OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Carole Cruzan

Nov. 4, 1939 – Sept. 10, 2025

Carole Anne Cruzan, age 85 of Joplin, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital Joplin on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, following declining health. Carole was born Nov. 4, 1939, in Carterville to the late Elmer and Hazel (Cass) Pfifer.

Graduating from Carterville High School in 1956, Carole soon married her sweetheart and long-time companion, David L. Cruzan, on Sept. 6, 1957. Until his passing in 2019, the two were inseparable. Her passion for kids of all ages was received by her kids, grandkids and even all of the little kids that came through her home daycare, “Grandma’s Daycare.” Carole was a caretaker at heart and was often found searching for things needed done for others. Carole had a spiritual connection with cardinals and would be found spending many hours on the porch looking out for them.

Those left to mourn her loss include her daughter, Janet Showers of Joplin; grandchildren, Matthew Cruzan, Kyle Cruzan, Nathan Cruzan, Riannon Showers and Braden Showers; one great-grandchild, who was the joy of Carole’s heart, Kayan Weeks.

Other than her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her husband, David, on May 13, 2019; children, John and Linda Cruzan; and one brother, Ralph Neiharte.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

OBITUARY

Richard Giles

Aug. 3, 1938 – Sept. 8, 2025

Loren Richard Giles was born Aug. 3, 1938, in Webb City. He graduated from Webb City High School in 1956 and then served 11 years in the National Guard Reserves, promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. He received a bachelor of science in education with a major in physical education in 1963 and masters of science education from Pittsburg State University in 1972.

On Aug. 24, 1963, he married the love of his life, Joyce Johnson, at Neosho Christian Church. In 1974, they welcomed their daughter, Emily, and two years later their son, John. “Mr. Giles” or “Coach Giles” worked for the Diamond School District in many roles for 33 years, 17 of those as high school principal. “Retiring” in 1997, he worked as a guidance counselor at College Heights Christian School for eight years and substituted at Diamond until 2016.

Richard served as mayor of Diamond for two terms and was a deacon and elder at Diamond Christian Church. He was a loyal volunteer and supporter of Ronald McDonald House. He delivered Meals on Wheels, sang in the choir, gardened, played softball and golf. He mowed yards with John, teaching him from a young age to do things right because “doing a job well might be all someone knows about you and your Lord!” He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.

Richard valued family deeply. He had to wait till he was 75 to be “Grandpa,” but for his last 12 years his granddaughters, Suzie and Annie, were his greatest delight.

After a long struggle with Parkinson’s and dementia he passed on to Glory on Sept. 8, 2025. He is preceded in death by daughter Emily; wife Joyce; parents Loren and Bessie Giles; maternal grandparents Juanita and John Edgmond; and paternal grandparents Aleta “Leeta” and Elmer Giles; sister and brother-in-law Linda and Don Mosby; an infant brother, and many family and friends.

He leaves behind loyal and faithful son and caretaker, John, and family Dalenna, Suzanne, and Annalise Giles, of Diamond; sister Nancy Angel, of Neosho; sister in-law Sherry and John Kitchens, of Vero Beach, Fla.; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6  p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Diamond Christian Church. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Diamond Christian Church.

Donations may be made to the family for end-of-life expenses, or in his name to God’s Resort Joplin or Ronald McDonald House. He will be buried at Diamond Cemetery. Arrangements are made with Midland Cremation Society.

OBITUARY

Reyes Gonzales Jr.

Nov. 25, 1970 – Sept. 10, 2025

Reyes R. Gonzales Jr, known affectionately as “Mad-dog” to his family and friends, passed away on Sept. 10, 2025, at the age of 54. Born in Houston, Texas, on Nov. 25, 1970, Reyes was a man of unwavering loyalty, compassionate heart, and an infectious sense of humor.

Reyes was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Tammy, who he married on Aug. 27, 2025. His love for Tammy was a testament to his loving character, and his devotion to his dog, Chevy, demonstrated his enduring capacity for loyalty and affection. Despite being disabled and unable to work, Reyes never let his condition define him. He was a proud member of the Eagles and AMVETS, where he served with commitment and dedication. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and playing billiards.

Reyes was known for his ability to find joy and contentment in life, despite its challenges. His positivity and resilience were truly inspiring, reminding all who knew him of the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of adversity.

A celebration of our beloved Mad-dog’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday Sept. 20, 2025, at Comets Park in Carterville. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Larry Lasiter

Sept. 17, 1940 – Sept. 14, 2025

Larry Dean Lasiter was born on Sept. 17, 1940, to Arlo and Hazel Lasiter in Purcell. He was the youngest of eight children: Thelma, Marie, Zula, Margaret, Ruth, Bud and Jack. Larry attended Carterville High School, where he played baseball with the Carterville Comets, and he left to go to the workforce in ninth grade.

Larry met his loving wife, Dixie (Rumble) Lasiter, of 63 years through a lifelong friendship with her brother, Norman. They tied the knot on June 9, 1962, in Carterville, in Hattie Rumble’s front room.

As a young man, Larry worked on a fruit truck that traveled back and forth between Joplin and Kansas City. He took a spin at the lumber yard before figuring out what he wanted to be when he grew up. Larry worked as a machinist his entire adult life at Starlight, Webb Corp, and ended his career by retiring at Howard’s Machine Shop in 2002.

Larry was a handyman through and through; some would even call him a carpenter. He was truly fascinated with how things worked and would spend evenings tinkering and taking things apart and putting them back together better than he found them. Larry has always enjoyed vintage cars, which transformed into racing stock cars. He spent many nights at the chat piles. This led to Larry’s hobby of restoring and painting vintage cars and participating in the Cruiser’s and Channel Hoppers “CB” Club. Larry has collected knives throughout his life, while also learning to make his own. Larry showed his love by sharing his music with his family and friends. Many nights were spent picking and singing together, creating loving memories for all.

Larry met his Heavenly Father on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in the comfort of his home with his loving family surrounding him. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Hazel; his siblings Thelma and husband Jack, Marie and husband James, Zula and husband Ben, Margaret and husband Jim, Ruth and husband George, Bud and wife Margie, and Jack; and son-in-law David Logan.

Larry is survived by his wife, Dixie; his daughters, Kathy and husband Steve Page, Joplin, Gayla and husband Joe Edwards, Webb City, and Lori Logan, Carterville; his grandchildre, Steven Page, Joplin, Stephanie and husband Eric Richeson, Joplin, and Preston and wife Addy Besett, Republic; his seven great-grandchildren, and his two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Chaplain Craig Price officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Purcell. Pallbearers will be Preston Besett, Eric Richeson, Eli Richeson, Tyler Page, Steven Page and Issac Logan. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.