Saturday, May 30, 2009

Joyce Lee Haines

Joyce Lee Haines, 71, El Dorado Springs, left this world to be with her Heavenly Father on May 30, 2009. She was born Oct. 25, 1937, in Cedar County.

She married Paul Haines in Cedar County on Sept. 1, 1957. To this union three children were born. She worked in health care most of her working life, most recently working for Southwest Missouri Psychiatric Center. She loved working night shift and being with her family during the daytime hours. Her hobbies were sewing and traveling.

Preceding Joyce in death were her grandparents, Omar and Mable Huff; her mother, Lena Black Bruce; and her loving brother, Ray Bruce.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her daughter, Teresa Kripp, and husband, Andrew – Newtown, PA; two sons, Jay Haines – Tucson, AZ, and Terry Haines – Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter, Ava Johanna Haines Kripp; grandson, Ryan Stuart Kripp – Newton, PA; brother, Garry Black, and wife, Virginia; sister-in-law, Peggy Bruce – Winfield, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
She will be missed greatly by all her family and friends.

Services were held at Bland-Hackleman Chapel on June 2 with Pastor Barbara Minton officiating. Interment followed in Sandridge Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were – Gene Dale, Delbert Blagg, Clarence Hackleman, Darrell Hoffman, Andrew Kripp and Richard O’Brien.

A memorial fund has been set up with Southwest Missouri Psychiatric Center to assist with equipment purchases at the center.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

E. Lucille Tolle

E. Lucille Tolle, 96, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Thursday, May 28, in the Guest Home Estates in Erie, KS, where she had resided since February of 2008. She was born on Dec. 7, 1912, near El Dorado Springs to Floyd and Della (Moore) Teague.

She grew up near El Dorado Springs and attended country schools.

She and Lloyd Tolle were married on Aug. 5, 1931, in Grandview. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1957.
She lived most of her life in El Dorado Springs where she was a homemaker and worked at the International Shoe Company. She retired in 1974 and later moved to Erie, KS.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs. She enjoyed rebates, quilting, her poodles, reading and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Lloyd, E. Tolle in 1999; two daughters, Phylis Barger in 1999 and Connie Williams in 1994; one granddaughter, Debra Fay Pennell; two brothers and four sisters.

Her survivors include two daughters, Carole Ramey – Erie, KS, and Juanita Pennell – Lamar; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and one daughter-in-Law, Beula Tolle – Raytown.

Graveside services were held Monday, June 1, in the Clintonville Cemetery in El Dorado Springs.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Eddie 'Ed' Smith

Eddie L. “Ed” Smith, 79, Appleton City, the son of Albert Richard and Leona Beatrice (Lair) Smith, was born Aug. 11, 1929, in Cedar County. He passed away May 26, 2009, at Ellett Memorial Hospital, Appleton City.

Ed grew up in Stockton and Bolivar, later moving with his family to Appleton City where he attended and graduated from high school in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Ed worked as a driver for Burtay Gas Company in the early 1950s and then the Skelgas Company where he retired in 1985.

Eddie and Ellen Dorreen Swopes were united in marriage Nov. 5, 1950, in Eureka Springs, and to this union two children were born. He was a lifetime member of the Montrose VFW and belonged to the First Christian Church in Appleton City.

Ed loved a good joke and everyone knew where they stood with him as he always spoke his mind. He enjoyed a good western movie and loved to be outdoors hunting deer, fishing and boating at the lake. He enjoyed traveling to National Parks, taking his grandkids to Branson and visiting the Bass Pro Shops. Ed loved his family and spending time with them. The 4th of July fireworks were always at the top of his list of fun family times.

Preceding Ed in death were his parents; wife, Ellen Dorreen; and son, Richard “Bud” Smith.

Survivors include his daughter, Debbie Weno, and husband, Claib – Rockville; five grandchildren – Becky L. Allis, and husband, Scott – Lebanon, Bobby J. Wright, and husband, Gary – Aurora, Bridget Fennewald, and husband, Gerald – Appleton City, Colby Weno, and wife, Melissa – Appleton City, and Courtney Montgomery, and husband, Brian – Seymore; eight great-grandchildren – Jessica, Kimberly, August, Grace, Mattie, Gavin, Samuel and Allie; his companion, Pat Coleman – Roscoe; nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great nephews.

