West Plains

West Plains Funeral Home

Curtis Barton

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Curtis Elgan Barton was born in Alton, Missouri on February 19, 1948, then changed his address from earth to glory on March 29, 2025.

Curtis was the seventh child born to Elgan and Bonnie Barton. In Curtis’ words, “they saved the best for last”. He attended Alton School and graduated in 1966. His senior yearbook held many comments stating how funny or mischievous he was, how he was a good singer, and had the nicknames Monk and Barton Carton.

Curtis married Linda Bassham on June 1, 1968. During their 55 years together, he was a milk delivery man, car salesman, insurance agent, and business owner, he tinkered in everything and moved eight times. They had two kids, Andrea and Adam, who they raised singing and learning to do God’s work.

Curtis spent his down time doing things he loved. In his thirties and forties, he loved playing softball and would put together a church team yearly. Then it turned into sitting on his porch waving to any honking car, fishing from a boat or on land, or tinkering in the garage.

Overall, Curits loved people. When a customer would enter their Sears store, he would yell “hello” from anywhere in the store. You might also hear him say, “If I was doing any better…” or “never felt better and had less”. He also loved being in the presence of his grandchildren – Andrew, Hannah, Harmony and Cadence.

He volunteered to cook or help at every fundraiser, reunion, fish fry, ice cream social, but was also volun-told to participate in parades, plays, and concerts, which he then brought jokes and laughter.

As he approached death, he told the doctor, “God has given me a few more days to witness. Doc, do you believe?” He faced death with peace, promises he held onto, and with positivity that heaven would be better.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, his parents Elgan and Bonnie Barton, his parents-in-law Talmage and Eunice Bassham, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 2 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, and many other family members and great friends.

Curtis was a proud Gideon member.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons and can be left at the funeral home.

Verlin Wayne Howard

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Verlin Wayne Howard, 64, Mtn. Grove, Missouri, son of late Verlin H. Howard and Lena (Collins) Howard was born December 3rd, 1960, in West Plains, MO and left us March 9, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri.

He grew up and went to school in Dora, Missouri.

He was with Darlene Howard for 17 years.

He is survived by his mother Lena Howard of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; one child is Dustin Howard and wife Kyla of Kansas; two stepchildren, Michelle Wheat and husband David of Willow Springs, Missouri, and Mick Essary and wife Tina of Willow Springs, Missouri; two sisters Deloris Tooley and husband Alvin of Henderson, AR. And Marsha Tooley and husband Ricky of Vanzant, Missouri. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ashlyn, Ally, Dayton and Denton Howard of Kansas, and step grandchildren Tyler Wheat, Rhea Cook of Willow Springs, Missouri, Kimberly and Emily Essary of Puerto Rico, and five step great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Verlin H. Howard.

His life passion was driving a truck. His hobbies were playing in his boat, fishing and hunting.
And the light of his life was his dogs.

David Lee Moss

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David Lee Moss, 79, was born on September 20, 1945 at his home in Elijah Missouri and went home to be with the Lord on March 8, 2025 in West Plains Missouri.

D.L. was raised in the country with four siblings and started his adventurous life by buying a car at seventeen and taking off to California, Texas and other places.

His adventures didn’t stop in 1969 when he married Doris, on the contrary they had just begun. They loaded their school bus and went exploring. Luckily his talents such as painting signs, tattooing, training horses, building trailers, building saddles, making jewelry and much more were done all over the United States with Doris by his side.

D.L. Is survived by his wife Doris, his daughters Rhonda and Devona; surviving sisters Betty and Loretta; granddaughters, Kaitlin and Kellsie, and great granddaughter Wrenlee.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alonzo and Alice, sister Anita and brother Lonnie.

It was well known that D.L. loved plants and flowers. Flowers will be accepted with love, but there is also a link that we have listed so that you might do donations. Here is the link that you can send your donations to help the family also; Benefit Auction for DL Moss facebook.com
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He will be missed by many.

Funeral services for David Lee Moss have been changed to Tuesday March 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be held also on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from noon until time of service.

Burial will be at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Brent Humphreys

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Brent Humphreys, 51, passed away peacefully in his home on March 2, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri, surrounded by his family.

Born on October 12, 1973, in West Plains, Missouri, Brent pursued a passion for learning and innovation, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. His inquisitive mind and love for all things technical shaped both his career and personal interests.

