Thomas William 'Bill' Swopes

Thomas William “Bill” Swopes, 85, El Dorado Springs, was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Peru, KS, to Melvin T. and Goldie M. (Norris) Swopes. He went to meet his Lord early Nov. 30, 2010, at Community Springs Nursing Home in El Dorado Springs where they took excellent care of him for several years. He felt very close to many of his caretakers and enjoyed teasing them.

Bill attended Elementary School in a one-room school building and graduated from Collins High School in 1943. He served in the Army in the Pacific area from 1944-46 and was a corporal when discharged.

Bill married Mary E. Palmer, Aug. 28, 1948. Five children were born to this union - Patricia Evelyn, Thomas Dewayne, Peggy Charlene, Dwight Irvin and Pamela Sue. He later married Mryl White on Dec. 29, 1975.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Goldie Swopes; both wives, Mary and Mryl; daughter, Pamela Sue Hill; grand-daughters, Holly and Whitney; a grandson, Tyler Swopes, and a sister, Columbine Allen.

He is survived by the other four children - Patricia Evelyn Blankenship - Huntsville, AR, Thomas Dewayne, and wife, Karen - Terre Haute, IN, Dwight Irvin - Terre Haute, IN, Peggy Charlene Willbanks, and husband, Larry - Huntsville, AR; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; four brothers - Melvin (Vess) Swopes - El Dorado Springs, Ed, and wife, Debbie - Delta, CO, Leroy, and wife, Dorotha - Appleton City, Jack, and wife, Debbie - Falcon; two sisters, June Coleman - El Dorado Springs and Grace Harold, and husband, Tom - Nevada; a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Pleasant Springs Cemetery in care of the Sheldon Funeral Home.

Services were held Friday, Dec. 3, in Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Music was provided by the Bear Creek Bluegrass Band. Military Honors were provided by Juliet Team/VFW 5525. Interment was in Pleasant Springs Cemetery, Oyer.

Casketbearers were - Melvin Swopes, Jack Swopes, Leroy Swopes, Tom Harold, Rick Swopes and Derl Barnett.

Arrangements under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home El Dorado Springs.

Alma Caroline Eaves

Alma Caroline Eaves, 79, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Nov. 30, 2010, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital. Alma was born in Stockton, on March 29, 1931, the third child of Silvia Lee (Taylor) and Ira Leroy Swager.

She lived most of her life in Cedar County and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1950, the same year she married Jerry Lee Eaves. To this union two children were born, Jerry R. and Jeannie K.

Caroline worked at the International Shoe Company for over 24 years. Jerry and Caroline owned a tavern before retiring in 1990 and moving to Cedar Springs.

She spent most of her time with her flowers, doing crafts and making quilts and teddy bears.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jerry; son, Jerry; son-in-law, Dennis Hertzberg; and brother, Leland.
Survivors include: one daughter, Jeannie Hertzberg - El Dorado Springs; one daughter-in-law, Debbie Eaves - Florida; four grandchildren - Jason, Jessica, Angie and April; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Juanita Swager.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating.

Caroline’s cremains will be placed by Jerry’s at Mound Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy in memory of Caroline Eaves and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.blandhackleman.com.

Thomas William (Bill) Swopes

Thomas William (Bill) Swopes, 85, El Dorado Springs, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, in the Sheldon Funeral Chapel in El Dorado Springs. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Pleasant Springs Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Violet Skakal

Violet Ernesteen Marylin (Hopkins) Skakal, 83, Basehor, KS, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Nov. 27, 2010, at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. She was born Jan. 29, 1927, to John Lee and Charlotte H. (Shaw) Hopkins in Stockton.

One sister, Vivian (Hopkins) Read, preceded her in death on July 7, 2010.

Survivors include three children - David and Merrilyn Skakal and family - Panama City, FL, Jerry Lee and Janet Skakal and family - Olathe, KS, and Brenda (Skakal) DeRuse and family - Basehor, KS; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clete and B.J. Hopkins and family - Stockton, and Curt and Bette Hopkins and family - West Chester, PA; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs with Larry Johnston officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a monetary donation in memory of Violet Skakal be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, PO Box 96391, Washington, DC, 20090-6391, or a credit card donation by phone toll free at 1-866-232-8484.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.blandhackleman.com.