Services were held Friday, May 29, in the Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, with Rev. Bob Fenwick and Pastor Tony Reynolds officiating. Special music was The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace sung by vocalist Tony Reynolds. Interment under the direction of Hill & Son Funeral Home was in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Casketbearers were Joe Swopes, Jim Swopes, Ronnie Parks, Harold Austin, Clifford “Hoot” O’Farrell Jr., Bob Stephan and Bob Parks. Honorary casketbearers were Johnny Parks, Gene Parks and Bill Bracher. Military graveside service was preformed by the Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation or Appleton City Landmarks Restoration.

Zephie Mae (Purtle) Ellerman

Zephie Mae (Purtle) Ellerman, 96, El Dorado Springs, the eldest of seven children of Arthur and Mattie (Martha Louisa Ellerman) Purtle, was born July 9, 1912, at Birdsong, near Black Jack and Rookins, in Cedar County. She departed this life on May 26, 2009, in the Cedar County Memorial Hospital.

Zephie graduated from the Greenwood Country Grade School and the two-year high school at Cedar Springs. She attended a few months at the El Dorado Springs High School in 1928.

On March 1, 1930, Zephie married Willie Emanuel Ellerman in the St. Clair County Courthouse in Osceola. For the next 47 years she was his faithful wife and companion until his death.

Zephie and Bill lived with Bill’s mother, Callie Ellerman, after their marriage, caring and helping until Callie’s death in 1958. Zephie and Callie were saved at the same time at a revival at Herriman Chapel Church of God (Holiness) on Aug. 16. 1931. She was sanctified on July 24, 1932, at Black Jack.

She and Callie always went to church together. She was baptized Oct. 8, 1933. Zephie played the piano at the Flat Rock Church, helped with the singing and served as the church secretary and treasurer. After Flat Rock Church closed, their main church was the Black Jack Church of God (Holiness). She had a servant’s heart. She faithfully and consistently lived a godly life before all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Zephie never had any children of her own but treated all children as if they were hers and children loved her. They especially enjoyed the homemade cookies she usually had on hand.

Zephie was a switchboard operator during her early-married life. In those days of the small party line phones, she and her mother-in-law operated the switchboard out of their home.

Zephie was secretary/treasurer of Love Cemetery from June 26, 1941, until late in the 1990s when she became unable to continue. She could be called a “historian” as she read many newspapers looking for births, deaths and anything of interest and history; keeping a great family record for her survivors. These items of interest were kept in clippings, diaries and even her calendars hanging on the wall.

After the death of her husband, Zephie continued to live alone on the farm the following 27 years until 2004, when she entered the Rest Haven Assisted Living in El Dorado Springs. In December of 2007, she was transferred to the Community Springs Nursing Home in El Dorado Springs where she was a resident until her passing.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Willie; her parents; Arthur and Mattie Purtle; two brothers, Calvin and Floyd Purtle; two sisters, Lucy Burns and Mabel Goodwin.

Survivors include two sisters, Minnie Burns – El Dorado Springs, and Allene Baker – Springfield; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and may friends and loved ones. She will be missed by all but we know that our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Services were held on May 29 in the Bland Hackleman Funeral Home with her nephew, Rev. Dennis Goodwin, officiating and providing the music, accompanied by his wife, Linda Lee. Interment was alongside her late husband in Love Cemetery, east of Cedar Springs, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home

Her nephews – Curtis Burns, Donald Burns, Albert Goodwin, Larry Goodwin, Robert Purtle and Wayne Worthington - served as pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to Love Cemetery and/or the Black Jack Church of God (Holiness).

Harry Wayne Harvey


Harry Wayne Harvey 60, Tecumseh, MI, passed away Tuesday, May 26, in the Arbor Hospice Facility in Ann Arbor, MI, following a two week bout with cancer. Harry was born on Dec. 31, 1948, in El Dorado Springs.

He was married in August 1984 to the love of his life, Anne, who he will soon join in their final resting spot in Monrovia, CA, later this week.

Harry graduated from J.C. Penney H.S. in Hamilton in 1967 and then served proudly in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. He moved to Arcadia, CA, after leaving the Navy in 1972 where he worked in the finance industry. 

After his 2007 retirement, Harry decided to join his brothers, Jim and Kevin, in Michigan where he made many friends especially at the T-Club, Brownies and the City Limits Diner, all three of Tecumseh, MI.