Brent’s enthusiasm for life was evident in the many hobbies he embraced. His greatest passion was flying, and he dedicated himself to sharing that love with others. As an active member of the Young Eagles Program and his EAA Chapter in Willow Springs, Missouri, he introduced young people to aviation by offering airplane rides and helping them secure scholarships for flying lessons. Through these efforts, he inspired countless aspiring pilots to pursue their dreams.

Beyond aviation, Brent found joy in traveling the world with his wife, Erica. Together, they explored new places and captured their adventures through photography. Whether navigating backroads or soaring through the skies, Brent approached every journey with curiosity and excitement. He also had a deep appreciation for all things technical—embracing what he fondly called “nerdy” pursuits with enthusiasm and expertise.

Brent’s faith in God was a cornerstone of his life. It became even more significant as he faced his battle with cancer, leaning on his faith for strength and resilience. Despite the challenges he endured, Brent never gave up. His joyful nature and kindness won him admiration wherever he went, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.

A joyful light has left the world with Brent’s passing, and those who had the privilege of knowing him will deeply feel his absence. May his memory continue to inspire kindness, passion, and perseverance in all who remember him.

Brent is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Dorothy Grooms, his paternal grandparents, Chester and Hazel (Tommy) Humphreys, and his aunt, Chalma Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Erica (Shelton), his in-laws, Richard and Bessie Shelton, his parents, Powell and Anita Humphreys, sister Michelle (Joe) Thomason, nieces and nephews, Graham (Meg) Thomason, Samantha (Jackson) Berger, Joshua Thomason, and Anna Thomason, and one great nephew, Miles Berger.

Visitation will be Friday, March 7 at Carter Chapel in West Plains at 12:00, with services to follow at 2:00. It was important to Brent to further glioblastoma research to help save others from this terrible cancer; so please make any memorial donations to The Glioblastoma Foundation (www.glioblastomafoundation.org) in lieu of flowers.

Paul McKinley Collins

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Paul McKinley Collins, 88, Willow Springs, Missouri was born March 22, 1936 at Hebron, Missouri to the late Larkin and Ida “Roper” Collins, and entered into eternity on February 26, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. He was of the Baptist faith, having given his life to the Lord as a teenager.

He was married August 21, 1954 in Wilder, Idaho, to Wilma Tooley, who preceded him in death.

Together they raised twelve children. He is survived by: Donna Rae Cook, Peace Valley,Missouri; Paula Sue McDaniel, Batesville Arkansas; Karen Joanne Collins, Meridan Kansas; Judy Denise Collins-Redd, Willow Springs Missouri; Gary Wayne Collins, Meridan Kansas; Lora Mae Collins, West Plains Missouri; Sheilla Gay Brashers, Willow Springs Missouri; Darren Neil Collins, West Plains Missouri, and Edward Shane Collins (Candice), Hardenville Missouri; four special grandchildren, Anthony Wayne Collins and Jamie Don Collins, Batesville Arkansas and Jodi Mae Ragan and Cody Nathan Collins of Florida; and his lifelong special friend and cousin, Wayland Johnson of Hermann Missouri; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three children: James Robert Collins, Kathy Louise Vivone (Jim) and Keith Alan Collins (Nicki); five brothers; two sisters; and three grandchildren: Jacqueline Sheree Cook; John Dee Brown, Jr; and Whitley Rae Burnett.

“He taught me lots of valuable lessons in life and all the fishing and hunting we did will be missed. I love him and will miss him and Papa will never be forgotten” – Cody

When asked what his greatest accomplishment in life was, Paul said, “The children that me and Wilma had, and the families that were raised.”

The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri.

Shirley Ann Batesel

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Shirley Ann Batesel, age 85, passed away on February 25, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri.

She was born on July 6, 1939. Shirley dedicated her life to her family, who stood as her greatest pride and joy.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Camby Batesel; her son Tracey (Butch) Batesel and his wife Betsy; her daughter Laura Williams and her husband Kevin; five grandchildren, Timothy Pelc and his wife Jenna, Matthew Batesel and his wife Kelsey, Mallory Walker and her wife Kristin, Zachary Melvin and his wife Kirsten, and Morgan Williams; and eight great-grandchildren, McKennah, Addyson, Harper, Hollyn Batesel, Braden, Haley Pelc, Tyson Walker, and Rosie Melvin. She also leaves behind her niece Deana Wilson and brother-in-law Charlie Chapman.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, mother and father-in-law, sister Linda Chapman, and nephew Stevie Wilson.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona, Missouri. Shirley’s life was a testament to the enduring love and bond of family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Randall Caraway

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Randall Caraway, 82, West Plains, Missouri, son of the late James Caraway and Lucille Weaver Caraway was born February 25, 1942 in Deering, Missouri, and passed away January 29, 2025 in West Plains, Missouri.