Lyle D. Daulton

Lyle D Daulton, 82, El Dorado Springs, the only child of William C. and Carrie Daulton, was born April 19, 1928. He died at his home on Nov. 25, 2010.

He married the love of his life, Alethea Cordelia Smith, on Nov. 27, 1947. Out of this marriage three sons were born - Allen, Bruce, and Kirby.

Lyle ran a portable hammer mill, grinding grain for farmers. He hauled hay, grain and coal and was a carpenter for many years. He also was a farmer.

Lyle loved music and could play by ear just about any stringed instrument. He sang and played music with many friends in church and other places. He had a strong Christian faith and was always ready to share Jesus with anyone.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alethea.

He is survived by his three sons and their families - Allen Daulton - El Dorado Springs, Bruce Daulton, and wife, Carol - Osceola, and Kirby Daulton, and wife, Chandra - Stockton; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 30, in the Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Larry Young officiating and a special reading by Larry Daniel. Special music was provided by Paul Hooper, Vera Keeton, Gene Holtgrewe and Larry Daniel with pianist Peggy Carter.
Casketbearers were– Heath Daulton, Brock Daulton, Adam Daulton, Aaron Daulton, Gene Holtgrewe, Paul Hooper and Brent Pearson.

Arrangements were by Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

Leliah Mae Hinkle

Leliah Mae (Gresham) Duckering Hinkle, 98, was born in Chelsea, OK, March 8, 1912, to Carl and Goldie (Rickman) Gresham. She passed away on Nov. 25, 2010, at Community Springs Health Care Facility in El Dorado Springs.

She grew up in the Roscoe area of St. Clair County where she met and later married Frank Raymond Duckering on Aug. 29, 1931.
To this union five children were born - Wayne, Phyllis, Christena, Carolyn and Tom Freddy. They spent their lifetime in the Brownington, Halfway and Buffalo areas.

In April 1980, Leliah married Hersheld Hinkle.

She was active in the VFW until her health failed.

Leliah was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Duckering, Hersheld Hinkle in 1984; sons, Wayne and Freddy; and a sister, Merriam Culbertson.

She is survived by her children - Phyllis and Darell Whitesell, and Chris and Gary Green - El Dorado Springs, and Carolyn Durnell and Fred - Moundville; sisters, Betty Gilbert and Winnie Burrow, and husband, Ike - El Dorado; seven grandchildren - Debra Potter, Dana Jones, Daren Whitesell, Jerry Green, Master Sgt. Gregory Green, Michael Durnell, Stephen Durnell and Tim Duckering; 15 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren other relatives and many friends.

Services and interment was Monday, Nov. 29, in Schofield Cemetery in Halfway with Randy Sheldon officiating.

Arrangements were by Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.

George M. Baker

George Merald Baker, 92, El Dorado Springs, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 24, in Caldwell, TX. He was born in Iron Hill, Jackson County, IA, on July 18, 1918, to George William and Bertha Dutton Baker.

George served in the Navy during World War II as an airborne radar technician. After the war, he moved to Lockwood to start his business of quarrying and crushing limestone. While in Lockwood, he was president of the school board.

In Albuquerque, NM, where he and three brothers-in-law engaged in copper mining briefly, he followed his life long desire to live in the Mountain West. He returned to Missouri in 1957 and began his quarrying business in 1960 in El Dorado Springs where he lived the rest of his life. He was a member and served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado Springs.

For a few years, he designed and built quarrying equipment featuring designs that he developed from his 45 years in the rock business. He utilized drafting skills learned in high school to make the blueprints for the conveyors and screening plants he built.

Following his retirement, he developed and practiced his skill in bookbinding.

Even though he was not able to attend college, he studied all his life and developed an in-depth knowledge of mathematics and quantum physics which he continued to research until his death. He also studied the history of the Old West avidly and loved to write. He wrote numerous stories and poems which greatly entertained his children and grandchildren over the years. He was also an accomplished pilot who had soloed before WWII. As a flight instructor, he taught many in El Dorado Springs to fly. His interest in flying led him to an instrumental role in the growth and addition of a paved runway at the El Dorado Springs Municipal Airport.

