As of Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 25, 1946 – Aug. 4, 2025
The Rev. Howard Wayne Blackburn, age 79, departed this life peacefully at his home in Jasper, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, after months of failing health. He entered this life on July 25, 1946, in Webb City, born to the union of the late Willie and Dessie (Balcom) Blackburn.
Howard’s early education took place in Greenland, Ark., where he spent his grade school years before moving to a farm near Carthage on Center Creek when he was in the eighth grade.
On Aug. 26, 1967, he married his beloved wife, Twyla Moback, and together they welcomed three children into the world, building a family that would be Howard’s pride and joy.
A man of many talents and a dedicated worker, Howard was a skilled machinist by trade. He retired from the Webb City R-7 School District in 1996, where he had served as a custodian and bus driver for nearly 25 years. He was also an ordained minister and evangelist. Howard’s passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ led him to spend two years on an Indian reservation in Arizona, where he touched many lives with his message of hope and salvation.
Howard served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, aboard the USS Calvert and USS Banner, where he held the rank of boatswain mate E3. His patriotism and love for his country were unwavering, and his experiences in the Navy were a source of great pride throughout his life.
IHe enjoyed mowing and caring for his property. His hands were rarely still, as he was also an avid woodworker and crocheter, creating beautiful pieces that his family will treasure for generations.
Howard is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 58 years, Twyla Blackburn; his sons, Mike Blackburn and wife Melissa, of Reeds, and Tim Blackburn and wife, Melissa, of Jasper; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers, Elmer Blackburn and James Blackburn, both of Tishomingo, Okla.; his sister, Mary Freeman of Joplin; and a host of family members and friends who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Dessie Blackburn; his daughter, Tanya Blackburn; and his brothers, Emmit Napier and Chuck and Ralph Blackburn.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Howard’s son, the Rev. Mike Blackburn, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Blackburn, Tim Blackburn, Jack Inman, Jacob Barnes, Ray Anderson and Terry Moback.
Oct. 4, 1974 – Aug. 1, 2025
James Chad Hawkins, age 50 of Neosho, formerly of Carl Junction, passed away on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, from injuries sustained in an ATV accident near the Hawkins Family Farm in Asbury.
Chad was born on Oct. 4, 1974 in Joplin to Jim and Susan (Winder) Hawkins. Chad attended Carl Junction schools and Garden City Community College. Chad also previously served with the Missouri National Guard for over six years.
Chad was currently working for 4-State Trucks and truly enjoyed working with the drivers to help make their “Big Rigs” look their best as they rolled down the highways. He knew drivers, their trucks and parts by heart and would often give you information about trucks as you traveled with him. He previously worked for Freightliner, and as a refrigerant technician for several large manufacturers.
Chad and Carey (Austin) Hawkins were married on Oct. 3, 2020, in Joplin. They were in the process of building their “forever home” on the Hawkins Family Farm. Chad had a vision of taking a piece of pastureland and creating their dream home. He and Carey spent countless hours in designing their home, clearing land, building a pond and making sure there was a clear view to see the creek from their back deck. But, unfortunately, their dream home was not yet completed.
Chad is survived by his wife Carey; children LaShaya (Christian), Laydon and Laykin Hawkins, Kendall and Kenton Platner, and in October of last year, Chad become a very proud Poppy to granddaughter Aria Lynnae. Additional survivors are his parents, Jim and Susan Hawkins; mother-in-law Janet Austin; nieces Kendall Hawkins and Zoey Morton; aunts and uncles Terry Winder, Kris Winder, Janet Cook, Ron and Rosemary Cook, and Jim Eden; sisters-in-law Rachel (Austin) Wilson and Michele (Austin) Francis; many cousins and extended family members; and a large community of friends.
Chad was preceded in death by both of his younger brothers, Kyle and Cade Hawkins; his maternal grandmother Lucille Winder and maternal grandfather Bill Winder; paternal grandparents Norma and Buck Hawkins; step-maternal grandfather Al Melton; aunts Dianna Winder and Nancy Eden; and father-in-law Kenny Austin.
Chad will always be remembered for his love for his family and friends. He was loved by so many, and it will be hard to imagine our life without him. However, many people will have the opportunity to continue their lives through the donation of his “baby-blue eyes,” valves from his “loving heart,” other tissues and skin.
Work hard, Party hard, Love harder.
Services for Chad will be held at Simpson Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, with Pastor Mike Pearce officiating. Graveside interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, located on the corner of Locust Road and County Road 260 near Waco. Pallbearers will be Laydon and Laykin Hawkins, Kenton Platner, Matt Winder, Heath Cobine and Spencer Heifner. Honorary bearers will be Kendall Hawkins, Zoey Morton, Kendall Platner and Cristian Mitzner.
Aug. 13, 1969 – July 28, 2025
Lovingly written by family
Jimmy Dale Maynard, age 55, of Oronogo, passed away on July 28, 2025. He was born on Aug. 13, 1969, to Jim and Beth Maynard. He was a tattoo artist (…and of course Momma was not real proud of that skill), but he was amazing at it.
Jimmy loved to fish and hunt and specialized in making his own fishing lures. He enjoyed playing music, composing, and was self-taught on the guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano, drums, and mandolin. He was an amazing musician.
