As of Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Jan. 3, 1964 – April 12, 2025
Cody Barron was first, a son – born on Jan. 3, 1964, in an elevator in Washington, D.C. He spent his school years in Missouri with his mother and summers up north with his dad in Libertyville, Ill. On April 12, 2025, surrounded by his family, Cody passed away due to complications following a surgery.
He was second, a husband. On a seemingly ordinary day at Taco Bell in Joplin, he met the love of his life, Mary. That chance meeting turned into a lifelong partnership, and on Nov. 28, 1987, they were married in Joplin. Theirs was a love rooted in friendship, laughter and unwavering loyalty.
Cody was third, a father. When Brent arrived on March 10, 1988, and Kasarah on June 8, 1990, Cody’s world shifted. His children became his greatest purpose. He taught them what it meant to be patient, loyal, hardworking, respectful, kind, and compassionate. He found his greatest joy and purpose in being an amazing dad. He was steady, present, and full of quiet wisdom.
And most importantly, Cody was a Pap Pap. His heart expanded even more with the arrival of his grandchildren: Enzo, Chipper, Juniper and Nina. He adored them beyond measure. Whether he was teaching them about trains and cars, cracking silly jokes, sharing his love of music, or simply soaking in the little moments – being Pap Pap was the role that lit him up from the inside.
Cody wore many hats throughout his life – draftsman, manager, salesman, boilermaker, welder, inspector – but he was never defined by a job title. He was defined by his passion, his creativity, and his deep love for people. He was a woodsman and a fisherman, a guitar player and a thinker. He found peace in his shop, joy in casting a line beside his son, and pure delight in making his grandkids laugh. Cody lived in what can only be described as organized chaos – he had many things, but somehow always knew exactly where everything was. He loved a good project – thinking about it, sketching it out, building it with care and grit. He had a vision for everything, and if you didn’t agree with his method, well… that was too bad. Cody did things his way, with confidence, precision and a little bit of stubborn charm. He was spiritual, curious about the world, and always had the news on – because he cared about understanding the changes around him.
If you didn’t know Cody, chances are you would’ve eventually –he had that kind of presence. Honest, approachable, and deeply authentic.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary; his children, Brent and his wife, Carolina, and Kasarah and her husband, Dakota; his beloved grandchildren, Enzo, Chipper, Juniper and Nina; and his brother, Randy and family. He joins in peace his mother, Dyann; his father, Terry; and his stepfather, Harold.
A celebration of Cody’s life will be held at 2 p.m. May 3, 2025, at Wellspring Church in Webb City. All are welcome to join in remembering the man who lived fully, loved fiercely and left a mark that will not fade.
Memorial contributions may be made to the grandchildren’s future via Venmo to Mary Barron (@Mary-Barron-2).
July 19, 1944 – April 16, 2025
Georgia Marie Harpole, born July 19, 1944, in Hillsboro, Ore., was a spirited soul whose life embodied an inspiring blend of resilience, dedication, and generosity. A beacon of light to everyone who knew her, Georgia’s commitment to her faith, family, and community left an indelible mark on countless hearts.
Georgia spent 79 years living between the cities of Webb City, Alba and Oronogo, where she carried out her passion for teaching in the Webb City R-7 School District. Her dedication to her profession was evident in the over 35 years she spent shaping young minds, a testament to her enduring patience and love for children. Outside the classroom, Georgia was an active member of the Purcell Baptist Church. She took great pleasure in her hobbies – gardening, crochet and cooking.
Georgia was the beloved wife of the late Phillip Harpole, with whom she shared a blessed union from June 16, 1965, until his passing. She leaves behind her loving children, Marinda, Dan (Johnna), and Dusty Harpole; grandchildren, Sam, Hayden (Moriah), Chris and Marcus Harpole, and her sister Mary Jane Smith, who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Phillip Harpole; her parents, George and Mildred Thomas; siblings Gary Thomas, Marvin Younger, Richard Younger and Don Younger.
Georgia’s funeral service was held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carterville Baptist Church or Purcell Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home.
April 2, 1950 – April 14, 2025
Caroline Sue Huey, age 75, of Webb City, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at her home.
Caroline was born on April 2, 1950, in Joplin to the late union of Durwood and Genevieve (Fields) McFarland. She attended Webb City schools and graduated from Webb City High School in 1968. She worked as a customer service agent for AT&T for a number of years. Growing up she enjoyed going to the store with her dad and being with her siblings. Later on in life, she enjoyed watching “Castle,” “Murder She Wrote” and “Walker Texas Ranger.” She was extremely crafty and loved making clothing, wreaths and ornaments. She also loved reading her Bible, holiday gatherings and spending time with her family. Caroline was an amazing cook. The whole family looked forward to Thanksgiving every year for grandma’s famous homemade noodles. She was one of the most generous people you would have ever met and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Caroline was preceded in death by her two siblings, Gary McFarland and Sherry Taylor.
Caroline is survived by her four children, Lisa Huey, Stephanie Nichols and husband Mike, Trisha Vasquez and husband Raul, and James Huey and wife Jeannette; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Webb City Cemetery, with pastor Jim Bowles officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
July 23, 1951 – April 20, 2025
Tom Perry, professionally known as Hank Rotten Jr., passed away peacefully in the presence of his loved ones on April 20, 2025, following complications related to a stroke. He was 73.