George was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his sons and brothers-in-law. He told interesting stories about his hunting trips and escapades.

He also loved to play games and taught his family many of these games over the years. Often during family gatherings the cards were brought out and games of Bridge, Cribbage, Hearts, Canasta or others were enjoyed. George also loved to cook. For many years he made his own delicious bread, pies and other foods that his family enjoyed when visiting.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katy Nell Nicholson Baker; his mother and father; brothers - Myron, Ralph and Charles; sisters - Greta Banks, Gladys Nelson, Metta Baker and Eleanor Crane; and granddaughter, Shelley Baker.

He is survived by sons - Pat, and wife, Hilda - Caldwell, TX, Bob, and wife, Glenda - College Station, TX, and Tim, and wife, Sherri - Germantown, TN; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, followed by graveside services and burial in Rock Springs Cemetery in Halltown. Memorial donations in his name may be made to: The BPW Katy Baker Scholarship Fund, El Dorado Springs High School, 901 S. Grand, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

Leonard Leroy Snodgrass

Leonard Leroy Snodgrass, 82, El Dorado Springs, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital. He was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Toddville, IA, to Fay and Agnes (Hadoc) Snodgrass.

Leonard married Grace Baskett and to this union five children were born - Jim, Mike, Cathie, Carol and Darin. Later he married Marlisse Shelton and to this union one son, Timothy, was born.

For 20 years, Leonard worked as a sheet metal worker, including many large buildings in Iowa and California.

Leonard gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 12 and received the Holy Spirit at age 20. His first love was teaching children at Sunday School and on Wednesday night mid-week service. His second love was farming and his cows. He enjoyed all the animals on his farm. When he was young, he helped farm with a horse and plow.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Fay and Agnes Snodgrass; one brother; two sisters; two sons; and two daughters.

Survivors include: his wife, Marlisse - of the home; one sister, Nyla Ray, and husband, Lonnie - Priest River, ID; two sons, Mike Snodgrass, and wife, Phyllis - Mooresville, IN, and Timothy Snodgrass - El Dorado Springs; two step-children, Tony Shelton, and wife, Angela - Wasilla, AK, and Richard Shelton - Fayetteville, AR; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on Friday, Nov. 26, at the El Dorado Springs Assembly of God Church. Pastor Dana Taylor officiated and Angela Shelton provided music. Final disposition was inurnment under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Chad Nolan Moore

Chad Nolan Moore, 24, El Dorado Springs, passed away Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at his home in El Dorado Springs. He was born Nov. 30, 1985, to Randy and Charlene (Keith) Moore.

Chad graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 2004. On Sept. 2, 2004, Chad enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Sill, OK, and then Ft. Carson, CO. He was deployed to Iraq for 18 months in artillery to fight our nation’s war on terrorism. Chad received the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. He proudly served his country and lived by the motto: “Anyone who would die for his country would die for anyone.”

Chad was fearless and loving, putting others’ interests ahead of his own. He would help anyone at a moments notice. He was a loving father and was very excited for their new baby girl to be born. He loved his stepchildren, Rio and Lizzie, as his own and loved and adored his mother-in-law and father-in-law and their family. Chad was a caring and loving man and always reached out to others. Daughter Shila was his world. They loved to watch the moon together.

Chad was inquisitive and energetic as a growing, learning child and was active in sports. He was a loving son. He was a model to his family and an avid outdoorsman. Grampa Bernard and Dad Randy, as well as his mother and grandmother, were his mentors. Chad was an excellent chef, learning his culinary skills naturally, from family. Cassie admired her brother and followed him as close as she dared. He and Grampa Bernard were inseparable. Chad had a deep understanding of God, whom he believed in and communicated with. He recently expressed a desire to move to California to be near his brother-in-law and start worshiping together. Chad gave us so much in his short life and left us countless memories and a mission to accomplish in our lives. May God bless his memory to us.

Preceding Chad in death were both grandfathers, Bernard Moore and Charles Keith.

