Obituaries from August 2020

Terry W. Smith, 58, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, August 3, 2020 in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born October 25, 1961 to the late William and Mary (Triggs) Smith in Gideon, MO. Terry married Kathy Eubanks in 1991. He was self-employed as an auto body mechanic. He had a passion for cars, watching NASCAR and the Cardinals...

NEELYVILLE — Ray “Grumpy” Britton of Harviell departed this life on Aug. 2, 2020, in Poplar Bluff Missouri, at the age of 87. Mr. Britton was born on Feb. 26, 1933, to the late Edwin and Nellie (Brawner) Britton in Liberty, Missouri. On Sept. 8, 1956, he married Betty Jensen in North Kansas City, Missouri. She preceded in death on Aug. 23, 2016...

Evelyn Bilbrey, 82, of Williamsville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at her residence. Visitation is Friday, Aug. 7, from 10-11 a.m. at Duncan Cemetery, Piedmont. Funeral service is at 11 a.m. ,also at Duncan Cemetery. Burial will follow...

PUXICO, Mo. — Cleo Crawford, 86, of Lowndes, Missouri died Aug. 4, 2020, at the Advance Assisted Living Facility. The youngest of nine children, he was born Jan. 27, 1934, to Arch and Jettie Gream Crawford. A lifelong resident of Wayne County, Missouri, Cleo was a veteran of the U.S. ...

ELLSINORE, Mo. - Tex Richard Clyburn, 90, died Aug. 4, 2020. at his home in Ellsinore. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020 at McSpadden Funeral Home in Ellsinore, with the funeral services following at noon in the funeral home chapel. Rev. William McDowell will be Officiating. Burial will in the Carson Hill Cemetery...

Elliot Lee Evans Elliot Lee Evans, two months and 13 days old, of Poplar Bluff went to sleep in the arms of Jesus Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at his home. Elliot was born May 22, 2020 to Jacob Evans and Haley Walker in Poplar Bluff. Elliot is survived by his mother, Haley Walker; father, Jacob Evans; maternal grandmother, Tasha Adams; paternal grandmother, April Evans; paternal grandfather, Tracy Evans; maternal grandfather, Curtis Walker; aunt, Ashley Evans; uncle, Trayvon Walker; aunt, Aleah Adams; and uncle, Preston Casey.. ...

Robert (Bob) Eli Christian, 73, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at Maplewood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, Missouri. Bob was born Feb. 22, 1947 to Robert U. and Blanch (Sliger) Christian in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After graduation from Poplar Bluff High School, Bob moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended St. ...

Steven Earl Shock, of Poplar Bluff, died unexpectedly May 24, 2020. A celebration of Steve’s Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Fellowship General Baptist Church, 3581 N. Westwood Blvd. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Online condolences may be expressed at www.willowridgefcs.com...

Jamie Lynn Lewis, 51 of Poplar Bluff, Mo, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 at her residence. Jamie was born March 14, 1969 in St. Louis, to Patricia Ann Swiney. She previously served as an Administrative Assistant for the Sacred Heart Catholic School and was a Pink Status Younique Presenter where she helped and inspired multiple individuals...

Junior Ray Tompkins, 91, of Pollard, Ark., died Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 at General Baptist Nursing Home of Piggott, Ark. Mr. Tompkins was born Nov. 30, 1928 in Qulin, to the late John Wesley and Florence Tompkins. He served in the Army as a CPL from 1953 to 1955...

FISK, Mo. — Delbert Ray Tipton, 79, of Fisk, died Saturday, Aug 8, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Tipton was born Oct.7, 1940 in Broseley, son of the late Alonzo Judson and Ida Bell Tipton. He had worked for Municipal Utilities in Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed singing in church and fishing and hunting and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren...

Robert (Bob) Eli Christian, 73, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at Maplewood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, Missouri. Bob was born Feb. 22, 1947 to Robert U. and Blanch (Sliger) Christian in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After graduation from Poplar Bluff High School, Bob moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended St. ...

HARVIELL ­— Bill Dorris, 66, of Harviell, Mo. passed away on Aug. 8, 2020 at Mercy South in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill was born on June 4, 1954 to the late Willie and Madine (Shook) Dorris in Poplar Bluff. He married Mary O’Conner on March 26, 1973 in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Minnie A. Smith, 78, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020 at her residence at Neelyville, Missouri Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday, Aug. 12, with the funeral at 1 p.m. at the Fowler and Sons Funeral Home at Neelyville. Burial will be at the Coon Island Cemetery near Neelville...

