Thayer

John Kersey was born the son of Luther Monroe “Bud” Kersey and Della Alice (Wiseman) Kersey on January 25, 1920, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life on February 18, 2015, at Shepherd’s View Assisted Living in Alton, Missouri, at the age of 95 years.

He was united in marriage on July 20, 1940, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Dollie Virginia Strauser, who preceded him in death on March 13, 2000.

He is survived by two nieces, Norma Pace and husband, Bill, and Phyllis Diederich; four nephews, Gale Kersey and wife, Joy, Gerald Kersey and wife, Betsey, Luther Kersey, Jr. and wife, Carlene, and Raymond Fairchild and wife; other nieces and nephews of his wife, and his dear friends at Shepherd’s View, owners, staff members, and residents.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Della Kersey; his wife of sixty years, Dollie Kersey; two sisters, Esther Powell and husband, Marvin, and Nora Loveland and husband, Elza; and three brothers, Arthur Kersey and wife, Sarah, Ollie Hobson and wife, Brooks, and Luther Kersey and wife, Lois.

Mr. Kersey was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

John was a member of the 46^th Street Church of Christ in Fort Smith, Arkansas. John was a kind and caring man and was remembered by these words, “he was a hard working, dedicated person, always wanting to bring joy and a smile to everyone he met.”

He will truly be missed.

Graveside services will be Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 4:00 PM at the Thayer Cemetery with Jim Rawlins officiating.

The body will lie in state at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Friday, February 20, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Shepherd’s View Residence Fund.

Dr. William Jesse “Bill” Hedden was born the son of Wilbur Jesse Hedden and Henrietta E. (Jacobsen) Hedden on July 16, 1943, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on February 15, 2015, at his home in Thayer, at the age of 71 years.

He was united in marriage on August 12, 1967, at Springfield, Missouri, to Neoma Fay Jones.

He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Fay Hedden of the home in Thayer, Missouri; two daughters, Debra Lynn Nissen and husband, Greg of Crewe, England, and Sheri Michelle Bunch and husband, Ronnie of Brandsville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Isaac, Moriah, and Gabriela Nissen of Crewe, England; one brother, Jim Hedden and wife, Patsy of Mulvane, Kansas; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Henrietta Hedden and an infant brother, Wilbur Eugene Hedden.

Bill graduated from Thayer High School as the Salutatorian of the class of 1961. Later, he returned as High School Science and Math Instructor at Thayer, and taught twenty-two years at the Koshkonong High School.

Mr. Hedden was a Veteran and served his country as an officer in the United States Army Corp of Engineers, while stationed in Heidelberg, West Germany.

Bill earned his PhD in Geology from the University of Missouri in Rolla. His passion in life was teaching. He was beloved by many students and fondly referred to as “Doc.” His career spanned for many years in both high school and college levels, touching many young lives and offering direction for their future. He taught at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, University of Missouri in Rolla, Southwest Baptist University in Mountain View, Missouri for twenty-seven years, Mineral Area College at Current River Campus in Winona, Missouri, and a number of years for the Drury University at the Thayer Campus, retiring in December of 2014.

He always loved the study of rocks and minerals and could identify nearly any rock handed to him. That growing interest increased as a Petroleum Exploration Geologist in the oil industry while working for Terra Resources, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for several years.

He loved the outdoors, whether hiking through Grand Gulf, fishing from his boat on Spring River, or just walking in the woods.

Bill liked spending time on different building projects, his masterpiece being a cabin in the woods.

He especially loved the Lord and loved to worship Him in song. Bill was a member, elder, and worship leader for many years at New Life Worship Center in Thayer.

He will be remembered as a quiet gentle man with a fun sense of humor and a kind heart. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 1:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Hme Chapel in Thayer.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Friday, February 20^th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

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

James O. Nelson was born the son of Walter T. Nelson and Hattie J. (Shelley) Nelson on July 4, 1924, at Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on February 13, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.

He was united in marriage on May 6, 1947, at Thayer, Missouri, to Mabel Crews who preceded him in death on June 23, 2003.

He is survived by two sons, Jay Nelson and wife Becky of Salem, Arkansas, and Ken Nelson and wife Suzanne of Thayer, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jamie, Walt, Josh, Jordan, Justin and Holly; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hattie Nelson; his wife of fifty-six years, Mabel Nelson; one brother, Austin “Ike” Nelson; and two sisters, Madge Roberts and Dorothy Pierce.

Mr. Nelson was a decorated Veteran. He received numerous awards and medals, while serving his country in the South Pacific during World War II as Aviation Ordnanceman in the United States Navy.

He was a Locomotive Engineer, retiring from the Frisco Railroad after thirty-eight years of service. He served as Chairman for the local chapter of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was a member of the American Legion Charles Burkett Post 344.

He was a member of Thayer Freewill Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Graveside services for Mr. Nelson will be held Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri with Brother Richard Robinson officiating.

