As of Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 10, 1946 – July 23, 2024
Bruce Neil Bigley, born on Oct. 10, 1946, in Carthage, to Neil Bigley and Ruth (Grimes) Bigley, passed away on July 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He grew up in Webb City and graduated from Webb City High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended Jasper County (Joplin) Junior College.
Bruce served his country honorably as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War until May of 1969. After his service, he dedicated his professional life to helping others as an LPN and respiratory therapist at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Bruce also served as a fireman for the Joplin Fire Department for over 21 years, retiring in 2002.
In 1966, Bruce married Sherryl Byrd, who survives him. Together, they had two daughters, Kellie Denise Bigley and Courtney Renay Bigley. On July 28, 1989, he married Sondra Stanford.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Ruth; and his niece, Stacey McMeen. He is survived by his loving wife Sondra; his sister Kathy Wright (Eric); his daughters Kellie Bigley Adkins (Jim) and Courtney Bigley Pickett; his stepchildren Tim Headen (Cally) and Shayna Headen Collette (Mike); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
Bruce was a proud grandfather to Greg Adkins, Kai Roderique, Devin, Alex, Landon, Jensyn Pickett, Tanner Headen, Mikaylin, and Cassidy Collette, and a great-grandfather to Penelope, Braylee, and Damarion.
Bruce was an active member of his community, participating in the Jaycees and the Lions Club. He found joy in many activities, including deer camp, fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, and attending car shows. Bruce cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, especially letting them drive the farm truck, and loved family card and board games. He also took pride in starting a hobby farm. Bruce and his wife attended Christ’s Church of Oronogo for the past several years.
Funeral services for Bruce were held Monday, July 29, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home. Graveside committal followed in Mt. Hope Cemetery, with full honors from both the military and the Joplin Fire Department Honor Guard. Pallbearers were Devin Pickett, Alex Pickett, Landon Pickett, Tanner Headen, Mike Collette and Jim Parrish. Honorary pallbearers were Tom McAfee and Rusty Stanford.
Aug. 7, 1968 – July 26, 2024
Joseph “Joe” Sneed, age 55, of Webb City, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 26, 2024.
Joe was born Aug. 7, 1968, in Torrance, Calif., to Sharon Noel and Bud Sneed.
Joe loved people and people loved Joe. He had a way of making everyone feel special.
His perfect day was making music with his friends.
He is survived by his mother and her husband, Leonard; his children, Reanna Burnham and husband Austin, son Jacob and fiancée Olivia; brothers, Rob Sneed and wife Allison, Steven Sneed and Chris Noel and wife Tammie; sister, Robyn Greene and husband Scott; grandsons James and Noah and another on the way; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding him in death are his son, Zach, father, Bud Sneed, brother, Jimmy Sneed, Uncle Joe and grandparents.
A celebration of life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday Aug. 23, 2024, at the Route 66 Events Center, 21 S. Webb St., Webb City. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Dec. 21, 1959 – July 27, 2024
Joseph “Flint” Spry, born on Monday, Dec. 21, 1959, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 64 peacefully in his home in Carterville, after a battle with cancer.
When Joseph’s children were younger he sacrificed a lot to make sure they were always taken care of including working overtime and giving more than he could to ensure they had what they needed. Joseph always had a way of making sure he brought out the best in every situation so they wouldn’t see the struggle. He was deeply appreciated, and he will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children, Amanda Spry, Wesley Spry, Brittany Tapia, Mallory Spry, Vincent Borries, Natalie Borries, Sean Borries, Viola Spry, Joseph Spry Jr.; and many grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
April 25, 1948 – July 27, 2024
Danny Lane Vandergrift, age 76, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Freeman Hospital, following an extended illness. Danny was born April 25, 1948, at his home in Carterville to the late Ira and Mary (Sisk) Vandergrift.
Danny graduated from Webb City High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967, where he served in the electrical department. After his honorable discharge in 1973, Danny went to work as an electrical inspector for power and chemical plants. He was a long-time member of Carterville First United Methodist Church.
Other than his parents, Danny is preceded in death by a brother, John Vandergrift.
Those left to mourn his passing include his wife, Mary Vandergrift; daughter, Michelle, of Alabama; grandson, Michael Terry; brothers, Marion Vandergrift, Carterville, and Jim Vandergrift (Kay), Russellville, Ark.; and sister, Virginia Modglyn, Mt. Vernon.
Inurnment of ashes will take place at a later date at the Carterville Cemetery Veterans Memorial, with military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carterville Cemetery Association in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis Goodwin Funeral Home.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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