As of Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
May 9, 1964 – June 23, 2024
Penny Coleene (Jarmin) Fuentes, age 60, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, after a nine-month battle with lung cancer.
Penny was born on May 9, 1964, to Romona Rosalee Jarmin and James Albert Jarmin in Joplin. She attended Webb City High School, where she was a cheerleader, played piano for choir concerts, had a love of music, and more than anything, enjoyed spending time at Grand Lake, Okla., with her best friend Tressa (Gallardo) White. Even after moving to Houston, in 1986, she always made time to go home to Missouri at least twice a year to see family and friends, and that visit was never complete without a trip to the lake.
Penny was a dedicated mother to her two children, Monica Lynn Passley and David Fuentes II. She always made time to support them in all their interests, whether that meant driving down the street for t-ball, Cub Scouts or wrestling, or across town for a concert or play/musical. She encouraged them to do their best at everything they tried and was always there cheering them on. Upon becoming a grandmother, she immediately adopted that same mentality towards her three grandsons, Mason, Parker and James. She truly found joy in watching them learn and grow and experience new things. When not spending time with family, she liked to unwind by indulging in her favorite reality TV shows. She got a kick out of forcing her daughter to watch with her when she came over to visit.
Penny was an incredibly hard worker. She spent the last 26 years as an employee at Briggs & Veselka (now Crowe LLP) and made herself indispensable to the firm and clients alike. She took pride in her work and continued to do so through all her treatments. She set a great example for her children as to what a good work ethic looks like and always did what was needed to provide for her family.
Penny was preceded in death by her father, James A. Jarmin. She is survived by her mother, Romona Rosalee Jarmin; sister, Gail Jarmin; brother, Mitch Jarmin; daughter, Monica Passley, and grandson, James Passley; son, David Fuentes II (Ryan), and grandsons Parker and Mason Fuentes.
Nov. 15, 1948 – June 26, 2024
Dean Clifton Kirby, a witty and creative soul known for his dedication to family, his sense of humor, and his love for music and entertainment, passed away on June 26, 2024. Born in Joplin on Nov.15, 1948, Dean was a lifelong resident of the area, contributing to his community for many years as a postman and a wastewater plant operator for the City of Joplin before retiring in 1991.
A fan of wrestling, western shows, and the organ, Dean’s interests were as varied as his talents. His creativity shone through in his music, and his dedication was evident in his long career in public service. His family will remember him fondly as a loving husband, father, grandfather and dog lover. His favorite quote, which truly encapsulated his spirit, was “Life doesn’t require that we be the best, only that we try our best.”
Dean is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene Kirby; children Lisa (Chris) Pliler, Deana Kirby, Jason Kirby and Megan Kirby; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Lila Kirby; sister Lorna Kirby; and brother Delbert Kirby Jr.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, July 2, in Carl Junction Cemetery, with Chaplain Kyle Beverlin officiating.
Services were under the direction of Simpson 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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