The body will Lie In State at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Sunday, February 15th from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri.

Katherine Lorene Ridge was born the daughter of Harry Ridge and May (Simms) Ridge on February 8, 1922, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life January 29, 2015, at Sun City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sun City, Arizona, at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by one niece, Kathy Ann Knight of Youngtown, Arizona; one nephew, David Medina, Sr. of Youngtown, Arizona; one great niece, Valerie Jimenez and husband, Ruben of Glendale, Arizona; one great nephew, David Medina, Jr. of Glendale, Arizona; two great-great nieces, Alyssa Medina and Julianne Jimenez; four great-great nephews, David Medina III, Malachi Medina, Matthew Medina and Ruben Jimenez, Jr.; three special cousins, Donna Kirby, Carl Holloway and wife, Roberta and Maxine Baldridge, all of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and May Ridge and one sister, Dorothy Knight.

Katherine was a Christian lady and a member of the Assemblies of God. She loved to sew and enjoyed flower gardening. She especially loved spending time with her family and her sweet little dog, Silvermist.

Katherine was a wonderful sister and a loving aunt. She will truly be missed.

Funeral Services for Ms. Ridge will be held Friday, February 13, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Erman Croney officiating.

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

William Lee “Bill” Vance went home to be with his Lord on February 3, 2015. Bill was born August 11, 1927, in Newport, Arkansas to Will and Virginia Vance. Bill served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II. He found his soul mate and the love of his life when he met Minnie Bell Hall and the two were married on February 28, 1959. Bill and Minnie had two children, Janette Privett and husband, Jackie Privett of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Allen Vance and wife, Linda Vance of Bradford, Arkansas. Bill always took pride in providing for his family and was a letter carrier for the United States Post Office until he retired. Ever the hard worker, Bill continued to work various jobs and always enjoyed staying busy. Bill was a “tinkerer” and found pleasure in working with his hands, fixing small engines, televisions, and radios. Nothing in the Vance home was ever thrown away because “Daddy could fix it.” Bill was also known for his warm smile and his sense of humor, always enjoying a good joke.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years; two children; four grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Vernie Kemp; and one grandson, Chad Vance.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff of Shady Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Thayer, Missouri for the excellent care they have provided Bill for the last few years. Their kindness and consideration have allowed Bill and Minnie to remain side by side.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri and Three Rivers Hospice for the care and compassion they showed not only to Bill, but also to those who loved him during his final days.

Funeral Services for Mr. Vance will held at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 6, 2015, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Charles Morgan officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home in Thayer on Friday, February 6^th from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.

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

Clara Nadene Chronister was born the daughter of Mildon and Maggie (Mauldin) Blakley on April 9, 1927, in Alton, Missouri, and departed this life January 27, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 87 years.

She was united in marriage on February 1, 1947, at Salem, Arkansas to Ivan Chronister, who preceded her in death on February 18, 2008.

She is survived by three daughters, Carol Jean Pitts and husband, Curt of Thayer, Missouri, Linda Pierce and husband, Roy of West Plains, Missouri, and Mary Jo Cook and husband, Kenny of Malden, Missouri; five grandchildren, Melissa Clark and husband, Stephen, Matt Pitts and wife, Valerie, Marc Pitts and wife, Megan, all of Thayer, Missouri, Bethany Bailey of West Plains, Missouri, and Blakley Cook and wife, Taylor of Columbia, Missouri; six great grandchildren, Gaige, Landry, Easton, Addyson, Cannon, and Marley Kate; one brother-in-law, Gene Chronister of West Plains, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildon and Maggie Blakley; her husband, Ivan Chronister; one brother, Bill Blakley; and half brother, Clarence Blakley.

Nadene attended Alton High School, graduating with the class of 1945. She taught school in the New Liberty community in Oregon County.

Nadene became a Christian at an early age and was a faithful member of the United Free Will Baptist Church of West Plains, Missouri.

God blessed her with good health and a great mind until the day of her death. She loved being with people, especially her family, which was evident in the smile one always saw and in the loving, caring things she did. Anyone who met Nadene always remembered that encounter. Up until her death, she treasured her family and always had to know and be involved in every aspect of their lives.

As a result of her personality, she had many, many friends she met in her church, her volunteering at Ozark Medical Center and working for nearly 30 years at Wallace-Owens.

She touched many lives and will truly be missed by all.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 30, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Dennis McGinley, Brother Jason Roberts, and Brother Glenn Murray officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel from 1:00 PM until service time on Friday.

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

Zella Marie Howell was born the daughter of Leamon F. Brazeal and Jessie (Phipps) Brazeal on September 28, 1926, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life January 26, 2015, at her home in Koshkonong, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.

She was united in marriage on June 15, 1944, at Salem, Arkansas, to Norman Fred Howell, who preceded her in death on September 17, 2008.

