Monday, May 31, 2010

Jack V. Frakes

Jack V. Frakes, 79, El Dorado Springs, passed away Monday, May 31, 2010, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital after an illness. Jack, the son of Lincoln and Goldie (Lybarger) Frakes, was born June 3, 1930, at Waverly.

He worked as a dredge boat worker, commercial fisherman and farm worker. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. His hobbies were fishing and hunting.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Janice Frakes; daughters, Sharon McDaniel and an infant daughter; two brothers, Carl and James; and two sisters, Dee and Audry.

Survivors include his daughters, Janice Frazier and husband, Danny – Lamar, and Debbie Frakes; sons, Jack Frakes Jr. and wife, Becky – Springfield, Thomas Frakes and Robert Frakes; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Final disposition cremation, under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. Private memorial services and internment will be held at a later date at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Edna Mae Leonard


Edna Mae (Schmidt) Leonard, 99, El Dorado Springs, passed away May 30, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility. She was born Sept. 9, 1910, to Charley and Viola (Davis) Schmidt in St. Clair County.

Edna’s early childhood was spent in Black Jack. When she was about 11, her parents moved with her and her brother, Everett, to Cedar County, where her father ran a store at Cline Hill. She attended school at Black Jack, Cline Hill, Caplinger Mills and graduated high school at El Dorado Springs in 1929. Edna then attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, where she earned a degree in teaching in 1930. Edna taught school at Black Jack for one year and Cline Hill for one year.

On Sept. 9, 1931, she married Johnnie Leonard. To this union three children were born - Virgie, Rose and Jerl. Later they moved to Cedar Springs and operated the store on the north side of Hwy. 54. They moved to California for 13 months and then returned to operate the store in Cedar Springs. After selling the store, Edna worked for a year at the Ben Franklin Store in El Dorado Springs and then worked for 26 years at the International Shoe Company in El Dorado Springs, retiring in 1976. During all this time, she milked cows, did gardening and was a good mother to her children. She taught them to help do the chores with her.

After her illness in 1987, she moved to her daughter, Virgie’s, place and became known as the’“flower lady.” She raised and gave away flowers and seeds to numbers of people. Edna continued this until about five years ago and, because of her health, she turned this over to her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Charley and Viola; her husband, Johnnie; her brother, Everett and his wife, Katie; and one son-in-law, Charles Smith.

Edna is survived by her three children - Virgie Francis, and husband, George Ray, Rose Smith, and Jerl Leonard, and, Berta - all of El Dorado Springs; nine grandchildren - Lynn and Rex Ann Francis - El Dorado Springs, Mark and Rhonda Francis - Concord, NC, Georgie and Kevin Cook - Urbana, Gregg Francis - Lamar, Charles Neil and Ingrid Smith - El Dorado Springs, Charles Jr. and Tina Keith - El Dorado Springs, Terry and Ange Smith - El Dorado Springs, Edna Mae and Christopher DeFreece - Kansas City, and Jeri Ann Leonard; three step grandchildren - Debra and Mark Smith, Paula and Wes Stoner and Lisa and Ben Cochran;
many great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Brother Ralph Benham and Brother DeWayne Burdette officiating. Burial will follow in Hazel Dell Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Pallbearers will be - Chris DeFreece, Neil Smith, Lynn Francis, Terry Smith, Charles Keith Jr., Dakota DeFreece, Gregg Francis and Kevin Cook.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Richard Souders

Richard Souders, 70, El Dorado Springs, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2010, at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born June 7, 1939, in Kidder, to Emmitt James Souders and Dorothy Marjorie Boner Souders. He was married June 11, 1956, in Gladstone to Bonnie V. Landis and she survives of the home.

Richard grew up in Gladstone. He worked for 20 years as a trucker and an additional 20 years as a diesel mechanic. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Ottawa, KS, an avid gardener and shade tree mechanic. He loved his family very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Thomas and Carl Brown; and one sister, Beverly Peterman.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Survivors include one son, Rick Souders – Wellsville, KS; five daughters – Debra Willeman – Ft. Smith, AR, Diana Reynolds – Sparta, Deeadra Brown – Nixa, Darla Hazzard – Stockton, and Danette Finney – Chadwick; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Charlene Ashby – Warsaw.

Services began at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Rev. Randy Hayward and Pastor Darrell Mead officiating. Interment followed in Welborn Cemetery, Moundville, under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Dewyne Henry Friedli

Dewyne Friedli, 81, Harwood, was born Aug. 16, 1928, in Hope, KS, to Henry Jacob Friedli and Ella Maye Spriggs Friedli. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 29, 2010, after a lengthy illness.

