DJ Fry

July 22, 1938 – June 28, 2022

DJ Fry, age 83, of Oronogo, passed away Tuesday June 28, at his home with family by his side.

DJ was born to DS and Sarah (Watkins) Fry in a small sawmill shack made of logs cut by the mill, which was owned and operated by his family in Robinson, Ark.

He was a devoted husband, a supportive father, a thoughtful friend, and everybody’s Uncle DJ. He was a storyteller, a problem solver, and the very best teacher.

Over the years, DJ was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, a softball player and coach, and a cowboy poet and balladeer. He retired from Able Manufacturing after over 50 years with the company. He was an active member of the Missouri Cowboy Poets Association, as well as the Oronogo Cemetery Association.

He married Margaret Hailey on July 17, 1959, in Joplin, and she survives. He is also survived by one son, Rory Fry, Oronogo; two daughters, Cindy Heath, Joplin, and Brenda Fry, Carl Junction; three brothers, William Fry, Diamond, Jerry Fry, Seneca, and James Fry, Illinois; four grandchildren, Jerrad Heath, Emily Mandzik, Jennifer Gandy, and Sarah Wilkerson; two great-grandchildren, Trinity Gandy and Grayson Heath; and numerous extended family members and friends.

DJ was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Aaron Lee Fry; four brothers, Harold Fry, Kennith Fry, Paul Fry, and Danny Fry; and one sister, Betty Jean Tyer.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 6, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, with Richard Dunlap and Ken Lorten officiating. Burial was in Oronogo Cemetery.

Kay Harpole

Nov. 21, 1946 – July 2, 2022

On Saturday July 2, Karan Kay Harpole, beloved wife, mother, and nana peacefully left this earth, surrounded by her husband Jack and two sons Zack and Gabe, at her home in Oronogo. She was 75.

Karan was born on Nov. 21, 1946, to John Eugene and Bernadine Boyer. She had four sisters; Pat, Barbara, Mary, and Linda; and two brothers, John and Steve Boyer.

Kay married Jack Harpole on Aug. 27, 1971. They were married 50 plus years. Kay dedicated her life to Jack and their two sons Zack and Gabe.

Kay’s greatest pride and joy was being Nana K to Jackson, Jentry, Jacob, Jordan, Justis, and Brittney, as well as her nine great-grandchildren.

Our family was extremely blessed to have Kay, mom, Nana K in our lives. Her love, wisdom, strength, friendship, support and guidance will be missed tremendously. Her memory, lessons, and legacy will live on in her greatest joy, her family.

No service or visitation is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Kay’s name to Mercy Health Foundation, 100 Mercy Way, Joplin, MO 64804.

Kay Miller

Jan. 5, 1944 – July 3, 2022

On July 3rd, Kay Miller slipped into the peace of eternity after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Karalee Sue Miller (Pearson) was born on Jan. 5, 1944, in Joplin to Paul L. and Jerry C. Pearson. She had two brothers, Paul and Timothy. Kay graduated from Carterville High School in 1962 where she was captain of the cheerleading squad, editor of the school paper, and valedictorian of her class. After high school, Karalee went on to Joplin Junior College, graduating in 1964, and then to Pittsburg State University, where she graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Her first job upon graduation was with the Joplin School System as a first-grade teacher. This new found occupation, along with its $4,000 per year salary, allowed her to purchase her first car, a new 1966 Ford Mustang. Later, she would go on to also teach in the Webb City School System, including teaching first grade in the classroom next to her son’s who was attending the other first grade class in the building.

In 1968, Karalee married Donald T. Miller, of Joplin. The couple was married in the front room of Kay’s parent’s home in Carterville. They went on to have two children, Donald T. Miller II in 1970 and Molly K. Miller in 1977. After marriage, she worked in the office of Dr. Donald R. Patterson, MD in Joplin until she decided to return home and pursue the challenges of being a full-time mother. Later in her professional life, Kay and her husband Don owned and operated Miller’s Furniture in Carthage for a total of 27 years. After this, she returned home and continued her nurturing ways as a mother to growing children and eventually as a grandmother. In her faith life, Kay was a member of the Carterville Christian Church.

Karalee is survived by her husband, Don, of Webb City; her son Don II of Rogersville, his wife Kelley and their twin girls, Addison and Alexandra. Also, by her daughter Molly Gilbert of Carthage, her husband Zach, and their children Kaylyn and Lincoln. Additional survivors include her brother Paul Pearson III of Carterville and his wife Betty, another brother, Timothy Pearson of Carterville and his husband James Josue, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller and family of Pahrump, Nev. It is also very important to note that Kay had a wealth of friends and “adopted” kids from all around who loved her and will miss her dearly. When time allowed, she loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kay had a heart for those less fortunate than her and for those who were sick and hurting. She often donated to important causes like the Shriner’s Charities and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She never met a stranger and will always be remembered for her love, laughter, and generosity. May she rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of her savior Christ Jesus.

Special Notes:

• Due to the heat, the Miller Family requests that attire at the services be casual. As her dear daughter said, “just dress like you were coming to Kay Kay’s house”.

• In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital via Hedge–Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Thank you all for your kindness, love, and support through the many years. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you all of the days of your life…

Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at Carterville Christian Church, with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Bob Pritchard

April 15, 1927 – June 29, 2022

Robert “Bob” Edward Pritchard, age 95, of Webb City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29.

Bob was born on April 15, 1927, in Anderson, to the union of Paul and Abigail LeRoy Pritchard. Bob spent the majority of his life in Southwest Missouri. In 1945, Bob left high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country in World War II. After his return from the Navy, Bob began his 72-year career as a barber. This was a career that he loved and gave him the opportunity to share his greatest gifts with others; his positive outlook on life, quick wit, and sense of humor. If you spent any time with Bob, you’ll remember his calming presence and warm smile, and you may have even heard a joke or two. Bob loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed many years of attending First Baptist Church in Joplin, where he was baptized in 1956. He loved spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Bobbie Pritchard. He had 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joan Pritchard; his seven children, Walter “Skip” Pritchard (Janice), Karen Sue Pawlus (Jim), Pam Coyle (Tommy), Rodney Taylor, Darren Hardaway (Carrie), Diann Ferguson (Ron), and Lisa McMullen (Mike).

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 7, at Parker Mortuary, with the funeral service to begin at 11am. Burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, Heartland, and Gary Sinise Foundation.