OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Phyllis Dorsey

Aug. 26, 1935 – Nov. 4, 2024

Phyllis Jean Dorsey, 89, of Joplin, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at her residence after a short illness.

She was born Aug. 26, 1935, in Carterville and was a lifelong area resident. She was valedictorian of the Carterville High School Class of 1953.

Her work life consisted of working at the Carterville Drug Store as a teenager behind the soda fountain. She also worked at the former Katz store in Joplin, the Joplin School District and Midway Lumber.

Her greatest passion was being a homemaker. She loved her yard and all the beautiful flowers she grew. She was an avid weed puller, never afraid to put in the work to get what needed done. Before her husband’s passing they enjoyed traveling by car to all the places near and far. From bushwhacking (off road adventures), to hiking and walking the beach. She gave her life to Jesus at a young age, she was faithful to her Heavenly Father and to her Lord and Savior Jesus. A prayer warrior for her family, a love of God’s Word and a devotion to His leading was evident daily. No matter where she was or who she saw she would tell them, “This is the day The Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it.” Also “One day at at time” that’s all we have.” She will be missed very much, but we know that she has crossed the bridge and is in the arms of Jesus.

Phyllis married George Leeman Dorsey on June 12, 1954, in Joplin, and he preceded her in death on March 8, 2023.

Survivors include one son, Richard Dorsey (Vicki), of Willard; one daughter, Linda Vaughan (Gary),of Joplin; three grandchildren, Dustin (Chelsea) Kyger, Brandon Dorsey, and Katelyn (Brent) Gillaspy; four great-grandchildren, Ian, Abby, Wade and Wyatt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John S. and Marie McPhail Webb; two brothers and two sisters.

Graveside services will be held at Carterville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

OBITUARY

Nina Landes

– Oct. 29, 2024

Mrs. Nina May Landes, 86, of Webb City, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

A private family service will be held at Oronogo Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Max Mourglia

Jan. 12, 1947 – Oct. 28, 2024

Max M Mourglia, 77, fell asleep in death on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at his home after a long illness. He was born in Monett on Jan. 12, 1947, the son of the late Eugene and Alleace Mourglia. He went to Monett High School. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Debbie. She stayed by his side and cared for him right up until the end. Later in life, to the delight of his wife, he took up cat loving!

He is also survived by seven children, Kim Endicott, Jon Hoagland, Paula (Steve) Whittington, LeAnn (Jeff) Inman, Jami Mourglia, Kelli (Dane) Crownhart, Todd (Natty) Mourglia; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Rex and Jon Mourglia.

Max started his football career at Monett High School. He went on to college at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin to play as a kicker. He held two records for many years, and one record still remains. In 1972, his college team won the National Championship for their division, and on Oct.20, 2020, he and his teammates were inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall Of Fame. He went on to play professionally for a short period of time after college.

Max was best known for NEVER meeting a stranger (including the occasional hitch hiker), collecting many, many treasures, being a jack of all trades, telling great stories as well as hearing great stories. He was also a firefighter for the city of Joplin back in the day! He owned several businesses over the years, including two in Webb City, M-M Tire and Muffler, M-M Signs.

Because of his love for his heavenly father Jehovah, he chose to dedicate his life to him in 1975 when he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His passion was to talk about the Bible. He never held back from sharing an encouraging word from the Bible with anyone he met, family, friends, neighbors and strangers. He also dedicated over half his life to full-time Bible educational work.

He enjoyed the privilege of serving as an elder in the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he loved to do what he could to help and comfort many. This led him to volunteer his time in many areas such as, helping to build Kingdom Halls, as well as the Patient Visitation Group, where he visited hospital patients.

His faith in the Bible and God’s promises gave him a strong hope for the future, that helped him stay positive and joyful while he endured a long illness.

His last words to many were: “I hope to see you in Paradise!”

Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Carthage Memorial Hall. Arrangements were under the direction of Midland Cremation Society.

OBITUARY

John Newby

Feb. 16, 1929 – Oct. 29, 2024

John C. Newby Jr, a beloved father, grandfather, deacon, and a long time resident of Webb City, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in Joplin on Feb. 16, 1929, to John Sr. and Ruth Newby, John was a humble and compassionate man, with a dedication that was as constant as the Northern Star. His love for his family was as deep as the ocean, and his faith as sturdy as a rock.

John was a dedicated servant of God and an active member of North Main Baptist Church of Carl Junction. He served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a guide for special needs classes. He also extended his compassion beyond the church, reaching out to the Blind Association, and leading a tape ministry for shut-ins. His commitment even extended to the Prison Outreach (A.R.M.), a testament to his belief in redemption and second chances. John proudly served his country by joining the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War as a mechanic before transferring to the Army Reserves in 1953. John’s love for his community was only paralleled by his love for his family and his favorite sports teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before retiring in 1992, John worked tirelessly as a bus mechanic for the Webb City School District. Even in his free time, John’s mechanic skills were put to use, fixing things around the house or helping neighbors with their vehicles. He enjoyed being outdoors, loved sports, camping, and gardening.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Ruth, and his wife, Mary Lou Newby; son David C. Newby; brother Harold Newby; and sister Mildred Evans. He is survived by his son, Mark Newby; daughter, Ruth (Doug) Greer; daughter-in-law, Glenda Newby; sisters, Linda (Richard) Johnson and Carol (Stephen) White; grandkids, Jeremy (Cuddles) Newby, Nathan Newby, Jonathan (Beth) Viele, Brian (Chelsey) Greer, Jordan (Kyle) McClintock, Stephanie (Toby) Thacker, Mary Ann Greer and Emily Newby; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson on the way.

A funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Earl Wakefield

– Nov. 3, 2024

Earl D. Wakefield, age 72, a truck driver, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at his home in Webb City. Arrangements are under the direciton of Midland Cremation Society.