As of Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
March 4, 1963 – June 28, 2025
Cindy Laverne Betebenner, 62, of Webb City, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born on March 4, 1963, Cindy was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family above all else.
She is survived by her daughters, Amanda Patton and son-in-law Christopher Patton, and Amber Boyd (Hon); her beloved grandchildren, Kylee Johnson, Kaidon Johnson, Cooper Patton, Korbin Hon and Brandice Presley; her great-grandchildren, Tinsley and Oaklynn; and her forever love, Gary Boyd.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Max Betebenner and Correna Mae Martin (Betebenner).
A soulful, free spirit, Cindy saw the good in everyone. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Though her time here was far too short, she fought bravely until the very end – a fighter her whole life through.
She found joy in the simple things, especially the sounds of old country and rock and roll, which were the soundtrack to many treasured memories. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. July 19, 2025, at Purcell Friends Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
Jan. 28, 1954 – July 9, 2025
Billy Lee Choate, age 71, of Webb City, passed away on July 9, 2025. Born on Jan. 28, 1954, in the Joplin area. He graduated from Parkwood High School. Billy was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving his country from July 19, 1972, to July 18, 1978.
After his military service, he built a long and respected career as a precision machinist, retiring from ExxonMobil. Billy was known for his hard work, generous spirit and willingness to help others whenever needed. He is also remembered for his sense of humor, deep faith and unwavering love for his family.
In his younger years, Billy had a passion for racing cars, and throughout his life he enjoyed woodworking, creating things with care and craftsmanship. He was also an active participant in cattle shows and at the vet clinic, where he never met a stranger. An active member of The Sheep Shed Church, Billy found great joy in fellowship and service.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth B. Farris and Uel A. Choate; his sister, Ruth Ann Boyce; and his brother James Choate.
He is survived by his children, Shannah Cassatt, Rebecca Spasic and Nolan Choate; his grandchildren, Tannah, Lannah, Zannah and Dannah (children of Shannah); Brittany, Kaylin, Aubree, Trace and Kennedy (children of Rebecca); and Wyatt and Connor (children of Nolan); and his great-grandchildren, Hagen, Grace and Haven.
Billy will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the laughs he shared, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
Services were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Jan. 24, 1943 – July 11, 2025
Sharon Carter Conner, age 82, of Webb City, passed peacefully from her earthly home on July 11, 2025, to join her Lord and Savior, her beloved husband Cecil, and her cherished family members who went before her. No more tears – no more worries.
Born in Joplin on Jan. 24, 1943, Sharon was the daughter of Evan Layne Carter and Fayrene Lynch Carter, who both preceded her in death.
On Dec. 24, 1976, she married Cecil Conner in Miami, Okla. They shared 32 years of marriage before his passing in 2009.
Sharon is survived by her son, Corey Layne Conner and his wife Becky, Webb City; her stepson, Timothy Conner, Webb City; four step-grandsons, Ryan Pippin, Brenton Pippin (Jade), Drake Tweed and Chase Tweed (Elvina); and two step-great-grandsons, Daylen and Creed.
She leaves behind two of her lifelong best friends, Cathy Spencer and Resa Amos.
A proud graduate of the Webb City High School Class of 1961, Sharon was honored to serve as drum majorette her senior year – a highlight she fondly remembered. She continued to enjoy class reunions and trips with her classmates throughout her life.
Sharon worked in several roles throughout her career, including as an admitting clerk at Jane Chinn Hospital, city secretary for the City of Webb City, and sales secretary at Cardinal Scale Mfg. She retired in May 2009 after 26 years of dedicated service in the Webb City Junior High School cafeteria.
Sharon was deeply involved in all aspects of Corey’s life, serving as PTO president at Mark Twain Elementary and later as president of the Band Boosters. She and Cecil loved traveling with the band to events in Arizona and Florida, proudly only missing one performance in six years.
A member of Central United Methodist Church in Webb City since 1956, Sharon found strength and purpose in her faith and church community.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, followed by a graveside service at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society or the Memorial Fund of Central United Methodist Church in Webb City. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodman Funeral Home.
