OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Claudette Brown

Nov. 5, 1943 – Dec. 17, 2023

 

Claudette Brown, 80, of Webb City, passed away after a long illness on Sunday morning, Dec. 17, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin. Born on Nov. 5, 1943, in Pawhuska, Okla., Claudette’s life was a testament to the power of selflessness and devotion.

Raised in Joplin, Claudette was a proud graduate of Joplin High School, class of 1961. Her early education laid the foundation for a life characterized by intelligence, wit, and a profound sense of community. She carried these traits into her professional life, where she excelled in her career at UMB Bank, retiring as vice president in 1993 due to health reasons.

Claudette’s heart found its truest expression in her love for her family. She was a cherished wife to her husband, Gary Brown, whom she married on Jan. 30, 1970. Their partnership was a beautiful example of mutual support and enduring love. She was a guiding light to her son, Michael Brown, and his wife, Maggie, of Webb City, instilling in them the values of kindness and generosity that she embodied.

Her legacy continues through her four grandchildren, Justin Brown and his wife, Cayley, Riley Brown and his wife, Lydia, Evan Brown, and Miriam Brown. She is also survived by siblings, Jean Morgan, of Joplin, and Steve Carlile, of Webb City.

Claudette was preceded in death by her parents, Carol Eugene and Alice (Wells) Carlile, and a son, Andy Brown.

When her health allowed, she enjoyed the followship of her church family at Central United Methodist in Webb City. An avid reader, Claudette found solace and adventure within the pages of books. Her love for cooking and baking was an extension of her nurturing nature. Her enjoyment of computer games, playing cards, and solving crossword puzzles reflected her sharp mind and playful spirit.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Pastor Jim Bowles officiating. Pallbearers will be Justin Brown, Dan Sandoval, Mark Sandoval, Blake Ritter, Mack Smart and Chad Cook.

OBITUARY

Bill Weaver Sr.

May 2, 1935 – Dec. 14, 2023

Bill J. Weaver, Sr. age 88, of Oronogo, passed peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, Dec. 14, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Bill was born on the family farm just north of Oronogo on May 2, 1935, to the late Ralph J. and Edyth V. (Smith) Weaver.

Bill grew up in the Oronogo area, graduating from Webb City High School and later graduating from Kansas State Teachers College, now known as Pittsburg State University, with a degree in accounting. Bill worked for King Press, Ozark Christian College and retired from College Press Publishing. Bill served in the Naval Reserve for eight years, and he always supported our veterans every chance he could. He was a member of the Carthage American Legion Post 9.

Bill had a love for the Lord and it was evident in his passion to make sure that anyone he came in contact with, including his last days in the hospital, had the opportunity to know Christ. He faithfully served wherever he was a member, including Blendville Christian Church, Fir Road Christian Church, College Heights Christian Church and later becoming a member of the Alba Christian Church. He was active in performing with the Joplin Little Theatre and the Stained Glass Theatre, but his favorite pastime was participating in local antique tractor pulls and attending stock car races.

On Dec. 22, 1957, he was joined in marriage to Carol Joan Wheatley, of Carl Junction. They enjoyed 50 wonderful years before she passed in 2008.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandra Adams Weaver, of Oronogo, whom he married on July 14, 2018. Additional survivors include his daughters, Carol ‘Ginger’ Bogle (Ken), Oronogo, and Kelly Weaver, Joplin; his son, Bill Weaver Jr. (Amanda), Neosho; grandchildren, Carol Weaver, Katherine Weaver, Isaak Howard and Molly Weaver; William Bogle, Kenneth Bogle, Katie Kerns and Rebekah Pedersen; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Byron Weaver, Phoenix, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Margaret DeMasters (Donald); and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at the Alba Christian Church. Burial was in Carl Junction Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Hedge-Lewis Goodwin Funeral Home.