As of Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Nov. 21, 1961 – May 28, 2025
Erma Vivian (Haner) Coble passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, following a sudden fight with aggressive cancer. She was 63 years young.
Erma was born on Nov. 21, 1961, in Bartlesville, Okla., to Emma Lee (Fencer) Haner and James Richard “Jim” Haner. She was the youngest of three children, her older brothers being Leonard James “Jimmy” Haner and Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Haner. Her early years were spent in Oronogo, where she spent countless hours making long-lasting friendships and memories. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1980. That same year, she married Jeffrey Wayne Coble, of Miami, Okla., with whom she had two children, Tyler James Coble and Tristan LeeAnn (Coble) McNeill.
In 1993, Erma and her children returned to Webb City and the Joplin area, where she reestablished her presence in the community. She quickly became what seemed like everyone’s banker. She worked in the banking industry for 40 years, and though she loved it, she was eagerly looking forward to retirement at the end.
Throughout her life, Erma wore many hats. She was a mother to many beyond her own children. She was a sister to her closest friends. She was a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a confidant. But by far her favorite hat to wear she received on Dec. 30, 2015, when her grandson Calvin James Freeman was born, making her a proud and loving “Erm-ma.”
Erma enjoyed many things in life. She liked to fish and reveled in all things “lake life.” She had a passion for mowing her own lawn. She threw a bowling ball like a pro. She had (an arguably extreme) interest in crime documentaries and docudramas. She took pleasure in planning events and hosting holiday parties. She was an active member of the Joplin Elks Lodge, and she participated in many local and state-level events over the years. She loved to laugh, and she had a biting wit that made others laugh, too (or set them straight, if needed). But most of all, she enjoyed doing or attending anything that gave her time to spend with friends and family.
Erma is preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Jim; her oldest brother, Jimmy; and her two dogs, Shelby “Monkey” Louise and Brian Bear. She is survived by her son, Tyler, of Norman, Okla.; her daughter, Tristan (husband Derek), grandson, Calvin, and granddaughter, Austyn, of Webb City; her brother, Kenny (wife Sue), of Tucson, Ariz.; several loving nieces and nephews; and a community of friends and extended family she always held in her heart. She loved many, she was loved by many, and she will be fondly missed.
A celebration of life was held May 31, 2025, at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Solace House of the Ozarks.
Jan. 6, 1958 – May 24, 2025
Kenneth Bryan Cummings, fondly known as Kenny, left this world on May 24, 2025. He had a huge heart and always brought a funny quip. Born on Jan. 6, 1958, in Sandwich, Mass., Kenny lived a life characterized by compassion, generosity, and unwavering support for his loved ones. He was always ready to lend a hand.
Kenneth served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1995. His dedication and service left an indelible mark on his peers and superiors alike. A man of simple pleasures, you could usually find Kenny somewhere in a tie dye shirt and listening to classic rock, with his favorite being Pink Floyd.
He is survived by his daughter, Candace Poole (Lauren); son Jason Teasley (Billie); brother Jesse Cummings; sister Joy Langly; several grandkids; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
In the words of Pink Floyd, “Shine on you Crazy Diamond.” – and shine, Kenneth did. He will be missed, but his light will continue to illuminate the lives of those he touched. Arrangements were under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Nov. 16, 1945 – May 29, 2025
Stanley Joe Parkison, age 79, of Webb City, departed this life peacefully on Thursday morning, May 29, 2025, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He entered this life on Nov. 16, 1945, in Decatur, Ill., the youngest of five children born to the union of the late Harry Faye and Ella Carrie (VanGundy) Parkison.
Raised in Mattoon, Ill., Stan was a 1963 graduate of Mattoon High School. His commitment to his faith led him to attend Ozark Bible College in Joplin.
On Nov. 28, 1965, he was united in marriage to Arla Jean Effland, and to this union one son was born. Arla was a constant source of love and support until her passing on May 13, 2024.
Stan’s professional life was characterized by his 27-year tenure as parts and service manager at the Toyota dealership in Joplin. His work ethic and integrity left a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers. Beyond his career, Stan was a dedicated servant of God and was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Webb City, where he served as pastor for over a decade.
An avid fisherman, Stan could often be found at the lake. His talent for woodworking was evident in the beautiful pieces he created. A master at the card table, Stan’s competitive spirit and sharp mind made him a formidable opponent, and he seldom lost a game. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Stan’s legacy is carried on by his son, Don Parkison and wife, Karen, of Springfield; his three cherished grandchildren, Joshua, Kayla and Chelsea Parkison; and his adored great-grandchildren, Cadence Thomson, Oliver Thomson, and Lucy Gomez. He also leaves behind his sister, Linda Dent, of Mattoon, Ill.; and a host of other family and friends who will miss his gentle spirit and kind heart. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 58 years, Arla Parkison; and three brothers, Donald Wayne Parkison, Richard Parkison and Arthur “Huck” Parkison.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at First Christian Church in Webb City, with pastors Lynn Ragsdale, Paul Stetler and Jeff White officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Dent, Ron Effland, Greg Effland, Michael Effland, Nigel Thomson and David Effland. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Parkison, Wayne Baker, Ken Burge, Alan Parkison, Chris Dent, Jay Cruse, Tom Hodges and Dick Weber. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at First Christian Church in Webb City. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or Solace House of the Ozarks, in care 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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