Oct. 29, 1970 – July 12, 2025
Terry Elijha Crain, known affectionately to many as “Turkey,” was a beacon of light in a world that often needed it. Born on Oct. 29, 1970, in Nevada, Mo. Terry was a talented, loving, witty, and creative soul who left an indelible mark on everyone he interacted with. Terry was a self-employed scrap metal junker. Despite the challenges of his occupation, Terry found joy in his work, often saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
He was a firm believer in the saying, “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” Terry was widowed but had been blissfully married since June 7, 2000. His life was filled with the love and laughter that only a tight-knit family can provide. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 2590, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and shared experiences of fellow veterans. He was also an avid fisherman.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Jerry was stationed in Virginia Beach, Va., where he was deployed to join the Gulf War. He later moved to Kansas City, for a short time before settling in Alba for the last five years.
Terry is survived by his loving mother, Bessie Carpenter; devoted brothers, Dustin Crain and Eric Westhoff; sister Heather Crain; children, Alycia (Henry) Stenson, Easton Blankenship, C.J. (April) Setser; and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Crain Sr.; and his beloved spouse, Marie Annette Crain. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Dec. 28, 1926 – July 10, 2025
Gene Elrod, age 98, of Webb City, passed away on July 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Gene was the oldest of five children, born Dec. 28, 1926, in Baxter Springs, Kan., to Samuel and Ada (McIntire) Elrod. He was a member of the Joplin High School class of 1944. After high school he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Kobe, Japan. After the war Gene attended Joplin Junior College. He worked for the Missouri Division of Employment Security for over 20 years before his retirement.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years and the mother of his children, Elberta (Tyler) Elrod. He married Rayma Jean Clack, on July 24, 2012, and she survives. Additional survivors include two children, Mike Elrod (Kay) and Debbie Noland (Tom); two stepchildren, Randy Lepper (Candy) and Jamie Clack (Erin); one brother, Wayne Moore; one sister, Shirley Chaney; four grandchildren, Jason Elrod (Kerri), Travis Elrod (Annette), Zach Noland (Jane), and Josh Noland (Kailee); seven great-grandchildren, Emma Elrod, Abigail Elrod, Tenley Elrod, TJ Elrod, Ada June Noland, Redding Noland and Townes Noland. Gene is also preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ada; and two brothers, Howard Elrod and Jimmy Moore.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors. Pallbearers included his grandsons, Jason, Travis, Zach and Josh, and stepsons Randy and Jamie. Visitation, on Monday, July 14, 2025, was held at Wellspring Church, where Gene was a faithful member.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wellspring Church, 2424 N. Main Street, Webb City, MO, 64870. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Sept. 13, 1941 – July 1, 2025
Gary Lee Gilliam, born on Sept. 13, 1941, in Carterville, and residing in Goodman, passed gently from this world on July 1, 2025. Gary was a dedicated and resilient man, known for his wit and humility. He was a proud retiree of Halliburton, where he demonstrated his remarkable dedication and resilience in the field of logistics management for the oil refinery sector until his retirement in 2005. Gary enjoyed fishing and gardening.
Gary is survived by his loving family, son Thomas Gilliam and daughter-in-law Staci; son-in-law Danny Redmon; grandsons Devin (Annabel) Gilliam, Dalton Gilliam, Alex Redmon, James Redmon and Nathan Redmon; granddaughter Ashton (Cole) Shepard; and great-granddaughter Wrenny Redmon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Gladys Gilliam; his devoted wife, Nancy Gilliam; his daughter, Gina Redmon; and his brother, Dale Gilliam.
A graveside service was held July 8, 2025, at at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Nov. 29, 1936 – July 4, 2025
Arlene Fay (Marrs) Hardcastle, 88, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, after a brief illness. Arlene was born on Nov. 29, 1936, the youngest child of Loyd and Marvie (Karr) Marrs. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill E. Hardcastle; parents, sister Gwendolyn, brother Lester, and their respective spouses.
