As of Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 29, 1946 – June 20, 2026
Jerry Lee Brown, born July 29, 1946, originally of Murrieta, Calif., passed on June 20, 2026, surrounded by his family and the spirits of the horses Nutmeg, Star, Selena, Hershey, Little Man, Salsa, Sawyer, and so many more that his granddaughters lost track of the rest.
On his farm in Brooklyn Heights, where all animals were equally loved, Jerry lived with his wife, Diane, of 20 years. His days were spent taking care of the animals in his evenings, and he spent his days transporting natural resources throughout the four-state area. Rarely seen without his gunslinger mustache, cowboy hat, Wrangler jeans, and dirty boots, Jerry was a man who will always be remembered as a spirit of true character until the very end.
He was predeceased by his mother, Juanita Fox, and father, Thomas Brown, of California.
Jerry is survived by wife Diane Brown née Cornell of Oronogo; son Jerry A. Brown, of California; sister Pat Kerdaron, of Arizona; nephews Steve, Patrick and John Edberg, of Wichita, Kan., and Joe Kerdaron, of Arizona; niece Cindy Smith, of Wheatland, Mo.; step-daughters Rhonda Provin (spouse Pete Provin), of Oronogo, and Rebecca Crawford, of Neosho; and step-grandchildren Timothy Crawford (spouse Candice Crawford), of Arkansas, Christopher Crawford, of Arkansas, Emma Provin (spouse Clark Topjon), of Kansas City, Hannah Provin (partner Chance Bright), of Webb City, Marcus Crawford (spouse Kenzie Crawford), of Neosho, and Jaron Crawford, of Neosho.
A graveside service will be held for family and friends at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Oronogo Cemetery.
Jerry will always be remembered as a wise, loving, and kind cowboy.
Sept. 14, 1956 – June 20, 2026
On June 20, 2026, the world lost a truly remarkable woman, Jeanne Cook. Born Jeanne Marie Mc Ginnis on Sept. 14, 1956, in Joplin, she was widely known for her adventurously funny spirit and resilience. She embraced life with an infectious laugh and a twinkle in her eye, earning her the affectionate nicknames Sassafras and Memaw. Jeanne’s wit and humor brought joy to all who knew her, making every gathering a memorable one. “Life is better when you’re laughing,” a quote that Jeanne lived by, perfectly encapsulates her radiant personality.
Jeanne was a proud resident of Carterville for 38 years, moving to Webb City in 2023. Her resilience was evident in every aspect of her life. Despite her disability, she never allowed it to define her. Instead, she chose to focus on the things she loved–chiefly her family, her friends, and a good game of Bingo. She took in Christina as a child of her own when she was young. Jeanne was awarded the title of “Best Grandma Ever” and “A Great-Grandma,” both honors she wore with pride and joy. Her big heart and boundless love for her family and friends made her a cherished figure in the community.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her loving parents, Carl and Ruth Mc Ginnis; sons, Michael Cook and David Cook; and brothers, Everett Mc Ginnis , Steve Mc Ginnis. She is survived by her son, John Cook and daughter-in-law Christina Cook; granddaughters, Angialeek (James) Hagebusch, Camey (Saleem) Cook; grandson, Dylan Cook and great-grandson, Dostin Hagebusch; brother, Terry Mc Ginnis and her sister-in-law Carolyn McGinnis, who will forever cherish her memory. Jeanne’s spirit, resilience, and love for life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her.
Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Dec. 1, 1969 – June 15, 2026
Donald Lee Gary Jr, age 56, of Carl Junction, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Joplin following an illness.
Donnie was born on Dec. 1, 1969, in Joplin, the son of Donald Gary Sr. snd Jeanie (Roland) Pettit. He has been a lifetime area resident. Donnie owned and operated Climate Tech and has been in the HVAC industry for 29 years. He was a member of the Central Christian Center Church.
Donnie was preceded in death by his father and by his brother, Scott Gary.
