Thayer

Shirley Marie (Simms) Manes was born the daughter of Amil O. Simms and Irene L. (Jackson) Simms on March 17, 1938, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life September 5, 2015, at her home in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.

She was united in marriage on August 28, 1975, at Alton, Missouri, to George Manes.

She is survived by her brother, Ray Simms of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Eva Ashford of Thayer, Missouri; one niece, Kimberly Ray of Texas; one nephew, Ronnie Simms and wife, Michelle of Thayer, Missouri; two great nieces, Kacey and Austyn; three great nephews, James, Donald Joe and Shane; one great-great niece, Kyliegh “Brooks”; and one great-great nephew, Brayson; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Irene and Luther Wideman; and her father, Amil Simms.

Shirley was a dedicated homemaker. She was a factory worker and was employed by Lee‘s Curtains in Thayer for several years.

She enjoyed crocheting, baking and decorating wedding cakes, and painting.

She was of the Baptist faith and will be remembered as a loving sister and aunt, as well as a loyal friend. She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Graveside services for Mrs. Manes will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, in the Two Mile Cemetery, West of Thayer, Missouri with Brother Johnny Holesapple officiating.

Judith Audrey Loreen Parker was born the daughter of Andrew Free Estep and Alice Marlene (Neal) Estep on April 10, 1962, in Phoenix, Arizona, and departed this life August 30, 2015, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 53 years.

She was united in marriage on September 17, 2001, at Salem, Arkansas, to Ron Parker.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Parker of the home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; her father, Andrew Estep and wife, Janet of Joplin, Missouri; two children, Lorenda Roberson and husband, Jason, and Joe Anderson, all of South Fork, Missouri; three step-children, Jamie Green and husband, Todd of Mammoth Spring, Ronald Dean Parker, II of Rochester, Minnesota, and Samantha Johnson of Ava, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; one brother, Mark Estep and wife, Cindy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; one sister, Joe Ann Washam and husband, Jim of Mammoth Spring; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Estep, and one grandson, Silas Blayne Anderson.

Judy was a graduate of the West Plains High School, graduating with the class of 1980.

She was a Certified Medication Technician and employed at West Vue Nursing Center for a total of thirty-four years. Judy was a nurse with a servants heart, always showing love and compassion to all residents.

She dearly loved her grandchildren and her favorite role in life was Mamaw. Judy enjoyed sewing and took great pride in her flower garden.

She was a Christian lady, and will be remembered for her genuine smile and giving spirit. She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Graveside services for Mrs. Parker will be held Friday, September 4, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri, with Reverend Jim Parker officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Thayer Cemetery on Friday afternoon, September 4^th, from 1:00 PM until service time.

Melissa Ellen Smith was born the daughter of Charles Morton Smith and Opal Marie (Clark) Smith on November 9, 1947, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life August 30, 2015, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 67 years.

She is survived by one sister, Charlene Smith McGarvey of North Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, Michael A. Smith of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Opal Smith, and one infant son, Michael Heath Corp.

Melissa was a graduate of the Mammoth Spring High School, graduating with the class of 1965.

She began her working career at the local garment factory, later known as Lee’s Curtains, in Thayer, Missouri, where she was employed a total of thirty-three years.

Melissa enjoyed her job as cashier in the retail grocery business, retiring from Harps Grocery after fourteen years of service.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mammoth Spring and the Spring River Lion’s Club.

Melissa enjoyed her time spent as a volunteer aide for the Kindergarten class at the Mammoth Spring Elementary School.

She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Arkansas Razorbacks fan and was known for her beautiful handmade counted cross-stitch work.

She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, great smile, and warm and giving spirit. She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Melissa’s family will receive friends on Thursday, September 3, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

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

Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Reba Juanita (Paxton) Callahan was born the daughter of Lonnie L. Paxton and Anna Mae (Lasseter) Paxton on July 3, 1932, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and died on August 27, 2015, at her home in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 83 years.

She was united in marriage on May 15, 1954 at Thayer, Missouri, to Travis Callahan.

She is survived by her husband, Travis Callahan of the home in Springfield; two sons, Jack Callahan and wife, Suzanne of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Neal Callahan and wife, Jennifer of Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chase Callahan and wife, Morgan, Carter Callahan and Emily Prince; one brother, Richard Paxton and wife, Hazel of Olive Branch, Mississippi; one sister-in-law, Shirley Kerby of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four nephews, Mike Paxton, Jeff Paxton, Tim Paxton and Ryan Kerby; two nieces, Denise Frazier and Melinda Kerby; other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Anna Mae Paxton; one brother-in-law, Cletes Kerby; and one nephew, Richard Kerby.