Harry is survived by his son, Wayne Travis Harvey - Dickinson, ND; and his lovely daughter, Jaime Leigh Harvey - El Monte, CA; his two brothers, Jim (and Patricia) Harvey - Tecumseh, MI, and Kevin (Dawn) Rudisill - Manitou Beach, MI. Harry had two sisters, Sharon Elaine Craddick of Liberty, and Denise Scheel - Las Vegas, NV.

A memorial service will be held soon (TBA) after business hours at the Diner.

Arrangements by J. Gilbert Funeral Home, Tecumese, MI.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Charles Robert Cates

Charles R. Cates, 75, Kansas City and Schell City, the only son and youngest child of Charles Edward and Mildred Beatrice (Smith) Cates, was born June 2, 1933, in Kansas City. He passed from this life on Sunday, May 24, 2009, in Kansas City.

Charlie attended school in Kansas City and was a graduate of Southeast High School. In the early 1950s he served for two years in the United States Army, serving his country with a tour in Germany. Shortly after his return home, Charlie was united in marriage to Shirley Joyce (Swartz) on Aug. 24, 1956, and to this union two children were born. Charlie was a union carpenter by trade and rose to become president of the Carpenters District Council of Kansas City. He was also a member of Carpenters Local Union #61, the Grandview Masonic Lodge #618 and was a 32nd degree member of the Ararat Shrine.

In his later years, Charlie’s favorite “occupation” was his vegetable and flower garden at the farm in Schell City. He planted over 20,000 tulip bulbs making a spectacular showcase for everyone to see. His vegetables were shared with many friends and neighbors through the years. But his very, very “favorite things” were his two grandchildren, the “apples of his eyes”, who he loved spending time with whenever he could.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Elaine Vincent.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley - of the home in Kansas City; his son, Randall Robert Cates – Kansas City; his daughter, Kristy Lynn Bircher, and her husband, Bernard – Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Mary Jane Proffitt – Nevada, and Winona Lewis, and her husband, Ed – Scottsdale, AZ; his two grandchildren, Cameron Charles Berfloff and Kylie Shaye Boone; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

Services were held Thursday, May 28, in the Schell City Christian Church with Rev. Tom Pyle officiating. Masonic rites were offered by Lawrence Cripps, P.D.D.G.M. Pallbearers were Roger Dade Sr., Chuck Vincent, Terry McKinney, Walter Cates, Ken Davis, Larry Nichols and Bernard Bircher. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Thomas Patrick Nielsen

Tom Nielsen, 56, passed away May 23, 2009, in Kansas University Medical Center following a long battle with cancer. Tom was born Sept. 4, 1952, in Kansas City. Tom was baptized in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church the following year and has now transcended the bounds of earth and the pain of mortal suffering early Saturday (surrounded by family and friends and surrendering to the forgiving arms of his Maker).

Tom was raised in the Harwood area, attended El Dorado Springs High School and married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Faye Pippin. Leaving the farm after graduation, Tom worked construction and learned the concrete business – later establishing his own successful company in the Kansas City-Excelsior Springs area. Tom asked Faye to give his children the good education, security and family ties which the family farm would provide. Even though his business required that he be absent, his heartstrings and loyalty led him to return to participate in the lives of his wife, parents and children.
Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Nielsen; mother, Josephine Nielsen; father, Paul Nielsen, and wife, Faye Nielsen.

Tom is survived by daughters, Bobbie Blankenship and husband, Juble – Pleasant Hill, and Jennifer Spencer and husband, Mike – El Dorado Springs; son, J.P. (Joseph Paul) Nielsen and wife, Kimmy – Excelsior Springs-Harwood; and four grandchildren – Anthony Crane, Ryan Crane, Trevor Blankenship and Logan Spencer.

Services began at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, in Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Music was provided by Mike and Cammie Housh and Jim Purtle. Interment followed in Nielsen Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Juble Blankenship, Mike Spencer, Ryan Crane, Anthony Crane, Justin Basinger and Harold Hunt Jr.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Joseph William Maslen

Joseph William Maslen, 74, Wichita, KS, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 21, 2009. He was born Dec. 5, 1934, to Ray and Alice Maslen.

Joseph is survived by his sisters, Rilla Werner and Karen Stone; his brother, Elza Maslen; and his wife, Dorothy; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Tuesday, May 26, in Cochran Mortuary in Wichita, KS.

