Mike Galbraith Sr.

July 12, 1945 – June 25, 2022

Michael Dale Galbraith Sr., 76, of Webb City, was a mighty fine man who would always say, “I’m doing better than I deserve.” He teased and joked his way out of mortality after nibbling on a couple of bites of vanilla ice cream on Saturday, June 25, at NHC in Joplin. Three of his daughters were nearby, singing to him and yacking his ear off.

Mike was born July 12, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents, Christopher E. and Shirley Harmon Galbraith preceded him in death. His siblings are Charles (who has since graduated mortality), Gerald, Leonard, Gordon, Melvin, Louise, and Dennis.

He married a smokin’ hot babe, Rita Stubbs (she’s been waiting for him to join her in heaven for over six years) on June 22, 1968, in Los Angeles, Calif. He is the father of seven rather pulchritudinous children and some fine kids-in-law: Misti and husband Tony Rennick, Swansea, Mass., Michael Jr. and wife Beth, Palm Bay, Fla., David Galbraith, Harpers Ferry, W.V., Cassandra and husband Bryan Cleveland, Carthage, Cathryn and husband Troy Burt, Diamond, Suzanna and husband Kevin, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Nanette and husband Aaron Lemmon, Webb City. He has 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mike was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities (including a mission to the southern states when he was a young man). He also spread love everywhere he went. He was also a proud American and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He prided himself on being an administrator of justice, possessing an impressive vocabulary, and almost unmatched Scrabble skills.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 8, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Joplin, with Bishop Heath Merkley officiating. Burial will follow in Oronogo Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Roy Hamilton

Oct. 13, 1941 – June 24, 2022

Roy Edward Hamilton, 80, passed away Friday, June 24, in Carthage. Roy was born Oct. 13, 1941, in Carthage to Fred Hamilton and Pauline (Russow) Hamilton. Roy was a lifetime resident of Carthage. He loved spending time with his family, watching old western movies, enjoyed a good laugh and had a competitive spirit.

Roy is survived by one son, Mike Hamilton and wife Kelly, Rock Hill, S.C.; four daughters, Glenda Kingsbury and her husband Tony, Carthage, Laura Miller, Springfield, Michelle Bowden and husband Jeff, Rutledge, Ga., and Natalie Hamilton, Joplin; three brothers, Dale Hamilton, Carthage, David Chrisman, Joplin, and Virgil Denayer Jr., Aurora; four sisters, Katherine Smith, Carthage, Phyllis Talley, Carthage, Donna Baker, Carterville, and Barbara Hunziker, Joplin; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Hamilton and Pauline (Russow) Denayer; his stepdad, Virgil Denayer; one brother, Doug Danayer; and three sisters, Susie Nally, Carolyn Brewer and Connie Chrisman.

Services were held Wednesday, June 29, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial was in Fasken Cemetery in Carthage. Contributions may be made to Fasken Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Gregg Mathis

Feb. 14, 1958 – June 17, 2022

Gregg A Mathis passed away on Thursday, June 17, at his home in Joplin, with his wife, Alisa Mathis, by his side. He was born Feb. 14, 1958, in Webb City.

Gregg attended Webb City High School and was part of the class of 1976. In school Gregg was active in baseball, track, and football earning the nickname “Mercury” Mathis due to being an outstanding running back.

Gregg married Alisa McMechan on Aug. 1, 1986, in Fayetteville, Ark. They resided in Springdale, Ark., where he loved to fish Beaver Lake. They returned to the Joplin area in 2001.

Gregg followed his dreams and performed as a drummer in a rock band for several years, and he also worked at Jasper Products in Joplin before his health started to decline. Gregg was very passionate about music of all genres. He loved to play and listen to music. He also shared music with his friends. He’d make custom CDs for others to listen to, and that is how he got the nickname “Music Man.” Gregg could play the piano, guitar, and the drums.

Gregg also loved fishing, camping, attending concerts and going on cruises with his wife. He bowled on several different bowling leagues and spent quality time with his family and friends.

Gregg is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Richardson-Mathis; and his father, James “Jim” Mathis Jr.

He is survived by his wife Alisa Mathis, of the home; their daughter Velshi Mathis-Smith and her husband Travis Smith; and his grandchildren, Amoura DePreste, Reign Smith and Keiran Smith of Joplin. Gregg is also survived by a son, Jeremy Mathis; and a daughter Nicole Mathis-Boone, from a previous marriage.

There will be a celebration of life that will be announced at a later time. Arrangements were under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.

Donations for funeral expenses may be made by contacting Gregg’s wife, Alisa Mathis, at Amathis64835@gmail.com

Sandra Harper Wilson

Jan. 5, 1944 – June 24, 2022

Mrs. Sandra Kay Harper Wilson, 78, of Joplin, was surrounded by her loving family as she traded her earthly wings for her heavenly crown of gold and entered into the presence of our Lord on Friday, June 24, at Mercy Hospital Joplin.

Sandra entered this life on Jan. 5, 1944, in Webb City, one of three daughters born to the late Jake and Lovetta (Bowen) Goodwin. The majority of her life was spent in Webb City and Joplin. On Aug. 7, 1961, she was united in marriage to Kermit Harper, and to this union two daughters were born, Carla and Faith.

Sandra believed in hard work. She was employed at the former Jane Chinn Hospital as a nurse’s aide, Madison Animal Clinic as a vet assistant, and she later owned and operated Waggin Tails dog grooming parlor. She attended worship services at the Sanctuary of Joplin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Kermit Harper, Wayne Waggoner, Willie Hunter and Ronald Wilson; and two sisters, Jean Greenfield and Vicky Goodwin.

Sandra is survived by her two daughters, Carla Harper Martin and Faith Harper Sargent; eight grandchildren, Steven Arnold Yeager and wife Denise, LaDeana Harper, Salem Clouse, Tanesha Harper Farmer and husband B.J., Tyrell Harbin, Wesley Sargent, Taya Sargent and Trace Sargent; two bonus grandchildren, Amber and Cindy Spradley; 10 great-grandchildren, Reese Miller, Davin Clouse, Briley Miller, Tanner Clouse, Wyatt Dunn, Holister Miller, Bowen Arnold Yeager, Bryce Farmer and wife Shelby, Madison Farmer and Khloe Harbin; one great-great-grandson, Kai Miller; and host of other family and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 29, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Pastors Jonathan Forrest and Rex Robertson officiating. Burial was in Harmony Grove Cemetery in Joplin. Pallbearers were Bryce Farmer, Trace Sargent, Reese Miller, Steven Arnold Yeager, Danny Passley, Wesley Sargent, Davin Clouse and Keith Miller.