He was united in marriage to Alice Louise Schlup on April 12, 1952, in Kansas City.

He was an active charter member of Faith Baptist Church of Walker, where he was a deacon, trustee, treasurer, Sunday School teacher and superintendent.

Dewyne proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict with the United States Army, were he earned the Korean Service Medal, the Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal.

He lived a full and active life which included 19 years of service at 3M of Nevada. For the last 15 years, he enjoyed going to Christian Health Care Center in Nevada on Thursday evenings where he loved to sing gospel songs and play the guitar for the residents. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. His most important job was to raise and nurture his family. Dewyne and his wife, Louise, had 10 children.

Dewyne was preceded in death by the love of his life, Louise; his parents, Henri Friedli and Ella Maye Friedli; an infant daughter, Anna Marie; granddaughter, Maggie Collins; daughter-in-law, Janie Friedli; brother, Irvin Friedli; and three sisters – Maxine Attebury, Wava Haas and Patricia Tripp.

He is survived by nine children – Jim Friedli and Tammy, Darrell Friedli and Shirley, Steve Friedli and Tina, Warren Friedli and Roberta, Rick Friedli and Diane, and Janelle Friedli – all of Nevada, Sharon Hauf - Walker, Bob Friedli and Misty – Springfield, and Doris Micklich and Tony – Walker; 40 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Darrell Friedli – Kansas City and Dean Friedli – Centralia; nieces, nephews, his church family and many friends.

Services were held Wednesday, June 2, at the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City with Larry Brown officiating. Music was by Lorne and Wyatt Brown. Dewyne’s children served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were – Mark Hauf, Tony Micklich, Glen Collins and Eugene Murray. Burial was in the Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City, under the direction of Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Faith Baptist Church in Walker.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home of Schell City.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Richard Leo Green


Richard Leo Green, 28, the El Dorado Springs Centennial Baby, died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Raleigh, NC, on May 25, 2010, after suffering from seizures.

Richard was only 28 years old and this was three years to the day after his grandfather’s (Ralph Leo Green) funeral and cousin Victor’s death.

After Richard’s birth, his father joined the military and Richard spent the greater portion of his youth moving around the world. He spoke German as his childhood language and continued to study it in college. Richard graduated high school in St. Pauls, NC, with honors and attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.

Richard was the Assistant Computer Information Technology Systems Administrator for the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He ensured the staff and doctoral students’ computer hardware systems, as well as the networks, were always running and helped with presentations and other software related issues.

Richard was characterized by North Carolina State co-workers as having a heart of gold and the patience of a saint. His high school classmates had described him repeatedly as being smart, quiet, private and unique. He didn’t worry about what other people thought about him going against the grain and often said he would wear something other than black when they came out with something darker. Richard was someone who always stood by his friends when needed and was fiercely loyal to those he cared about. He will be deeply missed and leaves a large hole in many people’s lives.

Richard is survived by his parents, Danny Leo and Teresa Green - currently stationed at Scott Air Force Base, IL; his sister, Melissa Green - Greensboro, NC; and brother, Johnny Leo Green - LeMoore Naval Air Station, CA; his grandparents, Frances Heinlein - Parkton, NC, Edward and Jaccey Heinlein - Mimosa Beach, Betty and Larry Floyd - El Dorado Springs, and Janet Green - El Dorado Springs.

A memorial service was held in Parkton, NC, on May 29.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at the Bland-Hackleman Chapel with burial in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery near his grandfather Leo. Rev. Brent Bland officiated. Pallbearers were - Danny Green, Johnny Green, Kent Sibley, Kirk Sibley, Richard Walker and Dustin Walker. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family to help purchase a monument.

Gloria Thomasina Ammala

Gloria Thomasina Ammala, 80, of rural Osceola, passed away at Cedar County Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Gloria was born on July 2, 1929, to Barney and Madeline Levra in Iron Belt, WI.

She married Edward Ammala and they were the parents of two sons, Michael and Edward.

Gloria worked as a registered nurse and enjoyed her career helping people. She loved her family and was a wonderful wife and mother. She leaned upon her Catholic faith which gave her direction in her life.

Survivors include her husband, Edward, of the home; and two sons, Michael Ammala - Hermitage, and Edward Ammala - Rolla.
A private family service was held on Thursday, May 27, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

William Dale 'Bill' Hurst

William Dale “Bill” Hurst, 82, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away late Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Mercy Hospital. He was born March 15, 1928, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of Earl D. Hurst and Iris Ellen Ragin Hurst.

