Amanda Green
July 5, 1958 – January 26, 2021
Amanda Katherine James Green went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 26, 2021. She was 62.
Amanda was born July 5, 1958. She resided most of her life in Webb City, with a short time in Chicago. She attended Webb City Schools, graduating in 1976. She then attended Missouri Southern State College earning her bachelor’s degree in education. She also received her master’s in administration from Missouri State University, and her specialist’s from Pittsburg State University.
She married Roger Green Nov. 10, 1979. They moved to Chicago while Roger was in the Navy, but they soon came back to Webb City where she began teaching kindergarten at Franklin School in 1980. She taught kindergarten at Franklin until 1998, when the Madge T. James Kindergarten Center, named for her grandmother, opened in 1998-99. She was principal of Madge T. James Kindergarten until she retired in 2020. In total, she enjoyed 40 years of service in the Webb City School District. She always said she had been going to school since she herself was in kindergarten. She loved her job! She was excited for every school year to start and she loved her students.
Amanda was preceded in death by her parents, William Terry James and Rosemary Anna Woodard James.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Roger Green; four children, Sarah Williams and her husband Jody of Webb City, Tyler Green and his wife Lanie of Stockton, Samuel Green of St. Paul, Minn, and Hannah Green of New York City; a sister, Jennifer James of Webb City; and a brother, Chris James of Webb City; multiple cousins and aunts and uncles.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Webb City and Joplin for all her life. She taught Sunday school, VBS and sang alto in the church choirs. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter AY, in Webb City serving as president. Everything she did she did with Joy and Love. One of her favorite Bible verses was, “Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor. 16:14. She could light up a room with her warm smile. She is greatly missed and loved by her friends and family.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Webb City Cemetery, with Roger, Tyler and Samuel Green and Chris James serving as pallbearers and Bob James as an honorary. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. All are welcome, but please use your own discretion and wear a mask and practice social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Webb City R-7 Schools Foundation or First Presbyterian Church of Joplin, in care of the funeral home.
Joana Malta
September 26, 1946 – December 20, 2020
Maria Joana Piers de Vega Malta, a foreign exchange student who graduated with the Webb City High School Class of 1965, passed away on Dec. 20, 2020.
While in Webb City, Joana lived with the George Kiser family. A friend says Joanna was a lot of fun to be with and enjoyed her stay in Webb City. She was from Lisbon, Portugal.
Joana lived in London, England, near her daughter, Ines, and her son, Louis, and their families. She is mourned by a few of her Webb City friends, who she has kept in touch with over the years.
Frank Martin Jr.
February 20, 1941 – January 20, 2021
Frank A. “Al” Martin, Jr., 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died unexpectedly on January 20, 2021, at his home.
Mr. Martin was born on Feb. 20, 1941, in Webb City, to Frank Martin, Sr. and Dorothy (Cannon) Martin. He was an Eagle Scout, Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and had been a Scoutmaster. He graduated from Webb City High School, Joplin Junior College, Kansas State College at Pittsburg, and had two graduate degrees from Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia. He taught math for two years in Wichita, Kan., special education one year in Haysville, Kan., and was a school psychologist for 25 years, with most of his service with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in Eastern Iowa. He retired in 2002.
Frank was a life member of the National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, National Association of School Psychologists, and Professional Staff Organization for professional memberships. He served as a Child Advocacy Board volunteer on the Foster Care Review Board and was sworn in by the court as a Court Appointed Child Advocate for three and one-half years. He was a member for 16 years and board member of the Davenport Noon Optimist, ran the database for the Avenue of the Flags for eight years and was Optimist of the Year for 2009, volunteered with the Festival of Trees, and was a long time board member of Valley Shelter Homes before it closed. He also had donated over 2,200 hours as a volunteer driver for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and had given 39 gallons of blood product. He was a member of the Friendly House Board of Directors for six years.
