As of Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 19, 1936 – June 6, 2024
Rev. W. Gary Baker, 87, of Syracuse, N.Y., passed away June 6, 2024. Gary was born in Purcell and graduated from Webb City High School in 1954. He then served three years in the U.S. Air Force and earned his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburgh State University in 1961.
Gary achieved much in his life and held many esteemed titles, including proud Air Force veteran. He was a strong man of the faith and member of his high school’s football team and 1953 undefeated Missouri Big 8 champion basketball team. He was a wonderful, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather, and good friend to everyone he met. He was well known for his wise advice, sense of humor, appreciation of a good joke, gentleness and charm.
Gary was employed for eight years with the American National Red Cross, then served in various capacities with the United Way for 25 years. He achieved his ultimate career goal of being a full-time Christian ministry in 1993 when he was appointed as associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Manlius, NY. This was followed by pastoring the Westvale Baptist Church. Subsequently he was selected to be associate executive minister for American Baptist Churches of New York State. He performed this role until his retirement in 2007.
Even after his retirement, Gary continued to serve his community by being an interim and supply minister and certified tax preparer specializing in clergy taxes. Throughout the years, Gary was a custom picture framing expert, a car enthusiast, and a big fan of watching college basketball and football, particularly the University of Oklahoma football team.
Gary loved working with numbers. A great day for him included preparing a tax return, reconciling his wife’s checkbook and auditing a church’s finances all before lunch!
He is predeceased by his parents, Betty Jane (Sallee) and Bill Baker; his brother Michael; first wife Nancy; and many beloved pets.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Pattison) Baker; children, Melissa Collins and Lance (Kellye) Baker; stepchildren, Damon (Angela) Gagnier and Heather (Scott) Drabek; grandchildren, Austin Baker, Lance and Callie Ford, Amber (Tyler) Lambert and Megan Gagnier; great-grandchildren, Braylyn, Peyton, Presley, Jayden and Mayci Lambert; and rescue dog Bo.
A special thank you to Upstate Community Hospital ICU nurses, doctors and staff for their kindness and devotion to Gary in his last days.
To honor Gary, be kind and helpful to family, friends, neighbors and strangers. Be generous with your time and patience. Thank a veteran. Play a game of basketball. Talk to God. Always leave things better than you found them.
If desired, a memorial donation may be made to your favorite charity. Bo’s suggestion is Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Syracuse.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas J. Pirro Funeral Home, Syracuse, N.Y.
Nov. 24, 1937 – June 4, 2024
Gary M. Garvey, 86, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Gary was born to the union of Henry Garvey and Ileene Jenkins on Nov. 24, 1937. He was married to Sandy Gooch on Feb. 12, 1958, until her passing on Dec. 27, 2001.
He was a graduate of Webb City High School class of 1955 and had multiple degrees from Joplin Junior College, Pittsburg State University, and Missouri Southern State College. He was a long-time member of Carterville Chrisitan Church, and served in many different capacities. Gary worked at Cardinal Scale for over 50 years and was vice president of engineering when he initially retired. He stayed on in a part-time capacity for several years.
In addition to his wife Sandy, Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Smart; and brother Martin Garvey. Gary is survived by his daughter, Julie (Charlie) Mitchell, and son Jeff (Kelli) Garvey; five grandchildren, Brandon (Elizabeth) Hilburn, Whitney (Andrew) Fridley, Travis (Autumn) Hilburn, Garrett Garvey, and Breck (Bailey) Mitchell; and six great-grandchildren, Audrey, Cole, Iris, Meredith and Nolan Hilburn, and Milo Mitchell.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Arbors at Foxberry Terrace and the Gentiva Hospice group for their compassionate care of Gary over the past three months.
Memorial donations may be made to Carterville Christian Church or Power of Pink.
Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory. Gary will be interred with Sandy on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Mt. Hope Cemetery following a service at 10:30 a.m. at a pavilion at the north entrance to the cemetery.
March 15, 1954 – June 6, 2024
Verna (Keen) Lee of Corsicana, Mo., passed peacefully as she heard the Lord call her home at the age of 70 years on June 6, 2024.
She was survived by her husband, the love of her life, Dan Lee; of whom she was joined for 54 years in marriage.