Dennis W. Shaver, age 67, of Piedmont, passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Dennis operated “Get Er Done Electric” in Piedmont for many years. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at Morrison Funeral Chapel in Piedmont. Private services will be held at a later date...

Truman Eugene Ward, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. passed away Aug. 10, 2020 at his home. Truman was born Sept. 30, 1934 to the late Eddie and Pearl Marie (Neal) Ward in Caruthersville, Missouri. He married the love of his life for over 40 years, Barbara (Sheridan) Ward Sept. 2, 1995, in Virginia City...

Kyle LeGrand, 20, of Broseley, passed away Aug. 5, 2020 at Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Kyle was born Oct. 5, 1999 in Poplar Bluff. He was a 2019 graduate of Twin Rivers High School. He was very ambitious and was a skilled entrepreneur. He was fun loving and enjoyed being around his friends and family...

Virgie M. Montgomery Virgie M. Montgomery, 84, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 at Cedargate Healthcare. Virgie was born April 13, 1936 to John and Esther Tuttle Webb in Poplar Bluff. She married Oliver Montgomery Nov. 28, 1954. Virgie enjoyed cooking, quilting and gardening...

Rhonda England Martinek, 68, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Aug. 10, 2020 in Poplar Bluff. Rhonda was born Feb.4, 1952 to Cleo and Juanita England. She is survived by her loving daughters Tammy Mallard (Shane), Heather Hastings (Mark) and Lesli Campbell (Terry)...

Connie Alice Kays, 73, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2020. She was born May 10, 1947 to the late Richard and Allene (Hance) Brooks in Rolla, MO. Connie enjoyed playing bingo, doing crafts, researching genealogy and spending time with her grandchildren...

Richard W. Wright of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 at his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born March 15, 1950 in Broseley, Mo. He married Darlene Pennington on March 9, 1973 in Poplar Bluff. Richard was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. ...

NAYLOR — Beth Isom Cozart, 51, of Neelyville, passed away Aug. 12, 2020, at her residence. She was born March 19, 1969, at East Alton, Illinois, to Wayne and Darlene (Day) Isom. On Oct. 7, 1990, at Corning, Arkansas, she was married to Terry Cozart. He survives...

PIEDMONT, Mo. - William “Billy” Shy, 30, of Vulcan, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Vulcan. Visitation is at noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service following at 2 p.m., also in Piedmont Chapel. Burial at Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc...

Russell Lee Bryant, 80, of Wappapello, Mo., completed his journey on this earth Tuesday evening, Aug. 11, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Russell, the son of the late Robert Scott and Bernice Ellen (Frank) Bryant, was born Oct. 5, 1939 in Scott County, Mo. ...

Herman E. Wilson, 82, of Benton, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Wilson was born May 3, 1938 in Morley, Mo. to the late John Samson and Orene Wilson. On Feb. 19, 1956 he married Mary Soto; she preceded him in death. On Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 he married Anna Stitz; she survives...

Mattie Bell Aldridge, 94, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 at Westwood Hills Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Mattie was born March 1, 1926 to Tom and Leona Hendrickson Kearbey in Poplar Bluff. She and Raymond Aldridge were married July 8, 1944 in Corning, Arkansas...

Pastor Elmo Parker, 84, of Piedmont, Mo., died, Wednesday, Aug. 12, at his residence. Visitation is at 5 p.m, Monday, Aug. 17, at Victory Baptist Temple Church, Piedmont. Funeral service is at 11 am, Tuesday, Aug. 18, also at Victory Baptist Temple Church. Burial following at Beulah Baptist Cemetery, Brunot, Mo...

Tommy Shackleford, 61, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Aug. 14, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Tommy was born on Jan. 3, 1959 to the late Walter and Pauline Louise (Shamblin) Shackleford in St. Louis, Mo. He married Betty Jo Shackleford but she preceded him in death...

Charles Sanford (Sandy) Payne, 78, was born Nov. 22, 1941 in Elmer, Okla.,, to Gladys Walter and Corneilous Barton Payne. He passed at home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. July 27, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Carl Barton Payne and wife Shirley Payne; and one sister Elva Mae Payne...

FISK — Mary Frances Burden, 70, of Fisk, Missouri, went to her heavenly home on Aug. 15, 2020, at her home. Mary was born on July 22, 1950 to the late Clarence and Myrtle Jean (Skiff) Tull in Decatur, Illinois. She married Levi Burden on Aug. 2, 1971. He preceded her in death in 1993...

