexandra Denise “PeeWee” Russell and husband, Justin of Poplar Bluff, Caitlyn Marie “Fussbudget” Holder and husband, Chadney of Imboden, Arkansas, Britteny Ann “Lil’ Indian” Pierce and husband, Ethan of Camp, Arkansas, Brooke Ariannah “Horsey” Williams and husband, Eric of Springfield, Thomas Macoy “Feudin” Melton of Thayer, Crystal Dawn “Curley” Doran, Orvil David “Oddly” Doran, Brenna Leigh “Onion Head” Melton of West Plains, Tiffany Jo “Cricket” Orchard and husband, Derek of Alton, and Rocky Darren “Gravel” Holesapple II of West Plains; nine great grandchildren, Aaliyah Dawn Levi Curly, Alex Rockwell Williams, Calvin Wade “Gadabout” Smith, Mason Scott “Brick Layer” Mitchener, Whitney Gail “Run Around Sue” Smith, Carleigh Reece Russell, Aubree Jo Orchard, Woodrow Knox Williams, and a great grandson on the way; one brother, Leon Melton and wife, Carol of Couch; one sister, Dianne Cypret and husband, Orville of Paducah, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Norma Risner of Springfield; one brother-in-law, Ron Combs and wife, Darlene of Thayer; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carthel and Geraldine Melton; an infant brother, Philip Melton; grandparents, “Ma” Roxie and Charlie Sisk, and Elzia and Maude Melton; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leamon and Ada Combs; one son-in-law, Jack Doran; and one daughter-in-law.

During his career, Charles David worked at Mammoth Spring Shoe, Pigman Ranch, Young’s Produce, Ledgerwood Lumber Company, and was co-owner/builder of Rockin’ “M” Sales. He obtained his private pilot’s license with the handle “three bounce Charlie” as he always landed the plane with three bounces on the runway.

He was a charter member of the Thayer Camp of Gideons International since 1987. Charles David was a faithful member of Cotton Creek Free Will Baptist Church since June 15, 1958, and became a deacon June 13, 1971.

He loved to hunt and fish and instilled this love in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed being a farmer, liked John Deere equipment, was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed Kansas City Royals baseball. Charles David’s hobby of woodworking was his favorite pastime and he loved to make various wood items for the family.

Charles David loved serving the Lord and instilled his faith and love of God in his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and the community in which he lived.

Funeral Services for Charles David Melton, age 73, of Couch, Missouri, will be held Monday, December 7, 2015, at 2:00 PM, at the Cotton Creek Church in Couch, Missouri with Brother Russell Hensley officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, December 6th, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Cotton Creek Cemetery in Couch, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Melton’s memory to The Gideons International, and may be left at the Funeral Home in Thayer.

Thelma Louise Godfrey was born the daughter of Lucien Lawrence “L.L.” McLeod and Lydia Jane (Higgins) McLeod on June 10, 1918, in Dallas, Texas, and departed this life December 2, 2015, in Huntington, Texas, at the age of 97 years.

She was united in marriage May 1, 1953, at Houston, Texas to Harry Lee Godfrey, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by one nephew, Jerry Reeves and wife, Elizabeth of Peoria, Arizona, and her treasured friends, Eddie and Joyce Burkett of Lufkin, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, L.L. and Lydia Jane McLeod; her husband, Harry Godfrey; one sister, Ruby Reeves; one brother, Clarence Blount; and two nephews, Donald Reeves and Roger Reeves.

Thelma was a world traveler, starting her journey at the very early age of 13 when she left home to visit her sister, Ruby in the state of California. During her lifetime she traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada.

Although Thelma’s trade was primarily a waitress, she also managed a hotel, traveled with a circus, lived in Florida on a houseboat, and finally moved to Mammoth Spring in the late 1950’s with her husband, Harry and became a farmer’s wife.

After the death of her husband, Thelma continued to live in Mammoth Spring with her sister, Ruby, until her move to Lufkin, Texas in 2007.

Although she had no children of her own, Thelma was a second mother to her three nephews, Donald, Roger, and Jerry Reeves.

She was of the Free Will Baptist faith and will be remembered as a devoted sister, loving aunt, and a loyal friend.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Godfrey will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 10:00 AM, in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Brother Richard Robinson officiating.