Frank and his wife Janice,loved to travel and had been to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, Ireland, Egypt, Portugal, Ecuador, Galapagos, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Tibet, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Jamaica, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Dominican Republic, and the upper Amazon rain forest.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wonderful wife, Janice L. (Canady) Martin. They were married on June 8, 1963, and celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They had two children: Jeffrey, Johnston, Iowa, and his two daughters, Abby and Sarah; and Lauren, Dublin, Ohio, married to Brad Hunter, and their daughter, Cora. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. His cremains will be interred in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Friendly House of Davenport or Planned Parenthood of North Central States. A memorial video is expected to be posted on the Runge Mortuary site.
John E. Myers
October 25, 1949 – January 20, 2021
John E. Myers, age 71, of Carterville, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Freeman Hospital.
Mr. Myers was born on Oct. 25, 1949, in Joplin to the late Earl Myers Jr. and Ruby M. (King) Myers. He has been a lifetime area resident. He served his country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Carol I. Fort on Oct. 18, 1968, in Joplin and they were blessed with two children. He worked as a warehouseman for Fleming Foods and Americold in Carthage, prior to retirement. He was a proud member of the Carthage VFW Post #2590. He enjoyed woodworking, painting and DIY projects. He had a kind nature and was always willing to help friends and family.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol Myers; a son, Andy Myers and wife Katy, Joplin; a daughter, Aimee McMullen and husband Brian, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; a brother, Robert Myers and wife Terri, Jasper, Ga.; a sister, Trudy Daniels and husband Marty, Springdale, Ark.; a sister-in-law, Cheryl Franklin, Tunus, Mo.; two grandchildren, Trenton Myers, Webb City, Kaylee Karraker and husband Michael, Lubbock, Texas; and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
Graveside services were held Monday at Mt. Hope Cemetery, with Randy Wilson, minister, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Watered Gardens. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Pamela Clark
September 12, 1958 – January 13, 2021
Pamela Jean Clark, age 62, of Purcell, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. She had battled liver disease for many years. Her long struggle came to a peaceful end at her home.
Pamela was born on September 12, 1958, in Lamar, MO, the daughter of Charles Reed and Geneva (Williams) Reed. She graduated from Webb City High School in the class of 1976. She married Jackie Clark October of 1976. After having 4 children, she went to MSSU and received an associates degree in accounting. She went to work for her father at Triple R Garage. She then worked payroll at Talbott for several years. She took a break from the workforce during which she took care of her ailing father-in-law. Her most recent employment was at Walmart in Webb City. She started out in the automotive department and eventually went overnight to the mod team.
In her younger years some of her favorite pastimes were reading and collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia. In high school she was a member of the redettes and played clarinet in the band. As time went on, she found joy in visiting friend’s and family’s homes and spending the evening playing cards. She also enjoyed taking trips on a motorcycle. Later in life she found pleasure in fishing and hunting and working in the yard.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Geneva Reed, on January 16, 2016, and by her brother Lendell Reed on August 13, 2020.
Pam is survived by two daughters, Carissa Young of Purcell, MO, and Melanie Wamble and husband Steven of Joplin, MO; two sons, Jackie Clark Jr and wife Emily of Carl Junction, MO, and Charles Clark of Florissant, CO; her father, Charles Reed of Carterville, MO; one sister, Nancy Pierson of Joplin; 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial visitation was held Sunday, January 17, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary
Sue Madison
October 15, 1951 – January 6, 2021
Wilmetta Sue Madison, 69, of Webb City, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Sue was born October 15, 1951. in Carterville, Missouri, to the union of the late Rheuben and Patsy (Fields) Sampson. Sue worked for 15th Street Walmart for a number of years and also worked for Vickers in Joplin and Par in Jasper.
Sue loved the Lord and was a long-time member of the North Main Street Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and spending time with her family and friends. Sue was an avid Webb City Football fan, always supporting her hometown team. She had a heart of gold and was always there for her family and friends. Above all, Sue loved her grandchildren and she was the best “Grandma Sue.”
