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As of Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 23, 1938 – May 23, 2024
Doug Hollis, 85, died peacefully at home in Joplin on May 23, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Doug was born in Mt Vernon, Ill., Oct. 23, 1938, to the late Stanley and Florence (Read) Hollis. After a move to California, he ended up in Osawatomie, Kan., where he met the love of his life, Judy Kay Duncan. The high school sweethearts married on Sept. 22, 1962, in Miami, Okla., and had two children.
Doug graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1957 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University. He continued to support PSU, but he also became a supporter of Missouri Southern State University, where his children went to college. He was a Lionbacker and regularly attended football and basketball games, where he loudly cheered on the Lions.
Doug served as an airplane mechanic in the Air Force Reserve and used those skills as the head maintenance engineer at Eagle Picher Precision Products. He retired from EP after 37 years of service. Doug was a generous soul who was always ready to lend a hand. He was active in the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts and was a second father to many. He loved the outdoors and traveled across the country with his family visiting national and state parks. He hiked Philmont Scout Ranch, skied in Colorado, canoed the Current River, and listened to loons in Maine.
In addition to his wife, Doug is survived by his son, Jeff Hollis; his daughter JoAnn Graffam (Jim); and his sister-in-law, Betty Duncan, all of Joplin. He also is survived by his close friends, the Kelley family, who lovingly called him Grandpa Doug. Craig and Gay Kelley and their children Jeff (Ashley), Greg (Jayde), and Madison, and great grandchildren JayLynn, Carson, and Louis.
Per his wishes, no services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus at 2216 E. 32nd St. #201, Joplin MO 64804, or to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Jan. 5, 1956 – May 22, 2024
Joyce Lynn Lavendoski, age 68, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at her residence in Carterville on May 22, 2024, after a long illness. Born on Jan. 5, 1956, in Joplin, Joyce’s life was a testament to her loving nature and unwavering dedication to her family.
Raised in Carl Junction, Joyce was a graduate of Carl Junction High School, class of 1974. She furthered her education at Missouri Southern State College (MSSC) in Joplin, where she honed the skills that would serve her well throughout her varied career. Joyce worked diligently as a bus driver and teacher’s aide at Headstart and Economic Security, touching the lives of many young children with her kindness and patience. Her work ethic shone through in her other roles at Wyatt’s Cafeteria, K-Mart, Walmart, and Long John Silver’s, where she was known for her friendly demeanor and willingness to help others.
Joyce’s interests were as warm and inviting as her personality. She found joy in visiting the Senior Center and the Inspire Center, where she engaged with her peers and participated in activities that enriched her life. Dinner theaters were a particular favorite of Joyce’s, as were the simple pleasures of eating out with friends, playing bingo, and attending services at Carterville United Methodist Church. Her presence at these gatherings will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marjorie Ellen (Brentlinger) Lavendoski; her sisters, Betty Lavendoski, Linda Cooper, Glenda Pilkerton, and Beverly Garrison; her brother, Donald Lowery; her stepmother, Lola Cooper; her loving daughter, Shannon Wallace and husband, Danny, Joplin; four grandchildren, Jacob Hollingshead and wife Chelsi, Chastin Wallace and fiancée Robin Evenson, Raven Wallace, and Adysen Howerton; five great-grandchildren, Teegan, Oaklynn, Lincoln, and Layni Hollingshead and Kayson Wallace; her brother-in-law, Roy Garrison; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Carterville, with Matthew Holt officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin 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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