A graveside service in Hackleman Cemetery will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, with Brother Everett Smith officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Jewel Dean Shults

Jewel Dean Shults, 80, Butler, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009, in Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. She was born Oct. 9, 1928, to Carl August Herman and Mabel Rena Greene Nitsche in Roscoe.

Jewel, one of four children, grew up on a farm near Roscoe where the Big Osage River flows. She graduated as valedictorian from Roscoe High School in 1946 and anxiously awaited getting away from the farm and moving to Kansas City.

Jewel attended the Kansas City Business School. On Nov. 24, 1948, she was united in marriage to Vernon Jay Shults.
Jewel’s first job was that of secretary to the mail order auditor at Sears and Roebuck. In October of 1952 she moved with her husband to New Orleans, LA. She and Vernon had their own State Farm Insurance Agency for 35 years. After retiring and moving to Foxwood Springs Retirement Community in Raymore, she later took on a volunteer position in the Alzheimer’s unit, bringing great pleasure to those who needed manicures.

Jewel was a member of the Butler First Christian Church, Hickman Mills Memorial Post #598, Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Jewel enjoyed golf, hunting and watching the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When able, she liked traveling, shopping for the perfect outfit and accessorizing, dining out with family and friends and most importantly, sharing her stories and pictures of her travels around the world. Jewel was at times a bit skeptical and always added a grain of salt – she even obtained her private pilot license in 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon J. Shults; brother, Myrle Linn Nitsche; sister, Wilma Jean Keeton; and a nephew, Stanley Keeton.

Jewel is survived by her brother, Carl H. Nitsche Jr. and wife, Jewel Dene – Osceola; special niece, Carla Nitsche Keough and husband, John, and their children, Amanda, Amy, Vanessa and Clemente – all of Butler; nephews – Carl Eugene Keeton and wife, Sherri – Stilwell, KS, Craig Keeton and wife, Nancy – Spokane, WA, Carl D. Nitsche and wife, Pam – Mission, KS, Herman Nitsche and wife, Anne – Appleton City, Myrle Linn Nitsche Jr. and wife, Phyllis – Butler, Kevin Nitsche and wife, Patty – Butler, and Brent Nitsche and friend, Amy – Chandler, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie J. Nitsche – El Dorado Springs, and Marguerite Shults – Kansas City; several cousins; other great-nephews and great-nieces, business associates, and a host of friends.
Graveside services and burial under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel were held Monday, May 25, in Springfield National Cemetery with Rev. Chris Conklin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler Senior Center, Butler First Christian Church or Heartland of Willow Lane Activity Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Bertha Imogean Wallace

Bertha Imogean Shockley, 89, was born Aug. 9, 1919, in Nodaway County, to Earl Franklin and Martha Addaline Whitlock Shockley. Imogean passed away May 20, 2009, at the Country Oak Village in Grain Valley.

Imogean was the youngest of the three Shockley sisters. While still an infant, her parents brought her to Cedar County where they lived in her great-grandfather’s log home on the Shockley homestead in the Amity Community. She attended grade school there and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1939.

Imogean was married to Clyde Wallace on May 10, 1939. In 1941 they moved to the Wallace farm where she lived for the remainder of her life. It was there her two sons; Clyde Carol and Terry Land were born. Imogean’s greatest concern as she grew older was that failing health would cause her to have to leave the home and neighborhood she loved so dearly. This did not happen – God blessed her with almost 70 years on the farm she came to as a young woman.

Her life in return was a blessing to many others; especially to her husband, Clyde, with whom she worked side by side for 46 years. Theirs was a special partnership – they did everything together – farm work, household chores and gardening. They were master gardeners. Imogean said she always asked the Lord to give them a good garden so they could share – and they did – giving bushels of vegetables to friends and neighbors.

A blessing to her sons, Carol and Terry, Imogean’s happy “farm girl” disposition made her an ideal mother for her boys. Her arms held but did not bind and they grew to become devoted sons, husbands, fathers and grandfathers.

Imogean’s community was blessed by her life and they will miss her. She was a caring friend and neighbor. She loved the little church where she had attended for over 70 years – drawing great strength from her faith and the fellowship of her church family.