He is survived by his wife, Kristina; daughter, Shila; son, Chad Nolan Jr.; and two step-children, Rio Steinert and Lizzie
Henderson; his parents, Randy and Charlene Moore, El Dorado Springs; a sister, Cassandra, El Dorado Springs; both grandmothers, Dorothy Moore and Ruby Keith, El Dorado Springs; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Doug and Linda Steinert; two uncles, Kenny Moore, and wife, Pam - Camdenton, and Charles Keith, and wife, Christina, El Dorado Springs; three aunts - Sally Beisley, and husband, Scott, Frasa Johnson, and husband, Kirk, and Toni Hillsman, and husband, Michael; and numerous cousins and friends and comrades in the military.

Services began at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, in the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were - Kenny Moore, Keith Beisley, Scott Johnson, Rick Steinert, Dwane Mooney, Kelly Carnahan, Cory Meyers and Bryan Cloyd.

Memorial donations may be made to an educational fund for the children and left at the funeral home.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.blandhackleman.com.

Daniel (Danny) Ray Hopkins

Danny Hopkins, 60, was born July 27, 1950, in Kansas City to James and Betty (Vittetoe) Hopkins. He joined his Lord and Savior on Nov. 19, 2010, at his home in Willard.

He graduated from the El Dorado Springs High School in 1968. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He went to work for Zenith in Springfield and spent the next 24 years there but, after their closing, went back to college and graduated on the Dean’s List. He was always interested in fire safety, was a volunteer fireman and for many years and was Captain of the Willard Fire Department for several years and was always on call as long as his health permitted.

Danny was a musician who played with several great bluegrass bands and shared the stage with many of Nashville’s top stars.
He was sought out by many fiddle players because of the great rhythm work he provided on flattop guitar. His ability to play banjo was unique and many banjo pickers tried to imitate his style of banjo playing. He learned to play banjo and other stringed instruments by the age of 14. He and his brother, Dale, provided the family with great music at all of their gatherings and played lots of music at home.

He was a member of the Lights of Home Bluegrass Band where he sang the baritone part. He will be sadly missed by so many bluegrass players and fans from across the four-state area.

Danny was also a very talented and great teacher at OTC in Springfield where he taught Fire Science Technology since 1997.
His students wrote a wonderful tribute to him in which they stated he was an awesome teacher, tough but fair and that he went far beyond the book to teach them. He felt like they were there to learn and he stated he hoped he’d touched some of their lives in his classes.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale, in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, Belinda, and her two children, Mark Dalton and Angie Needham; one daughter, Anna Charlene; four grandkids – Caiden, Kimberly, Kennedy and Kylie; his parents, Jim and Betty Hopkins; two sisters, Robin Fugate, and husband, Harold, and Kim Collins; one brother, Todd, and wife, Kallie – Springfield; several aunts, uncles, and nieces and nephews.

Services were held Nov. 23 at White Chapel. Music was provided by CD’s of Danny and Dale and Lights of Home. Pallbearers were musicians – Roy Craft, Bill LeAn, Mark Craft, Junior Haddock, Bob Lock and Jerry Schiman.

Bea Ella Farmer

Bea Ella Farmer, 74, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at her home following a lengthy illness. She was born July 6, 1936, in Nevada to LeRoy N. Monkres and Elizabeth Lavina Scott Monkres.

She was married to Elda Turner and later married to Jack Farmer on May 23, 1974. He preceded her in death in 1989.

Bea grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1954. She began working at the Nevada State Hospital in 1966 and continued until her retirement in 1992. Bea had lived in El Dorado Springs for the past 22 years.

Survivors include her children – Terry Turner, and his wife, Lorraine – Rich Hill, Brenda Kerr, and her husband, Robert – Walker, and Jeffrey Turner, and his wife, Cheryl – Olathe, KS; three grandchildren – Jason Williams, Robyn Kerr and Lorie Jones; two great-grandchildren, Brittany Campbell and Kevin Jones; two great-great-grandchildren, Roman Kerr and Shakira Kerr; one sister,
Kessie Stouk – Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held Saturday, Nov. 20, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Interment followed in Newton Burial Park, Nevada, under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

William J. Wright

William J. Wright, 69, El Dorado Springs, passed away Nov. 17, 2010, at his home near El Dorado Springs. He was born Oct. 25, 1941, in Kansas City, KS, to Ernest and Thelma Nancy Jane Wright.

