As of Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Aug. 20, 1938 – Dec. 25, 2025
Roy Lee Fair, age 87, of Webb City, Missouri, departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, at his residence. He entered this life on Aug. 20, 1938, in Carterville, Missouri, one of four sons born to the union of the late Sylvester “Lefty” and Edna (Kennett) Fair.
Roy’s journey began in Carterville, where he grew up with a deep sense of patriotism that would guide his path for many years. He answered the call of duty and served his country with distinction in the United States Navy, Air Force, and Army National Guard. His commitment to his nation was unwavering, and his service was marked by honor and integrity.
After his honorable discharge from the military, Roy transitioned to civilian life with the same sense of purpose and dedication. He joined the team at Eagle Picher, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2002.
He had a particular talent for coaching and spent many years nurturing young athletes as the coach of the girls fastpitch softball team, Jay’s Auto, at the Aylor Street Field from 1970-1979. His guidance and encouragement left a lasting impact on the lives of many young women in the community.
Roy’s love for the outdoors was evident in the meticulous care he took of his lawn, a task that brought him great joy and satisfaction. He also found happiness in the simple pleasure of giving lawnmower rides to his buddy, Ryker, sharing moments of laughter and joy with the next generation.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Fair; three nieces, Roxy Southard and husband, Kevin, Robin Clark and husband, Darrell, and Rachelle Brock and husband, Ryan; six great-nieces and nephews, Tyler Clark, Kolby Southard, Tatum Casada, Kelsy Bentley, Hayley Brock, and Trenton Brock; eight great-great-nieces and nephews, Cameron Clark, Allison Clark, Kendall Southard, Barett Bentley, Boyer Bentley, Ryker Brock, Kasen Casada, and Colsen Brock; and one great-great-great-nephew, Houston Pearish.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jack, Jimmy and Ronnie “Dinger” Fair; and two nephews, Mike and Jeff Fair.
Private interment will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Feb. 15,1968 – Dec. 24, 2025
James Edward Johnson Jr., age 57, of Joplin, stepped into the arms of Jesus at 6:06 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.
James was born on Feb. 15, 1968, to the union of James Johnson Sr. and Dora Belle (Patterson) Johnson. He grew up in Yellville, Ark. and moved to Webb City as a teen where he attended Webb City High School and later obtained his GED in 2014. He worked various jobs through his lifetime, but most recently worked for State Beauty Supply as a warehouse/delivery driver in Joplin until retiring due to health issues.
He married the love of his life, Crystal Pennington, on Dec. 3, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Oronogo. To this union brought one son, Andrew Johnson.
Earlier this year, James rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized in January. His family was the cornerstone of his life and he cherished every moment spent with them. He loved the outdoors hunting and fishing and could talk for hours about the ones that got away. He enjoyed stopping just to watch any deer he saw and has passed that love on to his children. He loved to grill out and spend time with friends and family cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks and Kansas City Chiefs. James always loved Christmas and enjoyed the tradition of looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. He loved watching the excitement of his children and grandchildren as they opened gifts. It was only fitting that he step into his heavenly home in time for Christmas.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Dora Belle Johnson.
James is survived by his wife, Crystal Johnson, of the home; three children, Ashley Allen and husband Nate, Webb City, Autumn Patterson, Carthage, and Andrew Johnson, of the home; three grandchildren, Gracyn, Jensen, and Theo; father, James Johnson Sr., Bentonville, Ark.; two brothers, Michael and Jeffery Johnson; and a cousin that was more like a brother, Billy Keeter.
A celebration of life was held Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church, with pastor Brad Wieneke officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Jan. 31, 1959 – Jan. 2, 2026
James L. Kanakis age 66, of Webb City, passed away in the arms of loved ones peacefully at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. on Jan. 2, 2026.
Jim was born on Jan. 31, 1959 in Decatur, Ill., to Louis and Aulene (Holiman) Kanakis. In 1963, his family moved to Carl Junction, where he attended and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1977. He then went on to graduate from Missouri Southern State University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
After graduating from college, Jim spent his working career as a consumer goods salesman. During his career, he was most proud of his work with:
• Sunbeam Leisure Products (1982-1989) – regional and export sales manager
• Igloo Products Corp. (1989-2003) – director of sales & national accounts
• Outdoor Leisure Products (2010-2018) – vice president of sales and marketing
Jim will be most remembered for his compassionate and caring gestures and personality. Jim had a special love for his country and all those who served and fought for our freedoms. He attended many Navy football games with his brother, Mark.
Jim was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and attended many games every season with his son, Alex. Along with football, Jim’s other greatest hobby was the game of golf. He enjoyed playing rounds with his brothers, co-workers and son. For his 60th birthday, he was able to go to the Masters and watch one of his favorite players, Tiger Woods, win his 15th Major Championship. A memory that he was very proud of and grateful he got to experience.
Jim married Rayla (Bess) Kanakis on May 17, 1986. They enjoyed traveling the world together, attending concerts and making memories together. Jim was very proud of his wife’s musical talents, specifically when it came to playing the piano. He would do his best to hide outside of the piano room while she was practicing and later, he would ask her if she could play the songs again for him. He never missed an opportunity to be in attendance for any of Rayla’s concerts and was incredibly proud to be her husband.
