As of Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Aug. 14, 1949 – Sept. 2, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we remember the life of Nathan Blaine Barney. He was born and raised in the close-knit community of Elsinore, Utah, son of his devoted parents, Nathan and Marilyn Barney. He grew up alongside his sisters Jean and Terry, forging lifelong bonds that shaped his resilient and stubborn spirit. He was a leader, comedian, storyteller, and perhaps Mylee Cyrus’ biggest fan.
Blaine graduated from South Sevier High School and married his high school sweetheart Claudia soon after. He was the father of three children, Warren, Natalie, and Andrea. He was, in his own unforgettable words, a “sarcastic son of a ____.” However, he had a heart of gold and enormous warmth; he’d give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was undeniably the center of attention in any space he entered. He lived with mischievous passion and heartfelt sincerity. After a full life in Utah, he ventured to Missouri where he met the love of his life Cara. They set up their forever home in Jasper, surrounded by his chosen family, friends, and beloved support system.
He is survived by his children; his grandchildren, Whitney, Brooklyn, Dominic, and Ayvrie (his favorite), as well as his great- grandson Milo. We will always cherish evenings in recent years gathered around the table, telling jokes, singing, and reminiscing about the “good ol’ days.” Those visits were filled with laughter, mutual reconnections, and a testament to healing and forgiveness over time.
Blaine is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean, and beloved wife Cara.
Blaine’s legacy is one of hilarious kindness, stubborn devotion and messy, beautiful authenticity. He wasn’t perfect, but he did his best, and he was deeply, deeply loved. We hope that he knows now, in peace, how much he is forgiven, how much he is loved, how brightly he lit up the lives of others, and how much he will be missed. May he be dancing among the angels now, as he did his best here on earth.
His children would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Howard family. The love and support you showed our dad has not gone unnoticed and we will be forever grateful.
A celebration of life was held on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the Elks Lodge. A second celebration will be held in Utah at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Oct. 17. 1956 – Sept. 9, 2025
Linda Lou (Halverson) Koch, 68, born on Oct. 17, 1956, in Winona, Minn., was a beacon of love, resilience, and devotion. Her journey of life, beautifully interwoven with service, dedication, and unyielding love for her family and community, came to a gentle close on Sept. 9, 2025, in Webb City, her home for the past 12 years.
Linda will always be remembered as a loving wife to Robert Koch, whom she married on June 14, 1975. Their love story was one for the ages, filled with unwavering companionship, mutual respect, and deep affection. Together they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Linda loved spending time with her family and making memories together. She especially enjoyed boating, camping, traveling, family vacations to Walt Disney World, and trips to Branson. Music also brought her joy. She never missed a chance to attend concerts by the Oak Ridge Boys and The Beach Boys.
Linda began her career in banking before finding her calling in real estate. She co-owned Key Realty in Winona, where she devoted herself to serving clients and building lasting relationships. Beyond her professional life, Linda had a heart for service. She gave generously of her time, volunteering with the Goodview Activity Group, local PTAs, Central Lutheran Church in Winona, Central United Methodist Church in Webb City, and at Mercy Clinic and Hospital. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.
In 2013, Linda and Robert moved to Webb City to be closer to their daughter and her family. There, she found happiness in supporting her grandsons, Derak and Jeremy, in their sports, theatre productions, and concerts. Family was the center of her life, and she was most proud to be “Grandma.”
She is survived by her husband, Robert Koch; daughter Sherry (Koch) Noller and son-in-law Paul Noller; and grandsons Derak and Jeremy Noller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and June Halverson.
Linda will be remembered for her faith, generosity, and deep love for her family.
Her life will be celebrated with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A service will also be scheduled at a later date in Winona, Minn.
Donations may be made in Linda’s name to the Joplin Area Humane Society, Webb City CARES, Webb City Choir Booster Club, or a local animal shelter or organization supporting children in need, all in care of the funeral home.
Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
As her favorite hymn reminds us: “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art.”
Nov. 14, 1975 – Aug. 29, 2025
Seth McEeun Reeder, age 49, of Webb City, passed away Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, due to heart problems.
Seth was born on Nov. 14, 1975, to David and Patricia Reeder in Joplin at St. John’s hospital around 1p.m. He grew up surrounded by his many cousins but had a really close relationship with his cousin, Teresa O’Neal, and also had many vibrant aunts and uncles to keep him on his toes. When Seth was a young boy, he called his dad David instead of Dad for the longest time. Seth graduated from Webb City High School in 1994, where he became a life long resident.
Seth loved baking and cooking for his close family and friends, especially around the holidays. Seth was also a avid lover of music and horror movies (Freddie Kruger).
Seth was a son, brother, uncle, and friend, who was loved by many. Seth was welcomed at heaven’s gates by his mother, Patricia Reeder; brother, Mathew Reeder; many other aunts, uncles; and grandparents.
Survivors include his father, David Reeder; bonus sister, Jaime Nichols; sister, Tracy Reeder and spouse Jimmy Beaver; nephew, Chase Nichols and spouse Vennessa; nephew, Chris Reeder and spouse Kristin; nephew, Matt Reeder Jr. and spouse Lacey; niece, Briana Dwinell and spouse Andrew; niece, Patricia Reeder; fiancé Ashley Cramer; and many other nieces and nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Seth’s residence. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