Sue is lovingly survived by her daughters, Kristi Collins and husband, Darryl, and Dennel Crabtree and husband, Rick, all of Webb City; six grandchildren, Kayla Collins, Autumn Crabtree, Rheuben Crabtree, Darryl Collins Jr., Adamm Crabtree, and Danielle Crabtree; her brother, Ron Sampson, and his wife, Mary, of Webb City; her aunt, Judy Baker, of Joplin; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 20, at North Main Street Baptist Church, with Brother Walter Hammond officiating.
Burial was in Webb City Cemetery, with Adamm Crabtree, Darryl Collins Jr., Rheuben Crabtree, Eric Banfield, Eric Tune, and Lynn Bragg serving as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Marilyn Shaw
November 12, 1933 – January 10, 2021
Marilyn J. Shaw of Vinton, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021.
She was born in Webb City, Missouri, on November 12, 1933, to Carl and Mary Gretz. Marilyn was also predeceased by her husband, Lee Shaw; her brother, Melvin Gretz; and her grandson, Patrick Shaw.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Annette Shaw of Fincastle, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Connie Shaw of Copper Hill, Virginia; granddaughters, Meredith Hansen (Eric), Allison Camper (Ian), and Elizabeth Sheets (Ryan); and three great-grandchildren, Carter Hansen, Liam Camper, and Adeline Camper.
The family wishes to thank everyone at Home Instead for the excellent care she received.
A graveside service was conducted for the family on Wednesday, January 13, at Evergreen Burial Park. Pastor J.R. Graybill officiated.
Arrangements are under the direction of Oakey’s funeral service, Vinton, Virginia. Sharon Peek, a niece, submitted this obituary to the Sentinel.
Larry McKenzie
August 16 – January 11, 2021
Larry L. McKenzie, age 81, of Webb City, Missouri, went to be with the Lord and was welcomed into his eternal home on January 11, 2021. He was born on August 16, 1939 in Joplin, to Hugh and June (Carman) McKenzie. Larry was the youngest of 4 siblings; sister Jean, and brothers John and Rodney. His parents and siblings proceeded him in death.
Larry lived most of his life in Joplin. He received his master’s degree in Elementary Education and taught school in Weir, KS before moving to Webb City, where he taught at Alba and Mark Twain Schools, and later became principal of Carterville Elementary School.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia (Kimbley) McKenzie. He also leaves behind his children; Matt McKenzie and wife Robin, of The Woodlands, TX; Heather Cawyer, and husband Jim of Webb City, MO; Travis McKenzie of Webb City, MO; Kyle McKenzie and wife Meghan Kamler of Joplin; and daughter-in-law Amanda McKenzie of Joplin.Larry took great pride in his role as “Grandpa” (or “Crappa”) for over 30 years, with grandkids spanning from 30 years old to 4 years old; Brianna McGee and husband Matt, Caitlin McKenzie, Jacob Cawyer and wife Esther, Mitchell McKenzie, and Fiona Kamler-McKenzie.
He was a kind and loving man and his grandchildren thought the world of him, and his family was very important to him. Larry loved to read and listen to music. He was a fan and collector of all things to deal with Harry Truman and he enjoyed listening to gospel music. He read the newspaper daily and was a plethora of information. If any of his kids needed to know anything, they knew who to ask. Larry had a great sense of humor and was always pleasant to be around. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
A private family service will be held in his honor to commemorate a life well lived by a man who loved well. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.
Sharron Johnson
October 6, 1940 – December 31, 2020
Sharron Ann Johnson passed away peacefully on December 31, 2020, at the age of 80.