She is survived by two sons, Jim Howell and wife, Virginia of Koshkonong, Missouri and Jack Howell and wife, Amy of Koshkonong, Missouri; four daughters, Betty Childers and husband, Lewis of Thayer, Missouri, Wilma Boze and husband, Jim of Koshkonong, Missouri, Jeannie

nie Kester and husband, Dale of Branson, Missouri, and Shirley Smith and husband, John of Koshkonong, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Harold Brazeal and George Brazeal, both of Pineville, Missouri; two sisters, Laverne Smith and Ruby Cooley, both of Pineville, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leamon and Jessie Brazeal; her husband, Norman Howell; one daughter, Delsie Rideout; one son-in-law, Roy Rideout; one brother, Tracy Brazeal; and two sisters, Hazel Ray and Jessie Mae Madden.

Marie felt that her mission in life was to be a wife, mother and grandmother. She fulfilled that mission with her unconditional love and deep devotion for her family; fulfilling the needs of others with a caring heart and giving spirit.

Mrs. Howell was a Christian lady and a member of the Clifton Free Will Baptist Church.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will truly be missed by her family, many friends, and the community in which she lived.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the Koshkonong Cemetery, with Brother Charles Barnett officiating.

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

Vesta Merle Peebles was born the daughter of Dempsey Burrow and Maude (Arwood) Burrow on August 15, 1922, in Fulton County, Arkansas, and departed this life January 25, 2015, at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 92 years.

She was united in marriage on August 25, 1938 at Salem, Arkansas to Robert R. Peebles, who preceded her in death on February 13, 1990.

She is survived by her two sons, Robert G. (Bobby) Peebles and Jimmy Peebles and wife, Sherry, all of Thayer, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Diane Hill Farrell and Shirley Hill Brooks; half brother, Dugan Burrow; numerous nieces and nephews, including Dempsey Flynn, Gene Flynn and wife, Ester Mae, Dell Flynn, Howard Flynn and wife, Frances, all of the Mammoth Spring community. Other nieces and nephews include, Betty Peebles Montiel, Jerry Peebles, Emma Burrow Smith, Clara Burrow Johnson, Noble D. Burrow and Wanda Burrow Watkins; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; four brothers, Farrell Jack Burrow, Noble Burrow, Clete Burrow, and Freeman Bill Burrow; one sister, Velma Burrow Flynn; stepson, Randall Hill; and nephews, Charles Peebles, Gerald Burrow and Lloyd Burrow.

Merle lived in the Thayer and Mammoth Spring communities most of her life. She was the last owner and manager of the Culp Hotel in Mammoth Spring from 1955 to 1960. She operated the Colonial Hotel in Thayer from the late 1960’s until the late 1980’s.

She was an excellent cook and entertaining story teller, but may best be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, and her love of animals.

Mrs. Peebles was a member of the Thayer First Baptist Church and the State Line Pentecostal Church of Thayer.

She will truly be missed by her relatives and many friends

Funeral Services will be Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, January 28^th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home chapel in Thayer.

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

Charles Robert Crass was born the son of Robert Henry Crass and Claudia Irene (Hartwell) Crass on January 1, 1925, in Myrtle, Missouri, and departed this life January 25, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.

He was united in marriage on June 8, 1946, at Alton, Missouri to Joyce Welliene Brewer, who preceded him in death on September 4, 2002.

He is survived by two daughters, Rosella Simpson and husband, Larry, and Tilda Ann Toomey and husband, Rick, all of Thayer, Missouri; four grandchildren, Robert Simpson and wife, Melody of Koshkonong, Missouri, Matt Simpson and wife, Rhonda, Angela Wilson and husband, Paul, and Brian Toomey, all of Thayer; three great grandchildren, Teanna Simpson, Shelby Simpson, and Garrett Smith; one sister, Helen Sue Crass of Florida; two brothers, Glendon Crass and wife, Holly of Thayer, and Sam Crass of Myrtle, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one great grandson, Cyrus Wilson; three brothers, Blanton, Jerald, and Harry Crass; two sisters, Mary Lou Freeman and Lenora Stephens, and an infant brother, Hillard Crass.

Charles was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army-Air Force. He was drafted out of high school and after military service, returned to graduate from Couch High School with the class of 1950.

Charles worked as a logger in the state of Wyoming for several years and returned home to work for Puritan Fashions and Rebel Campers until his retirement.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, running his dogs, and camping with his family. His most enjoyable times were spent with the love of his life, best friend, and wife of fifty-six years, Welliene. They shared many hours of riding 4-wheelers through the woods and back roads, while watching for deer, turkey, and other wildlife.

Charles was a member of Byrd Church near Myrtle, Missouri.

He was a loving husband and devoted dad and grandpa. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Graveside Services will be Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Thayer Cemetery, with Brother Lonnie Cagle officiating.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, January 27^th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home chapel in Thayer.