While living in Kansas City, Bill married Edna Pearl Winder on Nov. 4, 1963. To this union two children were born, Billy and Nancy.

Bill worked for many years in El Dorado Springs at the Laminated Beam Factory and at Barrington’s. He was a devoted husband and father, loving his family very much. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. While his health permitted, Bill enjoyed gardening, especially growing lots of tomatoes.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents; his wife, Edna Pearl; and five brothers and sisters.

Bill is survived by one son, Billy Wright - Jerico Springs; one daughter, Nancy Harrison - Jerico Springs; three grandchildren - Candy, Melissa and Cody; one brother, Jack Wright; two sisters, Kathy and Shirley; one sister-in-law, Alline Simmons, and husband, James - Stockton; five brothers-in-law - Ray Winder, and wife, Sue, Larry Winder, and wife, Donna, Roy, Winder, and wife, Edna - all of Stockton; Eldon Winder, and wife, Dava – Butler, and Merl Winder - Gulfport, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held at Pankey Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 19, p.m. with Rev. Randy Hayward officiating.

Services were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Virginia Ann (Walters) Rothenberger

Virginia Ann (Walters) Rothenberger,82, formerly of Schell City, passed away Nov. 16, 2010, at the Christi Sphon Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. She was born Dec. 11, 1928, in Ottumwa, IA, to Benjamin F. and Lura A. (Brooks) Walters.

She married Hubert Leslie Rothenberger on Aug. 30, 1946, and to their union five children were born. They settled in Schell City in 1965.

She worked at the International Shoe Factory in El Dorado Springs for a time and, later, she and her husband ran a garage in Harwood. Then they built and ran their own garage in Schell City. Upon closing their garage, she went to work side-by-side with her husband as an over the road truck driver, an occupation they enjoyed for many years.

After her retirement in 1990, she enjoyed staying home, camping, fishing, playing cards and board games with family and friends. She loved playing with her many grandkids and she enjoyed playing her harmonica, singing and humming.

Virginia moved to Corpus Christi, TX, in 2008, after the death of her husband, Les, in 2007. While in Texas, she enjoyed walking on the beach with her dogs, Lady and Shelby. She collected seashells and cleaned and painted them. She kept up with her family and friends in Schell City on her daughter’s Face Book page. She was known as “Mom” to all her friends that she met
in Corpus Christie and she was loved by all.

In addition to her husband, Hubert Leslie Rothenberger, she was preceded in death by 14 brothers and sisters, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, two grandchildren and one great-grandbaby.

Virginia is survived by her five children – Paul, and wife, Murlene – El Dorado Springs, Vickie Norton – Corpus Christi, TX, Mike, and wife, Adelfa – Schell City, Connie Davis, and husband, Larry – Schell City, and Kendall, and wife, Gail – Prescott, AR; one sister, Effie Mather – Waterloo, IA; 30 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

A memorial service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in the Schell City Baptist Church. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the Schell City Volunteer Fire Department.

Glenn Gary Gardner

Glenn Gary Gardner, 60, Ft. Scott, KS, passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 16. He was born Oct. 11, 1950, in Manhattan, KS.

Glenn graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1968. He later spent several years as a printer by trade, living in El Dorado Springs.

Glenn enjoyed playing chess, scrabble and trivia while listening to rock and roll music and spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Gardner, in 1978.

Glenn is survived by his parents, Bobby and Helen Gardner; and his son, Adam Gardner – all of Overland Park, KS; his daughter,
Monica Gardner; and two grandchildren, Michaela and Mason Gardner – all of El Dorado Springs.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jean M. Chambers

Jean M. Chambers, 84, El Dorado Springs, passed away Nov. 13, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility. She was born Sept. 30, 1926, in Scranton, PA, to Edward and Elenor (Ketchum) McHenry.

Jean worked as Accom-modations Manager for Unity Village in Unity Village, MO.