Born Sharron Ann McCune on October 6, 1940, in Springfield, MO, she was the daughter of Bertha Sharp and Frank Lewis McCune. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1958.In 1959, Sharron married Karl Johnson and they had one child from their union. Sharron worked as a Field Representative for Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, KS. for 15 years. She also was a successful business owner in the Webb City/Joplin area until her retirement. She also worked as a Welcome Wagon hostess, a Girl Scout leader, and was an avid bowler who bowled in many state bowling tournaments. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
Sharron was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters.
Sharron lived her life as an only child, until a Christmas gift of an Ancestry.com test revealed that she had brothers and sisters she did not know about. She was re-united with her family in 2018 to her great joy.Sharron is survived by a daughter, Sara Jo; son-in-law, Ray Gilbert. Three brothers, Robert McCune of Boyd, TX, Donald McCune of Rio Rancho, NM, and John McCune of Rio Rancho, NM. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Annie Jo Fillpot and her husband Aaron Fillpot and Katie Cook; one great-granddaughter, Daisy JoRay Fillpot. Sharron loved her granddaughters and great granddaughter more than a Bushel and a Peck! It was her favorite song to sing to them.
Sharron was a strong and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who lived a Christian life for 80 wonderful years. Her family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8th at 12:00 noon with a service to follow at 1:00 pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, presided by Austin Weece, Youth Pastor at Carterville Christian Church. Sharron will be laid to rest in Carterville cemetery beside her mother sometime this spring, as Sharron despised the cold weather. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carterville Christian Church ministries.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Samuel Claussen
May 11, 1948 – January 3, 2021
After a bravely fought battle with esophageal cancer, Samuel L Claussen (72) passed away on January 3, 2021 at 3:17 p.m., surrounded by his immediate family. He was born in Joplin, Missouri on May 11, 1948 to Jack and Betty Claussen.
Sam is survived by wife, Pamela Claussen, nee Lutes (57); daughter, Jessie Smith (39), and her husband, Ryan Smith (37); son, Joshua Claussen (38), and his partner, Stacy Heiskell (33); son, Brandon Claussen (24); grandchildren, Dylan Smith (6) and Kaylyn Smith (4); sister, Kathy Lowe (71); and brother, Mark Claussen (68).
Sam was a U.S. Navy Veteran, having served active duty in Vietnam and as a Reservist for a total of 29 years. RMC Claussen proudly earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer in September 1996. Sam gained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Missouri Southern State College in 1970, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Missouri Southern State College in 1974, and a Master of Fine Arts degree for Drama with an emphasis in lighting from the University of Virginia in 1977; he was a member of Alpha Psi Omega (National Theatre Honor Society). Always learning, Sam later completed multiple summer studies at the University of Oxford in England.
Sam’s career as an educator began in 1977 at Missouri Southern State University (“MSSU”), f/k/a Missouri Southern State College, in Joplin, Missouri as Technical Director and Professor; he taught at MSSU, as well as Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, for a total of 43 years. MSSU granted him Professor Emeritus status post-retirement in November 2013. He was always a teacher, in or out of a classroom, and he continued to teach us every day, right up until the end.
A world traveler, Sam visited France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Canada, Ireland, and made several trips to the United Kingdom.
Sam worked on hundreds of stage productions at MSSU’s Theatre, Crowder College’s Theatre, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, Joplin Little Theatre, and directed multiple productions. A fount of knowledge, he was often consulted regarding the stage setups for many churches, high schools, and stadiums.
Sam was a charter member of the Show Me Celebration Company and was an active sponsor through his retirement; he served as Co-President of the Southwest Chapter of the Missouri Archeological Society for several years. Sam was considered a regional expert and source on Mayan studies.
Accomplishments aside, he was most proud of being a daddy and grandpa to his children and loved spending every moment with family. Sam served as a Boy Scoutmaster Assistant and Boy Scoutmaster for a total of 15 years; he proudly watched both sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout and achieved the honor of Order of the Arrow with his son, Brandon. Sam worked with the Missouri Destination Imagination program through Carl Junction Schools for 12 years.