The family will receive friends at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer on Monday evening, December 7th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Zachary Gene Revelle was born the son of Kelly Gene Revelle and Sheryl Lynn (Pashea) Revelle on June 17, 1994, in Granite City, Illinois, and departed this life November 28, 2015, in Saint Louis, Missouri, at the age of 21 years.

He is survived by his parents, Kelly and Sheryl Revelle of Koshkonong, Missouri; one brother, Austin Ryan Revelle of Koshkonong, Missouri; paternal grandmother, Imogene Revelle; maternal grandmother, Sylvia Pashea; two uncles, Dan Revelle and wife, Jane and Mel Pashea and partner, Ray Simon; two aunts, Gloria Harrison and husband, Bill and Suzie Pashea; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bill Revelle; maternal grandfather, Carroll Pashea; and one aunt, Sandra Pashea.

Zach was a graduate of the Koshkonong High School, graduating with the class of 2012. He was an active and proud member of the Koshkonong FFA Chapter.

He was a thrill seeker with an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed riding four wheelers, driving and repairing trucks, and deer hunting with his family.

He worked in the family business, Revelle’s Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling, along side his dad as a HVAC installer.

Zach had a zest for life and always surrounded himself with great friends and a loving family. This fine young man will be remembered for his vibrant smile, heart of love, kind spirit, and generous personality.

While he will be greatly missed by family and friends, Zach’s memory will live on in the unselfish gift of life to others through organ donations.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 12:30 in the afternoon, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

The body will Lie-In-State at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Friday evening, December 4th, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday morning, December 5th, from 10:00 AM until service time.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions to assist with funeral expenses may be given at Carter Funeral Home or Great Southern Bank.

Vondera Earlene Keylon was born the daughter of Sterling Hartgraves and Ruth (Stuart) Hartgraves on December 28, 1926, in Union, Arkansas, and departed this life November 28, 2015, in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 88 years and 11 months.

She was united in marriage February 24, 1945, at Union, Arkansas to Leon Kenneth Keylon, who preceded her in death on May 27, 2011.

She is survived by one daughter, Donna Keyes and husband, David of Paducah, Kentucky; one son, Ronald Leon Keylon of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Sherrie Keylon of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Shelly King and husband, Barry of Bentonville, Arkansas, Tammy Keyes of Paducah, Kentucky, and Patrick Keyes of Grand Chain, Illinois; five great grandchildren, Zach King, Dylan King, Delaney King, Steven Harris, and Seth Staples; one great great granddaughter, Olivia King; two sisters, Faye Warden of Oxford, Arkansas and Cecile Brewer and husband, Paul of Thayer, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sterling Hartgraves and Ruth Hartgraves Crain; her husband, Leon Keylon; one grandson, Ronald Kelly Keylon; and two sisters, Buna Estes and Georgia Cochran.

Von and her husband, Leon owned and operated Leon’s Garage in Mammoth Spring, where she was bookkeeper for many years.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring. Mrs. Keylon enjoyed reading the Bible, cooking for family gatherings, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, a true friend and neighbor. She will truly be missed by her family, many friends, and the community in which she lived.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at 11:00 AM in Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Charles Morgan officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, from 10:00 AM until service time.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.

Hiram Junior Honeycutt was born the son of Hiram Honeycutt and Gertie (Jones) Honeycutt on June 18, 1938, in Randolph County, Arkansas, and departed this life November 23, 2015, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 77 years.

He was united in marriage on May 5, 1960, in Fulton County, Arkansas, to Shirley Ann Whiteside.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Honeycutt of the home in Ravenden, Arkansas; two sons, Jeffrey Dale Honeycutt and wife, Linda of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Jason Daniel Honeycutt and wife, Ashley of Ravenden, Arkansas; five granddaughters, Renea Parker and husband, David, Cheyenne Honeycutt, Samantha Honeycutt, Jordyn Ritchie, and Jasley Honeycutt; four great granddaughters, Amanda Parker, Lauren Parker, Molly Parker, and Caroline Parker; two sisters-in-law, Erma Honeycutt of Myrtle, Missouri, and Sue Hampton of Thayer, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Gertie Honeycutt; one granddaughter, Amanda Dawn Honeycutt; three brothers, Wesley Honeycutt, Less Honeycutt, and Noel Honeycutt; and seven sisters, Ora Lee Schism, Ava Lavely, Anola Garrison, Zelda Walker, Doris Barnett, Elizabeth Rutledge, and Robby Jean Davenport.