Arlene is survived by her four children, two sons, Dan (Bo) Campbell and wife Susan, Sarcoxie, and Tom Campbell and wife Sarah, Albuquerque, N.M.; two daughters, Susan Campbell, Ivoryton Conn., and Kari Russell and husband Justin, Claremore, Okla. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, who brought joy to her life in her last days,
Arlene graduated from Carterville High School in 1954 and married Daniel Campbell on May 16, 1955. They had two sons while stationed in Germany, Dan and Tom, and a daughter Susan while in Kentucky. Arlene and children returned to Carterville after a divorce and, along with Dan, Tom and Susan, married Bill on Dec. 9, 1966. After a few hectic years with teenagers and their activities, Kari was born. The family was very active in the Church of Christ (Fourth and Forest, then Mt. Hope), and Arlene was especially active in teaching Bible class and helping with special events.
Arlene retired from Webb City High School after many years working as the counselors’ secretary. She continued to have contact with many of her “school kids” up until her death.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Freeman Hospital who guided us through the tough decisions. We also want to thank the volunteers at Solace House of the Ozarks for making her final hours peaceful.
As per Arlene’s wishes, there will be no memorial at this time. Memory contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
July 17, 1936 – July 2, 2025
Hubert “Bhurle” Sossamon, 88, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 17, 1936, in Ozark, Ark., to Lester and Hazel Grace Sossamon. Bhurle was one of four children and shared his early years with his siblings – Denny, Bruce and Gwen.
Bhurle married the love of his life, Pat Sossamon, on Oct. 23, 1958, after a beautiful love story that began when they first met. Pat and Bhurle’s paths crossed when Pat was in seventh grade and Bhurle was a junior in high school. From the very first moment Pat laid eyes on him, she knew he would be her forever. She even went home that day and told her mom, “I’m going to marry him.” True to her word, they built a life together, centered in faith, hard work, and family. Their love endured for 67 years, a testament to the bond they shared, and Pat was by his side every step of the way.
Bhurle was the proud father of three children: Matt Sossamon (Anna Sossamon); his beloved daughter, Tia, who preceded him in death; and Toi Link (Brad Link). He was a devoted grandfather to Chance Sossamon (Lauren Sossamon), Tucker Sossamon, Cash Link (Alex Link), Sunday McClung (Cameron McClung), Braden Link (Alyssa Link), Bevyn Link (Ashley Link), and Dylan Link (Fallon Link). He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and who lovingly called him “Papa.” Beyond his roles as husband, father, and grandfather, he was a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His steady presence, kind heart, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Sports weren’t just something Bhurle played, they were a part of who he was. A gifted athlete, he played semi-professional baseball in his youth and later coached at various high schools, shaping the lives of many young athletes. Bhurle’s love for sports was passed down to his children and grandchildren. He never missed a game and always their biggest fan. One of his proudest moments was teaching his daughter, Tia, the game of basketball, a passion that led her to play at Louisiana Tech University. Another treasured memory came in 2002 when he served on the coaching staff for the Webb City Little League World Series team, coaching his grandson, Chance, alongside his son, Matt. He loved talking sports with his grandchildren, keeping up with teams, players and stats, and was often seen carrying the sports section of the newspaper. A devoted Webb City Cardinal fan, he supported grandson Cash in football, cheered on grandson Tucker, who proudly served as the mascot for Webb City, and followed great-granddaughter Harper in multiple sports.
He retired as vice president of Cameron Mutual Insurance in Cameron, Mo., where he was widely respected for his leadership, character, and work ethic. Whether in business, coaching, or family life, Bhurle led with quiet confidence and steady wisdom.
Outside of work, Bhurle found joy in restoring classic cars. His craftsmanship was recognized when he won first place in the 42nd Maple Leaf Parade in the Street Rod category (1937–1948). He also loved bird hunting and being outdoors.
To those who knew him, Bhurle was a strong, quiet force. He didn’t speak often, but when he did, people listened. He had quick wit and memorable one-liners, often telling jokes with his grandsons.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; his children, Matt and Toi; his best friend and brother, Denny Sossamon (Sally Sossamon); multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Gwen Perron; his daughter Tia; and grandson Tucker, now reunited with him in eternal peace.
A celebration of Bhurle’s life was held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Forest Park Church in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks. (This obituary is from the Ever Loved website.