He will be greatly missed.
Ya buddy!
Military funeral services are being held at Mount Hope Cemetery on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the US Forest Service Plant-A-Tree Program or to the Cancer Research Institute in Sam’s name.
Bill Duensing
February 15 – January 2, 2021
William “Bill” Duensing, 90, of Webb City, Missouri passed from this life to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 2, 2020 at Freeman West Hospital. Bill was born February 15, 1930 in Alamosa, Colorado to Herman and Lillias (McCluskey) Duensing. The family moved to the Webb City area when he was a small child, and he remained a lifelong resident. He graduated as Salutatorian from Carterville High School.
Bill was a proud patriot, serving 46 months in the U.S. Navy Construction Forces during the Korean War. He served 38 of those months in the Seabees in the Western Pacific, specifically on the Guam and Midway Islands. He began active duty on November 15, 1950 and served as a heavy equipment operator, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Following his military service he spent a short time helping his father on the family farm. He then worked 36 years for the Missouri State Highway Department, the latter part of his service as supervisor of the electronics installation and maintenance team.
Preceding him in death were his parents, an infant son, David Andrew, son Daniel William, and two sisters, Isabelle Moss and Helen Johns.
Bill married Twyla Nell Wilson on October 19, 1957 in Webb City, who survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Deb Marshall and her husband, Doug; a grandson, Kyle Marshall and his wife, Alison; a granddaughter, Lori Koehn and her husband, Jessee; and three great-grandchildren, Ophelia, Jack, and Theodore.
Services will be under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Veteran’s Honor Wall Pavilion at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City on Friday, January 8th at 2:00pm. Doug Marshall, Ed Johns, Joe Wilson, Kyle Marshall, Jessee Koehn, and Bob Campbell will serve as pallbearers. Out of respect for the family, persons attending are asked to please wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Michael ‘Mick’ Emery
June 19, 1951 – January 3, 2021
Michael (Mick) R. Emery, age 69, of Webb City, MO, passed away on Sunday January 3, 2021 at Freeman hospital in Joplin, MO.
Mick was born on June 19, 1951 to Mike and Nelda Emery in Dodge City, KS. He was a graduate of Dodge City High School in 1969. Mick went on to attend Kansas State University for a brief time before returning to Dodge City to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. He met his wife Kim Schneweis, on New Year’s Eve 1982 , they were married on June 18, 1983. The couple have raised three children together. Mick and his family moved to Webb City, Missouri in October 1992 and have resided there since.
Mick enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved all things sports. The Kansas City Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Webb City Cardinals were among his favorite teams. So much so that he opened a baseball card shop in Dodge City, Ks. Mick also loved sharing stories of his youth. Skipping piano lessons to play baseball with friends, drag racing one of his many cars down Wyatt Earp in Dodge City, and having a contagious laugh are a few things that Mick will be remembered most for.
Mick is survived by his wife, Kim Emery. His three children: Chase Emery and wife Shannon, Webb City. Kassidy Cartright and husband Johnny, Webb City. Colby Emery, Kansas City . Eight grandchildren: Jaden Busick and husband Logan, Draydon Emery, Cade Emery, Carsen Cartright, Averi Emery, Jace Cartright, Anisten Cartright, and Payten Cartright. One great grandson, Tate Busick. One sister, Barb Farrell and husband Mick Farrell. Many nieces and nephews. Along with great nieces and nephews. Mick was preceded in death by his father, Mike Emery and Nelda Emery.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Carterville Christian Church, 20123 Gravel Road Carterville, MO, on Friday January 8, 2021. Please enter through the children’s building. The celebration will begin at 2:30pm and end at 4:00pm. Masks are optional, all are welcome. Mick’s children have set up a donation account at Commerce Bank in Webb City under the name Kim Emery (must donate in person) or through Venmo (Kim Emery) to help with funeral costs. Arrangements are under the direction of .
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