As of Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 26, 1929 – Feb. 22, 2026
Dr. Martin Brockett was born on July 26, 1929, in a covered wagon in rural Minnesota. He entered his eternal rest on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
Martin married Betty Evelyn Bolander on Oct. 18, 1948. They were married 71 years prior to Betty’s passing in 2020. Martin served over 55 years as a pastor and continued serving in the capacity as interim pastor and Sunday School teacher after his official retirement in 1995. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City and a cancer survivor. A deep commitment of Christian service, mentorship and ministry to the community is, will always be, his legacy.
Dr. Brockett was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty, three brothers, Robert, Chuck, Happ and sister Ruby. He is survived by sister, Cathy Waterman; three daughters, Patsy (Art) Wheeless, Carol Shellenbarger (and the late Bob Shellenbarger), Cindy Ramsey (and the late David Ramsey), and one son, Michael (Linda) Brockett. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Martin was a veteran of World War II, having joined the Army/Air Force at age 16. He served on the island of Guam as a hospital medic for two years. Martin was licensed to preach in 1953 at the Walnut Baptist Church in Burlington, Iowa, and ordained at the Dover Baptist Church in LaGrange, Mo., in 1956. He was a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and completed graduate and post graduate studies at Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. Brockett was a distinguished member of the Charles Haddon Spurgeon Society of William Jewell College in Liberty.
Dedicating his life to the service of God and the nurturing of God’s people was Martin’s passion. He entered the full-time ministry in 1956, serving as pastor of the Dover Baptist Church in LaGrange while attending Hannibal LaGrange College. His other full-time ministries included the Tenth Street Baptist Church in Trenton, Mo., McKinley Avenue Baptist Church in Joplin, Calvary Baptist Church in Florissant, First Baptist Church in Flat River, Mo., Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, Ill., and Bethany Baptist Church in Carthage. Martin pastored the First Baptist Church in Ponder, Texas, and the Cedar Temple Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, while attending seminary in Fort Worth. Martin also served as a missionary pastor at the Albia Road Baptist Mission in Ottumwa, Iowa, for one year.
Memorial contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks.
A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m.
Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Brockett, Dustin Shellenbarger, Michael Healey, Jaren Newman, Kieran Newman and Holden Deer. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason Woodard Mortuary.
May 21, 1961 – Feb. 20, 2026
Robert Douglas “Doug” Halteman, 64, of Carterville, passed away Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Joplin. He was born on May 21, 1961, in Carthage, the son of Robert E. Halteman and Bessie L. (Williams) Halteman, who preceded him in death.
Doug was a graduate of Webb City High School, Class of 1979. Throughout his life, he held several different jobs and was truly a “jack of all trades.” If something wouldn’t work, Doug had a way of bringing it back to life, especially when it came to small engines. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix, and he took pride in figuring things out with his hands.
One of Doug’s greatest joys was racing. Some of his most cherished memories were spent alongside his dad, working on race cars and heading to the track. Doug also loved family get-togethers, especially when there was good food and plenty of laughter. He kept up with his nieces and nephews and genuinely cared about what was going on in their lives. His great-nieces and great-nephews brought him a lot of happiness, and he would have done anything for them.
Doug is survived by five siblings: Kathy Rowland, Joplin, Missy Williams (Gary), Carterville, Becky Allen (Bob), Webb City, Kerry Helton (Ed), Webb City, and Kayla Broady (Mark), Carthage; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.
May 8, 1941 – Feb. 20, 2026
Gary Allen Simmons was born on May 8, 1941, in Greenfield and passed away peacefully at his home in Alba on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
Gary was a graduate of Sarcoxie High School before spending 25 years as a truck driver at H.E. Williams, a lighting company, where he was recognized for his perfect safety record. Retiring in 1999, Gary found his joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending countless hours in the great outdoors, appreciating the beauty of nature. Gary also loved watching old western shows and football games. He enjoyed gardening and was always proud of his 12-foot tall tomato plants. He would never miss a chance to go dancing with Mary. His enthusiasm for these hobbies was only surpassed by his love for his family.
Married on May 29, 1981, Gary was a loving spouse to Mary Hurrell and a devoted father to his blended family. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to his loved ones and his generous spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lillian Simmons and his 13 sisters.
He is survived by his children, Kevin Simmons, Purcell, Kelly Wilson, Alba, Vincent Opat, Sierra Vista, Ariz., Misty Opat, Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Matt McBride, Webb City; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his brother, Jerry (Sue) Simmons, Carl Junction; and countless nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Jan. 24, 1932 – Feb. 21, 2026
Wayne Irvin Tucker, age 94, of Oronogo, passed away at Freeman Hospital in Joplin on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.
Wayne was born on Jan. 24, 1932, in the Imperial Valley, Calif., to Kyle and Eva Tucker. He was a graduate of the 1949 class of Joplin High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri and was a certified public accountant.
After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in Alaska during the Korean War. He spent his professional life in service to his country working for the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) in the United States, Germany and Panama, and for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Dallas, Texas, and Albuquerque, N.M. After federal service, he worked for the accounting firm Peat Marwick (KPMG).
Wayne returned to Joplin after retirement, started a vineyard, and was a longtime member of Byers Avenue Methodist Church. He also loved sailing.
Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his eldest daughter, Connant Palmer; his sister, Virginia Jones; and the family’s parrot, Sam. He is survived by son, Kyle Tucker, Oronogo; his daughter, Bari Pitcher (and her husband Eric), Stark City; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; plus extended family and numerous friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday Feb. 27, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Country Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Chuck Kralik officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
May 21, 1933 – Feb. 20, 2026
The Rev. John Frederick Wilkins Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Racine, to John and Gertrude (Kingrey) Wilkins and grew up alongside his brothers Jack, Jim and baby George. He graduated from Alba High School in 1951 and lived 92 years marked by unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and faithful service to Jesus Christ.
On Nov. 8, 1953, he married Billie Erlene Tandy, who stood beside him in life and ministry until her passing on Oct. 4, 2012. Together they raised four children: Sherrie Moore and her husband Edward, John Frederick Wilkins Jr. and his wife Robin, Christi Hare and her husband Bill, and Charles Wilkins and his wife Terri.
Reverend Wilkins pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church for many years, helping build the church with his own hands and shepherding generations of families. In addition to his ministry, he founded 4W Metal Building Supply, a family business still operated by his children. He was a Master Mason for more than fifty years and also served his community through years of involvement with the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Billie; his parents, John and Gertrude Wilkins; his brothers, Jim and George; and his grandson, Adam Moore.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Tiffanie, Anglenia, Sarah, Freddy, Amber, Bob, John III, Tasha, Elizabeth, Katelyn and Cody; along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jack.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Parker Mortuary. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 6241 Spurgeon Road, Joplin, with interment to follow at Burkhart Cemetery in Racine.
Memorial contributions may be made through Parker Mortuary to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Kennedy, Dr. Jose DeHoyos, the staff and caregivers at Mercy Hospital, and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21
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.