There are many ways of expressing love and Imogean seemed to say it best in the kitchen. The Amish school children who called her the “Candy Lady” and those of us who have enjoyed her wonderful divinity candy and chicken and dumplings know they were truly expressions of love.

Imogean was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Wilbia; husband, Clyde; and grandson, Larry Lane.
She is survived by her sons and their wives, Carol and Angela Wallace and Terry and Kathy Wallace; four grandchildren – Brian, Cynthia, Renee and Sunny; 5 and 1/2 great-grandchildren; her sister, Jessie Sell; and her loving nieces and nephews.
When Imogean’s children were coming home they would call to ask, “Mommie, will you be there.” Her answer was always –“Yes, if I’m not upstairs.” Today – she’s upstairs.

Services began at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Bob Martens and Larry Boucher officiating. Faith Trussell provided the music. Interment followed in Hall Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral.

Pallbearers were – Dale Fast, Pete Fast, Delmar Fast, Aaron Reeder, Kent Henry and Quinten Walsh.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Emma Lee (Green) Lawrence

Emma Lee (Green) Lawrence, 86, formerly of Cedar County, passed away May 16, 2009, at her home in Lawndale, CA. She was born May 4, 1923, to John F. and Katie Culver Green, near Lockwood.

Emma Lee spent her childhood in the Stockton area. She was saved and baptized while attending Forest Home Baptist Church.
She married Everett Lee Lawrence, of El Dorado Springs. They lived in Kansas City for a few years and then moved to California where they spent the rest of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Lee Lawrence; a son, James Everett; a brother, Jack Green; and her parents, John F. and Katie Culver Green.

Survivors include three children – Bill Lawrence, Ethel Leone Halt and Douglas Lawrence – California; grandchildren – Joan Offield, Kenneth Halt, Al Halt, Douglas Lawrence Jr., Jennifer Lawrence and Lucinda Rice – California; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; sisters – Mildred Clark – Kansas City, Golda Brown, Allene Houston, Nikki Olinger, and husband, Bud – El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Sam Green, and wife, Fern, - El Dorado Springs, and Charley F. Green, and wife, Myrtle – Pleasant Hill.

Emma Lee was laid to rest in Lawndale, CA.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Willard Edward (Bill) Fairchild

Willard Edward (Bill) Fairchild, 77, Florence, died, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, peacefully at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 1, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of the late Dee M. Fairchild and Hazel Marks Fairchild.

On March 17, 1956, he married Ella Mae Schmidt in El Dorado Springs, who survives at the home. To this union, four daughters were born.

Bill went to his first year of school in California. After moving to Oregon, he attended school at Mason Hill, Holbrook and Skyline Schools in the Hillsboro, OR, area. He graduated from eighth grade from Pleasant Ridge one room school in Cedar County in 1947. When his family moved back to Oregon, he then completed his freshman year at Boardman, OR.

He was baptized on Jan. 18, 1948, at the Boardman Community Presbyterian Church, Boardman, OR. Upon returning to Missouri, Bill met the girl that would later become his wife at the local swimming hole, known as Spooky Springs, in the Hazel Dell Community in Cedar County.

Bill spent three and a half years in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict; two years active reserve and six years inactive reserve. He served aboard the heavy cruiser, the USS Toledo, CA-133 flagship, in the 7th fleet, stationed in the Pacific and the South Pacific and on the island of Guam, with a ranking of Petty Officer Third Class. He was one of the ships bakers. During that time he was awarded the China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal (stars-2). He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in December 1953, staying in the reserves until 1958.

He was employed at Metalcraft Engineering and Arrow Truck Sales in Kansas City. Later he was a mechanic for Wahrenbrock Implement Company, Sedalia.

Bill and Mae purchased the farm at Florence in 1959, where they would make their home for the next 53 years. He owned and operated Bill’s Garage from his farm for many years. He was well known for his mechanical skills. It was often said that if he could not repair it, it couldn’t be repaired.

Bill was always willing to help anyone in need and never turned anyone down. He had a bulldozing business during the 1960’s, specializing in the building of ponds and terraces. He worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a Carman doing painting, sandblasting and welding. Later he worked in the sign shop making and applying decals to the newly converted cars when Missouri Pacific later became part of the Union Pacific Railroad, until the shops in Sedalia closed in 1986, officially retiring in 1996. He was a card carrying member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, Local #506.