Reba was a graduate of the Mammoth Spring High School, graduating with the class of 1950.

She was a proficient bookkeeper, starting her long career with Memphis Light, Gas & Water. After returning to Thayer, she worked for many years as bookkeeper for Central Ozarks Livestock Auction as well as various other livestock auctions in the area.

Reba worked in real estate sales for several years with United Farm Agency. She, along with business partner, Sam Rhoades was instrumental in establishing Country Network/Town & Country Realty where she worked as Broker/Partner.

She enjoyed painting landscapes, and caring for her home and family. She was a long time member of the First Assembly of God Church in Thayer.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving Mother and grandmother, and a friend to all.

Funeral services for Mrs. Callahan will be held Monday, August 31, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Dr. Jeff Paxton officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Sunday afternoon, August 30th from 2:00 until 4:00 PM.

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

Delbert Lee Oakes was born the son of Arthur Oakes and Myrtle (Wicker) Oakes on March 21, 1935, in Hardy, Arkansas, and died on August 25, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 80 years.

He is survived by three daughters, Linda Boyd of Long Beach, Mississippi, Karen Hayden of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Janet Powell and husband, James of Gulf Port, Mississippi; eight grandchildren, Brett Richards, Brian McBride II, Joshua Pace, Amanda Crose, Heather Pace, Adam Miller, Brittany Smith, and Melissa Hayden; eleven great grandchildren; three brothers, Melburn Oakes of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Arthur Oakes, Jr. and wife, Charlotte of Thayer, Missouri, and Jerry Oakes and wife, Ella of Thayer, Missouri; one sister, Leta Case and husband, Harlin of Hardy, Arkansas; and one uncle, Norman Oakes of Hardy, Arkansas; other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur and Myrtle Oakes.

Delbert was employed as an assembly line worker at Ford Motor Company in St. Louis, Missouri, retiring after twenty-eight years of service.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish, especially fishing on the Mississippi River. Delbert enjoyed gardening and tending to his apple and peach orchard.

He was a great storyteller and would entertain others as long as they cared to sit and listen.

Delbert will be remembered as a kind and simple man who enjoyed the beauty of nature and everything it gave to him. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Mr. Oakes will be held Friday, August 28, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Shawn Deree officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Thursday evening, August 27^th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Burial will be in McCollough Cemetery near Wirth, Arkansas, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.

Loyd Santford Langston was born the son of Lenzy Lee Langston and Gleora (Frazier) Langston on May 12, 1921, in Saddle, Arkansas, and died on August 23, 2015, in The Woodlands, Texas, at the age of 94 years.

He was united in marriage on August 10, 1941, at Hardy, Arkansas, to Marie Johnson, who preceded him in death on December 6, 2010.

He is survived by his son, Frank Langston and wife, Judy of Conroe, Texas; three grandchildren, Kim Grimes and husband, Lynn, Sheila Orlando and husband, Ron, and Larry Langston and wife, Christine; seven great grandchildren, Jay Hebert, Cody Grimes, Adrienne Orlando, Kelly Orlando, Cole Langston, Ben Langston and Beau Langston; one brother, Bill Langston; and one sister, Rosemary Washam and husband, Edd; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-nine years, Marie Langston; his parents, Lenzy and Gleora Langston; one brother, Boyd Langston; and one sister, Mildred Sutherland.

Loyd was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving in the 997^th Special Service Engineer Battalion during World War II.

He was employed as an Agent for Delta Airlines, retiring after thirty-four years of service.

Loyd was a Christian man and will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services for Mr. Langston, will be held Sunday, August 30, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with Barry O’Dell officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, on Saturday evening, August 29^th, from 6:00 until 7:00 PM.

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

Russell Dwight Holmes was born the son of John R. Holmes and Velma (Muse) Holmes on October 28, 1931, in Alton, Missouri, and departed this life August 14, 2015, at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 83 years.

He was united in marriage on May 27, 1985, at Alton, Missouri, to Tammy Casey.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Holmes of the home near Alton, Missouri; two sons, Travis Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, and J.C. Holmes of Columbia, Missouri; one sister, Lucille Cargill of South Gate, Michigan; three nieces, Eva Fern Morris, Anita Ruth Brown and Betty Nan Asarian; father-in-law, John Lewis Casey; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Velma Holmes; one sister, Lena Watson; two brothers-in-law, Ray Watson and Clifford Cargill; mother-in-law, Emma Lou Casey; and two special nephews, Carl Watson and Bryan Watson.