He is survived by his daughter; Chelsi Hill; his mother, Jeanie Pettit; his former wife, Christy Gary, of Carl Junction; two sons, Tucker Haynes, Joplin, and Eli Haynes, Carl Junction; sisters, Jody Chorley and her husband Chip, Joplin, Susie Benfield and her husband Carl, Miami, Okla.; three grandchildren, Laiden Parker, Rowan Hill and Silas Hill; his nephews, Jessie Devore, Ryan Kirk, Zachary Kirk, Coltin Benson, Caleb Kirk, Jared Kirk and Quintin Benson; and his niece; Kelsey Devore.
Donnie was an amazing dad, Papi, son, brother, uncle and friend. He didn’t know a stranger and he lit up the room when he walked in. He brought several people to Jesus, which is what he felt was his life calling. He was the most generous man, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone, no matter what he had for himself. His family rests knowing that he is no longer in pain and that he is walking with Jesus. He was so loved and will be missed by many.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Central Christian Center in Joplin. Burial was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
Aug. 8, 1930 – June 21, 2026
Charlotte Joan Lewis, age 95, of Webb City, departed this life on Sunday morning, June 21, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Carthage after a recent decline in health. She was born on August 8, 1930, in Caney, Kan., the 10th of 11 children born to the late Fred and Eula (White) Green.
Joan was a longtime resident of the Webb City area. On May 17, 1947, she married Marvin Lewis, and together they shared 58 years of marriage until his passing on Nov. 28, 2005. Their life together was built on love, commitment, and a shared dedication to their family and the work they did side by side.
For more than 42 years, Joan and Marvin owned and operated Lewis Cleaners, where they became familiar and respected members of the community. Joan later continued her service to others as the director of Souls Harbor in Joplin, a role she carried out with compassion and dedication until her retirement at the age of 80. Her years of work and service touched many lives and left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Joan was a faithful member of Faith and New Hope Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and encouragement throughout her life. She also enjoyed birdwatching, a quiet pastime that brought her joy and peace. Above all, she treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and those moments were among the happiest of her life.
She is survived by her two children, Linda Tappana, of Grove, Okla., and Marvin Larry Lewis, of Carl Junction. She also leaves behind six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Freeda Kalua, of Brentwood, Calif., as well as a host of other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Lewis; and nine siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Linn, Rev. Matt McGuirk and Brandon Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, east of Alba. Pallbearers will be Tyler Linn, Tanner Linn, Travis Linn Brandon Lewis, Matt Hailey, Vernon Tappana III and Zachary Tappana. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Souls Harbor, in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
March 25, 1938 – June 20, 2026
Richard Henry Palone, age 88, of Alba, passed away on June 20, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. Richard, son of Woodrow and Pauline (Edwards) Palone, was born March 25, 1938, in Reedley, Calif., and grew up in Carthage. Following graduation from Carthage High School in 1956, he was awarded a football scholarship to attend Joplin Junior College. He joined the Army in 1958. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Carthage and there met his wife, Deanna Betebenner. They were married on June 25, 1960, at Alba Christian Church. She preceded him in death in 2022.
They are preceded in death by their firstborn son, Richard Mark Palone, and daughter-in-law, Shawna A. Palone.
He is survived by son, Wade L. Palone; daughter Lisa D. Passley (Danny); grandchildren, Lacey Passley, Anna Passley, Cheyann Meador (Jonathan), and Tucker Palone (Samantha); great-grandchildren Corbyn, Berklee, and Markus Palone, and Wren Meador; brother Woodrow “Pete Jr.” Palone (Caroline); sister Catherine “Susie” Rosser; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard is also preceded in death by his sister, Virlinda (Ed) Trimble; sisters-in-law, Rose (CL) Powell, JoAnn Betebenner, Betty (John) Epperson, and Mary Frances Betebenner; brothers-in-law Claude “Son” (Ada), Rod, Jon, Larry, and Bob Betebenner; and mother- and father-in-law Opal and Claude “Duck” Betebenner.