Bill was a man of many interests. He enjoyed photography, a hobby he took up while in the Navy and one of his photos was selected by the United States Navy as an official photograph. He loved to take pictures of his little girls. He was an avid fisherman, taking many fishing trips with family and friends, fishing for bass or catfish in the Flat Creek bottoms.

During the 1970’s, he frequently used the CB radio and his handle was the “Acorn Picker.” He took his family on several vacations, including a trip back to Oregon, to the area where he grew up.

He was a private pilot, soloed in 1978 and enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Musketeer, until his retirement when for several years, he and his wife, Mae, spent the winters in Arizona. He found much enjoyment exploring the desert and gold mines on his 4- wheeler. He was a fan of classic western movies.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother-in-law, Sam Lewis; and one nephew, Donald Lewis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ella Mae, of the home; four daughters - Janet Roberts and husband, Travis – Sedalia, Mary Stultz and husband, Mark – Sedalia, Donna Dixon and husband, Charles – Clinton, and Vicki Johnston and husband, Steve – Norwood; five grandchildren, Kari Roberts Mergen, Jesse Ray Roberts, Jason Wayne Stultz, Lacy Mae Johnston and Logan Dee Johnston; a sister, Marilyn Lewis – Montrose, and fiancee, Ernie Johnson; one brother, Claude Fairchild and wife, Shirley - El Dorado Springs; three great grandchildren; several cousins; nieces; nephews; and friends.

Services were held Saturday, May 16, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover with Leo Harrison officiating. Burial followed in the Florence Union Cemetery with - Clifford Hawn, Dennis Schmidt, Rodney Schmidt, Jerry Lewis, Jerry Hartman and Billy Ray Ellifrits serving as casket bearers and Durward Guth, Wayne Fethke, Bruce Berg and Ernie Johnson serving as honorary bearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bothwell Regional Health Center Hospice in care of the funeral home.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Melvin 'Okie' Blackwell

Melvin “Okie” Blackwell, 67, Omaha, NE, passed away from heart complications Monday afternoon, May 11, 2009, at his home. Okie was born June 22, 1942.

Okie lived his early life around the Everton area and then moved to Nebraska.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Glen Blackwell and Josie Simmons; one brother, Wayne Blackwell; and one sister, Ann Cooper, formerly of El Dorado Springs.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Delores; two brothers, Bill Blackwell – Paso Robles, CA, and Bob Blackwell – Amarillo, TX; two sisters, Martha Hughey – Miller, and Bernice McGatha – Arcola; and a niece, Dian Bettis – El Dorado Springs.

Services were held Monday, May 18, in the Westlawn Hillcrest Funeral Home, Omaha, NE, with burial in the Westlawn Cemetery.
Cards may be sent to Delores Blackwell, 1511 Washington, Omaha, NE 68107.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Imogene (Stephens) Owens


Imogene Joyce Stephens, 64, El Dorado Springs, was born May 30, 1944, to Roy Stephens and Gladys Davis Stephens in Nevada. She passed away on May 10, 2009, in Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, with her sisters Peggy and Doris at her side.

Imogene married William Owens in 1962. Though they later divorced, she kept her married name. She had two sons from the marriage, Chad and Eric.

Ima was the youngest of seven children and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from high school in El Dorado Springs, she moved to Kansas City. There she met Bill Owens, a young Marine. She moved around a lot, to Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Kansas City and to Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.

After her two sons had grown up, Ima chose to return to El Dorado Springs to be near friends and family. Her lifelong bond and friendship with Bobbie (Stacy) Mays and Sis (Stacy) Witt meant the world to her. She was beloved as a teenager for her outgoing manner and crazy antics. Many in the community will fondly recall her bright smile and charming personality. She loved to sew. She loved a good book. She loved to laugh and enjoy life. She was devoted to her children and raised them with lots of love and good values.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Gladys; two brothers, Floyd Stephens and Vernon Stephens; and one sister, June Ann West.

Those surviving include: two sons, Chad and his wife, Elkhanah – El Cerrito, CA, and Eric and his wife, Rachel – Chicago, IL; two grandchildren, Samuel and Walker; one brother, Ray Stephens – Paramount, CA; and two sisters, Doris Smith and Peggy Hale – both of El Dorado Springs.

Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, in the Community Church in El Dorado Springs, 220 N. Main, with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Billy Dee Pace

Billy Dee Pace, 56, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away, Thursday, May 7, 2009, in Callaway, FL. He was born July 12, 1952, to Billy Newton Pace and Doris Jean (Mays) Pace in Lebanon.