Hiram was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

He was a carpenter by trade, building many homes, barns, and doing other construction work in the area for many years.

Hiram enjoyed country life and the time spent on the family farm. He was a beef cattle farmer, enjoyed his mules and wagon, and was talented in harness and leather work.

He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 28, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer, Missouri, with Brother John Honeycutt officiating.

The family will receive friends at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer on Saturday from 1:00 PM until service time.

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

Tressie Louise Michaels was born the daughter of Otto Dowdy and Lourana (Bell) Dowdy on July 28, 1929, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life November 4, 2015, in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 86 years.

She was united in marriage on January 14, 1950, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Earl Emerson Michaels, who preceded her in death on December 10, 2000.

She is survived by one daughter, Karen “Susie” Earls and husband, Nicky of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Marica Michaels of Mammoth Spring; four grandchildren, Nicole Earls of Mammoth Spring, Earl Wayne Michaels, Jr. and wife, Leah of Lake City, Arkansas, Nathan Michaels of Mammoth Spring, and Joseph Earls and wife, Kayla of Paragould, Arkansas; nine great grandchildren, Rebecca, Lillian, Xander, Curtis, Caleb, Landan, Kelsey, Trey, and McKinley; one brother, Johnnie Dowdy and wife, Linda of Koshkonong, Missouri; two sisters, Ruby Hollis of Thayer, Missouri and Lora Abney and husband, Bill of Thayer; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Lourana Dowdy; her husband, Earl E. Michaels; one son, Earl Wayne Michaels; one brother, Jesse Dowdy; one nephew, Boyd Hollis; one brother-in-law, Leahmon Hollis; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Dowdy.

Tressie was a lifelong resident of the Mammoth Spring/Thayer area. She was a graduate of the Mammoth Spring High School, graduating with the class of 1947. She was employed at the shirt factory in Salem, Arkansas for many years. During her working career, Tressie will be remembered as the owner and operator of Michael’s Variety Store in Mammoth Spring, where shoppers were welcome and many folks stopped by for a good visit around the old wood stove.

She was a fantastic cook, loved hosting family gatherings, and was known for her famous potatoes and gravy.

Tressie enjoyed working along side her husband, Earl, on the family
farm, working in her flower garden, and growing beautiful houseplants.

Mrs. Michaels was a long-time member of the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, and was active with the Fulton County Historical Society.

She dearly loved her family and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will truly be missed by her family, friends and the community in which she lived.

Funeral services for Mrs. Michaels will be Friday, November 6, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Barry O’Dell officiating.

The family will receive friends at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer on Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in Moten Cemetery near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in her memory to the Moten Cemetery, and may be left at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

Vanna Imogene Becker was born the daughter of Allen Odus Pollock and Maude Elizabeth (Haile) Pollock on July 14, 1925, in Monette, Arkansas, and departed this life October 31, 2015, at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.

She was united in marriage on December 30, 1960, at Geneva, Illinois, to Robert Adolph Becker, who preceded her in death on June 1, 1988.

She is survived by one son, Dudley Keith Sook and wife, Karen of Osceola, Iowa; one daughter, Pamela Jo Sook and husband, Mike Bell of Rosebush, Michigan; three grandchildren, Christopher Sook (Holly), Tonya McCloney, and Jeffery Sook; six great-grandchildren; her niece, Patricia Curtis; other relatives and many friends.

Mrs. Becker was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Maude Pollock; her husband, Robert Becker; her brother, Thaddeus Dudley Pollock; and a granddaughter, Tina Marie Sook.

Vanna was a homemaker and also worked as purchaser and cook for Waynes Drug Store in Geneva, Illinois for several years.

Mrs. Becker moved to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with her husband, Robert in 1969. They were actively involved in the community where Vanna was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxillary for many years. She and Robert also were regular participants at the Mammoth Spring Senior Life Center. After Robert’s death, Vanna continued attending events at the senior center and enjoyed being with dear friends.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, and will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services for Mrs. Becker will be Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Tuesday, November 3rd, from 6:00 until 7:00 PM.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Becker’s memory to the Mammoth Spring Senior Citizen Center, and may be left at the Funeral Home in Thayer.