As of Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Nov. 28, 1943 – Nov. 17, 2025
With a heart full of joyous memories, we celebrate the life of Cecil Ray Goddard, who was born on Nov. 28, 1943, in Webb City, and passed away on Nov. 17, 2025. A devoted father, reliable friend, and generous soul, Cecil was a beacon of resilience and adventurous spirit, inviting all who knew him to live life to the fullest.
Born and raised in Webb City, Cecil remained a proud resident of his beloved hometown throughout his life. He was a steadfast pillar in the community, running a successful trucking and farming business, CRG Inc., before retiring in 2023. Cecil never lost his love for the open road, exploring the dirt roads of Colorado. Cecil and Aaron took an unforgettable 21-day ride on their motorcycles to Alaska in September of 2000. His adventurous spirit was only matched by his generosity, as he often invited friends and family to join him on his beloved fishing trips to Canada. In every aspect of his life, he embodied the words of Albert Einstein: “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.”
Cecil’s resilient nature was reflected in his profound love for his family, friends, and dogs. Despite having lost his beloved wife, Pamela, he remained a strong and loving figure in the lives of his children, Leslie (Herb) Roderique, Allen (Erin) Goddard, and Aaron (Jill) Goddard; grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Matthews, Emily (Matt) Eaton, Will Roderique, Sam (Sierra) Goddard, Katie (Austin) Watson, Elizabeth Goddard, Alli Goddard; great-grandchildren, Ada Matthews, Lawson Roderique, Lincoln Roderique, Macie Matthews and Elliott Eaton; one brother, Richard (Janice) Goddard; one brother-in-law Jim Freeman; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Margaret Goddard, and his wife, Pamela Goddard; one sister, Patty Freeman; and one brother, Robert “Bob” Goddard. Cecil’s generous heart left a distinctive mark on every life he touched, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
There will be an in-state viewing will during office ours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday thru Friday, at Simpson Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday Nov. 22, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Sept. 9, 1948 – Nov. 15, 2025
Webb City lost a town staple on Nov. 15, 2025, as Richard Mallos, fondly known as “Duke” to most, passed away at the age of 77 in his home. Born on Sept. 9, 1948, above the Minerva Candy Store, Duke was a genuine character, a man of strength, dedication, and a unique sense of humor. He spent his life in the city he loved, building a reputation as a hardworking parts mechanic, a lover of cats and cars, a karaoke enthusiast, and an avid doomsday planner. The stories of his youth as a fighter and scrapper live on in the hearts of those who knew him, eventually leading to the “Duke” nickname.
A 1966 graduate of Webb City High School, he went on to Missouri Southern – engaged in auto repair and heavy-lifting wherever he found himself. Duke spent most of his working years at as a parts mechanic, eventually retiring from Cardinal Scale in 2012. His work ethic, honed from his days pulling candy at Minerva, was legendary and inspired many. Avidly collecting Mr. Coffee makers and solving the world’s problems were just a few of his eccentricities that endeared him to friends and family. His devotion to his wife, Tobi, whom he married on Feb. 28, 1970, was a testament to his capacity for love. Their shared journey through different churches throughout their marriage showcased their joint commitment to faith and each other.
Duke was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tobi; his parents, Gene and Joe Anna Mallos; and his brother, James Mallos. He is survived by his children Lynette Johnson, of Joplin, Vity Fidler (Gary), of Galena, Kan., Tami Ball, of Mesa, Ariz., Christi Mallos, Denver, Colo., and Richard “Tony” Mallos (Jessie Weidman), of Kansas City; grandchildren Shelby Fries, of Lowell, Ark., Sidney Cheever (James), of Mesa, Ariz., and Victoria “Tori” Mallos (Dru Thompkins), of Denver; six great-grandkids; nephew J.P. Ingold (Mandy), of Olathe, Kan.; niece Kelsey Ingold (Brandon Shannon), of Olathe; along with other family members and the numerous people who called him ‘dad’ and ‘friend.’
His life will be celebrated with a visitation from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home, with Masonic Rites beginning at 1:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery’s open air pavilion, with Chaplain Nathan Dawson officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Brock, Mike Pittman, Norman Rush and Toby Tyler. Pallbearers will be Jan Amos, Jason Balard, Andy Booth, Eric Metz, Ryan Metz and Aaron Rollow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.
Feb. 1, 1941 – Nov. 11, 2025
Wilma Mae Royer, passed away on Nov. 11, 2025, at her home in Webb City, surrounded by her family. She was born on Feb. 1, 1941, in Pea Ridge, Ark., to the late Homer Daniel and Gracie (Talley) Daniel.
A proud graduate of Carl Junction High School, Wilma’s journey into adulthood was marked by her marriage to Harlan Royer on June 7, 1958. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership. In the summer of 1960, Wilma was part of the pioneering team that worked at Silver Dollar City during its inaugural season.
Wilma’s life was characterized by her unwavering commitment to her family. She embraced the role of homemaker with grace and joy, raising her son, until he was grown. Then, Wilma’s nurturing spirit led her to a fulfilling career in home health care, where she touched the lives of many with her compassion and care.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Wilma found solace and happiness in planting flowers. Horseback riding was not just a pastime but a passion, and as a member of the Carthage Saddle Club, she formed lasting friendships and memories. Wilma’s enthusiasm for life extended to her love for the Kansas City Chiefs and listening to Elvis Presley.
She is survived by her loving husband, Harlan Royer; son, Curtis Royer (BaDeana Royer); grandchildren, Shane Royer, Katie Belk, and KaSandra Newell; great-grandchildren, Colton, Owen, Emmett, Lucas, Gabriel, Elijah, JaceLynn, Wyatt, and Archie; nieces, Donna Grove and Linda White, were always picking her up to keep her active and stay connected to family. Wilma is also survived by several extended family members.
Along with her parents, Wilma is preceded in death by her siblings, Hairl, Hazel, Bonnie, Valerie, Jimmy Dale and Larry.
A funeral service for Wilma was held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at at Parker Mortuary. She will be laid to rest at her family cemetery, Emmanuel Cemetery in Carthage.
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.
