As of Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
As it was when the Sentinel was in print, ‘Obituaries are news to us.’ THERE IS NO CHARGE
Obituaries on this page are primarily found by looking for those with a connection to our immediate area on local funeral home and crematory websites. So we don’t miss one, please notify us by email at news@webbcity.net.
March 2, 1970 – Oct. 6, 2025
Shawn Lynn Bauer passed unexpectedly on Oct. 6, 2025. He died doing what he loved most, helping a friend while working cows on a farm. Shawn was a big man with a big heart. He rarely knew a stranger and everyone knew Shawn. Shawn also knew God and was baptized several years ago.
In addition to the unconditional love he showed his family and friends, Shawn also loved hot rods, tractor pulling, eating barbeque and making barbeque, indulging in German chocolate cake and partnering with his niece to defeat his wife and nephew at cards. He recently restored a 1950 Chevy and developed a fondness for showing it off at car shows. Shawn was an outdoorsman, spending countless hours working cows, spending time with family and friends at deer camp, and bird hunting. Shawn was also well known as a trader with an eye for a bargain and would barter anything great or small, with his most recent venture as a real estate speculator.
Shawn worked at the Joplin Regional Stockyards almost his entire life, whether it was helping his father as a child, or when he began as a full-time employee at age 15. His official tenure there was 40 plus years.
Shawn was born in Joplin on March 2, 1970, and lived his entire life in Southwest Missouri, living in both Webb City and Carterville. He met his wife in Webb City when she moved in across the street from his parents’ house. After spending months convincing her to go out with him, they dated for several years, eloped, and were married in Miami, Okla. At the time of Shawn’s passing they had been married 24 years.
Shawn loved being a grandfather, great-grandfather (known as “Pops”), uncle, and great uncle. He was an expert at playing with Hot Wheels with his great-grandson and partnering at cards with his great-niece. Shawn is survived by his wife, Marsha; a stepson, Eric Terry (Karalee); a stepdaughter, Marti Terry (Ari); a granddaughter, Kayleigh Terry (Dixie); and a great-grandson, Grayson.
Preceding him in death were his father Cecil Bauer; mother, Len (Hobbs) Bauer; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Rosalee Bauer; sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Jerold Schnake; and nephew, David Bauer.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
April 3, 1952 – Oct. 13, 2025
Marsha Gayle Burns, age 73, of Oronogo, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage, following an extended illness.
Marsha was born April 3, 1952, in Kansas City to the late Emmanuel Graves Sr. and Tillie Bozarth Graves.
Marsha worked for Magee Company in Piggott, Ark., for over 20 years while she was with her husband, Bob, before he passed in 2010. She loved and cherished her family and made many sacrifices throughout her lifetime for those closest to her. Marsha will be greatly missed.
Marsha had five stepchildren, Jackie Burns and wife Brenda, Bobby Burns and wife Kathy, Renee Burns (deceased), Barry Burns (deceased) and Tonnie Bateman. She had many grandchildren who loved her dearly. Survivors include her siblings, John Graves, Ada Schroeder, America Lawson and Julia Cheung; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by siblings, Mary Ann Adams, Emmanuel Graves Jr. and Richard Graves.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
July 11, 1943 – Oct. 9, 2025
With profound sadness and love, we announce the passing of Gary Don McVay Sr., known affectionately as Dad or Papa to those who held him dear.
Born in Marshfield on July 11, 1943, Gary spent his life serving those around him, dedicated to his family, his faith and his community. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gary’s unwavering love and devotion were the pillars that held his family firm. His sense of humor and subtle sarcasm brought laughter to any gathering, while his reliable and loyal presence provided comfort and assurance to all who knew him.
Gary was a beacon of kindness and compassion in Jasper County, where he resided for over 60 years. Gary enlisted in the Army and spent 18 months serving his country in Germany, being stationed around the Berlin Wall. Gary’s professional life was spent as the owner/operator of McVay Pest Control, a job that he performed with dedication and integrity until his retirement. Beyond his work, Gary was an ardent fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He shared this passion with Marty, his son, making it a tradition to attend the opening day at Royals games together. His love for coaching baseball was a testament to his passion and love for the game. He never missed any of the sporting events that involved his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. One of his biggest pleasures was listening to Sherri Lynn sing. Gary’s faith showed itself in what he would say to his family, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”
A devoted member of the Calvary Church of the Nazarene, Gary’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, spreading the word of God with joy and sincerity. The verse from Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” guided his life. He found joy in cooking, traveling, golfing and most importantly, in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When asked, his grandkids all have many fond memories of their trips to Branson.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Julie (Hight) McVay, who was his partner, his confidante, and his best friend whom he said annoyed him often; his children, Gary Jr. (Christina) McVay , Marty (Jennifer) McVay and Sherri Lynn Crismon; grandchildren, Allyssa (Cody) McVay, Dillon McVay, Brooke (Alex) Crismon, A.J. Dobbs, Bella (Manuel) McVay, Trinity Dobbs, Zach (Mayson) McVay; great grandchildren, Skyy McVay, Lincoln McVay, Braylee Pickett, Monroe McVay and his sister Wanda Polodna. Gary will be missed greatly by the nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Freda McVay; siblings Shirley Baumgarner, Carolyn McVay, Jimmy McVay, great granddaughter Hope McVay and his favorite son-in-law Joel Alan Goff.
Gary’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with, as well as those he reached through his faith and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of Simpson Funeral Home.
A celebration of life was held at Joplin Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2820 Connecticut Ave.
Nov. 6, 1927 – Oct. 11, 2025
Laura Elizabeth Willard, born Laura Wolfe on Nov. 6, 1927, in Cameron, embraced her final sunset on Oct. 11, 2025, in Webb City, her home for 91 years. A loving mother, a thoughtful friend, a spirited community member, and a supportive ally, Laura was the cornerstone of her family and the heart of her community.
Laura’s life was a testament to service and love. She married the love of her life, IriDell Willard, on June 20, 1946. Together they built a home filled with love and laughter. A homemaker by profession, Laura was not confined by the walls of her home. Instead, she expanded her nurturing nature to her community. An ordained priest in the Community of Christ, her faith in the goodness of humanity was unshakeable. She extended her support to those who needed it the most, driving people to their doctor’s appointments until she was 86 years old.
As a vocational home economics teacher, Laura shared her love for homemaking with many. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her hobbies of interior design and carpentry were a testament to her artistic spirit. She served on the MoKan Girl Scout Council for 25 years, encouraging young girls to be confident, self-reliant, and compassionate.
Preceded in death by her father, Ray Wolfe; mother, Boethilda Wolfe, and beloved husband of nearly 70 years, IriDell Willard, Laura’s spirit will continue to live through the countless lives she touched. She is survived by a daughter, Sherry, and her husband, Kenny Thomas, of Carthage; a son, Dr. Ray Dell Willard, of Galena, Kan.; a niece, Phylis, and her late husband Harold Hoofnagle; a grandson, John Thomas; a granddaughter, Angela, and her husband Gerry Pierson; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren
Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oronogo Cemetery.
