As of Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
March 15, 1945 – Oct. 24, 2024
Edward Harold Flemings was born on March 15, 1945, in DeWitt, Ark. Harold was a resilient soul who found humor in the most challenging circumstances. His spirit was as robust as the diesel engines he worked on for much of his career. He had an infectious laugh that made even the most mundane moments memorable and his compassionate nature put everyone around him at ease. Harold was a great storyteller whose tales would captivate anyone fortunate enough to hear them.
Harold spent six enriching years living in Webb City. He was a diesel mechanic by trade, working for CFI, but his real passion lay in the intricate world of model cars. He was also a fervent fan of the GRIT-Cowboys.
Most of all, Harold cherished his family: his son, Micheal; the boss-lady Amanda; and his beloved grandchildren, Kadence and Kaje. Their happiness was his greatest joy and their achievements his proudest moments. Harold passed from this earth peacefully with his son by his side on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2024.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Sept. 16, 1946 – Oct. 22, 2024
Sharon Kay Gladden (Burk), age 78, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in West Plains.
Sharon was born on Sept. 16, 1946, in Webb City, to Earl and Freda Burk and grew up alongside her five siblings. She graduated from Webb City High School with the Class of 1964.
On Jan. 29, 1966, she married her loving husband, Wallace Gladden, and they were blessed with three wonderful children. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family, and they were the center of her life.
She worked for Cardinal Scale in Webb City in payroll and accounting for over 20 years, and she was an active member of College Heights and Park Plaza Christian churches.
Sharon was proceeded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Burk and Jerry Burk; and two sisters, Alice Bradford and Joan Pyle.
She is survived by her husband Wallace; three children, Doug Gladden (Jamie), Scott Gladden (Doloris), and Jessica Richardson (Travis); one sister Carol Misner; six grandchildren, Mackenzie Steiner, Lana Richardson, Alexander Richardson, Cierra Rose, Anthony Keller and Kassady McBee; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Graveside burial followed at Carterville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice of West Plains Missouri or the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of the funeral home.
July 7, 1946 – Oct. 25, 2024
Wanda June Hole left this world to join her beloved husband, Royce, in Heaven on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2024. Born on July 7, 1946, in Webb City, Wanda lived an impactful life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. She worked at Eagle Picher in Joplin for over 30 years. Wanda was a woman of many talents and interests, from yelling at the umpire at Ryan’s ball games to being an active participant in a bowling league earlier in her life.
Wanda’s home, whether in Carl Junction or in Joplin, was not just a residence, it was a warm haven where family and friends gathered, drawn by her nurturing nature and the love she radiated. Wanda found immense joy in collecting dolls and quilting, hobbies that reflected her attention to detail and her creative spirit. She had a heart full of love, especially for her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her universe. In the words of her son, Ryan, “she always had a fiery opinion, whether you wanted to hear it or not.”
Wanda is survived by her sons, Ryan Hole, Dwayne Hole and his wife Carolyn, Randy Hole, and his wife Sylvia; her sister, Cindy (Ridgway) Hataway and her husband Ray; 10 grandkids; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and countless extended relatives.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Royce; her parents, Norma and Calvin Ridgway; her brothers, Terry and Gerald Ridgway; and her sons, Royce Jr. and Bradley Hole.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at Weaver Cemetery, with Bro. Larry Shumaker officiating. Pallbearers were her sons, Randy, Dwayne and Ryan, along with Ray Hataway, Brett Hole and Dustin Hole
Services were under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Dec. 25, 1956 – Oct. 21, 2024
Merry F. Jones, age 67, a laundry worker, passed away on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at The Birthing Center in Webb City.
Arrangements were under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
May 27, 1955 – Oct. 22, 2024
James “Jim” Bahner Kessler passed away, peacefully in his home, in Webb City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at the age of 69.
Jim was born May 27, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Utah and graduated from Ben Lomond High School and went on to attend the University of Utah where he graduated with a bachelor of science and bachelor of criminology and corrections. Jim briefly resided in Kansas before moving to the Joplin area, where he began working for the State of Missouri as a probation and parole officer. He was also an EMT for Mountain West Ambulance for years. Jim was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and loved spending time with the friends he made. One of his favorite hobbies was riding his Harley Davidson. He also loved making trips to Ohio to spend time with his uncle, Wendell Kessler, where they would go camping, fishing, and just enjoy the time they had to spend together. His entire world was centered around his beloved wife, Traci, and their dog, Sonja. Jim loved and adored the both of them more than anything.
Jim was a very outgoing individual who loved deeply. No one would disagree that Jim had an ornery streak in him. As his mom would often say, “Jimmy liked to stir the pot,” which would result in lively exchanges and laughter.
Jim was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle and son. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Kessler and Joanne Kessler; his daughter, Andrea Kessler; and his brother, Bob Kessler. His survivors include his beloved wife, Traci Lassiter-Kessler, Webb City; his son, Rob Kessler, Ennis, Mont.; and his sister, Patty (Pete) Stoll, Salt Lake City, Utah.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Jan. 12, 1947 – Oct. 28, 2024
Max M. Mourglia, age 77, a former Webb City business owner and member of the 1972 Missouri Southern State University National Championship football team, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at his home in Carl Junction.
Arrangements were under the direction of Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.
April 4, 1962 – Oct. 26, 2024
Lance Dean Smith, 62, of Joplin, a retired educator, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin after a sudden illness. He entered this life on April 4, 1962, in Joplin to the union of Patrick Eugene “P.E.” and Patricia (Conquest) Smith.
Raised in Webb City, Lance was a graduate of Webb City High School, class of 1980. His love for education led him to further his academic journey at Missouri Southern State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Lance’s commitment to his vocation was further solidified when he obtained his master’s in education from Pittsburg State University and later a specialist degree in reading.
Lance began his teaching career in Joplin, dedicating his life to the growth and development of young minds. He retired from the Diamond School District in 2019, after a fulfilling career primarily teaching third-grade students. His natural ability to connect with his students and inspire a love of learning left an indelible mark on the many lives he touched. Following his retirement, Lance worked part-time at Papa John’s Pizza. He had learned the business while helping to run his family’s Downtown Pizza in Webb City.
Beyond the classroom, Lance was known for his artistic talents and musical abilities. He was also an avid kayaker.
Lance’s legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his father, P.E. Smith, of Webb City; his brothers, Wayne Smith and his wife Gay, Webb City, and Eric Smith and his wife Serena, Osceola, Mo.; his sister, Cande Jameson and her husband Bruce, Pittsburg, Kan.; and his adored nieces and nephews. Lance was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Smith, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Webb City High School Scholarship Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Jan. 12, 1947 – Oct. 28, 2024
Helen Marie Weece, age 92, of Webb City, formerly of Cimarron, Kan., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. surrounded by her loving family.
Helen was born on Nov. 15, 1931, in Cimarron, the daughter of Leonard and Mae (Gardner) Weece. She was raised in Cimarron and graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Cimarron High School. Helen worked as an IBM technician for Cimarron Insurance Company for 44 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Don Weece and his wife Jean, Roy Weece, and Gene Weece and his wife Donita; two sisters, Louise Tate and her husband Sam, and Linda Weece; a brother-in-law, Don Moore; and a sister-in-law, Cynthia Weece.
She is survived by her two sisters, Rose Wilkinson and her husband Woody, of Webb City, and Elsie Moore, Wake Village, Texas.; a brother, Leon Weece and his wife Mary Jane, Miami, Okla.; a sister-in-law, Carole Weece; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to God’s Resort, Frontiers or Ozark Christian College, in care of the mortuary.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery.
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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