Bill graduated from the Fort Scott High School and later enlisted with the United States Air Force.

He married Donna M. McBride on March 9, 1953, at Fort Scott, KS. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1983.

Bill was formerly associated with KESM radio in El Dorado Springs. Bill worked as the News Director for Fort Scott Broadcasting, KOMB/KMDO radio, for 35 years. He served on the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and the Fort Scott Planning Commission. Bill also served on the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board from 1977 – 1981. He was known as the “Voice of Fort Scott” for his many years in broadcasting;

In addition to his wife, Donna, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Bill also had a speaking role in the 1968 Gordon Parks film, The Learning Tree.

Survivors include his special friend, Chlorine Briggs - Fort Scott, KS; a brother, James Hurst - Greenwood, SC; two nephews whom he helped raise, John Michael Stockwell - Plattsmouth, NE, and James Patrick Stockwell - Oriental, NC; several other nieces and nephews including, David Cullop - Waller, TX, and Phyllis Rice - Grove, OK; several great-nieces and great-nephews and many, many friends.

Services were held Friday, May 28, in the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, Fort Scott, KS, with Rev. Chuck Russell officiating. Music was provided by Karen Billiard, organist and Gerald Hart, vocalist. Burial followed in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS, where military honors were provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Casketbearers were Barry Rice, Tom Nighswonger, Eric Stockwell, Brent Crays, Jason Rice and Harold Coleman.

Memorials are suggested to the Sharing Bucket and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Glen Dale Rector

Glen Dale Rector, 67, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at St. John’s Memorial Hospital. Glen was born
of Feb. 3, 1943, in Brushy Creek, MO, to William Lewis Rector and Ola Ozel Bland-Rector, one of 13 children. He lived in El Dorado Springs for many years preceding his death.

Glen attended school in Shannon and Carter Counties in one-room schoolhouses that don’t exist anymore.

He enjoyed spending his spare time hunting and fishing and playing cards. He loved spending time with his grandbabies and “Grandpa’s little men.” He was a preacher for an unknown period of time. His wit and humor made all around him smile and laugh every time he was around.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ira Rector.

He is survived by seven brothers – Charles Harris Rector – Kansas, James Harold Rector – Van Buren, Darrel Rector – Winona, Melvin Louis Rector – Dyersburg, TN, Allen Ray Rector – Winona, Vernon (Rooster) Roy Rector – Alton, and Jerry Rector – Winona; four sisters – Gracie Fay Fox – Winona, Myrtle Lorene Wright – Thomasville, Mary Lee Manis – Winona, and Margie Alene Berry – Winona; his ex-wife and best friend, Ida Rector; seven children – Ola May Roberts and Brenda Lee Malino – both of Kansas, Glenda Krantz – Bosworth, Brenda Sue Morgan, Jack Glen Rector, James Mac Rector – all of El Dorado Springs, and Rhonda Roseanna Poe – Morrowville, KS, and their spouses; and numerous aunts, uncles grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Dennis M. (Corky) Pollard


Dennis Merle (Corky) Pollard, 61, El Dorado Springs, passed away on May 22, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs. He was born Dec. 22, 1948, in Modesto, CA, to Robert Lee and Donna Lee Pollard.

Dennis was married to B. Penny Gonzales on Feb. 12, 1967. To this union two children were born, Robert Joe and Denise.

He was a hard worker, working for many years as a self-employed tile contractor. For the last 16 years he worked as a tile contractor in Missouri for El Dorado Floor Covering and for Floors and More.

His hobbies included fishing, camping, NASCAR and John Wayne movies.

Preceding Dennis in death were: His parents, Robert Lee Pollard and Donna Lee True; and two brothers, David and Dwight Pollard.
Survivors include: his wife, Penny Pollard, of the home; one son, Robert Joe Pollard, and wife, Sandi - Nevada; one daughter, Denise Willoughby, and Jeffery Reedy - El Dorado Springs; five grandchildren - Courtney Ann Green and husband, Brandon - Mi-Wak, CA, Dalton J. Pollard – Nevada, Edward J. Halcon Jr. - El Dorado Springs, Robert Joe Lee Halcon - El Dorado Springs and Samuel Dennis Willoughby - El Dorado Springs; grandmother, Pauline Evans - El Dorado Springs; step-father, David C. True - Turlock, CA; one sister, Dawn Renee Phiel - Modesto, CA; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service began at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Thursday, May 20, 2010


Beverley Jean (Collins) Breeden, 63, El Dorado Springs, was born Nov. 14, 1946, in Osceola, to Shirley W. and Ruby D. Collins. She left us suddenly on May 20, 2010.