Beyond his life for music and wildlife, he was skilled in woodworking, and was a paint and body man – mechanical skills learned from his father. He was most recently a tried-and-true employee of Jason Cook, and enjoyed working with him in the various trades. When Jimmy parted ways with people, he always said “Love you man,” and he meant every word.
Jimmy loved completely and dearly loved the lord. (You probably guessed this is his Momma bragging on her Oldest Baby)… Until we meet again son, on the other side of Glory.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Georgia Barlett, Webb City; Jim and Wanda Maynard, Oronogo; 11 uncles, and four aunts.
He is survived by his parents; brothers, Lonnie D. Maynard, Joplin, and Jodie D. Maynard, Erin, Tenn.; girlfriend Ashley Sullivan, Oronogo; three nephews; two great-nephews; and two great-nieces. He is also survived by his special aunts, Sherry Barlett, Wichita, Kan., Shirley Maynard, Joplin, and Sharon Barlett, Oronogo.
A life celebration was held Saturday, Aug. 2, at Joplin Full Gospel, with Pastor Josh Patrick officiating. Entombment was on Wednesday, Aug. 6, in Oronogo Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Feb. 4, 1947 – July 27, 2025
Billie Wayne “Butch” Rowland, age 78, of Carterville, passed away Sunday July 27, 2025, following a sudden illness.
He was born on Feb. 4, 1947, in Webb City, to Billie Gene and Doris (Bates) Rowland.
Butch was a firefighter in Carthage for 37 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. Growing up, Butch began his firefighting career on the Carterville Fire Department with his grandfather, Chief Leonard Bates. He then served as a firefighter in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and with the Webb City Fire Department. He was instrumental in the creation and development of the Jasper County E911 Emergency Services System, and 911 Center, and was later on the board of directors for several years.
Butch married Kathy Halteman on Jan. 20, 1967, and she survives. He is also survived by a son, Billie Leonard Rowland and his wife Laury, of Mobile, Ala.; three daughters, Kesslie Corner and her husband Scott, Mobile, Ala., Korie Stansill, Carterville, and Rachel Branch and her husband Kirby, Carterville; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Scott, Covington, Ga.; the recently welcomed family of Matt Fritz and his wife Kerri and son Scott, Hutchinson, Kan.; and numerous extended family and friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Constance Rowland; stepfather, Bert Johnson; grandparents Leonard and Lela Bates; two brothers, Lyle E. McMechan and Carroll Rowland; one sister, Michelle Mitcham; and his Aunt Alice McMechan.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at Carterville Christian Church. Burial was in Carterville Cemetery, with full military honors and the Fire Department Service Recognition Ceremony with Formal Honors. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Feb. 17, 1927 – Aug. 2, 2025
Mary Maude (Finch) Smith, born on Feb. 17, 1927. in Princeton, Kan., passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2025, at her residence in Webb City.
She was the beloved daughter of Ernest Hamilton Finch and Mary Gladys (O’Neal) Finch. She lived in Ottawa, Kan., where she graduated Ottawa High School and attended Ottawa University.
She met the love of her life, Clyde Raymond Smith Jr., and was married on Aug. 17, 1947, at the home of the bride’s parents. They were blessed with three children, Patricia Lynn (Smith) Moody, Douglas William Smith and Donald Ray Smith. They moved to Webb City in 1971 and enjoyed many, many family memories in the house they built in 1972.
Mary worked for the Welfare Office, as well as the Home Extension office in Ottawa before moving to Webb City. She worked at Newman’s in the furniture department then moved to the accounting department until the store closed. She was a substitute teacher for Mark Twain Elementary School in Webb City.
Mary was a member of the First Christian Church in Ottawa and Webb City. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the War of 1812, Women’s Club in Joplin, and Friday Bridge Club in Webb City. She was a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Some of the offices she held were Grand Page to the Grand Trustee in 1957, District Aide in Kansas in 1960 in Kansas. She was also Worthy Matron of Webb City Chapter in 2011, Grand Representative of Kansas in Missouri in 2008, District Deputy Grand Matron of Missouri in 2013, and she held several offices in the chapter. She received the International Order of the Rainbow Girls Grand Cross of Color. She recently and proudly received her 72-year service pin for Order of Eastern Star.
Mary is survived and missed by sister in law, Catherine Imogene (Smith) Droddy; daughter, Patricia Lynn (Smith) Moody; son-in-law George Lloyd Moody; son, Douglas William Smith; son, Donald Ray Smith; daughter-in-law, Stacy Jean (Murry) Smith; grandchildren Michele, Herman, Cheri, Jeremy, Shannon, Shannon, Charlie, Caitlin, Chris, Ryan and Kayleigh; great-grandchildren, Henry, Herman, Michael, Tiffanie, George, Lindsey, Wyatt, Tyler, Tanner, Turner, Olivia, Emma, Nolan and Kelley James; great-great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Paisley, Clyde and Rocky.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Smith Jr.; sister, Rebecca Maxine (Finch) Moore, and brother-in-law, James Paul Moore; brother, William Calvin Finch, and sister-in-law, Della Maxine Finch; brother-in-law, Caroll Gene Droddy; sister-in-law, Peggy Sue (Smith) Johnson, and brother-in-law, David Johnson; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Kay Smith.
Visitation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Simpson’s Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Simpson’s Funeral home. Internment will be at 3 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Webb City, the First Christian Church in Ottawa, Kan., and Hospice of Freeman West Hospital, in care of the funeral home.
