Kayetta “Kay” Jean Tucker
Kayetta Jean Tucker, 74, of West Plains, Missouri passed away on May 14, 2025, at her home in West Plains, Missouri.
Services will be private.
Services under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – West Plains, Mo.
West Plains
West Plains Funeral Home
Greta Pruett
Greta Pruett, 88, West Plains, Missouri, went home to be with her Saviour May 1, 2025.
She was born August 28, 1936 at Grimmet, Missouri to the late Burk Hopkins and Ilene “Bridges” Hopkins.
She was married October 8, 1955 at the New Liberty Baptist Church in Howell County, Missouri, to Bill Pruett, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sons, Keith Pruett and wife Pam, West Plains, Missouri, and Paul Pruett and wife Rhonda, Lexington, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Annette Fine and husband Enos, West Plains, Missouri, Paige Wichern and husband Jared, Tecumseh, Missouri, and Tyler Pruett, Sidney, Australia; two great granddaughters, Sunshine Jones, West Plains, Missouri and Autum Jones, Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law, Julia Hopkins, West Plains, Missouri; three nephews, Royce Hopkins, Jr. and wife Priscilla, John Hopkins and wife Elvie, and Will Hopkins; one niece, Vickie Bell and husband, Derrick.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one baby sister, Judy Kay Hopkins; one granddaughter, Renee Pruett, and one brother, Royce Hopkins
She was a member of the New Liberty Baptist Church, and was always active in all the programs and activities that were being held. She was a fifth grade school teacher for over thirty years. She was also given the award for Teacher of the Year in the state of Missouri.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Liberty Baptist Cemetery, and can be left at the funeral home.
Church services for Greta Pruett will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the New Liberty Baptist Church, Howell County, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, also at the New Liberty Baptist Church.
Burial will be in the New Liberty Baptist Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Alvin Ray Hambelton, Sr.
Alvin Ray Hambelton, Sr. was born January 22, 1939 in Ozark County, Missouri to the late Alva Hambelton and Ruth Strong Hambelton, and went to his heavenly home April 24, 2025.
He is survived by one son, Alvin Hambelton, Jr.; one brother, John Hambelton; one grandchild, Emma Hannaford; sister-in-law, Elma Jean Hambelton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alvin graduated from Gainesville High School in 1957 and joined the United States Air Force May 23, 1958. He joined to serve his country and learn a trade. He served as a communications specialist. Some of his favorite service memories were from the time he spent in Spain. He was honorably discharged April 23, 1962.
He met the love of his life, Vonda Gregory, when he returned home from the service. They were married March 2, 1963 in West Plains, Missouri. They had a son, Alvin Jr. in January 1964 and daughter Melany was born May of 1968. Of the numerous jobs he had, one he enjoyed was being a chef on a ship, feeding the rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and hunting in the Ozark Hills.
He was proud he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at age thirteen, and loved sharing the word of the Lord and testifying to everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father, and greatest poppy to Emma.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Ruth Hambelton; wife, Vonda Hambelton; daughter Melany Hannaford; son-in-law Bradley Hannaford; brothers, Owen, Onard, Joe and Jim, and sister Ruby Stover.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graveside services will be held Monday, April 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
Curtis Barton
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.
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Verlin Wayne Howard
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
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
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
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
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
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.