As of Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 28, 1950 – Dec. 31, 2025
Cathy Kay Barker was born on July 28, 1950, to Ivan and Ethel Russell in Stella, and was called home on Dec. 31, 2025
Cathy married the love of her life, David Barker, in April of 1981 and together they raised their four children.
Cathy was a homemaker, a loving mother, grandma and devoted wife. She loved to crochet and knit. Her favorite thing of all was spoiling all of her grandbabies and spending time with her kids. Cathy loved to cook big meals and feed as many people as she could.
She is survived by her husband, David Barker, of Webb City; daughter Amie England and husband Haven, Joplin; daughter Davina (Dusty) and husband Robert, Grove Okla.; son James (Sonny) Barker and wife Amanda, Sloan, Iowa; daughter Carmella Barker, Spokane, Wash.; 14 grandkids; 17 great-grandkids; three sisters and a brother; and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father; one brother; and three sisters.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
Nov. 5, 1938 – Jan. 8, 2026
Ollie Mae Hardee, a spirited and resilient soul, was born to parents William “Buck” Foster and Flora Bolton on Nov. 5, 1938, in Piggott, Ark. Ollie’s journey through life was marked by her loving and generous heart, a testament to the strength of her character and her unwavering faith. Her life beautifully exemplified the words of Albert Einstein: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
In her 87 years, Ollie created a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those she touched. After moving to Webb City, where she spent over 50 years, she became a known and loved figure in the community. Ollie was wholeheartedly devoted to her work at Gene’s Plumbing, where she served until her retirement. Her dedication to her work was paralleled only by her dedication to her faith. Her most cherished hobby was her church, where she not only worshipped but actively participated, her kindness and generosity making her a beacon of light in the congregation.
Ollie’s love for God was mirrored in her love for her children, who were her world. She was a pillar of strength, a source of unending love and comfort for all who had the privilege to know her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift, a testament to a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
Ollie was preceded in death by her father, William “Buck” Foster, and her mother, Flora Bolton; children, Dennis Jordan, Denise Coates and Nancy Jordan; brothers, Melvin, Donald, Bill, Marvin Foster; and her granddaughter Jennifer Jordan.
She is survived by her sons, David (Kathy) Jordan, Danny Conway; grandchildren, Angela Jordan, Mike (Lacey) Jordan, Aaron (Tonya) Jordan, Joe Jordan, Amy Jordan Thomas, Samantha Walker, Danny Conway, Zachariah Conway, Brandon Ropp, Brooke Luker, Brittany Jacks; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Simpson Funeral Home. Burial followed at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jan. 13, 1958 – Jan. 5, 2026
Richard Leroy Schweitzer II, known by friends and family as “Rick,” passed away on Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 67.
Born on Jan. 13, 1958, Rick was a man of the earth. He was raised with a strong work ethic, learning the intricacies of road construction from his grandparents, Omer and Goldie Snyder. This early education defined his professional path as a lifelong “dirt mover.” Rick’s career spanned decades and resulted in the construction of thousands of miles of roads. His hands helped shape the infrastructure of the region, leaving behind a tangible legacy of hard work and expertise.
Beyond his professional life, Rick was a passionate collector. He had a keen eye for finding arrowheads wherever his travels took him, eventually amassing an extensive collection. He enjoyed sharing these treasures with his grandchildren, teaching them about the history found in this area. In his later years, Rick enjoyed tinkering in the garden and canning pickles and jams for his family.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Schweitzer; his beloved son, Richard Schweitzer III; his sister, Sharon Schweitzer; and his grandparents, Omer and Goldie Snyder.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kristina Carnes and her husband Justin, of Webb City; and Nikki Warfield and her husband Steve, of Ballwin, Mo.; and four cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Zeke, Grayson and Lindley, who will remember their grandfather for their Sunday lunches and quarters for the gum ball machine.
Arrangements were under the direction of Midland Cremation Society.
Aug. 6, 1969 – Dec. 9, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Wayne Starkweather, formerly of Webb City, a man of remarkable spirit and vibrant personality, on Dec. 9, 2025.
Born Aug. 6, 1969, Wayne was a maintenance mechanic with a creative mind and a knack for fixing things.
Wayne is survived by his loving partner, Brandy Blackwell, who shared countless moments of laughter and companionship with him.
Wayne’s source of ultimate joy and pride were his children; Brandon, Devin, Rebecca, Gabriella, Arabella, and Alexa Starkweather. Each of them carries a part of Wayne’s big personality and inherits his infectious sense of humor, ensuring his legacy will live on.
Wayne’s mother, Brida Starkweather, stands as a pillar of strength, embodying the parent her son valued and admired. In this challenging time, she is joined by Wayne’s brother, Hans Starkweather, and his sisters, Heidi Starkweather-Crowley and Crystal Starkweather-Hurd, as they navigate through this painful loss together.
Wayne was predeceased by his father, Gerald Starkweather; and his brother, Jesse Starkweather. Their memories served as guiding lights for Wayne, and his own passing reminds us of the transitory nature of life.
Wayne lived his life as a jest, a beacon of humor in a world that often takes itself too seriously. His big personality was a source of joy and comfort to his family and friends, a trait that will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. His greatest accomplishment, his children, bear witness to the character of the man he was–loving, fun, and indomitably spirited.
We invite those who knew Wayne to remember his larger-than-life personality, his infectious humor, and most importantly, the love he had for his family. He may have left us in physical form, but his spirit remains integral to the fabric of our lives.
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.
