As of Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
March 8, 1936 – Nov. 19, 2024
Janice Naomi “Jan” Lashmet, age 88, of Neck City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in the comfort of her home with the love of her family surrounding her. She entered this life on March 8, 1936, in Joplin, daughter of the late Donald and Selma Pauline (Shupp) Johnston.
Jan spent the majority of her life in the close-knit community of Neck City. On March 14, 1952, she married Robert L. Lashmet, and together they welcomed two children.
Jan’s professional life was marked by her dedication to her role as postmaster of the Neck City Post Office, where she served for over 20 years. She retired with the respect and admiration of all those who had the pleasure of working with her.
Family was the cornerstone of Jan’s world. She is survived by her two children, Connie Carpenter and her husband Cliff, Joplin, and Chuck Lashmet, Springfield; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Sue Dorris and husband Joey, Neck City; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends.
Jan had an innate ability to make people laugh. Her front porch was a hub of conversation and camaraderie.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 202, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Cliff Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Purcell. Pallbearers will be Chuck Lashmet, Shawn Lashmet, Johnathan Lashmet, Kaidon Streight, Joey Dorris, Shawn Johnstron, Tony Jolly and Steve McCluney. Honorary pallbearers are Cliff Carpenter and Alex Budd. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m.
Jan. 22, 1998 – Oct. 23, 2024
Dylan James Phillips was born on Jan. 22, 1998, to Melita René (Dudash) McRoberts and Daniel Brian Phillips in Joplin.
Dylan entered his heavenly home peacefully in his mother’s arms, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
He was diagnosed as a baby with a rare genetic condition called Glutaric Acidemia type-1 and was faced with immense physical challenges throughout his life. This Neuro metabolic disorder led to severe movement limitations, leaving him wheelchair-bound, requiring numerous surgeries, therapeutic interventions, and fully dependent on others for care.
Despite these struggles, none of that stopped him from creating the most wonderful memories with his family.
From flying on planes, cruising all over the world, swimming with dolphins, and holding monkeys on exotic islands.
Dylan graduated at Webb City High School in 2018.
He participated in Special Olympics every year and had so many special relationships with all his friends and teachers at both school/DTA.
He loved watching movies, listening to country music, laughing at funny voices, road trips to Alaska and cruising the Caribbean.
Dylan’s spirit was infectious – his smile and laugh lit up any room. To know him was to inevitably love him.
Although our hearts are filled with grief at the loss of our sweet Dylan, we rejoice in the knowledge that his body is now restored and whole.
He was loved and cared for by his mother, Melita René McRoberts, and her husband, Donavahn; father, Danny Phillips; sister, Stephanie, and her husband, Maxwell, and daughter, Sloan Martin; brother, Derek, and wife, Rebecca Phillips; and grandmother, Carol Dudash. Dylan was greeted with open arms by all our loved ones that went before us.
A celebration of Dylan’s life will be held at Christ’s Church of Oronogo (east building) at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25.
April 4, 1932 – Nov. 17, 2024
Melvin Eugene Rector, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at the age of 92, in the comfort of his home in Oronogo. He entered this life on April 4, 1932, in Kansas City, Kan., the only child born to the late George and Florence (Laub) Rector.
Raised in rural Alba, Melvin was a 1950 graduate of Alba High School. His commitment to his country was evident when, following high school, he enlisted and served faithfully in the United States Army during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge, Melvin returned to Alba, where he married his lifelong love, Nancy Goodnight, on March 10, 1955.
Melvin owned and operated Rector Feed Mill in the Cossville Community for 40 years. His hard work and dedication to his business were well-known, and he became a respected figure in the agricultural community. After selling the mill, he continued his passion for agriculture by raising turkeys for Butterball.
Melvin’s was a talented oil painter and a pilot. He bungee jumped at age 60, and, remarkably, parachuted at age 85. A man of faith, Melvin was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Carthage.
Melvin’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife of 69 years, Nancy Rector, of the home; his two children, Randy Rector and wife Jamie, of Jasper, and Sharon Bell and husband Mark, of Oronogo; four grandchildren, Dane Bell, Jessica Cummings, Ryan Rector and Jenna Rector; and three great-grandchildren, Colt Cummings, Piper Cummings and Mia Bell.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Paradise Cemetery, near Jasper, with the Rev. Daniel McQuality officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society 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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