Joyce Alline Garner, 81, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born Oct. 29, 1938 in Holland, Missouri Joyce was preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Virgie Kelley, her first husband, Junior Galbraith, and second husband, James Garner, her brother, J.W. Kelley, her sister, Rubye Rucker, her son, James Galbraith, her son-in-law, Robert Dodd, and her great-grandbabies...

Karen Steele, 58, of Naylor died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in New Madrid County, Missouri. She was born Dec. 20, 1961, in Poplar Bluff to Loren Leon Murray and Wanda Lorne (VanKirk) Murray. Her mother surives. She was a homemaker and attended Westside Church of God. She loved her horses and her dogs...

ARNOLD — It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Wanda Gholson of Arnold, Missouri, on Aug. 16, 2020 at the age of 79 years. Wanda was born, March 15, 1941, in War, West Virginia to parents Kermit and Nettie Buchanan. She relocated to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, after marriage to Kenneth Gholson in 1962. She then moved to Arnold, Missouri, in 1986 to continue her career and retired from Southwestern Bell in 1995, after 35 years. She devoted her life to her children and the First Baptist Church of Arnold.. ...

ELLSINORE — Melvin “Dale” Privett was born May 4, 1933, to Lloyd Melvin Privett and Pauline Blue Privett on the family farm south of Ellsinore, Missouri, and departed this life on Aug. 17, 2020, at 5:45 p.m. at his home in Diamond, Missouri, surrounded by his family...

Archileus “Arkie” Tomerlin, age 93, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at his residence. Mr. Tomerlin was born Nov. 30, 1926 in Broseley, Missouri, to the late David and Audria Tomerlin. On June 1, 1947 he married Berniece Layton; she survives...

Alice Gertrude Redmond, 95, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 at Puxico Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Puxico, Missouri. Alice was born on Jan. 4, 1925, to Rudolph and Elizabeth Emde in Kirkwood, Missouri. Alice co-owned Deer Run Lodge near Wappapello Lake State Park. ...

Charles “Bernie” Bernelle Elliott, 73 of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at his residence. Bernie, the son of the late Joseph and Roberta (Winter) Elliott, was born Jan. 21, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a member of New Covenant Fellowship Church. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was an x-ray technician. Bernie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf and vacations...

Ben Raymond Woolard departed this life suddenly Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. He was born Dec. 17, 1946. He is survived by a brother, David Ray and wife, Sandy; children, Carl Richard and wife, Sheila, Angela Rae and husband, Ken, Keith Raymond, Kevin Ray and wife, Marsha, Chris Wagganer and wife, Karrie, and Angela Simmons and husband, Eric; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; companion Karen Wagganer; and ex-wife and friend Iris Stoncipher...

Elizabeth Ann Clark, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 at her residence in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Clark was born Nov. 19, 1930, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late James and Hildred Clark. She was a LPN and had worked at the Poplar Bluff Hospital. She enjoyed doll collecting...

Larry Waddell, 73, of Grandin, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Waddell was born Nov. 16, 1946 in Wardell, Mo. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Larry was a farmer and especially loved raising cattle. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and had traveled to many states. He also enjoyed working on his dozer and deer hunting with his family and friends. He attended First General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

Billy Harwell, born Dec. 5, 1946, passed away at Saint Francis Medical Center on Aug. 18, 2020, at the age of 73 years, eight months and 13 days. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Lessie Harwell; Twin ‘2’ daughter, Laurie Lynn Harwell; brother Ronnie and sister Judith Cline...

Ronald “Ronnie” L. Helm, 79, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2020 at Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m, also in the Greenville Chapel.

Edna M. Magruder, 92, of Poplar Bluff, was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior early Saturday morning at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Being the independent woman that she was, she drove herself to the hospital after becoming ill at home...

PIEDMONT — Charles “Chuck” D. English, 82, of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, at his residence. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com ...

Lisa Blackman, 57, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Aug. 18, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Lisa was born on Nov. 10, 1962, to Haywood and Victoria Harris in Poplar Bluff. She and Charley Blackman Jr. were married Sept. 19, 1992...

Jesse Short Jesse Dewayne Short, 60, of Poplar Bluff passed away in his home Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. He was the son of Jessie and Levear Short. He was born Dec. 24, 1959. He was preceded in death by his father, Jessie; son, Charlie; daughter-in-law, Angie; and grandson, Harley...

