As of Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Dec. 4, 2025 – Dec. 7, 2025
Eleanor Jane Anderson was born on December 4, 2025 to the parents of Brendon Anderson and Summer Cline, of Webb City. Though she was fighting hard, Eleanor met Jesus and her baby sister in Heaven on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Other than her parents, Eleanor is survived by grandparents, Jennifer Armstrong, of Joplin, and Jeramy and Crystal Cline, of Carl Junction; great-grandparents, Loretta Hartman, of Carl Junction, Wayne and Linda Slankard, of Carl Junction, and Melanie Cline, of Joplin; plus a host of aunts, uncles and many cousins.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Nov. 12, 1934 – Dec. 5, 2025
Joseph (Joe) T. Babbitt, age 91, of Webb City, passed away unexpectedly at 11:43 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at National Healthcare in Joplin while recovering from a short illness. Just days before, Joe and his family were fortunate enough to enjoy a family filled week of visiting and an outing to his favorite steakhouse. His family and friends meant everything to him.
Joe was born Nov. 12, 1934, in Pollock, Mo. He lived in Webb City most of his life. He met the love of his life, Myrtle Lee Conner, and they married Sept. 17, 1955, in Webb City. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 2021. Joe visited her every single day at the cemetery until he was no longer able to make the trip daily. They spent exactly 4 years and 2 months to the day apart, until he walked through the gates in heaven where they were reunited and rejoicing hand in hand.
Joe was employed for 36 years with the W.R. Grace and Co., Chemical Division, Joplin Plant, where he had served as superintendent and plant manager, prior to his retirement. Joe was also a master woodworker and built many furniture pieces, cabinets, and anything else he could construct out of wood. He was always ready for a project, even recently when he was able to go out to his shop and build some of his beautiful cutting boards. He was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard of Missouri. Joe was a long-time member of the Frisco Church of Webb City.
Joe and Myrtle Lee were able to take many trips to destinations all over the world, including Australia, Alaska, Jerusalem and Ireland. They eventually fell in love with Arizona and became “snowbirds,” staying there every winter to avoid the cold Midwest.
In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by a granddaughter. Survivors include two sons, David Babbitt and wife Richele, Webb City, and Eric Babbitt and wife Mindy, rural Columbus, Kan.; two daughters, Susan Hole and husband Joel, Springfield, and Melanie Reynolds and husband David, Dallas, Texas., 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday at Frisco Church, with the Rev. Matt Snyder officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frisco Church, in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
July 21, 1938 – Dec. 1, 2025
Twyla “Tiny” Doll Betebenner, 87, passed away at 9 p.m. Dec. 1, 2025, from respiratory complications at Mercy Hospital Joplin.
Twyla was born to John Jacob Doll and Elfie Mae “Curl” Doll on July 21, 1938.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Harry Thomas “Tom” Betebenner, who passed in 2018; her son, Gerry Scott Betebenner, who passed in 2021; brothers Elvin Doll, Joplin, Dave Doll, Carl Junction, Frank Doll, Webb City, Charles Doll, Joplin; and a sister, Ruth Doll Green, Webb City. She is survived by her son, Derrick Wade Betebenner, Webb City.
She lived her entire life in Webb City on the same street, moving next door in 1963 from the house she was raised in. We often laughed about that. She grew up in what was referred to as the West End of Webb City, where there were many colorful characters and she made lifelong friends. She graduated high school in 1956 and in 1958 met and married Tom Betebenner.
Tiny was a private person and was unmaterialistic. Finding pleasure in the simple things in life, she enjoyed her bird feeders and declaring war on starlings when they showed up. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always a quick wit.
She always made our friends feel welcome, and she would place our friends above my brother and I, sometimes jokingly when asked who her favorite was. She was a talented cook and would prepare the variety of fish and wild game we brought home, and it was always top notch. I still have friends that talk about some of the quail dinners she made for us.
Though there were rough spots through the years, there was a deep love between her and Tom that lasted for over 60 years.
She enjoyed a cold beer and always had her smokes close by. That was just her!
She kept her house immaculate and loved her flowers and plants that she grew and tended to.
I want to personally thank the following people for their help and support, Dave Miles, Doug Smith, Stan Bowman, Dennis Grissom, Rodney and Melaine Epperson.
A celebration of life is planned for 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at the home of Rodney and Melaine Epperson, 20800 Kettle Road, Webb City. Tom and Scott Betebenner will be celebrated as well.
If you have any questions for the family, please call (417) 680-8554.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
April 23, 2000 – Dec. 3, 2005
Jamian Edward Black, born on April 23, 2000, in Joplin, passed away on Dec. 3, 2025 in El Paso, Texas. His infectious spirit and enduring positivity touched the lives of many, leaving a mark on all who knew him. His love for soccer, an interest nurtured from a young age, was only surpassed by his passion for truck driving.
Jamie’s heart was in service of others. After the passing of one of his childhood friends, Jamie stood beside his friend’s mother through her time of loss.
Jamie’s dedication to hard work and his relentless motivation made him a respected figure in his field. His depth of knowledge in trucking not only earned him a coveted promotion in the Army Reserves but also helped him travel to places far and wide. Jamie was a caring soul, always ready to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.