Verna was the devoted mother of four children: Laura Davis, Rebecca Brumfield, Joshua Lee and Sarah Palmer. All of whom she fully dedicated herself to care for and homeschool.
She was the grandmother to seven grandchildren: Jen Hicks, Kyle Brumfield, Kendra Adams, Timothy Davis, Robert Davis, Edmund and Benjamin Palmer. She was the great-grandmother to Beau, Zane, Remy and Haddie Adams, Kalel and Kamila Hicks and Logan Brumfield. She was the adored aunt of Charles ‘Chuck’ Anderson.
Verna enjoyed spending time outdoors, admiring nature, tending to her chickens, and cooking for anyone who joined her at her table. She was described by all who knew her as a saint; a woman who lived her life full of gentleness, steadfast faithfulness, overflowing love, hospitality, and joyful service.
Verna’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at the community center in Wheaton. The service will be officiated by Keith Brumfield. Arrangements were provided by White Funeral Home, Cassville.
Aug. 25, 1948 – May 27, 2024
Patricia Alice Mosbaugh, of Joplin, passed away on May 27, 2024, at home with her loved ones. Pat was born Aug. 25, 1948, to Vivian and David Remillard in San Bernardino, Calif. She was raised in Joplin alongside her siblings Susan, John and James.
Pat was married to Don Mosbaugh for 54 years. Don will tell you their love story began with love at first sight. Seeing her across the room, he knew she was the one. She was the only girl he ever brought home to his parents, theirs is a true love story. Together, Pat and Don raised two daughters, Alissa and Angela.
Pat was preceded in death by daughter Alissa and grandson Alex Brock.
Pat is survived by her husband, Don Mosbaugh; daughter Angie (Mosbaugh) Hughes; grandchildren, Ryan Brock, Kylie Mueller, Lauren Jarvis, Sydney Ross, Courtney Jones and Aidan Hughes; six great-grandchildren, whom she adored; and many other extended family and friends.
Pat graduated from Parkwood High School, she then continued her education, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree from Central Missouri University. She started her career as a speech therapist, later transitioning to teaching fifth grade. Most of her years in teaching were at Eugene Field Elemementary in Webb City. After retiring, Pat spent several years working for FEMA following Hurricane Katrina. Pat will be remembered as a funny, quick witted, crossword-loving, Chiefs superfan. She will be extremely missed, but we seek comfort in knowing she is now with the Lord.
Pat’s family held a celebration of her life on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Granny Shaffer’s Restaurant. Arrangements were under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
July 11, 1941 – June 7, 2024
J. Richard Ytell passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Ozark at the age of 82. He was born July 11, 1941, in Joplin to Jack Ytell and Georgia (Thompson) Boggess.
Richard graduated from Webb City High School in 1959. He began working for Commonwealth Theaters in Columbia in 1960, while attending the University of Missouri, beginning a career in theater management that spanned over 40 years. He managed theaters and drive-ins in Columbia, Lawrence, Kan., Pine Bluff, Ark., and Oklahoma City, Okla. For several years in the 1970s he managed an independent theater in Joplin before moving to Commonwealth’s headquarters in Kansas City. When Commonwealth Theaters was acquired by United Artists he was transferred to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was regional manager for the Great Lakes Region. Richard was renowned for his promotional efforts at the theaters he managed. He produced radio and newspaper advertisements for his drive-ins and theaters, holding various contests and pioneering midnight showings. He organized and was master of ceremonies for Showarama, an annual convention for the theater industry in the Midwest.
Richard married Diana Sue (Counts) in 1962. He was a devoted husband and father. Richard coached his son’s baseball teams for many years. In retirement, Richard and Diana lived in Springfield and Ozark, where he enjoyed golfing and beekeeping. He was an active member of the Beekeepers Association of the Ozarks. He also devoted much of his time to the building committee of his church.
He is survived by his wife, Diana, of Ozark; son Jon (Marta Remmenga) Ytell, Fort Collins, Colo.; son Jeff (Alexis) Ytell, Chicago, Ill.; sister Sue (Bruce) Layton, Diamond; and grandchildren, Kate (Jonathan Starr) Ytell, Englewood, Colo., Jay Ytell and Marie Ytell, Seattle, Wash.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Community of Christ Church, 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, The Alzheimer’s Association, or CASA of Southwest Missouri.
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