Billy Dee grew up in this area and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1970. He drove a truck for Alexander Trucking for a few years before moving to Kansas City where he was employed with Sears.

Bill joined the Air Force, signing up in Joplin. After finishing boot camp at Lackland AFB, TX, he went to tech school in Denver, CO, to train as an instrumentation and telemetry systems craftsman. He worked in research and development. In 1984 he was stationed at Hill AFB, UT, disposing of rocket motors and later performing administrative duties.

While in Utah, he met the love of his life, Paula Jean (Meyers) Pace, and they were married in 1987 at Hill AFB, UT. They transferred to Tyndall AFB, FL, in 1988 where their two sons, William “Willie” Paul Pace and Jesse Dee Pace, were born. Billy Dee retired in 1995 after serving his country for 20 years.

As a teenager, Bill learned to paint and master carpentry skills from his father. He continued to use these talents at home, work and for others. He took pride in his work and enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with his clients.

Bill loved sports and was a very proud baseball dad watching Willie and Jesse play.

Bill loved to golf and went every Sunday with his buddies. Even when he was unable to drive or too weak to play, they would pick him and take him along just so they could spend time together. He cherished these friendships.


Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Newton Pace and Doris Jean (Mays) Pace.

He is survived by an older brother, Jim Pace, wife, Joyce – Nixa, and their children Jeneva Powell, husband, Doug, and their son, Reece – Columbia, and Angie Pace, husband, Joe Philipose – Raleigh, NC, Mac Pace and fiancee, Trinity Hardin – St. Charles, and Katie Pace and fiancee, Aaron Blue – Rolla. Bill has a younger sister, Jeanne Hoagland, husband, John, and their children, Spencer and Drue – Schell City; and a stepmother, Lillian Pace – El Dorado Springs.

Services were held Tuesday, May 12, in the First Baptist Church of Callaway, Panama City, FL, with Rev. Howard Browning officiating. Interment was in the Garden of Memories under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home, Panama City, FL.

Pallbearers were Willie Pace, Jesse Pace, John Hoagland, Harold Ruth, Walt Willey and Stan Sexton.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Jacqueline A. Davis

Jacqueline A. Davis, 86, Joplin, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Freeman Hospital following an illness. She was born Aug. 24, 1922, in Wichita, KS, to Chester and Francis Laws.

She was a lifetime area resident.

Jacqueline married Russell Davis on June 13, 1947, in Joplin.

She worked for five years at Vickers as an office bookkeeper. She worked at the downtown Macy’s store as a sales clerk for more than 10 years. She retired from Meeker Leather Company where she was an office assistant.

Jacqueline was a member of several Joplin women’s clubs as well as bridge clubs. She was a real movie enthusiast, enjoying a variety of movies with her Saturday movie group. She always had a love for swimming and was an avid gardener.

She was a member of South Joplin Christian Church and taught classes. She was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout mom.
Her labor of love was the devotion and loving care of her youngest daughter, Jill. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Chester Bud Law; and her son-in-law, Leo Green.

Survivors include her children – Janet Green – El Dorado Springs, Jeff Davis, and wife, Sara – Riverton, KS, and Jill Davis, of the home; grandchildren include – Justin and Julie Graham, and Cindy Graham, all of Springfield, Ben and Nicholette Davis – Fayetteville, AR, and Bethany Davis – Lawrence, KS; great-grandchildren, Zach and Turner Graham – Springfield.

Services were held at Parker Mortuary on Monday, May 11. Burial was in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Clara Jane Spencer

Clara Jane Spencer, 88, El Dorado Springs, passed away May 3, 2009, in Cox South in Springfield, after a long illness. She was born in the Olympia community in Cedar County to Clyde Lindsey and Julie Ann (Bunker) Lindsey on March 16, 1921.

The family moved to California during the depression and picked fruit in the orchards. She met Weldon Olie White and they were married Dec. 17, 1939. To this union three sons were born – Weldon Lindell, Douglas Ronald and Charles Wayne. Weldon Olie White died in the late stages of World War II.

Later Clara met Ray Matthews and they were married May 15, 1947. To this union triplets were born, Darrell, Gerald and Cheryl.

