Menu
As of Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Aug. 25, 1967 – Aug. 1, 2024
Melissa Jo Brill, 56, of Carterville, died Aug. 1, 2024, at home.
She was born on Aug. 25, 1967, to Rosalie (Long) Brill and Oscar Brill in Joplin.
She was her Webb City High School yearbook editor and received her degree from Columbia University. Melissa retired from the City of Kansas City, Mo., where she was employed in a management position at city hall.
She enjoyed working at the yearly Renaissance Festival. She enjoyed performing locally in plays, as well as assisting backstage. She belonged to a book club and Toastmasters.
Survivors include her father, Oscar Brill; siblings, Vicki Cunningham, Brenda Ritz, Gary Brill and Debra Leffler.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosalie Brill; one sister, Janice Lynne Brill; one brother, Scott Cadwallader; and several beloved furbabies.
A celebration of life graveside service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
March 6, 1931 – July 26, 2024
The family of Harold Conner, 93, of Norman, OK, is saddened to announce his passing on July 26, 2024, at the age of 93 at the Legend at Rivendell Assisted Living Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Harold was born to John and Beulah (DeMoss) Conner, on March 6, 1931, in Locust Grove, Okla. The family eventually settled in Webb City, where Harold graduated from Webb City High School. Harold continued his studies at Joplin Junior College and the University of Kansas, earning associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architectural engineering along the way. In 1991, he added an additional master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma for good measure.
Initially, Harold went to work as a structural engineer for North American Aviation in Southern California, where he consulted on the X-15 hyper-sonic plane, as well as the Saturn V rocket. After two years in California, he took a position with the Portland Cement Association in Chicago, where he spent 22 years doing research, management and computer programming. In addition to being an early advocate for technology in construction (He retired as the association’s director of information systems.), Harold became an expert on reinforced concrete.
In 1980, Harold moved to Norman, Okla., to teach at the University of Oklahoma. In 1983, Construction s,cience formally became a division of the College of Architecture at OU with Harold as the director. He continued in that role until his retirement in 1996. Over that time, Harold led the program to its initial accreditation and subsequent reaccreditation, laying the foundation for this popular degree. Conner’s research, specifically on the structural impacts of disasters, took him around the world to places such as the Murrah Federal Building bombing site in Oklahoma City, Okla., in 1991, to the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, tornado devastation in Moore, Okla., on May 3, 1999, and ground zero of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City after the September 11, 2001, attack.
Harold was always a strong advocate for industry involvement in construction education and the importance of student internships. In 1999, he even established an endowed scholarship for the highest performing intern from construction science at OU. In 2019, he also established a scholarship at Missouri Southern State University (formerly Joplin Jr. College) specifically designed to provide a grant to a student who, like him, is working to pay their own way through college.
Harold is preceded in death by his former spouse, Jaqueline Conner-Wolthausen (nee Hulsey); two sisters, Johnnie Mae (Conner) Huey and Myrtle Lee (Conner) Babbitt; and one brother, Dee (Kathleen) Conner.
Harold is survived by his longtime companion, Carolyn Montgomery, whom he met at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman, Okla.; three sons, Bruce (Maripat) Conner, Evergreen, Colo., Bart (Nadia Comaneci) Conner, Norman, Okla., and Michael (Teri) Conner, Hawthorn Woods, Ill.; four grandchildren Bradley Conner, Jamie Lee (Conner) Berger, Katie Conner and Dylan Paul Conner; and one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Maye Berger.
Despite his extensive accomplishments, Harold was always humble and unassuming. He often displayed his father’s brick trowel and an album filled with pictures of the unique stone houses he built together with his father in Webb City.
From modest roots, Harold earned degrees in higher education, found professional success, and spearheaded the creation of a new degree program at OU for which he was the first inductee into the OU College of Architecture Hall of Fame in 2022. On top of his personal accolades, Harold was especially proud of his three boys: Michael, an electrical engineer; Bruce, a retired pilot/captain at United Airlines, and Bart Conner, a winner of two 1984 Olympic gold medals in gymnastics.
A private burial ceremony for the family will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, and a celebration of life will be held later this summer in Norman. Any donations that support the education of young students would certainly be appreciated by Harold and his family.
Services are under direction of Simpson Funeral Home, in cooperation with Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman.
March 10, 1954 – Aug. 5, 2024
Jimmy Lee Gates passed away on Aug. 5, 2024, surrounded by family and friends in Joplin.
Jimmy was born on March 10, 1954, to the late J. Ralph Gates and Ora (Cramer) Gates.
For many years, Jimmy dedicated his professional life to Eagle Pitcher. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. He loved fishing, bowling, and took great pleasure in dining out, enjoying both the food and the company of friends and family.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sandra Gates; nephew, Roger Gates; nieces, Kelly Prater, Shannon Whitsett and Leslie Berryhill; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Jean Gates, Bobby Gates and Bill R. Gates.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Sept. 11, 1941 – Aug. 9, 2024
Lonnie Ray Martin, age 82, of Carterville, won his fight and entered Heaven’s gates on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Joplin. Lonnie was born Sept. 11, 1941, in Taney County to the late Ray and Inez (Childers) Martin.
Lonnie graduated Parkwood High School, in Joplin, class of 1959. He worked for Sinclair Oil Company for 20 years in Joplin. Lonnie went on to work for Walmart another 15 years before retiring.