She is survived by a daughter, Pamela Lashinske, of Maricopa, AZ.

Final disposition was cremation under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

Online condolences may be made at www.blandhackle man.com.

Harold (Hank) Eugene Winters

Harold Winters, 76, a former resident of Vernon County, Nevada-Walker area, passed away at his home in Bowie, TX, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010. He was born Feb. 24, 1934, to Rex E. and Lizzie (Nichols) Winters.

He attended Walker High School graduating in 1952.

He and his wife, Terry, together have nine children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings - John, Lynn and Charles Winters, Winiford Warmbir, Eddie Lee Bruner and son-in-law, Daniel Maus.

He is survived by his wife, Terry, of the home; children – Chris Winters, and wife, Susan - Belton, Yvonne Holmes – Carthage, Juanita Maus – Schell City, Dawn Winters, Independence, KS; four step-children – Doug Stack, Loretta Johnston, Gail Allen and Glenda Terry – all of the Bowie, TX, area. Harold and Terry have 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Viola, Pritchard – Phoenix, AZ, and twin sister, Barbara Duty, and husband, Hoyt – Camdenton.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in Click Cemetery, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to NEVC School Improvement Projects NEVC Kids First.

Patricia S. Hunt

Patricia S. Hunt, 63, Parsons, KS, died at 9:07 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. She was born May 3, 1947, in Parsons, KS, to John Oliver and Maybelle (Journot) Walker. She grew up and attended schools in Parsons, KS.

While living in Washington State from 1975 through 1994, she especially enjoyed spending time in Snoqualmie Falls. In 1995, she returned to Parsons, KS, where she had lived since. Through the years she worked as a nurse’s aide in various nursing homes.

She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, crocheting, spending time with her dogs and caring for people.

She married Melvin V. Hunt Jr. He preceded her in death.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Walker; and one sister, Mary Kay Walker.

Survivors include: one son, Melvin V. Hunt III, and wife, Heather – Springfield; one grandson, Walker Guss-Hunt; two brothers, John O. Walker, and wife, Hilde - Lawton, OK, and James Walker, and wife, Teresa - Oswego, KS; three sisters – Cheryl Dade, and husband, Larry - Schell City, Lee Ann Driggs, and husband, Gerald - El Dorado Springs, and Jeannie Gassen, and husband, Randy - El Dorado Springs.

Memorial services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons, KS. Private committal services will be held by the family at a future date.

Memorials are suggested to PALS (Proud Animal Lovers Shelter) or the American Heart Association. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman. com.

Dave LeRoy Stone

Dave LeRoy Stone, 64, Milo, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at Mercy Health Center, Ft. Scott, KS. He was born Oct. 21, 1946, in McCook, NE, to Dick LeRoy Stone and Etna Mae Thornley Stone.

He married Mary Funk and she preceded him in death in 1996. He later married Sharon Goodwin on Oct. 4, 1997, in Compton Junction and she survives of the home.

Dave came from Colorado in 1957 to the Milo area where he has lived ever since. He worked in the salvage business most of his life.

In addition to his wife, Mary Funk, he was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, survivors include 11 children: Jamie Stone - Liberal, Charles Stone - Milo, Denise Theriott - Carl Junction, Sherri Hostetter - Milo, Clyde Funk - Nevada, Harley Funk - El Dorado Springs, James Stone - Kansas City, Dava Louvier - Nevada, Rocky Stone - Milo, Crystal Stone - of the home and Rachael Stone - of the home; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; five brothers and sisters - Leslie Stone Sr. - Milo, Harry Stone - Nevada, Nancy Burris - Milo, Terry Stone - Nevada and Barbara Lawson - Tahlequah, OK.

A remembrance dinner was held Saturday, Nov. 13, at the El Dorado Springs Eagles Lodge.

Those who wish may contribute to the family in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Virgil Everette Caldwell

Virgil Everette Caldwell, 96, El Dorado Springs, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs. He was born June 17, 1914, in Cedar County to James Thomas Caldwell and Ella P. (Hess) Caldwell.

He married Gertrude Pace on Aug. 10, 1935, in El Dorado Springs. She preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 1992.