Jamie is survived by his wife, Samantha Black; his two sons, Ezra and Luke; his parents, Rebecca and John Black; his sister, Heather (Kevin) Walker; his brothers, John Black and Landon Black; his grandfather, Doug (Margie) Hixon; his grandmother, Sonya Hopkins; three nephews and one niece.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Servant’s Church in Webb City, with Pastor Ben Johnson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
March 19, 1962 – Dec. 2, 2025
Well folks, it’s with a heavy heart, but also a grin on our faces, that we bid a final adieu to our beloved Uncle Larry, also known as Charles Larry Breedlove. Born on March 19, 1962, in Webb City, and a proud resident of Carterville for the past 63 years, Larry truly was the life of the party. He was a funny, compassionate, generous, and loving individual, who had a knack for making everyone around him feel special. And let’s not forget his beloved dogs, who he spoiled rotten, of course. He passed away on Dec. 2, 2025.
Larry was a man of many talents, but the one we will all remember is his ability to fix anything – and I mean anything – with duct tape and a bit of elbow grease. He loved working on his truck, collecting treasures that others might call junk, and teaching us all how to do things his way – because, according to Larry, that was the right way. He was a custodian by profession, serving the Fairland Elementary School in Carthage for the last 15 years.
As hardheaded as he was, Larry was a man of faith. A verse from the Bible that I believe truly encapsulates Larry’s spirit is Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Larry was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Carterville, and his cheerful heart was indeed good medicine for us all. We will remember him for his laughter, his jokes, his generosity, and his good-natured ribbing.
Larry is survived by his nieces, Christina (Timothy) Cooper, Mary Gastineau, Cassie (Glenn) Shafer, and Linda Webb; brother-in-law Randy Swager; sister-in-law Kathy Breedlove; nine great-nieces and nephews; and six great-great-nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Billie Breedlove; his sister, Linda Swager; and his brother, William Breedlove.
Larry’s visitation and funeral were held Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. Chaplain Kyle Beverlin officiated. The family encouraged those attending to sport their Kansas City Chiefs attire. As Larry would say “Let’s paaaarrrty.”
Aug. 22, 1963 – Dec. 3, 2025
Diana Marie (Harter) Harpool, 62, of Webb City, passed away at home on Dec. 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Aug. 22, 1963, in Springfield, to Roy and Margie Harter.
Diana grew up in Cossville, in a home that valued family, faith, hard work, and a generous love that gave and shared with others. She attended Jasper High School and graduated with the Class of 1981.
She met Jeff Harpool in 1999, and they united in marriage on Sept. 29, 2020. She was the proud mother of Brandon McClintock and a loving Mimi to her grandson, Brantley McClintock. Nothing brought her more joy than being with her family.
Diana worked for Grace Energy for over 20 years before retiring in 2015. During her time there, she made countless friends, built strong relationships with coworkers and customers, and became known for her kindness, work ethic and warm smile.
Diana had a strong faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and found comfort and strength in her relationship with Him.
Diana enjoyed spending time with her family. Her pride and joy was her grandson, Brantley, whom she picked up from school and spoiled with his favorite treats. She also enjoyed the company of the neighborhood kids who came over for ice cream, snacks and visits. She loved being outside and enjoying the weather, tending to her flowers and taking the time to stop and smell them. She had a special love for animals and especially loved cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs.
Diana is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Harpool, of Webb City; her son, Brandon McClintock, and grandson, Brantley McClintock, both of Carl Junction; her mother, Margie West, Carl Junction; her brothers, Jim Lair (Antonia), Wichita, Kan., Dennis Lair (Teresa), Lamar, Greg Harter, Webb City, and Troy Harter, Sarcoxie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Harter, in 1982; and her stepfather, Windle West, in 2018.
Services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Parker Mortuary. Visitation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you “pay it forward” to others in Diana’s memory, by showing kindness, helping someone in need, or doing a quiet good deed for someone else.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Mercy Hospital and the staff of Phoenix Hospice for their excellent care and support.
Sept. 12, 1961 – Dec. 8, 2025
Gregory Scott Smith, age 64, of Webb City, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at his home.
Greg was born on Sept. 12, 1961, in Pontiac, Mich., to the late Jimmy and Margaret (Whitledge) Smith. At the tender age of 9, his family relocated to Carthage, where he grew up and formed deep roots in the community.
On January 16, 1988, Greg was united in marriage to the love of his life, Melissa Lasiter, in Carthage. She survives.
Professionally, Greg held several roles, starting with his early work at Mallory Canvas in Carthage, later becoming a skilled drywall installer. Beyond his work life, Greg was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for art, inspired by a single episode of Bob Ross that motivated him to try his hand at painting. A talented musician, Greg, could play the guitar, and his love for music was evident in his everyday life. As a “gearhead,” he was knowledgeable about cars and motorcycles, spending countless hours indulging in his large hot wheel collection.
Greg’s life was marked by his big heart and unwavering love for his family. He was known to “never meet a stranger,” effortlessly drawing people in with his warm spirit and infectious laughter. His unique sense of humor could lift the spirits of anyone having a bad day, as he was always ready with a joke or a funny story. To Greg, family was everything – he would go to great lengths to support those he loved and was always there to lend a helping hand.
In addition to his devoted wife, Melissa Smith, survivors include his children, Kimberly Carnes, and Kevin, of Joplin, Anthony Smith of Joplin, Megan James, and Nick, of Joplin, and Michael Smith, and Wendy, of Galena, Kan.; his siblings, Jimmy Smith Jr., and Sharon, of Liberal, Douglas Smith, and Randi, of Jasper, Mark Smith, and Amy, of Liberal, Kathy Miller, and Keith, of Joplin, David Smith, and Lynn, of Liberal, and Brian Smith, and Sabra, of Liberal; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Fairview Baptist Church, 4300 S Joplin Avenue, Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 5 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
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.