On May 12, 1971, Lonnie married Judith Davis, and they have spent 53 years devoted to each other. Together, they raised two kids, Londa Summers (Joey) and Andy Martin (Amber), both of Webb City. In 1988 at Carterville Christain Church, he had the great pleasure of baptizing his wife and kids, a memory they have always cherished. His faith in Christ was unshakable to the very end.
Lonnie adored being “PaPadoo” who loved all his grandchildren, Franky (Kaitlyn), Vanessa, Cole (Shelby), Alissa (Ny-kong), Johnny (Mariyah), Evan, Skyler and Sydney; great-grandchildren, Cash, Benny, Norah, Maddie, Kellan, Sienna, Saryn and Azalea; brothers, Bud Martin (Helen), Alamagordo, N.M., and Art Martin (Regina), Peru, Ill.; sister, Joyce Fisk, Tularosa, N.M.; precious mother in-law, Frieda Davis, Jasper; brother in-law, Bob Davis, Jasper; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Lonnie is preceded in death by a brother, Lee Martin.
Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at Parker Mortuary. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Destiny Church, with Pastor Gene Bebee speaking. Burial will be at Lake Cemetery in Lamar.
Jan. 21, 1954 – Aug. 9, 2024
Obituary lovingly written by his family~
Dennis Lee Merker, aged 70, passed away on Aug. 9, 2024. He was a beloved husband, stepfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Dennis was born on Jan. 21, 1954, and spent his formative years in Webb City. He went on to attend classes in the Automotive Technology Department at Missouri Southern State College and later became a heavy equipment mechanic at The Victor L. Phillips Company in Joplin. However, Dennis would spend most of his life as a small business owner and machinist at Joplin Bolt, Nut, and Screw and Joplin Special Products, respectively. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work.
Dennis was a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, and pet lover. He especially loved spending the 4th of July with his grandchildren. He always offered his brand of guidance, support and encouragement.
In his free time, Dennis enjoyed tending to his property, relaxing with his pets, Millie, Tiny, Fred, and AK, tinkering with automotive projects and riding down the area’s railroads in rail cars.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Dixie; his stepchildren, Richie Massengale and his wife Rochelle, and Karen Osborn and her husband James; and his grandchildren, Brendan and his wife Alexandra, Dalton, Kamryn and her husband Luke, Jake, Garrett and Nick.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Jody; and his brother, Stephen.
The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
April 5, 2017 – July 26, 2024
Reuben William Roy, 7, of Carthage, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. He was born on April 5, 2017, in Joplin, the son of Bethany Roy and Jacob Edmonds. Reuben is a cherished son, grandson, brother, nephew, and friend whose warmth and wit brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Reuben had just completed his first-grade year at Columbian Elementary and was eagerly anticipating the start of second grade. His academic prowess was recognized with his acceptance into the EPIC Program. He had such a wise and intelligent soul and kept every adult around him on their toes with brilliant questions and insights. Reuben had an insatiable curiosity for God’s creation and aspired to become a wildlife biologist someday. His knowledge of animals was vast, and he was always eager to share fascinating facts with anyone willing to listen. He could often be seen carrying around one of his many books about animals.
Reuben wasn’t afraid to share his faith in Jesus with anyone he came across. He once stopped a teacher in the hallway to ask, “Do you know God? Because I do.”
He had an affectionate nature, a quiet strength, and the ability to make anyone feel accepted and loved. Reuben’s life was a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of each day. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories they created with him.
Reuben is survived by his mother, Bethany Roy; his father, Jacob Edmonds; his sister, Annah Roy; his maternal grandmother, Anita Idleman (Dave); his maternal grandfather, Don Roy (Lesli); his paternal grandfather, Allen Edmonds (Laurie); his paternal grandmother, Jeanne Edmonds; his aunts and uncles, Courtney Wadino, Caleb Roy (Ashley), Natalie Bruce (Austin), and Nathan Roy (Kelsey); and many extended family and friends. The joy he brought to his family is a treasure they will hold in their hearts forever.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at The Bridge in Carthage. Arrangements were under the direction of Knell Mortuary.
1945 – 2024
Neng Yia, son of Vam Thoj Yaj and Txiab Xyooj was born in the province of Houaphanh, Laos, in 1945. He is their fourth child out of 10 children. He lived a simple life with his family until 1964 when he became a soldier in the Secret Wars of Laos. He served until 1975, achieving the rank of lieutenant.
In 1980, he and his family emigrated to America in hopes of a better life and future. He first landed in Illinois before moving to Wisconsin for a short period and then settling in Massachusetts to raise his family before finally retiring and living out his dream life in Missouri.
You could find him at the crack of dawn walking his land, gazing at his animals and watering his plants. He was never one to sit still. He loved telling folklores, learning Hmong culture and traditions and helping his community.
Neng Yia and his wife, Zoua, have been selling produce at the Webb City Farmers Market under the sign of Yang Family Vegetables since 2010 and have been joined as a vendor by their son, Fue. Their farm hosted the market’s Winter Production Education Site for three years. And they trained many area farmers how to extend their growing season.
Neng Yia is survived by his wife, Zoua Hang-Yang; four sons, Fue (See Moua), Pheng (Heather Lee), Toua (Yolai Lee), and Yeeleng; and five daughters, Lia (Ntsuab Npis Lor), Tiya (Harry Vue), Dia (Phia Vang), Mee (Zoo Tseej Vue), and May (Txwj Vaaj Her); along with countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he has touched.
Services will be held from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, and from 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, until 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at Lake Park Memorial Gardens in Shell Knob.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
© All Rights Reserved 2024
DIY website design by Bob Foos
