As of Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Feb. 3, 1948 – Nov. 30, 2024
Jonne Lynne Draper, 76, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away Nov. 30, 2024.
Jonne was born on Feb. 3, 1948, to Mary Lou and Owen Moffett and graduated with the Webb City High School Class of 1966.
She is survived by her husband, Charlie Draper, Sonora, Texas; daughter Stephanie and husband David Pearce, Overland Park, Kan.; granddaughter, Rachel Spicer, Denver, Colo.; brother, Jim Triplett and wife Shirley, Pittsburg, Kan.; other family members and friends. Services were under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home.
Aug. 7, 1927 – Dec. 15, 2024
Jeanne “Novella” Hamlin, 97, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin.
Novella was born on Aug. 7, 1927, in Rifle, Colo. She married Ralph W. Hamlin on July 23, 1944, in Winfield, Kan. They were married for 58 years. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2002.
Novella was a devoted military wife who lived in many places before eventually settling down in Joplin. She was a homemaker and businesswoman. She helped manage her son Dr. Gary Hamlin’s medical office and worked in her son-in-law James’s paint store for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She loved all things creative… crafting, crocheting, sewing and cooking. She also loved attending her grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ events. Those who knew her describe her as loving, beautiful, witty, intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working, sassy, and classy! She greeted people with a warm smile and open arms, and she was a compassionate listener. This matriarch will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on, as she left an amazing legacy in all of her loved ones.
Novella was a faithful Christian who raised her children in the Word of God and in Truth, and taught them to know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Her family attended First Christian Church in Webb City and Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin. She also enjoyed many years of in-depth Bible study at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
She is survived by sons Dr. Gary W. (Sharon) Hamlin, Webb City, and Ronald K. (Marla) Hamlin, St. Louis; daughter Debra J. (James) Miller, Joplin; 10 grandchildren: Brian Hamlin, Jenny Conard, Jill Bishop, Dr. Justin Hamlin, Jason Hamlin, Beau Hamlin, Chey Gilbert, Sarah Eidson, Warren Miller and Arielle Miller; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren (including one arriving soon); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Jeanne Renee Hamlin; her parents, Lloyd and Gladys Cox Stokes; and siblings Retha McLaughlin, Bud Stokes, Winifred Beasley, and Don Stokes.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel, with Beau Hamlin officiating.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to God’s Resort in Joplin, a ministry that Novella loved and supported.
June 9, 1961 – Dec. 14, 2024
Billy Raymond Witt, 63, passed away Dec. 14, 2024, in Joplin. He was born on June 9, 1961, in Webb City to the late Gary and Betty (Riddle) Witt.
Billy proudly served in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he found his passion in photography, capturing life’s moments at Silver Dollar City. His keen eye for detail and his ability to preserve memories made him a beloved figure behind the camera.
In 2006, Billy married the love of his life, Dezirai Witt. He was a devoted husband and loving father to Alisha Witt, Matt Witt, Jack Daniels (Brittney), Brandon Witt (Shyanne), Blake Witt (Sidney), and Jayden Witt. His joy was multiplied by the laughter of his 12 grandchildren. Billy also leaves behind his brother, Terry Witt, mother-in- love, Joyce Tallant; brothers-in law, Tim Rickey (Teresa) and Robert Franklin (Whitney); sisters-in- la, Tiffany Brownrigg and Candy Patterson (Brian); aunts, Sharon Longley and Laura Ringler; uncles, Bill Witt (Vicky) and Jack Witt; aunts- in- law, Kay Rickey and Wanda Moore (Bill); uncle-in- law, Robert Walker (Tina); numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews and extended family.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his fathers-in- law, Kenneth Rickey, step mother-in-law, Debborah Rickey; brothers-in-law, Mitch Brownrigg and Kenny Rickey; and a granddaughter, Kaylen Warren.
Billy could often be found fishing. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. At home, he found companionship and joy in the company of his dogs, who were his faithful friends to the end. Billy loved spending time with his family and taking trips to see new things. Billy also was a member of the Veterans of the Ozarks and a lifetime member of the VFW of Bernice, Okla. He loved to joke and never met a stranger.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at Parker Mortuary, with full military honors. Contributions may be made to Billy’s final expenses.
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.
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