Family was life and Beverley had a full life. She married Sam Breeden and together they had two daughters, Kelly LaSondra and Shirlee Jean. She had four grandchildren – Cayla Dawn Breeden, Samantha Jean Colbert, Chance Matthew Reed and Dylon Dennis Johnson; one great-grandson, Hunter Gene Grice; and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name.

Beverley was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Doug; and daughter, Shirlee Jean.

She is survived by her brother, Herb Collins; daughter, Kelly Kozak; and all of her grandchildren.

Beverley had a wonderful light that has only been dimmed by her passing. Her family will always bask in her loving glow.

Services will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27, in Sheldon Chapel with Chad Lewis officiating. Music by Jodee Lewis will be In The
Garden, Amazing Grace and Sissy’s Song.

Final disposition, cremation. Arrangements by Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Charles V. Blauvelt


Charles Vernon Blauvelt, 82, Harwood, departed this life on May 19, 2010. He was born March 24, 1928, in Kansas City, the son of Merrill and Theresa Schrock Blauvelt.

Charles was united in marriage to Ula West on March 6, 1948. To this union of 62 years, three children were born: Dennis, David and Virginia.

Charles served in the Navy during World War II. He served as a Seaman First Class and was stationed with the occupational forces in Japan. He received a World War II medal.

During his early 20s, Charles accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized in 1954 at the Northern Heights Baptist Church in Northern Heights. He attended services at the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs where he faithfully served as a greeter.

For 30 years, Charles drove a school bus for the El Dorado Springs School District. He enjoyed farming and traveling to the mountains.

Preceding Charles in death were his parents; three brothers - Merrill, Roy and Bill; and one sister, Mary.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ula, of the home near Harwood; his three children - Dennis and wife, Donna – Ozark, David and wife, Mary Ann – Sheldon, and Virginia and husband, Tom James - Joplin; nine grandchildren - Denise Blauvelt – Republic, Terry Blauvelt and wife, Sharon – Springfield, Neil Blauvelt - Huntington Beach, CA, Amber Parker and husband, Matt - St. Peters, Aaron Blauvelt, Emily Blauvelt and James Blauvelt - all of Sheldon, Adrian Villalobos and husband, Rogelio - Dallas, TX, and Nadine James - Springfield. He also leaves seven great-grandchildren - Jaena, Theodore, Arielle, Chelsea, Mateo, Diego and Jackson; one sister, Dorothy - Tonganoxie, KS; and brother, Johnny - Stockton.

Charles will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services were held on Saturday, May 22, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel. Bro. Ralph Benham officiated and Rusty Carver provided music. Interment followed in Pankey Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Darrin Jackson, Wayne Yakel, Dean Yakel, Larry Biddlecome, Dane Perry and Doug McNeece.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation and left at the funeral home.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Kathryn 'Kathy' Budd



Kathryn Budd, 57, Webb City, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away May 13, 2010, in Joplin, with her family by her side. She was born Aug. 6, 1952, in Nevada, to Herschel and Ruth Scott.

She graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1970, where she met her husband, Charles Budd. Kathryn and Charles attended college at Southwest Missouri State. After graduation, they returned to El Dorado Springs where they were united in marriage on Dec. 31, 1972. Kathy was a teacher at El Dorado Springs for more than 30 years.

As a teacher, Kathy’s goal was to keep science interesting and challenge her students to excel. Kathy had a special gift to see the potential in children as well as others around her to help them find their way.

Her interests included family, pets, crafts, church and reading. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members and foster children. After retirement, she was actively involved in supporting her children, grandchildren and foster children.

Kathy was baptized at a young age at the United Methodist Church in El Dorado Springs. After her retirement, much of her time was spent serving at Pathways United Methodist Church in Alba, MO.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Charles Budd; mother, Ruth Scott; three children and their spouses - Alicia and John Hansen, Alex and Lisa Budd and Louisa and Sean Ritchlin; five grandchildren - Fallon and Tristen Smith, Gracyn Budd and Jacob and George Hansen; and others who held a special place in her heart - Joe and Chastity Florido, Troy Mahana and Donald and Megan Richardson.