Opal Austin, 99, of Qulin, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Austin was born April 26, 1921 in Broseley. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Qulin. She is survived by three sons: James Austin of Hillsboro, Charles Austin of Festus and Delbert (Linda) Austin of Qulin; one daughter: Patricia Childers of Collinsville, Ill.; one sister: Lonabee Worley of Imperial; 21 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 49 great -great -grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-grandchild.. ...

Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Rommel, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo. Kenny was born Sept. 30, 1956 to Archie and Alma Rommel in Peoria, Ill. He married Carol Ann Kellems April 17, 1981 in Poplar Bluff...

Clyde Odell Melton, 83, of Broseley, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 at his residence in Broseley. Mr. Melton was born Thursday, July 1, 1937 in Qulin, Mo. On Nov. 2, 1959 married Doris Lawrence. She survives. Also surviving are three sons: Calvin Melton, Michael Melton, and Douglas and wife Donna Melton, all of Broseley; four grandchildren: Tammy, Matthew, Keri and Seth; and nine great-grandchildren: Peaches, Silver, Trison, Kay Lynn, Rachel, Johnny, Eddie, Little Man and Broklyn...

Michael W. Wills, 60, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. He was born April 28, 1960, in Poplar Bluff, to the late Leo and Evelyn (Switzer) Wills...

John Francis Willey, 75, went home to Heaven to receive the hug from God the Father his granddaughter, Lillian Grace, had prayed for Him to give from her when he arrived. He was under Legacy Hospice care with his wife, Cassie, at his side on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, when he transitioned to Heaven. The care he received at PBRMC rehab therapists and fifth-floor nursing care were so encouraging and compassionate...

Rosie Etta Johnson passed away Sunday, Aug., 23, 2020, in Cape Girardeau surrounded by her family. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Fowler Sullivan Funeral Home at 844 Cedar St. in Poplar Bluff. Her going home celebration will begin at 1 p.m. in the Fowler Sullivan Chapel with internment to follow in the City Cemetery...

Walter (Bud) Herbert Jungbluth II, 73, passed away in the comfort of his home, in rural Texas County on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. He was born March 11, 1947 in Washington, Iowa, the son of Walter H. and Rachel (Negus) Jungbluth. Bud is survived by his wife: Marietta (Mary) Jungbluth of the home; two sons: Jeff (Rhonda) Jungbluth of Poplar Bluff, Mo. ...

Carolyn Sue Aldrich of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Carolyn was born April 27, 1943, in Bassett, Ark. to Carl and Fennie Irene (Oakes) Heaton. She married Jerry Leon Aldrich Nov. 29, 1963 in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 2019...

Sally Regina Ice, 65, of Poplar Bluff, unexpectedly passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Sally was born on June 7, 1955, in Poplar Bluff to Jimmy and Maxine Ice. She graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High School in 1973. She worked in banking, was involved with Moms With Multiples and adored time with her children, grandchildren and many fur babies; especially her dog “Reece.” She enjoyed thrifting, taking walks with her nieces, and visiting her parents daily. ...

John E. Durrow, 73, of Williamsville, passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, graveside at Rucker Cemetery in Taskee, Missouri. the funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

LAFORGE, Mo. — Vicki Bennett, 58, of LaForge, passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, while surrounded by friends and family at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 2, 1962, in Truman, Arkansas, to the late Melvin and Melba Bennett, she was of the Baptist faith and a scheduler for Continu-Care until ill health forced her retirement...

Kent Withrow, 45, of Poplar Bluff died Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Withrow was born July 26, 1975, in Poplar Bluff. Kent was a chief engineer with American Commercial Barge Lines. On Oct. 22, 1994, he married Gayla Buttrey. She survives...

FISK — Carol Sue Todd, 73, of Tiptonville, Tennessee, died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at her residence, in Tiptonville. Mrs. Todd was born Monday, Jan. 13, 1947, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Leonard and Alpha Berry. She was a member of Wynnburg Baptist Church in Ridgley, Tennessee...

Gary Wayne Morse, 61, of rural Poplar Bluff, passed away at his home on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, surrounded by his family after a long battle with brain tumors. He was a graduate of Twin Rivers High School, Three Rivers Community College and SMSU. He was an active farmer prior to illness. He was a classic car showman, truck tractor pull enthusiast, off season traveler, dedicated family man, and gentle man of faith...