Dwight was a farmer by trade, and an auctioneer. He worked as a Salesman for Ram Auto Parts in Thayer for many years and served as Oregon County Collector for six years. He was later employed by the University of Missouri, working as a Small Farm Specialist, retiring after several years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed a good quail hunt with his friends.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean conflict.

Dwight was a life-long member of Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed southern gospel music and was a well-known bass singer, singing with the Singing Relations Quartet and also the Leroy Chronister Quartet.

He will be remembered as a deeply devoted husband, father, friend and neighbor. He will truly be missed by his family, friends and the neighborhood in which he lived.

Funeral Services for Mr. Holmes will be Sunday, August 16, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Smyrna Church near Alton, with Brother Bill Bales officiating.

The body will lie in state on Saturday evening, August 15^th, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

Burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery near Alton, Missouri.

Virginia McClure, age 96, of Lady Lake, Florida, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, died at 12:15 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at The Springs of Lady Lake in Lady Lake, Florida.

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

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. McClure’s family requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and may be left at the Funeral Home in Thayer.

Betty Rae (Ford) Davis was born the daughter of Benjamin Earl Ford and Mary Ruth (Cowgill) Ford on August 15, 1935, in Filer, Idaho, and departed this life on August 5, 2015, at her home in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 79 years.

She was united in marriage on May 15, 1954, in Mineral county, Nevada, to Clifton Davis, who preceded her in death on November 6, 1991.

She is survived by two daughters, Leona “Susie” Morse and husband, Mirl of Ceres, California, and Mary Keener and husband, Paul of Thayer, Missouri; two sons, Ron Davis and wife, Rita of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Lee Davis and wife, Susan of Ceres, California; one daughter-in-law, Debra Davis of Copperas Cove, Texas; nine grandchildren, Mirl “Buddy” Morse, Jr., Shawna Santana, Katie Jurado, Nicole Boston, Lee Davis, Jr., Lisa Davis, Shannon Davis, Shaun Davis and Ashley Phillips; eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Kay Napoleon of Gresham, Oregon; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Benjamin and Mary Ford; her husband of thirty-seven years, Clifton Davis; and one son, Steve Davis.

Betty was a dedicated homemaker and a strong Christian lady. She enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, playing Bingo and slot machines. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and cherished the moments spent with them.

She was a member of Reigning in Life Tabernacle in Modesto, California, where she proudly served as church secretary for ten years before moving to Missouri.

She will be remembered as a loving and caring mother and grandmother, a wonderful sister, and a loyal friend. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Davis’ memory to the American Diabetes Association and may be sent to Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

In memorium, a rose bush may be planted to honor a beautiful life.

Erma Grace (Hodge) Clark-Mann was born the daughter of Eldia Lee Hodge and Anna Lora (Barnett) Hodge on January 9, 1943, in Moko, Arkansas, and departed this life on August 2, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 72 years.

She was united in marriage on April 9, 1966, at Salem, Arkansas, to Hearl Clifford Clark, who preceded her in death on January 23, 1996.

She was united in marriage on October 6, 1996, at Brandsville, Missouri, to Wilbur Clyde Mann, who preceded her in death on August 14, 2014

She is survived by one son, Rick P. Clark and wife, Robin of Derby, Kansas; one daughter, Erma Lea Bansal of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Lee Clark, Gregrey Paul Clark and wife, Erika, Nupur Bansal, Vishal Bansal, Ashley Nichole Clark, and Alexander James Clark; three great grandchildren, Hayden Elise Clark, Payton Elizabeth Clark, and Hunter Layne Clark; one brother, Lonnie Hodge; two sisters, Anna Ruth Brucker and Martha Britt; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Eldia and Lora Hodge; one son, Clifford Wayne Clark; one grandson, Austin Wayne Clark; two brothers, Frances Hodge and Cecil Hodge; four sisters, May Sandridge, Pearl Shelton, Nancy Young, and Dorothy Crawford and infant twins, Frankie Sydney and Eldia James Hodge.

Grace was a strong and dedicated Christian lady. After the untimely death of her mother and at the age of 11, Grace left school to care for her brothers and sisters. Throughout her life she continued to fulfill the needs of others in her community with unconditional love and devotion.

She enjoyed growing and canning vegetables, her flower garden, making crafts, attending auctions and finding a good yard sale.

Grace was a lifetime member of the Mammoth Spring VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 7831. She truly honored, respected, and showed gratitude for all veterans.

Grace never met a stranger and loved to greet friends and family with a hug. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, caring heart and giving spirit. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Mann’s family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, on Thursday, August 6, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

A private burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery at Myrtle, Missouri.