Richard had many achievements throughout his life. He was a member of the 1955 Carthage Tigers football conference championship team and was awarded the title of all-conference guard. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from January 1958 to December 1959 as a 2nd class gunner and sharpshooter. During his service, he was stationed at Spandau Prison in West Berlin, Germany, as a prison guard. Richard was an employee of Big Smith in Carthage, where he was an over-the-road truck driver. He later worked at Schreiber Foods and Hercules Powder Co. He was at work on July 14, 1966, during the historic blast. He retired in 1998. Richard was a member of the Masonic Criterion Lodge #586 in Alba. For well over 50 years, he proudly served as a Master Mason, serving in numerous offices, as well as mentoring new members with their lodge work. He, along with the elders, helped with the transfer of the downtown lodge to the new hall. His father Woodrow, son Wade, son-in-law Danny, and grandson Tucker served alongside him.
Richard loved his family deeply. Together, he and Deanna enjoyed weekend camping trips, family vacations, antiquing, and traveling many places throughout their marriage. He was an active member of Alba Friends Church serving the Lord, always willing to lend a hand. He faithfully served up his famous chili at the church fundraisers and his scratch breakfast gravy for the local men’s prayer breakfasts for many years.
Richard met many people when he volunteered to cook at the Webb City Senior Center and through delivering Meals on Wheels.
During his lifetime, Richard enjoyed quite a variety of hobbies. He always had a garden and loved sharing the harvest each summer. He spent many hours on various local lakes in his boat fishing. He organized over 55 yearly trips to Lake of the Woods in Nestor Falls, Ontario, Canada, with friends and family. He was able to take his father, brother, son, son-in-law, daughter, granddaughters Anna and Lacey, and grandson Tucker. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying water sports, swimming, hunting, yard sales, and soaking up the sun.
If you know a Palone, you know a deck of cards and quarters are nearby. Many Saturday nights were spent with his friends in the Poker Shack. Many hours were spent around a table playing a card game of Casino, 31, or dominoes. He enjoyed making stops at Oklahoma casinos for free soft drinks and to make an in-kind donation when traveling to Texas to see his siblings.
Richard was known for many talents, but his love of family really stood out. He was fortunate enough to spend many years with all his grandchildren and would beam with pride when talking about them.
The family would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the devoted staff at the Missouri Veterans Home for the wonderful care Richard received.
Memorial contributions may be made to Purcell Friends Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Alba Friends Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
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There are news articles and tributes online this week regarding the death of Teddy (Hoffman) Steen.
The official announcement was made on Sunday by the Recovery Outreach Community Center, which she founded.
Teddy, a 1971 graduate of Webb City High School, was inducted into the Webb City R-7 Hall of Fame in March 2026. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Missouri State University in 1980 and a teaching certificate for social studies in 1983.
She had a 24-year successful career as marketing manager and regional sales manager of Cable One. In 2008, while employed with Cable One, Teddy founded Ascent Recovery Residences, an intensive, residential program for men working through addiction recovery.
Two more recovery programs have been established through Ascent – a women’s recovery program and the Recovery Outreach Community Center. Ascent has assisted thousands of individuals and was a recipient of the 2014 Recovery Support Outstanding Performer Award.
May 19, 1939 – June 22, 2026
Charles Joseph Sweeney, age 86, of Webb City, was born on May 19, 1939, in Cotter, Ark., to John and Ada Sweeney and departed this life on June 22, 2026, after an illness.
He married Lorena Jantz on March 16, 1969, and they shared 55 years together until her death on Feb. 3, 2025. He leaves behind two daughters Lori Bowman (Doug), of Springfield, and Cari Sweeney, of Webb City; and one grandson, Joseph Albrecht, of Springfield. He was also preceded in death by his older half-brother, Jack Sweeney, and younger brother, Thomas Sweeney.
Charles graduated from Nevada (Mo.) High School in 1958 and worked in bookkeeping and accounting until he retired. He was also a member of the Oronogo Church on the Hill. Charles loved his family, took pride in his home and yard work, and loved to go fishing and hunting.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Terri Haywood officiating. Burial will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Oronogo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church on the Hill Building Fund, in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
As it was when the Sentinel was in print, ‘Obituaries are news to us.’ THERE IS NO CHARGE
Obituaries on this page are primarily found by looking for those with a connection to our immediate area on local funeral home and crematory websites. So we don’t miss one, please notify us by email at news@webbcity.net.