Virgil grew up in the Red Brush area. He attended Hazel Dell Grade School and El Dorado Springs High School. Due to the death of his father, Virgil had to quit school at the age of 14 and hire out as a farm hand to help support his mother and younger siblings. He worked as a farmer most of his life. Virgil loved playing baseball and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He was a member of the El Dorado Springs Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, Virgil was preceded in death by a daughter, Belva Beaty; a grandson, Gregory Caldwell; one son-in-law, Art Carter; three brothers - Elton, Ervin and Wayne Caldwell; two sisters, Jewell Messick and Dixie Holcomb; one step sister, Rosalie; three step brothers - Virgil, Cecil and Carl.

Survivors include four daughters - Virgie Hankins, and husband, Harry – Springfield, Elvia Caldwell and Trudy Caldwell - El Dorado Springs, and Mona Caldwell - Springfield; three sons - Jim Caldwell, and wife, Jewell - Laramie, WY, Cecil Caldwell, and wife, Phyllis, and Virgil “Rocky” Caldwell, and wife Jackie - all of Walker; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 17 step great-grandchildren; 15 step great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Forrest Caldwell - Muskogee, OK; two step sisters, Lorene – Osceola, and Katharine - Independence; one sister-in-law, Ellen Caldwell - Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Pastor Jim Smith officiating. Interment followed in Hazel Dell Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Cecil Caldwell, Jim Caldwell, Kyle Caldwell, James Caldwell Jr., Joe Caldwell, Klay Caldwell, Donnie Beaty and Randy Carter.

George Hlavacek

George Hlavacek, 90, El Dorado Springs, passed away Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility. He was born April 26, 1920, in Vernon County, near Virgil City. George was the youngest son of Henry and Emily (Langer) Hlavacek.

He graduated from the Virgil City School. Later, he served as a Private in the United States Army during World War II. George was promoted to Sergeant and helped raise the first American flag on Hokaiddo Island, Japan. He was honorably discharged from Fort Sheridan, IL, in October 1946, after arriving in the United States on the battleship General Weigel. George was proud to have served his country in World War II.

George was employed by the H.B. Davis Car Agency for a few years and later he was employed at the International Shoe Company in El Dorado Springs. He retired from there in May 1982, after 25 years.

On Dec. 21, 1946, he married Pauline Julian. They lived all of their married life in El Dorado Springs and were the parents on one son, the late Dennis Hlavacek.

George was saved April 24, 1957, and was baptized May 5, 1957, by Pastor G.H. Sublett at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs.

George enjoyed his family and home very much. His hobbies were gardening and working in the yard with flowers and shrubs. He and his family enjoyed fishing and traveling. Their most interesting and enjoyable trip was spending a week in Washington, D.C., touring the White House and all the other famous places.

Preceding him in death were: his son, Dennis Hlavacek, on June 22, 2002; his parents, Henry and Emily (Langer) Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs; five sisters - Mary Wright – Nevada, Anna Zartman and Helen Zartman - El Dorado Springs, Josephine Ungermann - Berwyn, IL, and Agnes Alburtis - Warrensburg; and two brothers, J.F. Hlavacek and Vencel Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs.

George is survived by his wife, Pauline - of the home in El Dorado Springs; one grandson, Michael Hlavacek, and wife, Christy, and twin step-great grandchildren, Ethan and Madison - all of Springfield; daughter-in-law, Dalinda Hlavacek - El Dorado Springs; sister-in-law Mary Lady, and husband, Leo; brother-in-law, John Julian, and wife, Linda - all of El Dorado Springs; brother-in-law, Frank Julian, and wife, Penja - Kansas City; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
George will be sadly missed by family members and friends.

A visitation was held at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 8. Services were held at the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 9, with Pastor Ron Marsh officiating. Rusty Carver sang In the Garden, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder and How Great Thou Art accompanied by Rita Farris. Interment followed in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Ralph Zartman, George Zartman, Rob Zartman, Ron Zartman, John Julian and Leo Lady. Honorary pallbearers were - Frank Julian, Buford Wright, Bob Roe, Mert Fogler, Frank Haynes and O.J. Hawkins.