Some years later Clara met Edward Spencer and they were married Aug. 1, 1960. Edward brought to this union his four children – Steve, Ray, Joanne and Vickie. They were married 44 years before Edward’s death in 2004.

Clara worked in the cafeteria at El Dorado Springs RII School for many years before retiring. She was among the founding members of Park Street Christian Church.

Preceding Clara in death were her parents; her husbands, Weldon White and Edward Spencer; two sons, Weldon Lindell White and Douglas White; one daughter, Cheryl Spencer; one brother, Charles Lindsey; and two sisters, Lucille McWilliams and Luvan Cole.

Clara is survived by her children – Wayne White, and wife, June – El Dorado Springs, Gerald Matthews, and wife, Mary Ann – Knob Noster, Darrell Mathews – El Dorado Springs, Steven Spencer, and wife, Judy – Osceola, Ray Spencer, and wife, Glenda – El Dorado Springs, Joanne Sumner, and husband, Charles – Stockton, and Vickie Hensley, and husband, Marvin – Monett; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Weldon (Betty) White – Excelsior Springs, 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a multitude of other family and friends.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the Park Street Christian Church with Rev. Steve Bond officiating. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
Pallbearers were – Tim White, Mike Whitesell, Curtis Matthews, Darren Matthews, Robert Gibbs and Brian Sumner. Honorary pallbearers were – Nick Matthews, Charlie Sumner, Chris Leeper, Randy Spencer, Daniel Sumner and Bill McWilliams.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis and left at the funeral home.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Margaret Pearl Fowble


Margaret Pearl (Dicks) Fowble, 91, was born June 6, 1917, in Upsala, MN, to Hal and Pearl (Gorden) Dicks and passed away shortly before noon May 2, 2009, in the Cedar County Memorial Hospital, El Dorado Springs.

Margaret was the second of six children raised in Upsala, MN, where her father ran the town’s newspaper and her mother was a homemaker. They spent many days in the newspaper office working as a family.

Upon high school graduation, Margaret attended cosmetology school in Minneapolis. After earning her certificate, she was employed in a department store beauty shop and while giving a permanent one day, as she would fondly recall, she “watched the most handsome man she had ever seen” descend from the store’s escalator in his World War II service uniform. It was then she met her husband, Ray Francis Fowble Jr. The two were married on June 29, 1940, and drove away into the sunset in Ray’s Kitty Clover Potato Chip truck to Sedalia where Ray worked. To this union, two children were born, Stephen Ray and Linda Kay Fowble.

Ray and Margaret were always together. Rarely did you see one without the other. They loved to travel, enjoyed home decorating projects together, and often shopped with Ray always doting on Margaret. Their love, like a strong vine, kept growing and spanned 38 years until his death in May of 1975.

Margaret held various positions outside of her cosmetology career working for Pratt-Whitney in Kansas City supporting her country in the World War II effort when first married, the International Shoe Factory upon moving to El Dorado Springs, and retired from the Composition Department of Witt Printing.

Margaret’s life was rich and full of many hobbies and activities. Her family and many friends, bowling, her church and Sunday School class, appliqueing quilts, and crocheting were a few of the joys in Margaret’s life. She had an extraordinary love for her family that her grandchildren and most recently her great-grand children experienced.

A beautiful Christian lady, her character ran deep with loyalty and perseverance, but above all an unmatched faith that carried her through any trial or tribulation life brought her way. Margaret’s daily life was approached with prayer and Bible reading. She served as a true testament to her family and others of God’s love and faithfulness.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Mildred, Betty and Doug; her husband Ray; son, Stephen and an infant baby daughter.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Prough and husband, Charlie - El Dorado Springs; her sister, Jenny Lumley, and brother, Dale Dicks, both of California; grandson, Justin Basinger, and his mother, Billie – Harwood; grandson, Colby Prough, and his wife, Emma - El Dorado Springs; granddaughter, Cara Prough – Ozark; great-grandchildren -Tyler, Deaven, KayLynn, Margaret “Maggie” and Kayson; nieces; nephews and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday May 8, at the Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. in Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Linda Brewer Smith will sing Amazing Grace and What A Day That Will Be with Barry Witt playing the piano. Casketbearers will be Colby Prough, Carl Webb. Bill Nading, Gary Allison. Harold Mattingly and Vess Swopes. Internment will be in El Dorado City Cemetery.