Family visitation was held Sunday, May 16, at the Bland Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Services were held on Monday, May 17, at Pathways United Methodist Church in Alba, MO, followed by graveside services at Mound Cemetery near El Dorado Springs. Pastor Joe Miller officiated and Jennafer Johnson and Joyce Maneval provided music. Pallbearers were - Alex Budd, John Hansen, Sean Ritchlin, Lance Fox, Dan Bahr, Donald Richardson, Troy Mahana, Joe Florido and Jerry Brackenridge.
Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Donations may be sent to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at Pancan.org in memory of Kathryn Budd.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Maxine Menefee


Maxine Menefee, 80, passed away at her home in El Dorado Springs on May 10, 2010. She was born in Urbana on May 22, 1929, to George and Edna Riley.

Maxine lived most of her youth in Hickory County on a farm between Wheatland and Hermitage. She attended school in both Wheatland and Hermitage and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1947.

She was united in marriage to Leo Rife on March 28, 1948. To that union were born two sons and a daughter. Leo passed away in 1958 and in 1961 she married Lowell Menefee, a widower with three sons. They had been married for nearly 49 years at the time of her passing.

As a teenager, Maxine loved living on the farm and especially loved riding and occasionally racing horses with her friends.
During her life, she worked as a secretary, a nurses aid, a pre-school owner/administrator/teacher and, for nearly 35 years,
she operated a home daycare. She loved children and kept in touch with several daycare families for years after the children had moved on to school and other activities. In 1983 she received an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Kansas City, KS, Junior College.

Maxine loved life and enjoyed many hobbies; among them were flower gardening, remodeling and decorating her home, cooking and trying new recipes and, in the last few years, knitting. She always had projects going and was always trying new things.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers - Harold, George and Jim.

She is survived by her husband, Lowell, of the home; six children - Dwight and Brenda Menefee – Wheatland, Dale and Debbie Menefee - Harrison, AR, David and Barbara Menefee - Hot Springs, AR, Pam and Paul Dodsworth - Monument, CO, Dennis and Debra Menefee – Granby, and Dan and Denise Menefee - Rapid City, SD; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Dolly Riley; and a host of family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

During the final weeks of her life, she testified of her love for her Lord and, while we miss her presence, she is enjoying the life she lived and prepared for. We look toward a future reunion when we will all be with our Lord.

The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, May 14, at the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. Interment will follow in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) Children’s Ministries.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Danny Glenn Dennis


Danny Glenn Dennis, 56, Lamar, passed away May 8, 2010, in Freeman Hospital in Joplin with his family and friends at his side. He was born Jan. 26, 1954, in Nevada to Roy and Marvelene Dennis.

Danny graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1972. He attended Missouri Southern and also Missouri State for a short time. He went to work at Farm and Home in Nevada, was also a photographer for Olan Mills, worked at 3M Manufacturing, and later was employed at O’Sullivan in Lamar.

Danny’s main hobby was fishing and he was good at it. He enjoyed music and was a good basketball player as a young man. He didn’t have a lot of possessions but was generous with what he had and he made the best grilled hamburger in town.

Survivors include: his wife, Arlene - Lamar; his parents, Roy and Marvelene Dennis - El Dorado Springs; his brother, Denny Dennis and wife, Marilyn; his children - Danielle Wyland - Nevada, Misty Pettit - Montevallo, Dane Dennis - Webb City, Jammie Miller - Greenfield and Jimmie Hopper (deceased); his grandchildren - Kevin, Miles, Kameron, Madisyn, Emma, Kelby, Katlin and one baby girl, Chloe Renea on the way; one nephew, Aaron, and many other relatives and friends. Needless to say he will be greatly missed.

Services began at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Scott Roe officiating. Interment followed in Lindley Prairie Cemetery near Bear Creek under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Dane Dennis, Scott Miller, Adam Besendorfer, Steve Wilson, Miles Wyland, Kevin Wyland, Randy Bobbett and Dale Heitz. Honorary pallbearer was Howard Morris.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Lillian Opal (Bland) Rosenbaum

Lillian Opal (Bland) Rosenbaum, 92, of Stockton, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2010, at the Stockton Nursing Home. Lillian Opal was born May 27, 1917, the first child of John Daniel and Rena Blanche (Bourland) Bland on a farm east of El Dorado Springs, near the Leila community.