Tom was born July 23, 1951, to parents Gene and Rosalie Perry. He was raised in his beloved hometown of Carterville. He had two brothers, his older brother Danny, Bella Vista, Ark., and his little brother Benny, who proceeded him in death.
Tom was married twice. His first marriage was to Debi Perry, who passed away March 15, 2025. They had two children, Casey Linn, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Zach Perry, of Webb City.
His second marriage was to Jeanne Perry, of Ozark. He had three stepsons join his family with Jeanne, MG and Jana Behrend, of Rolla, Matt and Bonnie Behrend, of Springfield, and John Behrend, of Oklahoma City, Okla. He had five grandchildren: Jolie, 18; Hogan 16; James, 12; Symphony 9, and Alex 8.
Tom was a lifetime resident of the Four-State area. He spoke fondly of his childhood in Carterville. He was a proud Carterville Comet and had lunch weekly with the Comets Lunch Bunch. He had numerous close friends, many of which he knew since childhood. He spent many days visiting with friends at Newman’s Auto car lot and loved going to Webb City High School football games. He was active in his local area assisting with many fundraisers and donating his abilities to youth sporting events.
Tom had a boisterous career in music, radio and TV. His love of music started as a tuba player for the Carterville High School band. He started pursuing music during the late ’70s and ’80s in the local club scene, primarily at The Ranch, where he worked as a bouncer and later a musical promoter. It was there that his musical persona, Hank Rotten Jr., was born. He and his close musical friends created the band Hank Rotten Jr. and the Tennessee Lobsters in 1981. They played locally and many years of musical memories made at the annual Pickers Harvest Festival. It is during this time period that he created the Star Security team. His late ex-wife, Debi, had a catering team called Get Fat Catering. They worked together many years handling most of the concerts at Joplin Memorial Hall during the 1980s.
He later partnered with Allen Ross, and they became the musical duo Ross and Rotten. Tom and Allen performed original songs along with stand-up comedy. Tom even played the tuba in their shows. They had a long successful musical career together producing several albums and performing nationwide at many large music and motorcycle festivals.
It was during the years of Ross and Rotten when Tom started attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D. He started attending this event in 1988. His son Zach started attending with him in 1990, and they went together for 35 years. He became the master of ceremonies for the Buffalo Chip campground and was Voice of the Chip for 35 years. It was during this time he met many celebrities, musicians and made many friends from all over the world.
During the ’80s was when Tom started his radio career. He was the voice of the Four-States for many radio stations, handling marketing and doing numerous radio remotes and promotional events. He is most known for his radio show with Vance Lewis called “Rotten and Rooster in the Morning.”
Tom transitioned to his TV career in the ’90s and continued TV until his retirement in 2023. He was co-host of the KSN morning show “Local News Today” over 10 years and also had his own show “Friday Night at the Movies” for over 20 years producing over 1,000 episodes featuring local artists and promoting local area events.
Tom loved his community and put his heart into helping his community come together. Most notably was his service during the 2011 Joplin Tornado. Tom drove to work after the tornado and after seeing the devastation immediately set up a radio phone call communication system. He worked round the clock taking calls and coordinating relief efforts. In between shifts, he would cry and pray for his community then get back to work. He did not stop until Joplin was on the road to recovery.
It was his love for people and community that drove him to offer his services for numerous fundraisers and charity events throughout his long career, for many, including the close knit musician community he was a part of. He loved to make cameo appearances with Encore and loved listening to his beloved adopted son, Lonnie Hulette, and his music.
Tom loved family, friends, sports and parties. For many years Tom and his ex-wife, Jeanne, hosted the annual 4th of July pool party. Tom set up an annual horseshoe tournament, complete with brackets and trophies. This created so much joy for friends and family.
Tom spent his retirement days having pool parties for family and friends. He enjoyed Kansas City Royals baseball with his son, Zach, and he was fortunate to experience his beloved Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins. He worked along side Scott and Nancy Hutson with Cycle Connection doing commercials and advertising up until his passing. Nancy and Scott were a strong force in his last year of life, taking care of him and being supportive amazing friends.
The Hank Rotten Memorial Ride is scheduled for June 14, 2025. Please contact Tim Houdyshell for information (417) 365-1856.
Memorial services are still pending at this time and will be announced by Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home as soon as details are confirmed.
July 29, 1969 – April 18, 2025
Shirley Kay Veskrna, age 55, of Webb City, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born on July 29, 1969, in Gregory, S.D., the daughter of Robert Veskrna and Carol Ledford. She worked as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for many years. Shirley loved her job where she made several friends with whom she created many life-lasting memories. She loved her family, especially her grandkids. She enjoyed traveling to new places with her loved ones, which she called “living her best life.” Shirley also enjoyed crafting and shopping, and her special dog, Harley.
Shirley is survived by her stepfather Jim Ledford, of Carl Junction; children, Derek Isbell and wife Janae, Carl Junction, Christian Isbell and wife Mishelle, Alba, and Casey Sherrouse and husband Joshua, Barling, Ark.; her companion, Mike Standley, and his children, Kaitlynn Ambriz and Tyler Standley; eight grandkids, Jayden, Jessalynn, Jacey, Jonathan, Noah, Nathan, Julianna and Aiden; and two great-grandchildren, Waylon and Tatum.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A family-held memorial service has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Bible Believer’s Baptist Church, 7676 County Road 200, Joplin. Services are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
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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