He was married for sixty-two years to Mary Ellen Ward, who preceded him in death. They were married March 23, 1961 in Steele, Missouri.

He is survived by two children, Randy Caraway and wife LaDonna, West Plains, Missouri and Jennifer Baldock; one sister, Jane Will; seven grandchildren, Michael Deprow, Randall “Trey” Caraway, Amanda Bell, Jeremy Blagg, Matt Blagg, Mitchell Blagg, Leonard Stokes, Jr., and Lisa Adams; twenty-two great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter, Sheila Stokes; three brothers, Glen Caraway, Kenny Caraway, and Miles “Denny” Caraway; two sisters, Barbara Ann Caraway and Wilma Caraway.

He loved to hunt and fish. He was an ordained minister with the Assembly of God for over thirty years. He had pastored for over fifty years. He was the associate pastor at the Harbor of Hope Church, West Plains, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri. A visitation will be held before the service from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be held at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Jeannie Charisse Doss

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Jeannie Charisse Doss of West Plains, Missouri recently went home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2025. Born on September 16, 1968 in St. Louis Missouri, to Carole Fawcett Brown and William Brown Sr.

Jeannie graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1987. She always played an active role in her community, participating in many throughout her lifetime. Eventually moving to Texas with her twin, they enjoyed many memories together. Jeannie worked at Toys R’ Us for 10+ years, with time she moved back to Missouri in 2007 to care for her mother, Carole. Jeannie loved being a mother herself and played an active role in her daughter, Ashley’s upbringing. She was an energetic member in her Church’s community. Jeannie taught children’s Sunday school, VBS and was also a devoted member of AirEvac Lifeteam for 15+ years.

Jeannie is survived by her mother, Carole Fawcett Brown, 82, West Plains; one daughter, Ashley N. Goodpaster and her partner Zachariah Foster, 21, Springfield, Mo; one step-daughter, Jennie Doss, Springfield, Missouri; one brother Paul Brown, Licking, Mo; one brother-in-law Brent Ballinger; Abbey and Sierra Ballinger along with many more nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Doss; father, William Brown Sr., sister, Lisa Ballinger and brother, WIlliam Brown Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., also at the chapel.

Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Robert “Sam” James Bush, Sr.

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Robert “Sam” James Bush, Sr., 68, West Plains, Missouri was born to the late Robert Ball
and Floy Ann Bush (who is still living) and died January 19, 2025 at his home in West Plains, Missouri.

He is survived by his mother, Floy Ann; three children, Robert Bush, Jr. and significant other, Krystal Collins, Alicia Bush and significant other, George Evans, Springfield, Missouri, and Mia Sharp, Thayer, Missouri; two brothers, Larry Knighton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Danny Bush, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and sister, Latonia Knighton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Alexis, Te-von, KyEshia, Kingston, Ava, Aalyiah, and Zamir; one great grandson, Kingston Omari; three nephews, Anthony, Brian, Robert Daniel, and two nieces, Malina and Tasha.

He is preceded in death by his father and one sister, Ina Goode.

Sam loved to hunt, fish, play and watch softball, and most of all loved spending time with all his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

K. A. York

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Kergle Arvest York, son of the late Kergle Arvest York and Lois Ardell Montgomery York, was the youngest of nine children. He was born on April 27, 1944 at home in Heart, Arkansas. He passed into eternal rest January 15, 2025 at eighty years of age.

Mr. Kergle York, commonly known by his initials as K.A. or simply as K, married Jeannie Rose Kenslow, who preceded him in death on April 19, 1985. Kergle worked several years at the Howell County Road and Bridge Department. He enjoyed the outdoors and cutting wood. He was an avid hunter with deer being his target of choice. Another favorite pastime of his was playing dominoes with family and friends. Kergle was always ready to share in recounting stories from the past while drinking coffee. He also cherished spending time with his family.

He is survived by one sister, Irene Sanderson; one brother, Ronald York; three sons; Rick, Ryan, and Jason; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

His parents, wife, and one son, Randy Neal York, preceded him in death.

He was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. also at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.

Burial will be Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Fulton County, Arkansas, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.