On July 15, 1927, Opal was saved in a tabernacle meeting held by R.C. Oldham and Joe S. Worthington. She consecrated her life in Sanctification on Feb. 21, 1928, in a revival meeting at Herriman Chapel under the ministry of Charlie Mitchell. She was baptized on Aug. 15, 1929, in Cedar Creek at Hackleman’s Bridge. Her life exemplified the life of Christ.

Lillian Opal attended school at Love, Johnson, Flat Rock, Cedar Springs and graduated from the El Dorado Springs High School. She attended the summer session at Warrensburg State Teachers College in preparation for a teaching career. In the fall of 1939 she began teaching at Excelsior Springs School near Stockton. It was while teaching in this community that she met and was courted by Howard William Rosenbaum. After her first and only year of teaching, Howard and Opal were united in marriage on April 7, 1940. Howard preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2002.

Howard and Opal spent the majority of their married life on their farm Southwest of Stockton. She worked hard and always had a bountiful garden. She was a talented cook, seamstress and homemaker. Her quilts were beautiful and admired. She took care of the many other countless chores that are demanded of one living on a farm. 

Howard served as the Cedar County Treasurer from 1958 to 1978. Opal assisted Howard in the office on many days. Her warm and pleasant personality made visitors feel at ease. Many new friends were made during their tenure in this role. After their retirement, they moved to their home on Ward Street. 

Opal could best be described as a Servant of the Lord. She was used by the Lord, along with others, in “birthing” the Church of
God (Holiness) in Stockton. It was an exciting day for her when they welcomed the Kenneth Smith family to the first Pastors of this new work. Throughout the years, Opal served the church as song leader, Sunday School teacher and took care of any other tasks that needed attention.

She will long be remembered for her gift of hospitality. Her door was always open to family and friends and all were invited to sit at her table and enjoy a scrumptious home cooked meal. There was seldom a day that they did not have company at mealtime. Many ministers and visiting missionaries were guests in her home and whether they needed to stay a night or a week, they always had a warm welcome. 

Opal was a charter member of the Cedar County Federated Republican Women’s Club. She encouraged others to join and be involved in electing conservative officials at all levels of government. 

While caring for her mother, Opal saw a need in providing encouragement and ministry to the elderly that lived in the Stockton Nursing Home. She became a volunteer and was faithful in this role until having a stroke in 1998. Stockton Nursing Home then became her second home. Opal’s legacy will continue to live on. She role modeled patience, courage, strength and a sweet and generous spirit. Throughout her lengthy illness she maintained a pleasant expression and a positive attitude. Even in the midst of great difficultly she never complained.  

Opal is without question, now rejoicing in the beauty and splendor of the Pearly White City, as she is reunited with Howard, whom she has so sorely missed, and the other members of her family who have gone before her. She will be sadly missed by her family but who are looking forward to that day when there will be a great reunion with no more parting and no more tears.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Darlene Garrigus and Fern Vilhauer.

Survivors include her sister, Lorene Witt of El Dorado Springs, a large extended family and a host of friends.

Services began 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at the Church on the Hill with Rev. Kenneth Smith officiating. Musical selections Because He Lives and When They Ring Those Golden Bells, were provided by Karen Rains. Interment was in the Gumm Springs Cemetery under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Larry Garrigus, Stanley Vilhauer, John Rosenbaum, Jason Moomaw, Carson Hayward and Bradley Hayward.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Roe Norman Hamilton

Roe Norman Hamilton, 91, was born in St. Clair County, Missouri, on Dec. 7, 1918, the last surviving child of Edward Alphonso and Florence Eleanor Hamilton. He passed away Monday, May 3, 2010.

Roe married Edith Nadine Burchett on the eve of deployment overseas on Nov. 11, 1942.

Roe served his country as an airplane mechanic in the European Theater during World War II.

As a young man, Roe was a talented baseball pitcher and enjoyed playing music on any instrument he could pick up.

He was a proud father of five children, grandfather to 10 children and great-grandfather to 10 children. He loved to play jokes and was a good neighbor who would do anything for anyone without being asked. He farmed land in St. Clair and Cedar County
in the Black Jack community during the 40s and 50s. He retired from General Contractors in 1982 after 22 years in bridge construction. 

Roe and Edith were married for 67 and a half years. He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, Sheila Pendergrass - Pittsburg, KS, Dennis Hamilton, and his wife, Lynda - Independence, Howard Hamilton, and his wife, Glenis - Stockton, Brenda Procter, and her husband, Michael - Columbia, and Lisa Hamilton-Hill - Columbia, and a large extended family and many friends.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, in Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton. Interment followed in Caplinger Cemetery.