OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Jim Bass

May 20, 1950 – July 12, 2023

James Walter Bass, age 73, of Alba, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a brief and “on his terms” battle with cancer.

Jim was born May 20, 1950, in Lamar to the late Herald O. Bass and Mary E. Bass (Leslie). Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Lamar High School in 1968. He became an E5 Petty Class officer 2nd class and served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1973 as a fire control technician (FTG2) on the USS Hancock (CVA-19).

After a honorable discharge from his Navy duties, Jim came back home where he became an electrician with the I.B.E.W. Local No. 95. Jim was a member of the VFW Post 2590 in Carthage and a member of the Elks Lodge No. 861 in Webb City for 24 years. His favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, golfing and building models.

Surviving Jim are his children, son Jason Casey and wife, Anissa, Webb City; daughters Alesha Bass, Alba, Amanda Bass and fiance’, Glen Webb, Ozark; his brother, Howard Bass and wife Carol Jean, Lamar; a sister, Bettijean Evans and husband Morris, Independence; five grandchildren, Kenna, Jacob, Baylee, James and Taylor; three great-grandchildren, Brantley, Harlee and Allison; many extended family and close friends.

Other than his parents, Jim is preceded in death by a sister, MaryAnn Winkler.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 18, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City. Jim was laid to rest in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Carthage VFW Post 2590.

OBITUARY

Mark Gouge

Sept. 29, 1958 – July 9, 2023

Mark Todd Gouge, born on Sept. 29, 1958, in Wilmington, Ohio, and a resident of Webb City, for the past 15 years, passed away on Friday, July 9.

After retiring, Mark devoted his time and energy as a volunteer at his local church. He was known for his selfless dedication, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear, and he poured love into every act of service.

Mark is survived by his loving mother, Janis Gouge, his daughters Chastity Bunn and Christy Reynolds, sisters Michelle Gautney and Lori Krieckhaus.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Gouge, and his brother, Mike Gouge.

His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who were privileged enough to have shared in his journey.

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Carol Hodges

June 18, 1954 – July 17, 2023

Mrs. Carol Ann Hodges, 69, of Springdale, Ark., formerly of Joplin, departed this life on Monday evening, July 17, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, after a recent decline in health. 

Carol entered this life June 18, 1954, in Seattle, Wash., daughter of the late William and Cherie (Smith) Steen.  She was raised in Joplin and was a 1972 graduate of Memorial High School. She furthered her education by attending the University of Arkansas.

On July 23, 1977, in Webb City, she was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Hodges and together they have shared the last 46 years.  They resided in Newark, Del., for 20 years before moving to Springdale in 2013. For several years, Carol worked in the healthcare field as a cardiac and anesthesiologist Technician.  She was an avid golfer, spending multiple times a week perfecting her craft. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Susan Allman. 

Carol is survived by her husband, Robert Hodges of the home; a sister, Kathleen Ries and husband Jerry, of Dallas, Texas; her mother-in-law, Joanne Hodges, Webb City; and a host of other family and

friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, at First Christian Church in Webb City, with Pastor Lynn Ragsdale officiating. Burial will

follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.  Memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in care of the funeral

home. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Mel Misner

June 8, 1933 – July 18, 2023

 

Francis Melvin Misner, better known as “Mel,” was born on June 8, 1933, in Prosperity. He was a man whose heart was as vast as the Missouri sky under which he was born, and his life was a testament to his love for his family, his profound sense of humor, and his unparalleled skill at the game of Monopoly – a game no one dared to play with him.

Mel, affectionately known as “Lover Boy,” never once left the house without kissing his Iva Jean goodbye.

Melvin spent his professional life as a heat treat technician for Vickers, where he dedicated his time. After retiring in 1988, he went on to work for Webb City Schools until 1999. His life was filled with the things he loved most: tinkering with anything he could get his hands on and spending time with his grandkids. He had a unique ability to fix anything, from a bicycle to a rubber band gun for his grandchildren.

His first date with his wife, Iva, was a memorable one and set the tone for their loving relationship – at the Carthage Fair, they were caught in a hilarious incident on the Ferris Wheel, which led Iva to conclude that Mel was the perfect guy, right off the bat.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Iva, with whom he shared a beautiful journey of marriage since July 29, 1955. He also leaves behind his children Susan (Steve) Gartin, Webb City, Beverly Tappana, Webb City, and Mark (Deborah) Misner, Ft. Smith, Ark.; grandchildren Tara (Demetri) Mendoza, Ft. Smith, Lacey (Rusty) Robertson, Joplin, Meghan (Jake) Aldridge, Oronogo, Jorden (Baron) Ochoa, Hampstead, N.C., Mark Gregory (Ashley) Misner, Ft. Smith, Larry Tappana Jr (Nikki), Carl Junction, and Shelly (Mike) Foulk, Carl Junction. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marie Misner; his siblings, Charles Misner, Eva Southern, and Bonnie Bever, and a son-in-law, Larry Tappana Sr.

The visitation for Melvin Misner will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at Simpson Funeral Home, followed at 10 a.m. by the funeral service. A graveside service will follow at Carterville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark G. Misner, Demetri Mendoza, Rusty Robertson, Mike Foulk, Jake Aldridge and Larry Tappana Jr.

As we bid goodbye to Mel, let us celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all of us. His memory will live on in our hearts and in the laughter and stories shared around the Monopoly board.

We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of Francis on his memorial page. Let’s keep his spirit alive by sharing the joy, laughter, and love he gave to us all.