Jim & Rayla had one son, Alexander Louis Kanakis, in 1992. Jim and Alex had a bond that could not be broken. They shared a love for sports that had a main emphasis on golf and a passion for business that kept them very close.
Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Aulene Kanakis.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rayla Kanakis, Webb City; his son, Alex Kanakis, Joplin; three brothers, Nick and his wife Dee Kanakis, Joplin, Lee Kanakis–Bartlesville, Okla., and Mark Kanakis, Webb City; an aunt, Bette Williams, Fayetville, Ark.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
“Though life separates us, memory keeps you close – and faith reminds us this goodbye is not forever.”
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Parker Mortuary.
Dec. 30, 1940 – Jan. 3, 2026
Carlos Manuel Rivera was known fondly to family and friends as Carlos here in the United States, and as “Macho” in Costa Rica. He was a beacon of resilience and joy in every life he touched. Born on Dec. 30, 1940, in San José Province, Costa Rica, his journey of life was an inspiring testament to his dedication, charisma, humor, and resilience. A proud Costa Rican, he also held immense pride in his American home. Carlos was a man who loved the Bible and loved people with equal passion, living out his Christian faith with every breath.
Carlos skillfully kneaded his life’s work into the heart of Webb City at his beloved donut shop. For 43 years, he crafted more than just donuts; he created a place of warmth and laughter, a testament to his dedication and charisma. As the Irish poet, Brendan Behan once said, “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink, and somebody to love you.” Carlos provided all three of these necessities to his community, with his charismatic personality and unyielding love for his family. His customers were more than patrons; they were friends, each one treated to Carlos’ funny stories that were as sweet as his donuts. His infectious laughter often echoed throughout the shop, creating an atmosphere that was as warm and inviting as his maple bars.
A motorcycle enthusiast and an alumnus of Texas A&M University, Carlos lived life to the fullest. His resilience was evident, whether he was riding his motorcycle on the open road, cheering on his favorite football team, or spending quality time with his loved ones. His faith, love, and the people in his life were what mattered most to him.
His legacy is carried forward by his loving wife, Ronda Rivera, whom he married on April 18, 1970, and their children, Cristy Rivera Linder, Rick Rivera, Joseph Rivera, and Alex Rivera. His love also extended to his grandchildren, respectively: Ariana Rivera and Zachary Linder; Brennan and Ella Rivera; Jack and Kate Rivera; Benjamin and Ivana Rivera.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Rivera, and his mother, Carmen Picado. Carlos is also survived by several siblings, some in Costa Rica and in the United States: Marta, Paco, Oscar, Lorena, and Roger.
Carlos’s life will be remembered and celebrated during a funeral service at First Baptist Church of Webb City at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. A public visitation will be held at the same venue beginning at noon until the time of service.
As we mourn the loss of Carlos, we also celebrate his life, remembering each story, each laugh, and each moment of love he shared.
He encouraged everyone to have a sense of pride in what they do, to love one another, and to cherish their faith in the person of Jesus. May we all be encouraged by his example as a dedicated, charismatic, funny, and unique individual: a baker, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a sibling.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Dec. 13, 1997 – Jan. 4, 2026
Annie Nicolle Strickling, age 28, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin. Born on Dec. 13, 1997, in Joplin, Annie’s vibrant spirit and infectious smile were a precious gift to all who knew her.
Raised in the town where she was born, Annie was a proud graduate of Joplin High School, Class of 2016. Her passion for learning and her desire to inspire others led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in Joplin. Annie’s dedication to her studies was matched only by her commitment to the children she taught.
Annie’s professional journey as an educator began in the Neosho School District, where she first shared her love of learning as a first-grade teacher at Carver Elementary. Her creativity and enthusiasm for teaching were unmistakable, and she quickly became a cherished member of the school community. After two years, Annie brought her talents to Rise Elementary, where she served as the art teacher. There, she nurtured the artistic abilities of her students, encouraging them to express themselves and explore the world through their creativity.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Annie was known for her artistic talents, which she often used to brighten the lives of those around her. She was a lover of animals, swimming and was an avid reader. Shopping was another of her favorite pastimes, a way for her to connect with friends and indulge in the latest trends and her singing voice was a beautiful addition to any gathering. Annie lived her life with an open heart, never meeting a stranger and always ready to make a new friend.
She is survived by her parents, Nikki and Brandon Purcell, of Diamond, and Matthew Ganes, of Webb City; her maternal grandparents, Mike and Linda Strickling, Joplin; paternal grandmothers, Nancy Patterson and Dana Purcell, Joplin; half-sisters, Gabby and Gracie Ganes; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Eric Ganes. Annie’s memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many students whose lives she touched with her kindness and passion for teaching.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Webb City, with Pastor Colleen Carroll officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Purcell. Pallbearers will be Brian Strickling, Jace Strickling, Keith Holloway, Kurt Haase and Zach Kennedy. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12 p.m.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society in care of Parker Mortuary.
Date birth – Date death
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